Entrance Orifice Research Articles

Enhanced water production in hemispherical solar stills via solar collector and thermal storage integration: experimental validation

ABSTRACT In arid regions that face water scarcity, solar distillation offers hope by meeting the increasing need for clean drinking water. This study investigates the integration of a hot water storage system, heated by a flat plate solar collector, into a hemispherical solar still. Placing the storage tank below the still's absorber enhances heat input and efficiently stores excess daytime thermal energy. Conducted in Bouismail from December 2022 to October 2023, the study yielded significant results: the modified solar still outperformed the conventional one, with production increases of 157% in winter and 207% in summer. Moreover, the modified still demonstrated remarkable efficiency improvement in summer, reaching 37.42% compared to 20.38% for the conventional still. The orientation of the fins within the storage tank, with respect to the hot water entrance orifice, significantly impacted water production, with alterations of the angle resulting in decreases of up to 25%. Increasing saltwater depth led to reduced distilled water output, with declines of up to 37.08% for the modified still. Economic analysis showed a slightly higher cost per liter of water produced by the modified still ($0.1897) compared to the simple one ($0.1446).

Assessment of injuries patterns produced by a 9mm P.A.K "rubber ball" blank firing weapon: porcine model.

The use of less lethal weapons aims to mitigate civilian casualties caused by firearm use. However, due to numerous cases in which these weapons caused serious injuries, even lethal injuries, both legislation and the forensic field are interested in characterizing and regulating them better. In the forensic field, there is a lack of strong research about injury patterns of these weapons which makes it difficult to identify the type of weapon employed. In this study, the main objective was to characterize the injury pattern produced by the impact of the 9mm P.A.K. projectile. A porcine model was used. Four different distances were studied: firm contact, 10cm, 60cm and 110cm, using 3 of the more representative anatomical sites: the head, the hind leg and the ribs. The average measurement of the entrance orifice varied according to the anatomical site, being 6.67mm wide and 6.25mm long in the thorax, 7.3mm wide and 8.8mm long in the hind legs, and 7.62mm wide and 7.54mm long in the head. The variation in width and length measurements was not found to be directly related to the shot distance. The gunshot residues had similar characteristics to those of conventional lead projectiles, however there was more unburned powder deposit near the wounds, with a less dense soot and more dense powder tattoo. Depth varied widely regardless of tissue and firing distance, although loss of penetrating power and injury is observed as one moves away from the target.

PROTRUSION TRANS-ANALE DU CATHETER D’UN SHUNT VENTRICULOPERITONEAL CHEZ UN ENFANT : RAPPORT DE CAS ET REVUE DE LA LITTERATURE TRANS-ANAL PROTRUSION OF THE CATHETER OF A VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNT IN A CHILD: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract The ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is a technique of choice for the treatment of hydrocephalus in children. Perforation of the sigmoid colon and trans-anal protrusion of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter is one of the rare complications of VPS. The purpose of this article is to report a case of intestinal perforation with protrusion of the distal catheter of a VPS. This is an 18-month-old infant who was operated on for VPS 10 months ago. He is admitted to the emergency departments for an externalization of catheter through the anus. The clinical examination shows an afebrile child without meningeal signs. Under a normal laboratory assessment, the patient was operated for a change of the intraperitoneal drain and closure of the intestinal entrance orifice. The biological and clinical course was marked by septic shock that did not respond to resuscitation measures. The patient admitted under a negative infectious assessment, progresses to a febrile state at 38.5 °C and a positive infectious balance (C-reactive at 210 mg/l and hyperleukocytosis at 37,000 units/mm3). Bacteriological culture of cerebrospinal fluid allowed antibiotic therapy targeting Staphylococcus aureus. However, the evolution marked by the persistence of complications, leads to the death of the patient on the twentieth day in a table of refractory multiple organ failure.

