Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Aseptic sampling”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 865 records · Page 48Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Processing temperature and moisture content effects on the texture and microscopic appearance of cooked fowl meat gels.

New aseptic processes are being used and refined to produce convenient, shelf stable liquid products containing meat particles. These processes utilize high temperature, short time thermal treatments to minimize food quality change; however, little research has been conducted on the effects of this process on the texture of meat from mature hens traditionally used for canning. The objective of this study was to examine textural and structural changes in meat structure due to different high temperature (HT) heat treatments and meat moisture contents were examined by use of electron microscopy and torsion analyses. Cooked gels of different moisture contents (71.2 to 74.8%) were formulated from spent fowl breast meat and exposed to processing temperatures of 120 or 124 C. The HT processing resulted in stronger (tougher) meat gels that were more deformable (more chewy) than gels that were not processed by HT. Water added prior to cooking was not retained in samples that were cooked and then processed at 124 C, but was retained in the samples processed at 120 C. Electron micrographs showed a more organized and open gel structure in the samples with higher moisture content and lower temperature (120 C) processing compared to the lower moisture and higher (124 C) temperature treatments.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Studies of neuron-specific enolase levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of children with neurological diseases.

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) has recently proved to be a useful marker of neuron damage. We determined NSE levels in the serum and CSF of 117 children with various neurological disorders (43 with febrile convulsion, 25 with seizure disorder, 32 with meningitis, 3 with brain tumor, 2 with Reye syndrome, 3 with congenital CNS malformation and 9 with other disorders). The purpose of this study is to assess the potential usefulness of NSE in diagnosis and prognosis. Twenty CSF and serum samples of children without neurological problem served as a control. The mean values of the NSE levels in the CSF and serum of the control group were 5.00 +/- 1.65 ng/ml and 8.34 +/- 4.40 ng/ml respectively. The peak values were found in cases with brain tumor. A patient died of Reye syndrome didn't show a very high level of NSE in the serum or CSF. However, we found significant differences in NSE levels between the patients with febrile convulsions and those with seizure disorders (non-febrile, abnormal EEG). Most of our patients with febrile convulsions were cases of simple febrile convulsion, and their NSE levesin the CSF and serum were 4.55 +/- 1.00 and 8.06 +/- 3.18 ng/ml. Cases with non-febrile seizure disorders had significantly higher level of NSE in both CSF and serum (P less than 0.05). Patients with purulent meningitis usually had higher levels than those with aseptic meningitis. Our study can be summarized thus: 1. A normal level of NSE does not exclude severe neuron damage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Brain↗
PubMed1992

Interleukin 1 alpha and beta production by cells isolated from membranes around aseptically loose total joint replacements.

Aseptic loosening of joint prostheses is accompanied by local osteolysis. To determine whether local production of interleukin 1 might contribute to such lysis, the number of interleukin 1 secreting cells in the pseudosynovial membrane surrounding prostheses was measured. Interleukin 1 alpha and beta secreting cells were identified by ELISPOT, a sensitive cytokine secreting assay. The proportion of interleukin 1 beta secreting cells in pseudosynovial membrane was comparable with the proportion occurring in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and higher than that in normal subjects and patients with osteoarthritis. The proportion of interleukin 1 alpha producing cells was higher in pseudosynovial membrane than in diseased synovium. Overall, higher numbers of interleukin 1 beta than interleukin 1 alpha secreting cells were detected. A correlation was observed between the number of cells in pseudosynovial membrane producing interleukin 1 beta and those producing interleukin 1 alpha. When divided into area of origin, tissue samples from the femoral area contained a higher proportion of interleukin 1 beta producing cells than tissue in the acetabular or capsular regions, though due to variance within each group this difference did not reach significance.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Effectiveness of human amnion preserved long-term in glycerol as a temporary biological dressing.

