Mean FT Research Articles

Physical Factors Influencing Pleasant Touch during Passive Fingertip Stimulation

ObjectiveTactile explorations with the fingertips provide information regarding the physical properties of surfaces and their relative pleasantness. Previously, we performed an investigation in the active touch domain and linked several surface properties (i.e. frictional force fluctuations and net friction) with their pleasantness levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate physical factors being important for pleasantness perception during passive fingertip stimulation. Specifically we were interested to see whether factors, such as surfaces' topographies or their frictional characteristics could influence pleasantness. Furthermore, we ascertained how the stimulus pleasantness level was impacted by (i) the normal force of stimulus application (FN) and (ii) the stimulus temperature (TS).Methods and ResultsThe right index fingertips of 22 blindfolded participants were stimulated using 27 different stimuli, which varied in average roughness (Ra) and TS. A 4-axis robot moved the stimuli horizontally under participants' fingertips with three levels of FN. The robot was equipped with force sensors, which recorded the FN and friction force (FT) during stimulation. Participants rated each stimulus according to a three-level pleasantness scale, as very pleasant (scored 0), pleasant (scored 1), or unpleasant (scored 2). These ordinal pleasantness ratings were logarithmically transformed into linear and unidimensional pleasantness measures with the Rasch model. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate a possible link between the stimulus properties (i.e. Ra, FN, FT, and TS) and their respective pleasantness levels. Only the mean Ra and FT values were negatively correlated with pleasantness. No significant correlation was detected between FN or TS and pleasantness.ConclusionPleasantness perception, resulting from passive fingertip stimulation, seems to be influenced by the surfaces' average roughness levels and average FT occurring during fingertip stimulation.

The Evaluation of the Parameters Affecting Flap Thickness in LASIK Surgery

OZET Results: The mean FT was found to be lower in the study group (t=21.35 and t=18.78, P<0.001) than expected. There was a significant positive correlation between FT and preoperative CCT. In bilateral LASIK cases, FT was not significantly different between the first and second eyes in Group 1. However, the FT values of the first eye were found to be thicker than those of the second eye in Group 2. Conclusion: Although the obtained FT values were thinner than the expected theoretical FT, we did not encounter any microkeratome-related flap complications. Therefore, the MK- 2000 microkeratome may be used as a reliable and safe meth- od for LASIK surgery.

Prevalence and polarization of dental caries among young, healthy adults: Cross-sectional epidemiological study

Objective. Oral health of young people has improved in the industrialized countries during past decades. However, stagnation of this progress has been reported recently. The main aim of this epidemiological study was to investigate the level of cariological treatment history and need (DMFT, DT) and polarization of dental caries among a healthy young male population born in the early 1990s. Materials and methods. Oral health of 13,564 men and 255 women born in 1990, 1991 or 1992 was screened based on the WHO criteria for epidemiological studies by 15 calibrated dentists in 20 garrisons (of a total 24) of the Finnish Defence Forces in January and July 2011. Mean DMFT and DT (SD) values and their distribution were calculated excluding wisdom teeth. Polarization was investigated using the Lorentz analysis. Results. Mean DMFT, DT and FT values were DMFT = 4.1 (SD = 4.2), DT = 1.4 (SD = 2.5) and FT = 2.7 (SD = 2.9). Almost half of the men (45.1%) and one third of the women (37.3%) had at least one tooth needing restorative treatment. About 30% of the conscripts had 90% of all caries lesions and ∼ 10% of the conscripts had half of all lesions. Conclusions. Oral health of young males has not improved since the previous study among conscripts 15 years ago. Polarization of dental caries still exists. About half of the young male population still has manifested dental caries. Oral health promotion must not be neglected, even in countries with low caries prevalence.

