Distribution of nitrogen compounds in important sections of sugar beets

In literature the beet is often described as consisting of the following technologically important sections: crown, root and tail. The aim of the study was to determine the distribution of nitrogen compounds in the technologically important beet sections of untopped sugar beets with particular emphasis on the content of nitrate and nitrite. The Finezja sugar beet variety had been collected from the clamps in one of the Polish sugar factories in October during 2013/2014 campaign. The untopped sugar beets were divided into three sections: crown, root and tail. The content of total amount of nitrogen, proteinaceous nitrogen, α-amino nitrogen, the sum of the amide and ammonia nitrogen, nitrates and nitrite in these sections were determined. Although the crown of the sugar beet represented only 14.7% of it mass, this section contained on average 30% of the total quantity of α-amino acids as well as amide and ammonia nitrogen.This section contained approximately 77% of the total quantity of nitrate and 88% of nitrite. Untopped sugar beets would introduce much higher amounts of nitrogen compounds in comparison to topped raw material

Diversity of vertebrate remains from the Lower Gogolin Beds (Anisian) of southern Poland

Middle Triassic (Muschelkalk) limestones and dolostones of southern Poland contain vertebrate remains, which can be used for palaeoecological and palaeogeographical analyses. The results presented concern vertebrate remains uncovered at four localities in Upper Silesia and one on Opole Silesia, a region representing the south-eastern margin of the Germanic Basin in Middle Triassic times. The most abundant remains in this assemblage are fish remains, comprising mostly actinopterygian teeth and scales. Chondrichthyan and sauropsid remains are less common. Reptilian finds include vertebrae, teeth and fragments of long bones, belonging to aquatic or semi-aquatic reptiles, such as nothosaurids, pachypleusorosaurids, and ichthyosaurids. Also, coprolites of possibly durophagous and predacious reptiles occur. In the stratigraphic column of Mikołów, actinopterygian remains are the most numerous and no distinct changes of the taxonomic composition occur. Although this assemblage differs from those described at other localities (Ząbkowice with numerous chondrichthyans, Żyglin, and Płaza with common sauropsid fossils), sampling bias has to be considered

Preliminary report on the microvertebrate faunal remains from the late triassic locality at Krasiejów, SW Poland

Fossil vertebrate remains from the Keuper unit in the vicinity of the village of Krasiejów have been analyzed for almost two decades. However, the main goal of these works was focused mainly on large vertebrates. Here the authors present the first description of microvertebrate fossils from that site. The collection of around 5,000 specimens is mainly comprised of teeth and scales. The most numerous remains belong to osteichthyans: dipnoans (Ptychoceratodus and cf. Arganodus), palaeoniscids, semionotids, redfieldiids and chondrichthyans, such as Lonchidion sp., which is the first indisputable record of that genus in the Upper Triassic of Poland and the first shark at the Krasiejów locality. Tetrapod fossils consist of temnospondyl amphibians, rhynchocephalian lepidosauromorphs and archosauromorphs. Among them, temnospondyl amphibian remains are the most numerous and are represented mostly by Metoposaurus. However, on the basis of diversity in tooth morphotypes, the occurrence of other taxa cannot be excluded. Rhynchocephalians are composed of 7 fragmentary jaw morphotypes with dentition, which could indicate high taxonomic diversity (cf. Planocephalosaurus, cf. Diphydontosaurus and cf. Clevosaurus). The most varied fossil group was assigned to the archosauromorphs. The authors can distinguish at least 19 teeth morphotypes, which show similarities to the dentition of: protorosaurians (cf. Tanystropheidae), pseudosuchians (cf. Protecovasaurus, cf. Revueltosaurus), early crocodylomorphs and basal sauropodomorph dinosaurs. The first occurrence of a theropod dinosaur and cynodonts at the Krasiejów locality is also recorded. However, their remains are very rare. These new records show a high taxonomic diversity at the Krasiejów locality that contributes to our deeper understanding of Late Triassic ecosystem of Poland.publishersversionpublishe

Inflammatory Markers: Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Carbon Monoxide During the Ovarian Cycle

Nitric oxide (NO) production and carbon monoxide (CO) production are increased in inflammatory lung diseases. Although there are some pieces of evidence for hormonal modulation by estrogen, little is known about exhaled NO and CO during the ovarian cycle. In 23 subjects, we measured exhaled NO and CO by an online analyzer. Significantly higher levels of exhaled NO were found at the midcycle compared with those in the premenstrual period or during menstruation. Higher levels of CO were after ovulation and reached a peak in the premenstrual phase. The lowest levels of CO were observed in the first days of the estrogen phase. In males, there was no significant variation in exhaled NO and CO. Exhaled NO and CO levels vary during the ovarian cycle in women, and this fact should be taken into account during serial measurements of these markers in the female population

