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Biomedical subjects

B Friedland

Publications and source records attributed to B Friedland.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Acceptability and feasibility of Micralax applicators and of methyl cellulose gel placebo for large-scale clinical trials of vaginal microbicides.

OBJECTIVE(S): To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the Micralax applicator and of methyl cellulose placebo gel for use in vaginal microbicide clinical trials. DESIGN: A two-centre prospective study following women for 2 months. SETTING: Two primary health care clinics in South Africa. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Female volunteers (n = 28) 18 years or older who were HIV negative and had no clinically detectable genital tract abnormalities or reproductive tract infections. INTERVENTIONS: Participants used pre-filled Micralax applicators to apply methyl cellulose gel every other day, as well as up to 1 h before to every episode of vaginal sex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Consistency in the weight of gel dispensed per application; side-effects attributed to applicator or gel use; and acceptability of the applicator and of the gel. RESULTS: Over a 2 month follow-up period the 22 women completing the study reported no adverse events related to gel or applicator use. The Micralax applicator proved acceptable. The gel was not too messy and did not reduce sexual frequency or pleasure. On average, the applicator dispensed 4.7 ml per use (close to the 4 ml planned). CONCLUSIONS: The Micralax applicator performs well as a delivery system for potential vaginal microbicides; and methyl cellulose is an appropriate placebo for future microbicide trials.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Use of rotational tomography for assessing internal resorption.

The authors describe the use of tomography, a relatively simple and well-established radiographic technique, for determining the buccolingual extent of internal resorptive lesions. The procedure may be a useful adjunct in selected cases to determine whether root canal therapy for the treatment of internal resorption followed by restoration of the tooth is likely to be successful.

Humans↗

Men's attitudes towards a potential vaginal microbicide in Zimbabwe, Mexico and the USA.

Vaginal microbicides are being developed in an attempt to expand women's and men's options for protecting themselves against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Taking account of men's attitudes during product development and introduction could increase the likelihood that products are acceptable and used. To capture the perspectives of urban and rural men from a range of cultural settings, we conducted focus group discussions with taxi drivers and farmers in Zimbabwe, Mexico and the USA. These explored HIV/STD risk perception and prevention strategies, desirable characteristics of vaginal products and of a microbicide, and attitudes towards use of a potential product. Men were generally supportive of the idea of a microbicide; urban somewhat more than rural men. Most thought microbicides would be preferable to condoms though many raised concerns about potential side effects. The men wanted these products to be as inexpensive and readily available as condoms, and differed as to whether a woman should have permission from her partner to use it. For them to be widely used, the men thought these products must not only be safe and effective, but should also have no negative effect on sexual pleasure. When a product becomes available, introductory messages must explain the limits on its effectiveness and encourage use with condoms. Further research is needed on definitions of pleasurable sex and the ramifications of this for microbicide formulation, and on partner communication around issues of sexuality and prevention of infection.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Clinical radiological issues in orthodontic practice.

Radiology has long played a critical role in the treatment planning of the orthodontic patient. The focus of this article is on common issues that confront the orthodontist and how a basic understanding of radiological techniques and simple radiological procedures can be used to resolve them. The article addresses the advantages and shortcomings of the two most common films, the cephalogram and the panoramic view, taken by orthodontists. It goes on, however, to discuss other views that can easily be taken in the private office to supplement these radiographs.

Cephalometry↗

Incidental finding of an enlarged sella turcica on a lateral cephalogram.

The lateral cephalogram is a film that is routinely used in orthodontics. Orthodontists should therefore be familiar with the normal radiographic appearance of the skull as seen on the lateral cephalogram. We present a case of an enlarged sella turcica that was discovered during routine orthodontic workup. Referral and further investigation led to a diagnosis of a prolactinoma.

Adult↗

In vitro antiviral activity of a peptide-nucleic acid solution against the human immunodeficiency virus and influenza A virus.

A peptide-nucleic acid solution which had previously been reported to show in vivo efficacy in several viral infections (i.e. influenza, hepatitis, mumps, encephalitis, etc) was tested in three independent laboratories, including the US National Institutes of Health by specific in vitro methods for HIV and Influenza A. The results of these studies demonstrated significant anti-viral activity of the peptide-nucleic acid solution against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Influenza A virus.

Antiviral Agents↗

The regulation of dental licensing: the dark ages?

Current state laws regulating the licensure of dentists place severe restrictions upon the freedom of movement of practitioners. Most state laws were enacted during a period when a strong rationale for regulating public health and welfare existed. Today, these laws hamper the free movement of dentists and are anachronisms in an era of national standards and practices. The authors contend that the extant laws rest upon outdated assumptions and serve economic and protectionist goals rather than public health and safety. This Article examines the history and application of the traditional justifications for state licensure and their present ramifications. The authors suggest that replacing the current regulatory system with a national clinical examination and a national licensure program will best serve the interests of the public and the dental profession.

Dental Care↗

A clinical and radiographic assessment of a porous-surfaced, titanium alloy dental implant system in dogs.

A new endosseous dental implant system incorporating a porous-surface geometry with a tapered, truncated-cone shape was placed bilaterally in edentulous areas of dog mandibles in a two-stage procedure. All implants had been stabilized by bone ingrowth by the time of the second procedure (insertion of a transgingival collar and implant-supported bridge). The transgingival collar had a porous-surface geometry on its apical one-third, and was meant to encourage gingival connective tissue ingrowth and attachment, but in fact provided an excellent milieu for bacterial contamination. As a consequence, many of the implants showed clinical and radiographic signs of impending failure by eight months. Only those implants for which the porous coat, including that of the transgingival collar, was completely submerged in bone were observed to be successful. This study reports on the radiographic and clinical assessment of this implant system in dogs during the period of function.

Alloys↗

Neisseria gonorrhoeae conjunctivitis. An outbreak during an epidemic of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis.

Ten patients with gonococcal conjunctivitis were examined during an epidemic of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC). Eye cultures in all cases demonstrated Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and seven also had isolates of N gonorrhoeae in genital specimens. All patients responded well to antimicrobial therapy. The patients had used a folk remedy in which they had applied urine to their eyes to treat the symptoms of AHC.

Acute Disease↗

The immunopathology of Mooren's ulcer.

In a 42-year-old man with bilateral severe Mooren's ulcers, results of immunologic studies were normal, with the exception of an in vitro blastogenic response of the patient's lymphocytes to corneal stroma. The histologic studies revealed vast numbers of vacuolated neutrophils with intracytoplasmic phagosomes in and about the ulcerating cornea. Although the progression of ulceration was initially unaltered by surgical and pharmacologic trials, systemic immunosuppression with methotrexate may have prevented ulceration of the lamellar tectonic graft.

Adult↗