Arch Orthop Trauma Surg, 2001 Nov, 121(10), 566 - 70 Pathomorphological and quantitative bacteriological findings in various forms of primary surgery on gunshot wounds of extremities; Zhang YD et al.; It is well-known that 'wound excision' is essential in the primary treatment of wounds in war, particularly thorough debridement of the devitalized tissues around the path of a penetrating projectile . Nowadays, the gunshot wounds in peacetime have become prevalent . Instead of the traditional method of 'wound excision' (excision), we used the method of 'incision and drainage' (incision) in the primary surgery of these gunshot wounds of extremities . To determine the treatment effectiveness of these different surgical methods (incision and excision), two groups of dogs were shot in the proximal part of one hind leg with an American M-16 rifle . One group was treated by the method of 'excision'; in the other group 'incision' were performed . No difference in infection rate was noted between the two groups . Similarly, no difference in bacterial count was found between the two groups during the observation period . Also, there was no difference in healing time; the wounds in both groups had healed by 19.2-21.4 days . Microscopic examination revealed a little normal muscle tissue in the necrotic zone of the incision group which might augment the repair process . These results suggest that there are no differences in the effectiveness in preventing infection between the two methods . 'Incision' might be superior to 'excision' for the management of the gunshot wounds of extremities in peacetime, as it involves a simple operation and there are advantages for tissue healing. West Afr J Med, 2001 Apr-Jun, 20(2), 173 - 5 Pyogenic thyroiditis and HIV infection; Orkar KS et al.; Infective thyroiditis remain rare disease entity . Six patients were seen in Jos, Nigeria in the last five years . All of them were HIV positive . The presentation and management of these patients are high-lighted . The clinical features and bacteriology were similar to those previously documented for infective thyroiditis. Int J Food Microbiol, 2001 Dec 4, 71(1), 87 - 92 Evaluation of techniques for enrichment and isolation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from artificially contaminated sprouts; Weagant SD et al.; Because sprouted seed products are kept wet during and after production, have high levels of nutrients, and a neutral pH, they are subject to the outgrowth of pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 . For these same reasons, these products also contain high levels of heterotrophic organisms and in particular coliform bacteria . Recent outbreaks have focused attention on the need to improve methodology for isolating this pathogen from sprouts . When 40 E . coli O157:H7 strains were grown in pure culture in enterohemorrhagic E . coli enrichment broth (EEB) as prescribed in the U.S . FDA-Bacteriological Analytical Manual (FDA-BAM) and in EEB modified by varying the cefixime concentration, outgrowth for all strains in EEB was inhibited at 0.05 mg/l but for only 2 of 40 strains when the cefixime level was adjusted to 0.0125 mg/l . These two enrichment formulae were compared to modified E . coli broth (mEC), modified Tryptic Soy Broth with 20 mg/l novobiocin (mTSB + N), modified Buffered Peptone Water (mBPW), and mBPW with added 10 mg/l acriflavin, 10 mg/l cefsulodin, and 8 mg/l vancomycin (mBPW + ACV) for isolation of E . coli O157:H7 from sprouts . These comparisons were performed using low-level (0.12 to 0.42 cfu/g) artificially contaminated alfalfa and mixed salad sprouts . After enrichment, two isolation methods were compared for recovery; direct plating to Tellurite-Cefixime Sorbitol MacConkey agar (TCSMAC) and immunomagnetic separation (IMS) (Dynabeads anti-E . coli O157, Dynal, Oslo, Norway) followed by plating to TCSMAC . In addition, an immunoprecipitin detection kit, VIP (BioControl, Bellevue, WA), was evaluated for detection after enrichment . We found that five of the six enrichments were equivalent for detection or recovery while one enrichment (mTSB + N without agitation) was less productive . Incubation for 24 h was more effective in recovering E . coli O157:H7 from sprouts than 6 h for all enrichment broths . Plating after IMS was more productive than direct plating at these low levels of contamination, yielding recovery in 70 of 90 trials compared to 37 of 90 trials without IMS for six enrichments . The sensitivity of VIP for detection of E . coli O157:H7 varied depending on the enrichment broth . Because of the rapid rate of growth of E . coli O157:H7 in mBPW, the high productivity of mBPW + ACV after 24-h enrichment and its compatibility with both IMS and detection with immunoprecipitin tests, mBPW + ACV at 42 degrees C with agitation was found to be the most promising enrichment protocol for testing sprouts. Khirurgiia (Mosk), 2001, (11), 39 - 43 {Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic peritonitis}; Sovliov SA et al.; Results of diagnosis and treatment of 71 patients with general pancreatogenic peritonitis (7.3% of all patients with general peritonitis) are analyzed . The main diagnostic methods were ultrasound (100% cases), computed tomography (29.5%), laparoscopy (60%) . Based on clinical, instrumental, bacteriologic and morphologic examinations primary and secondary pancreatogenic peritonitis are distinguished . Optimal policy of treatment depended on peritonitis forms . In primary (enzyme peritonitis) minimally invasive methods of treatment were used: laparoscopic drainage of abdominal cavity and bursa omentalis, therapeutic blockades etc . in secondary (bacterial) peritonitis wide laparotomy with sanations of abdominal cavity and minor bursa omentalis were used . Consecutive necrectomies and sequestrectomies were preferred (70.2%) . Advantages of hemofiltration over other methods of efferent therapy are demonstrated . The above methods of treatment permitted to decrease postoperative lethality in secondary purulent pancreatogenic peritonitis from 68 to 44%. Mar Pollut Bull, 2001 Nov, 42(11), 1155 - 60 Public perceptions of environmental quality: a survey study of beach use and perceptions in Los Angeles County; Pendleton L et al.; Despite documented successes in the battle to clean up the coastal waters of Southern California, Los Angeles County residents continue to view the ocean more as a place of pollution than a vibrant and healthy place for bathing and swimming . This study shows that residents of Los Angeles County tend to hold perceptions of marine water quality that are at odds with data on bacteriological measures of water quality collected by local sanitation districts (and reported by not-for-profit Heal the Bay) . Summary results of a survey of 400 randomly chosen households in Los Angeles County are given . Respondents were asked about their beach use and perceptions of environmental quality: both coastal water quality and air quality . The results suggest that perceptions of coastal water quality may be influenced less by "current coastal education campaigns" and more by the media and other factors. Mar Pollut Bull, 2001 Nov, 42(11), 1150 - 4 Effect of sampling frequency on shoreline microbiology assessments; Leecaster MK et al.; More than 80,000 shoreline bacteriological samples are collected annually in southern California to protect beachgoer health, but sampling frequency varies from daily to monthly among sampling sites . To assess the effectiveness of various sampling frequencies, we used five years of data from 24 Los Angeles area sites that have been monitored daily to simulate five alternative sampling strategies: five weekdays, five days per week including a weekend day, three days per week, weekly, and monthly . For each of these sampling strategies, we included in the simulation the local custom of adaptive sampling, in which a site is resampled the following day if bacterial concentrations exceed the State of California's beach water quality standards . We found that sampling five times per week resulted in observing about 80% of the events in which State standards were exceeded . This frequency dropped to 55%, 25%, and 5% for three times per week, weekly, and monthly sampling, respectively . Adaptive sampling was ineffective because nearly 70% of the water quality exceedences were single-day events, even at the most frequently contaminated sites . This high frequency of single-day events is of concern because the public is typically notified about water quality conditions 24-48 h after samples are collected, meaning that most warnings are out-of-date when they are issued. Biomaterials, 2002 Jan, 23(1), 19 - 26 Investigation of primary cell-biomaterial interactions using silver nitrate staining of nucleolar organising regions; Flynn JM et al.; The quantification of silver nitrate staining of nucleolar organising regions (AgNORs) within the nucleus of the cell has been shown to give a relative measure of the metabolic activity of the cell . In the present study, silver nitrate staining was utilised to identify metabolic variations in cells cultured on different surfaces and compared with proliferative activity assessed using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake . Primary osteoblast and periosteal cells, isolated from the calvaria of neonate rats, were cultured on tissue culture-grade (TCPS) and bacteriological-grade (BACPS) polystyrene petri dishes for 3, 5, 7 and 9 days (silver nitrate) or 14 days (BrdU) . The phenotype of the cells was examined using RT-PCR of the mRNA for osteocalcin, collagen 1a, alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin . The number and area of AgNORs and the proportion of BrdU positive cells were statistically different in cells cultured on TCPS compared with BACPS at each culture period tested . The results suggest that the metabolic activity and proliferation of cells were affected by the substrate which they colonise. Pol Merkuriusz Lek, 2001 Sep, 11(63), 276 - 8 {Single non-parasitic liver cysts}; Wysocki A et al.; Solitary non-parasitic cysts of the liver (NPHC) are rare . The incidence of NPHC on autopsy is 0.2% to 0.5% and on imaging from 2.5 to 4.6% of the population . They are more common in females than males . Congenital cysts can be solitary, multiple or involve the whole liver which is referred to as polycystic liver disease (PCLD) . Post-traumatic, neoplastic and echinococceal cysts are acquired lesions . Imaging procedures (USS, CT, MRI) are essential in diagnosis of hepatic cysts . Further diagnostic procedures include cytological, bacteriological and biochemical analysis of cystic fluid . Cystography can exclude communication of the cyst with the ductal system . Serologic tests are used in hydatid disease and serum tumour markers (CEA, CA 19-9) are measured to aid in differential diagnosis of suspected neoplastic cysts . Various therapeutic methods are used in the treatment of solitary non-parasitic hepatic cysts . The simplest is percutaneous obliteration with, for example ethyl alcohol . Fenestration (deroofing) with excision of the cyst wall is increasingly more often performed laparoscopically . Conventional open deroofing is used exceptionally, mainly in complicated cases. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2001 Nov, 51(Pt 6), 2221 - 5 Is characterization of a single isolate sufficient for valid publication of a new genus or species? Proposal to modify recommendation 30b of the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision); Christensen H et al.; From 1990 to 2000, the number of published named taxa based upon new isolates at species and genus levels in International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, formerly International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology, have increased by approximately four- and sevenfold, respectively . New taxa based upon characterization of only a single isolate remained at around 40% for both categories . The Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) has no recommendations on the number of strains required for definition of new taxa . For a few groups, a minimum number of 5-10 strains has been suggested in minimal standards . Since an exponential increase in new taxa can be expected in the future, the authors discuss problems related to naming new species and genera based upon descriptions of a single isolate and suggest that this practice is re-evaluated . It is proposed that the following should be added to Recommendation 30b of the Bacteriological Code: 'Descriptions should be based on as many strains as possible (minimum five), representing different sources with respect to geography and ecology in order to be well characterized both phenotypically and genotypically, to establish the centre (from which the type strain could be chosen) and the extent of the cluster to be named . In addition, comparative studies should be performed, including reference strains that represent neighbouring species and/or genera, in order to give descriptions that are sufficiently detailed to allow differentiation from these neighbours.' Hist Cienc Saude Manguinhos, 2001 Mar-Jun, 8(1), 133 - 71 {Rumors, fear or epidemy? The bubonic plague of 1913-1914 in the Atlantic coast of Columbia}; Valderrama JM; By the end of the 1800s, international trade and steam navigation made way for the third bubonic plague pandemy, which started in China in 1891 and reached America in 1898 . This calamity apparently arrived in Columbia's coast between 1913 and 1915, during the apex of Pasteur medicine . The deficiencies of Columbian public scientific and sanitary apparat, concerning the emerging bacteriology and epidemiology, prevented the government and the medical body from reacting against the fear and rumor of epidemy, which negatively affected the trade . The authorities were also unable to fight this problem with adequate diagnosis, enferms treatment, urban sanitation, and isolation of infected places . These difficulties led to a confrontation between the government and the medical body, inciting an argument about the existence of the plague . This discussion was settled by the North American official medicine that, in its verdict, gave preference to the commercial interests of the United States, ignoring the sanitary urgencies of the Columbian Atlantic coast. Presse Med, 2001 Nov 17, 30(34), 1683 - 5 {Congenital syphilis still exists}; Tourneux P et al.; INTRODUCTION: Even today screening for congenital syphilis must be performed and confirmed by appropriate serological tests and bacteriological samples . OBSERVATION: A newborn presented with an apparently materno-fetal or viral fetal disease . It was in fact congenital syphilis . The mother exhibited no risk factors for syphilis . Systematic serological search for syphilis was negative in the mother at 11 weeks of amenorrhea . No signs of primary or secondary syphilis had been observed during pregnancy . At twenty-nine weeks of amenorrhea, the mother presented a menace of preterm delivery and no tocolysis at 31 weeks . Examination of the newborn revealed clinical signs of aterno-fetal infection, without specificorientation . Initial bacteriological and virological analyses were negative . Screening for specific Treponema pallidum M-type immunoglobulines (IgM) on the 9th day of life, confirmed the diagnosis of congenital syphilis . COMMENTS: Diagnosis of congenital syphilis must not be eliminated during early serological screening: clinical suspicion must lead to further anamnesis again and serological tests both in the newborn and the mother. Pol Merkuriusz Lek, 2001 Aug, 11(62), 151 - 3 {Evaluation of efficacy of selected antiseptics for hands disinfection before surgical procedures}; Leksowski K et al.; The most important in surgical hands washing and disinfections is long-term and effective reduction of bacteria number . The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of some antiseptic fluids used for surgical hands disinfection's (AHD 2000, Biotensid, Manopronto and Medi-Scrub PVP Iodine) . 