Technical Precautions Research Articles

Low false response rates in screening a hundred veterinary drug residues in foodstuffs by LC-MS/MS with analyte-specific correction of the matrix effect

As a response to the demand for better efficiency and reliability in the monitoring of veterinary drug residues in food, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), either in tandem with quadrupoles (LC-MS/MS) or with high resolution systems (LC-HRMS), has become an attractive tool for screening purposes. However, the lack of reproducibility of the ionization yield observed by electrospray remains a major limitation for having powerful LC-MS platforms able to screen more than a hundred substances in a broad range of food on a reliable manner. False responses are not scarce, and require insightful approaches to mitigate them. This study describes a screening with analyte-specific correction of the matrix effect (SACME), as a strategy based upon the comparison of the chromatographic signals between the sample analyzed ‘as is’ and a replicate that has preliminarily been spiked at the action level. Emphasis was put on the high level of confidence in the results achieved with SACME, providing a self-quality control of each sample tested. The significant decrease in the variability of the responses compared to a screening with absolute abundance (SAA) of the signals is shown, and the perspective of screening a wide range of food matrices (raw materials, processed ingredients and finished products) without tedious technical precautions is highlighted. In the end, false response rates are compared, and data demonstrate unambiguously the benefit of the matrix effect attenuation against the common approach using absolute areas. No false positive (FP) was obtained with SACME, whilst a minimum of 2–14 compounds (over 105 substances in the scope of the method) exhibited false positive responses with SAA. With SACME, false negative (FN) rates as low as 1 to 5 compounds were obtained, whilst remained in the range 15–31 compounds with SAA.

Blockchains and Cybercurrencies Challenging Anti Trust and Competition Law

Blockchain technology has come to most people’s attention through Bitcoin as the leading cryptocurrency today. But the technology can be used for a lot of other applications as a way to store decentralized data and information. Blockchains are filing their records through a continuously growing number of single “blocks” which are linked and secured using cryptography. Typically, such blockchains are managed by a peer-to-peer network using a specified protocol for validating new blocks. By storing data across an international network, this new technology is operating independently of any government or central bank as it is not residing in a specific area of influence of any given regulation or jurisdiction. Also, there is the question as to which court has jurisdiction in context of blockchain disputes based on the international and anonymous structure. These systems also offer a high level of anonymity to their participants. Given these scenarios it has to be considered that blockchains with shared use of distributed ledgers by several competitors might be a considerable risk under antitrust and competition laws. To get full value for future blockchain applications, a deep cooperation and collaboration on a common platform by all participants – that often will also be competitors – will be necessary. Although collaborating to achieve an outcome more efficiently is generally not sanctioned by antitrust laws, there are still potential antitrust concerns to be considered. And finally, due to the automatic and irreversible execution of blockchain transactions, one has also to think about technical precautions for enforcing any possible court decisions. All these challenges for the future will ask for a strong self-regulation of the market participants in the digital marketplace.

Passage of Gallstones Into Common Bile Duct During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Is It the Surgeon's Responsibility?

Gallstones patients without preoperative history of jaundice, deranged liver function tests, or dilated bile ducts (BD) are unlikely to have BD stones. However, some of these patients in our series underwent endoscopic stone(s) removal after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). We aim to find the incidence, possible intraoperative risk factors, and if the Surgeon can be blamed for this event. We studied LC cases over 12-year period at our university hospital and identified patients who did not have preoperative risk factors for BD stones but developed postoperative jaundice and/or persistent abdominal pain. Only 16 (0.7%) of 2390 LC met the inclusion criteria. In 5/16 patients, cystic duct (CD) stones were felt Intraoperatively and likely passed into BD during surgery. After surgery, 14/16 patients underwent endoscopic stone(s) removal. If CD stone(s) are encountered during LC, we suggest that careful attention should be paid to make sure that patient does not develop complications from possible BD stone(s). Technical precautions during LC (ie, early CD clipping, avoiding excessive manipulation, and crushing the stones) are recommended.