PRIMER REGISTRO DE Tosale oviplagalis (Walker) (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE) COMO PLAGA PERFORADORA DEL FRUTO DE Passiflora ligularis (Juss, 1805), EN EL BOSQUE HÚMEDO MONTANO CARPISH, PERÚ

<p><strong>Background</strong>. No previous records of <em>Tosale oviplagalis</em> (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as an agricultural pest have been found. In Peru, the Chinchao area is part of the conservation area of the Carpish Montane Regional Forest, currently an expansion area for passion fruit (<em>Passiflora ligularis</em> Juss) cultivation and is home to endemic insect species that can access new food resources in the areas with crops. of cultivation. In 2019, the first reports of damage to granadilla fruits caused by these insects emerged. Objective<strong>.</strong> To register <em>T. oviplagalis</em> species for the first time as an agricultural pest in granadilla fruits and to showe its damage. <strong>Methodology</strong>. The larvae of the species were collected together with the immature damaged fruits of granadilla between the months of February and August of the year 2019, in the Chinchao-Huánuco-Peru area located between 2110 to 3690 masl; Subsequently, the breeding in the laboratory and the respective identification were carried out. Damage observations and descriptions were made in the field and in the laboratory. <strong>Results</strong>. In the larval state, the insect pierces the fruits, enters and feeds on the internal part of the epicarp, on its way it forms tunnels under the epidermis and usually takes refuge internally in the insertion of the peduncle, they complete their development and in the last stage occupying the same entrance orifice, they abandon the fruit, letting themselves fall to the ground to pupate. <strong>Implications</strong>. The study presents new information on the pest habits of the species <em>T. oviplagalis.</em> <strong>Conclusions</strong>. The species <em>T. oviplagalis</em> is recorded for the first time as a pest on the fruits of granadilla (<em>P. ligularis</em>). It was possible to show its damage, at the beginning with a small hole in the fruit through which the larval entered, completely deteriorated fruits and the complete development of the larva within the damaged fruit.</p>

Transfixing Penetrating Trauma of the Oropharynx Caused by an Unusual Strange Body

Objective: Oropharyngeal trauma is a common emergency in children. Our work aimed to expose a case of transfixing trauma of the oropharynx caused by an unusual foreign body and to review our behavior in the management of these traumas. Observation: The authors report a case of trauma to the oropharynx caused by a long tip of a hair straightener that occurred in a 06-year-old child. the mechanism of occurrence was a fall during play while the child was holding the tip in his mouth. The initial symptomatology was marked by endobuccal bleeding, hypersalivation, limitation of mouth opening and corticollis. The entrance orifice was located on the left anterior pillar and the penetrating end of the tip protruded subcutaneously at the level of the left retroauricular region. Enhanced head and neck computed tomography revealed a metallic, serrated density body transfixing from the oropharynx through the pre- and retrostylian spaces in contact with and below the jugular vein and internal carotid artery and terminates in position subcutaneously in the mastoid region. The preoperative hemoglobin level was 13g/dl, the coagulation assessments were normal. As the child's vaccination schedule was not up to date, we administered a dose of serum and tetanus vaccine concomitantly. The exploratory cervicotomy allowed us to extract a tip approximately 20 cm long which grazed the jugulocarotidian bundle without detectable lesions. The postoperative course was simple, healing of the wound occurred around the 10th day.

Tomographic description of the root canal system of mandibular first premolars in Colombian population

AbstractIntroductionThe success of endodontic treatment depends on a good knowledge of the root canal system. Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical configuration of mandibular first premolars using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a group of Colombian population according to Vertucci's classification, as well as the frequency of the presence of anatomical variations.Materials and MethodsA descriptive study was carried out using 100 mandibular first premolars to obtain CBCT images. The root length, root curvature, configuration of the root canals, number and location of the apical foramen, and shape of the entrance orifice to the root canal were analyzed.ResultsThe average length of the mandibular first premolars was 21.16 mm, and 33% showed different grades of the curvature. The most frequent configuration was type I (53%), and the least common were types VII and VIII (1%). Eighty‐three teeth had some anatomical variations, and the apical foramen was located laterally in 38%. There was a high incidence of oval canals 1C1 (67%), followed by 1A1 (27%).ConclusionA mixture of phenotypes leads to multiple anatomical variations in mandibular first premolars between individuals within a population. Herein, CBCT provided useful information about root canal anatomical variations of mandibular first premolars in Colombian population. Type I was the most frequently found configuration, and anatomical variations occurred more frequently in the middle third.

