Dihydrolipoic Acid Induces Cytotoxicity in Mouse Blastocysts through Apoptosis Processes

α-Lipoic acid (LA) is a thiol with antioxidant properties that protects against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. LA is absorbed from the diet, taken up by cells and tissues, and subsequently reduced to dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). In view of the recent application of DHLA as a hydrophilic nanomaterial preparation, determination of its biosafety profile is essential. In the current study, we examined the cytotoxic effects of DHLA on mouse embryos at the blastocyst stage, subsequent embryonic attachment and outgrowth in vitro, in vivo implantation by embryo transfer, and early embryonic development in an animal model. Blastocysts treated with 50 μM DHLA exhibited significantly increased apoptosis and a corresponding decrease in total cell number. Notably, the implantation success rates of blastocysts pretreated with DHLA were lower than that of their control counterparts. Moreover, in vitro treatment with 50 μM DHLA was associated with increased resorption of post-implantation embryos and decreased fetal weight. Data obtained using an in vivo mouse model further disclosed that consumption of drinking water containing 100 μM DHLA led to decreased early embryo development, specifically, inhibition of development to the blastocyst stage. However, it appears that concentrations of DHLA lower than 50 μM do not exert a hazardous effect on embryonic development. Our results collectively indicate that in vitro and in vivo exposure to concentrations of DHLA higher than 50 μM DHLA induces apoptosis and retards early pre- and post-implantation development, and support the potential of DHLA to induce embryonic cytotoxicity

Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer in children in the multicenter analysis in Poland for PPGGL

Introduction: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in children presents different biological behavior in comparison to adults. Authors presents preliminary results of multicenter analysis concerning incidence, diagnostics and treatment of DTC in children. Material and methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of 107 pediatric patients from 14 academic centers based on the data from 2000 to 2005 obtained by questionnaire in hospitals involved in the treatment of DTC in children. Results: Papillary thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 83 children, follicular thyroid cancer in 10 children and medullary thyroid cancer in 14 children. Incidence of DTC in children was estimated between 18 and 23 cases per year. The biggest group of patients consisted of children between 11 and 15 years of age, with girls to boys ratio 3.3 : 1. Clinically DTC in children presented most often as solitary thyroid nodule. Cervical lymphadenopathy was observed in 42% of patients. Intraoperative verification indicated metastatic nodes in 50% of children. Low stage DTC predominated (T1 in 36% and T2 in 26% of children). One step surgery was performed in 65% of children with DTC, two step surgery in 25% of patients. I131 therapy was undertaken in 80% of children. Lung metastases were indicated in post therapeutic studies in 14% of children with DTC. Prophylactic thyroidectomies were performed in 79% of children in the group of patients with MTC and RET gene mutations. Conclusions: The necessity of introduction of unified therapeutic standard in children with DTC in Poland is underlined.Wstęp: Zróżnicowane raki tarczycy (DTC, differentiated thyroid carcinoma) występują u dzieci rzadko. Większość przypadków wykrywanych jest w wieku 11-17 lat. W odróżnieniu od dorosłych DTC u dzieci prezentują odmienne zachowanie biologiczne. Mała liczba przypadków DTC w poszczególnych ośrodkach oraz względnie łagodny ich przebieg utrudniają ocenę występowania i leczenia DTC u dzieci w Polsce, uzależniając ją od wysiłków włożonych w uzyskanie rzetelnych danych. Autorzy przedstawiają wstępne wyniki analizy wieloośrodkowej dotyczące występowania, diagnostyki i leczenia DTC u dzieci. Materiał i metody: Podjęte badania są retrospektywną analizą obejmującą lata 2000-2005, opartą na danych z historii chorób uzyskanych z ankiet rozesłanych do ośrodków dla dzieci i dorosłych podejmujących leczenie DTC. Do analizy zgłoszono 107 pacjentów z 14 ośrodków akademickich w Polsce. Analizie poddano wiek i płeć dzieci z DTC, wielkość i lokalizację zmian w tarczycy, sposoby rozpoznawania DTC, rodzaje i zakres wykonywanych zabiegów operacyjnych oraz leczenie uzupełniające izotopem J131. Wyniki: Raka brodawkowatego stwierdzono u 83 dzieci, pęcherzykowego u 10 dzieci, a rdzeniastego u 14 dzieci. Częstość występowania DTC u dzieci w Polsce wahała się między 18 a 23 przypadkami rocznie. W województwach: mazowieckim i połączonych wielkopolskim i lubuskim wykazano w okresie 2000-2005 wyższą (24 i 25) częstość występowania DTC, w pozostałych województwach wykazywano od 2 do 10 przypadków DTC. Największą grupę pacjentów stanowiły dzieci w wieku 11-15 lat, a stosunek dziewcząt do chłopców wynosił 3,3 : 1. Klinicznie DTC prezentowały się najczęściej jako pojedyncze guzki tarczycy. Limfadenopatię szyjną w badaniu klinicznym stwierdzono u 42% pacjentów, a śródoperacyjnie u 50% dzieci. U większości pacjentów dominowały niższe stopnie zaawansowania DTC (T1 u 36% i T2 u 26% dzieci). Operacje jednoetapowe wykonano u 65% dzieci, operacje dwuetapowe u 25% dzieci, a profilaktyczne tyreoidektomie u 79% dzieci z grupy pacjentów z rakiem rdzeniastym tarczycy (MTC, medullary thyroid cancinoma) i mutacją genu Ret. Leczenie izotopowe J131 podjęto u 80% dzieci. Przerzuty do płuc w scyntygrafii poterapeutycznej wykazano u 14% dzieci z DTC. Wnioski: We wnioskach podkreśla się konieczność wdrożenia na terenie całego kraju ujednoliconego i ocenianego na podstawie obiektywnych przesłanek sposobu postępowania z dziećmi z DTC

