PVA and PCL nanofibers are suitable for tissue covering and regeneration.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic approach to skin defects resulting from split thickness grafting. Within the study, nanofiber-based dressings fabricated using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) were used, with different mass density. The study was performed in 1 female minipig. Nine defects (approx. 4x4 cm) were made in the superficial skin layer. The tested materials were applied to the squared skin defect and covered by a Jelonet paraffin gauze, sutured in the corners of the defects. The animal was monitored daily during the healing process (21 days). On day 5, 12, and 27, the healing of the wound was evaluated, and a biopsy was performed for further histologic testing. At the end of the study (on day 27 after the procedure), the animal was euthanized, and a standard pathologic evaluation was performed. We can conclude that the nanofiber scaffold which was well tolerated, could be used as a smart skin cover which could be functionalized with another bioactive substances directly on the surgeon table, among potential bioactive substances belong platelet derivatives, antibiotics, etc.

[A detailed study of colon polyps]. / Podrobná studie o polypech tlustého streva.

UNLABELLED: INTRODUCTION, STUDY AIM: Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most frequent malignancies. Most frequently, neoplasms, including malignant precursors, are in the form of polyps, although these might be of a non-tumour origin. The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to provide an overview of coloscopic identification and biological nature of polyps. RESULTS: 3,400 consecutive coloscopies performed between 2009 and 2010 were analyzed. At different centres, the top of the cecum was reached in 89% to 93% and terminal ileum in 73% to 87% of cases. In the above 40 age group, 26.6% were screening coloscopies. The mean age of the above 40 patients was 56 years. The incidence of potential neoplastic lesions (polyps, carcinomas), advanced adenomas and carcinomas were: 7.8 %, 0.8 % and 0.16 %, respectively, in the above 40 age group, 41.5 %, 9.8 % and 1.6 %, respectively, in the 40-50 years age group and 70.5 %, 31.3 % and 6.8 %, respectively, in the above 50 age group. The incidence of tubular adenoma and hyperplastic polyps was 23.9% and 66.2%, respectively, in the below 40 age group and 53.1% and 26.1% in the above 50 age group. 57.8% of advances neoplasms were located in the rectosigmoid a descendent colon. The incidence ratio for adenomas and hyperplastic polyps was 76.6% and 14%, respectively, for rectosigmoid colon, 63.6 and 17.4 %, respectively, for descendent colon, 63.6 and 11.4 % for traverse colon and 63,4 a 17,9 %, respectively, for cecum and ascendant colon. The incidence of tubulovillous adenomas and hyperplastic polyps in pedunculated polyps larger than 1 cm was 19.4 % and 20.4 %, respectively, and 34.2 % and 13.1 %, respectively, in other polyps. The incidence of potential lesions (polyps and carcinomas), advanced adenomas, carcinomas and advanced neoplasms was 66.7 %, 23.1 %, 5.8 % and 28.9 %, respectively, in women and 63.1 %, 30.0 %, 5.7 % and 34.7 %, respectively, in men. CONCLUSION: The top of the cecum was reached in a higher proportion of cases than required, although this was lower than in the majority of other recent studies. Terminal ileum was reached in high number of cases. The incidence of polyps and neoplasms rose sharply from 40 years of age. Therefore, the screening threshold should be extended to the below 50 age group. Hyperplastic polyps predominated in younger age and adenomas in the above 40 age group. Histological profile was similar and did not suggest importantly different pathogenesis with respect to localization. There were relatively fewer adenomas and more hyperplastic polyps in pedunculated polyps and vice verse in other types of polyps, suggesting a higher risk associated with non-pedunculated lesions. Both sexes differed less than suggested based on epidemiological statistics.

Low incidence of adenocarcinoma and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition. The risk of developing high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) or adenocarcinoma is currently a matter of debate. Due to several shortcomings, previous studies have probably overestimated the risk. The main aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of HGD and adenocarcinoma in a cohort of patients with Barrett's esophagus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective, cohort study, all patients had intestinal metaplasia and macroscopic evidence of short- or long-segment (< 3 cm or > or = 3 cm) Barrett's esophagus. All patients underwent a standard protocol including regular endoscopies with biopsies and were treated with a proton pump inhibitor or antireflux surgery. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients underwent 623 endoscopies during 700 patient-years (mean follow-up 5.2 +/- 2.3 years). Simultaneous HGIN and adenocarcinoma were detected in two patients with long-segment Barrett's esophagus (1.5%; 2 and 6 years after the index endoscopy). Low grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) was detected in 25 patients (18.5%); in 11 of these patients (44%), LGIN was not confirmed in later biopsies. Our study shows an incidence of HGIN/adenocarcinoma of 1/350 patient-years. Endoscopic regression of Barrett's esophagus was seen in 20.7% of patients. CONCLUSION: The incidence of HGIN/adenocarcinoma is low in patients with adequately treated Barrett's esophagus. The annual risk of developing HGIN/adenocarcinoma is 0.21% (1.6% in long-segment Barrett's esophagus).

