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Organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides have recently attracted attention in the global research field for their bright light emission, tunable photoluminescence wavelength, and convenient synthesis method. This study reports the detailed properties of (C

Chest computed tomography (CT) is proven to have high sensitivity in COVID-19 diagnosis. It is available in most emergency wards, and in contrast to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) it can be obtained in several minutes. However, its imaging features change during the course of the disease and overlap with other viral pneumonias, including influenza pneumonia. In this brief analysis we review the recent literature about chest CT features, useful radiological scales, and COVID-19 differentiation with other viral infections.

Portable near-infrared (NIR) light sources are in high demand for applications in spectroscopy, night vision, bioimaging, and many others. Typical phosphor designs feature isolated Cr3+ ion centers, and it is challenging to design broadband NIR phosphors based on Cr3+-Cr3+ pairs. Here, we explore the solid-solution series SrAl11.88-xGaxO19:0.12Cr3+ (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) as phosphors featuring Cr3+-Cr3+ pairs and evaluate structure-property relations within the series. We establish the incorporation of Ga within the magentoplumbite-type structure at five distinct crystallographic sites and evaluate the effect of this incorporation on the Cr3+-Cr3+ ion pair proximity. Electron paramagnetic measurements reveal the presence of both isolated Cr3+ and Cr3+-Cr3+ pairs, resulting in NIR luminescence at approximately 650-1050 nm. Unexpectedly, the origin of broadband NIR luminescence with a peak within the range 740-820 nm is related to the Cr3+-Cr3+ ion pair. We demonstrate the application of the SrAl5.88Ga6O19:0.12Cr3+ phosphor, which possesses an internal quantum efficiency of ∼85%, a radiant flux of ∼95 mW, and zero thermal quenching up to 500 K. This work provides a further understanding of spectral shifts in phosphor solid solutions and in particular the application of the magentoplumbites as promising next-generation NIR phosphor host systems.

This work was financially supported by the Advanced Research Center of Green Materials Science and Technology from The Featured Area Research Center Program within the framework of the Higher Education Sprout Project by the Ministry of Education (107L9006), the Ministry of Science and Technology in Taiwan (Contracts MOST 109-2113-M-002-020-MY3, MOST 107-2113-M-002-008-MY3, MOST 110-2923-M-002-017-MY3, MOST 107-2923-M-002-004-MY3, and MOST 107-3017-F-002-001), the National Science Center Poland Grant Opus (nos. 2016/23/B/ST3/03911 and 2019/33/B/ST3/00406), and the National Center for Research and Development Poland Grant (no. PL-TW/VIII/1/2021). Cs4PbI6, as a rarely investigated member of the Cs4PbI6(X is a halogen element) family, has been successfully synthesized at low temperatures, and the synthetic conditions have been optimized. Metal iodides such as LiI, KI, NiI2, CoI2, and ZnI2, as additives, play an important role in enhancing the formation of the Cs4PbI6 microcrystals. ZnI2 with the lowest dissociation energy is the most efficient additive to supply iodide ions, and its amount of addition has also been optimized. Strong red to near-infrared (NIR) emission properties have been detected, and its optical emission centers have been identified to be numerous embedded perovskite-type α-CsPbI3 nanocrystallites (∼5 nm in diameter) based on investigations of temperature- and pressure-dependent photoluminescent properties. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to detect these hidden nanoparticles, although the material was highly beam-sensitive and confirmed a “raisin bread”-like structure of the Cs4PbI6 crystals. A NIR mini-LED for the biological application has been successfully fabricated using as-synthesized Cs4PbI6 crystals. This work provides information for the future development of infrared fluorescent nanoscale perovskite materials. Postprint

A chemical and mechanical pressure-induced photoluminescence tuning method was developed through the structural evolution and hydrostatic pressure involving phase transition. A series of Ga1.98–xAl...

Mini-light-emitting diodes (mini-LEDs) are regarded as a promising light source for future high-end electronic products. Phosphors with a small size and high efficiency have been reported to achiev...

