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Biomedical subjects

K Weigl

Publications and source records attributed to K Weigl.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Biomass steam gasification--an extensive parametric modeling study.

A model for steam gasification of biomass was developed by applying thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. With this model, the simulation of a decentralized combined heat and power station based on a dual fluidized-bed steam gasifier was carried out. Fuel composition (ultimate analysis and moisture content) and the operating parameters, temperature and amount of gasification agent, were varied over a wide range. Their influences on amount, composition, and heating value of product gas and process efficiencies were evaluated. It was shown that the accuracy of an equilibrium model for the gas composition is sufficient for thermodynamic considerations. Net electric efficiency of about 20% can be expected with a rather simple process. Sensitivity analysis showed that gasification temperature and fuel oxygen content were the most significant parameters determining the chemical efficiency of the gasification.

Bioelectric Energy Sources↗

Tumor necrosis factor-dependent adhesions as a major protective mechanism early in septic peritonitis in mice.

The occurrence of peritoneal adhesions in surgical patients is positively correlated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels. In a model of septic peritonitis-cecal ligation and puncture-TNF neutralization prevented formation of peritoneal adhesions and increased mortality, most likely because localization of the septic focus was prevented. To discriminate between the coagulation-independent protective TNF effect and a potential protective procoagulant TNF effect, formation of peritoneal adhesions after CLP was inhibited with heparin, hirudin, or urokinase. Each treatment increased mortality and increased the number of bacteria in the peritoneal lavage fluid, kidney, and liver to various degrees. Under these experimental conditions, antibiotics prevented death. In coagulation-compromised mice, lethality was further enhanced by additional TNF neutralization. These findings demonstrate that peritoneal adhesions early in septic peritonitis are an important mechanism of innate immunity that prevents increased spread of bacteria and reduces mortality.

Animals↗

[Fractures of the proximal femur].

907 patients were operated on for fracture of the proximal femur in 1986-1987 and were then followed for an average of 7 months. There was a relatively high rate of complications in those over the age of 71, in whom mortality reached 15.5%, while the overall mortality was 6.8%. There was also a high rate of complications in those operated 3 or more days after the fracture had occurred. In those up to the age of 60, the ratio of males to females was almost 1 to 1, but in those over 80 the ratio was 1 to 4. The mortality of males was higher (9.2%) than that of females (5.5%). In trochanteric fractures treated by various methods of rigid fixation there were no problems of union or delayed union. Early mobilization and early discharge from hospital reduced mortality and complications.

Aged↗

Sialyltransferase activity in plasma cells of multiple myeloma.

A marked elevation of sialyltransferase activity (STA) was observed in a solid tumor of plasma cells, which had been removed from a patient with multiple myeloma (MM), as compared to normal lymphatic tissues. STA was also determined in mononuclear bone marrow cells of 10 patients with MM and found to be 12 times higher than that of bone marrow mononuclear cells from 5 patients with non-malignant disorders (with less than 1% plasma cells in the bone marrow aspirate). A significant correlation was found between STA and the number of plasma cells in the bone marrow aspirate.

Bone Marrow↗

[Tennis elbow].

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Athletic Injuries↗

Continuous intraventricular morphine- or peptide-infusion for intractable cancer pain.

The continuous intraventricular administration of small daily doses of morphine by means of an implantable pump is an effective method of obtaining considerable pain reduction for patients suffering from otherwise untractable carcinoma pain. We consider this method of treatment to be an excellent alternative to the epidural and intrathecal application. Particularly in cases with obstruction of the spinal canal or in cases suffering from untractable pain in the face, neck or upper thoracic area. During the period of treatment, none of the patients involved in the study developed tolerance to morphine or specific opiate side effects. The programmable pump allows precise dosage which is adjusted to the requirements of the individual patient. The high cost of a pump is a justifyable investment in patients in good general condition with a life expectancy longer than 3 months. In most cases the patient may be cared for at home, making further hospitalization unnecessary.

Adult↗

Foreign body granuloma. A cause of trigger thumb.

Snapping or triggering of fingers is a common complaint, the most frequent cause being tenosynovitis of the flexor tendon sheath. Injury of the flexor tendon as a precursor of triggering is infrequent. Foreign body granuloma of the tendon sheath as an antecedent factor has not been yet recorded. We report a case of stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor tendon of the thumb caused by local reaction to a foreign body.

Accidents, Occupational↗

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the first metatarsal bone mimicking malignant tumor.

The clinical results of roentgenographic examination in an eight-year-old girl with a large tumor in the first metatarsus suggested malignancy. The definitive pathologic diagnosis was atypical aneurysmal bone cyst. Massive bone grafting and preservation of the surrounding joints were successful, and a functional foot was obtained two years after operation.

Bone Cysts↗

Lumbar spinal stenosis: surgical intervention for the older person.

Twenty-one patients, aged 50 to 75 yr, received orthopedic surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis during the period of 1975-79. Presentation and management are discussed and surgical results evaluated clinically. Twenty of these patients had subjective pain relief as well as functional improvement, indicating that decompressive laminectomy offers an improved quality of life for the older person with a relatively safe, simple procedure and few postoperative complications.

Aged↗

Total hip replacement in a patient on hemodialysis.

A 52-year-old woman, on intermittent hemodialysis because of chronic renal failure, underwent total hip replacement for severe osteoarthritic changes. The operation was performed under epidural anesthesia, the postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was completely relieved of pain and limitation of movement. Although total hip replacement is a major surgical procedure, it is suggested that the operation can, when considered necessary, by successfully carried out in a patient on hemodialysis, provided that careful attention is paid to the pre- and postoperative care.

Female↗