Pericardial adipose tissue and the metabolic syndrome is increased in patients with chronic major depressive disorder compared to acute depression and controls

OBJECTIVE

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with an estimated fourfold risk for premature death, largely attributed to cardiovascular disorders. Pericardial adipose tissue (PAT), a fat compartment surrounding the heart, has been implicated in the development of coronary artery disease. An unanswered question is whether people with chronic MDD are more likely to have elevated PAT volumes versus acute MDD and controls (CTRL).

METHODS

The study group consists of sixteen patients with chronic MDD, thirty-four patients with acute MDD, and twenty-five CTRL. PAT and adrenal gland volume were measured by magnetic resonance tomography. Additional measures comprised factors of the metabolic syndrome, cortisol, relative insulin resistance, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6; IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α).

RESULTS

PAT volumes were significantly increased in patients with chronic MDD>patients with acute MDD>CTRL. Adrenal gland volume was slightly enlarged in patients with chronic MDD>acute MDD>CTRL, although this difference failed to reach significance. The PAT volume was correlated with adrenal gland volume, and cortisol concentrations were correlated with depression severity, measured by BDI-2 and MADRS. Group differences were found concerning the rate of the metabolic syndrome, being most frequent in chronic MDD>acute MDD>CTRL. Further findings comprised increased fasting cortisol, increased TNF-α concentration, and decreased physical activity level in MDD compared to CTRL.

CONCLUSION

Our results extend the existing literature in demonstrating that patients with chronic MDD have the highest risk for developing cardiovascular disorders, indicated by the highest PAT volume and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The correlation of PAT with adrenal gland volume underscores the role of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system as mediator for body-composition changes. Metabolic monitoring, health advices and motivation for the improvement of physical fitness may be recommended in depressed patients, in particular in chronic depression.

In vivo and in vitro characterization of a Plasmodium liver stage-specific promoter

Little is known about stage-specific gene regulation in Plasmodium parasites, in particular the liver stage of development. We have previously described in the Plasmodium berghei rodent model, a liver stage-specific (lisp2) gene promoter region, in vitro. Using a dual luminescence system, we now confirm the stage specificity of this promoter region also in vivo. Furthermore, by substitution and deletion analyses we have extended our in vitro characterization of important elements within the promoter region. Importantly, the dual luminescence system allows analyzing promoter constructs avoiding mouse-consuming cloning procedures of transgenic parasites. This makes extensive mutation and deletion studies a reasonable approach also in the malaria mouse model. Stage-specific expression constructs and parasite lines are extremely valuable tools for research on Plasmodium liver stage biology. Such reporter lines offer a promising opportunity for assessment of liver stage drugs, characterization of genetically attenuated parasites and liver stage-specific vaccines both in vivo and in vitro, and may be key for the generation of inducible systems.

Meteorological influences on swarm emergence in honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) as detected by crowdsourcing

A crowdsourced dataset of 1,335 honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) swarm events in Germany in 2011 was created by beekeepers, public institutions, and members of the public and analyzed with respect to prevailing weather. The emergence of swarms appeared to be influenced by temperature and rainfall. On successive warm days in May the number of swarming events increased noticeably, but during a mid-month frost event the number of swarming events dropped markedly. Swarming events also occurred only rarely on rainy days. This study showed how crowdsourcing can be used to generate large, useful, phenological datasets.

Nematode-induced interference with the anti-Plasmodium CD8+ T-cell response can be overcome by optimizing antigen administration

