Influence of Hyper-diversity and gentrification on social mobility and economic performance in Praga-Północ in Warsaw

The paper discusses the ongoing process of early-stage gentrification in Praga-Północ, that leads to the hyper-diversity of this area. Our study shows that diversity can play as well as a positive and negative role in fostering the area’s social mobility. A factor stimulating the process is social integration which should be simultaneously achieved. Hyper-diversity also has an impact on the area’s economic performance. Our findings show that, while generally, the establishment of a business activity is easier in such conditions due for example to low barriers to entry or the presence of a diverse clientele, firms functioning in diverse areas are less economically sustainable.Artykuł opisuje proces gentryfikacji na Pradze-Północ, który prowadzi do hiperróżnorodności tej dzielnicy. Badania pokazują, że zróżnicowanie społeczne może mieć zarówno pozytywny, jak i negatywny wpływ na mobilność społeczną, choć żeby uruchomić jego potencjał do pozytywnych zmian, ważne jest wcześniejsze zadbanie o integrację społeczną w danym regionie. Hiperróżnorodność ma także dwojaki wpływ na przedsiębiorczość na Pradze. Z jednej strony obniża próg wejścia, ułatwiając założenie biznesu, który jest w stanie się utrzymać, ale jednocześnie znacząco utrudnia wytworzenie szerokiego grona stałej klienteli, która dawałaby przedsiębiorcom poczucie stabilności i możliwość rozwoju

Immunoexpression of constitutive and inducible cyclooxygenase isoforms in distinguishing and accessory structures of synovial joints in rat foetuses

Joint formation is a developmental process regulated by various factors including bone morphogenetic proteins, transforming and growth factors, etc. Recently, a high expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms in the foetal cartilaginous elements was also revealed. On the other hand, various joint and skeletal abnormalities were seen in laboratory animal and human offspring, exposed in utero to several COX inhibitors. Immunoexpression of constitutive (COX-1) and inducible (COX-2) cyclooxygenase isoforms was evaluated in various articular structures of untreated and unfamiliar 21-day-old male rat foetuses. Both COX isoforms were detected in the articular cartilage and joint capsule, as well as in the intra-articular disc of the temporomandibular joint and meniscus of the knee joint. COX-1 immunostaining was revealed in the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint and the labrum of the hip and shoulder, whereas COX-2 immunoreactivity in those structures was not found. It could be concluded that both constitutive and inducible COX isoforms are physiologically expressed in various structures of synovial joints in rat foetuses at the end of prenatal development

Anatomical eponyms — unloved names in medical terminology

Uniform international terminology is a fundamental issue of medicine. Names of various organs or structures have developed since early human history. The first proper anatomical books were written by Hippocrates, Aristotle and Galen. For this reason the modern terms originated from Latin or Greek. In a modern time the terminology was improved in particular by Vasalius, Fabricius and Harvey. Presently each known structure has internationally approved term that is explained in anatomical or histological terminology. However, some elements received eponyms, terms that incorporate the surname of the people that usually describe them for the first time or studied them (e.g., circle of Willis, follicle of Graff, fossa of Sylvious, foramen of Monro, Adamkiewicz artery). Literature and historical hero also influenced medical vocabulary (e.g. Achilles tendon and Atlas). According to various scientists, all the eponyms bring colour to medicine, embed medical traditions and culture to our history but lack accuracy, lead of confusion, and hamper scientific discussion. The current article presents a wide list of the anatomical eponyms with their proper anatomical term or description according to international anatomical terminology. However, since different eponyms are used in various countries, the list could be expanded

Pierwotny hiperaldosteronizm - diagnostyka i leczenie w świetle ostatnich wytycznych

