The Genetic Origin of the Indo-Europeans

The Yamnaya archaeological complex appeared around 3300BCE across the steppes north of the Black and Caspian Seas, and by 3000BCE reached its maximal extent from Hungary in the west to Kazakhstan in the east. To localize the ancestral and geographical origins of the Yamnaya among the diverse Eneolithic people that preceded them, we studied ancient DNA data from 428 individuals of which 299 are reported for the first time, demonstrating three previously unknown Eneolithic genetic clines. First, a "Caucasus-Lower Volga" (CLV) Cline suffused with Caucasus hunter-gatherer (CHG) ancestry extended between a Caucasus Neolithic southern end in Neolithic Armenia, and a steppe northern end in Berezhnovka in the Lower Volga. Bidirectional gene flow across the CLV cline created admixed intermediate populations in both the north Caucasus, such as the Maikop people, and on the steppe, such as those at the site of Remontnoye north of the Manych depression. CLV people also helped form two major riverine clines by admixing with distinct groups of European hunter-gatherers. A "Volga Cline" was formed as Lower Volga people mixed with upriver populations that had more Eastern hunter-gatherer (EHG) ancestry, creating genetically hyper-variable populations as at Khvalynsk in the Middle Volga. A "Dnipro Cline" was formed as CLV people bearing both Caucasus Neolithic and Lower Volga ancestry moved west and acquired Ukraine Neolithic hunter-gatherer (UNHG) ancestry to establish the population of the Serednii Stih culture from which the direct ancestors of the Yamnaya themselves were formed around 4000BCE. This population grew rapidly after 3750-3350BCE, precipitating the expansion of people of the Yamnaya culture who totally displaced previous groups on the Volga and further east, while admixing with more sedentary groups in the west. CLV cline people with Lower Volga ancestry contributed four fifths of the ancestry of the Yamnaya, but also, entering Anatolia from the east, contributed at least a tenth of the ancestry of Bronze Age Central Anatolians, where the Hittite language, related to the Indo-European languages spread by the Yamnaya, was spoken. We thus propose that the final unity of the speakers of the "Proto-Indo-Anatolian" ancestral language of both Anatolian and Indo-European languages can be traced to CLV cline people sometime between 4400-4000 BCE.

A genetic history of the Balkans from Roman frontier to Slavic migrations

The rise and fall of the Roman Empire was a socio-political process with enormous ramifications for human history. The Middle Danube was a crucial frontier and a crossroads for population and cultural movement. Here, we present genome-wide data from 136 Balkan individuals dated to the 1st millennium CE. Despite extensive militarization and cultural influence, we find little ancestry contribution from peoples of Italic descent. However, we trace a large-scale influx of people of Anatolian ancestry during the Imperial period. Between ∼250 and 550 CE, we detect migrants with ancestry from Central/Northern Europe and the Steppe, confirming that "barbarian" migrations were propelled by ethnically diverse confederations. Following the end of Roman control, we detect the large-scale arrival of individuals who were genetically similar to modern Eastern European Slavic-speaking populations, who contributed 30%-60% of the ancestry of Balkan people, representing one of the largest permanent demographic changes anywhere in Europe during the Migration Period.

Visualization of π-hole in molecules by means of Kelvin probe force microscopy

Submolecular charge distribution significantly affects the physical-chemical properties of molecules and their mutual interaction. One example is the presence of a π-electron-deficient cavity in halogen-substituted polyaromatic hydrocarbon compounds, the so-called π-holes, the existence of which was predicted theoretically, but the direct experimental observation is still missing. Here we present the resolution of the π-hole on a single molecule using the Kelvin probe force microscopy, which supports the theoretical prediction of its existence. In addition, experimental measurements supported by theoretical calculations show the importance of π-holes in the process of adsorption of molecules on solid-state surfaces. This study expands our understanding of the π-hole systems and, at the same time, opens up possibilities for studying the influence of submolecular charge distribution on the chemical properties of molecules and their mutual interaction.

Latex and silicone drains in surgery − is the ban on rubber drains really a step forward or rather a step back?

The use of silicone and latex drains is an integral part of surgical practice. Experience and the review of the world literature show that silicone drain is characterized by a much lower rate of fibrotic reaction of the tissue around the drain. The ability of a latex, or rubber, or popularly called rubber drain, to induce the formation of ligaments in its surroundings is advantageously used in situations where the targeted formation of scar tissue is desired. This feature is absent in silicone drains. However, nowadays the rule in most surgical departments is to use almost exclusively silicone drains, which is based on prevention of latex allergy. This article is devoted to the description of the different and mutually irreplaceable use of silicone and latex drains. Subsequently, he also discusses the question of whether the twilight of the use of latex drains in modern medicine is really progress, or rather retrogression.

