Uptake and intracellular activity of ofloxacin isomers in human phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells

The penetration and intracellular activity of ofloxacin and its isomers (levofloxacin and D-ofloxacin) into human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN), human peritoneal macrophages (PMphi) and tissue cultured epithelial cells (McCoy) were evaluated. The cellular to extracellular concentration (C/E) values of the three fluoroquinolones were higher than 3.6 and 2.6 in PMN and PMphi, respectively. The C/E ratios in McCoy cells were lower than those in PMN, but still higher than 2.0. The uptake of ofloxacin and its isomers was rapid, non-saturable and reversible. All quinolones (extracellular concentrations: 2, 5 and 10 mg/l) produced a significant reduction of viable intraphagocytic Staphylococcus aureus in phagocytic cells. We concluded that ofloxacin and its isomers reach high intracellular concentrations in phagocytic and non phagocytic cells while remaining active in the former.     

Variables modulating stress and coping that discriminate drug consumers from low or nondrug consumers

The present study assesses how certain stress and coping variables relate to drug use. A total of 124 subjects (85 men, 39 women) took part. They were divided into two groups: consumers and low or nonconsumers. Results indicate that consumers show significantly lower scores in self-control than low or nonconsumers. This research is of interest because it analyzes the relationship among assertiveness, self-control, self-efficacy, and drug use. We consider it worthwhile to take these variables into account when planning prevention programs.     

Thrombophlebitis of the lateral sinus. A more frequent complication than expected

At present, the frequency of intracranial complications of middle ear infections has decreased sharply as a result of the use of more effective antibiotics. We report two cases of lateral sinus thrombosis, in a 2-year-old male and a 14-year-old male respectively, after middle ear infection that progressed to mastoiditis with osteitis. The severity of these complications underlines the importance of clinical awareness and early diagnosis by angiographic magnetic resonance imaging so that suitable treatment can be begun.     

Granular cell tumor: an infrequent cause of dysphonia in childhood

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare and usually benign tumors whose histogenesis is debated. The skin, subcutaneous tissues, and mucosae of the head and neck are areas of predilection for GCT. Laryngeal involvement is uncommon, but may create diagnostic and therapeutic problems when it occurs. Laryngeal GCT are decidedly uncommon in children, only 17 cases having been reported in the literature. A case of GCT of the larynx in an 11-year-old girl is reported. The presenting symptom was hoarseness. The macroscopic tumor and hoarseness disappeared after chemotherapy (EVAIA) for Ewing sarcoma of the knee.     

Lingual abscess with atypical clinical presentation

Lingual abscesses have become extremely rare since the discovery of antibiotics, with only about 200 cases reported in the last 160 years. Diagnosis on the basis of clinical symptoms alone is quite difficult. Imaging studies are essential for the diagnosis of lingual abscesses and for their differentiation from related pathologies with similar clinical symptoms. We report a case of lingual abscess with otherwise unremarkable clinical findings that was diagnosed by CT scan. The etiology, pathophysiology, bacteriology, diagnosis, and treatment of these uncommon infections is discussed.     

Tuberculous cervical lymph node inflammation: a diagnosis to be considered in ear, nose and throat practice

Involvement of the cervical lymph nodes is one of the commonest forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Given this, we carried out a retrospective study of those cases diagnosed in our health region from 1995-1997, looking at the diagnostic criteria and treatment regimes and comparing our findings with those of other authors.     

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and clinical response to pentoxifylline

Lack of a specific and definitive treatment for recurrent aphthous stomatitis allowed to develop several assays with different drugs trying to lighten symptoms and avoid new crisis. The pathophysiological unknown about the illness forces to empiric therapies often disappointing. Immunomodulation by the haemorreoactive agent pentoxifylline inhibiting the *-TNF production seems to produce a neutrophilic and lymphocytic hypoactivity state, which promotes healing of aphthous in AIDS. Nevertheless, its use on healthy subjects got to prevent new episodes just in the 36% from our eleven cases, which is an improvement if compared to other local and systemic alternatives. Congenital or acquired immune factors still undetected determine the sensibility of subject to treatment and different healing rates reported by authors depending on pathologies.