Effect of tinnitus on sound localization ability in patients with normal hearing

Abstract Objectives To determine whether tinnitus negatively impacts the accuracy of sound source localization in participants with normal hearing. Methods Seventy-five participants with tinnitus and 74 without tinnitus were enrolled in this study. The accuracy of sound source discrimination on the horizontal plane was compared between the two participant groups. The test equipment consisted of 37 loudspeakers arranged in a 180° arc facing forward with 5° intervals between them. The stimuli were pure tones of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kHz at 50 dB SPL. The stimuli were divided into three groups: low frequency (LF: 0.25, 0.5, and 1 kHz), 2 kHz, and high frequency (HF: 4 and 8 kHz) stimuli. Results The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) score of all the stimuli in the tinnitus group was significantly higher than that in the control group (13.45 ± 3.34 vs. 11.44 ± 2.56, p = 4.115, t < 0.001). The RMSE scores at LF, 2 kHz, and HF were significantly higher in the tinnitus group than those in the control group (LF: 11.66 ± 3.62 vs. 10.04 ± 3.13, t = 2.918, p = 0.004; 2 kHz: 16.63 ± 5.45 vs. 14.43 ± 4.52, t = 2.690, p = 0.008; HF: 13.42 ± 4.74 vs. 11.14 ± 3.68, t = 3.292, p = 0.001). Thus, the accuracy of sound source discrimination in participants with tinnitus was significantly worse than that in those without tinnitus, despite the stimuli frequency. There was no difference in the ability to localize the sound of the matched frequency and other frequencies (12.86 ± 6.29 vs. 13.87 ± 3.14, t = 1.204, p = 0.236). Additionally, there was no correlation observed between the loudness of tinnitus and RMSE scores (r = 0.096, p = 0.434), and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and RMSE scores (r = −0.056, p = 0.648). Conclusions Our present data suggest that tinnitus negatively impacted sound source localization accuracy, even when participants had normal hearing. The matched pitch and loudness and the impact of tinnitus on patients' daily lives were not related to the sound source localization ability. Level of evidence 4.

Endoscope-assisted subgingival scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis: systematic evaluation of effects / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To evaluate the clinical effect of endoscopic-assisted subgingival scaling and root planning (SRP) in the treatment of periodontitis. @*Methods@#PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to endoscopy-assisted SRP. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to September 15, 2021. The outcome indicators included in the study included the plaque index (PLI), probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), and bleeding index (BI). Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 12.0 software were used for the meta-analysis.@* Results@#A total of 111 studies were retrieved, and 5 quantitative studies were included after screening. Meta-analysis showed that for sites with 4 mm ≤ PD < 6 mm, 3 and 6 months after treatment, there was no significant difference in the PD value between the endoscope assisted group and the simple SRP group (P > 0.05); for sites with PD ≥ 6 mm, the PD value of the endoscope assisted group was smaller than that of the simple SRP group 3 and 6 months after treatment. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in PLI, Al or BI between the two groups (P > 0.05). @*Conclusion@#Compared with simple SRP, the auxiliary use of endoscopy has a better effect on reducing PD in deep periodontal pockets (PD ≥ 6 mm). However, for clinical indicators such as PLI, AL, and BI, there was no difference between the therapeutic effects of the two methods.

Neural network analysis of the correlation between malnutrition-induced stomatitis and vitamin B12 and folic acid / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@# A model was built by neural network analysis to study the relationship between different degrees of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency and malnutrition-induced stomatitis.@*Methods@# Data from 30 healthy volunteers and 30 patients with malnutrition-induced stomatitis were collected. The distribution of lesions, the number of affected sites and clinical manifestations were recorded, and the severity was scored. The levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid in the peripheral blood of the two groups were simultaneously measured. The SPSS software was used to analyze the correlation between vitamin B12 and folic acid levels in the peripheral blood of patients with malnutrition-induced stomatitis and healthy volunteers, and the MATLAB software package was used to analyze the data via a neural network.@*Results@#The levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid significantly correlated with the grade of malnutrition-induced stomatitis. Simultaneous B12 and folic acid deficiency linearly correlated with the occurrence and severity of malnutrition-induced stomatitis. Based on this correlation, a thermogram model of malnutrition-induced stomatitis was constructed.@*Conclusion@# Malnutrition-induced stomatitis is closely related to vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency. Their synergistic effect may promote the occurrence and development of malnutrition-induced stomatitis. The construction of the malnutrition-induced stomatitis model aids the targeted etiological treatment of patients with moderate and severe deficiency to prevent malnutrition-induced stomatitis.

