Local bonding and atomic environments in Ni-catalyzed complex hydrides.

The local bonding and atomic environments in the Ni-catalyzed destabilized system LiBH4/MgH2 and the quaternary borohydride-amide phase Li3BN2H8, were studied by x-ray absorption spectroscopy. In both cases the Ni catalyst was introduced as NiCl2 and a qualitative comparison of the Ni K-edge near-edge structure suggests the Ni2+ is reduced to primarily Ni0 after ball milling. The extended fine structure of the Ni K edge indicates that the Ni is coordinated by approximately 3 boron atoms with an interatomic distance of approximately 2.1 A and approximately 11 Ni atoms in a split shell at around 2.5 and 2.8 A. These results, and the lack of long-range order, suggest that the Ni is present as a disordered nanocluster with a local structure similar to that of Ni3B. In the fully hydrogenated phase of LiBH4/MgH2 a small amount Mg2NiHx was also present. Surface calculations performed using density functional theory suggest that the lowest kinetic barrier for H2 chemisorption occurs on the Ni3B(100) surface.

Pore size distribution and supercritical hydrogen adsorption in activated carbon fibers.

Pore size distributions (PSD) and supercritical H2 isotherms have been measured for two activated carbon fiber (ACF) samples. The surface area and the PSD both depend on the degree of activation to which the ACF has been exposed. The low-surface-area ACF has a narrow PSD centered at 0.5 nm, while the high-surface-area ACF has a broad distribution of pore widths between 0.5 and 2 nm. The H2 adsorption enthalpy in the zero-coverage limit depends on the relative abundance of the smallest pores relative to the larger pores. Measurements of the H2 isosteric adsorption enthalpy indicate the presence of energy heterogeneity in both ACF samples. Additional measurements on a microporous, coconut-derived activated carbon are presented for reference.

[Appendicitis in pregnancy]. / Apendicitída v gravidite.

UNLABELLED: THE AIM OF THE STUDY was to highlight the problems related to acute appendicitis in pregnancy. We present our own experiences with the diagnostics and therapy of this surgical complication during gravidity. Nausea, vomiting and pain in lower right abdomen as symptoms of appendicitis are often confused with the I. trimester gravidity symptoms. The change of pain locality and the loss of somatic pain in the II. and the III. trimester cause diagnostic delay and increase the incidence of appendiceal perforation. In case of suspected appendicitis, when evaluating laboratory parameters, the common finding of leucocytosis during gravidity further complicates the differential diagnosis. In comparison to common population, ultrasonography in gravidity displays lower sensitivity and specificity. MATERIAL AND RESULTS: In the course of the last ten years, 9 gravid women in the age (25.6 +/- 3.9) underwent appendectomy in the 2nd surgical clinic FNLP in Kosice. This represents 0.6 percentage incidence of appendicitis of 1496 patients operated because of this diagnosis. One of the patient turned out to be a case of negative appendectomy while the rest had histologically confirmed gangrenous (5x), phlegmonous (1x) and catarrhalis appendicitis (2x). Perforation was encountered in one patient. In the physical examination dominated pain in the right hypogastrium, nausea and subfebrility. The diagnostic success of USG examination reached 40%. In all gravid patients leucocytosis was found, including a negative appendectomy. The average duration from hospitalization to operation was 38 hours. No maternal or fetal loss was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Correct diagnostic and early surgical intervention prevents further fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Physical examination is important in differential diagnosis. Leucocytosis is not a predictive marker of appendicitis. Visualization of appendix through ultrasonography is rather difficult in the third trimester.

