ABSTRACT
Cold stimulation of the oropharyngeal mucosa, including the faucial pillar region, is used a specific technique for the treatment of swallowing disorders. The physiological mechanisms underpinning this clinical technique are unclear. Thermal (cold), chemical (saline, glucose and water), mechanical (light touch) and feigned stimulation of the faucial pillar were assessed for their effects on the latency to swallow and the repetitive frequency of swallowing. There was no significant difference between these variables following light stimulation of the faucial pillar with a metal probe warmed to body temperature compared with feigned stimulation. However, cold touch stimulation evoked a significant increase in swallowing latency and repetitive frequency compared to feigned stimulation. The results suggest the existence of thermo-sensitive receptors in the faucial pillars that evoke swallowing when stimulated by cold touch. The clinical and physiological importance of these findings are discussed.
Subject(s)
Deglutition , Pharynx , Touch , Adult , Deglutition Disorders/therapy , Female , HumansABSTRACT
This article reviews the role chloroform has played in dentistry and describes an occupational health clinical investigation into the possible hazards of chloroform use in the operatory. Due to a Food and Drug Administration ban on drugs and cosmetics containing chloroform, there has been some confusion as to whether the use of chloroform in the practice of dentistry is considered unsafe or has been prohibited. Utilizing common endodontic treatment methods employing chloroform, this study reports no negative health effects to the dentist or assistant and air vapor levels well below Occupational Health and Safety Administration mandated maximum levels. The report concludes that, with careful and controlled use, chloroform can be a useful adjunct in the practice of dentistry. The Food and Drug Administration has no jurisdiction over a dentist's use of chloroform in clinical practice and has not proven that chloroform is a human carcinogen.
Subject(s)
Chloroform/therapeutic use , Dentists , Occupational Exposure , Root Canal Filling Materials/chemistry , Air Pollutants, Occupational , Air Pollution, Indoor , Humans , Maximum Allowable Concentration , United States , United States Food and Drug Administration , United States Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationABSTRACT
Fifteen rabbits were used to assess peritoneal healing and adhesion formation after suturing and stapling peritoneal edges or excising, cauterizing and abrading areas of peritoneum. Two weeks after peritoneal injury, the amount of adhesions formation was noted. Resection of peritoneal tissue with natural rehealing was preferable to reapproximation of free peritoneal edges with either staples or sutures.