Morphometric study of the meningeal sheath of the oculo motor nerve in the latero-sellar lodge: Neuro surgical interest

The meningeal sheath of the oculomotor nerve is also known that the latero-sellar lodge. It has both dural and extra-dural components. This sheath contains vascular elements including the carotid and nervous siphon, the motor nerves of the eye to which are added the division branches V1 and V2 of the trigeminal nerve. The oculomotor nerve runs through this lodge wrapped in its meningeal sheath. The purpose of this study was to document the dimensions of the different segments of the nerve as it crosses the lodge. Eight pairs of lodges were the subject of this study. Dead bodies fixed with 10% formalin for two to three weeks underwent a craniotomy. After removal of the brain, nerve III and its meningeal envelope were dissected and exposed. The different segments of the nerve were measured in both sides. The entrance orifice of the porus of the oculomotor nerve III was located behind the anterior clinoid process to 7.2 mm (extreme from 3 to 13mm) on the right and to 7.40mm (extreme from 4 to 12) on the left. The meningeal cul-de-sac represented the intra-conical segment and was either 5.2mm long (extreme from 4 to 6.5mm) or short 3.25mm (extreme from 2 to 3.5mm). The supra-cavernous segment measured on the right 5.2 mm (extreme from 2 to 8 mm) and on the left 4.6 mm (extreme from 3 to 7 mm). The latero-sellar lodge, a complex and narrowed region is crossed by nervous elements each in its meningeal sheath. This deserves an approach by surgical microdissection.
 Key words: Oculomotor nerves - meningeal cone - measurement – cadaver – latero-sellar lodge.

P262 Left ventricular pseudoaneurism due to a non-reperfused myocardial infarction: multi-modality cardiac imaging approach

Abstract Introduction Cardiac rupture has been one of the most frequent fatal complications of acute myocardial infarction in cases series reported since 1977. However, in exceptional cases, the rupture of the left ventricle is contained by the pericardium and by fibrous tissue, forming a pseudoaneurysm, which is characterized by the absence of myocardial tissue in its wall and a relatively narrow neck between the ventricle and the ventricular chamber. Although there is no estimated time for rupture, it is well established that the risk of rupture is 30 to 40% and mortality up to 10%. Pseudoaneurysm is a rarer entity than rupture and is usually diagnosed incidentally by imaging methods in up to 48% of cases. The most frequent imaging method for their diagnosis is 2D echocardiography, followed by cardiac catheterization and finally cardiac magnetic resonance. The most frequent location of the pseudoaneurysm secondary to acute myocardial infarction is the inferior wall and the posterolateral wall of the left ventricle. Case Report We present 72-year-old male patient with a history of type 2 diabetes and smoking, who started symptoms with sudden onset of oppressive chest pain of 20 minutes duration, he did not attend medical attention. A month later, he went for a valuation with a first-contact physician, who referred him to our institution with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction without reperfusion therapy. At the initial assessment, it was found asymptomatic, in the resting ECG was found QS pattern with reversal of the T wave in leads DII, DIII and AVF. Cardiac SPECT was performed and showed an inferior transmural infarction, which extended as non-transmural to the inferolateral and inferoseptal walls, without ischemia. (Img. 1 and 2). A 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiogram was performed, in which akinesia of the inferoseptal and apical walls was documented, as well as a saccular pseudoaneurysm of 5.6 X 4.7 cm in the basal and middle segment of the inferior and inferolateral walls, with an entrance orifice. 2.6 X 2.4 cm, as well as pericardial effusion. (Fig. 3 and 4). Coronary angiography was performed, demonstrating chronic total occlusion of the right coronary in its proximal segment and ostial obstruction of the left anterior descending. Cardiac magnetic resonance revealed inferior infarction and the presence of a pseudoaneurysm with lamellar thrombus was corroborated. (Img. 5). The patient was taken to surgical treatment, by reconstruction of the left ventricle with the Dor technique and CABG of the right coronary artery and the anterior descending artery. Receives medical treatment and a 1-month follow-up is in class I of the NYHA. Conclusion It is a clinical case about a potentially fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction, which in our case was detected incidentally since the patient had remained asymptomatic, there lies the importance of obtaining an accurate diagnosis in order to impact on the patient survival. Abstract P262 Figure. Pseudoaneurysm multi-modality images

