Molybdenum targets produced by mechanical reshaping

Targets required to determine the parameters of the ¹⁰⁰Mo(p,xn)^99mTc reaction and to estimate the yield of the ^99mTc production were prepared starting with powder material. Material, melted with electron beam gun into solid bead, was reshaped into foil mechanically. Targets were prepared by powder melting and hot flattening of the droplet followed by cold rolling. Procedure allowed preparation of thick (in the range of hundreds of microns) and thin (down to 250 nm) foils.

Manganese-Cobalt Based Spinel Coatings Processed by Electrophoretic Deposition Method: The Influence of Sintering on Degradation Issues of Solid Oxide Cell Oxygen Electrodes at 750 °C

This paper seeks to examine how the Mn–Co spinel interconnect coating microstructure can influence Cr contamination in an oxygen electrode of intermediate temperature solid oxide cells, at an operating temperature of 750 °C. A Mn–Co spinel coating is processed on Crofer 22 APU substrates by electrophoretic deposition, and subsequently sintered, following both the one-step and two-step sintering, in order to obtain significantly different densification levels. The electrochemical characterization is performed on anode-supported cells with an LSCF cathode. The cells were aged prior to the electrochemical characterization in contact with the spinel-coated Crofer 22 APU at 750 °C for 250 h. Current–voltage and impedance spectra of the cells were measured after the exposure with the interconnect. Post-mortem analysis of the interconnect and the cell was carried out, in order to assess the Cr retention capability of coatings with different microstructures.

Nutrient loss from three small-size watersheds in the southern Baltic Sea in relation to agricultural practices and policy

Agriculture is the major contributor of waterborne nutrient fluxes into the Baltic Sea, one of the world's most eutrophication-sensitive areas. Poland, as a large, densely populated state ohf the Baltic Region, with dominating agricultural land use, largely contributes to riverborne loads of N and P. The aim of our study was to examine the input of nutrients from three small first-order agricultural watersheds (Bladzikowski Stream, Gizdepka river and Mrzezino canal) in the Pomerania region, into the Bay of Puck, inner part of the Gulf of Gdansk. This study attempts to give a partial answer as to the question if inputs of nutrients from the 3 analysed watersheds comply with the targets of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) and Country Allocated Reduction Targets (CART). The impact of agricultural practices was assessed on the basis of farm questionnaires and calculations of nutrient balances for the examined farms. The nutrient concentrations in the soil and drainage ditches were examined, followed by an assessment of nutrient concentrations in the watercourses at the sampling points located close to the estuaries. The average mineral N fertiliser consumption (109 kg N/ha) in the analysed watersheds was higher than Poland's average. The average N and P surpluses for surveyed farms (96.4 kg/ha and 4.4 kg/ha, respectively) were higher than the EU mean in case of N and markedly lower in case of P. We used Principal Component Analysis which confirmed that there were correlations between nutrient surpluses and nutrient concentrations in streams and/or drainage ditches. The N-NO₃ and P_min concentrations were also correlated to precipitation. The average N concentrations in the analysed watercourses were equal to 1.53 mg/L for Gizdepka, 1.88 mg/L for Mrzezino canal and 3.52 mg/L for Bładzikowski Stream. The mean P concentrations observed in the investigated watercourses were markedly higher than 0.1 mg/L. With regard to BSAP objectives, as well as CART set for Poland, the average nutrient concentrations in rivers should be approximately at the level of 2.5 mg N/L and 0.07 mg P/L.

Clinical application of HE4 and CA125 in ovarian cancer type I and type II detection and differential diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of HE4 in detecting and differentiating between types I and II epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in comparison with CA125.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We measured HE4 and CA125 serum concentrations in 206 samples taken from patients operated in Gynecologic Oncology Department due to ovarian tumors. Ovarian cancer was confirmed in 89 cases divided into type I and type II. 52 healthy patients without any gynecological disease formed the control group. The sensitivity and specificity for type I and type II EOC detection and differentiating between both types was evaluated for HE4 and CA125.

RESULTS

The HE4 and CA125 serum concentrations were significantly higher in type II than in type I EOC (p=0.008696, p=0.000243 respectively). The HE4 and CA125 sensitivity for type I and benign tumors differentiation was 63.16% for both of them and specificity was 87.29% vs 67.89% respectively. For CA125 these differences did not reach statistical significance. The HE4 sensitivity and specificity for type II and benign tumors differentiation were 87.14% and 96.61%, respectively and for CA125 these values were 82.86% and 94.07%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment analysis of HE4 serum concentration is superior to CA125 in differential diagnosis of ovarian cancer subtypes (I and II). HE4 is superior to CA125 in detecting ovarian cancer type II. Neither HE4 nor CA125 is an effective diagnostic tool for type I ovarian cancer detection. A new highly specific and highly sensitive tumor marker for type I EOC is needed.

Genomic markers of ovarian adenocarcinoma and its relevancy to the effectiveness of chemotherapy

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer and the seventh highest cause of cancer-associated mortality in women worldwide. It is the second highest cause of mortality among female reproductive malignancies. The current standard first-line treatment for advanced ovarian cancer includes a combination of surgical debulking and standard systemic platinum-based chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Although a deeper understanding of this disease has been attained, relapse occurs in 70% of patients 18 months subsequent to the first-line treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a novel drug that effectively affects ovarian cancer, particularly tumors that are resistant to current chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to identify genes whose expression may be used to predict survival time or prognosis in ovarian cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Gene or protein expression is an important issue in chemoresistance and survival prediction in ovarian cancer. In the present study, the research group consisted of patients treated at the Surgical Clinic of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Gynecological Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences (Poznan, Poland) between May 2006 and November 2014. Additional eligibility criteria were a similar severity (International Federation of Gynecolgy and Obstetrics stage III) at the time of diagnosis, treatment undertaken in accordance with the same schedule, and an extremely good response to treatment or a lack of response to treatment. The performance of the OncoScan^® assay was evaluated by running the assay on samples obtained from the four patients and by following the recommended protocol outlined in the OncoScan assay manual. The genomic screening using Affymetrix OncoScan Arrays resulted in the identification of large genomic rearrangements across all cancer tissues. In general, chromosome number changes were detected in all examined tissues. The OncoScan arrays enabled the identification of ~100 common somatic mutations. Chemotherapy response in ovarian cancer is extremely complex and challenging to study. The present study identified specific genetic alterations associated with ovarian cancer, but not with response for treatment.

MALDI-MSI-A Step Forward in Overcoming the Diagnostic Challenges in Ovarian Tumors

This study presents the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) directly on the tissue of two ovarian tumors that often present a diagnostic challenge, a low-grade serous borderline ovarian tumor and ovarian fibrothecoma. Different spatial distribution of m/z values within the tissue samples was observed, and regiospecific peaks were identified. Among the 106 peaks in the borderline ovarian tumor five, regiospecific peaks (m/z: 2861.35; 2775.79; 3368.34; 3438.43; 4936.37) were selected using FlexImaging software. Subsequently, the distribution of those selected peaks was visualized on the fibrothecoma tissue section, which demonstrated the differences in the tissue homo-/heterogeneous structure of both tumors. The comparison with the histopathological staining of the ovarian borderline tumor tissue section, obtained during serial sectioning, showed a close correlation of the molecular map with the morphological and histopathological features of the tissue and allowed the identification of different tissue types within the sample. This study highlights the potential significance of MSI in enabling morphological characterization of ovarian tumors as well as correct diagnosis and further prognosis than thus far seen in the literature. Osteopontin, tropomyosin and orosomucoid are only a couple of the molecules investigated using MALDI-MSI in ovarian cancer research. This study, in line with the available literature, proves the potential of MALDI-MSI to overcome the current limitations of classic histopathological examination giving a more in-depth insight into the tissue structure and thus lead to the more accurate differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors, especially in the most challenging cases.

