Introduction: Recently extracellular vesicles (exosomes, microparticles also referred to as microvesicles and apoptotic bodies) have attracted substantial interest as potential biomarkers and therapeutic vehicles. However, analysis of microparticles in biological fluids is confounded by many factors such as the activation of cells in the blood collection tube that leads to in vitro vesiculation. In this study we aimed at identifying an anticoagulant that prevents in vitro vesiculation in blood plasma samples. Materials and Methods: We compared the levels of platelet microparticles and non-platelet-derived microparticles in platelet-free plasma samples of healthy donors. Platelet-free plasma samples were isolated using different anticoagulant tubes, and were analyzed by flow cytometry and Zymuphen assay. The extent of in vitro vesiculation was compared in citrate and acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) tubes. Results: Agitation and storage of blood samples at 37°C for 1 hour induced a strong release of both platelet microparticles and non-platelet-derived microparticles. Strikingly, in vitro vesiculation related to blood sample handling and storage was prevented in samples in ACD tubes. Importantly, microparticle levels elevated in vivo remained detectable in ACD tubes. Conclusions: We propose the general use of the ACD tube instead of other conventional anticoagulant tubes for the assessment of plasma microparticles since it gives a more realistic picture of the in vivo levels of circulating microparticles and does not interfere with downstream protein or RNA analyses.© 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. IntroductionExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane surrounded structures of various sizes (30-5000 nm) that have received significant attention recently [1]. EVs may be classified on the basis of their biogenesis, diameter and membrane markers. The two best characterized types of EVs include exosomes of endosomal origin and plasma membrane-derived microparticles (MPs) (recently often referred to also as microvesicles or ectosomes in the literature) [1]. EVs are present in all biological fluids including blood plasma, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, tears and breast milk [1]. MPs are in between 100 and 1000 nm in diameter, and they are also detectable by flow cytometry [2,3]. Thus, MP profiles are easily analyzed in the routine clinical laboratory practice, and represent novel biomarkers of various diseases. In circulation, most MPs are derived from platelets, red blood cells, endothelial cells and leukocytes. Because of their abundance, platelet-derived MPs (PMPs) received the highest attention during the past few years. Elevated PMP counts are characteristic for nearly all autoimmune disorders [4,5], and also for several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases [1]. EVs not only contain proteins but also RNA molecules [1]. Extracellular RNA (exRNA) in blood plasma is encapsulated in EVs, or bound to either proteins or HDL molecules [6]. exRNAs, particularly miRNAs, are specific and sensitive biomarkers...

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Introduction and aim: To determine whether the continuous use of gel-type denture adhesives influence the unstimulated whole saliva, the palatal and labial saliva flow rates, and to assess the possible changes of subjective orofacial sicca symptoms. Method: 28 maxillary complete denture wearing patients (average age: 70 ± 10 years) were investigated. A gel-type denture adhesive was administered to the patients for regular use during the 3 weeks of examination. A questionnaire of 16 questions was used to evaluate subjective orofacial sicca symptoms. Unstimulated whole saliva was determined by the spitting method, palatal and labial saliva flow rates were measured by the Periotron® device with filter paper discs at the initial, first, second and third weeks. Statistical analysis: The following tests were used: subjective values – χ2-test; flow rates – ANOVA, paired Student’s t-test. Results: According to the questionnaire, the ratio or severity of xerostomia did not change. A significant increase in the subjective feeling of “saliva thickness” could be detected (p = 0.027), but the other subjective parameters remained unchanged. Palatal saliva flow rates decreased significantly by week 3 (week 0: 4.21 ± 3.96 µl/cm2/min; week 3: 2.21 ± 2.30 µl/cm2/min; p = 0.024). On the other hand, there was no significant change in the unstimulated whole saliva (week 0: 0.37 ± 0.36 ml/min; week 3: 0.39 ± 0.35 ml/min) and labial saliva (week 0: 3.99 ± 3.75 µl/cm2/min; week 3: 2.58 ± 3.39 µl/cm2/min) flow rates. Conclusions: The regular use of denture adhesives did not influence xerostomia and the majority of subjective orofacial sicca symptoms, but may cause a subjective feeling of “increased saliva thickness” and reduce palatal minor salivary gland flow rates among complete maxillary denture wearers. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(40): 1637–1644.

ObjectiveOne‐third of the Hungarian population suffers from xerostomia. Since there is no evidence of the actual prevalence of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in Hungary, this study aimed to evaluate the same.Materials and MethodsData were collected from the Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University from 2008 to 2015. A diagnosis of SS was established based on the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism criteria.ResultsOf the 1076 patients examined with sicca symptoms, 188 patients had confirmed SS. Primary SS (pSS) was diagnosed in 135 patients and secondary SS (sSS) was confirmed in 53 patients. According to the available statistical records of the public health service of Hungary, there were an average of 16 (0.0014%, 5–26) newly diagnosed SS cases in the entire population and 141 SS patient‐practitioner consultations (49–232) per 100,000 inhabitants in the country over the past 10 years (based on the past 10 years: 2011–2020).ConclusionResults revealed that approximately 1/5th–1/6th of patients with sicca symptoms have SS, among whom 72% and 285 have pSS and sSS, respectively. Global Hungarian records simultaneously revealed that the number of both new diagnoses and doctor‐SS patient encounters has significantly decreased (by 50%) yearly over the last decade.

Objectives of this study were to explore the prevalence of subjective and objective dryness symptoms by smoking status in different age groups, to measure whole and minor saliva flow rates, and to evaluate the possible associations between salivary parameters, oral symptoms and the intensity of smoking in a sample of Hungarian adults. Repeated cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2003 (n=600) and 2014�2018 (n=301) among Hungarian adults visiting regional outpatient dental clinics of their residence where dentist interviewed them about their subjective sicca symptoms and cigarette smoking habits (non-smoker � NS, light smoker � LIS, moderate or heavy smoker � MHS), and measured unstimulated whole saliva flow rate (UWS), palatal- and labial minor saliva flow rates to assess xerostomia objectively. The severity of xerostomia was significantly higher in among 30�39-year-old male smokers (44.8%; p=0.001), and among 18-29-year-old female smokers (52.9%; p=0.013), compared to their non-smoker counterparts (6.7% and 27.1%, respectively). UWS flow rate was significantly lower among 18-29-year-old MHS females compared to NS and LIS females in the same age group (p=0.019, p=0.015, respectively). Significantly increased palatal saliva flow rate was registered among 30�39-year-old MHS males compared to their NS counterparts (p=0.046). Our study highlighted that high intensity of smoking may cause xerostomia, a decrease in the UWS flow rate, and an increase in palatal saliva flow rate in some age groups, however, other sicca symptoms were mostly unrelated to the presence of dry mouth.

A laryngocele consists of a dilatation of the appendix ventriculi which under normal conditions is present as an extension of the ventricle of Morgagni. It is similar in shape to a thumb stall, 5 to 10 mm long, lined with ciliary epithelium and directed obliquely upwards. A laryngocele is longer in children and usually undergoes regression after the sixth year; if it persists it usually contains no air and its walls lie in close approximation. Under pathologic conditions air may however enter the sac, particularly if this is longer and broader than usual; a ventilation mechanism may sometimes become operative due either to swelling of the mucosa or to a neoplasm, and dilatation of the sac may rapidly ensue. It is believed that subjects in whom the laryngeal pressure is often increased, e.g. trumpet players, glass blowers and chronic bronchitics, may develop a laryngocele more frequently than others.A laryngocele, if of small size, remains below the false vocal cords but when dilated tends to move upwards in the aryepiglottic folds. In 20 per cent of cases (WAYOFF) it breaks through the hyothyroid membrane and eventually through a weakened part of the thyroid cartilage; it then becomes extralaryngeal and palpable between the muscles of the neck or under the skin.A laryngocele is phylogenetically identical with the laryngeal air sac of the