Assessing the quality of angiographic display of brain blood vessels aneurysms compared to intraoperative state

Background/Aim. Aneurysms in brain blood vessels are expanding bags composed of a neck, body and fundus. Clear visibility of the neck, the position of the aneurysm and surrounding structures are necessary for a proper choice of methods for excluding the aneurysm from the circulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of spatial reconstruction of blood vessels of the brain based on the original software for 3D reconstruction of the equipment manufacturer and a personal computer model developed earlier in the Clinic for Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, compared to intraoperative identification of these aneurysms. Methods. This study included 137 patients of both sexes. The presence of an aneurysm was verified by angiographic methods [computed tomographic angiography (CTA), multislice computed tomography angiography (MSCTA), magnetic resonance imaging angiography (MRA), or digital subtraction angiography (DSA)]. Results. The quality score (0 to 5) for CTA was 3.180 ± 0.961, MSCTA 4.062 ± 0.928, and for DSA 4.588 ± 0.758 (p < 0.01). The results of this study favorite conventional angiography as the gold standard for diagnostic of intracranial aneurysms. Conclusion. The results of this study are consistent with current publications review and clearly recognize the advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic neuroradiological procedures, with DSA of brain blood vessels as a binding preoperative diagnostic procedure in cases in who it is not possible to clearly visualize the supporting blood vessel and neck of the aneurysm by using the findings of CTA, MRA and MSCTA

Amlodipine as an antiischemic drug is superior to long acting nitrates

European Society of Cardiology Guidelines cite results of meta-analysis that the use of calcium channel blockers results in fewer angina episodes per week vs. long-acting nitrates. Moreover, we listed 12 reasons more to prefer amlodipine over long-acting nitrates, especially in stable angina pectoris patients with arterial hypertension. It may be the way to decrease polypharmacy without loosing efficacy. Some important advantages of amlodipine versus long-acting nitrate(s) are: amlodipine also treats hypertension, it helps reducing hypertensive target organ damages (e.g. left ventricular hypertrophy) and prevents morning blood pressure surge. Moreover, amlodipine can be given once daily (which improves adherence), it produces neither tolerance nor rebound, it has less side effects

Structural, ferroelectric and magnetic properties of BiFeO3 synthesized by sonochemically assisted hydrothermal and hydro-evaporation chemical methods

BiFeO3 powders were synthesized by sonochemically assisted hydrothermal and hydro-evaporation methods. The X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of secondary phases, Bi25FeO39 and Bi2Fe4O9, in as prepared BiFeO3 powders. Optimization of sintering conditions indicated that temperature of 800 degrees C and time of 2 h after pressing at 9 t/cm(2) provided ceramics samples with"the highest density (up to 96% of theoretical density) and the lowest content of secondary phases. Ferroelectric and magnetic characterization was performed on two selected ceramics samples with the highest densities. Ceramics obtained from the powder synthesized by the hydrothermal method showed greater lattice distortion along [1 1 1] axis and smaller grains, which resulted in larger values of electric polarization at room temperature. It also exhibited less Fe(3d)-O(2p) orbital overlapping due to a larger Fe-O-Fe bond angle, causing lower antiferromagnetic ordering and weak ferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures