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Age is a major risk factor for development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and associated with increased recurrence rates in the setting of rhythm control. Current data tend to support catheter ablation in elderly patients but uncertainties exist regarding efficacy and safety of ablation in elderly patients.

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible influence of a malocclusion pattern on a patient’s posture.Methods:Patients affected by symmetric malocclusion or malocclusion with mild to moderate non-syndromic craniofacial asymmetry were submitted to a clinical and X-ray evaluation. Subjects with symmetric skeletal class I were used as the control group. Evaluation of differences in postural pattern was performed using rasterstereography.Results:Statistical analysis (t-test) was performed on 61 patients divided in homogeneous subgroups. The results show a pelvic torsion angle of 1.08° + 3.00° (P= 0.0023) (normal value (NV) = 0.0–1.9°) in subjects presenting skeletal class II z asymmetry (control group: 1.17° ± 1.25°, not significant (NS)).Conclusions:The present study shows evidence of a relationship between malocclusion and spinal posture. A better understanding of the relationship between malocclusion and posture may help in planning a multidisciplinary approach that could involve other specialists.

Normal bone tissue is characterised by a balancing of osteoblast and osteoclast activity. The activity and differentiation of these cells are regulated by vitamins, hormones and cytokines. The action of these factors on bone tissue cells depends on the composition and mineralisation of extracellular bone matrix. In particular, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) acts on collagen fibres, glycosaminoglycan secretion and on the enzymes correlated to the turnover of glycosaminoglycans. The normal functions of bone tissue also depend on its mineralisation, which is highly altered in the process of uraemia.

The use of growth factors in oral tissue regeneration is currently under investigation. When growth factors are combined with commercial materials, the in vitromechanisms of action still remain unclear. The present study first evaluated the capacity of barrier membranes, used in oral surgery, to sequester TGFβ1. Resorbable HYAFF, paroguide, poly DL‐lactide and nonresorbable PTFE membranes were immersed in MEM containing 0.2 ng 125I‐TGFβ1for different periods of time. It was found that HYAFF membrane and paroguide sequestered the most TGFβ1, which was then released in its active form (as shown by the CCL64 cell line bioassay). Untreated membranes and membranes enriched with TGFβ1were then used as substrate for human bone cells to evaluate the synthesis of the osteoblast phenotype, as indicated by specific parameters. Results showed that membranes enriched with TGFβ1increased alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen, and osteocalcin production more than untreated membranes. HYAFF and paroguide membranes, which sequestered the most of TGFβ1, were the most suitable for stimulating bone matrix proteins. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 63: 577–582, 2002

The cytotoxicity of the most common alloys used in orthodontic appliances was determined by cell culture testing. Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured on 304 and 316 stainless steel, on brazing alloy composed of palladium Pd, copper Cu, and silver Ag, and on plastic substrate control. Studies were carried out with SEM and radiolabeled precursor incorporation. Cells were cultured in MEM without serum but with the addition of 3Hthymidine to evaluate cell proliferation and 3Hglucosamine to evaluate glycosaminoglycan GAG synthesis and secretion in the culture medium. Moreover, gingival fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of some metal ions generally released by orthodontic appliances to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of single ions. Morphologic observations with SEM and radiolabeled incorporation studies showed that 304 and 316 stainless steel were more biocompatible than the brazing alloy. Among the metal ions tested, Ag and Pd, constituents of the brazing alloy, showed the highest cytotoxicity. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 51, 561–568, 2000.