Constant Irrigation Research Articles

Optimized Regulated Deficit Irrigation Management for Watermelon Cultivation in a Semiarid Region

The present study aimed to validate the MOPECO crop simulation model and to determine a viable irrigation management for watermelon in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, using methodologies of optimized regulated deficit irrigation (ORDI) and constant deficit irrigation (CDI). The experiment was carried out during October to December 2013 and the second one from July to August 2014 in plots of land of producers in the Baixo Acaraú Irrigated Perimeter – Ceará, Brazil. Treatments were characterized by ORDI management (70, 80, 90% ETa/ETm ratio) and CDI management along the entire cycle (70, 80 and 90% ETm) and control treatment, irrigated with 100% of the water requirement of the crop (ETm). In terms of saving of water resources, the results showed that management with regulated deficit irrigation leads to favorable and economically viable results for the farmer, of water saving, especially in a situation of severe water scarcity, irrigation management with regulated water deficit (ORDI) can provide favorable and economically viable results for the farmer. The highest value of WUE (41.8 kg m-3) was obtained with the treatment of lowest water volume applied (352.1 L) in the second experiment, decreasing with the increase in the water volume used. The ORDI methodology represents a better water use efficiency for all treatments of deficit applied compared to CDI treatments. The difference of ORDI and CDI methodology provided an increase of up to 200% in the gross margin obtained with the exploration of the watermelon culture which represents a range of R$ 986.00 in profit in a situation of water scarcity, as in the case of the studied region, the strategy with water supply of 70% of ETa/ETm ratio regulated by phenological stage was recommended in order to obtain highest water use efficiency.

Effect of Marginal-Quality Irrigation on Accumulation of some Heavy Metals (Mn, Pb, and Zn) in TypicTorripsamment Soils and Food Crops

Lack of active sorption sites in sandy soils renders metals added by irrigation water more labile and increases their soil-to-plant transfer. Thus, this study investigated the long-term impacts of irrigation using sewage effluents and contaminated groundwater on metal accumulations in TypicTorripsamment soils, and edible parts of food crops. Nine sites in El-Gabal El-Asfar farm, south-eastern to the Nile Delta of Egypt, were selected. At each site, irrigation water, soil (0–30 cm), and the crop’s edible part were sampled in triplicates and analyzed for Mn, Pb, and Zn. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences in metal concentrations among water sources. Thus, constant irrigation caused significant spatial variations in total and available metal contents in soils. Total contents of Pb (in four sites) and Zn (in all sites) exceed the lithosphere range, while the available contents of the three metals exceeded the safe limits in all soils. The index of geo-accumulation indicated no Mn pollution but showed elevated pollution risks for Pb and Zn. The three metals showed high availability ratios, proving the effect of light soil texture. The multivariate statistical analysis indicated that Mn and Zn had similar geochemical behaviors in soils. Metal contents in all crop’s edible parts surpassed the safe limits. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was less than 1.0 for Mn and Zn but higher than 1.0 for Pb. The highest BAFs occurred in cabbage leaves, indicating the phytoextraction potential of this species. Sufficient water treatment and proper remediation techniques are recommended to alleviate metal accumulation in food crops and their transfer via the food chain.

Effects of Different Irrigation Management on the Textural Properties of Double-Cropping Late Indica Rice in South China

In order to investigate the effects of different irrigation management on the textural properties of two different double-cropping late <i>Indica</i> rice, the effects of three irrigation management including conventional irrigation (CK), constant irrigation (CI) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) on textural properties has been researched under field conditions of two years. The results indicated that the firmness, cohesiveness and chewiness were decreased under AWD treatment, and the stickiness was increased compared with CK, while the textural properties under CI treatment showed the opposite trend with AWD treatment. Additionally, AWD treatment signifi- cantly improved the springiness of TY871 compared with CK and CI treatment, but had no significant effect in RYHZ, suggesting improvement of the cooking and eating quality of TY871 under AWD treatment. Correlation analysis showed that the chewiness was positively correlated with the firmness and cohesiveness, and the cohesiveness was positively correlated with the firmness. AWD could promote the textural properties of high-quality late <i>Indica</i> rice in South China whereas CI treatment has shown the disadvantage of the textural properties, which will provide useful information for the improvement of cooking and eating quality of rice.