Preparation of Hydrogen Electrodes of Solid Oxide Cells by Infiltration: Effects of the Preparation Procedure on the Resulting Microstructure

In this work, the infiltration technique was used to produce hydrogen electrodes for solid oxide cells. Different infiltration methodologies were tested in order to try to shorten the infiltration cycle time. The porous scaffolds used for infiltration were based on highly porous yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) obtained by etching the reduced nickel from the Ni-YSZ cermet in HNO₃ acid. The support had a complex structure which included a ~130 µm porous functional layer with small pores and a ~320 µm thick supporting layer with large pores. Infiltrations have been carried out using aqueous nickel nitrate solutions. Various infiltration procedures were used, differing in temperature/time profiles. The results show that slow evaporation is crucial for obtaining a homogeneous material distribution leading to high-quality samples. A longer evaporation time promotes the proper distribution of nickel throughout the porous scaffold. The shortening of the heat treatment procedure leads to blockage of the pores and not-uniform nickel distribution.

Tuning Electrochemical Performance by Microstructural Optimization of the Nanocrystalline Functional Oxygen Electrode Layer for Solid Oxide Cells

Further development of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) oxygen electrodes can be achieved through improvements in oxygen electrode design by microstructure miniaturization alongside nanomaterial implementation. In this work, improved electrochemical performance of an La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3-d (LSCF) cathode was achieved by the controlled modification of the La_0.6Sr_0.4CoO_3-d (LSC) nanocrystalline interlayer introduced between a porous oxygen electrode and dense electrolyte. The evaluation was carried out for various LSC layer thicknesses, annealing temperatures, oxygen partial pressures, and temperatures as well as subjected to long-term stability tests and evaluated in typical operating conditions in an intermediate temperature SOFC. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and a distribution of relaxation times analysis were performed to reveal the rate-limiting electrochemical processes that limit the overall electrode performance. The main processes with an impact on the electrode performance were the adsorption of gaseous oxygen O₂, dissociation of O₂, and charge transfer-diffusion (O^2-). The introduction of a nanoporous and nanocrystalline interlayer with extended electrochemically active surface area accelerates the oxygen surface exchange kinetics and oxygen ion diffusions, reducing polarization resistances. The polarization resistance of the reference LSCF was lowered by one order of magnitude from 0.77 to 0.076 Ω·cm² at 600 °C by the deposition of a 400 nm LSC interlayer at the interface. The developed electrode tested in the anode-supported fuel cell configuration showed a higher cell performance by 20% compared to the cell with the reference electrode. The maximum power density at 700 °C reaches 675 and 820 mW·cm^-2 for the reference cell and the cell with the LSC interlayer, respectively. Aging tests at 700 °C under a high load of 1 A·cm² were performed.

Ovarian steroid cell tumor as an example of severe hyperandrogenism in 45-year-old woman

Approximately, 5% of ovarian tumors have hormonal activity. Steroid cell tumors (SCTs) represent about 0.1% of all ovarian tumors. They cause hyperandrogenism associated with typical virilization. In this case report, we present 45-year-old women with unmalignant ovarian SCT-producing androgens which cause severe virilization and secondary amenorrhea lasting two years. Transvaginal ultrasound, computed tomography of adrenal glands, magnetic resonance imaging of small pelvis, laboratory tests (including serum concentration of FSH, LH, testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), as well as ROMA index) were performed. During hormonal evaluation, elevated concentrations of serum T - on admission 1.72 ng/ml and one month later 3.75 ng/ml (normal range 0.08-0.82 ng/ml) and A - 24.90 ng/ml (normal range 0.40-3.40 ng/ml) were found. The ROMA index was within the normal range. Enlargement of the left ovary by solid mass 56 × 43 mm was found during ultrasound examination. Based on small pelvis MRI scan and hormonal finding, patient was qualified for laparotomy. During this procedure, the left salpingo-oophorectomy with removal of the tumor was performed. The histopathological examination identified SCT. During follow-up examination, one day after surgery, we found serum testosterone levels within normal ranges - 0.74 ng/ml (normal range 0.08-0.82 ng/ml). This case shows that hormone-producing ovarian tumors are rare but very important clinical causes of severe hyperandrogenism.

