RETRACTED ARTICLE: Patelloplasty in total knee arthroplasty with circumpatellar denervation versus without denervation - a randomized prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior knee pain is one of the major problems in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and is often etiologically associated with a patellofemoral parts etiology. There is no consensus as to etiology or treatment. Denervation of the patella by electrocautery and patelloplasty along with removal of osteophytes have been used for treatment of anterior knee pain in TKA. The purpose of our study was to compare, in terms of the anterior knee pain and clinical outcomes of patelloplasty in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patellar denervation by electrocautery and non-patellar-denervation treatment in a 2 year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in a total of 108 patients, who underwent TKA at our institution between June 2015 and December 2016. Patients age 55 to 80 years, who are suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis of knee were included in this study. Patients were randomly allocated into patelloplasty with denervation group and non-denervation group. The denervation of the patella was done in electrocautery group using a monopolar coagulation diathermy set to 50 W. (Valleylab Inc., Boulder, CO). Postoperatively, patients were assessed at regular intervals of 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 months. To assess patient outcomes, we used questionnaires to determine the Knee Society score (KSS - knee and function scores), a specific patellofemoral pain questionnaire (Kujala score) range of motion (ROM) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess anterior knee pain. RESULTS: The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD. Of the 108 patients, 9 patients were lost to follow-up. Among the remaining 99 patients, 50 were included in denervation group and 49 in non-denervation group. In our study, there was no statistically significant difference in Mean KUJALA score preoperatively (p > 0.05). Postoperatively, the mean KUJALA score was significantly higher in denervation group at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 months of follow-up when compared to TKR with no denervation (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in Mean VAS score preoperatively (p > 0.05). However, 6, 12 and 24 months after the operation, the mean VAS score was significantly lower in denervation group. There was no statistically significant difference in Mean KSS score preoperatively and postoperatively (p > 0.05). The mean ROM was significantly higher in denervation group than in the group of TKR with no denervation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, less postoperative anterior knee pain, increased range of motion, significantly lower VAS scores were seen in the denervation group compared with non-denervation group. Circumferential denervation of patella during primary TKA along with patellar resurfacing is a safe procedure that improves patient satisfaction, decreases anterior knee pain and improves range of flexion in the postoperative period and at postoperative follow-ups.

Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability.

In situ recovery (ISR) is the predominant method of uranium extraction in the United States. During ISR, uranium is leached from an ore body and extracted through ion exchange. The resultant production bleed water (PBW) contains contaminants such as arsenic and other heavy metals. Samples of PBW from an active ISR uranium facility were treated with cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs). CuO-NP treatment of PBW reduced priority contaminants, including arsenic, selenium, uranium, and vanadium. Untreated and CuO-NP treated PBW was used as the liquid component of the cell growth media and changes in viability were determined by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cells. CuO-NP treatment was associated with improved HEK and HEP cell viability. Limitations of this method include dilution of the PBW by growth media components and during osmolality adjustment as well as necessary pH adjustment. This method is limited in its wider context due to dilution effects and changes in the pH of the PBW which is traditionally slightly acidic however; this method could have a broader use assessing CuO-NP treatment in more neutral waters.

Intrinsic properties of cupric oxide nanoparticles enable effective filtration of arsenic from water.

The contamination of arsenic in human drinking water supplies is a serious global health concern. Despite multiple years of research, sustainable arsenic treatment technologies have yet to be developed. This study demonstrates the intrinsic abilities of cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NP) towards arsenic adsorption and the development of a point-of-use filter for field application. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments were used to examine adsorption, desorption, and readsorption of aqueous arsenite and arsenate by CuO-NP. Field experiments were conducted with a point-of-use filter, coupled with real-time arsenic monitoring, to remove arsenic from domestic groundwater samples. The CuO-NP were regenerated by desorbing arsenate via increasing pH above the zero point of charge. Results suggest an effective oxidation of arsenite to arsenate on the surface of CuO-NP. Naturally occurring arsenic was effectively removed by both as-prepared and regenerated CuO-NP in a field demonstration of the point-of-use filter. A sustainable arsenic mitigation model for contaminated water is proposed.

