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Quality of shallow groundwater and drainage water in irrigated agricultural lands in a Mediterranean coastal region of Turkey.

Spatial and seasonal differences in water quality of drainage water and unconfined shallow groundwater were related to irrigation in Samandağ, a Mediterranean coastal region. Eighteen wells, seven drainage points and Orontes River were monitored bimonthly for one year for analyses of electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), cations (Na, K, Ca + Mg) and anions (CO(3), HCO(3), Cl and SO(4)). Agricultural irrigation using saline groundwater decreased water quality of Orontes River during the irrigation season (May to September) more than during the non-irrigation season (October to April). Seasonal fluctuations in water quality of shallow groundwater were greater during the irrigation season than the non-irrigation season in the study area. Excessive use of groundwater resulted in a decline in the water table levels in the irrigation season. Water table level rose up to the soil surface in areas where there was a lack of drainage or poor drainage, due to the impact of precipitation in the winter. SAR and pH values of drainage water increased in the irrigation season, while the other properties of drainage water decreased. Irrigation water quality of Orontes River was classified as C(3)S(1) in both seasons. Irrigation water quality of shallow groundwater and drainage water varied from C(2)S(1) to C(4)S(2) in one year. Drainage and well waters were found to be different on yearly basis in terms of Na, SAR (p<0.01) and Ca + Mg concentrations (p<0.001). Ca + Mg concentrations for both sources were different for all sampling dates (p<0.001).

Agriculture↗

Subsurface irrigation as a microbial delivery tool for bioaugmentation: transport, distribution and survival in large packed soil columns.

Traditionally, soil surface inoculation and surface irrigation are used for delivery, transport and distribution of bacteria for agricultural and in-situ environmental decontamination applications. The objective of this study was to test whether subsurface irrigation with a water table management (WTM) system, successfully used previously for nutrient delivery, could also be used to deliver bacteria to soil depths. Twelve stainless steel columns, 1000 mm in length and 200 mm in diameter, were packed with a sandy loam soil. Four experimental treatments, two subsurface irrigation and two surface irrigation, were randomly allocated, in triplicate, to the twelve columns. The transport, implantation and survival of Sinorhizobium (Rhizobium) meliloti, strain A-025, in these columns were monitored at different depths and times after surface and subsurface irrigation. Even though the transport of bacterial cells was slower with the subsurface irrigation regime than with surface irrigation, more bacteria were implanted at different depths with subsurface irrigation. The numbers of bacterial cells distributed with subsurface irrigation were 1.6x10(5), 1.3x10(5), 2.6x10(5) and 2.9x10(5) cfu (colony forming units) x g(-1) of soil at 60, 300, 500 and 700 mm depths, respectively, whereas with surface irrigation the numbers were 2.0x10(4), 3.0x10(4), 1.9x10(5), 9.0x10(2) cfu x g(-1) of soil. These results dearly indicate that subirrigation can be used effectively to bioaugment a sandy loam soil matrix.

Agriculture↗

Adult anopheline ecology and malaria transmission in irrigated areas of South Punjab, Pakistan.

