BACKGROUND

Tumor of the follicular infundibulum (TFI) is a relatively rare tumor which clinically presents as a solitary keratotic papule usually on the head and neck which on microscopic examination typically reveals a plate-like fenestrated epithelial tumor composed of pale staining cells.

METHODS

We describe a new variant of TFI. An 80-year-old male with a history of multiple basal cell carcinomas and a squamous cell carcinoma presented with a 2-year history of a red, scaly, slightly elevated plaque on the lateral aspect of his right buttock.

RESULTS

Histopathological examination revealed plate-like reticulate epithelial outgrowths of large and pale cells with foci of sebaceous differentiation and numerous colloid bodies. Differential diagnosis included superficial basal cell carcinoma with sebaceous and ductal differentiation, tumor of the follicular infundibulum, an unusual fibroepithelioma of Pinkus or an eccrine fibroadenoma with sebaceous differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

This case illustrates a hybrid adnexal tumor with histologic features common to both tumor of the follicular infundibulum and superficial epithelioma with sebaceous differentiation.

Transradial coronary intervention (TRI) is commonly performed in Japan, but its efficacy may differ from that in Western countries, particularly given the smaller body habitus of Japanese patients. We compared the clinical outcomes of TRI with those of transfemoral coronary intervention (TFI) and evaluated their relationship with body mass index in a multicenter registry. We analyzed data from 1230 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (TRI 306, TFI 924) at 14 Japanese hospitals from September 2008 to August 2010. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the odds ratio regarding complications between TRI and TFI. Propensity scores were used to adjust for differences in TRI and TFI, extracting 274 matched patients from each group for comparisons. The overall complication rate was significantly lower (10.8 vs. 18.0%, p = 0.003) and the bleeding complication rate trended lower (4.6 vs. 7.6%, p = 0.088) in TRI than in TFI. TRI was moderately associated with a smaller bleeding risk after multivariable adjustment (OR 0.54; p = 0.072). After propensity score matching, TRI was associated with significantly lower complication rates compared with TFI (9.5 vs. 18.2%, p = 0.003), especially bleeding complications (3.3 vs. 9.9%, p = 0.002) and puncture site bleeding (1.1 vs. 5.5%, p = 0.004). Notably, bleeding rate was inversely related to body mass index in both groups. TRI appeared to be a safe alternative to TFI in this Japanese real-world multicenter registry, which includes high numbers of TRI.

OBJECTIVE

During ultrasonic scaling procedures, contact of the scaler tip with the tooth surface will produce frictional heating. The aim of this study was to assess this heat generation using an Agema 900 thermal imaging system.

METHODS

Both the Cavitron sustained performance system (SPS) with TFI-3 tip and the Mini Piezon with P-tip were tested. Handpieces were fixed with their sides facing the thermal camera and thermal image sequences or "movies" created. Measurements were performed with tips under loads of 25, 50 and 100 g, at water flow rates of 10, 20 and 40 ml/min and low, medium and high generator power settings. A measurement point was superimposed on the resulting thermal images at the tip/tooth contact site and the temperature variation with time recorded.

RESULTS

All combinations of instrumentation produced an increase in temperature. An increase in temperature was generally observed with increasing load (for given power/water), power setting (for given load/water) and a decrease in water flow rate (for given load/power).

CONCLUSIONS

Heat generation is minimised by using low/medium power settings and light contact. Care must be taken to ensure adequate water is present at the site of instrumentation to prevent patient discomfort due to excessive heating.

OBJECTIVE

Second-line treatment with paclitaxel and carboplatin enhances survival of women with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC). However, because of its cumulative neurotoxicity, there is a strong demand for platinum-combinations with better therapeutic index. Because of its pharmacological properties, topotecan is a good adjunct to carboplatin in this setting, but its safety and efficacy remains to be defined.

METHODS

Patients with platinum-sensitive ROC were eligible in this multicenter phase I/II study, stratified according to treatment-free interval (TFI). Dose level 0 consisted of topotecan 1 mg/m(2)/d1-3/q21d plus carboplatin AUC5/d3/q21d. DLT was defined as grade>> or =3 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or grade>> or =3 non-hematological toxicity excluding alopecia, nausea and vomiting, accompanied by a treatment delay >1 week.

