Preliminary development and evaluation of online tobacco and alcohol modules for dental students

Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption are major risk factors for the development of oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC). Detection and modification of these risks by dentists are keys in preventing OPC. While dentists are encouraged to screen patients for tobacco and alcohol use and educate them about the oral health risks they pose, dental students receive little formalized training in this area. This pilot project was designed to develop and evaluate two online training modules for dental students: one on tobacco and oral health risk factors, and one on methods of alcohol screening. Results indicated that online tobacco/alcohol education for dental students is feasible. The modules resulted in meaningful improvement in dental students' knowledge of tobacco and alcohol use as well as alcohol screening methods. The alcohol module resulted in statistically significant increases in intention to screen patients for alcohol use and in comfort level in performing alcohol screening.     

The association of the rs1049353 polymorphism of the CNR1 gene with hypoadiponectinemia

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important physiological system that modulates appetite, food intake, energy homeostasis, substance addiction. It is comprised of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), the endogenous lipid ligands of these receptors and the enzymes that mediate the endogenous ligands' biosynthesis and degradation. CB1 receptor is expressed in the brain, adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. The CB1 receptor is encoded by CNR1 gene located at 6q14-q15 level. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible correlation between rs1049353 polymorphism of the CNR1 gene with levels of adiponectin in a group of subjects from Romania. The study included 305 subjects divided in two groups according to their fasting adiponectin levels. Fasting adiponectin levels were determined using ELISA technique. The genotyping of the rs1049353 polymorphism of the CNR1 gene was made using the Real-Time PCR technique. The statistical analysis was performed using De Finetti's program. The differences between the allelic frequencies indicated that the presence of G-wild allele seems to confer risk for expressing low levels of adiponectin (OR=1.917; 95%C.I.=1.353-2.715; p=0.00023) and A-mutant allele seems to be protective (OR=0.522; 95%C.I.=0.368-0.739; p=0.00023). At the test of allelic positivity, the presence of the G-allele conferred risk of hypoadiponectinemia (OR=2.113; 95%C.I.=1.324-3.373). In conclusion, this study indicates that the rs1049353 polymorphism of the CNR1 gene is associated with decreased levels of adiponectin. Further research is needed in order to elucidate the link between the polymorphisms of the CNR1 gene and adiponectin levels.     

Cutaneous lymphoma misdiagnosed as chronic lymphadenitis

Cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) represent a group of lymphoproliferative disorders that can be difficult to diagnose in the early stage because they could mimic many benign inflammatory dermatoses (chronic eczema, bullous dermatosis, idiopathic erythroderma, psoriasis, lymphadenitis). Primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas are a unique and controversial group of skin lymphomas characterised by the absence of extracutaneous manifestations at diagnosis. We present the case of a 60‐year‐old man with 7‐month history of a growing inguinal mass/tumour, which was misdiagnosed as inguinal chronic lymphadenitis. Recognition of the correct entity, primary cutaneous diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma leg type, led to an appropriate therapeutic strategy, knowing that these types of tumours behave more aggressively than other types of primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas. The patient was discharged with rituximab + chemotherapy indication and favourable outcome. The aim of the presentation is to describe these common skin manifestations, however seen in a primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma, which underlines the necessity of rigorous monitoring/long‐term follow‐up as well as exhaustive histopathological analysis for the diagnosis.     

Effects of nickel compounds on incorporation of [3H] thymidine into DNA in rat liver and kidney

In vivo incorporation of [³H] thymidine into DNA was determinedin rats at 28 h after partial hepatectomy. Administration ofnickel carbonyl (Ni(CO)₄) at 2 or 4 h before sacrifice inhibited[³H] thymidine uptake into liver and kidney DNA. For example,in rats killed 4 h after i.v. injection of Ni(CO)₄ (2 mg Ni/100g), [³H]-labelling of liver DNA averaged 54 (SE ± 10)%of controls (p<0.05), and [³H]-labelling of kidney DNA averaged53 (SE ± 6)% of controls (p<0.01). Injection of NiCI₂(2 mg Ni/100 g, i.m.) 4 h before death did not significantlyaffect [³H] thymidine uptake into liver DNA, but did inhibit[³H] thymidine uptake into kidney DNA (65 ± 6%, p<0.02).Binding of ⁶³Ni to DNA in liver and kidney of rats killed 4h after injection of ⁶³Ni(CO)⁴or ⁶³NiCl² ranged from 0.3 to2.2 mol ⁶³Ni/mol of DNA nucleotides. Ultracentrifugation ofDNA on alkaline sucrose gradients did not reveal any differencesbetween sedimentation profiles of hepatic DNA from Ni(CO)⁴-treatedrats versus paired control rats.     

A survey of providers’ knowledge, opinions, and practices regarding induced abortion in Jamaica

Objective

To determine the stance of providers in Jamaica regarding the suggested change in abortion law and proposal to train providers.

Methods

A face-to-face anonymous survey of 35 obstetrician-gynecologists (Obs) and 228 general practitioners (GPs) in Kingston was used to assess knowledge, opinions and practice.

Results

Demand for abortion was high: 94.7% of GPs and 100% of Obs had been asked to perform an abortion. Although 50.7% of GPs and 70.6% of Obs had performed abortions, 81.2% and 88.6%, respectively, had referred women to another provider. Training was more likely for Obs (65.7% versus 52.2%; P < 0.001). Patient assessment was appropriate, but written guidelines, counseling, and social services referral were uncommon. More Obs knew the laws (62.9% versus 42.5%; P = 0.052). Most participants did not agree to abortion under any circumstance, but only 25.3% had moral or religious objections, and only 9.4% refused to perform abortions because they were illegal. Most providers felt that abortions should be made more accessible, and almost all felt that abortions should be performed only by Obs.

