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Adsorption studies (kinetic, batch and dynamic assays) were carried out for lead removal from aqueous solutions using wastes from the wine industry. The adsorbents used were obtained from grape stalk and pomace # . These materials were carbonized, briquetted and activated with steam. Addition of a leaching step before activation lowered the high ash content of the materials. The products were characterized by elemental and proximate analysis, point of zero charge pH, specific surface area, pore-size distribution, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and surface acidic and basic groups. Considering the physicochemical and textural properties of the adsorbents, a comparative analysis of the results was made. These solids showed a marked basic character; therefore, the pH was a very important variable in adsorption tests, and thus it was necessary to maintain the pH in a favourable range. Batch equilibrium assays showed that the tested adsorbents had good adsorption capacities, better than the ones reported previously for similar materials. In dynamic tests, the removal of lead by both activated carbon briquettes was good and attributed to the coupling of adsorption and precipitation as a result of the increase in the pH values, which could not be controlled.

Background: Socioeconomic factors have been found to be predictors of outcome for other ailments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of patient education level on pain and disability after distal radius fracture., Methods: A series of patients with distal radius fractures (n = 335) were enrolled into a prospective research registry. Standard demographic information was obtained from patients, including a five-value categorical education variable. After treatment with closed reduction, external fixation, or internal fixation patients were evaluated for pain, function (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score [DASH]), range of motion (ROM), and grip strength at standard intervals until 12 months post-injury. A series of linear mixed effects models were developed to evaluate the relationship between time from injury and education level with each of the outcomes measured., Results: Complete demographic and 12-month follow-up data were available on 227 patients (75 %). There were neither group differences in mode of injury, severity, nor treatment modality after stratification by education level. Mixed effects model analyses revealed a significant linear association between level of education and measured outcomes at each follow-up point. Overall, each increase in education level demonstrated a doubling of improvement in pain, ROM, grip strength, and DASH score., Conclusions: Outcome of distal radius fracture depends on acute care and follow-up rehabilitation; however, patient-related factors indicative of socioeconomic status are becoming increasingly relevant as predictors of outcome and should be considered by the orthopaedist.

Background: The optimal treatment for high energy pilon fractures is controversial. Good clinical and functional results have been reported with traditional open reduction techniques and minimally invasive techniques utilizing external fixation (EF). The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate clinical, radiographic and functional outcomes following high-energy fractures of the tibial plafond., Methods: Between 2000 and 2006, 62 patients who were diagnosed with 63 Type 43C pilon fractures were treated surgically by a single surgeon and retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-seven patients were treated with a hinged bridging external fixator (EF) with supplemental limited internal fixation and 35 were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) utilizing traditional small fragment plates and screws. Out of the 62 patients, a total of 46 patients were available for review. Charts and radiographs were reviewed and a Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire was administered by a trained interviewer. Seventy-four percent of both the ex-fix patients and ORIF patients were available for followup with a mean of 18 and 22 months, respectively. Results were compared using student's T-tests., Results: There were no differences between the cohorts with respect to mechanism of injury, presence of an open wound and age. Functional outcomes were similar between the two groups based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the "function" index of the SMFA. The overall complication and union rates were similar between the two groups., Conclusion: Both ORIF and EF appear to be comparable for treatment of OTA type 43C (pilon) fractures with regard to final range of ankle motion, development of arthritis and hindfoot scores.