The effect of imidazolium based ionic liquids on wheat and barley germination and growth: Influence of length and oxygen functionalization of alkyl side chain.

In this work five different imidazolium based ionic liquids, namely: 1-(2-oxybutyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [C2OC2mIm][Cl]; 1-(2-oxypropyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [C1OC2mIm][Cl]; 1-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3-ethylimidazolium chloride, [OHC3eIm][Cl]; 1-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [OHC3mIm][Cl]; 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [OHC2mIm][Cl], together with commercial 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [bmim][Cl] and synthesized protic imidazolium chloride, [Im][Cl], were prepared and their toxicity examined towards wheat and barley germination and growth. Introduction of the polar groups (in the form of hydroxyde and/or ether group) in the alkyl side chain of the imidazolium cation and their influence on the reduction of the ionic liquid's toxicity is demonstrated. The results indicate that toxicity of oxygen functionalized ILs is significantly lower against wheat comparing to non-functionalized analogues. In the case of barley, influence on germination follow the same trend as in the case of wheat, but for seedlings growth different trend is observed with more pronounced toxicity of ether functionalized ILs. From these results it was also shown that alkylation in the position N-3 atom of the imidazole significantly reduces toxicity of cation.

Physicochemical and electrochemical characterisation of imidazolium based IL + GBL mixtures as electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries.

Ionic liquid/organic solvent mixtures are investigated as potential optimal electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that can combine low flammability, good thermal stability and high electrical conductivity. In this work the standard ionic association constants of different 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ([Cnmim]+, n is the number of C in the alkyl side chain - 2, 4, 6 or 8) TFSI- based ionic liquids (ILs) in γ-butyrolactone (GBL) are determined using the low concentration Chemical Model (lcCM). Based on the values of for ILs in GBL and earlier physicochemical systematic investigations in that solvent, the system with the lowest was selected for the preparation of the LiTFSI/C2mimTFSI/GBL electrolyte for testing TiO2 nanotube arrays as anode material for LIBs. In an attempt to realize LIBs with enhanced safety, we report herein a comparative study of the electrochemical properties of LiTFSI/C2mimTFSI/GBL and an electrolyte containing an IL without acidic C(2)H on the imidazolium cation, namely, LiTFSI/C2mmimTFSI/GBL. The presence of GBL can improve the reduction stability of imidazolium-based ILs and GBL in LiTFSI/IL/GBL-based electrolytes. It was shown that TiO2 nanotube structures display stable galvanostatic cycling in the LiTFSI/C2mimTFSI/GBL electrolyte after 350 full (dis-)charge cycles and after cell exposure to T = 328.15 K.

Posterior leaflet preservation during mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Mitral valve replacement with posterior leaflet preservation was shown beneficial for postoperative left vetricular (LV) performance in patients with mitral regurgitation. Some authors find it beneficial even for the long term LV function. We investigated a long term effect of this technique in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. We studied 20 patents with mitral valve replacement due to rheumatic mitral stenosis, in the period from January 1988 to December 1989. In group A (10 patients) both leaflets and coresponding chordal excision was performed, while in group B (10 patients) the posterior leaflet was preserved. In all patients a Carbomedics valve was inserted. We compared clinical pre and postoperative status, as well as hemodynamic characteristics of the valve and left ventricle in both groups. Control echocardiographyc analysis included: maximal (PG) and mean (MG) gradients; effective valve area (AREA); telediastolic (TDV) and telesystolic (TSV) LV volume; stroke volume (SV); ejection fraction (EF); fractional shortening (FS) and segmental LV motion. The mean size of inserted valve was 26.6 in group A and 27.2 in group B. Hemodynamic data: PG (10.12 vs 11.1); MG (3.57 vs 3.87); AREA (2.35 vs 2.30); TDV 126.0 vs 114.5); TSV (42.2 vs 36.62); SV (83.7 vs 77.75); EF (63.66 vs 67.12); FS (32.66 vs 38.25). Diaphragmal segmental hypokinesis was evident in one patient from group A and in two patients from group B. In patients with rheumatic stenosis, posterior leaflet preservation did not have increased beneficial effect on left ventricular performance during long-term follow-up. An adequate posterior leaflet preservation does not change hemodynamic valvular characteristics even after long-term follow-up.

Corridor procedure--surgical option for treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement.

