Univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors for severe Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea: importance of co-morbidity and serum C-reactive protein.

Aim: To investigate risk factors for severe clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD) in hospitalised patients.

Methods: We analysed risk factors for severe CDAD (associated with systemic signs of hypovolemia) in 124 hospitalised patients by retrospective chart review.

Results: Severe CDAD was present in 27 patients (22%).

[Influence of processing and sterilization on the mechanical properties of pins made from bovine cortical bone].

In a biomechanical study pins made of xenogenous cortical bone were tested in vitro. Forty pins of 3 mm diameter and 60 mm length were made of eight different cattle tibiae and allocated to five different treatment groups. Freeze-dried pins served as control group.

[Strength testing of pins made of human femur cortical bone].

For biomechanical evaluation of cortical bone as a potential source for internal fixation devices, pins of 2 and 3 mm in diameter were made from fresh human femora and subjected to bending loads. Some of the pins were tested without further treatment; others were defatted and dried in acetone solution. Of the acetone-treated pins, some were autoclaved either at 121 degrees C for 20 min or at 134 degrees C for 8 min.