Does orthodontic treatment provide a real functional improvement? a case control study

Background

Electromyographic analysis of the masticatory muscles provides useful data on the behavior of these muscles during stomatognathic system functioning and allows a functional assessment of orthodontic treatments. This study was undertaken to verify if achieving an Angle Class I bite through orthodontic treatment can lead to neuromuscular balance.

Methods

This study enrolled 30 patients (20 females, 10 males, mean age: 15.78 years) with an Angle Class II, division 1 malocclusion that was orthodontically treated. A group of 30 subjects (19 females, 11 males; mean age: 16.15 years), randomly selected among subjects with an Angle Class II, division 1 malocclusion that had not been orthodontically treated served as the Control group. Both groups were subjected to electromyography to study their neuromuscular characteristics. The Shapiro-Wilk's test revealed a non normal distribution, therefore we used a Friedman two way ANOVA by ranks test to compare differences of surface electromyography values between treated and untreated subjects at closed and open eyes condition.

Results

A statistically significant interaction between orthodontic treatment and open eyes conditions was detected for anterior temporal muscles. A significant imbalance of the anterior temporal muscles, which is indicative of an asymmetric electromyographic pattern, was also found.

Conclusions

The present data indicate that achieving a correct occlusal target does not necessarily correspond to a neuromuscular balance.

     

Carotid artery intima-media thickness and elasticity in relation to glucose tolerance

The association between diabetes and subclinical atherosclerosis is well established. The effect of non-diabetic glucose intolerance on early atherosclerosis is not as straightforward, and the data regarding sex-related differences in this matter are limited. Therefore, our aim was to investigate these associations in men and women separately. We studied 1,304 Finnish men and women over 45?years of age who participated in the Finnish Health 2000 Survey. Ultrasonically determined carotid artery intima-media thickness and elasticity were used as markers of early atherosclerosis. Glucose tolerance was categorized according to the American Diabetes Association criteria for diabetes mellitus. Age-adjusted means for carotid artery intima-media thickness and elasticity indices were significantly (P?<?0.05) associated with glucose tolerance status in both sexes. There was a trend of increasing early atherosclerosis with the worsening of glucose tolerance in men and women. These associations were weakened in both sexes after further adjustments for other cardiovascular risk factors. In women, but not in men, significant (P?<?0.05) associations between glucose tolerance status and carotid artery elasticity were seen even after these further adjustments. Diabetes and non-diabetic glucose intolerance are associated with increased early carotid atherosclerosis compared with normal glucose tolerance in both sexes. Our results suggest that women with glucose intolerance may be in greater risk than men.     

HIV-1, Methamphetamine and Astrocyte Glutamate Regulation: Combined Excitotoxic Implications for Neuro-AIDS

Glutamate, the most abundant excitatory transmitter in the brain can lead to neurotoxicity when not properly regulated. Excitotoxicity is a direct result of abnormal regulation of glutamate concentrations in the synapse, and is a common neurotoxic mediator associated with neurodegenerative disorders. It is well accepted that methamphetamine (METH), a potent central nervous stimulant with high abuse potential, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 are implicated in the progression of neurocognitive malfunction. Both have been shown to induce common neurodegenerative effects such as astrogliosis, compromised blood brain barrier integrity, and excitotoxicity in the brain. Reduced glutamate uptake from neuronal synapses likely leads to the accumulation of glutamate in the extracellular spaces. Astrocytes express the glutamate transporters responsible for majority of the glutamate uptake from the synapse, as well as for vesicular glutamate release. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of astrocyte-mediated excitotoxicity in the context of METH and HIV-1 are undefined. Topics reviewed include dysregulation of the glutamate transporters, specifically excitatory amino acid transporter-2, metabotropic glutamate receptor(s) expression and the release of glutamate by vesicular exocytosis. We also discuss glutamate concentration dysregulation through astrocytic expression of enzymes for glutamate synthesis and metabolism. Lastly, we discuss recent evidence of various astrocyte and neuron crosstalk mechanisms implicated in glutamate regulation. Astrocytes play an essential role in the neuropathologies associated with METH/HIV-1-induced excitotoxicity. We hope to shed light on common cellular and molecular pathways astrocytes share in glutamate regulation during drug abuse and HIV-1 infection.     

Characteristics of subjects with schizophrenia spectrum disorder with and without antipsychotic medication – A 10-year follow-up of the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort study

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of non-medicated subjects having schizophrenia spectrum disorder and to study how they differ from medicated subjects in terms of sociodemographic and illness-related variables. We also aim to find the predictors for successful antipsychotic withdrawal.MethodsData of 70 subjects with schizophrenic psychoses (mean duration of illness 10.4 years) from the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort were gathered by interview at the age of 34 and from hospital records. The stability of remission was assessed by comparing hospitalization rates between non-medicated and medicated subjects over an 8.7-year additional follow-up period.ResultsTwenty-four (34%) subjects were currently not receiving medication. They were more often males, less often on a disability pension, more often in remission, and had better clinical outcomes. Relapses during the follow-up were equally frequent between non-medicated and medicated subjects (47% vs. 56%). Not having been hospitalised during previous 5 years before the interview predicted long-term successful antipsychotic withdrawal without relapse.ConclusionsDespite a lack of precise predictors, there might be subgroup of schizophrenia spectrum subjects who do not need permanent antipsychotic medication, and a fewer previous psychiatric treatments may indicate such a subgroup.     

