Healthy Female Patients Research Articles

Short-term effect of orthodontic clear aligners on muscular activity and occlusal contacts: A cohort study

The simultaneous presence of maxillary and mandibular clear aligners alters the vertical dimension and the quantity and quality of occlusal contacts. Few data in the literature explain how this occurs and the effects on neuromuscular coordination. This study aimed to evaluate occlusal contacts and muscular balance during treatment with clear aligners over a short follow-up time. Twenty-six female adult patients were enrolled in this study. The center of occlusal force (COF) was evaluated using a T-Scan II device, whereas muscular symmetry and balance were determined through surface electromyography using a standardized protocol that reduces anthropometric and electrode variations. Both evaluations were performed in centric occlusion and with aligners worn before treatment, after 3 months, and after 6 months. A statistically significant variation in COF position was reported in the sagittal plane but not in the transverse plane. The shift in the COF position was followed by a change in muscular balance evaluated through surface electromyography. Treatment with clear aligners resulted in an anterior shift of the COF when biting in centric occlusion and a posterior shift when the aligners were worn in healthy female patients after 6 months of observation. This change in occlusal contact was followed by an improvement in muscular function symmetry in the short term when aligners were worn, compared with the centric occlusion during treatment.

Association of G protein-coupled receptor 78 with salivary dysfunction in male Sjögren's patients.

Sjögren's disease (SjD) has a strong sex bias, suggesting an association with sex hormones. Male SjD represents a distinct subset of the disease, but the pathogenic mechanisms of male SjD is poorly characterized. The aim of this study is to identify initiating events related to the development of gland hypofunction and autoimmunity in male SjD patients. Human minor salivary glands were transcriptomically analyzed with microarrays to detect differentially expressed genes in male SjD patients. Identified genes were tested on their involvement in the disease using conditional transgenic mice and gene-overexpressing cells. GPR78, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, was overexpressed in the salivary glands of male SjD patients compared with male healthy controls and female SjD patients. Male GPR78 transgenic mice developed salivary gland hypofunction with increased epithelial apoptosis, which was not seen in control or female transgenic mice. In cell culture, GPR78 overexpression decreased lysosomal integrity, leading to caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. GPR78-induced cell death in vitro was inhibited by treatment with estradiol. GPR78 overexpression can induce apoptosis and salivary gland hypofunction in male mice through lysosomal dysfunction and increased caspase-dependent apoptosis in salivary gland epithelium, which may drive disease in humans.

Gender Variation of Scapula in a Bangladeshi Population – A Radiological Study

The scapula is a complex anatomical unit; it connects the humerus with the clavicle. The scapula presents several variations, based on race, sex and region. Sexual dimorphism plays a key role in forensic anthropology. The scapula is sexually dimorphic and can potentially be used in forensic investigations. A cross-sectional study was conducted under Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, between July 2017 and June 2018, to observe the morphometric pattern of the left scapula in adult male and female Bangladeshi people for establishment of a baseline anatomical data for future studies. Shoulder radiograph of anterior-posterior view were taken from 100 apparently healthy adult male and female patients aged between 25 and 50 years who were attending the Department of Radiology & Imaging, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. From these images morphological measurements like the length and breadth of left scapula, the lengths of infraspinous line and scapular spine were measured by software named RadiAnt DICOM Viewer. The length and breadth of left scapula, the length of coracoid process, as well as the lengths of infraspinous line and scapular spine were found significantly higher in males. To summarize, a significant difference was observed in morphological measurements of the left scapula between the sexes in Bangladeshi people. 
 CBMJ 2023 January: Vol. 12 No. 01 P: 12-16

Correspondence between Aortic and Arterial Stiffness, and Diastolic Dysfunction in Apparently Healthy Female Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

