Periodontal awareness and what it actually means: a cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Objectives

To assess periodontal awareness among laypersons, to characterise the very aware of periodontitis, and to disclose whether high awareness implies sufficient periodontal knowledge.

Subjects and methods: Cross‐sectional study on laypersons randomly selected by quota sampling from March 2015 to June 2016. The questionnaire of periodontal awareness included aspects of aetiology, risk factors, signs & symptoms, related risks, prevention, treatment, and related attitudes. It was applied by 12 interviewers in the community in each four province capitals, in a sort of pathfinder survey method.

Results

A 43.3% response rate was obtained, and 3,553 people entered the study. "Very aware": 19.4%. "Aware": 42.7%. "Not aware": 37.9%. Age, oral self‐care, and educational achievements characterized those "very aware". Any additional degree beyond compulsory education halves the chances for being "not periodontally aware". Very aware people likely to have periodontitis were elder, less educated, with a smoking history and less knowledge of the disease. Gaps of knowledge among the "very aware" were identified in all aspects except for "prevention" and "treatment".

Conclusions

Very periodontally aware people were in their late 40s‐60s, followed sound oral care routines, and held a degree but elicited insufficient knowledge about aetiology, signs‐symptoms, related risks, or periodontal risk factors.

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Involvement of non melanocytic skin cells in vitiligo

Abstract

Despite melanocytes are the key players in vitiligo, a continuous cross‐talk between epidermal and dermal cells may strictly affect their functionality, in both lesional and non‐lesional skin. Focusing on this interplay, we have reviewed existing literature supporting evidence on cellular and functional alterations of surrounding epidermal keratinocytes, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and fibroblasts in the underlying dermal compartment that may contribute to melanocyte disappearance in vitiligo. We have also examined some clinical and therapeutic aspects of the disease to sustain the non‐exclusive involvement of melanocytes within vitiligo. As a result, a different and more complex scenario has appeared that may enable to provide better understanding about origins and progress of vitiligo and that should be considered in the evaluation of new treatment approaches.

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Issue Information

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Primary Ewing sarcoma of the squamous temporal bone with intracranial and extracranial extension: A rare cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Background

Primary Ewing sarcoma of the cranial bone is rare, accounting for only 1% of all Ewing sarcomas. Primary Ewing sarcoma arising in the squamous temporal bone is particularly rare.

Methods

A 16‐year‐old male was seen with signs of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). After 1 week of SSNHL and new‐onset headache, imaging studies showed a mass that originated in the left squamous temporal bone with intracranial and extracranial extension. Histopathological study revealed that the mass was a Ewing sarcoma.

Results

The patient manifested the diagnostic EWSR1 mutation and was treated with adjuvant multidrug chemotherapy and focal radiotherapy after surgery according to the Children's Oncology Group interval compression arm of AEWS0031 with a regimen of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide/etoposide.

Conclusions

This case showed an extremely uncommon location, as well as unusual symptoms of primary Ewing sarcoma.

http://bit.ly/2EKSmpg

Changes in incidence and prevalence of human papillomavirus in tonsillar and base of tongue cancer during 2000‐2016 in the Stockholm region and Sweden

Abstract

Background

Tonsillar and base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC/BOTSCC) has increased. In Stockholm, the proportion of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive cases and the incidence of TSCC rose between 1970 and 2006 then stabilized. Here, HPV‐prevalence, and TSCC/BOTSCC incidence 2000‐2016, in Stockholm and Sweden were followed.

Methods

Incidence data for 2000‐2016 were obtained from the Swedish Cancer Registry. TSCC/BOTSCC biopsies, 2013‐2016 from Stockholm, were examined for HPV DNA and p16^INK4a, or data obtained from medical reports. For cases 2000‐2012, data were available from previous studies.

Results

The incidence of TSCC/BOTSCC has continued to rise in Stockholm and Sweden 2000‐2016, especially after 2008. HPV DNA and p16^INK4a analysis was determined for 795 Stockholm cases from 2000 to 2016, with 72% being HPV DNA and p16^INK4a positive 2013‐2016, and 70% positive 2000‐2016.

Conclusion

During 2000‐2016, especially after 2008, the incidence of TSCC/BOTSCC has continued to increase in Stockholm and Sweden, with an HPV‐prevalence of approximately 70% in Stockholm.

http://bit.ly/2EMcwA5

Outcomes of parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism with nonlocalizing preoperative imaging

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate our surgical experience in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with nonlocalizing sestimibi and ultrasound scans.

Methods

A retrospective review of 521 patients treated from April 2005 to July 2017 at Loma Linda University Medical Center who received parathyroidectomy for PHPT. One hundred forty‐seven patients (28%) had double negative localization (nonlocalizing sestamibi and ultrasound).

Results

Surgical cure for PHPT was 97.3% and 99.2% with nonlocalized and localized disease, respectively, and complication rates were similar between groups. Preoperative parathyroid hormone and gland weight were significantly lower with nonlocalization. The incidence of multigland disease (MGD) was greater in patients with nonlocalization on sestamibi and ultrasound.

Conclusion

Nonlocalization of parathyroid glands was not associated with decreased cure rate or increased morbidity. The presence of MGD and requirement for more extensive surgery were greater in patients with nonlocalizing disease.

http://bit.ly/2EHsUkm

Recurrent unilateral peripheral facial palsy in a patient with an enlarged styloid process

Abstract

Background

Recurrent peripheral facial paresis is a rare symptom that may be caused by multiple pathologic conditions.

Methods

We report a case of recurrent peripheral facial palsies caused by an ipsilateral enlarged styloid process. A surgical excision of the process was performed.

Results

The treatment was well tolerated. Postoperatively, no further recurrent paresis was observed.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case study of an enlarged styloid process with facial paresis. A detailed workup, including imaging, should be performed in cases with recurrent facial paresis and/or cases with a history of trauma and facial paresis and, of course, to exclude a neoplastic etiology.

http://bit.ly/2EOnyES