[Potentially preventable causes of mortality in acute calculous cholecystitis: a population-based study]. / Potentsial'no predotvratimye prichiny letal'nosti pri ostrom kal'kuleznom kholetsistite: populyatsionnoe issledovanie.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze potentially preventable causes of mortality from acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) at the population level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of causes of ACC-related mortality was conducted. We used online survey of state hospitals and estimated fatal outcomes following ACC considering appropriate annual e-database. RESULTS: There were 1.500 deaths among 142.975 patients aged ≥18 years with acute cholecystitis. We received responses to the proposed questionnaire about 1154 deaths (76.9%). Analysis included 648 cases of ACC (K80.0). Mean age of patients was 76.0 years (31-100). There were 256 (39.5%) men and 392 (60.5%) women. ACC severity was assessed according to the Tokyo guidelines (2018). Mild (I) degree was noted in 24 (3.7%) cases, moderate (II) - 270 (41.7%), severe (III) - 354 (54.6%) patients. Cardiovascular diseases and complications caused death in mild ACC regardless of treatment method in 16 (66.7%) cases, in moderate ACC - 106 (39.3%), in severe ACC - 97 (27.4%) cases. ACC caused death in 3 (12.5%) patients with mild disease, 111 (41.1%) with moderate disease and 200 (56.5%) ones with severe disease. Postoperative complications caused death in 4 (16.7%) patients with mild disease, 29 (10.7%) ones with moderate disease and 30 (8.5%) patients with severe disease. Other causes comprised 4.1% (n=1), 8.9% (n=24) and 7.6% (n=27), respectively. Potentially preventable causes of death were identified in 33.0% of cases. CONCLUSION: ACC-related mortality is mainly associated with comorbidity in elderly and senile patients, late presentation and complicated course of disease. Delayed surgical treatment due to diagnostic and tactical problems, as well as technical intraoperative errors is potentially preventable causes of death.

[Gastroprotective and antidepressant-like effect of plum pectin (Prunus domestica L.) under water-immobilization stress in laboratory mice].

Stress effects activate the processes of free radical oxidation in the organism, lead to hyper production of reactive radicals and oxidative stress, provoking the development of an inflammatory process in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Pectin polysaccharides together with the enzyme components of the endogenous antioxidant system contribute to the elimination of the imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants in the tissues of stressed animals and have a gastroprotective and antidepressant-like effect. The aim of the research was to evaluate the gastroprotective, antioxidant and antidepressant-like effect of plum pectin orally administered to white laboratory mice before stressful exposure. Material and methods. In the experiment on white BALB/c mice weighing 20-25 g (90 males, 10 in each group), pectin isolated from fresh plum fruits in an artificial gastric environment was used. It was administered orally to mice 24 h before the onset of stress exposure or behavioral activity asessment. 50 animals were subjected to 5 h of water immersion stress. After this corticosterone concentration in blood plasma, and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the tissue supernatants of the gastrointestinal tract were determined, and the condition of the gastric mucosa was also assessed. Behavioral activity of experimental mice (n=30) was assessed in the open field and forced swimming tests. Results. The stress effect was accompanied by an increase in plasma corticosterone concentration (more than 3 fold), in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase in the tissues of the stomach wall and small intestine (17.9-28.6%) and destructive damage in the gastric mucosa compared with the indices of intact animals. Preliminary oral administration of plum pectin to animals at a dose of 80 mg per 1 kg of body weight helped to reduce the level of corticosterone and the number of stress-induced hemorrhages on the gastric mucosa, normalized the activity of antioxidant enzymes and also decreased the immobility time of mice in the forced swimming test. Preliminary oral administration of plum pectin to animals at a dose of 80 mg per 1 kg of body weight prevented an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, corticosterone in the blood and the development of stress-induced hemorrhages on the gastric mucosa, and reduced the time of immobility of mice in the forced swimming test. Conclusion. Plum fruit pectin pre-administered into mice before stress prevents stress-induced damage in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to an increase in the body's resistance to the stress factor. Plum pectin has an antioxidant, gastroprotective and antidepressant-like effect and can be used as an ingredient in functional foods that reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract under stress.

