Presence Of Crusts Research Articles

Therapeutic Management of Primary Atrophic Rhinitis (Ozene): About 4 Cases.

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics and therapeutic means of primary atrophic rhinitis. Method: We present 4 cases of atrophic rhinitis caused by Klebsiella ozaenae observed in our hospital over a period of 5 years. Results: All patients presented the clinical triad: mucosal atrophy, presence of crusts, and cacosmia. Treatment was medical in 3 patients and surgical in 1 patient. We used rifampicin and sulfamethoxazole as antibiotics as well as trimethoprim for a period of 4 months. The surgical treatment consisted of recalibration of the nasal cavities by placing 2 silicone sticks in the subperiosteum. The evolution was marked by obstruction and cacosmia in 3 out of 4 patients. Conclusion: The treatment of primary atrophic rhinitis poses a problem for the clinician in terms of means and therapeutic effectiveness given that it is a chronic pathology requiring regular monitoring.

Difficult glottis: Diagnostic dilemma in viewof the clinical presentation.

<br><b>Introduction:</b> The taxonomy of vocal fold lesions has been refined, and it serves as a common descriptive language for diagnosis, treatment algorithms, and reporting of outcomes. However, we observe rare cases when numerous pathologies overlap, resulting in an unclear and complicated clinical presentation of the glottis.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> The aim of this paper is to present cases of overlapping etiopathological factors which poses a challenge when making a diagnosis and referring a patient for adequate treatment.</br> <br><b>Material and method:</b> The study presents different photographs of the glottis, including some unique and unusual images in which overlapping pathologies were captured. The photographs are accompanied by case descriptions, comments, and pathological analyses.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> Four selected photographs showed a bunch of exophytic growth lesions with foci of whitish plaques, covered by yellowish crusts, with thinned, reddened vocal folds presenting foci of leukoplakia. The study discussed possible causes of vocal folds edema, diffuse erythema, presence of crusts or exudate, whitish debris/plaques or development of leukoplakia, non-neoplastic ulceration, as well as injected and reddened mucous membrane. Chronic infectious laryngitis, idiopathic ulcerative laryngitis, and drug-induced laryngitis were also mentioned. The study also raised the issues concerning diabetics and patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids, including candidiasis and primary aspergillosis of the larynx.</br> <br><b>Conclusions:</b> To conclude, everyday clinical practice involves encountering cases of unclear onset and course, with complicated presentation of the glottis. Therefore, comprehensive history-taking and thorough investigation of systemic causes are of immense importance. Recommended management includes conducting the most meticulous differential diagnosis, implementing treatment for the most likely cause, and, whenever possible, refraining from biopsy in order to avoid permanent damage to vocal cords.</br&gt.

Comparing video examinations with physical clinical examinations using finishing pigs with umbilical outpouchings as a model

BackgroundVeterinary telemedicine has only been adopted to some degree. One aspect that needs to be evaluated is clinical examinations using video. The objective of this study was to evaluate agreement between a traditional physical clinical examination and a clinical examination using recorded video using finishing pigs with umbilical outpouchings (umbilical hernias, cysts, and abscesses) as the study unit. A total of 102 finisher pigs with umbilical outpouchings were clinically examined and recorded on video. Four experienced pig veterinarians were allowed to examine each pig for approximately 10 min and were individually asked to fill out a predesigned clinical record. Approximately 1 month after the physical examinations, the veterinarians individually reexamined all 102 pigs in a blinded manner, utilizing the video recordings and filling in a predesigned clinical record.ResultsFor all measurements using a ruler, a high Pearson correlation coefficient was observed between physical and video examinations (range 0.69–0.95). In comparison, the visual bodyweight estimation had a lower Pearson correlation coefficient (range 0.57–0.64). Substantial to almost perfect agreement was observed between the physical and video examinations for abnormal weight distribution on any leg, restricted gait movements, lameness, signs of pain, fitness for transportation, presence of wounds, and categorization of the number of wounds > 4 cm2 on the umbilical outpouching (mean Kappa range 0.67–0.87). Fair agreement was observed for the presence of perineal soiling, ear wounds, pendulation of umbilical outpouching, umbilical outpouching touching the legs, skin not movable over the umbilical outpouching, and umbilical outpouching wound characteristics: type, presence of crusts, active bleeding, thick wound edges, connective tissue (mean Kappa range 0.21–0.40). Slight agreement was observed for umbilical outpouching characteristics: shape, macroscopic vascularization of the skin covering the outpouching, and the presence of scars, excoriations, and fistulas (mean Kappa range 0.10–0.20). Poor agreement was observed for the presence of granulation tissue (mean Kappa = − 0.05).ConclusionsThe agreement between a physical clinical examination and a clinical examination using recorded video of the same pig varies from poor to almost perfect, depending on the clinical sign and the executing veterinarian.