Nitridophosphates are regarded as an emerging compound class with applications in phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes. In this work, we aim to develop a series of Ca2−xSrxPN3:Eu2+ nitridophosphate phosphors through a solid-solution strategy involving a hot isostatic press. Unexpected dual emissions in the red and infrared regions are observed, different from previous research results. The unique change in red and near-infrared emission with the incorporation of Sr2+ is revealed and explained in detail through the structural analysis of the locally coordinated environment. Thermal properties including temperature-dependent photoluminescence and decay, as well as electron-lattice relaxation properties, are analyzed in detail. Furthermore, photobiomodulation based on the dual emission of Ca2−xSrxPN3:Eu2+ in the red and near-infrared regions is proposed, demonstrating their potential practical applications. This study provides insight into the analysis of nitridophosphate phosphors and the development of novel luminescent materials.

Nitridophosphate phosphors have become a popular material in white light-emitting diode applications. With the introduction of the hot isostatic press, a new and promising method has been opened for nitridophosphate phosphors. Here, a series of zeolitic nitridophosphate phosphors Sr2.91−xBaxP5N10Cl:0.09Eu2+ was synthesized using a hot isostatic press. The synergetic effect on cation substitution of Sr2+ and Ba2+ was explored to improve the internal quantum efficiency through morphology and charge variation analysis. Detailed thermal properties were determined using the temperature-dependent photoluminescence intensity and decay time. This research provides a different perspective to analyze nitridophosphate phosphors and develop novel luminescent materials.

Artykuł dotyczy problematyki wykorzystania w procesie karnym tzw. „przypadkowychznalezisk” uzyskanych w toku podsłuchu operacyjnego. Kwestię tę reguluje art. 168bkodeksu postępowania karnego. W tym kontekście „przypadkowe znaleziska” to materiałyświadczące o popełnieniu przez osobę podsłuchiwaną innego przestępstwa niż objętepodsłuchem, albo o popełnieniu jakiegokolwiek przestępstwa przez osobę w ogóle nieobjętąpostanowieniem o zarządzeniu podsłuchu. Literalnie przepis ten zezwala na wykorzystaniemateriałów w wyżej wskazanych przypadkach, jeśli owe przestępstwo jest przestępstwemściganym z urzędu lub przestępstwem skarbowym. Regulacja ta budzi wśródczęści środowiska prawniczego pewne wątpliwości natury gwarancyjnej czy konstytucyjnej.Zasadniczy problem sprowadza się do zakresu podmiotowego oraz przedmiotowegoprzepisu. Zarówno w doktrynie, jak i w judykaturze, stanowiska są dość rozbieżne.Celem artykułu jest analiza aktualnej regulacji oraz przyczyn powstałegona jej tle sporu wraz z uwzględnieniem wyrażonych w tym zakresie poglądów w doktryniei orzecznictwie, zarówno krajowym, jak i strasburskim. Rozważania kończy przedstawieniestanowiska Autorki.

We aim to conduct a complete study on the unexpected structure evolution behavior in Cr3+-doped phosphors. A series of Ga2–xScxO3:Cr3+ phosphors are successfully synthesized and confirmed through s...

Phosphors with a rigid and symmetrical structure are urgently needed. The alkali lithosilicate family (A[Li3SiO4]) has been extensively studied with a narrow emission band due to its unique cuboid-...

Recently, infrared (IR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have attracted considerable interest in the research field worldwide. IR phosphors, the basic materials utilized in LEDs, have become a research...

