Low Dermatitis Potential of a Powder-Free, “Accelerator-Free” Non Natural Rubber Latex Gloves Using Modified Draize Study

Introduction: The escalated demand for protective rubber glove in the healthcare industries has resulted in increased prevalence of glove related skin problem, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis and latex sensitivity. The industry has recently introduced a new nitrile glove product using a novel patented non-sulphur system to effect co-valent bond crosslinking to provide the desired elasticity of the gloves. This glove also has ionic crosslinking provided by the zinc oxide used in the formulation and the carboxylic group of the nitrile latex. The main objective of this study is to prove that residual chemical additives at a level that may induce Type IV allergy in the unsensitized general user population are not present in this rubber glove and to compare it with a powder free latex examination glove. Methods: In collaboration with the Islamic University of Gaza, we conduct modified test on a specially formulated and powder free, accelerator free LOW DERMA™ enhanced nitrile rubber glove that has physical properties and barrier integrity similar to that of NRL gloves. This glove does not contain sulphur or sulphur related compound. Two sets of Powder free, accelerator free LOW DERMA™ Nitrile Patient Examination Gloves*, white and blue colour were tested using the modified draize-95’ test. Filter paper soaked in normal saline and powder free latex examination glove were used as control. Results: A total of 209 subjects, 149 subjects, Caucasian (71.29%), 30 subjects, Afro Caribbean (14.35%) and 30 subjects, Asiatic (14.35%) were recruited. All 209 subjects had a final patch testing scoring of not more than 1.5 during both the induction phase and the challenge phase for both types of Powder Free Nitrile Patient Examination Gloves (white and blue) and to the negative control, normal filter paper and the powder free NRL control glove. Conclusion: The skin sensitization test (‘Modified Draize-95’ Test) of Powder Free Nitrile Patient Examination Gloves (white and blue) and the powder free NRL examination glove were negative. There was no clinical evidence on the presence of residual chemical additives at the level that may induce Type IV allergy in unsensitized general user population for both Powder Free Nitrile Patient Examination Gloves, blue and white colored, non-sterile. Both gloves qualify for “Low dermatitis Claim”.

A molecular survey on cystic echinococcosis in Sinnar area, Blue Nile state (Sudan) / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by the cestodes of the Echinococcus species. Its life cycle involves dogs and other canids as definitive hosts for the intestinal tapeworm, as well as domestic and wild ungulates as intermediate hosts for the tissue-invading metacestode (larval) stage. The disease has a special impact on disadvantaged pastoralist communities and is listed now among the three top priority neglected tropical disease (NTD). Therefore, CE is a neglected disease even in high endemicity regions. This study aimed at investigation of the prevalence of CE in different animals slaughtered for food consumption in Sinnar area, Blue Nile states in Sudan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A survey of CE in livestock was conducted from April 2009 to March 2011 in Sinnar area, Blue Nile state in Sudan. Location, parasitological status and fertility conditions were determined. In addition, 120 hydatid cysts (30 from camels, 62 from cattle and 28 from sheep) were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and mitochondrial gene sequencing for the genetic allocation of Echinococcus strains or species</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence of CE was 29.7% (30/101) in camels, 2.7% (62/2310) in cattle and 0.6% (26/4378) in sheep. It was shown that infection rates increased with age in camels, cattle and sheep. In camels, 67% (20/30) of the infected animals were aged between 2 - 5 years whereas 58% (36/62) of the infected cattle were > 5 years. In sheep, the prevalence rate was distributed equally between animals ranging 2 - 5 years and > 5 years. Even though multiple cysts were found in some animals, the average number of cysts per animal was close to 1 in all examined species. Lungs were found to be the predilection sites for the parasite in both camels and cattle, while most of the cysts found in sheep were located in the liver. About 63.4% of cysts encountered in camels were considered as large (5 - 7 cm), whereas those in cattle and sheep were medium (2 - 4 cm) and small (< 2 cm) respectively. The highest fertility rate was found in camel cysts with 85.4% (35/41) followed by cattle (50.0%, 32/64) and sheep (39.0%, 11/28). All examined cysts belonged to Echinococcus canadensis G6, which was confirmed to be the overwhelmingly predominant species in that area.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The epidemiological situation in Sinnar area, Blue Nile state is characterized by intense transmission of Echinococcus canadensis G6, thereby closely resembling the situation in most other regions of Sudan.</p>

Post-laminectomy failed back. Review of Literature and management

Out of 66 patients with previous laminectomy, 26 with post laminectomy failed back syndrome were included in this study. Five had severe low back pain, ten had low back pain with claudicating pain in legs and 11 had low back pain and radicular pain in legs. It was concluded that patients in whom treatment for back pain had failed were frequently severely disabled and represented enormous cost. The study demonstrated that operative correction of failed back syndrome can result in a decrease in symptoms and can restore patients in a functional lifestyle in reasonable percentage. Also, outcome of repeated surgery of lumbar spine was not related to number of previous operations but to nature of these operations

Anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion using titanium cage: report of early results

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early results of treatment of cervical disc diseases by anterior interbody fusion using titanium cage and allograft. The study included 22 patients with cervical disc disease. Some of them had more than one level operated, so, 26 disc level have been operated on. These patients had an anterior interbody fusion through an extrapharyngeal anterolateral approach. The fusion was augmented by titanium cage and milled allograft. The period of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 2 years. Patients were assessed using Odom's criteria. Post-operative assessment revealed excellent outcome in 2 patients [9.1%], good in 11 [50%], satisfactory in 8 [36.4%] and one patient with poor outcome. Post-operative complication included, one patient with superficial wound infection, change of voice in another patient, completely reversible dysphagia in two patients. Pseudoarthrosis occurs in one patient only, while one patient developed post-operative quadriplegia. It has been concluded that anterior decompression and interbody fusion is a promising option for cervical disc diseases, whether herniated disc or degenerative spondylosis. The chances for a sound fusion are better with the use of titanium cage and the post-operative morbidity is remarkably less with the use of allograft

Synovectomy of the knee. A comparative study between two post-operative regimens

The aim of this study was to compare the results of knee synovectomy with the use of two different post-operative regimens; cast immobilization then manipulation, and immediate continuous passive motion. It included 40 patients with rheumatoid knee synovitis. In all of them, open knee synovectomy was done through a midline skin incision. Post-operatively, patients were randomized into two groups; the first group [Cast group] included 20 patients who had a long leg cast applied for two weeks. After that, the cast was removed and the knee manipulated gently under general anaesthesia. In the second group [CPM group], continuous passive motion started immediately post-operatively, using CPM machine for three hours, three times daily, seven days a week. Knee swelling was assessed by measuring the mid-patellar circumference. The quadriceps muscle bulk was determined by measuring the mid-thigh circumference. The patients were followed-up at 3 months, 6 months and one year. At the final follow-up, the range of knee flexion was significantly better in patients of CPM group compared to those of immobilization group [93.6° and 91.5° respectively]. The knee joint swelling was less in CPM group [44.5 cm] than in cast group [45.2 cm], the difference was statistically significant. Quadriceps wasting was no significant between the two groups; 50.2 cm in the cast group, and 53.5 cm in CPM group. Wound gapping occurred in 3 patients in immobilization group and one patient in the CPM group. It was concluded that the use of continuous passive motion in the early post-operative period following open knee synovectomy is a reasonable choice

Treatment of irreducible congenital dislocation of the hip with Pavlik Harness and hip spica cast

Eighteen children with 20 dislocations of the hips, were managed with Pavlik Harness. These aged when presented ranged from 2-8 months. Hip reduction were achieved with full-time harness wearing for 1-4 weeks. The harness was continued for 2-4 weeks to maintain reduction followed by hip spica for 6-18 weeks. All patients except 2 had achieved hip reduction and were treated by traction and closed reduction. Follow up ranged for 4 years, no avascular necrosis developed, CE angle ranged between 18-30°, acetabular index ranged between 18-26°