Genetic variation in S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) and childhood asthma

BACKGROUND: S-nitrosothiols are potent endogenous bronchodilators depleted in asthmatic airway lining fluid. S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR; also known as alcohol dehydrogenase 5 or formaldehyde dehydrogenase) catalyzes the metabolism of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and controls intracellular levels of S-nitrosothiols. GSNOR knockout mice have increased lung S-nitrosothiol levels and are therefore protected from airway hyperresponsiveness after methacholine or allergen challenge. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate whether genetic variation in GSNOR is associated with childhood asthma and atopy. METHODS: We genotyped 5 tagging and 2 additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GSNOR in 532 nuclear families consisting of asthmatic children aged 4 to 17 years and both parents in Mexico City. Atopy was determined by means of skin prick testing. RESULTS: Carrying 1 or 2 copies of the minor allele of SNP rs1,154,404 was associated with decreased risk of asthma (relative risk [RR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61-0.97; P = .028 for 1 copy and RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44-0.99; P = .046 for 2 copies). Homozygosity for the minor allele of SNP rs28,730,619 was associated with increased risk of asthma (RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.13-2.26; P = .0077). Haplotype analyses supported the single SNP findings. GSNOR SNPs were not associated with the degree of atopy. CONCLUSION: This is the first study of genetic polymorphisms in GSNOR and asthma. These data suggest that genetic variation in GSNOR might play a role in asthma susceptibility. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The association of GSNOR polymorphisms with asthma suggests a potential therapeutic target.     

Dairy-Based and Energy-Enriched Berry-Based Snacks Improve or Maintain Nutritional and Functional Status in Older People in Home Care

Objective

Consumption of energy- and nutrient-dense snacks are recommended for older people to maintain adequate nutrition. We evaluated the effects of dairy-based and energy-enriched berry products consumed as snacks on nutritional and functional status among vulnerable older people receiving home care services.

Design

Randomised controlled study.

Setting and participants

The study sample consisted of 85 home care clients, with mean age of 81.9 (SD 7.1) years in the intervention group (n=50) and 83.7 (SD 8.1) years in the control group (n=35), and 72% women in both groups.

Intervention

In the intervention group, the participants consumed both high-protein dairy-based products and energy-enriched berry purées for three months. The snack products provided nearly 300 kcal and 14 g protein per day.

Measurements

The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), body mass index (BMI), mid-arm muscular area (MAMA) and concentrations of plasma albumin and prealbumin and blood haemoglobin were used to determine nutritional status, and handgrip strength was used to determine functional status at baseline and after the intervention. Results: After adjustment for age and gender, the intervention showed a significant effect on MNA scores (2.1, 95% [CI]: 1.0 to 3.3) (p=0.003), albumin concentration (2.0 g/L, 95% [CI]: 1.1 to 3.2) (p=0.006) and handgrip strength of the right hand in women (2.4 kg, 95% [CI]: 1.2 to 3.3) (p=0.007). The MNA scores improved in the intervention group, while albumin concentration and handgrip strength decreased in the control group.

Conclusions

Regular use of dairy- and energy-enriched berry-based snacks may improve or maintain nutritional and functional status among older people in home care.

     

Repeated metal ion measurements in patients with high risk metal-on-metal hip replacement

Purpose

Conventional follow-up methods are not sufficient to identify adverse soft tissue reactions in patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements. The national guidelines regarding metal ion measurements are debatable. The aims of our study were to investigate (1) if there is a clinically significant change in whole blood (WB) cobalt (Co) or chrome (Cr) levels in repeated WB assessment in patients operated on with ASR hip replacements, and (2) what proportion of patients has WB Co or Cr level below the previously established safe upper limits (SUL) in the repeated WB metal ion assessment.

Methods

We identified all patients (n = 254) with unilateral ASR implants who had second blood sample taken eight to 16 months after the first.

Results

WB Co and Cr levels remained below SUL and within their initial values during a mean one-year measurement interval in the majority of patients with a high risk HR device. In contrast to this, 50 % of patients with THRs had metal ion levels exceeding the SUL in the first measurement. WB Co values significantly increased over the measurement interval in the THR group.

Conclusion

In patients with a high risk HR, repeated metal ion measurement did not provide useful information for clinical decision-making. In patients with a LD MoM THR repeated measurements revealed a large number of patients with metal ion levels exceeding SUL and might thus be clinically beneficial.