This research focuses on LPE growth, and the examination of the optical and photovoltaic properties of single crystalline film (SCF) phosphors based on Ce3+-doped Y3MgxSiyAl5−x−yO12 garnets with Mg and Si contents in x = 0–0.345 and y = 0–0.31 ranges. The absorbance, luminescence, scintillation, and photocurrent properties of Y3MgxSiyAl5−x−yO12:Ce SCFs were examined in comparison with Y3Al5O12:Ce (YAG:Ce) counterpart. Especially prepared YAG:Ce SCFs with a low (x, y < 0.1) concentration of Mg2+ and Mg2+–Si4+ codopants also showed a photocurrent that increased with rising Mg2+ and Si4+ concentrations. Mg2+ excess was systematically present in as-grown Y3MgxSiyAl5−x−yO12:Ce SCFs. The as-grown SCFs of these garnets under the excitation of α–particles had a low light yield (LY) and a fast scintillation response with a decay time in the ns range due to producing the Ce4+ ions as compensators for the Mg2+ excess. The Ce4+ dopant recharged to the Ce3+ state after SCF annealing at T > 1000 °C in a reducing atmosphere (95%N2 + 5%H2). Annealed SCF samples exhibited an LY of around 42% and similar scintillation decay kinetics to those of the YAG:Ce SCF counterpart. The photoluminescence studies of Y3MgxSiyAl5−x−yO12:Ce SCFs provide evidence for Ce3+ multicenter formation and the presence of an energy transfer between various Ce3+ multicenters. The Ce3+ multicenters possessed variable crystal field strengths in the nonequivalent dodecahedral sites of the garnet host due to the substitution of the octahedral positions by Mg2+ and the tetrahedral positions by Si4+. In comparison with YAG:Ce SCF, the Ce3+ luminescence spectra of Y3MgxSiyAl5−x−yO12:Ce SCFs greatly expanded in the red region. Using these beneficial trends of changes in the optical and photocurrent properties of Y3MgxSiyAl5−x−yO12:Ce garnets as a result of Mg2+ and Si4+ alloying, a new generation of SCF converters for white LEDs, photovoltaics, and scintillators could be developed.

Among organic semiconductors, rubrene (RB, C42H28) is of rapidly growing interest for the development of organic and hybrid electronics due to exceptionally long spin diffusion length and carrier mobility up to 20 cm2V−1s−1 in single crystals. However, the fabrication of RB thin films resembling properties of the bulk remains challenging, mainly because of the RB molecule’s twisted conformation. This hinders the formation of orthorhombic crystals with strong π–π interactions that support the band transport. In this work, RB films with a high crystalline content were fabricated by matrix-assisted laser evaporation and the associated structure, composition, and transport properties are investigated. Enhanced charge transport is ascribed to the crystalline content of the film. Spherulitic structures are observed on top of an amorphous RB layer formed in the initial deposition stage. In spherulites, orthorhombic crystals dominate, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and the absorption and Raman spectra. Surprisingly, nanowires several microns in length are also detected. The desorption/ionization mass and X-ray photoelectron spectra consistently show minimal material decomposition and absence of RB peroxides. The observed carrier mobility up to 0.13 cm2V−1s−1, is close to the technologically accepted level, making these rubrene films attractive for spintronic and optoelectronic applications.

Phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have recently become a promising candidate for next-generation devices used in agriculture and horticulture. In principle, they can overcome the limitations of regular daily sunshine. Here, the principle of LED-promoted plant growth was demonstrated by using the Ga2O3:Cr3+ phosphor with an extremely high quantum yield of 92.4%. The detailed structural and luminescent properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction, temperature-dependent photoluminescence, and pressure-dependent photoluminescence. The results reveal the unique two electronic spin-forbidden transition emissions (R1 and R2) of the Ga2O3:Cr3+ phosphor. Plant growth experiments were also conducted to evaluate the practical applications of the as-prepared phosphors, showing that they exhibit obvious positive effects on plants. This work reveals the important role of LEDs in agriculture and horticulture, as well as their potential practical applications.

The process of persistent luminescence or glow-in-the-dark, the delayed emission of light of irradiated substances, has long fascinated researchers, who have made efforts to explain the underlying physical phenomenon as well as put it to practical use. However, persistent luminescence is an elusive and difficult process, both in terms of controlling or altering its properties, as well as providing a quantitative description. In this paper, we used SrSi2N2O2:Eu2+ as a model persistent phosphor, characterized by the broad distribution of structural defects and exhibiting long-lasting Eu2+ luminescence that is visible for a few minutes after switching off UV light. We investigated the persistent luminescence process by two complementary methods, namely, thermoluminescence and temperature-dependent persistent luminescence decay measurements. Analysis of experimental data allowed us to determine the depth distribution of traps, and allowed us to distinguish two different mechanisms by which the emission is delayed. The first, the temperature-dependent mechanism, is related to trap activation, while the second, temperature-independent mechanism is related to carrier migration. Finally, we employed the strategy of the co-doping of the phosphor SrSi2N2O2:Eu2+,M3+ (M = Ce, Nd, Dy) to modify the persistent luminescence properties.

Phosphor materials are promising candidates for white-light-emitting diode applications. High-quality phosphor materials must be synthesized under extreme conditions. In this study, a series of SrL...

