Validation of [13C]urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori using a simple gas chromatograph-mass selective detector

OBJECTIVE: Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is the accepted method for accurately measuring the 13CO2:12CO2 ratio in the non-invasive and non-radioactive [13C]urea breath test (13C-UBT) for Helicobactor pylori. The IRMS instrument, an expensive and highly specialized analyser, is rarely available. The objective of this project was to modify and validate the use of a simple bench-top gas chromatograph-mass selective detector (GC-MSD) for 13C-UBT. METHODS: Breath samples from 71 patients were taken at baseline and 30 min after ingestion of 100 mg [13C]urea. The breath samples were analysed using GC-MSD in the selected ion monitoring mode. The reference 13CO2:12CO2 ratio was from NBS19 obtained from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. 13CO2:12CO2 ratios of the breath samples were determined. Excess delta per thousand (per mil, delta/thousand) of the 30 min sample over the baseline (deltadelta/thousand) of > or = 6deltadelta/thousand was considered H. pylori positive. Results from 13C-UBT and histology determined blind to each other were compared. RESULTS: The coefficient of variation of the reference 13CO2:12CO2 ratio was 0.06%. Using histology as the 'gold standard', the sensitivity (97.9%) and specificity (95.8%) of the GC-MSD 13C-UBT were comparable to those of other methods of H. pylori diagnosis. CONCLUSION: A gas chromatograph coupled to a mass selective detector that is available in many analytical and biomedical laboratories can be used for the 13C-UBT. This method will increase the availability and reduce the cost of this non-invasive, non-radioactive diagnostic test.     

针柱状碳酸钙捆束体的应用和制法

本文介绍了感热纸及组成感热纸涂复料的各种组份及其作用,着重叙述涂复料的组份之一—无机颜料—针柱状碳酸钙捆束体的应用和不同制法。     

Effect of different blanching times on antioxidant properties in selected cruciferous vegetables

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different blanching times on the antioxidant properties (antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities) and phenolic content of selected cruciferous vegetables. The study revealed that a 10‐min blanching time had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the antioxidant properties and phenolic content of all the vegetables except for cabbage and mustard cabbage. The loss of antioxidant activity was highest in Chinese cabbage (40%) after 15 min of blanching, followed by cabbage (27%), Chinese white cabbage (19%), mustard cabbage (9%) and red cabbage (4%). Red cabbage had lost a total of 40% scavenging activity after 15 min of blanching followed by Chinese cabbage (38%), cabbage (36%), mustard cabbage (23%) and Chinese white cabbage (11%). Only Chinese cabbage showed an increase (p < 0.05) in total phenolic content after 15 min of blanching compared with other vegetables. Minimal heat treatment through blanching process is recommended to prevent the major loss of antioxidant properties and phenolic content in selected cruciferous vegetables. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

A feasibility study on direct methanol fuel cells for laptop computers based on a cost comparison with lithium-ion batteries

This paper compares the total cost of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and lithium (Li)-ion battery systems when applied as the power supply for laptop computers in the Korean environment. The average power output and operational time of the laptop computers were assumed to be 20 W and 3000 h, respectively.     

Changes in corneal epithelial barrier function after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To use fluorophotometry to measure corneal epithelial barrier function after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. METHODS: Twenty-five eyes of 21 patients (13 women, 8 men) had PRK to correct myopia. Corneal epithelial healing time was measured and corneal epithelial permeability to sodium fluorescein evaluated by fluorophotometry 1, 2, and 3 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Epithelial permeability showed a statistically significant increase 1 week after surgery and returned to its preoperative level 1 week later. Comparative studies according to epithelial healing day and corrected diopter showed results that were not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that PRK delays complete reconstruction of corneal epithelial barrier function. In humans, the corneal epithelium regained its normal barrier function 2 weeks after PRK. Thus, at least during these weeks, care should be taken to minimize further epithelial trauma.     

