Application of B-flow imaging and its enhanced mode in perforator mapping.

AIM: To explore the value of B-flow (B-mode blood flow) imaging and its enhanced mode in perforator mapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Before surgery, B-flow imaging, enhanced B-flow imaging, colour Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were used to detect the skin-perforating vessels and small vessels in the fat layer of the donor site. Taking the intra-operative results as the reference standard, the diagnostic consistency and efficiency of the four modes were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman M-test, Cochran's Q-test, and the Z-test. RESULTS: Thirty flaps were excised, with 34 skin-perforating vessels and 25 non-skin-perforating vessels, as confirmed during surgery. In order of the number of skin-perforating vessels detected, the results showed that enhanced B-flow imaging detected more vessels than B-flow imaging and CDFI (all p<0.05), CEUS detected more vessels than B-flow imaging and CDFI (all p<0.05), B-flow imaging detected more vessels than CDFI (p<0.05). All four modes had remarkable and satisfactory diagnostic consistency and effectiveness, but B-flow imaging was the best (sensitivity 100%, specificity 92%, Youden index 0.92). In order of the number of small vessels in the fat layer detected, the results showed that enhanced B-flow imaging detected more vessels than CEUS, B-flow imaging, and CDFI (all p<0.05). CEUS detected more vessels than B-flow imaging and CDFI (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: B-flow imaging is an alternative method for perforator mapping. Enhanced B-flow imaging can reveal the microcirculation of flaps.

[Preliminary results of femtosecond laser-assisted Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty for bullous keratopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preliminary results of femtosecond laser-assisted Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (FS-DSEK) for the treatment of bullous keratopathy. METHODS: In the nonrandomized, prospective, consecutive case series, 7 eyes with bullous keratopathy induced by cataract surgery received FS-DSEK surgery between September and December 2013. Standard Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty procedure was performed. The Descemet membrane and abnormal endothelial layer were stripped from the central recipient posterior surface in a diameter of 7.75 mm. The graft was fixed to the edge of recipient cornea with one single stitch. The donor lenticule was produced by Intralase 150 femtosecond laser with a diameter of 7.75 mm. The adherence of donor lenticule to the recipient posterior stroma and postoperative donor lenticule dislocation were monitored in the early stage after surgery. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, refraction, endothelial cell density and thickness of grafts were measured preoperatively, and at 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after FS-DSEK. RESULTS: Two eyes had graft dislocation, with a gap between the graft and recipent posterior stroma at 2 days after surgery. The grafts were repositioned after bubbles were added into the anterior chamber. All grafts were well adherent to the recipent posterior stromal surface at 1 week postoperatively. One graft failed at 3 months postoperatively, and penetrating keratoplasty was performed. At 12 months, the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 0.04 to 0.7, the mean endothelial cell density was (1 698.0±251.8) cells/mm(2), and the mean thickness of grafts was (124.2 ± 11.4) µm. CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser-assisted Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty was effective in treating bullous keratopathy. Stitching the graft to the recipent cornea can prevent postoperative graft dislocation effectively.

Effect of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate on the cytotoxicity, cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostanoids production in human dental pulp cells.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of TEGDMA on cell cycle progression as well as alterations of cell cycle-related gene and protein expression. METHODOLOGY: Human dental pulp cells were exposed to 0-5 mmol L(-1) TEGDMA for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell cycle progression was analysed by propidium iodide (PI) flow cytometry. Cell death pathway was surveyed by annexin V/PI dual-staining flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of cell cycle-related genes (cdc2, cyclinB1 and p21) and COX-2 was evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and their protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting. The production of PGE(2) and PGF(2α) in the culture medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate inhibited cellular growth and induced cell cycle deregulation in dental pulp cells. High-dose exposure provoked both necrotic and apoptotic cell death. The gene and protein expression of cdc2, cyclin B1 and cdc25C declined obviously whilst cells treated with 2.5 mmol L(-1) TEGDMA concurrent with the elevated expression of p21. The mRNA and protein expression of COX-2, along with production of PGE(2) and PGF(2α), are drastically raised by 2.5-5 mmol L(-1) TEGDMA. CONCLUSIONS: Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate induced cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in dental pulp cells, which was associated with the decline of cdc2, cyclin B1, cdc25C expression and elevation of p21 expression. Concomitantly, COX-2 expression, PGE(2) and PGF(2α) production increased. These effects may contribute to explain the pulpal damage and inflammation induced by TEGDMA after operative procedures.