Cs

The process of persistent luminescence or glow-in-the-dark, the delayed emission of light of irradiated substances, has long fascinated researchers, who have made efforts to explain the underlying physical phenomenon as well as put it to practical use. However, persistent luminescence is an elusive and difficult process, both in terms of controlling or altering its properties, as well as providing a quantitative description. In this paper, we used SrSi

In this study phosphor powders with the nominal composition of Sr0.98Eu0.02Si2O(5–1.5x)Nx (x in the range of 1.33–2.66) was successfully synthesized through the conventional solid-state reaction method. We carried out studies on the N3- and O2- ions effects on the structural and photoluminescent properties of the resultant oxonitridosilicates by varying nitrogen content in the initial mixture of materials. Discussion on the multicomposition effect on the luminescent properties is provided since the specimen with the bi-phase composition shows the highest quantum yield (QY) among the examined specimens. We found that luminescence peaked at 540 nm is related to Eu2+ located in the triclinic phase SrSi2O2N2. It is shown that QY of the single triclinic phase materials is relatively low. We related low QY to absorption of excitation light by uncontrolled defects. We found that the sample where the ratio of Si in silica to Si in silicon nitride is 0.5:1.5 has high QY equal to 0.68. This sample is a mixture of two phases: the triclinic phase SrSi2O2N2 and another crystal lattice, the most likely Sr3Si6O9N4. We can relate the parasite defects to the surface states in the triclinic lattice, which in the case of existence, the Sr3Si6O9N4 phase are removed.

Currently the major aim in peripheral vascular malformation diagnosis, crucial for subsequent management and treatment, is to identify its haemodynamic characteristics. Other significant features that should be specified by a radiologist are the exact location of the anomaly, its size, and its morphology. Until recently the diagnostic methods available for comprehensive evaluation of malformations have been rather limited. Moreover, they were often associated with the necessity of exposing the patient to X-ray radiation and with invasive procedures, as for example in angiography. The development of imaging techniques used in the diagnosis of vascular abnormalities in recent years, especially magnetic resonance imaging, has contributed to improved diagnostic value of the tests. In this article we review the currently available imaging modalities with particular consideration of magnetic resonance imaging and its capability to distinguish between high- and low-flow malformations.

Parabens owing to their many advantageous properties are widely applied in cosmetics, food products and pharmaceuticals. However, recent research results have shown that they possess the ability to accumulate in the human body and exert many adverse effects. In this study, the impact of methylparaben (MP) as the most frequently used preservative in cosmetics, on human dermal fibroblasts and collagen production was evaluated. In cells treated with 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05% MP a dose-dependent decrease in collagen biosynthesis was revealed, which was positively correlated with the activity of prolidase responsible for the recovery of proline. Consequently, the concentration of total collagen secreted into the medium was markedly diminished. A similar reduction in expression of the major skin collagen type I at both the protein and mRNA level as well as collagen type III and VI at the mRNA level was also detected. The decrease in the collagen level may result not only from the reduced synthesis but also increased degradation owing to MP-induced activation of pro-MMP-2 (72 kDa). The increase in activity of MMP-2 (66 kDa) was accompanied by a reduction in the inhibitory activity of TIMP-2. In addition, an inhibitory effect of MP on cell survival and proliferation was revealed in this study. The increased expression and nuclear translocation of caspase-3 as well as increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 expression may suggest MP-induced cell apoptosis. In summary, we have provided new data on the adverse effects of methylparaben on human dermal fibroblasts and the main structural protein of the skin. Further studies on the mechanisms responsible for its action are in progress. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background: Introduction of invasive endovascular techniques constituted a real a breakthrough in the treatment of aortic aneurysm dissection and rupture. We assessed the effectiveness and safety of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with thoracic aortic pathologies. Methods: Between 2007 and 2017, 118 patients with thoracic aortic pathology underwent TEVAR. Among them, 20 (16.9%) patients required hybrid procedures. Stent grafts indication were thoracic aortic aneurysm in 46 (39.0%) patients, type B dissection in 68 (57.6%) patients and other indications in 4 (3.3%). Procedural success rate, in-hospital and late mortality and morbidity were evaluated. Results: The patients were followed-up for a mean of 55 months (range, 6-118 months). The technical success rate was 96%. Five patients died during the first 30 days after procedure (mortality 4.2%), four due to ischemic stroke followed by multi-organ failure and another one hemodynamically significant type I endoleak. Most of them were noted in the first years of our study. Five others died during post-discharged period. Four patients developed neurological complications, including stroke (n=2; 1.7%) and paraparesis (n=2; 1.7%). There were 6 (5.1%) primary (5 type I and 1 type II) and 3 (2.5%) secondary endoleaks (1 type I and 2 type III). Secondary interventions were required in 8 subjects. There was one case of stent collapse and two retrograde aortic dissection. Conclusions: Treatment of descending aortic diseases by using stent graft implantation has become the method of choice, decreasing the risk of open surgery, especially in patients with severe clinical state and comorbidities. However, effectiveness and safety may be achieved by experience team.