[Synchronous left atrial myxoma and gastric cancer: a case report]. / Sinkhronnye miksoma levogo predserdiya i rak zheludka. Klinicheskii sluchai.

The authors present a 57-year-old patient with synchronous left atrial myxoma and gastric cancer undergoing staged treatment. Distal gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy at the first stage was followed by resection of the left atrial myxoma after 22 days. Postoperative period was uneventful after both interventions. The follow-up examination revealed favorable clinical status and no cancer progression.

[Low level laser therapy: molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects]. / Nizkointensivnaya lazernaya terapiya: molekulyarnye mekhanizmy protivovospalitel'nogo i regenerativnogo effektov.

Laser therapy as a physiotherapeutic method has been successfully used for a long time in the treatment of various pathologies, but the action mechanisms of low level laser therapy (LLLT) remain understudied. OBJECTIVE: To perform the analysis of published results of LLLT investigations, to describe the physical principles of photobiomodulation, its action mechanisms on various cells and tissues, therapeutic intervention and efficiency of the technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The search of articles was done for the period from 2014 to 2022. The preference was given to the articles for the last 5 years in the PubMed database depending on keywords: low level laser therapy, photobiomodulation, exosomes, monocytes, macrophages. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This article represents the current conceptions about the action mechanisms and reproduced effects of low level laser therapy, the photobiomodulation influence on the inflammation and reparative processes in human body by intervention on cells and their signal pathways. The discussion of research results and probable causes of conflicting data are performed, as well as the efficacy assessment of laser irradiation in different conditions and diseases is made. CONCLUSION: Laser therapy has certain variety of advantages, among which: non-invasiveness and availability, long-term service of equipment, stable intensity of light radiation and the ability to use in various wavelength ranges. The technique efficacy was proven for a large number of diseases. However, for the successful application of photobiomodulation in clinical practice in current evidence-based medicine, additional investigations are necessary to determine the best dosimetric radiation parameters, as well as further study of action mechanisms on various human cells and tissues.

[External-internal sigmoid-vesical fistula following sigmoid diverticulum perforation into the patent urachus]. / Naruzhno-vnutrennii sigmovidno-mochepuzyrnyi svishch kak oslozhnenie perforatsii divertikula sigmovidnoi kishki v nezarashchennyi urakhus.

A patient with external-internal sigmoid-vesical fistula is presented. The authors describe surgical intervention (urachus excision, removal of infiltrate with resection of bladder bottom and fistula-related segment of sigmoid). Surgical challenges due to localization of fistula and appropriate literature data are discussed.

[Anti-inflammatory activity of high and low methoxylated apple pectins, in vivo and in vitro].

One of the possible mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory action of pectins is associated with the inhibition of excessive pro-inflammatory activity of macrophages - the cells that regulate inflammation intensity and reparative regeneration. It has been found that pectins with a low degree of methyl esterification of the carboxyl groups of the galacturonan core of the macromolecule exhibit this effect. In addition to leukocytes, intestinal epithelial cells are also involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, to date, there have been insufficient studies of the effect of pectin methyl esterification on the inflammatory response of enterocytes. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of the degree of pectin methyl esterification on inflammation of the colon in mice after oral administration and on the inflammatory response of human colon epithelium cells of the Caco-2 line in vitro. Material and methods. In a prospective study, 40 male BALB/c mice weighing 20-25 g were used, 10 animals in each group. Solutions of apple pectins (200 mg/0.2 ml) were orally administered to mice through a plastic catheter 24 h before the induction of colitis. The control mice received water, and prednisone administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight was used as a positive control. Colon inflammation in mice was induced by a single rectal administration of 5% acetic acid (0.1 ml). A day later, the degree and area of the lesion was assessed using a light microscope, the activity of myeloperoxidase in the wall of the colon was determined by spectrophotometry. The effect of pectins on metabolic activity, intercellular permeability, Tumor Necrosis Factor α generation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in Caco-2 cells was assessed. Results. It was found that low-methyl esterified pectin AU701, which contains more than 70% of free carboxyl groups, inhibited colon inflammation in mice. High methyletherified pectin AU201, in which more than 70% of the carboxyl groups are replaced by methyl ester, didn't affect inflammation. It was revealed that pretreatment of Caco-2 cells with AU701 and AU201 pectins prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in intercellular permeability and reduced the pro-inflammatory response of Caco-2 cells to LPS. After incubation of Caco-2 cells with AU701 pectin, the rate of hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate (an alkaline phosphate substrate) increased by 40%. Pectin AU201 had no effect on the alkaline phosphatase activity of enterocytes. Conclusion. Thus, it was found that low-methyl esterified pectin AU701 inhibits inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. High-methyl esterified pectin AU201 suppresses pro-inflammatory reactions only in vitro. The ability of pectins to inhibit intestinal inflammation has a multifactorial nature, and is due, inter alia, to their ability to stimulate the expression of alkaline phosphatase by enterocytes.

