Flattening of the articular eminence is associated with the loss of occlusal support: radiological study.

Background: Degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joint might be associated with ageing and/or with the loss of occlusal support.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the inclination of the posterior slope of the articular eminence changes in association with: (i) ageing in patients with maintained occlusal support zones (OSZs); and (ii) the loss of OSZs in elders.

Methods: In this retrospective radiological study, selected orthopantomograms were allocated into the following groups: I-age 18-35, maintained OSZs, II-age 36-60, maintained OSZs, III-age >60, at least one OSZ per side maintained, IV-age >60, loss of all OSZs.

Current strategies for anticancer chemoprevention and chemoprotection.

Relatively new targets in drug design projects in cancer pharmacology include cytostatic agents, immune system modulators, and angiogenesis inhibitors. Preventive oncology applies pharmacological agents to reverse, retard, or halt progression of neoplastic cells to invasive malignancy. Prevention of cancer, however, can be accomplished through many strategies, including changes in diet and lifestyle.

Protein quality and microbiological changes in aerobically- or vacuum-packaged, irradiated fresh pork loins.

The effect of gamma-irradiation on the physicochemical, organoleptic and microbiological properties of pork was studied, during 43 days of storage at 4±1°C. Irradiation treatments were carried out under air or vacuum packaging on fresh pork loins at a dose of 6 kGy, at two different dose rates: 2 kGy/h and 20 kGy/h. The loins were evaluated for protein sulphydryl content and emulsifying capacity, surface hydrophobicity of proteins and sensorial evaluation.

Increased apoptosis, changes in intracellular Ca2+, and functional alterations in lymphocytes and macrophages after in vitro exposure to static magnetic field.

Electromagnetic-related alteration of cellular functions is well documented for extremely low-frequency low-energy pulsing electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). In this study we examined the in vitro effects of static magnetic fields (SMF) on the cellular immune parameters of the C57BI/6 murine macrophages, spleen lymphocytes, and thymic cells. The cells were exposed in vitro for 24 h at 37 degrees C, 5% CO2, to 250-1500 G SMF.

Thymus-directed immunotoxicity of airborne dust particles from Upper Silesia (Poland) under acute extrapulmonary studies in mice.

Industrial air pollutants from Upper Silesia, Poland, contain over 250 polycyclic and heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, including mutagenic and carcinogenic chemicals that have been shown to form DNA adducts. Over 4 million habitants of Silesia are permanently exposed to the industrial pollution by pulmonary and dermal routes and by contaminated food and water. These chemicals, when examined separately in animals models, were proven immunotoxic.