The Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay for prediction of chlamydial infection in males with non-gonococcal urethritis: an evaluation.

Chlamydia trachomatis produces small amounts of an endotoxin-like material. The Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay was used to evaluate chlamydial cell cultures and also the exudates from adult male patients with non-gonococcal urethritis, as a possible method to subdivide this condition into chlamydial and nonchlamydial urethritis. In vitro endotoxin assays were conducted in McCoy cell media using the Limulus assay, and endotoxin levels were consistently 10-fold less at 24 h than at 0, 48, 72, and 96 h, which may be accounted for by the unique growth cycle of chlamydia.

Inversion devices: their role in producing lumbar distraction.

Twenty persons with chronic low back pain participated in a clinical study to evaluate the effects of gravity traction. Each subject was instructed in the use of three devices, two for inversion and one for upright suspension traction. Baseline pulse and rate blood pressure were recorded before and after traction.