Photocatalytic activity of nanostructured TiO2 films produced by supersonic cluster beam deposition

The photocatalytic activity of thin, nanostructured films of titanium dioxide, synthesized by supersonic cluster beam deposition (SCBD) from the gas phase, has been investigated employing the photodegradation of salicylic acid as test reaction. Because of the low deposition energy, the so-deposited highly porous TiO2 films are composed of nanoparticles maintaining their original properties in the film, which can be fully controlled by tuning the deposition and post-deposition treatment conditions. A systematic investigation on the evolution of light absorption properties and photoactivity of the films in relation to their morphology, determined by AFM analysis, and phase composition, determined by Raman spectroscopy, has been performed. The absorption and photocatalytic activity of the nanostructured films in the visible region could be enhanced either through post-deposition annealing treatment in ammonia containing atmosphere or employing mild oxidation conditions, followed by annealing in N2 at 600 \ub0C

Anatomical study and clinical application of ulnar artery proximal perforator flaps

Background \ue2 The purpose of this study is to document the vascular anatomy of the free ulnar artery proximal perforator flap and to highlight the possibility of harvesting it based on the perforators originating from the posterior ulnar recurrent artery (PURA), to spare both the main axis of vascular supply to the hand. In addition, we present a case series of five patients treated for soft tissue defects of the hand with free ulnar artery proximal perforator flaps. Methods \ue2 Ten specimens of anterior forearm were dissected in this study to register number and characteristics of ulnar perforators. The dissection was focused on the perforators originating from the larger branch of the ulnar artery, the PURA, at the proximal third of anteromedial forearm. The anatomical dissections were evaluated in relationship with clinical dissections performed during flap harvesting in five patients. Results \ue2 In three of the specimens dissected, the proximal perforator originated from the PURA, and in the other seven specimens, it originated directly from the ulnar artery. Five cases of reconstruction of the hand were performed with success using the free ulnar artery proximal perforator flap, and in two cases, the perforator from the PURA was found and it was possible to raise the flap based on this branch of the ulnar artery. Conclusion \ue2 The free ulnar artery proximal perforator flap can be harvested in two different manners for the same skin island of the forearm. When possible, harvesting it form the PURA allows lengthening of the pedicle. In our experience, this flap presents many advantages such as thinness and hairlessness; it allows preservation of the ulnar neurovascular bundle with an acceptable donor site morbidity. Level of evidence: IV