Versatile variable temperature insert at the DEIMOS beamline for in situ electrical transport measurements.

The design and the first experiments are described of a versatile cryogenic insert used for its electrical transport capabilities. The insert is designed for the cryomagnet installed on the DEIMOS beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron dedicated to magnetic characterizations through X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. This development was spurred by the multifunctional properties of novel materials such as multiferroics, in which, for example, the magnetic and electrical orders are intertwined and may be probed using XAS. The insert thus enables XAS to in situ probe this interplay. The implementation of redundant wiring and careful shielding also enables studies on operating electronic devices. Measurements on magnetic tunnel junctions illustrate the potential of the equipment toward XAS studies of in operando electronic devices.

Hysteresis and change of transition temperature in thin films of Fe{[Me2Pyrz]3BH}2, a new sublimable spin-crossover molecule.

Thin films of the spin-crossover (SCO) molecule Fe{[Me2Pyrz]3BH}2 (Fe-pyrz) were sublimed on Si/SiO2 and quartz substrates, and their properties investigated by X-ray absorption and photoemission spectroscopies, optical absorption, atomic force microscopy, and superconducting quantum interference device. Contrary to the previously studied Fe(phen)2(NCS)2, the films are not smooth but granular. The thin films qualitatively retain the typical SCO properties of the powder sample (SCO, thermal hysteresis, soft X-ray induced excited spin-state trapping, and light induced excited spin-state trapping) but present intriguing variations even in micrometer-thick films: the transition temperature decreases when the thickness is decreased, and the hysteresis is affected. We explain this behavior in the light of recent studies focusing on the role of surface energy in the thermodynamics of the spin transition in nano-structures. In the high-spin state at room temperature, the films have a large optical gap (∼5 eV), decreasing at thickness below 50 nm, possibly due to film morphology.

Pancreatic remnant fate.

There is eternal discussion on the best surgical method of pancreatoduodenectomy and reconstruction method. Several different methods of pancreatic stump anastomosis exist. The most popular argument taken into account in the discussion is the frequency of early postoperative complications. Relatively fewer papers analyse the late functional outcome of pancreatic surgery and the method of anastomosis employed. Authors presented short series of 12 patients after pancreatic surgery with analysis of pancreatic remnant morphology and function. Pancreatic remnant volume, pancreatic duct distension and stool elastase-1 test were analysed. There was no correlation of pancreatic exo- or endocrine insufficiency with the volume of pancreatic remnant or the kind of surgery or anastomosis performed.

Endoscopic drainage/debridement of walled-off pancreatic necrosis--single center experience of 112 cases.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic drainage of the pancreatic pseudocysts has been accepted as a valid alternative to surgical and percutaneous drainage. Endoscopic treatment of the symptomatic walled-off necrosis was not, however, univocally accepted by all authors. THE AIM: The aim of this study was to assessed the effectiveness and safety of the endoscopic drainage of walled-off necrosis. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Between 2001 and 2011 one hundred and twelve patients with symptomatic walled-off necrosis were treated in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Medical University of Gdansk, using endoscopic drainage. The drainage system was set up by introducing endoprostheses and drains through gastric and duodenal fistulas, transpapillary, and additionally--in cases when the necrosis was spreading outside of the lesser sac--percutaneously. The results and complications of the endoscopic treatment were assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: Initial success was achieved in 104/112 (92.9%) patients. Long term success was achieved in 94/112 (83.9%) patients in intention to treat analysis and 94/102 (90.4%) patients in per protocol analysis. Recurrence of pancreatic fluid collection was observed in 19/97(19.6%) patients. Procedure-related complications were observed in 29/112 patients (25.9%). Most of them were treated conservatively. Procedure-related mortality was 1.8%. CONCLUSIONS: In a large group of selected patients with symptomatic walled-off necrosis, endoscopic drainage enables high success rate with acceptable complication rate and low procedure-related mortality.

Magnetic hysteresis in self-assembled monolayers of Dy-fullerene single molecule magnets on gold.

