A Retrospective Analysis of 129 Ameloblastoma Cases: Clinical and Demographical Trends from a Single Institution

Ameloblastomas are benign neoplasms of the jaw, but frequently require extensive surgery. The aim of the study was to analyze the demographic and clinicopathological features of ameloblastoma cases at a single Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery group in the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review of patients evaluated for ameloblastoma between 2010 and 2020 at a single tertiary care center. Age, race, sex, tumor size, tumor location, and histological subtypes were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 129 cases of ameloblastoma were recorded with a mean patient age of 42 ± 18.6 years (range 9-91 years old), male to female ratio 1.08:1. Ameloblastoma presenting in the mandible outnumbered maxilla in primary (118 to 8, respectively) and recurrent cases (8 to 1, respectively). There was a higher prevalence of ameloblastoma in Black patients (61.3%) with mean age of Black patients occurring at 40.5 years and the mean age of White patients occurring at 47.8 years and mean tumor size trended larger in the Black patients (15.7 cm2) compared to White patients (11.8 cm2).

CONCLUSION

Data suggests a strong influence of racial factors on the incidence of ameloblastoma, with regards to size, Black patients with ameloblastoma trended higher and more data is needed to clearly elucidate any relationship between the tumor size and race, as other factors may influence the size (such as time to discovery).

[Increased risk of obesity and central obesity in sedentary postmenopausal women]

AIMS

To establish the influence of a sedentary behavior (sit time) on body composition in elderly women from Aragón.

METHODS

A total of 457 women participated in the study. Hours of walking were used to define the active behavior (> 1 vs. < 1 h/day) and hours of sitting were used to establish the sedentary behavior (> 4 vs. < 4 h/day). Anthropometric evaluation was conducted following the ISAK recommendations. Fat mass was estimated through electrical bio-impedance. Differences between groups were analyzed by ANOVA and logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between active and sedentary behaviors with body composition.

RESULTS

The sedentary group had higher weight, BMI, waist circumference and fat mass than the non-sedentary group (all p < 0.05). In addition, those women who sat more than 4 h/day had 1.7, 2.7 and 1.7-fold higher odds ratio for having overweight, obesity and central obesity, respectively, regardless of the hours of walking (95% IC [1.006-2.739]; [1.518-4.491] y [1.154-2.565]). When activity and sedentary levels were studied together, active and sedentary women were 2.0 times more likely to be overweight (95% CI [0.995-3.961]), 4.4 to be obese (95% CI [2.101-9.264]) and 2.3 for having central obesity (95% CI [1.329-3.939]) than women with an active and non-sedentary behavior.

CONCLUSION

Being sitting more than 4 hours a day increases the risk of overweight, obesity and central obesity, regardless of the hours of walking in postmenopausal women.

Structural basis for the interaction of a hexameric replicative helicase with the regulatory subunit of human DNA polymerase α-primase

DNA polymerase α-primase (Pol-prim) plays an essential role in eukaryotic DNA replication, initiating synthesis of the leading strand and of each Okazaki fragment on the lagging strand. Pol-prim is composed of a primase heterodimer that synthesizes an RNA primer, a DNA polymerase subunit that extends the primer, and a regulatory B-subunit (p68) without apparent enzymatic activity. Pol-prim is thought to interact with eukaryotic replicative helicases, forming a dynamic multiprotein assembly that displays primosome activity. At least three subunits of Pol-prim interact physically with the hexameric replicative helicase SV40 large T antigen, constituting a simple primosome that is active in vitro. However, structural understanding of these interactions and their role in viral chromatin replication in vivo remains incomplete. Here, we report the detailed large T antigen-p68 interface, as revealed in a co-crystal structure and validated by site-directed mutagenesis, and we demonstrate its functional importance in activating the SV40 primosome in cell-free reactions with purified Pol-prim, as well as in monkey cells in vivo.

Female reproductive biology of the bluemouth Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus: spawning and fecundity

The bluemouth Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus is a zygoparous species that spawns multiple batches of embryos enclosed within a gelatinous matrix. Oocyte development is asynchronous, and the recruitment of secondary growth oocytes occurs continuously during the developing phase, but stops before the start of the first spawning (i.e. fecundity is determinate). The number of developing oocytes can be estimated as a function of the total length of the fish, its ovary mass and its gonado-somatic index. Only at the onset of spawning, when potential fecundity is determined, does condition also have a significant effect. The low levels of atresia detected during most of the spawning season show that this mechanism does not substantially affect the process. There is variability both in the spawning interval (with a mean of 2 days) and in the number of embryos comprising every single batch (up to 37,000). Expected effect of fisheries on the reproductive traits of this deep-sea species is also discussed.