Long-Term (1-Year) Safety and Efficacy of a Single 6-mL Injection of Hylan G-F 20 in Indian Patients with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) among Asians ≥65 years is estimated to double by 2040. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single, 6-mL intra-articular injection of hylan G-F 20 in Indian patients with knee OA at 26 weeks through to 52 weeks. METHODS: This study was an open-label, multicentre, phase 4 clinical trial. Enrolled patients (N=394) were ≥30 years old with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1-3 OA; all patients received hylan G-F 20. WOMAC, SF-12, PTGA, and COGA scores, and OA medication use were evaluated at weeks 1, 4, 12, 26, 39, and 52 (initial treatment phase). At 26, 39, or 52 weeks, eligible patients could participate in a repeat treatment phase. McNemar-Bowkers, paired t-tests and ANOVA analyses were performed (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: At 26 weeks, statistically significant changes from baseline were observed in all efficacy parameters, including the primary efficacy endpoint of WOMAC A1 (p<0.0001). Improvements continued for 52 weeks. No significant changes occurred in concomitant medication use. Eleven patients (2.8%) were re-injected at week 26 or 52. After repeat injection, statistically significant decreases were observed in WOMAC A1, WOMAC C and PTGA scores (p≤0.028). Twenty-three (5.8%) patients reported 26 local target knee AEs. CONCLUSION: Among Indian patients within this study, a 6-mL hylan G-F 20 injection was well tolerated and effective in treating symptomatic knee OA with significant long-term (1 year) improvement of outcomes. When needed, repeat treatment was safe and efficacious for 4 weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2010/091/000052) www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php.

Potential beneficial uses of coalbed natural gas (CBNG) water.

The CBNG well water is typically managed by discharging into nearby disposal ponds. The CBNG well water could potentially be very useful in the water-limited regions (e.g., arid and semi-arid), but beneficial uses may be hindered by water quality problems. Objectives of this research were to: (1) examine trend analysis of nine years of CBNG well water at discharge (outfall) points and in corresponding disposal ponds, (2) evaluate geochemical processes, (3) identify potential water quality issues, and (4) find potential beneficial uses. The CBNG well water at discharge points and in corresponding disposal ponds was measured on-site for pH and electrical conductivity (EC). These water samples were also analyzed in the laboratory for calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and barium (Ba). Total dissolved solids (TDS) were calculated from EC measurements. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was calculated from Na, Ca, and Mg concentrations. Trend analyses of outfalls and disposal ponds were conducted separately so that the differences in trends could be compared. Trends in CBNG well water at discharge points are not always the same as trends in CBNG disposal ponds: environmental and geochemical processes play an important role in the water quality of these well waters. Overall trend analyses suggest that CBNG well water at discharge points in all basins of the Powder River Basin meets beneficial use criteria, except for SAR and to some extent EC, for aquatic life, livestock and wildlife watering, and irrigation. The CBNG well water in disposal ponds across all basins meets criteria for all beneficial uses except for As, pH, SAR, and to some extent EC for irrigation, aquatic life, and livestock and wildlife watering.

A novel arsenic removal process for water using cupric oxide nanoparticles.

Recent studies suggest that the cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles effectively adsorb aqueous arsenic species under a wide range of water chemistries. However, to develop CuO nanotechnology to a field application level, further studies are necessary. Batch adsorption kinetic experiments were conducted to determine the time course of uptake of arsenic by CuO nanoparticles. A reactor with CuO nanoparticles was developed to conduct continuous flow-through experiments to filter arsenic from groundwater samples. Groundwater samples spiked with 100 µg/L of arsenic were passed through (1L/h) the flow-through reactor. Samples from the flow-through reactor were collected at a regular interval and analyzed for arsenic and other chemical components (e.g., pH, major and trace elements). The CuO nanoparticles adsorbed with arsenic were regenerated with a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and tested again in the flow-through reactor. Three natural groundwater samples with above 10 µg/L of arsenic were also tested with the flow-through reactor. The arsenic adsorption process by CuO nanoparticles was kinetically rapid and followed the pseudo-second-order rate. The continuous flow-through reactor with CuO nanoparticles was effective in filtering arsenic from spiked or natural groundwater. The regenerated CuO nanoparticles were also effective in filtering arsenic from groundwater. Arsenic mass balance data from regeneration studies suggested that 99% of input arsenic concentration was recovered. The CuO nanoparticle treatment did not show any discernible effects on the chemical quality of groundwater samples. Results of this study suggest that CuO nanoparticles show potential for developing a simple process for field applications to remove arsenic from water.

Arsenic removal from natural groundwater using cupric oxide.

