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Biomedical subjects

J F Tessier

Publications and source records attributed to J F Tessier.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Relationship between periodontal probing velocity and gingival inflammation in human subjects.

Little is known about the biophysical characteristics of the dentogingival junction in response to the development or resolution of inflammation. The Toronto Automated Periodontal Probe (TAPP) provides an estimate of the integrity of the dentogingival junction by measuring intrapocket probing velocity. The aim of this study was to measure changes of probing velocity in inflamed human periodontium before and after subgingival debridement. 32 subjects exhibiting gingival inflammation were selected; 29 completed the study. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PLI), bleeding index (BI) and the rate of gingival crevicular fluid flow (CFF) were measured as concomitant variables. The experimental group (N = 16) received scaling, root planing and oral hygiene instruction at baseline. The control group (N = 13) received no treatment until after 28 days. Subjects were seen at baseline, day 14, 21 and 28 for measurement of probing velocity and concomitant variables on 6 index teeth. At day 28, the control group was treated and then reassessed 28 days later. The experimental group showed a reduction of 51.6% for mean crevicular fluid flow (p < 0.0001), 79.7% for mean plaque index (p < 0.0001), 58.0% for mean gingival index (p < 0.0001), and 72.0% for mean bleeding index (p < 0.01) at day 28, confirming that inflammation was reduced compared with baseline. No significant changes were observed in the control group until after treatment. The velocity of probing and the formation of a plateau in the velocity profile were recorded.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dental Plaque Index↗

[The epidemiology of asthma in the elderly. Apropos of a review of the literature].

Increased longevity and the maintenance of autonomy in the elderly has lead to an enlargement of the study of asthma beyond 65 years. If the majority of published work in the literature concludes there is an excess mortality in the elderly asthmatic one cannot exclude the possibility that this excess mortality is due to the association, at this age, of asthma with other respiratory problems. This association would also explain the great variations in prevalence reported by different authors, from 3 to 6% with notable differences according to the sex. Bronchial reactivity appears to be less linked to allergy after 65 than in the young subject. In the elderly asthmatic the frequency of a past history of allergy and of positive cutaneous tests are weaker than in the young, and there is little difference when compared to the non-asthmatic subject. On the other hand the majority of studies show that smoking, respiratory infections, and social class are particularly linked to asthma beyond the age of 65. Although the data on predictive factors may be rare and contradictory certain published works suggest that deterioration in respiratory function most often precedes the appearance of symptoms suggesting the diagnosis. Many uncertainties remain in relation to asthma in the elderly. This is because in large part there are insufficiently specific identifying criteria. There is a need to develop standardised methods of evaluating respiratory handicap, notably specific data on the quality of life as this would be indispensable in evaluating the consequence of asthma in the elderly subject.

Aged↗

[Smoking habits in France among general practitioners and the general male population over a twenty-five year period (1966-1991)].

Epidemiological surveys are presented regarding smoking habits among two populations: the general practitioners in France since 1966 to 1991 and the general population of adult men in the same period of time. We add some European and foreign surveys in the same groups of population. These data show a regular and rather slow reduction of percentage of smokers during the last 25 years. We can see, in general, the behaviour of the general practitioners are in advance comparing with the general population of ten to twenty years. If we compare the French data with the foreign one we can see that France is not in a very good situation regarding the decreasing tendency of smoking among the general practitioners and in the general population. This study justify the strengthening of the fight against smoking among adults and doctors. We remind that the very roots of the tabagism are in the youth: specific studies might take in account this core problem.

Adult↗

Smoking habits and attitudes of medical students towards smoking and antismoking campaigns in nine Asian countries. The Tobacco and Health Committee of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases.

As part of a world survey of the habits, knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding tobacco we report a study in 15 medical schools from nine Asian countries. Some 1646 first year and 1587 final year students were included, of whom 59% were male. The prevalence of daily smoking in males was 4% in first year and 11% in final year; of occasional smoking 18% and 24% respectively, both with considerable variations between countries. The rates were very low in women. Male exsmokers varied from 3% to 24% in different centres. Overall, 33% of smokers had made a serious attempt to quit; 44% expected to have succeeded within 5 years. Over 80% of non- or exsmokers, but only 60% of smokers, thought smoking was harmful to health. There was gross underestimation of tobacco's causal role in a number of important diseases, e.g. coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, emphysema, bladder cancer and neonatal mortality. There were notable defects both in training and in motivation to counsel smoking patients. There was only partial knowledge of legislative and other measures to discourage smoking, e.g. only 44% of final year students (26% of smokers) thought increased taxation an important measure. In knowledge and attitudes there was little difference between the sexes, but in most aspects smokers had notably lower scores.

Adult↗

[Bronchial symptoms and respiratory function in the natural gas extraction industry. The role of Pi phenotype and chemical pollution].