Harmonic scalpel versus traditional ligation in axillary dissection for breast cancer: a retrospective multivariate analysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this pilot retrospective study is to evaluate the complication rate in patients after axillary dissection comparing preparation with harmonic scalpel vs traditional ligation technique, and to analyse risk factors for complications occurrence.

METHODS

144 patients with 148 axillary dissections operated in a single centre between January 2014 and 2019 were included into the study. Axillary dissection was performed using harmonic scalpel in 73 and absorbable ligations in 70 cases.

RESULTS

Seroma formation was observed in 41 patients (56.2%) in the harmonic scalpel group and in 21 patients (30.0%) in the ligations group (p=0.003). The mean period from the surgery to drain removal was 4.0 days in the harmonic scalpel group and 3.0 days in the ligations group (p<0.001). The mean amount of the drained fluid after mastectomy was 300.9 ml in the harmonic scalpel group and 168.7 ml in the ligations group (p=0.005); after breast conserving surgery, it was 241.9 ml and 107.4 ml, respectively (p =0.023).

CONCLUSION

In comparison with traditional ligations with absorbable material, axillary dissection using harmonic scalpel significantly increases the risk of postoperative seroma formation, prolongs the time from the surgery to drain removal, and increases the amount of drained fluid.

[Breast angiosarcoma induced by radiotherapy - surgical treatment options and review of literature]

INTRODUCTION

Radiation-induced angiosarcoma is a rare but very aggressive tumour. The highest risk of sarcoma development is in patients after breast-conserving surgery.Case 1: The 66 years old patient underwent radical mastectomy with axillary dissection because of ductal carcinoma with consequent radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. After 6 years, high-grade angiosarcoma was diagnosed and resected with negative resection margins. Within subsequent 24 months, additional three radical re-excisions were performed because of repeated sarcoma recurrence. 29 months from the diagnosis of the first sarcoma, another radical re-excision was performed, this time with positive resection margins and with consequent disease progression. The patient died three years after the first angiosarcoma diagnosis.Case 2: The 68 years old patient underwent breast-conserving surgery with axillary dissection because of ductal carcinoma and radiotherapy. Breast colour changes were observed 6 years later; radical mastectomy was performed after additional 16 months due to locally advanced angiosarcoma. Given positive resection margin, radical re-excision with musculocutaneous musculus latissimus dorsi flap was done. 24 months later, a small sarcoma recurrence was detected near the upper resection margin, which was managed by radical re-excision. 52 months after radical operation, a metastasis was diagnosed by means of PET/CT in the contralateral axilla. Radical axillary dissection was performed (two metastases were found in axillary lymph nodes). According to follow-up, the patient has been free of any recurrence for 66 months from the radical surgery.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations regarding the management of radiotherapy induced breast angiosarcoma are very vague due to limited evidence. Radical surgical excision with negative resection margins (potentially with complementary flap reconstruction) presents the fundamental approach to breast angiosarcoma.Key words: radiation-induced angiosarcoma - breast cancer - surgery.

Structural and Electronic Properties of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene

We investigate the structural and electronic properties of nitrogen-doped epitaxial monolayer graphene and quasifreestanding monolayer graphene on 6H-SiC(0001) by the normal incidence x-ray standing wave technique and by angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy supported by density functional theory simulations. With the location of various nitrogen species uniquely identified, we observe that for the same doping procedure, the graphene support, consisting of substrate and interface, strongly influences the structural as well as the electronic properties of the resulting doped graphene layer. Compared to epitaxial graphene, quasifreestanding graphene is found to contain fewer nitrogen dopants. However, this lack of dopants is compensated by the proximity of nitrogen atoms at the interface that yield a similar number of charge carriers in graphene.

Probing Charges on the Atomic Scale by Means of Atomic Force Microscopy

Kelvin probe force spectroscopy was used to characterize the charge distribution of individual molecules with polar bonds. Whereas this technique represents the charge distribution with moderate resolution for large tip-molecule separations, it fails for short distances. Here, we introduce a novel local force spectroscopy technique which allows one to better disentangle electrostatic from other contributions in the force signal. It enables one to obtain charge-related maps at even closer tip-sample distances, where the lateral resolution is further enhanced. This enhanced resolution allows one to resolve contrast variations along individual polar bonds.

