Actinomycosis is a rare disorder caused by an anaerobic gram-positive bacillus (Actinomyces), predominantly by the Actinomyces israelii species. Only 20% of cases show an abdominal manifestation, the appendix and ileocecal valve being the most frequent locations. Definitive diagnosis is based on microbiological cultures, microscopy or macroscopy examination. Nevertheless, histological examination of the percutaneous biopsy and blood microbiological cultures are rarely positives. Preoperative diagnosis is hampered by the lack of specific clinical and imaging manifestations, which often mimic malignancy. The rate of preoperative diagnosis is less than 10%, however, the outcome is excellent, with a low mortality rate. The authors describe the case of a patient who was diagnosed with primary hepatic actinomycosis only by a histological examination of the surgical specimen of left hepatectomy extended to segments V and VIII, for suspected malignant lesion. This case demonstrates the difficulties in diagnosing hepatic actinomycosis.
The aim of this study was to quantify the mineral content removed from primary teeth after using a chemomechanical system, called Papacarie®. Materials: Twenty human primary extracted molars were divided into two groups of 10 specimens each. Group A presented sound molars and Group B decayed molars on the occlusal or occlusal-proximal surface. In Group A, cavities in enamel and dentin with high speed drills were made before treatment. All teeth were treated with Papacárie® following the manufacturer's instructions. Each cavity was filled in with the product, allowing curing for 45 seconds, and then removed with the noncutting edge of the curette. The collected material was sent for laboratory analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique. Medians for each group were calculated through the application of Mann-Whitney and a statistically significant difference (p <0005) was observed. To verify the quantity of calcium removed from sound tissue, the median of calcium in group A (0.08% Ca) was compared with that of the gold standard (0.04% Ca), which showed a close correlation of values between them. Results indicate that the amount of calcium removed with Papacárie® affects only the carious component of teeth. This goes in accordance with the principles of cavity preparation and follows the current philosophy of preventive dentistry.
We previously described an in vitro assay showing that neutrophils (PMNs) from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PARA) have a specific digestive deficiency against suspensions of live Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. We now report that this defect is equally detectable against autoclaved, but not Amphotericin B-killed P. brasiliensis. The use of autoclaved suspensions facilitates the use of our in vitro assay. It might allow the development of an in vitro intradermal test for digestion of fungi. Differential digestive ability of phagocytes against live (or autoclaved) and Amphotericin-B killed fungi is of conceptual interest. It may be relevant in understanding therapeutic effect of Amphotericin B.
Zusammenfassung. Neutrophile Granulozyten aus dem peripheren Blut von Paracoccidioidomykose‐Patienten töteten und bauten Paracoccidioides brasiliensis schlechter ab als solche von Gesunden oder von Patienten mit anderen Krankheiten. Die Abtötungsdefizienz war jedoch weniger spezifisch als die Abbaudefizienz, und die Korrelation beider war gering. Daraus wird geschlossen, daß die Abbau‐und die Abtötungsfähigkeit Neutrophiler für P. brasiliensis nicht streng miteinander verschränkte Vorgänge sind und daß der Hauptmangel der Neutrophilenfunktion bei Paracoccidioidomykose‐Patienten die mangelnde Abbaufähiegkeit für P. brasiliensis ist.
Summary. Peripheral blood neutrophils (PMN) from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis killed and digested Paracoccidioides brasiliensis much less than did PMN from normal individuals or from patients with other diseases. However, deficiency in killing ability was less specific than digestive deficiency and correlated poorly with it. We conclude that the capacities of PMN to digest and kill P. brasiliensis are not intimately related phenomena, and that in paracoccidioidomycosis the key deficiency of neutrophil function is that of digestion of P. brasiliensis.
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