Dimension of interaction dynamics

A method allowing one to distinguish interacting from noninteracting systems based on available time series is proposed and investigated. Some facts concerning generalized Rényi dimensions that form the basis of our method are proved. We show that one can find the dimension of the part of the attractor of the system connected with interaction between its parts. We use our method to distinguish interacting from noninteracting systems on the examples of logistic and Hénon maps. A classification of all possible interaction schemes is given.

Directed, Elliptic, and Higher Order Flow Harmonics of Protons, Deuterons, and Tritons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.4 GeV

Flow coefficients v_{n} of the orders n=1-6 are measured with the High-Acceptance DiElectron Spectrometer (HADES) at GSI for protons, deuterons, and tritons as a function of centrality, transverse momentum, and rapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.4  GeV. Combining the information from the flow coefficients of all orders allows us to construct for the first time, at collision energies of a few GeV, a multidifferential picture of the angular emission pattern of these particles. It reflects the complicated interplay between the effect of the central fireball pressure on the emission of particles and their subsequent interaction with spectator matter. The high precision information on higher order flow coefficients is a major step forward in constraining the equation of state of dense baryonic matter.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation from alternative donors in children with myelodysplastic syndrome: is that an alternative?

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in children with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) remains a challenge due to the toxic conditioning regimens administered to minimize the risk of relapse in the HLA-matched or of graft rejection in the HLA-mismatched settings. In the absence of matched sibling donors, alternative donors such as unrelated and/or partially matched family sources remain risky, yet the only available, options. Herein we report the results of HCT from alternative donors in 14 children with different subtypes of MDS (juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia [JMML] n = 9; myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS] refractory anemia n = 3; MDS refractory anemia with excess of blasts in transformation n = 2) transplanted at our institution. The median time from diagnosis to HCT was 9 months (range 4 to 90 months). The variety of HCT types included: unrelated peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation (PBPCT) (n = 2), partially matched family donor T-cell-repleted BMT/PBPCT (n = 6), and haploidentical T-cell-depleted PBPCT (n = 6). Five of 14 patients remain alive at 7 to 37 months posttransplant (including two patients after partially matched family donor BMT, two patients after haploidentical T-cell-depleted-PBPCT, and one after unrelated-PBPCT, respectively). The major complications were: primary graft failure in the haploidentical T-cell-depleted-setting or graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in T-cell-repleted partially matched family or unrelated settings, respectively. Despite the high transplant-related mortality rate in this series, allogeneic HCT from alternative donors remains an interesting solution for children with MDS who lack matched sibling donors. Due to improved immune reconstitution, despite an increased risk of GvHD, T-cell-repleted transplants from single HLA-mismatched family donors remain a valuable option for children without matched donors. Splenectomy prior to HCT may positively affect the posttransplant course in patients with overt splenomegaly for example those afflicted with JMML.

Mutual relations between jasmonic acid and acibenzolar-S-methyl in the induction of resistance to the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) in apple trees

The possibility of inducing resistance to the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, in 'Gala' apple trees growing under optimal fertilization or nitrogen-deficiency conditions was investigated. The effects of jasmonic acid (JA) at 1.5 and 2.5 mM, and acibenzolar-S-methyl (benzothiadiazole, BTH) at 0.5 and 1.5 mM, applied separately or together, on the fecundity of T. urticae females in a laboratory test as well as on the population growth of the pest in a greenhouse experiment were determined. The influence of both elicitors on the induction of LOX and PAL gene expression was assessed in a parallel experiment using real-time PCR. Jasmonic acid showed significantly higher effectiveness in inducing apple tree resistance to T. urticae, as compared to BTH. This was particularly evident in the reduction in pest numbers that was observed in the greenhouse experiment and was also confirmed by increased LOX gene expression after treatment with JA. BTH induced the expression of the PAL gene more strongly than jasmonic acid; however, this was not reflected in the performance of the two-spotted spider mite in the laboratory and greenhouse experiments. It was also found that the antagonistic effect of BTH on JA might lead to decreased effectiveness of the jasmonic acid used to induce apple tree resistance to the two-spotted spider mite. Although nitrogen fertilization stimulated the development of spider mite populations, the resistance induction mechanism was more effective in N-fertilized plants, which was especially evident at the higher jasmonic acid concentration.