Transformation of organic matter during co-composting of pig manure with sawdust.

Co-composting of pig manure with sawdust was studied in order to characterize the organic transformation during the process, using both chemical and spectroscopic methods. Humic acids (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) were fractionated from immature and mature pig manure compost, and characterized. After 63 days of composting, the ratio of total organic carbon and soluble organic carbon decreased to a satisfactory low level and the solid and soluble C/N ratios decreased rapidly for the first 35 days before attaining a constant value, indicating compost maturity. Humification could be responsible for the increase in humic acid proportion during composting. The increase in the aromatic bonds after composting, as indicated by the reduction of C/H and C/O ratios of HA and FA, resulted in a more stabilized product. A substantial increase in high molecular weight compounds along with a small increase in low molecular weight compounds was found in mature compost. Moreover the HA also had more complex organic compounds at this stage. Fluorescence spectral analysis showed an increase in the maximum wavelength of HA associated with the contents of aromatic structures in solution. A decrease in relative absorbance of HA at 1160 cm(-1), 2950 cm(-1) and 2850 cm(-1) was seen in the FTIR spectra indicating the decomposition of complex organic constituents, into simpler ones. Increase in the aromatic compounds with higher stability could account for the relative increase in the absorbance of HA at 1650 cm(-1) and 1250 cm(-1) of the mature compost. The composition of FA was not much altered, indicating most of the degradation of organic matter occurred in HA. Data from organic carbon, C/N ratio, elemental analysis, E(4)/E(6) ratio, gel chromatography, fluorescence and FTIR spectra indicated an increase in polycondensed structures and the presence of more stable organic matter in the mature compost.

Synthesis and antiviral activity of 5-[(cyanomethylene)oxy]-2'-deoxyuridine.

To study the influence of substitution of CN for C identical to CH in the anti-herpes virus nucleoside 5-(propynyloxy)-2'-deoxyuridine (1), 5-[(cyanomethylene)oxy]-2'-deoxyuridine (2) was prepared. When the potassium salt of 5-hydroxy-2'-deoxyuridine was reacted with iodoacetonitrile in dry DMF, the bisalkylated product 3-(cyanomethyl)-5-[(cyanomethylene)oxy]-2'-deoxyuridine (3) was the major product with a lesser amount of 3-(cyanomethyl)-5-hydroxy-2'-deoxyuridine (5) and only a trace amount of the desired product (2). In contrast, when 5-hydroxy-2'-deoxyuridine was alkylated in water in the presence of 1 equiv of KOH, compound 2 was the major product. In cultures of primary rabbit kidney (PRK) cells, compound 2 showed an anti-herpes virus activity that was comparable to that of 1 and ara-A. Compound 2 did not inhibit incorporation of [Me-3H]dThd or [1',2'-3H]dUrd into DNA of PRK cells; however, its anti-herpes virus activity was completely prevented upon the addition of either dThd or dUrd.

Effect of noxious somesthetic stimulation on the activity of neurons of the nucleus centralis of the amygdala.

Neurons (n = 107) were recorded, in anaesthetized rats, with extracellular micropipettes, in the nucleus centralis of the amygdala (Ce). The activity of a large majority (77%) was exclusively or preferentially affected by noxious stimuli applied in any area of the body. The rest of the neurons was not activated by any stimuli (21%) or responded only to innocuous stimuli (2%). The nociceptive neurons were classified into two groups: the neurons in the first group (34% of the whole population) were activated by mechanical and thermal noxious stimuli; the neurons in the second group (43% of the whole population) were inhibited by noxious stimuli. Neurons in two groups precisely encoded thermal stimuli in the noxious range. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation suggested that the Ce nociceptive neurons were under the influence of A delta and C fibers. These results demonstrate important nociceptive input to the Ce which according to previous studies probably relays in the pontine parabrachial nucleus. In addition, they are in good agreement with the involvement of the amygdala in emotional, autonomic and/or behavioral reactions to noxious events.

