Development of a Device for Monitoring Erosion in the Field.

Monitoring erosion is an important part of understanding the causes of this geotechnical and geological phenomenon. In order to monitor them, it is necessary to develop equipment that is sophisticated enough to resist the sun and water without damage, that is self-mechanized, and that can support the amount of data collected. This article introduces a rain-triggered field erosion monitoring device composed of three main modules: control, capture, and sensing. The control module comprises both hardware and firmware with embedded software. The capture module integrates a camera for recording, while the sensing module includes rain sensors. By filming experimental soil samples under simulated rain events, the device demonstrated satisfactory performance in terms of activation and deactivation programming times, daytime image quality without artificial lighting, and equipment protection. The great differences about this monitoring device are its ease of use, low cost, and the quality it offers. These results suggest its potential effectiveness in capturing the progression of field erosive processes.

Current concepts in the management of cataract with keratoconus.

This review analyzed all pertinent articles on keratoconus (KCN) and cataract surgery. It covers preoperative planning, intraoperative considerations, and postoperative management, with the aim of providing a simplified overview of treating such patients. Preoperatively, the use of corneal cross-linking, intrastromal corneal ring segments, and topo-guided corneal treatments can help stabilize the cornea and improve the accuracy of biometric measurements. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of traditional techniques such as penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, as well as newer stromal augmentation techniques, to choose the most appropriate surgical approach. Obtaining reliable measurements can be difficult, especially in the advanced stages of the disease. The choice between toric and monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) should be carefully evaluated. Monofocal IOLs are a better choice in patients with advanced disease, and toric lenses can be used in mild and stable KCN. Intraoperatively, the use of a rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens can overcome the challenge of image distortion and loss of visual perspective. Postoperatively, patients may need updated RGP or scleral lenses to correct the corneal irregular astigmatism. A thorough preoperative planning is crucial for good surgical outcomes, and patients need to be informed regarding potential postoperative surprises. In conclusion, managing cataracts in KCN patients presents a range of challenges, and a comprehensive approach is essential to achieve favorable surgical outcomes.

Vantagens e limitações do uso da fotografia de sorriso para a identificação humana - relato de caso / Advantages and limitations of smile photographs in human identification ­ case report

Dentre as diversas técnicas de identificação humana na Odontologia Forense, a análise pericial do sorriso vem destacando-se recentemente, pelo fato dos dentes apresentarem características individualizadoras e com relevante potencial identificador. Dentre as várias técnicas de análise pericial do sorriso, três se destacam: comparação direta, sobreposição computadorizada e delineamento incisal, sendo que cada uma possui vantagens e limitações. O objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar, por meio de um relato de caso pericial as vantagens e limitações do uso da fotografia de sorriso para a identificação humana. Conclui-se que as fotografias de sorriso, como qualquer outro material utilizado para identificação humana, podem ser utilizadas isoladamente ou em conjunto com outros métodos de identificação, sendo que a comparação direta foi o método mais efetivo para o caso analisado

Among several human identification techniques used in Forensic Dentistry, the smile analysis has recently been increased its used due the teeth uniqueness and their identification potential in several cases. Three smile exam techniques are more frequently used: direct comparation, computerized overlap and incisal outline. This paper aims to show a case report of a human identification using smile photograph, as well presents its advantages and limitations. It was concluded that smile photographs, as any other identification method, can be used alone and in addition with other methods. The direct comparation was the most effective to the analyzed case

A família das facetas dentais sob a visão da Odontologia Legal / Ethical issues of dental veneers

A faceta dental é um procedimento executado há muito tempo e com os avanços dos materiais e técnicas apresenta-se com frequência como uma opção para alterar a estética dentária, refletindo na aparência do sorriso. Apareceram novas terminologias ligadas às facetas dentais aumentando a oferta e a procura por tais procedimentos. Na sequência, as indicações das facetas dentais aumentaram, bem como as sobre-indicações e os problemas éticos e legais. Enquanto as facetas dentais podem ser uma opção válida e interessante quando bem indicadas e conduzidas, é importante que os profissionais da odontologia estejam cientes de que, por mais avançados que sejam os materiais utilizados, eles não podem substituir os tecidos dentais que são desgastados no preparo do dente. Assim, é essencial que o dentista seja capaz de indicar e contraindicar o procedimento de facetas dentais com base em critérios técnicos e éticos, em vez de se deixar levar por modismos ou vontades do paciente. Uma vez que um profissional decida realizar um tratamento com facetas dentais, ele é o responsável pelo procedimento, mesmo que tenha sido feito exclusivamente a pedido do paciente. O Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido deve ser personalizado para o caso com o claro registro do entendimento do paciente, bem como a autorização para o tratamento. Deve-se buscar a filosofia da odontologia minimamente invasiva, respeitando os requisitos técnicos e legais na execução das facetas dentais e considerando sempre o bem-estar do paciente no longo prazo