Strong Absorption of Hadrons with Hidden and Open Strangeness in Nuclear Matter

We present the first observation of K^{-} and ϕ absorption within nuclear matter by means of π^{-}-induced reactions on C and W targets at an incident beam momentum of 1.7  GeV/c studied with HADES at SIS18/GSI. The double ratio (K^{-}/K^{+})_{W}/(K^{-}/K^{+})_{C} is found to be 0.319±0.009(stat)_{-0.012}^{+0.014}(syst) indicating a larger absorption of K^{-} in heavier targets as compared to lighter ones. The measured ϕ/K^{-} ratios in π^{-}+C and π^{-}+W reactions within the HADES acceptance are found to be equal to 0.55±0.04(stat)_{-0.07}^{+0.06}(syst) and to 0.63±0.06(stat)_{-0.11}^{+0.11}(syst), respectively. The similar ratios measured in the two different reactions demonstrate for the first time experimentally that the dynamics of the ϕ meson in nuclear medium is strongly coupled to the K^{-} dynamics. The large difference in the ϕ production off C and W nuclei is discussed in terms of a strong ϕN in-medium coupling. These results are relevant for the description of heavy-ion collisions and the structure of neutron stars.

Effectiveness of the Open Screening Programs in Recruiting Subjects to Prodromal and Mild Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Due to the lack of scientific data comparing the success and cost-effectiveness of trial recruiting strategies, the main goal of this paper is to present our results and experiences in recruiting participants to prodromal and mild AD clinical trials from an open-access screening program.

DESIGN

The screening procedure includes the interview, and combined tests administration conducted by experienced neuropsychologist: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). The clinical evaluation was based on test scores, patient and/or caregiver interview, and the health questionnaire.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

The open-access screening program was conducted in Wroclaw Alzheimer's Center for 18 months (2018-2019). We invited individuals age 50 or older with the caregivers. The total number of subjects was 730 (N=730).

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Due to our research, the detection rates in the screened population were 0,7% for severe dementia, 4,1% for moderate dementia, 18,6% for mild dementia, and 28,9% for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). From 347 individuals classified in our open-access screening programs as MCI or mild dementia patients, as many as 248 patients were screened in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials, which is 71,47%. Moreover, 63 from 347 individuals selected from our program as MCI or mild dementia patients were randomized into the clinical trials, which is 18,16%. Furthermore, 63 from total 730 (8,6%) patients were randomized in clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Open-access screening programs can improve detection of MCI and dementia in society, help to distinguish demented from non-demented elderly, and improve recruitment of prodromal AD patients who would probably not have come to the memory clinic otherwise.

[How to improve the results of treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes in the studies of Polish pediatric leukemia/lymphoma group]

Fourty two children with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) treated in seven centres of The Polish Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group in period 1975-1998 were included in the study. In 16 children RAEB-T, in 3 CMML, in 10 RA and in 13 RAEB were diagnosed. BMT is the best therapy for children with MDS. For children, who have not a donor for BMT, Roacutan therapy seems to be the most effective.

Effectiveness of the Open Screening Programs in Recruiting Subjects to Prodromal and Mild Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Due to the lack of scientific data comparing the success and cost-effectiveness of trial recruiting strategies, the main goal of this paper is to present our results and experiences in recruiting participants to prodromal and mild AD clinical trials from an open-access screening program.

DESIGN

The screening procedure includes the interview, and combined tests administration conducted by experienced neuropsychologist: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). The clinical evaluation was based on test scores, patient and/or caregiver interview, and the health questionnaire.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

The open-access screening program was conducted in Wroclaw Alzheimer's Center for 18 months (2018-2019). We invited individuals age 50 or older with the caregivers. The total number of subjects was 730 (N=730).