Racial differences in Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in Singapore: correlation with differences in peptic ulcer frequency

The aim of this study was to determine, first, whether racial differences exist in the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Singapore, and second, whether these differences correlate with racial differences in peptic ulcer frequency. A commercial serological test for immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibody to H. pylori which was 90% sensitive and 83% specific in our population was used to screen 403 adult blood donors of Chinese, Malay and Indian origin, aged between 15-60 years. Serum specimens from 84 paediatric patients admitted to the Paediatrics Department, National University of Singapore, with non-gastroenterological illnesses were also tested. In all three races, seroprevalence of H. pylori increased with age. Indians have the highest prevalence of infection followed by Chinese and Malays. Peptic ulcer prevalences are known to be highest in Chinese, followed by Indians and Malays. The Malays have the lowest prevalence of H. pylori and peptic ulcer among the three races in Singapore. Indians have a higher prevalence of H. pylori antibodies but a lower frequency of peptic ulcer than the Chinese. Racial differences in peptic ulcer frequency between Chinese and Indians are not explained by the prevalence of H. pylori infection; other environmental or genetic factors may be involved.     

An integrated vendor–buyer inventory model with perfect and monopolistic competitions: an educational note

Customers encountering shortages will respond differently according to the type of commodity and the market environment. Complete backordering is only likely to occur in a monopolistic competition, whereas a complete lost sale is only likely to occur in a perfect competition. In reality, neither market environment exists. Therefore, in an environment with perfect and monopolistic markets, the consideration of partial backordering is a practical approach. In this study, we develop an integrated vendor–buyer inventory model with perfect and monopolistic competitions. Significant cost reduction can be achieved when partial backordering is considered. The inventory model can therefore be used to study the effect of partial backordering in a competitive market.     

稀土硬质合金刀具的切削性能与机理研究

稀土硬质合金材料是国家重点科研专题之一。本文通过系统的切削试验，研究该材料用作金属切削刀具的性能特点；并通过扫描电镜和能谱分析等先进手段，揭示其切削机理。还对其潜在的技术、经济效益进行了分析。     

Mixed mode fracture analysis of rectilinear anisotropic plates using singular boundary elements

This paper reports a multidomain boundary element formulation for direct calculation of stress intensity factors in rectilinear anisotropic plates subjected to arbitrary in-plane loading. The √r displacement and 1/√r traction behaviour near a crack tip is correctly represented in crack elements and transition elements. The use of these singular boundary elements is investigated for mode I and mixed mode crack problems.     

Fermentative production of L(+)‐lactic acid from starch hydrolyzate and corn steep liquor as inexpensive nutrients by batch culture of Enterococcus faecalis RKY1

BACKGROUND: Attempts were made to determine the lactic acid production efficiency of novel isolate, Enterococcus faecalis RKY1 using four different starches (corn, tapioca, potato, and wheat starch) with different concentrations (50, 75, 100, and 125 g L^?1) and corn steep liquor as an inexpensive nitrogen source. RESULTS: The yield of lactic acid from each starch was higher than 95% based on initial starch concentrations. High lactic acid concentration (129.9 g L^?1) and yield (1.04 g‐lactic acid g^?1‐starch) were achieved faster (84 h) from 125 g L^?1 of corn starch. Among the starches used, tapioca starch fermentation usually completed in a shorter incubation period. The final dry cell weight was highest (7.0 g L^?1) for the medium containing 75 g L^?1 of corn starch, which resulted in maximum volumetric productivity of lactic acid (3.6 g L^?1 h^?1). The addition of 30 g L^?1 corn steep liquor supplemented with a minimal amount of yeast extract supported both cell growth and lactic acid fermentation. CONCLUSION: Enterococcus faecalis RKY1 was found to be capable of growing well on inexpensive nutrients and producing maximum lactic acid from starches and corn steep liquor as lower‐cost raw materials than conventionally‐used refined sugars such as glucose, and yeast extract as an organic nitrogen source in laboratory‐scale studies. These fermentation characteristics are prerequisites for the industrial scale production of lactic acid. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry