Scanning Acoustic Microscopy Comparison of Descemet's Membrane Normal Tissue and Tissue With Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy.

Purpose: To describe the application of scanning acoustic microscopy in the GHz-range (GHz-SAM) for qualitative imaging and quantitative characterization of the micromechanical properties of the Descemet's membrane and endothelial cells of cornea tissue.

Methods: Investigated were samples of a normal tissue and a tissue with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FECD, cornea Guttata). Descemet's membranes were fixed on glass substrates and imaged utilizing a focused acoustic lens operating at a center frequency of 1 GHz.

Does Alkaline Colonic pH Predispose to Clostridium difficile Infection?

Objectives: Clostridium difficile caused nearly 500,000 infections and was associated with approximately 29,000 deaths in 2011, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. C. difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and, often, severe illness in healthcare facilities, as well as the community.