Evaluation of radiofrequency dielectric heaters workers exposure.

Radiofrequency dielectric heaters (RFDH) are widely used in the woodworking industry for gluing laminates by applying pressure and RF heating. The workers operating such equipment remain in the vicinity of the machinery all day and can therefore be exposed to considerable levels of electric and magnetic field at RFs. This work describes the method used to measure the strength of fields generated by this particular machinery. This procedure is based on current methods cited in the literature and introduces the necessary modifications to meet this specific case. In particular, as there is often a scarcity of technical data available relating to such heaters, it is suggested that a spectrum analyser be used for measurements in the frequencies domain. On the basis of the data obtained the norms of reference are established, the instrumentation to be used in successive stages determined as well as the identification of possible sources of interference from spurious signals. Furthermore, a mapping of the field strengths is presented and the means of determining the decay curve as a function of distance. This last type of measurement is done to estimate the effectiveness of grounding the machinery. The report ends with an estimate of the exposure of workers to electromagnetic fields and also some recommendations for reducing risk.

A technical note about Phidel: a new software for evaluating magnetic induction field generated by power lines.

The Regional Environment Protection Agency of Friuli Venezia Giulia (ARPA FVG, Italy) has performed an analysis on existing software designed to calculate magnetic induction field generated by power lines. As far as the agency's requirements are concerned the tested programs display some difficulties in the immediate processing of electrical and geometrical data supplied by plant owners, and in certain cases turn out to be inadequate in representing complex configurations of power lines. Phidel, an innovative software, tackles and works out all the above-mentioned problems. Therefore, the obtained results, when compared with those of other programs, are the closest to experimental measurements. The output data can be employed both in the GIS and Excel environments, allowing the immediate overlaying of digital cartography and the determining of the 3 and 10 muT bands, in compliance with the Italian Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of 8 July 2003.

Isolation of microbial DNA by newly designed magnetic particles.

Carboxyl group-containing magnetic nonporous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (P(HEMA-co-GMA)) microspheres and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles modified with alginic acid (natural carboxylic polysaccharide) were used for isolation of microbial DNA of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from dairy products, lyophilised cell cultures, and bacterial colonies grown on hard media, and Trichophyton fungi DNA from lyophilised cells. DNA from the samples with lysed cells was reversibly adsorbed to the particles in the presence of high poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 6000) and sodium chloride concentrations. The optimal final PEG and NaCl concentrations were 9.1 wt.% and 2.0 M, respectively. The adsorbed DNA was released from the particles in low ionic strength TE buffer. The quality of isolated DNA was checked by PCR amplification. Moreover, PCR amplicons were isolated on cobalt ferrite nanoparticles modified with alginic acid and checked by restriction analysis.

[Laparoscopic rectopexis]. / Laparoskopická rektopexe.

INTRODUCTION: Rektopexis is an effective treatment method of rectal prolapses. Our retrospective study assessed the laparoscopic rectopexis results. METHODOLOGY: From 01-01-2003 to 31-11-2005, 10 patients were indicated for the procedure of laparoscopic retropexis. A "Vypro" mesh (Johnson&Johnson) was used to suspend the rectum. We fix it to the sacrum and to the rectum with an anchor (Eanchr, Johnson&Johnson). The follow-up examinations were conducted 2-30 months after the procedure. We assessed mortality rates, morbidity rates, the prolaps relapses incidence rates, obstipation incidence rates. RESULTS: The laparoscopic procedure was completed in 9 patients. In one case, we converted. The mortality and serious postoperative morbidity rate was 0%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 7 days. During the follow-up, no patient relapsed. One female patient complained of mild postoperative obstipation, which, however, did not require surgical revision. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic rectopexis is a modern, safe and effective method of the prolaps of the rectum treatment.

ELF field in the proximity of complex power line configuration measurement procedures.

The issue of how to measure magnetic induction fields generated by various power line configurations, when there are several power lines that run across the same exposure area, has become a matter of interest and study within the Regional Environment Protection Agency of Friuli Venezia Giulia. In classifying the various power line typologies the definition of double circuit line was given: in this instance the magnetic field is determined by knowing the electrical and geometric parameters of the line. In the case of independent lines instead, the field is undetermined. It is therefore pointed out how, in the latter case, extracting previsional information from a set of measurements of the magnetic field alone is impossible. Making measurements throughout the territory of service has in several cases offered the opportunity to define standard operational procedures.

