Hair Evaluation in Orthodontic Patients with Oligodontia

Oligodontia can be isolated or syndromic, associated with other ectodermal abnormalities. The aim of the study was to perform hair examination in orthodontic patients diagnosed with oligodontia with a low clinical expression of symptoms of ectodermal origin. All available orthodontic patients diagnosed with oligodontia in the permanent dentition were enrolled. Hair examination included clinical evaluation of the patients' hair, trichoscopy, trichogram and evaluation of the hair shafts under a polarized light microscope. In total, 25 patients, 18 males and 7 females, aged 6 to 24 years were evaluated for the presence of dental and hair abnormalities. The number of congenitally absent teeth ranged from 6 to 24 teeth and diastemas, microdontia, taurodontism and altered tooth shape were found in 23 patients. Hair disorders were found in 68% of the subjects. Hypotrichosis, the heterogeneity of shaft color and loss of pigment, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, trichoschisis, pili canaliculi, trichorrhexis nodosa and pseudomoniletrix were observed. Trichoscopy and trichogram are valid non-invasive diagnostic tests which could be used to differentiate between isolated and syndromic oligodontia in patients with a low clinical expression of ectodermal symptoms.

Evaluation of a relationship between malocclusion and idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents

PURPOSE

Idiopathic scoliosis is a developmental deformation of the vertebral column of an unknown aetiology. Its clinical symptoms and hypothetical causative factors may affect the stomatognathic system. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between the prevalence and type of malocclusions, and the presence of idiopathic scoliosis, its location and severity.

METHODS

This was a prospective longitudinal study. The study group consisted of 80 patients with idiopathic scoliosis and the control group of 61 healthy individuals. Standard standing long-cassette radiographs were taken of all of the patients in the idiopathic scoliosis group in order to confirm diagnosis, to determine localization and the Cobb angle of the curve. Both groups underwent standard clinical dental examination.

RESULTS

The most commonly observed types included right main thoracic (R-MT) and thoracolumbar or left lumbar scoliosis (Cobb angle 11° to 125°). In the idiopathic scoliosis group, prevalence of malocclusions was greater than in the control group (95% versus 82%). In the idiopathic scoliosis group more than one type of malocclusion was observed with a higher incidence than that in the control group (63.8% versus 37.7%; p = 0.002). A correlation between the left proximal thoracic (L-PT) curve with anterior partial open bite was demonstrated (p = 0.323), between thoracic dextroscoliosis main thoracic with lateral partial cross bite (p = 0.230) and a correlation between scoliosis severity and malocclusion in the event of L-PT and anterior partial open bite (p = 0.330) and R-MT and scissors bite (p = 0.248).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of malocclusions is greater in children with idiopathic scoliosis than in their healthy peers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

PP135. Maternal serum levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and ADMA, an endogenous ENOS inhibitor in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia

INTRODUCTION

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Preeclampsia remains amongst the biggest challenges in obstetrics, but its aetiopathogenesis is still unclear. Recent observations support the hypothesis that imbalance between maternal angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors concentrations is responsible for the clinical manifestations of the preeclampsia. It was also suggested that clinical manifestations of preeclampsia caused by endothelial malfunction including insufficient production of nitric oxide and that abnormality in nitric oxide synthesis or NO bioavailability may contribute to the development of preeclampsia. But the mechanism associated with alteration of nitric oxide formation in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia is not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the maternal serum concentrations of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and its endogenous inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia in comparison with healthy normotensive pregnant women.

METHODS

A study was conducted including 29 uncomplicated women (the Control group) and 29 preeclamptic women (the Pre group). Preeclampsia was diagnosed by the increased blood pressure of >140mmHg systolic and >90mmHg diastolic in women who were normotensive before 20 weeks of gestation accompanied by proteinuria, defined as the urinary excretion of >0.3g protein in 24h specimen. Severe preeclampsia was defined as blood pressure >160/110mmHg on at least 2 occasions 6h apart with proteinuria >5g in a 24h urinary protein excretion. The maternal serum eNOS and ADMA concentrations were determined using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in gravidity, parity, maternal age and height in patient profiles between groups. Creatinine and urea levels were normal in all patients. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher in preeclamptic pregnant women than in the control group. The mean systolic blood pressure values were 166.39±15.47mmHg in the Pre group and 115.72±10.34mmHg in the control group. The mean diastolic blood pressure values were 108.89±10.45mmHg in the Pre group and 75.34±6.22mmHg in the healthy controls. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.000001). Our study revealed increased maternal serum levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine in preeclamptic patients (p=0.007223). The mean values of maternal serum ADMA were 0.597±0.161mmol/L in the Pre group versus0.503±0.081mmol/L in the healthy pregnant patients. The levels of serum endothelial nitric oxide synthase were lower in women with pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia than in the healthy women from the control group, but these differences were not statistically significant (p=0.118770). The mean values of serum eNOS were 134.06±76.73U/ml in the Pre group and 187.70±165.41U/ml in the Control group.

