Studies on GeF4 Valence and Rydberg States by Electron Impact Spectroscopy and Ab Initio Calculations.

Electron energy loss (EEL) spectra of GeF4 have been measured with incident electrons at 100 eV for 5° scattering angle and at 30 eV for 30° scattering angle, while sweeping the energy loss over the range 7.0-18.0 eV. Low-lying excited triplet, singlet, valence, and Rydberg states are investigated and the assignments supported by quantum chemical ab initio calculations. This provides the first comprehensive investigation of all singlet and triplet excited electronic states of germanium tetrafluoride up to the first ionization energy. The Rydberg series converging to the (lowest) ionization energy limits of GeF4 are also identified according to the magnitude of the quantum defects (δ).

Crossed-beam experiment for the scattering of low- and intermediate-energy electrons from BF3: A comparative study with XF3 (X = C, N, and CH) molecules.

Absolute differential cross sections (DCSs) for electron interaction with BF3 molecules have been measured in the impact energy range of 1.5-200 eV and recorded over a scattering angle range of 15°-150°. These angular distributions have been normalized by reference to the elastic DCSs of the He atom and integrated by employing a modified phase shift analysis procedure to generate integral cross sections (ICSs) and momentum transfer cross sections (MTCSs). The calculations of DCSs and ICSs have been carried out using an independent atom model under the screening corrected additivity rule (IAM-SCAR). The present elastic DCSs have been found to agree well with the results of IAM-SCAR calculation above 20 eV, and also with a recent Schwinger multichannel calculation below 30 eV. Furthermore, in the comparison with the XF3 (X = B, C, N, and CH) molecules, the elastic DCSs reveal a similar angular distribution which are approximately equal in magnitude from 30 to 200 eV. This feature suggests that the elastic scattering is dominated virtually by the 3-outer fluorine atoms surrounding the XF3 molecules. The vibrational DCSs have also been obtained in the energy range of 1.5-15 eV and vibrational analysis based on the angular correlation theory has been carried out to explain the nature of the shape resonances. Limited experiments on vibrational inelastic scattering confirmed the existence of a shape resonance with a peak at 3.8 eV, which is also observed in the vibrational ICS. Finally, the estimated elastic ICSs, MTCSs, as well as total cross sections are compared with the previous cross section data available.

BF3 valence and Rydberg states as probed by electron energy loss spectroscopy and ab initio calculations.

In this contribution we probe BF3 low-lying excited singlet states measured at 100 eV, 2.8° scattering angle and triplet states at 40 eV, 40° scattering angle, while sweeping the energy loss over the range 10.0-20.0 eV. The electronic state spectroscopy has been investigated and the assignments supported by quantum chemical calculations. This provides the first comprehensive investigation of all singlet and triplet excited electronic states of boron trifluoride up to the first ionization potential. A generalized oscillator strength analysis is employed to derive oscillator strength f0 value and integral cross sections (ICSs) from the corresponding differential cross sections (DCSs). The f0 value is compared with the optical oscillator strength (OOS) from photoabsorption, and the unscaled Born ICSs are then compared with relevant energy and binary-encounter and f-scaled Born cross section (BEf-scaling) results determined as a part of this investigation. The lowest n members of the Rydberg series have been assigned as converging to the lowest ionization energy limits of boron trifluoride and classified according to the magnitude of the quantum defects (δ).

Elastic cross sections for electron scattering from GeF4: predominance of atomic-F in the high-energy collision dynamics.

We report absolute differential cross sections (DCSs) for elastic electron scattering from GeF(4). The incident electron energy range was 3-200 eV, while the scattered electron angular range was typically 15°-150°. In addition, corresponding independent atom model (IAM) calculations, within the screened additivity rule (SCAR) formulation, were also performed. Those results, particularly for electron energies above about 10 eV, were found to be in good quantitative agreement with the present experimental data. Furthermore, we compare our GeF(4) elastic DCSs to similar data for scattering from CF(4) and SiF(4). All these three species possess T(d) symmetry, and at each specific energy considered above about 50 eV their DCSs are observed to be almost identical. These indistinguishable features suggest that high-energy elastic scattering from these targets is virtually dominated by the atomic-F species of the molecules. Finally, estimates for the measured GeF(4) elastic integral cross sections are derived and compared to our IAM-SCAR computations and with independent total cross section values.

