Signs of oral dryness in relation to salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity and dry mouth complaints

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study aimed to investigate the signs of oral dryness in relation to different salivary variables and to correlate subjective complaints of oral dryness with salivary flow rate.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>312 unmedicated healthy individuals belonging to three age groups, (6–11, 12–17, and 18–40 years) were examined clinically for signs of oral dryness. Resting and stimulated saliva were collected to determine flow rate, pH and buffering capacity. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on subjective sensation of dry mouth.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Dry lip and dry mucosa were present in 37.5% and 3.2% of the sample respectively. The proportion of subjects who complained of oral dryness (19%) showed a stimulated salivary flow rate significantly lower than non complainers. Dry lip was significantly related to low resting flow rate but pH and buffering capacity did not show any significant relation to dry lip. Dry mucosa was not related to any of the above mentioned parameters.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The finding that the stimulated salivary flow rate was reduced in subjects complaining of dry mouth is of great clinical relevance, since the reduction is expected to be reflected in compromising various salivary functions.</p

Erratum: Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 84 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Interpretation: By quantifying levels and trends in exposures to risk factors and the resulting disease burden, this assessment offers insight into where past policy and programme efforts might have been successful and highlights current priorities for public health action. Decreases in behavioural, environmental, and occupational risks have largely offset the effects of population growth and ageing, in relation to trends in absolute burden. Conversely, the combination of increasing metabolic risks and population ageing will probably continue to drive the increasing trends in non-communicable diseases at the global level, which presents both a public health challenge and opportunity. We see considerable spatiotemporal heterogeneity in levels of risk exposure and risk-attributable burden. Although levels of development underlie some of this heterogeneity, O/E ratios show risks for which countries are overperforming or underperforming relative to their level of development. As such, these ratios provide a benchmarking tool to help to focus local decision making. Our findings reinforce the importance of both risk exposure monitoring and epidemiological research to assess causal connections between risks and health outcomes, and they highlight the usefulness of the GBD study in synthesising data to draw comprehensive and robust conclusions that help to inform good policy and strategic health planning

A case report of Warthin&apos;s tumor (Papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum, PCL)

The papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (PCL), also called warthin&apos;s tumor, is a benign salivary gland tumor which primarily involves the parotid gland. These lesions are composed of a double layer of cuboidal or culmnar eosinophilic cells lining a cystic cavity which lymphoid tissue is present in the supporting stroma. The lesions shows a predilection for males, with peak incidence during the sixth decade of life. Bilateral lesions have been found to occur in 5 to 7.5 percent of the cases. Rarely, these lesions have been reported in the minor salivary glands and oropharynx. Case report: A 47-year-old woman presented with a red lesion on the hard palate between the midline and right maxillary side. The patient had awared of the lesion for one year. The clinical dignosis was a mucocele. An excisional biopsy was performed. Gross examination of the formaline-fixed specimen revealed three pieces of soft tissue measuring 1.0 x 0.3 x 0.3. Histologic examination revealed a nodular mass surfaced by keratinizied stratified squamous epithelium. The connective tissue stroma contained a papillary cystic area lined by a double layer of cuboidal cells with centrally placed nucle

An investigation on oral Lichen plannus prevalence among patients with B and C hepatitis

