Epidemiological assessment of maxillofacial fractures in inhabitants of Lower Silesia, Poland, in 2002-2006 - Treatment of maxillofacial fracture

Introduction and objective. Epidemiological assessment of maxillofacial fractures carried out by a given specialized centre may constitute valuable material for comparison with other regions of Poland and the European Union. This material could help standardize the present methods of treating craniofacial skeleton dislocations, and plan appropriate financial resources both for specialized treatment of such fractures and fractures that require multidisciplinary care. Moreover, the frequency of complicated maxillofacial fractures leading to residual disability and circumstances in which fracture occurred may be useful for the Social Security authorities. Materials and methods. This study is a continuation of research on maxillofacial traumatology carried by the Maxillofacial Department of the Medical University in Wrocław, Lower Silesia. Since 1956, a statistical review of maxillofacial fractures has been kept in 5 or 10-year periods. Statistical analysis of this kind is useful in indentifying the frequency of the phenomenon, taking suitable treatment precautions, verifying treatment methods, and analyzing costs and losses incurred as a result of absence at work. Sociological aspect of such studies includes indicating sources of socially adverse phenomena, i.e. violence or alcohol abuse. The studies were based on clinical documentation of 937 patients, where dependencies between chosen parameters were identified. As a basic statistical analysis of variable interdependence the χ2 test of independence was applied. Conclusions. Lately, there have been more maxillofacial fractures resulting from civilization changes. Simultaneously, there are new treatment methods and significant progress has been made regarding materials that are used in these treatments

Influence of dioxin intoxication on the human system and possibilities of limiting its negative effects on the environment and living organisms

Introduction and objective. Despite the restrictive legal regulations related to the reduction of dioxins emission, their concentration in the environment is still too high. Mainly, this is related to the illegal utilisation of electronic equipment and combustion of wastes, and also to intensified activity and maintenance of ships, especially in developing countries. The most important remaining source in Europe is the metal industry. Studies on the mechanism of impact of dioxins are still being carried out. This review points at new possibilities for limiting the molecular mechanisms of dioxins activity, inter alia, through the application of high doses of tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid while treating dioxins intoxication. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Apart from the knowledge of dioxins affinity to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), the multi-stage radical-form actions and the pro-inflammatory mechanism associated with cyclooxygenase-II enzyme (COX-2) are under intense investigation at the moment. Due to the high affinity of dioxins to animals adipose tissue and their ability to accumulate in it, they can enter the food chain. Furthermore, high dioxin doses can cause poisoning manifested as advanced clinical symptoms, whereas in smaller doses, when cumulated, can cause metabolic changes which are often difficult to associate with their presence. Recently, some serious food contaminations by dioxins have been demonstrated. Sea fish and products from contaminated aqueducts still constitute potential sources of dioxins pollution. Conclusion. According to recent studies, dioxins are present in different concentrations in the environment and cause specific and long-time effects. These effects could be limited by the use of tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid. Ke

Anatomical and Biomechanical Aspects of the Horse Spine: The Interpretation of Vertebral Fusion in a Medieval Horse from Wroclaw (Poland)

The investigation were carried out on the medieval horses thoracic and lumbar spine excavated between 2009-2011 by the Institute of Archaeology, University of Wroclaw at New Market Square in Wroclaw (Wratislavia, Breslau), capital city of the Polish province of Lower Silesia. The pathological changes, like: ankylosis of the zygapophyses, fusion of the vertebral bodies and arches and the interspinal space calcification were observed. The X-ray examination was done. During medieval artefact interpretation the biomechanical aspect of horse's locomotor system was taken into consideration. The archaeozoological material was compared with modern horse's spine (with similar pathological changes and known history of disease). The analysis proved, that the observed osseous reaction was a result of the long-lasting inflammation. Such a disease appearance accompanies chronic inflammatory state of errector muscles of the spine. It is typical for those horses utilised for the saddle. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd