In vitro activity of terbinafine and itraconazole against Aspergillus species isolated from otomycosis

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC, microg ml-1) of itraconazole and terbinafine against overall 34 Aspergillus isolates from the external ear canals with otomycosis have been determined with M38-P microdilution method suggested by National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). MIC intervals in 48 h determined by taking MIC-2 value of itraconazole (the lowest drug concentration causing 50% inhibition of visible fungal growth) and MIC-0 value of terbinafine (the lowest drug concentration causing 100% inhibition of visible fungal growth) as a basis have been found as follows: 0.125-1 and 0.06-0.5 microg ml-1 for A. niger (22 strains), 0.06-0.25 and 0.06-0.125 microg ml-1 for A. flavus (10 strains), 0.125 and 0.125-0.5 microg ml-1 for A. terreus (two strains). It has been observed that both of the antifungal agents showed an in vitro activity against all Aspergillus species tested.     

Gingival involvement in a patient with CD56+ chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

Leukemic infiltration of the gingiva is most commonly reported to be associated with monocytic subtypes of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) but rarely with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Here we report a case of CD56+ chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) who developed gingival involvement simultaneously when the leukocyte count elevated. At that time no increase in peripheral or bone marrow blasts were observed. Gingival hypertrophy regressed with the treatment of hydroxyurea. Three months later, bone marrow blast count elevated and the patient was treated with two courses of AML-like regimen and then one course of consolidation therapy. The patient is in complete hematological remission for one and a half years. Similar to other extramedullary involvements, gingival hypertrophy in CMML can be a harbinger of the disease entering a more aggressive phase requiring systemic chemotherapy.     

Cervical hematomyelia: a rare entity in a neonate with cesarean section and surgical recovery

Spinal cord injury with or without trauma has been reported in the perinatal period. The prognosis depends primarily on diagnosis of the level, extent and nature of the lesion, established by correlations between clinical, imaging and electrophysiological data. A 25-day-old boy with normal birth weight delivered at term by cesarean section was transferred to In?nü University Turgut Ozal Medical Center because of respiratory distress and brachial diplegia. A suspicious medullary lesion on cervical computerized tomography was confirmed as an intramedullary lesion extending from C3 to D1 on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Emergent surgery consisting of exposure of the lesion site and interlaminar direct puncture of the lesion under fluoroscopy revealed that the pathology was an intramedullary hematoma. The partial evacuation of the lesion with direct puncture, the patient's neurological improvement and close follow-up of the patient with ultrasonography, electrophysiology and MRI are discussed in the light of recent literature.     

Effect of polylactide/glycolide (PLGA) membranes loaded with metronidazole on periodontal regeneration following guided tissue regeneration in dogs

BACKGROUND: Bioabsorbable membranes have been successfully used for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and local delivery systems because they are biocompatible and do not require second surgery for removal. Several studies have demonstrated that metronidazole, when applied topically, produced immediate effects on microbiological and clinical parameters, most notably a reduction in probing depth and loss of attachment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of a metronidazole-loaded biodegradable (polylactide/glycolide) (PLGA) GTR membrane in dogs. METHODS: Six male adult dogs with 36 created osseous defects were enrolled. Bilateral dehiscence type defects in 5 mm diameter were created at buccal aspect of the alveolar bone in maxillary premolar teeth. After full thickness flap elevation, exposed root surfaces were thoroughly planed. In the experimental sites, PLGA membranes with or without metronidazole were fitted and placed over the defects. On the control defects only root planing was performed. Gingival flaps were replaced slightly coronal to the cemento-enamel junction. Animals were sacrificed at 60 days. The histometric analysis was evaluated with the following parameters: defect height (DH), apical extension of junctional epithelium (AEJE), new cementum height (NCH), new bone height (NBH), and new gingival connective tissue height (NCTH). RESULTS: Postoperative clinical healing was similar in the 3 groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 experimental groups in any parameters. Statistically significant differences were observed for AEJE, NCH, NBH, and NCTH in experimental groups when compared with the controls. Statistically significantly greater NCH, NBH, and NCTH were seen in the experimental groups than the controls and control defects showed longer AEJE than the experimental defects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PLGA membranes with and without metronidazole may have a beneficial effect on periodontal regeneration.     

