In-channel accretionary macroforms in the modern anastomosing system of the upper Narew River, NE Poland

Predomination of sandy bedload is typical of the anastomosing channels of the Narew River. Several types of in-channel accretionary macroforms have been found in these channels: side bars, concave-bank bars, plug bars, point bars, linguoid bars, and mid-channel bars. The first three types are relatively rare, point bars occur only exceptionally, while linguoid bars and mid-channel bars are quite common. The bars usually occur in main channels, which are the master routes of sand transport in the whole anastomosing system of the Narew. The lower parts of the bars are built of coarse- and medium-grained sand, similarly to the sediments in the deeper parts of the channels. Fine-grained sand, locally alternating with organic-rich muddy sand, predominates usually in the upper parts; peat with high content of sand is present in the highest parts of some bars. All bars are rapidly colonised and stabilised by plants. It is for this reason and due to the low energy of the river that the bar sediments have a high preservation potential. The development of bars is usually not accompanied by lateral migration of channels. Consequently, sediment accretion in bars is one of the factors leading to gradual narrowing of channels. Deposits of some sand-bars, when preserved in fossil record, may probably be represented by characteristic "wings" in the outer parts of ribbon-like sand bodies

Distinct effects of Lactobacillus plantarum KL30B and Escherichia coli 3A1 on the induction and development of acute and chronic inflammation

OBJECTIVE: Enteric bacteria are involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. In experimental colitis, a breakdown of the intestinal epithelial barrier results in inflow of various gut bacteria, induction of acute inflammation and finally, progression to chronic colitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study we compared pro-inflammatory properties of two bacterial strains isolated from human microbiome, Escherichia coli 3A1 and Lactobacillus plantarum KL30B. The study was performed using two experimental models of acute inflammation: peritonitis in mice and trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. RESULTS: Both bacterial strains induced massive neutrophil infiltration upon injection into sterile peritoneal cavity. However, peritoneal exudate cells stimulated in vitro with E. coli 3A1, produced far more nitric oxide, than those stimulated with L. plantarum KL30B. Interestingly, distinct effect on the development of TNBS-induced colitis was observed after oral administration of the tested bacteria. Lactobacillus plantarum KL30B evoked strong acute colitis. On the contrary, the administration of E. coli 3A1 resulted in a progression of colitis to chronicity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that distinct effects of bacterial administration on the development of ongoing inflammation is strain specific and depends on the final effect of cross-talk between bacteria and cells of the innate immune system

The "double dunk" technique for a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit for the Norwood procedure reduces the unintended shunt-related events

Background: The introduction of a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit (RVPAc) during the Norwood procedure (NP) for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) resulted in a higher survival rate, but also in an increased number of unintended pulmonary and shunt-related interventions. Aim: To analyse how several modifications employed in RVPAc implantation during NP may influence the interstage course, unintended surgical or catheter-based interventions, and pulmonary artery development in a cohort of patients with HLHS. Methods: We retrospectively analysed three groups of non-selected, consecutive neonates who underwent the NP between 2011 and 2014, with different RVPAc surgical techniques employed: Group I (n = 32) — left RVPAc with distal homograft cuff, Group II (n = 28) — right RVPAc with distal homograft cuff, and Group III (n = 41) — “double dunk,” right reinforced RVPAc (n = 41). Results: There were no intergroup differences in terms of age, weight, prevalence of aortic atresia, diameter of the ascending aorta, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time, and hospital mortality rate (9.3% vs. 14.2% vs. 7.3%, respectively). There was a significant difference between the groups in the number of catheter-based interventions during the interstage period (34% vs. 25% vs. 0%, respectively, p < 0.05) and/or concomitant surgical interventions (17.2% vs. 4.1% vs. 2.6%, respectively). The diameter of the pulmonary arteries was most homogenous in the third group. Conclusions: The modified strategy of using the “double dunk,” right reinforced RVPAc during the NP for HLHS significantly reduces the number of unintended catheter-based and surgical shunt-related reinterventions during the interstage period. This technique allows a more homogenous development of pulmonary arteries before the second, surgical stage