Treatment of pulmonary embolism with streptokinase. A preliminary report

Nine patients with arteriographically proved pulmonary embolism have been treated by a 36-hour infusion of streptokinase. Satisfactory haemodynamic and arteriographic resolution was obtained in four patients with acute massive pulmonary embolism and in two with recent minor embolism. Little or no haemodynamic or arteriographic improvement was obtained in three patients with pulmonary thromboembolic disease of longer duration.     

Bacterial degradation of aromatic compounds

The bacterial degradation of catechol, 3-methylcatechol, 2,3-dihydroxy-β-phenylpropionic acid, and protocatechuic acid has been studied in detail. From the results obtained a general sequence has been proposed for the microbial oxidation of dihydroxy aromatic compounds.     

Effects of Additives on the Survival of Lactic Streptococci in Frozen Storage

Three single-strain cultures, Streptococcus lactis C₂, S. cremoris R₁, and S. diacetilactis DRC₂, were frozen and stored in skim milk, in skim milk containing apple juice, and in skim milk containing one of the following additives: glycerol (10%, v/v), dimethyl sulfoxide (10%, v/v), l-malic acid (0.5 and 2.0%, w/v), acetamide (0.5 and 2.0%, w/v), or succinimide (0.5 and 2.0%, w/v). Cultures were frozen and stored at -23.3 C, frozen and stored at -196 C in liquid nitrogen, or frozen at -196 C and stored at -23.3 C. Cultures frozen and stored at -196 C in liquid nitrogen gave the greatest recovery of viable cells. The number of cells surviving after storage at -23.3 C was greater when the cells had been frozen in liquid N₂ than when they had been frozen at -23.3 C. All strains stored at -23.3 C showed a decrease in numbers of surviving cells; additives, particularly l-malic acid and apple juice, were advantageous in preserving the viability of the S. lactis C₂ and S. cremoris R₁ strains, but had little or no effect on the survival of S. diacetilactis DRC₂. l-Malic acid and apple juice stimulated acid production for all cultures in activity tests following incubation after thawing, whereas glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide retarded its development.