For optical flickering in symbiotic star MWC 560

This study is based on observations of MWC560 during the last two observational seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022). Other than looking for flickering we were interested in following the variability of brightness in the same period. Looking for similarities in the spectra with other types of stars is also of great interest to us because it could help clarify the stellar configuration of such objects. Our observations during the last two observational seasons of MWC560 confirm the absence of flickering. From the similarities of the gathered spectra of XX Oph and MWC560 we assume that the components in XX Oph are a red giant and a white dwarf, which are also surrounded by a common shell

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Recurrent pilonidal disease - individualization and pathogenesis-oriented surgery

INTRODUCTIONRecurrence after pilonidal disease surgery are common and difficult to treat. Many options are proposed including cleft lift procedure, Karydakis flap and advanced flaps. The aim of the study is to present and analyze our experience with individualized pathogenesis-based surgery of recurrent pilonidal disease. METHODSFor a 10-year period (2009-2019) patients with recurrent pilonidal disease were operated by authors. RESULTSThe healing time in 60 patients was 14-40 days. 22 patients had concomitant hidradenitis suppurativa in gluteal and/or inguinal regions. In 51 patients modified Karydakis operation was performed. In 9 patients complex advanced flaps were used. General or spinal anesthesia is used. In all patients perioperative antibiotics were administered and closed suction drains were used. Major complications occurred in 7 patients – 3 postoperative hematoma formation and 4 partial wound dehiscence managed conservatively. All patients are recurrence free. CONCLUSIONThe main issues in surgery of recurrent pilonidal disease is to avoid repeated procedures, to prevent new recurrence and to have acceptable functional and cosmetic results. Radical surgery with individualization following principles of cleft lift and avoiding of midline suture lines leads to best results and patient satisfaction. According to our experience and literature, we propose tailored radical surgical treatment of recurrent pilonidal disease:(1) recurrence after primary midline closure or pit piking (Bascom 1), or multiple incisions with midline sinus tract or wound with limited lateral extension – Bascom cleft lift procedure or modified Karydakis flap; (2) recurrence after lay open techniques – Karydakis or advanced flap; (3) recurrence with gluteal extension or combination with hidradenitis suppurativa – advanced flap with avoiding of midline suture line - “modified cleft lift”. &nbsp

Ultrasonography as the First Method of Choice in the Diagnosis of Primary Extrahepatic Echinococcosis: Case Report

The aim of this presentation is to show the high informative value of ultrasonography as the first method of choice in the diagnosis of atypical extra-hepatic forms of echoconcosis. Echinococcosis is zooanthroponosis and is most commonly caused by the larval form of E. granulosus. Echinococcal cysts develop, most commonly in the human liver and second - in the lung. Rare primary localization is echinococcus cysts of greater omentum and spleen. Ultrasonography is first method of ch?ice for diagnostic. The main clinical and laboratory diagnostic methods are immunoelectrophoresis and serological evidence of echinococcosis by ELISA. Timely surgical treatment give it a chance to cure. The use of post-operative antiparasitic chemoprophylaxis and therapy is recommended.</jats:p

CHALLENGES IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH COLORECTAL CANCER AND COVID-19 COINFECTION - CASE REPORT

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are more likely to become infected with COVID-19 than healthy individuals. The risk of comlications and death in COVID-19 positive colorectal cancer patients is higher due to treatments that suppress the immune system. We discuss a 71-year-old woman with a history of metastatic rectal cancer and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. With no clinical feathers of an acute abdomen or COVID-19 infection. Further researches are needed to rule out if COVID-19 can mask clinical and biological features presentation in cancer patients. Keywords: metastatic colorectal cancer, COVID-19 infection, surgical treatment</jats:p

TRENDS AND PERSPECTIVES OF HOT METHODS FOR RECONDITIONING OF WEAR DETAILS

The structure, trends and perspectives in development of hot methods as such used for reconditioning of worn details during the new Millennium are presented in the article as well as trends in production of consumables in industrially developing countries. The structure of welding methods is also shown giving priority to its development until 2020.</jats:p

TRENDS AND PERSPECTIVES OF HOT METHODS FOR RECONDITIONING OF WEAR DETAILS

The structure, trends and perspectives in development of hot methods as such used for reconditioning of worn details during the new Millennium are presented in the article as well as trends in production of consumables in industrially developing countries. The structure of welding methods is also shown giving priority to its development until 2020.</jats:p

TRENDS AND PERSPECTIVES OF HOT METHODS FOR RECONDITIONING OF WEAR DETAILS

The structure, trends and perspectives in development of hot methods as such used for reconditioning of worn details during the new Millennium are presented in the article as well as trends in production of consumables in industrially developing countries. The structure of welding methods is also shown giving priority to its development until 2020. It can be concluded that in the industrially developed countries by 2020 the share of arc welding will be stabilized at levels of 10-15% of the total number of methods used for weld overlaying of worn-out components. These figures will be 45-55 % and 7-9% for gas shielded and submerged arc welding respectively. The welding methods that will be prioritized for the period until 2020 will be gas shielded arc welding, contact, laser beam and hybrid welding.</jats:p

Crystal-Chemical and Thermal Properties of Decorative Cement Composites

The advanced tendencies in building materials development are related to the design of cement composites with a reduced amount of Portland cement, contributing to reduced CO2 emissions, sustainable development of used non-renewal raw materials, and decreased energy consumption. This work deals with water cured for 28 and 120 days cement composites: Sample A—reference (white Portland cement + sand + water); Sample B—white Portland cement + marble powder + water; and Sample C white Portland cement + marble powder + polycarboxylate-based water reducer + water. By powder X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy, the redistribution of CO32−, SO42−, SiO44−, AlO45−, and OH− (as O-H bond in structural OH− anions and O-H bond belonging to crystal bonded water molecules) from raw minerals to newly formed minerals have been studied, and the scheme of samples hydration has been defined. By thermal analysis, the ranges of the sample’s decomposition mechanisms were distinct: dehydration, dehydroxylation, decarbonation, and desulphuration. Using mass spectroscopic analysis of evolving gases during thermal analysis, the reaction mechanism of samples thermal decomposition has been determined. These results have both practical (architecture and construction) and fundamental (study of archaeological artifacts as ancient mortars) applications.</jats:p