1680 ENDOSCOPIC-GUIDED PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY: A TECHNIQUE TO REDUCE RADIATION DOSAGE

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: SWL, Ureteroscopy or Percutaneous Stone Removal (II)1 Apr 20131680 ENDOSCOPIC-GUIDED PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY: A TECHNIQUE TO REDUCE RADIATION DOSAGE Andrea G. Lantz, Padraic O'Malley, Michael Ordon, and Jason Y. Lee Andrea G. LantzAndrea G. Lantz Toronto, Canada More articles by this author , Padraic O'MalleyPadraic O'Malley Toronto, Canada More articles by this author , Michael OrdonMichael Ordon Toronto, Canada More articles by this author , and Jason Y. LeeJason Y. Lee Toronto, Canada More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.3042AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Recent literature has highlighted the potential oncologic consequences of excessive diagnostic radiation exposure. Diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones often exposes patients to high levels of radiation. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in particular, can be associated with large amounts of radiation exposure. Endoscopic-guided PCNL (ePCNL) is a relatively rare approach to PCNL that may have advantages in this regard, compared to standard PCNL techniques. The purpose of this study is to determine the radiation exposure (fluoroscopy time [FT] and effective dose of radiation [EDR]) related to ePCNL and to compare it to the published literature for standard PCNL techniques. METHODS A retrospective review of all ePCNL procedures performed at our institution from Nov 2011 to Oct 2012 was conducted. All cases were performed by a single surgeon using under-table, C-arm fluoroscopy. Total FT and radiation dosage for each case was recorded and the EDR was calculated using standard conversion tables. Pearson correlation was used to assess for covariates significantly correlated with longer FT and higher EDR. RESULTS A total of 29 ePCNL cases were reviewed. Mean patient age was 64 ±13 yrs, 45% were male, and mean BMI was 30 ±6.5 kg/m2. Mean stone size was 3.3 × 2.0 cm with 52% and 11% of stones being partial and complete staghorn calculi, respectively. Almost half (49%) of cases utilized an upper pole puncture, with 61% supracostal punctures; only one patient required 2 tracts. Mean FT was 4.2 ±3.6 mins and mean EDR was 2.8 ±2.4 mSv. Stone-free rate was 82% and 11% required ancillary procedures. Overall complication rate was 31% with the majority (7/9) being Clavien-Dindo grade 1-2. Longer FT correlated with increased stone size (p=0.002) and the need for ancillary procedures (p=0.005) while higher EDR correlated with increased skin-to-stone distance (SSD; p=0.013). Higher BMI did not correlate with FT, EDR or operative time. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary, single-centre review demonstrates that the ePCNL technique may be associated with a reduction in radiation dosage when compared to standard PCNL techniques (Table 1), with comparable stone-free and complication rates. Comparative Radiation Doses and Fluoroscopy Times for PCNL Author (year) Radiation Dose Fluoroscopy Time (min) Comments Current study 2.8 mSv 4.2 EDR Ritter (2012) NR 7.3 Inexperienced NR 6.2 Experienced endourologist Lipkin (2011) 4.45 mSv 6.9 EDR, air pyelogram group 7.67 mSv 10.7 EDR, contrast pyelogram group Jamal (2011) 43.3 mGy NR IR access + intraoperative c-arm data Mancini (2010) 8.66 mSv NR EDR Tepeler (2009) NR 10.19 EDR = effective dose of radiation, IR = interventional radiology, NR = not reported © 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 189Issue 4SApril 2013Page: e691 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Andrea G. Lantz Toronto, Canada More articles by this author Padraic O'Malley Toronto, Canada More articles by this author Michael Ordon Toronto, Canada More articles by this author Jason Y. Lee Toronto, Canada More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Is androgen production in association with immune system activation potential evidence for existence of a functional adrenal/ovarian autoimmune system in women?

