Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for the Detection of a Metabolic Product in the Headspace Above Live Bacterial Cultures.

In situ surface-enhanced Raman spectra of the headspace above cultures of six bacterial species showed strong characteristic bands from chemisorbed methyl sulfide. This marker compound is created by dissociation of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), a fermentative metabolite of bacteria, on the surface of the enhancing Au or Ag nanoparticle films. Kinetic binding plots of media spiked with DMDS and of live cultures showed that the Au-based substrates were more suitable for the rapid detection of bacteria than Ag-based substrates.

Long-term results of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis.

Background: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is now the reference treatment for severe palmar hyperhidrosis, but this is offset by the occurrence of compensatory sweating. It has been studied in this series to improve the indications and information given to patients.

Methods: A retrospective review of 124 patients who were previously afflicted with bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy 6 years earlier was conducted.