RESULTS

From June 2004 to August 2005, 26 patients were enrolled, receiving a total of 145 cycles of chemotherapy. MTD was reached at topotecan 0.75 mg/m(2) and carboplatin AUC5. We observed a single grade 4 leucopenia. There were 3 (12%), 15 (58%) and 8 (31%) events of grade 3/4 hematological anaemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Response rate was 67% (95% CI 43-85), median progression-free survival 9.5 months (95% CI 7.3-12.0), median overall survival 19.4 months (95% CI 12.3-26.9). None of the toxicity or efficacy endpoints were associated with TFI.

CONCLUSIONS

Topotecan and carboplatin is a well tolerated novel doublet option for women with platinum sensitive ROC. We encourage further studies on this approach, but to limit the doses of topotecan to 0.75 mg/m(2)/d1-3 and carboplatin AUC 5/d3.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and continuous infusion ifosfamide (IFO) in ovarian cancer patients who relapse within 1 year after first-line paclitaxel-platinum-based chemotherapy.

METHODS

Patients were stratified according to treatment-free interval (TFI) (>or=6 months). PLD (40 mg/m(2), day 1), IFO (1700 mg/m(2), infusion days 1-3), and mesna were given every 28 days for 6-9 cycles. Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were response duration, progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

RESULTS

There were 98 evaluable patients (58%, TFI<6 months). Median number of cycles was 5 (range: 1-9). The frequency of grade 3/4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia was 7%, 3%, and 48%, respectively; febrile neutropenia was 3%. A low rate of grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicities was reported, including nausea/vomiting (3/4%), hand-foot syndrome (2%), and mucositis (2%). The ORR was 28% (41% and 19% in patients with TFI>>or=6, or <6 months, respectively); rate of disease stabilization was 26%; response duration and median OS were 6 (2.4-26) and 14 (1-46) months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of PLD and continuous IFO is a feasible and efficient treatment in patients with relapsed ovarian cancer, especially with TFI between 6 and 12 months. This regimen may represent an alternative to platinum reintroduction and should be evaluated in a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects on dry eye symptoms and tear dynamics of switching from a prostaglandin with a preservative to a preservative-free prostaglandin.

METHODS

Fourteen patients (N=28 eyes) with open-angle glaucoma and dry eye symptons, treated with preserved latanoprost, travoprost or bimatoprost were included in this uncontrolled prospective study. Ocular symptoms were analysed using a validated ocular surface disease questionnaire and ocular signs were assessed with tear clearance, Schirmer and tear function index test (TFI=Schirmer/clearance). Patients were assigned to preservative-free tafluprost treatment, and measurements were repeated 4 weeks after change of medication. Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used in the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) was observed after switching to tafluprost. Mean IOP at baseline was 20.4 mmHg (SD2.2) and after 4 weeks 19.9 mmHg (SD2.6), (P>.05). The mean questionnaire score significantly decreased from 9.7 (SD3.7) at baseline to 5.4 (SD2.7) after one month (P<.001). No significant differences in tear clearance, Schirmer or TFI were found (P>.05). At baseline, tear clearance=0.13 (SD0.07), Schirmer=10.7 mm (SD6) and TFI=80 (48-156). After 4 weeks, tear clearance=0.1(SD0.07), Schirmer=9.5 mm (3.9) and TFI=104 (48-216). A significant association between questionnaire score and tear clearance after 4 weeks was observed (Spearman coefficient=0.62; P=.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Switching from preservative prostaglandin with a preservative to preservative-free tafluprost treatment improves dry eye symptoms and suggests an improvement in TFI.

A new analog of EPO was designed by fusing one and two CTPs to the N-terminal and C-terminal ends of EPO (EPO-(CTP)(3)), respectively. This analog was expressed and secreted efficiently in CHO cells. The in vitro test shows that the activity of EPO-(CTP)(3) in TFI-1 cell proliferation assay is similar to that of EPO-WT and commercial rHEPO. However, in vivo studies indicated that treatment once a week with EPO-(CTP)(3) (15 μg/kg) dramatically increased (~8 folds) haematocrit as it was compared to rHuEPO. Moreover, it was found that EPO-(CTP)(3) is more effective than rHuEPO and Aranesp in increasing reticulocyte number in mice blood. The detected circulatory half-lives of rHuEPO, Aranesp, and EPO-(CTP)(3) following IV injection of 20 IU were 4.4, 10.8, and 13.1 h, respectively. These data established the rational for using this chimera as a long-acting EPO analog in clinics. The therapeutic efficacy of EPO-CTP analog needs to be established in higher animals and in human clinical trials.

