Standardized ultrasound examination for evaluation of instability of the acromioclavicular joint

Anteroposterior X-ray views of both acromioclavicular (AC) joints with 10-kg weights held in each hand are the generally accepted procedure for diagnosis of Tossy I-III grades of AC joint separation. An analogous diagnosis can be made by standardized ultrasound examination. Ten individuals with Tossy-I, 11 with Tossy-II and 8 with Tossy-III instability were examined both radiographically and by B-mode ultrasound. The degree of AC joint separation was uniformly determined on the basis of a calculated index (AC Index = AC joint width of uninjured side/AC joint width of injured side). The mean AC Index for Tossy-I instability determined by ultrasound was 1.0; mean indices of 0.49 and 0.5 were determined for Tossy-II injury by ultrasound and X-ray, respectively, and of 0.21 and 0.2, respectively, for Tossy-III instability. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the mean AC indices of all three groups (P < 0.0001). We conclude that the reliability of ultrasound examination of AC joint instability is equal to that of radiographic measurement. Standard X-rays of the shoulder remain mandatory only to exclude fracture. The indication for operative stabilization of the AC joint can be established on the basis of the grade of AC joint instability measured by the side-effect-free and cost-effective method of ultrasound examination (AC Index < 0.3 equivalent to Tossy-III instability).     

Reflectance pulse oximetry measurements from the retinal fundus

Conventional transmission pulse oximetry is a noninvasive technique for the continuous monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) from peripheral vascular beds such as the finger tip or earlobe. It is proposed to exploit the unique transparency of the ocular media to make reflectance pulse oximetry measurements on the retinal fundus. This technique potentially offers significant advantages over conventional pulse oximetry, primarily in the ability to monitor cerebral, as opposed to peripheral, oxygen saturation. An in vitro system has been developed to simulate the retinal circulation and ocular optics. This system consists of a flexible cuvette located in a model eye and an extracorporeal blood circuit to simulate arterial blood flow. The system was used to investigate the relationship between SaO₂ and the R/IR ratio in reflectance pulse oximetry. To enable in vivo measurements to be made, a standard haptic contact lens was modified to hold the pulse oximeter probe in front of the pupil. In a preliminary study, the lens was fitted to an awake volunteer and cardiac-synchronous signals were detected by the retinal pulse oximeter     

Primary experiences with laparoscopic appendectomy

The material comprises 77 patients with suspected appendicitis seen in a district community hospital. In the presence of a surgeon with laparoscopic experience laparoscopy was performed in 23 patients. In two patients the laparoscopy was only diagnostic, and in two patients adhesions or friable gangrenous appendicitis necessitated conversion to conventional appendicectomy. Nineteen patients thus had a laparoscopic appendicectomy performed with a median operation time of 63 minutes and a median hospital stay of two days. One patient with gangrenous appendicitis and a periappendicular abscess was readmitted after three weeks because of deep infection, which resolved after antibiotic treatment. The remaining 54 patients had a conventional appendicectomy performed, with a median operation time of 40 minutes and a median hospital stay of three days. There were six complications in this group. We conclude that laparoscopic appendicectomy is a safe alternative to open operation with benefits for the patient in form of lesser pain, shorter hospital stay, fewer complications, better cosmetic outcome, and shorter time to normal activity.     

Betriebserfahrungen mit den unverseifbaren Bestandteilen des Rohtallöls in einer Linder-Tallölaufbereitungsanlage

Practical Experiences with the Unsaponifiable Constituents of Crude Talloil in a Linder Tall Oil Processing Plant The presented work studies the behavior of the unsaponifiable matter from crude talloil during the fractionation in a “Linder-Talloil-Fractionation plant” by means of qualitative gaschromatography. The purpose of this examination was to understand the interrelation between crude talloil quality, plant adjustment, and yields and quality of the finished products. The application of the conclusions from this examination in practice enables an optimal run of the plant and a prediction of the behavior of different crude talloil qualities during fractionation in a “Linder-Plant”.     

Developments in the engineering of refrigeration installations for cooling minesEvolution dans la conception des installations frigorifiques pour le refroidissement des mines

The need to reduce the electrical energy consumption associated with the cooling of mines has recieved considerable attention in recent years. Various methods for reducing the amount of cooling water circulated underground in mines has also been looked at. These requirements have led to several developments such as cooling of the ventilation air on surface, the use of energy recovery devices, refrigeration machines for producing water close to 0°C and currently consideration is being given to installing ice making machines on the surface. These developments and their field of application are analysed and discussed.     

The European Analytical Subgroup of I.L.P.S. - A Joint Effort to Clarify Lecithin and Phospholipid Analysis

The European Analytical Subgroup of the International Lecithin and Phospholipid Society (I.L.P.S.) is working around two main items: the standardisation of the analytical methods used in common lecithin and phospholipid trade and the quantitative analysis of the phospholipid content of lecithin products and purified phospholipid mixtures. An overview is presented of the work of the group around these items, including a list of recommended methods for routine lecithin analysis and the creation of calibration standards for quantitative phospholipid determination.     

Progress in monomode optical-fiber interconnection devices

We review recent progress in coupling devices for monomode fiber systems, with an eye towards practical performance limits in the near future. Emphasis is placed on key subjects such as laser-to-fiber coupling and packaging, connectors, and splicing. In addition, we also discuss planar lenses which are being developed for various applications.