Human amnion as a temporary biological wound dressing has remained a beneficial and cost-effective means of treating burns in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine whether human amnion that has undergone long-term preservation in glycerol is an effective biological dressing compared to fresh amnion and glycerol-preserved human skin. Samples of human amnion and skin were preserved in sterile containers of 85% glycerol at 4 degrees C for over a year. Dorsal full-thickness or split-thickness skin wounds were produced in rats. The defects were divided into four areas, each of which was covered with preserved amnion, fresh amnion, preserved skin, or left uncovered as a control. The materials on the wounds were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically after 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14 days. The primary take or adherence of the grafts on full-thickness wounds was evaluated at 4 and 7 days, and material performance was scored based on several macroscopic and microscopic criteria. The bacteria levels reducing effect of the materials were examined by quantitative bacteriology in heavily infected full-thickness scald burn wounds of rats. Qualitative cultures confirmed that the storage conditions the materials were subjected to for over a year were aseptic and that the amnion and skin had maintained their characteristic properties. All materials were found effective on partial-thickness rat wounds as a cover under which re-epithelialization was completed by 7 days. The preserved skin performed better than either preserved or fresh amnion on full-thickness wounds but the performance of preserved amnion was comparable to that of fresh amnion. Glycerol-preserved amnion was found to be as effective as fresh amnion or skin in terms of decreasing bacterial levels in infected rat burn wounds. Amnion stored in glycerol is reliable and effective for a long period of time. Amnion banking could provide an unlimited quantity of biologic dressing for burn treatment at low cost, a factor that is particularly important in developing countries.

Amnion↗
PubMed2003

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and interleukin-6 activity in children with head trauma and syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.

OBJECTIVE: Arginine vasopressin (AVP; anti-diuretic hormone) and corticotropin-releasing hormone are the two major secretagogues of hypophyseal adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a potent stimulator of the human hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and a secretagogue of both parvocellular and magnocelullar AVP. We have previously suggested that IL-6-stimulated AVP secretion may be the origin of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) in inflammatory conditions. STUDY DESIGN: To further elucidate the relationship between IL-6 and SIADH as well as IL-6 and HPA axis activity, we studied eight previously healthy children (age 6.3 +/- 4.8 [mean +/- SD] years, weight 23.8 +/- 10.5 kg) who--after sustaining head trauma--presented SIADH during hospitalization (for 7.1 +/- 3.8 days) in the pediatric intensive care unit (P-ICU). Routine blood samples were taken twice daily at 08:00 and 20:00 hours. All children but one survived. Measurements included blood and urine osmolality (BlOsm and UrOsm, respectively), serum cortisol (F) and IL-6, plasma ACTH and AVP. Correlations were assessed with linear regression among the areas under the curve (AUC) of BlOsm, UrOsm, ACTH, F, IL-6 and AVP, separately for BlOsm values <280 mOsm (SIADH phase) and > or = 280 mOsm (non-SIADH phase). RESULTS: During the SIADH phase AVP-AUC correlated positively with IL-6-AUC (r = +0.96, p<0.05), BlOsm-AUC correlated positively with AVP-AUC and F-AUC (r = +0.95 and +0.98, p<0.05, respectively) and F-AUC correlated positively with ACTH-AUC (r = +0.99, p<0.05). During the non-SIADH phase ACTH-AUC correlated positively with BlOsm-AUC (r = +0.96, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: IL-6 secreted during an aseptic inflammatory state, such as sustaining head trauma with SIADH, is quantitatively correlated to AVP, indicating that this cytokine is directly and/or indirectly involved in the pathogenesis of SIADH.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Continuing education.

A large, representative sample of licensed dental hygienists practicing in the United States was surveyed by ADHA regarding dental hygiene demographics, office characteristics, supervision and practice behavior, infection control practices, utilization of medical and dental histories, and continuing education. This paper presents the continuing education portion of this survey and specifically explores relationships among descriptive variables such as dental hygienists' ages, types of practice, membership in ADHA, continuing education courses attended, and interest versus need in continuing education course attendance. Results indicate that continuing education participation is most likely for dental hygienists under 25 years of age and who are working over 30 hours per week in a speciality office which employs seven or more staff members. Comparisons among dentist, dental hygienist, and dental assistant participation were made for selected continuing education topics. According to the respondents, more dental hygienists than dentists or dental assistants have participated in continuing education courses on blood pressure measurement, aseptic technique, AIDs, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Dental hygienists perceived a need for attendance by all dental personnel in selected continuing education programs.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Automated microbiological assay of thiamin in serum and red cells.