The c-mos proto-oncogene is specifically expressed in the male and female germ cells of the mouse and other vertebrates. We previously identified a 15-base pair sequence element (B2) as the binding site of a candidate repressor of c-mos transcription in somatic cells. In the present study, we used the yeast one-hybrid system to isolate HeLa cell cDNAs encoding proteins that specifically bound to the c-mos B2 element. Nucleotide sequencing identified several of the clones isolated in this screen as the orphan nuclear receptors COUP-TFI and COUP-TFII. A COUP-TF-binding site was then identified within the B2 sequence. Complexes formed between purified COUP-TFs and the c-mos B2 probe comigrated in electrophoretic mobility shift assays with those formed using whole nuclear extracts of NIH 3T3 or HeLa cells. Moreover, the complexes formed with NIH 3T3 nuclear extracts and B2 probe were supershifted with antibody against COUP-TF, identifying COUP-TF as the candidate repressor previously detected in these somatic cell extracts. Substitution of a consensus COUP-TF-binding site for the c-mos negative regulatory element suppressed expression from the c-mos promoter in transfected somatic cells, demonstrating the functional activity of COUP-TF as a repressor of c-mos transcription.

The purpose of the present study was to assess whether the degree of severity of enamel changes in a population exhibiting rather severe dental fluorosis may be related to posteruptive tooth age and to describe the clinical manifestations of the enamel destructions. All permanent teeth in 102 children aged 10-15 yr who were born and reared in a 2 ppm fluoride area of Kenya were examined for dental fluorosis using the TF-Index. Clinically, at time of eruption all teeth appeared chalky white, but already prior to coming into occlusion discrete pits had formed. A variety of more extensive damages to the surface enamel was found in teeth already in occlusion. In particular, the maxillary incisors exhibited extensive artificial attrition for cosmetic reasons, which make these teeth unreliable for accurate scoring of severity in the present population. An analysis of the proportion of teeth exhibiting TFI-scores 4+, 5+ and 6+ showed that children aged 13-15 yr had a significantly greater proportion of teeth with TFI-scores greater than or equal to 6 compared to children aged 10-12 yr (Wilcoxon, P less than 0.0001). This finding is unlikely to be a result of different fluoride exposures in the two age groups and indicates that even several years after eruption there is a trend towards an increasing severity of enamel surface destructions in children exhibiting pronounced degrees of subsurface enamel hypomineralization at time of eruption.

BACKGROUND

Tumor of the follicular infundibulum (TFI) is an uncommon benign adnexal tumor that usually presents as a solitary keratotic papule in the head and neck area. Infrequently, it may present as multiple lesions or in association with other conditions. Although it was initially described in 1961, the pathogenesis of this lesion is still controversial.

METHODS

The clinical and histologic features of 168 cases of TFI were reviewed. Random cases were stained with elastic Van Gieson, cytokeratin (CK)20 and Ber-EP4. Clinical data and clinical images were collected.

RESULTS

The median age at presentation was 66 years with a slight female predominance. As subset of patients (7.7%) had multiple TFI, some of which presented with hypopigmented lesions of the head and neck area. TFI has a unique staining pattern; all cases tested showed a brush-like network of elastin fibers, no cases stained for Ber-EP4 and 91.7% of cases show single cell positivity to CK20. This is in contrast to basal cell carcinoma used for comparison purposes.

CONCLUSIONS

TFI is a distinct neoplastic entity with a unique staining pattern and variable clinical presentation. One should be aware of the potential clinical presentation of multiple TFI as hypopigmented lesions especially in the head and neck area.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries, gingival bleeding and fluorosis in twelve-year-old schoolchildren from Porto Alegre, Brazil. One thousand students from private and public schools were examined. The indexes used were BI, DMF and TFI. The data pertaining to BI were the first to be collected. After that, the children were submitted to plaque removal and their teeth were dried prior to the examination for caries and fluorosis. The average value for DMFT, including cavitated and non-cavitated lesions, was 2.22 +/- 0.08 (standard error). The average value for BI was 19.76% +/- 0.54% (standard error) and the prevalence of students with fluorosis was 52.9%. Regarding the severity of fluorosis, 45.9% of the children had TFI 1, 6.1% TFI 2 and 0.9% TFI 3. A polarization of the experience of caries and gingivitis was observed in the studied population. Only 14.4% of the students had DMFS higher than 7. A small percentage of children (12%) presented with BI>> or = 40%. The experience of caries and gingivitis of 12-year-old schoolchildren in Porto Alegre is comparable to that of children from developed countries. That probably results from the intense utilization of fluoride, which is also causing an increased prevalence of fluorosis. The severity of fluorosis does not justify any public health measure. The results show that the employed public health measures are effective, although part of the population still needs additional care.