The use of dental veneers has increased in recent years due to advancements in materials and techniques, which have made it a frequent option for enhancing dental esthetics and improving smiles. However, the rise in the number of veneer procedures has also resulted in an increase in overtreatment and ethical/legal concerns. While dental veneers can be an effective solution for improving the appearance of teeth, it is important for dental professionals to be aware that they are not as good as the dental tissue that may need to be removed during preparation. Dentists must use their technical and ethical expertise to determine whether veneers are appropriate for a patient, based on their individual needs and expectations. Patient desires and trends should not be the sole determining factors. If a dental professional decides to proceed with a veneer treatment, they are responsible for ensuring that it is conducted using minimally invasive dentistry techniques and in accordance with technical and ethical principles. A customized Informed Consent Term is mandatory for each situation. The long-term wellbeing of the patient should be the top priority throughout the process

Statistical evaluation of testing conditions on the saturated hydraulic conductivity of Brazilian lateritic soils using artificial intelligence approaches.

The saturated hydraulic conductivity, ksat, is a crucial variable to describe the hydromechanical behavior of soils. The value of ksat of lateritic soils that are typically found in tropical regions is highly affected by the soil's structure, void ratio, and fine particle aggregation. As a result, the determination of ksat in the field or in the laboratory is complex and involves greater variability, depending on the type of test and on the spatial location of sampling. This paper presents a study of ksat values of lateritic soils, analyzing them using Statistic, Multilayer Perceptron Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Decision Trees (CHAID). This study aims to support decision-making regarding the type of test and depth chosen for sampling in laterite soils and understanding the factors influencing the permeability of such soils. An extensive literature review on the ksat values of lateritic soils was performed, providing data for the establishment of a database comprise of 722 registries. According to agronomic and geotechnical soil classifications, the Brazilian lateritic soils presents a "moderate" hydraulic conductivity. A significant variation of permeability values along the depth was identified, particularly for depths between 0.1 and 0.2 m. Regarding the importance of testing variables, the ANN indicated a high dependency on the type of test. The decision tree divided field test and laboratory test automatically, inferring the relevance of the type of test to the determination of ksat.

Uso do modelo HEC-RAS com base em informações de LiDAR para avaliação de inundações urbanas / Use of the HEC-RAS model based on LiDAR information for urban flood assessment

RESUMO O crescimento desordenado das cidades e o excesso de impermeabilização são problemáticas dos grandes centros urbanos, tendo como consequência principal a ocorrência de inundações e alagamentos. Nesse contexto, a modelagem hidrodinâmica pode ser uma importante ferramenta para a determinação de áreas inundáveis, permitindo estimar as cotas de inundação para diferentes cenários de tempos de retorno (TR) e chuvas de projetos, permitindo, assim, representar mais fielmente a realidade e minimizar erros decorrentes de projetos hidráulicos. Trabalhando em conjunto com o Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG), em que a geometria do canal é extraída por meio do Modelo Digital do Terreno (MDT) de alta precisão gerado por levantamento com técnica LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) e software de modelagem hidrodinâmica (Hydrologic Engineering Center — River Analysis System — HEC-RAS), foi possível avaliar diferentes cenários de inundações no trecho canalizado em concreto, no córrego Botafogo, em Goiânia, Goiás. Com os resultados da modelagem hidrodinâmica foi possível avaliar o comportamento da propagação das vazões geradas, constatando-se que para precipitações com TR de 50 anos ou mais, os limites da canalização não suportam os volumes gerados e transportados, provocando inundações em seis trechos críticos. Os dados obtidos pelo HEC-RAS puderam ser validados a partir de registros fotográficos divulgados pela imprensa local e levantamento topográfico dos locais inundados, de modo que a integração entre o SIG e a modelagem hidrodinâmica se mostrou eficiente para o estudo de áreas inundáveis.

