The use of cadaver models to diagnose rib fractures: A pilot study

Background

In the emergency department, rib fractures are a common finding in patients who sustain chest trauma. Rib fractures may be a sign of significant, underlying pathology, especially in the elderly patients where rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To date, no studies have evaluated the ability of ultrasound to detect rib fractures using cadaver models and subsequently use this model as a teaching tool.

Cystic fibrosis presenting with bilateral facial palsy.

A 15-week old male infant presented with bilateral lower motor neuron facial palsy of unknown cause. Subsequently his growth deteriorated and he developed progressively worsening cough and wheeze. A diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was confirmed and hypovitaminosis A detected. Improvement of the facial palsy was noted following standard management of cystic fibrosis including vitamin A supplementation.     

An appraisal of the quality and presentation of scientific papers at the 31st annual conference of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology

To assess the quality of papers presented at the annual conference of the Indial Society of Gastroenterology, a proforma was completed by selected assessors regarding the time taken to present the paper, the quality of the paper and other aspects of presentation. Forty-six papers were evaluated; fifteen of 38 (39%) papers took more than the prescribed time of 8 minutes; 10% were rated unsatisfactory in quality. The quality and content of slides were rated as unsatisfactory in 17% and 7% respectively. The quality and relevance of the questions asked from the floor were graded as unsatisfactory in 20% and 14% respectively. Of the responses from authors to these questions, 33% were graded as unsatisfactory. In all, 28 (61%) of 46 papers assessed were unsatisfactory on one or more counts. Thus, efforts are needed to improve the quality of papers presented and of their presentation.     

Correlation between fall in blood pressure and in vivo amine release after alpha-methylDOPA

Blood pressure (BP), hypothalamic tissue concentrations and the in vivo overflow of endogenous and alpha-methylated catecholamines were measured in urethane anaesthetised rats after alpha-methylDOPA (mDOPA) administration (200 mg/kg i.p.). Four hours after mDOPA, BP fell to its lowest value, 60% of control, and slowly returned towards control levels by 24 h. This was closely correlated with the evoked overflow of alpha-methylnoradrenaline (mNA, r = 0.9) and noradrenaline (NA, r = 0.7) but not dopamine (DA) or alpha-methyldopamine (mDA). However, the tissue content of mNA rose much more gradually and was not maximal until after 12 h while mDA content followed the development of the hypotension. The results provide direct evidence for a false transmitter role for mNA in the brain, and suggest that the release of newly synthesised mNA is responsible for the hypotensive effect of mDOPA. Differences in the time course of overflow and storage of NA and mNA suggest the presence of separate transmitter storage and releasable pools.     

Assessment of atmospheric microbial contamination in a mobile dental unit.

INTRODUCTION: Bioaerosols are important considerations in infection control as well as in occupational health. Bioaerosols may carry potentially hazardous microbes, viruses, fungi, allergens, and other toxic substances that may harm the dental operator, patient, and the dental assistant by causing nosocomial infections. OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of atmospheric microbial contamination before, during, and after dental treatment procedures in the dental operatory of a mobile dental unit (MDU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included three treatment sessions on different working days, with an interval of one month. The MDU was fumigated before the start of the study. Brain Heart Infusion Agar with 5% sheep blood was used to collect the gravitometric settling of aerosols produced before, during, and after dental treatment procedures. The agar plates were sent for aerobic and anaerobic culture. RESULTS: The results showed that atmospheric microbial contamination (CFUs/plate) was 4 times higher during working sessions as compared to the levels before the working sessions. At the end of the working day, aerosols decreased by almost 3 times that seen during work. CONCLUSION: The aerosols increased during and after work sessions. This shows the increased risk of transmission of infectious agents to the dentists who work in the MDU. Hence, all necessary preventive measures should be advised and need to be followed strictly.     

A simple, sensitive method for the determination of extracellular catecholamines in the rat hypothalamus using in vivo dialysis

The design, construction and characterisation of a dialysis probe suitable for perfusing any deep brain structures is described. Using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) the effects of flow rate, concentration, dialysate composition and temperature on the recovery within the dialysate of authentic catecholamines are detailed. The dialysis probe was used to collect endogenous catecholamines from the anterior hypothalamus of urethane-anaesthetised rats. Following organic phase extraction of the in vivo samples, a small basal release of noradrenaline (NA) of 37 +/- 4 pg/30 min sample was found. Potassium stimulation markedly elevated the release of NA and dopamine from the anterior hypothalamus in a calcium ion and dose dependent manner. It appears therefore that the dialysis probe described here, in conjunction with HPLC-ECD, can be used to follow changes in neuronally released catecholamines within the anterior hypothalamus, providing a valuable tool to study the role of these neurotransmitters in physiological and pharmacological function.     

Plasma cell granuloma of jaw A case report

A 65 year old Punjabi male presented with an exophytic lesion, 3 Cm. in diameter, which was pedunculated, on the attached gingiva. It was situated on the right side, near the motars. On histological examination, it was diagnosed as plasma cell granuloma.     

Platelet dysfunction in a patient with the Opitz (BBBG) syndrome.

An 11-year-old girl with Opitz (BBBG) syndrome presented with a bleeding disorder. Studies showed an immune-mediated qualitative platelet dysfunction in the absence of thrombocytopenia. This is the first report of hemostatic dysfunction in a patient with the Opitz (BBBG) syndrome. This report considers the possible relationship of the platelet dysfunction to the Opitz (BBBG) syndrome and its treatment.