Pathogenic microorganisms in soil: an old problem in a new perspective

Early investigations on the survival of pathogenic bacteria in soil have been directed mainly to changes in the numbers of viable populations. More reliable techniques to assess the physiological, biochemical and pathogenic capabilities of such organisms are necessary to gain a better understanding of the nature of the diseases they cause and ultimately of the means to control them.     

A case report of adult croup: a new old problem

Larnygeotracheobronchitis is a common disease of childhood most often associated with infection by parainfluenza virus. Although rare, adult cases have been reported. Adult croup presents similarly to the childhood version; however, the severity is usually much worse, often leading to hospitalization. Presented is the case of an 80-year-old woman with croup, which is the twelfth reported in the English literature.     

Internal fixation of the odontoid: a newer approach to an old problem.

A surgical approach to cervical spine instability associated with odontoid fracture is described. Internal fixation of the odontoid (IFO) has advantages over traditional posterior surgical treatments currently employed. This approach to the odontoid process is easier for the surgeon comfortable with anterior discectomy to perform than other techniques described in the spine literature.