The 'amputated right colon'--a diagnostic pitfall on barium enema examination. A report of 6 cases

Six patients had strictures of the right colon not causing clinical obstruction. The strictures did not fill during barium enema tests resulting in the 'amputated' proximal right colon mimicking the caecum and/or terminal ileum. Positive caecal identification relies on terminal ileal and appendiceal filling. In 4 patients, a barium follow-through study, performed immediately after a barium enema allowed quick and safe identification of a proximal colonic stricture.

Aspects of metal-ceramic bonding

Despite many problems associated with ceramometal crowns of any alloy composition, their continued widespread use attests to their clinical effectiveness. This is due to the very positive aspects of many of their properties.

An unusual portosystemic shunt in a dog

An unusual portosystemic shunt was diagnosed in a 4-month-old male Miniature Poodle examined because of stunted growth and episodes of dementia characterized by hysteria, ataxia, and staggering. Operative splenoportography revealed a portosystemic shunt. Exploratory surgery to identify and correct the shunt was attempted. Evidence of any portal circulation was not detected, and the dog was euthanatized. The possible embryologic basis for this vascular anomaly is discussed.

Non-western patterns of biliary stones and the role of ascariasis

Biliary calculi of a non-Western pattern were detected in 15 patients on real-time sonography performed over a 3-year period in a center serving a predominantly "Cape colored" (mixed race) population in South Africa. In two patients definite calculi were detected only in the common bile duct or gallbladder, but there was strong imaging and clinical evidence that the calculi were secondary to ascariasis. Twelve patients had intrahepatic calculi, predominantly left-sided, and evidence of past or present ascariasis. In at least five of the 12, biliary ascariasis was found at sonography or surgery. These fourteen patients reported recurrent, acute attacks of pain and cholangitis over a period of years. The symptoms were often difficult to distinguish clinically from those of uncomplicated intestinal or biliary ascariasis. The 15th patient had no evidence of ascariasis. Intrahepatic calculi were evenly distributed throughout both lobes and were clinically silent. Only one of the 13 patients with definite intrahepatic calculi had evidence of gallbladder calculi.

Diphacinone-induced coagulopathy in the dog

Five cases of coagulopathy caused by consumption of indanedione (diphacinone)-based rodenticides are reported. In each case, acute onset of lethargy and respiratory distress were the predominant initial clinical signs. Thoracic radiography revealed pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, and/or pericardial effusion as consistent findings. Laboratory evaluations confirmed coagulopathies that responded to vitamin K1 therapy.

Fracture toughness determination of dental amalgams through microindentation

A microindentation technique was used to study and estimate the fracture toughness of six amalgams. A significant difference is observed between fracture toughness at the bulk and the margin of amalgams. All amalgams show significant differences in fracture toughness as a function of distance from the margin. Microindentation measurement of fracture toughness appears to be an effective method of evaluating the localized brittleness of amalgams.

Obstruction-strangulation of post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia--delayed diagnosis and fatal outcome

The radiological and clinical features of 9 cases of obstructed post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia are reviewed. In none of these patients was the diagnosis of a diaphragmatic hernia considered before radiography, all cases being clinically diagnosed as 'acute abdomen', most frequently pancreatitis or perforated peptic ulcer. Even after radiographs had shown opacity at the left base in all 9 cases, together with a distended proximal bowel in 6, the correct diagnosis was made in only 4. Through lack of correct radiological diagnosis, there was a delay of at least 1 day between admission and operation in 6 patients, and 3 of the 4 deaths occurred in this group. Obstruction-strangulation of diaphragmatic hernia should be considered as a possible cause of 'acute abdomen' in the presence of a left basal abnormality, especially in patients from areas with a high incidence of assault. Confirmatory contrast studies should be done only if they can be done immediately and quickly. Pregnancy can cause hernias to become obstructed and strangulated, but this can be averted by obtaining a history of previous trauma early in the pregnancy.

A compressive strength study of an all-ceramic crown

Eighteen crowns were subjected to the same occlusal loading. The porcelain-fused-to-metal crown was more than twice as resistant to the load than the Cerestore crown and almost four times stronger than the porcelain crown. These tests show that porcelain fused to metal has demonstrated its capability as a strong posterior restoration. The Cerestore crown, though superior to the porcelain crown, is significantly less resistant to fracture than the porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration.

Demineralization and ion binding action of polycarboxylate cement liquid on human dental enamel

The demineralization and ion binding effects on dental tissues due to poly(acrylic) acid attack under different dilution conditions of the latter are studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that in addition to the general demineralization effects such as preferential prism core attack, prism periphery attack, and protruding prism rods, competing ion binding effects also occur. Using optimum dilution conditions, the microstructural effects of demineralization and ion binding are shown and the effects are related to IR spectral observations.

Influence of hemodialysis on monoamine oxidase kinetics in platelets from chronic schizophrenic patients

Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in seven chronic schizophrenic patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment was studied. The treatment was performed in a double-blind crossover design. A significant increase in MAO activity was observed after 5 h of active dialysis, whereas inactive dialysis did not significantly alter the enzyme activity. The increase in MAO activity could be explained by the observed significant decrease in apparent Km values for the amine (phenethylamine) studied. During a treatment period of 8 weeks, the MAO activity was not significantly altered with either active or sham dialysis. No relation between clinical ratings and platelet MAO activity was observed. Plasma from the seven patients was collected before and after 5 h of active or inactive dialysis and incubated with rat brain mitochondrial MAO (RBM-MAO). No difference was noted in the RBM-MAO-activity-regulating properties of the plasma sampled during either sham or active dialysis.