POSTOPERATIVE ASPECTS OF SEPTOPLASTY WITH AND WITHOUT THE USE OF A NASAL SPLINT

Septoplasty surgery is one of the most common procedures in the field of facial surgery. Although the rate of postoperative complications for this procedure is quite low, they can occur. To reduce the rate of these possible complications, several techniques were incorporated into the septoplasty procedure, including nasal packing, transseptal suture, nasal splint, among others. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of using a nasal splint on postoperative comfort and nasal aspects. For this purpose, patients with indication for septoplasty surgery who met the inclusion criteria were selected. Half of the patients were randomly allocated to use a nasal splint, and the other half did not. Postoperatively, nasal aspects (mucosal edema, secretion aspect, bleeding, synechiae, presence of crusts) and patient comfort were evaluated by means of a questionnaire based on the adapted NOSE scale and pain assessment.

Boolean and fuzzy methods for identifying lateritic regoliths in the Brazilian Amazon using gamma-ray spectrometric and topographic data

Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry is relatively well understood when associated with rocks, but the response and radioelement distribution in weathered materials is less known. This work used airborne gamma-ray spectrometry and altimetry to identify domains with higher probability of occurrence of lateritic crust and dismantling products in an area located in the west of the Brazilian Amazon. Map algebra was used through the Boolean and fuzzy techniques to create predictability digital models highlighting favorable areas for the occurrence of lateritic crusts. The Index Overlay Method was used in the Boolean technique. The fuzzy technique used the fuzzy algebraic product operator, fuzzy algebraic sum operator, and fuzzy gamma operator. Both models showed good correlation between the favorability predicted and the presence of crusts in the field, however, the fuzzy model showed higher correlation and highlighted areas not identified by the Boolean model. In contrast, the Boolean model allowed the visualization of the areas related to the influence of each variable or its possible combinations individually on the final map. Thus, the identification of lateritic crusts based on mathematic models applied to altimetric and airborne gamma-ray spectrometric data is a new tool that will contribute significantly to geological mapping and to the understanding related to the response and radioelement distribution in weathered materials.

A Cross-Sectional, Clinico-Mycological Research Study of Prevalence, Aetiology, Speciation and Sensitivity of Superficial Fungal Infection in Indian Patients

Introduction: Skin is a mechanically protective layer as well as cosmetically significant anatomical structure. The superficial cutaneous fungal infections involve its outer most covering including appendages like hair and nails. This the most common causes of skin disease in many tropical countries. Objectives: To study the prevalence, aetiology, speciation and sensitivity of superficial fungal infections. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 clinically diagnosed cases of Superficial Fungal Infection attending the Dermatology OPD for a period of 6 months. Detailed history was taken in relation to age, sex, duration of illness, personal history, recurrent infections etc. Clinical examination of lesion included number, types of lesions, scaling, presence of crusts or pustules, scarring, black dot appearances, hair lusture etc. Samples like skin scrapings, hair stubs, nail clippings and pus were collected for KOH study and fungal culture. Results: Dermatophyte infection mostly Tinea corporis is found to be more in male in 20-30 years age group of population. Covered part of the body is affected more and commonly hygiene plays a major part of its occurrence. KOH positivity is found in 68% and culture positivity in 88.2% of the clinically diagnosed cases with Trichophyton species as the commonest. Fluconazole and Clotrimazole found to be highly sensitive ; Ketoconazole fount to be partially sensitive with 65% . Conclusion: Dermatophytes were the commonest mycological isolate with Trichophyton rubrum as the common infecting species. Young male preponderance with involvement of covered areas of the body of both skilled and unskilled workers. This can be prevented by a meticulous personal hygiene. Fluconazole and Clotrimazole found to be highly sensitive.

