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Byline: T. Konig (1), P. Schreier (1) Keywords: Key wordsaApple juice; Multivariate statistical methods; Principal component analysis; Cluster analysis; Enantio-multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry Abstract: aThe distribution of 15 aroma constituents, including the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, in 30 commercially available and laboratory prepared apple juices was evaluated by multivariate statistical methods. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis revealed ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, 3-methylbutyl acetate and (R)-ethyl 2-methylbutanoate as key components for the differentiation of apple juices. In freshly pressed and some commercial juices ethyl 3-methylbutanoate and 3-methylbutyl acetate were not present, and the (S):(R) ratio of ethyl 2-methylbutanoate was found to be &gt 99a:a1%. Another group of commercial products was separated in which the amounts of ethyl 3-methylbutanoate and 3-methylbutyl acetate exceeded 1ug/l and 180ug/l, respectively, and in which the (S):(R) ratio of ethyl 2-methylbutanoate was &lt 97a:a3%. The statistical data confirmed the high selectivity of apple fruit tissue in biosynthesizing 2-methylbutyl and 2-methylbutanoate esters, and could also be used to extend the results of enantio-multidimensional gas chromatography and other authenticity analyses. Author Affiliation: (1) Lehrstuhl fur Lebensmittelchemie, Universitat Wurzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Wurzburg, Germany, DE Article note: Received: 20 April 1998 / Revised version: 23 June 1998

Several spectroscopic analyses are conducted to determine the charge state of the various point defects observed on MgO films that are deposited on the Ag(001) complex. The morphology and other properties of the single color centers found in such systems are also explained.

The low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) technique is employed to study the adsorption behavior of Au dimers on thin MgO(001) films. The upright dimers are shown to be neutral, as compared to the charged flat ones.

Pre-oxygenation before tracheal intubation aims to increase safe apnoea duration by denitrogenation of the functional residual capacity of the lungs, and increasing oxygen stores at the onset of apnoea. Pre-oxygenation options in the pre-hospital environment are limited due to oxygen availability and equipment portability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies available in this setting. This was a prospective, randomised, crossover study of 30 healthy volunteers who underwent 3-min periods of pre-oxygenation by tidal volume breathing with a non-rebreather mask, a bag-valve-mask and a portable ventilator. The primary outcome measure was fractional expired oxygen concentration of the first exhaled breath after each technique. The secondary outcome measure was ease of breathing, assessed using a visual analogue scale. The mean (95%CI) fractional expired oxygen concentrations achieved with the non-rebreather mask were 64 (60-68)%, bag-valve-mask 89 (86-92)% and portable ventilator 95 (94-96)%. Pre-oxygenation efficacy with the non-rebreather mask was significantly worse than with either the bag-valve-mask (p < 0.001) or ventilator (p < 0.001). No significant difference in ease of breathing was identified between the bag-valve-mask and ventilator, but both were perceived as being significantly more difficult to breathe through than the non-rebreather mask. We conclude that, in healthy volunteers, the effectiveness of pre-oxygenation by bag-valve-mask and portable ventilator was superior to pre-oxygenation with a non-rebreather mask, although the non-rebreather mask was easier to breathe through than the other pre-oxygenation devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We report on the novel and successful use of local anaesthetic wound infusions via elastomeric pumps in a 17‐year‐old male who underwent emergent clamshell thoracotomy after sustaining a stab wound to the flank. This formed one component of a multi‐modal analgesic regimen aimed at reducing opioid requirements and their associated side‐effects. The patient was mobilising and was discharged from the intensive care unit 24 h postoperatively. There was an unplanned break in the local anaesthetic infusion during which the patient's reported pain scores increased significantly. The catheters were removed on the fifth postoperative day and he was discharged from hospital on day 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Training non-surgeons to perform resuscitative thoracotomy," by T. Konig and colleagues is presented.

Purpose: To report a case of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU) with novel posterior segment features of bilateral vitritis and retinal pigment epithelial detachments., Methods: This is an interventional case report with fundus photographs and fluorescein angiograms of a 9-year-old girl presenting with bilateral acute anterior uveitis 4 months after a diagnosis of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis., Results: Visual acuities remained normal throughout the 6-month period of follow-up. The anterior and posterior uveitis settled, although retinal pigment epithelial detachments persisted and may be related to the underlying disease process in TINU or exogenous steroid treatment, or both., Conclusions: The idiopathic inflammatory response seen in TINU is traditionally associated with an anterior uveitis. This case demonstrates that there may be more extensive ocular involvement and that posterior uveitis and retinal pigment epithelial detachments may represent emerging features of atypical cases of TINU.

Purpose. To report patent foramen ovale (PFO) as the cause of retinal artery occlusion in a young and previously fit male and discuss the appropriate medical and surgical management options. Methods. Interventional case report with serial fundus photographs of an 18-year-old male presenting to the eye casualty with sudden onset left visual loss. Results. Visual acuities were 6/24 left and 6/4 right with a left afferent pupillary defect. Slitlamp examination confirmed a left hemiretinal artery occlusion and subsequent cardiology review with transoesophageal echocardiography revealed patent foramen ovale which was closed surgically. Conclusions. PFO is not uncommon and is often covert but predisposes individuals to embolic events. These events may be ophthalmic with visual sequelae and so ophthalmologists, physicians, and other healthcare personnel should be aware of this important and emerging association.