[Surgical rectocele repair - many techniques, few unambiguous conclusions]

INTRODUCTION

Surgical treatment of rectocele represents a controversial issue on the boundary between medical specialisations with many different corrective surgical techniques. Is it possible, based on the available knowledge, to determine an optimal operative technique for rectocele repair?

METHODS

Complex literature search focusing on the identification of rectocele surgical repair studies in the MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The aim of this paper is to offer a comprehensive review of the contemporary situation as regards rectocele surgical repair.

RESULTS

There are four main possible approaches for rectocele repair - transvaginal, transanal, transperineal and transabdominal. Posterior colporrhaphy with levatoroplasty is the traditional transvaginal technique, performed at most gynaecological departments in various modifications. Defect-specific rectocele repair and mesh repair represent newer transvaginal techniques which offer better postoperative functional results, although with the risk of possible serious complications. Traditional transanal rectocele repair (vertical and horizontal plication of the rectovaginal septum) is currently performed only rarely due to its worse results in comparison with the transvaginal approach. Rectal resection using endostaplers (STARR and TRANSTAR techniques) is a modern transanal technique. Stapled rectocele repair leads to the correction of anorectal anatomical conditions and to the improvement of obstructive defecation symptoms with acceptable morbidity. Transperineal approach is usually used in patients with rectocele and anal incontinence due to a proven sphincter defect. Transabdominal laparoscopic approach is based on vaginorectopexy by means of mesh implantation, and it is indicated especially in patients with rectocele and enterocele.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of published studies, it is not possible to determine clear guidelines for rectocele surgical repair. Posterior colporrhaphy and stapled transanal repair are the most common techniques in practice. Prospective randomized studies focusing on the comparison between transvaginal and stapled transanal approach for rectocele repair are needed.

[Transtibial amputation: sagittal flaps in patients with diabetic foot syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic foot syndrome is defined by ulcer or destruction of leg tissues in patients with diabetes (diabetics) associated with infection, neuropathy and various degree of ischaemia (peripheral vascular disease). In Czech Republic in 2010 were registrated over 45 000 patients with diabetic foot syndrome. 8500 (diabetics) patients with diabetes undergone the surgery (any type of amputation).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In retrospective non randomized trial we evaluated the population of patients with lower limb amputation admitted to Clinic of Surgery FNO between 2010-1012. We introduce current (present) view to possibilities of lower limb amputations, historical problems and development of surgical methods. Special aspect is dedicated to sagital shank amputation. Detail description of operative (surgical) technique itself and crural region (area) anatomy.

RESULTS

In 2010-2012 we achieved 146 lower limb amputations in shank, from that 27 sagital shank amputations( sagital operative method). We observed ( followed up) the number of reoperations, reasons that led to amputation, wounds healing by secondary intention, itęs sources and necessity of revision due to postoperative hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Effects of amputations on patientęs quality of life. Social and socioeconomical impacts. Provably lower number of complications in sagital shank amputations compared to (in comparison with) conventional methods. Authors would like to point out and introduce interesting operation method to the general public.

Combined AFM and STM measurements of a silicene sheet grown on the Ag(111) surface

In this paper, we present the first non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) of a silicene on a silver (Ag) surface, obtained by combining non-contact atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). STM images over large areas of silicene grown on the Ag(111) surface show both (√13 × √13)R13.9° and (4 × 4) superstructures. For the widely observed (4 × 4) structure, the observed nc-AFM image is very similar to the one recorded by STM. The structure resolved by nc-AFM is compatible with only one out of two silicon atoms being visible. This indicates unambiguously a strong buckling of the silicene honeycomb layer.

[Anatomic-surgical study of intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) course in axilla during I. and II. level of axilla clearance in breast cancer and malignant melanoma]

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this paper is to offer results of anatomic study of axillary course of intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) and the effort of its saving in primary axilla clearance (PE), secondary clearance (SE) after previous positive sentinel nodes detection (SLN) and in re-clearance (RE) after previous axilla clearance in breast cancer and malignant melanoma. The correlation between possibility of ICBN saving and anatomic variant of ICBN and type of previous surgery was observed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 113 surgeries with the effort of description and preservation of ICBN were done between September 2007 and August 2011. Patients were divided into three groups according to type of surgery: primary clearance (PE), secondary clearance (SE) and re-clearance (RE). Results have been statistically tested using licensed statistical software Statgraphics.