Fullerene single molecule magnets (SMMs) DySc2N@C80 and Dy2ScN@C80 are functionalized via a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with surface-anchoring thioether groups. The SMM properties of Dy-fullerenes are substantially affected by the cycloaddition. Submonolayers of the physisorbed derivatives exhibit magnetic hysteresis on an Au(111) surface at 2 K as revealed by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism.

Plasma clearance of 99mTc-N/2,4-dimethyl-acetanilido/iminodiacetate complex as a measure of parenchymal liver damage.

Fifty-two patients were studied with various diseases affecting liver parenchyma. Any disorders of bile transport were excluded on the basis of dynamic liver scintigraphy using intravenously injected N/2,4-dimethyl acetanilido/iminodiacetate 99mTc complex (HEPIDA). The activity concentration of 99mTc-HEPIDA in plasma was measured from 5 through 60 min post injection. Clearance of the substance (ClB) was calculated from blood plasma disappearance curves and compared with results of 13 laboratory tests used conventionally for assessment of damage of the liver and its functional capacity; age and body weight was also included in the analysis. Statistical relations were studied using linear regression analysis of two variables, multiple regression analysis as well as multidimensional analysis of variance. It was demonstrated that 99mTc-HEPIDA clearance is a simple, accurate and repeatable measure of liver parenchyma damage. In males, values of ClB above 245 ml. min-1/1.73 m2 exclude hepatic damage with high probability; values below 195 ml.min-1/1.73 m2 indicate evident impairment of liver parenchyma function.

51Cr-bleomycin in the diagnosis of tumours of the chest.

51Cr-bleomycin was used for the scintigraphic diagnosis of primary and secondary tumours of the thorax. The study was based on observations in 104 patients. The scintigraphy was performed using a gamma camera coupled to an on-line computer. Active lesions were scored using a semiquantitative scale of scores 0 to 5. Images were subdivided into 222 regions considered. In 72 of these, the presence of disease was diagnosed (64 malignant, 8 non-malignant) and 150 regions were classified as free from disease. At the decision threshold of score 2, over-all sensitivity and specificity of the scintigraphic detection of malignant tumours amounted to 97 and 79%, respectively. Inflammatory changes displayed some detectable accumulation of 51Cr-bleomycin but scores attributed to these lesions did not exceed the value of 2.

Pancreatic fluid collections: diagnostic and therapeutic implications of percutaneous drainage guided by ultrasound.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the present study is to assess the usefulness of biochemical and bacteriological analysis of the pancreatic fluid obtained at percutaneous drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses guided by ultrasound. METHODOLOGY: The study population was comprised of 65 patients, aged 21-79 years: 18 with abscesses and 47 with pseudocysts. In all cases the etiological factor of pancreatic fluid collections was acute pancreatitis. Microbiological (both of aerobic and anaerobic flora), biochemical (including alpha 2-macroglobulin) and cytological analysis of aspirated fluid was performed. Duration of percutaneous drainage in pseudocysts was 10-40 days (mean 18 +/- 12) and in abscesses 21-56 days (mean 32 +/- 19). RESULTS: Complete resolution of pancreatic fluid collections was obtained in 54 (83%) patients, among them in 40 (85.1%) with pseudocysts and in 14 (77.7%) with abscesses, which was confirmed in follow-up ultrasound and/or computed tomography one year after the catheter was removed. Mild complications of this procedure observed in 17 (26.1%) patients were managed without catheter removal. A variety of organisms were cultured from pancreatic fluid, E. coli being the most prevalent. Enterobacter cloacae, staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, peptococcus saccharolyticus, propionibacterium acnes and bacteroides fragilis were also isolated. Cytologic analysis of the aspirate revealed no atypical cells. The level of alpha 2-macroglobulin in the pancreatic fluid was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in patients with successful pancreatic drainage as compared to the remaining group. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous drainage represents a safe therapeutic method that also provides additional criteria for the management of patients with pancreatic cystic lesions.