Groundwater is a main source of drinking water for some rural areas. People in these rural areas are potentially at risk from elevated levels of arsenic (As) due to a lack of water treatment facilities. The objectives of this study were to (1) measure As concentrations in approximately 50 groundwater samples from rural domestic wells in the western United States, (2) explore the potential of cupric oxide (CuO) particles in removal of As from groundwater samples under natural conditions (i.e., without adding competing anions and adjusting the pH or oxidation state), and (3) determine the effects of As removal on the chemistry of groundwater samples. Forty-six groundwater well samples from rural domestic areas were tested in this study. More than 50% of these samples exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminant Limit (US EPA MCL) of 10 µg/L for As. CuO particles effectively removed As from groundwater samples across a wide range of pH (7.11 and 8.95) and concentrations of competing anions including phosphate (<0.05 to 3.06 mg/L), silica (<1 to 54.5 mg/L), and sulfate (1.3 to 735 mg/L). Removal of As showed minor effects on the chemistry of groundwater samples, therefore most of the water quality parameters remained within the US EPA MCLs. Overall, results of this study could help develop a simple one-step process to remove As from groundwater.

Extensive intracranial juvenile xanthogranulomas.

JXG is a disorder classified under histiocytosis. It usually affects children and commonly presents with skin lesions. Intracranial lesions are uncommon and usually solitary. We present the case of a child who had extensive intracranial involvement with multiple enhancing solid lesions in the cerebellum, brain stem, thalami, and bilateral cerebral hemispheres on MR imaging.

The origin and fate of arsenic in coalbed natural gas-produced water ponds.

Coalbed natural gas (CBNG)-produced water contains small amounts of trace metals that can accumulate over time in produced water retention ponds. Within the Powder River Basin (PRB) of Wyoming, high concentrations of trace metals in pond water and their effect on shallow groundwater are potential concerns. A pond with a maximum As concentration of 146 microg L(-1) was studied in detail to determine the potential for groundwater pollution and to explain the cause for the high concentration of As. Infiltration characteristics, subsurface hydrology, our fall and pond water quality, isotope signatures, and trace metal balances were examined to assess the hydrology and geochemistry of the pond. The results indicated minimum or no infiltration of pond water and no measurable contamination of the shallow groundwater. The high As concentrations in the pond were determined to be the result of semi-continuous inputs of CBNG-produced water with low As concentrations (0.20-0.48 microg L(-1)), exasperated by low pond volumes during drought conditions. Because of reduced infiltration and high evaporation rates, As became concentrated over time. Reduced infiltration was most likely caused by the high sodium concentration and high sodium adsorption ratio of the CBNG-produced water, which disrupt soil structure. The findings for the pond and the techniques used may serve as a template for future impact assessments of other CBNG-produced water ponds and are relevant for the approximately 4000 ponds currently permitted in the PRB and for future ponds. Further studies are recommended in the use of playa landforms to store marginal-quality produced water.

TRALI is due to pulmonary venule damage from leucocytes with cholesterol crystal formation.

BACKGROUND: There are two presumed mechanisms for the pulmonary oedema in transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). One is antibodies to leucocytes while the other is biologically active lipids. We evaluated the vascular injury due to the former. METHODS: The pulmonary vasculature was studied by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in three fatal cases of TRALI and compared with that of two autopsied control patients. Lung tissue from two of the TRALI cases and both controls was studied by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to identify crystals present in the former. RESULTS: All three TRALI cases exhibited massive pulmonary oedema by weight and light microscopy and extensive defects by SEM in the endothelium of venules of the lungs. Such endothelial defects were absent in controls. Thrombi, composed of crystals, were present in venules and small veins diffusely throughout the lungs in Case 1. Similar crystals were identified in Case 2. The crystals in the lung vessels were identified morphologically as cholesterol and were proximate to the cytoplasmic defects of the endothelial surfaces. By GC-MS, there were markedly elevated levels of cholesterol and fatty acids in the two TRALI lungs tested compared with the lungs of the two controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary damage in TRALI is related to formation of cholesterol crystals that appear to pierce endothelial membranes of venules. The endothelial defects lead to plasma extravasation into the alveoli causing TRALI.

Adsorption of arsenic(III) and arsenic(V) by cupric oxide nanoparticles.