ABSTRACT The disordered growth of cities and the excessive waterproofing are problematic of the large urban centers, having as a main consequence the occurrence of floods and overflows. Within this context, hydrodynamic modeling can be an important tool for the determination of floodable areas, allowing the estimation of flood quotas for different scenarios of return periods (TR) and project rainfall, thus allowing to more accurately represent reality and minimize errors arising from hydraulic designs. Working with Geographic Information System (GIS), where the channel geometry is extracted using the high precision Digital Terrain Model (DTM) generated by LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey and hydrodynamic modeling software (HEC-RAS), it was possible to evaluate different flood scenarios in the channeled concrete section, in the Botafogo Stream in Goiânia, Goiás. With the results of hydrodynamic modeling, it was possible to evaluate the propagation behavior of the generated flows, finding that for precipitation with TR 50 years or older, the plumbing limits do not support the generated and transported volumes, causing flooding in six critical stretches. The data obtained by HEC-RAS could be validated from photographic records released by the press and topographic survey of flooded sites, so that the integration between GIS and hydrodynamic modeling proved to be efficient for the study of floodable areas.

Vantagens e limitações em uma identificação odontológica radiográfica ­ relato de caso pericial / Advantages and limitations on a radiographic dental identification - forensic case report

A identificação de cadáveres carbonizados exige uma abordagem multidisciplinar, com finalidade de apontar características únicas de um indivíduo e possibilitar distingui-lo de todos os demais. Devido à dificuldade na inspeção visual e pelo método datiloscópico, a Odontologia Legal se torna fundamental, em virtude da singularidade relacionada aos arcos dentais. O objetivo do trabalho foi apresentar as vantagens e limitações encontradas durante a identificação odontológica radiográfica de um corpo carbonizado e a importância da odontologia legal, por meio de um relato de caso pericial, demonstrando a possibilidade de identificação do cadáver mesmo diante de entraves. O exame necroscópico odontolegal realizado em um Departamento Médico-Legal do Espírito Santo constatou que na maxila existia uma grande destruição dos dentes superiores e presença de prótese parcial removível superior, sendo que não foi possível realiza-lo na mandíbula por conta do estado de calcinação em que se encontrava. Por meio da comparação das características odontológicas entre uma radiografia panorâmica antemortem e radiografias periapicais postmortem, foi possível uma identificação positiva do cadáver carbonizado levando em consideração a quantidade e à qualidade dos achados odontológicos semelhantes encontrados nas imagens, associados à ausência de divergências inexplicáveis

Charred corpse identification requires a multidisciplinary approach, in order to identify unique characteristic and therefore make it possible to distinguish the corpse from everyone else. Due to the difficulty to use visual inspection and the fingerprint method, Forensic Dentistry becomes essential, due to the uniqueness related to dental arches. The objective of the study was to present the advantages and limitations found during the radiographic dental identification of a charred body and the importance of legal dentistry, through an expert case report, demonstrating the possibility of identifying the corpse even in the face of obstacles. The postmortem dental examination carried out in a Medical-Legal Department of Espirito Santo found that in the maxilla there was great destruction of the upper teeth and the presence of an upper removable partial prosthesis, and it was not possible to perform it in the mandible due to the state of calcination in which it was found. By comparing the dental characteristics between an ante-mortem panoramic radiograph and post-mortem periapical radiographs, it was possible to positively identify the charred cadaver taking into account the quantity and quality of similar dental findings in the images, associated with the absence of inexplicable divergences