Mesiobuccal Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary First Molars in a Brazilian Sub-Population - A Micro-CT Study.

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the root canal system morphology of maxillary first molar mesiobuccal (MB) roots in a Brazilian sub-population using micro-computed tomography.Methods:Ninety-six MB roots were scanned with a micro-CT (Skyscan 1173, Bruker). Three-dimensional images were analyzed regarding the number of pulp chamber orifices, the number and classification of the canals, the presence of accessory canals in different thirds of the root as well as the number and type of apical foramina.Results:A single entrance orifice was found in 53.0% of the samples, two in 43.9% and only 3.1% had three orifices. The second mesiobuccal root canal (MB2) was present at some portion of the root in 87.5% of the specimens. A single apical foramen was present in 16.7%, two in 22.9%, and three or more foramina in 60.4% of the roots. Only 55.3% and 76.1% of the root canals could be arranged by Weine’s and Vertucci’s classifications, respectively.Conclusion:The number of orifices at the pulp chamber level could not work as a predictor of the MB2 presence. The most prevalent canal configuration was Weine type IV / Vertucci type V. The anatomical complexity of the MB root could not be entirely classified by the current most accepted classifications.

Optimization of ion transport from atmospheric pressure ion sources

An experimental study and numerical calculations of the influence of geometric and electrical parameters of ion sources with ionization at atmospheric pressure on the motion of ions from ionization site to an entrance orifice were carried out. The effect of space charge on the current-voltage characteristics of an electrode configuration of the ion source was experimentally shown. The results of numerical calculations of ion motion with allowance for the space charge in a stationary ion flow based on the statistical diffusion simulation model were shown to agree well with the experiment. The possibility of 100% ion transportation from the ionization area to a collector was demonstrated experimentally and numerically.

Tracheal Stab Wound With Entrance and Exit Orifices

Tracheal Stab Wound With Entrance and Exit Orifices

Influence of Ionization Source Conditions on the Gas-Phase Protomer Distribution of Anilinium and Related Cations.

The gas-phase-ion generation technique and specific ion-source settings of a mass spectrometer influence heavily the protonation processes of molecules and the abundance ratio of the generated protomers. Hitherto that has been attributed primarily to the nature of the solvent and the pH. By utilizing electrospray ionization and ion-mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS), we demonstrate, even in the seemingly trivial case of protonated aniline, that the protomer ratio strongly depends on the source conditions. Under low in-source ion activation, nearly 100% of the N-protomer of aniline is produced, and it can be subsequently converted to the C-protomer by collisional activation effected by increasing the electrical potential difference between the entrance and exit orifices of the first vacuum region. This activation and transformation process takes place even before the ion is mass-selected and subjected to IM separation. Despite the apparent simplicity of the problem, the preferred protonation site of aniline in the gas phase-the amino group or the aromatic ring-has been a topic of controversy. Our results not only provide unambiguous evidence that ring- and nitrogen-protonated aniline can coexist and be interconverted in the gas phase, but also that the ratio of the protomers depends on the internal energy of the original ion. There are many dynamic ion-transformation and fragmentation processes that take place in the different physical compartments of a Synapt G2 HDMS instrument. Such processes can dramatically change the very identity even of small ions, and therefore should be taken into account when interpreting product-ion mass spectra. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Acoustical characteristics of two-phase horizontal intermittent flow through an orifice

