Preparatory Procedure Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt (II), nickel (II) and copper (II) complexes of Cyclohexylamine-N-methyl Mannich base ligands

Three Mannich base ligands, Cyclohexylamine-N-methylurea (CHMU), Cyclohexylamine-Nmethylacetamide (CHMAA) and Cyclohexylamine-N-methylacetone (CHMA) and their cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes were synthesized and chelating properties investigated with the view to determine the coordination modes and the stoichiometric ratio of the metal complexes. The Mannich ligands, CHMU, CHMAA and CHMA were prepared by the reaction of cyclohexylamine, formaldehyde and urea; cyclohexylamine, formaldehyde and acetone; cyclohexylamine, formaldehyde and acetamide respectively at 25°C . They were characterized using infra-red (IR) spectroscopy. Their cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes were equally prepared and characterized by infrared and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The solubilities of the ligands and their complexes in common solvents were also investigated. All the metal(II) complexes are stable in air and decomposed without melting at temperature >300°C . The infra-red spectra of the ligands show absorption bands in the region 3450-3300cm-1 due to (ʋN-H) stretching vibration and 1644-1636cm-1 due to(amide ʋC=O) stretching frequency in addition to other characteristic bands. These bands experienced significant shift downwards to 3434cm-1 and 1634cm-1 respectively on coordination with the metal ions. The coordination was further confirmed by the appearance of new bands at about (455-534) cm-1 and (600-645)cm-1 which are characteristics of M-N and M-O stretching bands. The coordinating atoms however vary with the metal ion as well as the ligand. With CHMAA, copper(II)ion coordinates through the two nitrogen atoms to form four –membered rings while nickel(II) ion coordinates through the oxygen atom and one of the nitrogen atoms to form six – membered rings. Cobalt(II) ion coordinates through both oxygen and the nitrogen atoms to form four –membered rings. With CHMA, copper(II)ion coordinates through the two nitrogen atoms, nickel(II) ion and cobalt(II) ion coordinate through the oxygen atom and one of the nitrogen atoms to form six – membered rings. The results from the percentage composition of the metals in the complexes of metal-CHMU confirm the preparatory procedure of metal to ligand ratio of 1: 2 (M: L).Thus, the prepared complexes have the general formulae [ML2]. Keywords: Mannich base ligands, synthesis, characterization, metal complexes

19 An Efficient Noninvasive Alternative Recipient Preparation in Swamp Buffalo Using the Ovsynch Protocol

Although intravaginal progesterone supplement protocols are commonly used to prepare cattle and river buffalo for insemination or embryo transfer, swamp buffalo have unique reproductive characteristics (such as difficulty of oestrous detection and a small reproductive tract) that make this procedure problematic. Ovulation synchronization (Ovsynch) is a practical alternative preparatory program that does not require oestrous detection and is used worldwide for cattle and river buffalo breeding. Published studies on the efficacy of its use in swamp buffalo, however, are rare. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of the Ovsynch regimen in swamp buffalo in terms of conception rate, economic cost, and potential health complications. Thirty healthy swamp buffaloes (n = 24 cows and n = 6 heifers) were selected by a breeding soundness examination (BSE) as in our previous study (Chaikhun-Marcou et al. 2017 Agric. Sci. J. 48(Suppl.), 929-938). The animals had the following characteristics: >300 kg of body weight, a body condition score of 2.5 to 3.5/5, cervix diameter >2.5 cm, and ovarian diameter >1.5 cm with a dominant follicle (with or without corpus luteum). The standard Ovsynch program was applied in the animals during January to March 2017. All buffaloes were fixed-time inseminated at 20 ± 2 h and 32 ± 2 h after the 2nd gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection. Pregnancy diagnosis was detected by plasma progesterone analysis on Day 24 after insemination (≥1 ng mL−1). Our oestrous synchronization rate, published in a previous study (Chaikhun-Marcou et al. 2017 Agric. Sci. J. 48(Suppl.), 929-938), was 96.67% (n = 29/30). The conception rate was 70% (n = 21/30). This result is much higher than a previous Ovsynch study in swamp buffalo, which was 34% (n = 18/52) (Chaikhun et al. 2010 Theriogenology 74, 1371-1376). This difference demonstrates the importance of pre-screening animals for BSE before subjecting them to this procedure. If this pre-selection protocol is applied, the Ovsynch program, as shown in this study, can be a convenient, effective, and noninvasive preparatory procedure for insemination. Because recipients of both AI and embryo transfer require the same basic biological preconditions, the Ovsynch protocol should be an equally effective preparation for this procedure. Ovsynch, moreover, requires much less labour (only 3 animal handling sessions, with no need for complicated heat detection), entails fewer possible complications (such as the danger of vaginitis when using an intravaginal progesterone device, which can lead to problems with embryonic implantation), and is economically affordable (approximately US$20/animal). In conclusion, the Ovsynch program, combined with BSE pre-screening, could be a practical, stress-free procedure for preparation of swamp buffalo embryo transfer recipients in the near future. This research was sponsored by Agricultural Research Development Agency (PRP5805011500).