[The effect of agar-pectin gels on the eating behaviour of fasted and fed mice].

A diet rich in non-digestible plant polysaccharides (dietary fibers) leads to effective appetite suppression and reduces food intake. The mechanical properties of food contribute to the satiating effect of food. It is known that solid food satiates to a greater extent than liquid, as the duration of food processing in the oral cavity increases. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of mechanical properties of agar-pectin gels on the feeding behaviour of mice Material and methods. The gels were prepared by dissolving the corresponding weights of agar, pectin and sucrose in 100 ml of water: gel 1 contained 6 g of agar, 3 g of pectin, gel 2 - 20 g of agar, 1 g of pectin and 0.03 M CaCl2, gel 3 - 20 g of agar, 1 g of pectin (without the addition of calcium ions). All gels contained an equal amount of sucrose (15 g per 100 ml of water). The mechanical properties of the gels (strength, Young's modulus and elasticity) were determined on a texture analyzer. Mice with an initial body weight of 32.9±0.5 g (n=8 in each group) received gels once a day for four days. Each day, animals were individually placed in experimental cages for 60 minutes: in the first 30 min, they were given test gels and for the next 30 min standard rodent food. The first two days were training. Before the third gel presentation, the animals were previously completely restricted in food for 14 hr (fasted mice), and before the fourth gel presentation, the mice received food ad libitum (fed mice). The eating behaviour of the mice, the amount of gel eaten and standard feed eaten were determined. Mice that were not exposed to gels were used as control. Results and discussion. Gel 3 was the hardest (251±3 kPa) in comparison with gel 1 (44±1 kPa) and 2 (141±3 kPa). Fasted mice that received gel 3 ate 36% less food (p<0.05), and the total energy intake was 19% lower (p<0.05) compared to the control. Fasted mice that received gels 1 and 2 ate the same amount of food as the control animals. Gel 3 significantly reduced feeding time by 19% (p<0.05) in fasted mice. Gels 1 and 2 did not alter the eating behaviour of fasted mice. Fed mice that received gels ate as much food as in the control. Gels failed to affect the eating behaviour of fed mice. Conclusion. Overall, solid gel 3 reduced food intake and time spent on feeding after 14 h of complete food restriction. The effect of the gel on the feeding behaviour of animals and the amount of food eaten is determined by the hardness of the gel and does not depend on the ratio of the components of the gel and its resistance to in vitro simulated gastric and intestinal fluids.

[Minimally invasive treatment of post-burn esophageal perforation]. / Miniinvazivnoe lechenie posleozhogovoi perforatsii pishchevoda.

Perforation of the esophagus is a serious and dangerous condition due to progressive development of mediastinitis and sepsis. This disease is often fatal. In the last decade, endoscopic stenting of the esophagus became more common in these patients as an alternative to traditional surgery. We report successful minimally invasive endoscopic treatment of esophageal perforation with post-burn necrosis of its wall.

[Cytokine-inducing and anti-inflammatory activity of chitosan and its low-molecular derivative].

A low-molecular derivative of the polysaccharide (5 kDa) was obtained and its cytokine-inducing and anti-inflammatory activity was studied by free radical depolymerization of chitosan (110 kDa). It was shown that high-molecular chitosan in vitro inhibited the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokine, the tumor necrosis factor alpha induced by endotoxin. In the case of peroral introduction to experimental animals, high- and low-molecular chitosans stimulated synthesis of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the blood serum of mice; in this case, the activity of the high-molecular derivative was two times higher as compared with the initial polysaccharide. With peroral introduction, the initial polysaccharide (50 mg/kg) and its derivative inhibited the development of chemically induced inflammation of experimental animals' large intestines, which was manifested as a decrease in the affected area and the degree of damage to the large intestine wall, as well as a two-fold reduction of myeloperoxidase activity. According to morphological and biochemical characteristics, the effect of chitosans was similar to that of a hormone anti-inflammatory drug, prednisolone.