Protective effect of dexmedetomidine on perioperative myocardial injury in patients with Stanford type-A aortic dissection

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on perioperative myocardial injury in patients with Stanford type-A aortic dissection (AD). METHODS: Eighty-six patients with Stanford type-A AD were randomly divided into Dex and control groups, with 43 cases in each group. During the surgery, the control group received the routine anesthesia, and the Dex group received Dex treatment based on routine anesthesia. The heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded before Dex loading (t0), 10 min after Dex loading (t1), at the skin incision (t2), sternum sawing (t3), before cardiopulmonary bypass (t4), at the extubation (t5), and at end of surgery (t6). The blood indexes were determined before anesthesia induction (T0) and postoperatively after 12h (T1), 24h (T2), 48h (T3), and 72h (T4). RESULTS: At t2 and t3, the HR and MAP in the Dex group were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, in the Dex group at T1, T2, and T3, the serum creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin-I, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were decreased, and the interleukin-10 level, the serum total superoxide dismutase, and total anti-oxidant capability increased, while the myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde levels decreased (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dex treatment may alleviate perioperative myocardial injury in patients with Stanford type-A AD by resisting inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito protetor e o mecanismo da dexmedetomidina (Dex) na lesão perioperativa do miocárdio em doentes com dissecação aórtica Tipo A de Stanford (AD). MÉTODOS: Oitenta e seis pacientes com o Tipo A de Stanford foram aleatoriamente divididos em Dex e grupos de controle, 43 casos em cada grupo. Durante a cirurgia, o grupo de controle recebeu a anestesia de rotina, e o grupo Dex recebeu tratamento Dex baseado na anestesia de rotina. A frequência cardíaca (AR) e a pressão arterial média (MAP) foram registradas no momento anterior ao Dex carregar (t0), 10 minutos após o Dex carregar (t1), incisão cutânea (t2), serragem de esterno (t3), antes do bypass cardiopulmonar (t4), extubação (t5) e fim da cirurgia (t6). Os índices de sangue foram determinados no momento antes da indução da anestesia (T0) e no pós-operatório 12 horas (T1), 24 horas (T2), 48 horas (T3) e 72 horas (T4). RESULTADOS: Em T2 e t3, o RH e o MAP do grupo Dex foram inferiores ao grupo de controle (p<0,05). Em comparação com o grupo de controle, no grupo Dex em T1, T2 e T3, os níveis séricos de creatina quinase-MB, troponina-I, proteína C-reativa e necrose do fator-α do tumor diminuíram, o nível interleucina-10 aumentou, o desalinhamento total do superóxido sérico e a capacidade antioxidante total aumentaram e os níveis de mielopeperóxido e malondialdeído diminuíram (todos p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com Dex pode aliviar a lesão do miocárdio perioperativo em doentes com o Tipo A de Stanford por resistência à resposta inflamatória e ao estresse oxidativo.

Study on electrical measurement stress analysis of root attachment overdenture of three different mechanisams / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To analyze the stress difference of alveolar bone around the abutment and alveolar ridge of edentulous of three different kinds of root-attachment-supported overdenture under different load conditions, in order to provide a reference for the choice of clinical root attachment. @*Methods @#The occlusal force of overdenture was simulated by electrical resistance strain measurement in vitro. The stress of the alveolar bone, the central part of the mandibular arch and the first molar correspond to the alveolar ridge were measured. The stress difference of 3 kinds of attachment overdenture under different loading conditions were compared and analyzed.@*Results@#Under the same loading condition, all three kinds of overdentures had a certain degree of slip of the denture (magnetic attachment denture) or rotation (3 kinds of attachment dentures). The abutment neck in different parts of the dental arch and alveolar bone, anterior free end edentulous alveolar ridge stress distribution was significantly different. @*Conclusion@# ERA attachment overdenture was the most preferable, followed by the magnetic attachment overdenture. Suitable attachment should be selected based on specific clinical cases.

