Intracranial abscess secondary to dental infection

We report a case of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.actinomycetemcomitans) bacteraemia and secondary brain abscess in a patient where periodontal disease was implicated as the probable source

C-reactive protein and radiographic findings of lower respiratory tract infection in infants.

AIM: To evaluate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) and radiological evidence of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in infants. METHODS: All patients aged less than 4 years who presented with suspected lower respiratory tract infection, who received a peri-presentation chest radiograph and CRP blood measurement over an 18-mo period were included in the study. Age, gender, source of referral, CRP, white cell count, neutrophil count along with the patients’ symptoms and radiologist’s report were recorded. RESULTS: Three hundred and eleven patients met the inclusion criteria. Abnormal chest radiographs were more common in patients with elevated CRP levels (P < 0.01). Radiologic signs of LRTI were identified in 73.7% of chest radiographs when a patient had a CRP level between 50-99 mg/L. CRP levels were a better predictor of positive chest radiograph findings for those aged greater than I year compared to those 1 year or less. CONCLUSION: CRP may be used in patients with suspected LRTI diagnosis to select those who are likely to have positive findings on chest radiograph, thus reducing unnecessary chest radiographs. Core tip: Abnormal chest radiograph findings are significantly more common in patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Young children are most likely to have abnormal chest radiograph findings if they have all three of the following; a CRP level of 50-99 mg/L, respiratory symptoms and if they are aged greater than 1 year

Towards Eco-Centric Interaction: Urban Playful Interventions in the Anthropocene

The twin crises of nature and climate is supported by overwhelming scientific evidence and increasing public concern about long-term and potentially irreversible consequences of the Anthropocene. People and wildlife living today, as well as future generations, are at risk unless urgent action is taken to reverse the loss of plants, insects and other creatures on which we depend for food, clean water, and a stable climate. As urban dwellings become the main concentration of citizens, we thought of addressing these issues through a series of urban interventions aiming at educating and enhancing the user\u2019s biodiversity and sustainability awareness through play and reflection. We provide a list of preliminary insights, discussed, and shared trying to frame how these new interventions can contribute to a panorama where playful interactions in smart cities can inspire sustainable and respectful attitudes towards nature. We conclude with a constructive conversation about playful urban approaches aimed at understanding how the interaction process could be re-centered to promote environmental protection and ecological consciousness on the part of technology users. Our case studies strive to reconcile concepts and theories, about ecological computing, more than human design, biodiversity actions and nature awareness and conservation in urban settings, for the design of urban playful and enjoyable systems that promote environmental protection and ecological consciousness on the part of technology users