Rapid detection of Candida species in intensive care unite of neonates and premature infants by species specific PCR of V3 region of large subunit ribosomal DNA

An increasing incidence of systemic candidiasis has been reported in neonates and low birth weight infants requiring intensive care. The rapid detection and identification of Candida species in clinical laboratories are extremely important for the management of patients with hematogenous candidiasis. The presently available culture and biochemical methods for detection and species identification of Candida are time consuming and lack the required sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we have applied nested PCR [nPCR] using universal and species-specific primers for detection of Candida species in clinical specimens. Primers to conserved sequences in the V3 region of large subunit ribosomal DNA [rDNA] were used to amplify DNA from Candida species, including, C. albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis. Candida isolates showed 99% concordant results with CHROMagar Candida identification system. Evaluation by nPCR for detection of Candida species in, suspected [n ' 16] patients and healthy subjects [n ' 14] showed that nPCR results were consistently negative in healthy subjects. In the category of proven candidemia with negative blood cultures for Candida, seven patients [43.75%] were positive by nPCR; two of them had dual infection with C. albicans and either C. parapsilosis or C. glabrata. In conclusion, the nPCR developed in this study is specific and more sensitive than culture for the detection of Candida species in clinical specimens

Electromyographic study on the effect of muscle advancement in vestibuloplasty operation

In recent years there has been a new wave of interest with new publication on the electromyography of mandibular muscles. Reviewing the litrature of this region gives very limited light of the true function of the muscle of the mandible after advancement, muscle cutting and repositing in vestibuloplasty operation. The aim of this is to study the effect of muscle advancement and repositing by E.M.G. in different techniques of vestibuloplasty. Thirty patients were selected from the department or oral surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University. They were divided into 3 groups A, B and C. Different operative procedures were carried out. E.M.G. study was performed pre and postoperative for the mentalis and buccinato muscles at various degrees of jaw separation, rest, submaximal and on volition. The healing process in group A was faster than other groups. Also the time consumed to perform operation was much less in group A. There was spontaneous recovery in the group of muscle advancement within 2 weeks after transient loss of function with neuropraxia of its nerve without real degeneration. This could be explained by nerve fatigue and associated oedema of the wound. Partial degeneration of the other two groups-has occured with maximal recovery and regeneration within one mouth [muscle cutting and repositioning]. It was observed that the least time of operation the more rapid spontaneous recovery and regeneration and this could be explained by the minimal manipulation that leads to minimal oedema, least trauma and least fatigue of the nerve and rapid healing with maximal recovery

Glaucoma and cataract timolol, betaxolol and befunolol therapy in chronic simple glaucoma, efficacy and side effects

The effect of timolol meleate 0.5% betaxolol hydrchioride 0.5% and befunolol hydrochioride 0.5% in 48 patients with chronice open angle glaucoma were compared. The overall mean decrease in the intraocular pressure was 6.3 mm Hg and 7.1 mmHg with timolol, betaxolol and befunolol therapy respectively. The Lop was successfully controlled during the study without adjunctive therapy in 62.1% 65.5% 66.7% with timolol, betaxolol and befunolol therapy respectively. No significant variation was observed in the pulse or blood pressure in the different groups