We have reported that excessive steroid hormone production in adrenal cortical tumors results from the disordered expression and activity of specific steroidogenic enzymes. Since no genetic mutations in these steroidogenic enzymes have as yet been identified, disordered expression at the transcription level may be crucial for excessive hormone production in adrenocortical tumors. Nuclear receptors SF-1 and COUP-TF/DAX-1 have been shown to activate and repress, respectively, the transcription of CYP17 gene in a mutually exclusive manner in Y-1 cells. Interestingly, the expression of COUP-TF and DAX-1 is significantly decreased in the cortisol-producing adenomas, in which CYP17 is overexpressed. Conversely, DAX-1 is highly expressed in deoxycorticosterone-producing adenomas, where CYP17 expression is almost absent. These expression profiles indicate the possibility that COUP-TF and DAX-1 play important roles in the transcriptional repression of CYP17 in adrenal tumors. To clarify the mechanisms of COUP-TF-mediated repression, we therefore screened for COUP-TF-interacting proteins using a yeast two-hybrid system from a cortisol-producing adenoma cDNA library. We then cloned a novel COUP-TF-interacting protein-1 (CIP-1), which interacts with COUP-TFI, COUP-TFII, and SF-1. Functionally, CIP-1 can act as a transcriptional co-repressor for COUP-TF repression activity. CIP-1 expression profiles parallel those of COUP-TFI in steroidogenic tissues, strongly suggesting that, together, COUP-TFI and CIP-1 play an important role in steroidogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to observe alterations of pacemaker cells termed cajal-like type of tubal interstitial cells (t-ICC) in oviduct from early-stage EMs and tEP, discuss underlying mechanisms and potential role in tubal factor infertility (TFI).

METHODS

Ten patients with early-stage EMs, 10 with unruptured tEP and 10 control subjects were included in this retrospective comparative study, received adnexectomy (salpingectomy) and/or hysterectomy. Paraffin-embedded full-thickness isthmic segment of oviduct specimens received immunohistochemistry with c-kit/CD117 antibody. Network distribution and area density of cells with features of t-ICC were analyzed.

RESULTS

t-ICC was detected mainly in lamina propria and smooth muscle layers. t-ICC lost its network integrity, became less densely stained, sparse and almost invisible with relatively very rare connections in EMs and tEP, apparently differing in morphology of t-ICC from control, which demonstrated rich t-ICC immunostaining and intact network. Further quantitative analysis showed the area density of t-ICC decreased significantly in early-stage EMs and tEP compared with the control (73.9 ± 8.8 vs. 156 ± 18.3 mm(2); and 76 ± 7.4 vs. 156 ± 18.3 mm(2); both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We revealed that t-ICC underwent certain degree of cell damage, suggested that decreased expression of t-ICC network may be involved in early development of EMs and tEP, and might serve as an explanation for TFI in these patients.

BACKGROUND

It is stated that the oscillation patterns of dental ultrasonic scalers are dependent upon whether the instrument is of a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric design. These patterns are then linked to differences in root surface debridement in vitro.

METHODS

Piezoelectric (A, P) and magnetostrictive (Slimline, TFI-3) ultrasonic scalers (three of each) were evaluated, loaded (100 g/200 g) and unloaded with a 3D laser vibrometer. Loads were applied to the probe tips via teeth mounted in a load-measuring device.

