Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to C Scully.
Human and animal bites can result in bacterial infection of the wound, and may be associated with the transmission of viral pathogens, including blood borne pathogens. The management of bite injuries requires local wound care, antibiotics if appropriate and prophylaxis against transmission of tetanus and viral pathogens including Hepatitis B virus. A review of bite injuries and management is presented.
An open trial was conducted of systemic griseofulvin in the treatment of oral lichen planus. Eleven patients completed the trial. Symptomatic benefit was noted in 21% of the twenty-three patients starting the trial, but there was no clinical improvement, and about one half of the group starting the trial suffered adverse drug reactions.
A group of thirty-four patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and single hematinic deficiencies were given replacement therapy after any reason for the deficiency had been sought and excluded. The response of the RAS was assessed in an open trial. The aphthae in 70% of patients subjectively improved with hematinic replacement therapy, a benefit exceeding the defined placebo response in recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
Saliva is an extremely vital fluid in the maintenance of oral homeostasis. Its reduction predisposes individuals to oral symptoms and oral disease. The dental practitioner must be aware of the importance of saliva and be involved in the recognition and diagnosis of problems in salivary function. No other health care worker is more able to thoroughly assess the oral environment and to recognize these oral complications.
Xerostomia (dry mouth) is an unpleasant condition that is common after radiotherapy to the head and neck, although it may have other causes. A review of the management of xerostomia, as well as the prevention and management of the oral soft tissue and dental complications resulting from xerostomia, is provided.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Almost a decade into the epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) there is adequate evidence to address the concerns of dental staff about possible transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) between patient and staff. This paper reviews that evidence and demonstrates that the risk of HIV transmission to health care workers is extremely low. Worldwide there are no reported proven cases of occupational transmission of HIV to dental staff.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
This study quantified the constitutive and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) stimulated expression of MHC class I (HLA-ABC and beta 2 microglobulin) and class II antigens (HLA-DR, -DP, -DQ) on normal and malignant oral keratinocytes using radioimmunoassay and immunocytochemical techniques. Normal keratinocytes and three of four malignant cell lines (H103, H157, H314) expressed MHC class I antigens constitutively; IFN-gamma increased MHC class I expression with significant changes in normals, H157 and H314. Normal keratinocytes expressed significantly more constitutive MHC class I antigens than H103 and H157 and significantly more IFN-gamma stimulated MHC class I antigens than H103, H157 and H314. MHC class II antigens predominantly were not expressed constitutively on normals, H103 and H157 but, in H314, HLA-DR, -DP and -DQ antigens were demonstrated on 35, 11 and 5 per cent of cells, respectively, and resulted in a non-coordinated pattern of expression (HLA-DR greater than -DP = -DQ). IFN-gamma induced HLA-DR on normals, H103 and H157, whilst HLA-DP and -DQ remained undetectable. In H314, IFN-gamma enhanced HLA-DR, -DP and -DQ (significant increase of HLA-DQ) but the interrelationship between these antigens was maintained (HLA-DR greater than -DP = -DQ). Normal keratinocytes expressed significantly more IFN-gamma stimulated HLA-DR than H103 and H157 but significantly less HLA-DR than H314 under similar experimental conditions. One oral malignant cell line (H191) did not express MHC class I and MHC class II antigens either constitutively or in response to IFN-gamma. The results demonstrate aberrant patterns of MHC expression (absence, enhanced, diminished) in the different malignant oral keratinocyte cell lines.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Antiviral drugs have proven effective in treatment of herpesvirus infections and in prevention of reactivation of latent virus. The prototype drug is acyclovir. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is susceptible to acyclovir. There is increasing evidence in immunocompromised patients of acyclovir-resistant HSV causing clinical disease. Mechanisms of HSV resistance to acyclovir are known. These findings have implications for the future development and clinical use of antiviral drugs.
Oral lesions are common at all stages of HIV infection. This first of two articles reviews the clinical features and pathogenesis of common oral manifestations of HIV disease (candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, Kaposi's sarcoma, and HIV-related periodontal disease) and considers current treatment measures.