Decolorization and mineralization of Oolong tea polyphenols in colored soft drink wastewater by photo Fenton reaction.

The decolorization and the mineralization of the colored soft drink wastewater including Oolong tea polyphenols by the photo Fenton reaction have been investigated. The decolorization of the colored soft drink wastewater including Oolong tea polyphenols by the photo Fenton reaction could be divided into 3 phases. Just after H2O2 was added to the solution, the color of the solution immediately increased from absorbance of 0.247 to 0.711 at the wavelength of 400 nm, which was defined as the 1st phase. Subsequently the significant decolorization by the photo Fenton reaction occurred at the 2nd phase. Finally, complete decolorization (the color attributed to the color of Fe3+) could be achieved in 180 min at the 3rd phase. The instantaneous and considerable color increase at the 1st phase could be attributed to the formation of intermediate colored compounds like quinones and soluble iron complexes produced by the Fenton reaction. About 95% mineralization of model colored soft drink wastewater with 229 mg L(-1) initial TOC concentration was achieved after 165 min.

Neural representation of animacy in the early visual areas: a functional MRI study.

Animacy helps to identify objects as living entities. To test the hypothesis that the perception of animacy via visual motion cues is represented in the same ventral visual pathways associated with living object identification through static visual information processing, 28 normal volunteers underwent functional MRI whilst tracking the movements of a self-propelling object. The target movement was held constant between conditions, whilst the animacy was externally manipulated by the presence of "chasers", from which the target was perceived to be escaping, and by "obstacles", which were static geometric objects with which the target avoided collision. The perception of target animacy was most powerfully induced by chasers, and a proximity effect was more prominently produced by obstacles. Animacy as induced by a chaser was associated with effects in the bilateral occipital poles (OPs) and the left inferior temporal gyrus to the lateral occipital complex (LOC). The LOC showed a stronger animacy effect, relative to the proximity effect, than the OPs. The effective connectivity between the LOC and the OPs was bi-directionally enhanced by the chasers. These findings suggest that both the LOC and the OPs play important roles in the identification of animated entities through the integration of information about the relationships between objects encoded in retinotopic coordinates.

Satisfaction with bispectral index monitoring of propofol-mediated sedation during endoscopic submucosal dissection: a prospective, randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is one of the most complex and lengthy endoscopic procedures, so deep sedation during ESD is indispensable. Our study aims were to determine whether bispectral index (BIS) monitoring is useful in titrating and reducing the dose of the sedative propofol during ESD, and to measure the satisfaction of patients and endoscopists involved in this complex and lengthy endoscopic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized clinical trial from July 2006 to February 2008. A total of 156 patients, with gastric neoplasm to be treated using ESD, were randomized to two groups. The BIS group (n = 78) was monitored for propofol sedation using BIS, and the no-BIS group (n = 78) was monitored by standard methods only. The two groups were compared by evaluating the doses of propofol administered to patients and the satisfaction scores (scale of 0 - 10) of patients and endoscopists. RESULTS: Although there were no significant differences between the two groups in the mean dose of propofol used (BIS group vs. no-BIS group, 5.32 mg/kg/hour vs. 4.85 mg/kg/hour; P = 0.10), the satisfaction scores of the patients (9.15 vs. 7.94; P < 0.01) and endoscopists (8.53 vs. 6.42; P < 0.001) were significantly higher with BIS monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring with BIS during the ESD procedure did not lead to a reduction in the dose of propofol required, but did lead to higher satisfaction scores from the patients and endoscopists. A complicated and prolonged endoscopic treatment such as ESD can be carried out with optimal safety, control, and comfort by using BIS to monitor propofol sedation.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for comminuted fractures of the metaphysis of the radius.

Five comminuted and displaced fractures of the distal metaphysis of the radius were treated by a technique of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with the aim of minimizing soft tissue damage and devascularization of the fracture fragments. This technique used the small AO T-shaped locking compression plate (AO LCP T-plate) and left the pronator quadratus intact. Radial inclination, palmar tilt, and ulnar variance were restored without loss of reduction in all five cases and the fractures healed at an average of 10 weeks, with good to excellent clinical outcomes.

Internal fixation for coronal shear fracture of the distal end of the humerus by the anterolateral approach.

