Evaluation of several methods used in anatomical investigations of the blood and lymphatic vessels

The aim of this review is to describe the advantages and limitations of several methods used in anatomical investigations of intravisceral blood and lymphatic networks. The microangiographic methods as well as corrosion methods are described. In conclusion the authors confirmed that the most useful way for exploration of the blood and lymphatic vessels is to prepare corrosion casts. This paper focuses on the scanning electron microscopic examination of vascular corrosion casts. This method allows the examination of the three-dimensional organisation of vessels, including the blood and lymphatic capillaries. Imprints of endothelial cell nuclei can be observed on the surface of the blood and lymphatic vessels

Surface properties of particles emitted from selected coal-fired heating plants and electric power stations in Poland : preliminary results

The surface properties of particles emitted from six selected coal-fi red power and heating plants in Poland have been studied in this work for the fi rst time. Samples were collected beyond the control systems. Surface composition of the size-distributed particles was obtained by photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The refl ection of the smallest, submicron particles was also measured to calculate their specifi c/mass absorption. The surface layer of the emitted particles was clearly dominated by oxygen, followed by silicon and carbon. The sum of the relative concentration of these elements was between 85.1% and 91.1% for coarse particles and 71.8–93.4% for fi ne/submicron particles. Aluminum was typically the fourth or fi fth, or at least the sixth most common element. The mass absorption of the submicron particles emitted from the studied plants ranged from 0.02 m2g-1 to 0.03 m2g-1. Only specifi c absorption obtained for the “Nowy Wirek” heating plant was signifi cantly higher than in other studied plants probably because the obsolete fi re grate is used in this heating plant. The obtained results suggest that the power/heating-plant-emitted fi ne particles contain less carbonaceous material/elemental carbon on their surfaces than those that are typical in urban air

Simulator training and residents' first laparoscopic hysterectomy : A randomized controlled trial

Background Hysterectomy rates are decreasing in many countries, and virtual reality simulators bring new opportunities into residents' surgical education. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of training in laparoscopic hysterectomy module with virtual reality simulator on surgical outcomes among residents performing their first laparoscopic hysterectomy. Methods This randomized study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Helsinki University Hospital and Hyvinkaa Hospital. We recruited twenty residents and randomly signed half of them to train ten times with the laparoscopic hysterectomy module on a virtual reality simulator, while the rest represented the control group. Their first laparoscopic hysterectomy was video recorded and assessed later by using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) forms and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The scores and surgical outcomes were compared between the groups. Results The mean OSATS score for the Global Rating Scale (GRS) was 17.0 (SD 3.1) in the intervention group and 11.2 (SD 2.4) in the control group (p = 0.002). The mean procedure-specific OSATS score was 20.0 (SD 3.3) and 16.0 (SD 2.8) (p = 0.012), and the mean VAS score was 55.0 (SD 14.8) and 29.9 (SD 14.9) (p = 0.001). Operative time was 144 min in the intervention group and 165 min in the control group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.205). There were no differences between the groups in blood loss or direct complications. Conclusion Residents training with a virtual reality simulator prior to the first laparoscopic hysterectomy seem to perform better in the actual live operation. Thus, a virtual reality simulator hysterectomy module could be considered as a part of laparoscopic training curriculum.Peer reviewe

Direct replacement of antibodies with molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles in ELISA - development of a novel assay for vancomycin

A simple and straightforward technique for coating microplate wells with molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) to develop ELISA type assays is presented here for the first time. NanoMIPs were synthesized by a solid phase approach with immobilized vancomycin (template) and characterized using Biacore 3000, dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. Immobilization, blocking and washing conditions were optimized in microplate format. The detection of vancomycin was achieved in competitive binding experiments with a HRP-vancomycin conjugate. The assay was capable of measuring vancomycin in buffer and in blood plasma within the range 0.001-70 nM with a detection limit of 0.0025 nM (2.5 pM). The sensitivity of the assay was three orders of magnitude better than a previously described ELISA based on antibodies. In these experiments nanoMIPs have shown high affinity and minimal interference from blood plasma components. Immobilized nanoMIPs were stored for 1 month at room temperature without any detrimental effects to their binding properties. The high affinity of nanoMIPs and the lack of a requirement for cold chain logistics make them an attractive alternative to traditional antibodies used in ELIS

Sciatic nerve variations in some studies on the Polish population and its statistical significance

The purpose of the study was to describe and analyse sciatic nerve variation in a relatively small, yet statistically significant, group. Consequently, a comparison of described variation to that known from former studies was performed. Additionally, we estimated the minimum group necessary for a statistical confirmation of hypothetical differences in sciatic nerve topography between the studies

