Finishing techniques for amalgam restorations: Clinical assessment at three years

Use of the optimum finishing technique for an amalgam restoration may enhance the marginal integrity of the restoration and discourage its unnecessary early replacement. Two hundred and twenty-eight high copper amalgam restorations in 56 patients were evaluated, using clinical assessment criteria, up to three years after placement. Each patient had received at least one carved-only amalgam, at least one immediately finished restoration, and at least one amalgam that was polished at a subsequent appointment. Regardless of the finishing technique, the restorations exhibited similar marginal integrity up to three years after placement. Polished restorations were found to have substantially superior surface texture and less likelihood of surface discoloration. No evidence was found to support the use of immediate finishing techniques. The clinical significance of these findings, with respect to the need to polish amalgam restorations, is discussed.     

Demonstration of dilatation of peripheral airways

Summary. To investigate the ability of various lung-function tests to demonstrate dilatation of peripheral airways, ten asthmatics inhaled increasing doses of a f2-agonist by two different and controlled techniques. Low inspiratory flow with a long post-inspi-ratory pause favoured peripheral deposition, and a high inspiratory flow with a short post-inspiratory pause favoured central deposition of drug in the airways. Ordinary spirometry, maximum expiratory flow rates after breathing air as well as a helium-oxygen mixture, a single breath N₂-test and resistance of the respiratory system were obtained before and after each of five terbutaline doses with both inhalation techniques. By using a double-dummy technique, the study could be performed double blinded. Effects were compared at doses giving equal effects on PEF, assumed to represent equal deposition of bronchodilator and effects on central airways. At such ‘iso A PEF doses’, particularly FVC and the slope of phase III of the N₂-test improved more following the slow inhalation technique. It is concluded that changes in those tests reflect dilatation in peripheral airways in asthmatics.,     

Intubating conditions provided by propofol and alfentanil - acceptable, but not ideal

Background: The use of muscle relaxants to facilitate intubation is associated with several side effects regardless of whether depolarizing or non-depolarizing drugs are used. In the present study we compared the intubating conditions, haemodynamic responses and changes in oxygen saturation following induction with alfentanil and propofol or alfentanil, thiopental and suxamethonium.
Methods: Eighty patients (ASA I or II) were in a double-blind manner assigned to receive either of the two induction methods. Intubating conditions were assessed on the basis of jaw relaxation, ease of insertion of the endotracheal tube and coughing on intubation. Heart rate, systolic arterial pressure and oxygen saturation were monitored throughout the procedure.
Results: The use of alfentanil and propofol resulted in significantly lower scored intubation points. Systolic arterial pressure decreased and heart rate increased significantly in the alfentanil-thiopental-suxamethonium group as compared to the alfentanil-propofol group. There were no significant changes in oxygen saturation.
Conclusion: The results show that propofol and alfentanil in combination provides haemodynamic stability and unaltered oxygen saturation but less optimal intubating conditions.     

Comparative study of TRUE Test and Finn Chamber patch test techniques in Singapore

This is a report on a comparative study of the reactivity of TRUE Test and Finn Chamber patch test techniques. 413 patients attending a contact dermatitis clinic in Singapore were simultaneously patch tested with panels 1 and 2 of the TRUE Test standard series and with corresponding allergens (Hermal, Hamburg) using Finn Chambers. The left/right application of the TRUE Test and Finn Chambers was randomized. The concordance of positive patch test reactions to the 2 test techniques was studied. The number of patient with positive reactions was 38% and 42% for TRUE Test and Finn Chamber techniques, respectively (n.s.). The overall concordance of positive patch test reactions was 64% (209/328). 13% (42/328) of positive reactions appeared on TRUE Test only and 24% (77/328) on Finn Chamber only. When only relevant positive reactions were considered, the concordance rate was 67%; 11.6% of positive reactions appeared on TRUE Test only and 21% on Finn Chamber only. Positive reactions to p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and neomycin were more frequent with the Finn Chamber technique than with TRUE Test, i.e., false negative reactions to PPD and neomycin were more likely to occur with TRUE Test. It appeared that the TRUE Test and Finn Chamber techniques were comparable when used for patch testing. However false negative and false positive patch test reactions can occur when using either technique.     