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the 'corridor' procedure when added to mitral valve replacement in restoring and maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation resulting from rheumatic mitral valve disease. Twenty-two patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and chronic atrial fibrillation with fast, irregular ventricular response were divided into two groups. In the first group (n = 12), mitral valve replacement was combined with sinus node-AV node isolation ('corridor'): in the second, control group (n = 10), mitral valve replacement was performed through the left atriotomy. The effectiveness of the 'corridor' procedure on heart rhythm was analysed by: (i) 24-h Holter monitoring performed before and during 72 h after surgery, at hospital discharge, and 2 months later; and (ii) postoperative electrophysiological studies using temporary epicardial wires on each isolated atrial compartment. Immediately after surgery and in the following 2 months, heart rate variability analysis showed significantly lower hourly ventricular rates and rate variations in the 'corridor' group compared with those of the control group (P < 0.01). A significant difference was also found when comparing postoperative to preoperative findings in the corridor group (P < 0.05). In the control group, however, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found concerning pre- and postoperative ventricular rate variations. At hospital discharge, nine of 12 patients with 'corridor' procedure were in sinus rhythm. Control patients remained in atrial fibrillation with irregular ventricular rate. The 'corridor' procedure, when added to mitral valve replacement, prolonged surgery, but led to restoration and long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm in 75% of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and rheumatic mitral valve disease.

Popliteal artery war injuries.

The early postoperative results of 44 surgically treated popliteal arterial injuries from the Yugoslav civil war are reported. Of these patients, 41 (93%) were males and three (7%) were females, average age was 28 (range 6-45) years. Twenty patients (45%) had gunshot wounds and 24 (55%) explosive wounds. Twelve (28%) suffered isolated vascular damage, while 32 (72%) suffered concomitant bone fractures. Isolated arterial lesions were found in 24 (55%) cases, and concomitant arterial and venous lesions in 20 (45%). Twenty-four (55%) had primary reconstructions after haemostasis in the initial war hospital, and 20 (45%) secondary reconstructions after inadequate primary reconstruction in a regional war hospital. Artery procedures included 19 reverse saphenous vein graft interpositions, 10 reverse saphenous vein bypasses, 12 'in situ' saphenous vein bypasses and five lateral subcutaneous saphenous vein bypasses. The early graft patency rate was 100%, and limb salvage 72%. Major amputation was performed in 28%. Concomitant bone fractures, secondary reconstructions, secondary haemorrhage from an infected graft, and explosion wounds significantly increased the amputation rate (P < 0.01). Eleven amputations were performed after an anatomic, and only one after an extra-anatomic reconstruction (P < 0.01). The authors recommend an in situ or lateral subcutaneous reconstruction in cases of complicated popliteal artery injuries, such as concomitant bone fractures accompanied by massive soft tissue damage, and this type of reconstruction should also be used if infection is present or the procedure is delayed.

[Intra-arterial administration of prostaglandin E1 in occlusive arterial diseases]. / Intraarterijska primena prostaglandina E1 u okluzivnoj arterijskoj bolesti.

The authors present their result of a two-year follow-up of 106 patients to whom an intra-arterial perfusion of prostaglandin E1 was administered, as limb salvage procedure. The patients were in the IIIrd and IVth stage of occlusive diseases by Fountain, and surgical reconstructions were not possible. All patients were divided into five groups: A--diabetic angiopathy (5), B--distal form of atherosclerosis (40), C--diabetic angiopathy and atherosclerosis (45), D--Burger disease (10) and E--adjuvant therapy in reconstruction with poor run-off (6). The Doppler sonographic and angiographic measurements were performed. After transcutaneous (16 cases), or intraoperative (90 cases) introduction of the catheter into superficial of profunda femoral artery, a continuous intraarterial administration of prostaglandin E1 was carried out in a dose of 10 nanograms/kg body weight/minute (total dosage 3000 nanograms). The patients were controlled immediately after the treatment, as well as 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after the treatment. In efficiency of the treatment was estimated on the following basis: elimination of rest pain, healing of trophic ulceration and demarcation of gangrenous processes. Our late results of intra-arterial administration of prostaglandin E1 proved to be a very successful limb salvage procedure. The treatment was more successful in a connections between the upper knee arterial net and pedal arterial arches were preserved.

Intraarterial perfusion of prostaglandin E1 after lumbar sympathectomy or reconstruction on femoropopliteal segment.

Out of 100 patients treated by intraarterial perfusion of prostaglandin E1 we selected 36 cases who have been treated after a lumbar sympathectomy or reconstruction on the femoro-popliteal segment. The patients were in the III and IV stage of occlusive diseases by Fontain. All patients were divided into four groups: (a) prostaglandin E1 after a lumbar sympathectomy (20); (b) prostaglandin E1 after failed femoro-popliteal bypass (8); (c) prostaglandin E1 with patent femoro-popliteal bypass and distal progression of the occlusive disease (3); (d) prostaglandin E1 with previously femoro-popliteal reconstruction and poor run off (5). After intraoperative introduction of a catheter into the superficial femoral artery, profunda femoral artery (a, b), a patent graft (c) or just implanted graft (d), a continuous intraarterial perfusion of prostaglandin E1 was applied, in doses 10 nanograms/kg body weight/minute, in total doses 3000 nanograms. The perfusion time was 48-72 h. The patients were controlled immediately after treatment as well as 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after. Our early and late results of the intraarterial perfusion of prostaglandin E1 proved as a very successful limb salvage procedure.

