Experience with the P.A.S.-PORT Venous Access Device in Patients with Gynecologic Malignancies

Experience with the P.A.S.-PORT, a peripherally implanted central venous access device, is evaluated in a retrospective review of 154 patients from July 1991 to June 1994. Blood could not be aspirated from six patients. Complications included temporary minor thrombophlebitis in seven patients (4.5%), symptomatic axillary or subclavian vein thrombosis in five patients (3.2%), clotted port in two patients (1.2%), port pocket cellulitis in two patients (1.2%), and fungal sepsis in two patients (1.2%). In six patients (3.8%) the P.A.S.-PORT had to be removed because of complications. The P.A.S.-PORT facilitated delivery of chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, blood products, antibiotics, hydration, and blood sampling. It was demonstrated that the P.A.S.-PORT may be inserted and used with a low incidence of complications in gynecologic cancer patients.     

Cementoblastoma related to a primary tooth: a case report

Cementoblastomas are benign lesions of the odontogenic ectomesenchyme that rarely occur related to the primary dentition, especially on the left side of the mandible. This study describes a case of a true cementoblastoma related to the left second primary mandibular molar in a 7-year-old child (the largest one seen in the left side of the mandible). Additionally, the radiographic and histologic findings of the lesion are described in details.     

Inadequate dietary magnesium intake increases atherosclerotic plaque development in rabbits

Epidemiological studies have shown dietary magnesium (Mg) intake and serum Mg levels to be inversely correlated with the development of atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that low levels of Mg would promote atherosclerotic plaque development in rabbits. New Zealand white rabbits (4 months old, n = 22) were fed an atherogenic diet containing 0.12% (−Mg), 0.27% (control), or 0.43% (+Mg) Mg for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks and were assayed for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL, triglycerides (TG), C-reactive protein, serum Mg, and erythrocyte Mg. Aortas from −Mg had significantly more plaque, with an intima thickness 42% greater than control and 36% greater than +Mg. Serum cholesterol levels rose over time, and at 8 weeks, −Mg had the highest and +Mg the lowest total and non-HDL cholesterol and TG levels, although these results did not reach significance. Over time, serum Mg levels increased, and erythrocyte Mg levels decreased. C-reactive protein significantly increased in all groups at 4 and 6 weeks but returned to baseline levels by 8 weeks. This study supports the hypothesis that inadequate intake of Mg results in an increase in atherosclerotic plaque development in rabbits.