Clinical outcomes and rotational stability following implantation of Eyecryl toric intraocular lens - Results of a 12-months prospective study.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical performance and rotational stability after implantation of Eyecryl Toric monofocal IOL following cataract surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing phacoemulsification for age-related cataract and satisfying the eligibility criteria were implanted with Eyecryl Toric IOL. All implantations were done under balanced salt solution. A marker-less system Callisto Eye (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany) was used to guide the intra-operative alignment of the toric IOL. Results: A total of 50 eyes from 39 patients with mean age of 68.2 ± 8.7 years were included in the study. At 12 months, 82% (41) eyes had cumulative UDVA of 20/20 or better. Post-op SE refraction accuracy was within ± 0.50 D for 94% (n = 47) eyes and refractive cylinder accuracy was within ≤0.50 D in 98% (n = 49) eyes. Average post-op rotation at 1 year was 4.06 ± 2.15 degrees. Eighty-four percent of eyes were within 5 degrees and 16% were within 6-10 degrees of intended axis. Two eyes required IOL re-positioning due to significant rotation of the toric IOL (>10 degrees), identified within the 1st week after surgery. Conclusion: Eyecryl toric IOL demonstrated the ability to achieve a significant reduction in astigmatism, improved UDVA outcomes, high levels of spectacle independence, low rates of intra-operative injector related complications and good rotational stability at 12 months post-op.

A comparison of safety and clinical outcomes of 100 µ versus 160 µ cap in patients undergoing ReLEx-Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE).

PURPOSE: To determine the safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes of 100 µ versus 160 µ cap in patients undergoing ReLEx-Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE). METHODS: This prospective, comparative, non-randomized clinical trial included hundred eyes from 50 patients, undergoing bilateral ReLEx SMILE for myopia ranging from - 1 to - 6 D spherical equivalent. Twenty-five patients received treatment with standard 100 µ cap thickness, while the remaining 25 patients underwent the same procedure but with a 160 µ cap thickness in both eyes. Manifest refraction, UDVA, CDVA, contrast sensitivity, aberrations and dry eye were evaluated along with a subjective questionnaire at 2 weeks and 3 months post-operatively. Mean follow-up was 90 ± 15 days. RESULTS: At two weeks and 3 months post-operative, compared to the preoperative values, the mean log-MAR UDVA, CDVA, spherical equivalent, contrast sensitivity higher order aberrations did not show statistically significant differences (p > .05) between the two study groups. However, significant reduction in Schirmer's II and TBUT scores was observed compared to preoperative scores at 3 months in 100 µ group (p > .05) but not in160 µ group. Patients did not report significant subjective complaints in either groups treated, when leading questions were asked through a subjective questionnaire. CONCLUSION: ReLEx SMILE with 160 µ cap thickness was equally safe and efficacious as 100 µ cap, with no unique complications observed by keeping a thicker cap. Post-operative dry eye was significantly less in 160 µ group, suggesting an advantage in patients with pre existing dryness or contact lens users. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CTRI/2014/09/005,005.

High prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody in the Xikrin of Bacajá (Kayapó) indigenous population in the brazilian Amazon.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reached the Brazilian Amazon and spread among indigenous populations. In the present study, we demonstrate a high prevalence of infection among the Xikrin of Bacajá people (Kayapó). A sample of 100 individuals of both sexes (51 men and 49 women) with ages ranging from 2 to 82 years were clinically evaluated and tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody. Among all investigated individuals, 58 were IgG-reactive (58 %) by a rapid test, and 73 (73 %) were reactive in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with no difference between sexes. Oxygen saturation ranged from 82 to 99 %, with the lowest value observed in a two-year-old girl. The results show that as expected, SARS-CoV-2 infection rapidly reached more than 70 % of the population, most likely because of the difficulties of maintaining social distance due to cultural characteristics. These results highlight the importance of indigenous health policies as a means of minimizing the impact of the pandemic on these communities.

Visual and Refractive Outcomes With the Eyecryl Phakic Toric IOL Versus the Visian Toric Implantable Collamer Lens: Results of a 2-Year Prospective Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the 2-year visual and refractive outcomes with the Eyecryl Phakic Toric IOL (EP TIOL) (Biotech Vision Care Pvt Ltd) and Visian Toric ICL (TICL) (STAAR Surgical) for correction of high myopic astigmatism. METHODS: This prospective, interventional, non-randomized comparison study included eligible patients who underwent toric phakic IOL surgery in one or both eyes with either the EP TIOL or TICL for myopic astigmatism. Two years postoperatively, both lenses were compared for their safety, efficacy, stability, and patient satisfaction. Vector analysis of astigmatism was performed using the Alpins method with the ASSORT software (ASSORT Party Ltd). RESULTS: A total of 50 eyes were included, of which 25 eyes received EP TIOL implantation and the remaining 25 received TICL implantation. Preoperative mean ± standard deviation of spherical equivalent (SE) and cylinder was -10.15 ± 4.04 and -2.08 ± 0.86 diopters (D) in the EP TIOL group and -10.21 ± 3.97 and -2.17 ± 0.95 D in the TICL group, respectively. At 2 years of follow-up, there was no significant difference between the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent, and residual astigmatism between the two groups (P > .05 for all parameters). Ninety-two percent of eyes in the EP TIOL group and 88% of eyes in the TICL group were within ±0.50 D of refractive astigmatism. Vector analysis of astigmatism showed a comparable Correction Index of 0.98 in the EP TIOL group and 0.94 in the TICL group, signifying a mild undercorrection of 2% and 6%, respectively. Two eyes in the TICL group underwent exchange for high vault and one eye required realignment due to significant postoperative rotation. CONCLUSIONS: At least for the first 2 years postoperatively, both toric phakic IOLs were safe and effective in managing high myopic astigmatism with comparable visual results and patient satisfaction. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(1):7-15.].

