Cetrimide Solution Research Articles

Preoperative vaginal cleansing with chlorhexidine and cetrimide solution for reduction of postoperative infectious morbidity at a tertiary care center in North India: A prospective cohort study.

To determine the effect of preoperative vaginal cleansing with chlorhexidine and cetrimide solution on postoperative infectious morbidity. This prospective cohort study was conducted over a period of 18 months in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. Women undergoing cesarean section were alternately allotted to study and control groups. Women with chorioamnionitis, antepartum hemorrhage, rupture of membranes for more than 24 h, and fever in the preoperative period were excluded. The study group received preoperative vaginal cleansing with antiseptic solution (7.5% chlorhexidine w/v and 15% cetrimide w/v); the control group did not receive vaginal cleansing. Both groups were followed for the presence of any infectious morbidity until they were discharged from the hospital. Age, body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), gestational age, and the parity of the women in the study and control groups were comparable (n = 760). The rate of endometritis was lower in the study group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.054). Post-cesarean febrile morbidity and wound sepsis were significantly lower in the study group (P = 0.017 and P = 0.02, respectively). On subgroup analysis, women in the study group with rupture of the membranes before cesarean delivery had lower wound sepsis and a reduced duration of hospital stay. Women in the study group with emergency cesarean delivery showed a significant reduction in wound sepsis, febrile morbidity, and length of hospital stay. Preoperative vaginal cleansing with chlorhexidine and cetrimide solution before a cesarean section reduces postoperative infectious morbidity.

Assessment of Bundle of Measures Perioperatively to Decrease the Incidence of Surgical Site Wound Infection in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Hysterectomies

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the second most common reason for unplanned hospital readmissions after hysterectomy and result in increased morbidity and health care costs. The estimated rate of SSI after hysterectomy varies between 1% and 4%. The objective of the study is to investigate if a bundle of perioperative measures (as stated earlier) reduces down the incidence of post-operative surgical site wound infection after abdominal hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: The present prospective study was carried out on total 200 women who were undergo hysterectomy in the operation theater of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of IPGMER and SSKM Hospital due to gynecological conditions requiring hysterectomy. Four perioperative bundles of measures are considered – 1. chlorhexidine gluconate and Cetrimide solution (Savlon) wash of the operative field 1 h before the operation, 2. administration of single dose antibiotic (Inj. Ceftriaxone 1 g intravenous) 1 h or less before the incision, 3. vaginal wash with povidone-iodine, and 4. sterile dressing is to be maintained and removed postoperatively after 48 h. Result: We found that in case, 94 (94.0%) patients had Ceftriaxone and 6 (6.0%) patients had clindamycin and gentamicin. In control, 96 (96.0%) patients had ceftriaxone and 4 (4.0%) patients had clindamycin and gentamicin. Association of choice of antibiotic versus group was not statistically significant (P = 0.5164). In case, 6 (6.0%) patients had wound gaping. In control, 11 (11.0%) patients had wound gaping. Association of wound gaping versus group was statistically significant (P = 0.048). Conclusion: The present study found that hospital stay was more in control compared to case which was statistically significant. Fever was more in control compared to case which was statistically significant. In this study, local wound discharge was more in control compared to case which was statistically significant. It was found that wound gaping was more in control compared to case which was statistically significant.

Splenic-preserving surgery in hydatid spleen: a single institutional experience.

Though hydatid disease affects many organs in the human body, splenic hydatid accounts for approximately 0.8-4% of all human echinococcosis cases. Up to recently, splenectomy was the preferred surgery for hydatid spleen. Since 1980, conservative options to treat such a disease have become more and more prevalent. Our study aimed to assess our experience in open splenic preservative surgery for splenic hydatid in a single institutional center. Our retrospective research included ten patients with splenic hydatid operated between August 2013 and January 2018 at our medical center. The spleen was affected alone in seven cases, the liver and spleen were affected in three cases, and one of the patients had intra-peritoneal cyst disease. The diagnosis was confirmed primarily by ultrasonography. In some instances, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were required. A chest x-ray was performed to rule out pulmonary hydatid in all patients. Open surgery procedure, field isolation, cystic fluid aspiration, and injection of 1% cetrimide solution, respiration, endocystectomy, suture of cystic edges to the intracystic tube drain were performed. All surgeries had albendazole before and after the operation 15 mg/kg/day. There were no significant intra or postoperative complications, and no further surgery was required. Patients remained hospitalized for 3-5 days. No recurrence after 1-3 follow-up years. However, three patients failed to follow up within two years. Our experience with splenic hydatids prompts us to use splenic conservation surgery whenever possible instead of splenectomy.

