[Comparative assessment of soil microbial biomass determined by the methods of direct microscopy and substrate-induced respiration].

The content of microbial biomass (MB) was determined in samples of gray forest, chestnut, and tundra soils with different physicochemical properties (0.4-22.7% Corg; 8.4-26.8% silt particles; pH 4.3-8.4) by the methods of substrate-induced respiration (MB(SIR)) and direct microscopy (MB(M)). The samples of two upper soil layers, 0-5 and 5-10 cm (without plant litter), from different ecosystems (forest, forest shelter belt, meadow, fallow, and arable land) and elements of relief of interfluvial tundra (block/upper land plateau, depression between blocks) have been analyzed. The content of microbial biomass in the 0-5-cm soil layer was 216-8134 and 348-7513 microg C/g soil as measured by the methods of substrate-induced respiration and direct microscopy, respectively. The MB(SIR) and MB(M) values closely correlated with each other: r = 0.90 and 0.74 for 0-5 and 5-10 cm, respectively. The average MB(SIR)/MB(M) ratio was 90 and 60% for 0-5 and 5-10 cm, respectively. The portion of microbial carbon in total organic soil carbon was, on average, 4 and 3% (SIR) and 5 and 7% (direct microscopy) for 0-5 and 5-10 cm, respectively. Possible reasons for the differences between MB(SIR) and MB(M) values in the soils under study are discussed.

Laser therapy for patients with vascular malformations.

Vascular malformation should not be considered just a cosmetic problem but a psychological and potentially functional one as well. Children with birthmarks often receive many curious glances and questions. The flashlamp-excited dye laser was developed to treat capillary vascular malformations with minimal scarring.

Separation of conjoined twins.

Preparing for surgical separation of conjoined twins involves coordination, communication, and multidisciplinary planning by several specialties. This article discusses the embryology, etiology, and incidence of conjoined twins and provides a historical perspective of the different types of conjoined twins. A case study describes the perioperative management of conjoined twins at Texas Children's Hospital's, Houston. Team members' roles are discussed, and the perioperative care of conjoined twins detailed.

Cleft lips and palates: a multidisciplinary approach.

Families of infants born with congenital defects such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and combinations of these often grasp with accepting the condition. Nurses can help facilitate acceptance by parents and families and play a key role in the management and habilitation of these children.