Polyurethane foam (Bentley) micropore blood transfusion filter: filtration characteristics

Stored human blood of varying age was passed through polyurethane foam (Bentley) micropore blood transfusion filters. Passage through these filters resulted in decreased screen filtration pressure (SFP) of the blood and increased filter weights. Numerous microaggregates were removed and SFP returned to normal after filtration. Occlusion of the filter occurred after passage of only 2 units of whole blood. On the basis of this research, we conclude that polyurethane foam (Bentley) micropore blood transfusion filters are effective in removal of microaggregates from stored human blood. Because the filtering capacity is not great, it is recommended that when these filters are used during transfusion a new filter be used for each unit of blood administered.     

Jones' fractures and related fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal

At least three fracture types occur in the proximal fifth metatarsal: the Jones' fracture, the proximal diaphysial stress fracture, and the tuberosity avulsion fracture. Each has distinct characteristics. The diaphysial stress fracture is commonly confused with the Jones' fracture, thereby obscuring vital differences in prognosis and treatment. Anatomical and biomechanical characteristics, as well as vascular studies of the proximal portion of the fifth metatarsal, are discussed in an attempt to better understand their diverse healing potentials. Guidelines for treatment are controversial, and must frequently be individualized. Although surgical intervention for certain proximal fifth metatarsal fracture types may speed recovery time, most fractures heal with immobilization. Treatment of displaced, intra-articular fractures, delayed unions, and nonunions usually requires operative methods.     

Structural and biochemical changes in lungs of 3-methylindole-treated rats

This study compared co-amoxiclav, vancomycin and teicoplanin with and without netilmicin or amikacin for treating experimental subcutaneous fibrin-clot infection in rabbits due to a clinical beta-lactamase-positive methicillin- and gentamicin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strain (MGRSE). MICs (mg/L) for this strain were: oxacillin 125, gentamicin 32, vancomycin 4, teicoplanin 8, netilmicin 1, amikacin 4, amoxycillin 64 with clavulanate at 2 mg/L. In rabbits treated with a single-dose i.v. regimen (netilmicin 8 mg/kg, amikacin 20 mg/kg, vancomycin 30 mg/kg, teicoplanin 15 mg/kg, co-amoxiclav 150-30 mg/kg), the bacterial count 24 h post-dose was reduced whatever the combination used (ANOVA, P < or = 0.001). Regimens were statistically classified in decreasing order of efficacy as follows: co-amoxiclav combined with netilmicin > vancomycin either alone or combined with either netilmicin or amikacin, teicoplanin with netilmicin > netilmicin and co-amoxiclav alone > teicoplanin or co-amoxiclav combined with amikacin, and teicoplanin alone > amikacin > no drug. From these findings, it is concluded that: co-amoxiclav could be useful for the treatment of beta-lactamase-positive and methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis infection; some enzyme-resistant aminoglycoside could be considered for treating gentamicin-resistant but netilmicin/amikacin-sensitive S. epidermidis infection; the combination of co-amoxiclav with netilmicin was synergistic and more rapidly bactericidal than vancomycin in this animal model.     

An improved method for detecting passive pills

One of the principal disadvantages of the passive pill as a telemetric method for measuring various physiological parameters has been its resticted range. The reasons for the restricted range with existing detection methods are discussed. An improved method using a locking spectrometer based on third-order phase-sensitive detection is described and its performance is assessed. A significant increase in the usable range of a high sensitivity passive pill is obtained.