Comparison of normal saline versus Lactated Ringer's solution for fluid resuscitation in patients with mild acute pancreatitis,A randomized controlled trial

Background/Objectives

Aggressive fluid resuscitation is recommended for initial management of acute pancreatitis. However, there are few studies which focus on types of fluid therapy.

Transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes using cellulose filter paper-supported Pd/C by filtration as well as sealed methods

A reductive filter paper for selective nitro reduction has been prepared by modification of a pristine cellulose filter paper by Pd/C nanoparticles, as a portable catalyst. The reaction was performed in two different set-ups including (i) filtration and (ii) sealed systems, in the presence of ammonium formate and ex situ generated hydrogen gas reducing agents, respectively. In the sealed system in the presence of H₂ gas, the halogenated nitroarenes were completely reduced, while in the filtration system, different derivatives of the nitroarenes were selectively reduced to aryl amines. In both systems, the reduction of nitroarenes to aryl amines was performed with high efficiency and selectivity, comparable to a heterogeneous system. Reaction parameters were comprehensively designed using Design Expert software and then studied. The properties of the catalytic filter paper were studied in detail from the points of view of swellability, shrinkage, reusability, and stability against acidic, alkaline, and oxidative reagents.

A novel and efficient catalytic filtration has been developed for the selective reduction of nitro compounds on a Pd/C-doped cellulose filter paper.     

Effect of Pin Shape on Thermal History of Aluminum-Steel Friction Stir Welded Joint: Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling and Validation

This article studied the effects of pin angle on heat generation and temperature distribution during friction stir welding (FSW) of AA1100 aluminum alloy and St-14 low carbon steel. A validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was implemented to simulate the FSW process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed in order to investigate internal materials’ flow. Simulation results revealed that the mechanical work on the joint line increased with the pin angle and larger stir zone forms. The simulation results show that in the angled pin tool, more than 26% of the total heat is produced by the pin. Meanwhile, in other cases, the total heat produced by the pin was near 15% of the total generated heat. The thermo-mechanical cycle in the steel zone increased, and consequently, mechanical interlock between base metals increased. The simulation output demonstrated that the frictional heat generation with a tool without a pin angle is higher than an angled pin. The calculation result also shows that the maximum heat was generated on the steel side.     

Catalytic filtration: efficient C-C cross-coupling using Pd(II)-salen complex-embedded cellulose filter paper as a portable catalyst

A new approach has been developed for environmentally friendly C-C cross-coupling reactions using bi-functional Pd(ii)-salen complex-embedded cellulose filter paper (FP@Si-Pd^II-Salen-[IM]OH). A Pd(ii)-salen complex bearing imidazolium [OH]⁻moieties was covalently embedded into a plain filter paper, then used as an efficient portable catalyst for the Heck, Suzuki, and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions under environmentally friendly conditions via the filtration method. The catalytic filter paper properties were studied by EDX, XPS, TGA, ATR, XRD, and FESEM analyses. The reactions were catalyzed during reactants'' filtration over the catalytic filter paper. The modified filter paper was set up over a funnel and the reactants were passed through the catalytic filter paper several times. The effect of reaction parameters including loading of Pd(ii)-salen complex, temperature, solvent, and contact time were carefully studied and also the optimal model of conditions was presented by the design expert software. High to excellent yields were obtained for all C–C coupling types with 5 to 8 filtration times. Under optimal conditions, all coupling reactions showed high selectivity and efficiency. Another advantage of the modified filter paper was its stability and reusability for several times with preservation of catalytic activity and swellability.

A new platform has been developed for environmentally friendly C–C cross-coupling reactions via filtration of reactants through a portable Pd^(II)-salen complex-embedded filter paper.     

Validation of Rome II criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders by factor analysis of symptoms in Asian patient sample

BACKGROUND: It has been unclear as to whether the Rome II criteria could be applied to patients in the Asia region with functional gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The aim of the present study was to determine if symptoms of Asian patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders formed groups which corresponded to the Rome II diagnostic criteria. METHODS: A modified English version of Talley's bowel disease questionnaire was developed in collaboration with various research teams in accordance with the Rome II criteria. This instrument was translated into the local languages of the following nine Asian regions: China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. From September to December 2001, newly enrolled outpatients attending 14 GI or medical clinics in these regions were invited to complete the questionnaire. From these respondents, patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders fulfilling the '12 weeks out of 12 months' criteria were separated for further analysis. Principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify symptom clusters or factors. These factors were compared with the existing classification of functional GI diseases derived from the Rome II criteria. RESULTS: Factor analysis of symptoms from 1012 functional GI patients supported the Rome II classification of the following groups of functional GI disorders: diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, functional dyspepsia, functional abdominal pain syndrome, functional heartburn, and functional vomiting. Functional diarrhea was combined with functional anorectal disorders, and globus merged with functional dysphagia into one factor. Some of the functional dyspepsia, abdominal bloating and belching symptoms were loaded into one factor. CONCLUSIONS: Factor analysis of symptoms from a sample of Asian patients with functional GI disorders partially supported the use of the Rome II classification.     