Morphine depresses the transmission of noxious messages in the spino(trigemino)-ponto-amygdaloid pathway.

We had recently demonstrated that a subregion of the parabrachial area relays nociceptive information in the spino(trigemino)-ponto-amygdaloid pathway. The aim of the present study was to investigate, in halothane-anesthetized rats, the effect of i.v. administration of morphine on nociceptive specific neurons located in the parabrachial area with some cells being antidromically driven from the amygdala. Morphine induced a marked depression of responses elicited by noxious thermal stimuli (waterbath, 50 degrees C) dose relatedly (1, 3, 9 mg/kg) and naloxone reversibly, with an ED50 = 1.8 mg/kg. This effect of morphine probably not only reflects the direct action of this drug at the spinal level, but could also involve a direct action at the parabrachial level. These results could account at least in part for the effect of morphine on the emotional-affective aspects of pain.

Intravenous morphine depresses the transmission of noxious messages to the nucleus centralis of the amygdala.

It has recently been demonstrated that the nucleus centralis of the amygdala contains numerous neurons specifically driven by noxious stimuli. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of i.v. morphine on responses of neurons located in the nucleus centralis of the amygdala to noxious mechanical or thermal stimuli. It was observed, in halothane-anesthetized rats, that i.v. morphine caused a marked depression of responses induced by noxious thermal (waterbath, 50 degrees C) and mechanical (pinch) stimuli and caused a moderate depression of spontaneous activity in a dose-related (1, 3, 9 mg/kg) and naloxone reversible fashion. The ED50 value was 1.2 and 9 mg/kg for i.v. morphine for the evoked activity and spontaneous activity, respectively. The strong depressive effect of morphine on evoked activity probably reflects a direct action of this drug at both spinal and parabrachial levels. These results could account, at least in part, for the effect of morphine on the emotional-affective aspects of pain.

Uncharged thioflavin-T derivatives bind to amyloid-beta protein with high affinity and readily enter the brain.

In vivo assessment of the beta-sheet proteins deposited in amyloid plaques (A beta peptide) or neurofibrillary tangles (tau protein) presents a target for the development of biological markers for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In an effort to develop in vivo beta-sheet imaging probes, derivatives of thioflavin-T (ThT) were synthesized and evaluated. These compounds lack the positively charged quaternary heterocyclic nitrogen of ThT and are therefore uncharged at physiological pH. They are 600-fold more lipophilic than ThT. These ThT derivatives bind to A beta(1-40) fibrils with higher affinity (Ki = 20.2 nM) than ThT (Ki = 890 nM). The uncharged ThT derivatives stained both plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in post-mortem AD brain, showing some preference for plaque staining. A carbon-11 labeled compound, [N-methyl-11C]6-Me-BTA-1, was prepared, and its brain entry and clearance were studied in Swiss-Webster mice. This compound entered the brain at levels comparable to commonly used neuroreceptor imaging agents (0.223 %ID-kg/g or 7.61 %ID/g at 2 min post-injection) and showed good clearance of free and non-specifically bound radioactivity in normal rodent brain tissue (brain clearance t(1,2) = 20 min). The combination of relatively high affinity for amyloid, specificity for staining plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in post-mortem AD brain, and good brain entry and clearance makes [N-methyl-11C]6-Me-BTA-1 a promising candidate as an in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) beta-sheet imaging agent.

Mutagenicity of K-region epoxides of polycyclic aromatic compounds: structure-activity relationship.

The mutagenicity of several K-region arene oxides was tested in histidine-dependent mutants of Salmonella typhimurium. Benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-oxide and pyrene-4,5-oxide as well as some substituted phenanthrene oxides were mutagenic in strains TA 1538 and TA 98 which detect frame-shift mutagens. Structure-activity relationships are discussed from the standpoint of chemical reactivity. The absence of direct correlation between electrophilic reactivity and mutagenicity may suggest that primilarily physical properties, such as relative position of the epoxide group and molecular shape of arene oxides, are important for the emergence of mutagenicity of arene oxides.

Gait analysis and energy consumption of below-knee amputees wearing three different prosthetic feet.