A Narrative Review of Uniportal Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Comparison of Uniportal Facet-Preserving Trans-Kambin Endoscopic Fusion and Uniportal Facet-Sacrificing Posterolateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Uniportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion aims to achieve the bony union of 2 lumbar segments through cage insertion using full spinal endoscopy. Endoscopic fusion can adjust foraminal height and disc height, improve alignment, and minimize collateral soft tissue damage during the insertion of an interbody cage. The surgery is performed under constant irrigation with normal saline and an optical endoscopic lens close to the targeted disc segment. Two main subtypes of uniportal endoscopic fusion are currently described in the literature. We broadly classify them into facet-preserving and facet-sacrificing endoscopic lumbar interbody fusions. We have termed them uniportal facet-preserving trans-Kambin endoscopic fusion and uniportal facet-sacrificing posterolateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. In this article, we review the current literature and discuss the history, indications, contraindications, technical differences, clinical outcomes, and complications of uniportal endoscopic interbody fusion surgery.

Disinfection of radicular dentin using Riboflavin, Rose Bengal, Curcumin, and Porfimer sodium on extrusion bond strength of fiber post to radicular dentin

AimTo assess the influence of different photosensitizers activated by PDT as a disinfectant in comparison to conventional sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on the EBS (extrusion bond strength) of FRCP with radicular dentin. MethodsA total of fifty single-rooted human maxillary central incisors with fully developed apices were selected. Endodontic treatment of samples was performed using 10 K file to obtain patency than sequentially with a 25 K file followed by rotary pro tapers till F2 with constant irrigation. The canal was dried and obturated with corresponding gutta-percha and sealer. A Peso reamer was employed to prepare post space. Based on canal disinfection regimes, samples were divided into five groups. Group 1 Riboflavin (RF)+17%EDTA, group 2 Rose bengal (RB) +17%EDTA, group 3 Curcumin CP +17%EDTA, group 4 Porfimer sodium, Photofrin (PS) +17%EDTA and group 5 2.25% NaOCl +17% EDTA (control). Following disinfection, the canal space of all specimens was dried followed by FRCP cementation. Specimens were placed on a Universal testing machine (UTM) for EBS. The type of bond failure was evaluated using a stereomicroscope. ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison tests were used to compare means. ResultsThe highest EBS was shown by group 1 canal disinfected with riboflavin (RF) and 17% EDTA at all three levels. The lowest EBS was displayed in group 5 canal cleaned with 2.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Intragroup assessment disclosed a decrease in EBS from cervical one-third to apical one-third in all experimental groups. Intergroup comparison revealed group 4 using PS and 17% EDTA and group 5 canal disinfected with 2.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA at all three levels of root structure coronal, middle, and apical exhibited comparable EBS (p>0.05). ConclusionRoot canal dentin treated with different PS (RF, RB, CP) has the potential to be used as canal disinfection as it demonstrates better EBS than the conventional disinfecting regime (2.25% NaOCl +17% EDTA). PS and 17% EDTA as a canal disinfectant need further investigation.

Effect of deficit irrigation on nitrogen accumulation and capsaicinoid content in Capsicum plants using the isotope 15N

