The own method and program of isotope quantitatively assessment of perfusion in muscles of upper limbs (initial report)

BACKGROUND: The issue of blood flow in muscles has been dealt with for many years. However, most often it was assessed qualitatively with standard vascular examinations. The quantitatively perfusion assessment is indispensable in the normal and pathological conditions. Some diseases impair the perfusion mainly in the area of upper limbs. It can be observed in Raynaud’s disease, vascular occlusive diseases, neurological disturbances, and thermal injuries. Hyperhidrosis of upper limbs after sympathectomy of thoracic part of sympathetic trunk may bring closer the diagnosis statement. Nuclear medicine has the markers and methods that allow for the assessment of the volume of perfusion in muscles. The aim for creating this method and program was the development of radioisotope method allowing for quantitative assessment of perfusion in muscles of upper limbs. This should lead to calculating the perfusion index and its range of normal values in a greater group of patients and to using this method both in the healthy and pathological conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 patients, age 30.4 ± 7.1 years, who underwent following examinations: qualification to the group, medical history, subject examinations, USG of upper limb vessels, anthropometric examinations, biochemical and hormonal blood tests, the assessment of upper limbs with USG Doppler and FMD (flow mediated dilatation), radioisotope examinations with gamma camera BrightView XCT by own program RAPUL (Radioisotope Assessment Perfusion of Upper Limb). Acquisitions were started five minutes after intravenous injection of 99mTc-MIBI (metoxyisobutylnitrite). The whole body scintigram and scintigrams of arm and forearm muscles in A-P projections were taken. RESULTS: In the examined patients, the results of anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal test were within the range of normal values. In radioisotope quantitative assessment of perfusion, perfusion indexes of left arm were 20 < PI_left < 11.90 and of the right arm 7.00 < PI_right <12.30. The dependency correlation PI_left vs. PI_right was strong r = 0.92036. The values of perfusion symmetry index (IPS) had a normal distribution and were within the following range: 0.9231 < IPS < 1.1019. CONCLUSIONS: The RAPUL method and program allow for quantitative assessment of perfusion in muscles of upper limbs. Developed program has a high repeatability of results. The results in the bigger group will allow for defining the range of normal values of perfusion index in muscles of upper limbs at rest. These will be diagnostically used both in healthy (sports medicine, military services) and pathological conditions.BACKGROUND: The issue of blood flow in muscles has been dealt with for many years. However, most often it was assessedqualitatively with standard vascular examinations. The quantitatively perfusion assessment is indispensable in the normal andpathological conditions. Some diseases impair the perfusion mainly in the area of upper limbs. It can be observed in Raynaud’sdisease, vascular occlusive diseases, neurological disturbances, and thermal injuries. Hyperhidrosis of upper limbs after sympathectomyof thoracic part of sympathetic trunk may bring closer the diagnosis statement. Nuclear medicine has the markersand methods that allow for the assessment of the volume of perfusion in muscles. The aim for creating this method andprogram was the development of radioisotope method allowing for quantitative assessment of perfusion in muscles of upperlimbs. This should lead to calculating the perfusion index and its range of normal values in a greater group of patients and tousing this method both in the healthy and pathological conditions.MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 patients, age 30.4 ± 7.1 years, who underwent following examinations: qualification to thegroup, medical history, subject examinations, USG of upper limb vessels, anthropometric examinations, biochemical andhormonal blood tests, the assessment of upper limbs with USG Doppler and FMD (flow mediated dilatation), radioisotopeexaminations with gamma camera BrightView XCT by own program RAPUL (Radioisotope Assessment Perfusion of UpperLimb). Acquisitions were started five minutes after intravenous injection of 99mTc-MIBI (metoxyisobutylnitrite). The whole bodyscintigram and scintigrams of arm and forearm muscles in A-P projections were taken.RESULTS: In the examined patients, the results of anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal test were within the range ofnormal values. In radioisotope quantitative assessment of perfusion, perfusion indexes of left arm were 20 < PI_left < 11.90 andof the right arm 7.00 < PI_right <12.30. The dependency correlation PI_left vs. PI_right was strong r = 0.92036.The values of perfusion symmetry index (IPS) had a normal distribution and were within the following range: 0.9231 < IPS <1.1019.CONCLUSIONS: The RAPUL method and program allow for quantitative assessment of perfusion in muscles of upper limbs.Developed program has a high repeatability of results. The results in the bigger group will allow for defining the range of normalvalues of perfusion index in muscles of upper limbs at rest. These will be diagnostically used both in healthy (sports medicine,military services) and pathological conditions

