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Increased collagen degradation around loosened total hip replacement implants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess collagen degradation and its relationship to some of the key collagenolytic proteinases in the aggressive synovial membrane-like interface tissue around aseptically loosened hip replacement implants. METHODS: The medical indication for the primary total hip replacement was osteoarthritis in all study patients. Samples from the study patients were compared with control synovial membranes obtained from trauma (hip fracture) patients. Proteoglycans were extracted with 4M guanidinium chloride. Denatured collagen in the remaining matrix was solubilized with alpha-chymotrypsin. Nonsoluble matrix and supernatant fractions were acid hydrolyzed before measurement of hydroxyproline. The proportion of soluble (in vivo-degraded) collagen of the total sample collagen content was calculated. Proteinases were stained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. RESULTS: Collagen in the interface membrane from the implants was highly degraded (mean +/- SEM 20 +/- 3%) compared with that in the control synovial membranes (12 +/- 1%; P = 0.007). In controls, the degree of collagen degradation did not correlate with levels of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), MMP-13, or cathepsin K, although MMP-1 approached statistical significance. In interface membranes, the correlations were r = 0.88 (P = 0.002), r = 0.92 (P = 0.001), and r = 0.98 (P < 0.0001) for MMP-1, MMP-13, and cathepsin K, respectively. CONCLUSION: In normal synovial membrane, collagen matrix remodeling may be mainly an intracellular process. In contrast, pathologic tissue destruction in the interface membrane from prosthetic hip joints is associated with a shift toward MMP-13 and cathepsin K, which become activated and overcome their endogenous inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and cystatin C). The highly significant correlation between collagen degradation and cathepsin K indicates an extracellular role of this acidic endoproteinase, consistent with previous observations concerning the acidity of the interface membrane.

Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip↗

Cerebrospinal fluid antibodies directed against neuron-associated gangliosides in HIV-1 infection.

BACKGROUND: Loss of synapses and neurons is a common finding in HIV-1 infection. Since the in vivo infection of neurons by HIV-1 is limited, indirect factors are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from 25 HIV-1-infected individuals (nine with and 16 without CNS complications) and 19 HIV-negative controls with aseptic meningitis or viral encephalitis, for the presence of antibodies directed against the neuron-associated gangliosides GM1, GD1a and GD1b. RESULTS: Positive antibody titers to > or =1 of the gangliosides were found in 13/25 HIV-1-infected patients in CSF and in 17/25 in serum. Significant correlations were found between the presence and titers of CSF antibodies against GM1, GD1a, and GD1b. Six out of nine patients with, and 3/16 without neurological complications (p < 0.05) had positive CSF titers of > or = 1 of the ganglioside antibodies combined with negative serum titers, indicating intrathecal antibody production. In contrast, only 1/19 controls had detectable anti-ganglioside antibodies in the CSF. CONCLUSION: The results should be interpreted with caution and CSF anti-ganglioside antibody production might be a part of a non-specific intrathecal polyclonal immunoactivation. Nevertheless, autoantibodies directed against neuron-associated gangliosides might be involved in the neuropathogenesis in HIV-1 disease.

Adult↗

Urokinase activity after freezing: implications for thrombolysis in intraventricular hemorrhage.

The retention of urokinase activity after frozen storage was studied. Urokinase powder was reconstituted aseptically in sterile water for injection or preservative-free 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a final concentration of 5000 IU/mL. Samples were stored in 5-mL plastic syringes at -20 or -70 degrees C for up to six months. Samples containing urokinase 25,000 IU/mL were similarly prepared by using sodium chloride injection as the diluent and were stored frozen at the same temperatures for up to 93 days. Urokinase activity was measured with a chromogenic assay at each test interval. Samples were also cultured after thawing to evaluate their potential to support microbial growth. The activity of urokinase at either concentration did not change appreciably during the study period. The method of thawing-at room temperature or in a refrigerator-had no effect on urokinase activity. No microbial growth was observed. Urokinase 5000 IU/mL did not show any changes in activity when reconstituted with sterile water for injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection and frozen for up to six months. Urokinase 25,000 IU/mL in sodium chloride injection was also stable after 93 days of frozen storage.

Cerebral Ventricles↗

Blueprint for implementing USP chapter 797 for compounding sterile preparations.

