Compromised first permanent molars: an orthodontic perspective.

The first permanent molar (FPM) is commonly subject to significant compromise which may arise due to caries or endodontic complication, or from developmental anomalies such as hypoplasia. Compromised teeth with questionable prognosis may result in short and long-term clinical dilemmas. This review article highlights the factors that require careful consideration when a compromised FPM is detected and the importance of timely FPM extraction.

Driving and arrhythmias: implications of new data.

Patients with ventricular arrhythmias are often restricted from driving by their physicians for several months. These recommendations are based more on convention than evidence, due to the paucity of data previously available on the safety of driving in these patients. Over the past few years, however, more data have become available that suggests that it is safe to drive within three months of their ventricular tachyarrhythmia.

Combined phenotypic assessment of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A, N-acetyltransferase-2, and xanthine oxidase with the "Cooperstown cocktail".

Background: Simultaneous administration of several probes enhances the utility of phenotyping, but poor specificity, side effects, and use of drugs not approved by the Food and Drug Administration limit the usefulness of prior phenotyping cocktails.

Objectives: To evaluate potential drug-drug interactions associated with use of a cocktail of caffeine, omeprazole, dextromethorphan, and midazolam for simultaneous phenotyping of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A, N-acetyltransferase-2, and xanthine oxidase.

Methods: Twelve subjects received caffeine + dextromethorphan, omeprazole, and midazolam (each alone), and a cocktail of caffeine + dextromethorphan + omeprazole + midazolam.

Echinococcus granulosus: assays for hydatid immunoregulatory factors using established lymphoid cell lines.

Mitosis, mitochondrial metabolic rate and proliferation were measured in established lymphoid cell lines exposed to chromatographic fractions of equine Echinococcus granulosus hydatid fluid. In several cell lines, one or more of the three parameters were modified by the exposure. As an assay for potential immunoregulatory activity, the method was simple and repeatable.

Fetal partial urethral obstruction causes renal fibrosis and is associated with proteolytic imbalance.

Purpose: We determine whether fetal bladder outlet obstruction induces renal fibrosis, and is associated with an alteration in the regulation of connective tissue degradation and the presence of fibrogenic interstitial cells.

Materials And Methods: Partial bladder outlet obstruction was surgically induced in 33 fetal sheep at 95 days of gestation. These animals and 24 normal age matched controls were sacrificed at 109, 116 and 135 (term) days of gestation, and the kidneys were rapidly retrieved, drained and weighed.

Premature urachal closure induces hydroureteronephrosis in male fetuses.

Purpose: Congenital hydronephrosis is more common in male individuals. We investigate whether an alteration in fetal bladder function induced by premature urachal closure contributes to fetal hydronephrosis, consequently explaining this male predominance.

Materials And Methods: The urachus was clipped in 8 male and 4 female ovine fetuses at 95 days of gestation (term 140 days).

A baiting system suitable for the delivery of oral rabies vaccine to dog populations in Zimbabwe.

A baiting system suitable for the delivery of oral rabies vaccine to dog populations in developing countries was studied in Zimbabwe. In a field trial, 369 sponge baits containing a placebo liquid, rhodamine B as a biomarker and a pungent attractant were distributed over an area of 60 sq km in a communal land in Manicaland with a dog population of over 500. Twenty-four hours later 21 per cent of the baits were recovered and 79 per cent of these had been significantly bitten or chewed.