Laboratory Technic Research Articles

PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH CAIR TEMPE MENGGUNAKAN BAKTERI Pseudomonas sp DALAM PEMBUATAN PUPUK CAIR

This study aims to analyze the differences in the length of fermented tempeh wastes using Pseudomonas sp bacteria in the manufacture of liquid fertilizer, nutrient content (Nitrogen) contained in tempeh liquid waste fermentation using Pseudomonas sp bacteria in the manufacture of liquid fertilizer, the number of bacteria in tempe liquid waste fermentation by using Pseudomonas sp bacteria in making liquid fertilizer. Quantitative methods, types of experimental research and observations with the aim of knowing the effect of fermentation time on the liquid fertilizer produced. The fermentation time used is, 0, 7 14. days while the volume of bacteria is 200 ml. The mathematical model of the factorial design trial design with 2 replications used is as follows, Mattjik and Sumertajaya (2000), conducted at the ITI Microbiology Laboratory Technical Implementation Unit on Jl. Raya PUSPITEK Serpong-Tangerang Selatan, from the beginning of sampling until the end of the check, starts from May to June 2018. The object of this research is the liquid waste of tempe derived from the results of boiling tempeh. In this study, the pH, nitrogen and total bacteria were seen before and after adding bacteria by fermentation. The results showed: (a) tempe liquid waste can be used as raw material for the manufacture of high-quality liquid organic fertilizer in accordance with the quality standard provisions (POC) with the addition of Pseudomonas sp in the fermentation method, (b) the increase in N content in this study was 1.52%, which is from the level of 0.56% pure urine after fermentation of N content to 2.08%.

Laboratory evaluation of RealStar Yellow Fever Virus RT-PCR kit 1.0 for potential use in the global yellow fever laboratory network.

BackgroundEarly detection of human yellow fever (YF) infection in YF-endemic regions is critical to timely outbreak mitigation. African National Laboratories chiefly rely on serological assays that require confirmation at Regional Reference Laboratories, thus delaying results, which themselves are not always definitive often due to antibody cross-reactivity. A positive molecular test result is confirmatory for YF; therefore, a standardized YF molecular assay would facilitate immediate confirmation at National Laboratories. The WHO-coordinated global Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics Laboratory Technical Working Group sought to independently evaluate the quality and performance of commercial YF molecular assays relevant to use in countries with endemic YF, in the absence of stringent premarket assessments. This report details a limited laboratory WHO-coordinated evaluation of the altona Diagnostics RealStar Yellow Fever Virus RT-PCR kit 1.0.Methodology and principal findingsSpecific objectives were to assess the assay’s ability to detect YF virus strains in human serum from YF-endemic regions, determine the potential for interference and cross-reactions, verify the performance claims as stated by the manufacturer, and assess usability. RNA extracted from normal human serum spiked with YF virus showed the assay to be precise with minimal lot-to-lot variation. The 95% limit of detection calculated was approximately 1,245 RNA copies/ml [95% confidence interval 497 to 1,640 copies/ml]. Positive results were obtained with spatially and temporally diverse YF strains. The assay was specific for YF virus, was not subject to endogenous or exogenous interferents, and was clinically sensitive and specific. A review of operational characteristics revealed that a positivity cutoff was not defined in the instructions for use, but otherwise the assay was user-friendly.Conclusions and significanceThe RealStar Yellow Fever Virus RT-PCR kit 1.0 has performance characteristics consistent with the manufacturer’s claims and is suitable for use in YF-endemic regions. Its use is expected to decrease YF outbreak detection times and be instrumental in saving lives.

Causes of Inappropriate Laboratory Test Ordering from the Perspective of Medical Laboratory Technical Professionals: Implications for Research and Education.

Inappropriate laboratory test ordering is a significant and persistent problem. Many causes have been identified and studied. Medical laboratory professionals (MLPs) are technical staff within clinical laboratories who are uniquely positioned to comment on why inappropriate ordering occurs. We aimed to characterize existing MLP perceptions in this domain to reveal new or underemphasized interventional targets. We developed and disseminated a self-administered survey to MLPs in Canada, including open-ended responses to questions about the causes of inappropriate laboratory test ordering. Four primary themes were identified from qualitative analysis: ordering-provider factors, communication factors, existing test-ordering processes, and patient factors. Although these factors can largely be found in previous literature, some are under-studied. MLP insights into nonphysician triage ordering and poor result communication provide targets for further investigation. A heavy focus on individual clinician factors suggests that current understandings and interprofessional skills in the MLP population can be improved.