(1) Background: Abnormally increased arterial and aortic stiffness (AS and AoS), which are often associated with diastolic dysfunction (DD), represent common alterations in COVID-19. In this study, we aimed to assess, by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and pulse-wave velocity (PWV), the frequency of these dysfunctions in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and to highlight potential correlations between their severity and multiple clinical and laboratory parameters. (2) Methods: In total, 121 women were included in our study, all of whom were younger than 55 and had been diagnosed with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Of those women, 67 also had metabolic syndrome (MS) (group A), whereas the other 54 did not (group B); 40 age-matched healthy subjects were used as controls (group C). (3) Results: Patients in group A had worse values of indexes characterizing AS and AoS and had more frequent DD compared to those from group B and group C (p < 0.0001). The statistical analysis evidenced significant associations between these indexes and the time that had elapsed since COVID-19 diagnosis, the factors that characterize the severity of the acute disease and those that specify MS. Multivariate regression analysis identified the following as the main independent predictors for DD: values of the AoS index, the C-reactive protein, and the triglyceride-glucose index. (4) Conclusions: Altered AS, AoS, and DD are common in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome, especially with concurrent MS, and these parameters are apparently associated not only with the severity and time elapsed since COVID-19 diagnosis but also with MS.

Presence of Subclinical Polyneuropathy in Patients with Elevation of Hba1c.

It is aimed to investigate the relationship between the asymptomatic individiuals with elevated HbA1c and occurrence of polyneuropathy by way of comparison to normoglycemic condition. The study includes 30 female patients diagnosed with subclinical elevation of HbA1c and 30 normoglycemic healthy female patients who applied to our hospital polyclinics with symptoms other than neuropathy between January-March 2017. Nerve conduction examination is done in these patients, parameters of both groups are compared. In regard to amplitude distribution; when compared to control group, tibial motor and ulnar sensory nerve amplitude is lower than the control group (p<0.05). In peroneal, median and ulnar motor nerves, distal latency values are extended compared to control group (p<0.05). Sural, median and ulnar sensory nerve latency is extended compared to control group. In terms of transmission rate distribution; in sural, median and ulnar sensory nerve, transmission speed is lower compared to the control group (p<0.05). In asymptomatic cases with subclinical elevation of HbA1c, peripheral nervous system involvement is monitored, and early glycemic control should be provided in order to prevent development of neuropathy in patients.

Modified Vestibular Incision Supraperiosteal Tunnel Access in Recession Type 2 with Thin Phenotype: A Report of Two Cases

Gingival Recession Type 2 (RT2) presents complexity in achieving complete Root Coverage (RC) and associated parameters such as interproximal attachment loss and bone loss further have a negative influence on the stability of achieved RC. Complete RC might be attainable in RT2, though certain factors like tooth malposition, avascular root surface area, frenal pull, and thin Periodontal Phenotype (PP) may limit the amount of RC. Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) technique proposed in the last decade has been promising in the maxillary anterior region in the management of Miller Class I/ RT1 and even some RT2 gingival recession. In this case report, two systemically healthy female patients, having RT2 gingival recession in mandibular incisors labially positioned/rotated with thin PP were treated with Modified-vestibular incision supraperiosteal tunnel access (m-VISTA) along with Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft (SCTG). Fifty percent RC was achieved in case-1 and 100% in case 2. The results were maintained during the follow-up period of nine months in case 1, and one year in case 2. Gingival RT2 with malpositioned tooth may be successfully treated with m-VISTA and SCTG as demonstrated in achieving stability of percentage RC and patients’ satisfaction in terms of aesthetics and resolution of hypersensitivity in the present case report.

Correlation between eosinophil count and total protein and alkaline phosphatase in asymptomatic patients with normal and high levels of aspartate aminotransferase from a polyclinic in Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between eosinophil differential count and total protein and alkaline phosphatase levels in patients with normal and high levels of aspartate aminotransferase from a polyclinic in the district of Villa El Salvador in Lima, Peru. Materials and methods: An observational, analytical and correlational study conducted with apparently healthy male and female patients aged 18 years or older, showing normal and high levels of enzyme aspartate aminotransferase. The study included 279 patients who met the eligibility criteria. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between eosinophil count and alkaline phosphatase and total protein in patients with normal and high levels of aspartate aminotransferase. Results: No correlation was found between the variables studied in the group with normal levels of aminotransferases. However, in the group with high levels of aspartate aminotransferase, a moderate and negative correlation was found between eosinophil count and total protein (Rho = -465) and a low and positive correlation between eosinophil count and alkaline phosphatase (Rho = 296). Conclusions: In the presence of aminotransferase levels above the normal range, eosinophils correlate with total protein and alkaline phosphatase. Further studies with a larger number of patients and greater methodological complexity are necessary to determine if the interaction between eosinophils and albumin and phosphatase is frequently seen with high levels of aminotransferases. Moreover, they are necessary to consider possible implications in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases associated with this enzyme, as well as possible clinical and therapeutic implications.