AIMS: To develop a sensitive, direct, automated method for the measurement of serum and red cell thiamin. METHODS: A microbiological assay using a chloramphenicol resistant strain of Lactobacillus fermenti as the test organism was developed. Addition of chloramphenicol and cycloheximide to the assay medium suppressed bacterial and yeast contamination and enabled tests to be automated without recourse to aseptic procedures. Evaluation of the assay included precision analysis and estimation of thiamin recovery. Results obtained on red cell extracts were compared with an established colorimetric (thiochrome) method. RESULTS: Acceptable intrabatch and interbatch precision was obtained and good recovery of thiamin added to serum was obtained. Non-parametric reference ranges based on the results from 505 healthy people were: serum thiamin 11.3-35.0 nmol/l and red cell thiamin 190-400 nmol/l. Results were not age or gender related. The method gave results for red cell thiamin which were significantly higher than those obtained with an established thiochrome method. CONCLUSIONS: This automated microbiological assay is sensitive to 2.0 nmol/l of thiamin and allows tests to be set up at the rate of 100 per hour and after 20-22 hours allows incubation results to be read at 60 per hour. The method has proved reliable, suitable for the assay of large numbers of samples, and relatively inexpensive to perform.

Colorimetry↗
PubMed1996

Nosocomial infection due to enterobacter cloacae in a tertiary care hospital in northern India.

A total of 151 Enterobacter cloacae strains isolated from clinical samples (n = 139) and the hospital environment (n = 12) at a tertiary care hospital in northern India during January to October 1993, were analysed. The maximum isolations were during May (n = 24), June (n = 23) and July (n = 22). Urinary tract infection (n = 56) was the most common complication of E. cloacea infection followed by wound infection (42), respiratory tract infection (23) and bacteraemia/septicaemia (18). The frequency of resistance to different drugs was ampicillin 77.4 per cent, cotrimoxazole 79.5 per cent, gentamicin 57.5 per cent, cefotaxime 47 per cent and ofloxacin 36 per cent. Sixty three (41.7%) strains exhibited resistance to multiple drugs. Environmental isolates from bed, hospital diet, hand swab and water from a leaking drain pipe in a ward showed the same resistance pattern. A single index strain could not be identified using phage and biotyping, indicating that a variety of strains were responsible for the nosocomial infection. Adoption of strict aseptic measures and repair of the pipe brought down the infection rate.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗
PubMed1987

Development of an automated closed system for generation of human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells for use in adoptive immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy utilizing the adoptive transfer of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells in conjunction with recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) can mediate tumor regression in some patients with advanced cancer. The activation of large numbers of LAK cells was performed in roller bottles in a research laboratory setting and required meticulous aseptic technique, at least one skilled technician per patient and one laminar flow hood per patient. To reduce the complexity and expense of LAK cell generation for human immunotherapy trials we have developed a closed-system automated procedure using a continuous flow blood cell separator. PBL were obtained by standard apheresis techniques. Platelets and plasma were elutriated using countercentrifugal flow of saline in the cell separator machine. The washed PBL were underlaid with Ficoll-Hypaque (FH) in the original separation bag. Lymphocytes were then flushed into a collection bag where they were concentrated and washed with 2 liters of saline. Mean recovery from the automated FH technique was 54.6 +/- 4.3% compared to 62.3 +/- 4.0% using manual methods in 50 ml tubes (P greater than 0.05). Cells were diluted in the collection bag with RPMI 1640 +/- 2% human AB serum and could be dispensed in an automated fashion to polyolefin bags via a sample port with 1000-1500 U/ml IL-2. After 3-4 days of culture in 5% CO2 at 37 degrees C, activated cells from the bags were harvested and washed in a closed system using the continuous flow cell separator. Cell yield from the harvest was 79.2 +/- 5.4% in the automated system compared to 64.9 +/- 5.0% in the standard procedure using manual harvest of roller bottles (P less than 0.01). Lytic capacity of the cells against fresh human tumor in a 4 h 51Cr release assay was equivalent in cells processed either by the automated or the conventional manual method. The advantages of a closed system include decreased potential for microbial contamination and reduced labor and capital equipment costs. This technique may be easily adapted for use with other cell collection and culture systems.

Cell Separation↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of nonculture methods for the detection of prosthetic hip biofilms.

