Assessing the proposed association between DED and gluten‐free diet introduction in celiac children

A strong association between celiac disease (CD) and dental enamel defects (DEDs) have been extensively reported, however, the nature of this relationship is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate DEDs phenotype in CD individuals according to the time they were introduced to a gluten‐free diet (GFD). Forty‐five CD individuals were examined by a pediatric dentist. DEDs were classified according to the type of affected teeth. CD individuals were classified into two groups (with or without DEDs) and the differences between these groups were tested using chi‐square or Fisher´s exact tests and t‐test to compare differences between means. The Pearson coefficient test was used to evaluate the degree of the correlation between the age of GFD introduction and number of affected teeth. Individuals with MIH were introduced earlier to the GFD (p = 0.038). An association was also observed for molar DED (p = 0.013). In conclusion, our study suggested an association between a specific type of DED and the time that CD individuals were introduced to a GFD.     

Longitudinal Outcomes Among a Cohort of Crack Users After 12 Years from Treatment Discharge

ABSTRACT

Follow-ups of crack consumption are scarce in literature. The aim of this article was to investigate the evolution of a cohort of crack users and identify longitudinal outcomes. For the study, 131 consecutive crack users who were admitted to treatment (1992–1994) were interviewed. After 12 years, 107 participants were assessed. Among them, 43 were abstainers, 22 were crack users, 13 had been arrested, 2 were missing, and 27 were dead. The study showed dynamic changes of crack use patterns over time and a high involvement in illegal activities (p = 0.00) among drug users. Discontinuation of care and stigmatization of crack users has been discussed.     

Treatment of Idiopathic Cutaneous Hyperchromia of the Orbital Region (ICHOR) with Intense Pulsed Light

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic cutaneous hyperchromia of the orbital region (ICHOR) does not have a clear etiopathogenesis. Genetic factors, increased melanin, prominent vasculature, and eyelid skin slackness seem to be involved. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate individuals with ICHOR clinically and histologically, before and after treatment with high-energy pulsed light (HEPL), considering epidermal and dermal melanin, in order to evaluate HEPL efficacy in clearing away ICHOR, and 1 month and 1 year later to check whether improvement was maintained. METHODS: Twelve individuals with ICHOR underwent clinical and histological evaluation before and after HEPL application, with photographic comparison. They underwent one to four HEPL sessions on the lower eyelid at approximately 30-day intervals. Melanin quantification by area, before and after treatment was performed by digital image morphometry. RESULTS: Eyelid skin was significantly lightened (p = .24), and was maintained 1 year later with no ICHOR reincidence. All individuals (100%) showed postinflammatory hyperchromia (average 6-month duration), while 58.33% presented hypochromia (7-month duration). There was significantly decreased epidermal and dermal melanin after treatment. CONCLUSION: HEPL was shown to be useful in clearing up ICHOR. This was maintained after 1 year. Epidermal and dermal histopathology showed decreased melanin following treatment. Longer follow-up is needed to evaluate possible later recurrence of ICHOR.     

Impact of alcohol consumption on clinical aspects of gambling disorder

Similarities between gambling disorder and substance use disorders have been extensively described. To date, however, few studies using large clinical samples have been carried out that reliably assess the relationship between different levels of alcohol consumption and gambling disorders. The present study aimed to assess the impact of baseline alcohol consumption levels on the clinical profile in a large sample of treatment‐seeking individuals. Nine hundred and fifty‐one consecutive outpatients diagnosed with gambling disorder according to DSM‐IV criteria were compared after being included in three alcohol consumption groups (low risk, abuse and risk of dependence) based on their total raw scores on the AUDIT questionnaire. Results showed a high prevalence of risk of alcohol dependence in GD patients who were immigrants, unemployed, and had a low level of education. A positive linear trend was also found between alcohol consumption level and the prevalence of other current and life‐time comorbid mental disorders, and for the presence of drug abuse. Statistically significant differences were found between the three alcohol consumption groups in terms of the evolution and severity of the gambling disorder, self‐directedness personality trait, and levels of general psychopathology, hostility and paranoid ideation. In conclusion, the results showed an association between increased alcohol consumption and greater dysfunction.     

The Use of Cone-beam Computed Tomography in the Preservation of Pulp Vitality in a Maxillary Canine with Type 3 Dens Invaginatus and an Associated Periradicular Lesion

Introduction

Dens invaginatus type 3 is an anomaly characterized by an invagination of enamel and dentin that can extend up to the root apex. It may pose treatment challenges when nonsurgical root canal therapy is deemed necessary. Conventional diagnostic aids such as periapical radiographs play an important role in the assessment of complex root canal morphologies. However, these modalities may sometimes yield insufficient diagnostic information. Cone-beam computed tomographic imaging produces 3-dimensional digital images and provides the clinician with a more in-depth understanding of the true morphology of the root canal system.

Methods

This case report describes the diagnosis and conservative treatment of an unusual case of a maxillary canine with an infected type 3 dens invaginatus and an associated periradicular lesion in which the vitality of the surrounding pulp was maintained. Mineral trioxide aggregate was used to fill the entire invagination, whereas the circular true root canal system around the invagination with vital pulp was left untreated.

Results

At the 1-year follow-up examination, clinical and radiographic findings showed that a diligent nonsurgical endodontic treatment can result in satisfactory periradicular healing and complete root formation.

Conclusions

The use of cone-beam computed tomographic imaging as an auxiliary tool for both diagnosis and planning the treatment of these anomalies is highlighted.     

Health situation and perceived health status among women experiencing homelessness: A longitudinal study in Spain

The paper analyses the health situation and the perceived health status of a sample of women experiencing homelessness (n = 138) in Madrid, Spain. All participants were adults, and the night before the baseline interview, they had slept on the street, at a shelter or any facility provided to care for people living homeless. The information was collected using structured interviews, repeated twice a year for a 3-year follow-up period. The findings of this study show that women experiencing homelessness presented poor health, particularly in comparison with the general Spanish population. Over half of the women questioned claimed to have a diagnosed serious or chronic illness, with a correlation between these conditions and the age, time spent homeless or high levels of drug use. There was a positive correlation found between women's perceived health status and being younger and having access to independent accommodation, while having suffered a number of stressful life events and having spent long periods of time living homeless presented a negative correlation with a good perceived health status.