Greenhouse production of chilies requires constant irrigation and fertilization. Due to climate change, water availability is decreasing, and thus new techniques are being developed, one of which is deficit irrigation, also applied in controlled conditions, such as greenhouse production This allows us to improve yield quality with minimal or no reduction in yield with optimal water use. Nitrogen is an important macronutrient whose uptake can be hindered under deficit irrigation because deficit is a form of drought stress. In the pot experiment, two chili cultivars were tested to see how they responded to water deficit irrigation treatments compared to the field capacity treatment with peat substrate. Nitrogen fertilization, with the addition of the isotope 15N, was applied to all treatments. Seeds and leaves contained the most total nitrogen in both cultivars, followed by placenta. N utilization from fertilization was 3.32% at field capacity and 2.33% under deficit irrigation in 'Chili-AS Rot'. 'Naga Morich' utilized 4.58% of N from fertilizer under field capacity and 6.72% under deficit irrigation. Capsaicinoid content was strongly correlated with nitrogen content in both cultivars irrespective of irrigation regime. This study fills an important gap in our understanding of N assimilation, fertilization, and irrigation in chili plants. It shows that there is no universal rule for N absorption under different irrigation conditions in chili plants and that the right choice of cultivar and species is crucial for optimal and high-quality chili fruit production.

Fibrin Clot Augmented Repair of Longitudinal Tear of Medial Meniscus

Repair of meniscus injuries always posed a significant problem, especially in relatively avascular zones. Several methods to augment the repair were devised, but only a few had convincing results. Fibrin clot augmentation is one of the augmentation procedures that shows good promise in this premise. The major hurdle to it is difficulty in delivering into the meniscus tear under constant irrigation during arthroscopic procedures. This article presents a simple and unique way to prepare and transfer a fibrin clot into a meniscal tear in a step-by-step manner.

Debris Removal by Activation of Endodontic Irrigants in Complex Root Canal Systems: A Standardized In-Vitro-Study

Aim of the study was to develop a standardized model system to investigate endodontic irrigation techniques and assess the efficiency of different activation methods on the removal of hard tissue debris in complex root canal systems. Mesial roots of mandibular molars were firstly scanned by micro-computed tomography (µCT) and allocated to three groups of irrigant activation: sonic activation (EDDY, VDW, Munich, Germany), laser activation (AutoSWEEPS, FOTONA, Ljubljana, Slovenia) and conventional needle irrigation (control). Roots were fixed in individual 3D-printed holders to facilitate root canal enlargement under constant irrigation with NaOCl (5%). To enable standardized quantification of remaining debris, BaSO4-enriched dentine powder was compacted into the canals, followed by another µCT-scan. The final irrigation was performed using 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with the respective activation method, and the volume of remaining artificial debris was quantified after a final µCT-scan. The newly developed model system allowed for reliable, reproducible and standardized assessment of irrigation methods. Activation of the irrigant proved to be significantly more effective than conventional needle irrigation regarding the removal of debris, which persisted particularly in the apical third of the root canal in the control group. The efficiency of irrigation was significantly enhanced with laser- and sonic-based activation, especially in the apical third.

Latent Heat Flux (Evapotranspiration) in Summer Season on Rooftop Greening Soil with Bamboo Charcoal Sublayer at a Building in West Japan

The effect of a thin and light greening system with bamboo charcoal layer for water retention on heat fluxes, in particular latent heat flux (evapotranspiration rate), under no irrigation condition, on the rooftop of a building in Higashi-Hiroshima, West Japan, was investigated. In April 2019, lawn seeds (Zoysia tenuifolia) were sown which were germinated, reached a height of 70 mm by May when 100% of the vegetation area was covered. The air temperature and humidity at two different heights (0.3 m and 1.8 m) above greening soil surface, latent, and sensible heat fluxes were estimated. Bowen ratio was employed to collect the data on surface heat balance and soil water content during the summer season (June to September) in 2019 on the rooftop of a building in Higashi-Hiroshima, West Japan. The latent heat during daytime for a week without rainfall in each month was compared with the evapotranspiration rate. Owning to the vegetation development, the ground heat flux on greening soil surface decreased from -400 W/m2 to -200 W/m2 (flux from air to soil) during sunny daytime in July, and it was less than -100 W/m2 in August, although net radiation was maintained around 800 W/m2 over the season except in September. The monthly net radiation flux for an entire day (daytime and nighttime) ranged between 55 and 125 W/m2 (average: 95 W/m2) for the summer season of which 32-66% (average: 48%) was occupied by latent heat. Evapotranspiration from greening soil ranged between 1.24 and 1.82 mm/day, averaged at 1.51 mm/day throughout the season, which corresponded to about 26% of total rainfall over the season ( r 2 = 0.88 , p &lt; 0.01 ; S . E = 0.06 ) between the estimated and measured values. These observations suggested that the thin and bamboo coal light soil layer greening system, even without constant irrigation, could maintain the development of lawn grass and transformed more than half of net radiation to latent heat, i.e., evapotranspiration, insulating most ground heat in midsummer, which may be mostly due to bamboo charcoal sublayer.

