Preliminary clinical evaluation of meningococcal disease and bacterial meningitis by ultrasonic enhancement

Antigen detection in the urine and serum may be useful in the diagnosis of suspected meningococcal disease, especially after previous antibiotic treatment. Current test card procedures using commercial agglutination kits are often too insensitive to contribute to diagnosis. Diagnosis of meningococcal disease rose from 37% with the test card procedure to 74% following ultrasonic enhancement.     

Research directions in augmentative and alternative communication for preschool children

Purpose: To review issues related to the use of augmentative systems with young children and present a case study of one child and family's experience with the System for Augmenting Language (SAL). Method: The case involved a preschool child with severe developmental delays who had little functional speech. Acquisition and use of graphic symbols on a speech-output communication device was studied in home and clinical settings. Language and communication behaviours of the child and his communication partners were observed and language assessment measures were collected. Results: Child engagement state varied across the two settings with a stable profile seen in the therapy setting and a clear increase at home. Child communicative attempts increased following the introduction of the augmented system. Parents reported successful use of the SAL. Conclusion: SAL is a viable communication intervention approach for young children.     

Anteroposterior angulated view. A new radiographic technique for the evaluation of spondylolysis

A 30 degrees cranial angulated view for the evaluation of spondylolysis demonstrates the pars interarticularis with minimal distortion and without being obscured by overlying bony structures. The degree of callous formation and bony union can be assessed.