Surface irrigation in the Punjab province of Pakistan has been carried out on a large scale since the development of the Indus Basin Irrigation System in the late 19th century. The objective of our study was to understand how the population dynamics of adult anopheline mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) could be related to malaria transmission in rural areas with intensive irrigation and a history of malaria epidemics. In this paper we present our observations from three villages located along an irrigation canal in South Punjab. The study was carried out from 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000. Mosquitoes were collected from bedrooms using the pyrethroid spraycatch method and from vegetation and animal sheds using backpack aspirators. Overall, Anopheles subpictus Grassi sensu lato predominated (55.6%), followed by An. stephensi Liston s.l. (41.4%), An. culicifacies Giles s.l. (2.0%), An. pulcherrimus Theobald (1.0%) and An. peditaeniatus Leicester (0.1%). Most mosquitoes (98.8%) were collected from indoor resting-sites whereas collections from potential resting-sites outdoors accounted for only 1.2% of total anopheline densities, confirming the endophilic behaviour of anophelines in Pakistan. Anopheles stephensi, An. culicifacies and An. subpictus populations peaked in August, September and October, respectively. High temperatures and low rainfall negatively affected seasonal abundance in our area. There were interesting differences in anopheline fauna between villages, with An. culicifacies occurring almost exclusively in the village at the head of the irrigation canal, where waterlogged and irrigated fields prevailed. Monthly house-to-house fever surveys showed that malaria transmission remained low with an overall slide positivity rate of 2.4% and all cases were due to infection with Plasmodium vivax. The most plausible explanation for low transmission in our study area seems to be the low density of Pakistan's primary malaria vector, An. culicifacies. The role of other species such as An. stephensi is not clear. Our observations indicate that, in South Punjab, irrigation-related sites support the breeding of anopheline mosquitoes, including the vectors of malaria. As our study was carried out during a year with exceptionally hot and dry climatic conditions, densities and longevity of mosquitoes would probably be higher in other years and could result in more significant malaria transmission than we observed. To assess the overall importance of irrigation-related sites in the epidemiology of malaria in the Punjab, more studies are needed to compare irrigated and non-irrigated areas.

Animals↗

Swine effluent irrigation rate and timing effects on bermudagrass growth, nitrogen and phosphorus utilization, and residual soil nitrogen.

Maximizing utilization of effluent nutrients by forage grasses requires a better understanding of irrigation rate and timing effects. This study was conducted in 1998 and 1999 on a Vaiden silty clay (very-fine, smectitic, thermic Aquic Dystrudert) soil to determine the effects of swine lagoon effluent irrigation rate and timing on bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] growth, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) recovery, and postseason soil profile NO3(-)-N. Treatments consisted of swine effluent irrigation at the rates of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ha-cm. Two additional treatments included 2.5 ha-cm applied on 1 September and 1 October in addition to a base summer rate of 10 ha-cm. In both years for early to mid-season irrigation, bermudagrass dry matter yield quadratically increased with increasing swine effluent irrigation rates. Averaged across years, effluent irrigation in October resulted in 30% less dry matter than in September. For late-season irrigation, apparent N recovery averaged 59% less and P recovery averaged 46% less with a delay in irrigation from 1 September to 1 October. The greatest quantity of soil NO3(-)-N was associated with both the greatest effluent rate and October irrigation treatments. Minimal yield benefit was obtained when effluent was applied at rates greater than 10 ha-cm during the summer months. Late-season irrigation, especially after 1 October for areas with similar climatic conditions, should be avoided to maximize synchronization of nutrient availability with maximum growth rates to minimize potential offsite movement of residual soil N and P.

Agriculture↗

Environmental impact of irrigation in La Violada District (Spain): II. Nitrogen fertilization and nitrate export patterns in drainage water.

Fertilizer leaching affects farm profitability and contributes to nonpoint-source pollution of receiving waters. This work aimed to establish nitrate nitrogen export from La Violada Gully in relation to nitrogen fertilization practices in its basin (La Violada Gully watershed, VGW, 19,637 ha) and especially in La Violada Irrigation District (VID, 5282 ha). Nitrogen (N) fertilization in VID (and VGW) was determined through interviews with local farmers for the hydrologic years 1995 and 1996 and NO3-N load in the gully was monitored from 1995 to 1998. The N fertilizer applied in VGW was 2175 Mg in 1995 and 2795 Mg in 1996. About 43% was applied in VID (945 Mg in 1995 and 1161 Mg in 1996). The most fertilized crop was corn: 398 kg N ha-1 (665 Mg) in 1995 and 453 kg N ha-1 (911 Mg) in 1996. Nitrogen fertilization was higher than N uptake for irrigated crops, especially for corn and rice. Nitrate N load in La Violada Gully averaged 427.4 Mg yr-1. Seventy-five percent of the exports took place during the irrigation season (321.8 Mg). During the non-irrigation season maximum NO3-N loads (3.1 Mg NO3-N d-1) were found after heavy rains following the N side-dressing of wheat in the rain-fed area of VGW (February). During the irrigation season NO3-N load was determined by outflow from the district (caused by irrigation) and to a lesser extent by changes in NO3 concentration (caused by fertilization), showing peaks in April (pre-sowing corn N fertilization and first irrigations) and June to August (highest irrigation months and corn side-dress N applications, maximum 6.3 Mg NO3-N d-1 in July). Adjusting N fertilization to crops' needs, improving irrigation efficiencies, and better scheduling N fertilization and irrigation in corn could reduce N export from VID.