Comparison of adhesive bond strength among fiber reinforced post and core with different cementation techniques: In vitro study.

To investigate push-out bond strength (PBS) of fiber post to radicular dentin after using different cementation techniques. Sixty single-rooted premolars were disinfected and cleaned by mechanical instrumentation. S1, S2, and SX were used for canal shaping and finishing of the canal was carried out using F1 and F2. This was followed by constant irrigation and smear layer removal using 17%EDTA. The canal was dried filled with gutta-percha and canal space was prepared using a peso reamer. Based on cementation techniques, samples were randomly allocated into six groups. Group 1: One-step Monoblock MC; Group 2: One-step, Monoblock MC-NA (no adhesive) GFP; Group 3: One-step, RX-MC-Monoblock; Group 4: Two-step, RX-MC; Group 5: Two-step, RX-FZ; and Group 6: Two-step RX-FZ-custom post. All specimens were mounted in polyvinyl pipes using acrylic resin up to cement enamel junction. All specimens were mounted in a universal testing machine subjected to push-out forces at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. Five samples from each group were sputter-coated with 6 nm gold thickness for 300 s at 250 mA. The coated specimens were assessed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey Kramer multiple comparisons tests were performed to compare means among groups maintaining the level of significance at (p < 0.001). The highest PBS was displayed in RX-MC-Monoblock (199.020 ± 21.432 MPa). Whereas, lowest PBS was found in Monoblock MC-NA (no adhesive)-GFP (76.440 ± 9.468 MPa). Among one-step groups, RX-MC Monoblock exhibited the highest PBS (199.020 ± 21.432 MPa) comparable to one-step Monoblock MC (134.28 ± 19.37 MPa) (p > 0.05). Similarly, among two-steps groups, two-step RX-MC demonstrated significantly higher PBS values than two-step RX-FZ (143.340 ± 23.68 MPa) and RX-FZ-custom post (86.90 ± 7.41 MPa) (p < 0.05). One-step RX-MC-Monoblock technique using self-adhesive cement and core foundation composite resin material multicore flow when cured simultaneously exhibited the highest bond integrity of post retention compared to other cementation technique.

Temperature Assessment of a Novel Pulsed Thulium Solid-State Laser Compared with a Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser.

Purpose: To compare a novel Thulium laser device with the commonly used Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser in terms of the in vitro temperatures generated. Methods: Our study investigated and compared an evaluation model of a solid-state Thulium laser with a Medilas H Solvo 35 Holmium laser device, both by Dornier (Dornier MedTech Laser GmbH, Wessling, Germany). Our in vitro model consisted of a 20 mL test tube placed in a 37°C water bath. Constant irrigation was set at 50 mL/minute with a Reglo Z Digital pump (Cole Parmer, Chicago, IL). Four hundred micrometers of Dornier laser fibers were used. The temperature was measured with a type K thermocouple and a real-time data logger from Pico (PICO Technology, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom). Power settings between 2 and 30 W were investigated. Each measurement lasted 120 seconds and was repeated five times. The data were evaluated by MATLAB® (The Mathworks, Inc., Natick, MA). Results: The resulting temperatures were directly proportional to the power supplied. When comparing Holmium with Thulium, we observed maximum deviations of ≤0.82 K in temperatures at 120 seconds. The highest investigated laser power of 30 W yielded maximum temperatures differing by 6.7 K from the initial value. Out of the five comparisons, Thulium showed marginally yet significantly lower end temperatures in four cases and slightly lower cumulative equivalent minutes at 43°C (CEM43) values in three cases. Conclusion: The Thulium laser resembles the Holmium device in the temperatures generated during in vitro application. An increase in laser power, thus, leads to equivalent increases in temperature that are largely independent of frequency, pulse duration, and single pulse energy. Pulsed Thulium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Tm:YAG), Ho:YAG, and Thulium fiber laser seem to share a similar risk profile for patients in terms of temperature development. Intrarenal power outputs exceeding 10 W during clinical application should be compensated by ensuring sufficient irrigation.