Risk factors for perioperative pulmonary infection in patients with senile hip fracture / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:At present, few studies concerned pulmonary infection after treatment of senile fracture. For special parts of senile patients, there are no studies on complications of pulmonary infection in perioperative period after hip fracture. OBJECTIVE:To study risk factors for pulmonary infection in patients with senile hip fractures in perioperative period. METHODS:The data of 46 senile hip fracture patients with perioperative pulmonary infection were retrospectively analyzed. A matched case-control study was conducted in 46 senile hip fracture patients without pulmonary infection in the same hospital and the same period. The difference in perioperative various clinical indexes was compared between the two groups. Risk factors of pulmonary infection received Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Multivariate analysis screened out 14 possible perioperative pulmonary infection factors:chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking, diabetes mel itus, heart disease, mechanical ventilation, intraoperative bleeding amount, erythrocyte infusion, operation time, preoperative low body mass index (body mass index<18.5 kg/m2 ), serum albumin<35 g/L, electrolyte disturbance, time of entering intensive care unit and length of stay. Logistic regression analysis displayed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR=23.317;95%CI:2.702-60.312;P=0.000), entering intensive care unit (OR=7.890;95%CI:2.624-76.012;P=0.008), mechanical ventilation (OR=35.210;95%CI:8.464-131.203;P=0.017) and operation time (OR=12.122;95%CI:5.154-99.098;P=0.012) were independent risk factors for perioperative pulmonary infection in patients with senile hip fracture. These data indicated that one should be alert to the possible occurrence of pulmonary infection in senile hip fracture patients with the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, entering intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation.

Anatomy basis and clinical significance of various types of abductor hallucis superior margin arterial arcades / Bases anatómicas e importancia clínica de varios tipos de arcos arteriales del margen superior del músculo abductor del hálux

The aim of this study was to group arteries of arterial arch at the superior margin of the abductor hallucis muscle according to their constitutes and provide anatomical basis for reverse bifolicated flap based on it. The constitute, track-way and distribution of the artery, which supply the medial pedis flap, the medial plantar and the medial tarsal flap, especial the arterial arch at the superior margin of the abductor hallucis muscle were observed and analyzed on 81 lower limbs cast specimens and 2 fresh feet specimens. According to their constitute, arterial arch at the superior margin of the abductor hallucis muscle can be classified into 3 types: i) type I, It was constituted mainly by the branch of anterior medial malleolus artery and (or) the medial tarsal artery. ii) type II, It was constituted mainly by the superficial branch of the medial plantar artery; iii) type II, It was constituted mainly by the branch of anterior medial malleolus artery and the branch of medial tarsal artery anastomose with the superficial branch of the medial plantar artery, which was divided into two subtypes according to the different anastomosis of the artery: Type III 1, the type of anastomosed directly was about 48.2 percent, type III 2, The type of anastomosed indirectly was about 24.1 percent. According to the constitute of arterial arch at the superior margin of the abductor hallucis muscle can be classified into three types: The type of anterior medial malleolus artery and medial tarsal artery, the type of superficial branch of the medial plantar artery and the type of mixed. For the type mixed, two subtypes can be classified according to the different anastomosis of the artery.

