Benign lip lesions. A 10-year retrospective study

Objectives

This paper aims to present a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients with benign lip lesions managed over the last decade at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgical Oncology of Theagenio Cancer Hospital of Thessaloniki. It aims to highlight the substantial clinical and histological diversity of the lesions, as well as to present an epidemiological analysis for the specific cohort/population.

Study design

During the period 1995–2004 a total of 420 patients were managed for lip lesions. Of these, 280 were malignant and 116 benign. A total of 24 cases of actinic keratosis were added in the latter group.

Results

Of the benign lesions, the commonest were haemangiomas (19.28%), actinic keratosis (17.14%), intradermal naevus (14.28%), fibroma (9.28%), papilloma (7.85%), mild and moderate dysplasia (7.85%) and mucocele (7.14%). The group included 17 different histological types of benign lesions. The most frequent site of presentation was the lower lip (56.42%). Post-operative follow-up ranged from 6 months to 2 years (average 15.5 months). There was a single case of recurrence during follow-up.

Conclusions

Benign lip lesions do not usually pose a problem for the clinician and their surgical management is straightforward. Accurate auditing and detailed statistical analysis aid in disease prevention and help avoid errors in diagnosis and management.     

The effect of the mode of delivery on the maternal-neonatal erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase activity

Free radical production and high catecholamine levels are implicated with the modulation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the mode of delivery on maternal–neonatal erythrocyte membrane AChE activity.Subjects and methodsSome women with normal pregnancy (N = 30) were divided into two groups: group A (N = 16) with normal labour and vaginal delivery and group B (N = 14) with scheduled Cesarean section, twenty non-pregnant women were the controls. Blood was obtained from controls and from mothers pre- vs post-delivery as well as from the umbilical cord (CB). Total antioxidant status (TAS), membrane AChE activities and catecholamine blood levels were measured with a commercial kit, spectrophotometrically and HPLC methods, respectively.ResultsTAS and catecholamine levels as well as membrane AChE activities were similar in the two groups of mothers pre-delivery and in controls. TAS levels were reduced whereas AChE activities and catecholamine levels were increased post-delivery in mothers of group A and unaltered in group B at the same times of study. AChE activity was similarly lower in the CB of neonates than those of their mothers pre-delivery.ConclusionsDuring a normal delivery process, the low TAS, the increased levels of catecholamines and the increased AChE activity, post-delivery, may be due to the increased stress due to the participation of uterus and skeletal muscles as during endurance exercise. The low AChE activity in newborns may be related to perinatal immaturity.     

Use of handheld computers with global positioning systems for probability sampling and data entry in household surveys

We introduce an innovative method that uses personal digital assistants (PDAs) equipped with global positioning system (GPS) units in household surveys to select a probability-based sample and perform PDA-based interviews. Our approach uses PDAs with GPS to rapidly map all households in selected areas, choose a random sample, and navigate back to the sampled households to conduct an interview. We present recent field experience in two large-scale nationally representative household surveys to assess insecticide-treated bed net coverage as part of malaria control efforts in Africa. The successful application of this method resulted in statistically valid samples; quality-controlled data entry; and rapid aggregation, analyses, and availability of preliminary results within days of completing the field work. We propose this method as an alternative to the Expanded Program on Immunization cluster sample method when a fast, statistically valid survey is required in an environment with little census information at the enumeration area level.     

Correction for the Iatrogenic Form of Banana Fold and Sensuous Triangle Deformity

The “banana fold,” or the infragluteal fold, is a fat deposit on the posterior thigh near the gluteal crease and parallel to it. The “sensuous triangle” is found at the junction of the lateral buttocks, the lateral thigh, and the posterior thigh. The iatrogenic forms of banana fold and sensuous triangle deformity are produced by excessive liposuction. The authors’ experience using autologous fat transplantation to treat tissue defects led them to use this technique for correcting iatrogenic forms of banana fold and sensuous triangle deformity. The simplicity of the procedure, the low incidence of complications, and the high satisfaction rate makes autologous fat transplantation an attractive option for correcting iatrogenic complications of liposuction.     

The prevalence of Parkinson's disease in rural Tanzania

The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) varies worldwide from 7 to 450 per 100,000, and appears low in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) but few data exist. We conducted a prevalence study of PD in rural Tanzania. A door‐to‐door study was conducted in the Hai district project area (population 161,071), using a screening questionnaire followed by structured history and examination of positive responders. Diagnosis was based on the UK PD Society Brain Bank Criteria. 33 (23 men) cases of PD were detected, with mean age 74 years (range 38–94). One patient died before the prevalence date. 78% were previously undiagnosed and untreated. Mean duration of symptoms was 5 years, and median Hoehn and Yahr stage 3. Crude prevalence rates were 30/100,000 (men), 11/100,000 (women) and 20/100,000 (combined). The direct age‐standardized prevalence rates compared with the UK population were 64/100,000 (men), 20/100,000 (women) and 40/100,000 (combined). These rates are higher than previously reported from SSA, but still lower than the developed world. Many PD patients in SSA may never be diagnosed or treated, with consequent reduction in their life expectancy and quality of life. With the world population ageing PD is predicted to become an increasing problem. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society