RESULTS

Elliptical motion was demonstrated for all probes under loaded and unloaded conditions. Loading flattened the elliptical motion along the length of the probe. Unloaded, Slimline tip 1 was significantly different to tips 2 and 3 (p<0.0001). There were no differences between the A-tips (p>0.207). All TFI-3 tips were different to each other (p<0.0001). P-tips 1 and 2 were different to each other (p=0.046). Loaded, Slimline tips were different to each other (p<0.001). There were no differences between the P probes (p>0.867). Generator power increased all Slimline and P tip vibrations (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Probe oscillation patterns are independent of ultrasound production mechanism and are dependent upon probe shape and generator power. Loaded probes oscillated with an elliptical pattern.

OBJECTIVE

It is a known fact that age is a strong predictor of adverse events in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In this context, the main risk factor in elderly patients, ie, frailty syndrome, gains special importance. The availability of tools to identify frail people is relevant for both research and clinical purposes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of a scale for assessing frailty - the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) and its domains (mental and physical) - with other research tools commonly used for comprehensive geriatric assessment in patients with ACS.

METHODS

The study covered 135 people and was carried out in the cardiology ward at T Marciniak Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland. The patients were admitted with ACS. ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction were defined by the presence of certain conditions in reference to the literature. The Polish adaptation of the TFI was used for the frailty syndrome assessment, which was compared to other single measures used in geriatric assessment: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

RESULTS

The mean TFI value in the studied group amounted to 7.13±2.81 (median: 7, interquartile range: 5-9, range [0, 14]). Significant correlations were demonstrated between the values of the TFI and other scales: positive for HADS (r=0.602, P<0.001) and the reverse for MMSE (r=-0.603, P<0.001) and IADL (r=-0.462, P<0.001). Patients with a TFI score ≥5 revealed considerably higher values on HADS (P<0.001) and considerably lower values on the MMSE (P<0.001) and IADL scales (P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results for the TFI comply with the results of other scales (MMSE, HADS, ADL, IADL), which confirm the credibility of the Polish adaptation of the tool. Stronger correlations were observed for mental components and the mental scales turned out to be independently related to the TFI in a multidimensional analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the micro-shear bond strengths of two all-in-one adhesive systems to unground fluorosed enamel. Buccal surfaces of 24 normal and 24 moderately fluorosed teeth (Thylstrup and Fejerskov index, TFI=4-6) were bonded using G-Bond and Clearfil Tri-S Bond. The surfaces were then restored with a resin composite, stored for 24 hours in water, and tested for micro-shear bond strength (MSBS). Fracture modes, etching patterns, and adhesive interfaces were studied under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA, whereby no significant differences in MSBS were found among the four groups (p>0.05). Through SEM examination, it was shown that 1 microm of resin tag-like extensions had penetrated into the enamel for both adhesives at the enamel-adhesive interface. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that MSBS was not influenced by the severity of fluorosis. Furthermore, there were no differences in enamel bond strength between G-Bond and Clearfil Tri-S Bond.

The performance of 2 newly developed enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) intended for the routine serological diagnosis of chlamydial infections was evaluated. rELISA is based on a recombinant lipopolysaccharide antigen which detects chlamydia genus-specific antibodies, and Chlamydia trachomatis EIA is based on a peptide derived from major outer membrane protein and is therefore species-specific. Both tests distinguished patients with tubal factor infertility (TFI) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) from the controls. The prevalence of IgA antibodies was higher for the PID patients than for the TFI patients; the finding indicates a more active state of infections for the PID patients. Furthermore, C. trachomatis EIA detected more IgG antibodies in the TFI patients than in patients with non-tubal factor infertility. In conclusion, rELISA detected chlamydial antibodies in general, and C. trachomatis EIA detected species-specific antibodies. These EIA tests may be useful in the serodiagnosis of chlamydial infection.

Transcription factors are expressed in a dynamic fashion both in time and space during brain development, and exert their roles by activating a cascade of multiple target genes. This implies that understanding the precise function of a transcription factor becomes a challenging task. In this review, we will focus on COUP-TFI (or NR2F1), a nuclear receptor belonging to the superfamily of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptors, and considered to be one of the major transcriptional regulators orchestrating cortical arealization, cell-type specification and maturation. Recent data have unraveled the multi-faceted functions of COUP-TFI in the development of several mouse brain structures, including the neocortex, hippocampus and ganglionic eminences. Despite NR2F1 mutations and deletions in humans have been linked to a complex neurodevelopmental disease mainly associated to optic atrophy and intellectual disability, its role during the formation of the retina and optic nerve remains unclear. In light of its major influence in cortical development, we predict that its haploinsufficiency might be the cause of other cognitive diseases, not identified so far. Mouse models offer a unique opportunity of dissecting COUP-TFI function in different regions during brain assembly; hence, the importance of comparing and discussing common points linking mouse models to human patients' symptoms.

