Retrospective Study on Efficacy of Intermaxillary Fixation Screws

Background

We evaluated the efficacy of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screws in the treatment of mandibular fractures.

Methods

Two hundred patients with mandibular fractures, treated by IMF using these screws, were evaluated by pre and postoperative panoramic radiographs. Clinical testing was carried out for vitality and abnormal mobility of teeth adjacent to the site of screw insertions. Other factors such as possible iatrogenic dental injuries, loss, breakage or screw cover by oral mucosa and postoperative occlusion were also studied.

Result

The most important complication noticed was iatrogenic damage to dental roots.

Conclusion

Use of intraoral cortical bone screws for IMF is a valid alternative to arch bars in the treatment of mandibular fractures. Iatrogenic injury to dental roots is the commonest problem which can be minimized by an experienced surgeon.Key Words: Intermaxillary fixation, Bone screws, Mandibular fractures, Iatrogenic injury     

Spontaneous cytotoxicity of human intraepithelial lymphocytes against epithelial cell tumors.

Human intraepithelial lymphocytes are T cells primarily of the CD8+ phenotype located between intestinal epithelial cells. The cytotoxic and suppressor activities of these lymphocytes are largely unexplored. The spontaneous cytotoxic activity of these cells is evaluated in this study. Jejunal intraepithelial lymphocytes spontaneously lysed a variety of epithelial cell tumor lines (colonic and pancreatic adenocarcinomas and bladder epidermoid carcinoma) but not the highly natural killer-sensitive K-562 cells. Cold target inhibition studies showed that these lymphocytes preferentially bind the DLD-1 colonic adenocarcinoma cells rather than the K-562 cells. Pretreatment of the effector cells with interferon-gamma did not change their cytotoxic activity. The cytotoxic cells are T lymphocytes (expressing CD2, CD3, and CD8). In contrast, the spontaneous cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes is directed against both epithelial cell targets and K-562 cells, is enhanced by interferon-gamma, and is effected by natural killer cells (expressing CD2, CD16, and NKH1). Thus, the spontaneous cytotoxicity of intraepithelial lymphocytes differs from that of peripheral blood lymphocytes in their target cell restriction, lack of response to interferon gamma, and effector cell phenotype. Lymphocytes in the intestinal epithelium may have a novel and important role in recognizing and destroying transformed epithelial cells and colon cancers.     

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic activity of methanolic Tecomaria capensis Thunb. (Bignoniaceae) leaves extract in alloxan induced hyperglycemic rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of Tecomaria capensis (T. capensis) Thunb. (Bignoniaceae) methanolic leaves extract (TCLE) using blood glucose level in normal fasted rats, glucose tolerance test and alloxan induced hyperglycemia models.MethodsTCLE (100, 300, 1 000 and 2 000 mg/kg body wt.) was given to rats orally to observe acute toxicity, and observed for 14 d. TCLE 200 and 400 mg/kg, and glibenclamide 0.6 mg/kg were given orally in all models.ResultsResults demonstrated that the no mortality was reported even after 14 d. This indicates that the methanol extract is safe up to a single dose of 2 000 mg/kg body weight. TCLE (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) exhibited remarkable blood glucose lowering effect in blood glucose level in normal fasted rats, glucose tolerance and alloxan induced hyperglycemia model. Cholesterol and triglyceride also decreased in alloxan induced hyperglycemia model.ConclusionsThe results of this study exhibites that methanol extract of T. capensis possesses antihypergycemic activity and it may prove to be effective for the treatment of hyperglycemia.     

Association of Overweight and Obesity with Breast Cancer in India

Background:

In women, cancer of the breast is one of the most common incident cancer and cause of death from cancer. Anthropometric factors of weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) have been associated with breast cancer risk.

Objectives:

To study the association of overweight and obesity with breast cancer in India.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital-based matched case-control study was conducted. Three hundred and twenty newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and three hundred and twenty normal healthy individuals constituted the study population. The subjects in the control group were matched individually with the patients for their age ±2 years and socioeconomic status. Anthropometric measurements of weight and height were recorded utilizing the standard equipments and methodology. The paired ‘t’ test and univariate logistic regression analysis were carried out.

Results:

It was observed that the patients had a statistically higher mean weight, body mass index, and mid upper arm circumference as compared to the controls. It was observed that the risk of breast cancer increased with increasing levels of BMI. Overweight and obese women had Odd''s redio of 1.06 and 2.27, respectively, as compared to women with normal weight.

Conclusions:

The results of the present study revealed a strong association of overweight and obesity with breast cancer in the Indian population.