The effects on pain and activity of daily living caused by crusted exudation in patients with head and neck cancer treated with cetuximab and radiotherapy

To date, the specific role of "in-field" crusting exudation on pain and on activity of daily living (ADL) in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) patients undergoing treatment with cetuximab and radiochemotherapy has been neglected. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of crusting exudation on the severity of pain and ADL METHODS: Thirty-seven of the 45 HNSCC patients enrolled in the alternating radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and cetuximab trial were evaluated in this study. The main radiodermatitis signs (the intensity of erythema, the extension of dry, and moist desquamation and of necrosis)--including crusting exudation severity--pain, ADL, and radiodermatitis scores were registered at least weekly during and after treatment. The correlation between crusting exudation and pain or ADL was evaluated. The "in-field" crusting exudation score seemed to have the strongest correlation with pain (Spearman's rho = 0.897; p < 0.001) and the most intense influence on it (Co-B = 0.715; 95% C.I. = 0.643-0.787). However, it seemed to have a weaker correlation with ADL than the other clinical radiodermatitis signs. Crusts have the strongest correlation with pain in patients with Cetuximab-related radiation dermatitis. Moreover, the presence of crusts can lead operators to misclassify dermatitis as score 4, causing unnecessary delays or interruptions in treatment.

Queilite actínica: avaliação comparativa estética e funcional entre as vermelhectomias clássica e em W-plastia

Chronic actinic cheilitis is actinic keratosis located on the vermilion border. Treatment is essential because of the potential for malignant transformation. To evaluate the aesthetic and functional results of vermilionectomy using the classic and W-plasty techniques in actinic cheilitis. In the classic technique, the scar is linear and in the W-plasty one, it is a broken line. 32 patients with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of actinic cheilitis were treated. Out of the 32 patients, 15 underwent the W-plasty technique and 17 underwent the classic one. We evaluated parameters such as scar retraction and functional changes. A statistically significant association between the technique used and scar retraction was found, which was positive when using the classic technique (p = 0.01 with Yates' correction). The odds ratio was calculated at 11.25, i.e., there was a greater chance of retraction in patients undergoing the classic technique. Both techniques revealed no functional changes. We evaluated postoperative complications such as the presence of crusts, dry lips, paresthesia, and suture dehiscence. There was no statistically significant association between complications and the technique used (p = 0.69). We concluded that vermilionectomy using the W-plasty technique shows better cosmetic results and similar complication rates.

Impact of biological soil crusts and desert plants on soil microfaunal community composition

Carbon and nitrogen are supplied by a variety of sources in the desert food web; both vascular and non-vascular plants and cyanobacteria supply carbon, and cyanobacteria and plant-associated rhizosphere bacteria are sources of biological nitrogen fixation. The objective of this study was to compare the relative influence of vascular plants and biological soil crusts on desert soil nematode and protozoan abundance and community composition. In the first experiment, biological soil crusts were removed by physical trampling. Treatments with crust removed had fewer nematodes and a greater relative ratio of bacterivores to microphytophages than treatments with intact crust. However, protozoa composition was similar with or without the presence of crusts. In a second experiment, nematode community composition was characterized along a spatial gradient away from stems of grasses or shrubs. Although nematodes generally occurred in increasing abundance nearer to plant stems, some genera (such as the enrichment-type Panagrolaimus) increased disproportionately more than others (such as the stress-tolerant Acromoldavicus). We propose that the impact of biological soil crusts and desert plants on soil microfauna, as reflected in the community composition of microbivorous nematodes, is a combination of carbon input, microclimate amelioration, and altered soil hydrology.

