• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.4665-4674
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to confirm the feasibility of the electro-coagulation process as a pre-treatment for the membrane separation of anaerobic digestion effluents to minimize membrane fouling. The reduction of membrane fouling was evaluated according to the number of electrodes (immersed surface area of electrodes), current density and contact time. In the case of the small surface area of electrodes, the increased electric field strength resulted in a soluble COD increase due to the destruction of the microbial flocs and/or cells, whereas large changes in the soluble COD were not observed in the case of the high surface area of electrodes. On the other hand, the T-P concentration decreased as a result of the precipitation of aluminum ions and phosphates. The membrane permeation flux increased and the fouling resistance (Rc+Rf) decreased with increasing electric current density. Although the particle size of the anaerobic digestion effluent increased slightly, it was not related directly to the reduced fouling phenomena. The main mechanism for the enhanced flux was attributed to the inorganic particulate produced during electrocoagulation, such as $AlPO_4$, which acted as a dynamic membrane deposited on the membrane surface.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.318-324
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• 1992

Acquired tracheobronchial stenosis has resulted from vehicular accidents, prolonged tracheal intubation, sleeve resection, tuberculosis and sarcodosis. Various modalities of therapy for the relief of such stenosis included surgery, cryotherapy, laser photoresection, and sometimes balloon dilatation. Several recent reports have described the use of self-expandable metal stents for the dilatation of stenotic areas in the tracheobronchial tree. Three patients of benign acquired tracheobronchial stenosis were treated with self-expandable metal stents, who had shown little response to several times of balloon dilatations; One patient had a tracheal stenosis caused by intubation, one a right main bronchial stenosis developed after reconstructive surgery of traumatic bronchial rupture, and the other a left main bronchial stenosis caused by longstanding endobronchial tuberculosis. We found that the using stent in benign acquired tracheobronchial stenosis can be effectively performed with alleviation of clinical symptoms and lung function. And even in longstanding localized stenosis of main bronchus without distal bronchial destruction, lung perfusion also improved.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.8
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• pp.739-744
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• 1999

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of T3 sympathicotomy in treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. Material and Method: During the period of June to December 1998, 50 patients (24 females and 26 males) suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis either in isolation (n=37) or in combination with axillary hyperhidrosis (n=13) were operated. The mean age of the patients was 20 years. The bilateral sympathetic trunks were severed on the 3rd rib (2nd and 3rd ganglia) for the isolated palmar hyperhidrosis and on the 3rd and 4th ribs for the combined type using electrocoagulation scissors. A linear analogue scale was used to assess the degree of sweating on the palms, face, trunk, and feet (ranged 0 to 10:0 = anhidrosis: 10 = excessive sweating) as well as the patient's satisfaction with the surgery (ranged 0 to 10:0 = regret; 10 = completely satisfied). Result: All of the patients were relieved from palmar hyperhidrosis. A mean palmar sweat production score after T3 sympathicotomy was $1.5\pm$0.8. Some degree of compensatory sweating had occurred in 39 patients (78%) with a mean score of 3.4$\pm$1.6. Gustatory sweating occurred in 2 patients (4%). The mean score of the patient's satisfaction after the surgery was 8.5$\pm$1.2. Conclusion: Palmar hyperhidrosis can be successfully relieved by the T3 sympathicotomy. When considering the advantages of T3 sympathicotomy with respects to a better preservation of facial sympathetic function, less occurrence of severe compensatory sweating, and lower incidence of gustatory sweating. We recommend T3 sympathicotomy as a treatment of choice for palmar hyperhidrosis.