Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Northeastern Scotland in 2003 to 2007: evolving strain distribution and resistance patterns.

This study explored strain distribution and resistance patterns of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) over a 5-year period in northeastern Scotland. We noted a shift in the relative rates of epidemic strains and an increase in community-associated strains. Use of oral antibiotics to eradicate throat carriage may have contributed to trimethoprim resistance, which was observed to increase 10-fold.

Surface topography of the female bladder trigone.

Cystoscopic biopsy specimens of the bladder trigone of young women with recurrent urinary infections were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The superficial cells of the thickened squamous epithelium of the trigone have either a microridged, microvillous, or mixed pattern. In one case, bacteria were found adherent to all these types of surface. Some cells have a microvillous surface and a cobblestone pattern with long, clubbed microvilli and resemble the cells found in malignant and premalignant states.

Histological findings in human brucellosis.

The histological findings in 14 cases of brucellosis are described. Unusual findings include the occurrence of brucellosis in a patient with Hodgkin's disease and in another with lymphosarcoma. A patient with hepatic cirrhosis apparently due to brucellosis is included in the series.

An external quality assessment scheme in histopathology.

The details of an external quality assessment scheme in histopathology based on district general hospitals in south west England are described. The scheme is supplementary to internal audit carried out in individual departments.

Bilateral adrenal lymphoma presenting as Addison's disease and hypercalcaemia.

The adrenal gland is not uncommonly involved in lymphoma. It is rare, however, for adrenal lymphoma to present as Addison's disease. There are only eight reports in the English literature. This paper reports a case of adrenal lymphoma that presented with Addison's disease and hypercalcaemia.

Murder by stabbing.

A series of 100 deaths from homicidal stabbing has been analysed for the causation of the violence, the age and sex of both the victim and the assailant, the multiplicity of wounds, the site of single wounds, the incidence of defence wounds, association with other injuries and the weapons used.

Chondromyxoid fibroma in the metacarpal bone of the thumb.

We present a case of a chondromyxoid fibroma in the exceptionally rare location of the first metacarpal bone in a 12-year-old boy. The tumor had evolved asymptomatically over a period of 8 years destroying all diaphyseal trabecular bone. No recurrence was evident 50 months following aggressive curettage of the metacarpal lesion, which presented a predominantly myxoid appearance.

Mobile phone technology and hospitalized patients: a cross-sectional surveillance study of bacterial colonization, and patient opinions and behaviours.

Healthcare workers' mobile phones provide a reservoir of bacteria known to cause nosocomial infections. UK National Health Service restrictions on the utilization of mobile phones within hospitals have been relaxed; however, utilization of these devices by inpatients and the risk of cross-contamination are currently unknown. Here, we examine demographics and characteristics of mobile phone utilization by inpatients and phone surface microbial contamination. One hundred and two out of 145 (70.3%) inpatients who completed a questionnaire detailing their opinions and utilization of mobile phones, also provided their mobile phones for bacteriological analysis and comparative bacteriological swabs from their nasal cavities; 92.4% of patients support utilization of mobile phones by inpatients; indeed, 24.5% of patients stated that mobile phones were vital to their inpatient stay. Patients in younger age categories were more likely to possess a mobile phone both inside and outside hospital (p <0.01) but there was no gender association. Eighty-six out of 102 (84.3%) patients' mobile phone swabs were positive for microbial contamination. Twelve (11.8%) phones grew bacteria known to cause nosocomial infection. Seven (6.9%) phones and 32 (31.4%) nasal swabs demonstrated Staphylococcus aureus contamination. MSSA/MRSA contamination of phones was associated with concomitant nasal colonization. Patient utilization of mobile phones in the clinical setting is popular and common; however, we recommend that patients are educated by clear guidelines and advice on inpatient mobile phone etiquette, power charging safety, regular cleaning of phones and hand hygiene, and advised not to share phones or related equipment with other inpatients in order to prevent transmission of bacteria.

Ring-resolution of bruises--a little recognized phenomenon.

Three examples are given of contusions resolving to form a ring pattern which might lead to a mistaken conclusion of causation.

Intramural cysts of the ileum.

A case of intramural cysts of the ileum is described for the first time. The clinical presentation and pathological findings are presented and the possible aetiology is discussed.