Mg2+ tunes the wettability of liquid precursors of CaCO3: toward controlling mineralization sites in hybrid materials.

Amorphous and liquid precursors of calcium carbonate are believed to be central species of biomineralization, which serves as an important inspiration for materials chemists in the quest for new and improved organic-inorganic hybrid materials. It has become increasingly clear that magnesium ions exhibit an important function through kinetic stabilization of the metastable precursors. We show that they additionally tune the wettability of liquid precursors of CaCO3, which is a crucial requirement for successful mineralization of proteinaceous organic matrices.

Selective utilization of pre-operative endoscopic ultrasound to exclude choledocholithiasis prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective study.

Background/aims: The objective of this study was to define the clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic criteria correlating with a likelihood of a positive preoperative endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in patients presenting with acute gallstone-related pancreatobiliary disease.

Methodology: All patients who underwent EUS prior to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were analyzed at the Gastroenterology Unit, Kaplan Medical Center, following acute admission with cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, cholangitis, acute pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice.

Results: One hundred and seventy four patients met the inclusion criteria.

Effect of hemodialysis on the thickness of vocal folds: a possible explanation for postdialysis hoarseness.

Background: Determining the dry weight of chronically hemodialysed patients is a common problem. Patients on intermittent hemodialysis often experience transient hoarseness at the end of dialysis. The vocal folds may be affected by the hydration state.

Combining physostigmine with meperidine for sedation and analgesia during colonoscopy.

Background And Study Aim: Opiate or benzodiazepine drugs are often used during colonoscopy, but they are associated with respiratory depression and prolonged recovery. Physostigmine, a tertiary anticholinesterase agent, is known to enhance analgesia and to reverse the central nervous system depressant effects of these drugs. This study compared the effect of giving meperidine alone with the effect of giving meperidine in combination with physostigmine in patients who were undergoing complete colonoscopy.