This study scientifically measures the dynamic gait characteristics and energy consumption of 16 male below-knee amputees, eight vascular and eight traumatic, while wearing solid ankle cushion heel (SACH), single axis and multiple axis prosthetic feet via six-camera motion analysis, metabolic measurement cart and heavy-duty treadmill. Subjective results are additionally determined via questionnaire after testing. Motion analysis showed statistically significant differences at P<0.05 between the SACH, single axis and multiple axis foot in the velocity, cadence, stride length and single limb stance. Significant differences were found in energy consumption between the traumatic and vascular groups, and significant changes in walking under different speeds and different inclines. Results provide quantitative and qualitative information about the dynamic performance of the various feet, which can be helpful in prescribing the optimal prosthetic foot for individual amputees.

An in vitro study on restoring bond strength of a GIC to saliva contaminated enamel under unrinse condition.

OBJECTIVES: This study attempted to find a method of restoring the tensile bond strength of glass ionomer cement (GIC) to saliva contaminated enamel under unrinse condition. METHODS: One hundred and thirty human non-carious permanent teeth were divided into two major groups. Either treatment with air drying, acetone, polyacrylic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, Scotchbond primer or no treatment at all was applied to both clean and saliva contaminated enamel surfaces prior to GIC placement. Samples were debonded in tension after 7 days of storage in water using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey's studentized range test and Wilcoxon's rank sums test to determine the significance of the difference of tensile bond strengths within and between the two major groups. RESULTS: Bond strength of GIC to clean enamel was 2.46+/-0.79 MPa while the bond strength of GIC to wet contaminated enamel was significantly reduced to 1.28+/-0.32 MPa (p<0.01). However, the bond strengths were restored when the contaminated enamel surfaces were air-dried (2.19+/-0.38 MPa) or applied with either maleic acid (2.80+/-0.63 MPa) or Scotchbond primer (2.13+/-0.65 MPa) before placing GIC over the enamels. CONCLUSIONS: Air drying, or application of maleic acid or Scotchbond primer to the contaminated enamel without rinsing prior to GIC placement can restore the tensile bond strength to a level similar to that of non-contaminated control.

The relationship between radiologic interpretation and root tip fracture during tooth extraction performed by junior clinicians.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between root tip fracture and radiologic interpretation of root morphology on periapical radiographs during third molar extraction performed by junior clinicians. METHODS: Before tooth extraction, periapical radiographs of 107 patients with 116 third molars were evaluated by junior clinicians, all with less than 5 years of clinical experience. Radiologic interpretations of root morphology-including number, curvature, fusion, and accessory root-were recorded before each extraction. The clinicians were also asked to estimate the possibility of root fracture on a Visual Analogue Scale before the procedure. The exact morphology of the extracted teeth was recorded after the extraction for the purpose of comparison. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 116 teeth extracted were not correctly interpreted in at least 1 of the morphologic categories surveyed. The average expected fracture rate of nonfractured teeth was 23.1%, whereas the average expected fracture rate of fractured teeth was a significantly higher 50.3%. Misinterpretation of root morphology on radiographs decreased with increased clinical experience. Senior residents had the lowest misinterpretation and fracture rate. Logistic regression analysis showed that fracture is most closely related to the estimated fracture rate (4.95) and is also significantly related to underestimation of root curvature (0.95; 24.56 with 2 df of chi-square, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Misinterpretation of root morphology on radiographs occurred in 25% of the teeth. Root curvature was the most misinterpreted item studied. Fracture was most closely related to the estimated fracture rate. Junior clinicians in this study expected that only 50% of the fractured teeth would fracture, reflecting a general underestimation of root tip fracture. Further study should be performed to evaluate how to increase the accuracy of root curvature interpretation.

Effect of elbow flexion on upper extremity impact forces during a fall.

