Treatment of an Amalgam Tattoo with a Q-Switched Alexandrite (755 nm) Laser

BACKGROUND: Amalgam tattoos result from deposition of metallic particles (eg, silver, mercury, copper, zinc, and tin) into the oral mucosa. Their clinical and histologic appearance is similar to that of decorative tattoos. OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful use of a Q-switched alexandrite laser for removal of an amalgam tattoo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An amalgam tattoo on the buccal mucosa and gingiva was treated with a QS 755 nm alexandrite laser. Three treatments were delivered at 8-week time intervals (average fluence = 6.8 J/cm2). RESULTS: Significant lightening of the tattoo was achieved after each of the three treatments without adverse sequelae. CONCLUSION: Q-switched alexandrite laser irradiation can safely and effectively eradicate amalgam tattoos.     

Is endometrial infection with Candida albicans a cause of recurrent vaginal thrush?

OBJECTIVE--It was hypothesised that the endometrium might act as a reservoir for candida, thus infecting the vagina as the endometrium is shed during menstruation. DESIGN--A prospective study of women with recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidiasis. The endometrium was sampled and cultured for candida species. SETTING--Central London STD clinic. SUBJECTS--26 women were enrolled, of whom 20 completed the study. RESULTS--One patient had a positive endometrial culture for candida species, the isolate being Candida krusei. CONCLUSIONS--The endometrium is not a common resevoir for candida species and therefore, infection at this site is an unlikely cause of recurrent vaginal candidiasis.     

Endocrine changes in Alzheimer's disease

In conclusion, at present, no consistent endocrine abnormalities can be detected in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. However, assessment of neuroendocrine function might help identify subpopulations of patients with particular neurotransmission abnormalities who are likely to benefit from a specific pharmacologic strategy. For example, patients in whom cholinomimetic drugs produce the greatest elevation in plasma cortisol concentration appear to derive the most symptomatic benefit from these drugs.     

MR imaging of spinal cord hemangioblastoma associated with syringomyelia

A case of isolated spinal cord hemangioblastoma with associated extensive syringohydromyelia, which was evaluated by myelography, postmyelographic CT, magnetic resonance (MR), and angiography is presented. The specific preoperative and postoperative advantages of MR are given as well as a brief review of the literature.     

Giant right atrial diverticulum: an unusual cause of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

A case of a giant right atrial diverticulum associated with neonatal supraventricular tachycardia is reported. The electrocardiogram in sinus rhythm showed pre-excitation that may have been caused by the right atrial diverticulum adhering to the right ventricle.     

Biology of genital tract human papillomaviruses.

A large number of HPV types infect humans. They infect squamous epithelia of the skin and mucous membranes. Infections are widespread in sexually active populations. Some HPV types have oncogenic potential. Infections with HPV-16, HPV-18, and some additional types are risk factors for cervical cancer. The HPV-6 and HPV-11 types are responsible for most of the genital condylomas and nearly all respiratory papillomas. The immunologic responses to HPVs are not well understood.