Surgery to preserve the spleen with cardiac involvement in hydatid cyst diseases

Background: Despite the fact that hydatid illness affects several organs in the body most commonly seen in the liver (50-70%) and lungs (20-30%), intracardiac hydatid cyst localization occurring in only 0.02 - 2% of cases of Cardiac involvement can occur as a result of systemic or pulmonary circulation. The left ventricle is the most often affected location (75%), followed by the right ventricle (15%), the interventricular septum (5-9%), the left atrium (8%), the pericardium (8%), the pulmonary artery (7%), and the right atrium (3 -4%). on the other hand, splenic hydatid accounts for only 0.8-4% of all human echinococcosis cases. Splenectomy was the standard surgical treatment for splenic hydatid until recently. Since 1980, there has been a growing trend toward using conservative treatment options to treat such pathology. Aim of the study: In a single institutional study, we wanted to assess our experience with open splenic-preserving surgery for splenic hydatid and it is crucial to detect cardiac involvement early and provide surgical intervention as soon as possible. Patient and methods: In retrospective research, ten patients with splenic hydatid were operated on in our medical center between August 2013 and January 2018. In 7 cases, the spleen was affected alone, in 3 cases, the liver and spleen were both afflicted, and one of them also showed intraperitoneal cyst affection. Ultrasonography was used to confirm the diagnosis. It required computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in some circumstances. All patients got a chest X-ray to rule out pulmonary hydatid. The most important diagnostic method includes serologic testing cardiac imaging by echo-cardiography, CT and MR imaging to detect cardiac involvement in hydatid diseases. The surgical procedure was used as an open one. Isolation of the field, aspiration of cystic fluid and injection of 1% cetrimide solution, re-aspiration, endocystectomy, and suturing of cystic margins over the intracystic tube drain. All surgeries were performed with albendazole (15 mg/kg/day) as a pre-and post-operative treatment. Results: There were no major intraoperative or postoperative problems. There was no need for a second procedure. 3-5 days in the hospital after a (1-3) year follow-up, there was no recurrence. Three patients, however, failed to follow up after two years and as for cardiac hydatid cysts, it can induce deadly consequences such as rupture and embolization, surgical resections combined with medicinal therapy are the best therapeutic option. Conclusion: Our experience with splenic hydatid motivates us to employ splenic-preserving surgery rather than splenectomy if appropriate. Cardiac hydatid cyst illness can occasionally produce a fistula between the coronary and pulmonary arteries. Therefore, to provide best possible treatment cardiac cyst must be investigated in endemic countries as early as possible.

Role of transoesophageal echocardiography in peri-operative management of cardiac hydatid cyst.