OBJECTIVE: The overall objectives are to develop a biomechanical model for a simulated fall with outstretched hand. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study involving young healthy volunteers in a university research laboratory setting. BACKGROUND: Little is known about the factors which influence fracture risk during a fall on outstretched hand. METHODS: A group of 11 male subjects volunteered for this investigation. A set of eight reflective markers was placed bilaterally on selected anatomic landmarks. Subjects were suspended with both elbows extended and wrists dorsiflexed, preparing to impact the ground and force plates from two different fall heights: 3 and 6 cm. Two different postures for the elbows were employed. In the elbow extension experiment, the elbows were extended at all times. In the elbow flexion experiment, the elbows were extended at impact, but then flexed immediately, as though in the initial downward phase of a push-up exercise. RESULT: Increasing the fall height significantly increased the upper extremity axial forces by 10% and 5%. No significantly different differences were found in the axial forces applied to the wrist, elbow or shoulder between the elbow flexion and elbow extension trials, but the elbow mediolateral shear force was 68% larger (P=0.002) in the extension trials. CONCLUSIONS: Performing an elbow flexion movement at impact reduces the first peak impact force value and postpones the maximum peak value. Although changing the fall arrest strategy from elbow extension to elbow flexion did not affect the peak impact force on the hand, it did require substantially greater elbow and shoulder muscle strengths. RELEVANCE: This paper yields insights into how the physical demands of arresting mild falls may relate to upper extremity muscle capacity, joint dislocation and bony fracture.

Synergistic effect of Nd:YAG laser combined with fluoride varnish on inhibition of caries formation in dental pits and fissures in vitro.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the effectiveness of neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and fluoride anticaries treatment has been established, most previous studies focused on smooth tooth surfaces. We evaluated the anticaries effects of Nd:YAG laser combined with fluoride varnish (Duraphat) on caries-susceptible pit and fissure areas. METHODS: A total of 36 noncarious molars were treated with either a Nd:YAG laser (2.5 W, 6 sec) followed by fluoride varnish, Nd:YAG laser only, fluoride varnish only, or no treatment (control). Artificial carious lesions were created to assess the acid resistance of enamel after treatment. Undecalcified successive tooth slices were made. Percentage lesion formation, lesion length, and lesion depth were evaluated using polarized light microscopy. RESULTS: The Nd:YAG laser enhanced the resistance of dental enamel to acid challenge. However, Nd:YAG laser alone was not as effective as the Nd:YAG laser combined with fluoride varnish, especially for the treatment of pits and fissures. Nd:YAG laser treatment combined with fluoride varnish inhibited 43% of lesions at pits and fissures and 80% of lesions on smooth surfaces compared to no treatment. Carious lesions had shallower depth and shorter length. No carious lesion extended beyond the dentinoenamel junction in either laser-treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: A synergistic effect on dental caries prevention in pit and fissure areas and on the smooth surfaces of the tooth can be achieved by applying Nd:YAG laser followed by fluoride varnish.

Nanospheres of biodegradable polymers: a system for clinical administration of an anticancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol).

INTRODUCTION: Paclitaxel is a natural antineoplastic drug. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of various cancers, especially ovarian and breast cancers with the best effect over other anticancer agents. Due to its high hydrophobicity however, an excipient such as Cremophor EL has to be used, which causes additional serious side effects. This study was intended to investigate the feasibility to apply nanospheres of biodegradable polymers as an alternative system to achieve best results with least side effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FDA-approved biodegradable polymers such as poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(D, L-lactic acid) (PLA) were used to fabricate paclitaxel-loaded nanospheres by the solvent extraction/evaporation technique. The nanospheres fabricated in various conditions were characterised by laser light scattering for size and size distribution, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for surface morphology, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the chemical structure of the surface. The drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) and the in vitro release kinetics were measured by HPLC. RESULTS: The products ranged from 300 nm to 700 nm with low polydispersity. The in vitro drug release can last more than 6 months at an approximately constant rate after an initial burst. The release kinetics can be fully controlled by the material used and the fabrication conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Nanospheres of biodegradable polymers can be an ideal carrier for pacitaxel to eliminate the side effects caused by the excipient currently used in clinical administration. The technique developed can also be applied to other anticancer drugs.

Effect of C/N on composting of pig manure with sawdust.