Impact of Case Order on Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy: Do Surgeons Need a Warm-Up?

Warm-up is defined as a preparatory activity or procedure. Using case order as a surrogate for surgeon warm-up, first cases were compared with second or later cases for intraoperative complications, operative time, and length of stay (LOS) among women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. This is a retrospective study of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexies performed from 2009 through 2014 at a large academic center. Any surgery preceding laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was considered a surrogate for surgeon warm-up. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors of complications, operative time, and LOS. Of 480 procedures, 192 (40%) were first cases and 288 (60%) were second or later. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Intraoperative complication rate was not different between groups (6.3% vs 3.1%, P = 0.50) even after controlling for risk factors. Operative times were comparable on initial analysis (231.2 ± 55.2 vs 225.9 ± 51.2 minutes, P = 0.28l), but a small difference was detected after adjusting for confounding factors (body mass index, menopausal status, surgeon experience, intraoperative complications, and concomitant hysterectomy or midurethral sling; adjusted β = 8.44 minutes, P = 0.037). Length of stay was longer for first case patients (1.44 ± 0.67 vs 1.24 ± 0.50 days, P < 0.001) even after adjusting for age, medical comorbidities, operative time, conversion to laparotomy, ileus/bowel obstruction, and postoperative urinary retention (adjusted β = 0.183 days, P = 0.001) as well as after accounting for delayed start time of second or later cases. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy performed first case of the day without preoperative surgeon warm-up conferred no significant increase in intraoperative complications. Second or later cases were associated with small decreases in operative time and in LOS.

Micro-fibre based Porous Composite Propellants with High Regression Rates

Harnessing energy at micro-scale from high energy sources has gained significance in recent times for space propulsion and other applications. Conventional solid rocket propellants have advantages in terms of being efficient, compact and safe to handle, though with much lower regression rates as compared to solid explosives. An approach to high regression rates in composite propellants is demonstrated in the present work by the enhancement of fuel-oxidiser interaction, and by the incorporation of micro-scale porosity into the propellant grain. The porous polystyrene-ammonium perchlorate grain designed in this work, based on electrospun micro-fibres and aqueous impregnation, exhibits burning rates more than 25 times as compared to the non-porous grain. Such high regression rates using insensitive propellant compositions have practical implications in the development of micro-thrusters, and in gas generating devices such as MAV launch systems and turbine starters. Detailed preparatory procedure, characterisation techniques, and flame regression studies are included in this paper.

The Effect of Preintervention Preparation on Pain and Anxiety Related to Peripheral Cannulation Procedures in Children

This study was performed to determine the effect of several preintervention preparation practices on pain and anxiety related to the peripheral cannulation procedure in children ages 9-12 years. The study included 60 Turkish children (28 female, 32 male, randomly selected by lot), 30 of whom were included in the intervention group and 30 of whom were included in the control group. The children's demographic data were collected by a data collection form prepared by the researcher. The children in the intervention group read the training manual before peripheral cannulation, and the procedure was demonstrated on a teddy bear. Their level of pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker Faces Rating Scale, and their level of anxiety was determined by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, before and during the procedure in both groups. Results showed that while anxiety and pain scores increased during the actual procedure compared to the preparatory procedure in the control group (anxiety t = −4.957, pain Za = −4.048), anxiety and pain scores decreased during the actual procedure in the intervention group compared to the preparatory procedure (anxiety t = 7.896, pain t = 6.196). When the pain and anxiety scores were examined, it was found that both anxiety and pain scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the control group. In conclusion, children in this study experienced pain and situational anxiety during peripheral cannulation, and this pain can be reduced by preparing the child in advance of the procedure. It is suggested that children should be informed about and able to practice the procedure on a toy or model before peripheral cannulation. Preparation of the children to painful procedures in accordance with their cognitive development can reduce anxiety and pain.