Malaria is still responsible for up to 1 million deaths per year worldwide, highlighting the need for protective malaria vaccines. Helminth infections that are prevalent in malaria endemic areas can modulate immune responses of the host. Here we show that Strongy-Ioides ratti, a gut-dwelling nematode that causes transient infections, did not change the efficacy of vaccination against Plasmodium berghei. An ongoing infection with Litomosoides sigmodontis, a tissue-dwelling filaria that induces chronic infections in BALB/c mice, significantly interfered with vaccination efficacy. The induction of P. berghei circumspor-ozoite protein (CSP)-specific CD8(+) T cells, achieved by a single immunization with a CSP fusion protein, was diminished in L. sigmodontis-infected mice. This modulation was reflected by reduced frequencies of CSP-specific CD8(+) T cells, reduced CSP-specific IFN-y and TNF-a production, reduced CSP-specific cytotoxicity, and reduced protection against P. berghei challenge infection. Implementation of a more potent vaccine regime, by first priming with CSP-expressing recombinant live Salmonella prior to CSP fusion protein immunization, restored induction of CSP-specific CD8(+) T cells and conferred almost sterile immunity to P. berghei challenge infection also in L. sigmodontis-infected mice. In summary, we show that appropriate vaccination regimes can overcome helminth-induced interference with vaccination efficacy.

Autophagy gene variant IRGM -261T contributes to protection from tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis but not by M. africanum strains

The human immunity-related GTPase M (IRGM) has been shown to be critically involved in regulating autophagy as a means of disposing cytosolic cellular structures and of reducing the growth of intracellular pathogens in vitro. This includes Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is in agreement with findings indicating that M. tuberculosis translocates from the phagolysosome into the cytosol of infected cells, where it becomes exposed to autophagy. To test whether IRGM plays a role in human infection, we studied IRGM gene variants in 2010 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and 2346 unaffected controls. Mycobacterial clades were classified by spoligotyping, IS6110 fingerprinting and genotyping of the pks1/15 deletion. The IRGM genotype −261TT was negatively associated with TB caused by M. tuberculosis (OR 0.66, CI 0.52–0.84, P_nominal 0.0009, P_corrected 0.0045) and not with TB caused by M. africanum or M. bovis (OR 0.95, CI 0.70–1.30. P 0.8). Further stratification for mycobacterial clades revealed that the protective effect applied only to M. tuberculosis strains with a damaged pks1/15 gene which is characteristic for the Euro-American (EUAM) subgroup of M. tuberculosis (OR 0.63, CI 0.49–0.81, P_nominal 0.0004, P_corrected 0.0019). Our results, including those of luciferase reporter gene assays with the IRGM variants −261C and −261T, suggest a role for IRGM and autophagy in protection of humans against natural infection with M. tuberculosis EUAM clades. Moreover, they support in vitro findings indicating that TB lineages capable of producing a distinct mycobacterial phenolic glycolipid that occurs exclusively in strains with an intact pks1/15 gene inhibit innate immune responses in which IRGM contributes to the control of autophagy. Finally, they raise the possibility that the increased frequency of the IRGM −261TT genotype may have contributed to the establishment of M. africanum as a pathogen in the West African population.

Autophagy is a process in which cell components are degraded by the lysosomal machinery. It has recently been described that activation of autophagy reduces the viability of M. tuberculosis in phagosomes due to an intimate autophagy-phagocytosis interaction. M. tuberculosis may also be directly accessible to autophagy, as M. tuberculosis was found to translocate into the cytoplasm. The immunity-related GTPase IRGM is a mediator of innate immune responses and induces autophagy. We have studied genetic variants of the human IRGM gene in a Ghanaian tuberculosis case-control group and found that the IRGM variant −261T provides relative protection against disease when the infection is caused by the Euro-American lineage of M. tuberculosis. This lineage is characterized by the pks1/15 seven base-pair (bp) deletion. The product of an intact pks1/15 gene, phenolic glycolipid-tb, might contribute to mycobacterial virulence by suppressing innate immune responses. It is, therefore, conceivable that only the Euro-American lineage is exposed to IRGM-triggered innate defence mechanisms. Our observations suggest that the increased frequency of the IRGM −261TT genotype may have allowed the establishment of M. africanum as a pathogen in West Africa.