STUMP - atypowy mięśniak macicy - mimikra guza złośliwego?

This study describes the ultrasound diagnostic process and management in a patient with a unique, rare form of fibroids, i.e. the atypical variant. According to the WHO definition, an atypical uterine myoma cannot be histologically unambiguously diagnosed as benign or malignant. Atypical leiomyomas are characterized by moderate or high quantity of pleomorphic atypical tumor cells, with a small number of mitotic divisions and lack of coagulative necrosis in the tumor. They have a low rate of extrauterine, intraabdominal recurrence, with a negligible risk for distant metastases. Due to the fact the atypical variant of leiomyomas is very rare, it presents a significant diagnostic challenge for obstetricians. The most reliable diagnosis can be made only on the basis of the histopathological examination. In this paper, we present a case of a patient in whom an echo with the diameter of 92 mm and a heterogeneous echogenicity with visible anechoic fields were discovered in the uterine fundus. HD color Doppler demonstrated high vascularization within the tumor, peripherally as well as centrally. The peripheral and central vascularization was rated at 4/4 points on a scale by Exacoustos. The tumor in the uterus met the criteria of high probability of malignancy i.e. 8 points on the vascular scale (power Doppler scale ≥ 7 pts.), solid tumor and a size over 8 cm. Blood flow velocity and vascular resistance in the tumor vessels were evaluated (PSV - 5.76 cm/s, ED - 3.16 cm/s, RI - 0.45 S / D - 1.82). Blood flow in the tumor presented low resistance. Hysterectomy without oophorectomy, with an intraoperative histopathological examination, was performed, and a fibroid was confirmed. The tumor was soft, yellow, with small and medium level of dispersed atypia in microscopic examination. There was no necrosis or mitotic figures. The histopathological image confirmed the atypical leiomyoma of low risk of recurrence. Atypical fibroids are rare in gynecological oncology and they do not have the characteristic clinical course. Furthermore, they do not show the typical characteristics during imaging studies, including ultrasound screening, Sometimes, due to the sonographic image, they should be differentiated from sarcomas. Also, it is necessary to exclude malignancy because of their ambiguous histological characteristics.

Effect of sintering temperature on electrochemical performance of porous SrTi1-xFexO3-δ (x = 0.35, 0.5, 0.7) oxygen electrodes for solid oxide cells

This work evaluates the effects of the sintering temperature (800 °C, 900 °C, 1000 °C) of SrTi1-xFexO3-δ (x = 0.35, 0.5, 0.7) porous electrodes on their electrochemical performance as potential oxygen electrode materials of solid oxide cells. The materials were prepared by a solid-state reaction method and revealed the expected cubic perovskite structure. After milling, the powders were characterised by a sub-micrometre particle size with high sinter-activity. It was shown that the lowest area specific resistance was achieved after sintering SrTi0.65Fe0.35O3 electrodes at 1000 °C, and SrTi0.5Fe0.5O3 and SrTi0.30Fe0.70O3 electrodes at 800 °C, which can be considered to be a relatively low temperature. In general, EIS measurements showed that increasing the Fe content results in lowered electrode polarisation and a decrease of the series resistance. Even though the studied materials have much lower total conductivities than state-of-the-art electrode materials (e.g. (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3), the polarisation resistances obtained in this work can be considered low.