BackgroundLow functional ovarian reserve (FOR) is at all ages associated with low testosterone (T) levels. Causes are, however, unknown. We, therefore, investigate whether androgens with low FOR are associated with non-specific immune system activation.Methods322 infertile women with low and normal FOR (controls) were assessed with a broadly based immune profile, which in previous studies has proven effective in differentiating infertile patients with and without immune system activation. Patients were either immune-positive (greater than or equal to one positive tested parameter) or immune negative (no positive test). 135 suffered from prematurely diminished FOR (POA/OPOI; < age 38), 155 from physiologic diminished FOR due to age (DOR; > age 40), and 32 were controls (< age 38 with normal age-specific FOR). Prevalence of immune-positive vs. negative was assessed in all 3 patient groups.ResultsWomen with immune abnormalities, overall, demonstrated higher total T (TT, P = 0.004) and free T (FT, P < 0.001) levels than those without. The three clinical and two immunologic-defined patient groups demonstrated significant statistical interaction in mean TT (P = 0.008), with mean TT and FT in women with positive immune findings being significantly higher in control than in POA/OPOI and physiologic DOR patients (all 4 differences P < 0.001). No such differences between the three groups were seen in women without immune abnormalities.ConclusionsIn this study we used a definition of immune-positivity, which favors sensitivity over specificity, resulting in significant numbers of false-positives but likely only few false-negatives. The study allows suggesting the possibility of an immune system-derived androgen-production factor (APF), which maintains normal androgen levels but is deficient in women with low FOR and immune system inactivity. Existence of such an APF would suggest the presence of a still unknown functional adrenal autoimmune system.

Oral health care needs and oral health‐related quality of life (OHIP‐14) in homeless people

The aim of this study was (i) to determine the oral health status and oral health care needs of this population, (ii) to assess oral health-related quality of life using OHIP-14 and (iii) to explore whether there is a relationship between oral health status and oral health-related quality of life. A convenience sample was drawn from eight facilities catering for homeless people in south east London. Participants were invited to attend an outreach dental clinic and receive a clinical oral health and treatment needs assessment. The impact of oral disease was assessed using OHIP-14. There were 102 people from a range of vulnerable housing situations invited to participate in the study. The mean age was 39.5 (SD +/- 12.3) and 92% (n = 92) were men. The mean DMFT of dentate participants (n = 94) was 15.5 (SD +/- 7.6), mean DT was 4.2 (SD +/- 5.2), mean MT was 6.8 (SD +/- 6.0) and mean FT was 4.6 (SD +/- 4.8). Normative needs were extensive with 76% having a restorative need, 80% having a need for oral hygiene measures and periodontal treatment and 38% having a prosthetic treatment need. Ninety one per cent of homeless people experienced at least one impact and the mean number of impacts (n = 90) was 5.9 (SD +/- 4.8).The most commonly experienced oral health-related quality of life impacts were in the dimension of pain, with aching in the mouth having a prevalence of 65% and discomfort while eating foods having a prevalence of 62%. Forty-four per cent felt handicapped by their oral condition. The experience of oral impact had only a slight relationship with clinical status and there were no differences in clinical status or oral impact by vulnerability of housing situation. Oral health care needs were extensive and greater than that of the general population in the UK, although disease levels were similar. While homeless people experienced many more oral impacts (as measured with OHIP-14) compared with adults of the same age in the general population in the UK, there was only a slight relationship with clinical status and oral health-related quality of life.

Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking for Strain Calculation With Harmonic Phase Imaging Analysis

