The methodology for endoluminal irreversible electroporation in porcine models

The aim of this study was to describe the methodology of the surgical technique for endoluminal irreversible electroporation in the biliary tract performed within the perihilar region in porcine models. Endoluminal irreversible electroporation of the common bile duct was performed on eight porcine models using an endoluminal device inserted during laparotomy. The endoluminal device consisted of three electrodes 1 cm in length, attached at 120 degrees around the balloon catheter. The procedure was conducted with the following parameters: number of pulses 90, voltage of 1500 V between each couple of electrodes. Cross sectional imaging and histopathological assessment were employed for evaluations of the ablation zone. Models were sacrificed 24 h and 96 h after ablation. The treatment was successful in all porcine models. All animals survived the defined study period. Peri-ablation oedema within the hepatoduodenal ligament and adjacent liver tissue could be measured on post-procedural MRI or CT. Perforation in the site of ablation developed in one model. Histopathological examination showed heavy regressive changes of the ablated tissue. The elastic membranes of the adjacent portal vein were preserved in all models. In our experience, this novel endoluminal modality used within the perihilar region in porcine models is a feasible and well predictable procedure. Further studies should explore the optimal protocol of catheter-based ablation to limit complications

Določitev koeficienta prenosa toplote v izotermnem modelu jaškovne peči

This paper is devoted to the study of macro-segregations on the longitudinal section of a continuously cast billet 0 160 mm destined for the production of seamless pipes. Its evaluation comprised a visual inspection of macro-etching, microstructure characterisation and a quantitative X-ray microanalysis by means of an energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) in the selected areas. Furthermore, segregation parameters were calculated using combustion-analysis data. The results given in this paper present the basic information about the interior structure of a continuously cast billet. The results will be used, beside other things, for the verification of the results of the numerical modelling of continuously cast billets.Ta članek obravnava študij makro-izcej na vzdolžnem prerezu kontinuirno ulite gredice Ø 160 mm namenjene za proizvodnjo brezšivnih cevi. Ocena je sestavljena iz vizuelnega pregleda po makrojedkanju, iz ocene in kvantitativne rentgenske mikroanalize s pomočjo energijsko disperzijske rentgenske analize (EDX) izbranih področij. Izračunani so bili tudi parametri izcejanja s pomočjo podatkov zgorevne analize. Rezultati, prikazani v tem članku, predstavljajo osnovno informacijo o notranji strukturi v kontinuirno uliti gredici. Rezultati bodo uporabljeni, poleg drugega, tudi za preverjanje rezultatov numeričnega modeliranja kontinuirno ulitih gredic.Web of Science51224123

How to follow the new EU Council recommendation and improve prostate cancer early detection: the Prostaforum 2022 declaration

An updated Council of the EU recommendation on cancer screening was adopted in December 2022 during the Czech EU presidency. The recommendation included prostate cancer as a suitable target disease for organised screening, and invited countries to proceed with piloting and further research. To support further discussions and actions to promote early detection of prostate cancer, an international conference in November 2022 (Prostaforum 2022) resulted in a joint declaration. Here we describe the EU policy background, summarise the preparation of the declaration and the key underlying evidence and expert recommendations, and report the text of the declaration. The declaration summarises the striking inequalities in prostate cancer burden in Europe and calls on all stakeholders to consider and support concrete steps for advancement of organised early detection of prostate cancer. Our aim is to request endorsement of the text and potential initiation of practical actions by all stakeholders to support the aims of the declaration. Patient summary: Prostate cancer is among the most frequent cancers and is one of the most common causes of cancer death among men. The European Union has recommended new pilot programmes for prostate cancer screening. The Prostaforum 2022 declaration invites all stakeholders to support this new recommendation with specific steps