Smart space – between a smart building and a smart city

Pojęcie smart city jest obecnie jednym z bardziej popularnych i chwytliwych haseł związanych z procesem rozwoju tkanki miejskiej. Zjawisko to, pomimo iż dotyczy procesów będących przedmiotem zainteresowań architekta/ urbanisty, wykracza poza obszar jego kompetencji. Jest ono przejawem inteligentnej rzeczywistości opartej na cyfrowych sieciach i zachodzących w nich interakcjach. Jej pojawienie się zostało przewidziane pod koniec lat 80. przez dwie koncepcje: wszechobecnego przetwarzania danych i Internetu Rzeczy/Internetu Wszechrzeczy. Infrastruktura inteligentnego miasta czy budynku nie jest kolejną „branżą” uczestniczącą w procesie projektowym. To szerokie innowacyjne spojrzenie, narzędzie, które oddziałuje wszechstronnie na różne aspekty struktury miasta, także społeczne. Cyfrowa rzeczywistość w postaci sieci urządzeń, czujników i aplikacji powiązanych z Internetem stanowi inteligentną przestrzeń, które wpływa na nasze życie i równocześnie umożliwia wpływ na kształtowanie zmian w realnym świecie.Nowadays, the term ‘smart city’ is one of the most popular and catchy phrases concerning the process of development of the urban tissue. Despite the fact that this phenomenon refers to processes which fall into the scope of interests of an architect / an urban planner, it goes beyond the competence of these professions. It is a manifest of smart reality based on digital networks and interactions that happen within them. Its occurrence was predicted in late 1980s by two concepts: the concept of ubiquitous computing, and the concept of the Internet of Things / Internet of Everything. Infrastructure of an intelligent city or building is not yet another ‘specialty’ taken into account in the course of designing. It is a broad, innovative approach, a tool which exerts a comprehensive influence on different aspects of the urban structure, including the social ones. Digital reality, manifested in networks of devices, sensors, and applications connected to the Internet, constitutes a smart space, which influences our lives, and simultaneously enables us to influence changes in the real world

Tribological properties of the electro-spark deposited tungsten carbide-ceramic coatings

