The first probe of a FLASH proton beam by PET

The recently observed FLASH effect related to high doses delivered with high rates has the potential to revolutionize radiation cancer therapy if promising results are confirmed and an underlying mechanism understood. Comprehensive measurements are essential to elucidate the phenomenon. We report the first-ever demonstration of measurements of successive in-spill and post-spill emissions of gammas arising from irradiations by a FLASH proton beam. A small positron emission tomography (PET) system was exposed in an ocular beam of the Proton Therapy Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center to view phantoms irradiated by 3.5 × 1010protons with a kinetic energy of 75.8 MeV delivered in 101.5 ms-long spills yielding a dose rate of 164 Gy s-1. Most in-spill events were due to prompt gammas. Reconstructed post-spill tomographic events, recorded for up to 20 min, yielded quantitative imaging and dosimetric information. These findings open a new and novel modality for imaging and monitoring of FLASH proton therapy exploiting in-spill prompt gamma imaging followed by post-spill PET imaging.

Secondary bacterial infections & extensively drug-resistant bacteria among COVID-19 hospitalized patients at the University Hospital in Kraków

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and bacterial antimicrobial resistance posed a therapeutic risk during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to analyze the HAIs in COVID-19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and non-ICU at the University Hospital in Krakow (UHK) with an emphasis on the susceptibility of the most frequently isolated pathogens and the prevalence of extensively drug resistant (XDR) microorganisms.

METHODS

This laboratory-based study was carried out at the University Hospital in Krakow in the ICU and non-ICUs dedicated to COVID-19 patients between May 2021 and January 2022. All isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were analyzed using PFGE protocol.

RESULTS

292 independent HAI cases were identified, with the predominance of urinary tract infections (UTI), especially in the non-ICU setting. The most common ICU syndrome was pneumonia (PNA). The prevalence of XDR organisms was 22.6% in the ICU and 14.8% in non-ICUs among all isolates. The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infection was 24.8 cases per 10,000 hospitalizations and the carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infection incidence was 208.8 cases per 10,000 hospitalizations. The prevalence of XDR strains was highest in Acinetobacter spp, in PNA cases. The PFGE typing demonstrated that almost all XDR strains varied widely from each other.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, there was a high incidence of HAI in COVID-19 patients, especially when compared to Western Europe and the United States. Similarly, the prevalence of XDR microorganisms, especially XDR-A.baumannii, was also high. PFGE did not confirm the horizontal spread of any organism strains.

Inhibition of Atherosclerosis and Liver Steatosis by Agmatine in Western Diet-Fed apoE-Knockout Mice Is Associated with Decrease in Hepatic De Novo Lipogenesis and Reduction in Plasma Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio

Atherosclerosis and NAFLD are the leading causes of death worldwide. The hallmark of NAFLD is triglyceride accumulation caused by an imbalance between lipogenesis de novo and fatty acid oxidation. Agmatine, an endogenous metabolite of arginine, exerts a protective effect on mitochondria and can modulate fatty acid metabolism. In the present study, we investigate the influence of agmatine on the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and the development of hepatic steatosis in apoE^−/− mice fed with a Western high-fat diet, with a particular focus on its effects on the DNL pathway in the liver. We have proved that treatment of agmatine inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis and attenuates hepatic steatosis in apoE^−/− mice on a Western diet. Such effects are associated with decreased total macrophage content in atherosclerotic plaque as well as a decrease in the TG levels and the TG/HDL ratio in plasma. Agmatine also reduced TG accumulation in the liver and decreased the expression of hepatic genes and proteins involved in lipogenesis de novo such as SREBP-1c, FASN and SCD1. In conclusion, agmatine may present therapeutic potential for the treatment of atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease. However, an exact understanding of the mechanisms of the advantageous actions of agmatine requires further study.

Spin distillation cooling of ultracold Bose gases

We study the spin distillation of spinor gases of bosonic atoms and find two different mechanisms in [Formula: see text]Cr and [Formula: see text]Na atoms, both of which can cool effectively. The first mechanism involves dipolar scattering into initially unoccupied spin states and cools only above a threshold magnetic field. The second proceeds via equilibrium relaxation of the thermal cloud into empty spin states, reducing its proportion in the initial component. It cools only below a threshold magnetic field. The technique was initially demonstrated experimentally for a chromium dipolar gas (Naylor et al. in Phys Rev Lett 115:243002, 2015), whereas here we develop the concept further and provide an in-depth understanding of the required physics and limitations involved. Through numerical simulations, we reveal the mechanisms involved and demonstrate that the spin distillation cycle can be repeated several times, each time resulting in a significant additional reduction of the thermal atom fraction. Threshold values of magnetic field and predictions for the achievable temperature are also identified.

