A novel type of self-plasticizing polyacrylate-based membrane was developed for all-solid-state ion-selective potentiometric electrodes. The membrane composition contains a conducting polymer (CP): poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) end capped with methacrylate groups, chemically grafted with the membrane during the photopolymerization step. This composition results in ion-selective membranes with the following advantages: lower electrical resistance compared to the CP-free membrane, facile ion-to-electron transduction between the membrane and the electrode support, controlled low activity of analyte ions, and high concentration of interferent ions (incorporated with the CP) within the membrane, potentially resulting in improved analytical parameters. Ca2+- and K+-selective membranes were chosen as model systems to study the effect of pretreatment and CP content on the potentiometric sensor's characteristics. For Ca2+ sensors, reproducible and stable Nernstian characteristics were obtained within the range from 0.1 to 10(-9) M CaCl2, without a time-consuming preconditioning step. For K+-selective sensors, the influence on Nernstian response range was observed for varying KCl concentrations in the conditioning solution, with the lowest detection limit found close to 10(-8) M KCl. Mass spectrometry coupled with laser ablation studies of the membranes revealed that in this case the detection limit is not related to primary ion content in the membrane contacting a sample solution, but is affected by interfering ion concentration close to the membrane surface.

Purpose A retrospective analysis was carried out to compare the results of patch repair using ready-made, synthetic mesh (PR) and sutured repair (SR) based on standard protocols. The accumulated recurrence rate was accepted as the primary outcome. Pain at rest and during exercise, cosmetic effect and treatment satisfaction were chosen as the secondary endpoints. Methods Adult patients after elective, open surgical repair of a single, primary umbilical hernia < 2 cm in diameter were included. Patients with incarceration or strangulation, after previous umbilical hernia repair or other abdominal surgical interventions were excluded. In the SR group, single-layer sutures were placed using the short-stitch technique. In PR group, a 6.3-mm ready-made Parietene Ventral Patch (Medtronic) was used. Results 161 patients (104 in PR and 57 in SR groups) were included in the study (22 months follow-up). Nine recurrences were observed [six in PR (5.8%) and three in SR group (5.2%)]. In PR group, three patients (2.9%) reported complaints at rest and none in SR group, while 18 patients (17.3%) in PR group reported pain during exercises and 7 (12.3%) in SR group. Conclusion For the smallest umbilical hernias, the use of dense fascia suturing (short-stitch technique) may be an effective alternative to patch repair techniques in patients with no additional risk factors for recurrence. The mesh patch repair method is associated with a significantly higher risk of postsurgical pain. Diastasis recti is a factor favoring umbilical hernia recurrence after both pure tissue repair and patch repair.

Excision of a part or the whole of tongue due to oral cancer disturbs swallowing and speech. Lower airways aspiration of the swallowed bolus in patients after such oral structures excision is a symptom of major swallowing disorder and may be the cause of aspiration pneumonia. Restoration of oral nutrition is possible after exclusion or reduction of aspiration threat in the patients. Video fluoroscopic evaluation of the swallowing performed at the beginning of the swallowing rehabilitation in 95 patients after a total or partial glossectomy due to oral cancer, who assessed their saliva swallowing as efficient on the day of examination, showed disturbances of all of the swallowing stages. The most common disturbances involved the oral stage: limited mobility of the oral tongue, impaired glossopalatal seal, and weak glossopharyngeal seal. The most serious among them involved pharyngeal stage of swallowing, as leakage into the larynx and aspiration. The patients used their own methods during barium suspension swallowing to facilitate the swallowing act. They used such methods as: changing the position of the head to the body, additional swallows, engaging the adjacent structures into sealing the oral fissure. We assumed that the compensatory mechanisms (CM) worked out by the patients before the swallowing examination will enable them efficient barium suspension swallowing. The CM were applied by 71 of 95 patients; 51 of the patients used more than one compensatory mechanism. Swallowing in 61 of the compensating patients was at least functional; swallowing in 10 of the compensating patients was non-efficient and caused recurrent aspiration. The results of our research negate the validity of multiple swallows (more than three) without apnea elongation because it may lead to aspiration. Aspiration was also recorded in patients with weak airways closure and immovable epiglottis, who complemented the impaired oral transport with gravitational oral transport by moving chin up during a swallow. The hypothesis that CM applied by the patients after oral cancer excision during saliva swallowing will be helpful in swallowing of the barium suspension was not proved. In 10 of all the patients recurring aspiration was found despite CM application. Determination of aspiration risk is the key to efficient swallowing rehabilitation. The assessment of CM applied spontaneously by the patients' maintenance validity is particularly important. Video fluoroscopic examination of swallowing allows to assess the aforementioned issue and is crucial for better comprehension of CM applied by the patients in creating a new swallowing pattern after oral cancer excision.

Introduction Incisional hernias can complicate up to one in four laparotomy procedures, and successful repair remains a significant clinical challenge for surgeons. Recently, the surgical technique of ventral hernia repair (eTEP-RS) has been introduced. Aim To present early results in treating patients with ventral hernia using the eTEP-RS technique and to discuss key technical aspects affecting the safety and efficiency of repair. Material and methods A prospective study of early outcomes was conducted for all ventral hernia patients (hernia orifice between 4 and 8 cm) who underwent eTEP-RS between March 2019 and July 2020. Results As of July 2020, we performed a total of 11 eTEP-RS procedures. The mean duration of the surgery was 204 min (158 to 295). The average size of the treated defect in the transverse dimension was 5.8 cm, and the defect area was 38.5 cm 2 . The average size of the mesh used was 486 cm 2 (280 to 590). After an average follow-up of 7 months (1–17) there was no recurrence or major complication. Based on our initial experiences we present a detailed description of the main aspects of the surgical technique itself, as well as the essential nuances, to enable evaluation of the technique and future popularization. Conclusions The eTEP-RS technique is a safe alternative to open ventral hernia repair and allows for the placement of a large piece of mesh in accordance with current recommendations. Excellent knowledge of the detailed anatomy of the abdominal wall is essential for safe and effective hernia repair.