Listeria species in domestic environments.

Using a direct isolation method Listeria spp. were detected in 101 (47.4%) of 213 houses investigated. L. monocytogenes was present in 45 houses (21.1%). Listeria spp. occurred at all sampling sites. Dish-cloths (37%) and surface samples round the drain in the bathroom (27.2%) were most frequently contaminated. Highest numbers (c. 10(4) c.f.u./object) were found in dish-cloths and washing-up brushes. Lower levels (up to 10(3) c.f.u./object) were obtained from kitchen sinks, refrigerator vegetable compartment samples and tooth brushes. In total, 132 isolations of Listeria spp. were made from 871 samples. L. innocua (53%) and L. monocytogenes (41%) were the predominant species in the positive samples. Other Listeria spp. were found in only 6% of the positive samples.     

The restoration of improperly inclined osseointegrated implants

Improper implant angulation is one of the most difficult problems to overcome in the fabrication of implant-supported and implant-retained restorations. Several techniques using the "UCLA" abutment have been developed to solve these problems. The creation of large screw-access holes for moderate angulation and the fabrication of telescopic copings and overlay castings for severe angulation problems are discussed.     

Comparative in vitro antibacterial activity of the new carbapenem meropenem (SM-7338)

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the new carbapenem meropenem (SM-7338) was determined by an agar dilution method in comparison with imipenem, ticarcillin/calvulanic acid, ceftazidime and the fourth-generation cephalosporin cefepime (BMY 28142). Meropenem showed superior activity againstEnterobacteriaceae (MIC900.06 mg/l) and against non-fermentative gram-negative rods, with the exception ofXanthomonas maltophilia. Meropenem had excellent activity against beta-lactamase-producingHaemophilus influenzae andNeisseria gonorrhoeae, and against theBacteroides fragilis group. Imipenem was slightly more active then meropenem against gram-positive cocci especiallyEnterococcus faecalis.     

Erythromycin succinate in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

Summary In 20 patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory tract infection the effectiveness of oral erythromicin succinate 3×500 mg daily has been tested. The duration of treatment was 10 days in all cases. The criteria of success, in addition to the clinical findings, were the results of bacteriological investigations and assessment of the appearance of the sputum. In all patients sputum and serum concentrations or erythromicin were determined. All pathogens isolated from the sputum of the patients were erythromicin-sensitive. One instance of development of resistance was observed. The drug was well tolerated.     

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric assay for the quantitation in human plasma of the novel indenoisoquinoline topoisomerase I inhibitors,NSC 743400 and NSC 725776

Topoisomerase I (Topo I) is a recognized target for ovarian, lung, and colorectal cancer therapy. The FDA-approved camptothecin (CPT) Topo I inhibitors, topotecan and irinotecan are labile and their effects are rapidly reversible. The indenoisoquinoline topoisomerase I inhibitors, NSC 743400 and NSC 725776, have been developed as a new generation of Topo I inhibitors and are being advanced to clinical evaluation. To support the clinical development of NSC 743400 and NSC 725776, we developed and validated, according to FDA guidelines, LC–MS/MS assays for the sensitive, accurate and precise quantitation of NSC 743400 and NSC 725776 in 0.2 mL human plasma. After ethyl acetate extraction, separation was achieved with a Synergi Polar RP column and a gradient of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile:water. NSC 743400 and NSC 725776 eluted at approximately 3 min, and the total run time was 14 min. Detection consisted of electrospray, positive-mode ionization mass spectrometry. Between 3 and 1000 ng/mL, accuracy was 96.9–108.2% for NSC 743400 and 95.1–106.7% for NSC 725776, and precision was <11.4% for NSC 743400 and <5.9% for NSC 725776. Extraction recovery was >80% for both analytes, and ion suppression ranged from −46.7 to 5.7%. The use of isotopically labeled internal standards and a wash phase at the end of the run were necessary to achieve adequate assay performance. Protein binding in human plasma as assessed by equilibrium dialysis showed both indenoisoquinolines to be more than 98% protein bound.     

Effects on Spasticity and Neuropathic Pain of an Oral Formulation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in Patients WithProgressive Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of an oral formulation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (ECP002A) in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).

Maxillofacial restoration after head and neck tumor therapy

Oral and pharyngeal cancers are among the leading cancer sites. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or combination therapies are common treatment modalities. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy cause significant morbidity and long-term irreversible sequelae in the oral cavity. Surgical resection can be mutilating, disfiguring, and deeply affect self-image. Orofacial defects have unique limitations and challenges for both the surgeon and the maxillofacial prosthodontist. Microvascular surgical techniques and the use of osseointegrated implants improve the rehabilitation potential of the various head and neck defects. This article reviews current treatment modalities of tumor therapy, their consequences, and the restoration of maxillofacial defects.