PURPOSE: Guidelines for adopting and successfully implementing the requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) chapter 797 for compounding sterile preparations are presented. SUMMARY: The quality of a compounded sterile preparation (CSP) is directly related to the methods used to ensure that the CSP achieves the desired goal of purity, potency, and sterility. A properly designed, constructed, and maintained cleanroom contributes to the quality of CSPs. Design criteria of a sample clean-room are supplied, as are a summary and comparison of the liquid disinfectants that can be used to clean and sanitize the facility and maintain environmental controls. All activities associated with cleaning the cleanroom, including air and surface sampling, must be properly documented in logs, examples of which are provided. A robust employee-training program for properly teaching aseptic technique and a method to verify that personnel have successfully completed the program are integral to compliance with chapter 797 and thoroughly discussed herein. Emerging compounding and testing technology is also discussed. CONCLUSION: Although the task of compliance with the requirements of USP chapter 797 may appear overwhelming, complicated, expensive, and even unattainable, quality can be established via a methodical and organized approach. After the systems have been implemented, maintaining them requires vigilance and follow-up. Compliance with chapter 797 involves up-front and ongoing costs associated with establishing these systems, but the time, energy, and cost required to maintain them are far less than those of retrospective or manual systems of collecting, reviewing, and collating quality assurance data on a monthly basis.

Data Collection↗

Histopathological evaluation of female reproductive tract exposed to sustained delivery of DHEA, and DHEA + E.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the adrenals that serves as a precursor for numerous steroid hormones. Conventional modes of DHEA administration were limited to injections and oral routes, which result in several drawbacks. This mandates the desire for the development of a different route of DHEA administration. Sustained delivery of DHEA by bioceramic capsules has not been fully explored. The objectives of this study were: (1) to deliver DHEA, and DHEA + estrogen in a sustained manner using tricalcium phosphate-lysine (TCPL) bioceramic capsules, and (2) to evaluate the morphological changes of reproductive and vital organs using female rats as a model. A total of twelve adult female rats (220-250 g) were randomly divided into four equal groups. Rats in Groups 1 and 2 were implanted with TCPL capsules containing 200 mg DHEA, and 600 mg DHEA (DHEA-HD), respectively. Group 3 animals were implanted with one TCPL capsule containing 200 mg of DHEA and a second TCPL capsule containing 50 mg estrogen, (DHEA + E). Group 4 represented the control group. Aseptic surgical techniques were utilized during i.p. implantation of the capsules. After implantation, body weights were recorded and blood (2 ml) samples were taken biweekly for 21 days. Pap smears were taken daily. At the end of 21 days, the animals were sacrificed using an overdose of halothane. The vital and reproductive organs were harvested, processed, embedded, sectioned and screened for cellular changes. Data obtained from these procedures revealed slight hypertrophy of the heart and kidneys. In DHEA + E implanted rats, a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the weights of the tubules, cervix, and uterine tissues compared to the control animals. Data obtained from this study demonstrates that the proliferative effect of sustained delivery of DHEA on the reproductive organs (ovary, cervix, uterus, and tubes) of female rats. This study provides more insights regarding the physiological alteration induced by sustained delivery of DHEA.

Animals↗

[Polymorphonuclear leucocytes and the production of reactive oxygen species after total hip and knee replacement].

Aseptic loosening of the prosthesis is caused by the mechanical instability of it's components or it depends on direct tissue reaction--foreign body reaction to implant's wear debris. Former studies showed a significant role of macrophages in the process of the chronic inflammation leading to the aseptic loosening. There are few studies concerning the early reaction against the implant and concerning in this process the role of neutrophils--the cells which form the primary defence of the body and are activated during contact with the foreign body. The examined group consisted of 33 patients aged 59-79 with implanted cemented hip or knee endoprosthesis due to the primary osteoarthritis. The count of granulocytes, production of the nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide with Pick's and Market's method was evaluated in samples collected before the surgery, 2 months and 3 years after the operation. 3 years postoperatively 8 patients reported pain of the operated joint and in two cases aseptic loosening was recognized. In this group the level of production of the nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide by the neutrophils 2 months postoperatively was significantly higher in comparisons to the levels in the patients without pain and the control group. In patients without pain the production of nitric oxide and the hydrogen peroxide did not change significantly after the surgery. The presented results suggest the neutrophil's activation by the cytokines, which appear as a result of a local response to a foreign body, may be a factor initiating a chronic inflammation around the implant leading to the aseptic loosening.