The correlation of tumor markers, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and FDG PET/CT measures in pancreatic cancer

Objective:This review will outline the correlation of tumor markers and NLR (Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) with measures such as MTV (mean total volume), TLG (total lesion glycolysis), and SUV (standart uptake value) in 18F FDG PET/CT in pancreatic carcinoma with the goal of selection of appropriate treatment modality and decrease rates of treatment failure and recurrences in pancreatic carcinoma by using tumor markers. In this way, we can predict the results of imaging modalities, using easy lab technics such as NLR and tm markers.
 Methods:45 patients that new diagnosed pancreatic cancer were included in the study. Diagnosis were confirmed by cytology. Their tumor marker levels (CA 19.9, CEA and AFP), NLR and PET/CT measurements (SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, MTV) were obtained. Patients that already diagnosed, followed up or treated by oncology department, were excluded.
 Results:When tumor markers were compared with PET/CT measurements (SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG, MTV and tumor size) there were no significant difference between them. Also, total uptake values of organs (liver, spleen, pancreas) were not related with tm marker levels. However, there were positive significant correlation between tumor size and SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG (p=0.02 r = 0.347, p=0.022 r = 0.340, p=0.008 r =0.392).
 Conclusions:Tumor markers may help diagnosing or managing of pancreatic malignities, but we cannot predict PET/CT results according to tumor marker levels. So, tumor markers must be used as an adjunctive method for diagnosing malignities. They cannot be major determiner for malignities. Diagnosing and following up malignities should be supported by other laboratory technics and imaging methods.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Nasal Carriers among Laboratory Technical Staff of Tertiary Hospital in Eastern Nepal

Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been the leading cause of nosocomial and community infections worldwide. In particular, healthcare workers are at constant risk to develop MRSA carriage. There is a paucity of data regarding the epidemiology of MRSA in laboratory workers who are constantly in contact with these pathogens in almost every hospital. Objective This study was undertaken to identify the burden of MRSA nasal carriers and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates among laboratory technical staff. Method Sterile nasal swabs were taken from 50 laboratory technical staff working in the Central and Emergency laboratory of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS). Standard procedures were followed for isolation, identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using disc diffusion and growth on Oxacillin screen agar based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Result Out of 50 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, 44 (88%) were Methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) while six (12%) were Methicillin-resistant (MRSA). All 50 isolates of S. aureus were found resistant to Penicillin while all were found sensitive to Teicoplanin, Linezolid, and Levofloxacin. Only five (10%) were sensitive to Erythromycin while 49 (98%) were sensitive to both Amikacin and Gentamicin. However, none of the MRSA isolates were found sensitive to all tested antimicrobial agents. Conclusion This repertoire portrays the emergence of MRSA in laboratory workers which clearly indicates the necessity of complying with the sanitary and antibacterial guidelines and adhering to the rational use of antibiotics to prevent nosocomial infections.

Lithium pharmacogenetics. Two decades of studies

Pharmacogenetic research aims to elucidate associations of genetic variants and individual effects of pharmacotherapy. Personalised expected response to medications might be useful in prognosis for polygenetically determined disorders. In bipolar disorder (BP), that is partly hereditary polygenic disorder, a subgroup of patients excellently responding to lithium prophylaxis was described. During the last 20 years molecular technology allowed to investigate genome of patients treated with lithium and candidate association studies characterised them more precisely than clinical features. The role of several neurotransmitters’ pathways, second messengers, neuroprotection involved genes and clock genes associations were discovered. Further laboratory technics development enables us to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses. We aimed to review research on genes involved in lithium treatment efficacy and safety. PubMed for English papers, articles published in Polish and reference lists from full-text available papers were searched. Pharmacogenetic findings for lithium treatment effects might help develop new personalised strategies and consequently better symptom reduction. So far, chronicity and recurrent course of bipolar disorder impair the functioning of numerous patients and strongly increase the risk of suicide.