[ACUTE ABDOMEN CAUSED BY COMPLICATED FIBROID IN PREGNANCY. CASE REPORT].

With the advancing maternal age the rate of fibroids in pregnancy is also growing. A small part of fibroids in pregnancy are complicated and in about 2.6% necessitate urgent surgical treatment. We present a clinical case of subserose fibroid at 20 gestational weeks complicated with acute abdomen treated urgently with normal continuation of pregnancy.

[Restoration and reconstruction of extrahepatic bile ducts in high strictures using enteric autotransplant of variable diameter].

AIM: To develop technique incorporating favorable aspects of gastroenterostomy in common hepatic duct anastomosis, providing bile drainage into duodenum and preventing duodenobiliary reflux. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is presented developed operations for high strictures of extrahepatic bile ducts using enteric autotransplant of variable diameter. RESULTS: Good remote postoperative results were observed in 10 survived patients. There were no recurrence of stricture, cholangitis and normal biochemical parameters were observed. It has been proved that suggested methods may be alternative to Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

[Preliminary results of fetal fibronectin testing in twin pregnancies].

OBJECTIVES: Purpose of this study is to investigate accuracy of fetal fibronectin testing (fFN test) as a means to predict preterm birth in twin gestations without symptoms of preterm labour as well as to compare the results with the world trends. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is prospective and comparative. It covers a period from December 2012 to May 2013, includes a total of 43 twin pregnancies--34 bichoriotic biamniotic twin pregnancies, 6 monochoriotic biamniotic twin pregnancies and 3 monochoriotic monoamniotic twin pregnancy A measurement of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasonography is used as well. RESULTS: A total of 43 women had cervico-vaginal fetal fibronectin testing obtained from 24 to 34 weeks of gestation. 31 women had negative fFN test and 12 had positive results. In patiens with negative testing delivery began after a period of 30 days average. In most of the women with negative test result labour occurred after more than 14 days, which means that the test has high specificity. Patients with positive test result had delivery after a mean period of 12 days, which demonstrated that the fetal fibronectin test has high sensitivity The shortest period between the positive testing and delivery was one day A transvaginal ultrasound measurement of the cervical length was performed. Four of our patients had positive test result as well as short cervix and delivery occurred at a mean age of 31 w.g. and 5 days after the test. Four women tested positive for fFNA and had normal cervical length. They had labour at 35+3 w.g. and 23 days after the test. Eight patients tested negative for fFN and had short cervical length, but they had labour after 28 days as well. Most of the researched women (19) had negative test result and normal cervical length and they delivered after average 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal fibronectin testing used in twin pregnancies as well as in singleton pregnancies proves to have high specificity sensitivity, good positive and negative predictive value. It offers the opportunity for adequate tocolytic therapy once the test comes out to be positive. There is a posibility to decrease the use of corticosteroids. The length of stay in the hospital can also be reduced.

[Gestational age of delivery in multiple gestation].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to find out the average gestational age of delivery in multiple pregnancy and to compare the results with world trend. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective and prospective comparative analysis was used. The study covered 20 years from 1991 to 2011, included 71114 births, 1436 twins, 67 triplets and I quadruplets. RESULTS: The number of multiple pregnancies in 1991 was 64 and in 2011 was 118. The frequency of twins increased from 1.56% at the beginning of the observed period to 3.44% at the end of the period. The frequency of triplets went from 0.02% to 0.26%. We discovered that the number of twins increased more than twice and the number of triplets - 13 times. Average gestational age of delivery in twins was 35+5 w.g. and in triplets - 31 w.g. 1-min Apgar score in twins was 6.1 and 5-min Apgar score was 7.5. In triplets the results showed that 1-min Apgar score was 5.6 and the 5-min Apgar score was 7.0. At the beginning of the researched period in 1991, 62% of women had vaginal delivery and only 38% Ceasarean section. In 2011 the Ceasarean section was 84% and vaginal delivery only 16%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant increase in the frequency of multiple gestation, observed in twins as well as in triplets. The average gestational age of delivery is earlier compared to world tendencies. The received results of the newborns' health status in the early neonatal period are good. The predominance of Ceasarean section as a mode of delivery is similar to world trend.