To the question of the use of constant irrigation with running vesicovaginal fistulas

Everyone, of course, knows how horrible suffering are vesicovaginal fistulas not only in the physical, but also in the moral attitude, both in the rich, intelligent class, and especially in the poor peasant environment. The only radical cure, which is possible, however, not in all cases, is of course the surgical suturing of the fistula. But it is not uncommon for the sick to come to this help at a time when the field of the operation seems to be contaminated - therefore, one must first of all reckon with this complication. The contamination of the field of operation is sometimes so stubborn that, with the most careful application of all kinds of conventional methods of treatment, the results are far from satisfactory: the raids removed with great work quickly return; the state of health of patients worsens, forces fall, as pain, as a result of the irritation of the tissues of urine, deprives them of sleep and appetite. Here, in such desperate cases, constant irrigation, proposed by prof. N.A. Tolochinov and with success, used in his clinic, is a truly beneficial remedy.

Tensiometer‐based irrigation scheduling and water use efficiency of field‐grown strawberries

AbstractIn recent decades, moisture‐based subsurface drip irrigation management strategies lead to water savings while maintaining strawberry yields in open fields. Most soils in the Québec City area are characterized by a high proportion of schist fragments and high hydraulic conductivity, causing substantial water losses following irrigation. Until now, little was known about the efficiency of soil‐moisture‐based irrigation strategies used on moderately coarse‐textured soils and their potential to improve water use efficiency (WUE). The first objective of this study was to test two tensiometer‐based irrigation managements for strawberry plants grown in a conventional system. Since field fumigation is increasingly restricted in field‐grown strawberries, we designed a raised‐bed trough system for use in the field and tested its productivity potential. The two irrigation methods included two treatments using pulsed irrigation: one with a constant irrigation threshold of −15 kPa (Pl), and the other with a variable threshold (−15/−30 kPa) adjusted daily to the predicted crop evapotranspiration (PlETc), in addition to a soilless treatment (SL) using a peat substrate and an irrigation threshold of −5 kPa. Compared to conventional irrigation, the PlETc treatment increased the WUE by 8 to 44% while maintaining marketable yields and fruit quality. Thus, this pulsed irrigation strategy is recommended for strawberry plants grown in clay loam soils. Strawberry plants grown in the soilless system gave 73 to 98% higher early marketable yield than soil cultivation. These results may encourage North American farmers to consider the soilless raised‐bed trough system as a viable alternative to conventional strawberry production systems.

Intraoperative Shortening of Aneurysm Clips: Revisiting an Old Technique in a New Era

It can sometimes be challenging to find a suitable clip to treat an unusual aneurysm, or when the surrounding anatomy is unusual, especially in resource-limited environments. We describe a method to modify aneurysm clips based on the method originated by Sugita etal in 1985. Herein clip modification (Clip-Mod) is used to treat anatomically difficult anterior communicating artery aneurysms. The Department of Neurological Surgery database was reviewed to find aneurysm patients treated using modified aneurysm clips. Clip-Mod was performed during surgery by shortening the tines of titanium aneurysm clips by abrasion applied from the side of a standard 3-mm surgical diamond drill bit under constant irrigation. Note that the thickness of the tines and the clip spring were not modified or contacted by the drill. Four cases used modified aneurysm clips, from 648 total clip-treated aneurysms (0.6%) by 2 surgeons over a 14-year period. Three patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhages that were determined to be due to anterior communicating artery aneurysms. One patient presented with an incidental unruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm. All 4 patients were treated with 3-mm titanium clips shortened intraoperatively to 1- to 2-mm lengths, to achieve aneurysm obliteration without stenosing parent or perforating vessels. All 4 patients have done well clinically with no reoccurrences after 2-6 years' follow-up, which included angiographic evaluation. The use of this "Clip-Mod" technique thus appears useful for anterior communicating artery aneurysms. Clip-Mod could also be considered for treating other aneurysms when the "perfect" length clip is not available.