Sir, A 22-year-old man presented with atypical chest pain for the past 3 months along with the history of familial disorder of myoclonic jerks and was on anti-epileptic medication. On examination, vital signs were normal with occasional myoclonic jerks involving the upper limbs and face. Pre-operative routine investigations revealed no significant abnormality. However, computerised tomography (CT) chest showed well-defined necrotic lesion within the pericardium compressing the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) without pulmonary involvement. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) also showed heterogeneous mass with multiple hypo-echoic spaces occupying RV apex extending into the RVOT producing a dynamic obstruction. After induction with titrated doses of fentanyl and rocuronium with large peripheral intravenous line and radial arterial line in situ, internal jugular vein was cannulated with quad-lumen central venous catheter. The monitors used were electrocardiogram, pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2, arterial blood pressure, nasopharyngeal temperature and central venous pressure. There were no significant haemodynamic disturbances during induction of anaesthesia. The transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) probe (Philips Cx50) was placed after ruling out oesophageal disorders. Intraoperatively TOE showed a 3 cm × 3.5 cm multi-loculated hydatid cyst attached to the RVOT myocardium just below the pulmonary valve with dynamic obstruction [Figure 1a and b]. Both TTE and CT scans were inconclusive regarding the extension of the cyst into the myocardial cavity. However, TOE clearly demonstrated the intrapericardial nature of the cyst without invasion and extension into the myocardial cavity. We were able to appreciate the thinned out RV myocardium with clear demarcation between the cyst and myocardium. These findings guided the surgeons to remove the cyst from the external surface of RV without entering into its cavity and avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass. Inside the main cyst, multiple daughter cysts were seen. After careful removal of the daughter cyst, the cavity was left open with an intact posterior wall. During the removal of cyst, patient had an episode of severe hypotension, probably due to anaphylaxis caused either by the cyst antigen or by the cetrimide solution used in the pericardial and cyst cavity to prevent local invasion of parasite, but it was managed with an intravenous adrenaline bolus (10 μg). The patient was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit in a stable condition at the end of the procedure, and the post-operative recovery was uneventful. Histopathology also confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient was discharged and advised regular follow-up.Figure 1: (a and b) Transoesophageal echocardiography-mid oesophageal RV outflow tract view before and after removal of cyst. RV: Right ventricle, PV: Pulmonary valve, PA: Pulmonary arteryHydatid cyst involvement in the heart is rare with an incidence of 0.5-2%[12]. In the heart, it mainly involves left ventricle (LV) (60%), followed by RV (10%) and the pericardium (7%).[34] Patients are usually asymptomatic up to 5 years until the cyst fully grows, after which they may present with chest pain, breathlessness, cough, haemoptysis anaphylactic shock, arrhythmias, valvular disorders, pericarditis, acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism.[5] Extension of the cyst into LV or RV cardiac cavity can cause systemic or pulmonary embolisation that leads to sudden collapse.[6] Diagnosis is usually established by echocardiography, CT chest and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging along with the positive serological markers. In our case, serological markers were negative probably due to the well-encapsulated cyst that was not invading the myocardium. The TTE and CT chest showed the cyst size, extension, location and pulmonary involvement but failed to give a clear picture on the intracardiac invasion. On the other hand, the TOE provided a clear picture of the intrapericardial location of the cyst without invading the myocardium of the heart along with dynamic obstruction to RVOT (varying level of obstruction during systole and diastole). Anaesthesiologist has to be aware and be ready to manage the hypotension which can be either due to anaphylaxis by the cyst antigen or mechanical obstruction caused by the cyst that can be managed by retracting the mass intra-operatively by the surgeon. All types of arrhythmias need to be anticipated and managed during the procedure. Our most important anaesthetic goal was to maintain sinus rhythm, adequate cardiac output and perfusion pressure during the entire perioperative period. We also had an episode of refractory hypotension probably due to cyst antigen or cetrimide exposure, which was managed well with adrenaline intravenous boluses. This clearly shows the importance of TOE in delineating and demarcating the extension of cardiac masses and for checking the adequacy of excision. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

The Effect of Surfactant Addition to EDTA on Microhardness of Root Dentin

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of cetrimide with or without 5% EDTA solution on the microhardness of human root dentin in vitro. MethodsTwenty-five recently extracted single-rooted human teeth were selected. The roots were split longitudinally into 2 parts. The specimens were randomly divided into the following 5 groups and were treated with 5% EDTA, 5% EDTA + 0.25% cetrimide, 5% EDTA + 0.50% cetrimide, 0.25% cetrimide, and 0.50% cetrimide immediately after the initial baseline microhardness measurements. A standardized volume of 50 mL of each solution was used for 1 minute. The reference microhardness values of untreated specimens were initially measured with a Vickers indenter under a 50-g load and a 10-second dwell time at the midroot level of the root dentin. Post-treatment microhardness values were obtained in the same manner as the initial ones. The decrease in microhardness was calculated as a percentage. Data were analyzed statistically by 1-way analysis of variance (P = .05) and the post hoc Tukey test for multiple comparisons at the same level of significance. ResultsAll solutions significantly decreased the microhardness of root dentin (P < .05). Although there was no significant difference among the solutions (P > .05), the specimens in the EDTA + 0.50% cetrimide solution group showed the highest change in microhardness. The plain EDTA and plain 0.50% cetrimide groups had similar values. ConclusionsThe use of surfactants higher than 0.25% in concentration is questionable for clinical conditions.