Environment↗

[Effects of lower limit of subsurface drip irrigation on tomato growth and its yield in plastic tunnel].

A subsurface drip irrigation experiment was conducted in a plastic tunnel to study the effects of different lower limits of subsurface drip irrigation on tomato growth and its yield. The lower limits of subsurface drip irrigation were expressed by soil water suctions detected by tensiometers placed in 30 cm soil layer. The designed values of soil water suction in this experiment were 10, 16, 25, 40 and 63 kPa, respectively. The results showed that the height and biomass of tomato plant decreased significantly with increasing lower limits of subsurface drip irrigation. Parabolic regression curves were suitable to simulate the relationships of stem diameter of tomato plant, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) with lower limits of subsurface drip irrigation. The relationship between the ratio of stem diameter to plant height of tomato and lower limit could be simulated by three-dimensional multinomial regression curve. The growth of tomato root and shoot and their ratio R/S) varied under different lowerlimits of subsurface drip irrigation. The tomato plant grew well, RI/S was favorable, and the yield and WUE were higher when soil water suction was in the range of 25- 33 kPa. When this range was served as the criteria for subsurface drip irrigation, the soil water content at the beginning of irrigation should be lower, and the irrigation frequency should be fewer than that of conventional irrigation. This range of soil water suction was in favor of improving the WUE and decreasing labor cost for tomato cultivation in plastic tunnel.

Biomass↗

[In vitro experimental study of the effects of different introcular irrigating solutions on the viability of rat retinal neuron cells].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of different introcular irrigating solutions on the viability of retinal neuron cells, their antioxidant ability, and to find the ideal introcular irrigating solution. METHODS: Retinal neuron cells from Sprague Dawley rats (postnatal 1 - 3 days) were cultured in the 4 different introcular irrigating solutions which were BSS plus, BSS plus + drugs (tobramycin1.6 ten thousand unit/L, desamethasone 16 mg/L and adnephrin 1 mg/L), new irrigating solution and lactated Ringer's solution + drugs. Cell viability was determinated by MTT [3,(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] assay, LDH release was tested by LDH assay and apoptotic cell death was evaluated by the TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling) assay after retinal neuron cells were cultured in the different introcular irrigating solutions for 4, 12, 24, 48 hours. MDA (malondialdehyde) production was tested after the cells exposed to 30 micro mol/L H(2)O(2) for 4 hours. All data was analyzed in Dunnett's ANOVA way. RESULTS: The cell viability was decreased and the rate of LDH released and cell apoptosis was increased. These effects were shown to be time-dependent for the same solution. At the same time point, the effects on cellular survive was variable in deferent introcular irrigating solutions, BSS plus is the lowest, BSS plus + drugs and modified irrigating solution are midst, and lactated Ringer's solution + drugs is the highest. The result of MDA assay showed that both BSS plus and modified irrigating solution can inhibit the oxidative damage induced by H(2)O(2). CONCLUSION: Modified introcular irrigating solution may be an better introcular irrigating solution according to its little effect on cell viability, its antioxidant function and lower cost.