Modelo matemático para manejo em fertirrigação de precisão

A fertirrigação tem sido fundamental para impulsionar o suprimento alimentar mundial, pois mais de 40% da produção agrícola total é obtida em áreas irrigadas com uso dessa técnica. Apesar disso, quando mal manejada, pode elevar consideravelmente a concentração de sais no solo, além de aumentar a probabilidade de perdas de nutrientes por lixiviação, sobretudo, em solos arenosos. A técnica como realizada hoje em dia, ainda que siga critérios técnicos pode imprimir restrições à absorção de água e nutrientes em face da elevação momentânea e abrupta do potencial osmótico no volume de solo explorado. Isso porque a concentração da solução fertilizante injetada no sistema de irrigação é habitualmente constante durante toda operação. Objetivou-se, assim, desenvolver um modelo matemático para manejo de fertirrigação de precisão em que a concentração da solução fertilizante injetada no sistema de irrigação possa ser variável com tempo, além de verificar o alcance vertical produzido pela técnica assim realizada. O modelo matemático desenvolvido é apropriado para descrever a variação na concentração de solução fertilizante injetada em sistema de irrigação de modo não uniforme. A fertirrigação quantitativa, realizada segundo o modelo matemático obtido, proporciona, em Neossolo Quartzarênico, redução de 25% no alcance vertical e maior eficiência de aplicação da solução fertilizante comparada a fertirrigação proporcional.

In Vitro Topical Delivery of Chlorhexidine to the Cornea: Enhancement Using Drug-Loaded Contact Lenses and β-Cyclodextrin Complexation, and the Importance of Simulating Tear Irrigation.

Microbial keratitis is a severe, sight-threatening condition caused by various pathogens. Eyedrops are the standard delivery modality for treating these disorders; however, blinking reflex, elevated tear production, and nasolacrimal drainage eliminate much of the instilled dose within a few seconds. Therefore, eyedrops must be applied repeatedly for prolonged periods. The present study aimed to probe more effective ocular delivery of chlorhexidine based upon drug-loaded hydrogel contact lenses and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), while also determining the effect of constant irrigation with simulated tear fluid (STF) in in vitro experiments. Chlorhexidine digluconate (as 0.2 and 2% solutions, β-CD inclusion complexes, and loaded hydrogel contact lenses) were applied to enucleated porcine eyes as single or multiple 10 μL doses, or as drug-loaded contact lenses, with and without β-CD. The corneas were then excised and drug-extracted quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effect of constant irrigation by STF was evaluated to test the effect of increased tear production on corneal delivery. Potential antimicrobial activity of the delivered drug was also assessed. Results showed that drug-loaded contact lenses delivered the greatest amount of chlorhexidine into the cornea over a 24 h period, while the eyedrop solution comparator delivered the least. The β-CD significantly enhanced chlorhexidine delivery to the cornea from eyedrop solution, although contact lenses loaded with chlorhexidine-β-CD failed to enhance delivery. β-CD within the hydrogel matrix impeded drug release. Constant irrigation with STF significantly reduced the amount of drug delivered to the cornea in all cases. Chlorhexidine retained antimicrobial activity in all delivery methods. Hydrogel contact lenses loaded with chlorhexidine delivered significantly higher levels to the cornea compared to eyedrops, either multiple hourly doses or a single dose. They also offer reduced application, in particular, to a nonulcerated corneal infection. Finally, the importance of fully accounting for tear production in in vitro ocular delivery experiments was highlighted.

