Bacteriological study of bivalves from the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica. I. Condition of the mollusk recently collected]

During the first six months of 1970 we collected 16 lots of the bivalve Anadara tuberculosa from two areas within the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica. These were examined bacteriologically and the coliform levels found in all of them were such that they had to be graded as not satisfactory for human consumption, according to generally accepted norms. The source of these coliforms is attributed to the sewage discharge of the city of Puntarenas into its estuary.     

Yellow fever vaccine: Comparison of the neurovirulence of new 17D-204 Stamaril™ seed lots and RK 168-73 strain

The neurovirulence of two new candidate 17D-204 Stamaril? working seed lots and that of two reference preparations were compared. The Stamaril? working seed lots have been used for more than twenty years for the manufacturing of vaccines of acceptable safety and efficacy. The preparation designated RK 168-73 and provided by the Robert Koch Institute was used as a reference. It was confirmed that RK 168-73 strain was not a good virus control in our study because it has a very low neurovirulence regarding both the clinical and histopathological scores in comparison with Stamaril? strain and is not representative of a vaccine known to be satisfactory in use. The results were reinforced by the phenotypic characterization by plaque assay demonstrating that RK 168-73 was very different from the Stamaril? vaccine, and by sequencing results showing 4 mutations between Stamaril? and RK 168-73 viruses leading to amino acid differences in the NS4B and envelop proteins.     

Prediction of the coefficient of variation of carrot embryo length from a germination test

The value of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) germination test in estimating levels of variation in embryo length between carrot seed lots was examined. For the two groups of seed lots used, the coefficient of variation (c.v.) of embryo length ranged from 16 to 50%. The c.v. of embryo length was negatively correlated with the numbers of normal seedlings counted after 7 days of germination at 20°C, r_s= - 0·72 D.F. 12 and - 0·82, D.F. 15 for the two groups of seed lots used. Provided the relationship between these two characters is established for each laboratory, it is likely to be useful in identifying seed lots of potentially low c.v. of embryo length.     

Detection of estrus in cattle housed in stanchions by constant human observation of behavioral traits

Five heifers and five lactating dairy cows were locked in adjacent stanchions and monitored continuously by human observation for 18 consecutive nights from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Total standing and lying time, number of position changes, and prevalence of bellowing was recorded. The animals were housed in stanchions for 20 hours each day and in outside lots for four hours each day. Estrus was synchronized by giving prostaglandins on Days 1 and 11. There were 16 documented estrous periods, and an increase (P < 0.05) in standing time occurred in two of 16. Similarly, an increase (P < 0.05) in number of position changes occurred in two of 16 estrous periods. Mean +/- SE standing time (during the nine-hour nightly observation period) for heifers and cows was 148 +/- 6.8 and 278 +/- 9.6 (P < 0.01) minutes, respectively. The prevalence of bellowing was very low and not always associated with estrus. These results indicate that standing time, number of position changes, and bellowing are rather weak indicators of estrus.     

Resource cost comparison of implant-based breast reconstruction versus TRAM flap breast reconstruction

Relatively little has been published to date comparing the resource costs of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap and prosthetic breast reconstruction. The data that have been published reflect the experience at just one medical center with a previously known clear preference for autologous breast reconstruction. The goal of this study was to compare the resource costs of TRAM flap and prosthetic reconstruction in an institution where both procedures continue to be performed using modern techniques and at a relatively equivalent frequency. All available medical records were reviewed for patients who had completed their breast reconstruction between 1987 and 1997. Records of patients who had undergone TRAM flap or prosthetic reconstruction were reviewed to compare resource costs, including hospital stay, operating room time, anesthesia time, prosthetic devices, and physician's fees. Of 835 patients reviewed who had completed breast reconstruction, a total of 140 suitable patients were identified who had all the necessary financial information available. The patient population comprised 64 patients who received TRAM flaps and 76 patients who had undergone prosthetic reconstruction. The length of stay for the TRAM flap group, including all subsequent admissions for each patient, ranged from 2 to 24 days (mean, 6.25 days), and that for the prosthetic reconstruction group ranged from 0 to 20 days (mean, 4.36 days). Operating room time for the complete multistage reconstructive process for a TRAM flap ranged from 5 hours, 20 minutes to 12 hours, 25 minutes (mean, 7 hours, 34 minutes); with implant-based reconstruction, operating time ranged from 1 hour, 45 minutes to 8 hours, 56 minutes (mean, 4 hours, 6 minutes). With prostheses costing from $600 to $1200, a surgeon's fee of $160/hour, and an assistant's fee of $45/hour, the average cost of TRAM flap reconstructions was $19,607 (range, $11,948 to $49,402), compared with $15,497 for prosthetic reconstructions (range, $6422 to $40,015). The results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Several factors weigh into the decision as to which reconstructive operation best suits the patient's needs. These factors include surgical risk, potential morbidity, and aesthetic results. On the basis of this review of autologous and prosthetic breast reconstruction in an institution where both are performed frequently, during a 10-year period with a mean time elapsed since reconstruction of 7.45 years, prosthetic reconstruction was significantly less expensive.     

