Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O ceramics for microwave and millimeter-wave applications.

The Ba(Zn(1/3)Ta(2/3))O(3) (BZT) ceramic samples were prepared by solid-state reaction and sintered in the range 1550-1650 degrees C for 2 h. Several methods--X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)--were used for structural and morphological characterization. The unit cell distortion and the presence of the secondary phase content were studied by XRD. A long-range order with a 2:1 ratio of Ta and Zn cations on the octahedral positions of the perovskite structure was noticed with the increase of the sintering temperature. SEM investigations revealed polyhedral well-faceted grains and large grain size distribution. The dielectric properties in the microwave range were measured at room temperature and at 1 kHz on a large temperature interval (+/-150 degrees C). The dielectric parameters were correlated with morphological and structural properties. Ceramic samples were annealed at 1410 degrees C for 30 h to improve the microwave properties. The dielectric constant of BZT samples measured at 6 GHz and at 1 kHz was between 27 and 28 on the whole temperature range, that is, typical values for BZT material. The temperature coefficient of the resonance frequency at 6 GHz exhibits positive values less than 6 ppm/degrees C.

[Serevent in the treatment of moderate bronchial asthma]. / Serevent în tratamentul astmului bronsic moderat.

A group of 20 patients with moderate bronchial asthma aged 18 through 65, previously treated with Becotide inhaler for 4 weeks was given Serevent in regular dosage for 4 weeks. Serevent efficiency was assessed clinically and functionally (MEVS, IPB). A progressive improvement of all clinical and functional parameters was obtained following the treatment. The evolution was unsatisfactory with 3 cases which entered the group with advanced asthma condition. No adverse reaction of tachyphylaxis manifestations were recorded. Drug adequacy was perfect. The final results place Serevent among elective bronchodilators in long-time ambulatory treatment.

The zinc-immunodeficiency relationship in old patients.

The influence of oral zinc sulphate therapy on the humoral immunity was investigated by dosages of serum immunoglobulins (Ig) and of plasma zinc levels in 12 patients with a mean age of 70 years, in comparison with other 11 patients treated with placebo and with a control group of 50 apparently healthy subjects. The results of this double-blind study demonstrated the zinc effect on the immunoregulation, as the Ig levels, and particularly those of the IgG class, initially high, were lowered in a statistically significant proportion. It is assumed that further clinical trials with various zinc concentrations could bring more information on this trace element participation in the humoral immunoregulation.

[Considerations on 45 cases of injuries of the diaphragm]. / Consideratii pe marginea a 45 de cazuri de traumatisme ale diafragmului.

The authors make an analysis of 45 cases of diaphragmatic trauma, of which 27 were wounds and 18 were ruptures. The wounds of the diaphragm, in most cases determined by bullets, were of small dimensions, but were accompanied by serious lesions of the organs in the vicinity, while ruptures of the diaphragm, determined by closed traumas, were extensive, but with less important lesions of the viscera. Rapid transportation, and efficient intensive care have permitted the performance of emergency interventions in all the patients with wounds, except 3 who died in the emergency room. In 37% of the cases there was involvement of the liver, while the spleen was involved in 33% of the patients. Wounds following gunshot with explosion of the liver and involvement of the supra-hepatic veins could not be recovered. The continuity solution of the diaphragm determined penetration of the abdominal organs and of their contents into the thorax, and this was followed by respiratory and circulatory failure. The diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture was established in some cases at some distance from the traumatic point. In all the patients with wounds it was necessary to perform emergency surgery. The approach was selected in relation to the localization of the entrance and of the emergence points of the wound. In cases with thoraco-abdominal wounds on the left side the abdominal approach was the most frequent choice, while in patients with wounds on the right side the preferred approach was thoracic in the high-placed wounds, and abdominal, or thoraco-abdominal in the low-placed ones. In the case of ruptures the approach was determined by the localization of the impact zone, and by the viscera supposedly involved. In most of the patients the clinical picture was dominated by the associated lesions, especially by the cranio-cerebral ones. For this reason some of these patients were operated in a later stage, with diaphragmatic hernia. The overall mortality rate in the operated patients was 15.8%.

[Bipolar approach to biliobronchial fistulas]. / Cu privire la abordul bipolar al fistulelor biliobronsice.

On the basis of 4 cases (three bilio-bronchial fistulae of hydatic origin, and one post-traumatic fistula), the authors review the problems of etiology and of pathological physiology. After an interpretation of the results obtained they recommend the bi-polar approach (pulmonary and biliary) in the same surgical intervention. In relation with the condition of the patient the second stage of the intervention will be performed after 14 to 21 days (the abdominal stage being carried out after the thoracic stage).

[Unusual clinical and therapeutic aspects of intrathoracic goiter]. / Aspecte clinice si terapeutice particulare în gusile intratoracice.

Out of the 220 cases of goiters operated in the clinic 19 were partially or totally intra-thoracic, as follows: --totally intra-thoracic: 7 cases; --partially intra-thoracic: 12 cases, of which: mediastino-cervical: 2 cases; cervico-mediastinal: 10 cases. Five of the totally intra-thoracic goiters were in the anterior mediastinum, while two were in the posterior mediastinum, in a retro-oesophageal position. Three of the 19 intra-thoracic goiters were malignant. The symptomatology, the diagnosis and especially the therapeutical attitude are discussed.