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When Brucella abortus strain 19 is given intraperitoneally to mice it protects them against subsequent infection with large doses of Babesia microti. The protection obtained was more effective when B. abortus was given intraperitoneally than when it was injected subcutancously. This non-specific protection seems to be best explained by the stimulation of macropbages so as to release a mediator which limits the intracellular replication of the parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rheumatoid arthritis the mean platelet volume does not alter with the institution of parenteral gold therapy and with long term gold therapy. It appears to have no value in predicting the onset of thrombocytopenia. It may, however, predict a haemorrhagic diathesis once gold induced thrombocytopenia is established. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A case of a patient with multiple allergies to local anesthesia and who required extraction of a maxillary canine is reported. The patient used her psychophysical capabilities to control the pain and anxiety associated with the surgery. A discussion of psychophysical pain control is presented.

Xerostomia, a clinical manifestation of salivary gland dysfunction, affects many people. These individuals frequently sip liquids to alleviate the discomforts associated with hyposalivation. Milk appears to have many of the chemical and physical properties of a good saliva substitute. Besides the obvious benefit of providing moisture and lubrication for the dehydrated mucosa, milk buffers oral acids, reduces enamel solubility, and contributes to enamel remineralization. These anticariogenic factors are generally attributed to the high calcium and phosphate content along with the milk phosphoproteins that strongly adsorb to enamel. Patients with xerostomia frequently have difficulty in obtaining proper nutrition due to problems associated with lubricating, masticating, tasting, and swallowing food. Milk is a food with high nutritional quality that would certainly benefit most patients with xerostomia. Because of the nutritional, anticariogenic, and moisturizing properties of milk, patients with xerostomia may find milk of value as a saliva substitute to help reduce the oral health problems associated with hyposalivation.

A discussion of the uses of cyanoacrylates in dentistry and an update of the literature have been presented. The biocompatibility and histotoxicity of this material has been considered. Studies have shown that the higher homologues are more tissue compatible than the lower. Local tissue responses show histiocytic proliferation and formation of giant cells. The foreign body cell responses are more pronounced when cyanoacrylate is placed deep in an extraction socket and under tissue flaps when compared with superficial application of the adhesive. While cyanoacrylate-induced neoplasia has been a concern, long-term studies are needed to provide more light on this and other histotoxicity problems. Cyanoacrylates are bacteriostatic for many bacterial types. It is apparent that cyanoacrylates could have some useful clinical applications in periodontics and oral surgery. They are very effective tissue adhesives and their use as a nonsuturing material would provide many advantages. Research indicates that use should be restricted to superficial application. The hemostatic properties of this material have been confirmed in virtually every study, but it should be used judiciously for this purpose. Several other potential periodontal and oral surgery applications were considered. It is expected that future research will examine new applications of the material for surgical use. Preventive and restorative applications were also discussed, but unfortunately, these have not met with much success. Newer techniques and materials seem superior in this aspect of dentistry. Possible application may eventually be shown in the desensitizing of dentin and cementum. Endodontic applications were also considered. While most studies indicate that cyanoacrylate would make an acceptable pulp-capping material, calcium hydroxide is still the material of choice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A 46-year-old woman made an appointment for dental therapy. The patient's agoraphobia and dental anxiety presented a difficult treatment situation. An open dialogue between patient and dentist along with a flexible treatment plan and unhurried appointments contributed to the success of the dental rehabilitation.

A modified Phoenix data processing system has been introduced into the laboratories at the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Specifications for the design and installation of microcomputers to link automated instruments to this host computer are described. The operation and data manipulation facilities of the microcomputer are included. It is concluded that these devices aid the management of data within the department and improve the quality of service.