Streptococci from root canals in teeth with apical periodontitis receiving endodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The object of this study was to investigate the diversity among streptococcal species isolated from root canals in conjunction with endodontic therapy and to characterize their production of extracellular proteins. STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive root canal samples (RCS) taken as bacteriological controls during root canal treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis were analyzed in a total of 100 clinical cases. Bacteria were isolated and classified by selective media and gas liquid chromatography. Streptococcal strains were identified by carbohydrate fermentation, hydrolysis of aesculin/arginine, and production of enzymes. Releases of extracellular proteins by streptococci and Enterococcus spp in fluid culture media were examined with SDS-PAGE and 2-dimension gel electrophoresis (2 DE). Extracellular proteins produced were quantified and qualitatively analyzed. Specific proteins were targeted with Western immunoblot assays. Comparisons were made with type strains. RESULTS: Of a total of 241 bacterial strains recovered in the first samples submitted, Streptococcus gordonii, S anginosus, and S oralis were the most frequently isolated streptococci. In 49 of 89 resubmitted samples showing bacterial growth, S gordonii and S oralis still predominated among streptococci. Other common bacterial isolates were Enterococcus spp, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Olsenella uli. Quantitative and qualitative differences in extracellular protein production were observed among clinical isolates and laboratory streptococcal strains. In similar conditions for growth, S intermedius, S anginosus, S oralis, and S gordonii were strong producers of extracellular proteins (>3.0 microg/mL), while Enterococcus spp and S mutans were weak. Whole cell protein extracts showed a different profile from that of extracellular proteins. The chaperone protein DnaK was recognized to be produced extracellularly by S gordonii, S oralis, S anginosus, and S parasanguis. CONCLUSIONS: Being strong producers of extracellular proteins and by virtue of common presence in teeth undergoing endodontic therapy, S gordonii, S anginosus, and S oralis may be of pathogenic significance in posttreatment apical periodontitis.     

Bilateral naevus of Ota: a rare manifestation in a Caucasian

The naevus of Ota (naevus fusculocoeruleus ophthalmomaxillaris) was first described by the Japanese dermatologist M. T. Ota in 1939. It has a reported incidence of 0.2% to 1% in the Japanese population. It usually occurs in the skin innervated by the first or second branch of the trigeminal nerve. The naevus comprises dermal melanocytes and is congenital or acquired during adolescence. Commonly associated lesions include scleral melanocytosis and other ocular manifestations as well as lesions of the tympanic membrane, oral and intranasal mucosa and leptomeninges. Diseases associated with Ota's naevus in rare cases are open-angle glaucomas and melanoma. The naevus of Ota in Europeans is a rare manifestation. We report the very rare case of a bilateral naevus of Ota associated with enoral melanocytosis in a white European person.     

Rotational tomography of the normal and reconstructed middle ear in temporal bones: an experimental study

Imaging is an essential diagnostic tool in reconstructive middle ear surgery, especially in pre-operative planning. Due to ongoing improvement of imaging quality and development of new imaging techniques like e.g. rotational tomography (RT) post-operative follow-up and immediate evaluation of surgical results may become more important. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate RT as a new tool for postoperative determination of middle ear anatomy and implant position in temporal bones. RT was performed in ten temporal bone specimen after insertion of different middle ear prostheses concerning material, shape and length (PORP; TORP; Stapes piston). An implantable hearing device (Symphonix Soundbridge®) was also implanted and visualized. For comparison some specimen additionally underwent conventional computed tomography (CT), including the newest technology. Characterization of anatomical structures of the temporal bone using RT was of comparable quality to conventional CT-scans in all investigated specimen while requiring approximately 30% of the CT’s irradiation exposure. Unlike CT the RT showed almost no problems due to metallic artefacts of the implanted prostheses. Furthermore RT enabled a 3-dimensional view of the temporal bone and angle determination of inserted prostheses towards the tympanic membrane and/or the malleus handle. Detailed imaging of the prostheses allowed determination of shape, material and localization within the specimen’s reconstructed middle ear. The new imaging technique of RT allows precise presentation of anatomical structures and middle ear implants in temporal bones. Following these experimental results it will be our future work to evaluate this method in clinical practise.     

Comparison of transforming, antimitotic and chromosomal aberration-inducing properties of melphalan and cyclophosphamide

Melphalan and cyclophosphamide, cytostatics used for cancer therapy, were investigated for their ability to induce morphological transformation of embryonic cells of the golden hamster and to evoke structural chromosome aberrations. The antimitotic action of both drugs was also investigated. Cyclophosphamide, under conditions in which it did not produce either structural chromosomal aberrations or exerted cytotoxic action, induced morphological transformation of hamster cells. Under the experimental conditions melphalan induced morphological transformation of hamster cells at concentrations not inducing chromosomal aberrations.     

The role of primary total hip replacement for the treatment of the displaced femoral neck fractures

Summary The management of displaced intracapsular fractures of the hip is still controversial because of the high incidence of complications after internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty. To avoid some of these complications we have used primary total hip replacement for independently mobile patients over 65 years of age.Of 49 patients who were interviewed an average of 4.6 years after total hip replacement, 81.6% had excellent or good results as assessed by the Harris Hip Score. At that time two hips had been revised and another converted to Girdlestone due to deep infection. The survival of the prostheses was at 5 years 91.3%.It is concluded that total hip replacement is an established method of management for a selected group of patients with this injury, but further prospective studies are needed in order to define the groups of patients that benefit the most.     

Malakoplakia of the testis

Malakoplakia of the testis presenting as painless enlargement of the testis in an 80-year-old man is described. The literature is reviewed.     

Open surgery of giant paraclinoid aneurysms improved by intraoperative angiography and endovascular retrograde suction decompression

Summary In three consecutive cases of giant left sided paraclinoid aneurysms we employed an endovascular retrograde suction decompression technique in combination with intra-operative angiography. A double-lumen balloon catheter was placed in the left internal carotid artery by the transfemoral route. After balloon inflation and placement of a temporary clip distal to the aneurysm blood was aspirated and the aneurysm collapsed. Thus further dissection of the aneurysm could easily be achieved and clips could be placed. Afterwards real-time digital subtraction angiography was performed. Intra-operative angiography led to clip repositioning in all cases either due to a clip induced stenosis of the parent vessel, or because of incomplete aneurysm obliteration. Afterwards successful clipping could be confirmed in all cases. Outcome was excellent in one case, good in the other. The third case, extremely complicated by an accompanying craniopharyngioma, showed a satisfactory outcome, but presented new neurological deficits.     

Genetic polymorphisms and heart failure.

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome. There is evidence for a genetic contribution to the pathophysiology of heart failure. Considering the fundamental role of neurohormonal factors in the pathophysiology and progression of cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy, variants of genes involved in this system are logical candidate genes in heart failure. In this report, genetic polymorphisms of the major neurohormonal systems in heart failure will be discussed. Studies on polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), adrenergic receptor polymorphisms, endothelin (receptor) polymorphisms, and a group of miscellaneous polymorphisms that may be involved in the development or phenotypic expression of heart failure will be reviewed. Research on left ventricular hypertrophy is also included. The majority of genetic association studies focused on the ACE I/D polymorphism. Initial genetic associations have often been difficult to replicate, mainly due to problems in study design and lack of power. Promising results have been obtained with genetic polymorphisms of the RAAS and sympathetic system. Considering the evidence so far, a modifying role for these polymorphisms seems more likely than a role of these variants as susceptibility genes. Besides the need for larger studies to examine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes, future studies also need to focus on the complexity of these systems and study gene-gene interactions and gene-environment interactions.