The assessment of serum and diagnostic peritoneal lavage concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis

Pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis are still significant diagnostic and clinical problems. A tumor marker that would eliminate the imperfection of preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) concentration is still being sought. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the concentrations in serum and peritoneal cavity of matrix metalloproteinases: metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), CA19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC), chronic pancreatitis (CP) and a control group (CG). The study was performed in a group of 90 patients. Group 1 consisted of 30 patients with PC, group 2 consisted of 30 patients with CP. There was no case of pancreatic cancer in the CP group. Group 3 (CG) consisted of 30 individuals, who were recruited among patients operated for non-inflammatory cholelithiasis. The serum samples and intraperitoneal fluid, when present or samples of peritoneal lavage were taken from patients and the concentration of MMP-2, MMP-9, and CA19-9 were evaluated. The revealed intraperitoneal fluid concentrations of the MMP-2, MMP-9, and CA19-9 were significantly higher in both PC and CP groups in comparison to CG. There were no statistically significant differences between intraperitoneal fluid concentrations of the MMP2, MMP9, and CA19-9 in PC and CP groups. The revealed serum concentration of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the PC, CP, and CG were significantly higher compared to the intraperitoneal fluid. There was no significant correlation between serum and intraperitoneal fluid concentration of the MMP-2, MMP-9, and CA19-9 and the presence of cancer cells in the intraperitoneal fluid conventional cytological examination. The elevated preoperative intraperitoneal fluid concentration of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and serum concentration of CA19-9 and CEA showed significant sensitivity and specificity in PC prediction. The preoperative serum concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9, serum, and intraperitoneal fluid concentrations of CA19-9 and CEA have been shown to have a statistically significant effect on predicting cancer progression and the presence of distant metastases. Presented findings suggest the usefulness of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as a potential predictor of PC and marker of dissemination but its usefulness in the differential diagnosis between PC and CP is limited, however more studies on a large population are needed to support our result. To our knowledge, this was the first study evaluating not only MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations in serum but also the concentration of these metalloproteinases in peritoneal fluid in patients with PC and CP.

Proteoglycan/glycosaminoglycan and collagen content in the arterial wall of patients with end-stage renal disease: new indicators of vascular disease

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) comorbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is high, particularly in end‑stage renal disease (ESRD). There is an ongoing search for novel biomarkers of CV disease in this population.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the associations of matrix proteoglycans (PGs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), collagen, and arterial calcifications with selected serum and plasma markers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and bone turnover in patients with ESRD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 47 adult patients (32 men) with stage 5 CKD. The following parameters were investigated: fibrinogen, soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‑1), stromal cell‑derived factor 1α (SDF‑1α), calcium (Ca), phosphate (Pi), intact parathormone, interleukin 6, high‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP), ferric reducing ability of plasma, 2,2‑diphenyl‑1‑picrylhydrazyl scavenging, ferric reducing ability of ascorbate in plasma, fetuin‑A, fibroblast growth factor 23, osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, transforming growth factor β (TGF‑β), hepatocyte growth factor, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, as well as matrix metalloproteinase 2. Radial artery specimens were stained with alizarin red for calcifications, alcian blue for PGs and GAGs, and sirius red for collagen.

RESULTS

We observed positive correlations between PG and GAG, collagen, and calcification staining. The most intense (grade 3) alcian blue staining was significantly correlated with diabetes as well as higher levels of Ca × Pi product, hs‑CRP, fibrinogen, SDF‑1α, PAI‑1, and sTM. However, PAI‑1 was the only significant predictor of grade 3 alcian blue staining in a multiple logistic regression model adjusted for hemodialysis, Ca× Pi product, and hs‑CRP levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Coagulation disorders and endothelial dysfunction are the hallmarks of ESRD. The levels of SDF‑1α, PAI‑1, sTM, and fibrinogen may be novel predictors of early vascular wall alterations and may serve as CV risk markers.

Interplay of nitric oxide metabolites and markers of endothelial injury, inflammation, and vascular disease in the spectrum of advanced chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease is linked to cardiovascular morbidity; therefore, relevant biomarkers are widely investigated.

AIMS

We aimed to assess the relationship between nitric oxide (as measured by its metabolites, NOx), a key endothelial molecule, with markers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, antioxidant status, and mineral disorders as well as histologically assessed vascular calcification in uremic and hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease.

METHODS

Plasma and serum samples were obtained from 62 patients with renal failure. NOx was assessed by the Griess method, while the other biomarkers were measured by the immunoenzymatic assay. Morphological analysis of arterial calcification was performed in a blinded, semiquantitative manner. Common carotid intima‑media thickness and atherosclerotic plaques were assessed by ultrasonography.

RESULTS

In the simple analysis, NOx levels correlated positively with the parameters of renal function, mineral metabolism, endothelial injury, and inflammation. NOx predicted carotid intima‑media thickness in simple (P = 0.014) and multiple analysis (P = 0.036) adjusted for the Framingham risk score, C‑reactive protein, serum creatinine, and parathormone. The occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques in the common carotid artery was correlated with higher NOx concentrations (P = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

In chronic renal failure, NOx is associated with surrogate markers of atherosclerosis, even after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, and renal function, but not with the presence or grade of medial arterial calcification. Endothelial injury, inflammation, and mineral metabolism markers are associated with NOx levels, though a causal link requires further study.

TAK-733, a Selective MEK Inhibitor, Enhances Voreloxin-induced Apoptosis in Myeloid Leukemia Cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

MEK inhibitors are new promising anticancer drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the combination treatment of voreloxin with the MEK inhibitor TAK-733 on HL60 myeloid leukemia cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MAPK activity, cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress induction and AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor) distribution were assessed in HL60 cells cultured with each drug alone or with both drugs.

RESULTS

TAK-733 alone at 5 μM significantly reduced MAPK activity and did not influence viability and apoptosis in HL60 cells. Voreloxin at concentration of 0.03-0.48 μM reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis rate. Incubation with both drugs caused further inhibition of cell viability and increased apoptosis associated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear translocation of AIF.

