Comparison of Physicochemical, Mechanical, and (Micro-)Biological Properties of Sintered Scaffolds Based on Natural- and Synthetic Hydroxyapatite Supplemented with Selected Dopants.

The specific combinations of materials and dopants presented in this work have not been previously described. The main goal of the presented work was to prepare and compare the different properties of newly developed composite materials manufactured by sintering. The synthetic- (SHAP) or natural- (NHAP) hydroxyapatite serves as a matrix and was doped with: (i) organic: multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), fullerenes C60, (ii) inorganic: Cu nanowires. Research undertaken was aimed at seeking novel candidates for bone replacement biomaterials based on hydroxyapatite-the main inorganic component of bone, because bone reconstructive surgery is currently mostly carried out with the use of autografts; titanium or other non-hydroxyapatite -based materials. The physicomechanical properties of the developed biomaterials were tested by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dielectric Spectroscopy (BSD), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), as well as microhardness using Vickers method. The results showed that despite obtaining porous sinters. The highest microhardness was achieved for composite materials based on NHAP. Based on NMR spectroscopy, residue organic substances could be observed in NHAP composites, probably due to the organic structures that make up the tooth. Microbiology investigations showed that the selected samples exhibit bacteriostatic properties against Gram-positive reference bacterial strain S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228); however, the property was much less pronounced against Gram-negative reference strain E. coli (ATCC 25922). Both NHAP and SHAP, as well as their doped derivates, displayed in good general compatibility, with the exception of Cu-nanowire doped derivates.

[Assessment of the angle between puborectal muscles in women with and without stress urinary incontinence in three-dimensional sonograph]. / Ocena kata miedzy miesniami lonowo-odbytniczymi u kobiet z nietrzymaniem moczu i bez niego z zastosowaniem trójwymiarowej ultrasonografii.

UNLABELLED: Contemporary care of the woman, especially in the postmenopausal period is based not only on gynaecological periodic inspections, but also on the routine evaluation of the pelvis minorwith the ultrasound examination. Based on this examination we can manytimes initially diversify causes of wrong manifestations, so like, e.g., urinary incontinence, of social pathologies coming into existence in the result rolling within the pelvis minor. Urinary incontinence is a complaint which is changing the quality of life. Three-dimensional sonography (3D USG) supplies us more information than traditional two-dimensional sonography. It let us to make dynamic representation of examining structures and let us to observe them in any angle we need. The best way for sonographic examination of lower pelvis minor is translabial sonography, because it doesn't change mutual relationship of any parts in lower pelvic area, just like transrectal ortransvaginal probes can make. For good treatment of symptoms of urinary incontinence we have to perform not only functional examination of lower urinary tract, but also make very accurate rate of the static of female genital organs and pelvic floor. BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to rate the angle between both puborectal muscles measurements using translabial three-dimensional sonography in women with stress urinary incontinence without descension of the female genital tract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studied group included 100 patients who were examined with GE Kretz Voluson 730 (GE, Austria) scaner equipped 6-9 MHztranslabial probe. First group with stress urinary incontinence comprised 50 women in the mean age 56.22 (+/- 10.43) years old and the second without symptoms--50 women in the mean age 49.0 (+/- 13.22) years old. All cases of urinary stress incontinence in first group was confirm with urodynamic examination. Women in both groups were in similar body mass index, means (+/-SD): 26.88 (+/- 2.02) and 26.20 (+/- 4.14), respectively. Menopausal status in both groups was not statistically significant and aggregate 7.21 (+/- 8.71) in group of women with stress urinary incontinence and 4.70 (+/- 6.32) in group of women without symptoms. Means (+/- SD) quantity of deliveries was significantly higher in group of women with stress urinary incontinence than in control group and amount to 2.40 (+/- 1.03) and 1.56 (+/- 1.34), respectively. In all cases 3D USG coronal view of pelvic diaphragm was obtained and the angle between both puborectal muscles were measured. All women had about 200 ml urine in the bladder. RESULTS: Means (+/-SD) of this angle in these groups were 65.48 +/- 9.22 and 58.64 +/- 9.17 degrees, respectively. The differences between both groups in all measurements were statistically significant (p<0.0015). CONCLUSION: Stated during translabial three-dimensional ultrasound examination considerably different values of the angle between puborectal muscles at women with and without the urinary incontinence can be more helpful in a accurate diagnosing of the type of the urinary incontinence.

