The Influence of Changes in Concentration and Temperature upon the Bactericidal Activity of Formaldehyde in Aqueous Solutions
Although formaldehyde in aqueous solution (formalin) is an important and widely used disinfectant, there is very little information available concerning the exact effect of changes in either concentration or temperature upon its bactericidal activity. An experimental study was therefore made of the bactericidal activity of formaldehyde. This study was conducted along the lines of previous studies of the bactericidal activities of phenols and alcohols (Tilley, 1939, 1942).
Disinfection of Aerosolized Pathogenic Fungi on Laboratory Surfaces
The effect of several fungicides on laboratory surfaces contaminated with the tissue phase of aerosolized Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum was ascertained. A statistical analysis of the data shows the correlation between fungi, surfaces, time, and concentration of disinfectant. All fungicides were effective at established times and concentrations, and the type of contaminated surface affected the fungicidal efficacy. By interpolating plotted graphs, laboratory personnel may determine, with a given fungicide, the concentration and time required to disinfect instruments, pipettes, gloves, bench tops, and floors contaminated with a tissue phase of pathogenic fungi.
Within and Inter-Institutional Differences Between Death Certifiers on Autopsy Conclusions
This study seeks to establish whether medico-legal practitioners differ in their autopsy conclusions within and across medico-legal institutions. Data include 459 violent deaths (homicides, suicides, and accidents) autopsy reports written by more than 20 death certifiers from four medico-legal institutions in two countries (France and the United States). Multinomial models show that compared with accidental deaths, weapon use and decedents’ characteristics both influence a homicide verdict, but not a suicide one. In addition, French practitioners are more likely than Americans to reach a conclusion of homicide or suicide compared with accident, and homicides are more likely to be certified by male practitioners.