Millions of people worldwide are exposed to chronic levels of arsenic poisoning due to drinking water with elevated concentrations of arsenic. To decrease these concentrations, various metal based compounds have been explored as arsenic adsorbents. We synthesized CuO nanoparticles and evaluated them as an adsorbent to remove As(III) and As(V) from groundwater. The CuO nanoparticles had a surface area of 85 m(2)/g and were 12-18 nm in diameter. Adsorption occurred within minutes and CuO nanoparticles effectively removed As(III) and As(V) between pH 6 and 10. The maximum adsorption capacity was 26.9 mg/g for As(III) and 22.6 mg/g for As(V). The presence of sulfate and silicate in water did not inhibit adsorption of As(V) but only slightly inhibited adsorption of As(III). High concentrations of phosphate (>0.2 mM) reduced the adsorption of arsenic onto CuO nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that As(III) was oxidized and adsorbed in the form of As(V) on the surface of CuO. The CuO nanoparticles were also able to remove arsenic (to less than 3 microg/L) from groundwater samples. These results suggest that CuO nanoparticles are an effective material for arsenic adsorption and may be used to develop a simple and efficient arsenic removal method.

Trace element chemistry of coal bed natural gas produced water in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming.

Coal bed natural gas (CBNG) produced water is usually disposed into nearby constructed disposal ponds. Geochemistry of produced water, particularly trace elements interacting with a semiarid environment, is not clearly understood. The objective of this study was to collect produced water samples at outfalls and corresponding disposal ponds and monitor pH, iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), boron (B), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), and barium (Ba). Outfalls and corresponding disposal ponds were sampled from five different watersheds including Cheyenne River (CHR), Belle Fourche River (BFR), Little Powder River (LPR), Powder River (PR), and Tongue River (TR) within the Powder River Basin (PRB), Wyoming from 2003 to 2005. Paired t tests were conducted between CBNG outfalls and corresponding disposal ponds for each watershed. Results suggest that produced water from CBNG outfalls is chemically different from the produced water from corresponding disposal ponds. Most trace metal concentrations in the produced water increased from outfall to disposal pond except for Ba. In disposal ponds, Ba, As, and B concentrations increased from 2003 to 2005. Geochemical modeling predicted precipitation and dissolution reactions as controlling processes for Al, Cu, and Ba concentrations in CBNG produced water. Adsorption and desorption reactions appear to control As, Mo, and B concentrations in CBNG water in disposal ponds. Overall, results of this study will be important to determine beneficial uses (e.g., irrigation, livestock/wildlife water, and aquatic life) for CBNG produced water in the PRB, Wyoming.

Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate in water.

Nitrate (NO(3)(-)) contamination of groundwater is a common problem throughout intensive agricultural areas (nonpoint source pollution). Current processes (e.g., ion exchange, membrane separation) for NO(3)(-) removal have various disadvantages. The objective of this study was to evaluate an electrocatalytic reduction process to selectively remove NO(3)(-) from groundwater associated with small agricultural communities. A commercially available ELAT (E-Tek Inc., Natick, MA) carbon cloth with a 30% surface coated Rh (rhodium) (1microg x cm(-1)) was tested at an applied potential of -1.5 V versus standard calomel electrode (SCE) with a Pt auxiliary electrode. Electrocatalytic reduction process (electrolysis) of NO(3)(-) was tested with cyclic voltammetry (CV) in samples containing NO(3)(-) and 0.1M NaClO(4)(-). Nitrate and NO(2)(-) concentrations in test solutions and groundwater samples were analyzed by ion chromatography (IC). The presence of Rh on the carbon cloth surface resulted in current increase of 36% over uncoated carbon cloths. The electrocatalysis experiments using Rh coated carbon cloth resulted in reduction of NO(3)(-) and NO(2)(-) on a timescale of minutes. Nitrite is produced as a product, but is rapidly consumed upon further electrolysis. Field groundwater samples subjected to electrocatalysis experiments, without the addition of NaClO(4)(-) electrolyte, also exhibited removal of NO(3)(-) on a timescale of minutes. Overall, results suggest that at an applied potential of -1.5 V with respect to SCE, Rh coated carbon cloth can reduce NO(3)(-) concentrations in field groundwater samples from 73 to 39 mg/L (16.58 to 8.82 mg/L as N) on a timescale range of 40-60 min. The electrocatalytic reduction process described in this study may prove useful for removing NO(3)(-) and NO(2)(-) from groundwater associated with nonpoint source pollution.

A rapid and sensitive extractive spectrophotometric determination of copper(II) in pharmaceutical and environmental samples using benzildithiosemicarbazone.

