The taxonomy,genetics, production and uses of the cultivated species ofCucurbita

Hundreds of varieties in the five reco?nized species of this ?enus, all native to the Americas, are the sources of the well known pumpkins and squashes, of which about 150,000 tons, fresh wei?ht, in 481/2 million No. 2 cans, is the annual canned pack alone in the United States. The seeds constitute a potential but so far wholly undeveloped source of valuable oil.     

Aesthetic augmentation of the posterior mandible

The posterior mandible begins just behind the mental nerve and second bicuspid bilaterally, extends to the posterior edge of the ramus, and then runs superiorly to the zygomatic arch. Augmentation of the posterior mandible is possible by use of a synthetic implant that is tailored individually to each patient's specific needs. Implant plant thickness varies from 4 to 8 mm, with an average thickness of 6 mm. Careful preoperative planning is done based on an aesthetic assessment of the amount of highlighting desired, thickness of the soft tissues, and the use of life-size photographs and cephalometric and Panorex x-rays. A pattern is cut, and the implant is carved to fit the patient. Insertion of the material after careful tailoring to the individual patient's own mandibular size and configuration requires a generous posterior lower buccal sulcus incision. Antibiotic irrigation and systemic antibiotics are essential, and careful closure in two layers completes the procedure. One implant in the series extruded in a patient who had had radiation therapy, and one patient required repositioning of the implant. Otherwise, in 22 patients there were no infections or permanent morbidity. The procedure seems to be a realistic and safe one for both the youthful and aging face, as demonstrated in patients in this series, with ages varying from 16 to 40 years.     

The role of cytology in the detection of malignant lymphoma of the uterine cervix.

The success of cytologic examination in the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma of the cervix is at present limited. The generally accepted cytologic criteria for the identification of malignant lymphoma may have to be applied with caution when examining material obtained by abrasive technique; the diagnosis should not be entirely excluded, even in the presence of cell aggregates.     

Prevalence and Incidence of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Georgian Healthcare Workers

Background

Tuberculosis is a major occupational hazard in low and middle-income countries. Limited data exist on serial testing of healthcare workers (HCWs) with interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs) for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), especially in low and middle-income countries. We sought to evaluate the rates of and risk factors for LTBI prevalence and LTBI test conversion among HCWs using the tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-tube assay (QFT-GIT).

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among HCWs in the country of Georgia. Subjects completed a questionnaire, and TST and QFT-GIT tests were performed. LTBI testing was repeated 6-26 months after baseline testing.

Results

Among 319 HCWs enrolled, 89% reported prior BCG vaccination, and 60% worked in TB healthcare facilities (HCFs). HCWs from TB HCFs had higher prevalence of positive QFT-GIT and TST than those from non-TB HCFs: 107/194 (55%) vs. 30/125 (31%) QFT-GIT positive (p<0.0001) and 128/189 (69%) vs. 64/119 (54%) TST positive (p = 0.01). There was fair agreement between TST and QFT-GIT (kappa = 0.42, 95% CI 0.31–0.52). In multivariate analysis, frequent contact with TB patients was associated with increased risk of positive QFT-GIT (aOR 3.04, 95% CI 1.79–5.14) but not positive TST. Increasing age was associated with increased risk of positive QFT-GIT (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.09) and TST (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.10). High rates of HCW conversion were seen: the QFT-GIT conversion rate was 22.8/100 person-years, and TST conversion rate was 17.1/100 person-years. In multivariate analysis, female HCWs had decreased risk of TST conversion (aOR 0.05, 95% CI 0.01–0.43), and older HCWs had increased risk of QFT-GIT conversion (aOR 1.07 per year, 95% CI 1.01–1.13).

Conclusion

LTBI prevalence and LTBI test conversion rates were high among Georgian HCWs, especially among those working at TB HCFs. These data highlight the need for increased implementation of TB infection control measures.