The aim of this composting trial was to evaluate the effect of C/N on the composting process of pig manure with the purpose of reducing the amount of sawdust normally used as co-composting materials. Two aerobic static piles were prepared consisting of pig manure mixed with sawdust at an initial C/N of 30 (pile A) and 15 (pile B), respectively. Pile B containing larger amount of pig manure showed a slower rise in temperature, lower maximum temperature, and shorter thermophilic phase than pile A. It also resulted in higher pH and electrical conductivity (EC) values, and even higher contents of soluble NH4-N and volatile solids throughout the composting period. Chemical and biological parameters including dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (4932 mg kg(-1)), soluble NH4-N (371 mg kg(-1)), C/Nsolid (18.3), C/Naquoeus (5.8) and seed germination index (GI) (66.5%) indicated that pile A achieved maturity after 49 days of composting. After 63 days of composting, pile B contained 5352 and 912 mg kg(-1) of DOC and soluble NH4-N content, respectively, which was much higher than the criterion of 5% and 400 mg kg(-1), indicating its immature nature. Pile B showed a relatively low GI value of 46%, which may be due to its high indigenous EC value as a result of larger amount of pig manure. Therefore, co-composting of pig manure with sawdust at a low initial C/N would require a composting longer than 63 days, and, the high salinity due to the large amount of pig manure would pose a potential inhibition on plant growth.

Co-composting of pig manure with leaves.

The increase in the market price of sawdust makes it a less attractive bulking agent for pig manure composting. Hence, it was the aim of this project to evaluate the feasibility of co-composting pig manure with leaves with special emphasis on its effects on compost maturity and quality. Two piles were prepared with one pile (Pile A) just constituted of pig manureand sawdust at a mixing ratio of 3:2 (w/w, fresh weight), while the other one (Pile B) with pig manure, sawdust and leaves at 3:1:1 ratio (w/w, fresh weight) to achieve a C/N ratio of 30. Each 8 m3 heap was turned and mixed every 3 days to provide sufficient aeration and the moisture content was kept at 60-70% (w/w) throughout the composting period. After 49 days of composting, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), soluble NH4-N(solid), C/N(aqueous) and C/N(aqueous) of pile A decreased to <5%, 400 mgkg(-1), 20 and 6, respectively, indicating a high degree of maturity, while pile B with leaves required only 35days. Seed germination index (GI) of pile A increased to 66.5% at day 49, while pile B to 52.4% at day 35, which was higher than the phytotoxin-free level of 50% recommended for agricultural use. This demonstrated that the addition of leaves enhanced the humification process and shortened the time required for maturation and stabilization of pig manure composting. Therefore, it is recommended to co-compost pig manure with leaves to provide a means to reutilize this waste and in the same time to reduce the dependence on sawdust as a buLking agent.

TiO2-assisted photo-catalysis degradation process of dye chemicals.

The photo-catalytic degradation pathway and degradation products of methylene blue, rhodamine B, methyl orange, and malachite green in aqueous TiO2 suspension irradiated by high pressure mercury lamp by means of UV-visible absorption spectra and ion chromatography were investigated. The photo-catalysis degradation of dye solutions with charges was greatly effected by pH value owing to the electrostatic model. The photo-degradation rate of dyes anion increased with the decrease of pH value, in contrast, the photo-degradation rate of dyes cation increased with the increase of pH value. And the absorption peaks diminished with a blue shift. After illuminated for 30 minutes, a part of dye chemicals were completely mineralized and transferred into inorganic species including chloride ion, ammonium ion, nitrate ion, sulfate ion. And the addition of 100 mmol/L H2O2 promoted the formation of inorganic species. In this study, the quantity of ammonium ion was much more than that of nitrate ion. That indicated the formation of nitrate is from ammonium. The purification rate of COD in four kinds of dye solution was 71.7%-88.7%. The decrease of COD of dyes solution implies the feasibility of the environmental application of photo-catalyzed process.

Enhanced photo--catalytic activity of gold ion and gold modified.

The gold ion modified TiO2 was prepared by means of sol-gel whereas gold deposited TiO2 was prepared by means of photo-reduction. The physical properties were influenced significantly by the presence of gold ion or gold. The enhanced photo-activity of gold modified TiO2 was quantified in terms of methylene blue degradation. The presence of gold ion in TiO2 lattices or gold on TiO2 surface enhanced their photo-activity. The optimum molar content of gold ion doping and gold deposition all was 0.5%. The first-order rates constants of gold modified TiO2 was more than that of pure TiO2, and decreased by increasing the content of gold ion and gold when their contents were more than 0.5%. Gold ion doped in TiO2 lattices was more effective to enhance the photo-activity than gold on TiO2 surface. Moreover, the relationship between physical properties, chemical properties and photo-activity has been discussed.