Aged↗

Diagnosis of enteroviral meningitis by use of polymerase chain reaction of cerebrospinal fluid, stool, and serum specimens.

BACKGROUND: Because enteroviruses can be detected in various clinical samples during enteroviral meningitis, we analyzed the combined diagnostic utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), feces, and serum for detection of enterovirus in specimens obtained from adults with aseptic meningitis or encephalitis. METHODS: PCR results were analyzed for 34 adults for whom enteroviral meningitis was diagnosed on the basis of virus isolation and antibody detection in our hospital during 1999-2003. PCR results were also analyzed for 77 adults with meningitis or encephalitis of another defined cause for whom this assay was used for diagnostic evaluation during that period. RESULTS: Twenty-six (76%) of 34 CSF samples and 24 (96%) of 25 fecal samples collected from patients with enteroviral meningitis had positive PCR results. The diagnostic yield of the test was lower for CSF specimens obtained >2 days after clinical onset, compared with CSF collected < or =2 days after onset. Instead, PCR of feces was highly useful also later, because 12 of the 13 fecal specimens obtained 5-16 days after clinical onset had positive test results. None of 75 CSF samples and 2 of 48 fecal samples obtained from patients with nonenteroviral infection had positive PCR results. All serum samples were PCR negative. CONCLUSIONS: PCR of fecal specimens obtained throughout the course of enteroviral meningitis had the highest clinical sensitivity for detecting enterovirus. It is recommended that, in addition to performance of CSF PCR, fecal samples collected from patients with suspected enteroviral meningitis should be tested by PCR, especially when the duration of symptoms is >2 days.

Adult↗

A new in vitro model for the study of microbial microleakage around dental restorations: a preliminary qualitative evaluation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro model to replicate microbial microleakage at a tooth/ restoration interface using a constant depth film fermentor (CDFF). METHODOLOGY: Amalgam restorations were placed in machined bovine dentine cylinders and sealed externally with varnish, leaving a 1-mm perimeter exposed around the tooth/restoration interface. The dentine cylinders were housed in a CDFF and 300-microm thick microcosm dental plaques were grown over their exposed surfaces. The biofilms were maintained with a mucin-containing artificial saliva for up to 8 weeks. Cylinders were aseptically removed from the CDFF (at 1, 2, 4, & 8 weeks) and surface-decontaminated with validated protocols prior to splitting and sampling of apposing amalgam and dentine surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to ascertain the position and structure of the bacterial aggregates. Bacterial viability was determined by vital staining of the bacteria in situ. RESULTS: At all sampling times, SEM showed cocci, rods and filaments on both amalgam and dentine surfaces; some originated as cascades from the surface biofilm and extended into the tooth/restoration microspace. Vital staining showed the majority of bacteria from both dentine and amalgam surfaces to be viable. CONCLUSION: This preliminary investigation showed that the CDFF may be a valuable tool for the in vitro study of the dynamics of microbial microleakage around dental restorations.

Animals↗

Mycological evaluation of chemically-treated unshelled peanuts.

In the present work, the effect of propionic acid (ammonium salt) at 3000 mg/kg of unshelled peanuts (PA1) and at 5000 mg/kg (PA2), grapefruit seed extract at 5000 mg/kg (GF1) and 10,000 mg/kg (GF2), sodium orthophenylphenate at 2500 mg/kg (SOP1) and at 5000 mg/kg (SOP2) and thiabendazole at 1000 mg/kg (TBZ1) and at 5000 mg/kg (TBZ2) was studied for controlling total and potentially aflatoxigenic fungi in unshelled peanuts (UP). Samples of sound mature UP were moistened by adding water and kept refrigerated till they reached ca 16% moisture. The samples were then sprayed with the chemical solutions and incubated at 30 +/- 2 degrees C for 28 days. Control samples were sprayed with water. An evaluation of total and aflatoxigenic fungi was made, in pods of UP and in kernels obtained aseptically, before and at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of incubation, by serial dilution in culture media Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol (total fungi count) and in Aspergillus flavus parasiticus Agar (potentially aflatoxigenic count). In relation to the period and conditions of this experiment the overall best treatment was PA2, when the lowest average value of total and aflatoxigenic fungi were obtained in UP and were maintained in its kernels. Although SOP2 treatment could control fungal contamination in pods, it was not effective in controlling contamination through the kernels. The other treatments were ineffective.

