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A microwave-enhanced procedure for the synthesis of substituted benzofurans starting from 2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)-phenols and using triphenylphosphine polystirene resin is reported. The benzofurans are isolated in good to high yields and purities by simple workup. The procedure can be applied to chiral alpha-alkyl-2-benzofuranmethanamines too.

Aim: Considerable controversy surrounds the adoption of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) to facilitate the placement of 10F plastic stents (PS) and to reduce the risk of pancreatitis The aim of the study was to assess the possible advantages of ES before PS placement., Methods: From 3/1996 to 6/2001, 172 consecutive patients, who underwent placement of a single 10F- polyethylene stent for inoperable malignant strictures of the common bile duct, were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In group A (96 patients), a ES was performed before PS placement In Group B, 96 patients had PS directly. Early complications (within 30 d) and late effects (from 30 d to stent replacement) were assessed. Patency interval was defined as the period between PS placement and obstruction or death. The success of stent replacement in the 2 groups was evaluated., Results: Stent insertion was successful in 95.8%(92/96) of the pts in group A and in 93.7%(90/96) of the patients in group B (P>0.05). Early complications were more frequent in patients who underwent ES (6.5% vs 4.4%) but the data were not significant (P>0.05). In group A pancreatitis developed in two patients and bleeding in three; whereas pancreatitis occurred in 2 patients in group B. Complications were managed conservatively. No procedure related mortality occurred. All late complications were acute cholangitis due to stent occlusion. We performed a stent replacement in 87 patients that was successful in 84 cases without differences between groups., Conclusion: Sphincterotomy does not seem to be necessary for placement of 10F-PS in patients with malignant common bile duct obstruction.

At the time of Marie Rennotte's 150th birthday celebrations, a new focus on her meaningful actions as a Belgian-Brazilian pioneer professional in Education and Science in São Paulo at the turn of the 19th to the 20th centuries begins to take place. The present paper is a preliminary chronological draft with bibliography and recommended documents that will allow researchers from different areas to develop deeper historic, biographical, medical and social studies demanded by Rennotte's extraordinary personal dimensions and the unusual scope of her actions in São Paulo society.