[Is the diffusion method useful for testing the effectiveness of biocides?]. / Je difuzní metoda vhodná k testování úcinnosti biocidu?

The authors tested the fungicide effect of different biocides by the diffusion method. Its principle involves pipeting samples of the tested fungicide preparations into pits in an agar medium on Petri dishes. The agar is inoculated over the whole surface with spores of fungi. It is incubated at 28 degrees C for 2 to 3 days. The size of the inhibition zones in the increments of fungi round the pits with the preparation are recorded. The authors discuss the suitability of this method for different types of preparations with regard to the results they assembled.

Are acupuncture points tender? A blinded study of Spleen 6.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the methodology for investigating the tenderness of acupuncture points, with particular reference to the hypothesis that the point Spleen 6 (SP6) is more tender in women than in men. DESIGN: Single-blind, observational study with volunteers. SETTING: University of Exeter, U.K. SUBJECTS: Student volunteers, 13 male and 13 female. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pressure thresholds at SP6, a control acupuncture point Stomach 36, and two nonacupuncture control sites in each leg were measured weekly for 4 weeks. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the pressure thresholds of SP6 in women and those in men. CONCLUSION: The present study provides no strong evidence to support the hypothesis that the acupuncture point SP6 is more tender in women and in men. Recommendations for further investigations are discussed.