Intrarenal arteriovenous fistula causing a "pseudonutcracker effect"

We report a case in which an intrarenal arteriovenous fistula caused the nutcracker effect. Color Doppler sonography of the left renal artery showed a peak systolic velocity of 150 cm/second and renoaortic ratio of 2.1. The left renal vein was significantly dilated, and the adjacent renal artery was kinked. A stenosis in the left renal vein at the aorto-mesenteric bifurcation was demonstrated, with a maximum velocity of 201 cm/second. Renal Doppler evaluation showed an area of high-velocity, low-resistance arterial flow consistent with an arteriovenous fistula in the inferior half of the left kidney. Angiography confirmed the fistula. The fistula was successfully occluded by coil embolization. Follow-up sonography showed almost complete obliteration of the fistula, regression of the renal vein dilatation, and a reduction in renal venous and arterial flow velocities. Given the reversibility of the fistula's effects, we suggest the term "pseudonutcracker effect" to describe this case.     

Effect of length and diameter of tapered posts on the retention

The force transmission of tapered unthreaded posts along the root has been reported to be homogenous but their retentive strength was found to be lower compared with those of parallel unthreaded or other kinds of threaded posts. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of length and diameter on the retentive strength of sandblasted tapered prefabricated titanium posts (Erlangen post system). Posts with constant taper angle but with three different lengths (9, 12, 15 mm) and apical diameters (0.5, 0.9, 1.1 mm) were cemented using zinc phosphate cement into the prepared and roughened post spaces of 90 intact anterior teeth. The post retention concerning length and diameter, being independent from each other, was measured by a tensile force test. The retentive strength was found to be proportional to the length as well as to the diameter of the posts. The mean minimum strength (181 +/- 14 N) recorded for the thinnest and shortest post was significantly lower than that of mean maximum strength (612 +/- 85 N) obtained from those of the thickest and longest post. Proportional bond strengths of the posts comprising their surface areas ranged between 6.8 and 7.9 N mm(-2) which were not significantly different between any group. The retention was effected strongly with the increase in the length (approximately 100%) than with the increase in the diameter (approximately 60%). Concerning the posts tested in this study, it is concluded that some caution should be exercised in the choice of post with appropriate length rather than diameter for the tooth concerned.     

Marginal adaptation of ceramic inserts after cementation

The advantage of using ceramic inserts is to prevent major drawbacks of composite resins such as polymerization shrinkage, wear and microleakage. This in vitro study evaluated the marginal adaptation of two approximal ceramic insert systems after cementation to the cavities opened with ultrasonic tips. Proximal cavities with margins in enamel were prepared in 20 intact molars using ultrasonic tips (SONICSYS approx tips [microtorpedo size #2 and #3]; Siplus Instrument approximal [U-shaped]). Inserts of similar sizes (n=10) from two systems corresponding to the ultrasonic tips were placed in the cavities (SONICSYS Inlay; SDS-Inlay system), one on the mesial side and the other on the distal side of the same molar. Following cementation and thermocycling (5000 cycles, between 5-55 degrees C), cement thickness was measured at the buccal, lingual walls and pulpal floors of the proximal boxes under light microscope (x150). The mean cement thickness values recorded for SONICSYS inserts #2 (25 microm) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that of SDS inserts of similar size (26 microm). There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in cement thickness values between SONICSYS #3 inserts (34 microm) and SDS inserts of similar size (23 microm). Comparison of mean values between the ceramic insert systems examined revealed that marginal adaptation was better at the buccal and lingual proximal walls than those at the pulpal floor in the SDS system, however, there was no difference for SONICSYS at both sizes. Ceramic inserts placed in cavities prepared with ultrasonic tips provide clinically acceptable marginal quality.     