El objetivo fue clasificar las arterias de arco arterial del margen superior del músculo abductor del hálux según su constitución, y proporcionar una base anatómica para el colgajo bilobulado reverso basado en él. La constitución, recorrido y distribución de las arterias que suministran los colgajos pedicular medial, plantar medial y medial del tarso, en especial el arco arterial del margen superior del músculo abductor del hálux fueron observados y analizados en 81 modelos de miembros inferiores y 2 pies frescos. De acuerdo con su constitución, el arco arterial del margen superior del músculo abductor del hálux se pueden clasificar en 3 tipos: i) tipo I, constituido principalmentepor la rama de la arteria anterior del maléolo medial y/o la arteria medial del tarso. ii) tipo II, constituido principalmente por la rama superficial de la arteria plantar medial, iii) tipo III constituido principalmente por la rama de la arteria maleolar medial anterior y la rama de la anastomosis de la arteria tarsiana medial de la rama superficial de la arteria plantar medial, que se divide en 2 subtipos diferentes de acuerdo con el tipo de anastomosis: tipo III 1, una anastomosis directa que se observó en el 48,2 por ciento, y tipo III 2, una anastomosis indirecta observada en aproximadamente el 24,1 por ciento de los casos. Según la constitución, el arco arterial del margen superior del músculo abductor del hálux se puede clasificar en 3 tipos: el tipo de arteria anterior del maléolo medial y la arteria tarsiana medial, el tipo de rama superficial de la arteria plantar medial y el tipo mixto. En el tipo mixto, pueden ser clasificados 2 subtipos de acuerdo a la diferente anastomosis de la arteria.

Efficacy of combination therapy with peginterferon alfa-2alpha and bicyclol in chronic hepatitis B with high ALT levels / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of combination therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) +/- nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUC) and bicyclol in chronic hepatitis B with high ALT levels at baseline and during early treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CHB patients were treated with PEG-IFNalpha-2a for a minimum of 48 weeks. All patients were followed up for 26 weeks post-treatment. Patients with HBV DNA > or = 1 x 10(8) copies/ml were combined with NUC (adefovir or entecavir) treatment. Patients with ALT > 500 U/L at baseline or ALT > 300 U/L after first injection of PEG-IFNalpha-2a received bicyclol treatment for 1-2 months (treatment group). Patients with 2 x ULN < ALT < 300 U/L and ALT < 300 U/L during treatment were enrolled into PEG-IFNalpha-2a +/- NUC antiviral monotherapy (control group). Responses defined as HBV DNA < 1 x 10(3) copies/ml, normal serum ALT, and HBeAg/HBsAg loss and seroconversion were analyzed at 26 weeks post-treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 54 patients (44 HBeAg positive, 10 HBeAg negative) were divided into two groups according to combination of bicyclol: treatment group (n = 20)--those who received combinition therapy with PEG-IFNalpha-2a +/- NUC and bicyclol, and control group (n = 34)--those who were treated with PEG-IFNalpha-2a +/- NUC antiviral monotherapy. During the first month of treatment, ALT levels declined gradually in treatment group. At 26 weeks post-treatment, the rates of ALT normalization and HBV DNA below the limit of 1 x 10(3) copies/ml were similar in both groups. Six patients in treatment group achieved HBsAg seroconversion at 26 weeks post-treatment, whereas so did 4 patients of control group (30% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.044).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Bicyclol could significantly relief elevation of ALT induced by the IFN treatment.</p>

Elevated circulating free fatty acids level causes pancreatic islet β-cell dysfunction via oxidative stress / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of elevated circulating free fatty acids (FFA) level on basal and glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) of islet β-cell and to explore the pathophysiological link between FFA and impaired β-cell dysfunction. Methods Male SD rats underwent infusions with normal saline (C group), intralipid+heparin (FFA group) and N-acetylcysteine+FFA (NAC group) for 2-4 days. Insulin secretion from pancreatic tissues was evaluated during intravenous glucose tolerance test and isolated pancreas perfasion test at the end of 2 and 4 days infusion. Results After 2 days infusion, the basal insulin secretion from isolated perfused pancreas was increased in FFA group [(55.5±19.4 vs 27.4±6.7) mU/L, P<0.01], but the response to 16.7 mmol/L glucose in isolated perfased pancreas was similar in FFA and C groups. The peak value during GSIS was inhibited by 4 days FFA infusion [(46.8±33.0 vs 214.7±27.4)mIU/L,P<0.05]. GSIS was also decreased in FFA group compared with C group in IVGTr. After interfered with NAC, GSIS was partly recovered [(165.4± 14.8)mIU/L, P<0.01]. Conclusion Elevated circulating FFA levels may contribute to the abnormality of pancreatic islet β-cell through oxidative stress.