CONCLUSION

Combination of TAK-733 and voreloxin can exert a synergistic anticancer effect in myeloid leukemia cells.

Elevated Circulating Osteoprotegerin Levels in the Plasma of Hemodialyzed Patients With Severe Artery Calcification

We studied the correlations between circulating osteoprotegerin (OPG) level and radial artery calcification (RAC) assessed histologically and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT). Moreover, we studied the relationship between OPG levels and all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality during a 5-year observation period. The study comprised 59 CKD patients (36 hemodialyzed (HD), 23 predialysis). The biochemical parameters included: creatinine, calcium, phosphate, intact parathormone, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNFRII), transforming growth factor-β, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 23, osteonectin (ON), osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, and osteocalcin. CCA-IMT and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques was assessed by ultrasound. Fragments of radial artery obtained during creation of HD access were prepared for microscopy and stained for calcifications with alizarin red. RAC was detected in 34 patients (58%). In multiple regression adjusted for dialysis status, TNFRII, ON and Framingham risk score (FRS) were identified as the independent predictors of OPG. Serum OPG above the median value of 7.55 pmol/L significantly predicted the presence of RAC in simple logistic regression (OR 5.33; 95%CI 1.39-20.4; P = 0.012) and in multiple logistic regression adjusted for FRS, dialysis status and CCA-IMT values (OR 6.56; 95%CI 1.06-40.6; P = 0.036). OPG levels above the median were associated with higher CCA-IMT values (1.02 ± 0.10 vs. 0.86 ± 0.13; P < 0.001) and predicted the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid artery (OR 14.4; 95%CI 2.84-72.9; P < 0.001), independently of FRS, dialysis status and RAC. In this study, elevated serum OPG levels correlated with higher CCA-IMT, the presence of atherosclerotic plaques and the severity of the RAC independently of each other. During follow-up, 25 patients (42%) died, including 21 due to CV causes. In multiple Cox regression, OPG above the median predicted overall survival independently of dialysis status, Framingham risk score, CCA-IMT above the median value, and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in CCA, but not independently of RAC. We postulate that circulating OPG may play a dual role as a marker for both medial arterial calcification and atherosclerosis, hence it seems to be a valuable tool for assessing CV risk in patients with CKD. OPG might be an early indicator of all-cause mortality in CKD patients with advanced medial arterial calcification.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine as a useful risk marker of radial artery calcification in patients with advanced kidney disease

INTRODUCTION    Medial arterial calcification is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is considered a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES    We aimed to evaluate the correlation between asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, radial artery calcification, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA‑IMT). PATIENTS AND METHODS    The study included 51 patients with CKD, in whom an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis access was created to collect radial artery samples for a histological examination, and 33 healthy volunteers, in whom the reference concentrations of ADMA were assessed. The concentrations of creatinine, albumin, calcium, phosphate, fibroblast growth factor 23, osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, interleukin 6, interleukin 18, pentraxin 3, stromal cell‑derived factor 1α (SDF1α), thrombomodulin, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II (sTNFRII), and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‑2) were determined. Radial artery fragments were stained for calcifications using alizarin red. The CCA‑IMT was assessed by ultrasonography. RESULTS    Patients with CKD had higher ADMA levels than controls. Patients with ADMA levels above the median were older, had higher levels of phosphate, fibroblast growth factor 23, OPG, OPN, PTX3, sTNFRII, MMP‑2, thrombomodulin, and they had more atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery. In multiple regression, log‑transformed (log)sTNFRII, MMP‑2, and SDF1α levels were independent predictors of log(ADMA). Patients with calcifications had higher ADMA levels. A similar correlation was observed between SDF1α and alizarin red staining grades 1 to 3. In logistic regression, ADMA levels positively predicted the presence of calcifications independently of age, hemodialysis status, Framingham risk score, and PTX3. CONCLUSIONS    Circulating ADMA levels indicate medial arterial calcification in patients with CKD.

Vibrational microspectroscopy analysis of human lenses

In this study we present vibrational analysis of healthy (non-affected by cataract) and cataractous human lenses by means of Raman and FTIR spectroscopy methods. The performed analysis provides complex information about the secondary structure of the proteins and conformational changes of the amino acid residues due to the formation of opacification of human lens. Briefly, the changes in the conformation of the Tyr and Trp residues and the protein secondary structure between the healthy and cataractous samples, were recognized. Moreover, the observed spectral pattern suggests that the process of cataract development does not occur uniformly over the entire volume of the lens.

Methodological approach for trace and essential elements assessment in prostate tissue by SRIXE method

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this contribution is to present and familiarize the medical community with the method for the assessment of trace and essentials elements in prostate tissue sections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

X-ray fluorescence based technique(namely Synchrotron Induced X-ray Emission (SRIXE)) is described in terms of methodology, sample preparation and the evaluation of the recorded results (spectral data sets). Materials for the samples were collected from the patients underwent radical prostatectomy due to Adenocarcinoma prostatae. Specimens were freeze-dried, cut by microtome (to the thickness of 15 μm), one slice was placed on Mylar foil (for SRIXE measurements) and adjacent one on microscopic glass (for histopathological assessment).

RESULTS

Results presented here show the usability of SRIXE method for the evaluation of concentration of trace and essential elements in prostate tissue sections with the spatial resolution better than 15 microns.