Free dorsoulnar perforator flap transfers for the reconstruction of severely injured digits

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of transferring the free dorsoulnar perforator flap nourished by the cutaneous perforator branched dorsoulnar artery to reconstruct severely injured fingers under upper arm anesthesia. Between April of 2001 and April of 2002, 13 free dorsoulnar perforator flaps were used in 13 patients. There were 11 men and two women ranging in age from 18 to 64 years, with an average age of 38 years. The affected fingers were one thumb, four index fingers, five middle fingers, two ring fingers, and one little finger. All cases were performed under upper arm anesthesia combined with intravenous local anesthesia. The operative time ranged from 103 to 140 minutes, with an average time of 120 minutes. The flap size ranged from 1 x 3 to 3 x 4 cm, and was transferred from the same forearm of the injured finger. All donor sites were closed primarily without a skin graft. The aim of reconstruction for fingers was to repair a traumatic defect (five cases), partial necrosis following replantation (two cases), and soft-tissue defects resulting from resection of a scar (three cases) and to revascularize ischemic fingers (three cases). All flaps survived completely. After repair of the flow-through circulation of the common digital artery and ischemic finger, a postoperative angiogram showed the vascular patency and hypervascularity of the reconstructed fingers, and the patients' complaints were reduced. The free dorsoulnar perforator flap under regional anesthesia is first reported; it may become one valuable option as a very small flap for the treatment of repairing intercalated or segmental defects as a flow-through flap for soft-tissue defects and ischemic fingers.     

Growth of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in povi masima, a traditional Pacific island food

AIMS: To obtain preliminary data on the microbiology and hurdles to pathogen growth in the traditional Pacific Island food, povi masima, which is essentially beef brisket cured in brine. METHODS AND RESULTS: Six containers of povi masima were prepared and two were inoculated with five enterotoxigenic strains of Staphyloccocus aureus. The povi masima were divided into two lots each containing two uninoculated control and an inoculated container. Lot 1 was incubated at room temperature (20 degrees C) and lot 2 under refrigeration (4-5 degrees C) for up to 98 days. During storage, samples were removed and tested for aerobic plate count, coagulase-producing Staphylococci, Clostridium perfringens, staphylococcal enterotoxin and various chemical parameters of the food. Coagulase-producing Staphylococci and aerobic plate counts grew to high levels in both the inoculated and uninoculated lots stored at room temperature, but enterotoxin was only detected at one time point in these lots and this may represent a false positive result. The concentration of NaCl in the meat increased with time as concentrations equilibrated, and nitrite was rapidly lost in those lots stored at room temperature. Storage at 4-5 degrees C prevented proliferation of coagulase-producing Staphylococci. CONCLUSIONS: For safe curing and storage, this food should be kept under refrigeration as this prevented growth of staphylococci. Optimum storage would also be achieved with improved attempts to ensure equal distribution of NaCl prior to storage. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Under conditions traditionally used to cure and store this food, enterotoxigenic staphylococci can grow to numbers where toxigenesis might occur, especially during the early stages of curing where the salt has not diffused from the brine into the meat.     

Broth disk elution method for anaerobic bacteria: a collaborative study to assess its reliability for clinical purposes

A collaborative study involving seven laboratories was undertaken to evaluate the reproducibility and the reliability of the broth disk elution test against anaerobic bacteria by comparing with the reference agar dilution method. A two breakpoint broth test was also evaluated. Assays were performed using the same testing conditions (i.e. medium, temperature, atmosphere and incubation time). One hundred Gram-negative and Gram-positive clinical isolates were initially studied. Overall agreement of 98.5% and 97.5%, were found for disk elution and the two breakpoint tests, respectively. In order to assess the reliability of the disk elution test, two different lots (LOT1 and LOT2) of disks of piperacillin and clindamycin were selected, to obtain two final concentrations after dilution (10 and 60 mg/mL; 1 and 4 mg/mL, respectively). Two hundred and eighty assays were performed against one strain of both Bacteroides fragilis(piperacillin MIC, 8.0 mg/mL; clindamycin MIC, <0.5 mg/mL) and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron(piperacillin MIC, 16.0 mg/mL; clindamycin MIC, <0.5 mg/mL). With LOT 1, considering both species and both antibiotics, the agreement among six laboratories ranged from 85% to 100% (P > 0.05) with the higher concentration. Overall agreement among all laboratories was 91%. No optimal agreement (>90%) for clindamycin-Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron using the LOT1 (77%) was found. Since this finding was not observed with LOT2 (100% agreement), discrepancies were attributed to variation between lots. Overall agreement with LOT2 was 100% for all centres. The present study indicates that the broth disk elution method proved to be a reliable and suitable alternative for routine susceptibility testing for anaerobic bacteria, as a resistance screening method for clinical purposes.     

