Temperature sensing from the emission rise times of Eu(3+) in SrY2O4.

The emission rise time of Eu(3+)-doped SrY2O4 was investigated in the temperature range of 20-200 °C for application in luminescence thermometry. After pulsed excitation, the energy transfer between the adjacent Eu(3+) ions causes a emission build-up from the (5)D0 level of Eu(3+) and a notable emission rise occurs prior to decay. The emission rise-time values linearly decrease with temperature, providing an absolute sensitivity of 0.66 µs °C(-1) and a maximal relative sensitivity of 5.53% °C(-1) at 200 °C, for samples containing 0.5 at% Eu(3+) ions. It is shown that the time after excitation at which emission reaches a maximum (time-to-max) can also be exploited for temperature sensing, since it is easily measurable and shows a linear dependence with temperature.

[Postoperative left ventricular function in patients with transposition of the great blood vessels]. / Postoperativna funkcija lijeve komore kod pacijenata sa transpozicijom velikih krvnih sudova.

UNLABELLED: During August 1996 to August 1998 at the Paediatric Clinic in Sarajevo, 8 patients (pts) have been diagnosed to have a Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), age 10 hrs to 31 days. First Group (n = 4) had a simple TGA and in II Group in 3 pts TGA was associated with double inlet left ventricle (DILV) and subpulmonary artery stenosis and in 1 with double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and subpulmonary artery stenosis. Anatomical correction of TGA-arterial switch has been performed in Group I, mean age 15.5 days (7-18). In Group II palliative correction has been completed in: atrioseptectomy (1/4), pulmonary artery banding (3/4), right Blalock-Tausing modified shunt and also partial correction: Glenn anastomosis, mean age 4.7 months. Pts have been followed from 3 to 19 months postoperatively. All pts are well, except 1 pt who died following the arterial switch (mortality rate 12.5%). The aim of this study is to evaluate left ventricle (LV) function pre and postoperatively with electrocardiographic monitoring. Electrocardiographically there was no significant rhythm disorders. Using M mode echocardiography techniques, LV function was measured including internal dimensions of the LV as well as a wall thickness and than compared with the others comparable to the age and body weight. LV function in pts post anatomical correction has returned to normal values faster, with statistically significant difference of p = 0.02, than in pts post palliative-partial correction. CONCLUSION: Echocardiographically LV function in pts with TGA post arterial switch returned faster to normal values than in pts following the palliative-partial correction.

[Multicenter pediatric therapeutic interventional heart catheterization 1996-1998]. / Multicentricna pedijatrijska terapeutska intervencijska srcana kateterizacija u toku 1996.-1998. godine.

The aim of the study is to evaluate choice, efficacy and safety of transcatheter therapy in patients (pts) with congenital heart disease which has been performed in Europe on pts from the Paediatric Clinic of Sarajevo. From January 1996 to August 1998 out of 20 transcatheter therapeutic interventions, 5 have been done in pts whose congenital heart lesions: ductus arteriosus persistence (DAP), atrial septal defect (ASD), pulmonary artery valve stenosis (PS), aortic valve stenosis (AS), were diagnosed in first year of life. Pts were followed 11 months post interventions (the longest period of follow-up 19 months). All pts are well and asymptomatic. DAP closure has been done using "coil" devices in 2 pts (in Italy and Monaco) age 5 and 7.5 years. Duct diameter was 3.5 mm and 4 mm with percent of success within 24 hrs of 100%. With PW Doppler no residual ductual shunt has been proven. Transcatheter closure of ASD type secundum diameter 9 mm, using the "amplatz" device has been performed in Germany. No residual shunt has been proven by echocardiography. Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty successfully was done in 1 pt in Austria age 3/12 with normal flow of right ventricle outflow tract post intervention. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed in Sweden in neonate with decrease of pressure gradient of AS for 70%. Using Pencil Doppler, 8/12 post intervention in that pt restenosis occurred. The therapeutic catheterizational technique has been successful in alternating surgical approach to resolve congenital heart disease. With further development of catheter systems, techniques and longer periods of follow-up, possibilities of simpler, faster, safer and more efficient solvation of cardiac lesions will brightening up the future of paediatric interventional catheterisation.