Water quality of urban water bodies : a threat for amphibians?

Most studies on the effects of water quality on amphibians concern experimental conditions. The main aim of our study was to determine whether the quality of water bodies in urban environment may be a factor leading to local extinction of some amphibian species. We investigated the current amphibian richness in Kraków water bodies and the water quality of these water bodies. We compared our results with available historical data on amphibian richness in Kraków and we determined the number of amphibian species local extinction for each water body. Then, we compared water bodies with low amphibian extinction rates to water bodies with high amphibian extinction rates in respect to ten water quality chemical indicators. We found that the values of most chemical indicators were higher in water bodies with high amphibian extinction rates. The values of magnesium and chloride ion concentration, as well as conductivity appeared to differ the most between these two types of water bodies which is connected mainly with spring run-off into the water bodies. The results of this study demonstrate that water pollution may lead to local extinction of amphibian species

Low Density Receptor-Related Protein 1 Interactions With the Extracellular Matrix: More Than Meets the Eye

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a biological substrate composed of collagens, proteoglycans and glycoproteins that ensures proper cell migration and adhesion and keeps the cell architecture intact. The regulation of the ECM composition is a vital process strictly controlled by, among others, proteases, growth factors and adhesion receptors. As it appears, ECM remodeling is also essential for proper neuronal and glial development and the establishment of adequate synaptic signaling. Hence, disturbances in ECM functioning are often present in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, mutations in ECM molecules are found in some forms of epilepsy and malfunctioning of ECM-related genes and pathways can be seen in, for example, cancer or ischemic injury. Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (Lrp1) is a member of the low density lipoprotein receptor family. Lrp1 is involved not only in ligand uptake, receptor mediated endocytosis and lipoprotein transport—functions shared by low density lipoprotein receptor family members—but also regulates cell surface protease activity, controls cellular entry and binding of toxins and viruses, protects against atherosclerosis and acts on many cell signaling pathways. Given the plethora of functions, it is not surprising that Lrp1 also impacts the ECM and is involved in its remodeling. This review focuses on the role of Lrp1 and some of its major ligands on ECM function. Specifically, interactions with two Lrp1 ligands, integrins and tissue plasminogen activator are described in more detail

Variations in the mineral content of bottled 'carbonated or sparkling' water across Europe : a comparison of 126 brands across 10 countries

Kidney stone disease is a common disease with high recurrence rates. Sufficient intake of water is the cornerstone in primary prevention of stone disease. However, the mineral composition of water can affect urinary minerals and influence stone formation. The aim of this study is to assess the variation in the mineral composition of bottled sparkling or carbonated drinking water across Europe. The two largest supermarket chains in each participating country were visited to obtain data on mineral composition regarding bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulphates of sparkling or carbonated waters by reading the ingredient labels on the bottles supplied by the manufacturers. Alternatively, the web-shops of these supermarkets were consulted. In total, 126 sparkling water brands across ten European countries were analysed regarding mineral composition. The median concentrations per mineral varied greatly. The greatest variation in median mineral content was found for sodium and sulphates with levels ranging from 3.1 mg/l to 63.0 mg/l and 6.0 mg/l to 263.0 mg/l respectively. A wide distribution of calcium content was found in Switzerland, with calcium levels reaching up to 581.6 mg/l. This study confirms that the mineral composition of sparkling or carbonated water varies greatly across Europe. Patients with kidney stone disease should be aware that the mineral content of water may influence stone formation and be mindful of the great variation that exists between different water brands. Mineral water can be a source of potential promotors or inhibitors of stone formation and patients and urologists need to be mindful of this

