Assessment of Geometric Parameters of Tibiotarsal Bones in White Kołuda Geese Using Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography

The aim of the study was to evaluate geometrical parameters of tibiotarsal bones in geese depending on age, sex and place in the bone and conditions of breeding. The inner structure of tibiotarsal bones of White Kołuda® geese (W31) subjected to intensive breeding was analyzed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT ). The analyzed bones were derived from birds representing five age groups: one-day-old as well as birds of 2, 4, 6 and 8 wk of age. Bones of 10 males and 10 females were isolated from each group. The analysis was conducted at two levels of the bone: the area of the proximal metaphysis and at half the length of the diaphysis. The proximal metaphysis was selected for the research as it had higher content of the cancellous bone than the distal metaphysis. It was known that the cancellous bone was characterized by a higher rate of metabolic changes. The following geometric parameters were determined: total bone area (TOT _A), trabecular area (TRAB _A), cortical area (CRT _A), cortical thickness (CRT _TH K_C), periosteal circumference (PERI C), endocortical circumference (ENDO _C) and Strength Strain Index (SSI ). It was found that 6 wk of life may be considered as critical in the postnatal development of geese. In the group of 6 wk males in the shafts of the tibial bones, there was a decrease in the values of the following parameters: TOT _A, TRAB _A, PERI _C, ENDO _C. Whereas in 8 wk, an attenuation of the values of all geometric parameters of tibiotarsal bones was observed in both sexes (with the exception of CRT _TH K_C), which may have a negative influence on bone resistance to fractures. In this period, a significant decrease in the values of geometric parameters of tibiotarsal bones could be observed, negatively affecting the resistance of the bone to fractures in 8 wk. The values of SSI parameter at the proximal metaphysis of the tibiotarsal bone decreased in both males and females in 8 wk. In turn, at mid-diaphysis, the SSI values decreased only in males in 8 wk. The achieved results and observations justify the use of optimal environmental and nutritional conditions in geese in order to improve the quality of their skeletal system and to minimize the risk of the occurrence of deformities and fractures of the pelvic limb during the breeding.

[THE VITAL PULP THERAPY IN PERMANENT TEETH]

The vitality of dental pulp is essential for long-term tooth survival. The aim of vital pulp therapy is to preserve vital, healthy pulp tissue. This therapy's foundation is the elimination of bacteria from the dentin-pulp complex. The treatment option depends on the cause and extent of mineralised tooth tissue destruction. The outcome of such treatment is determined by accurate assessment of the pulp's status and the dentist's ability to predict the success of the therapy. The aim of this review is to facilitate the dentist in making a proper decision referring to vital pulp therapy in permanent teeth, and to provide an overview of new approaches in such treatment.

[The effect of age on the process of healing of chronic periapical inflammation]

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of age on the process of healing of chronic periapical inflammation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was carried out in 59 patients with accidentally disclosed chronic periapical inflammation and no other pathology. The patients were allocated to two age groups: group I--from 17 to 44 years of age; group II--from 45 to 78 years of age. All teeth with periapical inflammation were endodontically treated. Control radiographs were taken 6 and 12 months later.

RESULTS

Radiographs taken after 6 months disclosed partial or complete restoration of periapical tissues in 79.5% of patients in group I and 65.0% of patients in group II. Radiographs after 12 months showed partial or complete healing in 94.8% of patients in group I and 90.0% of patients in group II.

CONCLUSIONS

The process of healing of chronic periapical inflammation lasted longer in patients aged 45-78 years than in patients aged 17-44 years. The outcome of treatment was similar in both groups.

[Biofilm formation on root canal--review]

It seems likely that one of the reasons for failures in the endodontic treatment is the presence of biofilm in root canals. Biofilm bacteria have a slower metabolism and higher resistance and virulence due to phenotypic changes. The occurrence of biofilms has been reported both inside the canal and on the external root surface. The results of many studies suggest that biofilm may be associated with refractory periapical periodontitis and is often caused by the coronal leakage.

[Proceeding with patients having mental impairment and those affected by congenital development anomalies during orthodontic treatment]

The aim of the work was to describe the specificity of proceeding with patients having mental impairment and those affected by congenital development anomalies during orthodontic treatment. At the same time, an attempt has been made at solving some problems concerning the treatment of patients with special needs. Based on available references three model syndromes of congenital development anomalies with coexisting mental impairment have been described: Down, Lejeune and Williams syndromes. It results from the descriptions and discussions included in this work that the possibilities of optimal cooperation and most effective treatment of patients affected by congenital birth defects and by mental impairment are conditioned, among other things, by: good contact between a doctor, a patient and a parent (guardian), availability and application of the best treatment solutions as well as coordinated implementation of a common therapeutic plan by members of an interdisciplinary team in specialized medical health centres.

[Human salivary mucins--their role and meaning]

PURPOSE

The aim of this work is to present the current views concerning the role and the meaning of human salivary mucins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A review of works dealing with basic information regarding mucins, their role and use in the diagnosis of some of the systematic diseases.

RESULTS

Human salivary mucins are glycoproteins secreted through epithelial cells of the salivary glands of the oral cavity. Those molecules should not only be linked with the forming of dental plaque or their function of lining the oral cavity with a protective layer. The so far carried out investigations show that apart from lactoferrin, amylases or peroxidases those salivary proteins can be used in the diagnosis of many disease entities.

[The effectiveness of some methods in eliminating bacteria from the root canal of a tooth with chronic apical periodontitis]

MATERIAL AND METHODS

[corrected] The study material consisted of 45 teeth with chronic apical periodontitis treated in 37 patients (22 females and 15 males). The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of one-visit (group 1, 26 teeth) and two-visit endodontic treatment with iodoform and pulpomixine between visits (group II, 19 teeth) in eliminating bacteria from the root canal.

RESULTS

Microbiological samples were cultured and microorganisms were identified before and after treatment. A rich and varied bacterial flora was found in all samples before treatment. Following treatment, there were 17 (65.4%) bacteria-free root canals and 9 (34.6%) canals with sparse bacterial flora in group I and 15 (78.9%) bacteria-free and 4 (21.1%) bacteria-containing root canals in group II.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that both methods performed similarly and neither method was fully effective in eliminating bacteria from the root canals.

[Concentration of fluoride in mixed saliva of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing renal replacement therapy]

This study was carried out on 48 patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis treatment (29 males and 19 females, mean age 50.8 years) and renal transplantation (15 females and 33 males, mean age 42.2 years). The results were compared with a group of 44 healthy persons (23 females and 21 males, mean age 49.5 years). The aim of our investigation was to examine the content of fluoride in the mixed unstimulated saliva of the patients undergoing renal replacement therapy and in the control group of healthy persons. We studied the influence of hemodialysis on saliva fluoride levels. Saliva samples were collected by the spitting method according to Navazesh. Samples were collected before and after hemodialysis session and once in graft recipients and controls. Fluoride concentrations were determined with an Orion fluoroselective electrode model 96-09. The fluoride level in healthy persons was 4.92 +/- 2.30 micromol/L. Before hemodialysis, the mean fluoride level was 9.63 +/- 3.90 micromol/L and decreased significantly to 7.52 +/- 2.71 micromol/L after hemodialysis (p < 0.0001). Saliva content of fluorides in patients before and after hemodialysis was significantly higher than in healthy subjects and kidney graft recipients (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in fluoride concentration between patients after kidney transplantation and controls. The results suggest the need for individual fluoride supplementation in chronically hemodialysed patients.