Does a prenatal bacterial microbiota exist?

Does a prenatal bacterial microbiota exist?

Providing Cost Save by Using Electronic Meters in Residental Areas

In our country, the demand for electrical energy, which is a development indicator, is increasing day by day. Due to the limited energy resources to meet this growing demand for energy it is not only able to meet the increasing production. Therefore, the current system of electricity generation, transmission and distribution used more efficiently that is electrical energy saving has become very important today. F or energy saving, advanced clock application and use of electronic meter such administrative precaution and the correction of power factor such technical precaution. The most important administrative precaution to reduce the use of energy at the most consumed period and hours is to apply a higher price rate at these hours. Thus, by shifting the cosumption at these hours to other suitable hours, a balanced energy consumption may be obtained. The measurement and billing of electric energy used within the day at different times are done by means of electronic meters. In this study, it explained how to achieve saving through the use of electronic meter and suggestions were made.

Clinical Use of EEG in the ICU: Technical Setting.

Neurophysiology is an essential tool for clinicians dealing with patients in the intensive care unit. Because of consciousness disorders, clinical examination is frequently limited. In this setting, neurophysiological examination provides valuable information about seizure detection, treatment guidance, and neurological outcome. However, to acquire reliable signals, some technical precautions need to be known. EEG is prone to artifacts, and the intensive care unit environment is rich in artifact sources (electrical devices including mechanical ventilation, dialysis, and sedative medications, and frequent noise, etc.). This review will discuss and summarize the current technical guidelines for EEG acquisition and also some practical pitfalls specific for the intensive care unit.

Do alumina matrix composite bearings decrease hip noises and bearing fractures at a minimum of 5 years after THA?

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearing couples are theoretically attractive in total hip arthroplasty (THA) because of low wear, but concerns regarding ceramic fracture and squeaking have arisen. Improved material properties of newer alumina matrix composite (AMC) materials, known as Delta ceramics, may reduce these risks. In addition, the use of thinner liners and larger femoral heads may be helpful clinically to lower the rate of dislocation. However, limited short-term clinical results are available and intermediate-term effects are unclear. (1) What is the frequency of bearing-related complications (dissociation, fracture, and noise) with ceramic-on-ceramic AMC bearings in cementless THA? (2) What other complications arose in patients treated with these bearings? (3) What are the Harris hip scores (HHS) and survivorship free from reoperation and revision at a minimum of 5 years after cementless THA performed with AMC bearings? Over a 9-month period in 2009, one surgeon performed 125 THAs, of which 100 (80% of the total) were performed with cementless, AMC bearings. During the period in question, the exclusion criteria for this implant were primary THAs with severe acetabular or femoral bone defect and revision THAs. Of these, 94 hips (95%) in 91 patients were available for analysis at a minimum of 5 years (range, 5-6 years), because five patients (six hips) had died. Mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 55 ± 14 years. Prostheses with an identical design and Biolox(®) Delta ceramics were used in all patients. Noise was classified into squeaking, clicking, grinding, and popping. Ceramic fracture, dislocation, and any other complications associated with the use of AMC ceramics were also investigated. Clinical evaluation included the modified HHS preoperatively and at each followup. Survivorship free from reoperation and revision was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Of 91 patients, four developed bearing-related complications, including one with liner dissociation despite initial square seating and three with clicking. No patients had ceramic fractures. A single event of perioperative dislocation occurred in one patient and postoperative periprosthetic fracture occurred in two hips. Mean HHS improved from 56 to 93 points at the final followup (p < 0.001). Survivorship at 5 years free from reoperation and revision was 96.8% and 97.9%, respectively. Improved material properties combined with the possible use of larger diameter heads make AMC ceramics a promising alternative bearing option with seemingly comparable clinical outcomes reported by others with conventional ceramic bearings. Despite these encouraging results, however, meticulous technical precautions such as square seating and proper impaction in particular should be taken during liner insertion, because we did observe one liner dissociation and several patients with hip noises. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Technical considerations and precautions in in situ bronchoalveolar lavage and alveolar infiltrating cells isolation in rats

