Immunohistochemical study of neuronal markers in human gingiva with phenytoin-induced overgrowth

Abstract – The immunohistochemical occurrence of several different neuronal markers has been investigated in human gingiva with phenytoin-induced overgrowth. The material was compared to gingival material taken following surgical orthodontic treatment. Gingiva obtained from the phenytoin-treated groups seemed to have a reduced number of neurofilament (NF) immunoreactive nerve fibers in the propria compared to control material. In both phenytoin as well as control gingiva sparsely distributed, thin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) immunoreactive fibers were found in the propria. No obvious differences between the two groups could be observed for CGRP and SP. Immunoreactive cells for somatostatin (SOM) with a dendritic cell shape were found in the propria in both groups, sometimes in densely packed clusters. A tendency for increase of SOM-immunoreactive cells in the phenytoin-treated gingiva was observed. A few γ-melanocyte stimulating hormone (γ-MSH)-immunoreactive cells with a round appearance were found in control as well as phenytoin-affected gingiva. In one instance, however, a heavy γ-MSH-immunoreactive cell infiltration was seen in the phenytoin sample. No immunoreactivity in either the phenytoin-treated group or in the control group was seen for proctolin or galanin. The results indicated that gingiva with phenytoin-induced overgrowth has a reduced innervation density revealed with NF immunohistochemistry.     

Effect of meptazinol on drug absorption and gastric emptying

The rate of paracetamol absorption after oral administration was used as an indirect estimate of the rate of gastric emptying in 24 patients before minor surgery. Patients who received 10 mg morphine or 100 mg meptazinol i.m. had significantly delayed absorption as shown by a lower peak concentration and a delayed time to peak. The mean AUC at 90 min was 1,590, 642 and 159 micrograms min ml-1 after saline, morphine and meptazinol respectively. Meptazinol delayed paracetamol absorption more than morphine.     

An holistic approach to recovery from an overuse injury in a games player.

The management of a chronic injury to an international squash player is described. By good physiotherapeutic management and the involvement of an interdisciplinary team it was possible to make gains in the non-playing period. The rehabilitation period included physiological assessment on the basis of which a training programme was devised with target goals set throughout the period. Mental rehearsal of skills was included at all stages. As a result, the player's confidence was maintained and fitness levels improved. The long term prognosis has been good. The model could be applied to any sports injury.     

Intralenticular infections

Antecedent trauma resulting in endophthalmitis is not uncommon. However, primary intralenticular infection is a rare occurrence. Primary intralenticular fungal infection has not been previously reported. The authors present two cases: one of Paecilomyces infection and the other of Staphylococcus epidermidis infection limited to the crystalline lens. Both cases illustrate a delay in diagnosis.     

Geographic risk factors for viral hepatitis and cytomegalovirus infection among United States Armed Forces blood donors

In an effort to determine whether residence in a foreign country increases the risk of hepatitis B and C and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in United States (US) Armed Forces blood donors, 5719 volunteer donors at four US Navy blood banks were evaluated. Most participants were repeat donors (68%) and were young (mean age, 25 years), male (88%), and white (80%), black (10%), or Hispanic (7%). Birth outside of the United States was reported by 6 percent of subjects, and 34 percent had lived in a foreign country for more than 3 months. Twenty (0.3%) subjects had hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and 100 (1.7%) had antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). Thirty-four (0.6%) were repeatably reactive in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV); 11 (0.2%) had anti-HCV in immumoblot assay. Of the 3484 donors tested for anti-CMV, 1117 (32.1%) were positive. When demographic characteristics were controlled for both anti-HBc and anti-CMV seropositivies were independently associated in male blood donors with residence in the Philippines. Geographic factors were not associated with HBsAg and anti-HCV positivity. These findings indicate that the prevalence of serologic markers for viral hepatitis is low in military blood donors, but that residence in the Western Pacific is a risk factor for hepatitis B and CMV infection.