[Choledochal cyst in pregnancy and puerperium: report on two cases and review of literature]

A choledochal cyst is a cystic dilation of the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary tract. According to the most accepted theory, it is caused by an anomalous pancreatobiliary junction. The most important complications are cholangiocarcinoma, lithiasis, and pancreatitis. Current therapy is surgical resection. Only 20% to 30% of cases are diagnosed in adult life. Two cases of choledochal cysts are reported in female adult patients, one of them in late pregnancy and the other in puerperium. Diagnosis of choledochal cyst in pregnancy and puerperium is an uncommon event, entailing particular considerations regarding symptoms and treatment.

Correlation of the suppressive activity of a biological response modifier on the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the reduction of HIV titer

Activation of CD4+ cells is a prerequisite for infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Thus, any agent capable of suppressing CD4+ cell proliferation could create a refractory stage that would impede viral infection. We have reported, in a previous publication, that a biological response modifier (BRM), polyantigenic immunomodulator (PAI) substantially reduces HIV-1 titer (from 20 to 100%) in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultures with high viral titer (p24 = 10(2)-10(5) pg/ml). We are presenting data suggesting that the reported reduction in virus titer seems to be associated with a suppressive activity of PAI on the proliferation of PBMC from intravenous drug users (IVDU) infected and non-infected with HIV-1. PAI, a well characterized BRM, is a mixture of inactivated bacterial and influenza virus vaccines. PBMC from healthy donors and IVDU individuals were exposed to PAI, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and to combinations of PAI with either PHA or IL-2. Appropriate controls were included. 3H-thymidine pulsing was used as indicator of cell proliferation. The stimulation index and the difference between mean cpm of test sample and control were used to measure proliferative activity. There was a low proliferative response in the PBMC cultures from IVDU and HIV-1 positive patients, but it was substantially lower in the later group. When PBMC cultures from the same group of individuals were exposed to PAI, PHA and IL-2, and to the combination of either PAI plus PHA or IL-2, the response observed in the PAI treated group was uniformly lower than in the other treated cultures. Moreover, when PAI was combined with PHA, it exerted a significant reduction in the measured parameters. The effect of PAI on IL-2 activity was negligible. A suppressive effect of a PAI has been detected on the proliferation of PBMC from IVDA and HIV-1 positive individuals. This activity may be associated with the capacity of PAI to reduce HIV titers in infected PBMC cultures.

Profile of HIV patients with and without bacterial endocarditis

Bacterial endocarditis (BE) is a serious medical condition seen in the injecting drug users (IDU) with or without HIV. Studies report a low prevalence of BE in HIV/AIDS patients and the clinical manifestations have been considered non-specific making early diagnosis difficult. The HIV Registry in our Center has recruited 1500 HIV/AIDS cases since May 1992. We decided to review and compare the clinical and epidemiological variables of patients admitted to the Registry with BE (23 pts) and without. Fever, sweats and weight loss were seen most frequent in BE patients as well as meningitis and pneumonia. The majority of the patients were IDU. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. The tricuspid valve was the most affected valve. Mild insufficiency was the rule. The mortality in BE patients was higher than in the total group. The triad of IDU, the described constitutional signs and symptoms and coexisting meningitis and/or pneumonia, in the HIV/AIDS patient, should alert the physician to the presence of BE particularly in the outpatient setting were a more aggressive diagnostic approach should probably be attempted.

Serum lipids and apolipoproteins in Spanish children and adolescents: a 5 year follow-up

This study was designed to assess "tracking" of serum lipids and apolipoproteins in three age groups of Spanish children over a 5 year period. A total of 84 6-year-old, 89 10-year-old and 64 14-year-old children were evaluated in 1989 (with measurement of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins A1 and B), and re-evaluated in 1994. Correlation coefficients between initial and final lipid and apolipoprotein values were as follows: total cholesterol, 0.66; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, 0.65; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 0.61; triglycerides, 0.61; apolipoprotein A1, 0.60; apolipoprotein B, 0.66. When age groups were analysed separately, children who were 14 years old at the beginning of the study showed higher correlation coefficients, particularly for total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol ( > 0.7 in both cases). More than 70% of children who were in the top quintile of total, LDL or HDL cholesterol as well as apolipoprotein A1 or B in 1989 remained in the top quintile 5 years later.

Relations between nutrient intake and serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels

OBJECTIVE

To study the relation between diet and serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels in a large, homogeneous group of Spanish children.

DESIGN

Survey.