Antibody to Viruses Affecting Cattle in Commercial Tissue Culture Grade Fetal Calf Serum

Commercial fetal calf serum (FCS) for tissue culture use was tested for neutralizing activity against several viruses which affect cattle. Certain lots of FCS contained no neutralizing activity, whereas other lots contained neutralizing activity to several viruses. It was concluded that the neutralizing activity found in certain lots of sera was due to specific antibody and that its presence could be most easily explained by the contamination of the FCS with serum from postcolostral bovine serum. A nonantibody inhibitor to vesicular stomatitis virus was also found at low levels in most lots of serum. Because those sera which had antibody had antibody to several viruses, it was suggested that the use of the micro-serum neutralization test with a few bovine viruses which are widespread in the bovine population should be satisfactory to detect FCS which was contaminated with postcolostral bovine serum.     

Nasal augmentation with split calvarial grafts in Orientals

This study reports on my experience with autogenous split calvarial grafts in nasal augmentation in 62 Orientals. In 78 percent of patients, the procedure was performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Total operating time for harvesting of split calvarial grafts ranged from 20 to 55 minutes, with a mean of 32 minutes. Patients ranged in age from 16 to 48 years, with a mean of 27 years. Follow-up was from 6 months to 8 years, with an average of 3.1 years. Intraoperative discomfort was uniformly low and well tolerated when local anesthesia was used. The complication rate was 8.0 percent, with three cases of minor seroma-hematoma formation at the bone-graft donor site. These were treated with aspiration. There were two recipient-site complications, with one case of complete bone resorption that occurred in a densely fibrotic nose with preexisting septal perforation and a case of overcorrection that was successfully rasped 1 year later. Because of their easy accessibility beneath the scalp, split calvarial grafts to the nose are useful in various types of nasal augmentation, and the technique is offered as a practical alternative to the use of alloplastic materials.     

Unsuitability of laser nephelometer in the evaluation of factor VIII antigen

We developed assays for the measurement of Factor VIII in a Laser Nephelometer and the results were compared with those obtained by conventional immunological methods. Marked discrepancies were obtained using different antisera and only the Dako antiserum lot 42 B yielded satisfactory results. Other antisera used (other lots of Dako antiserum, Behringwerke antiserum and Immunoscientific antiserum) failed to yield satisfactory results. From our data it seems that Laser Nephelometer has no role in the evaluation of Factor VIII complex. Statements to the contrary have to be accepted with great caution.     

On the mechanism of transport of proline in the ciliary body,optic nerve and choroid plexus

An analysis of available data on proline transport in several tissues indicates that a single saturable active transport mechanism, together with a passive process, is not able to account for the data available. Introduction of a parallel transport mechanism which is not saturated below 50 mM, makes it possible to give a reasonably satisfactory account of the available data, from the three tissues, on (1) initial rate of uptake as a function of external concentration and (2) the uptake as a function of time. If the two transport mechanisms occur in two different types of cells, it is possible not only to account for the above two sets of data, but also to account reasonably well for the efflux data. While the model predicts more rapid efflux of tracer into a higher external concentration as found experimentally, an attempt was not made to account quantitatively for all four sets of experiments simultaneously. For the three tissues, the root mean square of the relative error for the 24 data points available from the three different experiments, covering a range of values of concentration of 0.1 to 50 mM, a time range of 0.17 ao 240 minutes, are respectively 5.8, 13 and 9.6%.     