Household consumption and VAT revenue in Poland

Purpose: Examine dependencies between the size and the structure of directional household expenditure on consumption and the amount of VAT tax revenue for the state budget in Poland, in connection with the explanation of fluctuations of households’ VAT contributions per capita. Design/methodology/approach: The study used the following methods: literature review, methods applied in descriptive statistics, linear models of multiple regression, factor analysis using the method of main components, and a single-factor variance analysis (ANOVA). Detailed analyses were conducted based on own calculations using analytical software SPSS (Predictive Solutions), Statistica and MS Excel calculation sheet. Findings: Our results show: 1) household consumption, understood as incurring expenses to purchase goods and services which takes place in the economy of a state, is the principal creator of state budget revenue based on VAT; 2) the level of VAT revenue from household consumption depends on the financial resources at the households’ disposal, the way they spend them and the structure of such expenditure; 3) households are very diverse internally, while the size and structure of their purchases varies in time and is determined by many factors; 4) a diversified rate of VAT on particular goods and services purchased by households has a major impact on the level of state budget revenue from VAT returns; 5) financial transfers to households, which express a variety of social policy instruments applied by the state, including the pro-family policy, result in the increase of the state revenue from VAT; the effectiveness of such transfers – both for the realisation of state policy, as well as the increase of its tax revenue – can be stimulated by the appropriate matrix of VAT rates; 6) the limited availability or the lack of particular statistical data regarding the VAT burden on household expenditure, and the structure of state budget revenue based on VAT in the cross-section of tax rates, decreases analytical potential and the possibilities of drawing conclusions. Practical Implications: The conclusions drawn from the conducted analyses and research can be useful for the state when selecting the tools which not only will allow for the increase of its budgetary revenues, but also the effective realization of the aims of its social policy. Originality/value: Extending the research on VAT with the analysis of the tax potential of households’ purchasing decisions with the inclusion of the VAT matrix as well as the fiscal and non-fiscal objectives of state policy. The proposed methodological path allows for its popularisation with the use of panel data.peer-reviewe

Methodology of obtaining information about societal needs : the foundations and their empirical verification

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the concept of a ‘societal need’, indicate sources of information about societal needs, and conduct a critical analysis of the foundations of the methodology of obtaining information about societal needs and their operationalization (social services).DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article was written based on a critical analysis of the literature and practical verification of the methodology applied in obtaining information about societal needs used in diagnosing such conditions (from the perspective of local government).FINDINGS: Society’s needs are constantly evolving, increasing in volume, and changing their quality. The method applied in this study to obtain information about societal needs of the local community restricted the range of the survey respondents (reporting societal needsbeneficiaries of social services), which points to the problem of selecting the suitable means of communication with the stakeholders relevant in this process. A diagnosis of societal needs cannot be aspect-based. Its potential is determined by the comprehensiveness of information obtained from all the parties representing the stakeholders of the social policy system.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The possibilities of practical implementation aimed at identifying societal needs to create a comprehensive range of the offered social services provided by entities from various sectors of the economy and the modernization and maintenance of services in the system of social policy.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: A critical assessment of the applied methodology for obtaining information about the societal needs of a given community and the possibilities of resolving social problems thanks to the provided social services.peer-reviewe

Polish Soil Classification, 6th edition – principles, classification scheme and correlations

The sixth edition of the Polish Soil Classification (SGP6) aims to maintain soil classification in Poland as a modern scientific system that reflects current scientific knowledge, understanding of soil functions and the practical requirements of society. SGP6 continues the tradition of previous editions elaborated upon by the Soil Science Society of Poland in consistent application of quantitatively characterized diagnostic horizons, properties and materials; however, clearly referring to soil genesis. The present need to involve and name the soils created or naturally developed under increasing human impact has led to modernization of the soil definition. Thus, in SGP6, soil is defined as the surface part of the lithosphere or the accumulation of mineral and organic materials permanently connected to the lithosphere (through buildings or permanent constructions), coming from weathering or accumulation processes, originated naturally or anthropogenically, subject to transformation under the influence of soilforming factors, and able to supply living organisms with water and nutrients. SGP6 distinguishes three hierarchical categories: soil order (nine in total), soil type (basic classification unit; 30 in total) and soil subtype (183 units derived from 62 unique definitions; listed hierarchically, separately in each soil type), supplemented by three non-hierarchical categories: soil variety (additional pedogenic or lithogenic features), soil genus (lithology/parent material) and soil species (soil texture). Non-hierarchical units have universal definitions that allow their application in various orders/types, if all defined requirements are met. The paper explains the principles, classification scheme and rules of SGP6, including the key to soil orders and types, explaining the relationships between diagnostic horizons, materials and properties distinguished in SGP6 and in the recent edition of WRB system as well as discussing the correlation of classification units between SGP6, WRB and Soil Taxonomy