Background. In recent years, a rapid increase in studies focusing on the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has been observed. Oxidative modifications of proteins are infrequently evaluated in reference to AAA. Objectives. The intensity of oxidative protein modifications, presented as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and carbonylated proteins (C=O), in AAA patients qualified for surgery was estimated. The effect of surgical techniques and intraoperative and postoperative treatment on AOPP and C=O levels was evaluated. Patients. The EVAR group, consisting of 30 patients, was classified for endovascular aneurysm repair, whereas 28 patients were classified for conventional open repair (OR). Methods. AOPP and C=O were measured using a colorimetric assay kit. Results. A significantly lower AOPP level obtained 2-4 days after EVAR surgery in comparison with the value found before surgery was noted. In the case of OR postoperative treatment, a tendency of AOPP level to increase was observed. The tendency of C=O to decrease after surgery in the EVAR group was indicated. However, the C=O level tended to increase after OR surgery and reached a significantly higher value 5-7 days after surgery compared with the value obtained before surgery. Conclusions. Based on our results, it may be concluded that AAA as well as surgical technique contribute to the formation of AOPP and C=O. The analysis of changes in AOPP and C=O values obtained after surgery revealed a significant effect of a patient’s condition before surgery as well as the choice of surgery technique on the values of the studied parameters revealed during postoperative treatment.

Conventional open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is associated with high perioperative mortality and morbidity risk. Our report of successful treatment of a 56-year-old patient with TAAA involving all visceral arteries and with many comorbidities with a fenestrated stent graft supports its application in high-risk TAAA patients.

Organic semiconductor rubrene (C42H28) belongs to most preferred spintronic materials because of the high charge carrier mobility up to 40 cm2(V·s)-1. However, the fabrication of a defect-free, polycrystalline rubrene for spintronic applications represents a difficult task. We report preparation and properties of rubrene thin films deposited by pulsed laser evaporation of solidified solutions. Samples of rubrene dissolved in aromatic solvents toluene, xylene, dichloromethane and 1,1-dichloroethane (0.23-1% wt) were cooled to temperatures in the range of 16.5-163 K and served as targets. The target ablation was provided by a pulsed 1064 nm or 266 nm laser. For films of thickness up to 100 nm deposited on Si, glass and ITO glass substrates, the Raman and AFM data show presence of the mixed crystalline and amorphous rubrene phases. Agglomerates of rubrene crystals are revealed by SEM observation too, and presence of oxide/peroxide (C42H28O2) in the films is concluded from matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight spectroscopic analysis.

Currently the major aim in peripheral vascular malformation (PVM) diagnosis, crucial for subsequent management and treatment, is to identify its hemodynamic characteristics. Other significant features that should be specified by a radiologist is the exact location of the anomaly, its size and morphology. Until recently the diagnostic methods available for comprehensive evaluation of malformations have been rather limited. Moreover, they were often associated with the necessity of exposing the patient to X-ray radiation and with invasive procedures, as for example in angiography. The development of imaging techniques used in the diagnosis of vascular abnormalities in recent years, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has largely contributed to improved diagnostic value of the tests. In this article we review the currently available imaging modalities with particular consideration of magnetic resonance imaging and its capability to distinguish between high-flow and low-flow malformations.

