High-temperature quench method, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and thermodynamic analysis were adopted to study the effects of Fe2O3 on reduction process of Cr-containing solid waste self-reduction briquette (Cr-RB). Moreover, the relevant mechanism was also studied. The results clearly showed that the addition of Fe2O3 decreased the chromium-iron ratio (Cr/(Fe + Cr)) of Cr-RB itself and promoted the reduction of chrome oxide in the Cr-containing solid wastes such as stainless steel slag and dust. A large number of Fe-C alloy droplets generated in the lower temperature could decrease the activity of reduced chromium by in situ dissolution and the reduction of Cr-oxide was accelerated. Rapid separation of metal and slag could be achieved at a relatively lower temperature, which was very beneficial to the efficient recovery of Cr. Finally, the corresponding mechanism diagram was presented.

The combination of transumbilical single-site laparoscopic inguinal hernia inversion and ligation is a reliable, safe, and cosmetic herniorrhaphy for girls with inguinal hernia.

Objective: To evaluate the placement feasibility and safety of the newly designed retropharyngeal reduction plate by cadaveric test and to perform morphometric trajectory analysis. Methods:The five cadaveric specimens with intact atlantoaxial joint were enrolled in this study. They were used for simulating the placement process and evaluating the placement feasibility of the retropharyngeal reduction plate. The atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) of five cadaveric specimens were obtained by proper external force after dissecting ligaments. The retropharyngeal reduction plate was placed on atlantoaxial joint of cadaveric specimens. The X-ray and three-dimensional (3D) spiral CT were used for evaluating the placement safety of retropharyngeal reduction plate. The DICOM data was obtained after 3D spiral CT scanning for the morphometric trajectory analysis. Results:The reduction plates were successfully placed on the atlantoaxial joint of five cadaveric specimens through the retropharyngeal approach, respectively. The X-ray and 3D spiral CT showed the accurate screw implantation and satisfying plate placement. The length of the left/right atlas screw trajectory (L/RAT) was, respectively, 1.73 AE 0.01 cm (LAT) and 1.71 AE 0.02 cm (RAT). The length of odontoid screw trajectory (OST) was 1.38 AE 0.02 cm. The length of the left/right axis screw trajectory (L/RAXT) was, respectively, 1.67 AE 0.02 cm (LAXT) and 1.67 AE 0.01 cm (RAXT). There was no statistical significance between left side and right side in terms of AT and AXT (P > 0.05). The angles of atlas screw trajectory angle (ASTA), axis screw trajectory angle (AXSTA), and odontoid screw trajectory angle (OSTA) were 38.04

Background: Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) is a not rare abnormality between the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). For AAS patients with persistent neck pain and neurologic symptoms, surgical intervention is a good choice. Nevertheless, there were still few reports about the use of intraoperative skull traction and different fixation methods in treatment of AAS. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2018, a total of 86 cases were admitted to our hospital and diagnosed as AAS. All the patients received atlantoaxial reduction with the help of intraoperative skull traction and C1-C2 fixation. Clinical and radiological parameters were collected through chart review. Results: There were 86 cases included in this study. The mean operative time was 153.9 ± 73.9 min, and the mean amount of intraoperative blood loss was 219.1 ± 195.6 ml. 81 patients underwent posterior reduction, internal fixation and fusion. 5 patients underwent anterior release, followed by posterior internal fixation and fusion. 82 patients got satisfactory postoperative outcomes while complications occurred in 4 patients. Significant neurologic improvement was observed in these patients. Bone fusion was achieved on the midline sagittal reconstructed CT images at the latest follow-up in all these patients except 1 case. All the patients were followed up for 34.84 ± 15.86 months at average (range 12-60 months). The mean ADI value was 7.55 ± 1.67 mm at average preoperatively, and improved to 4.03 ± 1.21 mm postoperatively, and to 4.21 ± 0.99 mm at the latest follow-up. The mean A-A angle was 15.48 ± 9.82 degrees at average preoperatively, and improved to 21.61 ± 10.43 degrees postoperatively, and to 19.73 ± 8.13 degrees at the latest follow-up. The mean A-A height was 35.61 ± 7.66 mm at average preoperatively, and improved to 40.08 ± 8.5 mm postoperatively, and to 38.83 ± 6.97 mm at the latest follow-up. There were complications in 4 patients, including pedicle misplacement, pedicle screw fracture, infection and one death. Conclusion: Intraoperative skull traction can effectively facilitate the surgical procedures for ASS caused by different etiologies. Further research will be needed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of this method in the future.