62 doctors and surgical nurses were examined . The material for the bacteriological examination was collected before and after hands disinfection's . The bacterial flora reduction have been presented as a percent and a logarithmic reduction ratio . All estimated antiseptic fluids were very potent and provided prolonged efficiency when the operation team complied with orders of hands washing. J Antimicrob Chemother, 2002 Jan, 49(1), 155 - 60 Once-daily versus twice-daily intravenous administration of vancomycin for infections in hospitalized patients; Cohen E et al.; The efficacy and toxicity of once-daily (od) versus twice-daily (bd) dosing of vancomycin was compared in 121 hospitalized patients . Eighteen patients were then withdrawn from the study . Clinical and bacteriological responses were evaluated in all patients (n = 103) . Nephrotoxicity was assessed in patients who did not receive nephrotoxic agents (n = 76) . Ototoxicity was assessed in patients who completed two audiograms and were not receiving ototoxic agents (n = 63) . No significant difference was found between the two groups for favourable clinical response: 47/51 (92.1%) and 49/52 (94.2%) in the od and bd groups, respectively . In 34 patients vancomycin was the only effective antibiotic . Fifteen of 18 (83.3%) evaluated episodes in the od and 12/16 (75.0%) evaluated episodes in the bd group showed a favourable bacteriological response . There were no significant differences between the od and bd groups for all adverse events . Nephrotoxicity developed in 4/37 (10.8%) and 3/39 (7.7%) patients, respectively . Hearing loss developed in 1/31 (3.2%) and 5/32 (15.6%) . Phlebitis occurred in 7/51 (13.7%) and 12/52 (23.0%) . Red man syndrome occurred in 7/51 (13.7%) and 5/52 (9.6%) in od and bd groups, respectively . The efficacy and safety profile of od administration of vancomycin is similar to that of the customary, but less convenient, bd administration. J Antimicrob Chemother, 2002 Jan, 49(1), 31 - 40 Antibiotic therapy of community respiratory tract infections: strategies for optimal outcomes and minimized resistance emergence; Ball P et al.; Widespread, increasing antibiotic resistance amongst the major respiratory pathogens has compromised traditional therapy of the major infective respiratory syndromes, including bacterial pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis . Guidelines for antibiotic prescribing dating from the 1980s to 1990s, which attempted to address such problems, were commonly too prescriptive and difficult to apply, and took little account of end-user practice or locally prevalent resistance levels . Further confusion was caused by conflicting recommendations emanating from differing specialty groups . The evidence that such guidelines benefited either clinical outcomes or treatment costs has been disputed . They have probably had little effect on resistance emergence . We report the recommendations of an independent, multi-national, inter-disciplinary group, which met to identify principles underlying prescribing and guideline formulation in an age of increasing bacterial resistance . Unnecessary prescribing was recognized as the major factor in influencing resistance and costs . Antibiotic therapy must be limited to syndromes in which bacterial infection is the predominant cause and should attempt maximal reduction in bacterial load, with the ultimate aim of bacterial eradication . It should be appropriate in type and context of local resistance prevalence, and optimal in dosage for the pathogen(s) involved . Prescribing should be based on pharmacodynamic principles that predict efficacy, bacterial eradication and prevention of resistance emergence . Pharmacoeconomic analyses confirm that bacteriologically more effective antibiotics can reduce overall management costs, particularly with respect to consequential morbidity and hospital admission . Application of these principles should positively benefit therapeutic outcomes, resistance avoidance and management costs and will more accurately guide antibiotic choices by both individuals and formulary/guideline committees. Arch Surg, 2001 Dec, 136(12), 1386 - 90 Incidence and reversibility of organ failure in the course of sterile or infected necrotizing pancreatitis; Le Mee J et al.; BACKGROUND: Multiple organ failure (MOF) and infected necrosis are both considered severe adverse events during the course of necrotizing pancreatitis . HYPOTHESIS: The incidence of MOF and its reversibility in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis are influenced by the presence or absence of infected necrosis . DESIGN: Case series . SETTING: Intensive care, university teaching hospital . PATIENTS: Forty-three patients with necrotizing pancreatitis and failure of at least 1 organ were prospectively included . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Organ failure defined according to the Goris classification; MOF defined by the simultaneous occurrence of 3 organ failures and graded with an MOF score . Microbial status of necrosis was assessed by percutaneous or intraoperative sampling . Surgical drainage was performed in patients with infected necrosis, whereas sterile necrosis was managed conservatively . RESULTS: Infected necrosis occurred in 27 patients (63%) . The mean (+/-SEM) number of organ failures was greater in cases of infection (3.6 +/- 1.1 vs 2.6 +/- 1.5; P =.02) . Multiple organ failure occurred more frequently in cases of infected necrosis (23/27 vs 7/16; P<.01) and was responsible for an increased mortality in this subgroup (33% vs 6%; P =.1) . The severity of MOF graded by the MOF score was related to the bacteriologic status of necrosis . CONCLUSIONS: The higher mortality commonly attributed to MOF in patients with infected necrosis appears to be due to a higher frequency and an increased severity of MOF . Conservative management in patients with severe necrotizing pancreatitis and sterile necrosis complicated by MOF is supported by the high reversibility rate of MOF and the low mortality rate observed in this series. Neth J Med, 2001 Dec, 59(6), 280 - 5 Splenic abscess caused by Peptostreptococcus species, diagnosed with the aid of abdominal computerized tomography and treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics: a case report; Loualidi A et al.; We describe herein a 63-year-old patient with a splenic abscess due to Peptostreptococcus spp., diagnosed with the aid of abdominal computerised tomography and treated with ultra-sound guided percutaneous drainage and antibiotics . The bacteriological characteristics of splenic abscesses are discussed. J Arthroplasty, 2001 Dec, 16(8 Suppl 1), 145 - 9 Primary arthroplasty of infected hips and knees in special cases using antibiotic-loaded bone-cement for fixation; Siegel A et al.; As a consequence of successful 1-stage exchange of infected joint prostheses, we decided to treat bacterial infection of the hip or knee by joint resection, synovectomy, and primary implantation of a hip or stabilized knee prosthesis . Since 1984, we have performed this procedure on 51 hips and 32 knees . All operations were preceded by identification of the causative organism and choice of appropriate antibiotics for addition to the bone-cement . The long-term rate of success corresponds to that of 1-stage exchange of infected prostheses . The different anatomic conditions at the hip and knee have to be taken into consideration . This treatment is restricted to special cases and should be performed only in specialized clinics with competent assistance from a bacteriologist. Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2001 Dec, 20(12), 1161 - 4 Serologic response to a secreted and a cytosolic antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in childhood tuberculosis; Raja A et al.; BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bacteriologic diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis is difficult, and alternate methods are needed . The utility of a serologic test for major secretory antigen (30 kDa) and a cytosolic antigen (16 kDa) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was evaluated for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in children . METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used . Specific IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies were measured in the sera from 26 clinically and/or bacteriologically diagnosed cases of childhood tuberculosis and 61 normal children . RESULTS: Anti-IgG antibodies alone, against both 30- and 16-kDa antigens, were detected in 65.4% of patients . However, by combination of all three isotypes, increased sensitivities of 84.6 and 73%, with a specificity of 96.7% each, were obtained for 30- and 16-kDa antigens, respectively . CONCLUSIONS: We found good specificity and reasonably good sensitivity for detection of antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to 30-kDa antigen alone . The 16-kDa antigen did not perform as well. Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2001 Dec, 18(6), 503 - 12 Randomized, double-blind study comparing 5- and 7-day regimens of oral levofloxacin in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis; Masterton RG et al.; A randomized, double-blind, multicentre study was conducted in adult patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB), to compare the efficacy of a 5-day course of levofloxacin 500 mg once daily, with the standard 7-day regimen at the same dose . Five hundred and thirty-two patients from 48 centres in 10 countries were randomized to receive levofloxacin: 268 and 264 received the 5- and 7-day courses, respectively . The primary efficacy analysis was the clinical response at 7-10 days post-treatment in the per-protocol (PP) population . Clinical success rates in the primary PP analysis of 482 patients were 82.8% (197/238) for the 5-day group and 84.8% (207/244) for the 7-day group . The difference in success rates was -2.1% with a 95% CI of (-9.1 to 4.9%) . The bacteriological response showed eradication rates of 82.1% (92/112) and 83.2% (84/101) in the 5- and 7-day groups, respectively . Both treatments were well tolerated . These results show that for patients with AECB levofloxacin 500 mg once daily for 5 days provides equivalent clinical and bacteriological success to the same dose given for 7 days irrespective of the patient's age, the frequency of exacerbations or the presence of co-existing cardiopulmonary or chronic obstructive airways disease. Arch Bronconeumol, 2001 Nov, 37(10), 417 - 23 {Tuberculosis notification from 1987 to 1999 for the public health area of the community of Valencia (Spain)}; Calpe JL et al.; OBJECTIVE: Under notification of tuberculosis (TB) is common worldwide but has hardly been studied in Spain . The objective of this study was to determine how many cases of TB are reported in our health care area . MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 1987 and 1999 we carried out a direct study of the incidence and reporting of TB cases in our area (106,632 inhabitants on the census) . Cases were taken from mandatory notification, pathology and bacteriology files and were then reviewed . RESULTS: Of the 410 TB cases diagnosed, 378 were residents of the area (annual incidence: 27/100,000 inhabitants), 223 of whom were reported (54%) . Forty-eight patients were under 15 years of age . Sixty-seven percent of the pediatric cases and 53% of the adult cases were reported (n.s.) . Of the 78 cases with HIV co-infection, only 32% were reported, in contrast with 60% of HIV-negative cases (p < 0.001) . Of the 300 cases with pulmonary involvement, 56% were reported, versus 50% of those with exclusively extrapulmonary involvement (n.s.) . For the 149 with positive Ziehl-Neelsen stain, 61% were reported, in contrast with 51% of those who were smear negative (n.s.) . Diagnosis was based on clinical signs in 65 cases (16%), 51% of which were reported, versus 55% of those in which diagnosis was based on bacteriology or histology consistent with TB (n.s.) . Overall under notification tended to decrease during the study period (r = 0.73, p < 0.005) . Under notification also tended to decrease for patients with pulmonary involvement (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001) and for those with positive Ziehl-Neelsen staining of sputum (r = 0.79, p< 0.001) . Likewise, under notification