[Parenteral nutrition before surgery in patients with upper gastrointestinal tract resection]. / Parenterálna nutrícia pred resekcným výkonom na hornom gastrointestinálnom trakte.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective analysis was the evaluation of the effect of parenteral nutrition before surgery in malnourished patients on the reduction of risks during postoperative period after upper gastrointestinal tract resection. 57 patients with the diagnosis of oesophageal or stomach carcinoma were included into the selected group. Patients were divided into three groups: I. group: resecabile tumor, parenteral nutrition, malnutrition, II. group: nonresecabile tumor, parenteral nutrition, malnutrition, III. group: resecabile tumor, without parenteral nutrition, well nourished. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the group of malnourished patients, seven days after the applied parental nutrition, a statistical significant difference in the elevated values of proteins (I.: 62 +/- 3.8 --> 70 +/- 1.75, II.: 59.7 +/- 3.2 --> 69.2 +/- 1.2) and albumin (I: 32.6 +/- 1.95 --> 38.0 +/- 1.09, II.: 31.1 +/- 1.2 --> 37.5 +/- 0.9) p < 0.001 were achieved. Complications associated with the insertion of central venous catheter decreased as follows: plugged catheter (17.6%), local erythema (7.5%), pneumothorax (5%), phlebotrombosis (5%), haemothorax (0.4%). Postoperative complications did not achieve statistical significance (p < 0.05) in the groups I.-III. The highest incidence of wound and anastomosis dehiscention and sepsis was noticed in the first group, the lowest in the third group. Brochopneumonia had the highest occurrence in the second group, the lowest in the third group. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative parenteral nutrition as a prevention of complications after resection surgery on stomach and oesophagus is beneficial in the middle and high grade of malnourished patients, despite of higher costs and prolonged hospitalization, considering the comparable percentage of postoperative complications in the group of non-malnourished and malnourished patients. The nutritional supplementation should take at least seven days.

[Spontaneous rupture of ductus choledochus in acute pancreatitis--a case report]. / Spontánna perforácia ductus choledochus pri akútnej pankreatitíde--kazuistika.

Spontaneous perforation of biliary tree is a rare disease. There are only a few case- reports published in the literature. Due to little success in the preoperative diagnosis, surgical treatment is delayed, which in a high percentage results into fatal complications. Surgeons' opinions of operative treatment in such cases are controversial, but the primary choice is decompressing drainage of biliary tree. Authors of this report present a case of 71 years old woman admitted to the second surgical clinic with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Because of developing signs of peritoneal irritation, the patient was referred for a surgical procedure with the finding of biliary peritonitis and the rupture of ductus choledochus. In the above case, the diagnosis was made peroperatively, where the surgical treatment consisted of drainage of ductus choledochus by Kehr T drain and cholecystestomy by inserting Malecoat catheter into gallbladder. Postoperative period was without complications, the T drain was removed on the 28th day after operation and Malecoat catheter was also removed two days later. Three years after the operation, the patient is in good physical condition with free bile passage according to ERCP. The aim of this report is to bring the attention to this rare, but more importantly serious cause of origin of sudden abdominal event, in order to increase the interception rate concerning preoperative periods and consequent satisfactory treatment.

[Biliary ileus--a rare complication of cholecystolithiasis]. / Biliárny ileus--zriedkavá komplikácia cholecystolitiázy.

The diagnosis of ileus caused by biliary stones occurs very rarely, with the range of 2 % worldwide. This complication of cholecystolithiasis caused by the stone fistulation into gastrointestinal tract and its subsequent obstruction occurs mostly in elderly and has a high mortality rate. During the course of ten years (1996-2006) in the 2nd surgical clinic FNLP in Kosice, 1640 cholecystectomies and 255 operations, due to the obstruction ileus, were performed. Biliary ileus was recorded in four cases. In two cases, the reason being an obstruction caused by a travelled stone into jejunum, one event was caused by a mechanic wedge of a stone in duodenum and in the last event rectosigma was obturated. The diagnostic is relatively difficult because of a nonspecific symptomatology and often negative anamnesis of previous problems with gallstones. According to literature, the most reliable diagnostic method is computer tomography (CT). In our case, abdominal ultrasonography was successful, which pointed out this diagnosis. Gastroscopy localized the place of obstruction, but not its cause and X-ray image showed aerobilia two times. By the use of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) the diagnosis was not positively confirmed. Only in one out of four cases, there was a suspicion of the diagnosis of the biliary ileus, which makes its detectability 25%. The aim of this retrospective analysis is the comparison of diagnostic method-options and their range of success in the diagnosis of acute abdomen in our clinic and the entries in the world literature.

[Postintubation stenosis of the trachea--case reviews]. / Postintubacná stenóza trachey--nase skúsenosti.