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań właściwości powłok nanoszonych elektroiskrowo. Ocenę właściwości przeprowadzono na podstawie obserwacji mikrostruktury, pomiarów przyczepności oraz badań tribologicznych i aplikacyjnych. Badania przeprowadzono, wykorzystując elektrody WC-Co-Al2O3 oraz WC-Co-Al2O3/3TiO2, które zostały wytworzone poprzez spiekanie nanostrukturalnych proszków. Przeciwzużyciowe powłoki zostały naniesione elektroiskrowo na próbki ze stali C45 za pomocą urządzenia EIL-8A. Ze względu na swoje właściwości powłoki tego typu mogą być stosowane w ślizgowych węzłach tarcia oraz jako powłoki ochronne.The process of material growth resulting from electroerosion is known as electro-spark alloying (ESA) or electro-spark deposition (ESD). The erosion of the anode and the spark discharges between the electrodes result in the formation of a surface layer with properties different from those of the base material. The processes of coating formation on metal parts, including electrospark deposition, involve mass and energy transport accompanied by chemical, electrochemical, and electrothermal reactions. Today, different electro-spark deposition techniques are used. They are suitable for coating formation and surface microgeometry formation. The paper is concerned with the performance properties of electrospark deposited coatings, which were determined using tribological and microstructural analysis, measuring the bonding strength and application tests. The studies were conducted using WC-Co-Al2O3 and WC-Co- Al2O3/3TiO2 electrodes produced by sintering nanostructural powders. The anti-wear coatings were electro-spark deposited over C45 carbon steel by means of an EIL-8A. These coatings are likely to be applied in sliding friction pairs and as protective coatings

Obraz radiologiczny grzybniaka kropidlakowego zatoki szczękowej

Introduction: Mycotic infection of paranasal sinus could be the etiological factor of chronic sinusitis. The increase in number of fungal sinusitis cases have been reported recently among nonimmunocompromised patient after endodontic treatment of maxillary teeth. Nonspecific clinical signs and incorrect radiologic pictures interpretation as well as loss of therapeutic standards seems to be the cause of false negative diagnosis and difficulties in treatment of fungal sinusitis. Aim of the study: Clinical and radiological picture of maxillary sinus aspergillosis was described in this paper. Matherial and methods: In the period of 2006-2009 in the Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery 19 patient with fungal maxillary sinusitis was treated. The endodontic treatment of maxillary teeth of the related side was performed previously in 80% examined cases. In 2 cases there were immunocompromised patients with immunosupresive treatment. In 16 cases patients were refered to our Department due to metallic foreign body of the maxillary sinus. Routine diagnostic radiological imaging was performed in each case: paranasal sinus view - Water’s view and panoramic radiograph (orthopantomograph). In 4 cases imaging was extended with computer tomography (CT) visualization. The surgical treatment was performed in each case. The fi nal diagnosis was puted on histopatological examination and fungal culture. Results: In 16 cases of analysed group histopatological examination and fungal culture revealed aspergilosis. In 2 cases fungal culture was negative, but histopatology slices confi rm presence of hyphae of Aspergillus. In 1 case the root canal sealer was found in the maxillary sinus. In none case invasive form of aspergillosis was confi rmed. In all cases Water’s view of paranasal sinuses and ortopantomograph showed partially or totally clouded sinus with well-defined, single or multifocal radiopaque object similar to metallic foreign body. Characteristic fi nding in CT imaging was well-defined radiodence concretions that have been attributed to calcium deposits in infl ammatory changed mucosa, that might suggest “foreign body” picture. In 1 to 3 years follow-up control there was a recurrence of symptoms in one case. Conclusions: Foreign body of maxillary sinus have to be differentiated with aspergilosis. Metallic “foreign body” view in maxillary sinus seems to be characteristic sign of aspergillosis. The most often form of maxillary sinus aspergilosis is aspergilloma

Efekty procesu sztucznego starzenia biodegradowalnych włóknin z PLA wytworzonych techniką spunbonded w aspekcie ich zastosowania w rolnictwie

The structural changes and mechanical properties of spun-bonded polylactide (PLA) nonwovens resulting from artificial weathering were analyzed in respect to their application in agriculture. The spun-bonded nonwovens were stabilized on a calender at various temperatures ranging from 60 to 110°C. The weathering process was carried out with the use of a Q-SUN weathering chamber under two selected climatic conditions resembling temperate and subtropical climate, respectively. The artificial aging effect on the nonwovens was assessed by measuring their physical parameters and mechanical properties as well as by analyzing their structural changes by means of Fourier infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), polarization-interference microscopy (PIM) and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS).W pracy zbadano efekty sztucznego starzenia włóknin z polilaktydu (PLA) wytworzonych techniką spun-bonded w aspekcie ich zastosowania w rolnictwie. Włókniny stabilizowano w procesie wytwarzania na kalandrze w temperaturach od 60 °C do 110 °C. Proces sztucznego starzenia przeprowadzono w komorze Q-SUN w warunkach zbliżonych do klimatu umiarkowanego i podzwrotnikowego. Efekty starzenia włóknin badano oceniając zmiany parametrów fizycznych i właściwości mechanicznych w aspekcie zmian ich budowy wykorzystując metody: spektrofotometrii absorpcyjnej w podczerwieni (FTIR), mikroskopii polaryzacyjno-interferencyjnej (MPI) oraz dyfraktometrii rentgenowskiej (WAXS)

Antena tekstylna przeznaczona do pracy w systemach łączności osobistej - materiały i technologie

Development in the field of electronic circuit technology has resulted in the miniaturisation of radio transceiver integrated circuits. This gives the possibility of embedding radio transceivers directly into a garment. The product obtained (garment + electronic transmitter) can have new functions that significantly expand the basic functionality of textiles. To combine radio equipment with clothing, the electronic elements should be as flexible and lightweight as possible. The textile antennas that are being developed in many research institutions have constructions that combine high performance in radio communication together with a flexible and lightweight construction. The authors of this paper propose a vee-type textile antenna that can be used for wireless transmission in a 2.4 GHz band. The concepts of the electrical design of this antenna as well as the antenna structure and design methodology were discussed. The aim of this paper is to present textile materials and textile manufacturing technologies that were used for this design.Przygotowano ciecz gęstniejącą pod wpływem ścinania (STF) i zbadano jej właściwości reologiczne. Tkaniny z włókien szklanych były nasycane roztworem STF/etanol dla przygotowania kompozytów. Morfologię kompozytów badano za pomocą skaningowej mikroskopii elektronowej. Prowadzono quasi-statyczne badania na przebicie na tkaninach szklanych nienasączonych oraz na opracowanych kompozytach za pomocą noża o specjalnie zaprojektowanej konstrukcji. Niezależnie od testów porównawczych badano również mechanizm przebicia

The influence of air conditioning changes on the effective dose due to radon and its short-lived decay products

Most people spend the majority of their time in indoor environments where the level of harmful pollutants is often significantly higher than outdoors. Radon (222Rn) and its decay products are the example of radioactive pollutants. These radioisotopes are the main source of ionizing radiation in non-industrial buildings. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of air-conditioning system on radon and its progeny concentrations and thus on the effective dose. The measurements were carried out in the auditorium at the Environmental Engineering Faculty (Lublin University of Technology, Poland). Measurements of radon and its progeny (in attached and unattached fractions) as well as measurements of the following indoor air parameters were performed in two air-conditioning (AC) operation modes: AC ON and AC ON/OFF. The air supply rate and air recirculation were taken into consideration. The separation of radon progeny into attached and unattached fractions allowed for determining, respectively, the dose conversion factor (DCF) and the inhalation dose for teachers and students in the auditorium. A considerable increase of the mean radon progeny concentrations from 1.2 Bq/m3 to 5.0 Bq/m3 was observed in the AC ON/OFF mode compared to the AC ON mode. This also resulted in the increase of the inhalation dose from 0.005 mSv/y to 0.016 mSv/y (for 200 h/year). Furthermore, the change of the air recirculation rate from 0% to 80% resulted in a decrease of the mean radon concentration from 30 Bq/m3 to 12 Bq/m3 and the reduction of the mean radon progeny concentration from 1.4 Bq/m3 to 0.8 Bq/m3. This resulted in the reduction of the inhalation dose from 0.006 mSv/y to 0.003 mSv/y