Conclusion

Demand for abortions is high in Jamaica, but many doctors refer clients to another provider. Patient assessment is good, but support services need improvement.     

Silica- Iron Oxide Nanocomposite Enhanced with Porogen Agent Used for Arsenic Removal

This study aims to remove arsenic from an aqueous medium by adsorption on a nanocomposite material obtained by the sol–gel method starting from matrices of silica, iron oxide and NaF (SiO₂/Fe(acac)₃/NaF). Initially, the study focused on the synthesis and characterization of the material by physico–chemical methods such as: X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and magnetization. Textural properties were obtained using nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements. The zero load point, pHpZc, was also determined by the method of bringing the studied system into equilibrium. In addition, this study also provides a comprehensive discussion of the mechanism of arsenic adsorption by conducting kinetic, thermodynamic and equilibrium studies. Studies have been performed to determine the effects of adsorbent dose, pH and initial concentration of arsenic solution, material/arsenic contact time and temperature on adsorption capacity and material efficiency. Three theoretical adsorption isotherms were used, namely Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips, to describe the experimental results. The Sips isotherm was found to best describe the experimental data obtained, the maximum adsorption capacity being ~575 µg As(III)/g. The adsorption process was best described by pseudo-second order kinetics. Studies have been performed at different pH values to establish not only the optimal pH at which the adsorption capacity is maximum, but also which is the predominantly adsorbed species. The effect of pH and desorption studies have shown that ion exchange and the physiosorption mechanism are implicated in the adsorption process. From a thermodynamic point of view, parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° were evaluated to establish the mechanism of the adsorption process. Desorption studies have been performed to determine the efficiency of the material and it has been shown that the material can be used successfully to treat a real-world example of deep water with a high arsenic content.     

Changes in blood flow and metabolism in locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is commonly treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by definitive surgery. The factors influencing the response of LABC to presurgical chemotherapy are incompletely understood. To characterize in vivo tumor biology in patients with LABC, we performed serial measurements of blood flow and glucose metabolism in LABC patients over the course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and compared measurements with response. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with newly diagnosed LABC underwent (18)F-FDG and (15)O-water PET imaging before therapy and after 2 mo of chemotherapy. Tumor metabolism was estimated from graphical analysis of dynamic (18)F-FDG studies and was expressed as the metabolic rate of (18)F-FDG (MRFDG). Blood flow was estimated from dynamic images after bolus (15)O-water injection using a 1-compartment model. Metabolism and blood flow data were analyzed with and without partial-volume corrections to account for changes in tumor size over the course of therapy. Changes in tumor blood flow and metabolism were compared with response to chemotherapy and with patient survival. RESULTS: For all patients, the mean MRFDG after 2 mo of chemotherapy decreased by 54% and the mean blood flow by 21%. Responders showed a greater decline in MRFDG than did nonresponders; however, the difference was of borderline significance (P = 0.05) after correction for partial-volume effects. Patients who responded had a decline in tumor blood flow, whereas nonresponders had an average increase (-32% vs. +48%, P < 0.005); the difference between responders and nonresponders remained significant after partial-volume correction (P < 0.01). There was also a statistically significant association between the pathologic degree of response and the percentage change in blood flow at 2 mo with and without partial-volume correction; this was not the case for MRFDG. The change in blood flow after 2 mo of therapy predicted disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION: Although both resistant and responsive LABC tumors have an average decline in MRFDG over the course of chemotherapy, resistant tumors have an average increase in blood flow. Patients whose tumors fail to have a decline in blood flow after 2 mo of therapy have poorer disease-free and overall survival. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the tumor biology underlying these findings.     

Sodium Fluoride as Potential Mutagen in Mammalian Eggs

Evidence from other forms demonstrating mitotic chromosome damage has suggested that sodium fluoride (NaF), a primary air pollutant, be explored as a mutagenic compound in female mammalian germ cells. In vitro experiments with mouse, sheep, and cow oocytes have disclosed a low incidence of anaphase lags, suppression of polar body I, and fragmentation with rearrangement. In vivo experiments showed only a minor effect on oocyte meiotic maturation, but species’ variations of sensitivity to NaF would suggest further investigations of progeny of the ewe and cow in contaminated areas.     

The Healthy Moms Study: the efficacy of brief alcohol intervention in postpartum women

Background:  The prevention and treatment of alcohol use disorders among women of reproductive age have been well described. However, there is limited information on women specifically during the postpartum period. This period in a woman's life is a time of transition and it provides an ideal opportunity for primary care providers to intervene.
Purpose:  The goal of this report was to present the results of a brief alcohol intervention conducted in 34 obstetrical practices with women seeking routine postpartum care.
Methods:  A randomized clinical trial was conducted from 2002 to 2005 in a diverse sample of women located in 15 Wisconsin counties. This report presents 6-month follow-up data.
Results:  A total of 8,706 women were screened for high-risk alcohol use during routine postpartum care with 997 (12%) of these women testing positive for at-risk drinking. A total of 235 women met inclusion criteria and were randomized to either "usual care" or "brief intervention." The 4-session intervention was delivered by outpatient obstetrical nurses and research staff. The mean age of the women in the sample was 28, 19.3% were from minority groups, 60.8% were married, 53.2% reported current tobacco use, and 17.9% had used marijuana in the previous 30 days. At the 6 month follow-up appointment, there were significant reductions in mean number of total drinks in the previous 28 days ( p  < 0.013), number of drinking days ( p  < 0.024) and heavy drinking days ( p  < 0.019). In addition to a statistical difference between groups, there was a 19% difference in the mean number of drinks and number of drinking days, and a 36% difference in the number of heavy drinking days in favor of the intervention group.
Conclusion:  The findings of the Healthy Moms Trial support the implementation of brief alcohol intervention during the postpartum period.