Stenoses of the respiratory tract are life threatening conditions of various origins. The authors give referrence on 21 patients operated for postintubation stenoses of their trachea at the IInd Surgical Clinic of the UPJS Medical Faculty, the Faculty Hospital of L. Pasteur in Kosice, from 01. 01. 1999 to 30. 06. 2005. All patients had a tracheobronchoscopic examination and a CT examination completed prior to the procedure. Within 24 hours of their admission, 9 patients were operated, 7 underwent resection procedures and 2 patients had Montgomery's T-cannula introduced. 12 patients had their procedures planned, and were operated later than 24 hours after their admission. 10 patients underwent resections of the trachea, 2 had Montgomery's T-cannula implanted. The postoperative course following the resection of the trachea was without complications in 14 patients, 1 patient experienced transitional oedema in the anastomosis and 2 patients suffered restenoses. In this patient group, no fatal case was recorded. The authors stress up multidisciplinary approach in the diagnostics and treatment of the postintubation stenoses of trachea. In cases of postintubation stenoses of trachea, resection of the trachea with primary anastomosis represents the most advantageous treatment approach for the patient.

[Pneumaturia as a sequela of asymptomatic diverticulitis]. / Pneumatúria ako dôsledok asymptomatickej divertikulitídy.

Pneumaturia is sometimes the first symptom of colovesical fistula. Colovesical fistula presents a difficult problem with complicated diagnosis and therapy. Most common are fistulas between the colon (sigmoid) and bladder, which results from sigmoiditis and diverticulitis. The paper reports the case of a 61-year-old man with diagnosis of diverticulitis and symptom of pneumaturia in duration of 3 months. The operation was successfully performed in cooperation with a surgeon and an urologist.

[Surgical treatment of pulmonary metastases--long-term results]. / Chirurgická liecba plucnych metastáz--dlhodobé výsledky.

A group of 103 patients operated for lung metastases in the Surgical clinic of the FNsP of L. Dérer and in the II Surgical clinic of L. Pasteur is assessed in this work. Minor operations of atypical resection prevailed among the resections. The postoperative mortality in the whole group was 1.9%. The best long-term survival rates were reached in tumors primarily treated by chemotherapy and followed by the lung metastasectomy. All patients in this group suffered from testical tumors and their long-term survival rate was 69%. In tumor cases, where the metastasis was primarily removed by surgery, the long-term survival rate correlated with the literature data of 30%. When the prognostic factors were considered, the number of removed metachrone metastases being less than 3, appeared statistically significant from the point of view of the patient survival. Based on the evaluated results, it can be concluded that surgical treatment of the lung metastases performed within the interdisciplinary oncological concept, currently remains a generally accepted therapeutic procedure.

[Surgical treatment of paraesophageal hernia]. / Chirurgická liecba paraezofageálnej hernie.

Four types of hernia may occur in the area of esophageal hiatus. Type I is represented by hiatus slipping hernia. Type II is represented by hernia, which is generally known as paraesophageal hernia. In this type of hernia, cardia and distal stomach remain under diaphragm. The weakened tissue in phreno-esophageal membrane is the place, where stomach fundus penetrates into thorax above the diaphragm. The authors present 10 patients with paraesophageal hernia, who were operated on at the 2nd Surgery Clinic of Medical Faculty, UPJS, Faculty Hospital L. Pasteur in Kosice. These were adult patients, five man and five women. In four patients, so called "upside-down stomach" was the case. Hernias were operated on in all cases by laparotomy, after reposition of the stomach into abdominal cavity the area of hiatus and diaphragm was reconstructed. One patient was operated on under emergency conditions for bleeding from stomach ulcer. Immediate postoperation results were good, the postoperation course was favorable in all patients, no complications occurred. In conclusion, the authors are of the opinion that every diagnosed paraesophageal hernia should be indicated for surgical intervention. An anti-reflux operation should be executed in symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux. The question of operation approach (thoracotomy or laparotomy) is a matter of continuous discussion, each of them having its advocates. However, in recent years laparoscopic solution of paraesophageal hernia is getting increasing attention.

[Mediastinal cysts]. / Cysty mediastína.

