Cathodes for fuel cells using proton-conducting Li2SO4–Al2O3 electrolyte

The performances of three widely different cathode materials (Pt, strontium-doped lanthanum manganite (LSM), and NiO) have been compared for use with proton conducting Li₂SO₄–Al₂O₃ composite electrolyte, using H₂S–air and H₂–air fuel cells operating at 600 °C. Surface analysis and electrochemical techniques were used to characterize fresh and used electrode materials. Pt or LSM cathodes each became covered with Li₂SO₄ and Al₂O₃ and, as a consequence, the fuel cells showed poor performance. In contrast, the NiO cathode catalyst did not become covered with Li₂SO₄ and good fuel cell performance was achieved. Exceptionally good current densities of over 100 mA/cm² and power densities of over 30 mW/cm² were obtained for H₂S–air fuel cells having Mo–Ni–S anode catalysts. Slight agglomeration of NiO particles during fuel cell operation had only a minor effect on performance.     

Olfactory bulb DA receptors may be located on terminals of the olfactory nerve.

The glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb contains a substantial population of dopaminergic neurons. We determined the quantity and location of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors which are the presumed targets of these neurons. Binding of the D1 selective ligand [3H]SCH23390 was slightly above background and was distributed through all layers of the bulb except the olfactory nerve layer. In contrast there were relatively high levels of [3H]spiperone binding to D2 DA receptors in the glomerular and olfactory nerve layers. The presence of relatively high concentrations of D2 DA receptors in both the nerve layer and glomerular layer suggests the novel hypothesis that these receptors may be localized on terminals of the olfactory nerve.     

Traumatic cervical Brown-Sequard and Brown-Sequard-plus syndromes: the spectrum of presentations and outcomes.

Brown-Sequard syndrome (BSS) and Brown-Sequard-plus syndrome (BSPS) are characterised by asymmetrical paresis with hypalgesia more marked on the less paretic side. This study examined the clinical features of 38 patients (30 males and 8 females; mean age = 32 years) with traumatic cervical BSS or BSPS who underwent comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation. Twenty two injuries were caused by road traffic accidents, 8 by penetrating injuries, 5 by diving injuries, and 3 by other causes. After an average of 35 days in acute care and 79 days in rehabilitation, 37 patients had increased muscle strength, all 38 patients improved functional abilities, 29 patients walked independently, 34 had spontaneous bladder emptying, 36 were discharged home, and 14 were employed. Statistically significant increases (p less than 0.001) were made in modified Barthel index functional scores between admission and discharge. Patients with BSPS had a better prognosis than did those with 'pure' BSS. Patients with predominant upper limb weakness had more favourable outcomes than did those with predominant lower limb weakness. Few other potentially predictive demographic, injury, or neurological factors were associated with functional outcome. Patients with BSS or BSPS generally have a good prognosis for neurological and functional improvement.     

Complications of orthodontic-orthognathic surgery treatment in mentally handicapped patients.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse possible intra- and postoperative complications and long-term results in combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment of mentally handicapped patients compared with a control group of patients without handicap. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 20 mentally handicapped patients (male = 7, female = 13) and of 102 non-handicapped patients (male = 36, female = 66) were evaluated retrospectively. The results of the two point-discrimination sensory test and the cephalometric findings of both groups were assessed. Complications during and after the operation, the results of nerve function tests and relapse rates were reported. The statistical analysis was carried out using binary logistical regression analysis with adjustment according to the diagnosis and the type of operation (p < 0.05) RESULTS: No significant differences could be found between the mentally handicapped and the non-handicapped patients. Only the nerve function test immediately postoperatively revealed differences between the two patient groups. The relapse rate in mentally handicapped patients was similar to non-handicapped patients. Forty-seven months after the operation, relapse (change in the ANB angle of more than 0.5 degrees ) was observed in four patients only (handicapped patients). CONCLUSION: Orthognathic surgical procedures in mentally handicapped patients can be carried out with a similarly high success rate as in mentally healthy patients.     

Komplikationen nach steuerbarem Gastric Banding

BACKGROUND: Adjustable gastric banding is a popular bariatric operation in Europe. About 1500 patients per year undergo a such procedures in Germany. Clinical data on the rate of long-term complications such as pouch dilatation, slippage, and band migration are available in only a few long-term studies with small numbers of patients. Meta-analyses report on comordities and reduction in weight. The rate and management of long-term complications were examined at this inquiry. METHODS: Ninety hospitals were asked about rates of band implantation, follow-up, and complications. Thirty-eight hospitals (42.2%) participated in the study. The management of complications including slippage, pouch dilatation, and band migration was analyzed. RESULTS: At 35 hospitals, 4138 patients underwent gastric banding procedures in 25 hospitals over more than 5 years. The mean follow-up rate is presently 85.3%. Long-term complications were described in 8.6% of the patients. Pouch dilatation occurred in 5.0%, slippage in 2.6%, and band migration in 1.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding can effectively achieve weight loss. However, band-related and functional complications influence late outcome. The rate of long-term complications was equivalent to that already in the literature.