Prevalence and clinico-hematologic profile of von Willebrand disease in a group of Filipinos with bleeding tendency

Background: von Willebrand Diseases (vWD) is the most commonly inherited bleeding disorder. It is defined as a deficiency or abnormality of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) causing impaired hemostasis. Studies in a predominantly pediatric population reveal that the prevalence of vWD is 0.8-1.3 percent. Objective: To determine the prevalence of von Willebrand Diseases and to establish its clinico-hematologic profile. Methods: Ninety-nine patients with bleeding manifestations referred to the National Hemophilia Center from all over the Philippines were studied. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of at least 2 symptoms consistent with vWD, underwent initial screening tests: a complete blood count with actual platelet, blood typing, bleeding time, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Laboratory tests to diagnose vWD were done. Results: Thirty four patients (34.34 percent) with bleeding manifestations had vWD. Patients with vWD and those without were comparable as to age, sex distribution, family history of bleeding, blood type and bleeding manifestations. Among the patients with vWD, 11 (32.35 percent) had Type I vWD and 23 (67.65 percent) had Type 2 vWD. The mean FVIII, vWF: Ag and vWF: RCo were decreased. Conclusion: The study suggests that there is a high proportion of vWD among patients with bleeding tendency in the Philippines.

Two cases of recurrent IgA nephropathy following kidney transplantation.

Recurrence of immunoglobulin (Ig) A nephropathy following kidney transplantation has been described as occurring in 40% to 60% of cases. Although this type of recurrence was considered a benign condition for a long time, more recent data showed that recurrent transplant IgA nephropathy may be a significant contributor to graft loss. We present 2 cases of recurrent IgA nephropathy following kidney transplantation. In case 1, renal function remained stable with a creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL at 5 months after diagnosis and 61 months after transplantation. In case 2, the patient lost his graft and returned to regular hemodialysis at 36 months after diagnosis and 125 months after kidney transplantation.

[Laparoscopic salvage of malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters caused by ovarian fimbria: a case report].

We report a case of peritoneal dialysis catheter obstruction caused by ovarian fimbria, which was successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery. In June 2000, a 51-year-old woman, who started peritoneal dialysis in April 2000, complained of outflow obstruction of peritoneal dialysis fluid. Fluoroscopic imaging demonstrated the obstruction of peritoneal dialysis catheter by ovarian fimbria. Since the alpha technique under the fluoroscopic imaging did not improve the obstruction, the ovarian fimbria was removed laparoscopically in June 5, 2000. Peritoneal dialysis was successfully started the day after the surgery with no leakage of peritoneal dialysis fluid. The patient has remained without obstruction of peritoneal dialysis catheter for 8 months postoperatively.

Effects of i.v. metoclopramide, atropine and their combination on gastric insufflation in children anaesthetized with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide.

METHODS: To determine effects of i.v. metoclopramide, atropine and their combination on the airway pressures at which gastric insufflation occurs in children, 45 healthy infants and children (ASA I) received an inhalational induction of anaesthesia with sevoflurane, N2O and O2. A blinded observer used a stethoscope to auscultate over the upper abdomen for any air entry. First, proximal airway pressure was slowly increased by closing the pop-off valve of the anaesthesia machine until gas was heard entering the stomach (pop-off point, control measurement). If the peak inspiratory pressure reached 40 cm H2O, the patient was to be excluded from the study. Then, all subjects randomly received i.v. atropine 0.01 mg.kg-1, metoclopramide 0.2 mg.kg-1, or atropine 0.01 mg.kg-1 plus metoclopramide 0.2 mg.kg-1 (n=15 each), and determination of the pop-off point was repeated 5 min later. The stomach was evacuated before each measurement. RESULTS: Atropine significantly decreased the pop-off point [from 21 +/- 3 to 19 +/- 2 cm H2O (mean +/- SD), P < 0.05], while metoclopramide significantly increased the pop-off point (from 20 +/- 3 to 26 +/- 6 cm H2O, P < 0.05). The combination of metoclopramide and atropine did not alter the pop-off point (from 20 +/- 2 to 19 +/- 5 cm H2O). CONCLUSION: Since metoclopramide exerts only mild effect on the pop-off point, cricoid pressure still remains the standard anaesthetic practice to prevent gastric insufflation in children. Prophylactic i.v. metoclopramide may be restricted to, and its clinical usefulness should be determined in, symptomatic patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux.

22-Oxacalcitriol upregulates p21(WAF1/Cip1) in human parathyroid glands. A preliminary report.

In the era of 22-oxacalcitriol (OCT), newly synthesized 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) analogue, against secondary hyperparathyroidism, the indications of parathyroidectomy (PTx) has been restricted. Recent investigations on animal models have revealed the inhibitory effects on PTH secretion after OCT treatment, whereas there has been no evidence about human parathyroid glands. A 38-year-old man with a 19-year history of hemodialysis was performed PTx after the failure of OCT treatment. Expressions of proliferative nuclear cell antigen (PCNA), calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), vitamin D receptor (VDR), p53 and p21(WAF1/Cip1) were analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry on resected parathyroid glands. We confirmed up-regulations of CaSR and VDR, which contribute the reduction of serum PTH, by OCT treatment. Concomitant up-regulation of p21(WAF1/Cip1) but not p53, especially in nodular hyperplasia, can be considered to induce cell cycle arrest of the parathyroid cells, but not cytocidal effect of OCT.