Acetates↗

[Effects of irrigation volume on growth and quality of Lonicera japonica].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of irrigation volume on the growth and quality of Lonicera japonica. METHOD: Different volume of irrigation water was applied to the potted L. japonica before the first florescence of honeysuckle in order to keep the relative moisture content of the soil as 100%, 80%, 50%, 30%, and observe the growth and development of shoot and leaves, yield and quality of honeysuckle. RESULT: As the of irrigation volume was reduced, the internodal elongation of shoot and the increase of the knot were restrained, and the yield of honeysuckle dropped. But the content of chlorogen acid in the buds treated by 80% irrigation volume was not affected, while that of the other treatment all decreased. The moisture contents of the leaves treated by 30% irrigation volume was significantly lower than that of the CK, while the specific leaf weight (SLW) increased significantly comparing to the CK. The content of chlorophyl in the leaves of 50% and 30% increased, while the ratio of chlorophyl A and B fell significantly. The content of dissoluble suger in the leaves of 80% and 50% irrigation volume was much higher than that in the CK. The results also showed that, the content of dissoluble protein in the leaves of 30% irrigation volume increased comparing with that in 50%, and the content of proline in leaveas of 30% irrigation volume increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Using less irrigation volume (keeping 80% of relative moisture content of the soil) does not affect the quality of honeysuckle, but decreased dry weight of honeysuckle. It is necessary to take irrigation management during cultivation of honeysuckle.

Biomass↗

[Sodium and potassium levels in the soil, grass and blood serum of bulls after irrigation of the soil with sewage water].

The main purpose of the studies was to find the influence of a long-term irrigation with the water of the Ner river, containing sewage on the content of sodium and potassium in soil, its vegetation and in the blood serum of the bulls fed on the hay from the meadows irrigated with this water. The soil irrigated with drain water and its vegetation were analysed and the bulls of the Black and White breed fed on the hay from the irrigated meadows were examined carefully. There were 30 bulla tested. Their initial average weight was 250 kilograms. The experiment was repeated twice. It lasted 93 days each time. The animals were divided into three groups. The animals from group 1 and 2 received the hay from the meadow irrigated with drain water. The animals from group 2 were fed on the hay from the meadow with a higher dose of irrigation. The animals from the third group were given the hay from the meadows which were not irrigated. The daily ration of food consisted of 5 kilograms of hay and 3 kilograms of dry beet pulp. The available forms of Na2O and K2O were determined in the soil on a flame photometer. Sodium and potassium in the samples of plants were determined using the atomic absorptive spectrophotometry method (AAS). Botanical and weight analyses were also done. Blood samples were taken once a month. Sodium and potassium in blood serum were determined by AAS method. The amount of sodium in the soil and hay on the meadows irrigated with drain water was significantly higher, and the amount of potassium was lower in comparison with the amount of sodium and potassium in the soil and hay on non-irrigated meadows. The content of sodium increased with the increase of the irrigation rate. According to the experimental fodder no changes were observed in the bulls' blood serum as regards the amount of sodium and potassium.

Animal Feed↗

A stent-plus-irrigation protocol after adolescent hypospadias repair: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a stent-plus-irrigation protocol reduces complication rates following hypospadias repair in adolescents compared with catheter drainage alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this multicentre randomised controlled trial, adolescents (Tanner Stage II-V) undergoing hypospadias repair were randomly assigned to either a stent-plus-irrigation group or a catheter-drainage group. The catheter-drainage group received standard urethral catheter drainage alone, whereas the stent-plus-irrigation group received an additional small-calibre urethral stent positioned within the reconstructed urethra and twice-daily saline irrigation. The primary outcome was the overall postoperative complication rate; secondary outcomes included urinary function and cosmetic outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 172 adolescents were assessed for eligibility, with 150 participants (75 in the stent-plus-irrigation group and 75 in the catheter-drainage group) included in the final analysis. Compared with the catheter-drainage group, the stent-plus-irrigation group demonstrated a significantly lower overall complication rate (risk ratio [RR] 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-0.56; P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), urethral fistula rate (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.14-0.51; P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001), and surgical site infection (SSI) rate (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.87; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.020). CONCLUSIONS: A postoperative stent-plus-irrigation protocol was associated with lower rates of postoperative complications, particularly urethral fistula and SSI, compared with catheter drainage alone after adolescent hypospadias repair. Because the intervention included both an additional urethral stent and saline irrigation, the independent contribution of irrigation cannot be determined in this two-arm trial.

