Cross-sectional analysis of the implant-abutment interface

The purpose of this study was to develop a technique to evaluate the implant-abutment gap of an external hexagon implant system as a function of radius. Six implants of 3.75 mm in diameter (Conexao Sistema de Protese Ltda, Sao Paulo, Brazil) and their respective abutments were screw connected and torqued to 20 N cm(-1). The implants were mounted in epoxy assuring an implant long-axis position perpendicular to the vertical axis. Each implant was grounded through its thickness parallel to implant long-axis at six different distance interval. Implant-abutment gap distances were recorded along the implant-abutment region for each section. Individual measurements were related to their radial position through trigonometric inferences. A sixth degree polynomial line fit approach determined radial adaptation patterns for each implant. Micrographs along implant sections showed a approximately 300 mum length implant-abutment engagement region. All implants presented communication between external and internal regions through connection gaps and inaccurate implant-abutment alignment. Average gap distances were not significantly different between implants (P > 0.086). Polynomial lines showed implant-abutment gap values below 10 mum from 0 mum to approximately 250 mum of the implant-abutment engagement region. Gap distances significantly increased from approximately 250 mum to the outer radius of the implant-abutment engagement region. The technique described provided a broader scenario of the implant-abutment gap adaptation compared with previous work concerning implant-abutment gap determination, and should be considered for better understanding mechanical aspects or biological effects of implant-abutment adaptation on peri-implant tissues.     

Tear of the distal biceps branchii tendon: A new method of ultrasound evaluation

Tear of the distal biceps brachii tendon is an uncommon injury. Ultrasound evaluation of the distal tendon using an anterior approach is often difficult because of technical factors. We describe a new method of ultrasound evaluation of the distal biceps tendon insertion. This involves a posterior approach with the forearm pronated. With pronation of the forearm, the radial tuberosity faces posteriorly, bringing the distal biceps tendon insertion into view. A surgically proven case of distal biceps tendon tear is presented to illustrate our technique.     

Cerebral Embolism Due to a Retained Pacemaker Lead: A Case Report

There are only a few reported cases of a pacemaker lead migrating inadvertently into the left atrium or ventricle. An unusual complication of unremoved, unwanted pacemaker lead is presented. The free tip of the lead caused cerebral embolism after perforating the interatrial septum.     

Amyloidosis of the larynx

Amyloidosis of the larynx is an uncommon disease and mainly a local occurrence. Hoarseness is the prevalent symptom. Surgical excision of the amyloid masses is the treatment of choice. In the present paper, the authors describe seven cases treated in the last twenty years.     

The effect of antibody against TNF alpha on cytokine response in Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions of louse-borne relapsing fever

Severe Jarisch Herxheimer reaction (J-HR) precipitated by antibiotic treatment of louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is associated with a transient, marked rise in circulating tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8). Ovine polyclonal anti-TNF alpha antibody fragments (Fab) were used in a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial in an attempt to prevent this reaction. Within 4 h after penicillin, in controls (n = 29), a several- fold rise in cytokines occurred, concomitant with a fall in spirochaetes and maximal clinical manifestations of the J-HR. An intravenous infusion of anti-TNF alpha Fab, 30 min before penicillin in 20 patients reduced peak plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 (but not IL-1 beta) compared with controls (p = 0.01 and < 0.001, respectively) and the incidence of the J-HR, indicating some neutralization of TNF alpha. An apparent fall in TNF alpha reflected interference of anti-TNF alpha in the immunoassay.      

不断提高异基因造血细胞移植的疗效

1957年美国著名血液学家Thomas教授首先成功地应用异基因骨髓移植（allogeneic bone marrow transplantation，allo-BMT）治疗恶性血液病，并以此获得诺贝尔医学奖。此后allo-BMT技术不断改进，并在世界范围内迅速开展，目前已成为治愈恶性血液病的重要方法。亚洲的骨髓移植首先于20世纪60年代初在北京获得成功，为应用同基因骨髓移植治愈1例重型再生障碍性贫血患者。经历了十年动乱暂时无奈中断研究后，80年代初作者等又成功地将allo-BMT应用于恶性血液病的治疗，之后该项技术在全国不断开展，逐渐成熟，并已形成规模，且在许多方面已达到或超过国际水平。     

Wegener's granulomatosis in the upper respiratory tract

Wegener's granulomatosis is a distinct clinico-pathological entity characterised by necrotising vasculitis of small arteries and veins in conjunction with the formation of granuloma in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, and glomerulonephritis. The vast majority of patients have antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in the serum with a characteristic cytoplasmic pattern. However, in early phases of the disease only the upper respiratory tract may be affected, clinical and histological features may be nonspecific, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies not present. In this paper we present four patients with involvement of the upper respiratory tract suspicious for early Wegener's granulomatosis. We emphasise the significance of clinical, histological and serological parameters in the early detection of Wegener's granulomatosis.     

The Treatment of Septicemia in Pacemaker Patients

The authors analyzed the data of seven patients who had undergone open heart surgery because of pacemaker endocarditis in the past 4 years. Repeated surgical interventions on the pacemaker system were found to be the most common predisposing factors. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the most common causative organisms. Two-dimensional echocardiography was important in the diagnosis of cases with atypical clinical picture and negative blood cultures. We concluded that: (1) any pacemaker patient with fever should be considered to have a pacemaker endocarditis; (2) all of these patients should be examined by two-dimenensional echocardiography; and (3) the total removal of the infected hardware seems to be the only way to achieve complete recovery.     

Management Strategies for Pain in Breast Carcinoma Patients: Current Opinions and Future Perspectives

Breast cancer is the most frequently encountered carcinoma in women worldwide. Pain is the most distressing symptom in patients with breast carcinoma and can occur at all stages of the disease due to the cancer per se as well as due to various diagnostic and treatment modalities. A proper pain assessment helps in identification of pain syndromes and guides in formulating analgesic strategies. Primary therapies of breast carcinoma like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for bony metastases can cause substantial pain relief. However, multimodal analgesic approaches incorporating pharmacological, interventional as well as non-conventional techniques should be employed prior to, in conjunction with, and after primary therapies of breast cancer. The prevalence of chronic neuropathic pain following breast cancer surgery may exceed 50% by current estimates, and with the increase in life expectancy of these patients, providing adequate pain relief is of paramount importance to improve their quality of life. In this review, we discuss prevailing methods of evaluation and management of pain in patients of breast carcinoma and the new techniques that may become the mainstay of pain management protocols in future.