Immunoaffinity isolation of CEACAM1 on hydrazide-derivatized cellulose with immobilized monoclonal anti-CEA antibody.

Carcinoembryonic cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a human membrane glycoprotein belonging to the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family and to the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is expressed in apical membranes of many epithelial cells in gastrointestinal and urogenital tract and also in granulocytes and lymphocytes, and its biological effect in human tissues has recently been discussed in literature. The purpose of this study was to isolate CEACAM1 glycoprotein from bile and characterize its purity and recovery which has not been described before. Affinity chromatography of CEACAM1 on hydrazide-activated cellulose with immobilized monoclonal anti-CEA F34-187 antibody is described. The immunoglobulin carbohydrate moiety was oxidized by periodate and then bound to hydrazide-activated matrix. Crude protein fraction from bile was applied on the affinity column and after extensive washing of non-bound proteins CEACAM1 was eluted with 6 M guanidine-HCl. A single immunopositive 85 kDa band was detected on Western blots with anti-CEA antibody after SDS-PAGE. We found out that CEACAM1 was not stainable with any common method of protein staining and the only non-specific method which could detect the 85 kDa band was a lectin staining.

Properties of RNase A immobilized on magnetic Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) microspheres.

Magnetic hydrogel microspheres 1.5 microm in size were prepared by dispersion copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate in the presence of magnetite, which formed the core of the particles. RNase A was coupled to the particles by the cyanuric chloride method. Gel electrophoresis of plasmid DNA pUC 19 (contaminated by bacterial RNA) confirmed RNA degradation with the immobilized enzyme. The effect of temperature and pH on the relative activity of immobilized RNase A was estimated after incubation of the samples at different temperatures (30-80 degrees C) and pH (4.0-8.0). Maximum relative activity was observed at 70 degrees C and pH 6.5. The matrices based on magnetic poly(HEMA) had a low tendency to adsorb RNA.

Hydrazide-functionalized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) microspheres for immobilization of horseradish peroxidase.

Nonporous cross-linked poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) (poly(HEMA-co-EDMA)) microspheres were prepared by dispersion polymerization of HEMA and EDMA. The polymerization was performed in toluene/2-methylpropan-1-ol in the presence of cellulose acetate butyrate as a steric stabilizer and dibenzoyl peroxide initiator. The particle size may be increased by decreasing the toluene/2-methylpropan-1-ol ratio and by increasing polymerization temperature. Adipohydrazide was attached to the microspheres activated with 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine. After periodate oxidation of its carbohydrate moieties, horseradish peroxidase was coupled to the hydrazide-functionalized poly(HEMA-co-EDMA) microparticles up to 7.3 microgram of enzyme/g of carrier without a significant loss of its activity. Immobilized peroxidase was found to be stable, retaining more than 97% of its initial activity when stored for 23 days after the preparation.

Detection of pathological changes of proteins by peptide mapping after protein digestion by use of oriented immobilized proteinases.

Diagnostic methods for detecting gastric diseases using chymotryptic digestion of pepsin are discussed. Peptide maps can be prepared using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Batchwise chromatography by use of membranes with immobilized Tyr(I2) was used for the isolation of pepsin from gastric mucosa extract or from human blood serum. Enzymes immobilized using suitable antibodies or through their sugar moieties can be used for the preparation of peptide maps because such enzymes share good steric accessibility to their active binding sites and possess increased thermal stability. Biospecific adsorption of proteins to immunosorbents combines the simultaneous isolation of these enzymes with their oriented immobilization. Proteins were stabilized by hydrophilization through the attachment of saccharide residues containing galactose residues. These residues could be activated by oxidation using galactose oxidase and subsequently immobilized to hydrazide-containing solid supports.

Diazotizable supports of potential interest as affinity chromatography matrices.

Immobilization of affinity ligands, proteins, enzymes and other functional groups by azo coupling is based on the high reactivity of the support-carrying diazonium groups towards both low- and high-molecular weight compounds containing certain groupings such as phenols, imidazole and some other heterocycles, thiols and amines. The precursor of diazonium group is a diazotizable amine on the matrix. Remarkable progress in its preparation was achieved by application of (4-amino-phenyl)-(2-sulphatoxyethyl) sulphone-type reagents for functionalization of the matrix. A similar type of amine precursor is prepared by the reaction of monosubstituted sulphanilamide with epoxide-containing matrix. The presence of a SO2 group in the para position to diazonium group of these supports (after diazotization) enhances reactivity in azo coupling. 'Reversed' azo coupling is the reaction of a matrix containing functional groups capable of reacting with diazonium groups of a ligand. Preparation of a suitable matrix and examples of diazotizable ligands are given.