The Risk of Oral Cancer and the High Consumption of Thermally Processed Meat Containing Mutagenic and Carcinogenic Compounds.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified the consumption of heat-processed meat as a direct human carcinogen and the consumption of red meat as a probable carcinogen. Mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds present in meat dishes include, among others, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs). These compounds can cause the development of gastrointestinal cancer. Oral cancer is one of the world's research priorities due to the ever-increasing incidence rate. However, the effect of diet on oral cancer is still a poorly recognized issue. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the risk of oral cancer and dietary ingredients with a particular emphasis on red meat and thermally processed meat. This study was conducted among patients with oral cancer in 2022 and 2023. The shortened standardized Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a multivariate regression statistical analysis were used. The high consumption of red meat in general and thermally processed meat, especially smoked, fried, roasted and boiled, increases the risk of oral cavity cancer. Limiting the consumption of meat products and modifying the methods of preparing meat dishes may reduce exposure to carcinogenic compounds from the diet and thus reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.

[Ultrasonography in the diagnostics of reasons for the urinary incontinence at the postmenopausal woman. Part II--Three-dimensional ultrasonography]. / Ultrasonografia w diagnostyce przyczyn nietrzymania moczu u kobiet po menopauzie. Czesc II--Ultrasonografia trójwymiarowa.

In this article a new abilities of lower urinary tract diagnosis in three-dimensional sonography were shown. The examination's components, which allow us to estimate anatomical changes in patients with urinary incontinence were described.

[Clitoromegaly--treatment with the harmonic knife (case description)]. / Przerost lechtaczki--leczenie z zastosowaniem noza harmonicznego (opis przypadku).

Clitoromegaly, state when clitoris is non-physiologically large, most frequently occurs among patients with endocrine disorders (adrenal-genital syndrome, hormonally active tumors producing androgens, the use of anabolic steroids) or genetic. Less often the clitoromegaly is idiopathic of unknown etiology. There are no fixed standards for the size of organ, but it is assumed that not being in erect clitoris due to sexual arousal has a diameter of no more than 1/2 cm. To assess the size and shape of the clitoris can be used five Prader scale. However, it is most commonly used to assess the genitals of intersex. To the Clinic of Gynecology Oncology and Gynecology reported a 33 year old female patient because of escalating discomfort in sexual life. Patient associated her discomfort with her overly enlarged and painful clitoris preventing its proper coexistence. Gynecological survey found the correct size uterus and appendages. Vestibule of the vagina and the vagina of normal length and width. Larger and smaller labia developed properly. Clitoris increased to approximately 4x2 cm, not swollen, moving, with a uniform consistency. Except clitoromegaly in initial examination no abnormalities were found. Prior to surgery the patient has identified karyotype (46 XX) and has made designation of the levels of sex hormones and sonographic examination. In conducting these studies there was no answer found for the reason of clitoromegaly, there was the idiopathic overgrowth stated. Because of the pain during cohabitation associated with clitoromegaly, the patient was classified for reducing operation of this organ. For fear of the possibility of organ dysfunction, excessive bleeding and the appearance of postoperative adhesions abandoned classical surgical technique. It was decided to use in this operation, the harmonic knife. The use of harmonic knife allows avoiding introperative bleeding and precise, a partial reduction of the clitoris to the considered correct size without damaging of the organ structures. A month after surgery, the patient started having satisfying sex without feeling any pain and preserving proper function of the clitoris.