This study addresses acoustical characteristics, in particular, sound generation of intermittent flow regime in a horizontal pipe through an orifice, based on recorded pressure fluctuations and videos of upstream and downstream flow of the orifice. The flow regimes of interest are plug flow and slug flow, respectively, where sharp-edged and rounded entrance orifice are tested. In principle, the noise generated in the intermittent flow regime through an orifice increases with a higher gas flow rate. The pressure fluctuation spectra show a haystack configuration with a peak at a low frequency associated with a sequence of elongated gas bubbles. It demonstrates that the sound generation is predominately governed by dynamic of elongated gas bubbles in intermittent flow through the orifice. Particularly, in plug flow, an additional small hump is detected close to St = 0.2, i.e., vortex-shedding at the orifice exit contributes the sound generation in addition to the bubble dynamic. Furthermore, non-dimensional power of the downstream intermittent flow decays with St-a. The value of a increases with a higher liquid rate, and the haystack-like shape at the peak frequency widens as the gas rate increases. In plug flow, the rounded entrance orifice generates less noise by resulting in a smaller pressure drop compared to the sharp-edged orifice in general; however, it generates noise in high frequency.

A modified Katsumata probe--Ion sensitive probe for measurement in non-magnetized plasmas.

A modified Katsumata probe has been developed for measurement of ion velocity distribution function (IVDF) in technological non-magnetized plasmas. A simple construction of the modified Katsumata probe consists of adding a pair of permanent Sm-Co magnets in front of Katsumata probe. A comparative study regarding IVDF measurement in a high power impulse magnetron sputtering system operating in pure argon atmosphere by means of developed modified Katsumata probe and commercially available gridded retarding field analyzer (RFA) has been carried out. A time-resolved measurement of IVDF for two different pressures whilst other plasma conditions have been kept unchanged has revealed that the main advantage of the modified Katsumata probe compared to the RFA consists in significantly smaller angular aperture of entrance orifice of modified Katsumata probe being approximately 15° in comparison with a commercial RFA having angular aperture more than 160°. It leads in much better velocity resolution in measured IVDF since the transversal part of velocity vector is much more suppressed compared to RFA. Furthermore, the modified Katsumata probe less suffers from collisions of ions in the space charge sheath in front or inside of the probe compared to the RFA.

STEADY STATE FIXED BED COMBUSTION OF WOOD PELLETS. A SIMPLE THEORETICAL MODEL

The combustion of biomass follows a sequence of several distinct phases which begin with drying, the subsequent pyrolysis with the release of volatile components that burn in gaseous phase and finally the combustion of carbonaceous resiue, the time consuming step. For small solid fuel boilers, as it is the case of pellet boilers for domestic heating, biomass particles are continuously burned in fixed bed boilers or heaters. In these appliances the furnace is a metallic basket into which fuel particles are thrown and burn. The combustion air is introduced through orifices drilled in this metallic basket although some lateral air entrances are also found. The gaseous flow is a piston flow, the particles fall under gravity on the upper bed surface and as they burn they slowly move downwards until their size is small enough to fall down through the air entrance orifices or are dragged by the upcoming combustion gas flow. So the gaseous current has an up flow movement while the solid particles move downwards. It is assumed that the bed is at uniform temperature and all the average properties of the gaseous flow are constant with the exception of the oxygen concentration that diminishes as the gas flow rises through the bed. The mathematical development of a simple model that allows the calculation of the steady state burning time of a biomass particle in fixed bed, the amount of energy released, the fixed bed size and its particle inventory, is hereby presented. The pedagogical interest of this model is pertinent because it presents, in a synthetic way, the relative importance of the combustion kinetic, the mass transfer mechanism and the reactor fluid dynamics, upon the lifetime of a biochar particle during its combustion process.