Investigation of temporomandibular disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A case-control study

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to compare the frequency of temporomandibular disorders and to examine the temporomandibular pain and functionality levels between healthy female participants and female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Materials and methodsOur study included 300 participants. Patients were evaluated according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: Assessment Instruments (DC/TMD). While evaluating the patients using DC/TMD, TMD Pain Screener and Symptom questionnaire were used within the scope of Axis I, and Graded Chronic Pain Scale, Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-8 (JFLS-8), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) and Oral Behaviors Checklist were applied. ResultsBruxism, tooth grinding and masseter hypertrophy were found to be significantly higher in fibromyalgia patients compared to healthy volunteers (p<0.001). The pain screener, JFLS-8, PHQ-4 and OBC scores and GCPS levels were found to be increased in the fibromyalgia group compared to healthy individuals (p<0.001). Considering the post-examination diagnoses of the participants, the diagnoses of myalgia (p=0.022) and disc displacement with reduction (p<0.001) were significantly higher than healthy individuals. ConclusionsFibromyalgia is a common pathology, therefore, TMD symptoms, which are more difficult to diagnose and often missed, should be questioned in fibromyalgia patients and should be kept in mind in the management of fibromyalgia patients.

Association of Endometrioma Size with Serum Anti-mullerian Hormone.

To evaluate the relationship between the size of endometrioma and serum Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). A Descriptive study. This study was conducted at the Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, from January 2015 to January 2020. Healthy women of reproductive age, who were found to have unilateral endometrioma in ultrasonography, were included in the study group. There were 82 female patients with unilateral endometrioma in the study group and 96 healthy female patients with male factor infertility in the control group. Women with autoimmune disease, a history of pelvic infection or surgery, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy, those undergoing infertility treatment, family history of premature ovarian failure, and those with atypical or suspected endometrioma were excluded. Age, gravida, serum AMH value, and endometrioma size of the study and control groups were recorded. In addition, the endometrioma group was divided into 2 groups with a cut-off size of greater or less than 40 mm. AMH values ​​were evaluated in these two groups. AMH values ​​of women with endometrioma were significantly lower than the control group (2.03 ng/ml and 3.87 ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001). When the relationship between endometrioma size (greater than 40 mm and less than 40 mm) and AMH was examined, no statistically significant difference was found among serum AMH values (1.89 ng/ml and 2.07 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.65). The presence of endometrioma was associated with lower AMH suggesting lower ovarian reserve, but endometrioma size was not associated with significant difference in the AMH values. Endometrioma, AMH, Ovarian reserve, Endometrioma size.

Kronik Lenfositik Tiroiditli Olgular ve Normal Populasyonda D Vitamini Düzeylerinin Karşılaştırılması ve Otoimmünite Üzerindeki Rolü

Purpose It is known that vitamin D deficiency has a role in the formation of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, many types of cancer and heart diseases. This study was conducted to demonstrate the role of vitamin D in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the patients who applied to Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital endocrinology outpatient clinic between the ages of 16 and 50 were evaluated with ultrasonographically consistent with chronic thyroiditis, serologically antibody positive (anti T, anti M), euthyroid, body mass index (BMI) &amp;lt;30, 40 women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis who did not enter menopause, did not have any other additional disease and did not use chronic medication, and 16-50 women who applied to the internal medicine or endocrinology polyclinics of Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital 40 healthy female patients with a body mass index (BMI) &amp;lt;30 years and negative for thyroid antibodies were recruited. Results When the two groups were compared in terms of age, body mass index, t3, t4, TSH, Anti M, Anti T and vitamin D, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. As a result of the Spearman correlation test, no statistically positive or negative correlation was found between vitamin D level and any other parameter (p &amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, in this study, it was seen that there may be a relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and vitamin D deficiency. Since vitamin D levels were found to be deficient in the control group, a clear interpretation cannot be made regarding the correlation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and vitamin D deficiency based on the findings of this study. We hope that our study will be helpful for further studies that will investigate the relationship between autoimmune thyroid diseases and vitamin D deficiency.