CONCLUSION

Elevated levels of ADMA and the unchanged levels of eNOS in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia allow the conclusion that the nitric oxide deficiency in this pregnancy disorder result not from a reduced level or activity of eNOS, but from elevated levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine, an endogenous eNOS inhibitor.

Fusarium toxins and total fungal biomass indicators in naturally contaminated wheat samples from north-eastern Poland in 2003

Concentrations of fungal metabolites were measured in 32 wheat grain samples from north-eastern Poland in 2003. The samples originated from fields cultivated conventionally (but varying in chemical protection level) or cultivated organically. Concentrations of Fusarium toxins (HT-2, DON, 3-AcDON, NIV), trichodiene, microbial biomass indicators (fungal ergosterol and general adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)) and seed vigour were assessed. A large variation between samples was observed, depending on their origin. Seed from organic farms contained similar amounts of Fusarium toxins but more ergosterol and ATP than conventionally grown and chemically protected seed. The highest levels of toxins and ergosterol were detected in samples from conventional cultivation lacking chemical protection. Intensive agronomic practices (including complete chemical protection) significantly lowered the levels of ergosterol, ATP and trichodiene, as compared with other cultivation systems.

Evaluation of placental angiotensin type 1 receptors in women with hypertension during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the localization and immunoreactivity of the angiotensin type-1 receptor (AT1R) in human placental tissue in patients with pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia with and without intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the localization of the AT1R in human placental tissue. Semiquantitative immunohistochemical H-score values for each placental cell type were calculated.

RESULTS

Elevated H-score index values for decidual cells, syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast in pre-eclamptic patients were found to be higher in comparison with values in the control group. Decreased H-score index values for syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast were found in patients with pregnancy complicated by IUGR in the course of pre-eclampsia.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in this study point out the significant role of the AT1R and suggest that normal AT1R activity is of fundamental significance for the normal course of pregnancy and proper fetal growth.

[Problems associated with general anesthesia in patients with thyroid cancer]

The group of 100 patients with thyroid cancer operated in Institute of Oncology in Gliwice was described. The risk of anaesthesia, intraoperative complications and the results obtained depend on the preoperative preparation, especially on adequate treatment of endocrine disorders of thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. It is necessary to estimate the presence of multiendocrine disorders in medullary thyroid carcinoma, especially of those with pheochromocytoma, because of its high mortality in the non alfa-blockers prepared patients.

[Evaluation of the platelet angiotensin receptor in pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia]

Preeclampsia is a major complication during human pregnancy. It results from a breakdown in the balance between the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator substances. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, which participates in the regulation of blood pressure and may be involved in the control of vascular tone.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the platelet angiotensin II receptor number and angiotensin II level in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. Preeclampsia was defined according to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) classification.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ligand binding techniques were used for the examination of platelet angiotensin II binding sites in the third trimester pregnant women. The study was carried out in 13 patients with singleton pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. A control group consisted of 17 healthy normotensive patients with singleton uncomplicated pregnancy and normal laboratory tests. All studied patients were nonsmokers.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

There were no statistically significant differences in patient profiles between groups including gravidity, parity, maternal age, gestational age and height. Maternal weight, BMI and systolic, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were higher in the study group in comparison with the control group. Our study revealed elevated platelet angiotensin II receptor number and decreased maternal angiotensin II level in singleton pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia. There were no correlations between platelet angiotensin II receptor number and plasma angiotensin II level in the studied subjects. Our results are in accord with other published data and point out to the significant role of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and angiotensin II receptors in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of misoprostol and prostaglandin E(2) in the preinduction and induction of labor

BACKGROUND

Amniotomy and oxytocin infusion are the routine methods most frequently applied to induce labor. These methods are not effective when the cervix is unripe. Prostaglandins may accelerate the process of cervical ripening independently of the stimulation of uterine contractions, since they induce the formation of a gap junction (spread of excitation) and release uterine contractions. The purpose of this study is a comparative analysis of the effectiveness and safety of misoprostol and PGE2 in the process of cervical ripening and inducing labor in patients at full term delivery with a live fetus and indications for inducing labor due to an unripe uterine cervix.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The experimental group consisted of 30 patients at 38-41 weeks of gestation who received misoprostol administered into the posterior vaginal fornix (group M). The control group included 26 patients at 39-42 weeks of gestation in whom labor was induced using natural prostaglandin E(2) (group P).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in maternal age, body weight and height, or uterine cervical ripening between the two groups of patients. The average time of gestation was 0.92 weeks shorter in group M. The time from administration of the drug to the onset of regular contraction activity of the uterus and delivery of an infant was shorter in the group of patients receiving misoprostol intravaginally.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results would seem to indicate that misoprostol is an effective drug that can be used for elective preinduction and induction of labor. However, the application of this drug to induce labor with a live fetus requires special caution and care, as well as continuous cardiotocographic monitoring to assure the safety of both the mother and the infant.

