A new topical hemostatic agent in gynecologic surgery.

Experiences with a topical hemostatic agent, microfibrillar collagen (MFC), material made from beef hide dermis are recounted. Topical hemostasis is facilitated by virtue of its fibrillar structure forming a sticky matrix for platelet aggregation. The material was used in women undergoing cervical conization to determine its absorption at hysterectomy 6 weeks later. In another group, it was used as the sole hemostatic agent at conization and compared with a control group in which conventional sutures were used. A larger group who underwent abdominal hysterectomy allowed comparison between MFC on the bladder muscularis and conventional suture ligature in terms of blood loss, operating time success of method used, and complications.

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of clomiphene citrate in normal volunteers.

Twenty-four healthy adult female volunteers participated in a randomized, three-phase double-blind crossover trial comparing the single-dose (50 mg) pharmacokinetics of three formulations of clomiphene citrate (CC). Plasma levels of both the Z(cis) and E(trans) isomers of CC, as well as principal metabolites, were determined at periodic intervals; and no differences between formulations were observed. The active Z isomer attained peak blood levels later than the inactive E isomer and was eliminated much more slowly, significant plasma concentrations still being detected up to 1 month after treatment. The results of this study demonstrate that three commercially available formulations of CC are bioequivalent.

Effect of a new pelleting process on the level of contamination of poultry mash by Escherichia coli and Salmonella.

The efficacy of a new pelleting process in eliminating naturally occurring Escherichia coli and salmonella from poultry mash was assessed by comparing the microbial load in raw and processed mash. Instead of using steam produced in a boiler, the new process conditioned mash in an Original Vertical Conditioner with steam and other hot gases generated by direct combustion in a Vaporator. E. coli was isolated from 72-100% of samples of raw mash in all trials, and the mean number of colony-forming units of E. coli/g of samples was 6.8 +/- 4.0 X 10(4). Salmonellae (S. senftenberg, S. bredeney, and S. mbandaka) were isolated from 5-10% of samples of raw mash utilized in three of the seven trials. Within limitations of the sampling and analytical tests utilized, the new pelleting process eliminated salmonella from all mash in which the organism was known to be present but eliminated E. coli in only three trials. The process appeared to be 100% effective against both organisms when mash entering the pellet mill from the conditioner had a temperature of 85.7 C and a moisture content of 14.5% and had been retained and treated with steam and hot gases for 4.1 minutes.

Microcidal effects of a new pelleting process.

The microcidal efficiency of a new pelleting process was evaluated in four trials. Also, different methods of measuring temperature and moisture were compared and attempts were made to determine the influence on efficiency of pH changes occurring during processing. In the new process, the traditional boiler-conditioner was replaced by an Anaerobic Pasteurizing Conditioning (APC) System. Microcidal efficiency of the APC System, by itself or in conjunction with a pellet mill, appeared to be 100% against Escherichia coli and nonlactose-fermenters, 99% against aerobic mesophiles, and 90% against fungi. These levels of efficiency were attained when the temperature and moisture of feed conditioned in the APC System for 4.6 +/- .5 min were 82.9 +/- 2.4 C and 14.9 +/- .3%, respectively. On-line temperature probes were reliable and provided quick, accurate estimates of feed temperature. The near infrared scanner and microwave oven methods of measuring moisture were much quicker but less accurate than the in vacuo method. There were no differences among the pH of samples of raw, conditioned, and pelleted feed.