DISCUSSION

Histopathological analysis of samples, which is only focused on morphological features, is unable to reveal information about changes in biochemical signature of tissues affected by the illness. SRIXE is a powerful and promising technique to analyse even very low concentrations oat the cellular level without any labelling or separating procedures. Obtained results may be correlated with classic histopathological assessment allowing for drawing conclusions on the changes in certain elements concentrations with the progression of disease. Moreover, mentioned in this work analysis, can be performed for any type of biological tissues.

On the observability of Pauli crystals in experiments with ultracold trapped Fermi gases

The best known manifestation of the Fermi-Dirac statistics is the Pauli exclusion principle: no two identical fermions can occupy the same one-particle state. This principle enforces high-order correlations in systems of many identical fermions and is responsible for a particular geometric arrangement of trapped particles even when all mutual interactions are absent. These geometric structures, called Pauli crystals, are predicted for a system of N identical atoms trapped in a harmonic potential. They emerge as the most frequent configurations in a collection of single-shot pictures of the system. Here we study how fragile Pauli crystals are when realistic experimental limitations are taken into account. The influence of the number of single-shots pictures available to analysis, thermal fluctuations and finite efficiency of detection are considered. The role of these sources of noise on the possibility of experimental observation of Pauli crystals is shown and conditions necessary for the detection of the geometrical arrangements of particles are identified.

Anti-Atherosclerotic Action of Agmatine in ApoE-Knockout Mice

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which dysfunction of mitochondria play an important role, and disorders of lipid management intensify this process. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine formed by decarboxylation of arginine, exerts a protective effect on mitochondria and modulates fatty acid metabolism. We investigated the effect of exogenous agmatine on the development of atherosclerosis and changes in lipid profile in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-/-) mice. Agmatine caused an approximate 40% decrease of atherosclerotic lesions, as estimated by en face and cross-section methods with an influence on macrophage but not on smooth muscle content in the plaques. Agmatine treatment did not changed gelatinase activity within the plaque area. What is more, the action of agmatine was associated with an increase in the number of high density lipoproteins (HDL) in blood. Real-Time PCR analysis showed that agmatine modulates liver mRNA levels of many factors involved in oxidation of fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis. Two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry identified 27 differentially expressed mitochondrial proteins upon agmatine treatment in the liver of apoE-/- mice, mostly proteins related to metabolism and apoptosis. In conclusion, prolonged administration of agmatine inhibits atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice; however, the exact mechanisms linking observed changes and elevations of HDL plasma require further investigation.

Opioid Receptors in Psoriatic Skin: Relationship with Itch

Psoriasis is an inflammatory immunogenetic skin disease, often accompanied by itch. Opioid receptors are known regulators of itch sensation in the central nervous system. In the brain, μ-opioid receptors may potentiate itch, while activation of κ-opioid receptors may reduce or even alleviate itch; however, the role of opioid receptors in itch perception in the skin is poorly understood. To further elucidate the role of opioid receptors in the neurobiology of psoriatic itch, punch biopsies of non-lesional and lesional skin of patients with psoriasis and healthy controls were studied. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to detect opioid receptor genes and protein expression, respectively. The OPRK1/κ-opioid receptor pathway was found to be downregulated in lesional skin of psoriasis, correlating positively with itch sensation. In contrast, the OPRM1/μ-opioid receptor system was uniformly expressed by epidermal keratinocytes in all analysed groups. These findings suggest that imbalance of epidermal opioid receptors may result in disordered neuroepidermal homeostasis in psoriasis, which could potentiate transmission of itch.

Pentraxin 3 as a new indicator of cardiovascular‑related death in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION    Pentraxin3 (PTX3) play an important role in the inflammatory response, taking part in recognizing pathogens and damaged tissues. OBJECTIVES    The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between PTX3 levels and all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients during five-year observation period.  PATIENTS AND METHODS    The study comprised 78 patients (51 hemodialyzed, 27 predialysis). The examined parameters included PTX3, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin (OC), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteocalcin, tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNF-R II), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), stromal cell-derived factor α (SDF1α), and thrombomodulin (TM). In a subgroup of 45 patients, fragments of radial artery obtained during creation of hemodialysis access were stained for calcifications. In 51 patients, ultrasonography was performed to assess intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT).  RESULTS    Median serum concentration of PTX3 was 1.43 (0.74-2.50) ng/ml. Higher concentrations of fibrinogen, CRP, IL-6, TNF-R II, TGFβ1, HGF, OPN, OPG, FGF-23, TM, SDF1α, lower albumin and uric acid levels were observed in patients with PTX3 above the median. During follow-up, 27 patients (35%) died, including 25 due to CV causes. In contrast to CRP, baseline PTX3 predicted CV mortality independently of classical CV risk factors. Also, PTX3 concentrations significantly predicted mortality after adjustment for age, baseline dialysis status, serum OPG and CRP, radial artery calcifications, and CCA-IMT. CONCLUSIONS    We postulate that PTX3 might be an early marker of CV mortality in patients with advanced CKD yet before the increase of specific marker for systemic inflammation like hsCRP.