The usefulness of CBF brain SPECT in forensic medicine. A description of four cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to show the applications of cerebral blood flow SPECT scanning in forensic medicine using four cases: two suspects and two victims of crime. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cerebral blood flow studies were performed with the use of (99m)Tc-ECD and a triple head gammacamera. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed, utilising an asymmetry index for unilateral perfusion deficits and a comparison to cerebellar perfusion for assessing the regional cerebral perfusion. For assessing the normal values, a control group of 30 patients was studied. RESULTS: In these cases CBF SPECT scanning proved its usefulness in medico-legal argument and played an important role in formulating the final forensic expert's opinion. CONCLUSIONS: Radionuclide cerebral blood flow studies may play a role in forensic medicine, where this method it is mostly under-utilised at present.

[The value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of traumatic liver injuries]. / Wartosc badania ultrasonograficznego w diagnostyce zmian urazowych watroby.

The dramatic advances in ultrasonography has opened new diagnostic possibilities making possible assessment of the internal structure of parenchymal organs. Two cases of traumatic liver rupture are described, one was found accidentally, in the second case USG protected the patient from undergoing exploratory laparotomy. In view of the simplicity, speed and complete safety of the method it is a very useful diagnostic procedure helping in correct diagnosis.

[Point scale quantification of changes in computed tomography of chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis]. / Punktowa ocenia zmian w tomografii komputerowej w przewleklym przerostowym zapaleniu blony sluzowej nosa i zatok przynosowych.

Coronal CT scans have dramatically improved imaging of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. However, quantification of the extent of chronic sinusitis is not possible by simple reviewing of the CT images. The aim of the study was to introduce a CT scoring scale to assess the extend of sinusal pathology. Seventeen patients with clinically recognized aspirin-sensitive rhinosinusitis asthma syndrome (aspirin triad) were studied. The CT scans were reviewed and scored for extent of the disease by two independent radiologists. Repeated readings of the scans showed close correlation between the two assessments. The authors conclude, that CT scoring system for quantitation of the disease extent is reproducible and may be useful in clinical practice.

The application of shock waves in the treatment of delayed bone union and pseudoarthrosis in long bones.

Lithotripsis using shock waves generated extracorporeally was administered to 46 patients with pseudarthrosis or delayed union of long bone fractures. From 1500 to 3000 high energy shock waves were administered one time only on an outpatient basis. Anesthesia was not required. No complications were observed. Complete recovery was obtained in all 25 patients with delayed union, and in 12 of the 21 patients with pseudoarthrosis (57%). The initiation of callus formation was observed 6-12 weeks after treatment. These results confirm that bone union can be stimulated by shock waves. The treatment procedure, advantages, contraindications and reasons for failures are discussed. This method appears to be a valuable supplement to the treatment of bone union disturbances.

Role of quantitative chest perfusion computed tomography in detecting diabetic pulmonary microangiopathy.

AIMS: Aim of the study was to determine the role of perfusion chest computed tomography (pCT) in evaluation of pulmonary diabetic angiopathy. METHODS: 18 never-smoking patients (10 diabetic patients and 8 healthy controls) underwent chest high resolution CT (HRCT) and then pCT scanning. In both groups, blood tests, biochemical analysis, fibrinogen, HbA(1c), spirometry, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and body pletysmography were performed.Following parameters of pulmonary perfusion have been analysed: blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP) and permeability surface (PS). RESULTS: there were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of age, sex, BMI, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), DLCO. Chest HRCT revealed no pathologies. Significantly higher values of chest pCT for BF (p=0.05), BV (p=0.05) and PS (p=0.01) have been found in diabetics in comparison to controls. No differences were found in MTT. CONCLUSIONS: significant increase of perfusion parameters in diabetes seems to confirm pulmonary microangiopathy. The results indicate that further studies on application of pCT in diabetic patients may be beneficial for better understanding of lung microangiopathy, its diagnosing and monitoring.