Efeito da informação prévia face-a-face sobre a ansiedade de pacientes submetidos à exodontia

Este artigo avalia o efeito da informação prévia face-a-face sobre a ansiedade e as medidas fisiológicas de pacientes submetidos à exodontia de terceiros molares. Participaram 123 pacientes, distribuídos nos grupos: Controle e Experimental. Utilizou-se para avaliação da ansiedade: Escala de Ansiedade Odontológica de Corah e Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado. A avaliação da ansiedade ocorreu nos momentos: Pré-Cirúrgico, Pós-Cirúrgico Imediato, Pós-Cirúrgico Mediato e Remoção de Sutura. A avaliação fisiológica ocorreu nos momentos: Pré-Cirúrgico, Pós-Cirúrgico Imediato e Remoção de Sutura. A informação face-a-face foi oferecida ao Grupo Experimental após o primeiro momento. Utilizou-se os testes Qui-Quadrado, Análise de Variância com Modelo Misto e Tukey (α=0,05). O resultado sugeriu não haver diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos quanto à ansiedade e as medidas fisiológicas. Entretanto, a pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica e os escores de ansiedade foram menores entre os pacientes do grupo experimental, sugerindo possível efeito do procedimento preparatório.

Modeling the Innovation–Decision Process: Dissemination and Adoption of a Motivational Interviewing Preparatory Procedure In Addiction Outpatient Clinics

Widespread adoption of empirically-supported treatment innovations has the potential to improve effectiveness of treatment received by individuals with substance use disorders. However, the process of disseminating such innovations has been complex, slow, and difficult. We empirically describe the dissemination and adoption of a treatment innovation—an alcohol-treatment preparatory therapeutic procedure based on motivational interviewing (MI)—in the context of Rogers' (2003) five stages of innovation–decision process (knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation and confirmation). To this end, 145 randomly-chosen outpatient addiction treatment clinics in New York State received an onsite visit from a project trainer delivering one of three randomly-assigned dissemination intensities: a 15-minute, a half-day or a full-day presentation. Across these clinics, 141 primary administrators and 837 clinicians completed questionnaires assessing aspects of five innovation–decision stages. At each clinic, questionnaire administration occurred immediately pre- and post-dissemination, as well as 1 and 6months after dissemination. Consistent with Rogers' theory, earlier stages of the innovation–decision process predicted later stages. As hypothesized, dissemination intensity predicted clinicians' post-dissemination knowledge. Clinician baseline characteristics (including gender, pre-dissemination knowledge regarding the MI preparatory technique, education, case load, beliefs regarding the nature of alcohol problems, and beliefs and behavior with regard to therapeutic style) predicted knowledge and persuasion stage variables. One baseline clinic characteristic (i.e., clinic mean beliefs and behavior regarding an MI-consistent therapeutic style) predicted implementation stage variables. Findings suggest that dissemination strategies should accommodate clinician and clinic characteristics.

The success of sleeve gastrectomy in the management of metabolic syndrome and obesity.

The rapid reversal of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and obesity by surgical means has challenged accepted doctrines regarding the management of metabolic syndrome. Sleeve gastrectomy, which developed initially as a preparatory procedure for biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, has seen an exponential rise in popularity as an effective lone laparoscopic bariatric procedure. Superior excess weight loss, a low complication rate, and excellent food tolerance, combined with a short hospital stay, have made this the procedure of choice for patients and surgeons across the globe. High volume centres nurture the ongoing development of experienced and specialized teams, pathways and regimens. Optimum surgical outcomes allow minimization of metabolic syndrome, reducing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk.

