Quantification of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor Binding in Depressed Suicide Attempters and Non-Attempters

Objective: To determine serotonin system abnormalities related to major depression or previous suicidal behavior.

Methods: [¹¹C]WAY100635, [¹⁸F]altanserin and positron emission tomography were used to compare 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2A binding in MDD patients divided into eight past suicide attempters (>4yrs prior to scanning) and eight lifetime non-attempters, and both groups were compared to eight healthy volunteers.

Results: The two receptor types differed in binding pattern across brain regions from each other, but there were no differences in binding between healthy volunteers and the two depressed groups or between depressed suicide attempters and non-attempters. No effects of depression severity or lifetime aggression were observed for either receptor.

Conclusion: Limitations of this study include small sample size and absence of high lethality suicide attempts in the depressed attempter group. No trait-like binding correlations with past suicide attempt or current depression were observed. Given the heterogeneity of nonfatal suicidal behavior, a larger sample study emphasizing higher lethality suicide attempts may find the serotonin biological phenotype seen in suicide decedents.     

Cytokeratin expression in oral cancer and its relationship to tumor differentiation

Although cytokeratin expression is said to alter with the state of tumor differentiation, few studies appear to have confirmed this in fresh tissues biopsies from oral squamous cell carcinomas. Previous studies have been limited by the number of antibodies utilized, small sample size, or lack of information regarding tumor differentiation. A panel of 8 antikeratin antibodies (of which five recognised the simple epithelial karatins, 8. 18 and 19) were applied to fresh tissue biopsies from 24 oral cancer and 15 normal oral mucosal biopsies. A standard immunocytochemical technique was followed (Vectastain Abc Method), with keratin expression graded on a 3 point scale. Our analysis indicated that simple epithelial keratins (K8. K.I8, K19) were not confined to the more poorly differentiated tumors. This may be relevant to tumor prognosis.     

Porosity in composite resins—an Achilles' heel?

An investigation of the porosity present in a wide range of composite resin dental restorative materials has shown mean levels of 2·0–3·3 per cent by volume in the cured restoration when using the two-paste systems. Most single-paste light-activated materials showed a mean porosity of less than 0·8 per cent by volume. The relationships between porosity and some clinical and physical properties of the resultant restoration are discussed.     

Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (Kawasaki disease)

Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome has rarely been reported in the dental literature despite the orofacial features characteristic of the disease. A case is reported in which the cardinal signs were present: erythema of the oral mucosa, cervical lymphadenopathy, conjunctivitis, pyrexia, and desquamation of the skin of the hands and feet. In addition, hydrops of the gallbladder and cardiac disorder were also found. The patient may first seek treatment by the dental practitioner, by whom the diagnosis may be made. Attention is drawn to the possibility of cardiac abnormalities that may influence dental treatment.     

Dental students' knowledge and compliance in cross infection control procedures at a UK dental hospital

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and clinical practice of dental students in infection control procedures at a UK dental hospital.
DESIGN: A questionnaire concerning various aspects of infection control was completed by all clinical dental students under examination conditions. Their actual clinical practice was later observed and certain aspects recorded.
SETTING: A UK dental hospital.
SUBJECTS: One hundred and eleven dental students from three clinical years completed the questionnaire. Clinical practice for all 3 years was observed in a total of 280 treatment events.
METHODS: The questionnaire was marked by two of the authors and observations recorded by another author. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Degree of compliance with recognised policy for infection control.
RESULTS: Knowledge of infection control procedures was variable particularly concerning duties usually undertaken by the dental nurse. The suggested high compliance with masks and eye protection was not always apparent in clinical practice, although virtually all students washed their hands prior to donning gloves, which were worn by all students.
CONCLUSION: There can be marked differences between what students say they would do and what they actually do in clinical practice. The topic of infection control requires a pro-active approach throughout the course, since results for the final year were not significantly different from the other clinical yearS. Ways of improving compliance are discussed.     

Dyskeratosis congenita: report of a case and review of the literature

A case of dyskeratosis congenita in a 10-year-old white boy is reported. The triad of oral leukoplakia, nail dystrophy, and skin pigmentation was present. Other associated anomalies included dysphagia and varied immunoglobulin levels, although there was no evidence of anemia, pancytopenia, and ocular involvement. Since it may be associated with future malignant change, dyskeratosis congenita should be considered in all cases in which an obscure white lesion exists in the mouth.     

Pharyngoesophageal diverticula simulating thyroid nodules: An unusual occurrence with unique features

Pharyngoesophageal diverticula (PED) of the Zenker's and Killian‐Jamieson types arise in close proximity to the thyroid gland, and may rarely be confused with a thyroid nodule on ultrasonography. In this brief report, we detail the cytologic, clinical, and radiologic findings of three PED that were thought to be thyroid nodules, and were subjected to fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). The patients were females with an age range of 51‐64 years. All three patients had multiple thyroid nodules, and two patients reported symptoms attributable to the diverticulum. Nodule sizes ranged from 1.0 to 2.7 cm, and either the right or left thyroid lobe could be involved. Microcalcifications were present by ultrasonography in all three cases. FNA of these thyroid nodule mimics showed squamous cells with granular or amorphous debris, bacterial and/or fungal colonies, inflammation, and food particles. These cytologic features, particularly the presence of vegetable or meat fragments, are characteristic, and have also been reported in the few previous reports of PED. The presence of a diverticulum was confirmed with imaging studies in all our patients. Although a rare occurrence, the inadvertent FNA of a PED masquerading as a thyroid nodule is important to recognize, as a recommendation for appropriate radiologic studies could potentially avoid inappropriate therapy for thyroid disease.