Parabens owing to their many advantageous properties are widely applied in cosmetics, food products and pharmaceuticals. However, recent research results have shown that they possess the ability to accumulate in the human body and exert many adverse effects. In this study, the impact of methylparaben (MP) as the most frequently used preservative in cosmetics, on human dermal fibroblasts and collagen production was evaluated. In cells treated with 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05% MP a dose-dependent decrease in collagen biosynthesis was revealed, which was positively correlated with the activity of prolidase responsible for the recovery of proline. Consequently, the concentration of total collagen secreted into the medium was markedly diminished. A similar reduction in expression of the major skin collagen type I at both the protein and mRNA level as well as collagen type III and VI at the mRNA level was also detected. The decrease in the collagen level may result not only from the reduced synthesis but also increased degradation owing to MP-induced activation of pro-MMP-2 (72 kDa). The increase in activity of MMP-2 (66 kDa) was accompanied by a reduction in the inhibitory activity of TIMP-2. In addition, an inhibitory effect of MP on cell survival and proliferation was revealed in this study. The increased expression and nuclear translocation of caspase-3 as well as increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 expression may suggest MP-induced cell apoptosis. In summary, we have provided new data on the adverse effects of methylparaben on human dermal fibroblasts and the main structural protein of the skin. Further studies on the mechanisms responsible for its action are in progress. Copyright © 2017 John WileySons, Ltd.

Background This article investigates patient radiation doses during implantation of thoracic stent-graft. Aortic stengraft implantation can be disturbed by many factors, which, in turn, lead to prolongation of the procedure time and, as a consequence, increase the radiation dose. Methods Measurements of radiation length (fluoroscopy and exposure), air kerma (AK) in grays, and dose–area product in grays·square centimeters were conducted simultaneously in 100 patients. The patients were analyzed retrospectively, regarding their body mass index (BMI), type of aneurysms, number of stent-graft parts, angulation of aorta, and coverage of the left subclavian artery. Results Mean total dose–area product value for this kind of treatment was 361 Gy·cm 2 . This was caused by the fact that total mean AK was high for the cohort analyzed and reached 797 mGy. For 23 patients total AK was between 1 and 2 Gy, and for 3 it exceeded 2 Gy. In the remaining group, the maximal radiation dose was very high and exceeded 3 Gy. The total AK of patients with BMI within the range of 25 to 29.9 kg/m 2 and with BMI greater than 30 kg/m 2 significantly increased in comparison with the group of patients with BMI between 18 and 24.9 kg/m 2 ( p = 0.00005 and 0.000001, respectively). During the study, a good correlation between AK and fluoroscopy time ( r = 0.6) and for AK (or dose–area product) and exposure time ( r = 0.66 or 0.81, respectively) was observed. Conclusions The main factors contributing to a high radiation dose being acquired by patients during thoracic stent-graft were BMI greater than 25 kg/m 2 , number of parts of the stent-graft, and angulation of the neck of aneurysm exceeding 60 degrees.

Objectives The main purpose of this study was to document the radiation doses to patients during carotid stenting. Material and method Fluoroscopy and exposure time, air kerma and dose-area product during carotid artery stenting in 160 patients were retrospectively reviewed with regard to body mass index, degree of stenosis and use of cerebral protection devices. Results Total air kerma was lower than 0.5 Gy in 80%, 0.5–1 Gy in 17% and higher than 1 Gy (maximum 1.2) in 3% of patients. Mean total dose-area product value for carotid stenting was 54 Gy cm2. The mean air kerma (fluoroscopy), air kerma (exposure), total air kerma and dose-area product (fluoroscopy), dose-area product (exposure), total dose-area product of patients with body mass index within the range 25–29.9 and with body mass index >30 were significantly increased compared to that of patients with body mass index 18–24.9 (H = 40.2, df = 2; p = 0.0000001 and p = 0.000003, respectively). Conclusion Carotid artery stenting is a relatively safe radiological procedure in terms of the radiation dose acquired by the patient. The main factors contributing to possible radiation overdosing are body mass index value and complexity of the carotid lesion. Proper preoperative planning in obese and complicated patients may reduce the fluoroscopy time and contribute to reduced dose acquisition.

Renal function impairment during interventional procedures became a real clinical problem. Contrast related nephropathy is the most common cause of renal failure, however, the procedure-related technical troubles may cause unexpected renal dysfunction.Technical failure of EVAR resulting in acute renal dysfunction is presented. The postprocedural occlusion of the right renal artery was treated in chimney technique. Early reintervention allowed the kidney preservation and renal function restoration.It is impossible to avoid all the complications following treatment of aortic aneurysm, but they can be anticipated and comprehensively treated in collaboration with other specialists.