Benefit of Whole Pelvic Radiotherapy Combined with Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation for the High-Risk Prostate Cancer

Aim. To study whether use of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (N-ADT) combined with whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) for high-risk prostate cancer patients was associated with survival benefit over prostate radiotherapy (PORT) only. Material and Methods. Between 1999 and 2004, 162 high-risk prostate cancer patients were treated with radiotherapy combined with long-term androgen deprivation therapy (L-ADT). Patients were prospectively assigned into two groups: A (N-ADT + WPRT + L-ADT) n = 70 pts, B (PORT + L-ADT) n = 92 pts. Results. The 5-year actuarial overall survival (OS) rates were 89% for A and 78% for B (P = .13). The 5-year actuarial cause specific survival (CSS) rates were A = 90% and B = 79% (P = .01). Biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) rates were 52% versus 40% (P = .07), for groups A and B, respectively. Conclusions. The WPRT combined with N-ADT compared to PORT for high-risk patients resulted in improvement in CSS and bPFS; however no OS benefit was observed

Ocena czynności życia codziennego u pacjentów po operacji guza mózgu

Introduction. Functional fitness enables satisfying and performing basic everyday needs in a safe and independent way. Its assessment is currently the basic component of the overall assessment of the patient.Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional capacity of patients after brain tumor surgery. The analysis included selected factors that may affect patient’s performance after the surgery.Material and Methods. The study included 165 patients of neurosurgical wards hospitalized for a brain tumor. Surgeries were performed in all of them — and consisted in partial or complete removal of the pathological mass by craniotomy. Patient’s functional assessment on the day of admission and on the discharge day was analyzed with the use of FCS, KPS, BI, FIR, GOS scales.Results. The largest number of respondents on the day of admission were patients in the first group according to FCS scale — independent — 138 respondents (83.6%). None of the patients qualified for group IV with total dependence. In turn, on the day of discharge, the percentage of respondents qualified to group I was 127 people (77.0%), whereas 1 person became completely dependent. Similar results were obtained in other measuring tools. The observed differences in each of the tests carried out did not turn out to be statistically significant. On KPS, BI and GOS scales, the age turned out to be statistically significant at p=0.000. On the other hand, on FCS, KPS and GOS scales, the state of consciousness was also statistically significant at p=0.000.Conclusions. Most of the respondents show very good functional capacity both on the day of admission and on the day of discharge. However, patients scored slightly better on the day of admission to the ward. Such factors as age and consciousness before surgery significantly affect patient’s functional capacity on the day of discharge. (JNNN 2018;7(3):111–117)Wstęp. Sprawność czynnościowa (funkcjonalna) umożliwia zaspokajanie i wykonywanie podstawowych potrzeb dnia codziennego w sposób bezpieczny, samodzielny. Jej ocena stanowi w chwili obecnej podstawowy komponent całościowej oceny pacjenta.Cel. Celem pracy była ocena wydolności czynnościowej pacjentów po operacji guza mózgu. Analizie poddano wybrane czynniki mogące mieć wpływ na wydolność czynnościową pacjenta po zabiegu operacyjnym.Materiał i metody. W badaniu uczestniczyło 165 pacjentów oddziałów neurochirurgii hospitalizowanych z powodu guza mózgu. U wszystkich został wykonany zabieg operacyjny — polegający na częściowym lub doszczętnym usunięciu masy patologicznej drogą kraniotomii. Analizie poddano ocenę czynnościową pacjenta w dniu przyjęcia oraz w dniu wypisu za pomocą skali FCS, KPS, BI, FIR, GOS.Wyniki. Najwięcej badanych w dniu przyjęcia, to pacjenci będący w I grupie według skali FCS — niezależni — 138 osób (83,6%). Żaden pacjent nie został zakwalifikowany do grupy IV o całkowitej zależności. Z kolei w dniu wypisu odsetek respondentów zakwalifikowanych do grupy I wyniósł 127 osób (77,0%), natomiast jedna osoba stała się całkowicie zależna. Podobne wyniki zostały uzyskane w pozostałych narzędziach pomiarowych. Zaobserwowane różnice w każdym z przeprowadzonych testów nie okazały się istotne statystycznie. W skali KPS, BI oraz GOS wiek okazał się istotny statystycznie na poziomie p=0,000. Z kolei w skali FCS, KPS oraz GOS stan przytomności także okazał się istotny statystycznie na poziomie p=0,000.Wnioski. Większość badanych zarówno w dniu przyjęcia, jak i w dniu wypisu wykazuje bardzo dobrą wydolność funkcjonalną. Jednak nieznacznie lepszą ocenę czynnościową uzyskali pacjenci w dniu przyjęcia na oddział. Czynniki takie jak wiek oraz przytomność przed zabiegiem operacyjnym istotnie wpływają na wydolność funkcjonalną chorego w dniu wypisu. (PNN 2018;7(3):111–117