A comprehensive comparison of circulating tumor cells and breast imaging modalities as screening tools for breast cancer in Chinese women.

BackgroundCirculating tumor cells (CTCs) have been recognized as a sensitive biomarker for breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to comprehensively compare CTC with imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, mammography, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in screening for BC in Chinese women.MethodsThree hundred forty-three participants were enrolled in this study, including 102 treatment-naive BC patients, 177 with breast benign diseases (BBD) and 64 healthy female patients. All participants underwent CTC testing and at least one of the following examinations, ultrasonography, mammography, and MRI at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University between December 2017 and November 2020. CTCs were quantitatively assessed using cell counting (CTC detection rate/counts) and categorically examined using a cutoff value (CTC classification). The diagnostic power of CTC tests and imaging modalities, including accuracy and capability to predict clinicopathological characteristics of BC, were evaluated and compared.ResultsCTC classification with a cutoff value of 2 showed a “good” diagnostic accuracy of 0.889 for early- to mid-stage BC comparable to breast imaging modalities using Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). MRI demonstrated the highest sensitivity of 0.872 for BC, and CTC classification had the highest specificity of 0.938. A relatively low sensitivity was found for mammography in this cohort of patients. Successful detection of BC by CTC detection rate/counts, but not CTC classification, correlated with two important clinicopathological features, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. The detection power of certain imaging modalities was also associated with AJCC stage (ultrasonography, p = 0.0438 and MRI, p = 0.0422) and lymph node metastasis (ultrasonography, 0.0157). There were clear correlations between CTC tests (counts or classification) and imaging BI-RADS scoring system in detecting positive BC cases (p < 0.05). Further correlation analysis suggested that CTC quantity, but not CTC classification, had the capability to predict clinicopathological traits of BC that were identified by ultrasonography.ConclusionsCTC tests have a diagnostic potency comparable to breast imaging modalities, and may be used as an alternative screening tool for BC.

Intestinal Permeability and Dysbiosis in Female Patients with Recurrent Cystitis: A Pilot Study.

Recurrent cystitis (RC) is a common disease, especially in females. Anatomical, behavioral and genetic predisposing factors are associated with the ascending retrograde route, which often causes bladder infections. RC seems to be mainly caused by agents derived from the intestinal microbiota, and most frequently by Escherichia coli. Intestinal contiguity contributes to the etiopathogenesis of RC and an alteration in intestinal permeability could have a major role in RC. The aim of this pilot study is to assess gut microbiome dysbiosis and intestinal permeability in female patients with RC. Patients with RC (n = 16) were enrolled and compared with healthy female subjects (n = 15) and patients with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (n = 238). We calculated the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score/Urinary Tract Infection Symptom Assessment (ACSS/UTISA) and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores and evaluated intestinal permeability and the fecal microbiome in the first two cohorts. Patients with RC showed an increased prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms compared with healthy controls. Of the patients with RC, 88% showed an increased intestinal permeability with reduced biodiversity of gut microbiota compared to healthy controls, and 68% of the RC patients had a final diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease. Similarly, GI patients reported a higher incidence of urinary symptoms with a diagnosis of RC in 20%. Gut barrier impairment seems to play a major role in the pathogenesis of RC. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of microbiota and intestinal permeability in urinary tract infections.

