LiMnPO4-olivine deposited on a nanoporous alloy as an additive-free electrode for lithium ion batteries.

A new strategy for the fabrication of binder- and carbon-free electrodes for lithium ion batteries is demonstrated. The strategy is based on the employment of a nanoporous metallic structure as a mechanically stable and conductive scaffold inside of which an active material is directly grown. The porous metallic structures with the pore size on the nanometric scale were obtained by de-alloying microcrystalline Cu60Ag30Al10, applying the method of selective dissolution of the less noble metals from the alloy. The active material of choice is LiMnPO4-olivine, which displays higher energy density in comparison with the well-known LiFePO4 (701 W h kg-1versus 586 W h kg-1). The improved electrode capacity can be explained by the enhanced diffusion of Li+ into LiMnPO4, achieved by decreasing the size of the phospho-olivine particles, incorporated inside the pores of the metallic structure. This approach enables to us perform the precise engineering of the particle size, which in turn contributes to the improvement of the electrochemical properties of phospho-olivines.

Infrared and Raman spectra of strontium and barium pimelates monohydrates.

The salts of dicarboxylic acids with alkaline earth metals are not very thoroughly studied and only a few such compounds are well known and characterized. In this work a detailed examination of the infrared spectra recorded at room temperature (RT) and at the liquid nitrogen boiling temperature (LNT) and Raman spectra (at room temperature) of the monohydrates of strontium and barium pimelates, [Sr(µ6-C7H10O4)(H2O)]n and [Ba(µ6-C7H10O4)(H2O)]n respectively, has been carried on. These isostructural salts are important nucleating agents for processing of isotactic polypropylene (iPP). The vibrational spectra of the two salts have been interpreted by using factor group analysis. For more correct and unequivocal interpretation of the vibrational spectra, samples containing partially and almost fully deuterated crystallization water have also been prepared and studied. The effect of the metal ion on the vibrations of the pimelic acid ion as well as the strength of the hydrogen bonds formed by the crystallization water molecule has been discussed.

Detecting EGFR Mutations in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

Mutations in the receptor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are used as biomarkers for predicting the response of treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs). Non-small cell lung cancer patients usually have activating EGFR mutations that leads to a very good response when they are treated with EGFR TKIs. Our tumor samples were examined for the presence of sensitive mutations in the EGFR gene, resistant mutations or the absence of mutations. To identify the types of the mutation, we used a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Additionally, we evaluated the frequency of EGFR mutations and their association with smoking status, gender and histology. The tumor samples (n = 551) were tested for 29 somatic mutations in the EGFR gene. Sensitive mutations in the EGFR genes were found in 55 NSCLC samples (10.0%). The prevalence of EGFR mutations was much higher for females than for males (27.1 vs. 3.9%, p <0.001). The prevalence of EGFR mutations was greater in subjects who had never smoked than in smokers (15.0 vs. 6.08%, p <0.003). Additionally, the frequency of EGFR mutations was higher in adenocarcinomas than in other histological types (14.9 vs. 5.1%; p <0.001). Our results show that activating mutations on the EGFR gene are more frequent in females than in males, in adenocarcinoma than other histological types and in non smokers than smokers.

Crystal chemistry of Mg substitution in NaMnPO4 olivine: concentration limit and cation distribution.

Metal ion substitution in phospho-olivines is an effective way to improve their performance as electrode materials in lithium ion and alternative sodium ion batteries. In this contribution, we examine in detail the crystal structure of Mg-substituted NaMnPO4. The preferential occupancy of the alkaline M1 position by Mg2+ ions has been found for the first time - a phenomenon which appears to be opposite to the case of Mg-substituted LiMnPO4, where Mg2+ and Mn2+ reside in the M2 position. Mg solubility in NaMnPO4 is limited in the range of 0.10 < Mg/(Mg + Mn) < 0.15 mole part. Mg-substituted NaMnPO4 is prepared at 200 °C by ionic exchange reactions involving the participation of mixed dittmarite salts, KMn1-xMgxPO4·H2O. The structural aspects of Mg substitution in NaMnPO4 are studied by combination of powder X-ray diffraction using the Rietveld analysis with IR and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The morphologies of precursors and target olivines are examined by means of SEM and EDS. In order to understand the crystal chemistry of Mg-substituted NaMnPO4, we use solid solutions between LiMnPO4 and LiMgPO4 as references. The reference compositions of LiMn1-xMgxPO4 are prepared using the same KMn1-xMgxPO4·H2O precursors as in the case of Mg-substituted NaMnPO4.

Vibrational spectra of Mg2KH(XO4)2·15H2O (X=P, As) containing dimer units [H(XO4)2].

