Perceptions and attitudes of Canadian orthodontists regarding digital and electronic technology.

INTRODUCTION: To plan for future acceptance and implementation of computer-related technology, it is necessary to understand orthodontists' current perceptions and attitudes toward emerging technologies. METHODS: An anonymous, self-administered, mail-out survey of Canadian orthodontists was conducted. The response rate was 45.6% (304/667). RESULTS: Most orthodontists indicated that computer technology could improve current practice efficiency and quality of patient care. Only 15% reported that digital models are quite or very useful; 73.6%, 69.1%, 55%, and 37.4% agreed or strongly agreed with using digital and electronic technology to consult with other dental specialists, other orthodontists, general dentists, and the public, respectively. Cost of the technology was reported as a significant or insurmountable obstacle by 54% of the respondents. Interprovincial legislation, unclear consultation remuneration guidelines, and lack of comfort with the technology were not perceived as significant obstacles. Only 36% reported security or privacy issues as a significant or insurmountable obstacle. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian orthodontists seem to view digital and electronic technology as useful and capable of improving their offices' efficiency and production. Although they are sensitive to some potential obstacles, they are willing to overcome these and incorporate the technology into their practices.     

Clinical oncology—A new era

Rapid growth in biomedical research coupled with dramatic advancement in biotechnology has significantly improved our understanding of the molecular basis involving cancer development and progression. This improvement has led to the discovery of new molecular markers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis as well as new molecular targets for cancer treatment and intervention. Continuous emergence of some new developing area in molecular profiling, new therapeutic agents, tissue microenvironment and systems biology have made significant progress in clinical oncology. Clinical research and investigation that focus on these new developments have begun to show exciting results that indicate future promises in improving patient management and survival.     

Zur Frage der Durchlässigkeit der Blut-Liquorschranke für organische Arsenverbindungen

Zusammenfassung Abweichend von unseren früheren Untersuchungen wurde mit einer von Hawking angegebenen biologischen Nachweismethode die Durchlässigkeit der Blut-Liquorschranke für organische Arsenverbindungen geprüft.Es zeigte sich, daß dreiwertige Arsenverbindungen, wie Neosalvarsan und Spirotrypan, einem von den Höchster Farbwerken uns zur Prüfung übergebenen Präparat, in die Nervenflüssigkeit eintreten. Die trypanocide Wirkung der Nervenflüssigkeit nach Zufuhr von Neosalvarsan war geringer als nach Zufuhr von Spirotrypan. Unterschiede in der trypanociden Wirksamkeit der Nervenflüssigkeit bei verschiedenen Luesformen konnten nicht nachgewiesen werden. Die Entnahme und anschließende Untersuchung der Nervenflüssigkeit zu verschiedenen Zeiten nach Zufuhr der betreffenden Präparate ließen hinsichtlich der trypanociden Wirkung keine eindeutigen Unterschiede erkennen.Es wird vermutet, daß es sich bei dem trypanocid wirksamen Agens in der Nervenflüssigkeit um Abbauprodukte des Arsens im Sinne von Arsenoxyd handelt.