STATE OF CYTOKINE PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH ADENOMYOSIS

Introduction. Adenomyosis is an important problem of modern gynecology, which causes significant fertility declines, leads to disability, dysfunction of adjacent organs, decreased quality of life of women. Objective: to study the state of cytokine profile in patients with adenomyosis.Material and methods. 35 female patients of whom 20 (57.1 %) with adenomyosis of I degree (study group) and 15 (42.9%) healthy female patients (control group) were examined. We determined the content of cathelicidin (LL-37) and β-defensin IL-1β, 4, 6, 10, 18, TFN-α, VEGF in blood serum, cervical mucus and uterine lavage by immunoenzyme method. To assess cytokine imbalance, we used a ratio between IL-1β/IL-10, IL-6/IL-10, TFN-α/IL-10, IL-4/ IFN-γ. Local immunity was studied in women depending on the presence of genital pathogens. In cervical mucus, we determined the presence of HSV-1.2, CMV by the PCR method. In peripheral blood - the presence of HSV-1.2, CMV specific IgM, IgG.Results. Determination of DNA of HSV1.2, CMV pathogens by PCR analysis of cervical mucus of patients with adenomyosis showed the presence of mono-viral contamination of HSV1.2 and CMV in 40 % of cases. Moreover, HSV1.2 was detected 1.7 times more frequently than CMV (p&lt;0.05). The proportion of mixt-viral contamination (HSV1.2+CMV) was 20 %.Six (30 %) patients with adenomyosis had an increased IgG titer against HSV1,2, five (25 %) had an increased IgG titer against CMV. No IgM against HSV1.2, CMV was detected. The study of cytokine profile in blood serum of patients with adenomyosis revealed a statistically significant increase in the level of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The increase in proinflammatory cytokines was less significant, and the concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines was more significant, especially IL-10, indicating a cytokine imbalance with Th2-type cytokines predominating. In addition, in women with adenomyosis, an increase in the concentration of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines was observed in cervical mucus and uterine lavage, and the dynamics correlated with the values in blood serum; the degree of increase exceeded the values in blood serum. An increase of angiogenesis factor (VEGF) both in blood serum and locally may contribute to activation of vascular growth and ectopic endometrium. On the one hand, antimicrobial peptides decrease in blood serum and to a greater extent locally (defensin in cervical mucus: 384.5±39.1 pg/ml, in uterine lavage 252.2±24.8 pg/ml; in the control group – 447.1±45.3 pg/ml, 446.2±39.3 pg/ml, respectively; ±6.8 pg/ml, in the control group – 62.2±6.1 pg/ml. In all probability, these immune changes through the mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition stimulate the migration of endometrial cells to the myometrium; endocrine imbalance may also contribute to this.Conclusions. The results of the studies showed a pronounced imbalance of the cytokine profile in patients with adenomyosis in case of genital infection. Immune disorders formed against the background of viral pathogens can contribute to the penetration of the endometrium into the myometrium and the development of the disease. The subject for further research should be the search for adequate therapeutic approaches aimed at the regulation of increased proliferation and invasion of the endometrium.

Erythema nodosum after COVID-19 vaccine.

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global challenge with strong medical and socioeconomic implications. Hopes have been placed in the development of various vaccines. As the vaccination campaign is in progress, adverse effects need to be monitored closely. Possible side effects range from minor events to more serious manifestations. In this article, we describe two cases of erythema nodosum (EN) after COVID-19 vaccination in two previously healthy female patients of 59 and 51 years, respectively. Most of the usual etiologies of EN were excluded by laboratory testing. EN was successfully treated with corticosteroids. Remarkably, in the first case, a relapse occurred 48 hours after the second dose of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine. In this case series, we describe two unusual occurrences of EN after vaccination with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and a viral vector vaccine, respectively, and we discuss the available related literature.