Infrared and Raman spectra of Mg2KH(PO4)2·15H2O and Mg2KH(AsO4)2·15H2O and a series of their partially deuterated analogues were recorded and analyzed. Compounds of the type Mg2KH(XO4)2·15H2O (X=P, As) are little-known and a rare case of phosphate and arsenate salts containing dimer units [H(XO4)2] in the crystal structure. The analysis of their IR spectra (recorded at room and liquid nitrogen temperature) and Raman spectra showed that the spectral characteristics of the XO4 groups connected in a dimer through a proton are not consistent with the presence of X-O-H covalent linkage and C1 crystallographic symmetry of the XO4 groups. The observation of a singlet Raman band for the ν1(XO4) mode as well as the absence of substantial splitting of the ν3(XO4) modes and IR activation of the ν1(XO4) mode suggest that the dimer units [H(XO4)2] are most probably symmetric rather than non-symmetric ones. It was found that, in the vibrational spectra of Mg2KH(AsO4)2·15H2O, both ν1(AsО4) and ν3(AsО4) modes have practically the same wavenumber around 830cm-1. It was also established that the ν4(PО4) modes in the deuterated hydrogendiphosphate compound are strongly coupled, most probably with HDO and/or D2O librations. As a whole, the spectral picture of Mg2KH(XO4)2·15H2O (X=P, As) very much resembles that observed for the struvite type compounds with the formula KMgXO4·6H2O (X=P, As) which do not contain X-OH groups. This means that vibrations of the dimers [H(XO4)2] play a relatively small part in the general spectral appearance.

INSUFFICIENCY OF LEVOTHYROXINE THERAPY IN AUTOIMMUNE HYPOTHYROIDISM: EFFECT OF GLUCOCORTICOID ADMINISTRATION.

OBJECTIVE: The non-effectiveness of levothyroxine administration in hypothyroidism depends on many factors and mechanisms influencing its absorption in small intestins or bounding of circulating hormone with different active molecules. METHODS: Thyroid hormones, TSH, rT3, TGl, TPO-Ab, TG-Ab, were measured using commercially available assays. For anti-T4ab, radioiodine-labeled T4 was added to the patient's serum and the IgG fraction subsequently precipitated by addition of 15% polyethylene glycol. Background was determined by testing 100 control sera from individuals without autoimmune thyroid disease. RESULTS: A 42-year old woman (71.5 kg) with Hashimoto thyroiditis receiving levothyroxine (L-T4) 150 µg and liothyronine (L-T3) 37.5 µg was admitted to the hospital with clinical data of hypothyroidism, TSH-23.8 mU/L, FT4-6.18 pmol/L (n.range 9-19 pmol/L), TPO-Ab 696 IU/mL, TG-Ab 818 IU/mL, circulating T4- antibodies positive. She has a good adherence to medication, malabsorption or administration of other drugs were excluded. L-T4 absorption test revealed 44% increase of serum FT4 at 120 min after ingestion of 150 mcg L-T4 (2.1 mcg/kg). Methylprednisolone pulses of 500 mg i.v. administered in three consecutive days at equal doses of L-T4/L-T3 resulted in a rapid increase of FT4 to 14.5 pmol/L, fall of TSH to 0.18 mU/L and decrease of anti-T4 antibodies to referent range; TPO-Ab and TG-Ab also decreased significantly. Monotherapy by 150 mcg L-T4 was continued in the next three months. A recurrence of hypothyroidism with increase of circulating T4-Ab was observed 100 days later. New administrations of methylprednisolone two pulses of 500 mg revealed a similar normalization of thyroid hormones and anti-T4 antibodies. CONCLUSION: The data showed that T4-antibodies might be a cause of insufficient effects of levothyroxine therapy in autoimmune hypothyroidism. This could be overcome by glucocorticoid administration probably resulting in FT4 release from circulating immune complexes.

[Cytolytic vaginosis--clinical and microbiological study].

47 women at reproductive age were diagnosed with cytolytic vaginosis according to their clinical and microbiological findings, including abundant lactobacilli/score 0 by Nugent/, free nuclei due to cytolysis, paucity of leucocytes, over 200 colony of HP/+/Lactobacillus spp., but no fungal growth. Heavy growth of HP/+/Lactobacillus spp. creates conditions under which the intensified cytolysis, displayed as abundant fluor, is likely to be due not only to the increased quantity of lactic acid but as well as to hyper production of hydrogen peroxide. 32 patients report improvement of their condition after at an average of 2 cycles of vaginal douches with sodium bicarbonate.

Infrared study of some synthetic phases of malachite (Cu2(OH)2CO3)-hydrozincite (Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2) series.