Vascular surgery study of the CGuard MicroNet-covered stent in patients with indication to carotid revascularization: POLGUARD.

BACKGROUND: In a recent randomized study, MicroNet-covered stent (CGuard) significantly reduced procedural and post-procedural cerebral embolism in relation to a single-layer CREST study carotid stent, but real-life clinical practice data are limited. The aim is to prospectively assess clinical outcomes of CGuard as a routine revascularization tool for patients with indication to carotid revascularization. METHODS: From April 2019 to November 2021, 204 elective patients (age 71.0±7.1years, 69.6% males, 21.7% symptomatic) were enrolled. RESULTS: Mean basal peak-systolic velocity was 251.41±91.85 cm/s with angiographic diameter stenosis 89.7±8.46%. About 34.4% lesions were severely calcified, 6.8% were angulated, and 4.4% showed significant access tortuosity. Access was femoral, with 100% protection device (filter) use. Two hundred and three lesions in 203 patients were treated (1 cross-over to surgery for lack of effective access, no cross-over to other devices); in most cases (66.9%) the stent was placed directly. For pre-dilated lesions, mean balloon diameter was 3.36±0.34mm. Mean nominal stent diameter was 7.64±0.5 mm; length was 37.19±4.5 mm. All stents were post-dilated (balloon diameter 5.2±0.25 mm). Residual stenosis was <30% in all (3.77±6.91%). By discharge, there were 2 minor strokes (0.9%) and one transient ischemic attack. By 30-days, one other minor stroke occurred in relation to de-novo atrial fibrillation. With no deaths or myocardial infarctions, 30-day total death/stroke/myocardial infarction rate was 1.48%. No in-stent thrombosis or patency loss occurred by 30-days. In-stent peak-systolic velocity was 55.49±22.73 cm/s. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-day results from POLGUARD study indicate safety and a low complication rate of the MicroNet-covered carotid stent use in every-day vascular surgery practice of carotid revascularization. Long-term observation is underway.

Electrospun fiber-based micro- and nano-system for delivery of high concentrated quercetin to cancer cells.

The anticancer potential of quercetin (Q), a plant-derived flavonoid, and underlining molecular mechanisms are widely documented in cellular models in vitro. However, biomedical applications of Q are limited due to its low bioavailability and hydrophilicity. In the present study, the electrospinning approach was used to obtain polylactide (PLA) and PLA and polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based micro- and nanofibers containing Q, namely PLA/Q and PLA/PEO/Q, respectively, in a form of non-woven fabrics. The structure and physico-chemical properties of Q-loaded fibers were characterized by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy (SEM and AFM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), goniometry and FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The anticancer action of PLA/Q and PLA/PEO/Q was revealed using two types of cancer and nine cell lines, namely osteosarcoma (MG-63, U-2 OS, SaOS-2 cells) and breast cancer (SK-BR-3, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, Hs 578T, and BT-20 cells). The anticancer activity of Q-loaded fibers was more pronounced than the action of free Q. PLA/Q and PLA/PEO/Q promoted cell cycle arrest, oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death that was not overcome by heat shock protein (HSP)-mediated adaptive response. PLA/Q and PLA/PEO/Q were biocompatible and safe, as judged by in vitro testing using normal fibroblasts. We postulate that PLA/Q and PLA/PEO/Q with Q releasing activity can be considered as a novel and more efficient micro- and nano-system to deliver Q and eliminate phenotypically different cancer cells.

[Sonographic evaluation of the levator ani muscle in women with stress urinary incontinence]. / Ultrasonograficzna ocena miesnia dzwigacza odbytu u kobiet z wysilkowym nietrzymaniem moczu.

