Effect of different stabilized preparations of peracetic acid on biofilm.

The effect of three stabilized peracetic acid (PAA) preparations (Bioxal M), with or without surfactants, on an Escherichia coli biofilm model was studied. The biofilm was prepared in glass tubes, and was evaluated indirectly using spectrophotometry. The ability of the products to fix or remove the biofilm was determined by their detergent activity (DA). None of the preparations tested fixed the biofilm. The effect of Bioxal M-1 on the biofilm was equivalent to the control (sterile water). Bioxal M-2 and Bioxal M-3 displayed slightly positive DAs. Non-ionic surfactant improved the DA of the products. Regardless of disinfectant activity, PAA agents display different DAs depending on their formulation. This criterion could be used to select the weakest biofilm-fixing agents. Users should therefore be concerned about the efficiency of the cleaning stage of medical devices. When choosing PAA products, non-fixing ability should be considered in addition to antimicrobial activity.

[Vitamin B12 in the adult: of metabolism and deficiencies]. / Vitamine B12 chez l'adulte: du métabolisme aux carences.

PURPOSE: Update on cobalamin deficiencies in adults. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS: More precise definitions establish real cobalamin deficiency and determine epidemiological features. Current data on cobalamin metabolism suggest the concept of non-dissociation of vitamin B12 from its carrier proteins (NDB12), a generalization of the food-cobalamin malabsorption concept. The new features of cobalamin deficiency include neurological, gynecological and vascular manifestations. Current treatment modalities include nasal and oral administration of cobalamin. PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS: Validate the concept of NDB12 and the usefulness of oral cobalamin therapy, establish the relevance of the new clinical manifestations.