Attempted validation of a method to locate entry and exit foramens of the branches of the trigeminal nerve; benefits for an original cephalometric analysis technique

Trigeminal analysis focuses on the skeletal entrance and exit orifices of the sensitive fibers of the trigeminal nerve. The aim of this study was to validate the techniques used to locate these landmarks as described by the creator of trigeminal analysis of the face. This descriptive study was performed on a dry human skull. Two tin balls forming markers R1 and R2 were fixed at random on the skull in a median sagittal position. Two headfilms of the skull were made. The first showed tin balls fixed at the entrance and exit foramens of the sensitive fibers of the trigeminal nerve. The second showed the foramens without the tin balls. The position of the reference point corresponding to the entrance and exit points of the trigeminal fibers was entered on a tracing made from the headfilm (without the balls on the foramens) by 16operators using an ad hoc guide supplied by Crocquet. A comparison was made between the points as positioned by these operators and the true points as revealed by the X-rays of the balls on the first image (Gold Standard) by calculating the difference between their coordinates on an axis connecting R1 et R2 (X-axis) and the line perpendicular to it passing through R2 (Y-axis). Trigeminal cephalometric analysis was then performed on each of the tracings. The angles and linear values were compared. The validity of the positioning of the points and of the values provided by the analysis was demonstrated by the existence of a difference of less than 2units (mm or degrees). No difference in the means between the trigeminal points found by the operators and the Gold Standard points represented by the X-rays of the balls placed on the foramens exceeded 2mm in absolute value on the Y-axis. On the X-axis, the differences greater than 2mm in absolute value related to: the supra-orbital notch (ESO) and the foramen ovale (FO) (2.12 and 8.19mm, respectively). The angles (ESO-TGR-TO) and (TGR-ESO-TSO) were the only ones to display differences exceeding 2° in absolute value between the two images. The detection method advanced by Crocquet for the positioning of the eightpoints of reference used for analyzing the entrance and exit foramens of the trigeminal nerve is valid apart from the TO and ESO points. Consequently, the validity of the angle measurements involving these points is affected. Further research is required to confirm these findings. If necessary, new recommendations should be devised in order to improve the localization of the TO and ESO cephalometric points.

Characterization of a capillary spray cell for easy analysis of extracts of biological samples

We present a very simple electrospray unit, a capillary spray cell, for easy analysis of small (10–50 μL) sample aliquots. The sample, e.g., an unfiltered extract, is injected to a small sample cell, made of alumina and containing a short fused silica capillary mounted in its side. By the application of a 5 kV potential between the sample cell and the entrance orifice of a mass spectrometer with an atmospheric pressure interface, the sample is dragged out of the cell at a rate of a few μL/min and an electrospray is generated at the tip of the silica capillary. The capillary spray cell benefits from a high internal diameter (up to 250 μm) and very easy and inexpensive replacement of the capillary, which makes the sprayer well suited for analysis of unfiltered extracts. We demonstrate the direct analysis of extracts from plants and insects. In quantitative measurements using internal standards, a relatively high sensitivity (low ng/mL) is obtained together with good linearity ( R 2 = 0.998) in the range of 10–1000 ng/mL. The capillary spray cell is also suited for use with field portable mass spectrometers, since no syringe pump or nebulizer gas is needed. Furthermore, the capillary spray cell is easily manufactured by most mechanical workshops.