Hydrophilic implants generated using a low-cost dielectric barrier discharge plasma device at the time of placement exhibit increased osseointegration in an animal pre-clinical study: An effect that is sex-dependent

ObjectivesIncreased wettability of titanium and titanium alloy surfaces due to processing and storage methods increases osteoprogenitor cell differentiation and osseointegration compared to microroughness alone. Implants that are exposed to air have a hydrophobic surface due to adsorption of atmospheric hydrocarbons, which can limit overall implant success. Dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD) is one method to increase surface hydrophilicity. Although current DBD methods yield a hydrophilic surface, adsorbed hydrocarbons rapidly restore hydrophobicity. We demonstrated that application of DBD to implants previously packaged in a vacuum, generates a hydrophilic surface that supports osteoblastic differentiation in vitro and this can be done immediately prior to use. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that DBD treatment to alter surface wettability at the time of implant placement will improve osseointegration in vivo. Materials and methodsTwenty male and sixteen female rabbits were used in a preclinical trans-axial femur model of osseointegration. Control and DBD treatment implants were inserted randomized per hind limb in each rabbit (1 implant/hind-limb). At 6 weeks post-surgery, bone-to-implant contact, adjacent bone volume, and torque to failure were assessed by micro-CT, calcified histology, and mechanical testing. ResultsDBD plasma treatment of vacuum-sealed implants increased surface wettability and did not change surface chemistry or roughness. Peak torque and torsional energy, and bone-to-implant contact increased with DBD treatment in males. In contrast, female rabbits showed increased osseointegration equal to DBD treated male implants regardless of DBD plasma treatment. ConclusionDBD treatment is an effective method to enhance osseointegration by increasing surface wettability; however, this response is sex dependent. In healthy female patients, DBD treatment may not be necessary but in older patients or patients with compromised bone, this treatment could be an effective measure to ensure implant success.

Stereological and comparative evaluation of the carpal tunnel in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome using magnetic resonance images

Introduction: In this study, the relation between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) severity and the carpal tunnel volume (CTV), volume and the volume fraction of the carpal tunnel contents on subjects with CTS and healthy individuals were examined. Material and Methods: 30 female patients diagnosed with CTS clinically and electrophysiologically and 16 healthy female patients were included in this study. In patient group, 50 and in control group 30 hand wrists were examined. CTS severity was ranked electrophysiologically. T1-weighted axial magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were examined by the Cavalieri principle. Results: CTV in the patient group (4.26 ± 0.57 cm3) was found to be lower than that of the control group (4.66 ± 0.73 cm3), while the volume (0.41 ± 0.07 cm3) of the median nerve (Vnm) in the patient group was found to be higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Besides, the volume and volume fraction of the median nerve increase when the CTS severity increases (r = 0.610; r = 0.778). Discussion and Conclusion: Our study has shown that stereological studies with MRI are successful in determining the CTV in differentiating patients and healthy people. In addition, the volume and volume fraction of the median nerve were found to be quite effective in differentiating the severity of CTS. It is anatomically confirmed that when the severity of CTS increases, the space volume fraction of the carpal tunnel decreases.

Effects of primary Sjögren's syndrome on female genitalia and sexual functions.

Sexual dysfunctions in patients with rheumatological diseases can negatively affect human sexual life, and thus lead to the deterioration of quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effects of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) on female sexual organs and sexual functions. A total of 68 women with pSS and 135 healthy female patients were included in the study. All the women in the study and control groups were evaluated gynaecologically, and genital findings during the examination and variables related to pSS were recorded. The women's sexual functions were evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and quality of life was evaluated using the Health Status Questionnaire-Short Form 36 (QoL-SF 36). There was no difference in terms of the ages of the patients between the pSS and control groups [50 (25-70) and 49 (23-70) years, respectively] (p=0.487). The FSFI and QoL-SF 36 scores of the pSS group were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). Although the age of the patients, duration of menopause, and presence of atrophy on genital examination significantly correlated with sexual dysfunction, there was no significant correlation between pSS activity-related variables and sexual dysfunction. It was determined that pSS led to sexual dysfunction by causing genital atrophy and vaginal dryness in women. Moreover, mood changes associated with the disease, especially depression, were revealed to be an independent risk factor for this condition.

Chinese women with melasma exhibit a low minimal erythema dose to both UVA and UVB.