also decreased for HIV negative patients (r = 0.74, p < 0.02) but not significantly so for HIV positive patients r = 0.44, n.s.) . CONCLUSIONS: Direct quantification of cases revealed a significant degree of under notification that is tending to decrease . Under notification is greatest for HIV-positive patients and is not changing . No differences were seen for smear positive and smear negative patients, by pulmonary or extra-pulmonary involvement, for clinical versus laboratory diagnosis, or for patients who were younger or older than 15 years of age . Reporting should be improved so that measures to decrease the incidence of TB can be taken. Rev Sci Tech, 2001 Dec, 20(3), 769 - 75 Field investigations of brucellosis in cattle and small ruminants in Syria, 1990-1996; Darwish M et al.; The authors present the epidemiological status of brucellosis in cattle and small ruminants in Syria from 1990 to 1996, based on laboratory findings at the Brucellosis Centre, Damascus . Initial investigations using the Rose Bengal plate test, the complement fixation test and a miniaturised variant of the slow agglutination test were conducted throughout the country in 1990 and 1991, revealing an overall herd seroprevalence rate of 3.14% in cattle herds and 2.94% in small ruminant flocks . Although partially biased by previous vaccination of young female cattle with S19 vaccine, these figures indicate that brucellosis in cattle is widespread, particularly in the urban governorates (provinces) of Damascus, Aleppo and Suwaydah . Brucellosis seroprevalence in sheep and goats was relatively high in the governorates of Damascus, Aleppo and Dara'a . The results of a second series of investigations, performed between 1992 and 1996, show that herd seroprevalence in cattle decreased steadily from 17.48% in 1992, to 2.59% in 1996, in the Government-owned farms, while seroprevalence increased in the private sector during the same period . The difference may be explained by the restriction of brucellosis vaccination to public farms (although this was far from systematic), combined with partial application of a 'test-and-slaughter' policy . In sheep and goats, brucellosis seroprevalence fluctuated in the two sectors, but was higher in the private sector where husbandry is principally extensive . Bacteriological investigations led to the isolation of Brucella melitensis biovars 2 and 3 in sheep and B . abortus biovar 9 in cattle . Although no specific methodology was employed, particularly with regard to sampling, this study is significant as the first international report of the distribution of brucellosis in Syria . Further, well-structured studies are required, the results of which could be used to plan an appropriate national control programme for brucellosis. Wien Klin Wochenschr, 2001 Oct 30, 113(20-21), 776 - 80 {Etiological research in medicine in Vienna circa 1900, at the time of Karl Landsteiner}; Groger H; By the end of the 19th century theoretical etiological research became more and more important in medical science . Anton Weichselbaum focused on bacteriology in the field of pathological anatomy and Rudolf Paltauf founded an Institute of Serotherapy, thus taking account of this new development . Progress made in laboratory medicine due to the work of a number of scientists in Vienna was of both fundamental and practical significance for the advancement of medicine. CLAO J, 2001 Oct, 27(4), 231 - 3 Epithelial split associated with wear of a silicone hydrogel contact lens; Jalbert I et al.; PURPOSE: To describe the appearance and management of a superior epithelial arcuate lesion (SEAL) observed in association with the wear of a silicone hydrogel lens . METHODS: We present a case of a 30-year-old male who presented with a SEAL after 4 months of wear of a silicone hydrogel lens on a 30-day extended wear schedule . Bacteriological examination of the lenses and ocular adnexa was conducted at the time of the event . The clinical presentation and management are presented and compared to a review of cases associated with hydrogel lenses . RESULTS: The patient presented with symptoms of mild irritation . A linear splitwas noted in the superior peripheral cornea of the affected eye and was associated with limbal injection, stromal infiltrates, and fluorescein staining . Normal ocular biota was recovered from the lenses and eyelids of both eyes . Visual acuity remained unchanged and the lesion resolved following prophylactic treatment and discontinuation of lens wear for 8 days . CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis and management of this SEAL case in a silicone hydrogel lens wearer mirrored that of previous events associated with hydrogel lenses . The possible etiologies of SEAL in this case are discussed and include mechanical irritation and dehydration of the lens surface. No To Shinkei, 2001 Oct, 53(10), 957 - 60 {A case of craniopharyngioma with chemical meningitis as an initial symptom}; Nishio Y et al.; We reported a rare case of craniopharyngioma with chemical meningitis due to spontaneous rupture of the tumor . A 50-year-old woman was admitted with high fever, headache, and nausea . On physical examination, she had nuchal rigidity . The examination of her cerebral spinal fluid(CSF) revealed pleocytosis(mononuclear cell dominant), low value of glucose level and high content of protein . The feature of her CSF findings suggested tuberculosis or fungal meningitis, but bacteriologic culture of the CSF was negative . The CT scan showed an isodensity mass in the suprasellar region and a spotty calcification in the third ventricle . The MRI with gadolinium enhancement suggested that the tumor must be craniopharyngioma and that meningitis was a type of chemical meningitis due to spontaneous rupture of craniopharyngioma . The corticosteroid therapy was rather effective to the symptoms of fever and headache . Then the operation was performed by neurosurgeons, and the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma was pathologically confirmed . Spontaneous rupture of craniopharyngioma rarely occurred and was followed by chemical meningitis . This case was an extremely rare condition that presented with chemical meningitis as an initial symptom. Pathologica, 2001 Oct, 93(5), 535 - 43 {Health anthropology and hospital archiving . The Museum of Pathological Anatomy of the City Hospital of Trieste}; Braulin F; The preparations found in the Trieste Hospital Museum of Pathological Anatomy fit into the context of a medical semiotics which has its origins in the anatomical clinical method . The study of the practices involved in the museum preparation leads back to its purely diagnostic function inasmuch as it convalidates or contradicts the suppositions that, from the symptomatological case history, made from the study of the lesions and the diseased organ . This whole investigative process corresponds to a break in the field of scientific knowledge which marks the birth of a new approach to diagnosis and a new form of nosology, made possible by the great number of sick people and deaths available in a modern hospital . The Museum is permeated with empiricism, morphologism and localisation, and its exhibits fluctuate between macroscopic and microscopic anatomy, between organic and cellular pathology . In the exhibits of infectious and contagious diseases, one can see traces of the revolution brought about by bacteriology and laboratory techniques; in the considerable collection of malignant tumours, one can detect an oncological awareness which relates explicitly to a nosology based on the work of Virchow . The preparations which refer to pathologies that cannot be reduced simply to localisation illustrate an increasing awareness of functional medicine and clinical biochemistry . The Museum has the task of showing and teaching in order to train the hospital doctor . The Museum--through pathological anatomy--directed the community towards a knowledge of healthcare methods destined to change the morbidity and mortality rates due to a certain disease, in relation to those diseases typical of the times. Med Confl Surviv, 2001 Oct-Dec, 17(4), 355 - 68 The United States and biological warfare: secrets from the early cold war and Korea; Bruwer A; The United States and Biological Warfare is about accusations that the United States resorted to bacteriological warfare at a time of great military stress during the Korean War . In December 1951, the then US Secretary of Defense ordered early readiness for offensive use of biological weapons . Soon afterwards, the North Korean and Chinese armies accused the United States of starting a large-scale biological warfare experiment in Korea . The US State Department denied the accusation . Both parties to the dispute maintain their positions today . The authors spent 20 years researching the accusations in North America, Europe and Japan . They were the first foreigners to be given access to Chinese classified documents . The reader is also introduced to the concept of 'plausible denial', an official US policy which allowed responsible governmental representatives to deny knowledge of certain events . The authors hope that their work will contribute to the understanding of a time when modern war expanded into a new type of violence. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 2001 Nov, 5(11), 1021 - 7 Patient and health care system delays in Queensland tuberculosis patients, 1985-1998; Ward J et al.; SETTING: Queensland tuberculosis (TB) control centre QTCC) . OBJECTIVE: To investigate patient and health care system delays in the diagnosis of active TB in Queensland . DESIGN: Analysis of data extracted from the QTCC database and review of charts . Symptomatic patients with bacteriologically or histologically proven TB were considered as a total group and a pulmonary smear-positive (PSP) group . RESULTS: The median patient delays were 29 days (total group) and 30 days (PSP group) . The median health care system delays were 22 days (total group) and 11 days (PSP group) . There were significant trends towards increasing health care system delays with increasing age and longer residency of migrants in Australia . Health care system delays were significantly longer for females and those aged over 45 . Migrants from countries of high TB incidence and indigenous Australians had shorter health care system delays compared to non-indigenous Australians . Common reasons for diagnostic delays of more than 90 days were failure to perform appropriate investigations and misdiagnosis of chest X-rays . CONCLUSION: Physicians need to consider including TB in the differential diagnosis in older age groups and migrants with longer residency in Australia . There should be a low threshold for obtaining chest X-rays and sputum samples in patients with persistent cough. Ann Plast Surg, 2001 Nov, 47(5), 523 - 7 Fournier's gangrene: etiology, treatment, and complications; Kilic A et al.; Presented here are 23 patients with Fournier's gangrene who were treated between 1990 and 1999 in the departments of general surgery, urology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery . Patients were reviewed retrospectively and are discussed according to age, gender, bacteriology, etiology, treatment, and outcome in the light of the current literature. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 2001 Sep, 20(9), 643 - 6 Piperacillin/Tazobactam versus cefotaxime plus metronidazole for treatment of children with intra-abdominal infections requiring surgery; Maltezou HC et al.; The efficacy of piperacillin/tazobactam at 100/12.5 mg/kg every 8 h (35 patients) was compared to cefotaxime plus metronidazole at 50/7.5 mg/kg every 8 h (35 patients) in 70 children with intra-abdominal infections requiring surgery . Diagnoses were gangrenous or perforated appendicitis (n =56), peritonitis (n =12), and abscess (n =2) . Clinical cure was observed in 35 of 35 evaluable patients treated with piperacilin/tazobactam and in 34 of 34 evaluable patients treated with cefotaxime plus metronidazole . Presumed bacteriological eradication was noted in 29 of 30 evaluable patients in the piperacillin/tazobactam group and in 31 of 31 evaluable patients in the cefotaxime plus metronidazole group . In this study, piperacillin/tazobactam was as effective as cefotaxime plus metronidazole for treating children with intra-abdominal infections requiring surgery. Gastric Cancer, 2001, 4(2), 87 - 92 Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric remnant after distal gastrectomy for primary gastric cancer; Onoda N et al.; BACKGROUND: The development of a second primary cancer in the gastric remnant after gastrectomy for early gastric carcinoma is a problem, and eradication of Helicobacter pylori after the operation has been recommended . However, to date, practical indications for H . pylori eradication after gastric cancer surgery have not yet been reported . METHODS: We examined H . pylori infection in the gastric remnant after distal gastrectomy for primary gastric cancer . One hundred and nine patients who had had a gastrectomy were studied . Endoscopic findings and results from the urease test, bacteriologic assessment, serological test, and histopathological examination were analyzed . RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (65.1%) were judged to be positive for H . pylori infection . The prevalence of H . pylori infection was found to be significantly decreased in older patients, patients in whom the operation had been performed a long time before examination, patients with symptoms, and patients with severe reflux gastritis . On the other hand, histologically, chronic and acute gastritis correlated significantly with H . pylori infection . H . pylori prevalence was highest in mildly atrophic mucosa and decreased with more extensive atrophic changes of the mucosa . CONCLUSIONS: The persistence of H . pylori-related active gastritis in the gastric remnant after gastric cancer surgery was suggested in younger patients with mild atrophic gastritis and without reflux gastritis . These patients may be the best candidates for H . pylori eradication therapy. Vet Parasitol, 2001 Dec 3, 102(1-2), 1 - 15 A Swiss case-control study to assess Neospora caninum-associated bovine abortions by PCR, histopathology and serology; Sager H et al.; Neospora caninum is one of the most frequent infectious organisms causing abortion in cattle worldwide . The present case-control study was designed to assess the importance of bovine neosporosis for causing abortion in Swiss cattle and to identify selected risk factors . Infection was primarily diagnosed by a N . caninum-specific PCR and serology, complemented with histopathology and immunohistochemistry . A total of 113 case and 113 corresponding control-farms were studied for 1.5 year . During this time period, 242 abortions were reported and referred for bacteriological, virological, parasitological and pathohistological examinations . N . caninum was detected by PCR in the brains of 21% of all aborted fetuses . Microscopic lesions indicative for cerebral protozoa infection were detected in 84% of PCR-positive fetal brains . Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was demonstrated in 7% of the cases, and bacterial infections were detected in 4% of the abortions . One or more N . caninum-abortions occurred in 20% of the herds (41 case-farms and 3 control-farms) . Serological examination of aborting mother cows revealed a significantly higher percentage of N . caninum-seropositive animals (44%) in comparison to the prevalence in a randomly selected population (12%) . However, in eight cases (4% of all investigated abortions) seronegative cows aborted N . caninum PCR-positive fetuses, and in 50 cases the fetus remained negative although the respective mother cow was N . caninum-seropositive . Repetitive serological investigations (at a 3-12 months interval) of 3551 cows from case- and control-farms showed a decrease of the overall N . caninum-seroprevalence from 17 to 12% . Ninety out of 3008 seronegative animals were converted to N . caninum-seropositivity . Conversely, 212 out of 543 initially seropositive animals became seronegative for their second serum sample . The obtained data underlined the importance of N . caninum as a causative agent for abortion in Swiss cattle . Furthermore, PCR was confirmed to be a valuable diagnostic tool for the primary diagnosis of N . caninum in aborted fetuses . On the other hand, the value of serology appears to be hampered by the temporal instability of N . caninum antibody concentrations in adult cattle, including especially seronegativity of some individual animals . Thus, seronegativity in a mother cow or heifer does not exclude N . caninum-associated abortions. Mikrobiol Z, 2001 Jul-Aug, 63(4), 91 - 5 {Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from patients to antituberculosis drugs}; Sybirna RI et al.; Patients from focuses of tuberculosis infection in the Lviv Region for 1996-1999 were subjected to bacteriological examination . It has been established that the disseminated form occupies the first place in general structure among patients with bacterial excretions . The increase in the number of strains of tuberculosis mycobacteria resistant to the basic antituberculosis drugs and their polyresistance, especially, in patients living in towns has been revealed. Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2001 Oct, 18(4), 383 - 6 Comparison of isepamicin with amikacin for the empirical treatment of febrile neutropenic children with malignancies; Maltezou HC et al.; The efficacy and safety of isepamicin at 7.5 mg/kg i.v . q 12 h was prospectively compared with that of amikacin at the same dose for the treatment of febrile neutropenic children with malignancies . Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in the study; 25 received isepamicin and 14 amikacin . Clinical and bacteriological response rates were 100% for both groups . No adverse events occurred . Median peak serum levels were 19.7 mg/l for isepamicin and 19.20 mg/l for amikacin . Median trough serum levels were 0.72 mg/l for isepamicin and 0.68 mg/l for amikacin . It was concluded that isepamicin was as effective and safe as amikacin for the treatment of febrile neutropenic children with malignancies, and might be used in areas where resistance to other aminoglycosides is a problem. Infection, 2001 Oct, 29(5), 291 - 2 Unusual complication of breast implants: Brucella infection; Memish ZA et al.; Brucellosis is hyperendemic in Saudi Arabia . We report infection in a breast implant as an unusual complication of laboratory-acquired brucellosis . A 48-year-old female developed fever, rigors, headache, arthralgia and weight loss . A blood culture for Brucella was positive . A 6-week course of antibiotics effected a clinical and bacteriological cure but the resolution was short-lived . Six weeks later a relapse of her febrile symptoms occurred together with the appearance of a breast abscess . Cultures of the abscess and blood yielded brucella . A second course of antibiotics together with surgical drainage and subsequent reconstruction resulted in a cure. Trends Parasitol, 2001 Aug, 17(8), 377 - 80 Bacteriological larvicides of dipteran disease vectors; Regis L et al.; The apparent success in vector control observed between 1950 and 1970 was followed by worldwide resistance to organosynthetic insecticides wherever they were used intensively . Insect resistance to one or more categories of insecticides has limited the effectiveness of these compounds, and their non-selective mode of action adversely affects non-target organisms . This scenario highlights the need for selective agents in integrated vector control programs . This article gives an overview of the main fundamental and applied research topics on entomopathogenic bacteria in relation to their role in vector control. Rinsho Byori, 2001 Sep, 49(9), 864 - 7 {The control survey of Japanese Association of Medical Technologists (JAMT) and its possibility of the standardization for the survey}; Osawa S; External quality control survey of JAMT (Japanese Association of Medical Technologists) carries out 9 sections of clinical chemistry, hematology, bacteriology, serology, cytology, urology, physiology-pathology, blood transfusion and genetics . In two sections of biochemistry and urology, the control survey sample have been certified which was target value and allowance limits of error by the reference method . These standardized items are utilized in order to know the degree of the accuracy of the participation laboratories . We carried out the investigation for putting the focus at 2 sections of biochemistry and serology in order to execute the standardization of the external quality control . The multiple laboratories were carried out certified using both of common pooled serum and the reference serum for a proficiency test . On the standardization items, the result showed that the external quality survey assessment was possible by the accuracy . On items of biochemistry and serology test, there have compatibility which the results of same control survey of other group . It judged possible the standardization of the external quality control assessment by the integration of the research method. J Antimicrob Chemother, 2001 Nov, 48(5), 677 - 89 Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the comparative efficacy and safety of azithromycin against other antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections; Ioannidis JP et al.; We carried out a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing 3-5 days of azithromycin with other antibiotics that are typically given in longer courses for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections . For acute otitis media (19 comparisons including 3421 patients), acute sinusitis (11 comparisons including 1742 patients) and acute pharyngitis (16 comparisons including 2447 patients), azithromycin had similar clinical failure rates to the other antibiotics {random effects odds ratios 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-1.54; 0.91, 95% CI 0.60-1.39; and 1.07, 95% CI 0.59-1.94, respectively} . The difference in clinical failures was <0.5%, and no 95% CIs exceeded 2.0% . There was no heterogeneity between studies . Subtle differences between comparators could have been due to chance . There were no significant differences in bacteriological outcomes . Azithromycin was discontinued because of adverse events in only 37 of 4870 (0.8%) patients . Short courses of azithromycin are as effective as longer courses of other antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections . Convenience of dosing should be balanced against the increased cost of this regimen for the treatment of these common infections, where often no antibiotic may be indicated at all. Trop Doct, 2001 Oct, 31(4), 237 - 40 Spinal tuberculosis; Bewes P; Spinal tuberculosis is an important and potentially crippling disease, but if recognized early and treated energetically it can be brought under control, often with very gratifying results . Knowledge of the exact bacteriology and sensitivity pattern of the organisms involved can be very helpful indeed, and should be sought where possible. Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2001 Oct, 24(8), 375 - 80 {Fasciola hepatica . study of a series of 37 patients}; Cosme A et al.; BACKGROUND: To analyze the clinical, bacteriologic, diagnostic and therapeutic features of patients with Fasciola hepatica (FH) in our hospital . PATIENTS AND METHOD: We reviewed all the patients with a diagnosis of fascioliasis from 1975 to 1999 in the Aranzazu Hospital in San Sebastian (Guipuzcoa, Spain) . Diagnosis was made by direct vision of adult parasites during surgery and/or the presence of ova in stool examinations and/or positive serologic tests in patients with symptoms consistent with parasitosis . RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included (23 men and 14 women), aged 19 to 71 years . Ingestion of watercress was confirmed in 27 . Seven cases occurred as part of familiar outbreaks . Thirty-two were in the liver invasive stage and in 5 the biliary tree was invaded . The most common features were eosinophilia (91.8%), malaise and weight loss (75.6%), elevated alkaline phosphatase (74.2%), and abdominal pain (72.9%) . Adult worms in the biliary ducts were observed in 3 patients and ova in feces were observed in 6 . In 13 of 27 patients indirect hemagglutination test was ( 1/1,280 . Data significant to confirmation of liver involvement were provided by laparoscopy in 12 of 13 patients and by imaging techniques in 13 of 31 patients . Four patients had cholelithiasis and of these, 2 also showed adult parasites in the common bile duct . Three patients underwent surgery . Therapy with dehydroemetine and/or bithionol was followed by complete remission in 30 patients, although 6 required repeat treatment cycles . The remaining 4 patients were cured by praziquantel . CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients in these series reported consumption of watercress and all patients showed the symptoms typical of parasite disease . Imaging techniques proved to be of great utility in confirming the diagnosis of hepato-biliary disease . In most of the patients therapy with dehydroemetine and/or bithionol (in one or several cycles) was followed by complete remission. Biosens Bioelectron, 2001 Aug, 16(6), 399 - 408 Development of an evanescent-field fibre optic sensor for Escherichia coli O157:H7; Ferreira AP et al.; An intensity-modulated fibre optic sensor was developed for Escherichia coli O157:H7 . The interaction between the whole natural bacteria and the guided lightwave was carried out by means of evanescent-field coupling . A correlation between optical response and the current number of bacteria was achieved . The device sensitivity had been calibrated for initial number of bacteria (N(0)) from 10-800 . The sensor sensitivity was 0.016 (+/-0.001) dB/h/N(0) . The sensing mechanism starts together with the log phase leading the present sensor response to be five to ten times faster than conventional bacteriological techniques. Scand J Infect Dis, 2001, 33(9), 667 - 72 Invasive pneumococcal infections in Southwestern Sweden: a second follow-up period of 15 years; Dahl MS et al.; In a retrospective study, the incidence, clinical manifestations, concomitant conditions and case fatality rate were studied in patients with invasive pneumococcal infections in the Goteborg area of Sweden during 1981-95, when the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine was available but little used . Patients were identified from the records of the Departments of Clinical Bacteriology and from the computer-based hospital discharge registers of the relevant departments . Individual case records were found for 876 patients with invasive pneumococcal infections verified by cultures from blood, cerebrospinal fluid or other sterile body fluids . A study from the same area with the same design covering the years 1964-80 has previously been published . There was an increase in total incidence from 5.3 to 10.3 cases/100,000/y from the previous to the present study . This increase was due to an increase in patients with non-meningitic infections aged > or = 60 y . The incidence of meningitis was virtually unchanged (1.4/100,000/y), as was the incidence of non-meningitic infections in individuals < 60 y . There were no other important changes between the 2 studies, which confirm that invasive pneumococcal infections have the highest incidence rates in children < 2 y and in the elderly, that a wide variety of underlying conditions are seen in the patients and that the case fatality rate, 15% in the present study, is still high. J Vet Med B Infect Dis Vet Public Health, 2001 Sep, 48(7), 529 - 36 Endometritis in she donkeys in Egypt; Sokkar SM et al.; The endometrial necropsies of 165 she donkeys were examined and the endometria were classified into four grades according to histological features (I, IIa, IIb, III) . Category I was observed in 86 cases (52.12%) and diagnosed as normal endometria . Category IIa was observed in 18 cases (10.91%) and diagnosed as slight endometritis . Category IIb was observed in 28 cases (16.97%) and diagnosed as moderate endometritis (two to four nests/field), while category III was observed in 33 cases (20%) and diagnosed as severe endometritis (eight