Humans↗

The efficacy of a single pocket irrigation on subgingival microbial vitality.

The object of this study was to monitor the proportion of vital bacteria (microbial vitality: VF in %) present in subgingival dental plaque following one single subgingival irrigation with saline (S), chlorhexidine (CHX) or povidone iodine (I2), but without any subgingival instrumentation. Its effect on the main composition of the microflora was also assessed. Seventeen patients with adult periodontitis took part in this investigation. In each patient four initially untreated pockets (pocket depth 5-11 mm) associated with bleeding were selected for the standardised pocket irrigation and plaque sampling at baseline (0 h) and after the following 1 h, 24 h, 7 days and 31 days. The subgingival irrigation was only performed once (0 h). One pocket per quadrant was irrigated using 0.9% prereduced S, 0.2% CHX or 0.05% I2 (Iso-Betadine Buccale). The remaining untreated pocket without any irrigation served as an additional control (C). Using an acrylic splint as a guide, paperpoints were inserted into the pocket precisely at the same site to collect subgingival plaque. The bleeding on sampling (BOS) was thereafter noted. The proportions of bacterial morphotypes were examined by darkfield microscopy. VF was evaluated using a vital fluorescence staining. The undisturbed subgingival dental plaque was composed of 86% (median value) vital bacteria. The sampling procedure alone and the saline irrigation led to a decrease in the number of spirochetes but had no influence on the vitality of the flora. Large variations in VF could be observed in the short-term (1 h, 24 h) irrigation effect of CHX and I2. The reduction of VF was still significant after 7 days (VF(CHX) 30-80%, VF(I2) 35-80%) but persisted up to 31 days only after I2 irrigation (VF(I2) 12-90%). The findings indicated that all single subgingival irrigations resulted in a temporary change of the subgingival microflora while povidone iodine produced the longest lasting antimicrobial effect. Any clinical advantage of this situation should be further investigated.

Adult↗

Rectal irrigations for the prevention of postoperative enterocolitis in Hirschsprung's disease.

The purpose of this clinical trial was to examine the role of rectal irrigations in the prevention of postoperative enterocolitis in children with Hirschsprung's disease. Over the past 22 years 177 children had surgical treatment for Hirschsprung's disease at a single pediatric hospital. Five children have died of other causes. Of the remaining 172 patients, follow-up clinical information was obtained from 135 (78%). In 1989, all of the children undergoing surgical reconstruction for Hirschsprung's disease were placed on routine postoperative rectal irrigations with normal saline. The parents were instructed in the irrigation technique before leaving the hospital. Irrigations were started 1 to 2 weeks postoperatively and were performed two times a day for 3 months, then once a day for an additional 3 months. There were no complications from the irrigations themselves. A previous report from the authors' institution has documented five sudden deaths over the past 22 years from fulminant postoperative enterocolitis. These five children all had an unremarkable postoperative recovery, then developed a rapidly progressive diarrheal illness. All of these deaths occurred before the institution of routine postoperative irrigations. Of the 135 patients in this review, 40 had the postoperative rectal irrigations. The remaining 95 children serve as historical controls. Data analysis showed that 34 of the 95 children in the nonirrigation cohort developed postoperative enterocolitis compared with 3 of 40 in the rectal irrigation cohort; P < .001 using Fisher's exact test. In the authors' experience, routine postoperative rectal irrigations have significantly decreased the incidence and severity of enterocolitis in children after surgical correction of Hirschsprung's disease.

Child↗

The effect of chlorhexidine irrigation on the incidence of dry socket: a pilot study.