A summary of tuberculosis drug resistance in Canada, 2003−2013

Drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis (TB) pose a serious threat to prevention and control efforts. In response to this growing worldwide concern, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) established and maintains the Canadian Tuberculosis Laboratory Surveillance System (CTBLSS) in partnership with the Canadian Tuberculosis Laboratory Technical Network (CTLTN) and participating laboratories. To report on national trends and patterns in anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in Canada for the years 2003 to 2013. At the beginning of each calendar year, participating laboratories submit to PHAC reports on the results of anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing for all isolates tested during the preceding year. These data are then analyzed by PHAC and the results are validated by supplying laboratories. The results are published annually as the Tuberculosis Drug Resistance in Canada series. In 2013, anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility test results for 1,380 isolates were reported to PHAC. Of these, 762 (54%) were reported as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) where the species was known. Two thirds (68%) of all the reported isolates originated from the three largest provinces, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Overall, of the laboratory results received, 112 (8.1%) showed resistance to at least one first-line drug and, of these, the majority (93 or 83%) were monoresistant. TB drug resistance observed in Canada remains well below the global average. Over the last 10 years, the percentage of isolates with resistance to one or more of the first-line medications has decreased from 10.5% in 2003 to 8.1% in 2013.

P16/Ki67 Dual Immunostaining in Conventional Cytology in Women with Positive Papanicolau Test

Cytology-based screening has limited sensitivity to detect cervical precancerous lesion. Hihg risk human papilloma virus (HR HPV) DNA tests increase the detection of CIN II+ lesions, however it cannot differentiate if the infection is or transient or persistent. Its use is often limited by the need of standardisation of laboratory technics and relatively high costs. Recently, several studies analysed the diagnostic performance of p16/Ki67 dual-stained cytology as the possible alternative or coexisting option to HR HPV testing. In most of them the smear is obtained for liquid-based cytology. This study was designed to analyze the usefulness of p16/Ki67 dual immunostaining in conventional cytology, which is the method of choice in cervical cancer screening in our country. 68 women with positive Pap test results were selected. Colposcopy, cervical biopsy and HR HPV DNA tests were performed in all patients. Separate slides for p16/Ki67 were collected at the time of colposcopy. Statistical analysis was performed to establish sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accurancy for all used tests. Biopsy-confirmed CIN was used as a gold standard for study purposes. The diagnostic accurancy of p16/Ki67 dual-staining was the highest among used tests. Sensitivity of this test to detect CINII+ lesion was comparable to and specificity was higher than for HR HPV test. Similar results were observed for cytologic categories: LSIL and ASCUS. These results suggest that p16/Ki67 immunostaining performed on conventional smears may become alternative or additional to HPV tests, due to its low costs and relatively simple procedure.

Surface composition of near-Earth Asteroid (4953) 1990 MU: Possible fragment of (6) Hebe

Near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) are interesting as both a threat to the Earth and as the immediate parent bodies of most meteorites. We observed NEA (4953) 1990 MU using the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) and University of Hawaii (U.H.) telescopes on Mauna Kea to constrain its surface composition and origin. The surface composition of 1990 MU is similar to ordinary chondrites (H chondrites). The calculated olivine and pyroxene chemistry of 1990 MU (Fa13.5±1.3 and Fs12.7±1.4) are consistent with the olivine and pyroxene chemistry ranges for H chondrites (Fa15–21 and Fs13–19) (Dunn, T.L., McCoy, T.J., Sunshine, J.M., McSween, H.Y. [2010]. Icarus 208, 789–797), although the estimated Fa value is at the lower end of the H chondrite range. The olivine abundance ratio of 1990 MU (0.57±0.03) is slightly higher but not inconsistent with H chondrites (0.47–0.55±0.03). The radar circular polarization ratio (same circular polarization state or SC/opposite circular polarization state or OC) (Benner, L.A.M., Ostro, S.J., Magri, C., Nolan, M.C., Howell, E.S., Giorgini, J.D., Jurgens, R.F., Margot, J.L., Taylor, P.A., Busch, M.W., Shepard, M.K. [2008]. Icarus, 198, 294–304) of 1990 MU is 0.36±0.03, which is higher than the mean SC/OC ratio for S-type NEAs (0.270±0.079). The 1990 MU SC/OC is also higher than those of (25143) Itokawa (0.27±0.04), (4179) Toutatis (0.29±0.01) and (433) Eros (0.28±0.06) suggesting a rougher surface at decimeter scale (Benner, L.A.M., Ostro, S.J., Magri, C., Nolan, M.C., Howell, E.S., Giorgini, J.D., Jurgens, R.F., Margot, J.L., Taylor, P.A., Busch, M.W., Shepard, M.K. [2008]. Icarus, 198, 294–304). We constrained the diameter of 1990 MU (4.4km) using the average albedo at 0.55μm of H chondrites (0.21) and absolute magnitude (H) of 14.1 (Flower, J.W., Chillemi J.R. [1992]. IRAS Asteroid Data Processing: The IRAS Minor Planet Survey, Philips Laboratory Technical Report PL-TR-92-2049. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, pp. 17–43). This diameter is higher than the 2.8km value from Harris et al. (Harris, A.W. et al. [2011]. Astron. J. 141, 10) using an albedo of 0.52 for 1990 MU. This albedo value is unusually high for H chondrites, which have an albedo range of 0.12–0.30. We compared olivine and pyroxene chemistries of 1990 MU with main belt Asteroid (6) Hebe, probable parent body of H chondrite meteorites and IIE irons (Gaffey, M.J., Gilbert, S.L. [1998]. Meteor. Planet. Sci. 33, 1281–1295), and found that 1990 MU has more high-calcium pyroxene than Hebe. Fayalite and ferrosilite values of the two asteroids are consistent with H chondrites but do not overlap each other. The differences could be due to compositional variations observed on Hebe by Gaffey and Gilbert (Gaffey, M.J., Gilbert, S.L. [1998]. Meteor. Planet. Sci. 33, 1281–1295), although the observed rotational variation in spectral parameters does not match well with those of 1990 MU.