Clinical and functional evaluation of the Carbomedics Prosthetic Heart Valve in the mitral position. Preliminary results.

The Carbomedics Prosthetic Heart Valve is a new bileaflet pyrolite carbon prosthesis. This paper reports the preliminary results in 40 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) using the Carbomedics Valve in 1988. The operative mortality rate was 5% and the early results have been encouraging, with no valve related complications observed in the first post-operative year.

[Morgagni's diaphragmatic hernia--case report]. / Morganjijeva dijafragmalna kila--prikaz slucaja.

A sucostosternal hernia (type Morgagni) is a rare diaphragmatic anomaly of congenital origin; in that sense are data that from 100 operated on diaphragmatic hernias, only three belong to this type. Although it is known that 20% of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia have other congenital anomalies, a coincidence of a Morgagni's hernia with heart anomalies, in available to use (domestic and foreign) references, there has not yet been reported. Besides a Morgagni's hernia, our patient also had an insufficiency of mitral and tricuspidal valves, atrium septum defect (sec.), pulmonary hypertension and Hiss' right branch block. Surgery was successful: the diaphragmatic defect (size: 7 cm. x 3 cm.) repaired, and the complex heart anomalies corrected in an extracorporeal circulation.

[Intertriginous basaliomas--epidemiologic, clinical and therapeutic aspects]. / Intertriginöse Basaliome--Epidemiologische, Klinische und Therapeutiche Aspekte.

In intertriginous areas, basal cell carcinomas are rarely seen and easily mistaken for other lesions. Adequate treatment, therefore, ist often delayed. On the basis of our observations and the relevant literature, we discuss the special aspects of these tumors.

[Diffuse (presenile) hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands, a new entity? Successful treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid]. / Diffuse (präsenile) Talgdrüsenhyperplasie, eine neue Entität? Erfolgreiche Behandlung mit 13-cis-Retinäure.

We report the case of a young man with extreme sebaceous gland hyperplasia that occurred in a diffuse pattern of aggregated papular lesions involving the entire face, neck and upper chest, together with marked seborrhoea oleosa. Oral therapy with 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) resulted in remarkable improvement within a few weeks. Parallels from our case are drawn to familial sebaceous hyperplasia, reported by Dypre et al. in 1980 [6], and to a case of a young man with severe sebaceous gland hyperplasia and facial seborrhoea, reported by de Villez et al. in 1982. We suggest that these types of seboglandular proliferative disorders be classified as diffuse (presenile) sebaceous gland hyperplasia in contrast to the well-defined senile circumscribed variant, and that they be regarded as a separate entity.

[Adenoma seboparum sive sebaceum--a histologic diagnosis]. / Adenoma seboparum sive sebaceum--Eine histologische Diagnose.

Adenoma seboparum is a rare tumor without typical clinical features. Therefore, diagnosis is usually made only by histological examination.

[Bilateral nevus of Ota--a case report]. / Bilateraler Naevus Ota--Ein kasuistischer Beitrag.

We report on a case of the bilateral type of nevus fuscocaeruleus ophthalmomaxillaris Ota, which is rarely seen in European countries. We refer to other possible disturbances associated with this disorder.

[Dermatosurgical treatment possibilities in leg ulcers]. / Dermatochirurgische Behandlungsmöglichkeiten des Ulcus cruris.

On he basis of our own investigational findings in patients suffering from leg ulcers during the past 3 years, we report on general aspects regarding preoperative treatment of ulcus cruris. In addition, we give an illustrated synopsis of current dermatosurgical treatment, especially referring to leg ulcers in venous disorders. Aside from local surgical procedures, we discuss the various techniques of skin grafting as well as surgical possibilities with regard to the treatment of incompetent perforator veins.

[Variability of exanthema in systemic lupus erythematosus (author's transl)]. / Systemischer Lupus erythematodes mit morphologisch wechselndem, teilweise polymorph-bullösem Exanthem.

We report about a 28 year old patient who got small red papules on the flat of his hands and the soles of his feet since February 79. The lesions disappeared, but came back later, this time on his back, breast, arms and legs too. The lesions came from papules, that spread out peripherally, healed up centrally and formed annular lesions, that tended to coalesce producing polycyclic, gyrate configurations. Finally the patient developed versiculobullous eruptions.