nests/field) . A bacteriological examination was carried out and oestrogen and progesterone were estimated . Our results indicate that endometritis and the prognosis of fertility in she donkeys were more or less parallel to mares. Hist Sci Med, 2000 Jul-Sep, 34(3), 289 - 94 {The Constantinople Imperial Bacteriology Institute}; Huet M; The Constantinople Imperial Bacteriology Institute (CIBI) allowed the development of a common medical effort between France and Turkey at a time when the main European powers were competing to have an influence on the Ottoman Empire . In 1887, Turkey sent Zoreos Pacha, a medical doctor, to Paris to learn anti-rabies immunization techniques, and he started a rabies control institute after his coming back . In 1893, a cholera epidemic in Constantinople was vanquished by A . Chantemesse, sent by Pasteur, and France was allowed to start another microbiologic Institute . The first director of this Constantinople Imperial Bacteriology Institute was Maurice Nicolle . A brillant man, but suffering from a lack of diplomacy; he encountered numerous difficulties and regularly threatened to turn in his resignation . His successor, Paul Remlinger, arrived in 1900 . His main research topic was rabies, and he became later a world-class expert on the subject . His position was taken over in 1911 by Paul-Louis Simond, unjustly forgotten nowadays despite his major discovery in 1898 showing that the plague was transmitted by ratfleas . The next director was a veterinary doctor, P . Forgeot, but his tenure was cut short by World War I, and he was the last French director of the CIBI . Since that time, Turkey has felt some gratitude towards France for its medical efforts . It organized in 1957 in Istambul a very congenial celebration for the 70th anniversary of the Rabies Control Institute, which numerous Pasteur Institute alumni attended . There is a clear contrast between the CIBI, the target of many intrigues and hostile maneuvers, and the North African Pasteur Institutes, which were making crucial discoveries during the same period . This contrast was mostly due to the absolute power of the Sultan, who would arbitrarily oppose some directors decisions, whereas the French government allowed the balanced growth of the Pasteur Institutes in territories under his control. Rev Hist Pharm (Paris), 1994, 41(303), 452 - 9 {Professor A.-C . Hollande at the School of Pharmacy of Nancy, 1912-1922}; Labrude P; Andre-Charles Hollande, born in Chambery in 1881, obtained his pharmacy degree and science doctorate in Lyon and Grenoble . He came to the School of Pharmacy in Nancy in 1912 as director of studies in micrography and lecturer in natural history . During the war, while he was mobilized (1914-1917), he was head of the chemical and bacteriological laboratory of Chambery and worked on clinical chemistry and bacteriology . Professor of natural history in Nancy in January 1920, professor of bacteriology some months after, he left Nancy for Montpellier in 1922 . His research in Nancy was devoted to zoology (cytology of insects), parasitology, bacteriology (discovery of 5 bacterial species), clinical chemistry and technics (determination of simulations, histology), and finally cytology and colorations . He was also pharmacist inspector for the towns of Chaumont (Haute-Marne) and Epinal (Vosges). Nippon Ishigaku Zasshi, 1992 Sep, 38(3), 401 - 31 {Career and work of Dr . Jiro Tsuboi, a hygienist}; Izumi H; The author recorded the career and work of Dr . Jiro Tsuboi, a hygienist and the first dean of the medical school, Kyoto Imperial University . He was born in 1862 as a son of Dr . Tameharu Tsuboi, a famous medical educator . After graduation from Tokyo University Medical School, he entered the Department of Hygienics of his mother school . In 1890, he went to Germany, and studied under Dr . Max von Pettenkofer at Ludwig Maximillians University in Munich . He also learned tuberculin therapy for tuberculosis from Dr . Robert Koch in Berlin . After he returned to Japan, he worked as a hygienist for various social needs, including serving as a committee member for mineral pollution at Ashio copper mine . In 1899, he was appointed Dean of the medical school, Kyoto Imperial University . Though he exerted himself for the school, he died at the age of 41 in 1903 . His scientific contribution comprises both hygienics and bacteriology . Because of his early death, his attainment remained limited. Soc Hist Med, 1995 Apr, 8(1), 55 - 73 The Russian influenza in the United Kingdom, 1889-1894; Smith FB; The pandemic of severe influenza known in western Europe as the Russian flu, with its associated infections, caused extensive morbidity and high general mortality . In the United Kingdom, as elsewhere, sufferers and their doctors were hard put to explain the visitatiion and resorted to analogies with physical or bacteriological phenomena, or recalled older beliefs in extra-terrestrial forces . The outcomes were more disturbing than was appreciated at the time, or since . The Russian influenza and its sequelae might well have had a crucial part in creating the 'spirit of the 1890s'. Rev Soc Venez Hist Med, 1992 Dec, 41(62), 17 - 42 Not Available Velez Boza F. In remembrance of the First Centennial of the Normal and Pathological Histology, Experimental Physiology and Bacteriology courses foundation, a quantitative analysis of the Dr . Jose Gregorio Hernandez career between 1891 and 1919 is made . He was its Founder Professor and, with that, the Pasteurian and Experimental era initiator in our medicine . His elevated pedagogic quality, as well as his excellent condition as searcher and in the practice of medicine is highlighted. Hist Cienc Saude Manguinhos, 1997 Nov-1998 Feb, 4(3), 411 - 59 {The dawning of a new science: Bahian tropicalist medicine}; de Barros PM; Medicine in 19th-century Brazil was a scientific field where traditional knowledge, academic teaching, and clinical care found themselves clashing with new theories of illness and medical care underpinned by pioneer disciplines like parasitology, bacteriology, and anatomopathology and an experimental clinical practice focused on tropical diseases which afflict the poor . This new set of theoretical and social references which affected public health-care policy saw its decadence when it was appropriated by an ideology that argued that the Afro-Brazilian population was racially and culturally inferior . Two new disciplines--criminal physical anthropology and legal medicine--contributed to the development of specialized knowledge within intellectual circles . At the same time, they were placed at the service of the ruling order, reinforcing principles and devices that the elite utilized to keep itself in power . This hybrid structure constitutes the legacy of barbarianism which is sundering today's civilization. Arch Hist Filoz Med, 1997, 60(4), 327 - 44 {Hygiene issues in polish academic centres of the period of twenty years of Poland's independence after World War I}; Jeszke M et al.; Within the discipline as such, among Polish scientists of the period of twenty years of independence after the World War I, there was no agreement as to the understanding of the area of hygiene interests and as to the role of it . On one poend it was placed a concept of hygiene as the remedy towards the basic sanitary inadvertences, covering only narrow segments of relationship between the organism condition and individual environment elements of positive or negative importance for health . This depiction was bringing a hygienist closer to such disciplines as physiology, pathophysiology, toxicology, bacteriology etc., it imposed typically natural point of view and research workshop . On the second end the issue of health has been considered within the broad social and cultural context . In such a meaning hygiene goes beyond the narrow concept of medicine, since the latter has not been able to replace the shortages of civilisation and it has not been interested in issues of cultural adaptation of desired sanitary behaviour . As a matter of fact, both views have been excluding each other, adopting different and "incommensurate" visions of the "world and human being" as well as methodological depictions . In the time under discussion, within Polish territories, a thesis, that individual health has a social dimension, makes a considerable economic value, decides on the defence abilities of state, so it is in the interest of the whole society the care for health of all members of society - was still having virtues of uniqueness . It was going like that despite earlier activity of many outstanding Polish hygienists, giving fruits both in information campaigns planned on a wide scale and civilisation experiments . ... Hippokrates (Helsinki) . 1997;:62-73. {Fifty years of dental nurse education in Finland}; Meurman JH et al.; The first training-course for dental nurses was arranged by the Finnish Dental Association in 1947-1948 . Professional help was needed in dental offices in assisting the dentists, taking care of the patients, particularly children, and in cleaning the equipment . As early as 1922 the Scandinavian Dental Association had pointed out that "clinic sisters" would be needed in dental training centers, but the suggestion was not put into effect . The first nine-month curriculum for dental nurses already included all disciplines of dentistry . Lectures in pharmacology, bacteriology and first-aid were also given . Practical training was arranged at the Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki . The students further trained for three-week periods both at dental clinics and at privat dental offices . Nine students completed the course and received their diplomas at the end of May, 1948. Hist Sci Med, 1997 Apr-Jun, 31(1), 87 - 95 {A challenged Nobel Prize: Johannes Fibiger, 1926}; Petithory JC et al.; Johannes Fibiger born in Denmark in 1867 died in 1928 from a cancer of the colon . First interested in bacteriology he became later (1900) professor of pathological anatomy . His chief work on the alleged cancerigenous role of a nematode Gonglyonema neoplasticum in some species of rats allowed him to receive the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1926 . The difficulties met later (species of Gongylonema spp . from rats, dietary, lack of vitamin A) and even the impossibility to reproduce his results have brought a contestation of his work . However the cancerigenous action of some parasitic heminths such as Schistosoma is now recognized. Hist Cienc Saude Manguinhos, 1994, 1(1), 7 - 18 {Ludwik Fleck and the history of sciences today}; Lowy I; In the 1920's and 30's the physician and epistemologist Ludwik Fleck developed a highly original ideas on science . These ideas were rooted in Fleck's own experience as bacteriologist and immunologist and, on the other hand, in the practice-based thought of the Polish School of Philosophy of Medicine . Fleck affirmed that 'scientific facts' are constructed by groups of scientists, in his terms, by "thought collectives" . Each thought collective elaborates a "thought style" which contains norms, concepts and practices of that collective . Newcomers to a professional community are socialized into its specific thought style and develop an unique way of viewing the world . Scientific facts produced by a given thought collective are therefore shaped by that collective's thought style, and are incommensurable with facts produced by other thought collectives . The incommensurability of scientific facts and its consequence, the need to 'translate' these facts into the style of different thought collectives in an inter-community use are, Fleck proposed, an important source of innovations in science and in society . Fleck ideas were rediscovered in the 1960's and 70's, first by Thomas Kuhn, who in the introduction to his book, The structure of scientific revolutions, acknowledges his ties with Fleck's thought, then by sociologists of science . Beyond their direct influence, Fleck's epistemology has many affinities with new trends in science studies, focused on the scientists' practices, and interested in their material, discursive and social techniques. J Hist Biol, 2000 Spring, 33(1), 141 - 80 From bacteriology to biochemistry: Albert Jan Kluyver and Chester Werkman at Iowa State; Singleton R; This essay explores connections between bacteriology and disciplinary evolution of biochemistry in this country during the 1930s . Many features of intermediary metabolism, a central component of biochemistry, originated as attempts to answer fundamental bacteriological questions . Thus, many bacteriologists altered their research programs to answer these questions . In doing so they changed their disciplinary focus from bacteriology to biochemistry . Chester Hamlin Werkman's (1893-1962) Iowa State career illustrates the research perspective that many bacteriologists adopted . As a junior faculty member in the Bacteriology Department in the late 1920s, Werkman faced a powerful professional dilemma: establishing a research identity that distinguished him from his colleagues with flourishing national and international reputations . His solution was to radically alter his research program from traditional bacteriology to a biochemistry program, which reflected the influence of the Dutch microbiologist/biochemist, Albert Jan Kluyver (1888-1956) . Werkman was extremely successful in this career change . His laboratory made significant contributions to biochemistry, and Werkman achieved a notable degree of personal success . His career began in the shadow of his departmental bacteriological colleagues; within a decade he became the department's dominant research figure, as a biochemist . Werkman's personal success, however, had profound consequences for the disciplinary future of bacteriology at Iowa State. J Hist Biol, 2000 Spring, 33(1), 113 - 39 Sex cells: gender and the language of bacterial genetics; Bivins R; Between 1946 and 1960, a new phenomenon emerged in the field of bacteriology . "Bacterial sex," as it was called, revolutionized the study of genetics, largely by making available a whole new class of cheap, fast-growing, and easily manipulated organisms . But what was "bacterial