Steady state visual evoked potential abnormalities in schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: The steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) can be used to test the frequency response function of neural circuits. Previous studies have shown reduced SSVEPs to alpha and lower frequencies of stimulation in schizophrenia. We investigated SSVEPs in schizophrenia at frequencies spanning the theta (4Hz) to gamma (40Hz) range. METHODS: The SSVEPs to seven different frequencies of stimulation (4, 8, 17, 20, 23, 30 and 40Hz) were obtained from 18 schizophrenia subjects and 33 healthy control subjects. Power at stimulating frequency (signal power) and power at frequencies above and below the stimulating frequency (noise power) were used to quantify the SSVEP responses. RESULTS: Both groups showed an inverse relationship between power and frequency of stimulation. Schizophrenia subjects showed reduced signal power compared to healthy control subjects at higher frequencies (above 17Hz), but not at 4 and 8Hz at occipital region. Noise power was higher in schizophrenia subjects at frequencies between 4 and 20Hz over occipital region and at 4, 17 and 20Hz over frontal region. CONCLUSIONS: SSVEP signal power at beta and gamma frequencies of stimulation were reduced in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia subjects showed higher levels of EEG noise during photic stimulation at beta and lower frequencies. SIGNIFICANCE: Inability to generate or maintain oscillations in neural networks may contribute to deficits in visual processing in schizophrenia.     

Mast cells,eosinophils and goblet cells in nasal allergy

This work was taken up to assess the mast cell population in nasal allergy both in nasal smear and nasal tissue in correlation with the eosinophils and goblet cells. An attempt had been made to find out the significance of these cells in arriving at a diagnosis of nasal allergy.     

Alcohol use and sexual behaviour among risky drinkers and bar and shebeen patrons in Gauteng province, South Africa

This paper describes the South Africa component of a World Health Organization multi-site rapid assessment and response project seeking to develop a methodology for studying factors associated with alcohol use-related sexual risk behaviour in diverse cultural settings. This report focuses on the qualitative assessments that were conducted in order to profile alcohol use and sexual behaviour in the communities concerned, ascertain the relationships between alcohol use and sexual behaviour, and develop a conceptual model of the relationships between alcohol use and sexual risk behaviour. The participants consisted of adults aged between 25 and 44 years in a township and city site in Gauteng province. The assessments involved conducting 18 key informant interviews, observations in seven drinking venues, six focus groups and 16 in-depth interviews of 'risky drinkers' and their partners. Most participants felt that there were high levels of alcohol consumption and unprotected sex among some members of their communities, with the latter occurring mainly among casual sexual partners. The findings also pointed to strong links between alcohol consumption and sexual risk behaviour. A conceptual model of the association between alcohol use and risky sexual behaviour is proposed. This study suggests a need for multi-faceted HIV intervention strategies for reducing levels of alcohol abuse in general, and enhancing protective sexual behaviours among alcohol-using populations.     

Breast carcinoma metastasizing to the urinary bladder presenting as bilateral hydronephrosis treated with ureteral stenting and chemotherapy

We describe a case of metastatic breast carcinoma involving the urinary bladder and causing bilateral hydronephrosis. Treatment consisted of bilateral renal decompression followed by chemoradiotherapy. The pertinent literature is reviewed.     

Type IV jejunal atresia with an unusual variation of enteric duplication: report of a case

We report a rare case of type IV jejunal atresia with enteric duplication and multiple diverticuli, found in a 3-day-old baby girl. To our knowledge, this association has never been reported before.     

Bilateral supplemental maxillary central incisors: a case report

Hyperdontia is a developmental anomaly that is hypothesized to arise from multiple causes. Supernumerary teeth may remain embedded in the alveolar bone or can erupt into the oral cavity. When such teeth remain embedded, they may cause disturbances to developing teeth. Erupted supernumerary teeth can cause aesthetic or functional problems, especially when situated in the maxillary anterior region. Before a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan can be developed, it is essential to clinically and radiographically enumerate and identify supernumerary teeth. Supplemental central incisors are rare and bilateral cases are even rarer: only five cases have been reported in the literature to date. We describe a case of bilateral supplemental maxillary central incisors and discuss the management of supernumerary teeth.