A rare cause of maxillary tuberosity enlargement: Von recklinghausen''s neurofibromatosis

Oral involvement is unusual in cases of Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. A case is described of a patient who presented for treatment of an enlarged maxillary tuberosity and the management of such cases is discussed.     

The effect of Alpine mountaineering on acute erythrocyte hemolysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether erythrocyte hemolysis occurs during a mountain ascent over snow and ice to 3285 meters. Data were collected from six experienced recreational mountaineers, 2 females and 4 males, who participated in a six-day ice climbing seminar and peak ascent in the North Cascades mountain range of the United States. Blood samples were collected from an antecubital vein at sea level (S1), in a base camp at 1515 m prior to the summit ascent (S2), on the summit at 3285 m after 6.5 hours of climbing (S3), at base camp immediately after the descent (S4), and at sea level following a trail descent from the base camp (S5). Whole blood samples were chilled and analyzed for complete blood count including hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), and white blood cell count (WBC). Serum was frozen and later analyzed for serum haptoglobin (Hapt). No significant changes were found for Hct and Hb among the samples. Mean (+/- SEM) Hapt values were 125 (+/- 28), 113 (+/- 25), 100 (+/- 18), 103 (+/- 32), and 109 (+/- 23) mg.dl-1 for S1 through S5, respectively. No significant differences were found among the Hapt values. Plasma volume changes (% PVC) were calculated from Hct and Hb. Mean estimated % PVC were -4.16 (+/- 1.55), -2.54 (+/- 3.93), 7.46 (+/- 4.86), and 4.80 (+/- 3.49) percent between S1 and S2, S2 and S3, S3 and S4, and S4 and S5, respectively. Total body haptoglobin (TBH) was estimated from Hapt and % PVC in an attempt to correct for the plasma volume change effect on haptoglobin concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the surface chemical structure of some biodegradable poly(orthoesters).

The surface analysis of some biodegradable poly(orthoesters) has been undertaken using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). There is very good agreement between the experimental and theoretical surface compositions. All the carbon environments of the poly(orthoesters) are detected within the high-resolution C1s peak envelopes and again, good agreement is observed between the theoretical and experimental proportions of each carbon environment. The data confirm the high surface purity of these polymers and demonstrate the potential for the use of XPS in future studies of the solid state in-situ degradation of poly(orthoesters).     

Experience of domestic violence by women attending an inner city accident and emergency department

Objectives: To identify the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) (defined as physical abuse perpetrated by intimate partners) in women attending an inner city accident and emergency department and to elicit women's response about being asked routinely about domestic violence in this setting.

Methods: 22 nursing shifts were purposefully sampled to be representative of day, night, and weekends. A questionnaire was administered to 198 consenting women who were not intoxicated, confused, or critically ill.

Results: The prevalence of acute trauma in women attributable to DV was 1% (95%CI 0.14 to 3.6), the prevalence of lifetime physical abuse was 34.8% (95%CI 28.2 to 41.5), of past year physical abuse was 6.1% (95%CI 3.2 to 10.3), and of lifetime life threatening physical abuse was 10.6% (95%CI 6.3 to 14.9). Seventy six per cent of women felt comfortable about being asked about DV and 60.5% of women felt that they should always or usually be asked about DV in this setting.

Conclusion: This cross sectional survey adds to the body of knowledge showing that the prevalence of DV in women attending an accident and emergency department is high. Most women were in favour of being asked, and disclosure was associated with discomfort in few women. This sensitive area of history taking and referral could be undertaken by health professionals using a supportive approach.