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Due to our research, the detection rates in the screened population were 0,7% for severe dementia, 4,1% for moderate dementia, 18,6% for mild dementia, and 28,9% for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). From 347 individuals classified in our open-access screening programs as MCI or mild dementia patients, as many as 248 patients were screened in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials, which is 71,47%. Moreover, 63 from 347 individuals selected from our program as MCI or mild dementia patients were randomized into the clinical trials, which is 18,16%. Furthermore, 63 from total 730 (8,6%) patients were randomized in clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Open-access screening programs can improve detection of MCI and dementia in society, help to distinguish demented from non-demented elderly, and improve recruitment of prodromal AD patients who would probably not have come to the memory clinic otherwise.

[The treatment of central nervous system neoplasms]

From August 1993 to March 1998 30 children (13 females and 17 males) at the age of 1-14 with central nervous system tumours were treated in Paediatric Hematology and Oncology Hospital in Wrocław. In 11 patients we diagnosed medulloblastoma, in 4 ependymoma, 6 astrocytoma, 2 oligodendroglioma and in 7 other types of tumours. The histological diagnosis of 2 cases with tumours localized in the brain trunk was not available. All patients were directed to the chemotherapy after the surgery. Complete resection was achieved in 13 out of 30 patients. The chemotherapy was proceeded according to SIOP regimen. Children older than 3 years received additional radiotherapy. The effectiveness of treatment was controlled by constant neurological examinations with computed tomography and ultrasonography. The rate of failures was 10 patients with local recurrences and 1 patient with drug toxicity. 17 children remain still in observation--among them 5 are treated with chemotherapy and 2 present the progression of disease.

[Application of pcr in paternity determination in pregnancy preceded by rape]

Authors present a case of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique application for the paternity determination in pregnancy preceded by the rape. Diagnostic material was obtained in the 10th week of pregnancy by the use of transabdominal Chorionic Villous Sampling under the echo-guidance and its DNA feature was compared against the DNA material obtained from the vagina after the rape and the material from mother and her husband. The PCR technique revealed in chorionic villi the presence of allele that were present in material deriving from mother and her husband as well as no even single allele from the material of violator. Exclusion of violator as a father of the foetus effected in decision of continuing the pregnancy.

[Laparoscopic image of pelvic minor organs in women after ovary surgery]

An analysis of indications to laparoscopy and an evaluation of the abdominal cavity organs in patients who earlier in their history have undergone laparotomy, is the object of this report. A group of 86 patients was studied and in all cases laparoscopy followed previous laparotomy. Infertility, PPS, and pelvic mass were found to be the most frequent indications to laparoscopy. In 74.4% of patients who had laparotomy in their history, our laparoscopy revealed pelvic adhesions and in 9.3% of patients--endometriosis. Laparoscopy constitutes safe diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, complications occurred in 2.3% of patients.

[Astrocytoma in a 6-year-old girl after the treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

In recent years we observe the increasing number of event-free survivals of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. It is achieved with multidrug chemotherapy regiment. The important part of protocols is prophylaxis e.g. with radiation therapy of CNS. It is followed by drug toxicity and side effects of treatment (e.g. secondary CNS tumours). In our hospital we observed the case of 6-year-old girl with CNS tumour-astrocytoma. According to the regimen for ALL the radiation therapy of CNS was performed. Three months after neurosurgical operation the local recurrence was observed. The patient died of the progression of disease.

[Results of the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)obtained by the Polish Paediatric Leukaemia /Lymphoma Study Group]

Sixty children with MDS treated in six centres of the Polish Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group in the period 1975-1999 were included in the study. In 20 children RAEB-T, in 13 RA, in 21 RAEB and in 6 CMML were diagnosed. Our own and literature data showed that BMT is the best therapy for children with MDS. We need a new comprehensive protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of children with MDS in Poland.

