Landmark identification accuracy in xeroradiographic cephalometry.

Identification accuracy of fourteen cephalometric landmarks was compared between xeroradiographic cephalograms and conventional cephalograms. Four landmarks--point A, upper incisor tip, infradentale, and menton--were more accurately determined on the xeroradiograph, while two landmarks--point B and condylion--were more accurately determined on the conventional cephalogram. Although not conclusively demonstrated in this study, the xeroradiograph does appear to offer more clarity and detail than the conventional cephalogram. Further investigation of this new diagnostic medium will be necessary before its true significance to dentistry can be evaluated.     

Humoral and cellular immune responses in children given annual immunization with trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine

BACKGROUND: There have been no prior reports of the frequency of circulating influenza-specific, interferon gamma-producing memory CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in healthy children who have received multiple influenza immunizations. METHODS: We evaluated 21 previously immunized children, ages 3 to 9 years, before and 1 month after administration of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. Frequencies of influenza-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells stimulated with trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine or A/Panama (H3N2) virus were determined by flow cytometry, and antibody responses to vaccine strains and a drifted H3N2 strain were measured by hemagglutination inhibition assay and neutralizing antibody assays. RESULTS: Mean change in CD4+ and in CD8+ T-cell frequencies after immunization was 0.01% (P > 0.39) with postimmunization CD4+ frequencies higher than CD8+ frequencies. Children with more previous vaccinations had a higher baseline frequency of CD4+ T-cells (P = 0.0002) but a smaller increase or even a decline from baseline after immunization (P = 0.003). An association between age and change in frequency was not detected. Baseline geometric mean titers (GMTs) and seroprotection rates were significantly higher in older children against A/Panama (neutralizing baseline GMT, P = 0.0488) and A/New Caledonia (hemagglutination inhibition baseline GMT and seroprotection, P < 0.0297). Baseline GMTs against B/Hong Kong were not associated with age or quantity of prior vaccinations. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that children may plateau in CD4+ T-cell responses to influenza antigens with repeated exposures and that the number of exposures may play a large role in building a memory CD4+ T-cell response to influenza A, perhaps independently from age.     

Is it possible to modulate the growth of the human mandible with a functional appliance?

A significant increase in overall mandibular length can be achieved with a functional appliance. However this only appears possible in children with a high tissue-level growth potential and responsiveness as defined by the mandibular subperiosteal ossification rate and alveolar bone turnover rate.     

Management of cases with upper incisors missing.

A problem often confronting the orthodontist is that of missing upper incisors. In evaluation of the individual case, the dicision as to space closure or space regaining and eventual prosthetic reconstruction can be perplexing. Various diagnostic criteria, such as skeletal relation, arch-length analysis, inclination of teeth, and dental esthetics, must be evaluated. On the basis of this diagnostic information, treatment alternative is chosen to correct the malocclusion. The solution may be found in maintaining space, necessitating postorthodontic prosthetic replacement, or closing space and thus avoiding the need for artificial teeth. Four cases are shown to illustrate different approaches to the treatment of patients with upper incisors missing. Other solutions are possible anc correct. Each case must be weighed on its own merits.     

Apple Sauce Improves Detection of Esophageal Motor Dysfunction During High-Resolution Manometry Evaluation of Dysphagia

Background  

Esophageal manometry utilizes water swallows to evaluate esophageal motor abnormalities in patients with dysphagia, chest pain, or reflux symptoms. Although manometry is the gold standard for evaluation of these symptoms, patients with dysphagia often have normal results in manometry studies.     

Protein synthesis-dependent LTP in isolated dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells

Local dendritic protein synthesis provides a mechanism by which the effects of gene expression can be spatially restricted within synaptodendritic compartments of neurons. In the present study, we show that long-term potentiation (LTP), induced by two strong tetanic trains, can be produced in isolated CA1 apical dendrites and that new protein synthesis is critical for this dendritic LTP. LTP in isolated dendrites is also blocked by rapamycin, an inhibitor of growth-related protein synthesis, similar to that observed for LTP in the intact hippocampal slice. These results show that increased dendritic translation of proteins is a critical molecular mechanism for hippocampal LTP.     

Banana fruit: An “appealing” alternative for practicing suture techniques in resource-limited settings

Purpose

Suturing is an important core surgical competency that requires continued practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate bananas as a medium for practicing suture techniques in resource-limited settings.