A pilot study was conducted to measure the reported incidence of dry socket following pre-operative irrigation and mouthrinsing with either 0.2% (w/v) chlorhexidine gluconate or normal saline or with no irrigation (control). Three hundred and twenty-four patients presenting for the single extraction of a lower premolar or molar under local anaesthesia were divided into three equal groups; no irrigation, irrigation with saline and irrigation with a 0.2% (w/v) chlorhexidine gluconate solution. After administration of the local anaesthetic agent, 10 ml of the test solutions were applied to the gingival crevice using a blunted needle. The solutions were retained in the patients mouth for 2 min following irrigation. Pre-operative irrigation of the gingival crevice and mouthrinsing with 0.2% (w/v) chlorhexidine gluconate significantly reduced the number of dry sockets. There was no significant reduction in the number of dry socket cases following irrigation and rinsing with normal saline. The irrigation technique, using 0.2% (w/v) chlorhexidine gluconate is safe, inexpensive, easy to apply and can be recommended for routine use in dental practice, to reduce the incidence of dry socket.

Bicuspid↗

Prospective trial of electroanatomically guided, irrigated catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia in patients with congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Ablation success rates reported for atrial tachycardia (AT) patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is lower than the rates reported for other varieties of supraventricular tachycardia. Retrospective studies suggest these rates might be increased by the use of irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether irrigated RF ablation increases ablation success rates in patients with CHD and AT. METHODS: Patients were studied in a prospective, randomized, nonblinded manner. The operator was limited to use of randomized therapy (standard or irrigated ablation) for the first 6 minutes of RF application to each targeted arrhythmia. Lesion characteristics were recorded, and acute ablation success was ascertained. Structured clinical follow-up was performed over a 6-month period. RESULTS: Forty-seven ATs were targeted in 26 patients; 72% of these ATs were ablated. Within the 6-minute randomization period, no difference in success rates of standard and irrigated catheters was noted. However, crossover from standard to irrigated ablation more likely was successful than vice versa (irrigated: 8 successes/8 attempts vs standard: 1 success/4 attempts, P = .018), and overall success was greater using irrigated catheters (66% vs 33%, P = .019). Mean delivered power was slightly higher in irrigated lesions (32.5 W vs 30.2 W, P = .025), and mean temperature was much lower (33.5 degrees C vs 59.3 degrees C, P < .001). A composite AT intensity score was significantly reduced compared with preablation values at 6-month follow-up of all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ablation of ATs in patients with CHD results in symptomatic improvement over short-term follow-up. Irrigated ablation may result in higher acute success rates in these patients.

Adolescent↗

Effect of three different time periods of irrigation with EDTA-T, EDTA, and citric acid on smear layer removal.

OBJECTIVE: An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effect of EDTA-T, 17% EDTA, and 10% citric acid on the removal of smear layer from root canal dentin after final irrigation for 3, 10, and 15 min. STUDY DESIGN: Root canals of 90 extracted human canines were divided into 9 groups of 10 teeth; each group received a final irrigation with one of the irrigants for the established time intervals. After irrigation, the teeth were split and prepared for SEM analysis to determine the number of open dentinal tubules. RESULTS: There were statistically significant better results (P <.05) when irrigation with 10% citric acid for 3 min was compared to 10 and 15 min, and when irrigation with EDTA for 3 min was compared to 15 min. In all cases, irrigation for 3 min presented the greatest number of open dentinal tubules. There were no significant differences (P>.05) for the 3 time intervals of irrigation for EDTA-T, although there were a greater number of open tubules at 3 min. CONCLUSION: These 3 irrigants were effective at the shortest time tested and did not demonstrate an improved effect with an increase in time.