In this study, we examined whether the proportion of tubal factor infertility (TFI) that is attributable to Chlamydia trachomatis, the population excess fraction (PEF), can be estimated from serological data using finite mixture modeling. Whole-cell inclusion immunofluorescence serum antibody titers were recorded among infertile women seen at St. Michael's Hospital in Bristol, United Kingdom, during the period 1985-1995. Women were classified as TFI cases or controls based on laparoscopic examination. Finite mixture models were used to identify the number of component titer distributions and the proportion of serum samples in each, from which estimates of PEF were derived. Four titer distributions were identified. The component at the highest titer was found only in samples from women with TFI, but there was also an excess of the second-highest titer component in TFI cases. Minimum and maximum estimates of the PEF were 28.0% (95% credible interval: 6.9, 50.0) and 46.8% (95% credible interval: 23.2, 64.1). Equivalent estimates based on the standard PEF formula from case-control studies were 0% and over 65%. Finite mixture modeling can be applied to serological data to obtain estimates of the proportion of reproductive damage attributable to C. trachomatis Further studies using modern assays in contemporary, representative populations should be undertaken.

BACKGROUND

Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT) could become a fertility restoration tool for childhood cancer survivors. However, since in mice, the colonization efficiency of transplanted spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is only 12%, the efficiency of the procedure needs to be improved before clinical implementation is possible. Co-transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might increase colonization efficiency of SSCs by restoring the SSC niche after gonadotoxic treatment.

METHODS

A mouse model for long-term infertility was developed and used to transplant SSCs (SSCT, n = 10), MSCs (MSCT, n = 10), a combination of SSCs and MSCs (MS-SSCT, n = 10), or a combination of SSCs and TGFß1-treated MSCs (MSi-SSCT, n = 10).

RESULTS

The best model for transplantation was obtained after intraperitoneal injection of busulfan (40 mg/kg body weight) at 4 weeks followed by CdCl2 (2 mg/kg body weight) at 8 weeks of age and transplantation at 11 weeks of age. Three months after transplantation, spermatogenesis resumed with a significantly better tubular fertility index (TFI) in all transplanted groups compared to non-transplanted controls (P < 0.001). TFI after MSi-SSCT (83.3 ± 19.5%) was significantly higher compared to MS-SSCT (71.5 ± 21.7%, P = 0.036) but did not differ statistically compared to SSCT (78.2 ± 12.5%). In contrast, TFI after MSCT (50.2 ± 22.5%) was significantly lower compared to SSCT (P < 0.001). Interestingly, donor-derived TFI was found to be significantly improved after MSi-SSCT (18.8 ± 8.0%) compared to SSCT (1.9 ± 1.1%; P < 0.001), MSCT (0.0 ± 0.0%; P < 0.001), and MS-SSCT (3.4 ± 1.9%; P < 0.001). While analyses showed that both native and TGFß1-treated MSCs maintained characteristics of MSCs, the latter showed less migratory characteristics and was not detected in other organs.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-transplanting SSCs and TGFß1-treated MSCs significantly improves the recovery of endogenous SSCs and increases the homing efficiency of transplanted SSCs. This procedure could become an efficient method to treat infertility in a clinical setup, once the safety of the technique has been proven.

A cross-sectional study of 143 children aged 10-14 years was carried out to identify factors associated with the severity of dental fluorosis in 2 areas (Moshi/Kibosho: n = 63/80) with fluoride (F) concentrations < 0.4 mg F/L in the drinking water. Dental fluorosis was recorded under field conditions using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov index (TFI). The score on tooth 21 was used to indicate the severity. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in Moshi at TFI score>> or =1 was 60% and at TFI score>> or =5 it was 10%. The corresponding values in Kibosho were 100% and 34%, respectively. Background variables pertained primarily to the child's first 6 years of life. In Moshi and Kibosho, 65% and 97% of children, respectively, used magadi, a fluoride-containing food tenderizer. In Moshi, the risk of having TFI score>> or =2 was significantly higher among users of magadi (odds ratio (OR) = 5). Kiborou, a traditional homemade weaning food (porridge) cooked with magadi, was used only in Kibosho. Users of kiborou (36%) were at significantly higher risk (OR = 3) of developing fluorosis at severity TFI>> or =4 than the users of lishe, another type of weaning food. All children in Moshi and 64% in Kibosho used lishe, which is cooked without magadi. Magadi and kiborou were significant risk indicators. Thus, it seems that the unexpectedly high prevalence of dental fluorosis and the observed differences in fluorosis prevalence and severity may be partly explained by F exposure from magadi.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to provide preliminary evidence of a unique "tinnitus magnitude" domain describing intensity of tinnitus perception that will assist in the development of a cognitive-behavioral mediation model of psychological distress associated with tinnitus.