Biological Soil Crusts of Sand Dunes in Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts, USA

Biological soil crusts cover hundreds of hectares of sand dunes at the northern tip of Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts, USA). Although the presence of crusts in this habitat has long been recognized, neither the organisms nor their ecological roles have been described. In this study, we report on the microbial community composition of crusts from this region and describe several of their physical and chemical attributes that bear on their environmental role. Microscopic and molecular analyses revealed that eukaryotic green algae belonging to the genera Klebsormidium or Geminella formed the bulk of the material sampled. Phylogenetic reconstruction of partial 16S rDNA sequences obtained from denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprints also revealed the presence of bacterial populations related to the subclass of the Proteobacteria, the newly described phylum Geothrix/ Holophaga/ Acidobacterium, the Cytophaga/ Flavobacterium/ Bacteroides group, and spirochetes. The presence of these crusts had significant effects on the hydric properties and nutrient status of the natural substrate. Although biological soil crusts are known to occur in dune environments around the world, this study enhances our knowledge of their geographic distribution and suggests a potential ecological role for crust communities in this landscape.

Feline acne and results of treatment with mupirocin in an open clinical trial: 25 cases (1994–96)

Clinical and diagnostic parameters, and response to topical mupirocin in 25 cats with feline acne are described. The chin was the most common area affected, but the lower lip, upper lip and the commissure of the lips also frequently had lesions. The most common clinical sign was the presence of crusts, followed by comedones, erythema, alopecia, pruritus and nodules/fistulas. Deep skin scrapings for ectoparasites, cytological examination of superficial skin scrapings, and fungal cultures from the chin were performed on all cats. Dermatophytes were cultured from two cats and Malassezia pachydermatis was cultured (n = 2), seen on cytology smears (n = 1), or noted on histopathology (n = 1). Skin biopsies were obtained from three of the cats and most commonly showed dilatation of sebaceous gland ducts, neutrophilic or pyogranulomatous infiltration of the sebaceous glands, and pyogranulomatous inflammation of the dermis. All cats were treated with topical 2% mupirocin ointment twice daily for 3 weeks as the sole treatment. Treatment response was excellent in 15 cats and good in nine cats. One cat had a contact reaction to the mupirocin, necessitating stopping treatment. The response to treatment of the six cats with dermatophyte or years involvement was good (n = 3) or excellent (n = 3).

Results of a stratified snow emissivity model based on the wave approach: Application to the Antarctic ice sheet

The results from a snow emissivity model are used to help with the interpretation of the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer data (aboard the satellite Nimbus 7, 1978–1986) over Antarctica. The model is based on the solution of Maxwell's equations through strong fluctuation theory (Stogryn, 1986). The snow is considered isothermal with horizontal stratification, isotropic inside each stratum, and with smooth interfaces. To wipe out the interference pattern created by plane stratification and in order to take into account the spatial variability of the snow characteristics, the final result is a mean value of many computations done with many stratigraphies randomly distributed around a mean profile. The spatial distribution of the microwave signatures over Antarctica reveals three areas with typical spectral signatures. These areas are identified from the point of view of snow characteristics through a ground data set (Surdyk and FiIy, 1993). The model reproduces well the effect of the stratification on the polarization differences as observed. The strong gradient of emissivity versus frequency observed on one of the test sites is not completely understood. Depth hoar layers characterized by faceted and cup‐shaped, coarse snow grains seem to have a particular scattering behavior compared with that of the usual grains. When those coarse grains are replaced by fine grains, the model results are closer to the measured data. The presence of crusts, the roughness at the snow‐ice interfaces, and crystal orientation may also have significant effects.

Forms and deposits of the continental quaternary of the Saharan margin of Eastern Maghreb (tentative synthesis)

The Saharan margin of Eastern Maghreb extends from Aurès in the West to the Gulf of Gabès in the East. The Plio-Quaternary boundary is very complex in the West where it is characterized by the persistence of Tertiary sedimentation with the development of ablation forms, presence of crusts and the formation of a lacustrine system. This is followed by the development of accumulation forms during the Middle Pleistocene and mostly during the Upper Pleistocene to Holocene with contemporaneous diminution in the granulometry of the deposits. The evolution of gypcretes at the expense of calcretes crust suffered a partial reverse during the Middle Pleistocene. At this time a lacustrine phase settled down in the Algero-Tunisian Chotts (sebkhas). The end of the Middle-Pleistocene corresponded with a major climatic break with the disappearance of the calcretes. By the end of the Upper Pleistocene, the gypcretes attained their maximum development and latter disappeared during the Holocene.