Synthetic malachite, hydrozincite and five monophasic mixed copper-zinc hydroxycarbonates have been studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy at ambient and liquid nitrogen temperature in the region of 4000-400 cm(-1). The analysis of the spectra reveals that the samples containing up to 20% zinc retain the malachite lattice, thus forming solid solutions. The inclusion of zinc ions in malachite reflects on the positions and intensity of the bands corresponding to the internal modes of the carbonate ion, to the OH librations and to the Me-O interactions. For example, the higher and the lower frequency components of v3 shift to higher and lower frequencies, respectively. The intensity of the bands corresponding to v2 decreases with the zinc content increase. The spectrum of the sample Cu1.31Zn0.69(OH)2CO3 become diffuse and ill-resolved in the region of the Me-O interactions (region below 600 cm(-1)) and the corresponding bands are shifted to lower frequencies due to the weaker Zn-O interactions as compared with those of the copper ions. The internal modes of the carbonate ions in hydrozincite and aurichalcite are assigned and discussed taking into account the site symmetry and factor group symmetry. The OH and OD stretches (matrix-isolated HDO molecules) and the hydrogen bond strengths are interpreted in terms of Me-O interactions (synergetic effect), hydrogen bond angles and different hydrogen bond acceptor strengths of the oxygen atoms from the carbonate ions. It proves that the hydrogen bonds in hydrozincite are stronger as compared with those in malachite, irrespective of both the larger hydrogen bond lengths and the weaker Zn-O interactions in hydrozincite due to the higher hydrogen bond acceptor strength of the non-coordinated oxygen atom and the formation of bifurcated hydrogen bonds.

Changes in plantar pressures during bipedal stance with different stance width.

We studied the influence of stance width and vision on the plantar pressures for the left and right foot during bipedal quiet standing on the pressure-sensitive insoles. The support widening shifted the left and right centers-of-foot-pressure (CFPs) laterally and forward (right foot), diminished SDs of: the left and right mean plantar pressures (MPPs), the anteroposterior and mediolateral displacements of left and right CFPs. It also decreased negative correlations between left and right MPPs and between mediolateral displacements of left and right CFP and increased positive correlation between anteroposterior displacements of left and right CFPs, more expressive with eyes-open. The later results suggested that support widening increased the weight of exploratory behaviour regarding anteroposterior equilibrium and decreased exploratory sway serving mediolateral equilibrium. Eyes' closure lead to a small left bias of the body-weight-bearing and forward shift of the left versus right CFP, thus suggesting that vision increased bilateral symmetry of stance.

Infrared spectroscopic study of mixed copper-cobalt and copper-nickel formate dihydrates (cation distribution in mixed crystals).

The infrared (IR) spectra of Co(HCOO)2 x 2H2O, Ni(HCOO)2 x 2H2O and Cu2Co(Ni)1-x (HCOO)2 x 2H2O mixed crystals (0 < x < or = 0.5) have been recorded and the internal modes of the formate groups and the water molecules are discussed. The analysis of the spectra of the mixed crystals reveals that when copper ions replace cobalt and nickel ions in Co(HCOO) x 2H2O and Ni(HCOO)2 x 2H2O, the Cu2+ ions are localized at the two available positions. However, the occupancy degree of the Me(1) and Me(2) sites by the different cations needs X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies of the single crystals. The new crystal phase Co0.17Cu0.83(HCOO)2 x 2H2O obtained from the Co(HCOO)2 x 2H2O-Cu(HCOO)2 x 2H2O-H2O system at 50 degrees C crystallizes in the monoclinic system with lattice parameters: a = 12.329(4); b = 7.241(2); c = 8.707(5) A and beta = 103.13(3) degrees (SG probably P2/c). The number of the bands corresponding to the uncoupled OD vibrations and the water librations shows that probably more than two water molecules are expected to exist in the structure. Furthermore, it is assumed that the water molecules bonded to the copper ions form stronger hydrogen bonds (stronger Cu-OH2 interaction) than those bonded to the cobalt ions.

[Hyperplastic and metaplastic changes of the endometrium]. / Khiperplastichni i metaplastichni izmeneniia na matochnata ligavitsa.

The hyperplastic and metaplastic changes of the endometrium most often coexist and are associated with hyperestrogenic status--exogenous hormones, hormoneproducing ovarian tumors, persisting anovylatory cycles, PCOS. The correct histologic diagnosis of metaplasia and the differential diagnosis with atypical hyperplasia and some types of endometrial carcinomas, especially in cases of pre-operative curettage specimen, are of greatest importance for the consecutive therapeutic approach.

[Pelvic actinomycosis]. / Tazova aktinomikoza.