Combined orcein and martius scarlet blue (OMSB) staining for qualitative and quantitative analyses of atherosclerotic plaques in brachiocephalic arteries in apoE/LDLR-/- mice

Numerous cellular and extracellular components should be analyzed in sections of atherosclerotic plaques to assess atherosclerosis progression and vulnerability. Here, we combined orcein (O) staining for elastic fibers and martius scarlet blue (MSB) polychrome to visualize various morphological contents of plaque in brachiocephalic arteries (BCA) of apoE/LDLR^−/− mice. Elastic fibers (including broken elastic laminae and ‘buried’ fibrous caps) were stained purple and they could be easily distinguished from collagen fibers (blue). Orcein allowed clear identification of even the finest elastic fibers. Erythrocytes were stained yellow and they could easily be discerned from mature fibrin (red). Old fibrin tends to acquire blue color. The method of OMSB staining is simple, takes less than 1 h to perform and can be adapted to automatic stainers. Most importantly, the color separation is good enough to allow digital automatic segmentation of specific components in tissue section and quantitative analysis of the plaque constituents. OMSB was used to compare atherosclerotic plaques in proximal and distal regions of BCA in apoE/LDLR^−/− mice. In conclusion, OMSB staining represents a novel staining that could be routinely used for qualitative and quantitative microscopic assessments of formaldehyde-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of arteries with atherosclerotic lesions.

Neonatal pinealectomy in rats - a simple micro-suction technique

To determine the role of the pineal gland and its secretory product melatonin on various aspects of the functioning of the organism, the gland can be easily surgically removed in rats within 18 hours after birth. We performed pinealectomy in rats in a state of deep hypothermia under an operating microscope, using a micro-suction device of our own construction. The rats were induced into a state of suspended animation by placing them in the freezing compartment at minus 20 Celsius degrees. The cessation of respiration and heart beat lasted for about 15 minutes. During that time the pinealectomy was performed. In some cases there was minor hemorrhage that was easily controlled. There were no major side effects or mortality following surgery. All rats recovered within 15 minutes after the end of the procedure. The pinealectomy procedure described in this study is simple, rapid, effective and safe, and can be easily performed with instruments commonly available in most laboratories.

Competition between Bose-Einstein Condensation and Spin Dynamics

We study the impact of spin-exchange collisions on the dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensation by rapidly cooling a chromium multicomponent Bose gas. Despite relatively strong spin-dependent interactions, the critical temperature for Bose-Einstein condensation is reached before the spin degrees of freedom fully thermalize. The increase in density due to Bose-Einstein condensation then triggers spin dynamics, hampering the formation of condensates in spin-excited states. Small metastable spinor condensates are, nevertheless, produced, and they manifest in strong spin fluctuations.

[Vascular Problem Constellations and the Operational Tactical Approaches in Post-Mortem Liver Transplantations]

In liver transplantation, vascular problems may occur in the donor as well as in the recipient and during the donor operation as well as during the transplantation. They have a major influence on the outcome of the transplantation. In addition to anatomic variants, arteriosclerotic vascular diseases, complications from portal hypertension, vascular lesions from mistakes during the donor operation, complications from interventions and bridging procedures need to be identified and treated. In addition to duplex sonography and contrast enhanced computed tomography, invasive vascular diagnostics (digital subtraction angiography) are established for diagnostic purposes. Problem constellations should be identified prior to transplantation and the technique of the donor operation and the transplantation should be adjusted accordingly. Problems that are diagnosed after transplantation may be treated interventionally or with open surgery. In a number of cases, vascular complications lead to loss of the transplant or death of the recipient from post-operative organ failure.

Biliary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Telocytes in Gallstone Disease

It has been reported that intake of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. It also influences bile composition, decreasing biliary cholesterol saturation in the bile of patients with gallstones. In addition to bile composition disturbances, gallbladder hypomotility must be a cofactor in the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis, as it leads to the prolonged nucleation phase. Our current knowledge about gallbladder motility has been enhanced by the study of a population of newly described interstitial (stromal) cells-telocytes (TCs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether TC loss, reported by our team recently, might be related to bile lithogenicity, expressed as cholesterol saturation index or the difference in biliary PUFA profiles in patients who suffer from cholecystolithiasis and those not affected by this disease. We determined biliary lipid composition including the fatty acid composition of the phospholipid species in bile. Thus, we investigated whether differences in biliary fatty acid profiles (ω-3 PUFA and ω-6 PUFA) in gallbladder bile may influence its lithogenicity and the quantity of TCs within the gallbladder wall. We conclude that the altered PUFA concentrations in the gallbladder bile, with elevation of ω-6 PUFA, constitute important factors influencing TC density in the gallbladder wall, being one of the possible pathophysiological components for the gallstone disease development. This study established that altered bile composition in patients with cholelithiasis may influence TC quantity within the gallbladder muscle, and we concluded that reduction in TC number may be a consequence of the supersaturated bile toxicity, while some other bile components (ω-3 PUFA, glycocholic, and taurocholic acids) may exert protective effects on TC and thus possibly influence the mechanisms regulating gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct motility. Thus, ω-3 PUFA may represent a possible option to prevent formation of cholesterol gallstones.

Adult tonsillectomy: postoperative pain depends on indications

Introduction

Intense pain is one of the most important postoperative complaints after tonsillectomy. It is often described by patients as comparable to the pain that accompanies an acute tonsillitis. Although recurrent tonsillitis is the most frequent indication for surgery, many tonsillectomies are performed due to other indications and these patients may be unfamiliar with such pain.

Objective

To verify whether individuals with recurrent tonsillitis experience different post-tonsillectomy pain intensity than those with other indications for surgery, with no history of episodes of acute tonsillitis.