[Radical colpoparametrectomy after simple hysterectomy--operative treatment of patients with invasive cancer of the uterine corpus and cervix].

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of invasive cervical carcinoma or residual tumor disease in patients who had previously simple hysterectomy means that the initial surgery is incomplete according to the oncological standards. One of the options in such cases is a second stage surgery--radical colpoparametrectomy (RC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retro- and prospective study during a period of Feb 1994-Jun 2010 enrolled a total of 28 patients that underwent RC after simple hysterectomy. Data were collected on demographics, tumor stage, histology, postoperative therapy, survival, complications. RESULTS: Median age of patients was 54.7 years. Invasive cervical carcinoma was diagnosed in 20 of 28 patients. Residual tumor disease was found in 5/28 patients who had simple hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. Uterine sarcoma was diagnosed in 3 cases. Histology revealed absence of tumor in 10/28 patients, lymph nodes, vaginal, and/or parametrial metastases in 18/28. Postoperative radiation and/or chemotherapy was arranged in 19/28 cases. Median follow up was 56 months with an overall 5-year survival of 88%. 11/28 patients had postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: RC is an alternative therapeutic approach for patients with invasive cancer of the uterine corpus and cervix who had simple hysterectomy.

[Laterally extended parametrectomy in cases with cervical carcinoma].

INTRODUCTION: Clinical staging of cervical carcinoma is not always an easy task, especially in cases with parametrial involvement, stage IIB. Therapeutic approach may differ in such patients- conservative (radio-, chemoradiation) therapy versus operative treatment. Research shows that the limits of the typical class III-IV radical hysterectomy may prove to be inadequate in relation to the dissection of the lateral parametria. A new surgical technique called laterally extended parametrectomy was published in 1993 and provides the means of total removal of the connective and lymphatic tissue up to the level of the true pelvic sidewall. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retro- and prospective study was performed during the period between Jan 2008 and Feb 2011. A total of 17 radical hysterectomies with unilateral LEP were enrolled. Median age of patients was 51 years. Mean duration of surgery is 3 hours 57 min. Laterally extended parametrectomy was initiated in cases with clinically predetermined stage IB to II/IA cervical cancer. 3 patients were diagnosed with adenosquamous type of carcinoma, while the other 14 were with squamous cell cervical cancer. RESULTS: Positive iliac lymph nodes were found bilaterally in 7 patients, unilaterally also in 7 patients, while 3 cases proved to be negative. Paraaortic lymph node dissection was performed in 6 surgeries, with positive histology in 4 cases. Parametrial infiltration was found in 6 patients, 3 of them bilateral. 8 of the patients had unilateral hydroureter. CONCLUSION: Laterally extended parametrectomy is a surgical technique which provides the means for full removal of the lymphatics and connective tissue up to the pelvic sidewall, during radical hysterectomy in patients with cervical cancer, stage IB and IIA, with positive iliac lymph nodes, as well as in stage IIB cases. It offers an efficient alternative for surgical treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer, opposed to the other therapeutic approaches.

[Pregnancy and delivery in patients with surgically corrected congenital extrophy of the bladder, through the operations of the continent urinary derivation].

Authors present two cases of pregnancy and delivery of patients with bladder extrophy. Both had undergone various and different reconstructive surgical operations in childhood, which gave them the opportunity to lead a normal life, to become pregnant and deliver. A total of three deliveries are observed--one with Caesarian, one--normal vaginal delivery and one--normal delivery with breech presentation. Bladder extrophy is a rare and severe innate anomaly of the genital-urinary tract, associated with genital, urologic and orthopedic malformations. The main complications during pregnancy are infections and calculosis of the urinary tract, prematurity, malpresentations, genital prolapse. Premeditated Caesarian section is the method of delivery in almost every case with bladder extrophy, while normal vaginal delivery remains casuistic.

