BACKGROUND: Although enriched broth cultures have been recommended as an adjuvant to the direct plating of tissue and body fluid specimens, the cost-effectiveness of broth cultures has been questioned in regard with the clinical significance of "broth only isolates(BOI)". The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of thioglycollate broth(THIO) cultures. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively results in the culture specimens of body fluids, tissue biopsies, and puses received during the month of July 1997. All specimens were inoculated into THIO in addition to agar plates. We reviewed the medical records of culture-positive patients to determine the clinical significance and relevance of their isolates. Clinically significant isolates were defined as those for which an appropriate antimicrobial therapy was done except one judged as contaminants by clinicians and clinically relevant isolates as the clinically significant one isolated first. RESULT: Of 2,008 specimens, 512(25.4%) from 365 patients grow 561 isolates 464 plate isolates and 97 BOI. Two hundred eighty nine(62.3%) of the 464 isolates from plate cultures were clinically significant, compared to only 12(12.4%) of 97 BOI (P<0.05). Only four (4.1%) BOI were clinically relevant, including one Pseudomonas aerugiosa from ascites. one Klebsiella pneumoniae and two Staphylococcus aureus from tissue specimens. CONCLUSION: A routine use of enriched broth culture rarely recover clinically relevant isolates. Considering the laboratory and medical costs of the recovery of contaminants and clinically irrelevant isolates, the enrichment broth cultures should be used more selectively.
Agar ; Ascites ; Biopsy ; Body Fluids ; Humans ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Medical Records ; Pseudomonas ; Retrospective Studies ; Staphylococcus aureus

We retrospectively analyzed the Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging findings in 41 cases of histologically proved malignant tumors of oral cariey. The diagnostic value of MR imaging in detection and delineation of the lesions was assessed. The value of MRI was compared with that of Computed Tomography (CT) in 14 patients. Thirty-four cases of 41 malignant tumors were squamous cell carcinomas. Adenoic cystic carcinomas (2 cases), malignant melanomas (2 cases), non-Hodgkin lymphomas (2 cases) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma(1 cases) were also included in this study. Most of the lesions were isointense or slightly hyperintense to muscle on T1 weighted images and showed variable degrees of high signal intensity on T2 weighted images. Two cases of malignant melanomas showed characteristic hyperintensity on T1 weighted images. T2 weighted image was better in detection and delineation of tumor in most of the cases. In 6 cases, Gd-DTPA-enhanced T1 weighted image was better than T2 weighted image. T2 weighted image was useful for the evaluation of deep tissue infiltration and T1 weighted image was useful for the evaluation of bone invasion and superficial tissue plane invasion. The lesion was detected only by MR in 3 cases of 14 in which CT was also performed. MR imaging was more sensitive in the evalustion of bone marrow involvement. MR imaging is very useful modality in evaluating oral cavity malignany and is superior to CT in delineation of the as well as in the evaluation of mandible invasion.
Bone Marrow ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Mandible ; Melanoma ; Mouth* ; Retrospective Studies

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Proper proximal contact is important for maintaining and stabilizing the dental arch. However, the proximal contact strength (PCS) is not a constant value and can be affected by a variety of factors. PURPOSE: This study examined the influences of postural changes on the posterior PCS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve adults with a normal occlusion and had not undergone prosthetic treatment or proximal restoration were participated in this study. A metal strip was inserted into the proximal surface and removed at a constant velocity. The contact strength was measured in every contact point between canine to second molar in both arches. The PCSs were obtained initially in the upright position, secondly in the supine position and finally in the upright position again. All measurements were repeated after a 2 hour period. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Friedman test (P < .05). RESULTS: Generally, a decrease in PCS occurred when the posture was changed from the initial upright to supine position, while it increased when the posture was changed from the supine to upright position. A significant change was observed in all areas except for between the canine-first premolar in the maxilla and between the first molarsecond molar in the mandible areas. CONCLUSION: The posterior PCS, which dentists generally believe to be a static feature of occlusion, is affected significantly by posture.
Adult ; Bicuspid ; Dental Arch ; Dentists ; Humans ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Molar ; Posture ; Supine Position

No abstract available.
Adenoids* ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic* ; Trachea*

No abstract available.
Facial Asymmetry*

No abstract available.
Humans

For the evaluation of exercise induced R wave amplitude changes in lead V5 (big up tri, openR) and multiple leads(summation operatorR), we studied 20 normal subjects and 21 ischemic heart disease patients with positive exercise test. All underwent submaximal, multiple leads multistage treadmill exercise testing. 14 to 20 normal subjects(70%) there were decreased R wave amplitude in multiple leads on treadmill exercise testing. 16 of 21 patients(76%) there were increased R wave amplitude on treadmill exercise testing. In normal group, R wave amplitude between rest and exercise was significantly decreased in lead V5 and multiple leads. In patients grous, R wave amplitude between rest and exercise was significantly increased in lead V5 and multiple leads. It is suggested exercise induced R wave amplitude changes probably enhance the diagnostic reliability by ST segment changes on treadmill exercise testing.
Exercise Test* ; Humans ; Myocardial Ischemia

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are thin-walled aneurysms caused by abnormal communication between the pulmonary arteries and veins. Migraine headaches are sometimes the presenting clinical manifestation of PAVMs. Although embolotherapy, using detachable balloons or stainless steel coils, is generally accepted as the best choice for the treatment of multiple PAVMs, the mode of intervention for solitary PAVMs remains a subject of debate. We present a 43-yr-old woman with a 10-yr history of chronic migraines and dyspnea on exertion. She was discovered to have a large solitary centrally located PAVM, placing her at high risk of complications if she were to undergo percutaneous transcatheter embolization. She underwent successful surgical resection of her right middle lobe without complications, resulting in subsequent symptomatic improvement.
Adult ; Arteriovenous Malformations/diagnosis/*surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; Migraine Disorders/diagnosis/*surgery ; Pulmonary Artery/*abnormalities ; Pulmonary Veins/*abnormalities ; Thoracotomy ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

No abstract available.
Nasal Cavity* ; Papilloma, Inverted* ; Paranasal Sinuses*

No abstract available.
Maxillary Sinus*