Study on climate regionalization of Artemisia annuua in Guangxi / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the major effective factors under the climatic conditions of Guangxi which influence artemisinin content, in order to determine the best planting region.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The correlation, the gradually regression analysis with the statistical analysis system, the geography space analysis and the regionalization with GIS were used for the study.</p><p><b>RESULT AND CONCLUSION</b>The temperature and the sunshine-hour were the major effective factors to artemisinin content, followed by the rainfall amount, the humidity showed less influence, and wind speed had no effect; And the climatic factors of seedling stage and the flowering season were the most influences to the artemisinin content. The artemisinin content was higher during the flowering season, in the region of temperature relatively lower and the rainfall amount smaller. The knoll and the mountainous region in northeast and southwest of Guangxi is the best suitable region for the Artemisia annua planting. The plain area in the southeast and middle of Guangxi is the not suitable region; Other areas are suitable regions for the A. annua planting.</p>

Clinical research of B-mode ultrasonography detecting middle hepatic vein in chronic liver disease / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of B-mode ultrasonography in detecting middle hepatic vein(MHV)in chronic liver disease patients.Methods 80 chronic liver disease patients were divided into 2 groups(chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis).Liver biopsies and the inner diameter(ID)of MHV was detected with B-mode ultrasonography.The ID of MHV was compared in the chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis groups,different liver fibrosis stages and compensation/non-compensation liver cirrhosis.The ability of ID of MHV in auxiliary diagnosis liver cirrhosis was analyzed with the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).Results The size of ID of MHV in liver cirrhosis(3.82±1.84)mm was smaller than that of chronic hepatitis(6.15±1.67)mm(P＜0.01).The size of ID of MHV in non-compensation liver cirrhosis(2.98±1.15)mm was smaller than that of compensation liver cirrhosis(4.42±2 20)mm(P＜0.05).There was midrange negative correlation with liver fibrosis stages and the ID of MHV(rs=-0.465,P＜0.01).The cutoff point of ID of MHV diagnosis liver cirrhosis was 4.7mm.The area under ROC(AUC)achieved 0.813(P＜0.01).The sensitivity(Se),specificity,(Sp),positive predictive value (PPV),negative predictive value(NPV)and Youden index were 67.5%,90.0%,88.0%,73.5% and 57.5%,respectively.Conclusion There is well clinical value with B-mode ultrasonography detecting ID of MHV for the auxiliary diagnosis of chronic liver disease.

Space-occupying lesions in Papua New Guinea--the CT era

BACKGROUND: The use of computed tomography (CT) scanning to diagnose and treat space-occupying lesions (SOL) has been a great advance. AIM: To analyze the causes, treatment and outcome of SOL. METHOD/PATIENTS: An audit of all cases of SOL treated over a period of 2 years (2003-2004) after the establishment of a neurosurgical unit. RESULTS: There were 42 SOL cases affecting the intracranial space and the spine. 39 cases originated in the brain and its coverings and 3 in the spinal cord. Out of the 39 brain SOL, 26 (67%) were due to tumours and 13 (33%) were due to infection, of which tuberculosis was responsible for 6 (46%). There were 6 astrocytomas and 3 meningiomas followed by secondaries, pilocytic astrocytoma and medulloblastoma with 2 cases each. There was also one case each of pineal tumour, craniopharyngioma, pituitary adenoma, vestibular schwannoma and oligodendroglioma and 6 indeterminate cases. The 3 spinal cord SOL were due to arachnoiditis, subdural abscess and tuberculoma. CONCLUSION: Tumours were more common than tuberculosis as a cause of SOL. However, tuberculoma represented a curable condition whereas for tumours the potential for cure depended on the site, pathology and stage. CT scan was of great help in the diagnosis and localization of SOL but, unfortunately,is still not available for the majority of the Papua New Guinea population.