Objective: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is an important tool in experimental toxicology and pharmacology. A number of researchers have utilized BAL in studies involving rodents. However, the detailed procedure of performing BAL in rodents has rarely been reported. In the present article, in situ BAL in rats has been described with technical points that ensure the quality and validity of BALF samples.Materials and methods: BAL was performed in rats of Wistar strain. Flow cytometry and microscopy were utilized to analyze the BAL cells.Results and discussion: The collected volume of BALF was 84.32 ± 2.7% of instilled volume. Alveolar macrophages were found to be prevalent in normal lungs when analyzed under microscope and by flow cytometry. The main problem that one may face is the accidental contamination of BALF samples with blood of the animal itself. Presence of blood in BALF certainly adds a significant number of cells and other biochemical variables. No blood contamination was detected in BALF.Conclusion: Here, a simple procedure for BAL and collection of alveolar cells (macrophages in the present study) is explained with an emphasis on technical steps and precautions, which ensures the quality of the BALF samples. Data exhibit that there is no blood contamination in the BALF and provide evidence that the technical points considered in the procedure here are successful in maintaining the quality and validity of BALF samples.

Research on Remote Monitor and Safety About Substation Based on Wireless Private Network

With the technology of security video surveillance applied in unattended electric power substations, security management is the only way to modernize the power grid. The paper proposes a set of integrated solutions combining substation video, security and power supply based on the 4G Wireless Networks. It studies the remote video security system that integrates security and technical precautions with hardware and software combining. The system strengthens the safety and security management of unattended substation relying on the latest 4G private network technology and advanced hardware equipment.

Closed-tube thoracostomy: a novel emergency surgery technique.

The practice of tube thoracostomy entails high risk as it is a closed technique. Open thoracostomy and closed minithoracostomy techniques have been approved worldwide as safe modalities. Applying the concept of a new closed thoracostomy technique with high safety and simplicity is a major advancement in this regard. This was a case series pilot study introducing a new technique for closed-tube thoracostomy. Thirty-one patients with primary unilateral pneumothorax were selected for the study. All patients coming to the Emergency Department at Security Forces Hospital, Dammam City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between January and August 2012, matching the study criteria were recruited to undergo the new technique. The surgical set required for the technique was defined and prepared sterile. Preinsertion and postinsertion chest x-ray and chest computed tomography scans were obtained for the entire study sample. We recruited the first 31 patients requiring tube thoracostomy who visited the Emergency Department. All procedures were performed by the author, assisted by on-call registrars. No complications were observed with the new technique. Moreover, advantages of the technique were demonstrated and documented. The new technique provides safe tube introduction and precise tube positioning, saves time, and involves no technical precautions. The technique has been applied on selected simple cases as the first trial and requires further testing in cases of hemothorax, empyema thoracis, traumatic chest injuries, and complicated pulmonary diseases that require drainage. Further evaluation of the technique by randomized studies is required.

Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS integrated hybrid method for auxiliary systems of ship main engines

Although significant technical precautions have been taken in marine diesel engine and auxiliary systems, unexpected failures can be observed during operation. These failures can sometimes lead to irreversible losses. The purpose of the study is to present fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) methods that can be applied for failure detection in auxiliary systems and marine diesel engine determined by group of experts. By evaluating the decision-making groups, the system most affected by failures was determined.

Direct thermal noise calibration of colloidal probe cantilevers

We show that the spring constant of colloidal probes made by attaching spherical microparticles to atomic force microscope cantilevers can be directly calibrated by the thermal noise method. We show that the energy equipartition theorem used for cantilevers, which is at the origin of the thermal noise method, is applicable to colloidal probes as well. In some close-to-ideal cases the spring constants agree within 5% with the spring constants of the bare cantilevers, given that some technical precautions during preparation of the colloidal probes are taken care of. We found no major influence of materials or sizes of the microparticles used, of absolute values of the used cantilevers’ spring constants, shape, or dimensions.