Actinomycosis is an uncommon inflammatory disease of the female genital tract predominantly affecting the upper sections. Its appearance is in close connection with expended use of different IUDs. Its histological demonstration needs the detection of the specific sulphur granules. Because they often are rare it is recommended working of 8-12 paraffin blocks from suspected cases. The exact diagnosis is of high significance for preventing possible recivides after surgical intervention.

[The concentration of selenium in the maternal serum in cases of missed abortion]. / Kontsentratsiia na selen v maichiniia serum pri sluchai s missed abortion.

The changes in the serum level of selenium in cases with pathologic pregnancies are still not clear. The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum selenium in cases with missed abortion differed from selenium concentration in serum during first trimester of normal pregnancy. Twenty-three women with missed abortion and 61 with normal pregnancy were included in the study. We found a statistically significant (p < 0.001) elevation of serum selenium level in cases with missed abortion (928 +/- 335 nmol/l) comparing with those with normal pregnancy (568 +/- 77 nmol/l). We discuss the possible mechanisms of the observed changes.

[The differential diagnostic criteria in metastatic ovarian tumors]. / Diferentsialno-diagnostichni kriterii pri metastatichni iaichnikovi tumori.

Ovaries often are a target organ for metastases from another primary locus, especially in young women in reproductive age. This review focuses on the diagnostic difficulties in distinguishing between primary and metastatic ovarian tumors.

[Fetal diaphragmatic hernia. Concomitant anomalies]. / Diafragmalna kherniia na ploda. Suputstvuvashti anomalii.

According to different investigations congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with other anomalies in 29% to 53%. The aim of our study was to present our experience with the prenatal diagnosis of CDH and to analyse the associated anomalies. For a ten-year period there were 18 fetuses born after 24 gestational week with CDH. The associated anomalies were found in 66.7%, most common they involved the nervous system, the heart and the kidneys. Our results confirm that there is a concentration of the most severe and with the worst prognosis cases of CDH in the bid neonatal centers.

[The prognostic indices in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Its management]. / Prognostichni belezi pri kongenitalna diafragmalna kherniia. Povedenie.

The reported mortality for prenatally detected congenital diaphragmatic hernia is high. We retrospectively reviewed 18 cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed prenatally in our hospital and analyzed several high-risk factors adversely affecting outcome. The diagnosis before 32 weeks gestation is associated with high mortality than in cases detected later. Polyhydramnios and underdevelopment of left-side cardiac structures were found to be helpful prognostic factors. These should be taken into account when the management of these cases is planed.

[The copper concentration in the maternal serum in missed abortion]. / Kontsentratsiia na medta v maichiniia serum pri missed abortion.

Two groups of women with missed abortion examined in different periods of time were included in the study--the first group of 43 patients was examined in 1989-1990 and the second group of 24 in 1994. The control group consist of 73 women in the first trimester of normal pregnancy and 75 nonpregnant women. The serum copper concentration of the first group with missed abortion (19.47 +/- 4.62 mumol/l) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than those of control group with normal pregnancy (23.40 +/- 5.10 mumol/l). The serum concentration of the second group with missed abortion was even lower--17.82 +/- 2.95 mumol/l. The serum copper level was measured directly with flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The histology reveals dystrophic and necrotic changes and also inflammatory changes with edema of chorion villi without enhanced collagenisation. We discuss the possible mechanisms of the observed changes.

[Immunohistochemical studies of the pancreas in newborns with diabetic fetopathy]. / Imunokhistokhimichni izsledvaniia na pankreasa na novorodeni s diabetna fetopatiia.

The number and the size of the Langerhans islets in the pancreata of most of investigated cases with diabetic foetopathy is increased (polynesia and macronesia). The B endocrine cells are immunoreactive for both insulin and IAPP, the reaction for IAPP being weaker in comparison with the controls. In one of the cases (the mother with long history of treated type 1 diabetes, who died during delivery) no presence of insulin-immunoreactive of PAF positive B cells is discovered. The reactivity for glucagon and somatostatin in the pancreata with diabetic foetopathy is found to be similar to the controls. In the vicinity of some islets lymphoid cell infiltrations are observed.

[Electrocardiography with the use of the orthoclinostatic test in the diagnosis of extrasystolic arrhythmia in childhood]. / Elektrokardiografiia s primeneniem ortoklinostaticheskoi proby v diagnostike ékstrasistolicheskoi aritmii v detskom

The differential-diagnostic importance of some ECG criteria and results of orthoclinostatic test in distinguishing functional form organic extrasystolic arrhythmias in childhood is appraised. Among the electrocardiographic indices the coupling interval is of great importance in differential diagnosis. Left-ventricular extrasystole is mostly encountered in rhythm disorders of functional origin. The data of the orthoclinostatic test are highly reliable in distinguishing functional disorders of rhythm from organic disorders.