Big heads in Port Moresby General Hospital: an audit of hydrocephalus cases seen from 2003 to 2004

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus is a common neurosurgical problem in Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) contributing to 27 (24%) of the 114 neurosurgical operations done in 2003 and 2004. During the same period it was responsible for 25% of the cases seen in the neurosurgery clinic. AIM: To prospectively audit and follow up hydrocephalus cases in PMGH over 2 years from January 2003 to December 2004 and ascertain the causes and the outcome of treatment. METHOD: All cases of hydrocephalus seen in 2003 and 2004 were categorized according to cause. The associated findings on ultrasound scan or CT (computed tomography) scan when available were noted. The subsequent progress was documented with and without treatment for at least 6 months. RESULTS: 61 cases of hydrocephalus were seen for surgical opinion. The age ranged from 4 weeks to 56 years. The commonest age group affected was in the first year of life (61% of cases). There were 34 cases (56%) of congenital hydrocephalus followed by 19 (31%) post meningitis and 8 (13%) due to tumour. There was only one case of myelomeningocele with concomitant hydrocephalus. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts were inserted in 24 cases. 3 shunts were bypasses from the posterior horn to the cisterna magna, making a total of 27 shunt operations. 9 shunts were performed for post-meningitic hydrocephalus, 15 for congenital stenosis and 3 for a posterior fossa tumour. 24 out of the 27 shunt operations were in children aged <9 months. Post-VP-shunt infection of 2 cases reported within 6 weeks of operation gave an infection rate of 7%. There was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in 2 cases with Pundez-type shunts. There were 2 shunt blocks needing revision. CONCLUSION: Shunt operations can be done in PMGH with good outcomes. The decision-making about surgery can be made on the basis of the enlarging head and the ultrasound findings.

Trends in traumatic brain injury outcomes in Port Moresby General Hospital from January 2003 to December 2004

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been responsible for 25-30% of surgical deaths in Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) over the last 30 years despite being responsible for only 5% of the admissions. AIM: To document the epidemiology of TBI over a period of two years from 2003 to 2004 and compare this to the previous two decades in PMGH and elsewhere. The treatment and outcome of TBI cases are analyzed. METHODS: All TBI cases were included from January 2003 to December 2004. The Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) were documented at admission and discharge. These cases were followed up in the outpatient department for at least 6 months. RESULTS: There were 262 cases of TBI admitted between January 2003 and December 2004. There were 31 deaths during this period. 28 deaths were in the severe TBI category (GCS 3-8) and 3 in the moderate category (GCS 9-12). CONCLUSION: The case fatality rate of severe TBI has been reduced from 60% to just below 30% over the period of 2 years. The formation of a single unit managing TBI over two years may be one factor contributing to this improvement. Interpersonal violence has replaced motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death from TBI.

Open depressed and penetrating skull fractures in Port Moresby General Hospital from 2003 to 2005

BACKGROUND: Open wounds to the head with skull bone depression pose the potential for serious injuries to the brain parenchyma and an increased risk of infection. The treatment of these injuries aims to repair the breached dura as well as remove any nidus for infection. Open wounds to the head due to bullets pose special problems and have a high fatality rate. AIM: To review the presentation, management and outcome of depressed and penetrating open fractures of the skull in Port Moresby. METHOD: All cases seen from 2003 to 2005 were included. All were managed without a CT (computed tomography) scan. Their Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was documented on discharge. RESULTS: There were 340 traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases over a period of 3 years between 2003 and 2005 managed by the Neurosurgery Unit of Port Moresby General Hospital. The open depressed and penetrating skull fractures seen in these cases numbered 46 (14%), of which 42 were males and 4 females. The weapons most commonly used were blunt objects (16), knives (11), guns (6) and axes (4). Gunshots contributed to 4 of the 7 deaths. 4 out of the 7 deaths were due to primary brain injury and 3 were due to infection. CONCLUSION: Open depressed fractures and penetrating injuries form a small but significant group in the management of head injuries. The use of blunt objects, firearms and arrows coupled with increasing urban violence is responsible for most of these injuries. The outcome of patients admitted who are fully conscious is expected to be good. They can be managed by prompt debridement of the wound, elevation of the fracture and removal of fragments as appropriate. However, the mortality rate is high in those with a Glasgow Coma Score of 8 or less on admission, a finding indicative of the severity of brain injury beneath the wound.