Cell Line Contamination and Misidentification

Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Versoix, SwitzerlandDear Editors:RE: Cell line contamination and misidentificationIn order to further knowledge in the area of reproductivebiology, endocrinology, and immunology in a meaningfulmanner, researchers should be aware of cell line contaminationand misidentification, which is commonplace [1, 2]. Last yearKorch et al. [3] reported that this is the case for a number ofwidely used endometrial and ovarian cell lines.I, therefore, wish to highlight two issues:1. The American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) Recom-mendations. The ATCC has recently published a Standard forhuman cell line authentication, recommending short tandemrepeat (STR) profiling for authentication of human cell lines toaddress this problem [4].2. The paucity of endometrial epithelial cell lines available.Korch et al. identified EEC1 cells as being Ishikawa cells,MCF-7 cells or a mixture of both; hTERT EEC cells,previously thought to be normal endometrial epithelial cells,as being MCF-7 breast cancer epithelial cells; and HES cells asHeLa cervical cancer cells.It is advisable to alert researchers in training to theimportance of not just authenticating new cell lines uponreceipt but taking all necessary technical precautions in order toprevent cell line contamination as well as evaluating cell linesfor phenotypic or functional traits, which can be altered withdifferentiation and increasing passages [5].Yours sincerely,Geraldine O. Canny Ph.D.REFERENCES

Use of surface electromyography in phonation studies: an integrative review.

SummaryIntroduction: Surface electromyography has been used to assess the extrinsic laryngeal muscles during chewing and swallowing, but there have been few studies assessing these muscles during phonation. Objective: To investigate the current state of knowledge regarding the use of surface electromyography for evaluation of the electrical activity of the extrinsic muscles of the larynx during phonation by means of an integrative review. Method: We searched for articles and other papers in the PubMed, Medline/Bireme, and Scielo databases that were published between 1980 and 2012, by using the following descriptors: surface electromyography and voice, surface electromyography and phonation, and surface electromyography and dysphonia. The articles were selectedon the basis ofinclusion and exclusion criteria. Data Synthesis: This was carried out with a cross critical matrix. We selected 27 papers,i.e., 24 articles and 3 theses. The studies differed methodologically with regards to sample size and investigation techniques, making it difficult to compare them, but showed differences in electrical activity between the studied groups (dysphonicsubjects, non-dysphonicsubjects, singers, and others). Conclusion: Electromyography has clinical applicability when technical precautions with respect to application and analysis are obeyed. However, it is necessary to adopt a universal system of assessment tasks and related measurement techniques to allow comparisons between studies.

The Relation between Inferior Mesenteric Vein Ligation and Collateral Vessels to Splenic Flexure: Anatomical Landmarks, Technical Precautions and Clinical Significance

PurposeOur aim to assess clinical significance of the relation between inferior mesenteric vein ligation and collateral blood supply (meandering mesenteric artery) to the splenic flexure with elaboration more in anatomical landmarks and technical tips.Materials and MethodsWe review the literature regarding the significance of the collateral vessels around inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) root and provide our prospective operative findings, anatomical landmarks and technical tips. We analyzed the incidence and pattern of anatomic variation of collateral vessels around the IMV.ResultsA total of 30 consecutive patients have been prospectively observed in a period between June 25-2012 and September 7-2012. Nineteen males and eleven females with mean age of 63 years. Major colorectal procedures were included. There were three anatomical types proposed, based on the relation between IMV and the collateral vessel. Type A and B in which either the collateral vessel crosses or runs close to the IMV with incidence of 43.3% and 13.3%, respectively, whereas type C is present in 43.3%. There was no definitive relation between the artery and vein. No intra or postoperative ischemic events were reported.ConclusionDuring IMV ligation, inadvertent ligation of Arc of Riolan or meandering mesenteric artery around the IMV root "in type A&B" might result in compromised blood supply to the left colon, congestion, ischemia and different level of colitis or anastomotic dehiscence. Therefore, careful dissection and skeletonization at the IMV root "before ligation if necessary" is mandatory to preserve the collateral vessel for the watershed area and to avoid further injury.