Highly efficient subcloning of rodent malaria parasites by injection of single merosomes or detached cells

This protocol describes a method for obtaining rodent Plasmodium parasite clones with high efficiency, which takes advantage of the normal course of Plasmodium in vitro exoerythrocytic development. At the completion of development, detached cells/merosomes form, which contain hundreds to thousands of merozoites. As all parasites within a single detached cell/merosome derive from the same sporozoite, we predicted them to be genetically identical. To prove this, hepatoma cells were infected simultaneously with a mixture of Plasmodium berghei sporozoites expressing either GFP or mCherry. Subsequently, individual detached cells/merosomes from this mixed population were selected and injected into mice, resulting in clonal blood stage parasite infections. Importantly, as a large majority of mice become successfully infected using this protocol, significantly less mice are necessary than for the widely used technique of limiting dilution cloning. To produce a clonal P. berghei blood stage infection from a non-clonal infection using this procedure requires between 4 and 5 weeks.

Synthesis, photochemistry and application of (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)methyl-caged 8-bromoadenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate and 8-bromoguanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate photolyzed in the nanosecond time region

New caged derivatives of hydrolysis-resistant 8-bromoadenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) and 8-bromoguanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) are described. The compounds are the axial and equatorial isomers of the (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)methyl (MCM) esters of cyclic nucleotides. Synthesis is accomplished by treatment of 4-bromomethyl-7-methoxycoumarin with the tetra-n-butylammonium salts of the 8-bromo-substituted cyclic nucleotides or with the free acids of 8-Br-cAMP and 8-Br-cGMP in the presence of silver(I) oxide. MCM-caged 8-Br-cAMP and MCM-caged 8-Br-cGMP liberate 8-Br-cAMP and 8-Br-cGMP during irradiation with ultraviolet light within a few nanoseconds. They show favorable absorption properties and quantum yields and are resistant to hydrolysis in aqueous buffer solutions. The moderate fluorescence properties of the caged compounds in comparison with the strongly fluorescent 4-hydroxymethyl-7-methoxycoumarin (MCM-OH) photoproduct allow the indirect estimation of the amount of photolytically released cyclic nucleotides in aqueous buffer solutions using fluorescence measurements. Their usefulness for physiological studies has been examined in a mammalian cell line expressing the cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel of bovine olfactory sensory neurons using the patch-clamp technique and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The caged compounds serve as efficient and rapid intracellular sources of 8-Br-cAMP and 8-Br-cGMP. However, at least in HEK 293 cells, fluorescence signals cannot be used to monitor the photolysis of MCM-caged 8-Br-cAMP and 8-Br-cGMP, due to quenching of the fluorescence of MCM-OH.

Follicular dendritic cells and presentation of antigen and costimulatory signals to B cells

This review focuses on how immunogens trapped by FDC in the form of Ag-Ab complexes productively signal B cells. In vitro. Ag-Ab complexes are poorly immunogenic but in vivo immune complexes elicit potent recall responses. FDC trap Ag-Ab complexes and make immune complex coated bodies or "iccosomes". B cells endocytose iccosomes, the Ag is processed, and T-cell help is elicited. In vitro, addition of FDC bearing appropriate Ag-Ab complex to memory T and B cells provoke potent recall responses (IgG and IgE). FDC also provide nonspecific costimulatory signals which augment B-cell proliferation and Ab production. B cell-FDC contact is important and interference with ICAM-1-LFA-1 interactions reduces FDC-mediated costimulation. Preliminary data suggest that a costimulatory signal may be delivered via CR2L on FDC binding CR2 on B cells. FDC can also stimulate B cells to become chemotactically active and can protect lymphocytes from apoptosis. FDC also appear to be rich in thiol groups and may replace reducing compounds such as 2 mercaptoethanol in cultures. In short, FDC-Ag specifically signals B cells through BCR, and FDC provide B cells with iccosomal-Ag necessary for processing to elicit T-cell help. In addition, FDC provide nonspecific signals that are important to promote B-cell proliferation, maintain viability, and induce chemotactic responsiveness.

