An improved one-stage total ear reconstruction procedure

Based on anatomic studies of the postauricular cutaneous circulation, a modified single-stage total ear reconstruction procedure has been presented. The operation consists of using a large, superthin, well-vascularized, and well-innervated skin flap to cover the anterior surface of the auricular framework carved from costal cartilage, the posterior surface of which is covered by a subcutaneous tissue flap and then skin grafted. Improvements in the makeup and carving of the framework have been made and described. This method has been used to treat 15 cases of anotia, all with satisfactory results.

The screening of beta-lactamase inhibitors: inhibition by fatty acids produced by bacteria

An active principle inhibiting beta-lactamases, which was found in the culture of a bacillus strain was a mixture of known C14-C17 fatty acids. The mixture was separated into five components by high-performance liquid chromatography. Among these components, 12-methyltetradecanoic acid showed the strongest activity (I50: 20-146 microM). The anteiso fatty acids having the 1-methylpropyl group exhibited an interesting activity inhibiting beta-lactamases.