Ethical aspects concerning endodontic instrument fracture

Aim: The aim of this study was to address several ethical aspects concerning the behavior of endodontists and general dentists regarding endodontic instrument fracture during root canal treatment. Methods: The responses of a group of professionals (endodontists and general dentists) to a questionnaire were reviewed and analyzed statistically by Fisher’s Exact and chi-square tests at 5% significance level. Results: Forty-six percent of the interviewees responded that they would try to solve the problem without informing the patient about the accident. Only 28.1% of the participants affirmed that they would let the patient know right at the moment of occurrence. Conclusions: The outcomes of this survey demonstrate that most professionals are afraid of informing their patient about an accidental endodontic instrument breakage during treatment and might be subject to lawsuits.

Identificação de cadáver carbonizado utilizando documentação odontológica / Identification of charred corpse using dental records

Objetivo: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo ressaltar a importância da documentação odontológica na identificação humana. Descrição do caso: Um indivíduo foi encontrado carbonizado no interior de um automóvel incendiado. Devido à destruição generalizada dos tecidos moles, a identificação da vítima pela análise das impressões digitais não foi possível. Durante as investigações foi descoberto que a suposta vítima tinha feito tratamento dentário e toda a documentação produzida em decorrência deste tratamento (ficha clínica e radiografias) foi requisitada. Confrontando as informações presentes na documentação dentária com as particularidades odontológicas do cadáver foram obtidos 11 pontos relevantes de coincidência que foram suficientes para afirmar, com fundamento técnico-científico, que o corpo encontrado no veículo era realmente pertencente à pessoa desaparecida. Conclusão: Considerando a particularidade do processo que envolve a identificação de corpos carbonizados, a técnica de identificação odontolegal ainda apresenta vantagens em relação ao exame de DNA, tais como baixo custo, facilidade e rapidez na aplicação da técnica e confiabilidade dos resultados obtidos.

Purpose: The aim of the present paper was to demonstrate the importance of dental records for human identification. Case description: A charred body was found inside of a burned car. Because the soft tissues were destroyed, finger print exams were not possible. According to investigations the suspected victim had had dental treatment, and all dental records (dental charts and radiograph exams) were requested. Comparing the information provided by dental records with the victim's dental features, 11 matching reference points were detected. Based on technical and scientific parameters there was enough evidence to identify the body found inside the car as the missing person. Conclusion: Considering the unique aspects related to charred body identification, Forensic Dentistry identification technique still has some advantages in comparison with DNA exam because it is easy and fast to perform, has low cost and provides reliable results.

Modelos de gesso: importâcia pericial e orientações odontológicas para o arquivamento / Model cast: expertise relevance and forensic orientation for filing away

Os modelos de gesso constituem parte da documentação odontológica e apesar de serem confeccionados primordialmente com finalidade clínica, estas peças podem assumir relevante papel na resolução de questões legais. Diante dessa premissa, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo demonstrar a possibilidade de identificação humana utilizando-se um modelo de gesso (relato de caso) ressaltando a responsabilidade do cirurgião-dentista no arquivamento destas peças. Entretanto, caso o profissional decida descartar os modelos obtidos, existem condutas odontolegais a serem tomadas visando resguardar o exercício profissional.