Polymer based dyes

Tworzywa sztuczne, kosmetyki, leki, tekstylia zawierają liczne dodatki, mające na celu polepszenie ich właściwości użytkowych i zwiększenia ich funkcjonalności. Nowe metody wytwarzania substancji barwiących stały się jednym z ważniejszych kierunków rozwoju w technologii barwienia tworzyw sztucznych. W poniższym przeglądzie omówiono sposoby otrzymywania i możliwości aplikacyjne substancji barwiących otrzymanych przez modyfikację związków wielkocząsteczkowych barwnikami organicznymi.Plastics, cosmetics, medicines, textiles contain numerous additives aimed to improving their functional properties and increasing their functionality. New methods for producing coloring substances have become one of the major development trends in plastic dyeing technology. The review below discusses the methods of preparation and application possibilities of coloring substances obtained by modification of macromolecular compounds with organic dyes

Reinforcement of carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber XNBR with graphene nanoplatelets with varying surface area

International audienceGraphene nanoplatelets (xGnP-C) with specific surface areas varying from 300 to 750 m2/g were investigated as novel reinforcing fillers for carboxylated acrylonitrile- butadiene rubber (XNBR). The effects of graphene nanoflakes loadings up to 15 parts per hundred rubber (phr) on the rheometric characteristics, stress-strain behavior, crosslink density (ν), resistance to UV radiation and thermo-oxidative aging of the XNBR/ZnO/graphene xGnP-C composites were investigated. Substantial improvement in the mechanical properties of XNBR with increased contents of xGnP-C filler was achieved. It was found that the addition of 5 phr of graphene significantly increased UV stability, tensile strength (TS) and modulus at 100%, 200% and 300% elongation of rubber material. The effect was more pronounced for composites containing graphene with the highest specific surface area 750 m2/g. The chemical information on the functional groups on the xGnP-C surface was obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method. In this case, the reinforcing effect of graphene xGnP-C may result from an additional chemical bonding which is possible between the -COOH groups of the rubber and the reactive, oxygen-containing groups on the filler surface

Aluminum-Magnesium Hydroxycarbonate/Azo Dye Hybrids as Novel Multifunctional Colorants for Elastomer Composites

This study presents the preparation and characterization of new organic-inorganic pigments based on aluminum-magnesium hydroxycarbonate (LH) and azo dyes. Solvent resistance studies, XRD, SEM, and TGA confirmed the successful formation of hybrid pigments, which were characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties. The new hybrid pigments were applied in acrylonitrile-butadiene (NBR) and ethylene-propylene (EPM) rubber composites and cured with sulfur and peroxide curing systems, respectively. The mechanical properties, dispersion quality, and flame-retardant properties of the NBR/hybrid and EPM/hybrid pigment composites were determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), SEM, and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC). Complex experimental investigations revealed that the layered nature of hybrid pigments could improve the barrier ability and flame retardancy of elastomer composites. In comparison to unmodified aluminum-magnesium hydroxycarbonate, the modified LH dye structures contributed to significantly decrease the heat release rate and the total heat release of the NBR and EPM composites, offering a new approach to imparting low flammability to elastomer materials

Characterization and Structure–Property Relationships of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Composites Based on Aluminum–Magnesium Hydroxycarbonate and Azo Chromophore

In this study, novel organic–inorganic composites were prepared by the complexation of dicarboxylic azo dye (AD) with aluminum–magnesium hydroxycarbonate (AlMg–LH). This procedure provides an effective method for the stabilization of dicarboxylic organic chromophores on an AlMg−LH host. The structures of the hybrid composites were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), 27-Al solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The TOF-SIMS method was applied to investigate the metal–dye interactions and to monitor the thermal stability of the organic–inorganic complexes. Secondary ion mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of a characteristic peak for C18H10O5N2Mg22+, indicating that both carboxylic groups interacted with AlMg−LH by forming complexes with two Mg2+ ions. Modification with hybrid pigments affected the crystal structure of the AlMg−LH mineral, as shown by the appearance of new peaks on the X-ray diffraction patterns. Adsorption of the dicarboxylic chromophore not only led to significantly enhanced solvent resistance but also improved the thermal and photostability of the hybrid pigments. We propose a possible arrangement of the azo dye in the inorganic matrix, as well as the presumed mechanism of stabilization