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Mixed odontogenic tumors comprise a rare group of lesions ranging from hamartomas to true neoplasms. Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) predominantly affects the posterior mandible of children, presenting as a well-defined expansile radiolucency. Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma and fibrodentinoma (AFO/AFD) represent odontogenic tumors with similar features to AF that also show enamel and dentin formation. Many authors believe that some of them may be developing odontomas; however, cases with aggressive features support a neoplastic counterpart. Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (AFS) represents the malignant counterpart of AF in which only the ectomesenchymal component shows features of malignancy. There is an ongoing debate whether AFO/AFD should be considered separate entities. Herein, we report the clinicopathologic features of a large series of AF, AFO/AFD, and AFS to provide insight into their biologic behavior and additional evidence for further classification. Clinical and radiographic data were retrieved from the archives of four oral pathology services, between 1991 and 2023. Deidentified slides were reviewed by two independent oral pathologists. Seventy-five cases were identified as follows: AF = 39 cases, AFO/AFD = 29 cases, AFS = 7 cases. Forty-two patients were male and 33 were female. The average ages for AF, AFO/AFD, and AFS were 14.7, 11.9, and 28.7, respectively. Tumors predominantly affected the posterior mandible as asymptomatic unilocular radiolucent or mixed lesions with an average size of 6 cm, causing tooth impaction and cortical expansion. Microscopically, all cases presented with cellular mesenchymal components resembling dental papilla containing branching strands and islands of odontogenic epithelium. AFOs/AFDs also showed dental hard tissue. AFS exhibited increased stromal hypercellularity with marked pleomorphism and fewer ameloblastic islands. Rare tumors were identified including the association of AF with calcifying odontogenic cysts and cemento-ossifying fibroma. This study represents one of the largest well-documented series of AF, AFO/AFD, and AFS, contributing additional clinicopathologic findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign body gingivitis (FBG) is an inflammatory reaction associated with the presence of foreign material in the gingival tissues. Si is the element most prevalent in the foreign particles and is typically found in nature as SiO2 (silica). Silica is a major component of toothpaste, pumice, polishing paste, and carborundum. We have previously reported a significant association between the presence of foreign particles and epithelial dysplasia. Herein, we aim to evaluate the clinical and histologic features of additional gingival lesions of FBG with significant epithelial changes to better characterize the histologic spectrum of the host response and epithelial findings. Fourteen gingival lesions showing FBG and significant epithelial changes were retrieved from the archives of the Texas A&M Oral Pathology Services. Clinical records and deidentified microscopic slides were reviewed. Both sexes were affected equally, with an average age of 68.7 years. There was a strong predilection for the posterior gingiva (92.9% of cases), and the lesions were clinically suspected to be leukoplakia, proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, or dysplasia in the majority of cases. Microscopically, the predominant inflammatory cell type was lymphocytes followed by plasma cells, and the pattern of inflammation was lichenoid in 64.2%. A verrucous architecture was seen in 57.1% of the cases and varying degrees of dysplasia in 71.4 %. Although the effects of silica microparticles in oral tissues are poorly understood, they have been shown to cause significant changes such as silicosis and carcinoma in the lung. Given the recent increase in the prevalence of gingival carcinomas and the wide use of nano- and microparticles in dental and household products, the biological effects of these particles in oral epithelium need to be better elucidated. Further documentation and evidence are needed, and pathologists should evaluate and document all gingival premalignant lesions for foreign material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic gingival papillokeratosis with crypt formation (IGPCF) is an uncommon condition of unknown etiology, characterized by keratotic plaques in the upper labial attached gingiva of young patients. No treatment is required, although periodic follow-up is recommended as some lesions persist. Despite the limited number of published cases, the diagnosis of IGPCF is highly suggestive based on the distinctive clinical features, and biopsy is usually unnecessary. We aim to report seven additional patients with IGPCF from Brazil and the United States. Seven IGPCF cases were retrieved from the archives of the Oral Pathology Laboratories from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Texas A&M University, USA, between 2017 and 2023. Six patients were male, and one patient was female, with an average age of 15.8 years (ranging from 12 to 21). All patients presented with asymptomatic bilateral papillary white plaques located exclusively in the attached anterior gingiva with a duration ranging from 4 to 12 months. Six cases presented in the maxillary labial gingiva, whereas a single case was located in