Microbial contamination of in-use lubricants for non-touch urethral catheters in intermittent self-catheterization.

There are no reports on microbial contamination of repeatedly used lubricant (84-87% glycerin containing 0.02% benzalkonium chloride) for non-touch urethral catheters in intermittent self-catheterization. In this work, we evaluated microbial contamination of in-use lubricant and its prevention. Between September and December, 1996, microbial contamination and water activity of in-use lubricants in sheathed and lubricated non-touch catheters connected to a tube used by 46 outpatients at our hospital was examined. Microbial contamination was detected at 5 to 2.6 x 10(8) colony-forming units (CFU)/ml in 14 (30.4%) of 46 samples. With higher water activity of the lubricant (a higher dilution rate of the lubricant with water), a higher concentration of microbial contamination was observed. In 3 (21.4%) of the 14 patients using contaminated lubricant, urine samples showed the same microbial species as those detected in the lubricant. To prevent microbial contamination of the lubricant, dilution of the lubricant with water, as a result of repeated use, should be avoided.

Tracheal intubation with the Macintosh laryngoscope versus intubating laryngeal mask airway in adults with normal airways.

We tested the hypothesis that haemodynamic changes to intubation and postoperative pharyngolaryngeal morbidity are similar for blind intubating laryngeal mask (ILM)-guided compared with laryngoscope-guided tracheal intubation in adults with normal airways. We also compared intubation success rates and airway complications. One-hundred and fifty paralysed, anaesthetized adult patients undergoing elective surgery were randomly assigned to one of three equal-sized groups: 1. blind intubation via the ILM using a straight, silicone tube; 2. intubation with a Macintosh laryngoscope using a straight silicone tube and 3. intubation with a Macintosh laryngoscope using a polyvinyl chloride tube (controls). A standard sequence of adjusting manoeuvres was followed if intubation was difficult. The number of adjusting manoeuvres and intubation attempts, time to intubation, intubation success rate (first attempt and within 3 min), haemodynamic changes (pre-induction, post-induction, post-intubation), oesophageal intubation, mucosal trauma (blood detected), hypoxia (SpO2 < 95%) and postoperative pharyngolaryngeal morbidity (double-blinded) were documented. Time to successful intubation was longer (57 vs 35 s), and more intubation attempts were required in the ILM group (P < 0.0001). The intubation success rate was 100% (all first attempt) for the laryngoscope groups and 94% (56% first attempt) for the ILM group. There were no significant differences in heart rate or blood pressure among groups. Oesophageal intubation (26 v 0%) and mucosal trauma (19 v 2%) were more common in the ILM group. Hypoxia and postoperative pharyngolaryngeal morbidity were similar among groups. Blind intubation through the ILM offers no advantages over the Macintosh laryngoscope for adult patients requiring intubation for elective surgery with normal airways, but it is a feasible alternative.

A comparison of blind and lightwand-guided tracheal intubation through the intubating laryngeal mask.

We have tested the hypothesis that intubation success rates, haemodynamic changes, airway complications and postoperative pharyngolaryngeal morbidity differ between blind and lightwand-guided intubation through the intubating laryngeal mask airway. One hundred and twenty paralysed anasthetised adult patients (ASA I-II, no known or predicted difficult airways) were assigned in a random manner to one of two equal-sized groups. In the blind group, patients were intubated blindly through the intubating laryngeal mask airway. In the lightwand group, patients were intubated through the intubating laryngeal mask airway assisted by transillumination of the neck with a lightwand. A standard sequence of adjusting manoeuvres was followed if resistance occurred during intubation or if transillumination was incorrect. The number of adjusting manoeuvres, time to intubation, intubation success rates, haemodynamic changes (pre-induction, pre-intubation, postintubation), oesophageal intubation, mucosal trauma (blood detected), hypoxia (oxygen saturation < 95%) and postoperative pharyngolaryngeal morbidity (double-blinded) were documented. Overall intubation success was similar (blind, 93%; lightwand, 100%), but time to successful intubation was significantly shorter (67 vs. 46 s, p = 0. 027) and the number of adjusting manoeuvres was significantly fewer (p = 0.024) in the lightwand group. There were no significant differences in blood pressure or heart rate between the groups at any time. Oesophageal intubation occurred more frequently in the blind group (18 vs. 0%, p = 0.002). The incidence and severity of mucosal injury, sore throat and hoarseness were similar between the groups. We conclude that lightwand-guided intubation through the intubating laryngeal mask is superior to the blind technique.