24,25-(OH)2D3 regulates protein kinase C through two distinct phospholipid-dependent mechanisms

We have previously shown that 24,25-(OH)2D3 plays a major role in resting zone (RC) chondrocyte differentiation and that this vitamin D metabolite regulates protein kinase C (PKC). The aim of the present study was to identify the signal transduction pathway used by 24,25-(OH)2D3 to stimulate PKC activation. Confluent, fourth passage RC cells from rat costochondral cartilage were used to evaluate the mechanism of PKC activation. Treatment of RC cultures with 24,25-(OH)2D3 for 90 min produced a dose-dependent increase in diacylglycerol (DAG). Addition of R59022, a diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor, significantly increased PKC activity in cultures treated with 24,25-(OH)2D3. Addition of dioctanoylglycerol (DOG) to plasma membranes isolated from RC increased PKC activity 447-fold. Addition of pertussis toxin or cholera toxin to control cultures elevated basal PKC activity. When added together with 10(-9) M 24,25-(OH)2D3, there was an additive effect on PKC activity but in cultures treated with 10(-8) M 24,25-(OH)2D3, only the hormone-dependent stimulation of PKC was observed. The phospholipase C inhibitor, U73-122, had no effect on PKC activity, indicating that the DAG produced in response to 24,25-(OH)2D3 is not derived from phosphatidylinositol. Addition of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, also had no effect on 24,25-(OH)2D3-stimulated PKC, further supporting the hypothesis that phospholipase C is not involved in the mechanism and that phospholipase D is responsible for the increase in DAG production. Phospholipase A2 inhibitors, quinacrine and AACOCF3, and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin increased PKC activity in the RC cultures. Exogenous PGE2, one of the downstream products of phospholipase A2 action, inhibited PKC activity. These results suggest that 24,25-(OH)2D3 regulates PKC activity by two distinct phospholipid-dependent mechanisms: production of DAG via phospholipase D and inhibition of the production of PGE2 via inhibition of phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase.

Relationship between dental and skeletal maturation in Danish schoolchildren

Spearman correlation coefficients between the number of emerged permanent teeth and RUS (TW2 method) skeletal maturity scores were calculated among 1412 boys and 1332 girls, aged 7-14 yr, divided into 3-month age groups. "Moving averages" are presented of the correlation coefficients for every four 3-month age groups at a time. The pattern of the correlations differed between the sexes. However, in general, weak associations were found (mean r = 0.15-0.16), but correlations were significant at the 1% level in 8.5-9.5-yr-old girls and around 12 yr in both sexes. It is argued that skeletal, rather than dental, maturity should be assessed in adopted non-European children of unknown chronologic age.

Correlation between caries experience in primary and permanent dentition in birth-cohorts 1950-70

Caries experience in the primary molars and canines at 8 yr of age and in the permanent dentition at 16 was correlated in every fourth birth-cohort between 1950 and 1970 in a Danish community. Correlations between 0.44 and 0.55 were found. Cross-tabulation of the data also revealed close association, but prediction of individual high caries risk children based solely on screening for caries experience in the primary dentition is hardly cost-effective.

Caries among Danish schoolchildren in birth-cohorts 1950-78

Data on caries prevalence are reported from 8- and 16-yr-old children living in a Danish community which established the Public Child Dental Health Service in 1957. Every fourth birth-cohort from 1950 through 1970 was followed longitudinally. In the 8-yr-olds, caries prevalence decreased in the primary dentition from 17 to 3 dmfs and in the permanent dentition from 3.4 to 0.3 DMFS over a 28-yr period. Among the 16-yr-olds, a reduction was observed from 16.4 to 5.1 DMFS over 20 yr. Time trends in the decreasing caries prevalence are related to various organizational events and preventive measures. Moreover, the possible influence of general changes in living conditions and health behavior is pointed out.

Mandibular dysfunction in adulthood in relation to morphologic malocclusion at adolescence

The purpose of this 20-year follow-up study was to assess whether pronounced morphologic traits of malocclusion, persisting from adolescence to about 35 years of age, imply an increased risk of persistent and severe mandibular dysfunction. In 1965-66 malocclusion was recorded in 176 adolescents; in 1981 these persons responded to a questionnaire concerning symptoms of functional disorders, and in 1986-87 malocclusion and signs of dysfunction were registered. Highly significant associations were observed between some of the self-reported symptoms and the signs registered 5-6 years later. Spearman correlation coefficients between the persistent traits of malocclusion, occurring at both examinations, and the signs of mandibular dysfunction were low in general. No association was found between the most severe and persistent functional disorders and any particular malocclusion. It is concluded that orthodontic screening of morphologic malocclusion in childhood would seem of limited value in attempts to predict mandibular dysfunction in adulthood.