Summary Background An important negative factor of EVAR is the radiation acquired during long-lasting procedures. The aim of the study was to document the radiation doses of EVAR and to discuss potential reasons for prolongation of radiological procedures. Material/Methods Dose-area product (DAP) (Gy cm2) and air kerma (AK) (Gy) obtained during EVAR from 92 patients were analyzed retrospectively in regards to body mass index (BMI), angulations of aneurysm neck, length of aneurysm neck and occurrence of tortuosity of iliac arteries. Results Total AK for fluoroscopy differed significantly between normal BMI (373 mGy) and BMI 25–29.9 (1125 mGy) or BMI >30 (1085 mGy). Iliac artery tortuosities >45° and short aneurysm necks caused higher doses of total AK (1097 mGy and 1228 mGy, respectively) than iliac artery tortuosities 25, tortuosity of iliac arteries >45° and short aneurysm necks.

This article is the first investigation that studies patient doses (air kerma and DAP) during digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for stent-graft treatment of both thoracic (TAAs) and abdominal (AAAs) aortic aneurysms. Fluoroscopy and exposure time, air kerma and dose-area product (DAP) were analyzed from 100 patients. In 41 % of the analyzed patients total air kerma was between 1-2 Gy and for 7% exceeded 2 Gy. Median DAP values for fluoroscopy were 87.6 (TAAs) and 142.2 (AAAs) (Gy cm 2 ) and for exposure 364.7 and 238.7 (Gy cm 2 ), respectively. A 10-min prolongation of treatment causes about 83 Gy cm 2 increase of DAP for fluoroscopy and 390 Gy cm 2 for each 1 s of exposure. A good correlation between DAP and examination times was found for both exposure (r = 0.78) and fluoroscopy (r = 0.7). Moreover, sex was found to be a differential factor for DAP: DAP values for females were about 25% lower for both clinical procedures. For this kind of treatment the radiation doses were obtained for patients. Total air kerma in this kind of treatment for TAAs might be high and can even reach 4 Gy.

Complex analysis of the fluoroscopy time, exposure time, air kerma values and dose-area product (DAP) has been carried out for a very large group of patients (655) undergoing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for abdominal aorta and lower limb examinations. Measurements have been performed for 206 patients with intravenous (IV DSA) and 449 patients with intra-arterial (IA DSA) contrast administration. The results obtained by the two variations of the DSA technique have been compared. Median DAP values for fluoroscopy are 5.4 (IA DSA) and 3.2 (IV DSA) Gy cm and for exposure are 51.7 and 66.3 Gy cm2, respectively. A good correlation between the exposure time and DAP has been found for the two types of examinations: IA DSA (r = 0.78) and IV DSA (r = 0.8). However, the correlation of fluoroscopy time and DAP has been insignificant, and the correlation coefficient is 0.39 for IA DSA and 0.63 for IV DSA. The DAP and the time exposure ratio have been significant factors differentiating these two methods. In fluoroscopy patients obtained higher doses in IA DSA, while in exposure doses were higher in IV DSA. Measurements of DAP can be a simple and accurate method for estimation of the stochastic radiation risk to the patients.

Summary Background: Aortic stent-graft placement is intended to be a procedure with minimal perioperative risk in com -parison to the open procedure. However, the 1.5% mortality rate and the possibility of procedure-related complications should be taken into account. Case Report: This paper presents multiple procedure-related complications including acute limb ischemia and bowel necrosis in a patient with preexisting nephrostomy operated on with EVAR (endovascular aortic repair). Issues regarding proper anatomical planning and imaging are discussed, and ways to avoid such complications are highlighted. Conclusions: Multiple complications during EVAR may significantly reduce the early benefit of the procedure. Correct preoperative assessment of CT scans can avoid making an inappropriate decision regard-ing use of EVAR. In cases of concomitant urological pathology, any surgical intervention should be decided upon in cooperation with the vascular surgeon and urologist. key words: abdominal aortic aneurysm complications • aortic stentgrafts • nephrostomy • bowel necrosis • acute limb ischemia