Corrigendum: Combined Application of Galactose Oxidase and β‐N‐Acetylhexosaminidase in the Synthesis of Complex Immunoactive N‐Acetyl‐D‐galactosaminides

A high-yield preparatory procedure for the synthesis of p-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-galacto-hexodialdo-1,5-pyranoside (2) using the galactose oxidase from Dactylium dendroides in a batch reactor was developed. Enzymatic recognition of this aldehyde and the respective uronic acid 3 obtained by NaClO 2 oxidation was studied using a set of 36 fungal β-N-acetylhexosaminidases from Acremonium, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces genera. The aldehyde 2 was readily hydrolysed by all tested β-N-acetylhexosaminidases but neither the uronic acid 3 nor its methyl ester 4 were accepted. Molecular modelling with docking into the active centre of the β-N-acetylhexosaminidase from Aspergillus oryzae revealed that the aldehyde 2 is processed as a C-6 geminal diol by the enzyme. The aldehyde 2 was tested for transglycosylation reactions using GlcNAc as an acceptor. The β-N-acetylhexosaminidase from Talaromyces flavus gave the best yields (37%) of the transglycosylation product 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-galacto-hexodialdo-1,5-pyranosyl-(1→4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose, which was oxidised in situ to yield the final product 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-galactopyranosyluronic acid-(1→4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose (6). Compounds 3 and 6 were shown to be high-affinity ligands for two natural killer cell activation receptors, NKR-P1A and CD69. For the latter receptor they turned out to be among the best ligands described so far. This increase was obviously due to the presence of a carboxy moiety.

The effect of a preoperative informative video on the perception of pain in youths undergoing third molar extraction: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The extraction of the third molar is an invasive procedure and is potentially traumatic for the patient. Preparatory procedures may be used for the management of pain and emotional responses, resulting in a better recovery process for patients. The aim of the study evaluates the effects of a preparatory procedure using an animated informative video on post-surgical pain responses after third molar extraction on youths during the postoperative follow-up. METHODS: 140 patients undergoing third molar extraction were randomly divided into two groups: control (CG) and experimental (EG). For pain assessment, the short-form McGill pain questionnaire was given once before the procedure and four times after the surgery, and the amount of postoperative analgesic consumption was recorded. The informative video was presented to the EG after the first assessment. For data analysis, ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05) were used. Data analysis indicated that the EG patients reported reduced pain perception for all pain indexes. RESULTS: Significant between-group differences were observed for Sensory and Affective Rank Pain Indexes (PRI-S and PRI-A, respectively), as well as for Global Assessment, at stages 2, 3 and 4 (p=0.0001; p=0.0027; p=0.0001). For Present Pain Intensity, a significant difference between groups was observed (p=0.0004) at stages 3, 4 and 5. The postoperative consumption of analgesics was lower in the EG (p=0.0001), indicating higher medicine consumption by CG patients. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the preoperative informative video effectively reduced pain perception and the consumption of analgesics.

Location of cat brain stem neurons that drive sweating

The brain stem premotor pathways controlling most noncardiovascular sympathetic outflows are unknown. Here, we mapped the brain stem neurons that drive sweating, by microinjecting excitant amino acid (L-glutamate or D,L-homocysteate: 0.4-3 nmol) into 420 sites over the pons and medulla of eight chloralose-anesthetized cats (70 mg/kg iv). Sweating was recorded by the electrodermal potential at the ipsilateral forepaw pad. Responses were classified as immediate (<5 s latency) or delayed (>10 s latency). Immediate responses were obtained from 16 sites (1-3 per animal) and were accompanied by no change in blood pressure. Those sites were clustered between the facial nucleus and the pyramidal tract in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVMM). Microinjections into 33 surrounding sites caused delayed electrodermal responses of lesser amplitude, while the remaining 371 sites evoked none. To retrogradely label bulbospinal neurons that may mediate electrodermal responses, fluorescent latex microspheres were injected into the region of the intermediolateral cell column in the fourth thoracic segment in an earlier preparatory procedure on six of the animals. A cluster of retrogradely labeled neurons was identified between the facial nucleus and the pyramidal tract. Neurons in this discrete region of the RVMM, thus, drive sweating in the cat's paw and may do so via direct spinal projections.