Statement of Problelem: Lichen plannus is a relatively common mucotanous disorder, due to accompanying&quot;nburning sensation and pain in addition to its malignant transformation, has potential importance. On the other&quot;nhand, B and C hepatitis are of the five most common death causes, resulting in significant disease spread&quot;nproblems among dentists. As a result, the relationship between these two disorders has been recently&quot;ninvestigated.&quot;nPurpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the oral Lichen plannus prevalence among patients&quot;nwith B and C hepatitis.&quot;nMaterial and Methods: In this case series study, 500 patients with B, C hepatitis, 3 04 female and 369 male&quot;nwith the mean age of 39.09&amp;plusmn;13.13 (the youngest was 4 and the oldest was 72 years old), who referred to the&quot;nhepatitis center of Shariati hospital, Transfusion organization and Hemophilia center, from August 2001 to&quot;nAugust 2002, were evaluated. The information about all white lesions that couldn&apos;t be scraped was recorded&quot;non a questionnaire for each patient. To analyze the data, t and Fisher tests were used.&quot;nResults: Two hundred and eighty nine patients were MBS Ag&quot; 223 were HCVAb&amp;quot;, 12 were positive for both&quot;ntypes of hepatitis and 23 were cyrotic. From among these patients, 3 subjects were with oral Lichen plannus&quot;n(0.6%), one belonged to HBS Ag1 group (0.35%), (P=0.38) and two patients belonged to HCV Ab&apos; (0.9%),&quot;n(P=0.44). These results showed no statistically significant relationship between Lichen plannus and B, C&quot;nhepatitis. Two cyrotic patients from among 23 were with LP, which statistically was significant (P&amp;lt;0.05).&quot;nConclusion: All patients with LP should be tested for B, C hepatitis and liver enzymes

Neurofibromatosis Associated With Hyper Parathyroidism

A case involving the rare occurance of hyperparathyroidism in association with neurofibromatosis&quot;nis reported.&quot;nRadiographic findings revealed multiple radiolucency which diagnosed as giant cell lesions. Also, high levels&quot;nof PTH and alkalan phosphatase were found from repeated measurements of the serum.&quot;nNeurofibromatosis associated with hyperparathyroidism diagnosed in this case report

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Expression in Gingival Lesions

Some lesions in the oral cavity and mostly on gingiva have predominant predilection towards females, and mostly occur in the first four decades of life when changes in sex hormone levels in blood are obvious. The present study aimed to investigate the presence and distribution of estrogen and progesterone receptors in peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG), pyogenic granuloma (PG) and peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) on gingiva as an organ target. In a descriptive case series study from March 2002 to April 2003, paraffin blocks from patients with exophitic lesion on gingiva, diagnosed by histopathology as PGCG, PG or POF at Dentistry Faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Iran, were analyzed with Immunohistochemical (IHC) technique. The data analysis was performed by frequency and descriptive statistics. Of 35 patients, 12 estrogen receptors (ERS) and progesterone receptors (PRS) were detected. Nine of them were PRS and three were ERS. Two third of ERS/ PRS were seen in females and one third in males, respectively. In order of decreasing frequency the ERS and PRS were found in PG (n=6), POF (n=4) and PGCG (n=2). In this study, ER/ PR were revealed in three lesions. PR was detected in all of three lesions but we could not see ER in PGCG. Thus, gingiva may be considered as a target organ for sex hormones

Evaluation of Relation between Mercury Concentration in Saliva with Number and Surfaces of Amalgam Fillings

Statement of Problem: Amalgam is the most widely used dental restorative material.However, because of continuous low-level release of Mercury from amalgam fillings, its safety has been questionable.Purpose: The aim of this study was the evaluation of concentration of Mercury in saliva before and after amalgam fillings and its relation with numbers and surfaces of amalgam fillings.Materials and Methods: In an analytic interventional study we surveyed concentration Mercury in saliva before and after amalgam fillings. Twenty-five Patients (9 male, 16 female) who referred to oral medicine department of Tehran university of medical scienceand Haj- Abdol- Vahab medical center who had no amalgam fillings were selected and the samples of saliva (5cc) was collected before fillings. After that all of posterior decayed teeth were filled in an appointment with amalgam and, 24 hours later, the second samplesof saliva (5cc) was collected. The amount of saliva Mercury before and after filling was measured and its difference was analyzed by paired t- test.Results: In this study the mean of Mercury in saliva was 0.00896 μg/ml before and 0.16404 μg/ml after amalgam fillings. The mean of number of fillings was 1.96 and mean of size of surfaces was 76.43 mm2 and mean of consumption amalgam was 4.1 units.Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between age (P=0.677), sex, number of fillings (P=0.055), number of surface of filling (P=0.059) and size of surfaces of fillings (P=0.072), with Mercury levels in saliva after amalgam fillings. There was a significant relation between Mercury level of saliva after fillings and amalgam amount (P= 0.036).Therefore amalgam may be designate a significant source for Mercury release in saliva.Since this is a preliminary study, it needs supplementary evaluations in saliva, blood and urine in different periods after amalgam fillings