[Association among general health, diet and need of dental care among retired pensioners living at home]

A pilot project was established in a Danish municipality with the aim of improving the nutrition of 67-85-year-olds living at home but who were dependent on domestic aid for purchasing or preparing their food. The project comprised health education and information concerning dietary habits as well as an offer of dental treatment to those who were physically or mentally handicapped. At initiation of the project, the persons (n = 110; 89% of the target population) were interviewed about their general and dental health, ailments, drug consumption, and diet. Furthermore, a clinical dental examination was made (n = 106). From these baseline registrations, the elderly were divided into subgroups: unbalanced, moderate, and balanced diet; low, moderate, and high consumption of, respectively, water/milk and coffee/tea; great, moderate, and no need for dental care. Systematic associations were found between general health problems and unbalanced diet. A tendency was observed toward more frequent complaints in the groups with relatively high consumption of water/milk and water/milk/coffee/tea. The strongest associations were found between general health complaints, handicaps, and masticatory deficiency on the one hand and great need for dental care on the other. Also, the group with great need for dental care was overrepresented in the group with unbalanced diet. It is argued that accessibility to dental care would improve the chances for the elderly to stay in their own homes.

Individual changes in malocclusion from adolescence to 35 years of age

It was the aim of this follow-up study to assess the extent of individual changes in the occurrence of specific pronounced traits of malocclusion in a sample of 176 subjects who were selected from a catchment population examined in adolescence in 1965-66 and who were re-examined in 1986-87 (mean age, 35.5 years). Orthodontic treatment had been received by 10% of the subjects, and extraction rates were low. Deep overbite and mandibular crowding, especially in the incisor segment, tended to increase in frequency. However, on the whole, the various malocclusion traits remained remarkably stable in the orthodontically untreated individuals.

Causal relation between malocclusion and caries

In this second report of a follow-up study of long-term adverse oral health effects of malocclusion it is assessed whether various occlusal and space anomalies imply an increased risk of caries. In 1965-66 malocclusion was recorded in 176 adolescents who were re-examined in 1986-87 at the age of 33-39 years. DMFS scores, in the dentition as a whole and in the segments of the dental arches, were compared between subjects displaying specified traits of malocclusion at both examinations and a comparison group comprising subjects without malocclusion at both examinations. No relationship was found between the malocclusion traits and caries prevalence.

Causal relation between malocclusion and periodontal health

The purpose of this 20-year follow-up study was to assess whether persistent traits of morphologic malocclusion imply an increased risk of periodontal disease. In 1965-66 malocclusion was recorded in 176 adolescents who were re-examined in 1986-87 at the age of 33-39 years. Markedly healthier periodontal conditions were found in women than men, in the higher social group than the lower one, and in the maxilla than the mandible. Subjects with specified malocclusion traits at both examinations were compared with subjects without malocclusion for the occurrence of calculus, gingivitis (bleeding), and pocketing. Controlling for the effect of sex and social group, periodontal disease was significantly more frequent in the maxilla in connection with crowding, extreme maxillary overjet, and cross-bite (p less than 0.05). No association was found in the mandible. The presence of certain malocclusion traits in adolescence may probably often call for special professional efforts of oral hygiene education rather than orthodontic therapy.