Methods

A total of 61 tonsillectomies were performed under general anesthesia, using a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser (to eliminate the potential influence on the study results of forceful dissection of fibrotic tonsils in patients with history of recurrent tonsillitis) and multiple ligations of blood vessels within the tonsillar beds. The patients received 37.5 mg Tramadoli hydrochloridum + 325 mg Paracetamol tablets for 10 days. Postoperative variables included the duration of hospital stay, postoperative hemorrhage and readmission rate. The patients reported pain intensity on consecutive days, pain duration, weight loss on postoperative day 10, character, intensity and duration of swallowing difficulties, and the need for additional doses of painkillers. Healing was also assessed. Capsular nerve fibers were histologically examined in the resected tonsils by immunostainings for general and sensory markers.

Results

Indications for the surgery were: recurrent acute tonsillitis (34 patients), no history of recurrent tonsillitis: focus tonsil (20) and intense malodour (7). Pain intensity on postoperative days 3–4 and incidence of readmissions due to dehydration were significantly higher in the group with no history of recurrent tonsillitis. No significant differences in relative densities of protein gene product (PGP) 9.5- and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed.

Conclusion

Patients with recurrent tonsillitis qualified for tonsillectomy reported lower pain intensity than those without recurrent tonsillitis and the pain scores were unrelated to nerve fibers density.

Sodium Hydrosulfide Exerts a Transitional Attenuating Effect on Spermatozoa Migration in Vitro

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to have a prominent role in the regulation of reproductive system function and fertility. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a H2S donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), on mouse sperm migration in vitro. Special plates with 4 corner wells filled with balanced salt solution (control) and various NaHS solutions in concentrations of 2.5 mmol/l, 5 mmol/l or 10 mmol/l were applied. Spermatozoa from each male mouse were injected (the experiment was repeated with ten BALB/c 5-month old males) into the central pocket, connected with the wells with ducts. After 1 h, 2 h and 4 h of incubation, the number of spermatozoa in each well was determined using Bürker's counting chambers. The number ofspermatozoa in all corner wells were summed and the number of the cells in each well was treated as the percentage share of all the migrated spermatozoa. At the time points of 1 hour and 4 hours, no differences regarding chemotactic features of spermatozoa to the utilized solutions were observed. After two hours of incubation the attenuating effect of NaHS medium and high level solutions on spermatozoa migration was observed, but not for the low concentration mixture: H(3, N = 40) = 9.65, P = 0.022; control group vs 5 mmol/l NaHS solution: 36.0% vs 18.5%, P = 0.023; control group vs 10 mmol/l NaHS solution group: 36.0% vs 17.0%, P 0.011. In conclusion, NaHS has a transitional attenuating effect on spermatozoa migration in vitro.

Characterisation of Atherogenic Effects of Low Carbohydrate, High Protein Diet (LCHP) in ApoE/LDLR-/- Mice

INTRODUCTION

Low Carbohydrate High Protein diet represents a popular strategy to achieve weight loss.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize effects of low carbohydrate, high protein diet (LCHP) on atherosclerotic plaque development in brachiocephalic artery (BCA) in apoE/LDLR-/- mice and to elucidate mechanisms of proatherogenic effects of LCHP diet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Atherosclerosis plaques in brachiocephalic artery (BCA) as well as in aortic roots, lipoprotein profile, inflammation biomarkers, expression of SREBP-1 in the liver as well as mortality were analyzed in Control diet (AIN-93G) or LCHP (Low Carbohydrate High Protein) diet fed mice.

RESULTS

Area of atherosclerotic plaques in aortic roots or BCA from LCHP diet fed mice was substantially increased as compared to mice fed control diet and was characterized by increased lipids and cholesterol contents (ORO staining, FT-IR analysis), increased macrophage infiltration (MOMA-2) and activity of MMPs (zymography). Pro-atherogenic phenotype of LCHP fed apoE/LDLR-/- mice was associated with increased plasma total cholesterol concentration, and in LDL and VLDL fractions, increased TG contents in VLDL, and a modest increase in plasma urea. LCHP diet increased SCD-1 index, activated SREBP-1 transcription factor in the liver and triggered acute phase response as evidence by an increased plasma concentration of haptoglobin, CRP or AGP. Finally, in long-term experiment survival of apoE/LDLR-/- mice fed LCHP diet was substantially reduced as compared to their counterparts fed control diet suggesting overall detrimental effects of LCHP diet on health.

CONCLUSIONS

The pro-atherogenic effect of LCHP diet in apoE/LDLR-/- mice is associated with profound increase in LDL and VLDL cholesterol, VLDL triglicerides, liver SREBP-1 upregulation, and systemic inflammation.

Non-standard Hubbard models in optical lattices: a review

Originally, the Hubbard model was derived for describing the behavior of strongly correlated electrons in solids. However, for over a decade now, variations of it have also routinely been implemented with ultracold atoms in optical lattices, allowing their study in a clean, essentially defect-free environment. Here, we review some of the vast literature on this subject, with a focus on more recent non-standard forms of the Hubbard model. After giving an introduction to standard (fermionic and bosonic) Hubbard models, we discuss briefly common models for mixtures, as well as the so-called extended Bose-Hubbard models, that include interactions between neighboring sites, next-neighbor sites, and so on. The main part of the review discusses the importance of additional terms appearing when refining the tight-binding approximation for the original physical Hamiltonian. Even when restricting the models to the lowest Bloch band is justified, the standard approach neglects the density-induced tunneling (which has the same origin as the usual on-site interaction). The importance of these contributions is discussed for both contact and dipolar interactions. For sufficiently strong interactions, the effects related to higher Bloch bands also become important even for deep optical lattices. Different approaches that aim at incorporating these effects, mainly via dressing the basis, Wannier functions with interactions, leading to effective, density-dependent Hubbard-type models, are reviewed. We discuss also examples of Hubbard-like models that explicitly involve higher p orbitals, as well as models that dynamically couple spin and orbital degrees of freedom. Finally, we review mean-field nonlinear Schrödinger models of the Salerno type that share with the non-standard Hubbard models nonlinear coupling between the adjacent sites. In that part, discrete solitons are the main subject of consideration. We conclude by listing some open problems, to be addressed in the future.