Evaluation of Chromosomal Disorders in Tissue and Blood Samples in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Statement of Problem: Many studies have indicated that genetic disturbances are common findings in patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). Identification of these changes can be helpful in diagnostic procedures of these tumors.Purpose: The aim of this study was to appraise the chromosomal disorders in blood and tissue patients with OSCC.Methods and Materials: In this descriptive study, the study group consisted of all OSCC patients who were referred to the Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of Shariati Hospital, and Amir Aalam Hospital fromSeptember 2000 to November 2002. In order to study chromosomal disorders in the peripheral blood lymphocytes, 5 mL of blood was obtained from each patient In patients with the large lesion, a piece of involved tissue were obtained and cultured for 24 hours.This led to 29 blood samples and 16 tissue specimens and any relation between OSCC and age, sex, smoking and alcohol use were evaluated.Results: In this study, OSCC was more common in males than in females (3 to 5). 31% of our patients were smokers, and one had a history of alcoholic consumption. There was an increase in incidence of OSCC with age. In this study, all patients had numerical(aneuploidy, polyploidy) and structural chromosomal disorders (double minute, fragment,breakage and dicentric). There was significant difference between blood and tissue chromosomal disorders (aneuploidy, polyploidy,breakage) in OSCC patients.Conclusion: It can be concluded that chromosomes in patients with OSCC might show some genetic aberration and evaluation of involved tissue might be better way for determining this disorders

An Investigation on the Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in the Unstimulated Whole Saliva of Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Statement of Problem: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common inflammatory diseases encountered in dental practice, but the precise etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a multifunctional angiogenic cytokine involved in angiogenesis andwound healing. There is evidence that VEGF could play an important role in recruiting inflammatory infiltrates like those in RAS.Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate salivary levels of VEGF in various stages of RAS.Materials and Methods: In a case/crossover study, salivary VEGF levels were determined in 31 patients with RAS. Their saliva was collected by the spitting method in specially prepared tubes in two stages; the active phase (first week) and the remission phase. Salivary levels were then determined using the Sandwich ELISA technique and the data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon test.Results: Patients in the remission period had increased VEGF values, 571.774(347.5499) pq/ml, as compared to the acute stage, 424.758 (235.1474), and the difference was significant (P< 0.05).Conclusion: Salivary VEGF levels seem to be associated with ulcer development in RAS, supporting the concept of a potential association between RAS and VEGF

Effect of Co-Driver on Job Content and Depression of Truck Drivers

Background: Since the presence of a co-driver can be considered as a companion, partner, or friend for a driver through eliminating driver's loneliness, it plays a significant role in health and safety of drivers. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of co-drivers on depression and occupational stress on male truck drivers. Methods: This study was an interventional case-control study. Seventy truck drivers were selected and divided into two groups: case (33 truck drivers with co-drivers) and control (37 truck drivers without co-drivers). Two Goldberg depression inventories (for evaluating driver's depression) and the Karasek job content questionnaire (for evaluating driver's job stress) were used to collect data which were completed by interview. Results: The results showed that job content values for the case group were higher in all dimensions except job nature. The comparison of the percentages showed significant difference between two groups. Depression rate in drivers with co-driver is truly less than depression rate in drivers without co-driver. There was significant positive relationship between dimensions of job content and depression rate. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be claimed that a co-driver decreases stress and loneliness of drivers, as well as increases work performance and job satisfaction, and, in turn, leads to a decrease in job-related depression. Keywords: Co-driver, Depression, Job content, Job stress, Truck drive