Diagnosis of intrauterine infection by demonstration of antibody-coated bacteria in the amniotic fluid

Summary. Immunofluorescence examination of amniotic fluid for the occurrence of antibody-coated bacteria was carried out in 72 consecutive women with premature rupture of the fetal membranes to assess this method in the diagnosis of intrauterine infection. Antibody-coated bacteria were demonstrated in 11 women with clinical signs of intrauterine infection, histological amnionitis and heavy growth of one bacterial species. The presence of intrauterine infection was considered possible in another 14 women. One patient had no clinical signs of infection, but positive histological and bacteriological evidence; anti-body-coated bacteria were demonstrated in this patient, but not in the remaining 13 women. In 47 women clinical, histological and bacteriological signs of intrauterine infection were absent, and examinations for antibody-coated bacteria were negative in all of them. It is concluded that the demonstration of antibody-coated bacteria in amniotic fluid indicates the presence of intrauterine infection, and the examination may in some cases be positive before the appearance of clinical signs of infection.     

Modulation of neurotoxic behavior in F-344 rats by temporal disposition of benzo(a)pyrene

The behavioral changes caused by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compound, were monitored, and also its metabolite levels in cerebellum and cortex were measured in BaP treated rats to see if any relationship existed between these two aspects. Rats were administered 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of BaP in peanut oil by oral gavage. Plasma, and brain tissue (cerebellum and cortex) samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post administration. Neurotoxic effects peaked at 2 h after dosing and lasted 48 h after dosing for all dose groups. The metabolite levels remained the same from 2 to 4 h, reached a peak at 6 h post gavage and showed a gradual decline returning to baseline levels at 72 h when the motor activity of treatment groups also returned to control levels, indicating recovery from the effects of BaP. A significant (P<0.05) correlation between neurotoxic effects and BaP plasma, and brain metabolite concentrations suggests that metabolism plays an important role in modulating the neurobehavioral effects of BaP.     

Scar revision techniques: z-plasty, w-plasty, and geometric broken line closure

This article addresses the use of scar revision surgery as it relates to the use of Z-plasty, W-plasty, and geometric broken line closure. Each of these techniques is discussed in detail and the author provides perspectives regarding the indications, advantages, and limitations of each procedure. The surgeon should be experienced with each of these and apply these methods as appropriate. As with any technique, careful preoperative planning along with meticulous execution will lead to optimal results.