RESULTS

ICBN was found in 107 patients (94.7%), it wasnt found in six cases. There were eight different types of ICBN branching. Two most frequent variants formed majority of cases - 87 out of 107 (81.3%). The successful preservation of intact ICBN was in 86 patients (76.1%). ICBN was interrupted or not found in 10 patients (8.8%), partial injury of ICBN branches was detected in 17 cases (15.0%). If the most frequent variant of ICBN branching was present, the nerve was not injured in 42 out of 45 cases (93.3%). Statistical testing showed that non-standard anatomical branches are associated with higher risk of perioperative injury. The risk of injury was lowest in PE (21.6%) and the highest in RE (42.9%). The difference wasnt statistically significant because of low number of re-clearance cases in our study.

CONCLUSION

The anatomy of ICBN in axilla is variable. The standard variant of ICBN course is the most frequent (the trunk coming out of second intercostal space; no branches in axillary course). If other variants are present, there is significantly higher risk of perioperative injury. ICBN preservation is possible also after previous axilla clearance. Preparation is more difficult and the risk of injury is increasing with the degree of previous surgery radicality.

Amino acid composition of meat, fatty acid composition of fat and content of some chemical elements in the tissues of male lambs fed monensin or lasalocid

Tissues of slaughtered male lambs fed for 56 days on a feed mixture, supplemented with either monensin or lasalocid, were analysed and compared with tissues of control lambs fed similarly but without ionophore supplement. The analyses carried out were for the amino acid composition of meat, fatty acid composition of intramuscular and perirenal fat, and for some chemical elements in meat, liver and kidneys. In meat of both supplemented groups of lambs a significant increase in tyrosine was observed. In the fat tissues of monensin-fed lambs a higher proportion of odd-carbon acid (heptadecanoic acid) was observed; differences in some other fatty acids among the groups were also found. Some significant differences in the chemical elements analysed were observed, particularly in liver, few in kidneys and none in the muscle of ionophore-fed groups. The quality of meat, as judged by the analyses for the substances mentioned, was little changed by supplementation of monensin or lasalocid in the feed of male lambs.

Reversal of atomic contrast in scanning probe microscopy on (111) metal surfaces

We study the origin of atomic contrast on Cu(111) and Pt(111) surfaces probed by a non-contact atomic force microscope and scanning tunnelling microscope. First-principles simulations of the interaction between the atoms of the scanning tip and those of the probed surface show a dependence of the resulting contrast on the tip-sample distance and reveal a close relation between contrast changes and relaxation of atomic positions in both the tip and the sample. Contrast reversion around the distance where the short-range attractive atomic force reaches its maximum is predicted for both types of microscopies. We also demonstrate a relation between the maximal attractive force in a F-z atomic force spectroscopy and the chemical identity of the apex atom on the imaging tip.

Mechanical and electrical properties of stretched clean and H-contaminated Pd-nanowires

We analyze theoretically the formation of stretched Pd-nanowires and their interaction with hydrogen. In our approach, we simulate the nanowire stretching process using a first-principles molecular-dynamics method to obtain realistic atomic geometries of the contact in its final stages before the nanowire breaks. The electrical conductance of the nanowire is also calculated at each point of the deformation path. For the clean Pd-nanowire in the last stages of the deformation process we find that the nanowire develops, first, a one-atom-neck and, at the end, a dimer whose bond is finally broken. For these atomic configurations, the calculated electrical conductances are in good agreement with the experimental evidence. The interaction with hydrogen is analyzed adsorbing one or two H atoms on the Pd-nanowire for different configurations along the stretching process. In the case of one H atom we obtain geometries with conductances in the range 0.8-1.4G(0), while for two H atoms we find conductance plateaus with values ∼0.5G(0) and ∼1.0G(0). These results are in excellent agreement with the experimental evidence for nanocontact breaking in an H(2) atmosphere and indicate that the conductance peak around 0.5G(0) observed experimentally is associated with nanowires where two H atoms have been adsorbed.