Controlled in vitro delivery of voriconazole and diclofenac to the cornea using contact lenses for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is caused by a protozoal infection of the cornea, with 80% of cases involving the improper use of contact lenses. The infection causes intense pain and is potentially blinding. However, early diagnosis improves treatment efficacy and the chances of healing. Despite the apparent accessibility of the cornea, patients do not always respond well to current eye drop treatments largely due to rapid dose loss due to blinking and nasolacrimal drainage. Here, the topical drug delivery of voriconazole alone and in combination with diclofenac via drug-loaded contact lenses, were investigated in vitro. The contact lenses were applied onto excised porcine eyeballs and maintained at 32°C under constant irrigation, with simulated tear fluid applied to mimic in vivo conditions. The drug delivered to the corneas was quantified by HPLC analysis. The system was further tested in terms of cytotoxicity and a scratch wound repopulation model, using resident cell types. Sustained drug delivery to the cornea was achieved and for voriconazole, the MIC against Acanthamoeba castellanii was attained alone and in combination with diclofenac. MTT and scratch wound data showed reasonable cell proliferation and wound repopulation at the drug doses used, supporting further development of the system to treat Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Fertility status of some irrigated soils under constant irrigation (a case study of Mashamari Area of Jere Local Government Borno State Nigeria)

Fertility status of some irrigated soils under constant irrigation (a case study of Mashamari Area of Jere Local Government Borno State Nigeria)

Management of severe intraoperative hemorrhage during intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures: the dry field technique.

The unexpected intraoperative intraventricular hemorrhage is a rare but feared and life-threatening complication in neuroendoscopic procedures because of loss of endoscopic vision. The authors present their experience with the so-called "dry field technique" (DFT) for the management of intraventricular hemorrhages during purely endoscopic procedures. This technique requires the aspiration of the entire intraventricular CSF to achieve clear visualization of the bleeding source. More than 500 neuroendoscopic intraventricular procedures were retrospectively analyzed over the last 24 years for documented severe hemorrhages, which were treated by the application of the DFT. The technique was required in 6 cases, including tumor resection/biopsy, cyst resection, and intraventricular lavage. Additionally, the technique was applied as part of the planned strategy in 3 cases of endoscopic tumor removal. The hemorrhage was stopped in all cases and no associated postoperative deficits occurred. Although severe hemorrhages are rare, the neurosurgeon needs to be aware of them and has to establish strategies for their management. Most hemorrhages can be stopped by constant irrigation and coagulation. In the other rare cases, the DFT is a safe, reliable technique and can be easily incorporated into endoscopic surgery.

Labyrinthine Fistulae in Squamosal Type of Chronic Otitis Media: Therapeutic Outcome.

Labyrinthine fistulae (LF) are the common complications of chronic otitis media (COM) of squamosal variety. The final therapeutic outcome of this condition is to preserve the cochlear and vestibular functions. Herein, we present the data of the cases managed at our institute with respect to their presenting complaints, adopted therapeutic approaches and outcomes. A retrospective chart review was conducted on all cases with COM squamosal type in adult patients. A total of 275 patients were reviewed, out of whom 30 cases had LF. The results were mainly studied with respect to the postoperative improvement of hearing and vertigo. The incidence rate of LF in the present study was obtained at 10.9%. Only 50% of the cases had the symptoms of vertigo. Furthermore, positive fistula test was elicited in 3.3% of the cases. All cases undergoing preoperative imaging were diagnosed successfully. In addition, 42.85% of the cases had profound hearing loss preoperatively, which sustained after the operation. However, 47.61% of the cases showed an improvement of at least ≥ 10 dB in the air-bone gap. Out of the 15 LF cases with vertigo as the main complaint, only 11 cases referred for follow-up. In this regard, 63.63% of the cases had no postoperative vertigo symptoms. Patients with LF may not have complaints of vertigo and a positive fistula sign upon admission. Pre-operative imaging facilitates the diagnosis of this condition. The removal of the matrix under constant irrigation, followed by repair with bone wax and/or autologous tissue, is sufficient to preserve the cochlear and vestibular symptoms postoperatively.