METHODS

A sample of 347 participants with tinnitus was previously recruited from four audiology clinics for the purpose of developing a tinnitus distress measure, the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). From the questions used for TFI development, potential tinnitus magnitude items were selected by including those that minimally overlapped with tinnitus reactions. The three items having the least overlap were analyzed retrospectively to assess internal consistency, test-retest reliability, group differences using demographics and tinnitus-relevant descriptive variables, and discriminant validity. The three-item scale was developed in an effort to establish a model for prospective development of a Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI) that would assess the magnitude of tinnitus variables independent of reactions to tinnitus.

RESULTS

Internal consistency (α = 0.86) and repeated measures tests (r = 0.74, df = 29, p < 0.001) indicate the three-item scale is reliable. Discriminant validity was supported by only moderate correlations (r≥ 0.30 and r ≤ 0.69) of the scale with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (r = 0.62), the Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (r = 0.38), and the seven independent domains of tinnitus reactions measured using subscales of the TFI (r = 0.49 to 0.72). Correlations between the scale and two tinnitus reactions (distress) subscales were high (r>> 0.70) as compared with moderate correlations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study involved a retrospective analysis of data from questions that were originally evaluated for use in a tinnitus outcome questionnaire. The analysis was conducted to establish a model for prospective development of a TMI. Results of this analysis suggest that a TMI can be developed that would provide a reliable and valid measure of tinnitus magnitude that overlaps minimally in content with measures of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional tinnitus reactions. A fully validated TMI would provide a measure of tinnitus magnitude that is not confounded by emotional reactions to tinnitus or general depressive symptoms and would be useful in developing a testable model of psychological distress due to tinnitus. Although the primary goal is to develop a measure of tinnitus magnitude that predicts cognitive, behavioral, and emotional reactions to tinnitus, a TMI may also have utility in assessing this construct in clinical settings.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the dental caries experience in relation to the severity of dental fluorosis and; to evaluate the dietary snacking habits of adolescents.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A peri-urban primary school in Nairobi, Kenya.

METHODS

Two hundred and seventy five adolescents aged 13-15 years among whom 128 were males and 149 were females.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy five adolescents were examined for varying degrees of dental fluorosis according to the Thylystrup Fejerskov Index (TFI) scores and the dental caries was determined in the four first permanent molars. One hundred and five individuals were found to have had a TFI score of zero with a corresponding decayed missing and filled teeth (DMFT) for dental caries of 1.30-1.03 and 88 (52%) individuals had mild to moderate severity of dental fluorosis (TF scores 1-4) and had a corresponding mean DMFT of 1.53 +/- 1.005 for dental caries. Furthermore, 82 (48.2%) adolescents had severe degrees of dental fluorosis of TFI scores 5-9 and had a corresponding DMTF value of 1.85 +/- 1.24 for dental caries. When the prevalence of dental caries was compared among individuals with TFI scores zero (non-fluorosed teeth) with those who had fluorosed first permanent molars the Chi square test showed that there was a high statistical significance with a p-value of 0.001 (P = 0.005). Amongst the 175 adolescents with varying degrees of severity of dental fluorosis it was noted that 44 (26%) did not like taking snacks and had a DMFT of 1.54 +/- 1:1.17 while 126 (74%) adolescents who enjoyed taking snacks had a DMFT of 1.64 +/- 1.08. However, there was no statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

While there was a statistically significant association between the severity of dental fluorosis and caries experience among the participants in the present study, there was no co-relation between the caries experience and snacking habits among those who had varying degrees of dental fluorosis.