Evaluation of Occupational Health Teaching Sessions for Final Year Medical Students

ObjectivesThe study was conducted with the aim of evaluating applied occupational health teaching for final-year medical students at Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine.MethodsThe study included all sixth grade medical students (n=293) during one academic year. Pre- and post-training tests were used to assess the magnitude of change in knowledge and attitude of students on occupational health, whereas the opinion of students on several aspects of the quality of teaching sessions were assessed by using post-training questionnaires.ResultsPost-training tests revealed that the level of knowledge on all aspects of occupational health increased among medical students. An evaluation of the teaching sessions showed favorable results for the overall quality of the sessions: 81.3% of the students stated that the sessions were well organized, 81.7% remarked the workplace/factory visit was a valuable experience, and 91.0% stated feeling more competent on occupational health issues.ConclusionThere was a greater increase in students' knowledge on technical precautions than their knowledge on issues related to medical practice in the workplace. Visiting a workplace was found to contribute to the overall aim of knowledge and attitude change on occupational health issues. The scope of undergraduate medical education should be extended by improving occupational health education with respect to educational content, duration, and methods.

Successful Discovery of Light Oil From an Unsuccessful Well Through Re-Entry

This article, written by Editorial Manager Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper SPE 147247, ’Successful Discovery of Light Oil From an Unsuccessful Paleozoic Well Through Re-Entry - A Case Study of an HP/HT Well,’ by Haifa Al-Bader, SPE, Yousef Zaid Al-Salali, SPE, Vidya Sagar Duggirala, SPE, A. Manimaran, and S. Packirisamy, SPE, KOC, prepared for the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Denver, 30 October-2 November 2011. The paper has not been peer reviewed. An exploratory well, the second deepest in Kuwait, had been drilled in the Mutriba field to 22,094 ft. Two formations, Kra-Almaru and Khuff, were perforated and tested. The tests revealed the presence of sparse gas, and it was decided to test and complete this well in the Jurassic formation through re-entry. The re-entry in this ultradeep well was full of challenges; however, by overcoming all the challenges, this well was successfully perforated, stimulated, and tested, which led to the first commercial discovery of oil and gas within the Jurassic reservoir in the Mutriba field. Introduction Two zones in Paleozoic and Triassic sections were perforated and tested separately to evaluate the presence of hydrocarbon between 18,500 and 21,500 ft. The well was completed in 2004. After undesirable results were obtained from the Triassic and Paleozoic formations, exploration teams studied the feasibility of testing Jurassic formations in this well through re-entry. Testing Jurassic formations in the Mutriba field from an existing well will be more economical than drilling a new well. A snubbing unit was deployed in 2008. In 2009, a suitable workover rig was deployed to test Jurassic formations in this previously drilled well. The location of the Mutriba field is shown in Fig. 1. A snubbing unit had been used to isolate the open perforations of the Triassic zone with cement. Subsequently, a workover rig was deployed to test the prospect of a Jurassic reservoir. Testing the Jurassic reservoir behind two heavy-walled casings (7 in. 46.4 lbm/ft and 8⅝ in. 40 lbm/ft) combined with extreme sour and high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) conditions warranted high health, safety, environment, and technical precautions. Challenges for re-entry to this well included HP/HT conditions, a high surface pressure, and well-killing issues. Testing of the formation fluid revealed the presence of an unexpectedly high concentration of H2S (20%) and CO2 (2%), which presented challenges for coiled-tubing (CT) operations, stimulation, flowing the well, and fluid disposal.