Impact of Donor Arm Cleaning with Different Aseptic Solutions for Prevention of Contamination in Blood Bags

Transfusion associated sepsis cases are encountered occasionally and bacterial transmission remains the major cause. The goal of our study was to compare the efficacy of disinfectants in phlebotomy site preparation. After selection of donor the antecubital fossa area of the arm was disinfected with different types of disinfectants namely sprit (70% isopropyl alcohol), povidone iodine (0.5% w/v available iodine in distilled water), savlon (1.5% v/v chlorhexidine gluconate solution and 3.0% cetrimide solution) and combination of sprit and povidone iodine. Swabs were collected from 20 donors using a sterile forceps, after cleaning with different antiseptic solutions. Swab was streaked on blood agar plate aseptically and the plate was incubated at 37°C for 24h. Colonies were counted and a single colony was re-cultured by growing on nutrient and Mac-Conkey agar. The biochemical characteristics were determined by performing Gram staining, Motility, Catalase and Oxidase tests. The mean values of colonies were significantly higher with savlon compared to other three solutions. The difference was statistically significant by "t" test (t values 1.7-3.0; P<0.05). Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Micrococcus sp., Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus cereus were the organisms identified. After completion of bleeding, samples from the bag were aseptically inoculated in aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles to be tested on BacT/Alert system. The bag containing donor's blood did not show any contamination when three cleanings were carried out using sprit, povidone iodine and spirit respectively.

In vitro antibacterial activity of different endodontic irrigants

The objective of this study was to compare in vitro the antibacterial activity of Tetraclean (mixture of doxycycline, citric acid and polypropylene glycol), Niclor 5 (5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution), Cloreximid (0.2% chlorhexidine and 0.2% cetrimide solution) and hydrogen peroxide 12 volumes on three endodontic pathogens associated with primary endodontic infections. Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus strains were selected to evaluate the antibacterial activity of endodontic irrigants by the agar disc-diffusion test. Paper discs were saturated with each one of the test solutions (at room temperature and preheating at 50°C) and placed onto culture agar-plates preadsorbed with bacterial cells and further incubated for 24 h at 37°C. The growth inhibition zones around each irrigant were recorded and compared for each bacterial strain. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were applied to compare the various groups. At room temperature, Tetraclean showed significantly higher inhibition of bacteria growth than all other irrigants tested. Preheating at 50°C significantly increased growth inhibition for all the groups tested. At 50°C, hydrogen peroxide 12 volumes and Tetraclean showed significantly higher efficacy than all other irrigants tested. 50°C-preheated hydrogen peroxide 12 volumes and Tetraclean showed highest inhibition of the bacterial growth.

In vitroEvaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Endodontic Irrigants

The objective of this study was to compare in vitro, by MTT assay, the antimicrobial efficacy of Niclor 5 (5% NaOCl solution), Cloreximid (0.2% chlorhexidine and 0.2% cetrimide solution), 3% hydrogen peroxide and 17% EDTA against two microorganisms associated with primary endodontic infections. Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans strains were selected for this test. Freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth were endodontically treated, inoculated with bacterial strains and then divided into different groups, each of them rinsed with Niclor 5 (5% NaOCl solution), Cloreximid (0.2% chlorhexidine and 0.2% cetrimide solution), 3% hydrogen peroxide,17% EDTA and with 5% NaOCl solution (positive control). Even though all the tested irrigating solutions demonstrated antibacterial effects against E. faecalis and S. mutans, the results were significantly different between the various groups. The greatest antimicrobial effects were observed in groups treated with 5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Interestingly, the effectiveness of EDTA could be ascribed to its capability of detaching biofilm from canal walls.

Wound dressing where there is limitation of choice

Background Many sophisticated dressings are available to the wound care practitioner in the developed countries. These materials are made from a wide range of products like polyurethane, salts of alginic acid and other gelable polysaccharides. The situation is different in the developing countries where what is commonly available to wound care provider are traditional agents such as sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen-peroxide, cetrimide solution, chlorhexidine and others. The aim of this study is to reappraise the problem of limitation of wound dressing selection in the developing countries and to sensitize the wound care practitioner on the use of the commonly available products based on the needs of a different wound or even the same wound throughout its healing course. Patients and methods Patients attending the General Outpatient Department (GOPD) of our hospital for wound dressing were used for the study. Five surgeons who are familiar with wound care management visited the dressing unit of the GOPD daily for one week in October 2005. A proforma was designed where information on each of the patient was recorded. Results Fifty-three patients attended the dressing unit of our GOPD during the study period. Twenty-six patients (49.1%) had their wounds dressed with hypochlorite solution (Eusol), seventeen patients (32.1%) had their wounds dressed with honey and two patients, wound were being dressed with hydrogen peroxide. Conclusion While we are still awaiting the availability of the newer products in the developing countries, we should make use of the traditional products that are readily available to us according to the need of a particular wound, by this, our choice of wound dressing will not be arbitrary, ineffective and wasteful both in terms of time and physical resources.