캐드캠 기능을 이용한 전치부 심미 수복 및 전치부 임플란트에서 지르코니아 링크 지대주(Hybrid abutment)의 사용

심미의 기준은 시대와 문화 그리고 개개인의 주관적인 관점에 따라 각기 다를 수 있다. 하지만 심미적인 부위를 수복하는 치과의사로서 일반적으로 따라야 할 원칙과 기준들이 있으며 수복물의 형태와 주변치아와의 조화 등을 위해 캐드캠의 몇몇 기능들은 아주 유용한 것으로 보이며, 전통적인 작업 방식에 비해 효율성도 높은 것으로 보인다. 또한 전치부 임플란트에서 치은이 얇은 경우 기계적인 문제를 줄이면서도 지르코니아 등의 도재를 사용하기 위한 한 방법인 링크 지대주에 대해 함께 알아보려 한다. Aesthetics means differ from cultures and times and also differ from each person's own thinking. But as a restorative dentist who works for esthetic areas, we need to have certain principles and rationale. Some functions in CAD/CAM looks very useful to match harmonious shape to adjacent teeth and also very effective and efficient when compare to the traditional laboratory technics. Also we will discuss about link abutment (Titanium-Zirconia abutment) which we need for dental implant placed anterior area where the soft tissue is thin.

The significance of MUM1/IRF4 protein expression and IRF4 translocation of CD30(+) cutaneous T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders: A study of 53 cases

Current laboratory technics, clinicopathologic findings cannot always reliably distinguish primary cutaneous CD30(+) lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), such as lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), primary cutaneous CD30(+) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL), transformed mycosis fungoides (T-MF) and systemic ALK(−) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) with skin involvement. We investigated the presence of IRF4 translocation with break apart DNA-FISH method of these entities according to the recent studies of Feldman et al.In our study group with 53 cases, the detection of IRF4 translocation had a specificity and positive predictive value for PCALCL of 100%. In contrast MUM1/IRF4 protein expression was distributed widely without any predictive value.

1650 Rational use of Antibiotics in Newborn

Side efects of antibiotics must always be considered, especialy in neonatal period. Our aim was to analise the antibiotic use in our neonatal ward(2nd level perinatal care).We analised number of...

Reply by authors to letter from Sandow and Grayson

Reply by authors to letter from Sandow and Grayson

Country Leadership and Policy Are Critical Factors for Implementing Laboratory Accreditation in Developing Countries

Accreditation of laboratories is one means to promote quality laboratory services, underscoring the need to document factors that facilitate laboratory accreditation. A desk review and key informant's interviews were conducted to determine the roles of country leadership and policies in laboratory accreditation. Overall, the review revealed that Uganda has enabling factors for laboratory accreditation, putting the country in a state of accreditation-readiness and including strong leadership that provides stewardship and availability of a national health laboratory policy with an explicit statement on laboratory accreditation. A National Laboratory Technical and Policy Committee coordinated the development of the policy. Laboratory training schools provide leadership in training laboratory professionals, while the Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists provides professional leadership. Although there is no national accreditation system, some laboratories are participating in international laboratory accreditation. Key informants expressed strong support for and observed that laboratory accreditation is beneficial and can be implemented in Uganda. Lessons from this study can benefit countries planning to implement laboratory accreditation. Countries that have not developed national laboratory policies and strategic plans should do so to guide the strengthening of laboratory systems and services as a part of health systems strengthening, which would be a springboard for laboratory accreditation.