Arachis↗

Bacteria in midguts of field-collected Anopheles albimanus block Plasmodium vivax sporogonic development.

Bacterial infections were investigated in midguts of insectary and field-collected Anopheles albimanus Weidemann from southern Mexico. Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae and Enterobacter amnigenus 2, Enterobacter sp., and Serratia sp. were isolated in field samples obtained in 1998, but only Enterobacter sp. was recovered in field samples of 1997 and no bacteria were isolated from insectary specimens. These bacteria were offered along with Plasmodium vivax infected blood to aseptic insectary An. albimanus, and the number of infected mosquitoes as well as the oocyst densities assessed after 7d. Plasmodium vivax infections in mosquitoes co-infected with En. amnigenus 2, En. cloacae, and S. marcensces were 53, 17, and 210 times, respectively, lower than in control mosquitoes, and the mean oocyst density in mosquitoes co-infected with En. cloacae was 2.5 times lower than in controls. Mortality was 13 times higher in S. marcensces-infected mosquitoes compared with controls. The overall midgut bacterial infection in mosquito field populations may influence P. vivax transmission, and could contribute to explain the annual variations in malaria incidence observed in the area.

Animals↗

[Asymptomatic bacteriuria in type 2 diabetics women ].

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is frequent among diabetics, especially women. It may be preceded by asymptomatic bacteriuria. AIM: To study the frequency of asymptomatic bacteriuria in type 2 diabetic women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty women with type 2 diabetes and 50 non diabetic women were studied. In aseptic conditions, morning midstream urine specimens were obtained for microbiological analysis. The test was repeated in similar conditions during consecutive days. Urine samples were cultured in blood agar, Mac Conkey agar and CPS ID 2. Colony forming units were counted. Asymptomatic bacteriuria was defined as the presence of 100,000 or more colony forming units per ml. Leukocyturia was also quantified. RESULTS: There was microbial growth in 40% of samples from diabetic women and 6% of samples from controls (p < 0.01). Asymptomatic bacteriuria was present in 32% of diabetics and 4% of controls (p < 0.01). E Coli was the most frequently isolated strain, in 55% of patients and 100% of controls. Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated in 10% of diabetics, coagulase negative Staphylococcus in 10%, Enterococcus spp in 10% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 5%. Leukocyturia of more than 10 cells per field, was present in 80% of diabetic women with positive culture. Women with positive cultures had a longer lasting diabetes than those with negative cultures. There was no association between urine microbiological results and glycosilated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, chronic complications of diabetes and treatment received. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among diabetic women.

Adult↗

Cimetidine hydrochloride compatibility. III: Room temperature stability in drug admixtures.

The stability of cimetidine hydrochloride mixed in intravenous solutions individually with 37 additives was investigated. Recommended doses of cimetidine hydrochloride injection and the other additives were diluted aseptically in varying concentrations in compatible intravenous solutions. The admixtures were stored at room temperature for 24 hours. Initial and 24-hour samples were evaluated visually on the basis of color, clarity, and pH. Cimetidine content was determined with a high-pressure liquid chromatographic procedure. The following drugs formed a precipitate with some dilutions of cimetidine hydrochloride injection in i.v. solutions: amphotericin B, cefamandole nafate, cefazolin sodium, and cephalothin sodium. The combination of cimetidine hydrochloride (300 mg) and cephalothin sodium (100 mg) resulted in a cimetidine concentration that was 77% of theory. Cimetidine hydrochloride injection was visually and chemically stable in the other admixtures examined. The results of this investigation suggest that incompatibility may be expected when cimetidine hydrochloride is combined with some antibiotics, and cimetidine incompatibilities may be concentration dependent.

Cimetidine↗

[Conservation of tap water in metallo-plastic bags: observed modifications and possible health risks].

Conservation of tap water kept in soft plastic bags and stocked at different temperatures (20, 37 and 55 degrees C) and its health incidences were studied over one year by samples taken at regular intervals. Pollutants generated were studied by investigating the consequences of the choice of the plastic and of the aseptic agent used at different temperatures versus the length of the period of contact. Microbiological, chemical, and physico-chemical characteristics reported here showed the existence of an exchange between the contents and the container. The presence of two toxic substances indicates that one should be careful when using inadequate material. This is a matter to think about without further speculation.