Sulfated mannans from the red seaweed Nemalion helminthoides of the South Atlantic

Nemalion helminthoides, collected in the Argentine South Atlantic coast, was extracted with hot water and the crude product fractionated using cetrimide. The complexed material was subjected to fractional solubilization in solutions of increasing sodium chloride concentration and seven fractions were separated and analyzed. Structural analysis of the main fractions, those soluble in 3.0 and 4.0 M NaCl (yields 21.0% and 13.8%, respectively) and those insoluble in 4.0 M NaCl (yield 20.0%), indicated that this seaweed biosynthesizes (1 → 3)-linked α- d-mannans that are sulfated at positions 4 and 6. Three mannan fractions comprising considerable amounts of xylose were also isolated in very low total yield (2.0%). The fractions that were soluble in 3.0 and 4.0 M NaCl showed low antiherpetic activity whereas this activity was considerable for the fraction solubilized in 2.0 M NaCl (yield 0.5%) which contained single stubs of β- d-xylose. A xylan, soluble in cetrimide solution, containing (1 → 3, 1 → 4)-linked β- d-xylose residues, was also isolated in minor amount.

Preoperative antiseptics in clean/contaminated maxillofacial and oral surgery: prospective randomized study

In order to show the effectiveness of preoperative antiseptic mouthwash the authors undertook a prospective study in 120 patients who underwent elective surgery under general or local anesthesia. Patients were allocated toone of 4 groups, depending on whether the oral cavity was washed preoperatively with 1% cetrimide, chlorhexidine, povidon-iodine or sterilized normal saline solution (control group). Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial samples were taken from the inferior vestibulum mucosa before surgery, 5 min after the start of the operation and at the end of the procedure. The results show a statistically significant reduction in bacterial counts during procedures in which antiseptics are used to wash the oral cavity preoperatively. 1% cetrimide solution was the most successful in reducing intra-oral bacterial counts and produced the longest lasting antiseptic effect. Chlorhexidine is a good option for procedures longer than 1 hour, while povidon-iodine is recommended for procedures lasting up to 1 hour. Normal saline reduced bacterial counts in the specimen taken 5 min after washing but this short-lasting effect is due to mechanical cleansing rather than the antiseptic effect.

The effect of honey and surfactant type on the antibacterial properties of the leaf essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. against common wound-infecting organisms

Summary Honey is reported to have wound healing properties. This study aimed at investigating its effect as well as those of surfactants on the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. (ocimum oil). The antibacterial activity of dispersions of ocimum oil (2%) in methanol, honey, a macrogol blend, nonionic and ionic emulsifiers were assessed by cup–plate method using type bacteria and wound isolates. Honey enhanced the antibacterial activity of ocimum oil to a greater extent than the macrogol blend. The activity of ocimum oil emulsion in cetrimide (cationic) was lower than obtained for cetrimide solution. Emulsion of the oil in sodium lauryl sulphate (anionic) exhibited a slightly higher activity than the solution of the surfactant alone. Although Tween® 20 (nonionic) and aqueous methanol had no activity, the emulsion of the oil in Tween® 20 showed lesser activity than the oil solution in methanol. Honey’s inherent antibacterial activity, surfactant charge interaction and the effect of emulsification were adduced to the observed differences in antibacterial activity of the ocimum oil formulations. Our findings indicated honey as a suitable base for ocimum oil especially in the treatment of infected wounds. Caution is, however, desirable in the use of surfactants with ocimum oil.

