† Electronic Supplementary Information (ESI) available: [XPS spectra, H2chemsorption results, HPLC spectra of products from Organosolv lignin conversion, effects of O2 pressure for the conversion of PP-ol, conversion of PP-one under N2 and O2, conversion of methanol under N2, and the catalytic performances of CeO2 supported Au and Pt catalysts]. SeeThe oxidative transformation of lignin into aromatic compounds is an attractive route for chemical utilization of lignocellulosic biomass. Unlike hydrogenolysis, no consumption of expensive hydrogen is required for the oxidative transformation. However, only limited successes have been achieved for the oxidative conversion of lignin. Here, we report that cerium oxide-supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd/CeO2) can efficiently catalyze the one-pot oxidative conversion of 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol, a lignin model compound containing β-O-4 bond and Cα-hydroxyl group, in methanol in the presence of O2, producing phenol, acetophenone and methyl benzoate as major products. Pd nanoparticles played a pivotal role in the oxidation of Cα-hydroxyl group into Cα-ketonic group, which was crucial for the transformation of the model compound. The presence of Cα-ketonic group activated the β-O-4 bond, which was subsequently cleaved over the Pd/CeO2 catalyst, affording phenol and acetophenone. At the same time, the Cα−Cβ bond also underwent oxidative cleavage catalyzed by CeO2, producing benzoic acid and further methyl benzoate. The Pd/CeO2 catalyst could also catalyze the oxidative conversion of Organosolv lignin under mild conditions (458 K), producing vanillin, guaiacol and 4-hydroxylbenzaldehyde.Scheme 1 Structures of a representative lignin fragment and lignin model compound.

BackgroundTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) has been one of the most successful orthopedic procedures over the past 30 years. Nowadays, the techniques of exposure for THA have undergone great changes, allowing surgeons to perform THA through mini-incisions. Recently, a novel minimally invasive surgical technique of the supercapsular percutaneously assisted total hip arthroplasty was reported in 2011. The purpose of this study was to compare the SuperPath approach with the conventional posterior approach, in terms early outcomes and radiologic results.MethodsNinety-two consecutive unilateral primary hip osteoarthritis adult patients were randomly divided into two groups. Forty-six patients (SuperPath group) were operated on using the SuperPath approach, and 46 patients (conventional group) were operated on with the conventional posterior approach. Outcomes were evaluated using preoperative index, intraoperative data, and postoperative function data. The positioning of the implants was analyzed by radiography.ResultsNo significant difference was detected in skin-to-skin operation time, blood loss, transfusion rate, postoperative complications, abduction angle, anteversion angle, and stem alignments. The incision length and length of stay (LOS) in the SuperPath group were significantly lower. The VAS score in the SuperPath group at the 1-week, 1-month and 3-month postoperative intervals were lower than those VAS scores in the conventional group. The Harris Hip Score and Barthel Index (BI) for Activities of Daily Living in the SuperPath group were significantly higher at the 1- and 3-month follow-up intervals and were not significantly different 1 year after operation.ConclusionsThis prospective randomized study reveals that the SuperPath technique was associated with shorter LOS, earlier time to walk and climb, and lower postoperative pain levels. It also allowed early postoperative rehabilitation and faster recovery than conventional technique.

To evaluate the chronic effects of exposure to cotton dust, a 15-yr follow-up study in cotton textile workers was performed in Shanghai, China from 1981 to 1996. Testing occurred four times during the 15-yr period. The achieved follow-up rates were 76-88% of the original 447 cotton textile workers, and 70-85% of the original 472 silk textile workers (as a control group). Identical questionnaires, equipment, and methods were used throughout the study. The prevalence of byssinosis increased over time in cotton workers, with 15.3% at the last survey versus 7.6% at the baseline, whereas no byssinosis was found in silk workers. More workers in the cotton group consistently reported symptoms than in the silk group, although symptom reporting varied considerably from survey to survey. Cotton workers had small, but significantly greater, adjusted annual declines in FEV(1) and FVC than did the silk workers. Years worked in cotton mills, high level of exposure to endotoxin, and across-shift drops in FEV(1) were found to be significant determinants for longitudinal change in FEV(1), after controlling for appropriate confounders. Furthermore, there were statistically significant associations between excessive loss of FEV(1) and byssinosis, chest tightness at work, and chronic bronchitis in cotton workers. Workers who consistently (three or four of the surveys) reported byssinosis or chest tightness at work had a significantly greater 15-yr loss of FEV(1). We conclude that long-term exposure to cotton dust is associated with chronic or permanent obstructive impairments. Consistent reporting of respiratory symptoms, including byssinosis and chest tightness at work, is of value to predict the magnitude and severity of chronic impairments in textile workers.