Pre-processing of Fourier transform infrared spectra by means of multivariate analysis implemented in the R environment

Pre-processing of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra is typically the first and crucial step in data analysis. Very often hyperspectral datasets include the regions characterized by the spectra of very low intensity, for example two-dimensional (2D) maps where the areas with only support materials (like mylar foil) are present. In that case segmentation of the complete dataset is required before subsequent evaluation. The method proposed in this contribution is based on a multivariate approach (hierarchical cluster analysis), and shows its superiority when compared to the standard method of cutting-off by using only the mean spectral intensity. Both techniques were implemented and their performance was tested in the R statistical environment - open-source platform - that is a favourable solution if the repeatability and transparency are the key aspects.

Neuropathic alterations of the myenteric plexus neurons following subacute intraperitoneal administration of salsolinol

INTRODUCTION

Impairment of the enteric nervous system has been suggested to occur within the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, in the current study, we consider salsolinol (1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, SAL) as a substance that can potentially induce myenteric neurodegen-eration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were subjected to continuous intraperitoneal dosing of salsolinol (200 mg/kg in total) with osmotic mini-pumps for either two or four weeks. An equivalent group of rats served as the control. Jejunal myenteric neurons were subjected to immunofluorescence staining to detect neuron specific protein - protein gene product (pan-neuronal marker, PGP 9.5), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), Bax-protein and alpha-synuclein. In search of any functional impairment within the gastrointestinal tract, gut motility was assessed by determining the residual solid food contents in the stomach and the small and large intestine transit.

RESULTS

The myenteric neuron count, the mean size of the neuron body, the area of ganglia and the diameter of nerve strands were decreased in both of the salsolinol-treated groups compared with the controls. The number of NOS-positive cells was lower in the salsolinol-treated groups, while the number of ChAT-positive cells remained unchanged in comparison with the controls. Neurons expressing the pro-apoptotic Bax protein and alpha-synuclein deposits were observed among the myenteric neurons of the salsolinol-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Salsolinol evokes enteric neuronal cell death via initiation of apoptosis and leads to the formation of pathological aggregates of alpha-synuclein. Impairment of myenteric neurons, mainly the inhibitory motor neurons, might be responsible for the abnormal intestinal transit. Thus, salsolinol might be regarded as a suitable compound for inducing experimental enteric neurodegeneration in rats.

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase activation by Alda-1 inhibits atherosclerosis and attenuates hepatic steatosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), an enzyme responsible for the detoxification of reactive aldehydes, is considered to exert protective function in mitochondria. We investigated the influence of Alda‐1, an activator of ALDH2, on atherogenesis and on the liver steatosis in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE^−/−) mice.

Methods and Results

Alda‐1 caused decrease of atherosclerotic lesions approximately 25% as estimated by “en face” and “cross‐section” methods without influence on plasma lipid profile, atherosclerosis‐related markers of inflammation, and macrophage and smooth muscle content in the plaques. Plaque nitrotyrosine was not changed upon Alda‐1 treatment, and there were no changes in aortic mRNA levels of factors involved in antioxidative defense, regulation of apoptosis, mitogenesis, and autophagy. Hematoxylin/eosin staining showed decrease of steatotic changes in liver of Alda‐1‐treated apoE^−/− mice. Alda‐1 attenuated formation of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE) protein adducts and decreased triglyceride content in liver tissue. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry identified 20 differentially expressed mitochondrial proteins upon Alda‐1 treatment in liver of apoE^−/− mice, mostly proteins related to metabolism and oxidative stress. The most up‐regulated were the proteins that participated in beta oxidation of fatty acids.

Conclusions

Collectively, Alda‐1 inhibited atherosclerosis and attenuated NAFLD in apoE^−/− mice. The pattern of changes suggests a beneficial effect of Alda‐1 in NAFLD; however, the exact liver functional consequences of the revealed alterations as well as the mechanism(s) of antiatherosclerotic Alda‐1 action require further investigation.

Adult tonsillectomy: anatomical differences affect postoperative transient hypernasality

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine how anatomical conditions of the throat influence the degree and duration of posttonsillectomy transient hypernasality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 82 tonsillectomies were performed. The participants were divided into groups: 1 – small tonsils, high soft palate position; 4 – large tonsils, low soft palate position, and 2 and 3 – intermediate tonsil dimensions and soft palate positions. Variables studied included the diameter of vapor (DV) on the mirror positioned under the patient's nose while articulating nasal sentences before and after surgery, the distance from the uvular tip to the posterior pharyngeal wall, healing grading as well as the degree and duration of hypernasality.

