Update on pediatric corneal diseases and keratoplasty

Managing pediatric corneal disorders is challenging as the prognosis of pediatric keratoplasty depends on several factors. Advancements in the genetic basis of congenital corneal diseases and investigations in congenital corneal conditions provide a better understanding of pediatric corneal conditions. Surgeons performing keratoplasty in children now have a choice of various techniques. Evolving surgical techniques of anterior lamellar and endothelial keratoplasties have expanded the management interventions in these pediatric corneal morbidity conditions; however, considerable concerns still exist in association with corneal transplantation in infants and children. Outcomes in pediatric keratoplasty depend upon the preoperative indications, the timing of surgical intervention, intraoperative and postoperative factors including the patient/care givers’ compliance. Factors such as low scleral rigidity, higher rate of graft failure, need for frequent examinations under anesthesia, and difficulty in optimal visual acuity assessment still remain a considerable challenge in pediatric scenarios. In children, deprivation amblyopia as a result of the corneal opacification can adversely affect visual development, causing dense amblyopia. Outcomes to surgical interventions for management of corneal opacification in children are further compromised by the preexisting amblyopia apart from the concerns of refractive outcome of the graft. Graft rejection, graft infection, amblyopia, and glaucoma continue to be serious concerns. In recent years both anterior and posterior lamellar keratoplasty techniques are being increasingly performed in pediatric eyes, which offer advantages in the form of lower risk of graft rejection. The timing of surgery, careful case selection, cautious intraoperative approach, and optimal postoperative management can improve the anatomical and functional outcome in difficult cases.     

药品审评检查机构质量管理体系建设实践探索

目的:贯彻国务院强化质量管理、落实全国药监部门完善自身质量管理体系工作部署,梳理山东省药品审评检查机构质量管理体系建设情况,总结经验、查找不足,加强审评检查质量管理。方法:调研药品审评检查机构导入质量管理体系的现实意义,剖析山东省药品审评检查机构质量管理体系建设的实践经验,思考存在的问题。结果:行之有效的质量管理体系对药品审评检查机构规范化建设和药品审评检查发展起到了积极的推动作用。结论:药品审评检查机构推进质量管理体系建设,对规范自身建设、提高工作质量、降低业务风险、服务医药产业发展具有重要作用,也是必然要求,药品审评检查机构质量管理体系需要持续改进,逐渐与国际接轨。     

Relative accuracy,specificity and sensitivity of a 5′ nuclease Real-Time PCR assay for Salmonella detection in naturally contaminated pork cuts

In the present study the relative sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of a Real-Time PCR assay for Salmonella detection in naturally contaminated pork cuts were evaluated in comparison with the ISO 6579:2004 reference culture method. Meat samples were collected from packaging up to the end of shelf life from 10 different lots over a year. The PCR method included an 18 h pre-enrichment step in buffered peptone water, a DNA extraction step, and a final 5′ nuclease Real-Time PCR assay, including an Internal Amplification Control (IAC) and targeting the ttrRSBCA locus. Based on the analysis of 480 sub-units (three sub-units for each sample), the relative sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the Real-Time PCR assay were 90, 78.7, and 82.9% respectively, corresponding to a Cohen's kappa value of 0.81 (very good agreement). These results suggest the PCR method as a rapid and accurate method for the quick check of meat lots before distribution. The ISO reference method might be applied only on positive Real-Time PCR samples for confirmatory and isolation purposes, mandatory in epidemiological investigations.     

Tricalcium silicate cement sealers: Do the potential benefits of bioactivity justify the drawbacks?

BackgroundGrossman described the ideal properties of root canal sealers. The International Organization for Standardization and American National Standards Institute and American Dental Association have codified some of his requirements in ISO 6876 and ANSI/ADA 57, respectively. In this narrative review, the authors combined the ideal Grossman properties and requirements of these standards, emphasizing the newer tricalcium silicate cement sealers. This chemical matrix for such sealers was developed on the basis of the success of bioactive mineral trioxide aggregate–type (tricalcium silicate cement) materials for enhanced sealing and bioactivity.MethodsThe authors searched the internet and databases using Medical Subject Heading terms and then conducted a narrative review of those articles involving the tricalcium silicate cement endodontic sealers.ResultsNinety-four articles were identified that discussed tricalcium silicate cement sealers. Tricalcium silicate cement sealers are partially antimicrobial and have bioactivity, which may presage improved biological sealing of the root canal system. Most other properties of tricalcium silicate cement sealers are comparable with traditional root canal sealers.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this review, tricalcium silicate cement endodontic sealers met many of the criteria for ideal properties, such as placement, antimicrobial properties, and bioactivity, but limitations were noted in solubility, dimensional stability (shrinkage and expansion), and retrievability.Practical ImplicationsTricalcium silicate–based cements have been commercialized as bioactive, bioceramic endodontic sealers. Warm, cold, and single-cone obturation techniques are usable, depending on the commercial product. Some sealers can cause discoloration and are not easily retrievable, particularly when used to completely obturate a canal.     

Focus on Fluorides: Update on the Use of Fluoride for the Prevention of Dental Caries

Improving the efficacy of fluoride therapies reduces dental caries and lowers fluoride exposure.BackgroundFluoride is delivered to the teeth systemically or topically to aid in the prevention of dental caries. Systemic fluoride from ingested sources is in blood serum and can be deposited only in teeth that are forming in children. Topical fluoride is from sources such as community water, processed foods, beverages, toothpastes, mouthrinses, gels, foams, and varnishes. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have proposed changes in their long standing recommendations for the amount of fluoride in community drinking water in response to concerns about an increasing incidence of dental fluorosis in children. Current research is focused on the development of strategies to improve fluoride efficacy. The purpose of this update is to inform the reader about new research and policies related to the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries.MethodsReviews of the current research and recent evidence based systematic reviews on the topics of fluoride are presented. Topics discussed include: updates on community water fluoridation research and policies; available fluoride in dentifrices; fluoride varnish compositions, use, and recommendations; and other fluoride containing dental products. This update provides insights into current research and discusses proposed policy changes for the use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries.ConclusionsThe dental profession is adjusting their recommendations for fluoride use based on current observations of the halo effect and subsequent outcomes. The research community is focused on improving the efficacy of fluoride therapies thus reducing dental caries and lowering the amount of fluoride required for efficacy.     

总护士长在推行ISO9000质量保证体系中的作用

在推行ISO9000质量保证体系中,总护士长要充分发挥其中介指挥和督导作用。首先总护士长层应统一思想,达成共识,明确目标和方向;在体系文件建立中承担主要任务,扮演主角;在ISO标准实施中既要考虑质量体系的广泛性,也要重视其特殊性,特别是在重点部位、重要环节、重要技术以及风险安全管理方面发挥主导作用。在ISO质量认证后,保持、改进、控制成为总护士长持之以恒地检查、指导各级护理人员落实ISO标准的重要工作。     

应用ISO9001:2000标准体系,制定突发事件预案的体会

引入ISO9001:2000系列标准,结合全科医学、护理学、中毒、公共卫生事件应急预案等,制定科学化、规范化、操作性强的标准及流程,提高护理人员对突发事件的处理能力,为抢救病人赢得了时间。