The investigation of EPR paramagnetic probe line width and shape temperature dependence in high-temperature superconductors of Bi–Pb–Sr–Ca–Cu–O system

The work is related with the finding out of magnetic phases in strongly anisotropic high-temperature superconductor Bi1,7Pb0,3Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-δ in the temperature region where the superconductor is in the normal state. It was studied the temperature dependence of the paramagnetic probe EPR line width. In the normal state at T\u3eTc near 175 K it was revealed a pick in the temperature dependence of line width. In this region it was observed the time increase of the line width with the characteristic time ~ 17 min. This shows the possibility of magnetic phase formation in this material

The changing pattern of human brucellosis: clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and treatment outcomes over three decades in Georgia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Brucellosis is an endemic infection in Georgia. We conducted a review of patient records with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of brucellosis over three decades at the central referral hospital for brucellosis cases, the Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (IPTM) in Tbilisi. The purpose was to describe the demographic profile and clinical characteristics as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies in patients with brucellosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data were abstracted from randomly selected patient records at the IPTM. In total, 300 records were reviewed from three time periods: 1970-73, 1988-89, and 2004-2008.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The age distribution of patients shifted from a median age of 40 years in the first time period to 20 years in the third time period. Azeri ethnicity was an increasing proportion of the total number of cases. The frequency of relapsed infection was 14.7% (44 cases). A total of 50 patients received vaccine therapy, and although the vaccine produced immune responses, demonstrated by an increase in agglutination titers, it was not associated with improved outcome.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The demographics of brucellosis in Georgia fit a profile of persons that tend sheep. Osteoarticular complications were commonly detected, especially in children. The changing pattern of brucellosis in Georgia suggests clinicians should be updated about different trends in brucellosis in their country.</p

Computer-assisted simulation as an innovation technique in diagnosis and planning of treatment of patients with surgical kidney diseases

Aim: to improve visualization and outcomes of surgical management in patients presenting with diseases of the kidneys and upper urinary tracts. Patients and methods: all patients with renal tumours, coral-like nephrolithiasis, and hydronephrosis were preoperatively subjected to a routine protocol of contrast-enhanced multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) of the kidneys, with the study performed according to the programme 1.25/1.25 mm with intravenous administration of 100 pL of a contrast medium at a rate of 3 ml/sec. at a tube voltage of 80 kV, and current strength of 350 mA). The findings of MSCT were then computer- processed using a special program for 3D images, thus making it possible to obtain 3D objects of the pathologically damaged organ. The obtained 3D and 4D images were subjected to thorough analysis in each individual case, thus making it possible to initially reconstruct the common pathological pattern, followed by duly planning the course of the future operative procedures to perform. Results: in all cases presented, computer-assisted simulation gave a comprehensive pattern of the pathological process in the kidneys and upper urinary tracts. The obtained findings allowed us not only to predict possible intraoperative complications (haemorrhage, formation of a urinary fistula, creation of “extra” ports during percutaneous operations, etc.) but also to work out measures aimed at their prevention, as well as to determine the scope and the stages of the would-be care and cure. Conclusion: according to our own experience, computer-assisted simulation is currently becoming an important and intrinsic stage during preoperative preparation of patients presenting with kidney diseases.Цель: улучшить визуализацию и результаты оперативного лечения у пациентов с заболеваниями почек и верхних мочевых путей. Процедура исследования: всем пациентам с опухолью почек, коралловидным нефролитиазом и гидронефрозом на дооперационном этапе выполнена МСКТ почек с контрастированием по стандартному протоколу (исследование выполнялось по программе 1.25/1.25 мм. с внутривенным введением 100 мл. контрастного вещества со скоростью 3 мл/сек., напряжение 80 кВ, сила тока 350 мА). В последующем результаты МСКТ подвергались компьютерной обработке в специальной программе для 3D изображений, что позволяло получать трехмерные объекты пораженного патологическим процессом органа. Полученные в 3D и 4D формате изображения подвергались тщательному анализу в каждом индивидуальном наблюдении, что позволяло вначале воссоздать единую патологическую картину, а в последующем спланировать ход предстоящих оперативных действий. Результаты: во всех представленных наблюдениях компьютерное моделирование дало исчерпывающую картину о патологическом процессе в почках и верхних мочевых путях. Данная информация позволила не только спрогнозировать возможные осложнения во время операции (кровотечение, формирование мочевого свища, создание «лишних» портов при перкутанных операциях и т.д.), но также разработать меры по их профилактике, определить объем и этапы предстоящего пособия. Выводы: у пациентов с заболеваниями почек компьютерное моделирование, по нашему собственному опыту, становится важным и неотъемлемым этапом в их предоперационной подготовке на сегодняшний день