Effectiveness of SWL for lower-pole caliceal nephrolithiasis: evaluation of 452 cases

The authors report on the treatment of lower-pole caliceal nephrolithiasis with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) using the Czech-made Medilit M-5 lithotripter. In 310 patients, they have performed 452 treatments and evaluated the results 3 months after the last session using plain radiographs and ultrasound examination. The effectiveness of treatment and the success rate of SWL decreased with increasing size of stones: with stones >20 mm, it declined to 30%. This poor success rate was attributable not only to the size of the concrement, but also to its location in a lower calix, which is unfavorable for the passage of fragments. For big lower-pole caliceal stones (>20 mm in the longest diameter), the authors recommend percutaneous nephrolithotomy as the primary management method, the effectiveness of which does not depend on the size of the stone. The success rate achieved in treating the lower-pole caliceal lithiasis using the Medilit M-5 machine was 61.3%, similar to that achieved with other lithotripters.

[Effective treatment of nephrolithiasis of the lower calix using ESWL (evaluation of 452 procedures)]

The authors present their results with the treatment of nephrolithiasis of the lower calix using the method of extracorporeal lithotripsy with the Czech apparatus Medilit M-5. In 310 patients they made 452 operations and checked the therapeutic results three months after the last session. For checking they used a native nephrogram and examination by ultrasound. With the increasing size of concrements the effectiveness declined and thus also the success of ESWL(in concrements above 20 mm in size it declined to 30%). This is not due only to the size of the concrement but also its site in the lower calix which is unfavourable for the elimination of fragments after ESWL. The authors recommend therefore in large concrements of the lower calix (more than 20 mm in the longitudinal axis) to select as the primary method percutaneous nephrolithotomy which is highly effective in this localization and is independent on the size of the concrement. The general success rate achieved in treatment of lithiasis of the lower renal calix with Medilit M-5 is 61.3% and is comparable with other lithotriptors.

[Acute ischemia of the extremities in the puerperal period]

The development of pharmacotherapy implies great advantages for patients, at the same time it is, however, also the source of more frequent side-effects of drugs, which may result also from mutual interactions of commonly used drugs. The authors describe a case of ergotism which developed as a result of drug interaction between the ergot uterotonic Cornutamine and the marcolid antibiotic Erythromycin. This interaction could have seriously damaged the health of the young woman. At the same time the authors remind of the clinical picture of ergotism and the possible way of its treatment. In the Czechoslovak literature no report on this interaction was published during the past three years.

[Dynamics of basic hematologic values in ewes during the course of a year]

Basal hematological values were studied in ten primiparous ewes of Merino breed at 15 time intervals in the period from birth to the last decade of the next gravidity. The mean erythrocyte counts ranged from 6.5 to 10.3 T . l-1, hemoglobin content from 101.3 to 121.3 g per l, hematocrit value from 0.32 to 0.37 1 per l, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration from 29.97 to 34.22 g per dl, mean corpuscular hemoglobin from 11.17 to 16.61 pg, corpuscular volume from 35.03 to 55.37 fl. The mean leucocyte counts were from 4.98 to 9.93 G . l-1, with 25.8 to 60.5% neutrophil granulocytes with segmented nuclei, 0.1 to 2.6% neutrophil granulocytes with rodlike nuclei, 0.8 to 8.7% eosinophil granulocytes, 0.0 to 0.33% basophil granulocytes, 30.3 to 71.2% lymphocytes and 0.4 to 4.5% monocytes. The quality of red blood component was not negatively influenced by a high degree of gravidity. In the time of parturition, neutrophil granulocytes highly dominated over the other types of white blood cells; the counts normalized since the seventh day post partum. Although statistically significant differences were calculated for some time intervals, the values were within the physiological limits.

[The red blood picture in male nutria in the post-natal period]

Blood was sampled by heart puncture from healthy male coypus of ten age categories (from 1 to 300 days). The basic haematological values of the red blood picture were determined in these samples. including the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin content, haematocrit reading, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular volume. The summarized mathematico-statistical characteristics were calculated from the values obtained in each group and the significance of differences was determined by the analysis of variance at significance levels of P = 0.01 and P = 0.05.

[Demonstration of papillomatosis in nutrias (Myocastor coypus Molina)]

The occurrence of the papillomatous disease of the coypu having a contagious character was recorded for the first time in Czechoslovakia in 1975. The papillomatous lesions of the size of a pea to bean occurred on the skin of the extremities, tail head and in the oral and nasal cavities. The females were affected first, followed by their young and then by the young borne by healthy mothers after contact with the diseased animals. On the whole the disease affected 57 animals (60%). The disease spontaneously disappeared within 2.5 to 3.5 months of the occurrence of the papillomatous lesions. The virus etiology of the disease was demonstrated by means of the electron-microscopic detection of virus particles the structure of which corresponded to that of the papillomatous viruses.