Authors of previous studies have found that culture-based detection of prosthetic hip infections can be improved by adherence to strict anaerobic protocols and mild ultrasonication of retrieved prostheses to remove bacteria growing as an adherent biofilm. Furthermore, direct analyses of sonicate samples by immunofluorescence microscopy (with genus-specific and species-specific monoclonal antibodies or polyclonal antisera) produces significantly greater and more rapid detection rates for infection compared with culture alone. Despite its diagnostic value within a research setting, the practical advantages and limitations of immunofluorescence microscopy for a busy diagnostic laboratory needs consideration. In addition, the method must be evaluated against other nonculture-based techniques that may prove more appropriate. In this review, we describe how immunofluorescence microscopy presents an attractive and reliable method for routine detection of prosthetic hip biofilms compared, primarily, to polymerase chain reaction, although other nonculture methods of diagnosis based on fluorescent in situ hybridization and serologic analysis are considered. We describe how the immunofluorescence microscopy technique is robust, relatively simple and, in contrast to broad-range 16S recombinant-deoxyribonucleic-acid-based polymerase chain reaction, does not require a separate clean-room facility or strict adherence to aseptic techniques. More importantly we highlight how dislodged biofilm, which appears as large aggregates of bacteria, easily can be identified from skin contaminants that occur as single cells or small aggregates of only a few cells.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The use of bioabsorbable implants in the spine.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Bioabsorbable implants are commonplace in sports medicine surgeries, especially in shoulder and knee ligamentous reconstruction. Their use is now expanding to the realm of spinal reconstructive surgery. Newer polymers offer reduced incidence of the side effects of aseptic sterile sinus formation and have appropriate resorption time parameters for spine use. These new bioabsorbable materials confer initial and intermediate-term stability that is adequate for stable bony healing in various applications. The majority of human clinical applications in the spine that have been documented involve bone graft harvest site reconstruction, posterior spinal graft containment, anterior interbody reconstruction and anterior cervical and lumbar spine tension band plating. PURPOSE: The purpose of this review article is to highlight the indications and outcomes of the use of bioabsorbable implants in specific spinal applications. STUDY DESIGN: A comprehensive literature review of the English and non-English literature on bioabsorbable implant technology. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed to gather basic science, animal and human data on the use of bioabsorbable implants in spinal surgery. RESULTS: Bioabsorbable implants have demonstrated strength and resorption characteristics commensurate with the physiologic and biomechanical requirements of the human spinal axis. Histologic sampling has demonstrated successful time-patterned resorption accompanied by bony replacement and remodeling of intervertebral cage devices in the animal model. CONCLUSION: Bioresorbable compounds appear to have a role in specific spinal reconstructive procedures. Their radiolucent nature improves image assessment of fusion healing, and their time-engineered resorption characteristics allow controlled dynamization in interbody and plate applications. Their widespread use and acceptance may increase dramatically as further research and clinical studies report on their safety and efficacy.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed2005

Shelf lives of aseptically prepared medicines--stability of piperacillin/tazobactam in PVC and non-PVC bags.

Parenteral aseptic preparations of piperacillin/tazobactam are used frequently in hospitals, but there is limited published information on their stability in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyolefine laminate (non-PVC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability in these containers and to determine the optimum validated shelf life so that the formulations may be prepared in bulk in appropriately licensed facilities. In the first study, the stability of piperacillin/tazobactam 45 mg/ml was determined in polyvinyl chloride and polyolefine laminate bags in 0.9% (w/v) sodium chloride at 7 degrees C, 25 degrees C/60% relative humidity (RH) and room temperature in the light (RTL) with storage up to 41 days for PVC bags and 98 days for non-PVC bags. In the second study, the stability of piperacillin/tazobactam 45 mg/ml was determined in non-PVC bags in a buffered sodium chloride formulation at 7 degrees C, 25 degrees C/60% RH and RTL with storage up to 201 days. Samples from each admixture were analysed for piperacillin concentration, tazobactam concentration and appearance of decomposition products by stability indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The pH and appearance of solution and container were also monitored. Shelf lives were calculated using the maximum rate method. Tazocin was found to be stable in 0.9% (w/v) sodium chloride in PVC bags for up to 5 days at 7 degrees C and 4 days at both 25 degrees C and RTL. In non-PVC bags, it was stable for 17, 4 and 3 days, respectively. It was stable in the buffered sodium chloride formulation in non-PVC bags for up to 58 days at 7 degrees C, 10 days at 25 degrees C and 7 days at RTL.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Retrospective analysis of canine miniature total hip prostheses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the practicality and clinical outcome of miniature total hip replacement (THR) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. Sample Population- Seventeen client-owned dogs that had miniature THR. METHODS: Patient data surveyed included signalment, body weight, diagnosis, implant size, surgical technique, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Radiographic evaluation included angle of lateral opening of the acetabular component, implant positioning, cement mantle quality, and femoral displacement measurement and ratio. Client questionnaire and orthopedic examination were used to obtain long-term follow-up information. RESULTS: Miniature THR was performed to address hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis. In 1 dog, a staged bilateral procedure was performed. Mean body weight was 19 kg (range, 12 to 25 kg). Penetration or fissure of the femoral cortex was the most common intraoperative complication and occurred in 3 dogs. In 3 dogs, there was excessive coxofemoral laxity after reduction of the prosthesis. This instability was addressed specifically in 2 dogs by capsulorrhaphy or capsular prosthesis. Postoperative convalescent complications (craniodorsal luxation, 2 dogs; acetabular cup displacement, 1 dog) were related to surgical errors. Aseptic loosening of the femoral implant was diagnosed in 1 dog at 18 months. Mean follow-up time was 17 months (range, 4 to 42 months). Fifteen of 18 (83%) miniature THRs had good or excellent outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Miniature THR should be considered a satisfactory alternative to femoral head and neck ostectomy in medium-size dogs affected by hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis. The population of medium-size dogs that might derive more benefit from THR than FHO has yet to be defined. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Miniature THR is a viable treatment option in medium-size dogs with hip dysplasia.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Factors limiting microbial growth and activity at a proposed high-level nuclear repository, yucca mountain, nevada.