[Frequency of multiple pregnancy].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to find out the frequency and tendency of multiple pregnancy. Study design. There are used retrospective and prospective comparative analysis. The study includes 51162 births, 960 twins, 39 triplets and 1 quadruplets. RESULTS: The number of multiple pregnancy in 1994 was 44, but in 2009 it was 152. The frequency of twins increased from 1.18% in the beginning of the observed period to 3.62% in the end of the period. The frequency of triplets chanced from 0.06% to 0.34%. We determined that the number of twins increased 3 times and the number of triplets - 6 times. In the beginning of the researched period in 2005, the frequency of twin pregnancy shows a tendency of smooth increase, while form 2006 there is a significant and rapid increase. The frequency of the triplet's births shows relative stability from 1996 till 2006, while from 2007 till now there is a progressive increase in it too. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant increase in the frequency of the multiple preganancies, observed in twins as well as in triplets. There is a stable tendency of increasing, which has the following characteristics smooth growth in the beginning of the period and rapid expand in the last years. The problem of the increasing frequency of the multiple pregnancies and the following up complications must be the aim of our future research and discussion.

[Spontaneous pneumothorax during pregnancy--a case report].

Authors present a case of spontaneous pneumothorax, which developed twice during the pregnancy of a lady, who delivered at term by a Cesarian section. Spontaneous pneumothorax is an extremely rare complication in pregnancy. The etiology of this condition is variable and previous broncho-pulmonary pathology is often found. Spontaneous pneumothorax may occur in any time during the pregnancy period. Early detection and prompt diagnosis of this condition are important for the prevention of some severe complications. The diagnostic and therapeutic methods used in pregnancy do not differ essentially to those used in non-pregnant patients. Delivery in such women can be performed per viasnaturales, with effortless bearing period, as well as per a Cesarian section, according to the severity and current condition of this complication.

[Fracture of clavicle in newborns, an attempt to make prognostic factors].

UNLABELLED: The most common bone fracture of the newborn is that of the clavicle - frequency 0.2-3.5% of all births, according to various literature sources. The most common cause of this complication perinatally determining the weight of the newborn and the skills of those who manage second stage of labour Purpose of the study was the establishment of prognostic factors for fracture of the clavicle regardless of the way of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was retrospective for the period January 2005 to June 2010 and includes 38 infants with fracture of the clavicle in spontaneous and operative vaginal deliveries, as well as caesarean sections. There were examined the following factors: age, parity and maternal weight, fetal weigh and length duration of pregnancy, experience of managing labour. RESULTS: The incidence of fracture of the clavicle during the study was 0.26%, calculated to the total number of births. Eight fractures are of newborn delivered by caesarean section, 6 by vacuum extractor and 24 by normal vaginal deliveries with episiotomy mostly. The average weight of infants with fractures was 3767 gr 3 fractures are accompanied by brachial plexus paresis, and 2 were complicated with shoulder dystocia. CONCLUSIONS: It was not found statistically significant prognostic value of most of the indicators studied. Fracture of the clavicle most often dependent on the weight of the newborn and the technique of managing labour without the consequence of shoulder dystocia.

SRPES and STM data for the model bimetallic Pd-In/HOPG catalysts: Effects of mild post-synthesis oxidative treatments.

Post-synthesis treatment of bimetallic catalysts in different gas phases resulting in the adsorption-induced segregation is among promising approaches to enhance their activity not compromising selectivity towards a number of low-temperature reactions. Our recently published paper (M.A. Panafidin, A.V. Bukhtiyarov, I.P. Prosvirin, I.A. Chetyrin, A.Yu. Klyushin, A. Knop-Gericke, N.S. Smirnova, P.V. Markov, I.S. Mashkovsky, Y.V. Zubavichus, A.Yu. Stakheev, V.I. Bukhtiyarov, A mild post-synthesis oxidative treatment of Pd-In/HOPG bimetallic catalysts as a tool of their surface structure fine tuning. Appl. Surf. Sci.) reports on Pd-In intermetallic formation regularities and their evolution after storage in air as well as during treatment in oxygen at submillibar pressures. The current paper gives an extended representation of experimental ex situ/in situ synchrotron-based photoelectron spectroscopy (SRPES) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) data used to derive scientific conclusions in the paper quoted above.