Bridging: an effective and practical method of preventive skin care for the immobilized person

Various methods have been used in an attempt to decrease prolonged pressure on skin, especially over bony prominences, and thus prevent pressure sores in immobilized patients: turning frames, circle beds, flotation beds, and special mattresses. Bridging is one means of relieving pressure on bony prominences which is both simple and inexpensive. Through the proper positioning of pillows, a patient is supported above the surface of the bed with free space between the bony prominences and the bed surface. Several different positions for pressure relief are possible. Advantages of the technic include its low cost, patient acceptance, lack of mechanical components which can fail, and ease of training personnel or family members to carry it out.

Methods to improve detection of pneumococci in respiratory secretions

Simple methods to enhance the detection of pneumococci in respiratory secretions are needed. Sheep blood agar containing 5 mug of gentamicin per ml was more often positive (89%) than either standard sheep blood agar (54%) or mouse inoculation (65%) in recovering pneumococci from 62 adult and pediatric patients. In adults, the direct quellung test on sputum smear was a rapid, sensitive method for predicting subsequent pneumococcal isolation by culture (19 of 20 patients, 95%). The quellung test and gentamicin plate show improved sensitivity over current techniques for pneumococcal detection and can be recommended for general use.

Evaluation of Pseudosel agar as an aid in the identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and thirty-five other species of gramnegative bacilli was observed on 0.03% cetrimide in heart infusion agar medium and Pseudosel agar (BBL). The 0.03% cetrimide agar was more selective for growth of P. aeruginosa than was Pseudosel agar; however, certain bacteria other than P. aeruginosa also grew on the former medium. Although Pseudosel agar was not a highly selective medium for P. aeruginosa, it was preferable to technicolor agar for detection of the pyocyanin and pyorubin pigments produced by P. aeruginosa.

Clinical and Experimental Observations introducing a Discussion on the Regeneration of Peripheral Nerves; an Address

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