The genome of the organism that produces the world's most lethal toxin has been revealed. This toxin is the major weapon in the genome of Clostridium botulinum: less than two kg is enough to kill every person on the planet.
pneumothorax. entry of air into the pleural cavity in sufficient quantity to cause collapse of the lung and consequent respiratory embarrassment. If it is unilateral there is a mediastinal shift with displacement of the heart to the other side of the chest. Breath sounds are absent from the affected side. Pneumothorax.
The diagnosis and management of tension pneumothorax. Tension pneumothorax is the progressive build-up of air within the pleural space, usually due to a lung laceration which allows air to escape into the pleural space but not to return. Positive pressure ventilation may exacerbate this 'one-way-valve' effect.