Estimation of the Cellular Antioxidant Response to Chromium Action Using ESR Method

In the present study, the antioxidant capacity of chromium-treated L-41 (human epithelial-like cells) was investigated by the ESR spin-trapping technique. The crude cell extracts of the cells grown in the presence of 2 µM (nontoxic) and 20 µM (toxic) chromium (VI) concentrations were tested in the model Fenton system with and without catalase-inhibitor sodium azide. The presented approach using the ESR technique along with inhibitors lets us discern cell extract defense capacity connected with the enzymatic activity in viable cells and the catabolic activity in dying cells

Лейомиосаркома мочевого пузыря, исходящая из мышечных элементов слизистой оболочки мочевого пузыря (клинический случай)

Leiomyosarcoma of the bladder is an extremely aggressive malignant tumor. Today in the world literature there are a little more than 200 described cases of bladder leiomyosarcoma. In all the cases described, the neoplasm originated from the proper muscle layer of the bladder. In this work, we present a unique clinical case – bladder leiomyosarcoma originating from the muscular elements of the bladder mucosa.Лейомиосаркома мочевого пузыря является крайне редкой и очень агрессивной злокачественной опухолью. На сегодняшний день в мировой литературе насчитывается немногим более 200 описанных случаев лейомиосаркомы мочевого пузыря. Во всех описанных случаях новообразование происходило из собственно мышечного слоя мочевого пузыря. В настоящей работе мы представляем уникальное клиническое наблюдение – лейомиосаркому мочевого пузыря, исходящую из мышечных элементов слизистой оболочки мочевого пузыря

Computer-assisted simulation as an innovation technique in diagnosis and planning of treatment of patients with surgical kidney diseases

Aim: to improve visualization and outcomes of surgical management in patients presenting with diseases of the kidneys and upper urinary tracts. Patients and methods: all patients with renal tumours, coral-like nephrolithiasis, and hydronephrosis were preoperatively subjected to a routine protocol of contrast-enhanced multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) of the kidneys, with the study performed according to the programme 1.25/1.25 mm with intravenous administration of 100 pL of a contrast medium at a rate of 3 ml/sec. at a tube voltage of 80 kV, and current strength of 350 mA). The findings of MSCT were then computer- processed using a special program for 3D images, thus making it possible to obtain 3D objects of the pathologically damaged organ. The obtained 3D and 4D images were subjected to thorough analysis in each individual case, thus making it possible to initially reconstruct the common pathological pattern, followed by duly planning the course of the future operative procedures to perform. Results: in all cases presented, computer-assisted simulation gave a comprehensive pattern of the pathological process in the kidneys and upper urinary tracts. The obtained findings allowed us not only to predict possible intraoperative complications (haemorrhage, formation of a urinary fistula, creation of “extra” ports during percutaneous operations, etc.) but also to work out measures aimed at their prevention, as well as to determine the scope and the stages of the would-be care and cure. Conclusion: according to our own experience, computer-assisted simulation is currently becoming an important and intrinsic stage during preoperative preparation of patients presenting with kidney diseases.Цель: улучшить визуализацию и результаты оперативного лечения у пациентов с заболеваниями почек и верхних мочевых путей. Процедура исследования: всем пациентам с опухолью почек, коралловидным нефролитиазом и гидронефрозом на дооперационном этапе выполнена МСКТ почек с контрастированием по стандартному протоколу (исследование выполнялось по программе 1.25/1.25 мм. с внутривенным введением 100 мл. контрастного вещества со скоростью 3 мл/сек., напряжение 80 кВ, сила тока 350 мА). В последующем результаты МСКТ подвергались компьютерной обработке в специальной программе для 3D изображений, что позволяло получать трехмерные объекты пораженного патологическим процессом органа. Полученные в 3D и 4D формате изображения подвергались тщательному анализу в каждом индивидуальном наблюдении, что позволяло вначале воссоздать единую патологическую картину, а в последующем спланировать ход предстоящих оперативных действий. Результаты: во всех представленных наблюдениях компьютерное моделирование дало исчерпывающую картину о патологическом процессе в почках и верхних мочевых путях. Данная информация позволила не только спрогнозировать возможные осложнения во время операции (кровотечение, формирование мочевого свища, создание «лишних» портов при перкутанных операциях и т.д.), но также разработать меры по их профилактике, определить объем и этапы предстоящего пособия. Выводы: у пациентов с заболеваниями почек компьютерное моделирование, по нашему собственному опыту, становится важным и неотъемлемым этапом в их предоперационной подготовке на сегодняшний день

Amorphous carbon enhancement of hydrogen penetration into UO2

The interaction of D2 and H2O (humidity) with amorphous carbon covered UO2 vs. clean UO2 was studied using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that SIMS depth profiles of the carbon covered side vs. the bare oxide, show significant higher intensities of H- and D- for the first, through the carbon layer and beneath it. The presence of a thin carbon layer on a UO2 surface caused a significant buildup of hydroxyl, probably adsorbed on the carbon, but maybe also beneath the layer, in the presence of atmospheric humidity. Exposure of the carbon covered oxide to D2 on a UHV annealed surface also caused a growth of the hydroxyl. It is concluded that the carbon surface strongly enhances the dissociation of water vapor as well as that of hydrogen and the penetration of the dissociation products to the oxide, as compared to the bare UO2 surface. The contribution of the latter, beneath the carbon, should be verified or ruled out by further experiments.JRC.E.6-Actinide researc

Erectile dysfunction: current situation

Erectile dysfunction (ED) means inability to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse [1, 2]. Erectile dysfunction is an obvious cause of a decline in the overall quality of life [9]. For the implementation of erectile function in the body responsible psychological, neurovascular and endocrine factors. [1, 2] Sexual arousal causes release of relaxing neurotransmitters from nerve endings and endothelial cells of the penis resulting in the relaxation of smooth muscles of arteries and arterioles, which inevitably leads to filling with blood and expansion of corpora cavernosa. [2, 11] During erection subtunicular plexus between the trabeculae and the tunica albuginea become compressed, resulting in almost total occlusion of venous outflow. [9] During the full-erection phase, when penis is at 90 degrees perpendicular to the abdomen, intracavernous pressure reaches 90-100 mm Hg, while the blood volume in the erect penis may exceed that in the soft penis by 8 times [10, 11]