MR urography of obstructive uropathy: diagnostic value of the method in selected clinical groups.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of MR urography (MRU) in the diagnosis of obstructive uropathy in selected groups of patients. The groups involved following pathologies: calculi; strictures of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ); benign and malignancy-induced ureterostenosis. Sixty patients with clinical diagnosis of obstructive uropathy were subjected to static fluid MRU (sMRU) with the use of 3D turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence in a 0.5-T magnet. The examination was completed with conventional MR sequences and in 12 cases additionally with sequences after the administration of Gd-DTPA and excretory MRU. The results were compared with intravenous urography (IVU), CT, US, clinical and histopathological data. The degree of the urinary tract dilatation as well as the level and type of obstruction were estimated. In patients with urolithiasis sMRU correctly depicted the degree of ureterohydronephrosis in 85%, in cases of UPJ stenosis and malignancy-induced ureterostenosis in 100% and in the group of benign ureterostenosis in 91% of patients. Determination of obstruction level in patients with stones was adequate in 92% and in cases of non-calculous ureteral strictures in 100% of patients. The sMRU sequence alone could not specify the nature of obstruction except 1 case of bladder carcinoma. Filling defects in ureters visible on MR urograms were verified with IVU or CT to exclude intrinsic tumours. Completed with conventional MR sequences sMRU enabled the depiction of solid mass or infiltration in 83% cases of malignancy-induced ureterostenosis, and in the remaining groups of patients neoplastic process was excluded in 91%. In conjunction with excretory MRU and conventional MR images sMRU appears to be a highly useful technique in assessment of obstructive uropathy, especially that of non-calculous origin. Among different clinical applications MRU is superior in the evaluation of dilated urinary tract in altered anatomical conditions (e.g. in patients with ileal neobladder).

Effects of vinyl chloride on liver function of exposed workers, evaluated by measurements of plasma clearance of the 99mTc-N-2,4-dimethylacetanilido-iminodiacetate complex.

In 77 males exposed occupationally to vinyl chloride (VC), the plasma clearance (Cl) of 99mTc-N(2,4-dimethylacetanilido)iminodiacetate ('HEPIDA' complex) was determined. The results were juxtaposed with a scaled assessment of liver parenchyma performance based upon clinical examination and a series of biochemical tests. Detection of the diagnosable damage of liver parenchyma by means of the reduced clearance was sensitive (90%) at the reasonable specificity of 74%. Probability of exclusion of liver damage in patients with the clearance above 240 ml min-1 1.73 m-2 amounted to 92%. There was a significant correlation between degree of exposure to VC and the frequency of low clearance values. It appears that the periodic determination of the 99mTc-HEPIDA clearance in workers exposed to VC allows the assessment of incipient liver damage and signals the need for prophylactic measures.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic usefulness of interventional ultrasound in pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses]. / Przydatnosc diagnostyczna i lecznicza ultrasonografii zabiegowej w ropniach i rzekomych torbielach trzustki.

The purpose of the presented study was the assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses, guided by ultrasound (US). The study population comprised 65 patients, aged 21-79 years: in 18 of them pancreatic abscess and in remaining 47--pancreatic pseudocyst were diagnosed. Causes of the fluid accumulation were: acute pancreatitis--in 57, trauma--in 3 and in 5 the specific etiological factor was not found. Ultrasound was performed with Aloka Hellige SSD 280-LS scanner and Braun Melsungen Nephrofix and Cystofix kits were used for drainage. Enzymatic, bacteriologic and cytologic examination of aspirate was performed. Duration of catheter drainage in pseudocysts was 10-40 days (mean 18) and from abscesses--21-56 days (mean 32). A variety of organisms was cultured from pancreatic fluid, Escherichia coli being most prevalent, also Proteus, Staphylococcus, aureus etc were found. Definite cure was obtained in 54 (83%) patients, among them in 40 (85.1%) with pseudocysts and in 14 (77.7%) with abscesses, which was confirmed in control imaging examinations (US and/or CT) after 4-6 months after catheter was removed. In 10 (15.38%) cases surgical intervention appeared necessary--in 7 patients during unsuccessful drainage and in 3--because of late recurrence. One patient died after relaparotomy. Percutaneous drainage is effective in the treatment of pancreatic fluid collections, allowing in most cases avoiding surgical intervention and providing additional diagnostic data.