The output of budesonide from spacer devices assessed under simulated breathing conditions

Background: Spacer devices are increasingly used to aid inhalational therapy, and many different devices are available. Patient and spacer size and spacer static charge may affect drug delivery, but the optimum spacer size and method of reducing static charge is not certain. Objective: We sought to determine the output of budesonide from 3 different spacer devices when assessed by using simulated breathing at different tidal volumes and to assess the effect of washing and handling the spacer on drug output. Methods: Three spacer types were assessed: 2 polycarbonate spacers, the Aerochamber and the Nebuhaler, and the metal Nebuchamber or Non-Electrostatic-Spacer. Breathing was simulated by using a sinus flow pump. Metered-dose inhalers of budesonide 200 μg were actuated into the spacer, which was attached to the breathing simulator for 5 simulated breathing cycles. Budesonide was collected on a filter placed between the spacer and breathing simulator and was assayed by HPLC. Spacers were assessed after they had been washed briefly in water, after they had been washed briefly in cetrimide solution in an attempt to reduce their static charge, and after they had been handled to simulate normal use. In separate experiments budesonide particle size from the spacers was measured by using a multistage liquid impinger. Results: Drug output from the Nebuchamber was greater than that from the other 2 spacers, especially at lower tidal volumes. With 150 mL of tidal volume, the Nebuchamber delivered 36% of the nominal dose to the filter versus 13% from the Nebuhaler and 7% from the Aerochamber. The output from the Aerochamber and Nebuhaler increased linearly with tidal volume, but this was not the case with the Nebuchamber, in which output was constant at tidal volumes of 150 mL and above. Compared with washing in tap water, neither washing the spacers in 0.1% cetrimide solution nor vigorous wiping with a paper towel changed their output. Thirty-eight percent of the drug from the Nebuchamber was contained in particles smaller than 4.7 μm in diameter compared with 47% from the Nebuhaler and 53% from the Aerochamber. Conclusions: The Nebuchamber increases in vitro budesonide delivery compared with the polycarbonate spacers tested but delivers a greater percentage of the drug in large particles. No increase in delivery with tidal volume was seen with the Nebuchamber, which would deliver a higher dose of drug per kilogram of body weight to smaller patients. Briefly washing the polycarbonate spacers in water or in a weak detergent solution, simulating household washing, did not make them as effective as the metal spacer. Further research is needed to determine a practical washing and handling method to reduce static charge on polycarbonate spacers. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;1205-10.)

Cold water-soluble polysaccharides from tetrasporic Pterocladia capillacea

Cold water extraction of tetrasporic Pterocladia capillacea led to the isolation of a product which was characterized and further treated with Cetrimide. The complexed material was subjected to fractional solubilization in solutions of increasing sodium chloride concentration and six fractions were separated. The two major products obtained, one soluble in Cetrimide solution, the other soluble in 0.5 M sodium chloride, were subjected to structural studies, carried out by methylation analysis and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The results obtained indicated for the former a backbone mainly constituted by alternating 3-linked β- d-galactose units and 4-linked 3,6-anhydro-α- l-galactose residues, but with other structural features probably responsible for its non-gelling properties. The acidic fraction is a complex polysaccharide sulphated mainly on C-6 of the β- d-galactose units and on C-3 of the α- l-galactose residues.

Effects of Acids and Bases on Salicylic Acid‐Cetrimide Systems

The effects of acids and bases on the viscosity of salicylic acid‐cetrimide systems were investigated. A viscosity reduction was produced by the addition of acids and was independent of the degree of saturation of the cetrimide solution with salicylic acid. The incorporation of base followed by that of acid increased and decreased the viscosity, respectively. This viscosity behavior was demonstrated in undersaturated systems and was not governed by the relative amounts of base or acid used. In oversaturated systems, only a lowering of viscosity was observed.

Nuclear Volume Distribution of Phytohemagglutinin-Stimulated Human Lymphocytes

SummaryUnstimulated and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes from nine human subjects were suspended in Cetrimide solution before and after tissue culture. Their nuclear volumes were measured serially with a particle counter—400 channel analyzer device. Variations of the volume distribution curves correlated well with the morphological changes associated with blastoid transformation. This method permits rapid and objective assay of lymphocyte transformation.

The Use of an Electronic Particle Counter (Celloscope 101) for Counting Leucocytes

Kvarstein, B. The Use of an Electronic Particle Counter (Celloscope 101) for Counting Leucocytes. Scand. J. din. Lab. Invest. 19, 196-202 1967. A method for counting leucocytes with an electronic particle counter using a Cetrimide solution as hemolyzing diluent was examined.The electronic particle counter gives reliable results with a coefficient of variation of 4.4 per cent.The leucocyte counts can be done immediately, or at any time within 24 hours with the same result.Rise in temperature led to a slight fall in white cell counts.The procedure did not require siliconized glass tubes.