sex?" How could single-celled organisms have "sex" or even be sexually differentiated? The technical language used in the scientific press - the public and inalienable face of 20th century science - to describe this apparently neuter organism was explicit" the cells "copulated," had "intimate contact," "conjugal unions," and engaged in "menage a trois" relationships . And yet, to describe bacteria as sexually reproducing organisms, the definition of sex itself had to change . Despite manifold contradictions and the availability of alternative language, the notion of sexually active (even promiscuous) single-celled organisms has persisted, even into contemporary textbooks on cell biology and genetics . In this paper I examine the ways in which bacteria were brought into the genetic fold, sexualized, and given gender; I also consider the issues underlying the durability of "bacterial sex." Yeni Tip Tarihi Arastirmalari, 1998, 4, 55 - 8 {The influence of Mustafa Zeki Pasha on the progress of the Turkish veterinary medicine}; Unat EK; Good results of the administration of Mustafa Zeki Pasha, as the General Minister of Military Schools and Field Marshal of the Imperial Arsenal of Ordanance and Artillery, on the progress of Turkish veterinary medicine is unforgettable . Above all, he accepted that veterinary art was very important for the country and tried to make it a respectable and attractive profession . He improved the education in the veterinary classes . He secured the rank of captain for the new graduates instead of lieutenancy . He sent the most capable students to France for veterinary medical education for the purpose of training new instructors . Veterinary bacteriology started in Turkey under the auspices of his administration. Med Ges Gesch, 1997, 16, 9 - 32 {Defense, attack, and street fighting . The role of medicine and military illustrated the example of the cholera epidemics in Prussia}; Briese O; This article intends to illustrate the introduction of military rhetoric into medical discourse during the cholera epidemic of 1831/32 in Europe . Even before the era of bacteriology, illness and epidemics were considered to be the military enemies of mankind . Beginning with the rise of the military in early modern times, the language of medical discourses oriented itself on the influential military institutions . Sickness appeared as a warring aggressor . Since the time of the plague at the very latest, military connotations were commonplace in Europe, and this tendency became stronger during the conflicts of the 19th century . In this vein, during the inner crises of Germany at the end of this century, cholera was, at least in the descriptive rhetoric, understood as an inner, destructive, and anarchic enemy. Dynamis, 1998, 18, 81 - 105 {The antecedents and creation of the Alfonso XIII Institute of Serotherapy, Inoculation and Bacteriology}; Porras Gallo I; This article studies the establishment of the Alfonso XIII Institute of Serotherapy, Inoculation and Bacteriology in 1899, using the general press and the professional-scientific, medical and pharmaceutical press as its prime source, It aims to highlight the principal factors which led to its gestation and later development, as well as the circumstances which led to its creation, by analyzing the antecedents and orgins of the aforementioned institution. Arch Hist Filoz Med, 1996, 59(1), 85 - 90 {Little known activity of the Czestochowa typhus Institute in 1943 and 1944}; Aramowicz P et al.; In 1921 Prof . Rudolf Weigl started manufacturing on an industrial scale a typhus vaccine . Until the beginning of World War Two he organised five companies called Weigl Institute . During the Soviet occupation the Lvov plant became the Lvov Sanitary and Bacteriological Institute and after the town was taken over by the German Army on 1st July 1941, Prof . Weigl became a head of research of the Military Typhus Institute . It consisted of four sections for manufacturing the vaccine . All the produce was mainly despatched to the Russian front and only very little reached the civilians . In November and December 1943 the plant was moved to Czestochowa into a main building in Wilsona str . and two four storey others in Jasnogorska str . Its head became a German doctor Mozer (witness test) . It is difficult to state numbers the plant employed there being no data left but according to employees still alive there must have been about a hundred lab . staff and two hundred feeders . The plant was divided into "breeding", "preparatory" and "liofilisation" sections . "The breeding" was for feeders and breeding lice . Cages containing about 30,000 lice were fastened to voluntary feeders for each feeding . Next "loaders" covered a so-called key board with 20 insects and infectors introduced and pressurised solution containing live rickets into a louse intestine . After a six or seven day passage, lice ware dried and their intestines prepared to produce liofilizeate all the staff and their families were inoculated . ... Arch Hist Filoz Med, 1996, 59(1), 41 - 8 {Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915) and his contacts with East European physicians at the time of testing the first chemioterapeutics}; Schneck P; Among numerous scientific contacts which Paul Ehrlich had with foreign scientists information about his contacts with East European scientists is very limited . The communique will deal with some of the particulars concerning Ehrlich's co-operation with physicians from East Europe directly before the practical application of the chemioterapeutics among others he was in touch with the Russians: Georgi N . Gabryczewski, Alexander A . Wladimirow and a Finn Julius Iversen . The contacts originated during Robert Koch bacteriological courses at the Institute of Hygiene in Berlin . Only between 1885-1988 at least 11% of participants came from the countries of Eastern Europe . Ehrlich and Gabryczewski correspondence indicates that such a co-operation had already existed in the 90-ties, at the time of the research of a therapeutic influence of aniline dyes like diacetylparaaminophenol and triasid at spirillioza (recurrens) . Iversen, a chief physician of Obuchow Hospital in St . Petersburg, was one of the first who after initial tests (Atoxyl, Arsazetin), at Ehrlich's request successfully used 606 preparation in case of spirochaeta infections. Arch Hist Filoz Med, 1996, 59(1), 103 - 6 {Development of infectious diseases treatment in Szczecin following the World War Two through the prism of infectious diseases ward}; Noiszewska H et al.; The epidemiological situation of Szczecin following the liberation was both difficult and dangerous . Numerous cases of typhus, diphteria ague, venereal diseases, typhoid and dysentery were noted and an urgent need of dealing with them was necessary . Thus an infectious diseases ward was opened in 1945 at 4 Arkonska Str . Its organiser was dr Elzbieta Buk . Despite of lack of both medical staff and equipment as well as medicines in its first month of operation the ward had 160 patients . Mostly they suffered from typhus, diphtheria, dysentery and typhoid . Mortality was high: 37 patients died . Till the end of 1945 674 patients were treated, most in September . The patients were mostly Germans, Poles, Russians, Ukranians, Belorussians and occasionally French . The most frequent was typhus though there were cases of malaria and rabies . Typhoid TB, dysentery and diphtheria were also observed . In 1946/47 more wards were opened dealing with lung, skin, venereal and children's diseases . The last one directed by Dr Krystyna Stawiarska hod its scarlet fever and diphtheria sections and simultaneously an analytical and a bacteriological labs were set up and due to Dr Stanislae Swierczysski determination they enabled basic diagnostics . Slowly post-war epidemics were contained and both infections mortality and admissions grew smaller. Nuncius, 1994, 9(1), 265 - 94 Not Available Pogliano C. A review of the inaugural addresses held during half a century in Italy makes clear the image that the University professors of medicine wanted to present about themselves and their activities . They sang a hymn to science, the only admittable authority, by which useful and astonishing prodigies were performed . The annual addresses deliberately stressed those particular themes which would better illustrate past and present progress: surgical improvements, achievements in hygiene and dictates of preventive medicine, bacteriological 'revolution' etc . More and more the medical professors were claiming competences which should enlarge their field; they promised the just unified Italian nation that they would bring about a gradual but whole physical, moral and social "redemption". Zhonghua Yi Shi Za Zhi, 1995, 25(3), 129 - 33 {Modern history of gynecology in China}; Xiao W; Dealing with the modern history (1850-1949) of the establishment and development of Gynecology in China, this paper claims that the sprouting period covers the time prior to 1899 . After 1991 Gynecology developed steadily due to the advancement of surgery, pathology, bacteriology and anesthesiology . During this period, there were definite improvements in Gynecology diagnosis, treatment of pelvic inflammation and gynecological endocrinology. Yakushigaku Zasshi, 1995, 30(1), 1 - 10 {Historical sketch of modern pharmaceutical science and technology (Part 3) . From the second half of the 19th century to World War II}; Yamakawa K; The history of modern pharmaceutical science and technology, from the second half of the 19th century to the end of World War II, is divided into nine sections for the purpose of discussion . 1 . The European medical and pharmaceutical science and technology at the end of the 19th century is reviewed . Pharmacology, bacteriology and biochemistry were built in this period . 2 . The Meiji Government accepted Western medicine and medical law and regulations in 1883 . Consequently, the Japanese physician changed from Eastern (Kanpooi) to Western (Seiyooi) . 3 . Modern scientific and engineering education had been accepted in America, England, Germany, and France etc . Foreign scientists and engineers (Oyatoi-gai-kokujin) were educated by practice and theory . The Faculty of Engineering was established in the universities in Japan . This fact is one of the differences in the history of universities in Europe and America . 4 . Pharmaceutical education in the Meiji period (1873-1911) . Twenty-nine schools of pharmacy were built in this period . However, 20 schools of pharmacy had been closed . Pharmacy and pharmaceutical industry was not established in the Meiji era . 5 . The profession of pharmacist in 1873-1944 . The policy of medicine was changed by the Meiji Government in 1889, when Western physicians were allowed to prepare medicines for patients, and this practice continues today . Political and technological power of Japanese pharmacists was weak, so their role was not estimated . 6 . Consequences of world War I, and the establishment of the pharmaceutical industry . The Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) and Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) were won fortunately . The first pharmaceutical company was established in 1885 . At this times, many pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, which were converted from whole sale merchants, were built . Then started the manufacturing of commercial drugs . 7 . Hygienic chemistry and some problems of public hygiene . The causes of diseses unique to Japan, such as beriberi (Katuke), were searched for in medical and agricultural laboratories . Dr . Suzuki discovered olizanine from rice bran, which was effective for deficiency of vitamin B1 disease . However, pharmaceutical scientists did not participate in this research . Hygienic and forensic chemistry were included in pharmaceutical departments . 8 . Pharmaceutical scientific studies in Europe and Japan in the first half of the 20th century . The discovery of a drug for the treatment of syphilis by Ehrlich-Hata (1889), then chemotherapeutics were started . Adrenalin, the first isolated hormone, by Takamine (1900), after this time many hormones were discovered . The first Japanese pharmacists who studied abroad studied in Germany and came back to Japan . Then, they built the pharmaceutical sciences . Studies on natural products by chemistry and organic chemistry were started . 9 . Pharmaceutical scientific and technology during 15 Years of War (1931-45) . Since 1930, theoretical organic chemistry was developed in England and America . The discovery of chemotherapeutics and antibiotics (sulfonamides and penicillin) and studies on some vitamins and hormones proceeded during the 15 years of war (1931-45) at Tokyo and Kyoto Universities, and some institutes in China and Manchuria . Studies on anti-maralia, sulfonamides and penicillins were carried out. Yakushigaku Zasshi, 1994, 29(3), 446 - 62 {A history of a hundred years of pharmaceutical education in Japan}; Yamakawa K; The history of a hundred years of pharmaceutical education in Japan is divided into six periods for the purposes of discussion . 1 . Founding period of the pharmaceutical education in the Meiji era (1873-1879) The Department of Manufacturing Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo was established in 1873 (now, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo) . The purpose of this school was for professional training to accommodate growing imported Western drugs . 2 . Building period of the pharmaceutical education in the Meiji era . (1880-1911) The Pharmaceutical society of Japan (academic) was established in 1880, and then 13 years later (1893) the Japan Pharmaceutical Association (professional) was established . The order of establishments, first academic and then professional, was opposite of the history in European countries . Twenty-nine schools of pharmacy were built in the Meiji era, however 20 schools of pharmacy have been closed . 3.Developing period the pharmaceutical education in the Taisho era and half of the Showa era (1912-1944) Seventeen pharmaceutical colleges were built in these periods . Pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacognosy, hygenic chemistry, and manufacturing chemistry were mainly taught in these schools of pharmacy, however pharmacology, bacteriology, and biochemistry were not taught in these schools . 