Mediastinal cysts, described also as homoplastic dysembryomas, account for 20% of mediastinal lesions. There are bronchogenic, oesophageal, gastrogenic and enterogenic, pericardial, non-specific cysts and cystic lymphangiomas. The authors present 6 patients with mediastinal cysts from a total number of 96 patients with mediastinal tumours subjected to surgery during a 14-year period (from Jan. 1 1987 to Dec. 31 2001). The group comprised 5 adults and one child. In four patients the authors selected thoracotomy as the route of access to the mediastinum, in one instance total sternotomy and once upper partial sternotomy. The cysts were removed as a whole. Histological examination revealed in four patients the diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst, once a connective tissue cyst with respiratory epitheliumm and once a cyst lined with squamous epithelium. The postoperative course was in all patients free from complications. In the conclusion the authors emphasize the importance of complete removal of mediastinal cysts as relapses occur if part of the secretory eoithelium is not removed.

[Fallopian tube torsion in appendicitis--case report]. / Torzia vajíckovodu pri apendicitíde--kazuistika.

The authors report a rare clinical case of coincidence appendicitis and Fallopian tube torsion. A 14-years-old girl is presented with acute pelvic pain, dysuria and diarrhoea. Acute appendicitis and right side Fallopian tube torsion were detected by laparotomy. Symptoms, differential diagnoses, etiology and diagnostic procedures are discussed.

[Sudden acute vascular diseases requiring surgery--still a reality]. / Náhle príhody angiochirurgické (NPA)--téma stále aktuálna.

In the introduction the authors emphasize that despite the fact that acute angiosurgical attacks have a fairly typical symptomatology with a characteristic clinical finding, physicians who participate in their diagnosis and treatment are not aware of it. In the clinical explanation and the material the authors mention the causes of acute angiosurgical attacks and the fact that after acute ischaemia reperfusion occurs. In a summary table they demonstrate the dynamics of the development and increase of acute angiosurgical attacks in 1985 and 1995 in the Slovak Republic, based on statistical data of the Institute of Health Information and Statistics. In the discussion it is emphasized that in the therapeutic results of acute angiosurgical attacks an important part is played by early restoration of the circulation, at least within 6 hours, but preferably within 3 hours after the onset of clinical symptoms. In conjunction with ischaemia and reperfusion attention is drawn to the fact that during early reperfusion in the tissue or organ oxygen radicals are formed which participate in a significant way in reperfusion damage. On account of the complexity of ischaemia and reperfusion in acute angiosurgical attacks it is useful to use the clinical term "acute ischaemic reperfusion syndrome". The authors mention possibilities how this syndrome can be favourably influenced by suitable angiosurgical procedures and pharmacological preparations. In the conclusion the authors emphasize the rising trend of acute angiosurgic attacks, whereby the therapeutic results are not always satisfactory.

[Cervical pulmonary hernia]. / Cervikálna pl'úcna hernia.

Pulmonary hernia is in general a rare affection--in particular in the cervical region. Symptoms are as a rule slight and are encountered only in exceptional cases. The diagnosis is based on physical examination and imaging techniques. The authors submit a case-history of a cervical pulmonary hernia in a young woman. It was noteworthy because of marked complaints of the patient which involved professional damage. Therefore it had to be treated by surgery which was successful.

[A "dumbell" tumor of the mediastinum--case report]. / "Dumbbell" tumor mediastína--kazuistika.

Tumours situated in the posterior mediastinum and spreading to the spinal canal via the intervertebral opening are described as "dumbbell" tumours. The authors submit the case-history of a 44-year-old patient admitted to the Second Surgical Clinic Pasteur Faculty Hospital, Safarík University Kosice after repeated laminectomy and extirpation of the intraspinally spreading part of a mediastinal tumour. The mediastinal part of the tumour was removed surgically, the histological result was described as a melanotic schwannoma. The postoperative course was without complications, the patient was discharged home in a good condition on the 8th day after the operation. In the conclusion the authors emphasize the necessity to remove the tumour in toto. A one-stage operation in collaboration with a neurosurgeon seems appropriate.

[Actinomycosis of the small intestine--an unusual cause of acute abdomen]. / Aktinomykóza tenkého creva--vzácna prícina náhlej príhody brusnej.

