Structural analysis and corrosion studies on an ISO 5832-9 biomedical alloy with TiO2 sol-gel layers.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between the structural and corrosion properties of an ISO 5832-9 biomedical alloy modified with titanium dioxide (TiO2) layers. These layers were obtained via the sol-gel method by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide in isopropanol solution. To obtain TiO2 layers with different structural properties, the coated samples were annealed at temperatures of 200, 300, 400, 450, 500, 600 and 800 °C for 2 h. For all the prepared samples, accelerated corrosion measurements were performed in Tyrode's physiological solution using electrochemical methods. The most important corrosion parameters were determined: corrosion potential, polarization resistance, corrosion rate, breakdown and repassivation potentials. Corrosion damage was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Structural analysis was carried out for selected TiO2 coatings annealed at 200, 400, 600 and 800 °C. In addition, the morphology, chemical composition, crystallinity, thickness and density of the deposited TiO2 layers were determined using suitable electron and X-ray measurement methods. It was shown that the structure and character of interactions between substrate and deposited TiO2 layers depended on annealing temperature. All the obtained TiO2 coatings exhibit anticorrosion properties, but these properties are related to the crystalline structure and character of substrate-layer interaction. From the point of view of corrosion, the best TiO2 sol-gel coatings for stainless steel intended for biomedical applications seem to be those obtained at 400 °C.

Femtosecond transient absorption, Raman, and electrochemistry studies of tetrasulfonated copper phthalocyanine in water solutions.

Ultrafast time-resolved electronic spectra of the primary events induced in the copper tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine Cu(tsPc)4-) in aqueous solution has been measured by femtosecond pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy. The primary events initiated by the absorption of a photon occurring within the femtosecond time scale are discussed on the basis of the electron transfer mechanism between the adjacent phthalocyanine rings proposed recently in our laboratory. The femtosecond transient absorption results are compared with the low temperature emission spectra obtained with Raman spectroscopy and the voltammetric curves.

Screening for antimycotic properties of 56 traditional Chinese drugs.

In the present study we screened extracts of 56 widely used dried Chinese medical plants or their parts (TCD) for their antimycotic properties against pathological phyla of Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Geotrichum candidum and Rhodotorula rubra. The highest activity against Aspergillus fumigatus was shown by Carthamus tinctorius L. (flos) and Rheum palmatum L. (radix et rhizoma) and against Candida albicans, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (radix) had the highest activity. The highest activity against Geotrichum candidum was shown by Agastache rugosa (Fisch et Mey.) O. Ktze. Herba Menthae has moderate antimycotic properties.

[Analysis of hand injuries sustained at work in patients treated as outpatients]. / Analiza urazów rak podczas pracy u chorych leczonych ambulatoryjnie.

Fifty-six patients (45 males and 11 females) aged 19-65 (mean 37.3) were treated on outpatient basis between 1990 and 1994 because of hand injuries sustained at work. An analysis included age and profession of the patient, type of injury, sick leave time, and functional result of treatment. Clinical assessment at follow-up (range 6 months to 5 years) revealed poor results and the authors conclude, that surgical treatment should be used more often.

Percutaneous nephrostomy in gynecologic oncology patients.

Percutaneous nephrostomies were used in 34 patients with ureteral obstruction caused by gynecologic diseases. Group 1 consisted of 12 patients with untreated cervical carcinoma; group 2 consisted of six patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma; group 3 consisted of seven patients with complications of urinary conduits, and group 4 consisted of eight patients with a variety of malignant and benign gynecologic diseases causing ureteral obstruction. One perinephric hematoma and one perinephric abscess (4%) occurred during primary percutaneous nephrostomy diversion of 53 renal units. One (3%) percutaneous nephrostomy-related death caused by sepsis was observed in 34 patients. Only four (12%) patients with significant intrinsic renal disease did not have effective normalization of renal function by percutaneous nephrostomy. Percutaneous nephrostomies allow rapid and reliable urinary diversion without the morbidity and mortality of operative techniques. Percutaneous nephrostomy should be considered for relief of ureteral obstruction in patients with untreated cervical carcinoma who may enjoy prolonged palliation or cure, in patients with complications of previous urinary conduits as a temporizing method of urinary diversion, and in patients with benign or chemotherapy-sensitive pelvic malignancies causing ureteral obstruction. The use of percutaneous nephrostomy in patients with recurrent carcinoma of the cervix should be individualized on the basis of expectations for prolonged functional palliation.