Virulence and viability of Yersinia pestis 25 years after lyophilization

When equal volumes of 6% lactose and a broth culture of Yersinia pestis were mixed before freezing, approximately 50% of the cells survived lyophilization and reconstitution on the following day. Concomitantly, the number of viable cells per 50% lethal dose increased from about 16 to 125 organisms. On subsequent storage of the lyophilized cells under vacuum in glass ampoules at 4 degrees C for 25 years, more than 25% of the cells remained viable. When stored cultures were assayed immediately after reconstitution, virulence for mice was significantly reduced (as many as 4,000 cells/50% lethal dose), but the virulence was fully restored when reconstituted cultures were held for 24 h at room temperature, or when a subculture was prepared in fresh medium.     

Detachment of the continent ileostomy poucn from the anterior abdominal wall: report of two unusual cases

The cases of two patients with continent ileostomies are presented. These illustrate the problems encountered with detachment of the pouch from the abdominal wall resulting in angulation of the efferent loop of the pouch in relation to the nipple valve and difficulty intubating the pouch. Both patients required operative correction of the separation. Several suggestions are made in order to prevent or decrease the incidence of the complications. Removal of a peritoneal strip around the efferent loop of the pouch appears to facilitate adequate fixation of the pouch to the anterior abdominal wall.     

Monoamine oxidase in schizophrenia: an overview

A brief history and summary of studies designed to elucidate the role of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in schizophrenia are presented. The majority of these studies have reported a decrease in the platelet enzyme activity of chronic schizophrenic patients when compared to controls. Difficulties encountered when comparing MAO activity measured in different patient populations are also considered. Finally, the significance of decreased platelet MAO activity is discussed with respect to its possible etiological role in some forms of schizophrenia.     

High-volume aspiration as a supplemental scavenging method for reducing ambient nitrous oxide levels in the operatory: a laboratory study

Occupational exposure to low levels of nitrous oxide (N2O) have been associated with adverse health effects. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has established a threshold guideline of 25 ppm N2O. The purpose of this laboratory study was to determine the effectiveness of a high-volume dental aspirator as a supplemental device to reduce ambient N2O levels in the operatory. The investigation evaluated four experimental groups that were assigned based on whether or not the aspirator was used and on the rate at which operatory ventilation was established (5 or 10 room air exchanges per hour). Ambient N2O levels were monitored at 30 cm from the nasal hood using an infrared spectrophotometer. The room air exchange rate was measured with a flow hood and then manipulated to the desired ventilation rate. N2O levels were detected with a spectrophotometer and data were recorded with a microprocessor that continuously collected data. The results demonstrated that both utilization of supplemental oral aspiration and increased operatory ventilation significantly reduced ambient N2O levels. It was concluded that a high-volume aspirator, when used in conjunction with the normal scavenging system, can significantly reduce ambient N2O levels to within the guidelines established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.     

New technique for lesser saphenous vein harvesting

A new technique using the Thompson self-retaining retractor system (Thompson Surgical Instruments, Inc, Traverse City, MI) to harvest lesser saphenous veins is presented. This modification, used in 10 patients undergoing redo myocardial revascularization, provided a rapid, comfortable, and convenient method for harvesting lesser saphenous veins.