UNLABELLED: Three-dimensional sonography has been used for about 15 years, not only to examine the female genital organs, but also the lower urinary tract and pelvic floor. Three-dimensional sonography offers more information than traditional two-dimensional sonography allowing for a dynamic representation of the examined structures and observation at any angle necessary. Translabial sonography is the best way of a sonographic examination of the lower urinary tract, because it does not affect the mutual relationship of any parts in the lower pelvic area, contrary to the transrectal or transvaginal probes. In order to establish proper treatment of the urinary incontinence symptoms, not only a functional examination of the lower urinary tract, but also a very accurate assessment of the statics of the female genital organs and pelvic floor need to be performed. BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to rate the area and diameters of the limbs of the levator ani muscle using a three-dimensional (3D) translabial sonography in women with stress urinary incontinence without the female genital tract prolapse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 100 patients who were examined with the GE Kretz Voluson 730 (GE, Austria), equipped with 6-9 MHz translabial probe. The first group with stress urinary incontinence consisted of 50 women (mean age 56.22 (+/- 10.43) years) and the second group included 50 women without symptoms (mean age 49.40 (+/- 13.22) years). All cases of urinary stress incontinence in the first group were confirm by means of a urodynamic examination. Women in both groups had similar body weight (kilograms), mean (+/- SD): 26.88 (+/- 2.02) and 26.20 (+/- 4,14), respectively. Menopausal status in both groups was not statistically significant and amounted to 7.21 (+/- 8.71) in the group of women with stress urinary incontinence and 4.70 (+/- 6.32) in the group without symptoms. Mean (+/- SD) number of deliveries was significantly higher in the group of women with stress urinary incontinence than in the control group (2.40 (+/- 1.03) and 1.56 (+/- 1.34), respectively). In all cases 3D coronal view of the pelvic diaphragm was obtained and the area and thickness of limbs of the levator ani muscle were measured. All women had about 200 ml urine in the bladder. RESULTS: The results are presented as means +/- SD. Mean measurements of this area in both groups were 8.54 +/- 1.62 cm2 and 10.57 +/- 1.29 cm2, respectively. Mean thickness of the limbs in the groups were: 8.72 +/- 0.64mm and 10.85 +/- 0.89mm on the left side and 8.85 +/- 0.67mm and 10.89 +/- 0.87mm on right side, respectively. The differences between both groups in all measurements were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There are some differences involving measurements of the thickness and the area of the limbs of the levator ani muscle in women with and without stress urinary incontinence and without the genital tract prolapse in both groups. The observed differences could have implications in physiotherapy of the pelvic floor muscles in women without statics abnormalities.

[Ultrasonography in the diagnostics of reasons for the urinary incontinence at the postmenopausal woman. Part I--Two-dimensional ultrasonography]. / Ultrasonografia w diagnostyce przyczyn nietrzymania moczu u kobiet po menopauzie. Czesc I--Ultrasonografia dwuwymiarowa.

This article presents suitability of two-dimensional sonography in lower urinary tract diagnostics. Examination components, allowing for a detailed evaluation of anatomical changes in patients with urinary incontinence, were described.

[Urgent urinary incontinence--preliminary diagnostics and pharmacological treatment]. / Naglace nietrzymanie moczu--wstepna diagnostyka i leczenie farmakologiczne.

In this paper authors describe classification, preliminary diagnosis of urinary incontinence. They also show ways of pharmacological therapy and kinds of available medicines, which are administer in treatment of women with urinary incontinence symptoms of neurologic descent and overactive bladder.

[Treatment of cervical pregnancy with systemic methotrexate and KCI solution injection into the gestational sac--case report and review of literature]. / Leczenie ciqzy szyjkowej przy pomocy metotreksatu oraz wstrzykn iqcia roztworu KCl do pecherzyka ciazowego --opis przypadku i1 przeglad pismiennictwa.

We report a case of a 6-week cervical pregnancy successfully treated with systemic methotrexate and gestational sac biopsy with 15%-calcium chloride solution injection. Serial monitoring of human chorionic gonadotropin levels, combined with ultrasound examinations, confirmed spontaneous miscarriage. Applied treatment allowed to avoid hysterectomy and preserve the patient's fertility.

