Niger J Clin Pract
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Comparative Study
Treatment of class II malocclussion: A comparative study of the effects of twin-block and fatigue resistant device.
This is a retrospective cephalometric study aimed to compare the treatment effects of Twin-Block (TB) appliance with The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device (FRD) appliance in class II division I patients in a composite of peak and post peak growth of period time. ⋯ FRD group produced skeletal effects as much as TB group in peak and post peak period of growth with still more mandibular incisor proclination.
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Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a brain-specific astroglial protein that is released into the blood soon after traumatic brain injury by mature astrocytes. S100B is rapidly released into the cerebrospinal fluid and bloodstream after brain damage. We compared the serum concentrations of these proteins in patients with severe head trauma (bleeding and/or fracture) or nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage and healthy individuals. ⋯ The GFAP and S100B concentrations were significantly higher in patients with traumatic or nontraumatic brain injury than in healthy individuals, indicating that serum levels of these biomarkers may provide an alternative to computed tomography for the diagnosis of brain injury.
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The aim of this case-control study was to compare the associated risk factors between adults with tooth wear (TW) and age- and sex-matched controls without TW. ⋯ Of the factors investigated, TW in the case group was correlated with consumption of acidic foods, lower salivary flow rate, and pH.
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Certain lifestyle factors affect the risk of developing breast cancer. Especially, diet and physical activity play a primary role in preventing breast cancer. However, the results of studies on this subject in different societies are still conflicting. ⋯ Cooking red meat by a deep-frying method, lack of physical activity, having a higher BMI particularly during the postmenopausal period, and nonadherence to the Mediterranean diet are risk factors of breast cancer.
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In sickle cell anemia patients (SCA), the spleen suffers multiple occlusion of its microvasculature causing ischemia and subsequently autosplenectomy. Among the functions of the spleen is the production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) which has several immunological roles. This function could be impaired in these patients. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the extent to which autosplenectomy affects the immunity of SCA patients as reflected by the level of IFN-γ, frequency of infections, and crises (vaso-occlusive, hemolytic, aplastic) in these patients. ⋯ This study showed a higher prevalence of infection and bone pain crisis among SCA patients with autosplenectomy than in SCA patients without autosplenectomy. It also showed comparable level of IFN-γ in the 2 groups of patients. Patients with autosplenectomy may benefit from early institution of drugs such as hydroxyurea to improve quality of life.