Presence of Herpes Simplex Virus on the Oral Mucosa in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Background

The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 on the oral mucosa, in patients undergoing chemotherapy, by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Methods

The research was carried out on 40 patients receiving chemotherapy as treatment for different malignancies. The status of oral mucosa and viral presence were assessed in all patients at the initial examination (prior to chemotherapy), and at the control examination (two weeks after the initiation of the chemotherapeutic cycle).

Results

The presence of HSV-1 was detected in 28 patients (70%) prior to chemotherapy, of whom 7 (25%) manifested oral complications. The control examination showed the presence of HSV-1 in 35 patients (87.5%), of whom 23 (65.7%) presented oral mucosa changes. HSV-2 has not been detected in any of the patients.

Molecular and biochemical characterizations of human oral lactobacilli as putative probiotic candidates

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to characterize the lactobacilli from the human oral cavity as a potential source of probiotic strains.

METHODS

Samples were collected from four different locations within the oral cavity: surface of healthy tooth, oral mucous membrane, surface of tooth decay and deep tooth decay. On the basis of morphological and biochemical properties eight categories were formed and 26 isolates were selected for further characterization. The isolates were determined as Lactobacillus sp. using primers specific for 16S rDNA. Sequencing of 16S rDNA genes and repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reactions were used for determination to species and subspecies levels.

RESULTS

Predominant species were Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, while Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis and Lactobacillus gasseri were also present. The isolates Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO1, Lactobacillus fermentum BGHO36 and BGHO64, Lactobacillus gasseri BGHO89 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis BGHO99 exhibited antagonistic action on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus flavus, Salmonella enteritidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus mutans, but not on growth of Candida albicans. Moreover, the isolates L. salivarius BGHO1 and L. gasseri BGHO89 were tolerant to low pH and high concentration of bile salts.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these findings imply that L. salivarius BGHO1 and L. gasseri BGHO89 might be subjects for additional investigation as potential probiotic strains.

Bacterial penetration of restored cavities

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of the marginal seals of 7 restoratives by means of a bacterial penetration test in vitro. Sixty intact premolars and third molars that were scheduled for extraction were used in the test. There were 2 experimental groups of teeth, as follows: (1) A class V conventional cavity and a wedge erosion cavity were prepared on the buccal surface and the lingual surface, respectively, of each tooth. (2) A class V conventional cavity and a wedge erosion cavity were prepared on the buccal surface and the lingual surface, respectively, of each tooth with a completely removed enamel layer. The cavities were then reconstructed with different restorative materials. The quality of the marginal seals was evaluated by submerging the teeth in a bacterial suspension and incubating them in an anaerobic milieu at 37 degrees C for 20 hours. The teeth were subsequently processed for histologic data and bacterial staining. The best marginal sealing in both the wedge erosion and the class V cavities was provided by the Herculite/Optibond system and the Valux Plus/Scotchbond Multipurpose system. Bacterial penetration was slightly greater with the Luxat compomer and the Dyrect compomer, as well as with Vitremer glass ionomer cement and Fuji LC glass ionomer cement. The bacterial penetration test showed that the use of restorative material does not entirely eliminate microleakage.

[Care of injured and ill patients in combat areas in the former Yugoslavia 1991-1992]

Large number of military and civilian physicians took part in war on the territory of former Yugoslavia during 1991/1992, managing the medical service or in medical units of Yugoslav Peoples' Army and civilian health institutions. Their vast war experiences were presented in their reports and numerous papers published in proceedings of congresses and meetings, held in the period from 1992 till today. This is an attempt to systematize those experiences and to draw out some conclusions significant for the further development of doctrinaire approach to the organization and functioning of the medical service of the Army of Yugoslavia at war.

[Indicators of hospital treatment and the organization and management of injuries and diseases in armed combat in 1991 and 1992]

Efficiency of organisation of management of the injured and diseased in combat operations in 1991/2 and results of hospital treatment are studied. The questionnaire was established for collection of data about stationary treatment of the wounded and diseased in 7 military and 15 civilian medical institutions. Data about 9.243 injured of whom only 5.57% were civilians are especially analysed. In most cases injuries were inflicted by mine-explosive devices (48.77% in combat and 6.27% in non-combat operations), then those inflicted by bullets (38.58% in combat and 8.02% in non-combat operations). Self-inflicted injuries occurred in 5.79% in combat and 10.32% in non-combat operations. Injuries inflicted in non-combat operations were found in a high percentage (46.60). They mostly occurred in the open air (41.26%). Injuries of extremities are predominant (64.70%), then injuries of the head and neck (17.90%), thorax (9.90%), abdomen and pelvis (7.50%). Young men (20-24 years old) were commonly injured but the older ones (over 40 years) have been also frequently injured (18.30%). Evacuation of the wounded and diseased was performed mainly by ambulances (about 60%) or helicopters (16%), especially to the medical institutions far in the country (to M.M.A. up to 60%). The first aid was given within the first ten minutes after injury in 55.00% and within 30 minutes in 65.58% of cases. Mutual aid was most frequently applied (33.12%) and then first aid given by general practitioners (32.12%). Surgical treatment was provided one hour after injury to every fourth wounded (24.08%) and after six hours to more than one third of the wounded (31.88%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Dynamics of returning the injured and ill to military and work responsibilities in wartime]

Returning of the injured and diseased to military and working duties in war have been trained and tested in the final training of members of the School of Reserve Medical Officers of the Military Medical Academy in the period 1985-1989. The time of returning of the injured and diseased members of the armed forces depends directly on the organization of the military medical and public health service, and especially of the preparedness of health personnel, well equipped military medical units and health institutions and the consistent application of the unique military doctrine.

[Organization of the care of the wounded and ill under conditions of nuclear radiation and radioactive contamination]

Organization of management of the wounded and sick has been presented at the joint training of the military medical and public health services under conditions of defense of big cities in daily light, in winter, under unfavourable meteorological conditions. The aim of the training was to check organization and preparedness of all structures of General National Defense in removing consequences after the nuclear plant accident during combat for defense of a big city. General conditions of training, casualty assessment, distribution of casualties according to the spatial distribution of radiation and radioactive contamination are given. Health institutions, military medical units and institutions, and other participants in health protection as well as their tasks are reported. Protective measures which should be applied at the level of "N" nuclear plant and organization in the defense of a big city are recommended.

Primary carcinoma of the liver in Ethiopia. A study of 38 cases proved at post-mortem examination

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