As part of the characterization of Yucca Mountain, Nev., as a potential repository for high-level nuclear waste, volcanic tuff was analyzed for microbial abundance and activity. Tuff was collected aseptically from nine sites along a tunnel in Yucca Mountain. Microbial abundance was generally low: direct microscopic cell counts were near detection limits at all sites (3.2 x 10(sup4) to 2.0 x 10(sup5) cells g(sup-1) [dry weight]); plate counts of aerobic heterotrophs ranged from 1.0 x 10(sup1) to 3.2 x 10(sup3) CFU g(sup-1) (dry weight). Phospholipid fatty acid concentrations (0.1 to 3.7 pmol g(sup-1)) also indicated low microbial biomasses; diglyceride fatty acid concentrations, indicative of dead cells, were in a similar range (0.2 to 2.3 pmol g(sup-1)). Potential microbial activity was quantified as (sup14)CO(inf2) production in microcosms containing radiolabeled substrates (glucose, acetate, and glutamic acid); amendments with water and nutrient solutions (N and P) were used to test factors potentially limiting this activity. Similarly, the potential for microbial growth and the factors limiting growth were determined by performing plate counts before and after incubating volcanic tuff samples for 24 h under various conditions: ambient moisture, water-amended, and amended with various nutrient solutions (N, P, and organic C). A high potential for microbial activity was demonstrated by high rates of substrate mineralization (as much as 70% of added organic C in 3 weeks). Water was the major limiting factor to growth and microbial activity, while amendments with N and P resulted in little further stimulation. Organic C amendments stimulated growth more than water alone.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases in the murine zymosan-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated as mediators of tissue damage in several inflammatory diseases. Since the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is thought to result from systemic inflammation, overactivation of MMPs could contribute to the organ damage observed. The expression and activity of several MMPs were studied in a murine model for MODS. Sixty mice were given an aseptic intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide, followed, after 6 days, by zymosan. At days 2, 5, 8, 12, and 16 after the injection of zymosan, the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys were collected from groups of mice for either RNA extraction, gelatinase zymography and collagenase (MMP-1 and -13) assays (six mice per time point), or immunohistochemistry (three mice per time point). A group of nine mice did not receive zymosan and acted as controls. The expression of MMP-2 mRNA in zymosan-treated mice was strongly up-regulated in liver tissue only. For MMP-9, this was the case in all organs examined. Quantitative gelatin zymography demonstrated the near complete absence of any gelatinase activity in tissues from control mice. However, in the liver, lungs, and especially the spleen of zymosan-treated animals, significantly increased activity of proform and active MMP-2 and -9 was observed with time. Overall, MMP-1 and -13 activities were very low in all samples from the liver and lungs. In the spleen, however, high levels of MMP-1 and -13 were observed in zymosan-treated animals. Immunohistochemical staining for MMP-2 was detected in the liver and spleen, but not in lung and kidney tissue of zymosan-treated animals. Staining for MMP-9 could be detected in liver, lung, and spleen tissues of zymosan-treated mice. For both MMPs, staining appeared to be limited to phagocytes. In conclusion, the data suggest a role for MMPs, especially MMP-9, in the pathogenesis of MODS.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Chemical peritonitis associated with high dialysate acetaldehyde concentrations.