Changes in prevalence of approximal caries in 17-year-olds and related restorative treatment strategies over a 6-year period

Two cohorts of 17-yr-olds treated in a municipal child dental service in 1978-79 and 1984-85 had bitewing radiographs taken at the examination before the last course of treatment in the service. All radiographs were read by one examiner, who did not know to which cohort the individual belonged. The subsequent treatment was recorded from the treatment records by another examiner, who was unaware of the results of the radiographic examination. According to radiographic scores, the proportion of decayed or filled (DFS) approximal surfaces had decreased from 23.2% to 17.4% during the period (difference: 25%). The proportion of unfilled surfaces which were decayed (DS) had remained almost constant, while 9.6% of the surfaces were filled (FS) in 1978-79 compared to 3.1% in 1984-85 (difference: 68%). Thus, in spite of a 25% decrease in total caries experience (DFS), a reduction of 68% would be claimed if fillings (FS) were interpreted as expression of disease prevalence. The risk of an approximal surface being filled decreased to about one fifth from 1978-79 to 1984-85, and the risk of being filled was nearly three times as high for approximal surfaces of children who already had approximal fillings at the time of examination. Thus, both the year of examination and the subject's previously received treatment seemed to influence the treatment strategy of the dentist.

Forecasts of preserved teeth and denture wearers among Danish adults early in the next century

To assist in the planning of oral health services, forecasts were made and goals specified with regard to the numbers of preserved teeth and subjects wearing full or partial dentures among Danish adults in 1992 and 2002. Forecasting was based on existing data, viz. a survey in 1982, including clinical examination, of a representative sample of 20-80-yr-olds (n = 2548), on register data from the National Health Insurance, and survival rates. By combining information from these sources, an increase was estimated in number of preserved teeth among 20-99-yr-olds from 68 million in 1982 to 82 and 92 million in 1992 and 2002, respectively. Correspondingly, a 28% increase in the mean number of remaining teeth was proposed as a goal for the year 2002. A decrease was estimated in the number of denture wearers, from 1.4 million in 1982 to 1.07 and 0.74 million in 1992 and 2002, respectively. The corresponding goal was specified as a 50% reduction in the proportion of denture wearers in 2002. In the middle aged and older part of the population the increasing number of remaining teeth may be expected to imply considerable needs for professional care even in the beginning of the next century.

Uncertainties in designation of age at menarche in the nineteenth century: revised mean for Denmark, 1835

The earliest Danish study of mean age at menarche by Ravn (Fenger 1850) is analysed with special reference to age recordings and their subsequent groupings into age-classes. Uncertainties of interpretation of the age designations are discussed, and it is argued that, in all probability, mean age at menarche was 17 years in the samples of Danish women born around 1820, rather than below 16 years as believed previously.

Effect of separate malocclusion traits on concern for dental appearance

Effects of separate traits of malocclusion on concern for dental appearance were isolated by means of multiple regression analysis in a 15-yr follow-up study of 30-yr-old Danes. On the basis of questionnaires (response rate 86%, n = 841), the dependent "concern-for-dental-appearance" variable was constructed from the respondents' replies about recalled perceptions and societal reactions concerning their dental appearance at the time of adolescence. In the same individuals, separate traits of malocclusion had been recorded clinically 15 yr earlier. These traits were inserted as independent dummy variables into the regression model. In both sexes the closest relationship with the dependent variable was displayed by the most conspicuous traits in the anterior region of the dentition. Some traits showed significant associations only in women, whose regression coefficients were, in general, higher than those of men. About half of the variation in the dependent variable was explained by the model.

Psychosocial implications of malocclusion: a 15-year follow-up study in 30-year-old Danes

Long-term psychosocial effects of malocclusion should be studied longitudinally from childhood to adulthood in orthodontically untreated populations. In 1965-66, the occurrence of morphologic traits of malocclusion was recorded in 977 Danish adolescents who had no access to organized orthodontic care. In a follow-up study 15 years later, a questionnaire was mailed to the subjects; this contained general questions about body image and specific inquiries concerning self-perception and social implications of dental appearance. The response rate was 86%. Ten percent had received orthodontic treatment. In the remaining individuals, only one entry among thirteen items of body image--the teeth--was rated significantly less satisfactory by subjects with malocclusion at adolescence than by subjects without malocclusion at adolescence. The lowest ratings were observed in subjects with extreme maxillary overjet, extreme deep bite, and crowding. Highly significant differences were found between the two groups (subjects with and without malocclusion) in recalling adolescent awareness of malocclusion, dissatisfaction with the appearance of the teeth, and unfavorable appearance of the teeth compared with those of peers. Schoolmates' teasing occurred seven times more often in the presence of malocclusion. Differences were less marked in the perceptions of the same individuals in adulthood. However, in both adolescence and adulthood unfavorable perceptions of the teeth were expressed significantly more often by subjects with extreme maxillary overjet, extreme deep bite, and crowding. No association was found between malocclusion and present occupational status. It was concluded that certain malocclusions, especially conspicuous occlusal and space anomalies, may adversely affect body image and self-concept, not only at adolescence but also in adulthood.