Modeling the combustion of JA2 and solid propellants of similar composition

A theoretical study on combustion of JA2, RPD-380, and RPD-351, which are modified double-base propellants composed primarily of three identical nitrate ester ingredients, is presented. A one-dimensional, two-phase model was used [M.S. Miller, W.R. Anderson, in: V. Yang, T.B. Brill, W.Z. Ren (Eds.), Solid Propellant Combustion Chemistry, Combustion and Motor Interior Ballistics, Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics, vol. 185, AIAA, Reston, VA, 2000, pp. 501–531, (a) M.S. Miller, W.R. Anderson, J. Propul. Power 20 (3) (2004) 440–454. (b) M.S. Miller, W.R. Anderson, CYCLOPS, A Breakthrough Code to Predict Solid-Propellant Burning Rates, U.S. Army Research Laboratory Technical Report, 1987 ARL-TR-2910.]. This approach has been shown to give good agreement between predicted and experimental results for several nitrate ester propellants, including JA2 [(a) M.S. Miller, W.R. Anderson, J. Propul. Power 20 (3) (2004) 440–454. (b) M.S. Miller, W.R. Anderson, CYCLOPS, A Breakthrough Code to Predict Solid-Propellant Burning Rates, U.S. Army Research Laboratory Technical Report, 1987 ARL-TR-2910.]. Extension of the model to the two RPD variants yields results in good agreement with existing experimental data. Comparisons of the response of predicted burning rates to experimental formulation changes at gun pressures, and to the initial propellant temperature are particularly encouraging. Our results show the burning rate ordering of these propellants is JA2 < RPD-380 < RPD-351 at all pressures. Chemistry which appears to account for this ordering is discussed. Also, an upgraded mechanism was used, and the reasons for some slight changes in results vs. an older one are identified. Sensitivities of the computed temperatures near the propellant surface to the various reactions’ rate coefficients are discussed; these provide insights regarding which reactions are centrally important to the computed burning rates and solutions. The spatial structure of one propellant flame – temperature and species profiles – is given; variations vs. the formulations and pressure are discussed. The fidelity of burning rate response to mixture ratio and initial propellant temperature are encouraging that the model may find application in propellant formulation science and elsewhere.

A foresight based on scientific indicators:a framework drawn from the case of laptop battery alternatives

Purpose – This paper aims to forecast technological change for laptop batteries. The most promising technology to replace laptop batteries emerging today is micro fuel cells.Design/methodology/approach – The authors use several sources of technical data like the Department of Energy Sandia National Laboratory Technical Library for exploring this topic further. Patents were searched for fuel cell and lithium battery development and to perform a technology cycle time analysis, identify countries filing patents, and discover what areas they are working on development.Findings – Based on the analysis, fuel cells promise to be the technology that will replace laptop lithium batteries.Originality/value – This paper attempts to draw a framework bringing different scientific data sources together for technology forecasting.

Calibrated color mapping between LCD and CRT displays: A case study

AbstractThe primary goal of a color characterization model is to establish a mapping from digital input values di (i = R,G,B) to tristimulus values such as XYZ. A good characterization model should be fast, use a small amount of data, and allow for backward mapping from tristimulus to di. The characterization models considered here are for the case of an end user who has no direct knowledge of the internal properties of the display device or its device driver. Three characterization models tested on seven different display devices are presented. The characterization models implemented in this study are a 3D look up table (LUT) (Raja Balasubramanian, Reducing the Cost of Lookup Table Based Color Transformations, Proc IS&amp;T/SID 7th Color Imaging Conference 1999;44:321–327), a linear model (Fairchild MD, Wyble DR. Colorimetric Characterization of the Apple Studio Display (Flat Panel LCD). Munsell Color Science Laboratory Technical Report, 1998), and the masking model (Tamura N, Tsumura N, Miyake. Masking Model for accurate colorimetric characterization of LCD. Proc IS&amp;T/SID 10th Color Imaging Conference 2002;312–316). The devices include two CRT monitors, three LCD monitors, and two LCD projectors. The results of this study indicate that a simple linear model is the most effective and efficient for all devices used in the study. A simple extension to the linear model is presented, and it is demonstrated that this extension improves white prediction without causing significant errors for other colors. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 438–447, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.