Citric Acid↗

The effectiveness of a topical antibiotic irrigating solution in a model of staphylococcal keratitis after lamellar keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To create a model of Staphylococcus aureus keratitis after lamellar keratectomy; to assess the toxicity of an antibiotic irrigating solution on the corneal stromal bed; and to test the chemotherapeutic effectiveness of a topical antibiotic, both alone and with an antibiotic-containing irrigating solution in preventing S. aureus keratitis after lamellar keratectomy. METHODS: The right eye of each of 38 rabbits were used in this study. In 18 eyes, a lamellar flap was created with a microkeratome, and an inoculum of S. aureus (either 1,000, 5,000, or 50,000 CFUs) was instilled under each flap; the eyes were examined for signs of infection and inflammation at 24 and 48 hours. In another five eyes, a lamellar flap was created in the same manner and the stromal bed was irrigated with 0.3% ofloxacin; the eyes were assessed for ocular inflammatory changes and evidence of crystalline deposits. Finally, in each of 15 additional eyes, 1,000 CFUs of S. aureus were instilled under a lamellar flap to create experimental infectious keratitis. The keratitis was treated according to three regimens: irrigation of the stromal bed with sterile balanced salt solution; irrigation of the stromal bed with 0.3% ofloxacin, followed by application of topical ofloxacin four times a day; application of topical ofloxacin only, four times a day. Eyes were examined for infection and ocular inflammatory changes at 24 and 48 hours. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus keratitis can consistently be produced under the stromal flap by inoculation of relatively few organisms. Irrigation of the stromal bed with commercial-strength topical ofloxacin does not appear to be toxic to the stromal bed, with no evidence of crystalline precipitates of the antibiotic. In our model of infectious keratitis after lamellar keratectomy, both topical ofloxacin alone and the combination of topical ofloxacin and irrigation of the stromal bed with 0.3% ofloxacin were effective at preventing S. aureus keratitis. However, the combined treatment of antibiotic irrigation plus topical antibiotic was more effective at preventing inflammation than topical ofloxacin alone. CONCLUSIONS: In this model of S. aureus keratitis after lamellar keratectomy, irrigation of the stromal bed with antibiotic plus topical antibiotic appears to be both safe and effective for preventing infection.

Administration, Topical↗

Effects of irrigation fluid temperature on core body temperature during transurethral resection of the prostate.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect irrigation fluid temperature has on core body temperature changes in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: Fifty-six male patients (mean age 71.2 +/- 8.2 years) scheduled for TURP were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to one of two groups. Group 1 consisted of 27 patients who received room temperature irrigation fluid (70 degrees F) throughout TURP; group 2 consisted of 29 patients whose procedure was performed with warmed irrigation fluid (91.5 degrees F). The irrigation fluid used for both groups was glycine. The baseline temperature, final temperature, total time in the operating room, and amount of irrigation fluid used during the procedure were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: No significant difference in the average time spent in the operating room or in the total irrigation fluid used between the two groups was observed. Of the 27 patients who received room temperature irrigation fluid, 15 (55.6%) had a decrease in body temperature. A decrease in temperature was observed in 21 (72.4%) of the 29 patients who received warm irrigation fluid. Groups 1 and 2 had 12 (44.4%) of 27 and 8 (27.6%) of 29 patients, respectively, who demonstrated an elevation in their core body temperature. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that irrigation fluid temperature is not a factor responsible for altering the core body temperature in patients undergoing TURP.

Aged↗

Low- versus high-pressure irrigation techniques in Staphylococcus aureus-inoculated wounds.

Current teaching emphasizes the importance of high-pressure (5 to 8 pounds per square inch [psi]) irrigation of traumatic wounds. The purpose of this study was to compare the irrigation efficacy, in an animal wound model, of the traditional higher-pressure, lower-volume (HPLV) syringe and catheter method of wound irrigation with a novel lower-pressure, higher-volume (LPHV) "port" method of irrigation. Experimental rat wounds were inoculated and incubated for 1 to 5 hours with a pathogenic strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, then irrigated with one of the two methods. Irrigation times, mean irrigation pressures, and bacterial removal of the two techniques were compared. LPHV irrigation times were one third those of the HPLV. Mean irrigation pressures were 8.8 psi for HPLV and 1.6 psi for LPHV. HPLV and LPHV were found to be equally effective at washing out bacteria from the inoculated wounds at all times studied.

Animals↗