the mandibular labial gingiva. Clinically, the lesions appeared as well-demarcated symmetric white plaques with an irregular surface, stopping abruptly at the mucogingival junction. Incisional biopsies were performed on six patients with exuberant lesions, while an exclusively clinical diagnosis was established in a single patient with discrete plaques. Microscopic analysis revealed gingival mucosa showing overlying parakeratosis with papillary architecture and multifocal epithelial crypt-like invaginations with parakeratin plugging. Mild pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia was noticed, with no signs of epithelial atypia. Clinicians should be aware of IGPCF and differentiate it from other papillary keratotic oral lesions. Reporting additional cases may provide further characterization of this unusual entity and improve understanding as it relates to etiology and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study examined risk and asset factors thought to be associated with fighting among a sample of 1,642 African American children and adolescents in a central Alabama school district. Results show that poor grades, parental abuse, and gang affiliation were significant risk factors associated with higher frequency of fighting. Results also show that parental monitoring and being happy at school were associated with lower frequency of fighting, suggesting the importance of continued support for outreach to parents and further efforts to reduce or eliminate the community factors that promote proliferation of gangs. Programs, either for an entire community or a school system within a community, must be sensitive to the specific risks, assets, and outcomes of that environment so that prevention and intervention are sensitive to cultural, environmental, and demographic distinctions in target populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of the study was to analyze youth's externalizing problem behaviors based on a risk and protective factors framework in two different cultural settings. METHOD: Data were collected among secondary school students in Szeged, Hungary (N=1240) and in Birmingham, AL, USA (N=1538). The self-administered questionnaires contained items on youth's externalizing problem behaviors as well as risk and protective factors. RESULTS: In both samples, first year students in secondary (high) schools and boys reported greater levels of problem behaviors. Multiple regression analyses revealed that substance use, gang membership and low academic achievement were consistent risk factors and associated with higher reporting levels of problem behaviors in both cultures. Parental monitoring served as an important protective factor in both samples, while school protective factors were only significant for American students. CONCLUSION: Findings draw attention to similar structures of certain risk and protective factors of youth's externalizing problem behaviors in different cultural settings. While there are universal risk factors (e. g., substance use, gang membership and low academic achievement), parental monitoring seems to be a universal protective factor against youth's externalizing problem behavior. An important difference is that the school domain seems to act as more important protection for American youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-sectional data were collected on substance use behaviors and potential correlates in 1,494 African American students enrolled in grades 5-12 in eight schools in a central Alabama school district. Using a risk and asset framework, self-reported recent alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use were analyzed by identifying and measuring levels of influence, including individual, family, and school. For alcohol and marijuana use, recurrent risk factors were age, being hit by a parent, affiliation with gangs, and a tolerant attitude of peers toward drug use. For cigarette use, risk factors were peer-oriented: associations with gangs or cohorts holding lenient attitudes about substance use. For all substances, salient asset factors were academic achievement and parental monitoring. Findings suggest that efforts to reduce substance use behaviors should be directed at adolescents in terms of academic achievement and grade level as well as their social environments. For the latter, peer/family risks and family/school assets should be the foci for programs to minimize the short- and long-term consequences of these behaviors. Hence, the emphasis should be placed on modeling attitudes, preventing gang and family violence, encouraging parental supervision, and building positive teacher-student interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The types of stratification seen in the cholecystogram together with the edge-ring are demonstrated and the literature reviewed. Stratification which can be determined radio-graphically occurs in the majority of normal people after an all-night fast and before the first meal of the day. It disappears shortly afterwards. It is a normal finding and its transient nature would make it unlikely to be a gallstone precursor. There remain a few cases where layering occurs with stasis where excessive inspissation and stone formation would be a possibility. The author wishes to acknowledge the kindness of Dr. Karla Plehwe in translating the German texts. Without this assistance this paper could not have been written. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]