Detection of natural killer T cells in mice infected with Rickettsia conorii

Little information is available regarding the role of natural killer T (NKT) cells during the early stage of Rickettsia conorii infection. Herein, C3H/HeN mice were infected with the Malish 7 strain of R. conorii. Splenocytes from these mice were analysed in the early stage of the infection by flow cytometry and compared with uninfected controls. Our results showed an increase in NKT cells in infected mice. Additionally, NKT interleukin (IL)-17(+) cells increased three days after infection, together with a concurrent decrease in the relative amount of NKT interferon (IFN)-\u3b3(+) cells. We also confirmed a higher amount of NK IFN-\u3b3(+) cells in infected mice. Taken together, our data showed that NKT cells producing Il-17 increased during the early stage of rickettsial infection. These results suggest a connection between IL-17(+) NKT cells and vasculitis, which is the main clinical symptom of rickettsiosi

Molariform macrodont bilateral second premolars: Secondi premolari bilaterali macrodontici molariformi

OBJECTIVESMacrodontia is a rare morphoanatomical anomaly that has been used to describe dental gigantism when the body of the tooth is enlarged and roots are smaller.The aim of the present artiche was to present the clinical and radiographic findings of isolated bilateral macrodontia of mandibular second premolars.Because of apical prolongation, the affected teeth have proportionately shortened roots, and enlarged pulp chambers. Although its aetiopathogenesis remains largely unclear, genetic and acquired factors may play a role in the onset of this condition. In spite of mandibular second premolar showing an elevated variability of crown morphology, macrodontia of premolars is extremely rare and may be confused with fusion or gemination of adjacent teeth to form a single tooth.Depending on the size and morphology of the affected teeth, macrodontia is a dental condition that may create several functional and esthetic problems that may require endodontic, prosthetic, surgical, and/or orthodontic treatment to allow adequate formation of the dental arches. MATERIALS AND METHODSA 16-year-old boy visited the outpatient department of the Division of dentistry with a chief complaint of irregular teeth in oral cavity and pain in correspondence of the tongue.The patient's medical history was unremarkable, and there was no family history of any genetic or dental anomalies. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONIntraoral examination revealed the crowding in the mandibular arch, with the presence of unusually bulbous mandibular second premolars bilaterally which had molar-like appearances.The treatment plan included surgical extraction of the macrodontic premolars as well as preparation for consequent orthodontic therapy. The teeth were surgically removed in 2 consecutive sessions under local anesthesia. CONCLUSIONSDental practitioners should be familiar with macrodontia with regard to not only clinical complications but also its management

Intraosseous angiolipoma of the mandible

Introduction: The angiolipoma is an uncommon histologic variant of lipomas, accounts for 5-17% of lipomas. Intraosseous lipomas of the jaws are extremely rare. The aim of the present article is to report and discuss another case of intramandibular angiolipoma. Case report: A 66-year-old man was referred to the Dentistry Department for the diagnosis and treatment of a lesion in the mandible. Past medical history included HIV positivity. The patient was asymptomatic. A CT scan revealed the incidental finding of a well-defined radiolucent image in the right body of the mandible, in the edentulous first molar / second premolar region, with sclerotic margins, and in contact with the mandibular canal, that was preserved. A conservative enucleation under local anesthesia was decided, together with the patient. Histopathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of angiolipoma. Discussion: Clinically, most intraosseous lipomas are asymptomatic, including the present case. Histological findings are essential for the diagnosis of intraosseous angiolipoma: mature neoplastic adipocytes streaked with numerous interspersed vascular spaces / blood vessels surrounded by mast cells and filled with red cells and several fibrous microthrombi are characteristics of angiolipomas. Conclusions: The diagnosis of intraosseous angiolipomas of the jaws may be difficult due to their rarity and it requires a histopathological examination