[Diagnosis of mixed psychoses]. / K diagnostice smísených psychóz.

The author presents a review of views on so-called "medium or mixed" endogenous psychoses, starting with Kraepelin and Bleuler to the present time, the creation of the term "schizoaffective psychosis (disorder)" in diagnostic classifications. He draws attention to the still persisting influence of Kraepelin-Bleuler diagnostics, incl. their controversial character as regards the classification of so-called "mixed psychoses". Other diagnostic concepts were either completely or are enforced with great difficulties. On the diagnosis of schizoactive psychosis the author demonstrates the changing understanding of its contents and thus also the controversial attitude to the diagnosis in the course of time which was reflected in the development of diagnostic classifications. The paper also comprises the author's study of the frequency of diagnosis of endogenous psychic disorders in the Psychiatric Research Institute (present name Psychiatric Centre Prague) in the course of 29 years. The study indicates that from the sixties the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder played the role of a buffer between the schizophrenic and manic-depressive area. It helped to solve ranae of the unstable concept of schizophrenia and classification of atypical forms of endogenous psychoses. The study indicates that there exists possibly a closer relation between the schizoaffective disorder and affective disorders than with schizophrenia. In the conclusion the author appreciates the asset of classifications DSM-III and ICD-10 for the definition and differentiation of schizoaffective disorders.

Galactosylation as a tool for the stabilization and immobilization of proteins.

This paper presents a brief overview of the role that the carbohydrate moieties of biologically active glycoproteins play in the stabilization and oriented immobilization of these proteins on solid supports. The synthetic galactosylation of hydrophobic areas or their surroundings on the protein surface improves the structural stability of native proteins against inactivation by the interaction of water with hydrophobic clusters. The lowering of the degree solvation of tyrosine residues in galactosylated trypsin and the model substance N-carbobenzoxy-L-glutamyl-L-tyrosine was proved by Raman spectroscopy. D-Galactose residues can be selectively oxidized, either with periodate or enzymatically, and the aldehyde groups thus formed are used for the immobilization of glycoproteins on solid supports with hydrazide groups under mild conditions.

[Development of psychiatric disability in psychotics and their rehabilitation]. / Vývoj psychiatrické invalidity psychotiku a rehabilitace.

The authors describe the results of a 12-month follow up of a group of patients who had an attack of functional psychosis. They paid attention to their professional work, course of the disease and social sequelae of the disease. The authors assessed also predictors of satisfactory future of professional activities by clinical methods as well as by selected psychological tests. They confirmed the effectiveness of aimed rehabilitation and resocialization care in patients with a chronic course of the disease and with residual postpsychotic symptoms.

[Medical informatics and health care in Subotica yesterday, today and tomorrow]. / Medicinska informatika i zdravstvo Subotice jucer, danas, sutra.

The application of information systems in health care throughout the world has begun ten years after the first generation of computers. Computers are a tool for doing business in all segments of health care. After a presentation of the development of informatics in the world and in our surroundings, a survey of events related to the health-care informatics in Subotica is given, as well as the perspective which is expected.

Carbohydrates as a tool for oriented immobilization of antigens and antibodies.

A biospecific sorbent for the isolation of ovalbumin antibodies was prepared by coupling of ovalbumin via its periodate-oxidized carbohydrate moiety to bead cellulose modified with adipic acid dihydrazide. The anti-ovalbumin IgG fraction isolated on this sorbent from immune rabbit serum contained only antibodies against protein determinants of ovalbumin. Thus, when these IgG were immobilized through their carbohydrate moieties to cellulose beads it became possible to prepare a biospecific sorbent for concanavalin A by oriented adsorption of ovalbumin. Ovalbumin was specifically adsorbed via its protein moiety and its carbohydrate part remained free for interaction with concanavalin A.

[Isolation of monoclonal antibodies from mouse ascitic fluid using chromatography on "blue" DEAE cellulose]. / Izolace monoklonálních protilátek z mysích ascitických tekutin chromatografií na "modré" DEAE celulóze.

A method is described of the isolation of monoclonal antibodies form mouse ascites fluids by chromatography on beaded DEAE cellulose with covalently bound Reactive Blue-2 ("Blue" DEAE cellulose). The method yields antibodies of 80-90% purity, free from protease activity.