Ocena czynnościowa pacjentów w okresie leczenia neurochirurgicznego

Introduction. The interests of scientists, especially in the field of medicine and health science, contemplate the functional condition of patient in recent years. Proper functional capacity with good state of being and psychological attitude are the most important health indicators. Proper functional capacity is defined as the ability for independent performance and covering of basic vital needs, e.g. the control of the sphincter, nutrition, mobility and maintaining proper hygiene. The proper functional capacity of the whole system of vital activities means independence.Aim. The main aim of this study was the functional assessment of patients in the period of neurosurgical treatment.Material and Methods. The study included 415 patients hospitalized on neurosurgical wards. The functional capacity of patients was assessed twice (on the day of admission — Assessment 1 and on the day of discharge — Assessment 2). Functional capacity was analyzed using Functional Capacity Scale (FCS). The direct observation with measurement technique was used. The research proposal was approved by the bioethics committee.Results. On the day of admission, most of the patients (n=249; 60%), showed independence. Most of the independent patients were in the group of patients with tumors — 138 (83.6%), the second group were patients with brain aneurysm — 63 (63.0%) and the third group were patients with trauma — 48 (32.0%) (p<0.05). Most of the patients (n=314; 76%) were independent on the day of discharge. Among them, there were patients with brain tumor — 127 (77.0%), trauma — 112 (74.7%) and aneurysm — 75 (75.0%) (p>0.05).Conclusions. Most of the patients after neurosurgical treatment showed better functional capacity when compared with the period before it. Patients with brain tumors showed considerably better functional capacity on the day of admission when compared with patients with trauma or aneurysm. (JNNN 2016;5(2):46–52)Wstęp. Na przestrzeni ostatnich lat zainteresowania naukowców głównie z obszarów medycyny i nauk o zdrowiu, kontemplują się wokół oceny stanu funkcjonalnego pacjenta. Zadowalająca wydolność funkcjonalna wraz z dobrym samopoczuciem i psychologicznym nastawieniem stanowi najważniejszy wskaźnik zdrowia. Definiuje się ją jako zdolność do samodzielnego realizowania i zaspokajania podstawowych potrzeb życiowych tj. kontroli czynności zwieraczy, odżywiania, poruszania, czy utrzymywania higieny osobistej. Prawidłowa wydolność funkcjonalna całego ustroju do pełnienia czynności życiowych oznacza niezależność.Cel. Głównym celem pracy była ocena czynnościowa pacjentów w okresie leczenia neurochirurgicznego.Materiał i metody. Badania przeprowadzono na grupie 415 pacjentów hospitalizowanych na oddziale neurochirurgii. Badanie polegało na dwukrotnej ocenie stanu czynnościowego pacjenta (w dniu przyjęcia — ocena 1 i w dniu wypisu — ocena 2) za pomocą Functional Capacity Scale (FCS). W tym celu zastosowano obserwację bezpośrednią z wykorzystaniem pomiaru. Na przeprowadzenie badań uzyskano zgodę Komisji Bioetycznej.Wyniki. W dniu przyjęcia na oddział większość pacjentów (n=249; 60%), wykazywała samodzielność. Najwięcej niezależnych pacjentów odnotowano w grupie z guzami — 138 (83,6%), następnie w grupie z tętniakiem mózgu — 63 (63,0%) i w grupie chorych z urazem — 48 (32,0%) (p<0,05). W dniu wypisu z oddziału zdecydowana większość pacjentów (n=314; 76%) była samodzielna. Wśród nich to chorzy z guzem mózgu — 127 (77,0%), z urazem — 112 (74,7%) i z tętniakiem — 75 (75,0%) (p>0,05).Wnioski. Większość badanych po zabiegu neurochirurgicznym wykazuje lepszą wydolność funkcjonalną w porównaniu z okresem przed zabiegiem. Zdecydowanie lepszą wydolność funkcjonalną w dniu przyjęcia na oddział prezentowali chorzy z rozpoznaniem guza mózgu w porównaniu z chorymi urazowymi oraz z tętniakami. (PNN 2016;5(2):46–52