Adsorption of arsenic(V) by activated carbon prepared from oat hulls.

The efficiency of self-manufactured activated carbon (AC) produced from oat hulls in adsorbing arsenic(V) was tested in a batch reactor. The results indicated that the adsorptive capacity of AC was affected by initial pH value, with adsorption capacity decreasing from 3.09 to 1.57 mg As g(-1) AC when the initial pH values increased from 5 to 8. A modified linear driving force model conjugated with a Langmuir isotherm was created to describe the study's kinetics. The test results show that rapid adsorption and slow adsorption exist simultaneously when AC is used to remove arsenic(V).

Modeling VOCs adsorption onto activated carbon.

The activated carbon adsorption process is affected by the characteristics of adsorbent, adsorbate and environmental conditions. In this study, both adsorption and desorption processes are assumed to occur simultaneously and a numerical model was developed with a non-linear driving force in conjunction with the Langmuir model for predicting the overall adsorption process. The numerical model provides both adsorption and desorption rate constants and activation energies. The resultant equilibrium constants are of the same order of magnitude as reported by other studies. Results show that the model could well predict the adsorption isotherms and breakthrough curves under various conditions.

An occult cause of arteriovenous access failure: central vein stenosis from permanent pacemaker wire. Report of three cases and review of the literature.

Central vein stenosis is an indolent and underestimated complication of permanent pacemaker placement. It leads to serious problems in hemodialysis patients when arteriovenous (AV) fistulae/grafts were created at the ipsilateral arm. We, herein, reported 3 cases of AV access failure resulting from permanent pacemaker-related central vein stenosis. The pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, radiological findings, and therapeutic solution on this issue are discussed. It is mandatory to place the AV fistula/graft and permanent pacemaker wire on the opposite side for prevention of the high risk of AV access failure.

Amiodarone toxicity in a patient with simultaneous involvement of cornea, thyroid gland, and lung.

Amiodarone, an iodine-rich benzofuran derivative, is a highly effective agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, but it is associated with numerous side effects. Amiodarone toxicity involving several organs simultaneously has rarely been reported heretofore. In this report, we describe a case of a 73-year-old man who developed symptomatic hypothyroidism, pulmonary toxicity, and vortex epitheliopathy of the cornea during 6 months of amiodarone therapy for frequent palpitation and angina after myocardial infarction. This case illustrates that amiodarone may cause toxicity involving several organs concurrently in a patient receiving long-term amiodarone therapy. This may be of clinical significance in managing such patients.

The predictability of matched ventilation perfusion scan in pulmonary embolism.

In retrospect, we reviewed 17 cases of proven pulmonary emboli at Taichung VGH. These patients were then divided into two groups, the matched and the mismatched V/Q scan. Patients with lung consolidation, along with their chest films, were studied and characterized. In the matched V/Q group (5 cases), perfusion defects were comparable with lung consolidation in both size and location. In the V/Q mismatched group, perfusion defects were larger than lung consolidation (either single or multiple foci). A matched V/Q scan in patients with a pulmonary embolism, may result from lung consolidation induced by a pulmonary infarction, localized edema, or hemorrhage. A matched V/Q scan with localized lung consolidation in a suspicious case could not rule out pulmonary embolism, and further evaluation is mandatory.

Production of cellulolytic enzymes from theXylaria andHypoxylon species of xylariaceae.

Eighteen strains of xylariaceous fungi have been screened for higher activities of cellulolytic enzymes,Trichoderma reesei QM 9414 was also examined for comparison. Strains ofXylaria anisopleura andX. regalis had higher endocellulase (CMCase) and exocellulase (Avicelase) activities after 2 weeks' incubation.Hypoxylon stygium produced the highest activity of ß-glucosidase 3 days after inoculation. The optimum pH for these cellulolytic enzymes was approx. 5.0 and the optimum temperatures ranged from 37 to 50°C. A mixed culture process usingT. reesei QM 9414 andH. stygium was developed to obtain enhanced synthesis of cellulase. ß-Glucosidase activities in the mixed culture increased within 48h whenH. stygium was introduced after 24h.