Effectiveness of 1.25 % povidone–iodine combined with topical levofloxacin against conjunctival flora in intravitreal injection

To compare the effect of a reduced concentration (1.25 %) of povidone-iodine (PI) eye drops, combined with 0.5 % topical levofloxacin (LVFX), with that of the standard of care (5 % PI) on conjunctival flora before intravitreal injections (IVT). A prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial. One hundred eyes from 100 patients who underwent IVT were included. Eyes were randomly assigned to two groups and underwent different preparatory procedures before therapeutic IVT. LVFX drops were instilled three times every 5 min and then either 1.25 % PI drops were instilled three times every few minutes in group A or 5 % PI drops were instilled three times every few minutes in group B, the control. Conjunctival flora and the injection needles were collected for culture both before and after preparation. The number of positive cultures, the species isolated, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the antibiotics were assessed. The pretreatment culture was positive for 45 eyes (86.5 %) in group A (n = 52) and for 37 eyes (77.1 %) in group B (n = 48). After the preparatory procedure, the cultures were positive for 25 eyes (48.1 %) in group A and for 27 eyes (56.3 %) in group B (P = 0.43). After preparation, the number of positive cultures decreased by 46.7 % in group A and by 33.4 % in group B (P = 0.48). No needle samples were contaminated in either group. The most common isolate in both groups after preparation for surgery was Propionibacterium acnes. Among the different antibiotics, vancomycin and oxacillin had the lowest MIC >90 for overall isolates. 1.25 % PI with LVFX is as effective as 5 % PI. P. acnes was the most common conjunctival flora detected. Vancomycin has been confirmed as the best choice for treating infectious endophthalmitis after IVT.

7 ARE THERE DIFFERENCES IN OUTCOME OF LAPAROSCOPIC AND ROBOT ASSISTED PYELOPLASTIES AND HOW LONG IS STENTING OF THE ANASTOMOSIS NECESSARY?

You have accessJournal of UrologyTrauma/Reconstruction: Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery I1 Apr 20127 ARE THERE DIFFERENCES IN OUTCOME OF LAPAROSCOPIC AND ROBOT ASSISTED PYELOPLASTIES AND HOW LONG IS STENTING OF THE ANASTOMOSIS NECESSARY? Hansjoerg Danuser, Patrick Stucki, Giovanni B. di Pierro, and Agostino Mattei Hansjoerg DanuserHansjoerg Danuser Luzern, Switzerland More articles by this author , Patrick StuckiPatrick Stucki Luzern, Switzerland More articles by this author , Giovanni B. di PierroGiovanni B. di Pierro Luzern, Switzerland More articles by this author , and Agostino MatteiAgostino Mattei Luzern, Switzerland More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.049AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study to analyse our consecutive series of 86 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) treated by laparoscopic (LPP) or robot assisted laparoscopic (RALPP) pyeloplasty and to answer 2 questions: 1. Are there differences in outcome after LPP and RALPP. 2. Are there differences in outcome by stenting of the pyeloplasty for 1 compared to 4 weeks. METHODS 86 patients were planned to undergo LPP (34) or RALPP (52). Preoperative work-up included an IVU or CT-Scan, a diuretic renography (DR) and a retrograde ureteropyelography followed by insertion of a 6 Fr JJ-stent as a preparatory procedure. Technically we performed a dismembered pyeloplasty (Anderson Hynes). A bladder catheter was left for 2 days after surgery. The JJ-stent was removed according to a prospective randomization after 1 or 4 weeks. Follow-up controls included an IVU 3 months, a DR 6 months and an ultrasound 1,3, 5 year postoperatively. RESULTS Preoperative data of the LPP- and the RALPP-series as well as the series stented for 1 and 4 weeks were comparable. In 4 patients (3 LPP and 1 RALPP) the intervention had to be converted to a successful open procedure, due to extensive abdominal scarring (3) or a scarred shortened ureter after unsuccessful endopyelotomy (1). Therefore 31 LPP- and 51 RALPP-patients were analyzed and the results presented in the following table. Results Surgery time (min) Hosp. time (days) Minor complications () Patency UPJ () Split renal function () Residual symptoms () LLP(n=31) 272±64 7.3±2.8 16 100 39±12 10 RALPP(n=51) 207±54 5.1±1.5 6 100 45±10 4 p-value <0.001 <0.001 0.16 1 0.04 0.3 In the randomized trial to stent the anastomosis 1 or 4 weeks, 33 and 31 patients were analysed. There was no significant difference in outcome of the groups stented for 1 or 4 weeks regarding complications, patency of the UPJ, split renal function and residual symptoms. CONCLUSIONS LPP and RALPP are safe and minimally invasive procedures with excellent success rates. Time of intervention and hospitalization seem to be shorter in the RALPP series. Stenting of the UPJ-anastomosis for 1 week is sufficient. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e3 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Hansjoerg Danuser Luzern, Switzerland More articles by this author Patrick Stucki Luzern, Switzerland More articles by this author Giovanni B. di Pierro Luzern, Switzerland More articles by this author Agostino Mattei Luzern, Switzerland More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

