[Nocturnal bruxism. Contributions to the detection and assessment of involvement in the craniomandibular pain dysfunction syndrome].

The authors review the most updated information concerning the etiopathogenesis of nocturnal bruxism, stressing the co. destructive role of psychosomatic factors and of traumatogenic ones, of the type of premature dental contacts, and of occluding interferences, with evident direct implications in the buccal cavity and at a distance, giving rise to hypnic masticatory automatism, with painful hypercontraction of the masticatory muscles, and stress exerted on the temporomandibular articulations. On the basis of original studies of the interdisciplinary type (prosthetic gnathology and neurophysiology), with the aid of polygraphic investigations during sleep carried out in subjects with nocturnal bruxism it was possible to demonstrate that this oral parafunction may determine sleep disturbances at a central level which makes necessary a complex stomatologic and neuropsychiatric medical therapy.

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in developing countries.

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease can be prevented by simple methods of primary health care. Well-organized prevention programmes can be cost-effective. Lasting benefit depends on the maintenance of both local interest and financial support from governments.

[Actualities concerning frequency, etiopathogeny, and the diagnosis of temporomandibular osteoarthrosis].

On the basis of a vast reference list, and on the personal experience of the authors new opinions are presented, concerning the concept, the frequency, and the etiopathogeny of temporomandibular osteoarthrosis. Although the symptoms and signs of this morbid entity are frequently similar with those of other intracapsular affections, as a result of a combination of modern radiographic investigations (arthrotomography with double contrast, computerized scanner tomodensitometry, magnetic nuclear resonance), arthroscopy, macroscopic and microscopic examinations (biochemical analysis of the synovial fluid) it has become possible to make a positive diagnosis, as well as a differential one. The conclusions of the study have confirmed the evolution of a large number of experimental studies, both clinical and epidemiological, published in the specialized literature, which favor the detection and the removal of multiple risk factors involved in the development of this disease of degenerative origin, by a correct treatment, and by the use of prostheses.

Emergence of cardiovascular diseases in developing countries.

Developing countries are subject to the same risks that have contributed to the high incidence of cardiovascular diseases in the already developed countries. Improvements in life expectancy at birth lead to predictable shifts in the cause-of-death structure over time. The stage at which cardiovascular diseases may be considered to be 'actively emerging' corresponds to a life expectancy level between 50 and 60 years and, at this level, cardiovascular disease mortality accounts for 15-25% of all deaths.