Benzildithiosemicarbazone (BDTSC) is proposed as a sensitive and selective analytical reagent for the extractive spectrophotometric determination of copper(II). BDTSC reacts with copper(II) in the pH range 1.0-7.0 to form a yellowish complex. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range 0.5-0.4 microg cm(-3). The yellowish Cu(II)-BDTSC complex in chloroform shows a maximum absorbance at 380 nm, with molar absorptivity and Sandell's sensitivity values of 1.63 x 10(4) dm3 mol(-1) cm(-1) and 0.00389 microg cm(-2), respectively. A repetition of the method is checked by finding the relative standard deviation (RSD) (n = 10), which is 0.6%. The composition of the Cu(II)-BDTSC complex is established as 1:1 by slope analysis, molar ratio and Asmus' methods. An excellent linearity with a correlation coefficient value of 0.98 is obtained for the Cu(II)-BDTSC complex. The instability constant of the complex calculated from Edmond and Birnbaum's method is 7.70 x 10(-4) and that of Asmus' method is 7.66 x 10(-4), at room temperature. The method is successfully employed for the determination copper(II) in pharmaceutical and environmental samples. The reliability of the method is assured by analyzing the standard alloys (BCS 5g, 10g, 19e, 78, 32a, 207 and 179) and by inter-comparison of experimental values, using an atomic absorption spectrometer.

A rapid and sensitive extractive spectrophotometric determination of palladium(II) in synthetic mixtures and hydrogenation catalysts using pyridoxal-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone.

A rapid and sensitive extractive spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of palladium(II) in synthetic mixtures and hydrogenation catalysts using pyridoxal-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (PPT) as an analytical reagent. The reagent forms a red-color complex with the metal at pH 3.0, which is extracted into benzene. The absorbance is measured at 460 nm. The method adheres to Beer's law up to a concentration range of 0.4-6.4 microg cm(-3). The molar absorptivity and Sandell's sensitivity are 2.20 x 10(4) dm3 mol(-1) cm(-1) and 4.85 x 10(-3) microg cm(-2), respectively. The correlation coefficient of the Pd(II)-PPT complex is 0.99, which indicates an excellent linearity between two variables. The detection limit of this method is 0.05 microg cm(-3). The instability constant of the Pd(II)-PPT complex calculated from Edmond and Birnbaum's method is 2.90 x 10(-5) and that of Asmus' method is 2.80 x 10(-5) at room temperature. The concurrent repetition of the method is checked and the relative standard deviation (RSD) (n = 5) was derived as 1.84 percent. The present method was applied to the determination of palladium(II) in synthetic mixtures and hydrogenation catalysts. The results were compared by employing an atomic-absorption spectrometer.

Preparing lambda DNA from phage lysates.

DNA extracted from lambda-derived vectors is typically subcloned into plasmid or filamentous phage vectors. The first two protocols describe methods for isolating phage DNA from large- and medium-scale liquid lysates. These two methods use either density-gradient centrifugation or ion-exchange chromatography to purify the phage particles. The third protocol describes a rapid procedure for isolating phage DNA, suitable for small-scale liquid lysates.

Preparation of bacterial RNA.

Procedures for isolating RNA from bacteria involve disruption of the cells, followed by steps to separate the RNA from contaminating DNA and protein. Lysis strategies differ in the protocols presented in this unit, including chemical degradation of gram-negative cell walls using sucrose/detergent or lysozyme, and sonication to break open gram-positive cell walls. Combinations of enzymatic degradation, organic extraction, and alcohol or salt precipitation are employed in the procedures to isolate the RNA from other cellular components, and various inhibitors of ribonuclease activity (diethylpyrocarbonate, vanadyl-ribonucleoside complex, and aurintricarboxylic acid) are described. If extremely high-quality RNA is required (e.g., for gene expression studies), instructions are provided for CsCl step-gradient centrifugation to remove all traces of contaminating DNA.

Invasive Sino Nasal Aspergillosis diagnostic criteria.

This study highlights the high incidence of fungal granulomas in our patients and to streess the need to differentiate the invasive Sinonasal aspergillosis from the non invasive ones because, the management og invasive Aspergillosis includes the administration of the potentially toxic drug, Amphotericin. The various diagnostic criteria used by us to identify the cases for systemic anti fungal treatment in addition to through local debridement are discussed.

Stabilization of an acute perilunate dislocation using the "TAG" suture anchor.

A case of acute perilunate dislocation associated with acute scapholunate dissociation and acute carpal tunnel syndrome is described in which the treatment was facilitated by the use of the TAG suture anchor.