To compare a steady-state free precession cine sequence-based technique (feature tracking [FT]) to tagged harmonic phase (HARP) analysis for peak average circumferential myocardial strain (epsilon(cc)) analysis in a large and heterogeneous population of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Current epsilon(cc) assessment techniques require cardiac magnetic resonance-tagged imaging sequences, and their analysis is complex. The FT method can readily be performed on standard cine (steady-state free precession) sequences. We compared mid-left ventricular whole-slice epsilon(cc) by the 2 techniques in 191 DMD patients grouped according to age and severity of cardiac dysfunction: group B: DMD patients 10 years and younger with normal ejection fraction (EF); group C: DMD patients older than 10 years with normal EF; group D: DMD patients older than 10 years with reduced EF but negative myocardial delayed enhancement (MDE); group E: DMD patients older than 10 years with reduced EF and positive MDE; and group A: 42 control subjects. Retrospective, offline analysis was performed on matched tagged and steady-state free precession slices. For the entire study population (N = 233), mean FT epsilon(cc) values (-13.3 +/- 3.8%) were highly correlated with HARP epsilon(cc) values (-13.6 +/- 3.4%), with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.899. The mean epsilon(cc) of DMD patients determined by HARP (-12.52 +/- 2.69%) and FT (-12.16 +/- 3.12%) was not significantly different (p = NS). Similarly, the mean epsilon(cc) of the control subjects by determined HARP (-18.85 +/- 1.86) and FT (-18.81 +/- 1.83) was not significantly different (p = NS). Excellent correlation between the 2 methods was found among subgroups A through E, except there was no significant difference in strain between groups B and C with FT analysis. FT-based assessment of epsilon(cc) correlates highly with epsilon(cc) derived from tagged images in a large DMD patient population with a wide range of cardiac dysfunction and can be performed without additional imaging.

Studies on the Physicochemical Properties and Existence of Water Products (as Drinks) Advertised as Having Smaller Cluster Sizes of H2O Molecules than Those of Regular Water

The in vitro physicochemical properties of 6 bottled water products (as drinks), advertised as having cluster sizes of H2O molecules smaller than those of regular water, were studied. No significant differences in the boiling temperature (BT, near 100°C) or freezing temperature (FT, near 0°C) were observed between all 8 aqueous solutions examined, including deionized water (DW) and tap water as controls, although DW had the lowest mean BT and highest mean FT values. The specific gravity of all the examined aqueous solutions, including the controls, changed in a temperature-dependently manner, showing the greatest value (near 1.000) at 4°C. Analyses of inorganic components revealed that various mineral components were dissolved in aqueous solutions examined other than DW, suggesting that the trends of the lowest BT and highest FT for the DW control were due to the absence of these solutes. These results did not demonstrate the presence of an abnormality in the hydrogen bonds between H2O molecules in the sample solutions compared to the controls. In other words, the claims by the manufacturers in their advertisements concerning the cluster sizes of H2O molecules for their water products were not confirmed by the findings of this study.

Mapping the Zonal Organization of Tumor Perfusion and Permeability in a Rat Glioma Model by Using Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Synchrotron Radiation CT

To depict and analyze in vivo the tumor zone organization of C6 gliomas depicted on quantitative parametric maps obtained with dynamic contrast material-enhanced synchrotron radiation computed tomography (CT) in a tightly controlled data-processing protocol. Animal use was compliant with official French guidelines and was assessed by the local Internal Evaluation Committee for Animal Welfare and Rights. Fifteen Wistar rats with orthotopically implanted gliomas were studied at monochromatic synchrotron radiation CT after receiving a bolus injection of contrast material. The iodine concentration maps were analyzed by using a compartmental model selected from among a package of models. Choice of model and assessment of the relevance of the model were guided by quality criteria. Tissue blood flow (F(T)), tissue blood volume fraction (V(T)), permeability-surface area product (PS), artery-to-tissue delay (D(A-T)), and vascular mean transit time (MTT) maps were obtained. Parametric map findings were compared with histologic findings. Local regions of interest were selected in the contralateral hemisphere and in several tumor structures to characterize the tumor microvasculature. Differences in parameter values between regions were assessed with the Wilcoxon method. Whole-tumor parameters were expressed as means +/- standard errors of the mean: Mean F(T), V(T), PS, and D(A-T) values and MTT were 61.4 mL/min/100 mL +/- 15.3, 2.4% +/- 0.4, 0.37 mL/min/100 mL +/- 0.11, 0.24 second +/- 0.06; and 3.9 seconds +/- 0.83, respectively. MTT and mean PS were significantly lower (P < .01) in the normal contralateral tissue: 1.10 seconds +/- 0.06 and < or = 10(-5) mL/min/100 mL, respectively. Tumor regions were characterized by significantly different (P < .05) F(T) and V(T) pairs: 108 mL/min/100 mL and 3.66%, respectively, at the periphery; 45.9 mL/min/100 mL and 1.91%, respectively, in the intermediate zone; 5.1 mL/min/100 mL and 0.42%, respectively, in the center; and 210 mL/min/100 mL and 6.82%, respectively, in the maximal value region. Fine mapping of the glioma microcirculation is feasible with dynamic contrast-enhanced synchrotron radiation CT performed with well-controlled analytic protocols. http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/2501071929/DC1.

Disturbance of the Fetal Thyroid Hormone State Has Long-Term Consequences for Treatment of Thyroidal and Central Congenital Hypothyroidism

During T(4) supplementation of patients with thyroidal (primary) congenital hypothyroidism (CH) TSH concentrations are frequently elevated despite free T(4) (FT(4)) concentrations being well within the reference range. To examine the thyroid's regulatory system, we analyzed thyroid function determinants in children with congenital and acquired thyroid disorders and in controls. Retrospectively, plasma FT(4), TSH, and T(3) concentrations were analyzed in T(4)-supplemented children aged 0.5-20.0 yr with thyroidal CH, central (secondary or tertiary) CH, or autoimmune thyroid disease and in control children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. When TSH was within the reference range (0.4-4.0 mU/liter), mean FT(4) in thyroidal CH [1.65 ng/dl; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.62-1.67] was significantly higher than in autoimmune thyroid disease (1.15 ng/dl; 95% CI, 1.11-1.19) and diabetes (1.08 ng/dl; 95% CI, 1.06-1.10). In central CH, when TSH was less than or equal to 0.02 mU/liter, mean FT(4) was 1.27 ng/dl (95% CI, 1.24-1.29). When FT(4) was within the reference range (0.78-1.79 ng/dl), 43% of the TSH measurements in thyroidal CH were more than 4.0 mU/liter, compared with 18% in autoimmune thyroid disease and 0% in type 1 diabetes mellitus; in central CH, 95% of TSH measurements were less than 0.4 mU/liter. In T(4)-supplemented patients with thyroidal CH, when TSH concentrations are established within the reference range, FT(4) concentrations tend to be elevated, and vice versa. Because this phenomenon could not be observed in acquired thyroidal hypothyroidism, we hypothesize that a pre- and/or perinatal hypothyroid state shifts the setpoint of the thyroid's regulatory system. In central CH, when FT(4) concentrations are established within the reference range, the pituitary secretes only minute amounts of TSH. For monitoring T(4) supplementation, reference ranges for FT(4) and TSH should be adapted to the etiology of hypothyroidism.

Fluoroscopy Time During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Fluoroscopy Time During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Kamil Obideen, Maarouf Hoteit, John Affronti, Qiang Cai Background: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure that requires fluoroscopy. The radiation dose of fluoroscopy is much higher than that of routine X-ray examinations, such as a chest X-ray. A few studies regarding radiation exposure of patients and ERCP staff during ERCP have been published in recent years. However, information about radiation exposure during each step of the procedure is not well known.AIMS: This study aimed to provide data regarding radiation exposure during specific components of ERCP, such as during the deep cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD). Methods: In the last several months, patients referred to us for their first ERCP were enrolled in this study. The fluoroscopy time before, during and post deep cannulation of the CBD in each ERCP were recorded. Results: We analyzed 46 successful ERCP procedures during the study period. Those procedures can be divided into two groups: 18 were diagnostic ERCPs and 28 were therapeutic ERCPs. The latter included obtaining cytology, performing sphincterotomy, balloon extraction, and stent insertion, etc. The mean FT before deep cannulation of the CBD was minimal, less than 0.1 minutes for each procedure in both groups. The mean FTs during the deep cannulation of the CBD were 4.5G4.1 minutes and 6.4G7.9 minutes for the diagnostic group and the therapeutic group respectively. The mean FTs for the whole procedure were 6.1G5.0 minutes and 16.2G11.0 minutes for the diagnostic group and the therapeutic groups respectively. The FT during deep cannulation of the CBD accounted for a significant portion of the whole FT in both the diagnostic group (4.5/6.1, about 74%) and the therapeutic group (6.4/16.2, about 40%). Conclusions: The radiation dose of one-minute FT is approximately 15 mGy at skin entrance which is equal to almost 100 routine chest X-rays. If the cannulation time can be reduced thereby shortening the FT during deep cannulation of the CBD, it will significantly reduce the radiation exposure during ERCP.

