Dissolved organic carbon of coal slurry transport water

The qualitative and quantitative occurrence and fate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leaching into coal slurry transport water was examined in laboratory-generated coal slurries and wastewaters from the Black Mesa coal slurry pipeline. Laboratory slurries were formulated for both western coals (Wyodak, Montana Rosebud and Black Mesa) and eastern coals (Illinois No. 6 and Pittsburgh No. 8). Sephadex G-25 elution profiles and ultrafiltration studies indicate that the majority of the organic compounds in western coal slurry wastewaters were lower (less than 1000) molecular weight species (62% for Wyodak and 74% for Montana Rosebud). Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) for these particular wastewaters ranged from 50 to 150 mg l⁻¹ as determined through the use of an electrolytic respirometer. Also, there was a concomitant 51–74% reduction in the DOC levels in the wastewaters. This removal was primarily due to the removal of the lower (< 1000) molecular weight compounds by the seed inoculum. There was no evidence for the presence of mutagenic organics in the raw wastewater.     

Primary hybrid total hip arthroplasty: an interim followup

The senior authors' initial experience with primary hybrid hip replacement in patients with osteoarthritis was studied to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure. Hybrid total hip arthroplasty (uncemented Harris-Galante acetabular component and cemented Iowa precoated femoral component) was performed in 131 consecutive, nonselected hips in 118 patients with the diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis. Followup was performed at 8 to 9 years after the procedure. The average age at the time of the procedure was 68 years (range, 45-87 years). There were 50 men (55 hips) and 68 women (76 hips). At final followup 19 patients (22 hips) had died. The femoral component had been revised for aseptic loosening in 8 hips (6.1%). One additional hip showed definite radiographic loosening. Hence, the prevalence of radiographic femoral failure was 6.9% (9 hips). No acetabular component had been revised for aseptic loosening and no acetabular component had migrated. The senior author continues to perform hybrid total hip arthroplasty in all patients with primary osteoarthritis. However, design modifications have been made in the femoral component that is used.     

Apolipoprotein(a) concentrations in type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetic patients from Romania

Several studies suggested that lipoprotein (a)-Lp(a) is an independent atherogenic risk factor. Since non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is characterized by an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) as related to the general population, the main purpose of our study was to compare the plasma levels of apolipoprotein (a)-(apo) (a) in 30 NIDDM patients hospitalized in our department, and in 20 non-diabetic controls from Timi?oara. Apo (a) values were similar in the two groups (medians, 95% confidence intervals 57 (50-107) in NIDDM versus 58 (51-106) U/l in controls; p = 0.9097). We found weak correlations between apo (a) and hemoglobin A1 (HbA1) (r = 0.42). A significant association was noticed between apo (a) and apo B, both in NIDDM (r = 0.71) and in control subjects (r = 0.81) p < < 0.001. The diabetic patients were screened for microalbuminaria with the MICRAL-test and we compared apo (a) levels in those having albumin excretion values above and under the cut-off point (20 mg/l). Apo (a) concentrations were similar in both samples. We found no association between apo (a) and plasma lipid values. NIDDM patients on fair glycemic control have similar apo (a) concentrations to non-diabetic subjects and they do not seem to be influenced by diabetes duration, HbA1, microalbuminuria and plasma lipid values Apo (a) and apo B are significantly correlated, both in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.     

Management of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal stenosis in children

Nasopharyngeal stenosis and oropharyngeal stenosis are rare and challenging problems in the pediatric population. The most common etiology is currently the surgical trauma associated with adenotonsillectomy. Stenosis can vary from a thin band to a complete obstructing cicatrix. Presenting symptoms range from mild hyponasal speech to severe airway obstruction. We present a series of eight children with varying degrees of stenosis and associated symptoms. Choice of treatment varied with the severity of disease. In our series, successful interventions included triamcinolone acetonide injection, lysis of adhesions, rotational and advancement mucosal flaps, and jejunal free flap. Preoperative evaluation and individualized surgical repair are essential for successful treatment.