Measurements of Strong-Interaction Effects in Kaonic-Helium Isotopes at Sub-eV Precision with X-Ray Microcalorimeters

We have measured the 3d→2p transition x rays of kaonic ^{3}He and ^{4}He atoms using superconducting transition-edge-sensor microcalorimeters with an energy resolution better than 6 eV (FWHM). We determined the energies to be 6224.5±0.4(stat)±0.2(syst)  eV and 6463.7±0.3(stat)±0.1(syst)  eV, and widths to be 2.5±1.0(stat)±0.4(syst)  eV and 1.0±0.6(stat)±0.3(stat)  eV, for kaonic ^{3}He and ^{4}He, respectively. These values are nearly 10 times more precise than in previous measurements. Our results exclude the large strong-interaction shifts and widths that are suggested by a coupled-channel approach and agree with calculations based on optical-potential models.

Λp correlated production from low energy K−12C interactions by AMADEUS

The main steps for the analysis of the Λp correlated production in low-energy K− captures on Carbon nuclei, performed by the AMADEUS collaboration, are presented. The goal is to perform the first comprehensive study of the K− absorption on two, three and four nucleons, exploiting the lowmomentum K−s (pK ~ 127 MeV/c) produced at the DAΦNE collider, and to measure the low-energy cross sections and branching ratios of the K− multinucleon absorption processes in both the Λp and Σ0p channels. An integrated luminosity of 1.74 fb−1 collected during the KLOE 2004/2005 data campaign is analysed by reconstructing the Λp final state.

Low Energy Antikaon-nucleon/nuclei interaction studies by AMADEUS

The AMADEUS experiment at the DAΦNE collider of LNF-INFN deals with the investigation of the at-rest, or low-momentum, K− interactions in light nuclear targets, with the aim to constrain the low energy QCD models in the strangeness sector. The 0 step of the experiment consisted in the reanalysis of the 2004/2005 KLOE data, exploiting K− absorptions in H, 4He, 9Be and 12C, leading to the first invariant mass spectroscopic study with very low momentum (about 100 MeV) in-flight K− captures. With AMADEUS step 1 a dedicated pure Carbon target was implemented in the central region of the KLOE detector, providing a high statistic sample of pure at-rest K− nuclear interaction. The first measurement of the non-resonant transition amplitude $\left| {{A_{{K^ - }n \to \Lambda {\pi ^ - }}}} \right|$ at $\sqrt s = 33\,MeV$ below the K̄N threshold is presented, in relation with the Λ(1405) properties studies. The analysis procedure adopted in the serarch for K− multi-nucleon absorption cross sections and Branching Ratios will be also described.

Low energy interaction studies of negative kaons in light nuclear targets by AMADEUS

The AMADEUS collaboration is performing experimental investigations in the sector of the low energy strangeness hadron physics by taking advantage of the DAΦNE collider, which provides a unique source of monochromatic low-momentum kaons and exploiting the KLOE detector as an active target. The K− single and multi-nuclear absorption on H, 4He, 9Be and 12C, both at-rest and in-flight, are studied with the aim to determine the nature of the controversial Λ(1405), the non-resonant hyperon pion formation amplitude below the K̅N threshold, the yield and cross sections of K− multi-nucleon absorptions intimately connected to the antikaon multi-nucleon clusters properties and the K− scattering cross sections on light nuclear targets.

These studies have a strong impact on the non-perturbative strangeness QCD with implications ranging from nuclear physics to the equation of state of neutron stars.

Drug administration errors: a prospective survey from three South African teaching hospitals

This prospective study was undertaken to determine the incidence of drug administration errors by anaesthetists at three tertiary South African hospitals. Hospitals A and C treat adults predominantly, whereas Hospital B is a paediatric hospital. Anaesthetists completed an anonymous study form for every anaesthetic performed over a six-month period. They were asked to indicate whether or not an error or near-miss had occurred and if so, the details thereof. A total of 30,412 anaesthetics were administered during the study period. The response rate and combined incidence of errors and near-misses was as follows: Hospital A 48.8% (1:320), B 81.3% (1:252) and C 48.1% (1:250). The overall response rate was 53% and the combined incidence was 1:274. Neither the experience of the anaesthetist nor emergency surgery influenced whether an error occurred or not. Most errors occurred during the maintenance phase of anaesthesia. The most common errors were those of substitution. At the paediatric hospital, incorrect dose was as frequent an error as substitution. Of all errors, 36.9% were due to drug ampoule misidentification; of these the majority (64.4%) were due to similar looking ampoules. Another 21.3% were due to syringe identification errors. No major complication attributable to a drug administration error was reported. Despite an increasing awareness of the problem together with suggestions in the literature to reduce the incidence, drug administration errors remain fairly common in South Africa. Failure to institute suggested solutions will continue to compromise patient safety.

Anaesthesia for burns in children: a review of procedures practised at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town

Burns anaesthesia for children is a potentially hazardous procedure. We describe our technique developed over a number of years which allows a relatively large number of patients to be dealt with safety in limited theatre time. The technique involves an oral premedication with atropine (0.02 mg/kg), trimeprazine (3 mg/kg) and droperidol (0.2 mg/kg). Intramuscular ketamine (10 mg/kg) is used after an initial halothane induction and anaesthesia is maintained with intravenous ketamine, and a nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture given via nasal prongs. The advantages of the technique together with precautions and monitoring employed are discussed.

Acyl carrier protein is conjugated to glutathione in spinach seed

Acyl carrier protein (ACP) contains an essential sulfhydryl group in its phosphopantetheine prosthetic group. We have investigated the state of this sulfhydryl in developing and mature spinach seed (Spinacia oleracea). Seed extracts were separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate or native polyacrylamide gels, blotted to nitrocellulose, and probed with antibodies raised against spinach ACP-I. In extracts of mature seeds prepared with reducing agents, ACP-II migrated as a single major band, whereas extracts prepared without reducing agents gave two major bands. The additional band was identified as a conjugate of ACP-II to glutathione (ACP-S-S-G) on the basis of its sensitivity to reducing agents and its comigration with standards in both native and sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. In developing spinach seeds ACP-II exists primarily in its free sulfhydryl form or as acyl derivatives, with essentially no ACP-S-S-G present. During later stages of seed development, as seed water content declines, ACP-S-S-G accumulates to approximately 50% of the total ACP. Seed imbibition results in a rapid decline in ACP-S-S-G levels. The ACP-S-S-G:ACP-SH ratio of seeds during storage was found to be a function of seed water content and this could be manipulated by controlling the relative humidity under which the seeds were stored. We speculate that conjugation of ACP to glutathione protects the ACP from sulfhydryl oxidative damage in dry seeds.

Cardiovascular and respiratory effects of oral premedication with trimeprazine and droperidol in children

The systolic blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate were assessed in 112 children before and after receiving premedication consisting of trimeprazine (3 mg/kg) and droperidol (0.2 mg/kg) by mouth. A mild (10%) drop in blood pressure was shown, but no statistical difference was found in the other parameters measured. The premedication is highly efficacious, 70% of patients being asleep in the preanaesthetic room; 27% were calm and only 3% were distressed or crying.

Recovery time after ultrabrief anaesthesia. A comparison of four techniques

Recovery time after ultrabrief anaesthesia for minor gynaecological procedures was shown to be significantly and appreciably longer after thiopentone induction than after Althesin (alphaxalone and alphadolone), etomidate or propanidid. Suitable anaesthesia was provided by all techniques, but propanidid is associated with a 51% rise in pulse rate and etomidate with an 18% slowing. Twenty-seven per cent of patients anaesthetized with propanidid or etomidate were nauseous or vomited immediately postoperatively. Oxytocin 5 U given as an intravenous bolus for uterine contraction markedly increased heart rate (+ 29%). Althesin is now excluded on the basis of occasional adverse reactions; none of the techniques used is entirely satisfactory.

Hypo-osmolar intravascular volume overload during anaesthesia for transurethral prostatectomy. A report of 2 cases

Two cases are reported in which absorption of surgical irrigant into the vascular system during transurethral resection of the prostate gland (TUR) resulted in life-threatening complications due to hypo-osmolar volume overload (also known as water intoxication or the TUR syndrome). Manifestations common to both cases were haemolysis of red cells, cardiac arrhythmias, a drop in the serum sodium level, and an elevated central venous pressure. In addition, one patient developed acute pulmonary oedema and the other hypokalaemia, confusion and visual disturbances due to cerebral oedema. Water as an irrigant for TUR should be superseded by glycine 1,5%, which is safer.

Anaesthetic hazards in undiagnosed myotonia dystrophica. A case report

Respiratory and cardiovascular complications in a patient in the immediate postoperative period led to the ultimate diagnosis of myotonic dystrophy. The features and anaesthetic-related hazards of the myotonic syndromes are discussed.

Comparison of methohexitone and etomidate for general anaesthesia in unpremedicated outpatients

This study compares methohexitone (Brietal; Eli Lilly) and etomidate (Hypnomidate; Janssen) as hypnotic agents for the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia in outpatients given fentanyl and nitrous oxide for analgesia but no premedication. While both agents provided suitable anaesthesia with a minimal incidence of side-effects, 66% of the patients who received methohexitone were noticeably drowsy 2 hours after the operation, whereas all but 3% of the patients who received etomidate were wide awake.