Six patients with a displaced coronal shear fracture of the distal end of the humerus were treated surgically with the anterolateral approach to the elbow, in which the capitulum and trochlea could be exposed widely. All underwent open reduction and internal fixation to reduce anatomically and mobilize the joint at an early stage. The mean duration of follow-up was 40 months (range, 24-54 months). All fractures healed with an acceptable functional result. In no case did we observe collapse of the capitulum or trochlea. We recommend open reduction by the anterolateral approach, which provides good exposure of the fracture sites and allows internal fixation to be accomplished with the use of Herbert screws, resulting in good fixation and compression of the bone fragments.

Anatomic and histologic studies of lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow joint.

We studied the gross and histologic anatomic characteristics of the lateral collateral ligament complex of the elbow joint from 15 cadavers to demonstrate its cross-sectional anatomy. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament adheres closely to the supinator, the extensor muscles, its intermuscular fascia, and the anconeus muscle and lies posterior to the radial collateral ligament. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament itself was identified with microscopy as a slender, poor structure consisting of the thick area of the posterolateral capsuloligamentous layer and a poorer structure than the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament as the primary stabilizer of the elbow joint. We believe that the lateral ulnar collateral ligament contributes to rather than is a major constraint to the posterolateral rotatory instability as part of the lateral collateral ligament complex with the surrounding tissues.

Interlaboratory validation of the in vitro eye irritation tests for cosmetic ingredients. (5) Skin(2TM) ZK1100 and tissue equivalent assay.

Skin(2TM) ZK1100 (ZK1100) assay and tissue equivalent assay (TEA, Skin(2TM) ZK1200) are human dermal models. These assays were evaluated as alternatives to the Draize eye irritation test (Draize test) in rabbits. Thirty-nine cosmetic ingredients were selected and used as test substances. The ZK1100 assay was conducted according to an original protocol provided by Advanced Tissue Sciences, a kit supplier. The TEA assay followed a protocol developed by Osborne et al., (1995a). Coefficients of variation (CV) ranged from 11.7 to 133 in results from the ZK1100 assay; three test substances showed the CVs more than 100. These were cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (S3-7), domiphen bromide (S3-11) and di(2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate (S3-14). Acid Red 92 (S2-3) was excluded from data analysis because its absorbance interfered with the endpoint of ZK1100 assay. The CVs from the TEA assay ranged from 31.8 to 119; two test substances showed the CVs more than 100. These were acetic acid and glycolic acid (S3-13). Butanol (S3-9) was excluded from the analysis because it was assumed to volatilize during a sample preparation. Pearson's coefficient of correlation with maximum average Draize total score (MAS) and 24hr score from the Draize tests were -0.71 and -0.72 for the ZK1100 results and -0.63 and -0.60 for the TEA results. When a MAS of 15 was set as a breakpoint for the classification of eye irritancy on Cooper's plots comparing the in vitro and the Draize data, the ZK1100 results showed five false positives and four false negatives; the TEA results showed three false positives and no false negatives.

Interlaboratory validation of the In Vitro eye irritation tests for cosmetic ingredients (7) evaluation of cytotoxicity test by CornePack((R)).

The cytotoxicity test of neutral red (NR) uptake in normal rabbit corneal epithelial cells (CornePack((R))) was validated as an alternative method to the Draize rabbit eye irritation test (Draize test). We tested 38 cosmetic ingredients as well as isotonic sodium chloride solution in three phases of the validation study. The test procedures were controlled among participating laboratories under a common standard operating procedure (SOP). The concentration of test substances that showed a 50% reduction in NR uptake relative compared with controls (median NR uptake concentration: NR(50), mug/ml) was determined and compared with in vivo Draize scores. Six laboratories participated in the first phase of the validation study, seven in the second, and five in the third. The average interlaboratory coefficient of variation (CV) was 32.9%. The correlation and rank correlation coefficients between the maximal average Draize total scores (MAS) and NR(50) were -0.583 and 0.587, respectively. When the anionic detergents were excluded from analysis, the correlation coefficient increased to -0.738. When the cut-off point for positive and negative irritation was set at MAS of 15 and the predictability of this method was assessed by liner regression line, six substances (two acids, two alkanolamines and two alcohols) were false negative. Through this project, it appeared that CornePack, supplied in kit form with frozen secondary cultured cell in serum-free medium, could provide an effective, highly sensitive and simple preliminary screen for determining the cytotoxicity of substances. These results suggested that CornePack might have the potential to predict the MAS if definite criteria can be established for the compounds to be applicable. However, it is important to understand the nature of CornePack responses since its NR(50) profile was quite different from other cytotoxicity assays.