W ostatnich latach toczy się dyskusja dotycząca definicji, częstości występowania oraz metod diagnostycznych pierwotnego hiperaldosteronizmu. Obecnie uważa się, że częstość pierwotnego hiperaldosteronizmu, definiowanego jako autonomiczne wytwarzanie aldosteronu, należy obecnie oceniać na 5-10% u chorych z nadciśnieniem tętniczym. W artykule omówiono metody diagnostyczne - biochemiczne i lokalizacyjne - pierwotnego hiperaldosteronizmu. Przedstawiono także metody biochemiczne i lokalizacyjne służące różnicowaniu dwóch najczęściej występujących postaci pierwotnego hiperaldosteronizmu - przerostu kory nadnerczy i gruczolaka kory nadnerczy. Wobec coraz większej liczby dowodów na niekorzystny wpływ aldosteronu na układ sercowo-naczyniowy, wykraczający poza wpływ na wysokość ciśnienia tętniczego, rozpoznanie i wybór właściwej metody leczenia pierwotnego hiperaldosteronizmu nabiera ważnego znaczenia. Choroby Serca i Naczyń 2010, 7 (2), 57-6

Anatomical variances and dimensions of the superior orbital fissure and foramen ovale in adults

The aim of the study was the retrospective morphological analysis of selected structures of the middle cranial fossa, i.e. foramen ovale and superior orbital fissure, in relation to the external head and cranial diameters in adults from the Lublin region (Poland). The study was performed on data collected during computed tomography examinations of 60 individuals (age 20–30 years), without any cranial or brain abnormalities. Based on the post-processing reconstructions, 3-dimensional views of the skull and head were obtained. The length and width of both structures, as well as thickness of the frontal, temporal, and occipital squamae, were measured. The morphology of the ovale foramina and superior orbital fissures were checked. The length and width of the skull and head were the only parameters that significantly differed between males and females. The thickness of the frontal and temporal squama was insignificantly lower in males than in females. Almond and oval shapes were the most typical for the foramen ovale. The superior orbital fissure was found as a wide form — with or without accessory spine originating from its lower margin or as a laterally narrowed form. The length and width of the foramen ovale were insignificantly higher in males than in females. The same results were found for the area of the right superior orbital fissure. The thickness of the frontal and occipital squamae influenced the thickness of the temporal squama. The analysed individuals had asymmetrical, oval, or almond-shape ovale foramina. Unlike the seldom visible laterally narrowed form of the superior orbital fissure, a wide form with or without accessory spine was the most commonly observed. The diameters of both superior orbital fissures and ovale foramina indicated the asymmetry of the neurocranium. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 4: 263–271

Nadciśnienie tętnicze oporne – wybrane częste i rzadkie przyczyny, o których należy pamiętać w praktyce klinicznej.

Oporne nadciśnienie tętnicze stwierdzane jest u około 12% chorych leczonych na nadciśnienie tętnicze. Chorzy z opornym nadciśnieniem tętniczym w porównaniu z chorymi z dobrze kontrolowanym nadciśnieniem tętniczym charakteryzują się wyższym ryzykiem chorobowości i śmiertelności z przyczyn sercowo-naczyniowych. Chorych z opornym nadciśnieniem tętniczym można podzielić na dwie grupy – chorych z rzekomoopornym nadciśnieniem tętniczym i chorych z prawdziwie opornym nadciśnieniem tętniczym. Częstą przyczyną rzekomej oporności nadciśnienia tętniczego jest niestosowanie się przez chorych do zaleceń. Dokładnie zebrany wywiad, badanie przedmiotowe i badania dodatkowe mogą z kolei pomóc w ustaleniu przyczyny prawdziwie opornego nadciśnienia tętniczego

Secondary hypertension — novel aspects

W artykule omówiono rozwój wiedzy o pierwotnym hiperaldosteronizmie, guzie chromochłonnym i guzach wywodzących się z aparatu przykłębuszkowego nerek, poczynając od opisów pojedynczych chorych, a na wieloośrodkowych badaniach obejmujących duże grupy pacjentów kończąc. Ma to szczególne znaczenie w odniesieniu do chorób rzadko występujących, do których należy nadciśnienie tętnicze uwarunkowane hormonalnie.The development of knowledge of some forms of endocrine hypertension — primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma and juxtaglomerular cell tumor over the past decades since the first reports to multicenter studies is presented. The importance of large studies for deeper understanding in pathophysiology, clinical judgment and treatment of these hormone-induced hypertension must be underlined