Analysis of the performance of 100% rapid review using an average time of 1 and 2 minutes according to the quality of cervical cytology specimens

E. J. C. Manrique, N. L. A. Souza, S. B. N. Tavares, Z. B. P. Albuquerque, L. C. Zeferino and R. G. Amaral Analysis of the performance of 100% rapid review using an average time of 1 and 2 minutes according to the quality of cervical cytology specimens Objectives: To compare the performance of the 100% rapid review method carried out in a mean time of either 1 or 2 minutes according to cytological final result, and to assess whether the presence of obscuring factors in cervical smear samples affects the frequency of false‐negative results. Methods: A total of 5 235 smears classified as negative (93.0%) or unsatisfactory (2.1%) at routine screening were submitted to 100% rapid review using mean times of 1 and 2 minutes. Results: Of the 5 235 smears submitted to 1‐minute rapid review, 88 were considered suspect and of these, 45 were confirmed as abnormal in the cytological final result. When the time used was 2 minutes, 67 smears were considered suspect, 44 of which were confirmed as abnormal. Sensitivity and specificity were similar in the 1‐ and 2‐minute reviews. In smears in which samples were satisfactory and had no obscuring factors, sensitivity and specificity were 64.2% and 98.9% and 61.5% and 99.5% for the 1‐ and 2‐minute reviews, respectively. In comparison, in smears in which the sample was satisfactory for analysis but partially obscured (50–75%), sensitivity and specificity were 64.7% and 99.9% and 70.6% and 99.8% for the 1‐ and 2‐minute reviews, respectively. Conclusions: The method of rapid review of 100% showed no difference in the detection of false‐negative results using the time of 1 or 2 minutes. The quality of the sample did not influence the detection of false‐negatives.     

In vitro development of bovine embryos as affected by different lots of bovine serum albumin and citrate

The effect of bovine serum albumin (BSA) lots on the development of in vitro-derived bovine embryos in synthetic oviductal fluid was investigated. Citrate concentration was determined for each lot of BSA, and then correlated with differences noted in the ability of BSA lots to support embryo development. Development of bovine embryos to the blastocyst stage was also compared after culture in chemically-defined medium with varying levels of citrate. There were distinct differences in the ability of the different BSA lots to support embryo development to the blastocyst stage (P相似文献   

The reliability and validity of regulating exercise intensity by ratings of perceived exertion in step dance sessions

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of regulating exercise intensity by ratings of perceived exertion in step dance sessions. Ten male college-aged students voluntarily participated in 2 step dance sessions for 45 minutes at 70-80% of their heart rate (HR) reserves with a 1-week interval between sessions. The step dance sessions included the same choreography with 10 minutes of warm-up, 25 minutes of the main part, 5 minutes of calisthenics for legs and abdomen, and 5 minutes of cool-down. In each session, subjects' ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were determined by Borg's 6-20 scale together with HR and lactic acid (LA) levels with 10-minute intervals. Values for RPE, HR, and LA increased nonlinearly in both sessions, and their trends were explained by polynomial equations to the second degree. The RPE values increased throughout each session, whereas HR and LA showed a decrease in the last time interval, which indicated that RPE did not maintain exercise intensity at proper range. Reliability coefficients for RPE scores in the first and last session ranged from 0.602 to 0.684. These findings suggest that RPE was a reliable but not a valid method for regulating exercise intensity in step dance sessions.     

Tissue and plasma levels of endothelin in free flaps

The goal of the study was to assess whether endothelin-1 levels are increased in tissue and plasma in free flaps. To assess this hypothesis, blood samples were taken from the general circulation before and after reperfusion and from the flap after reperfusion in 20 patients undergoing breast reconstruction with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous or deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps. Tissue samples were also taken from the flap before and after the period of ischemia. Peripheral blood samples of 10 ml each were taken before the vessels were clamped and at 10 minutes and 1 hour after the flap was recharged. The flap vein was catheterized with a smooth catheter to avoid endothelial trauma, and ischemic blood from the flap was obtained immediately after the artery was unclamped and 10 minutes later. Two skin samples of 2 cm each were taken: one after dissection of the flap before division of the vessels and one after reanastomosis of the veins (one or two veins). Statistical analyses were performed with the (nonparametric) Wilcoxon signed rank test. Flap ischemia time, from vessel division to the completion of the arterial anastomosis, ranged from 35 to 120 minutes (mean, 48 minutes). The plasma endothelin-1 level extracted from the flap was 4.34 +/- 0.85 pg/ml, significantly higher than baseline, 3.87 +/- 0.81 pg/ml (p < 0.0001). There was a small increase, 4.5 +/- 1.03 pg/ml (p = NS), 10 minutes after reperfusion. The peripheral level after venous anastomosis was 3.78 +/- 0.79 pg/ml, not significantly different from the peripheral plasma level, before the flap was raised. The peripheral plasma level 1 hour after reperfusion was 3.83 +/- 0.8 pg/ml, with no difference from baseline. The tissue level of endothelin-1 before clamping was 3.8 +/- 0.8 pg/mg and in postischemic tissue, 5.2 +/- 0.6 pg/mg, a statistically significant increase. The authors concluded that endothelin-1 levels are elevated in free flaps. This could be an explanation for vasospasm and may lead to therapy directed against the no-reflow phenomenon.     