Malocclusion at adolescence related to self-reported tooth loss and functional disorders in adulthood

It has been argued that malocclusion may predispose to tooth loss and functional disorders of the masticatory system. It was the purpose of this study to examine relationships between untreated malocclusion, recorded at adolescence, and self-reported tooth loss and functional disorders in adulthood. In 1965-66, the occurrence of morphologic traits of malocclusion was recorded in 977 Danish adolescents who did not have access to organized orthodontic care. Fifteen years later, 841 (86%) of these subjects responded to a questionnaire screening for tooth loss, symptoms involving the temporomandibular joints and muscles, and some other symptoms of dysfunction. The occurrence of malocclusion was related to the symptoms of the temporomandibular joints and muscles and other functional symptoms. Only a few significant coefficients of correlation were observed. Extreme maxillary overjet (greater than 9 mm) and frontal open bite showed significant correlations with unsatisfactory biting ability. Crossbite was correlated positively with speech defects but negatively with tenderness or fatigue of the cheeks; unilateral crossbite was associated with locking of the mandible. It was concluded that the untreated morphologic traits of malocclusion did not seem to predispose to tooth loss or functional disorders of the masticatory system as reported at the age of 30 years.

Decrease in menarcheal age from 1966 to 1983 in Denmark

Mean age at menarche was estimated by the status quo method in the same region of Denmark in 1965-66 and 1982-83 in 983 and 1 591 girls, respectively. During that period menarcheal age decreased by 4 months from 13.40 to 13.03 years, subsequent to a similar decrease from 1949-50 (2) to 1965-66. Comparison with recent data from the other Nordic countries, except Norway, indicates that age at menarche is now close to 13 years, and a halt in the trend towards earlier menarche is not evident.

A 15-year follow-up study of 30-year-old Danes with regard to orthodontic treatment experience and perceived need for treatment in a region without organized orthodontic care

It was the aim to study orthodontic treatment experience and past and present perceived need for treatment in 30-year-old Danes who, at adolescence, had no access to organized orthodontic care. In order to identify the malocclusion traits which elicited treatment or need for treatment, the findings were related to the occurrence of various traits which had been registered in the same individuals 15 years earlier. From questionnaires (response rate 86%, n = 841) it appeared that 10% had received treatment and 20% perceived need for treatment either in childhood or at present. At adolescence, the subjects who had subsequently received treatment, displayed relatively high frequencies of ectopic eruption, anterior cross-bite, extreme maxillary overjet, deep bite, and crowding; among those who perceived need for treatment, extreme maxillary overjet, mandibular overjet and crowding were relatively prevalent.

Orthodontic treatment priorities in the Danish Child Dental Health Services

In 1980, the population of Danish schoolchildren in grade 9 formed the first cohort which, throughout all school grades, had been covered by the Child Dental Health Services, including free orthodontic care. National statistics on prevalence of malocclusion for this cohort of about 60 000 children in grades 3, 6, and 9 (approximate ages: 9, 12, and 15 years) were compared with corresponding frequencies in a population of schoolchildren in the 1960s among whom orthodontic treatment was rare. From the comparison it is inferred that treatment priority, based on professionally defined need, had been given to occlusal anomalies of the incisor segment, transverse anomalies of the lateral segments, and crowding.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the most common connective tissue disease occurring during childhood, is characterized by chronic arthritis and may be associated with disability and blindness. The presentation, laboratory findings and prognosis of the disease differ significantly from those of adult rheumatoid arthritis. Current classification includes systemic, pauciarticular and polyarticular types, each having different therapeutic and prognostic implications.