Solvent-controlled solid-state phase transitions of a heterospin Cu(II) complex with imidazolyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxide.

Spontaneous solvent-controlled solid-state transformations were observed for a series of polymeric chain solvates [Cu(hfac)2LPr]·0.5Solv (Solv = (CH3)2CO, THF, CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, CHCl3) with 2-(1-propyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-3-oxide-1-oxyl (LPr) under ambient conditions. The conversion of powdered polymeric chain [Cu(hfac)2LPr]·0.5THF and [Cu(hfac)2LPr]·0.5(CH3)2CO complexes, accompanied by the loss of solvent molecules, occurs completely to binuclear [Cu(hfac)2LPr]2 within a day. On the other hand, in the case of [Cu(hfac)2LPr]·0.5Solv (Solv = CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, CHCl3), the partial transformation into a desolvated 1D polymer [Cu(hfac)2LPr] or its mixture with [Cu(hfac)2LPr]2 takes much longer time. The magnetic behavior of the isostructural solvates is highly sensitive to the included solvent molecules. The complexes with THF, CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, and CHCl3 undergo a transition to a magnetically ordered state below 4 K, a phenomenon reported for the first time for the polymeric chain Cu(II) complexes with a "head-to-tail" motif. [Cu(hfac)2LPr]·0.5THF and [Cu(hfac)2LPr]·0.5(CH3)2CO undergo a spin transition at 190 K, which is induced by the transformation of the Cu atom environment. In the case of the THF solvate, the increase in the distances between the Cu and oxygen atoms leads to enhanced ferromagnetic exchange interactions, while in the acetone solvate, the nitroxide coordination type changes from axial to equatorial at certain coordination sites, resulting in the emergence of strong antiferromagnetic exchange.

Problems of the formation of youth changeable personal identity in postmodern conditions.

The relevance of the subject matter is connected with the necessity to study the specifics of identification of modern student youth. The purpose of the article is to study modern self-identity. The leading method for studying this problem is the method of analysing the standard paradigm of the theoretical description of this phenomenon that has developed in the modern scientific discourse. During the study, the authors analyzed the self-identity structure. Also, were researched. It was concluded that the standard paradigm for the study of mutable identity, without resorting to the deep socioeconomic factors of the modern self-identity crisis, provides a fragmented, superficial and socio-abstract picture of variable identity, which, in essence, is a philosophical apology, a mask of identity dehumanization in the postmodern world.

[Imaging in the evaluation of headaches]. / Céphalées: quelle imagerie?

Headache is a common complaint in primary care medicine. Most of the time, they are primary and benign headaches, with no need for further investigations; nevertheless, in the presence of red flags, a brain imaging is warranted. The diagnostic approach depends upon the most likely suspected cause and the degree of emergency. In those situations, a head CT scan without and with contrast is the exam of choice in most patients, because it is helpful for identifying intracranial lesions or bleeding. The MRI, more sensible, is preferred in the ambulatory setting for investigation and follow-up of intracranial tumoral or infectious diseases.

CT scan-based modelling of anastomotic leak risk after colorectal surgery.

AIM: Prolonged ileus, low-grade fever and abdominal discomfort are common during the first week after colonic resection. Undiagnosed anastomotic leak carries a poor outcome and computed tomography (CT) scan is the best imaging tool for assessing postoperative abdominal complications. We used a CT scan-based model to quantify the risk of anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery. METHOD: A case-control analysis of 74 patients who underwent clinico-radiological evaluation after colorectal surgery for suspicion of anastomotic leak was undertaken and a multivariable analysis of risk factors for leak was performed. A logistic regression model was used to identify determinant variables and construct a predictive score. RESULTS: Out of 74 patients with a clinical suspicion of anastomotic leak, 17 (23%) had this complication confirmed following repeat laparotomy. In multivariate analysis, three variables were associated with anastomotic leak: (1) white blood cells count > 9 × 10(9) /l (OR = 14.8); (2) presence of ≥ 500 cm(3) of intra- abdominal fluid (OR = 13.4); and (3) pneumoperitoneum at the site of anastomosis (OR = 9.9). Each of these three parameters contributed one point to the risk score. The observed risk of leak was 0, 6, 31 and 100%, respectively, for patients with scores of 0, 1, 2 and 3. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the score was 0.83 (0.72-0.94). CONCLUSION: This CT scan-based model seems clinically promising for objective quantification of the risk of a leak after colorectal surgery.

A clinical and radiological comparison of sigmoid diverticulitis episodes 1 and 2.