Fractures of the base of the middle phalanx of the finger. Classification, management and long-term results.

We classified fractures of the base of the middle phalanx into five types: 1) single palmar fragment; 2) single dorsal fragment; 3) two main fragments; 4) not involving the articular surface, including epiphyseal separation in children; and 5) all others. Types 1 and 2 were subclassified into avulsion, split and split-depression. Surgery is recommended for unstable type-1 avulsion fractures, type-2 avulsions which may develop buttonhole deformities, and all fractures which displace articular cartilage surfaces. Long-term follow-up showed that surgical treatment which produced good stability and congruity gave good results. These should be the primary aims of treatment.

The central slip attachment fracture.

Eight displaced central slip attachment fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation to avoid boutonniere deformity, to reduce the fracture anatomically and to allow early mobilization of the joint. This injury should be recognized as a disruption of the dynamic extensor mechanism associated with an intraarticular fracture, fracture-dislocation or soft tissue injury of the PIP joint. We have grouped central slip attachment fractures into three types according to the mechanism of injury, with suggested methods of treatment.

Acute posterolateral rotatory subluxation of the elbow joint. A case report.

The elbow joint has become increasingly recognized as a very important joint for all sports activities. Players in some sports cannot compete at all with an unstable elbow due to ligament injuries. Thus, professional sports players and heavy laborers, as in our case, should find the excellent results of primary ligament repair preferable. This technique is less invasive than secondary ligament reconstruction and can result primarily in an accurate, stable elbow with full range of motion for mobilizing the joint and muscles at an early stage.

Non-traumatic paralysis of the posterior interosseous nerve.

We treated 31 patients with non-traumatic paralysis of the posterior interosseous nerve over 15 years. There were 10 men and 21 women of mean age 40.3 years (17 to 71). Six were managed conservatively, and 25 by operation. In 14 patients entrapment occurred at the supinator, including three who had double compression at both the entrance and exit from the muscle. In four it was caused by a ganglion, in one by a lipoma, in one by a dislocated radial head and in two by a marked constriction in the nerve of unknown cause. The remaining three patients were retrospectively diagnosed as having neuralgic amyotrophy, the only observable change at operation being slight oedema of the nerve. Paralysis recovered in 24 out of the 25 patients at between 2 to 18 months (mean 5.6) after operation, and the one failure was treated later by tendon transfer.

The Galeazzi-equivalent lesion in children revisited.

A fracture at the medial end of the distal third of the radius with an epiphyseal separation of the distal ulna in a 16-year-old boy is described. This injury, known as the Galeazzi-equivalent lesion in children, is characterized by complete distal ulnar epiphyseal separation without rupture of the distal ligamentous stabilizing system between the radius and ulna, which includes the triangular fibrocartilage complex, interosseous ligaments and periosteal tube of the ulnar. The Galeazzi fracture-dislocation and the Galeazzi-equivalent lesion appear to be completely dissimilar in their pathological anatomy. We suggest calling the latter a "pseudo-Galeazzi injury".

[Collagen volume of the umbilical cord in infants with unstable hip joint].

Collagen amounts in the umbilical cord in infants with unstable hip joint and positive Ortolani 's sign were measured and the results were discussed from pathogenetic viewpoint. Incidence of unstable hip and that of neonatal hip with positive Ortolani 's sign were 0.23% and 0.93% respectively, in 4,824 neonates examined during one year: 1980. Biochemical analysis was carried out in the umbilical cords of 8 female neonates with positive Ortolani 's sign and of 8 female babies who were later diagnosed as having unstable hip joint. A control group consisting of 16 normal babies with similar sex, body weight, period of gestation and birth order, corresponding to the above mentioned 2 groups, was also investigated for the purpose of statistical analysis. The amount of hydroxyproline was examined by a modified Woessner 's method and the amount of collagen was calculated by Fredensborg 's method. No significant statistical difference in collagen amounts was found between these three groups. Relationship between amounts of collagen and 9 obstetrical factors relating to congenital dislocation of the hip joint: mother's height, weight and occupation; neonatal sex, birth order, position in the uterus and weight; weight of placenta and length of the umbilical cord, were studied and statistical analysis was made. Amounts of collagen in the cross section of the umbilical cord were significantly lower in neonates with longer umbilical cords.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)