The use and abuse of psychostimulants.

1. Susan B Gock, MS MT(ASCP)[⇑][1] 1. is Technical Director, Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Toxicology Laboratory, Milwaukee WI 2. Victor A Skrinska, PhD DABCC 1. is Professor and Chair, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL 1. Address for correspondence: Susan B Gock MS MT(ASCP), Forensic Laboratory Technical Director, Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, 933 West Highland Ave, Milwaukee WI 53233. (414)-223-1228. sgock{at}milwcnty.com. Drug use has become a significant medical and social problem in the United States. Toxicological analysis of biological specimens from individuals is generally accepted to be the most objective method for determining drug use and abuse. As a science, forensic toxicology deals with the medico-legal implications of drug use, misuse, and abuse. This may include the following: criminal penalties imposed for the distribution, possession, and use of illicit drugs; assessment of drug impairment in human performance (behavioral) toxicology; assessment of drug toxicity as a contributing factor in the cause and manner of death in postmortem forensic toxicology cases; or detection of drug use in workplace drug testing programs. Psychostimulants include a diverse class of drugs exhibiting central nervous system stimulant properties, and have a high abuse potential. Drugs in this class include illicit drugs, prescription medications, over the counter (OTC) preparations, and dietary supplements. Clinical indications for therapeutic use include treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and as an appetite suppressant in the treatment of obesity. Pharmacological effects of psychostimulant drugs include the ability to increase alertness, relieve fatigue, decrease appetite, elevate mood, increase confidence, and produce euphoria. Abuse of psychostimulant drugs may lead to tolerance that is exhibited by the need of higher doses of the drug to produce the same desired effects. Consequently, users may try to intensify the drug's positive effects by increasing the drug dosage, taking it more frequently, or changing the route of administration leading to the possibility of drug abuse, misuse, or toxicity. The… ABBREVIATIONS: DAWN = Drug Abuse Warning Network; ED = emergency department; MDA = methylenedioxyamphetamine; MDMA = methylenedioxymethamphetamine; OTC = over the counter. [1]: #corresp-1

El doctor manuel cobas núñez (1885-1956), pionero de la urología y de la uro-radiología en galicia

doctor manuel cobas núñez (1885-1956), pioneer of urology and uroradiology in galicia (spain) IntroductionThe development of urologic radiology with intracavitary and intravenous contrast agents played an essential role in the rise of Urology as a surgical speciality, in agreement with other circunstances that made it both possible (the invention of endoscopic instruments and laboratory technics to study the urine and the kidney function, advances in anaesthesia, asepsia, control of haemorraghe and infection), and necessary (because of social request for these specialised medical services). Material and methodStudy of the life and work of Manuel Cobas Núñez (1885-1956), whose surgical practice and publications pioneered the modern Urology and Uroradiology in Galicia (Spain). ResultAfter being trained in Necker Hospital (Paris) and Instituto Rubio (Madrid), Cobas was one of the firsts to practice urology in Galicia, with a high interest in surgical diseases of the upper urinary tract. His knowledge of renoureteral surgery was outstanding for the time. In august 1931 he published “Pielografía ascendente y pielografía descendente”, one of the firsts and best documented books on upper urinary tract examination using retrograde and intravenous pyelography, written only months after marketing of the first intravenous contrasts agents. CommentWorking in private practice, out of the academic fields, Cobas was a protagonists of the beginning of Galician modern urology. His publications and book on pyelography show that he was one of the first experts in renal surgery and must be also recognized as a pioneer of uroradiology in Galicia and Spain.

Biopsies du médiastin: Indications et prise en charge extemporanée

Cervical mediastinoscopy is used for exploration of lymph nodes of paratracheal mediastinum. The main indication is invasive staging of lung cancer, especially in patients evaluated for possible inclusion in neoadjuvant treatment trials. In these patients frozen sections are often necessary to establish the indication for immediate thoracotomy or positioning of an implantable venous access device for chemotherapy. Diagnosis of isolated enlarged lymph nodes represents the other more frequent indication of mediastinoscopy. In these cases frozen sections are mainly performed to assess the adequateness of samples and to determine the need of complementary laboratory technics.