[Treatment outcome for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) obtained by the Polish Children's Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group]

Fourty children with MDS treated in seven centres of The Polish Children's Leukemia Lymphoma Study Group in period 1975-1998y were included to the study. In 16 children RAEB-T, in 2 CMML in 10 RA and in 12 RAEB were diagnosed. Our and literature data showed that BMT is the best therapy for children with MDS. For children, who don't have a donor for BMT. Roacutan therapy seems to be the most effective.

[Clinical features of missed abortion]

RATIONALE

There is no general agreement concerning the definition of missed abortion which remains one of the most commonly encountered pregnancy complication of an extremely variable clinical picture.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

The analysis of the clinical symptoms of missed abortion.

SETTING

Academic Medical Center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive 50 women with non-viable pregnancy from 7 to 22 weeks, diagnosed by clinical examination, ultrasonography and serum beta-HCG evaluation were studied.

RESULTS

In 92% of the missed abortion cases a vaginal spotting was observed before the diagnosis was established. The average period of the estimated retention of the products of conception was 2.8 weeks. In only one patients this period exceeded 8 weeks. The reverse correlation was established between the gravidity of a patient and the period of asymptomatic retention of the non-viable conception products in uterus. The obtained results confirm that the onset of vaginal bleeding does not reflect the moment of embryonal/fetal death.

[Pelvic endoscopy in diagnosing fallopian tube disorders that cause infertility]

Over the period of 25 years, 1080 pelvic endoscopy in infertile women were performed, with special attention payed to the pathology of Fallopian tubes. Pelvic endoscopy was performed after previous HSG. During the pelvic endoscopy, the state of the uterus, ovaries and uterine tubes were evaluated, with much attention paid to the condition of the abdominal ostium of the uterine tube, symptoms of active and chronic inflammation, endometriosis, the authors also tried to diagnose the extension and character of pelvic-salpingian adhesions. Confrontation of the results enabled diagnosis in 111 (41.7%) women, out of 266, with patient Fallopian tubes the organic factors which impaired conception or made conception impossible. In the group of 814 women with tubal impotency in 15 (1.8%) cases extratubal factor was found, subserosal myoma in uterine horn, cyst, adhesions, while Fallopian tube itself was patent and unchanged. Organic factors of Fallopian tube disorder were determined. In 360 (44.2%) patients, out of 814, with tubal impotency pathological status was found (active salpingitis, tuberculosis, endometriosis) which required establishing of a necessary treatment and cancelling the surgical treatment.

[Uterus corpus extension of primary cervical carcinoma IIA-IIB]

OBJECTIVES

The infiltration of uterine body is observed in 20-43% of patients with primary cervical cancer in stage II.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A hystoclinical, retrospective analysis of 175 patients with IIA-IIB cervical carcinoma, on whom Wertheim-Meigs surgery was performed between 1972-1991, was done. Infiltration of the uterine corpus was observed in 35 patients. The presence and depth of extension of uterine corpus infiltration, presence of metastatic lymph nodes, vascular invasion and uterine vascular emboli as well as fornical and paramertial infiltration were assessed with regard to 5-year survival.

RESULTS

It was found that evaluation of uterine corpus infiltration, based on our scale of depth and extension is useful for prognosis of patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In stage II of primary cervical cancer deep and extensive uterine corpus infiltration is an independent and detrimental prognostic factor.

[Cerclage of the cervix in pregnant women with cervix incompetence in the Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, School of Medicine in Lublin during the years 1982-188]

We have retrospectively analyzed 77 cases of pregnant patients with cervical incompetence in which we performed cervical cerclage. These cases were 0.65% of all deliveries. The age was 20-41 years (mean 28.5). They were in second or third pregnancy. 62 women delivered by vaginal way and 15 by cesarean section. Only 5 newborn had small weight for age. We discussed our results with data from other authors.

[Ectopic pregnancy in the stump of the uterine tube after in vitro fertilization]

A rare case of ectopic pregnancy in stump of uterine tube after IVF, which was done after bilateral removal of uterine tubes, caused by uterine tube pregnancies was described. Diagnostic difficulties were shown in that case.