Epidemiology of Pediatric Uveitis

Uveitis is uncommon in children and its diagnosis and treatment are challenging. Little is known of the epidemiology of pediatric uveitis. Indeed, population-based studies in the literature are rare. However, there are many tertiary referral center reports that describe the patterns of uveitis in childhood, although few are from developed countries, and their comparison presents some issues. Anterior uveitis is the most frequent entity worldwide, especially in Western countries, where juvenile idiopathic arthritis is diffuse. Most cases of intermediate uveitis do not show any association with infectious or noninfectious systemic diseases. In low- and middle-income countries, posterior uveitis and panuveitis are prevalent due to the higher rates of infectious etiologies and systemic diseases such as Behçet disease and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. In recent decades, idiopathic uveitis rate has decreased thanks to diagnostic improvements.

Osteoinduction properties of different growth factors on cells from non-union patients: in vitro study for clinical application

This report compares the effect of rhBMPs and PRG on cells derived from human non-union sites. Treatment of non-union continues to be a challenging task for the trauma surgeon often resulting in unsatisfactory results and long-term morbidity. Over the past two decades, the possibility to use growth factors in bone regeneration has been investigated. In this study we compared the in vitro capability of two recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMP-2 and rhBMP-7) and activated platelet-rich plasma (PRG) to stimulate proliferation and/or differentiation of cells derived from non-union patients. Cells derived from the lesion sites, osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from other bone sites of the same patients were used. Treatment with rhBMP-7 or rhBMP-2 showed an improvement in the expression of osteoblastic markers (osteonectin and osteocalcin) in cells derived from human non-union sites. This enhancement was more marked in MSCs, while no significant changes were observed in osteoblast cultures. The PRG treatment produced in all analysed samples a considerable increase in cell proliferation without affecting cell differentiation. On the basis of our results, for an effective biological treatment of non-unions, small amounts of autologous bone marrow (MSCs) are necessary in the lesion site in order to provide both growth factors and a sufficient number of responsive cells. Finally, our results prove that sequential timing administration of PRG and rhBMPs may be used in new therapeutic strategy.

Late post-operative paraparesis after rib penetration of the spinal canal in a patient with neurofibromatous scoliosis

Rib displacement into the spinal canal is a rare cause of paraplegia or paraparesis in patients affected by neurofibromatous scoliosis. We describe a case of paraparesis in a 14-year-old child affected by neurofibromatous dystrophic kyphoscoliosis, treated with combined posterior and anterior spinal arthrodesis. Seventeen days after the surgical treatment the patient developed clinical signs and symptoms of paraparesis. A CT scan showed the head of the fifth rib protruding into the spinal canal with cord compression. Rib resection and posterior cord decompression were carried out following complete neurological recovery.

[A case of ameloblastoma in a girl 2 years and 6 months old]

The paper reports a case of ameloblastoma in a patient aged two and half. The natural history of the disease is described together with therapy used.

[Study of oral hygiene in a group of 531 children using OHI-S]

An analysis of the results of an epidemiological study on 531 children aged between 7 and 10 and resident in the mountain district of Val Pellice is presented. Special reference is made to the bacterial plaque and tartar.

[Epidemiological study of caries incidence in a group of 531 school aged children]

The results of an epidemiological study on the incidence of caries in the school population of Val Pellice are reported. The purpose of the study was to acquire new knowledge on the dental health of infants and prepare a suitable prophylaxis and treatment plan.

[Current status of research on anticaries vaccines]

The experiment which was performed in different animal special confirmed that Streptococcus mutans is the main etiological agent implicated in dental caries. Nonetheless, since the use of anti-Streptococcal vaccines might lead to severe side effects, research is now focused on obtaining purified vaccines that do not create cruciate cardiac cross-reactivity.

[Evaluation of toothbrushing in a group of 531 school aged children]

Data concerning the evaluation of tooth brushing collected during odontostomatological screening in Val Pellice are reported. The screening was carried out by a dental team from Turin's Mauriziano Hospital and covered a population of 531 children aged between six and twelve.

[Presence and type of fillings found in a group of 531 school aged children]

An epidemiological investigation carried out in a population of children aged between six and twelve is reported. The relationship between caries and type of filling encountered was analysed.

[Third molar: evaluation and indications for extraction from an orthodontic point of view]

The Authors review the literature concerning the effective indications for extracting the third imbedded molar. Data are assessed in relation to orthodontic treatment.

[Hemorrhagic cyst of the mandible. A case presentation]

Haemorrhagic mandibular cysts are quite rare and generally considered sequelae of an earlier trauma causing an overflow of blood into the bone, though a number of pathogenic theories have been put forward. Since few of these cysts involve subjective symptoms, most are discovered accidentally during radiography, while a sure diagnosis is only likely to be obtained during surgery on the discovery of a nonepithelialized cavity. The paper presents a typical case of haemorrhagic mandibular cyst which was treated by opening the cavity and scraping its walls in order to cause bleeding that would promote the growth of new bone tissue.