Environmental Health↗

Dietary modulation of methotrexate-induced enteritis in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of purified and dry expanded (complex) diets on intestinal structure and function in healthy cats and in a feline model of methotrexate-induced enteritis. ANIMALS: 19 adult specific-pathogen-free cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were randomized in groups to receive a purified diet intragastrically or a complex diet orally to meet their daily metabolizable energy requirements. After 21 days, cats received either methotrexate (MTX; 10 mg/kg of body weight, i.v., n = 12) or saline solution i.v. (n = 7), and were anesthetized 72 hours later. Celiotomy was performed for aseptic removal of mesenteric lymph nodes, full-thickness biopsy of the gastrointestinal tract, and collection of aortic and portal venous blood samples for determination of arteriovenous amino acid concentrations across the intestine. RESULTS: MTX was associated with severe enterotoxicosis in cats receiving the purified diet, as manifested by diarrhea (4 of 6 cats) and vomiting (2 of 6 cats). One cat receiving the complex diet developed mild diarrhea, and none of these cats vomited. The purified diet was associated with marked villus blunting in the proximal and distal portions of the duodenum and increased bacterial translocation (3 of 6 cats), whereas none of the cats in the complex diet group developed bacterial translocation after MTX administration. For the cats given saline solution, bacterial translocation occurred in 1 of 4 cats receiving the complex diet versus 2 of 3 cats receiving the purified diet. CONCLUSIONS: Feeding of a complex diet containing intact protein as the nitrogen source abrogated the proximal small intestinal atrophy and bacterial translocation associated with feeding an amino acid-based purified diet. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of purified diets containing free amino acids as the only nitrogen source cannot be endorsed in human and animal cancer patients receiving systemic chemotherapy.

Animal Feed↗

Reduction of nosocomial infection in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

UNLABELLED: New measures aimed at reducing nosocomial infection in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were introduced over a 3-month period from 1 July to 30 September 1994. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of these measures on the incidence of nosocomial infection in our NICU. METHODS: The new measures introduced were: 1. grouping of all blood investigations to allow for fewer blood samplings per baby per day; 2. reduction of routine blood investigations after the acute illness has stabilised, and 3. a system of aseptic delivery of drugs through a central venous catheter, thereby reducing the need for peripheral intravenous lines. Nosocomial infections were defined according to the criteria spelt out in the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Data for the study was obtained from the ongoing surveillance carried out by the hospital's infection control team. Period 1 (1 year duration) was prior to the implementation of the new measures. Period 2 (1 year duration) was after implementation of the new measures. RESULTS: The overall nosocomial infection patient rates (expressed as number of infections per 100 intensive care unit patients) were 17.6 for Period 1 and 7.5 for Period 2. The overall nosocomial infection patient-day rates (expressed as number of infections per 1000 patient-days) were 13.5 and 6.1 respectively (p < 0.01). When the infants' birth weights were stratified as < 1500 g, 1500-2500 g, and > 2500 g, the greatest decline in both the overall nosocomial infection patient rate and nosocomial infection patient-day rate was seen in infants weighing < 1500 g. There was also a significant decline in the rates of blood-stream infections in infants weighing < 1500 g (from 7.5 to 2.8 per 1000 patient-days) (p < 0.05). Ventilator associated pneumonias also showed a decline from 3.3 to 1.0 pneumonia per 1000 ventilator days. The organisms responsible for the majority of blood stream infections in Period 1 were methicillin-resistant Staphylococci Aureus (MRSA), coagulase-negative staphylococci, gram-negative bacilli and candida. In Period 2, coagulase-negative staphylococci was the predominant organism. CONCLUSION: We conclude that there was a reduction in nosocomial infection rates. The new measures introduced may have contributed to this reduction.

Bacteremia↗

An outbreak of echovirus 13 meningitis in central Israel.