Four analgesic techniques for shockwave lithotripsy: eutectic mixture local anesthetic is a good alternative

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Various sedative and analgesic medication has been used for shockwave lithotripsy (SWL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different anesthesia modalities in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred patients were randomly divided into four groups. The first (Group F) received fentanyl 1 microg/kg intravenously (IV), the second (Group D) received diclofenac sodium 1 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM), the third (Group T) received tramadol 1.5 mg/kg IM, and the fourth (Group E) was given 15 g of eutectic mixture local anesthetic (EMLA) cream containing lidocaine and prilocaine. After routine preoperative evaluation, all patients received midazolam 2 mg IV 5 minutes before lithotripsy for sedative premedication. In all groups, a supplemental 25-microg bolus of fentanyl was administered IV when patients complained of pain, moved, or grimaced in response to the shockwaves. Pain intensity was evaluated on a 0- to 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). The level of sedation was determined using the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAS/S). Side effects such as bradypnea, oxygen desaturation, bradycardia, pruritus, and nausea and vomiting were recorded. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the four groups with regard to VAS, OAS/S scores, or side effects. In Group F, the mean arterial pressure was decreased significantly at 10 and 20 minutes. The patients in this group also manifested a decrease of oxygen saturation at the first, tenth, and twentieth minutes and the end of SWL. CONCLUSION: Application of EMLA cream was as safe and effective as fentanyl, diclofenac, and tramadol, and reduction of the fentanyl dose during SWL was possible.     

Thoracoscopic treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax in children

Background/purpose

This study describes the authors experience and results with thoracoscopic treatment of spontaneous pneumotrorax (SP) in 22 children.

Methods

A total of 32 thoracoscopic procedures were performed in 22 children. The patients ranged in age from 9 to 21 years at the time of their first thoracoscopy. SP was primary in 9 and secondary in 13 patients. Pleurodesis was performed in all thoracoscopies using talc in 28 and pleural abrasion in 4 procedures. In 2 of these, apical pleurectomy was added to abrasion. Blebectomy was the additional surgical procedure associated with pleurodesis in 4 patients.

Results

Thoracoscopy usually was performed with the patient under general anesthesia. In children with severe respiratory insufficiency, regional anesthesia was used. The mean operative time was 42.6 minutes (range, 8 to 114 minutes). The mean time of postoperative chest tube drainage was 4.6 days (range, 2 to 12 days). Three patients with cystic fibrosis had prolonged air leak lasting longer than 7 days after thoracoscopy. None of them required an additional surgical intervention, and the air leak ceased in 8, 8, and 12 days with continuous suction. One patient required a repeat thoracoscopy for bleeding from an intercostal artery on postoperative day one. The mean follow-up was 4 years (range, 2.5 months to 14 years). There have been 2 partial recurrences (6.25%), both in patients with secondary SP, which were treated by a repeat thoracoscopy and talc pleurodesis.

Conclusions

Thoracoscopic treatment of SP is safe and effective in children. It can be performed under regional anesthesia also in children with severe respiratory insufficiency. Because the complications and recurrences are encountered more frequently in children with an underlying lung disease, special care in surgical manipulation is required in this subgroup of patients with SP.     

Effect of bispectral index monitoring on sevoflurane consumption

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The bispectral index, a parameter derived from the electroencephalograph, has been shown to correlate with the loss of consciousness and sedation. This study was designed to assess the effects of bispectral index monitoring on sevoflurane and its recovery profiles. METHODS: Sixty ASA I and II patients undergoing open abdominal surgery were randomized into two groups: one monitored using the bispectral index (Group BIS) and the other without its use (controls). After a standardized induction, anaesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in both groups. In Group BIS, sevoflurane was titrated to maintain the bispectral index in the range 40-60. In the control group, the administered sevoflurane concentration was adjusted according to the signs of anaesthesia. The end-tidal sevoflurane concentration, bispectral index and routine haemodynamic variables were noted every 5 min during surgery. The consumption of sevoflurane was computed. At the conclusion of surgery operations, the time to 'open eyes on verbal command', 'motor response to verbal command' and Aldrete's score were recorded by a blinded anaesthesiologist. RESULTS: The difference in the consumption of sevoflurane was not significant between the groups. Bispectral index monitoring was associated with a reduction of 4.73% in sevoflurane usage and 2.19 mL h(-1) was saved. CONCLUSIONS: Bispectral index monitoring during anaesthesia provides only a small advantage related to the need to monitor the depth of anaesthesia.