A comparative assessment of failures and periodontal health between 2 mandibular lingual retainers in orthodontic patients. A 2-year follow-up, single practice-based randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to compare the survival rates and periodontal health in patients with 3-strand round twisted (RT) vs 8-strand rectangular braided (RB) fixed retainers bonded to all 6 anterior teeth in the mandible. METHODS A total of 133 patients completing orthodontic treatment (median age, 24.6 years; 25th percentile, 17.2 years; 75th percentile, 32.4 years; minimum, 15.1 years; maximum, 49.8 years) were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either an RT or RB wire retainer. Inclusion criteria were all mandibular permanent incisors and canines present, no active caries, no restorations, no fractures on the mandibular incisors and canines, no periodontal disease. Patients with poor oral hygiene before debonding were excluded from the trial. The primary outcome was any first-time retainer failure. Secondary outcomes were periodontal index, bleeding on probing, plaque index, gingival index, and probing depth. Randomization was accomplished with random permuted blocks of size 4, 6, or 8 with allocation concealed in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. Blinding was not possible in this trial. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after placement of the retainer. Retainer survival was assessed using Cox regression. Periodontal parameters were reported at each time point and generalised estimating equations were used to assess the effect of treatment, time, tooth and treatment X time interaction on the indices. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were similar between groups; in 1 patient, the intervention was discontinued. During 2-year follow-up 37 of 66 (56.1%, RT group) and 32 of 66 (48.5%, RB group) retainers failed at least once (log-rank test, P = 0.55). The adjusted hazard ratio was 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.42-1.12; P = 0.13). Neither age nor gender was a predictor of failure. All periodontal parameters (periodontal index, bleeding on probing, plaque index, gingival index, and pocket depth) were comparable between groups and remained relatively stable during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The overall risk for first-time failure was high and amounted to 52.3% (56.1% in the RT group and 48.5% in the RB group). There was no difference in terms of survival or periodontal health between the examined retainers

Mossbauer study of the El Hammami olivine-bronzite meteorite

The phase composition of the El Hammami meteorite was investigated by X-ray, magnetostatic, Mössbauer effect and environmental scanning electron microscopy methods. Performed investigations indicated that this meteorite consists of aluminosilicates, olivine (Mg,Fe)2SiO4, pyroxene (Ca,Mg,Fe)SiO3, kamacite (bcc Fe-Ni alloy) and troilite (FeS). Some inclusions of Ti and Cr were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The concentration of Ni in kamacite was determined by comparison of the Mössabauer spectra of Fe-Ni phase in the meteorite with those for synthetic bcc Fe-Ni alloys (5, 10, 25% Ni)

MORPHOMETRICS, OVARY STRUCTURE, and PARASITES of CHIASMODON HARTELI (ACTINOPTERYGII: TRACHINIFORMES: CHIASMODONTIDAE) FROM OFF SOUTH-EASTERN GREENLAND

Background. Chiasmodon harteli Melo, 2009 is a rarely captured deepwater fish. Even though the taxonomy of this genus is fairly well resolved, very little is known about the biology of individual Chiasmodon species. the objective of the presently reported study was to supplement new knowledge on C. harteli.Materials and methods. A single female specimen of C. harteli was captured on 1 July 2008 off the south-eastern coast of Greenland during bottom trawling at the depth of 1000 m. Morphometric and meristic data were collected and absolute values of the measurements [to the nearest 0.1 mm] were also related to the fish standard length and head length. To determine the gonad maturity stage, ovaries were fixed in Bouin's solution and buffered formalin (4%), dehydrated, embedded in paraffin wax, cut into 5-mu m histological sections and finally stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Parasitological examinations covered the skin, eyes, mouth, nasal cavities, gills, gonads, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, peritoneum, and muscles. Parasites recovered were preserved in 70% ethanol.Results. Detailed morphometrics, including metric and meristic data, as well as dentition formula, are provided. the individual studied was a mature female. the ovaries were in stage I (Merson scale) (mature, featuring oocytes in early vitellogenesis and oogonies). the mean oocyte cell diameter was 84.62 +/- 4.67 mu m, while the range: 45.05-114.08 mu m. the fish hosted only one parasite species-Anisakis simplex (Nematoda; encysted L3 larvae). the stomach of the specimen studied was enlarged, although completely empty.Conclusion. This is the first substantiated record of this species since its original description in 2009. the structure of female gonads of C. harteli was described here for the first time. the acquired data on the gonadal development may shed new light on the species' reproduction and may help to approximate the spawning time. the nematode A. simplex were reported herein for the first time in a Chiasmodon.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Zachodniopomorski Uniwersytet Technol, Katedra Hydrobiol Ichtiol & Biotechnol, Wydzial Nauk Zywnosci & Rybactwa, PL-71550 Szczecin, PolandUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Exatas & Terra, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Exatas & Terra, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2010/50322-6Web of Scienc

Fungal diseases of trees and shrubs growing in Siberian Square in Warsaw

A good condition of trees and shrubs growing in urban green areas is one of the key aspects of management. Plant monitoring, including recognition of symptoms of diseases caused by pathogenic fungi and prevention of their spread, is one of the ways of supporting the process of maintenance of green areas. The aim of the study was to conduct preliminary investigations of plants growing in Siberian Square in Warsaw infected by phytopathogenic fungi. The research carried out in 2017-2019 in Siberian Square in Warsaw revealed that the most common diseases observed on the trees and shrubs were caused by powdery mildew fungi infecting maples, poplars, apple trees, and barberry shrubs. Sawadaea tulasnei, Erysiphe adunca, Erysiphe berberidis, and Podosphaera leucotricha (Erysiphales) were identified as the causal agents of powdery mildew. Pathogens causing leaf spots and leaf lesions were identified as Venturia inaequalis on Malus x purpurea ’Ola’ and Rhytisma acerinum on Acer platanoides. Rust caused by Melampsora laricis-populina (Pucciniales) and basidiomata of Pleurotus ostreatus were detected on infected Populus nigra ‘Italica’ tree