J Formos Med Assoc
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Atrophic glossitis (AG) is characterized by the partial or complete absence of filiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue. AG may reflect the significant deficiencies of some major nutrients including riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, zinc, and vitamin E. Moreover, protein-calorie malnutrition, candidiasis, Helicobacter pylori colonization, xerostomia, and diabetes mellitus are also the etiologies of AG. ⋯ Moreover, GPCA-positive AG patients tended to have relatively higher frequencies of hemoglobin, iron, and vitamin B12 deficiencies and hyperhomocysteinemia than GPCA-negative AG patients. Supplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus corresponding deficient hematinics for those AG patients with hematinic deficiencies can achieve complete remission of oral symptoms and AG in some AG patients. Therefore, it is very important to examine the complete blood count, serum hematinic, homocysteine, and autoantibody levels in AG patients before we start to offer treatments for AG patients.
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A swine-origin influenza A/H1N1 virus (termed A/H1N1pdm) caused a pandemic in 2009 and has continuously circulated in the human population. To investigate its possible ecological effects on circulating influenza strains, the seasonal patterns of influenza viruses and the respective age distribution of infected patients were studies. ⋯ Understanding the effects of new variants and changes in dominant circulating viral strains on the age distribution of the affected human population, disease severity and epidemic levels is useful for the establishment of fine-tuned strategies for further improvement of influenza control.
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Meta Analysis
Talc exposure and risk of stomach cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of occupational cohort studies.
Talc powder is widely used in various industries, but the carcinogenic effects associated with talc are not well understood. The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of stomach cancer after occupational talc exposure. ⋯ The available data showed a positive association between occupational talc exposure and risk of stomach cancer. The association between talc not containing asbestiform fibers and risk of stomach cancer was not significant. Further epidemiological studies are required to evaluate the safety of talc.
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Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by burning sensation of the oral mucosa in the absence of clinically apparent oral mucosal alterations. This study evaluated the anemia, hematinic deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity in 884 BMS patients. ⋯ BMS patients have significantly higher frequencies of blood Hb and serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, hyperhomocysteinemia, and serum GPCA positivity than healthy control subjects.
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This report provides three-phase concept for treating skeletal Class III growing patients with severe space deficiency. Three cases are presented. All had received miniplate-anchored facemask treatment and followed till near completion of growth. ⋯ Applying maxillary protraction from infrazygomatic miniplates exposed at the molar area has the merits that it avoids unwanted palatal rotation and that the miniplates maybe used as orthodontic anchorage when indicated. We emphasize the importance of planning the treatment contemplating the skeletal developmental stage and the completion of dental arches. This prolonged orthopedic treatment may contribute to greater long-term effects and stability.