Pedicled genial osteotomy modification of the mandibular release access operation for access to the back of the tongue

We report a modification of the operation of mandibular release or 'visor drop down'. It allows more accurate repositioning and more permanent fixation of the genioglossus, geniohyoid, and digastric muscles using a small anterior osteotomy. We hope that this more accurate and reliable repositioning will give improved outcomes in terms of speech, chewing, and swallowing.

Identification and overexpression of human neutrophil α-defensins (human neutrophil peptides 1, 2 and 3) in squamous cell carcinomas of the human tongue

To date, little attention has been paid to the possible role of alpha-defensins (human neutrophil peptides 1-3), HNP-1, HNP-2 and HNP-3 in innate host defence against tumour invasion. In the current study, using a single-dimensional high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for peptide separation, followed by mass spectrometry and amino acid sequencing for identification and quantitation, we report the overexpression of HNP-1, HNP-2 and HNP-3 in squamous cell carcinomas of the human tongue compared with autogenous non-tumour tissue. Using a specific antibody we show that the defensins are abundant in neutrophils infiltrating human oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue. In the context of their previously reported oncolytic activity, our results may imply a role for alpha-defensins in host defence against oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Microbial desulfurization of dibenzothiophene: a sulfur-specific pathway

Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain IGTS8 metabolizes dibenzothiophene, a model compound for organic sulfur in fossil fuels, in a sulfur-specific manner. Two routes of desulfurization have been identified. Under growth conditions, the intermediates are dibenzothiophene sulfoxide, dibenzothiophene sulfone, 2'-hydroxybiphenyl-2-sulfonate, and 2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl. Stationary phase cells produce 2-hydroxybiphenyl as the desulfurized product and use the 2'-hydroxybiphenyl-2-sulfinate, rather than the sulfonate, as the key intermediate.

Violating assumptions of statistical procedures: JHCM reporting guidelines

JHCM authors have a responsibility to provide enough information for the reader to evaluate reported study conclusions and implications adequately, and to do so without overshadowing attention to statistical detail. Guidelines are presented for discussing the assumptions and requirements underlying the statistical procedures used, including what to report when there are violations.

Listening to the consumer: implications of a statewide study of North Carolinians

To be successful in an increasingly competitive health care marketplace, physicians and other providers must understand the motives, needs, and preferences of patients and potential patients. The author reports findings from a statewide study of North Carolina consumers that provide insight into consumer awareness and utilization of various physician specialists, desirable physician practice attributes, and other regnant consumer preferences and perceptions.

The nutritional status of pregnant and non-pregnant mares grazing South East Queensland pastures

It has been reported that the increasing nutritional demands from mid to late pregnancy of grazing mares may not be met when these stages of gestation coincide with pastures being affected by frost. It was established in this study that grass/legume pastures could support the nutritional requirements of brood mares by providing digestible energy intakes of 68.0 and 91.7 MJ/day and digestible nitrogen intake of 91.2 and 138 g/day during mid and late pregnancy, respectively.

Inhibition of brain monoamine oxidase by 1,2,4-trisubstituted 5-imidazolones

Nine 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-2-methyl-4-(substituted benzylidene)-5- imidazolones were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the activity of rat brain monoamine oxidase during oxidative deamination of tyramine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), and kynuramine. All substituted imidazolones inhibited monoamine oxidase activity. A concentration-dependent inhibition of monoamine oxidase was observed using kynuramine as the substrate and the degree of enzyme inhibition was also evaluated on the basis of their I50 values. Preincubation of imidazolones with the enzyme preparations for varying lengths of time prior to the addition of substrate in no way altered their degree of inhibition and thus exhibited a reversible nature of inhibition. A kinetic study carried out with 1-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenethyl)-2-methyl-4-(4- nitrobenzylidene )-5- i midazolone revealed a competitive nature of inhibition of rat brain monoamine oxidase.

The origins, development, and goals of adolescent medicine

This essay offers the author's recollections and opinions on such topics as when and why an interest in adolescents' medical care originated, under what circumstances those developments occurred which preceded and soon followed the recognition of Adolescent Medicine by medical schools and hospitals, and the goals of those physicians who pursued that interest. It attempts to recount and document the events, circumstances, persons, and groups of people associated with the emergence and early development of this venture into the medical care of yet another age-group.