Allergic contact stomatitis from a gold alloy--fixed partial denture.

Allergic contact stomatitis to gold is rare. To our knowledge, seven cases caused by dental restorations have been previously reported. Each of the patients was female. This report documents an allergic reaction to gold in a fixed prosthesis. A female patient, previously sensitized to gold earrings, experienced an itching and burning pain sensation and ulceration of the oral tissues adjacent to the gold restoration. Patch tests confirmed the allergy to gold. The dentist needs to be aware of the symptoms that are characteristic of the allergic manifestations of gold. Inquiries about allergies to metals and jewelry should be a part of the medical history. Any patient experiencing pain, itching, burning, and ulceration of the mucosa adjacent to a cast gold restoration should be suspected of an allergic contact stomatitis.

A new laryngoscope.

A new laryngoscope incorporation a mechanism operated from the handle which facilitates endotracheal intubation in situations where an introducing stylet would normally be required.

A new humidifier.

A new heated water-bath humidifier operates on a new basic principle which overcomes the practical disadvantages of existing systems. A heated hose is used to control a temperature drop along the whole length of the delivery line instead of raising the temperature of the gases in the delivery line as in previous systems. Therefore the tank does not have to fully saturate the gases and a simple, totally cleanable design is possible. A temperature sensor at the delivery point controls the hose heater, constituting a rapid response, low thermal inertia system and delivery temperature is displayed on the unit. Compensation for varying gas flows and ambient temperature changes is inherent and the unit is suitable for neonatal/paediatric and adult use without special adjustment. The tank has a separate reservoir chamber which feeds an evaporation chamber via a cleanable float valve, conferring many advantages including clearly visible water levels, easy filling without breaking the circuit and constant compression volume. Full fail-safe alarm systems are incorporated.

Evaluation of infant ventilators.

A method of evaluating the performance of paediatric ventilators under simulated clinical conditions is described, together with the results of this evaluation of the prototypes of two ventilators designed specifically for use with infants and small children.

Carcinogenic effects of antimony trioxide and antimony ore concentrate in rats.

This study was initiated because of a suspected increase in incidence of lung cancer in antimony smelter workers in England. Three groups of 8-mo-old Wistar-derived rats (90 males and 90 females per group) were exposed by inhalation to either Sb2O3 [time-weighted average (TWA) 45 mg/m3], Sb ore concentrate (TWA 36 + 40 mg/m3), or filtered air (controls) for 7 h/d, 5 d/wk, for up to 52 wk and sacrificed 20 wk after terminating exposures. Serial sacrifices (5 rats/sex/group) were performed at 6, 9, and 12 mo. Autopsies and histopathological examinations were performed on all animals. The dusts and animal tissues were analyzed for Sb, arsenic, and other inorganic elements by atomic absorption and proton-induced X-ray emission methods. The most significant findings were the presence of lung neoplasms in 27% of females exposed to Sb2O3 and 25% of females exposed to Sb ore concentrate (p less than 0.01). None of the male rats in any group or the female controls developed lung neoplasms. There were no significant differences in incidences of cancer of other organs between exposed and control rats. These results were compared with other published results, including an animal inhalation study with Sb2O3 in which lung tumors were also induced. Higher concentrations of arsenic were found in tissues from female rats than from male rats. For example, arsenic levels in blood of control males, control females, Sb2O3 males, Sb2O3 females, Sb ore males, and Sb ore females were 60, 123, 115, 230, 71, and 165 micrograms arsenic/g dry blood, respectively, 9 mo after initiating exposures.