Until recently, echovirus 13 has been a very rare cause of aseptic meningitis. We investigated an outbreak of echovirus 13 in central Israel during the summer of 2000 using a prospective case control study and a retrospective study. Echovirus 13 was isolated from 79 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from different medical centres in central Israel. Patients' ages ranged from 10 days to 41 years (95% < 15 years, M/F ratio 62/38). A total of 128 patients with clinical aseptic meningitis were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics during the outbreak (aged 10 days to 18 years, mean 5.4 years), and 58 CSF samples were processed for viral cultures. Thirty of them did not grow any virus, 26 samples yielded echovirus 13, and 2 samples echovirus 7. The clinical features of patients with echovirus 13 in the CSF were similar to those in whom no virus was isolated or those infected with other enteroviral strains except for higher rate of fever on admission, and prolonged time with fever following the diagnosis in the echovirus 13 patients. CSF cell count varied from 4 to 2,333 cells/mm3 with polymorphonuclears (PMN) predominant in 90% of our patients. In a case-control study there was no significant difference between patients and matched controls with regard to parameters such as: day care attendance, recreation in summer camp, swimming pools and at the beach, and consumption of tap water. All the patients in our series recovered fully with no neurological abnormalities. The illness caused by echovirus 13 was benign and involved mainly patients younger than 15 year of age. Several features that characterized this outbreak include relatively high WBC in the blood and a minent CSF PMN response.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of sampling methods for the detection of Salmonella on whole broiler carcasses purchased from retail outlets.

An experiment was conducted to compare the effectiveness levels of two methods in recovering Salmonella from the same carcass. One hundred fresh whole broiler chickens were purchased from retail outlets over a 5-week period (20 carcasses per week). After carcasses had been aseptically removed from the packages and giblets had been removed, the carcasses were placed in sterile bags containing 400 ml of 1% buffered peptone water, the bags were shaken for 60 s, and a 30-ml aliquot was removed and incubated for 24 h at 37 degrees C (aliquot sample). Then, an additional 130 ml of 1% buffered peptone water was immediately added to the bag with the carcass (bringing the volume to 500 ml), the bag was reshaken, and the carcass and rinse were incubated for 24 h at 37 degrees C (whole-carcass enrichment sample). Following incubation, 0.5-ml samples for the two methods were placed into 10 ml of Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth and into 10 ml of tetrathionate (Hajna) broth and incubated at 42 degrees C for 24 h. Each broth was then streaked onto BG Sulfa agar and modified lysine iron agar and incubated for 24 h at 35 degrees C. Suspected Salmonella colonies were inoculated onto triple sugar iron and lysine iron agar slants and incubated at 35 degrees C for 24 h. Presumptive positive results were confirmed by Poly O and Poly H agglutination tests. Over the 5-week period, 13% of the aliquot samples tested positive for Salmonella, compared with 38% of the whole-carcass enrichment samples from the same carcasses. Recovery rates ranged from 0 of 20 samples to 4 of 20 samples for aliquot method and from 4 of 20 samples to 10 of 20 samples for the whole-carcass enrichment method over the 5-week period. These results indicate that when small numbers of Salmonella are expected, the sampling method has a major influence on the identification of Salmonella-positive carcasses.

Animals↗

Extracoelomic fluid osmometry and electrolyte composition during early gestation in the baboon.

OBJECTIVE: Access to extracoelomic fluid offers the opportunity to assess and potentially treat genetic disorders early in pregnancy. We have been using the pregnant baboon as a model to develop techniques and evaluate the feasibility of sampling extracoelomic fluid. The aim of this study was to determine the osmolality, oncotic pressures, and electrolyte composition of the baboon's extracoelomic fluid between days 39 and 41 of gestation and to compare them with those of maternal blood. STUDY DESIGN: The optimal time to perform the coelocentesis procedure was determined in 14 timed pregnant baboons. Six coelocenteses were then performed in aseptic conditions, under continuous transvaginal ultrasonographic guidance and avoiding the amniotic or yolk sacs. Between 3 and 5 mL extracoelomic fluid was aspirated from each baboon with a 10-mL syringe. Only 1 attempt at sampling was performed for each of the 6 animals. Pregnancies were tracked by transabdominal ultrasonographic evaluations on postprocedure day 3 and then weekly until day 140 of pregnancy. Oncotic pressures and biochemical measurements were determined with 1 mL extracoelomic fluid and 1 mL heparinized maternal venous blood. RESULTS: Data analysis suggests that maternal blood and extracoelomic fluid have similar osmolalities and concentrations of electrolytes but different colloid osmotic pressures (P <.001). CONCLUSION: This nonhuman primate model can be used to gain some insight into the physiologic changes in the composition of the extracoelomic fluid and to evaluate the safety of the coelocentesis procedure. The data suggest that the chorion laeve behaves as a semipermeable membrane at 40 days' gestation.

Animals↗