SETTING

Eleven schools chosen at random in Madrid City and the surrounding area.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Subjects comprised 1682 children, 2 to 12 years of age. Dietary data were obtained with a 24-hour record performed by the child's main caregiver. For statistical analysis the sample was divided into tertiles on the basis of calorie-adjusted consumption of dietary components.

RESULTS

Children in the highest tertile of total fat consumption, compared with children in the lowest tertile, had significantly higher mean serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A) and apolipoprotein B-100 (Apo B). When compared with children in the lowest tertile, children in the highest tertile of saturated fat consumption had significantly higher mean levels of TC, LDL-C, and Apo B, and lower mean levels of HDL-C and Apo A. Children in the highest tertile of monounsaturated fat consumption, compared with children in the lowest tertile, had significantly higher mean levels of HDL-C and Apo A, and lower mean levels of TC, LDL-C, and Apo B.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that diet composition strongly influences lipid profile in children and point out the importance of monounsaturated fatty acids as modulators of serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels.

Diet therapy for hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents. A follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness and compliance of dietary restriction in a group of children and adolescents with hypercholesterolemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Prospective clinical trial.

SETTING

Pediatric hospital in Madrid, Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred fifty-one children and adolescents of both sexes aged 2 to 18 years diagnosed as having hypercholesterolemia and treated with dietary restriction (American Heart Association Step-One and Step-Two Diets). The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 years and was performed by one pediatrician.

RESULTS

Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B-100 levels as well as the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased significantly (P < .01) from the first month of dietary restriction, whereas the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level increased (P < .01). The apolipoprotein A-I level increased significantly (P < .01) only after 6 months of diet therapy. After 12 months of follow-up, 30.7% (58/189) of patients did not follow the diet strictly. In this group, significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B-100 were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Diet therapy is effective in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents. Dietary restriction has a beneficial effect not only on total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels but also on apolipoprotein A-I and B-100 levels.

Fibrinogen as a cardiovascular risk factor in Spanish children and adolescents. The Niño Jesus Group

Studies done on adults reveal a significant role of fibrinogen (FG) in cardiovascular disease. The main purpose of our study was to determine the level of plasma FG in children, its distribution according to age and sex, and its relationship to other cardiovascular risk factors such as cigarette smoking, plasma lipid disturbances, and a positive family history for other cardiovascular risk factors. We studied a population of 2224 children, aged 2 to 18 years, from five different schools located in Madrid. We found a significantly higher level of FG in the groups of females aged 6 to 8 and 16 to 18 years than in males of the same ages (p < 0.001). The study population was distributed into two groups according to the plasma fibrinogen level: > 394 mg/dl and < 394 mg/dl. In both groups we determined plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and found these parameters significantly higher in the group with an FG level > 394 mg/dl (p < 0.05).

Smoking and apolipoproteins in adolescents. The Niño Jesus Group

The relation between smoking and blood lipids and apolipoproteins (A1,B100) were studied in a group of 1024 12- to 18-year-old school children in the Comunidad de Madrid. The percentage of smokers was 19% (17% for girls and 21% for boys). The average consumption of cigarettes per day was 7.83 +/- 5.06 in boys and 6.04 +/- 3.49 in girls (p less than 0.05). As compared with male nonsmokers, male smokers showed a higher mean level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (112 versus 100 mg/dL, p less than 0.05), a higher LDL cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio (2.27 versus 1.94, p less than 0.001), a higher mean level of apolipoprotein B100 (59 versus 53 mg/dL, p less than 0.05), and a higher apolipoprotein B100 to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (0.45 versus 0.40, p less than 0.01). Female smokers tended to show the same results, although significant differences were only found for LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio and apolipoprotein B100 to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (1.8 versus 1.59 and 0.41 versus 0.38 respectively, both p less than 0.05). This work provides new data about the effects of smoking on apolipoproteins in adolescents and emphasizes on the need for preventive programs.

[The action of a Chamenerion angustifolium extract in experimental influenza virus infection in mice]

V-2 and V-8, two preparations containing an extract from Chamenerion angustifolium, were tested in vitro and in vivo, for their anti-influenza properties. In vitro, the two preparations induced a significant reduction of the hemagglutinating titers. In vivo, administration of each of the two products, three times before the influenza virus inoculation significantly reduced (27%) the mortality rate and the hemagglutinating titers, and increased the survival mean time (SMT) (about 3.5 times). These effects were more striking when control infection was done seven days after the last administration of the extract: the mortality rate reduces by 50%, the HA titers lowered to zero and the SMT increased by about 5 times.