Circulating phenotypic B-1 cells are decreased in common variable immunodeficiency and correlate with immunoglobulin M levels.

B-1 cells are innate-like lymphocytes characterized by spontaneous production of 'natural' polyspecific antibodies, often of self-specificity, and thought to be responsible for tissue homeostasis, mucosal protection, maintaining resting serum immunoglobulin (Ig)M levels and for early immunoglobulin production following infection. Although defined most clearly in mice, a human B-1 cell counterpart, defined by the phenotype CD19 or 20(+) CD27(+) CD43(+) CD69 or 70(-) , has been proposed recently, facilitating a study of their role in human humoral immunodeficiencies, such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This study examined circulating B-1 cells in 27 CVID patients in comparison to age-matched controls (n = 28).

Hyperbaric oxygen is effective in early stage of healing of experimental brain abscess in rats.

Objectives: Current therapy of brain abscess (BA) includes a combined approach that involves antibiotics and minimal invasive surgery, but also hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) as a supportive measure. Optimum treatment is still a matter of significant controversy.

Methods: The experiment, previously approved by a relevant ethical committee, involved 80 female Wistar rats.

War-associated cases of typhoid fever imported to Split-Dalmatia County (Croatia).

Objective: The goal was to investigate the number and origin of typhoid fever cases in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, during the period of 1970-2005.

Methods: Data from the medical records of typhoid fever cases treated at the University Hospital during the 35-year period were analyzed. Cases were defined as those in which Salmonella typhi was isolated from blood and/or stool.

The simulation and calculation of the fatigue of the lower complete denture in function by means of the finite element analysis.

This paper presents a finite element analysis, by which the stress distribution during function of a lower jaw acrylic-resin complete denture can be shown. The geometry of a prosthesis has been approximated by measuring, its elementary dimensions, as well as the dimensions of the characteristic cross-sections, on an already completed denture. Based upon these dimensions a mesh, (a three-dimensional network diagram) of finite elements was made.

The response of human premolars to cyclic loading.

The aim of the study was to obtain data on the dynamic strength of both intact and prepared premolars for partial veneer crowns. Cyclic loading was performed in a modified Amslers high-frequency pulsator with varying force (between 400 and 1400 N). The greatest dynamic strength was exhibited by the intact samples.

A study of the occlusal plane orientation by intra-oral method (retromolar pad).

Reliability of the intra-oral method which orientates the occlusal plane to terminate at the upper level of the retromolar pad was studied. Thirty individuals all with natural teeth and 34 complete denture wearers participated in the study. Stone casts were mounted in the S.

The influence of arm position on the pinch grip strength of female dentists in standing and sitting positions.

The objective of this study was to measure and compare hand pinch grip forces in standing and sitting postures for a group of 77 healthy female dentists of 25 to 55 years old. The equipment used consisted of a gripping device with strain gauges, a measuring device and a printer. The results can be described as follows.

[Effect of prosthesis cleansing agent on the prosthetic base fungi].

Candida albicans and other fungi are frequently found in subjects wearing prostheses, especially in prostheses with poor hygiene, i.e. with accumulations of food, plaques and calculi.

[Effect of work on the body posture in dental team members].

Differences between two working process technologies during the working time of a DMD and his/her team were studied. The study sample consisted of 16 dental medicine teams from the Zagreb area. One half of the teams were working using the conditionally termed old technology (T I), and the other half employed the new technology (T II).

[Ergonomy--dentistry--biomechanics].

In this paper the authors present with scientifically--critically looking, ergonomicas--in interdisciplinary group of applied sciences, show the outstanding possibilities of complete analysis and improvement of "man--machine--environment system". With a scientific approach and use of the latest principles of modern ergonomics, the term of dental ergonomics is introduced in dental medicine. It particularly refers to the creation of different models of dental equipment, instruments and working areas, as well as to the investigation of the harmful factors and the effects of working environment on the dentist's health, especially, on the locomotor system which is mostly affected within the "dentist/patient/--equipment--environment system".

[Angle between occlusal plane and horizontal plane of articulators with quick mounting face bow].

Correct determination of the occlusal plane is important for estetic, phonetic and masticatory function of the denture. As many different criterias are used in clinical practice to determine the occlusal plane on the wax rims, the aim of this study was to find the angle between the occlusal plane and the horizontal plane in the articulators with the quick mounting face bow. The measurements were made on the casts of 30 eugnath individuals with at least 28 natural teeth, mounted in S.

[Investigation of hand grasps of women-dentist in standing position].

The authors investigated the magnitude of hand grasping forces in certain positions of the arm in standing position of women dentists. The investigation concerned a sample of 39 female dentists. The research consisted of 3 devices: the grasping device with electroresistant tape; the measuring device and the printer for graphical registration of deformations.

[Design of bond cast bridges].

A technique of etching was employed in 50 patients for bridge retention. The Rexillium III (Jenevie Industries, Wallingford Co.) alloy and Comspan bond (L.