ABO-Incompatible Lung Transplantation in an Infant

Waitlist mortality continues to be a limiting factor for all solid-organ transplant programs. Strategies that could improve this situation should be considered. We report the first ABO-incompatible lung transplantation in an infant. The recipient infant was ABO blood group A1 and the donor group B. The recipient was diagnosed with surfactant protein B deficiency, which is a fatal condition and lung transplantation is the only definitive therapy. At 32 days of age, a bilateral lung transplantation from a donation after cardiac death (DCD) donor was performed. Intraoperative plasma exchange was the only preparatory procedure performed. No further interventions were required as the recipient isohemagglutinins were negative before transplant and have remained negative to date. At 6 months posttransplant, the recipient is at home, thriving, with normal development. This outcome suggests that ABO-incompatible lung transplantation is feasible in infants, providing another option to offer life-saving lung transplantation in this age range.

Actinomycose pulmonaire disséminée avec atteinte hépatique : une forme trompeuse mimant un tableau polymétastatique

Thoracic actinomycosis, caused by bacteria of the Actinomyces genus, is a rare infection, with poor prognosis if untreated, whose clinical and radiological picture is misleading, which can simulate a tumoral or tuberculous disease. This is a case of generalised pseudotumoral pulmonary actinomycosis in a non-smoking, non-drinking 48-year-old man, who for one month has been presenting a cough with haemoptoic sputum, dyspnoea associated with fever and a deterioration in general condition. The clinical examination discovered weight loss, diffuse crackling rales and multiple dental caries. Biologically, he presented an inflammatory syndrome. The radiological imaging and lung and liver CT-scans discovered a peripheral lung mass right side associated with multiple nodular cannon-ball opacities, multiple liver lesions of metastatic appearance. The bacteriological examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (Gram stain and culture) and the transparietal biopsy of the lung mass confirmed the presence of Actinomyces. Progress under treatment with 10 million international units of parenteral penicillin G daily over a period of six weeks substituted by three grams of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid daily over a period of 12 months and following an oral preparatory procedure was favourable. The thoraco-abdominal scan carried out three months after the treatment showed that the lesions had completely disappeared. Our case illustrates the diagnostic difficulty of actinomycosis particularly faced with a picture of multiple lung and liver metastasis. Hence, the importance of a histological and bacteriological examination of samples. The prognosis of this complaint is generally good following well-managed, prolonged treatment; and the prognosis peculiar to disseminated forms is less certain.

Preparatory procedure and equipment for the European x-ray free electron laser cavity implementation

The European x-ray free electron laser is under construction at Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY). The electron beam energy of up to 17.5 GeV will be achieved by using superconducting accelerator technology. Final prototyping, industrialization, and new infrastructure are the actual challenges with respect to the accelerating cavities. This paper describes the preparation strategy optimized for the cavity preparation procedure in industry. For the industrial fabrication and preparation, several new hardware components have been already developed at DESY. The design and construction of a semiautomated rf-measurement machine for dumbbells and end groups are described. In a collaboration among FNAL, KEK, and DESY, an automatic cavity tuning machine has been designed and four machines are under construction. The functionality of these machines with special attention to safety aspects is described in this paper. A new high pressure rinsing system has been developed and is operational.