常用消毒剂对布鲁氏菌疫苗株的灭菌效果评估

[背景]布鲁氏菌是一种重要的人畜共患胞内寄生菌,是引起动物和人发生布鲁氏菌病(布病)的病原体.高效消毒剂杀灭环境中的布鲁氏菌是防控布病的关键措施.[目的]评价市面上常用消毒剂对布鲁氏菌的灭菌效果及差异.[方法]选用市面上9种不同类型的常用消毒剂,以高、中、低3种不同使用浓度分别研究其对牛种、羊种和猪种布鲁氏菌的杀灭效果...     

Recent experience with heart transplantation.

The major factors contributing to the recommencement of clinical heart transplantation in the United Kingdom last year were the steadily improving results from Stanford University, the clarification of the diagnosis of brain death, and advances in preserving donor hearts. Twelve men aged 16 to 52 years received heart transplants at Papworth Hospital from January 1979 to July 1980. Six had cardiomyopathies and six ischaemic heart disease. The donors were aged 16 to 35 (mean 21) years. A combination of road and air transport was used to transport the heart to Papworth in seven cases. The total donor heart ischaemic time ranged from 108 to 171 minutes (mean 151), and early graft function was satisfactory in all cases. Postoperative management was directed towards preventing rejection and infection. Equine antihuman thymocyte globulin, prednisolone, and azathioprine were used for immunosuppression. Endomyocardial biopsy was performed every 10 to 14 days during the early postoperative period. There were three deaths: one at 17 days from brain damage and two at 59 and 76 days from rejection. Of the remaining nine patients six left hospital and three returned to work. The number of patients who might benefit from heart transplantation is large, but the cost is high. The cost would fall if an effective non-toxic immunosuppressive agent were developed. Meanwhile, a careful evaluation of the benefits of heart transplantation should continue.     

俯卧位后外侧入路联合内侧切口治疗三踝骨折35 例的临床疗效评价

目的:探讨在俯卧体位下采用后外侧入路联合内侧切口治疗三踝骨折方法的临床疗效及安全性。方法:选择2014年1月~2015年1月在我院治疗并由同一治疗组医生采用俯卧体位下治疗的三踝骨折患者35例,治疗外踝骨折时将钢板置于腓骨后侧或外侧,使用钢板或螺钉对后踝骨折进行固定,2枚拉力螺钉固定内踝。观察术后切口及骨折愈合、踝关节功能恢复情况。术后定期随访,采用AOFAS踝-后足评分标准对踝关节功能进行评价。结果:手术时长50~142 min,平均90 min,1例患者内侧切口出现局部红肿,抬高患肢及定期换药后局部红肿好转,未出现明显切口感染征象。2例病人术后出现足背部麻木,分别在术后6周、9周时消失。随访时间6~18月,平均随访15个月。术后3月X线显示所有病人骨折线模糊,骨痂生长良好,按美国足踝外科协会踝-后足评分系统评分:优28例,良5例,可2例,优良率94.29%。结论:在俯卧体位下采用后外侧切口治疗三踝骨折可一次性复位、固定后踝和外踝骨折,联合内侧切口可在一个体位下完成三踝骨折的手术,缩短手术时间,对软组织破坏少,骨折可获得解剖复位,术后踝关节功能恢复佳,可降低因反复翻身而污染术野的概率。     

Variation in Plating Efficiency of Salmonellae on Eight Lots of Brilliant Green Agar

The plating efficiency of Salmonella anatum, S. cubana, S. dublin, S. tennessee, and S. typhimurium was determined for eight lots of Brilliant Green Agar made by two manufacturers. Washed cells were used as the inoculum and cultures were incubated at 41.5 C. All lots of Brilliant Green Agar were supplemented with 12 mg of sulfadiazine per 100 ml of medium. Of the eight lots of Brilliant Green Agar tested, average recovery of the test salmonellae in three did not differ from recoveries with Trypticase Soy Agar, which was used as a control to indicate the number of viable salmonellae in the test suspension capable of growth on a nonselective medium. Two lots of Brilliant Green Agar gave salmonellae recoveries with geometric means about 25% lower than, and significantly different from, those of the control agar. The remaining three lots of Brilliant Green Agar were generally unproductive.