Amino and nitro derivatives of 5,7-dimethoxyflavone from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kaempferia parviflora</Emphasis> and cytotoxicity against KB cell line

Structural modification of 5,7-dimethoxyflavone isolated from Kaempferia parviflora furnished two nitro and seven amino derivatives. Among these, six new (3, 5–6, 8–10) and three known (2, 4, 7) flavonoid derivatives were synthesized. All compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against KB cell line using colorimetric method. Compounds 6 and 8 exhibited strong cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values of 6.80 and 5.84 μg/mL, respectively.     

Reliability of navigated knee stability examination: a cadaveric evaluation

BACKGROUND: Clinical examination remains empirical and may be confusing in the setting of rotatory knee instabilities. Computerized navigation systems provide the ability to visualize and quantify coupled knee motions during knee stability examination. HYPOTHESIS: An image-free navigation system can reliably register and collect multiplanar knee kinematics during knee stability examination. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Coupled knee motions were determined by a robotic/UFS testing system and by an image-free navigation system in 6 cadaveric knees that were subjected to (1) isolated varus stress and (2) combined varus and external rotation force at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees. This protocol was performed in intact knees and after complete sectioning of the posterolateral corner (lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and popliteofibular ligament). The correlation between data from the surgical navigation system and the robotic positional sensor was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The 3-dimensional motion paths of the intact and sectioned knees were assessed qualitatively using the navigation display system. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients between the robotic sensor and the navigation system for varus and external rotation at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees were all statistically significant at P < .01. The overall intraclass correlation coefficient for all tests was 0.9976 (P < .0001). Real-time visualization of the coupled motions was possible with the navigation system. Post hoc analysis of the knee motion paths during loading distinguished distinct rotatory patterns. CONCLUSION: Surgical navigation is a precise intraoperative tool to quantify knee stability examination and may help delineate pathologic multiplanar or coupled knee motions, particularly in the setting of complex rotatory instability patterns. Repeatability of load application during clinical stability testing remains problematic. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical navigation may refine the diagnostic evaluation of knee instability.     

Vascular implications of minimally invasive plating of proximal humerus fractures

OBJECTIVES: Open reduction and internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures through the anterolateral acromial approach, which uses the anterior deltoid raphe and axillary nerve protection, has recently been advocated as a minimally invasive technique. Several recent reports have indicated variable and unpredictable vascular injuries to the humeral-head blood supply after a proximal humerus fracture, and thus a direct approach that minimizes further vascular compromise may be preferable. The purpose of this study was to define the relationship of this surgical interval to the lateral plating zone of the proximal humerus and to the penetrating vascular supply of the humeral head. DESIGN: Cadaveric vascular injection study. SETTING: Cadaveric dissection laboratory. PATIENTS: Six cadaveric specimens. INTERVENTION: The anterolateral acromial approach was performed on six cadaveric upper-extremity specimens. A locking proximal humerus plate was applied to the lateral proximal humerus, and the axillary artery was cannulated proximal to the circumflex humeral arteries. Dyed latex polymer was injected and allowed to harden, and dissection was performed to visualize the vasculature of the proximal humerus. Plates were then removed and the specimens were further inspected to examine the blood supply. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The relationship of the anterolateral acromial approach to the lateral plating zone of the proximal humerus and the vascular supply of the humeral head. RESULTS: In all specimens, the filling of the anterior and posterior vessels that supplied the humeral head were undisturbed after use of the anterolateral acromial approach and locked plating. The blood vessels to the head-penetrating vascular branches were not in the surgical field. A bare spot on the lateral proximal humerus existed in the region of the greater tuberosity, which was 30 mm wide and between two penetrating humeral-head epiphyseal vessels. The nearest penetrating vessels were close to the plate, 4 mm anterior and 7 mm posterior. The anterior humeral circumflex vessel and its ascending branch, which provides critical blood supply to the humeral head, coursed directly in the region of the deltopectoral approach. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive techniques have many potential benefits for fracture healing, but new surgical approaches often must be used to take full advantage of these newer methods. Splitting the anterior deltoid raphe from the acromion distally allowed direct access to the lateral plating zone of the proximal humerus. The bare spot in this region may be a safe area for plate application, if the plate is placed appropriately with thorough knowledge of the vascular anatomy. These findings may be of particular importance if the vascular supply to the humeral head has already been partially compromised by preceding trauma. This direct approach to the lateral bare spot on the proximal humerus may minimize iatrogenic vascular injury when treating these fractures.