Abdominal Pumping

This article reviews the author's experience with a form of interposed abdominal compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (IAC-CPR) in the United Kingdom. The development of the technique based upon animal resuscitation, including the use of phasic compression (abdominal pumping) for the resuscitation of rats from 30 minutes of cardiac arrest due to hypothermia, is reviewed. A simple technique for clinical use is described. The technique uses a hard-covered book or bean-shaped board applied to the abdomen below the umbilicus and compressed alternately with cardiac massage while respiration is assisted. Anecdotal clinical results suggest that further controlled clinical investigation is warranted.     

Body composition in the elderly: Total body water and anthropometry

Body composition measured with isotopic dilution was compared with anthropometric measurements. The study was carried out in 47 subjects from both sexes, 65 to 92 years old. Total body water (TBW), anthropometric measurements, and dynamometry were assessed. TBW was significatively higher in men than women and decreased with age. Dynamometry and fatfree mass were well correlated (r=0.73 in males and r=0.58 in females) and significantly different between sexes. A negative correlation was found for dynamometry with age, being significant for women. Linear regression equations to predict TBW from anthropometric measurements in males and females were obtained: Males: TBW(I)=19.349+0.617 weight(kg) — 0.931 mid-arm circumference(cm)+0.122 dynamometry (kg) Females: TBW(l)=−5.531+0.343 weight(kg)-0.213 triceps skinfold (mm)+ 0.148 dynamometry(kg) + 3.424 wrist diameter (cm). This simple model is proposed for use in epidemiological and field studies where other more sophisticated methods can not be applied.     

Sterile surgical technique for shunt placement reduces the shunt infection rate in children: preliminary analysis of a prospective protocol in 115 consecutive procedures

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the rigid application of a sterile protocol for shunt placement was applicable on a routine basis and allowed the reduction of shunt infections (SI) in children. Materials and methods Since 2001, a rigid sterile protocol for shunt placement in children using neither antibiotic-impregnated catheters nor laminar airflow was prospectively applied at Erasme Hospital, Brussels, Belgium. For assessing the protocol efficacy before continuation, we preliminarily analyzed the results of the first 100 operated children (43 females, 57 males, 49 aged <12 months; 115 consecutive shunt placement/revision procedures). All procedures were performed by the same senior surgeon, one assistant, one circulating nurse, one anesthesiologist. The sterile protocol was rigidly imposed to these four staff members: uniformed surgical technique; limited implant and skin edge manipulation; minimized human circulation in the room; scheduling surgery as first morning operation; avoiding postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak; double gloving; procedures of less than 30-min duration; systemic antibiotics prophylaxis. We analyzed separately: (1) children carrying an increased risk of SI (n = 38) due to preoperative external ventricular drainage, CSF leak, meningitis, glucocorticoids, chemotherapy; (2) children aged <12 months; (3) procedures for shunt revision. Results Errors in protocol application were recorded in 71/115 procedures. They were mainly done by non-surgical staff, decreased with time and were medically justified in some young children. Surprisingly, no SI occurred (follow-up, 4 to 70 months). One child developed an appendicitis with peritonitis (Streptococcus faecalis) after 6 months. No SI was found. After peritonitis was cured, shunt reinsertion was uneventful. Conclusion These preliminary results suggest that a uniform and drastic sterile surgical technique for shunt placement: (1) can be rigidly applied on a routine basis; (2) can lower the early SI rate below 1%; (3) might have a stronger impact to reduce SI than using antibiotic-impregnated catheters and optimizing the operative environment such as using laminar airflow and reducing the non-surgical staff. This last issue will be evaluated further in the present ongoing protocol.     

氮芥抗药性人早幼粒白血病HL60细胞亚系的建立及其生物特性

用逐步递增药物浓度和软琼脂细胞克隆技术，药物连续作用１４个月后获得氮芥（ＨＮ２）抗药性人早幼粒白血病ＨＬ６０细胞亚系，抗件达５～７倍（ＨＬ６０／ＮＨ２６），在无ＨＮ２培养液中５倍以上抗性维持１０个月以上，抗性细胞亚系的生物学特性除倍增时间稍长和克隆形成率略低外其生长曲线，细胞周期细胞ＤＮＡ指数，形态学，组织化学和染色体分析均与亲代细胞相似。     

特发性脊柱侧凸King型和型远端融合椎的选择

目的回顾采用椎弓根钩和螺钉CD技术治疗特发性脊柱侧凸King型和型患者,分析选择性缩短融合节段的治疗效果。方法2000年3月~2003年1月,治疗58例特发性脊柱侧凸单胸弯患者,男17例,女41例,年龄12~18岁,平均14岁。其中King型40例,King型18例。胸弯Cobb角平均64°(50~83°),柔韧性62%;腰弯Cobb角平均37°(16~48°),柔韧性105%。腰弯腰骶角平均为17°(10~22°)。所有患者C7重力垂线均不同程度地偏离骶骨中线。采用椎弓根钩和螺钉CD技术矫形治疗,以中立椎为基础选择远端融合椎,所有远端融合节段均未超过中立椎。术后随访摄站立前后位和侧位X线片,观察各项指标的变化。结果患者均获随访1年8个月~3年2个月,平均2.4年,均未出现明显的躯干侧方移位和双肩不平衡。术后Cobb角平均丢失3.1°(-1~5°);最后随访时,胸弯矫正率68%;除2例C7重力垂线偏离骶骨中线1~2cm外,其余均通过骶骨中线;腰弯腰骶角减少至平均8°(2~13°),矫正率为53%;48例远端融合椎为非稳定椎者术后成为稳定椎。与Harrington远端融合椎选择原则相比,患者远端融合椎平均节省1.4个节段(1~2个节段)。结论采用三维节段性器械内固定系统治疗特发性单胸弯时,以中立椎为基础选择远端融合椎,可获得较好的临床效果。     

骨骼肌肉恶性肿瘤增强减影MRI

目的　评估增强减影在骨骼肌肉恶性肿瘤MRI中的临床应用价值。方法　 5 0例骨骼肌肉恶性肿瘤病人进行MR增强扫描 ,MR对比剂采用钆喷替酸葡甲胺 (Gd DTPA ,0 1mmol/kg) ,用T1W增强后的图像与增强前的图像进行减影。通过对比度 /噪声比值 (C/Ns值 )以及肿瘤影像征象清晰程度的比较 ,对MR减影与否进行评估。结果　MR对比增强减影图像比传统的T1W增强图像显示更清晰、更直观。所有病例都经手术和病理证实。 5 0例骨骼肌肉恶性肿瘤图像MR减影的C/Ns值比传统T1W增强图像的C/Ns值高。MR减影图像的C/Ns值为 10 9 74± 5 10 ( x±s) ,传统T1W增强图像的C/Ns值为 2 3 6 1± 3 16 (t=10 1 5 1,P <0 0 5 )。减影前后肿瘤影像征象的比较结果显示 :不规则边缘 (χ2 =7 86 ,P <0 0 5 )、肿瘤分叶 (χ2 =7 16 ,P <0 0 5 )和环形强化 (χ2 =7 4 4 ,P <0 0 5 ) ,对肿瘤影像征象清晰度差异的检出具有显著性意义。结论　MR对比增强减影比传统T1WI增强更能有效地显示骨骼肌肉恶性肿瘤。对比增强减影为检出和评估骨骼肌肉恶性肿瘤方面 ,提供了一个全新的诊断工具。