Use of the Phoenix system for bacteriology

A dedicated microbiology data processing system with remote batched job entry to an obsolete computer, has been superseded by the inclusion of bacteriology in an on-line interactive clinical pathology system which had previously incorporated chemical pathology and haematology. The original Phoenix system has been adapted to allow for the entry of bacteriology data using mnemonic codes and to deal with the problems caused by the longer processing time of bacteriology specimens. Particular advantages of the new system include the immediate linkage of all specimens for each patient and an easy recall and display of results in the laboratories and on the wards.     

The ultrasonographic appearance of cystic hepatoblastoma

Cystic hepatoblastomas share ultrasonographic characteristics with simple hepatic cysts; however, a distinction can be made by the demonstration of internal septations. The differentiation is important because cystic hepatoblastoma may have malignant potential. The ultrasonographic and scintigraphic findings in five children with cystic hepatoblastoma are reviewed.     

The efficacy of topical 0.2% hyaluronic acid gel on recurrent oral ulcers: comparison between recurrent aphthous ulcers and the oral ulcers of Behçet's disease

Background Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a primary component of the extracellular matrix, and the efficacy of HA on oral ulcers is rarely reported. Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of the topical application of 0.2% HA gel on recurrent oral ulcers and to compare its effects in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) and the oral ulcers of Behçet's disease (BD) Materials and methods Thirty‐three outpatients with recurrent oral ulcers were included in the study (17 patients: BD, 16 patients: RAU). The patients used topical 0.2% HA gel twice daily for 2 weeks. The subjective parameters of patients [number of ulcers, healing period, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain] were investigated and objective assessments (number of ulcers, maximal area of ulcer and inflammatory signs) were inspected by a physician. Results A subjective reduction in the number of ulcers was observed in 72.7% of the patients. A decrease in the ulcer healing period was observed in 72.7% of the patients; 75.8% experienced improvement in VAS for pain. Objective inspection of the ulcers showed a reduction of numbers in 57.6% of the patients, and 78.8% of the ulcers showed a decrease in area. Among the inflammatory signs, swelling and local heat were significantly improved after treatment. No significant differences were found between the BD group and RAU group in subjective and objective parameters, except for inflammatory signs. No side‐effects were observed. Conclusions The topical application of 0.2% HA gel seems to be an effective and safe therapy in patients with recurrent oral ulcers; the study supports the use of HA in BD with oral ulcers.     

Photosensitizers in clinical PDT

Photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy allow for the transfer and translation of light energy into a type II chemical reaction. In clinical practice, photosensitizers arise from three families—porphyrins, chlorophylls, and dyes. All clinically successful photosensitizers have the ability to a greater or lesser degree, to target specific tissues or their vasculature to achieve ablation. Each photosensitizer needs to reliably activate at a high enough light wavelength useful for therapy. Their ability to fluoresce and visualize the lesion is a bonus. Photosensitizers developed from each family have unique properties that have so far been minimally clinically exploited. This review looks at the potential benefits and consequences of each major photosensitizer that has been tried in a clinical setting.