Olfactory thresholds for nicotine and menthol in smokers (abstinent and nonabstinent) and nonsmokers

Nonsmokers and smokers were compared for olfactory sensitivity to two odors associated with cigarettes: nicotine and menthol. Smokers were tested twice--while nonabstinent, and after 16-20 h of smoking abstinence. Smokers showed a higher olfactory threshold for nicotine than did nonsmokers, but the same threshold for menthol. Furthermore, when the smokers were abstinent, they showed a lower olfactory threshold for nicotine than when they were nonabstinent, but again, the same threshold for menthol. These results suggest a nicotine specific olfactory deficit in smokers that is reduced during abstinence.     

Pyomyositis in childhood: a case report

Pyomyositis is a primary infection of skeletal muscle. We report the case of a previously healthy six-year-old who suffered from pyomyositis in the right lower back. He presented with lower back pain and low-grade fever for one week. After a series of laboratory and imaging studies, the diagnosis of right multifidus muscle pyomyositis with abscess formation was made. The patient recovered rapidly after incision and drainage therapy, accompanied by antibiotic treatment. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the abscess discharge. It was strongly suspected that herbal medicines and common cold medication the patient had been prescribed before admission to our hospital produced a masking effect that delayed the diagnosis.     

The effects of fibroblast growth factors in long-term primary culture of dystrophic (mdx) mouse muscle myoblasts

Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies specific for human interleukin-6 (IL-6) bind two distinct sites on the IL-6 protein (sites I and II). Their interference with IL-6 receptor binding suggested that site I is a receptor-binding site of IL-6, whereas site II is important for signal transduction. Mutagenesis of site II could therefore result in the isolation of IL-6 receptor antagonists. To test this hypothesis, a panel of IL-6 mutant proteins was constructed that did not bind to a site II-specific monoclonal antibody. One such site II mutant protein (with double substitution of Gln-160 with Glu and Thr-163 with Pro) was found to be an antagonist of human IL-6. It was inactive on human CESS cells, weakly active on human HepG2 cells, but active on mouse B9 cells. It could specifically antagonize the activity of wild-type IL-6 on CESS and HepG2 cells. The binding affinity of this variant for the 80-kDa IL-6 receptor was similar to that of wild-type IL-6. High affinity binding to CESS cells, however, was abolished, suggesting that the mutant protein is inactive because the complex of the 80-kDa IL-6 receptor and the mutant protein cannot associate with the signal transducer gp130. The human IL-6 antagonist protein may be potentially useful as a therapeutic agent.     

Restoration of localized severely atrophic maxillary ridge: case report

Phyllodes tumors are mixed tumors of the mammary gland. They account for 0.3 to 0.5 per cent of all breast tumors. This is a report on nineteen cases presenting phyllodes tumors. Depending on the number of mitoses, growth pattern and atypism degree, the neoplasms are classified as benign (12 cases), borderline (2) and malignant (5). Fourteen of them (9 with benign and 5 with malignant phyllodes tumors) undergo clinical follow-up study. A case with bilateral location of the neoplasm exhibiting strongly expressed susceptibility to relapse is described. The basic methods of preoperative diagnosis and the operative treatment procedures used are outlined.     

Changes in the duodenal mucosa in Whipple's disease

A case of Whipple's disease is described in a male patient of 43 who has been previously examined in different hospitals for six years. The diagnosis was established after surgery and histological examination of the duodenum biopsy. Infiltration of the tunica propria of the duodenum with PAS-positive macrophages was observed. Therapy with rondomycin in combination with GUMET-P produced a response but the recurrence took place after therapy. A new operation was followed by peritonitis and pneumonia which terminated in the patient's death.     

Evaluation of the results of cleft lip and palate surgical treatment: preliminary report

We have analysed randomized controlled studies which reported the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after propofol anaesthesia compared with other anaesthetics (control). Cumulative data of early (0-6 h) and late (0-48 h) PONV were recorded as occurrence or non-occurrence of nausea or vomiting. Combined odds ratio and number-needed-to-treat were calculated for propofol as an induction or maintenance regimen, early or late outcomes, and different emetic events. This was performed for all control event rates and within a range of 20-60% control event rates. We analysed 84 studies involving 6069 patients. The effect of propofol on PONV was dependent mainly on the method of administration, time of measurement and range of control event rates. When all studies were included the number-needed-to-treat to prevent PONV with propofol was more than 9 when used for induction of anaesthesia and at best 6 when used for maintenance. Within the 20-60% control event rate range, best results were achieved with propofol maintenance to prevent early PONV: the number-needed-to-treat to prevent early nausea was 4.7 (95% confidence interval 3.8-6.3), vomiting 4.9 (4-6.1) and any emetic event 4.9 (3.7-7.1). Within the 20-60% control event rate, of five patients treated with propofol for maintenance of anaesthesia, one will not vomit or be nauseated in the immediate postoperative period who would otherwise have vomited or been nauseated. This may be clinically relevant. In all other situations the difference between propofol and control may have reached statistical significance but was of doubtful clinical relevance. Treatment efficacy should be established within a defined range of control event rates for meaningful estimates of efficacy and for comparisons.