Model casts are part of dental records and even though they are made to a clinical purpose, these items can represent an important key to solve legal matters. Considering that, this paper intends to demonstrate that human identification is feasible using model casts (case report) It also reinforces the responsible aspect of Dentists in filing away those items. Nevertheless, if the professional decides not to file the model casts, there are legal conducts that must be followed in order to protect the correct practice.

Genetics and molecular biology: a literature review of forensic dentistry application

Forensic expertise methodology normally used in different criminal investigation and forensic medicine field such as blood type, anthropologic analysis and forensic dentistry (dental records, X-rays, bite marks, among others) solved and will continue solving many crimes. Those methods will continue estimating age of several people. Nevertheless, since the development of genetics and molecular biology there were an increase in number and quality of solved cases. The present work points out the importance to associate certain forensic biology areas to traditional investigation methods in human identification, especially with forensic dentistry. It also shows that in some situations, teeth are an important source to genetic analysis and molecular studies. After a scientific literature review it was concluded that it is mandatory that those in forensic investigations acquire knowledge in forensic genetics in order to apply with traditional investigation techniques, this fact would produce an increase of information to Justice.

Radiografias odontológicas: fonte de informação para a identificação humana / Dental radiographs: sourche of information for the human identification

A Odontologia Legal pode contribuir para o esclarecimento de diversos aspectos jurídicos e a identificação humana de cadáveres em avançado estágio de decomposição, esqueletizados e carbonizados contitui uma das áreas mais importantes desta especialidade. Sabendo que a técnica de identificação odontolegal necessita de material adequado para a realização do confronto de informações e as radiografias odontológicas contém características relevantes para o processo de individualização das pessoas, o presente trabalho tem ocmo objetivo demosntrar a importância destas peças, especialmente as periapicais, como fonte de informação para a identificação humana. Neste contexto, será apresentado um caso pericial onde foram utilizadas radiografias contendo imagens com qualidade apropriada para confronto e que permitiram a determinação da identidade de um indivíduo que veio a óbito decorrente de acidente automobilístico seguido de incêndio. Com o correto processamento e arquivamento das radiografias odontológicas, os clínicos poderão ter em sua guarda uma documentação que permita o adequado acompanhamento dos tratamentos odontológicos realizados e eventualmente, subsidiar informações para a justiça.

Urinary glycosaminoglycan excretion during the menstrual cycle in normal young women.

PURPOSE: We investigated whether the menstrual cycle affects urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) excretion in normal young women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine samples from 10 healthy women 19 to 21 years old were collected daily during the whole menstrual cycle. Concentration of total urinary GAG was assessed as mug hexuronic acid per mg creatinine. Proportions of sulfated GAG species were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Mean excretion values +/- SD for period days 4 to 13 and 15 to 28 of the cycle were significantly different (0.445 +/- 0.041 vs 0.356 +/- 0.035 microg/mg, p <0.001). Correlation between values for the first and second halves of the cycle showed that this difference was consistent irrespective of individual variations in GAG excretion (r = 0.9757, p <0.001). Proportions of urinary sulfated GAG did not change during the cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Excretion of total urinary GAG during the normal menstrual cycle of young women has a biphasic pattern with significantly higher values occurring in the first half of the cycle. This variation implies modulation by estrogens and consequently it should be considered when comparing the GAG concentration in urine samples from women of childbearing age.

Intra-abdominal, crystal-storing histiocytosis due to clofazimine in a patient with lepromatous leprosy and concurrent carcinoma of the colon.

We report a case with abdominal complications of clofazimine treatment which included blackish discolouration of the lymph nodes, omentum and peritoneum. A 44-year-old female with lepromatous leprosy and a history of adverse reaction to clofazimine 2 years previously, presented with rectosigmoid junction adenocarcinoma. Laparotomy revealed an inoperable tumour with pigmentation of the bowel, serosa and peritoneum. A second operation had o be performed for transverse loop colostomy and a mesenteric lymph node biopsy sent for frozen section showed typical clofazimine crystals. Despite widespread use for many years in the treatment of leprosy, this drug is not known to be carcinogenic and this case provides no evidence for an association or link between its use and the patient's cancer. Apart from its use in leprosy, clofazimine may be used in the treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection, Buruli ulcer due to M. ulcerans and occasionally in other mycobacterial infections. An awareness of the rare side-effect described above may help in the clinical assessment and management of such cases, including the avoidance of unnecessary laparotomy.