Actinomycosis is subacute or chronic disease manifested by a defined granulomatous inflammation with the development of infiltrates, abscesses and fistulae. A 35-year-old female patient was admitted and operated at the Second Surgical Clinic because of symptoms of diffuse peritonitis. Laparotomy revealed a duplicit tumour of the small intestine, an abscess of the abdominal wall in the left mesogastrium and pyoovarium bilaterale. 70 cm of the small intestine were resected, incision of the abscess and bilateral adnexotomy were performed. Histological examination revealed a suppurative, partly fibroproductive inflammation with an actinomycotic etiopathology. After antibiotic treatment the patient was discharged home, the gynaecologist removed an intrauterine device. Three months after the first operation the patient in a serious septic condition was readmitted to the clinic with signs of diffuse peritonitis. A double perforation of the small intestine was found and an end-to-end anastomosis was made after resection of the small intestine. The postoperative course was complicated by respiratory failure and failure of the circulation associated with septic shock and subsequent death. In the conclusion the authors emphasize the problem of preoperative diagnosis of the abdominal form of actinomycosis, its possible development in relation to intrauterine contraceptive devices and its clinical manifestation as acute abdomen.

[Recurrent acute hemorrhage in the duodenum as a symptom of Bouveret's syndrome]. / Opakované akútne krvácanie do duodena ako príznak zacínajúceho Bouveretovho syndrómu.

The authors demonstrate on the case-history of a 51-year-old patient the rare cause of repeated haemorrhage into the digestive tract calling for emergency surgery. On operation they found as the cause a solitary biliary concrement which penetrated into the duodenum and caused haemorrhage of its wall. The disease was described in 1896 by Bouveret as a syndrome of duodenal obturation by a large gallstone. In the described case the whole concrement did not yet penetrate into the duodenum to cause its obturation but it produced repeated haemorrhage which could not be treated by conservative methods.

[Complaints of patients or their relatives regarding surgical complications]. / Staznosti chorého alebo jeho príbuzných v spojitosti s komplikáciami v chirurgii.

The authors analyse complaints of patients or their relatives in connection with surgical complications in 1987 to 1997 and illustrate them by short case-records. During this period, they evaluated 52 complaints and among them 27 fatal. Most complaints were from abdominal surgery. Finally, they emphasize the importance of high surgical professionality, early discovery of a complications, early, sufficient and suitable informing of the patient and his relatives, by the head of the department and in severe or fatal complications the management of the hospital. They emphasize also the requirement of precise and exhaustive records and autopsy.

[Mediastinal teratomas--diagnosis and therapy]. / Teratómy mediastína--diagnostika a liecba.

The authors present an account on patients with a teratoma of the mediastinum who were operated at the Second Surgical Clinic, L. Pasteur Faculty Hospital in Kosice. In the course of 10 years (Jan. 1, 1990-Dec. 31 1999) 73 patients with tumours of the mediastinum were operated. In four the diagnosis of teratoma of the mediastinum was confirmed by histological examination (5.47%): three adult patients and one child. In two patients the tumour of the mediastinum was diagnosed accidentally during X-ray examination of the chest. In one female patient surgical revision was indicated on account of a relapse of the process. In the conclusion the authors emphasize that teratomas of the mediastinum are frequently asymptomatic, and in case the process is in the anterior or upper mediastinum, teratomas must be taken into account and removed as a whole during surgical intervention.

Benign glomus tumor of the superior posterior mediastinum.

An unusual location of a benign glomus tumour, outside of the constantly located regions, e.g. in the subungual location or deeply sited in extremities, was diagnosed in a 56-year-old white female in her posterior upper mediastinum. The single similar case report was published before the era of electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry and single cases of atypical and malignant forms in this unusual location were published only recently. The tumour measuring 5 x 4 x 2 centimeters has caused cough and was associated with occasional righ-sided chest pain. Its rich vascular supply has caused intensive intraoperative bleeding. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient is free of neoplastic disease or symptoms six years after surgery. Numerous mast cells present within the tumour's interstices must be considered in relation to the possible pathogenesis of the up to now unexplained pain in glomus tumours.