Subacute and chronic bone infections: diagnosis using In-111, Ga-67 and Tc-99m MDP bone scintigraphy, and radiography

The usefulness of indium-111 white blood cell scintigraphy in the diagnosis of subacute or chronic bone infection was examined in 21 orthopedic patients. In-111 WBC imaging was compared with gallium-67 and technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate skeletal scintigraphy and bone radiography, all studies being performed within 1 week. In-111 WBC scintigraphy showed no definite advantage over Ga-67 scintigraphy in the identification of chronic bone infection. The two tests had the same sensitivity (80%) and similar specificity (In-111 WBC 75%, Ga-67 83%; difference not significant). Bone radiography had a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 67%. A negative Tc-99m MDP bone scintigram ruled out infection (sensitivity 100%), but because of low specificity (25%), final evaluation required performance of Ga-67 or In-111 WBC scintigraphy.     

Assessment of a radioisotopic assay for vitamin B12 using an intrinsic factor preparation with R proteins blocked by vitamin B12 analogues

A competitive protein binding radioassay kit for serum vitamin B₁₂ has been assessed. Precision, linearity, sensitivity, and specificity have been found to be satisfactory. Falsely-normal assay results in patients with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency have not been observed.     

儿童分泌性中耳炎听力测试中的护理干预

目的探讨分泌性中耳炎患儿声导抗与纯音听阈测试检查听力的护理干预方法。方法选择2012年4-12月到本科就医的分泌性中耳炎患儿48例,随机分为观察组和对照组（各24例）,对两组患儿听力测试完成情况及测试耗时进行比较。结果观察组患儿能主动配合检查,完成率为91．67％,耗时相对较短,平均用时（18．72±9．63）min;对照组患儿主动配合检查完成率为62．50％,检测平均耗时（21．50±11．93）min,两组差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论护理干预能有效地确保听力测试的顺利完成及数据的准确性,并明显缩短了测试时间,提高工作效率。     

Early operative mortality after surgical treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma

Background A retrospective analysis of the results of pulmonary resection over a 7 years period for bronchogenic carcinoma was performed. Methods Three hundred and eleven patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma were operated upon at Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, between January 1996 to June 2002. There were 62 pneumonectomies (19.93%), 174 lobectomies (55.94%) and 75 lesser resections (24.11%). Results The overall operative mortality was 4.82%. The mortality rate for pneumonectomy, lobectomy and lesser resections were 9.6%, 4.5% and 1.3% respectively. There was no significant difference in operative mortality between pneumonectomy and lobectomy, and between lobectomy and lesser resections. Post operative mortality rate increased as the age of patient increased. Mortality was 2.3;2.9;5.0;7.41; and 14.2 in the age groups of <50 years, 50–59 years, 60–69 years, 70–79 years and 80 years and above respectively. Pneumonia and respiratory failure caused most deaths (46.66%). Conclusions Pulmonary resections can be performed with satisfactory mortality and morbidity in bronchogenic carcinoma.     

Oral microbial colonization in children with sickle cell anaemia under long-term prophylaxis with penicillin

Background and objective

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is the most frequent haematological hereditary disease. Children with SCA are submitted to long-term prophylactic therapy with penicillin, but little is known about its impact on oral microflora. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral microbial colonization of paediatric patients with SCA.

Design

Forty children (4–11 yrs old) with SCA (genotype SS) under long-term prophylactic treatment with penicillin were included in the study. Age/gender-matched control group of healthy children was also included. Scores of dmft/DMFT (number of decayed (D), missing (M), or filled (F) teeth; dmft, for primary dentition; DMFT, for permanent dentition) were obtained and stimulated saliva was sampled. Salivary flow rate and buffering capacity were evaluated. Counts of microorganisms (mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts) were determined by plating method. Yeasts were identified by API 20C AUX and PCR.

Results

Mean dmft/DMFT values were similar in the studied groups (SCA 2.13/1.60 and control 2.38/1.3). Although no significant differences between cariogenic microorganism counts were observed, significantly higher yeasts oral levels were observed in SCA group. Controls showed lower salivary buffering capacity. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species in both groups. Candida famata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis were also isolated from controls. Candida dubliniensis, Candida rugosa and Candida sphaerica were found only in SCA group.

Conclusions

Based on the results, it could be concluded that paediatric patients with SCA showed significantly higher oral level of yeasts. Uncommon fungal species were found in SCA group. Similar caries prevalence and counts of lactobacilli and streptococci in relation to controls were observed.     

Diagnosis and management of benign fibro‐osseous lesions of the jaws: a current review for the dental clinician

Benign fibro‐osseous lesions of the maxillofacial skeleton constitute a heterogeneous group of disorders that includes developmental, reactive (dysplastic) and neoplastic lesions. Although their classification has been reviewed multiple times in the past, the most common benign fibro‐osseous lesions are fibrous dysplasia, osseous dysplasia and ossifying fibroma. For the dental clinician, the challenges involve diagnosis and treatment (or lack thereof). A careful correlation of all clinical, radiologic and microscopic features is essential to establish a proper diagnosis and a clear treatment plan. This article aimed to review the clinical, radiologic and histopathologic characteristics of benign fibro‐osseous lesions of the jaws, with emphasis on their differential diagnoses. With a deeper understanding of benign fibro‐osseous lesions, clinicians will be better prepared to manage these lesions in their practice.