A device for the collection of submandibular saliva.

The objective of this study was to describe the construction of a non-invasive device for the collection of submandibular saliva. Preliminary tests were carried out on saliva collected from a single donor in order to determine whether the rheological properties of submandibular saliva collected using the device were comparable to whole saliva collected using the expectoration (or 'spit') method. The device collected a lower quantity of saliva than that collected using the expectoration method. Stimulated saliva collected using the device had a pH close to that of unstimulated saliva because the sealed collection unit in the device minimised contamination. Saliva exhibited shear-thinning behaviour regardless of the method of collection, although that collected using the device was more viscous. The viscoelasticity of saliva collected using the two methods was different, probably as a result of differences in composition. This difference was greater with stimulated saliva. Despite the discrepancies between whole saliva and submandibular saliva, the device provides a non-invasive method for the collection of high-quality saliva over extended periods.

A novel prosthodontic alternative for patients who are edentulous and have microstomia: a case report.

Excision of squamous cell carcinoma from the lower lip of a patient can result in limited mouth opening (microstomia). For any patients who have this condition, routine or general dentistry and prosthetic treatment is challenging. Traditional denture techniques tend to be unsatisfactory, due to the patients' reduced ability to open their mouth. The use of sectional and modified dentures and those with a small degree of flexibility has been reported to be useful for patients needing complete dentures. This case report presents a flexible denture base material that can be manipulated on insertion into a smaller shape that is half the original size and is completely flexible for insertion into a mouth that has limited opening. Once seated on the maxillary and mandibular residual ridges, the denture regains its original form and becomes firm and strong to allow the patient to function. This procedure offers a prosthodontic treatment option for a patient with microstomia.

Uterine clostridial myonecrosis after thermal balloon endometrial ablation.

BACKGROUND: We present a case of a patient who had development of uterine clostridial myonecrosis after elective thermal balloon endometrial ablation in the absence of identifiable risk factors. CASE: A 51-year-old woman underwent uneventful thermal balloon endometrial ablation for the treatment of menorrhagia. The next day, she presented with acute inflammatory syndrome, severe intravascular hemolysis, and acute kidney injury. The blood cultures and the high vaginal swab showed moderate growth of Clostridium species. A total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. Her postoperative course was uneventful, and renal function gradually recovered. CONCLUSION: Clostridial myonecrosis after uncomplicated surgery, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the acutely septic patient with massive hemolysis, regardless of the presence of patient's risk factors.