Zur Frage der Lückenverengungen im unteren Seitenzahngebiet

Zusammenfassung Das Behandlungsproblem der Lückenverengungen im unteren Seitenzahngebiet wird im allgemeinen abgehandelt. Für besonders starke Einengungen der Prämolarenlücken wird ein festes Gerät empfohlen, das aus dem Angleschen Gewindebogen entwickelt wurde.Bei der Modellauswertung von 63 hiermit behandelten Patienten fiel auf, daß bei einer ganzen Reihe von Fälle, bei denen schon vor der Behandlung ein Neutralbiß bei einem annähernd normalen Oberkiefer vorlag, auch nach der Lückenaufdehnung und der Beseitigung der sagittalen Stufe die Neutralverzahnung der 6-Jahrmolaren unverändert weiter bestand.Es wird daraus die Schlußfolgerung gezogen, daß es sich hierbei um einen Längenzuwachs zumindest im alveolären Bereich der Lückenverengung handelt und nicht um eine Distalverschiebung der 6-Jahrmolaren.Die dabei beobachtete Abflachung der Speeschen Kurve wird durch eine Aufbiergun des horizontalen Unterkieferknochens erklärt.An Hand einiger Abbildungen werden diese Mitteilungen erläutert.Mit 7 Abbildungen     

The extract of Mucuna pruriens possesses histamine activity

ObjectiveTo investigate the activity of the active principle in the spines of the seed pods of Mucuna pruriens using contraction of guinea pig ileum as index of pharmacological activity.MethodsThe active principle was extracted with 0.0015 M NaCl. Muscle strips of guinea pig ileum were prepared and contractile responses were measured using a Kymograph. Two sets of experiment were conducted: (1). The contraction of the ileum in presence of different concentrations of histamine, 2-methylhistamine and the extract of Mucuna pruriens. (2). The contractile response of the ileum in presence of different concentrations of the extract and antagonists including diphenhydramine, atropine and methysergide.Results(1) The extract of Mucuna pruriens hair, 2-methylhistamine and histamine produced dose dependent contraction of guinea pig ileum (Extract ED₅₀ = 13.0 μg/mL, 2-methylhistamine ED₅₀ = 8.5 μg/mL and histamine ED₅₀ = 10.0 μg/mL). (2) Diphenhydramine, an H₁ antagonist competitively blocked the contractile response of the Mucuna pruriens extract. (3) Coadminstration of the Mucuna pruriens extract either with different doses of antimuscarinic agent atropine or 5-hydroxytryptamine blocking agent methysergide did not alter the extract induced contractile response of the guinea pig ileum.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that the spines of Mucuna pruriens possess histamine activity which may contribute to its itching and painful irritation effects.     

Overweight and obesity among patients attending a Nigerian oral surgery clinic: implications for oral surgical practice in Nigeria

Aim

To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among patients attending oral and maxillofacial outpatient clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; and discuss the clinical and surgical implications that obesity has on the delivery of oral and maxillofacial surgical and anaesthetic care.

Methods

Consecutive patients presenting to the oral and maxillofacial surgery outpatient clinic at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria over a 4-month period (May–August 2004) were screened for age, sex, height and weight. All of the patients were treated for dentoalveolar surgical procedures (routine and surgical extractions), incisional and excisional biopsies, and enucleation under local anaesthesia.

Results

The BMIs of the studied patients ranged from 16.7 to 39.8 kg/m², with a mean of 24.6 ± 4.5 kg/m². Prevalence of excess weight was 39.1%. Thirty-one (11.4%) patients were obese and 75 (27.7%) patients were overweight. A significant difference was observed in the BMIs of male and female patients (P=0.000). The age groups < 30 years had mean BMIs that were considered normal; whereas other age groups above 30 years had mean BMIs that were considered overweight. Prevalence of obesity increases with increasing age. Obese individuals were seen in all the age groups except those < 20 years.

Conculsions

The prevalence of excess weight (overweight and obesity) in patients presenting in the studied oral and maxillofacial outpatient setting was 39.1%. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon needs to be aware of obesity-/overweight-related medical and surgical issues and take them into consideration when treating these patients.     

Trace elements and Vitamin E status in Nigerian patients with prostate cancer

Background

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men.

Objectives

To investigate the trace elements (Se, Zn, Cu and Cd) and vitamin E status of some Nigerian prostate cancer (PCa) patients relative to their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values.

Methods

Prostate cancer patients were assigned into groups 1, 2 and 3 with PSA of 5–10 ng/ml, 11–20 ng/ml and > 20 ng/ml, respectively.

Results

The results showed that the levels of whole blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum Se and Zn were significantly lower (p< 0.05) in the PCa patients. Specifically, levels of SOD, Se and Zn decreased by 67%, 30% and 35%; 70%, 52% and 41%; 81%, 58% and 47%, in subjects with PSA of 5–10 ng/ml, 11–20 ng/ml and > 20 ng/ml, respectively. There were no significant differences (p> 0.05) in levels of Cu and Cd. Serum Cu/ Zn ratio were significantly higher in PCa patients. The Cu/ Zn ratios were 1: 1.2: 1.3 for subjects in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Vitamin E levels in PCa patients were significantly lower and followed the order; normal > PSA (5–10) > PSA (11–20) > PSA (> 20).

Conclusions

Deficiency of vitamin E, Zn and Se may be risk factors for development of PCa.Key words: Lipid peroxidation, Prostate cancer, PSA values, Trace elements, Vitamin E     

Influence of parenteral fat administration on the pulmonary vascular system in man

In 16 patients with multiple injuries the effect of parenteral administration of a fat emulsion on the pulmonary vascular system has been studied. Using the Hewlett Packard 5600 A Intensive Care System, which allows vital parameters to be sampled at a rate of two values per min, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was monitored before, during, and after the administration of Lipofundin S 20% (0.24 g/kg/h). In addition right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWI), alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (A-aDO₂) and pulmonary shunt (Q_s/Q_t) were calculated. The results indicate that there are no changes of the PAP, the RVSWI, and the A-aDO₂ during the period of observation.