Towards the development of a fossil bone geochemical standard: an inter-laboratory study.

Ten international laboratories participated in an inter-laboratory comparison of a fossil bone composite with the objective of producing a matrix and structure-matched reference material for studies of the bio-mineralization of ancient fossil bone. We report the major and trace element compositions of the fossil bone composite, using in-situ method as well as various wet chemical digestion techniques. For major element concentrations, the intra-laboratory analytical precision (%RSD(r)) ranges from 7 to 18%, with higher percentages for Ti and K. The %RSD(r) are smaller than the inter-laboratory analytical precision (%RSD(R); <15-30%). Trace element concentrations vary by approximately 5 orders of magnitude (0.1 mg kg(-1) for Th to 10,000 mg kg(-1) for Ba). The intra-laboratory analytical precision %RSD(r) varies between 8 and 45%. The reproducibility values (%RSD(R)) range from 13 to <50%, although extreme value >100% was found for the high field strength elements (Hf, Th, Zr, Nb). The rare earth element (REE) concentrations, which vary over 3 orders of magnitude, have %RSD(r) and %RSD(R) values at 8-15% and 20-32%, respectively. However, the REE patterns (which are very important for paleo-environmental, taphonomic and paleo-oceanographic analyses) are much more consistent. These data suggest that the complex and unpredictable nature of the mineralogical and chemical composition of fossil bone makes it difficult to set-up and calibrate analytical instruments using conventional standards, and may result in non-spectral matrix effects. We propose an analytical protocol that can be employed in future inter-laboratory studies to produce a certified fossil bone geochemical standard.

[Rectoromanoscopic correction of sigmoid volvulus]. / Rektoromanoskopska devolvatsiiia pri volvulus na sigmata.

The volvulus of the sigma is about 40% of all cases with colonic ileus. It is seen in men three times more frequently than in women and affects men in advanced and elderly age. Since 1985 in the Emergency Medical Aid Institute "N. Pirogov" an instrumental method is applied for the treatment of volvulus of the sigma, namely rectosigmoidal intubation under the control of the rectoscopic tube. In 15 cases the manipulation was successful, the volvulus was reversed and the patients were pulled out of the grave ileus condition. The clinical picture of the volvulus of the sigma is classic. The instrumental method can be applied only to patients without gata for an acute condition in the abdomen requiring immediate emergency operation. The instrumental treatment of the volvulus of the sigma prevents surgical interventions under unfavourable conditions for the patient. In elderly patients it may be a lifesaving manipulation.

[Operative policy in colonic obstruction of neoplastic origin (author's transl)]. / Operatives Vorgehen beim Obstruktionsileus des Dickdarms neoplastischer Genese.

From 1958 to 1977 a total of 390 patients underwent surgery for colonic obstruction of neoplastic origin. The series includes 218 women and 172 men, average age 64 years. 135 patients (35%) came to death. The incidence of left colon carcinoma considerably exceeds the carcinoma of the right side (73 or 27% accordingly). The operative methods used are grouped under three headings: primary resection (200 cases = 51%; mortality rate 31%), staged resection (52 cases = 13%, mortality rate 33%), palliative interventions (138 cases = 36%; mortality rate 40%). The results of this study suggest to restrict the range of indications for primary resection in case of deterioration of the general condition and of ileus-peritonitis.