Melasma is a common disorder manifested by symmetric hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed skin. Although ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known risk factor of melasma, whether skin sensitivities to UVA and/or UVB differ between healthy controls and female patients with melasma is unknown. Minimal erythema dose (MED)-UVA and MED-UVB results were compared between female patients with melasma and healthy controls. Additionally, relationships between MED values and Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores, and skin color were assessed. The melasma and control groups included 142 and 137 subjects, respectively. Compared with healthy control group, our melasma group had lower MED-UVA (P<.001) and MED-UVB (P<.05). MASI scores were negatively correlated with MED-UVA and MED-UVB (P<.001). Additionally, Skin a* values in melasma-involved skin were negatively correlated with MED-UVA (P<.05). Skin b* values in melasma-involved skin were negatively correlated with MED-UVB and MED-UVA (P<.05). Patients with melasma exhibit a low MED to both UVA and UVB, rendering them have a predisposition to an increased UV sensitivity. Because of the association between melasma and UV sensitivity, sun exposure should be avoided to alleviate or prevent melasma.

Role of gender &amp; age in chronic periodontal disease

There is lot of literature suggesting a gender based heterogeneity in many human chronic diseases including periodontal disease. To analyze and compare the clinical periodontal disease parameters &amp; serum biochemical markers of periodontal inflammation in systemically healthy age stratified adult male and female patients suffering from chronic destructive periodontal disease. Cross sectional observational study in a hospital setting A total of 300 subjects, both genders were enrolled based on predefined criteria and were categorized in 6 groups of 50 subjects each. Complete medical and dental history was taken to screen before enrollment. All subjects underwent complete periodontal examination, including evaluation of Plaque index (PI), Probing pocket depth (PPD) and Clinical attachment level (CAL), Bleeding on Probing (BOP). Blood samples were taken for analysis of inflammatory biomarkers viz interleukin (IL)-1β, osteoprotegrin (OPG), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)- 8 &amp; interleukin (IL)- 6. IBM SPSS STATISTICS (version 22.0) Clinical parameters of periodontal status were higher in females as compared to males except BOP. However, only PPD and CAL showed significant difference. Higher serum levels of IL-1β, OPG and Il-6 were observed in females (2.10 + 26.82, 168.18 + 49.84 , 29.17 + 99.20 pg/ml) than males (1.90 + 7.27 , 145.00 + 39.60 , (25.83 + 189.09pg/ml) respectively, but significant difference was observed only for OPG. A statistically significant higher level of MMP-8 was observed in males (3003.33 + 772.33 pg/ml) as compared to females (1398.33 + 1218.10 pg/ml). The findings of current investigation has identified significant differences in the clinical and specific biochemical mediators(IL-1β, IL-6, OPG, MMP-8) across groups and subgroups of the population To ascertain the impact of gender and age in the causation and pathogenesis of inflammatory periodontal disease, further well designed prospective investigations are needed . The study findings point towards the identification of specific biomarkers in individual subgroup/group based on age and gender. These shall pave path to develop predictive models, screening tools and early diagnostic strategies for chronic periodontal disease for Indian population.

Comparison of antimicrobial activity of thymol and carvacrol to chlorhexidine in surgery

Currently, there is a constant search for new chemical compounds through plant extracts and phytochemical compounds that do not cause so many side effects in the oral cavity and that have good antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the present study evaluated the synergistic antimicrobial efficacy of mouthwashes containing thymol and carvacrol when compared with 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash after bilateral lower third molar extraction. Nineteen healthy (male and female) patients (n = 19) aged between 18 and 30 years, of both sexes, treated at the Faculty of Dentistry of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS, MS, Brazil) participated in this study. All patients were submitted to two different therapeutic treatments, divided into two groups: group 1 (control) - patient used 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash solution; group 2 (experimental) - patient used 0.05% thymol and 0.025% carvacrol solutions. The suture was removed at seven postoperative days and aseptically transferred to a tube containing sterile potassium buffer saline solution. Samples were submitted to microbiological analysis at the Microbiology Laboratory at UFMS. The mean and standard deviation of colony forming units/ml of isolate microorganisms in the suture grown in BHI agar obtained from the control and experimental groups were 4.766 x 106 ± 4.069 and 4.847 x 106 ± 3.971, respectively. In conclusion, the thymol and carvacrol based mouthwash showed antimicrobial effectivity in biofilm adherence of the silk thread after extraction of third molars.