[Morphologic pattern of uterine myomas enucleated at cesarean section]

OBJECTIVES

Myomectomy is the most common surgery performed at cesarean delivery. This report reviews a 10-year experience with surgical management of leiomyomata at cesarean section.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

[corrected] 101 women had myomectomies performed at cesarean delivery during the period studied. (0.89% of all cesarean sections). We reviewed the pathology on the all specimens.

RESULTS

In 90 cases only one myoma was enucleated, in other 11 two or more myomas were enucleated. 59 myomas were hypertrophic and 52 myomas were necrotic.

CONCLUSIONS

The most frequent secondary change reported was hypertrophy of the muscle fibers and necrosis.

[Diagnostic value of transvaginal ultrasound in the detection of ovarian endometriosis]

The aim of the study was to estimate of efficiency of endovaginal ultrasonography in diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis. The study was performed in 59 women with ovarian tumors. Ultrasound examinations were performed with Aloka 2000 using 5.0 MHz transducers. The endovaginal ultrasonography is very useful in diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis, showing sensitivity--90%, specificity--68%, positive predictive value--75%, negative predictive value--86%. Ultrasound examination is an important tool in noninvasive diagnostic procedure of adnexal pathology.

Sports injuries in Plus League volleyball players

AIM

Although physical activity brings a range of lifelong health benefits, it may also lead to injuries that pose a significant threat to health. It is particularly noticeable in people involved in professional sports where sport-related injuries commonly occur and are associated with intense exercise which aims to improve physical fitness. The article attempts to determine incidence of sports injuries reported by Plus League volleyball players, as well as to identify their most common types and causes.

METHODS

The research project involved 90 Plus League volleyball players aged 18-37 with the average age of 25.11 (SD±5.378). A method of diagnostic survey was applied to collect empirical data by means of questionnaire developed by the authors (researchers). The results were statistically analysed and verified with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and χ2 test at the significance level (or critical P-value) of P≤0.05.

RESULTS

Over 87% of the respondents suffered from at least one sport-related injury. In total, 362 injuries occurred, on average 4.02 injuries per one volleyball player. The most common sports injuries involved ankle or talocrural joint (46 injuries), knee and lower leg muscles (30), interphalangeal articulations of fingers (30) as well as shoulder joint. More than half of the injuries (57%) occurred twice or three times. Volleyball players commonly sustain injuries through contact with an opposing player in competition. Sport-specific injuries may also occur due to exhaustion, lack of rest and undertreated injuries.

CONCLUSION

The most common volleyball-related injuries are primarily talocrural joint, hand and shoulder injuries. Common types of injuries that can affect volleyball players include muscles, joints and ligaments injuries, sprains and strains as well as bruises. Most of these injuries are caused by exhaustion, contact with an opposing player during competition and fatigue. The incidence of sport-related injuries seems to be influenced by such factors as somatic features, jumping parameters and the length of professional volleyball career.

Influence of conductive carbon and MnCo2O4 on morphological and electrical properties of hydrogels for electrochemical energy conversion

In this work, a strategy for one-stage synthesis of polymer composites based on PNIPAAm hydrogel was presented. Both conductive particles in the form of conductive carbon black (cCB) and MnCo2O4 (MCO) spinel particles were suspended in the three-dimensional structure of the hydrogel. The MCO particles in the resulting hydrogel composite acted as an electrocatalyst in the oxygen evolution reaction. Morphological studies confirmed that the added particles were incorporated and, in the case of a higher concentration of cCB particles, also bound to the surface of the structure of the hydrogel matrix. The produced composite materials were tested in terms of their electrical properties, showing that an increase in the concentration of conductive particles in the hydrogel structure translates into a lowering of the impedance modulus and an increase in the double-layer capacitance of the electrode. This, in turn, resulted in a higher catalytic activity of the electrode in the oxygen evolution reaction. The use of a hydrogel as a matrix to suspend the catalyst particles, and thus increase their availability through the electrolyte, seems to be an interesting and promising application approach.