Biomarkers for the prediction of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic use of noninvasive markers of fibrosis in patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease. A total of 221 consecutive patients with an alcohol intake of >50 g/day (median, 100 g/day) and available liver biopsy examination and FibroTest FibroSure (FT) results were included prospectively. Fibrosis was assessed blindly on a 5-stage histologic scale similar to that of the METAVIR scoring system. Hyaluronic acid was measured and used as a standard serum marker of fibrosis. Advanced fibrosis (F2-F4) was present at biopsy examination in 63% of patients. The mean FT value (SE) was F0 = .29 (.05); F1 = .29 (.03), F2 = .40 (.03), F3 = .53 (.04); and F4 = .88 (.02) (P < .05 between all groups, except between F0 and F1). As opposed to FT, there was no significant difference for hyaluronic acid between F2 and F1 and between F2 and F0. For F2-F4 vs. F0-F1, the FT area under the ROC curves (AUROC) = .84 (.03) and .79 (.03) for hyaluronic acid. For the diagnosis of F4, the AUROC was very high, .95 for FT and .93 for hyaluronic acid. The discordances of the 2 stages were attributed to biopsy failures in 26 cases and to FT failures in 13 cases. In heavy drinkers, FT is a simple and noninvasive quantitative estimate of liver fibrosis. The use of FT may decrease the need for liver biopsy examination.

Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonics of the M�re Tr�ndelag Fault Complex, central Norway: constraints from new apatite fission track data

The Møre Trøndelag Fault Complex (MTFC) of central Norway is a long-lived structural zone whose tectonic history included dextral strike slip, sinistral strike slip, and vertical offset. Determination of an offset history for the MTFC is complicated by the lack of well preserved stratigraphic markers. However, low temperature apatite fission track (AFT) thermochronology offers important new clues by allowing the determination of exhumation histories for individual fault blocks presently exposed within the MTFC area. Previously published AFT data from crystalline basement in and near the MTFC suggest the region has a complicated pattern of exhumation. We present new AFT data from a NW–SE transect perpendicular to the principal structural grain of the MTFC. FT analyses of 15 apatite samples yielded apparent ages between 90 and 300 Ma, with mean FT length ranging from 11.8 to 13.5 μm. Thermal models based upon the age and track length data show the MTFC is comprised by multiple structural blocks with individual exhumation histories that are discrete at the 2σ confidence level. Thermal modeling of the AFT data indicates exhumation progressed from west to east, and that the final juxtaposition and exhumation of the innermost blocks took place during Cretaceous or Tertiary (possibly Neogene) time. We suggest that least some of the fracture lineaments of central Norway were re-activated during Mesozoic extension and the opening of the Norwegian sea, and may have remained active into the Cenozoic.

Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonics of the Møre Trøndelag Fault Complex, central Norway: constraints from new apatite fission track data

The Møre Trøndelag Fault Complex (MTFC) of central Norway is a long-lived structural zone whose tectonic history included dextral strike slip, sinistral strike slip, and vertical offset. Determination of an offset history for the MTFC is complicated by the lack of well preserved stratigraphic markers. However, low temperature apatite fission track (AFT) thermochronology offers important new clues by allowing the determination of exhumation histories for individual fault blocks presently exposed within the MTFC area. Previously published AFT data from crystalline basement in and near the MTFC suggest the region has a complicated pattern of exhumation. We present new AFT data from a NW–SE transect perpendicular to the principal structural grain of the MTFC. FT analyses of 15 apatite samples yielded apparent ages between 90 and 300 Ma, with mean FT length ranging from 11.8 to 13.5 μm. Thermal models based upon the age and track length data show the MTFC is comprised by multiple structural blocks with individual exhumation histories that are discrete at the 2σ confidence level. Thermal modeling of the AFT data indicates exhumation progressed from west to east, and that the final juxtaposition and exhumation of the innermost blocks took place during Cretaceous or Tertiary (possibly Neogene) time. We suggest that least some of the fracture lineaments of central Norway were re-activated during Mesozoic extension and the opening of the Norwegian sea, and may have remained active into the Cenozoic.

Dental screening of older adults living in residential aged care facilities in Perth.

This study aimed to estimate the dental treatment needs and oral health status of a sample of older adults in residential aged care facilities in Perth. The 348 participants (> or = 65 years) were interviewed and screened in 25 facilities. The screenings were carried out by one examiner using a mirror and a portable light. Over half (52 per cent) of the participants were edentulous and 45 per cent of those edentulous participants for whom a recording was made (n=174) had oral mucosal conditions. The 164 dentate participants had a mean of 12 disease-free standing teeth, a mean decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) of 24.7 (mean DT 0.8, mean FT 5.3) and half of them required the removal of supragingival calculus. Of those with root caries experience (n=127), a mean of 1.3 untreated decayed roots and a mean of 1.9 roots covered in plaque were recorded. The majority of the participants (83 per cent) were pensioners eligible for government subsidized dental care and 47 per cent were reported by the Directors of Nursing to have dementia. The data collected here demonstrate poor oral health conditions and a substantial treatment need in a neglected population. More people in nursing homes and hostels are keeping their natural teeth compared with a similar population studied 13 years ago.

Effect of 1α-hydroxyvitamin D 3 on serum levels of thyroid hormones in hyperthyroid patients with untreated graves' disease

We performed a randomized, open prospective study to determine the effect of 1α-hydroxyvitamin D 3 [1α(OH)D3] on hyperthyroidism in patients with untreated (Graves' disease. At the time of entry into the study, 30 patients were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 30 mg methimazole (MMI) (group A, n = 15) or the same dose of MMI supplemented with 1.5 μg 1α(OH)D3 (group B, n = 15). These treatment regimens were continued for 24 weeks, and physicians were allowed to adjust MMI dosage during follow-up visits. Blood samples were collected, and serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (FT 3), free thyroxine (FT 4), T 3, T 4, thyrotropin (TSH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and TSH-receptor antibody (TRAb) were determined. During the follow-up periods, all patients became euthyroid. The dose of MMI was not significantly different between these two groups. In contrast, decreases in mean serum FT3 and FT 4 levels, as well as in mean serum T 3 and T 4 levels were greater in group B. Correspondingly, the reciprocal increase in the mean TSH level was more prominent in group B. Mean TRAb levels did not differ between the two groups. Mean serum ALP levels in group B were significantly lower than in group A at 24 weeks. Thus, we suggest that concomitant administration of 1α(OH)D3 is useful for treating hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' disease.