Pregnancy in women with epilepsy

The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of pregnancy and delivery in epileptic women. A retrospective review of the 41 pregnant women with epilepsy who delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology of the University School of Medicine in Lublin over 7 years (1993-1999) was carried out. Women with epilepsy had more pregnancy complications including premature labor, anemia, hypertension, vaginal bleeding, urinary tract infection, nausea and vomiting. An increased risk of congenital malformations and intrauterine fetal growth retardation was observed. Women with epilepsy require more extensive pregnancy planning including neurologic and preconceptional care.

Nitric oxide for treatment of threatened preterm labor

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was the assessment of effectiveness of nitroglycerin as a donor of nitric oxide, administered in the form of transdermal therapeutic system, applied in the treatment of threatening preterm labor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was carried out on 30 pregnant patients with the symptoms of threatening preterm labor between 27th and 34th week of gestation. The patients were given nitroglycerin in the form of transdermal system releasing 5 mg of nitroglycerin in 24 h.

RESULTS

In our study the decrease in contractility and relaxation of uterus was observed in all obstetric patients. No changes in the fetal pulse rate and cardiotocographic tracing in the course of treatment and after completing treatment were observed.

CONCLUSION

Nitroglycerin in the form of transdermal therapeutic system releasing nitric oxide may be an effective and safe tocolytic drug, however, further investigation needs to be performed.

[Changes in the immune response of BALB/c mice coinfected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus and Trichinella spiralis]

The influence of Heligmosomoides polygyrus on infection with Trichinella spiralis was studied in BALB/c mice. Mice coinfected with T. spiralis and previously given H. polygyrus harboured both nematode species till day 34. The number of T. spiralis muscle larvae was greater in mice coinfected with H. polygyrus/T. spiralis or T. spiralis/H. polygyrus than after infection with T. spiralis alone. Infection with H. polygyrus did not enhance eosinophil and IL-5 levels induced by T. spiralis. Additionally, the production of IgG1 specific to L1 T. spiralis was inhibited by co-infection. Changes in the levels of IFN-gamma and IgG2a implicated a disturbance in Th2 cell activation during protective response and resulted in the greater number of T. spiralis muscle larvae in coinfected mice.

The mucosal mast cell and IgA plasma cell responses to primary Trichinelia spiralis infection in BALB/c mice treated with ketotifen

The effect of ketotifen on inflammation in the intestine during T. spiralis infection in BALB/c mice was examined. The lack of enteropathy in treated mice was accompanied to affected the size of worms and the number of worms, but did not prevent the retardation of nematodes in the intestine. Fecundity of females in vitro and the number of muscle larvae were not statistically changed after treatment. Ketotifen reduced the number of mast cells and IgA plasma cells in the intestine. As inflammatory influx, epithelial damage and IgA response are related to the action of T cells, ketotifen affected T dependent reactions in the gut of T. spiralis infected mice.

[Analysis of prognostic factors in a group of infants from multiple pregnancy and very low birth weight]

Preterm birth remains a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the study was to examine factors influencing on the survival and early prognosis of very low birth weight premature infants in multiple gestation born at the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology University School of Medicine in Lublin. Congenital malformations were excluded from the study.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective analysis the reduction in the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in multiple gestation was observed. Survival was significantly correlated to prenatal corticoid prophylaxis, Apgar score and lack of the respiratory distress syndrome. The mortality showed an inverse correlation to birth weight and age of gestation.

[Multiple pregnancy in the Obstetrics and Perinatology AM in Lublin in 1989-1999]

A retrospective analysis of 400 twin and 14 triplet pregnancies at the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, University School of Medicine in Lublin, from January 1, 1989 to June 30, 1999 was undertaken. A number increase of multiply pregnancies was observed--from 124 in the period 1989-1992 to 181 in the period 1996-1999. A percentage increase of cesarean sections was observed--from 52.42% to 77.34% respectively. The most frequent indications for the cesarean sections were non-vertex presentation of the first twin, threatened intrauterine infection and threatened intrauterine asphyxia.

