Facile and low temperature route to synthesis of CuS nanostructure in mesoporous material by solvothermal method.

The synthesis of CuS nanomaterial in MCM-41 matrix has been realized by chemical synthesis between MCM-41, copper sulfate pentahydrate and thiourea via a solvothermal method in ethylene glycol and water, separately. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) were used to characterize the products. At synthesized CuS/MCM-41 sample in ethylene glycol, X-ray diffraction and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed pure covellite phase of copper sulfide with high crystality. But prepared CuS/MCM-41 sample in water shows the covellite, chalcocite and the djurleite phase of copper sulfide nanostructures. The formation of CuS nanostructures was confirmed by FT-IR. Photocatalytic activity of CuS/MCM-41 nanocomposites was studied for degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) under visible light. The CuS/MCM-41 nanocomposite is more effective nanocatalyst than synthesized CuS/MCM-41 sample in water for degradation of methylene blue. Several parameters were examined, catalyst amount (0.1-1gL(-1)), pH (1-13) and initial concentration of MB (0.96-10ppm). The extent of degradation was estimated from the residual concentration by spectrophotometrically. The support size was obtained in the range 60-145nm by TEM. In the same way, the average size of copper sulfide in CuSMCM-41E and CuS/MCM-41W nanostructures were obtained about 10nm and 16nm, respectively.

[Burned palm reconstruction. Current concepts regarding grafting techniques, sensibility and hand function]. / Palmare Verbrennung der Hand. Aktuelles Therapiekonzept unter Berücksichtigung der Transplantatwahl, Sensibilität, Kraftentwicklung und Funktionalität.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of conservative and operative treatment for burn injuries in the palmar region of the hand. METHODS AND CLINICAL MATERIAL: One hundred ten patients from the severe burn center in Ludwigshafen, Germany were evaluated a mean of 28 months postoperatively. Sixty-one had been treated with split-thickness skin grafts (43 sheet and 18 mesh grafts). In addition to subjective evaluation (including pain assessment and aesthetic outcome rating by visual analog scale), objective outcome analysis included clinical tests, measurement of active range of motion and grip strength, and sensibility testing with the two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests. RESULTS: Of the patients, 90% were satisfied with the results, showing excellent pain relief with an average score under 13 on the visual analog scale. Aesthetic outcome was rated good with sheet grafts; in appearance, mesh grafts tended to be rated average or insufficient. Functional outcome tests demonstrated a significant correlation between depth of injury and range of motion. Grip strength analysis revealed superior results with sheet grafts. Sensibility in the injured areas was lower than on the contralateral hands. The Semmes-Weinstein test average was 3.4 degrees at the burned area vs 3.0 degrees in healthy hands, underscoring lower sensibility after burns. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of burned palms leads to good subjective and objective results, if specialized burn units are involved. Overall sheet transplantation seems to be the better choice for surgical reconstruction of the palmar burned hand.

[Stapes surgery in anomalies of the course of the facial nerve]. / Stapeschirurgie bei Verlaufsanomalien des Nervus facialis.

In 548 stapes operations performed in Berne during the period 1994-1998, an anomaly of the course of the facial nerve was observed in 37 cases. 29 exhibited partial prolapse of the nerve over the oval window, with or without dehiscence of the bony canal, while 5 showed total prolapse of the nerve over the oval window. In one case the nerve was duplicated round the oval window and in a further instance the facial nerve was situated over the promontory and also over the oval window. In one other case the nerve was spread widely over the oval window. Concomitant anomalies of the stapes were frequently observed. The following surgical techniques were employed: in the case of partial prolapse of the nerve, a small piston was placed in the lower part of or in the oval window, which was widened towards the promontory. In cases of total prolapse of the facial nerve the prosthesis was drilled straight into the promontory. Where the nerve was duplicated the prosthesis was placed in the footplate between the nerve branches, and where the nerve ran over the promontory and over the oval window the prosthesis was placed above the oval window. In the case where the nerve was spread widely over the oval window, no prosthesis was inserted. 78% of patients had a residual air-bone gap of 20 dB or less; in only three cases did hearing fail to improve. One patient with Crouzon disease involving a complex anomaly had a hearing impairment of 22 dB. There was no deafness, facial paralysis or vertigo with nystagmus.