Amyloidosis of the vitreous. Fluorescein angiographic findings and association with neovascularization.

A case of primary systemic amyloidosis with bilateral asymmetric involvement of the vitreous was followed up throughout a 45-month span, during which two vitrectomy procedures were done on one eye. The progressive nature of this disease was documented by serial fluorescein angiograms and fundus photography. The amyloid seemed to be derived from the retina, at small multifocal areas over arterioles and venules that were otherwise clinically and angiographically normal in appearance. Follow-up studies suggested that these focal deposits were actually preretinal, since they disappeared after posterior vitrectomy. Peripheral neovascularization was visible in this case, which has not previously been reported. Amyloidosis of the vitreous can mimic numerous other diseases. Vitrectomy can be effective in restoring visual acuity, although recurrence may be rapid. The diagnosis is readily made by pathologic examination of the vitreous aspirate.

Situations related to drinking alcohol. A factor analysis of questionnaire responses.

Problem and nonproblem drinkers indicated on a questionnaire the degree to which they used alcohol in certain situations. The responses were factor analyzed and seven factor scales were developed. It is suggested that the questionnaire could be used as an initial diagnostic step leading to specific treatment alternatives.

Plaque antibacterial levels following controlled food intake and use of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the levels of zinc and Triclosan present in plaque 12 hours post-brushing and following two weeks home use of a toothpaste formulation containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan. To measure the levels of zinc and Triclosan in plaque following two weeks home use of the test toothpaste formulation together with a further morning's brushing and a day of controlled food intake. METHODS: A total of 104 subjects completed the study. Plaque samples were taken before use of the test toothpaste and again after a specified regime of product use and food intake. The samples were analysed for zinc or Triclosan. RESULTS: Levels of zinc and Triclosan in plaque 12 hours after last brushing and following a 2-week home usage of product, were 149.1 microg/g and 8.6 microg/g respectively. Following a morning brushing and a day of controlled food intake zinc and Triclosan levels were 94.7 microg/g and 4.1 microg/g respectively. These levels of agents were found to reduce pH drop in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Regular use of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan can lead to a build-up of antibacterial agents in plaque that continue to work even after controlled food intake.

The effect of a 2% zinc citrate, 0.3% Triclosan dentifrice on plaque acid production following consumption of a snackfood.

OBJECTIVES: A) To assess plaque lactate production following consumption of three foods (cake, chocolate/caramel bar, sweetened coffee), and B) To measure the effect of a fluoride dentifrice containing 2% zinc citrate and 0.3% Triclosan on plaque lactate and pH drop following consumption of cake. METHODS: A) 10 subjects completed the first study. Plaque samples taken before and at 8,15 and 30 minutes after eating. Samples were analysed for lactate via Capillary Electrophoresis. B) 30 subjects completed the second study. Plaque samples were taken before and after cake and use of test dentifrice or no treatment control. Plaque pH and lactate content were assessed. RESULTS: A) Plaque lactate levels increased after all three foods; peak lactate levels occurred 8 minutes after eating. B) Plaque lactate concentrations after eating cake were 39.2mM for the control treatment and a significantly lower value, 23.6mM, for the test 2% zinc citrate, 0.3% Triclosan dentifrice. After food challenge, pH values were 5.53 for the no treatment group and a significantly higher value of 5.79 for the test dentifrice group. CONCLUSIONS: A toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate, 0.3% Triclosan can significantly reduce plaque lactate generation and pH drop induced by cake, compared to no treatment control.

Ionizing radiation causing a risk of cancer in man: a short review and a discussion.

An attempt has been made to present, in short review, the most important carcinogens that have been implicated in the development of cancer in the various organ sites of the human body and to demonstrate the relatively minor role played by ionizing radiation, especially radiotherapy, in causing a risk of cancer in man.

[Scoliosis studies with low-dose X-rays]. / Skoliosestudies met lae X-straaldosis.

A modification of the Oxford technique for the radiological examination of scoliotic curvatures in school-children has been devised. Satisfactory image quality is achieved in this way and the radiation dose to patients, despite examinations every 3 months, is only a fraction of the maximum permissible level for radiation workers. The method is simple. Conventional X-ray equipment can be employed.

Abiotrophia species as a cause of endophthalmitis following cataract extraction.

Microorganisms of the genus Abiotrophia, members of the oral flora, are known as important causes of bacterial endocarditis. In this study, we report two individual cases of acute vitreous infection caused by Abiotrophia adiacens and Abiotrophia defectiva approximately a week after cataract extraction. Abiotrophia isolates were recovered by cultivation of vitreous humor on chocolate agar and identified via conventional and API 20 Strep identification systems. An 83-year-old male patient (A) and an 80-year-old female patient (B) demonstrated almost identical symptoms of infectious endophthalmitis manifested as hypopyon and opaque media. The vision of both patients was reduced to detection of hand motion in the left and the right eyes, respectively. An emergency pars plana core vitrectomy was performed, and intraocular antibiotics were administered to each patient, who presented 8 months apart in two different institutions. Patients A and B were treated with an intravitreal injection of vancomycin-amikacin and vancomycin-ceftazidime, respectively, which resulted in complete recovery.