Inhibition of the protective IgA response by ketotifen is related to the inflammatory reaction in the peritoneal cavity and intestinal mucosa of BALB/c mice infected with Trichinella spiralis

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) production, eosinophilia, and IgA responses of BALB/c mice infected with Trichinella spiralis were measured in the peritoneal cavity and intestinal mucosa. Ketotifen, an anti-allergic compound, was used to control the inflammatory response. IgA responses differed against adult and muscle stages of the parasite and between the intestine and the peritoneal cavity. IL-5 and eosinophil production also differed between the intestine and the peritoneal cavity. The occurrence of parasite-specific IgA antibodies in the peritoneal cavity may reflect the migration of cells from the lamina propria. Following ketotifen treatment there was a reduction in the IL-5, eosinophilic, and IgA responses; these responses affected both the size of worms and the number of worms.

Membrane fusion by proline-rich Rz1 lipoprotein, the bacteriophage lambda Rz1 gene product

The fusogenic properties of Rz1, the proline-rich lipoprotein that is the bacteriophage lambda Rz1 gene product, were studied. Light scattering was used to monitor Rz1-induced aggregation of artificial neutral (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesterol) and negatively charged (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/cholesterol/dioleoylphosphatidylserin e) liposomes. Fluorescence assays [the resonance energy transfer between N-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)phosphatidylethanolamine and N-(lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl)dihexadecanol-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine lipid fluorescent probes, as well as fluorescent complex formation between terbium ions and dipicolinic acid encapsulated in two liposome populations and calcein fluorescence] were used to monitor Rz1-induced lipid mixing, contents mixing and leakage of neutral and negatively charged liposomes. The results demonstrated that Rz1 caused adhesion of neutral and negatively charged liposomes with concomitant lipid mixing; membrane distortion, leading to the fusion of liposomes and hence their internal content mixing; and local destruction of the membrane accompanied by leakage of the liposome contents. The use of artificial membranes showed that Rz1 induced the fusion of membranes devoid of any proteins. This might mean that the proline stretch of Rz1 allowed interaction with membrane lipids. It is suggested that Rz1-induced liposome fusion was mediated primarily by the generation of local perturbation in the bilayer lipid membrane and to a lesser extent by electrostatic forces.

[The influence of antenatal TRH and glucocorticoids therapy for survival rate of extremely low birth infant]

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) as a consequence of lung immaturity remains a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. TRH used with glucocorticoids shows synergistic influence on surfactant synthesis and morphological lung maturation in preterm born infants. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of antenatal TRH + glucocorticoids treatment on survival rate of extremely low birth infants (less than 1000 g). We evaluated 94 premature neonates born between 1993 and 1997 at the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology of University School of Medicine in Lublin. Better survival rate of extremely low birth infants was observed in the TRH + steroids group then in only steroids one. The ratio of RDS was similar in both groups. Further investigations to determine the safety and efficacy of antenatal TRH therapy are needed.

[Using of Misoprostol for preinduction and induction of labor in term pregnancy]

Labour induction is frequently indicated in women with an unfavourable cervix. Oxytocin and prostaglandins are the most common drugs used for labour induction. Induction of labour with prostaglandins offers the advantage of promoting both cervical ripening and myometrial contractility. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy intravaginal administration prostaglandin E1 methyl analogue, misoprostol in cervical ripening and induction of labour in term pregnancy and in women with unfavourable cervix (Bishop score < = 4). The approval for this study was given by the Board of Medical Ethics, University Medical School of Lublin in Poland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

64 women with indication for termination of pregnancy received either misoprostol (Cytotec-Searle) vaginally (group M, n = 30) or intravenous drip infusion of oxytocin(group Ox, n = 34). We evaluated profile of the studied women (gravidity, weight, height, maternal age, gestational age), effectiveness and safety of the misoprostol and need for oxytocin administration in group M, start of induction-to-active labour interval (contractions), start of induction-to-vaginal delivery interval, hyperstimulation syndrome, delivery within 24 hours of drug application and caesarean section rate. Before starting labour induction a Bishop score was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed. Baseline and outcome variables were tested with student's t-test and c2 analysis. We needed p < 0.05 for statistical significance.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the patient profiles (gravidity, weight, height, maternal age, gestational age) between groups except the score of cervical ripening. The Bishop score before induction was lower in group M. The interval between the initiation of induction to active labour was shorter in the misoprostol group (334.23 +/- 126.35 versus 610.00 +/- 352.14 minutes). The mean time between the initiation of induction to delivery was shorter in group M (707.69 +/- 341.15 +/- versus 1025.77 +/- 369.16 minutes). These differences were statistically significant. 28 (93.33%) patients in the misoprostol group delivered within 24 hours compared with 24 (70.59%) women in the oxytocin group. 8 patients in the misoprostol group and 8 patient in the oxytocin group had caesarean section. Labor induction was successful in 30 (100%) women in the misoprostol group compared with 24 (70.59%) patients in the group Ox.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravaginal misoprostol is an effective, easy to use and cheap drug for the induction of labour, especially for cervical ripening in women with unfavourable cervix (Bishop score < = 4).