Rules and regulations for a pregnant endourologist: the European perspective

Introduction Working in surgery while pregnant is challenging. Navigating this period safely is of paramount importance. Anecdotal observation suggests that there exists great variation among European nations in regard to maternity leave and radiation safety. The aim of this article was to gain insight into policy patterns and variations across Europe regarding these issues. Methods A series of core question items was distributed to representatives across 12 nations Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom). Results The total number of weeks with full pay ranged from as little as 4 weeks in Belgium to 32 and Iceland. All countries included in this study give the option of additional weeks beyond the initial period, however at reduced pay. Some offer unpaid leave beyond this. Only 5/12 countries had a specific policy on when the pregnant surgeon should come off the on-call rota. Only Austria, Italy and Poland stipulate a requirement for the pregnant clinician to be replaced or be completely exempt in cases involving radiation. Only Germany, Iceland, Norway and Poland highlight the need to limit radiation dose in the first trimester. Beyond this, Germany alone provides written guidance for reduction in gown weight and along with Poland, display arguably the most forward-thinking approach to resting. Conclusion There is a marked range in maternal leave policies across Europe. There also exists a lack of universal guidance on radiation safety for the pregnant urologist. There is urgent need for this void to be addressed.publishedVersio

Global Variations in the Mineral Content of Bottled Still and Sparkling Water and a Description of the Possible Impact on Nephrological and Urological Diseases

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a complex disease. Besides the high risk of recurrence, its association with systemic disorders contributes to the burden of disease. Sufficient water intake is crucial for prevention of KSD, however, the mineral content of water might influence stone formation, bone health and cardiovascular (CVD) risk. This study aims to analyse the variations in mineral content of bottled drinking water worldwide to evaluate the differences and describes the possible impact on nephrological and urological diseases. The information regarding mineral composition (mg/L) on calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, sodium and sulphates was read from the ingredients label on water bottles by visiting the supermarket or consulting the online shop. The bottled waters in two main supermarkets in 21 countries were included. The evaluation shows that on a global level the mineral composition of bottled drinkable water varies enormously. Median bicarbonate levels varied by factors of 12.6 and 57.3 for still and sparkling water, respectively. Median calcium levels varied by factors of 18.7 and 7.4 for still and sparkling water, respectively. As the mineral content of bottled drinking water varies enormously worldwide and mineral intake through water might influence stone formation, bone health and CVD risk, urologists and nephrologists should counsel their patients on an individual level regarding water intake

Global Variations in the Mineral Content of Bottled Still and Sparkling Water and a Description of the Possible Impact on Nephrological and Urological Diseases

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a complex disease. Besides the high risk of recurrence, its association with systemic disorders contributes to the burden of disease. Sufficient water intake is crucial for prevention of KSD, however, the mineral content of water might influence stone formation, bone health and cardiovascular (CVD) risk. This study aims to analyse the variations in mineral content of bottled drinking water worldwide to evaluate the differences and describes the possible impact on nephrological and urological diseases. The information regarding mineral composition (mg/L) on calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, sodium and sulphates was read from the ingredients label on water bottles by visiting the supermarket or consulting the online shop. The bottled waters in two main supermarkets in 21 countries were included. The evaluation shows that on a global level the mineral composition of bottled drinkable water varies enormously. Median bicarbonate levels varied by factors of 12.6 and 57.3 for still and sparkling water, respectively. Median calcium levels varied by factors of 18.7 and 7.4 for still and sparkling water, respectively. As the mineral content of bottled drinking water varies enormously worldwide and mineral intake through water might influence stone formation, bone health and CVD risk, urologists and nephrologists should counsel their patients on an individual level regarding water intake

Unravelling the role of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 in radial glia and neuronal and glial progeny in the developing mouse brain

Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Charakterisierung des epileptischen Phänotyps von Emx1Cre-Lrp1 knock-out Mausmutanten während der Entwicklung. Die angewandten Methoden des Monitorings, der Histologie sowie EEG Analysen haben gezeigt, dass diese Mutanten epileptische Anfälle, Vergrößerungen des ventrikulären Volumens, Änderungen in der Morphologie der Blut-Hirn Schranke und der Myelinscheiden-Struktur aufzeigen. Die Änderungen in der neuronalen Nachkommenschaft, gezeigt durch die Reduktion von PSD-95, reichen allerdings nicht aus, um das Auftreten der Anfälle zu erklären. Die detaillierte Analyse zeigt die Erhöhung von GFAP während der Entwicklung, reduzierte Zelladhäsion, Veränderungen der Glutamatrezeptormenge und verminderte tPA Aufnahme der Astrozyten. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt die Signifikanz von Lrp1 in radialen Gliazellen für die Funktion von Neuronen und Gliazellen und unterstreicht somit die Wichtigkeit dieses Proteins für die zukünftige Epilepsieforschung.The aim of this thesis was to characterise the epileptic phenotype of developing Emx1Cre-Lrp1 knock-out mice. The implemented monitoring, histology and EEG analysis revealed that knock-out mice suffer from generalised seizure episodes and exhibit ventricular volume enlargement, blood-brain barrier and vessel morphology alterations. The lack of Lrp1 in neuronal cells is shown to result in a prominent downregulation of PSD-95. Changes in the neuronal progeny are however not sufficient to explain the emergence of seizures in this mutant. Detailed analysis revealed a developmental increase in GFAP, decreased adhesion capacities, altered glutamate transporter levels and impaired tPA uptake in astrocytic cells. A developmental effect of Lrp1 loss on myelin sheath structure was unveiled. The current work underlines the importance of Lrp1 in radial glia cells for neuronal and glial functioning and presents this receptor as a novel protein at the core of epilepsy research

Low density receptor-related protein 1 interactions with the extracellular matrix

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a biological substrate composed of collagens, proteoglycans and glycoproteins that ensures proper cell migration and adhesion and keeps the cell architecture intact. The regulation of the ECM composition is a vital process strictly controlled by, among others, proteases, growth factors and adhesion receptors. As it appears, ECM remodeling is also essential for proper neuronal and glial development and the establishment of adequate synaptic signaling. Hence, disturbances in ECM functioning are often present in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, mutations in ECM molecules are found in some forms of epilepsy and malfunctioning of ECM-related genes and pathways can be seen in, for example, cancer or ischemic injury. Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (Lrp1) is a member of the low density lipoprotein receptor family. Lrp1 is involved not only in ligand uptake, receptor mediated endocytosis and lipoprotein transport—functions shared by low density lipoprotein receptor family members-but also regulates cell surface protease activity, controls cellular entry and binding of toxins and viruses, protects against atherosclerosis and acts on many cell signaling pathways. Given the plethora of functions, it is not surprising that Lrp1 also impacts the ECM and is involved in its remodeling. This review focuses on the role of Lrp1 and some of its major ligands on ECM function. Specifically, interactions with two Lrp1 ligands, integrins and tissue plasminogen activator are described in more detail

Ureteroscopy for stone disease: expanding roles in the modern era

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing worldwide and is causing significant morbidity and cost to the healthcare systems. While ureteroscopy (URS) has been established as a treatment option, our review highlights the expanding role of URS for the management of more complex stones and patients in the modern era.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ureteroscopy has shown to have good outcomes with stone free rates (SFR) comparable to other treatment modalities. Relevant publications have been identified. Their findings were critically appraised and used to formulate clinically oriented conclusions.RESULTS: The use of URS has increased and now includes URS management for large stones, bilateral stone disease, obesity, pregnancy, pediatrics, solitary kidney, horseshoe kidney and patients with a bleeding diathesis.CONCLUSIONS: With advances in URS technique and technology, its role has expanded to offer treatment in difficult clinical scenarios with good outcomes.</p

Ureteroscopy for stone disease: expanding roles in the modern era

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing worldwide and is causing significant morbidity and cost to the healthcare systems. While ureteroscopy (URS) has been established as a treatment option, our review highlights the expanding role of URS for the management of more complex stones and patients in the modern era.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ureteroscopy has shown to have good outcomes with stone free rates (SFR) comparable to other treatment modalities. Relevant publications have been identified. Their findings were critically appraised and used to formulate clinically oriented conclusions.RESULTS: The use of URS has increased and now includes URS management for large stones, bilateral stone disease, obesity, pregnancy, pediatrics, solitary kidney, horseshoe kidney and patients with a bleeding diathesis.CONCLUSIONS: With advances in URS technique and technology, its role has expanded to offer treatment in difficult clinical scenarios with good outcomes.</p