RESULTS

The mean hypernasality after tonsillectomy was greatest in group 4 and lowest in group 2. Before tonsillectomy, the mean DV was largest in group 2 and smallest in group 4. After tonsillectomy, the mean DV was largest in group 4 and smallest in group 3. Overall, the mean DV was significantly greater after tonsillectomy compared to the value before surgery.

CONCLUSION

The degree of hypernasality after tonsillectomy depends on the soft palate position in relation to the tongue base and the size of the tonsils. Hypernasality is greatest in patients with large tonsils and a low soft palate position in relation to the tongue base.

Physicochemical and dissolution studies of simvastatin solid dispersions with Pluronic F127

Simvastatin (SIM) solid dispersions with Pluronic F127 (PLU) obtained by kneading and fusion methods were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). DSC studies demonstrate that the SIM/PLU solid dispersions formed a simple eutectic phase diagram. FTIR spectroscopy and XRPD studies of obtained mixtures showed no interaction between the components in the solid state and confirmed the absence of terminal solid solutions. Intrinsic dissolution studies of solid dispersions in 0.5% sodium lauryl sulfate solution (SLS) indicated that the dissolution rate markedly increased in these solid dispersions systems compared with pure SIM. The increase in dissolution rate strongly depended on ratios of drug to carriers and selection of the method of preparations of mixtures. The solid dispersions prepared in the weight ratios of 60.0/40.0% and 69.9/30.1% w/w of SIM/PLU by the kneading method showed the highest improvement in wettability and dissolution rate of SIM. Approximately 100% of the drug was dissolved from these mixtures in comparison to 3.84% of pure simvastatin within 120 min.

Performance assessment and beamline diagnostics based on evaluation of temporal information from infrared spectral datasets by means of R Environment for statistical analysis

Assessment of the performance and up-to-date diagnostics of scientific equipment is one of the key components in contemporary laboratories. Most reliable checks are performed by real test experiments while varying the experimental conditions (typically, in the case of infrared spectroscopic measurements, the size of the beam aperture, the duration of the experiment, the spectral range, the scanner velocity, etc.). On the other hand, the stability of the instrument response in time is another key element of the great value. Source stability (or easy predictable temporal changes, similar to those observed in the case of synchrotron radiation-based sources working in non top-up mode), detector stability (especially in the case of liquid nitrogen- or liquid helium-cooled detectors) should be monitored. In these cases, recorded datasets (spectra) include additional variables such as time stamp when a particular spectrum was recorded (in the case of time trial experiments). A favorable approach in evaluating these data is building hyperspectral object that consist of all spectra and all additional parameters at which these spectra were recorded. Taking into account that these datasets could be considerably large in size, there is a need for the tools for semiautomatic data evaluation and information extraction. A comprehensive R archive network--the open-source R Environment--with its flexibility and growing potential, fits these requirements nicely. In this paper, examples of practical implementation of methods available in R for real-life Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic data problems are presented. However, this approach could easily be adopted to many various laboratory scenarios with other spectroscopic techniques.

Combinatorial effects of PARP inhibitor PJ34 and histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat on leukemia cell lines

BACKGROUND

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are new promising anticancer drugs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of combination treatment with PARP inhibitor PJ34 and HDAC inhibitor vorinostat on human leukemia cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Proliferation, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (ψm) and cell cycle were assessed in HL60, MOLT4, U937 and K562 cells cultured with each drug alone and with both drugs.

RESULTS

PJ34 alone at 0.2-0.4 μM did not influence the examined parameters. Vorinostat alone at 1.0-2.5 μM reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis rate, lowered ψm and increased the percentage of sub-G1 cells in all cell lines. Incubation with both drugs caused further inhibition of proliferation and increase in apoptosis associated with a decrease in ψm and sub-G1 arrest in HL60, MOLT4 and K562 cells, but not in U937 cells.

CONCLUSION

Combination of PARP and HDAC inhibitors can exert a synergistic effect on inhibition of proliferation and increase apoptosis of leukemia cells.

Effect of nebivolol treatment on atherosclerotic plaque components in apoE-knockout mice

Nebivolol, a third generation beta1-blocker was previously found to reduce the size of atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of orally administered nevibolol on the components of the atherosclerotic plaque in apoE-deficient mice. The quantitative evaluation of cross-sectioned plaques stained by histological and immunohistochemical techniques revealed that treatment with nebivolol (2.0 μol per kg b.w.) for 4 months caused a decrease in the necrotic core area (by 46%, p=0.03), density of CD68+ macrophages (by 41%, p=0.008) and CD3+ lymphocytes (by 16%, p=0.03), collagen content (by 49%, p=0.008) and the activity area of metalloproteinases (by 48%, p=0.008), as well as an increase in the smooth muscle content of the fibromuscular cap (by 46%, p=0.008). These effects suggest that nebivolol suppresses the inflammatory/immune processes in the plaque and enhances its stability.

Tunneling-induced restoration of the degeneracy and the time-reversal symmetry breaking in optical lattices

We study the ground-state properties of bosons loaded into the p band of a one-dimensional optical lattice. We show that the phase diagram of the system is substantially affected by the anharmonicity of the lattice potential. In particular, for a certain range of tunneling strength, the full many-body ground state of the system becomes degenerate. In this region, an additional symmetry of the system, namely, the parity of the occupation number of the chosen orbital, is spontaneously broken. The state with a nonvanishing staggered angular momentum, which breaks the time-reversal symmetry, becomes the true ground state of the system.