BACKGROUND: During the standard heat sterilization process of lactate-buffered peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions, glucose degrades to form compounds called glucose degradation products such as acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, or glyoxal. Despite evidence that these products may be responsible for some in vitro cytotoxic effects induced by commercially available PD fluids, data on their acute or chronic effects on the human peritoneum is scarce. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This case presentation is based on an observation of 21 aseptic peritonitis cases of unknown aetiology. All cases appeared within one month in a university hospital PD unit that had a peritonitis rate of 1 episode/26 patient months and 55 active patients on CAPD. Acetaldehyde level in the bags was assayed by gas chromatography. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients presented with signs of peritonitis including cloudy dialysate and abdominal tenderness with additional abdominal pain in 11 patients and vomiting in one. In all cases, cultures and Gram stains were negative for micro-organisms. Fever was not observed in any patient. Average dialysate white blood cell count was 1795/mm(3). All patients were free of intraperitoneal medication when symptoms appeared. Patients were using PD solutions from a newly established domestic production plant. Apparently all patients with symptoms of peritonitis used bags with the same lot number and the solution in the bags appeared to be darker in colour than that in bags with other lot numbers. Chemical analysis of the unused PD solution samples revealed acetaldehyde levels of 17-20 p.p. m. in bags containing darker solution, which is very high compared with the usual acetaldehyde level of 6 p.p.m. in heat-sterilized PD solutions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the above findings, we hypothesize that higher levels of acetaldehyde and possibly other glucose degradation products may have been an aetiological factor in these 21 cases of chemical peritonitis. Our observation suggests that acetaldehyde, in concentrations 3-4 times higher than the usual level in commercially available PD solutions, may induce acute sterile peritonitis in CAPD patients.

Acetaldehyde↗
PubMed1998

Outbreak of Acinetobacter spp. bloodstream infections in a nursery associated with contaminated aerosols and air conditioners.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter spp. are multidrug-resistant bacteria that grow well in water and cause infections with unexplained, increased summer prevalence. In August, 1996, eight infants acquired Acinetobacter spp. bloodstream infection (A-BSI) while in a nursery in the Bahamas; three infants died and an investigation was initiated. METHODS: A case patient was defined as any newborn in the nursery during August 6 to 13, 1996, with A-BSI. To identify risk factors for A-BSI we conducted a retrospective cohort study and performed environmental cultures and air sampling using settle plates. The genetic relatedness of environmental isolates was assessed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Of 33 patients in the nursery 8 (24%) met the case definition. Patients with peripheral iv catheters were more likely to develop A-BSI (8 of 21 vs. O of 10, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis among patients with iv catheters indicated that only exposure to one nurse was an independent risk factor for developing A-BSI (P < 0.005). Nursery settle plates were more likely to grow Acinetobacter spp. than were settle plates from other hospital areas (8 of 9 vs. 0 of 5, P < 0.005); cultures from nursery air conditioners also grew Acinetobacter spp. Environmental isolates were genetically diverse. After installation of a new air conditioner in May, 1995, A-BSIs occurred more frequently during months of increased absolute humidity or environmental dew point. CONCLUSIONS: Acinetobacter spp. may cause nosocomial BSI and death among infants during periods of polyclonal airborne dissemination; breaks in aseptic technique during i.v. medication administration may facilitate transmission from the environment to the patient. Environmental conditions that increase air conditioner condensate may predispose to airborne dissemination via contaminated aerosols and increase the risk of nosocomial A-BSI.

Acinetobacter↗
PubMed1997

Detection of mumps virus genome directly from clinical samples and a simple method for genetic differentiation of the Hoshino vaccine strain from wild strains of mumps virus.

A simple and sensitive method was developed for the differentiation of the Hoshino vaccine strain from wild strains with a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in the part of hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene. The virus genome was amplified by using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) directly from clinical samples. The PCR product of the Hoshino vaccine strain was cleaved into 2 fragments after digestion with Sca I and Afl II. All wild strains showed 2 RFLP profiles, A and B, different from that of vaccine strain. Wild A strains were cut into 2 fragments after digestion with Sca I only, while wild B strains were cleaved neither with Sca I nor Afl II. This molecular approach provides an effective method for differentiation of the Hoshino vaccine strain from wild strains of mumps virus in patients after vaccination.

Animals↗