AIM: After an initial uncomplicated attack, sigmoid diverticulitis may recur, but the morphological characteristics of recurrent diverticulitis have not been investigated. We compared the clinical and radiological severity, the respective location and clinical outcome of the first two episodes of sigmoid diverticulitis. METHOD: We reviewed the charts of 60 patients [median age 61 (range 31-90) years] who were admitted initially for a first episode of uncomplicated left colonic diverticulitis, and who were eventually readmitted for a second episode, both being documented by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. RESULTS: The median delay between the two episodes was 19 (3-97) months. Six (10%) patients developed a second complicated episode of diverticulitis [Hinchey II (n = 2), CT-guided percutaneous drainage; Hinchey III (n = 3), emergency Hartmann's operation; colovesical fistula (n = 1), elective sigmoid resection]. Fifty-four (90%) patients were admitted for a second episode of uncomplicated diverticulitis. In this group, the duration of hospital stay [11 (4-22) vs 10 (1-39) days, P = 0.28], serum levels of C-reactive protein [131 (31-350) vs 112 (22-333) mm, P = 0.62] and CT scan-based severity score [3 (1-6) vs 3 (0-7) points, P = 0.07] were similar between the two episodes. In 19 out of 54 (35%) patients with simple recurrent diverticulitis, although disease severity was similar, the disease topography differed and recurrence involved another segment of the left colon. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients who develop recurrence do so in a similar mode and location. However, 10% develop complicated diverticulitis and in 35% of patients recurrent diverticulitis occurs at a different location.

[Acute small bowel obstruction: conservative or surgical treatment?]. / Occlusion grêle aiguë: traitement conservateur ou chirurgical?

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common clinical syndrome caused mainly by postoperative adhesions. In complement to clinical and biological evaluations, CT scan has emerged as a valuable imaging modality and may provide reliable information. The early recognition of signs suggesting bowel ischemia is essential for urgent operation. However appropriate management of SBO remains a common clinical challenge. Although a conservative approach can be successful in a substantial percentage of selected patients, regular and close re-assessement is mandatory. Any persistance or progression of the critical symptoms and signs should indeed lead to surgical exploration. Here we review the principles of adhesive SBO management and suggest a decision procedure for conservative versus surgical treatment.

Clinicoradiological score for predicting the risk of strangulated small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal ischaemia as a result of small bowel obstruction (SBO) requires prompt recognition and early intervention. A clinicoradiological score was sought to predict the risk of ischaemia in patients with SBO. METHODS: A clinico-radiological protocol for the assessment of patients presenting with SBO was used. A logistic regression model was applied to identify determinant variables and construct a clinical score that would predict ischaemia requiring resection. RESULTS: Of 233 consecutive patients with SBO, 138 required laparotomy of whom 45 underwent intestinal resection. In multivariable analysis, six variables correlated with small bowel resection and were given one point each towards the clinical score: history of pain lasting 4 days or more, guarding, C-reactive protein level at least 75 mg/l, leucocyte count 10 x 10(9)/l or greater, free intraperitoneal fluid volume at least 500 ml on computed tomography (CT) and reduction of CT small bowel wall contrast enhancement. The risk of intestinal ischaemia was 6 per cent in patients with a score of 1 or less, whereas 21 of 29 patients with a score of 3 or more underwent small bowel resection. A positive score of 3 or more had a sensitivity of 67.7 per cent and specificity 90.8 per cent; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.87 (95 per cent confidence interval 0.79 to 0.95). CONCLUSION: By combining clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters, the clinical score allowed early identification of strangulated SBO.

Percutaneous CT scan-guided drainage vs. antibiotherapy alone for Hinchey II diverticulitis: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: CT-scan-guided percutaneous abscess drainage of Hinchey Stage II diverticulitis is considered the best initial approach to treat conservatively the abscess and to subsequently perform an elective sigmoidectomy. However, drainage is not always technically feasible, may expose the patient to additional morbidity, and has not been critically evaluated in this indication. This study was undertaken to compare the results of percutaneous drainage vs. antibiotic therapy alone in patients with Hinchey II diverticulitis. METHODS: This was a case-control study of all patients who presented in our institution with Hinchey Stage II diverticulitis between 1993 and 2005. Thirty-four patients underwent abscess drainage under CT-scan guidance (Group 1), and 32 patients were treated with antibiotic therapy alone (Group 2), in most cases because CT-scan-guided abscess drainage was considered technically unfeasible by the interventional radiology team. Initial conservative treatment was considered a failure when: 1) emergency surgery had to be performed, 2) signs of worsening sepsis developed, and 3) abscess recurred within four weeks of drainage. RESULTS: The median size of abscess was 6 (range, 3-18) cm in Group 1 and 4 (range, 3-10) cm in Group 2 (P = 0.002). Median duration of drainage was 8 (range, 1-18) days. Conservative treatment failed in 11 patients (33 percent) of Group 1, and in 6 patients (19 percent) of Group 2 (P = 0.26). Ten patients (29 percent) in Group 1 and five patients (16 percent) in Group 2 underwent emergency surgery (P = 0.24); there were four postoperative deaths (26.6 percent) in this subgroup. Twelve patients (35 percent) in Group 1 and 16 patients (50 percent) in Group 2 subsequently underwent an elective sigmoid resection (P = 0.31). In this subgroup of patients, there was neither anastomotic leakage nor postoperative death. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency surgery for Hinchey Stage II diverticulitis carries a high mortality rate and should be avoided. To achieve this, antibiotic therapy alone seems to be a safe alternative, whenever percutaneous drainage is technically difficult or hazardous. Actually, our data did not demonstrate any benefit of CT scan-guided percutaneous abscess drainage, suggesting that the role of interventional radiology techniques in this indication deserves further critical evaluation.