Early postnatal development of the lumbar vertebrae in male Wistar rats: double staining and digital radiological studies

The aim of the study was to evaluate the physiological developmental changes of male rats’ lumbar vertebrae during the first 22 days after birth. Morphology and mineralisation of lumbar vertebrae were evaluated using double-staining and digital radiography system, which allowed vertebral width and optical density to be determined. Pup weight, crown-rump length, body mass index and vertebral width increased during postnatal period and significantly correlated with their age. Bone mineralisation, as measured by optical density, did not show any significant differences. The complete fusion of the primary ossification centres had a cranio- -caudal direction and started on day 19 after parturition but was incomplete by day 22. It could be concluded that, unlike significant age-related increase of vertebral size, mineralisation was only slightly elevated during evaluated postnatal period. The method described is supplementary to alizarin red S staining as it provides both qualitative and quantitative data on mineralisation in a similar manner to micro computed tomography but does not allow 3 dimensional and microarchitecture examination

Morphology of the foramen magnum in young Eastern-European adults

Background: The foramen magnum is an important anatomical opening in the base of the skull through which the posterior cranial fossa communicates with the vertebral canal. It is also related to a number of pathological conditions including Chiari malformations, various tumours, and occipital dysplasias. The aim of the study was to evaluate the morphology of the foramen magnum in adult individuals in relation to sex. Material and methods: The morphology of the foramen magnum was evaluated using 3D computer tomography images in 313 individuals (142 male, 171 female) aged 20–30 years.Results: The mean values of the foramen length (37.06 ± 3.07 vs. 35.47 ± 2.60 mm), breadth (32.98 ± 2.78 vs. 30.95 ± 2.71 mm) and area (877.40 ± 131.64 vs. 781.57 ± 93.74 mm2) were significantly higher in males than in females. A significant, positive correlation was found between foramen length and breadth. Significant correlations were reported for breadth and area of the foramen magnum and corresponding external cranial diameters in females. Round as well as longitudinal and horizontal oval-like types of the foramen shape were established according to the breadth/length index of the structure. All the cranial and foramen measurements were significantly higher in individuals with round-like type of the foramen magnum. Conclusions: There was a sexual dimorphism of the foramen magnum among the examined individuals. It was related mainly to its linear diameters and area, not to the shape. Unlike males, female skulls had higher correlation between the examined parameters of the foramen and proper external cranial measurements, which indicates more homogeneous growth in girls

Anatomical classification of the shape and topography of the operated stomach

The aim of the study was to present the classification of anatomical variances of the operated stomach, based on the radiological and historical data. Different anatomical variations of the operated organ were revealed in 431 out of 2034 patients examined in years 2006-2010. Four primary groups were established: abnormal position along longitudinal (I) and horizontal axis (II), as well as abnormal shape (III) and stomach connections (IV). An additional group (V) encloses mixed forms that connect features of two or more primary groups. The first group contains the partial and total translocation of the stomach into the thoracic cavity after the partial or total esophagectomy. Depends on the applied surgical techniques used during the total esophagectomy, the stomach could be located in the front or back to the pericardial sac. An elongated and gestrectatical form often with signs of pylorostenosis is visible in patients treated by the vagotomy. The consequences of fundoplication included: lack or narrow cardiac angle, and often mild form of the stomach cascade. The most common abnormal shape of the stomach was secondary to the gastrectomy and gastric bending. The final organ shape depends on the type of applied surgical procedure that maintains physiological connection with the duodenum or un-anatomical one, mostly with the jejunal loop. In banding, the body of the stomach forms hourglass on the level of the artificial adjustable band, typically fitted for the surgical slim purpose