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

Association of maternal pancreatic function and foetal growth in rats treated with DFU, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

Constitutive (COX-1) and inducible (COX-2) cyclooxygenase isoforms have been detected in various mammalian tissues. Their activity is blocked by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that may induce various side reactions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of DFU, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, on exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function and the immunoexpression of both COX isoforms in maternal and foetal rat pancreases. The compound was administered to pregnant Wistar rats once daily from the 8th to the 21st day of gestation. Glucose level and amylase activity were determined in the maternal sera. Maternal and foetal pancreases were examined histologically. Immunoexpression of COX-1 and COX-2 was also evaluated. Both biochemical parameters, as well as the histological structure of the pancreas were undisturbed in the dams and their foetuses. The maternal glucose level was found to be an important factor for foetal growth. Strong cytoplasmic COX-1 immunostaining was observed in acinar secretory cells, whereas in islets the immune reaction was weak. Endocrine cells also revealed strong cytoplasmic COX-2 staining in the maternal and foetal pancreases. Acinar cells exhibited nuclear reaction, which was strong in the foetal but weak in the maternal pancreases. No differences in COX immunoexpression were found between the DFU-exposed and the control groups in either mothers or foetuses. It should be stressed that DFU administered throughout mid and late pregnancy in rats did not change maternal or foetal pancreatic morphology or immunoexpression of either of the main COX isoforms in the organ

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

242. Analiza ekspresji EGFR i angiogenezv w utkaniu niedrobnokomórkowego raka płuc oraz związku z czasem przeżycia pacjentów w stadiach zaawansowania klinicznego I-IIIA

Cel pracyWciąż niezadowalające wskaźniki przeżycia pacjentów z rakiem płuca, mimo radykalnego leczenia operacyjnego, skłaniają do poszukiwań nowych czynników prognostycznych. Wiadomym jest, że receptor naskórkowego czynnika wzrostu (EGFR) wpływa na wzrost komórek guza i jego progresję, jak również tworzenie przerzutów – głównie poprzez oddziaływanie na tworzenie nowych naczyń krwionośnych. Jego prognostyczna rola u pacjentów z niedrobnokomórkowym rakiem płuca (NRP) jest niejasna. Natomiast gęstość naczyń krwionośnych (GNK), będąca miernikiem angiogenezy w guzie, jest podawana jako marker prognostyczny w wielu nowotworach. Celem naszego badania była ocena zależności między ekspresją EGFR i GNK w utkaniu guza nowotworowego a przeżyciem pacjentów z NRP.Materiał i metodyBadaniem objęto 75 pacjentów z NRP w stadiach zaawansowania klinicznego I-IIIA. Wycinki z guza pobierano z materiału operacyjnego, utrwalonego w formalinie. Na uzyskanych skrawkach parafinowych wykonywano odczyny immunohistochemiczne z zastosowaniem monoklonalnego przeciwciała przeciw receptorowi naskórkowego czynnika wzrostu oraz monoklonalnego przeciwciała przeciw CD31.WynikiWśród 75 pacjentów było 5 kobiet (6.7%) i 70 mężczyzn (93.3%) w wieku od 42 lat do 74 lat (średnio 59 lat). W badanej grupie chorych stwierdzono raka płaskonabłonkowego u 53 pacjentów (70.7%), gruczolakoraka u 11 chorych (14.7%) i raka wielkokomórkowego także u 11 pacjentów. Analizując uzyskane dane nie stwierdzono istotności statystycznej między ekspresją EGFR i czasem przeżycia pacjentów. Również GNK nie miała istotnego wpływu na przeżycie pacjentów. Jedynie stan węzłów chłonnych (cecha N; p<0.05), typ histologiczny raka (p<0.001) oraz wiek (p<0.05) w badanej grupie chorych miały istotny statystycznie wpływ na czas przeżycia.WnioskiUzyskane w tym badaniu wyniki nie są zgodne z wynikami innych doniesień mówiących o tym, że ekspresja EGFR i GNK w NRP mogą być traktowane jako czynniki prognostyczne. Należy jednak podkreślić, że analizowana grupa pacjentów była mała, a większość chorych (59 pacjentów, 78.7%) znajdowała się w stadium znacznego zaawansowania nowotworu

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

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

Morphological studies in modern teratological investigations

Despite the variety of modern molecular techniques available, examination of foetal anatomy is still a fundamental part of teratological studies in evaluating the developmental toxicity of xenobiotics or other non-chemical factors. The article presents contemporary methods of embryotoxicity and foetotoxicity assessment. A single alizarin red S and double alcian blue followed by alizarin red S staining, as well as various methods of soft tissue examination are discussed

Comparison of high loaded wastwater biodegradation in one- and two-step SBR reactor systems

W jedno- i dwustopniowych reaktorach typu SBR prowadzono biodegrację odcieków ze składowiska odpadów komunalnych oraz koncentratów po nanofiltracji ścieków włókienniczych. W obu przypadkach uzyskano lepsze wyniki w układzie dwustopniowym (odcieki - sprawność nitryfikacji 100%, denitryfikacji powyżej 90%; koncentraty - odbarwienie powyżej 90%, mineralizacja aminy aromatycznej), niż jednostopniowym (odcieki tylko nitryfikacja; koncentraty - odbarwienie powyżej 90%, amina obecna w odpływie).Biodegradation of landfill leachate and concentrates from textile wastewater after nanofiltration was conducted in the one- and two-step SBR reactor systems. In both cases better results were obtained in the two-step system (leachate - 100% ammonia oxidation, above 90% removal of inorganic nitrogen; concentrates - decolourization over 90%, aromatic amine completely degraded) than in the one-step system (leachate - only nitrification; concentrates - decolourization over 90%, aromatic amine detected in the effluent)

Influence of environment on residence and selected demographic and clinical parameters of preschool children with IgE-dependent asthma

Introduction and objective. An important role in the pathogenesis of asthma in children is played by individual parameters and environmental factors, in particular, those related to the place of residence. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the living environment on the basic demographic and clinical parameters of preschool children with IgE-dependent asthma Materials and method. 176 children (126 from urban and 52 from rural areas) aged 5.22±0.34 years, with newly-diagnosed IgE-dependent asthma, hospitalised at the Clinic for Lung Diseases and Paediatric Rheumatology of the Prof. Antoni Gębala Children’s Hospital of Lublin, were qualified for the study. Medical documentation of the children was analysed, including the implementation of vaccinations. Due to the clinical form of the disease, patients were separated into groups with mild, moderate and severe asthma. Results. No statistically significant differentiation was observed between age and current body weight and height of the children. Similarly, gender and the clinical form of asthma were not significantly correlated with the place of residence. Children with asthma, at the time of exacerbation symptoms of the disease, living in a city, significantly more often (p <0.05) were treated with antibiotics in the hospital during hospitalization, while the value of OR (5.08) indicated that the rural environment enforces more frequent use of OGCs during asthma exacerbation therapy. In children from the urban environment, there was a significant correlation between the current body weight and serum calcium concentration, as well as a negative statistically significant correlation between the current body weight and serum selenium concentration. Conclusions. Residence does not determine the clinical course of IgE-dependent asthma in preschool children