Results from percutaneous drainage of Hinchey stage II diverticulitis guided by computed tomography scan.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous abscess drainage guided by computed tomography scan is considered the initial step in the management of patients presenting with Hinchey II diverticulitis. The rationale behind this approach is to manage the septic complication conservatively and to follow this later using elective sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis. METHODS: The clinical outcomes for Hinchey II patients who underwent percutaneous abscess drainage in our institution were reviewed. Drainage was considered a failure when signs of continuing sepsis developed, abscess or fistula recurred within 4 weeks of drainage, and emergency surgical resection with or without a colostomy had to be performed. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients (17 men and 17 women; median age, 71 years; range, 34-90 years) were considered for analysis. The median abscess size was 6 cm (range, 3-18 cm), and the median duration of drainage was 8 days (range, 1-18 days). Drainage was considered successful for 23 patients (67%). The causes of failure for the remaining 11 patients included continuing sepsis (n = 5), abscess recurrence (n = 5), and fistula formation (n = 1). Ten patients who failed percutaneous abscess drainage underwent an emergency Hartmann procedure, with a median delay of 14 days (range, 1-65 days) between drainage and surgery. Three patients in this group (33%) died in the immediate postoperative period. Among the 23 patients successfully drained, 12 underwent elective sigmoid resection with a primary anastomosis. The median delay between drainage and surgery was 101 days (range, 40-420 days). In this group, there were no anastomotic leaks and no mortality. CONCLUSION: Drainage of Hinchey II diverticulitis guided by computed scan was successful in two-thirds of the cases, and 35% of the patients eventually underwent a safe elective sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis. By contrast, failure of percutaneous abscess drainage to control sepsis is associated with a high mortality rate when an emergency resection is performed. The current results demonstrate that percutaneous abscess drainage is an effective initial therapeutic approach for patients with Hinchey II diverticulitis, and that emergency surgery should be avoided whenever possible.

Diagnosis of occult scaphoid fracture with high-spatial-resolution sonography: a prospective blind study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of high-spatial-resolution sonography (HSR-S) in occult scaphoid fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: HSR-S was performed in 24 patients with clinically suspected fracture and normal radiographs. Three levels of clinical suspicion were considered (high, intermediate, and low). Three levels of sonographic suspicion were defined on the basis of cortical interruption, radiocarpal effusion, and scapho-trapezium-trapezoid effusion. Three positive criteria were interpreted as being highly indicative of fracture. Data from sonograms were compared with computed tomography (CT) scans. RESULTS: CT scanning demonstrated a fracture of the scaphoid in five patients. The global sensitivity of HSR-S for detection of occult scaphoid fracture was 100% and the specificity 79%. All patients with demonstrated occult fracture had a high sonography index of suspicion. A high sonography index of suspicion was correlated with 100% sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: HSR-S is a reliable, available, and cost-effective method in early diagnosis of occult fractures of the scaphoid. The presence of three defined criteria is required to assess the diagnosis.

Headache in guillain-barre syndrome.

Severe headache in Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare. We report the management of a young patient with Guillain-Barre syndrome who suffered severe headache, which was not relieved by conventional analgesics. There was evidence of raised intracranial pressure. Insertion of lumbar drain and drainage of cerebrospinal fluid relieved her headache.

Bleeding Meckel's diverticulum diagnosis: an unusual indication for computed tomography.

Despite the wide use of modern investigation techniques, the diagnosis of complications related to Meckel's diverticulum (MD) remains difficult. Arteriography is commonly indicated for acute bleeding, and radionuclide scans may help in identifying the site of intestinal hemorrhage. In contrast, computed tomography (CT) is usually considered little use in the diagnosis of bleeding MD. We present the case of a young patient with massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage, in whom the diagnosis of MD bleeding was preoperatively made with contrast-enhanced CT after two negatives arteriographies.