4 . Reform of pharmaceutical education system after the World War II (1945-1960) In 1949, the Japanese education system was reformed, and then 46 colleges and universities of pharmacy were built . Then, the number of students doubled to 8,000 . Graduates from pharmaceutical colleges and universities, pharmaceutical departments were eligible to take the national pharmacists licence examination which was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare . The standard of the pharmaceutical education system was revised in 1656, recommending that the single pharmaceutical departments at the colleges of pharmacy by replaced by three departments, pharmacy, manufacturing pharmacy and biological pharmacy . 5 . Improvement and developement of pharmaceutical education (1961-1985) Many universities and colleges were founded, and there are currently 46 universities and colleges . Every year, some 8,000 people who study pharmacy at 14 national, 3 public and 29 private universities enter the profession on graduation . About 60 percent found jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, and the remainder work as pharmacists in hospitals and pharmacies . 6 . Recent movements toward reform in pharmaceutical education (1986-present) Two amendments to the Medical Services Law in 1986 and 1992 have specified clearly the role to be played by pharmacists and pharmacies within their local medical service and has sharpened the distinction between medicine and pharmacy . Thus, in 1994, the period required for graduation is proposed by a committee of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, supplementing of the current 4-year undergraduate pharmacy course with a 2-year postgraduate master's degree course or a 6-year new pharmaceutical education system including practical training in a medical institution for a period of at least 6 months. Arch Hist Filoz Med, 1994, 57(3), 313 - 24 {Scottish professors in the Polish School of Medicine in Edinburgh}; Tomaszewski W; In 1941, on the initiative of the University of Edinburgh, a Polish School of Medicine was founded at that University for soldier-students in the Polish Forces in Gr . Britain . It was a joint Scottish-Polish academic enterprise, unique in the history of universities . The Polish school of Medicine became an integral part of the University . As only 7 Polish professors were available (apart from associate professors and senior lecturers), a number insufficient to start a Medical School, a similar number of Scottish professors filled the vacant Polish chairs . Such an arrangement had been agreed by the organisers of the School and was included in the Agreement, negotiated between the University of Edinburgh and the Polish Government in London . According to the agreement the Scottish professors were proposed by the University authorities . A special invitation was sent to them by the Polish Government in London . The Scottish professors of the Polish School of Medicine were: Lt col . F.A.E . Crew honorary professor of the Polish School . L.S.P . Davidson (medicine), A.M . Drennan (pathology), D.M . Dunlop (co-examiner to prof . L.S.P . Davidson), R . W . Johnstone (obstetrics/gynaecology), T.J . Mackie (bacteriology), G.F . Marrion (chemistry/biochemistry), C . McNeil (paediatrics) and Sydney Smith (forensic medicine) . Replacement due to retirement: R.J . Kellar, R.W.B . Ellis, Sir James Learmonth . Polish lecturers were attached to all the Scottish professors who held the Polish chairs . Thus the instruction in the above-mentioned subjects was given in Polish but the examination was conducted in English by the Scottish professors . But in some subject, both the instruction and the examination, were in English . The students had to learn English quickly as the language was essential for their reading of English textbooks and dealing with Scottish patients in the wards . A typical picture at that time in the wards of the Royal Infirmary was of a group of Scottish students being instructed by their professor at patient's bedside, and at another bed, a group of Polish soldier-students in battledress, being taught in Polish by their lecturer . The co-operation worked very well indeed . Seemingly impossible things can be successfully accomplished in exceptional circumstances for instance in warfare . A total of 227 students obtained the diploma M.B., Ch.B . It was valid only in Poland . By an Act of Parliament the diploma was made valid also in Gr . Britain . The diploma was in two versions: a Latin text of the diploma of the University of Edinburgh, and a Polish text of the Polish universities . In recognition of the invaluable help extended by the University of Edinburgh to Polish science and learning, a bronze plaque was unveiled in 1949 in the Quadrangle of the Medical Faculty. Gesnerus, 1998, 55(3-4), 249 - 69 {Interpreting cellular inclusions: a contribution to the history of virology}; Diosi P; In the middle of the 19th century cell inclusions were observed with increasing frequency in more and more diseases and were closely scrutinized by researchers working in different fields . Because of their distinct viewpoints, however, the various authors came inevitably to different conclusions . The morphologists interpreted the inclusions as artefacts or degenerative changes, the etiologists, on the other hand, took them for pathogenic protozoa, for cellular lesions inflicted by invisible agents or, conversely - for aggregated products of the cellular defense . Various morphological, parasitological and bacteriological methods have been used to clear up the pros and cons of these hypotheses . It was the rapid progress realized in virology at the middle of the 20th century that finally brought to light their real significance. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 2001 Oct, 5(10), 912 - 9 Tuberculosis treatment in nepal: a rapid assessment of government centers using different types of patient supervision; Mathema B et al.; SETTING: Urban and periurban government tuberculosis (TB) treatment clinics in Nepal . OBJECTIVE: To assess TB treatment supervision strategies and outcomes . DESIGN: Three types of treatment centers were selected according to intensity of treatment supervision: Group A-all patients supervised by directly observed therapy (DOT) at the treatment center during the intensive phase; Group B-flexible DOT where patient-nominated treatment supervisors include community or family members; Group C-drugs dispensed monthly and no supervised treatment . The cohort studied comprised all new patients starting treatment during a 5-month period in 1996 (n = 759) . RESULTS: At group A treatment centers, 100% of patients had daily DOT supervised by treatment center staff during the intensive phase . At group B sites, 75% of nominated supervisors were family or community members and 13% of patients had no supervisor . At group C sites 93% of patients were unsupervised . Bacteriologically confirmed cure rates for smear-positive patients were 91% (95%CI 80.3-97.2) for A sites, 57% (95%CI 48.8-64.0) for B, and 34% (95%CI 25.1-40.4) for C . Treatment centers with the best results had good access to laboratory facilities, uninterrupted drug supply, longer clinic hours, standardized TB case management, and support from a non-governmental organization . CONCLUSION: At government facilities in Nepal, only group A treatment centers achieved World Health Organization global targets for cure . Group B treatment centers showed better outcomes than unsupervised therapy but did not achieve cure targets . Rapid low-cost assessments to collect data that are not routinely reported can improve the evaluation of program aspects such as supervision strategies. Eur J Epidemiol, 2001, 17(2), 111 - 21 Role of the coypu (Myocastor coypus) in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in domestic animals and humans in France; Michel V et al.; The coypu (Myocastor coypus), a rodent whose natural habitat is stagnant freshwater, has become a widespread pest in France within the last decade . This study investigated the prevalence of seropositivity and the renal carriage of leptospires in coypus in order to evaluate their role in terms of the risk of infection by Leptospira interrogans in domestic animals and humans . The study involved the application of serological and bacteriological methods to identify leptospires infection and/or carriage in 738 coypus trapped from 1996 to 1999 in six areas of France . Seroprevalence in samples ranged from 16.5 to 66%, and three field strains were isolated (two L . interrogans Icterohaemorrhagiae and one L . interrogans Sejroe) . This first report on the isolation of leptospires from coypus in France emphasises the role of this animal in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 2001 Oct, 92(4), 440 - 5 Endodontic infection caused by localized aggressive periodontitis: a case report and bacteriologic evaluation; Zehnder M; A rare case of a periodontally induced endodontic lesion in a systemically healthy subject of 28 years is described . The patient, having presented with severe attachment loss on the palatal and distal aspects of his maxillary right second premolar, was diagnosed with localized aggressive periodontitis . He had never received periodontal treatment . The tooth was nonvital and showed all signs of symptomatic apical periodontitis . It was also free of any restoration . All clinical findings clearly suggested that the endodontic problem was caused by the aggressive periodontal disease . Bacteriologic screening of the pocket and the root canal, by using "checkerboard" DNA-DNA hybridization analysis, revealed diverse flora in the periodontal lesion . The sample obtained from the root canal exhibited DNA from a limited number of species, including black-pigmented anaerobic rods . No bacterial DNA was found in the root canal that was not also recovered from the periodontal pocket. Clin Infect Dis, 2001 Nov 15, 33(10), E119 - 21 Epub 2001 Oct 05. Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with M . pneumoniae infection-"associated" stroke; Padovan CS et al.; A 36-year-old woman presented with an acute ischemic stroke and a concomitant Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection that had been proven clinically, bacteriologically, and serologically . M . pneumoniae DNA was demonstrated in cerebrospinal fluid by positive nested polymerase chain reaction, and intrathecal antibody production was also detected . Contrary to previous reports about M . pneumoniae-associated stroke, most thrombostatic abnormalities in this patient occurred after stroke onset . Although the cause of stroke remains unclear in this patient, central nervous system invasion of M . pneumoniae DNA has to be considered a possible cause in rare cases of cerebral ischemia. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2001 Sep, 51(Pt 5), 1939 - 41 Nomenclature of the subgenera Moraxella and Branhamella and of the nine species included in these subgenera and proposal to modify rule 34a of the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) . Request for an opinion; Euzeby JP; The subgenera Moraxella and Branhamella and the nine species included in these subgenera were inadvertently omitted from the Approved Lists of Bacterial Names and have never been revived according to Rule 28a of the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) . The author requests that these names be revived and considered to be validly published in the 'Index of the bacterial and yeast nomenclatural changes published in the International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology since the 1980 Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (1 January 1980 to 1 January 1985)', which appears in the July 1985 issue of the International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology . Another problem is the status of the species included in the subgenera Moraxella and Branhamella because the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision) does not envisage the status of a species transferred into a subgenus . The same is true for a species transferred into a subspecies . The author requests that such species be considered as new combinations and, according to this, proposes to modify Rule 34a of the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2001 Sep, 51(Pt 5), 1933 - 8 Corrigenda to the validation lists; Euzeby JP et al.; Some repetitions, omissions or errors have been made in the Validation Lists published in the International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology and they are corrected in this paper. Probl Tuberk, 2001, (5), 41 - 2 {Detection of antigen-binding lymphocytes in the diagnosis of tuberculosis}; Gnusareva NA et al.; The efficiency of diagnosis of active tuberculosis was evaluated from detection of tuberculin-receptor lymphocytes {antigen-binding lymphocytes (ABL)} by the indirect rossette-formation test with the red blood cell reagent designed . Sixty two patients with tuberculosis (of them 10 patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis), 10 with lobular pneumonia, and 27 healthy individuals cal were examined . Positive results of fluography, smear microscopy, bacteriological study, leukocytic migration inhibition test, and test for ABL were obtained in 84, 40, 50, 39, and 100%, respectively . The controls had negative tests . Thus, ABL detection was the method of choice in tuberculosis diagnosis. Arq Gastroenterol, 2001 Jan-Mar, 38(1), 40 - 7 {Experimental cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride inhalation: adaptation of the technique and evaluation of lipid peroxidation}; Cremonese RV et al.; BACKGROUND: Long-term administration of carbon tetrachloride is an accepted experimental model to produce hepatic fibrosis . Oxidative stress has been postulated as a major molecular mechanism involved in carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity, where the reactive oxygen species play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis . AIMS: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an experimental model of hepatic cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride inhalation as well as the importance of lipid peroxidation and the characteristics of the ascitic fluid in this model . METHODS: At first the hepatic histologic findings were assessed using the hematoxilineosin technique in different moments of carbon tetrachloride inhalation (5th, 7th, 9th, 12th weeks) . Later, at the end of 15 weeks of the study the rats were divided in three groups (control; control + phenobarbital; and carbon tetrachloride + phenobarbital) for lipid peroxidation, ascitic fluid and histologic characteristics evaluation . For the lipid peroxidation analysis, thiobarbituric acid and QL techniques were used . Cytologic and bacteriologic parameters were analysed in the ascitic fluid . RESULTS: Cirrhosis was established in 100% of carbon tetrachloride rats between the 12th and 15th weeks with an elevation in the lipid peroxidation carbon tetrachloride rats' livers . Ascitic fluid infection was observed in one of seven rats who has developed ascites . CONCLUSIONS: The carbon tetrachloride inhalation method developed in this study is effective in cirrhosis induction and ascites formation, and the carbon tetrachloride cirrhosis physiopathogenesis is probably related to the oxidative stress installation. Dermatology, 2001, 203(2), 171 - 3 Acute genitocrural intertrigo: a sign of primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection; Calikoglu E et al.; We describe a 49-year-old male patient who presented with an acute illness associated with a widespread maculopapular eruption and eroded lesions in the inguinal folds consistent with an acute intertrigo, for which search of mycological and bacteriological causes remained negative . Serological tests disclosed a high viral HIV-1 load and p24 antigenemia, while anti-HIV-1 antibodies were absent, a profile typical of acute HIV-1 infection . Since the maculopapular eruption regressed concomitantly with the orogenital lesions as well as the eroded inguinal lesions prior to specific therapy, our observation indicates that intertriginous lesions may constitute one of the early cutaneous markers of primary HIV-1 infection . Pneumologia, 2001 Apr-Jun, 50(2), 79 - 84 {Tuberculosis - HIV/AIDS associated cases registered in Department of Mures between 1994- 1999 }; Jimborean G et al.; Tuberculosis--HIV/AIDS associated cases registered in the Department of Mures between 1994-1999 are under a low rate--24 patients, meaning 0.69% of all tuberculosis cases . 79% of these were children (7.1% of the tuberculosis in children) . There was a dominance of the pulmonary location (22-91.5%) . The bacteriologic confirmation among these cases is low: 37.5% vs . 66.5% in HIV negative patients; this imposes the improvement of the diagnosis using methods as bronchoscopy, hemocultures, biopsies and modern bacteriological methods as Bactec and molecular biology in these cases . In 62.5% of the cases the tuberculosis diagnosis was established by combining epidemiological, clinical, radiological and biological data . Skin test was positive in 12.5% of the cases . The clinical and radiological data showed aspects near to the common pulmonary tuberculosis, but with a high rate of the complicated forms in children (66.6%) . 14 patients (58%) originated from a positive-contact environment . The standard treatment was well tolerated in 91.6% of the cases; there were 2 side effects to PZM and EMB . The evolution under treatment was generally favorable; there were 2 deaths with AIDS during active tuberculosis . The early diagnosis of HIV infection in high-risk patients and of the latent tuberculous infections would allow the decrease of the rate of this high-gravity associated illness. Pneumologia, 2001 Apr-Jun, 50(2), 71 - 4 {Evolution of tuberculosis in the District of Dolj.}; Didilescu C et al.; The 742,500 inhabitants of Dolj District face a high risk of TB since over 10 years . In 1992 the TB incidence was 93.7@100,000 and 155.7@100,000 in 2000 (66% increase) . A number of 1156 TB patients were registered in year 2000, 84% new cases and 16% relapses . 82% of the patients had lung lesions, 11.9% had pleurisy and 6.1% had various extra-thoracic lesions . Bacteriologic confirmation was 67.7% . The periodic prevalence of smear positive patients, with a high level of 139@100,000 in 1999, determined a high risk for disease among children, also, the TB incidence in this category being 46.8@100,000 . The evaluation of treatment results in a cohort of smear positive patients registered in 1999 showed a success rate of only 75.5% . The decrease of the TB endemy level in Dolj district depends on improvement of life status in the district, complete use of DOTS and a good financement of all parts of the National TB Control Program in 2001-2005. Klin Padiatr, 2001 Sep-Oct, 213(5), 266 - 70 {Leprosy - An overview from a pediatric perspective}; Magdorf K et al.; Worldwide tourism is an increasing industry . One result of this phenomenon is the occurrence of imported infectious diseases, as recently observed even in Germany . Leprosy ranks high among dreaded infectious diseases from tropical and subtropical countries . It remains a major health threat despite marked improvements in diagnosis and therapy . This was achieved by a better understanding of bacteriological and immunological mechanisms over the past decades, resulting in a decline of Leprosy's incidence. BMC Public Health . 2001;1(1):8 . Epub 2001 Aug 29. A prospective study of rural drinking water quality and acute gastrointestinal illness; Strauss B et al.; BACKGROUND: This study examined the relationship between the bacteriological contamination of drinking water from private wells and acute gastrointestinal illness (AGII), using current government standards for safe drinking water . METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted using 235 households (647 individuals) randomly selected from four rural hamlets . Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire, a self-report diary of symptoms and two drinking water samples . RESULTS: Twenty percent of households sampled, had indicator bacteria (total coliform or Escherichia coli (E . coli)) above the current Canadian and United States standards for safe drinking water . No statistically significant associations between indicator bacteria and AGII were observed . The odds ratio (OR) for individuals exposed to E . coli above the current standards was 1.52 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.33-6.92), compared to individuals with levels below current standards . The odds ratio estimate for individuals exposed to total coliforms above the current standards was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.10-1.50) . CONCLUSIONS: This study observed a high prevalence of bacteriological contamination of private wells in the rural hamlets studied . Individual exposure to contaminated water defined by current standards may be associated with an increased risk of AGII. Blood Purif, 2001, 19(4), 401 - 7 Long-term outcome of permanent hemodialysis catheters: a controlled study; Jean G et al.; AIMS: Hemodialysis tunneled catheters are widely used nowadays . However, their complications, infection and dysfunction, remain much too frequent . Different types of tunneled silicone hemodialysis catheters are available . We prospectively compared the long-term outcome of the two most popular devices, Permcath cuffed double catheter and TwinCath uncuffed twin catheter, both inserted percutaneously . METHODS: From January 1994 to April 1998, 125 tunneled catheters were inserted in the internal jugular vein of 86 chronic hemodialysis patients, 63 TwinCath MedComp (TC) and 62 Permcath Quinton (PC) . They were prospectively followed looking for technical patency, infection and dysfunction rate . RESULTS: TC were used more often for iterative access (52 vs . 25%, p = 0.01) and were inserted more frequently in the left internal jugular vein (59 vs . 16% p < 0.001) . Their median technical survival rate was longer (869 vs . 433 days for PC, p < 0.01) with a 1-year patency rate of 80 vs . 53% (p = 0.002) . Total catheter extrusion was also slightly less frequent with TC (4.7 vs . 9.6%), but partial extrusion happened more frequently (43 vs . 16%, p = 0.02) . No significant difference in infection rate was observed, 0.77 for TC vs . 1.3 local infection/1,000 catheter days; 1.08 vs . 1.30 bacteremia/1,000 catheter days . A persistent catheter thrombosis was observed in 7.9 vs . 20.9% in PC (p = 0.04), the number of dysfunction was 10.5 vs . 24/1,000 days in use (p = 0.0001) and the number of urokinase infusion was 4.4 vs . 12/1,000 days (p = 0.001) . PC needed more radiological interventions for dysfunction with endolumenal brushes (4 vs . 0) or fibrin sleeve removal (4 vs . 0) . The vena cava thrombosis incidence was not different (2 vs . 3) . CONCLUSION: Although the study was not randomized, TC appears more efficient allowing for a longer patency with a lower dysfunction rate than PC . This was reinforced by less favorable conditions of TC including more left jugular side and more iterative catheters . The cuff does not offer a better bacteriological barrier or protection against extrusion, and the TC seems at a less risk of fibrin sleeves . However, a large randomized study is needed to definitively conclude . Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 2001 Sep, 5(9), 847 - 54 'Smear-negative' pulmonary tuberculosis in a DOTS programme: poor outcomes in an area of high HIV seroprevalence; Hargreaves NJ et al.; SETTING: Lilongwe Central Hospital, Malawi . OBJECTIVES: To investigate 1) treatment outcome of a cohort of smear-negative pulmonary TB (snPTB) patients in an area of high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence, and 2) whether poor treatment outcomes are due to non-TB patients being mistakenly treated for TB due to lack of diagnostic facilities . DESIGN: Patients about to be registered for snPTB treatment by the National TB Programme underwent further assessment including TB culture, bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage . All patients were followed up for 8 months . Standard TB control treatment outcomes were recorded . RESULTS: Of 352 snPTB patients assessed, 137 patients had bacteriologically confirmed TB, 136 had possible TB, and 79 had other non-TB diagnoses . The HIV seroprevalence rate was 89% . Outcomes were known for 325 (92%) patients: 129 (40%) died within 8 months . Death rates on TB treatment were 31% for bacteriologically confirmed TB patients and 35% for patients with possible TB but no bacteriological diagnosis . The death rate among patients with non-TB diagnoses was 53% . HIV infection significantly increased the risk of death (OR 3.9; P = 0.01) . CONCLUSION: SnPTB is strongly associated with HIV infection in Malawi, where patients treated for snPTB have a poor prognosis . The high mortality is not fully explained by non-TB patients being mistakenly treated for TB. Ugeskr Laeger, 2001 Sep 10, 163(37), 5038 - 9 {Isolated purulent arthritis of lumbar facet joint}; Marinovskij E et al.; We present the case of a 51-year-old woman suffering from septic arthritis of a lumbar facet joint, which was probably caused by an infected central venous catheter . Increased uptake on the bone scintigraphy was an early finding . Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine contributed to the diagnosis by showing lesions of the facet joint and involvement of the surrounding soft tissues . Percutaneous needle aspiration guided by computed tomography established a bacteriological diagnosis . The positive response to antibiotic therapy was confirmed by MRI. Vestn Oftalmol, 2001 Jul-Aug, 117(4), 40 - 2 {Azelastine in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis}; Vakhabova NT et al.; The efficiency of azelastin (eye drops) in allergic conjunctivitis was evaluated . Ophthalmological, specific allergological, bacteriological, and cytological studies were carried out in 3 groups of patients . Group 1 was treated with claritin (orally), group 2 with azelastin (eye drops), and group 3 with both . The treatment was effective in all 3 groups . Regression of the clinical symptoms started earlier in groups 2 and 3 and was observed throughout the entire period of observation. Am J Vet Res, 2001 Sep, 62(9), 1461 - 6 Attenuation of a Brucella abortus mutant lacking a major 25 kDa outer membrane protein in cattle; Edmonds MD et al.; OBJECTIVE: To determine the virulence of a Brucella abortus mutant, BA25, lacking a major 25 kd outer membrane protein (Omp25) in cattle . ANIMALS: 20 mixed-breed heifers in late gestation . PROCEDURE: 10 heifers were inoculated with 1 x 10(7) colony-forming units of the Omp25 mutant via the conjunctival sac, and an equal number were infected with the virulent parental strain B . abortus 2308 . The delivery status of the dams was recorded, and colonization was assessed following necropsy . The ability of BA25 to replicate inside bovine phagocytes and chorionic trophoblasts was also evaluated in vitro because of the propensity of virulent brucellae to replicate inside these cells in vivo . RESULTS: The parental strain induced abortions in 5 of 10 inoculated cattle, whereas only 1 of 10 dams exposed to BA25 aborted . Brucella abortus strain 2308 colonized all of the cow-calf pairs and induced Brucella-specific antibodies in 100% of the dams . In contrast, BA25 was isolated by bacteriologic cultural technique from 30% of the calves and 50% of the inoculated dams (n = 10) . Of the 10 heifers inoculated with BA25, 4 did not develop Brucella-specific antibodies nor were they colonized by the mutant strain . In bovine macrophages and chorionic trophoblasts, BA25 replicated in significantly lower numbers than the virulent parental strain (n = 3) . CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The 25 kd outer membrane protein may be an important virulence factor for B . abortus in cattle . The attenuation of the Omp25 mutant in cattle may involve the inability of BA25 to replicate efficiently in bovine phagocytes and chorionic trophoblasts. Ann Ital Chir, 2001 Mar-Apr, 72(2), 125 - 8 {Banks of vascu