Return to employment after burn

The increase in the survival rate of burned patients has stressed the need to study their rehabilitation. The purpose of our study was to characterize the factors influencing such patients' return to work. We conducted a mail survey among 316 patients aged 15–65 years, treated at Töölö Hospital Burns Unit between 11 November 1988 and 31 December 1994. Of 175 participants, 130 (74 per cent) were men and 45 (26 per cent) women. The mean TBSA was 14.0 per cent, mean FT 6.4 per cent and the mean time of hospital treatment (TOT) 17.5 days. Statistical significance was calculated by Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskall-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Chi-square test as appropriate, with a probability level of 0.05. In the study, 54 per cent of patients whose burn area was 1–10 per cent, returned to work within 2 months. No difference was found between patients who had hand burns and those who had burn injuries in other parts of the body. Patients who did not return to work were significantly older (mean age 45 years) than those who did (mean ages varying from 33 to 36 years; P < 0.05). Total body surface area burned (TBSA), FT, TOT, age and employment status at the time of injury were the factors predicting the resumption of working ability after burn injury.

Time course of pH regulation in free thyroxin determinations in serum

Vol 37: p. 1299: Left column: The HEPES buffer concentration on lines 12 and 24 should be 48 mmol/L. Middle column: References 2 and 7 cite J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Right column: The many studies in line 7, second paragraph, are references 5-7 in the response. The third sentence after this should read: Dialysis against this buffer resulted in a mean FT 4 concentration of 18.7 pmol/L in healthy subjects, compared with 14.8 pmol/L in our recent study, and 15.8 pmol/L reported by Ekins and Ellis ( 3 ); a different HEPES buffer and a greater dilution were used in the latter two studies.

Association between increased concentrations of free thyroxine and unsaturated free fatty acids in non-thyroidal illnesses: Role of albumin

We measured the concentrations of non-esterified free fatty acids and free and total thyroid hormones in serum from patients with various non-thyroidal illnesses (NTI) and chronic renal failure (CRF). The total concentration of free fatty acids was measured enzymatically and the eight most abundant fractions were determined by gas-liquid chromatography. The concentration of total free fatty acids was significantly increased in the NTI group as compared with controls ( P < 0.01); the concentrations of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid were increased more than those of the other fractions. In NTI the serum-free thyroxine (FT 4) concentration was increased ( P < 0.01) and the free triiodothyronine (FT 3) concentration was decreased ( P < 0.001); these concentrations were measured by equilibrium dialysis. There was a significant correlation between the levels of total free fatty acids and FT 4 in the NTI ( n = 43) group ( r = 0.45, P < 0.01), and also between the levels of linoleic acid and FT 4 ( r = 0.35, p < 0.05). The serum albumin concentration was decreased in the NTI group, and when free fatty acid to albumin molar ratios were calculated stronger correlations with FT 4 were observed (total free fatty acids: r = 0.55; p < 0.001; oleic acid: r = 0.30, p < 0.05; linoleic acid: r = 0.46, p < 0.01; linolenic acid: r = 0.35, p < 0.05). There was no correlation between FT 4 and unsaturated FFA concentrations in CRF patients, who had normal mean FT 4 and total FFA levels. These results support the hypothesis that unsaturated fatty acids are involved in the increase of serum FT 4 in NTI, especially when albumin levels are low.

?-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Levels in Thyroid Disease

To evaluate the association between serum γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity (GGT) and thyroid function, we measured the GGT, alkaline phosphatase, free thyroxine index (FT 4 I), free triiodothyronine index (FT 3 I), and thyrotropin (TSH) levels in patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism and in normal subjects. Ten of 16 hyperthyroid patients had elevations of GGT activity. There was no difference in mean FT 4 I or FT 3 I between the groups with high GGT and normal GGT levels. Six months after treatment with radioactive iodine, serum GGT levels decreased, while there was no significant change in mean serum alkaline phosphatase levels. Mean serum GGT levels were decreased in patients with hypothyroidism and correlated well with serum TSH levels. Replacement therapy with levothyroxine sodium caused an elevation in mean serum GGT levels in six hypothyroid patients. Thus, serum GGT activity is frequently increased in patients with hyperthyroidism and may be decreased in patients with hypothyroidism. Euthyroidism results in restoration of normal GGT levels. ( Arch Intern Med 1982;142:79-81)