Transpositions of maxillary canines. Periodontal aspects and orthodontic therapy

The exchange of position of two adjacent teeth constitutes a transposition. Maxillary canines are rarely affected; transpositions of upper canines occur in only .2% of the orthodontic population. They can be detected early in radiographic examinations and later, clinically, after they begin to erupt. Most writers affirm that transpositions, which are often associated with other dental anomalies, are caused primarily by some genetic defect but that local factors may contribute to their development. Practitioners should consider their muco-gingiva environment as an important factor in their evaluation of the iatrogenic risks that might accompany treatment and consider improving soft tissue status as a preparatory soft tissue therapeutic procedure. They must also differentiate between cases of incomplete transposition and partial complete transposition, which can almost always be successfully treated, from cases of total complete transposition that are relatively difficult if not impossible to treat.

Optimized manual and automated recovery of amplifiable DNA from tissues preserved in buffered formalin and alcohol-based fixative

Archival tissue preserved in fixative constitutes an invaluable resource for histological examination, molecular diagnostic procedures and for DNA typing analysis in forensic investigations. However, available material is often limited in size and quantity. Moreover, recovery of DNA is often severely compromised by the presence of covalent DNA–protein cross-links generated by formalin, the most prevalent fixative. We describe the evaluation of buffer formulations, sample lysis regimens and DNA recovery strategies and define optimized manual and automated procedures for the extraction of high quality DNA suitable for molecular diagnostics and genotyping. Using a 3-step enzymatic digestion protocol carried out in the absence of dithiothreitol, we demonstrate that DNA can be efficiently released from cells or tissues preserved in buffered formalin or the alcohol-based fixative GenoFix™. This preparatory procedure can then be integrated to traditional phenol/chloroform extraction, a modified manual DNA IQ™ or automated DNA IQ™/Te-Shake™-based extraction in order to recover DNA for downstream applications. Quantitative recovery of high quality DNA was best achieved from specimens archived in GenoFix™ and extracted using magnetic bead capture.

O Ensino e a Pesquisa em Odontopediatria: O Difícil Controle de Variáveis

Teaching and research in pedodontics may be analyzed in terms of recommendations and effects of behavior strategies in clinical treatments. In teaching, the transmission is unbound to reflection; it is a learning experience disconnected from theory and systematic analysis. In this sense, in the Brazilian/international research, we verify that the pedodontics situation, due to its dynamic character, does not present an absolute control of the research variables. Both teaching and research are important neglected variables to the implementation of the procedures and analysis of results. The first objective of this communication is to discuss/contrast the results found in empirical researches and its recommendations. The effects of the variables like restrictive control, indicated by the guides and used in research, are discarded in teaching and research. It is possible to state that there are no studies in the pedodontics area that systematize an intervention procedure and that evaluate and state recommendations suitable to each pedodontic situation. The second objective is to present a preparatory procedure and its results as a viable teaching and research strategy to the establishment of coping situations. This means it is possible to conduct controlled studies and from these to suggest replicable behavior interventions, valuing the importance of the systematic analysis in applied psychology.

Management of haemophilic pseudotumours with special emphasis on radiotherapy and arterial embolization

The haemophilic pseudotumour is an expanding destructive haematoma, which is associated with a considerable amount of morbidity in haemophilic patients. Its prevention is paramount. In fact, this goal can be achieved by primary prophylaxis to avoid muscle haematomas and by adequate and long-term haematological treatment of muscle haematomas in case they appear. At the moment, surgical excision of pseudotumour is the preferred treatment by many authors. However, there are instances that surgical extraction of the lesion is not feasible. In such situations, radiotherapy and arterial embolization should be considered either alone or as an adjunct to surgery. Conservative management using a combination of radiotherapy and replacement therapy should be considered for treating haemophilic bone pseudotumours, which are located in the skull or in the distal parts of the limbs, especially in conditions where some impediments to surgical excision exist. In fact, the radiation should be delivered to the lesion site in small fragments of 2 Gy or less to a total dosage of 6-23.5 Gy, which is the most recommended radiation dosage, at the moment. Therapeutic arterial embolization of haemophilic pseudotumours should be considered in lesions of large size, especially in pseudotumours of pelvic region, as it may effectively reduce its size and decrease the risk of bleeding complications during surgery. Nevertheless, in view of its temporary effect, embolization may better be performed, as a preparatory procedure, at best about 2 weeks prior to surgery. This time lapse will allow for mass shrinkage but is insufficient for vessel restoration.