“Stripping” to Prevent Prolonged Air Leak; Is There a Future in the Past?

A number of technical precautions and many synthetic or biological materials have been suggested to reduce the frequency of prolonged air leak (PAL) following lung resection. Preserving the three-dimensional properties of the remaining lung parenchyma may prevent this complication to some extent. This study presents our experience with an old technique called "stripping" for the division of incomplete fissures to preserve the original shape of the remaining lung with the hope that this will minimize PAL-related problems. 262 consecutive patients with incomplete fissures underwent lobectomy or bilobectomy. Stripping was employed for the division of incomplete fissures in Group S (Study arm; n = 148) and a cut-and-sew technique or staplers were used in Group C (Control arm; n = 114). To evaluate a possible learning curve effect with this technique, Group S was further divided into two subgroups, designated the initial experience (Group S (IE)) and the late experience group (Group S (LE)) and consisting of the first 1/3 (n = 50) and remaining 2/3 (n = 98) of patients, respectively. The frequency of PAL and other related morbidities were investigated. Morbidity and mortality rates were comparable between Group S and C (10 % vs. 8.7 % and 2 % vs. 2.6 %; P = 0.83 and P = 0.96), as was the frequency of PAL, which occurred in 12 (8.1 %) and 13 (11.4 %) patients ( P = 0.40), respectively. When each of the subgroups was compared with Group C, PAL occurred in 9 (18 %) patients in Group S(IE) ( P = n. s.) but only in 3 (3 %) patients in Group S(LE) ( P = 0.03). There was also more postoperative persistent air space in Group C, without this difference reaching statistical significance. This study suggests that preservation of the original shape of the remaining lung might decrease the incidence of PAL in patients with relatively healthy lung tissue. An actual favorable effect of stripping over other techniques emerges only when the technique is precisely applied, which is only possible with experience.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage, an Uncommon Complication of Fetal Blood Sampling: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

In a recently published randomized clinical trial on intrapartum fetal monitoring, fetal blood samples were obtained in 879 women. One serious complication of fetal blood sampling (FBS) was reported, a case in which physical examination of the neonate after delivery revealed clear fluid loss from the incision site. Four layers of the scalp appeared to be incised. The subarachnoid space was closed with 2 sutures, and antibiotics were started due to the risk of meningitis. The patient was discharged in good clinical condition. In this article, the case is presented and the literature reviewed. We found 12 articles reporting 37 cases of a complication due to FBS, none concerning leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. In conclusion, complications of FBS are rare but can be serious. Excessive fetal bleeding is most frequently reported and often associated with an underlying coagulopathy in the neonate. Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. After completion of this educational activity, the obstetrician/gynecologist should be better able to assess the chance of possible complications due to fetal blood sampling; select fetuses at risk for complications due to fetal blood sampling; and evaluate certain technical precautions when performing this procedure.

Reviewing unethical behaviors of primary education students’ internet usage

It is known that the internet whose user number has been increasing day by day causes ethic problems besides its advantages. It is essential to get individuals adopt the habit of using the internet according to ethical rules since their primary education school ages in terms of preventing related problems in society. The general aim of this study is to determine the unethical internet usage behaviors of primary students in terms of various variables. The study group of this descriptive research consists of 6, 7 and 8th grade students (n=1761) attending various primary education schools. The data collection instrument developed by the researchers contains items about demographic characteristics and unethical behaviors. Frequency (f), percentage (%) and Chi-square (X2) test of independence were used in data analyses. Research findings revealed that the gender, the duration of internet usage and the situation of connecting the internet in a cafe are affecting almost all unethical behaviors which are exhibited and exposed. Accordingly the following suggestions were made; students, families and teachers should be informed about using the internet considering ethical rules; students’ duration and places of internet usage and internet activities should be controlled by their parents; related legal and technical precautions should be taken; studies should be carried out in order to improve the internet cafes and investigate the causes of unethical internet behaviors among primary education school students.