Viperous fangs: Development and evolution of the venom canal

Fangs are specialised long teeth that contain either a superficial groove (Gila monster, Beaded lizard, some colubrid snakes), along which the venom runs, or an enclosed canal (viperid, elapid and atractaspid), down which the venom flows inside the tooth. The fangs of viperid snakes are the most effective venom-delivery structures among vertebrates and have been the focus of scientific interests for more than 200 years. Despite this interest the questions of how the canal at the centre of the fang forms remains unresolved. Two different hypotheses have been suggested. The mainstream hypothesis claims that the venom-conducting canal develops by the invagination of the epithelial wall of the developing tooth germ. The sides of this invagination make contact and finally fuse to form the enclosed canal. The second hypothesis, known as the “brick chimney“, claims the venom-conducting canal develops directly by successive dentine deposition as the tooth develops. The fang is thus built up from the tip to the base, without any folding of the tooth surface. In an attempt to cast further light on this subject the early development of the fangs was followed in a pit viper, Trimeresurus albolabris, using the expression of Sonic hedgehog ( Shh). We demonstrate that the canal is indeed formed by an early folding event, resulting from an invagination of epithelial cells into the dental mesenchyme. The epithelial cells proliferate to enlarge the canal and then the cells die by apoptosis, forming an empty tube through which the poison runs. The entrance and discharge orifices at either end of the canal develop by a similar invagination but the initial width of the invagination is very different from that in the middle of the tooth, and is associated with higher proliferation. The two sides of the invaginating epithelium never come into contact, leaving the orifice open. The mechanism by which the orifices form can be likened to that observed in reptiles with an open groove along their fangs, such as the boomslang. It is thus tempting to speculate that the process of orifice formation in viperids represents the ancestral pleisomorphic state, and that enclosed canals developed by a change in the shape and size of the initial invagination.

Orbitafremdkörper - Diagnostik und Differenzialtherapie

Orbital foreign bodies constitute an interdisciplinary challenge, diagnosis being especially difficult because of inconspicuous entrance orifices. Indication for the removal of an orbital foreign body has always to be decided upon individually taking into account the benefits and risks resulting from an operation. The latter is particularly indicated if there are acute and chronic functional restrictions or inflammatory reactions either present or to be expected. The objective of our study was to produce systematic guidelines concerning the therapeutic procedure of dealing with orbital foreign bodies with a view to a benefit-risk assessment. Over the last ten years ten patients with an orbital foreign body were treated in our Department, four of them requiring acute attention. CTs were taken of all patients. Only in one case additional MRTs were produced. Eight out of ten patients underwent operation, of which seven resulted in a complete removal of the foreign body. In the case of two patients we decided against an operation after interdisciplinary consultation. In our view the imaging--providing diagnostics by means of computer tomography is the most promising method for determining a foreign body in the orbit. Decision for an operative removal of a foreign body was invariably taken interdisciplinary in cooperation with an ophthalmologist. Surgical approach was chosen in accordance with the localisation of the foreign bodies. None of the patients suffered from a loss of vision or a restriction of functions as a result of the operation. In the indication the foreign material is of essential importance. Orbital foreign bodies that have been present in the tissue for a longer time can be allowed to stay, unless loss of functions are progressive. Loss of vision always being a consequence of the initial trauma.

Incorporation of a venturi device in electrospray ionization.

Electrospray ionization has grown to be one of the most commonly used ionization techniques for mass spectrometry, and efforts continue to improve its performance. Typically, the sprayer tip must be very close to the entrance orifice of the mass spectrometer in order to maximize the conduction of ions from the sprayer into the mass spectrometer. However, because of space-charge repulsion, most ions never reach the sampling orifice. In this work, an industrial air amplifier, for which the working mechanism is based on venturi and coanda effects, was added between an electrospray ionization source and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. When a series of reserpine solutions (0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 microM) were monitored using mass spectrometry, an over 5-fold increase in m/z 609.3 ion intensity was measured for a separation distance of 14 mm between the electrospray tip and interface capillary inlet, as compared to when the electrospray tip was in its normal position 1 mm in front of the inlet without the amplifier. When a voltage was applied to the air amplifier to further assist in focusing the electrosprayed ions, an approximately 18-fold increase in m/z 609.3 ion intensity was obtained. In addition, a 34-fold reduction in method detection limit was observed.