liferative glomerulonephritis, two had total kidney infarction, and one had severe interstitial nephritis with, on biopsy, what appeared to be severe tubular compression. The remaining patient had a combination of extensive tubular blockage due to myeloma protein and glomerulonephritis.The possible mechanisms underlying the development of these various nephrographic patterns have been recently reviewed (Fry and Cattell, 1972). Space precludes any further discussion of these at this time. It must, however, be reemphasized that the diagnostic value of the nephrographic pattern relates to the changes in density observed with time. Precise measurement of absolute density is difficult, depending as it does on many independent variable factors. In general, doubtful changes in density should be ignored and only unequivocal changes recorded. On no account should a diagnosis be attempted when the urographic technique has resulted in unsatisfactory radiographs.Though based on relatively small numbers of cases these observations confirm that distinctive nephrographic patterns are observed in patients with acute renal failure. They also indicate that more extensive observations are required both to assess more fully the diagnostic value of the nephrographic pattern and to define more clearly the mechanisms underlying the development of the different patterns.We would like to record our appreciation of the work of the radiographers responsible for these examinations, especially Miss Jill Baldock, Miss Anne Casey, and Miss Jane Cooper who were the superintendent radiographers. We would also like to thank Mrs. Sylvia Welsh for her invaluable help throughout the study.

The glucose concentration in unstimulated mixed saliva and serum was assayed and correlated with oral candidal colonization in 41 diabetics and 34 healthy control subjects. In diabetic patients, salivary glucose concentration was significantly higher than in the controls and was directly related to blood glucose concentration. Although the difference in the frequency and quantity of oral candidal isolation failed to reach significance between the two groups, diabetic patients who carried Candida intraorally had significantly higher salivary glucose concentrations than those in whom Candida could not be isolated.

The effect of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate on in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans to buccal epithelial cells (BEC) was studied in 12 healthy subjects and 12 patients with diabetes mellitus. Exposure of BEC for one minute with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate in vitro, or by rinsing the mouth in vivo, resulted in a significant reduction in candidal adhesion to BEC in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects and between both groups. In addition to the known fungicidal effect of chlorhexidine, it also reduces Candida albicans adhesion to oral mucosal cells, a factor of importance in the establishment of candidal infection.

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