Breast abscess associated with Helcococcus kunzii

Helcococcus kunzii, a nonvirulent member of the human skin flora, has recently been implicated in causing infections in immunosuppressed patients. We report a case of breast abscess associated with H. kunzii in an immunocompetant patient and discuss the criteria used in its identification and our observations of susceptibility testing for this species.     

A light and electron microscopic study of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 in the hippocampus after kainate lesions

Tamoxifen, the major adjuvant drug treatment for estrogen-dependent breast cancer, has been shown previously to affect both estrogen-dependent and calcium/calmodulin-dependent pathways. In the current study, we developed an in vitro slice system to study the effects of tamoxifen on ATP levels in hypothalamic (HTH) and preoptic areas (POA) of the rat brain. Baseline data showed that, following a 2-h incubation, HTH and POA slices had comparable ATP levels to hippocampal slices, a system used extensively by researchers examining the metabolic responsiveness of the hippocampal region (HPC) of the brain. HTH-POA slice ATP levels remained steady for 2, 4 and 6 h, but fell to 11% of initial levels by 12 h. Neurons from HTH-POA slices incubated for 4 h appeared healthy and demonstrated robust protein synthesis as measured autoradiographically by incorporation of [3H]leucine. We explored the effects of tamoxifen (TAM), fluphenazine (FLU) and estradiol (E2) on ATP levels in HTH and POA slices. The effects of TAM were complex: a 4-h incubation with 10-6 M TAM led to decreased ATP levels in HTH (but not POA), and a 4-h incubation with 10-8 M led to increased ATP levels in POA (but not HTH); a 15-min exposure to 10-6 M TAM decreased ATP levels in POA (but not HTH) slices, while the exposure of slices to the lower concentration of TAM was without effect in either area. As with higher concentrations of TAM, 4-h incubation with 10-6 M FLU decreased ATP levels in HTH (but not POA), while incubation with E2 did not affect slice ATP levels. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that both TAM and FLU alter ATP levels in HTH slices via calmodulin- or calcium-mediated processes.     

Corrosion behaviour of dental metals and alloys in different media

The corrosion tendencies of metals are related with their position in the electromotive series. These electrode potential degrees may change due to the compositions of the alloys, the surrounding media, or due to alterations in the composition because of recurrent casting. Therefore in this research, the electrode potentials and their changes over a period of time were measured in different pH media simulating the oral electrochemical conditions in vitro. The surface structure of the first and second castings of 29 different dental metals and alloys were examined under a scanning electron microscope and their composition in percentage weight was calculated by the Energy-dispersive X-ray Analysor system. Further the current-potential curves of the dental alloys were found by the potentiodynamic method in three different solutions and, in addition, the changes of corrosion potentials over time were also determined. The corrosion rates, corrosion potentials, their changes over time and their cathodic Tafel slopes were determined. All alloys tested showed ion leakage in corrosive media. Titanium exhibited the least, but alloys with tin and cobalt content displayed the greatest corrosion tendencies. Alloys with iron and copper corroded in the acid media, conversely alloys containing chromium, nichel and molybdenum proved to be resistant to corrosion. The recurrent castings were also corrosion resistant.     

The P300 component of the auditory evoked potential in the posttraumatic vegetative state

The dynamic studies of P300 component of the acoustic evoked potential were conducted in 12 patients in posttraumatic state of the autonomic system. The amplitude and time parameters of P300 were analyzed, its spatial distribution over the cortex, and features of generation. The obtained results were compared with the normative data. Significant changes in P300 in comparison with the normal characteristics were revealed in patients with the absence of conscious mental activity. These changes were maximally expressed when the state of patients was irreversible. In case of patients' outcome from the studied state the amplitude-temporal and topographic response characteristics tended to normalization but did not reach it completely. The obtained results allow us to consider the P300 component as one of the most informative indices in consciousness recovery after severe brain injury.     

An investigation on the shear bond strength of one dentin adhesive at two different dentin depths

The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of dentin depth and patient's age on the shear bond strength of one dentin adhesive (ART Bond), using an Instron Universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Forty human molar teeth were used and were divided into two main groups, twenty each representing two age groups of patients, i.e., between 20 to 30 years and between 30-40 years of age. Every group was further subdivided into two subgroups of different dentin depths, i.e., superficial and deep. Results were recorded in Kg/Cm2 and converted into MPa units, then tabulated and statistically analyzed. A Duncan's range statistic test at P < or = 0.05 showed statistically significant differences between the bond strength values for both age groups at different dentin depths, with the superficial dentin showing higher bond values, and there were also statistically significant differences between the bond strength values of the two age groups at the same dentin depth, with the older age group showing higher bond values.     

Gestational choriocarcinoma metastatic to the brain treated successfully by stereotactic radiosurgery and chemotherapy

This report analyzes the intracorporal lengths of 236 consecutive organically impotent men who underwent insertion of a penile prosthesis. The average right or left intracorporal length in this series was 20.9 cm, with a standard deviation of 2.2 cm. Intracorporal length ranged from 14-27 cm. This data may be used as reference ranges for penile prosthesis manufacturers, and for Urologists who implant prostheses or perform penile lengthening procedures.