The aim of this study was to measure, in workers in the chemical industry, the frequency of symptoms and/or alteration in respiratory function according to the Pi phenotype and the occupational environment of each subject. 188 men (mean age 33) participated in a cross sectional study which included: a questionnaire on the working conditions, smoking habits and respiratory symptoms, a lung function test assessing bronchial flow rates, residual volume and CO lung transfer, laboratory investigations with determination of the Pi phenotype, blood concentration of alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha-1-AT) and antielastase activity in the serum, a study of outdoor environment in each occupation. The Pi phenotype was divided as MM (75.5%) and non MM (24.5%). Both serum alpha 1AT concentration and antielastase activity were lower in non MM subjects than in MM ones. There was no difference between the 2 groups for age, smoking, working conditions, bronchial symptoms or respiratory function values that were within a normal range. The MM subjects stated that they were more exposed to dust, gas and cold; their absence from work for respiratory disorders was more frequent although in a non significant manner and their flow rates at low lung volumes was paradoxically worse than in non MM subjects. It is concluded that neither the outdoor environment nor the Pi phenotype play a role in the respiratory risk which requires, to be more comprehensively evaluated, a prospective study.

Adult↗

Actual usage of medical facilities by asthmatics in two French rural settings: a preliminary study.

Until recently the medical management of asthmatic patients with respect to their socio-cultural environment had only been superficially studied. Four hundred and fifty eight adult asthmatics were identified through a two-stage questionnaire in two rural districts of south west France. The study has mainly demonstrated: 1) the large number of subjects experiencing more than one attack per week (33% in Gironde, 40% in Lot et Garonne); 2) the large number of subjects feeling disabled in their occupational and day-to-day life (52% in Gironde, 54% in Lot et Garonne); 3) the absence of a relationship between the severity of the disease and the use of medical facilities in the community. Despite the frequency of the attacks and the perceived disability, 27% of the patients felt that their asthma did not require any treatment and up to 60% did not seek medical help even during an attack; 4) the role of population density, type of dwelling and social status in the management of asthma. We conclude that under-treatment is widespread in these two rural settings and is closely related with the association of at least two of these three characteristics: 1) living in a low population density area; 2) living in an isolated dwelling; and 3) being a farm owner.

Adult↗

Smoking habits and attitudes of medical students towards smoking and antismoking campaigns in fourteen European countries.

From an ongoing global international survey we present the results for 14 European countries. The survey was carried out through a WHO-based questionnaire given to the students at the beginning of their first year and during the course of their final year. Daily smokers comprised 13.7% in first year and 21.5% in final year, with an overall variation between 3 and 33% according to country. There were already 16% of ex-smokers among first year students. More than 50% of smokers had made attempts to quit. 60% of daily smokers, and almost all others, thought that they would no longer be smoking in five years time. Knowledge of aetiology was moderate in first year. It later improved but there remained many lacunae in final year, e.g. less than 30% were aware that smoking was a cause of coronary artery disease. There was little knowledge of public health measures for smoking control. Attitudes were greatly influenced by smoking; ex-smokers were similar to non-smokers, with occasional smokers intermediate between these and daily smokers. Only 25% accepted a preventive and educative role in advising patients. As regards smoking, students were concerned with their personal health and with advising patients whom they knew to have smoking-related disease, but in general had little conception of smoking as a public health problem. The differences between countries indicate that both habits and attitudes are social and cultural problems. In most of the centres there seemed to be much room for improvement of medical education in this field.

Attitude to Health↗

[Choice of antibiotics in periodontology].

For periodontal treatment, the use and choice of antibiotics is a controversial matter. There are many medical reasons for prescribing antibiotics before, during and after periodontal treatment. The purpose of this paper is to review the indications and reasons for antibiotherapy in periodontics. Research is not very advanced in this domain and there is a need to understand the indications for antibiotherapy in periodontics.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Respiratory function and bronchial reactivity in mill workers.

Professional exposure to vegetable dusts affect the respiratory function of the exposed subjects. A previous survey conducted in an industrial flour-mill demonstrated a higher frequency of respiratory symptoms in workers compared to a control group. Ten subjects employed in a work site particularly exposed to dust were studied. Each subject answered a questionnaire and performed on Mondays and Fridays, at the beginning and end of his work shift, a flow volume curve and an isocapnic hyperventilation test. The aerobiology of the professional environment was also measured. We noted: 1) in the flow volume curves: a drop in the FEV1 during the Monday morning shift, a significant difference between the FEV1 (p less than 0.05) and the MMEFR 25-75 (p less than 0.05) measured at 6 am on Monday and Friday, and between the MMEFR 25-75 values obtained at 12 noon on Monday and Friday (p less than 0.05). 2) after isocapnic hyperventilation, a significant drop in the MMEFR 25-75 at 6 am on Monday (p less than 0.01) and in the FEV1 and MMEFR 25-75 at 12 noon on Mondays (p less than 0.05), a significant drop in the FEV1 at 1 pm on Monday (p less than 0.01).

Adult↗

Respiratory function in flour-mill workers.

The frequency of bronchial symptoms and the alteration of respiratory function parameters were studied in a group of 63 workers of an industrial flour-mill, and in a control group matched according to age, social class, and tobacco intake. In the exposed group the answers to a questionnaire indicated a greater incidence of cough (p less than 0.01) and chronic expectoration (p less than 0.01) as well as clinical airway hyperreactivity (p less than 0.01). No differences were noted for either asthma or allergy. The respiratory function parameters did not differ between the two groups studied. These results suggest that workers exposed to the vegetable dust found in fluor-mills are subject to develop chronic bronchial irritation.

Adult↗