Detection of Streptococcus mutans Genomic DNA in Human DNA Samples Extracted from Saliva and Blood.

Caries is a multifactorial disease, and studies aiming to unravel the factors modulating its etiology must consider all known predisposing factors. One major factor is bacterial colonization, and Streptococcus mutans is the main microorganism associated with the initiation of the disease. In our studies, we have access to DNA samples extracted from human saliva and blood.

Diagnosis and microsurgical approach to far-lateral disc herniation in the lumbar spine.

Lumbar-disc herniations that occur beneath or far lateral to the intervertebral facet joint are increasingly recognized as a cause of spinal nerve root compression syndromes at the upper lumbar levels. Failure to diagnose and precisely localize these herniations can lead to unsuccessful surgical exploration or exploration of the incorrect interspace. If these herniations are diagnosed, they often cannot be adequately exposed through the typical midline hemilaminectomy approach.

Intracerebral toxoplasmosis presenting as a mass lesion.

Intracerebral toxoplasmosis is an uncommon condition and for it a produce an intracerebral mass is rare. A case is reported in a patient also suffering from lymphosarcoma, who had received immunosuppressive therapy and who had recently had herpes zoster ophthalmica.

Bowel perforation due to peritoneal shunt. A report of seven cases and a review of the literature.

Seven patients with bowel perforations secondary to ventriculo- or lumbo- peritoneal shunts are described. Five additional patients histories were found reported in the literature making a total of 12 cases. The shunt tubing presented in the anus in seven of 12 patients.