Composite Nanofibers Containing Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes as Biodegradable Membranes in Reconstructive Medicine.

We have tested titanium (Ti) plates that are used for bone reconstruction in maxillofacial surgery, in combination with five types of novel long-resorbable biomaterials: (i) PCL0-polycaprolactone without additives, (ii) PCLMWCNT-polycaprolactone with the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), (iii) PCLOH-polycaprolactone doped with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) containing ⁻OH hydroxyl groups, (iv) PCLCOOH-polycaprolactone with the addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) containing carboxyl groups, and (v) PCLTI-polycaprolactone with the addition of Ti nanoparticles. The structure and properties of the obtained materials have been examined with the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and/or X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Titanium BR plates have been covered with: (i) PCL0 fibers (PCL0BR-connection plates), (ii) PCLMWCNT fibers (PCLMWCNTBR-plates), (iii) PCLOH fibers (PCLOHBR-plates), (iv) PCLCOOH (PCLCOOHBR-plates), (v) PCLTI fiber (PCLTIBR-connection plates). Such modified titanium plates were exposed to X-ray doses corresponding to those applied in head and neck tumor treatment. The potential leaching of toxic materials upon the irradiation of such modified titanium plates, and their effect on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) have been assessed by MTT assay. The presented results show variable biological responses depending on the modifications to titanium plates.

Decreased lactoferrin levels in peritoneal fluid of women with minimal endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate for the presence of lactoferrin (LTF) in peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with and without endometriosis. PATIENTS: Seventy-eight women were studied, including 49 women with endometriosis and, as a reference group, 29 patients with functional follicle ovarian cysts. RESULTS: Lactoferrin levels were detectable in all peritoneal fluid samples. Women with minimal endometriosis had lower PF lactoferrin concentrations compared to both patients with high revised American Fertility Society classification scores and women with follicle ovarian cysts. No significant difference in the peritoneal LTF levels was found between patients with stage II endometriosis, stage III or IV endometriotic disease and women with functional cysts of ovaries. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to its antibacterial properties lactoferrin is probably an important defense factor in the peritoneal cavity, however its role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains enigmatic.

[Ferritin levels in the peritoneal fluid--a new endometriosis marker?]. / Poziom ferrytyny w plynie otrzewnowym--nowy marker endometriozy?

UNLABELLED: Accumulating data suggests that iron homeostasis in the peritoneal cavity may be disrupted by endometriosis. Increased iron metabolism induce proinflammatory and prooxidative environment in the peritoneal fluid (PF), thus may be involved in the pathogenesis of the endometriotic disease. Ferritin, a protein consisting of 24 subunits, may represent 25% of the total iron found in the organism. The aim of the study was to estimate the levels of ferritin in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty women were studied, including 15 patients with minimal/ mild endometriosis, 15 patients with moderate/ severe stage of the disease and 10 women without the disease. Ferritin concentrations were measured in the PF using a commercially available ELISA kit. RESULTS: Ferritin levels were significantly higher in PF from both women with stages I/II (p=0.003) and III/IV (p=0.0007) endometriosis as compared to the reference group. No significant difference in the PF ferritin levels was found between women with stages I/II and stages III/IV endometriotic disease (p=0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Increased ferritin levels, observed in peritoneal fluid, may reflect disrupted iron metabolism in the peritoneal cavity of endometriosis women.

Effect of cholecalciferol on the anticonvulsant action of some second generation antiepileptic drugs in the mouse model of maximal electroshock.

BACKGROUND: From a theoretical point of view, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) as a precursor of calcitriol, a representative of secosteroids, may have neuroprotective properties and affect seizure phenomena. METHODS: In the present study, interactions between cholecalciferol and three second generation antiepileptic drugs (oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, and topiramate) were studied in the maximal electroshock test in mice. Effects of drugs on motor coordination, long-term memory and explorative behavior of animals were evaluated in the chimney test, passive-avoidance task and plus-maze test, respectively. RESULTS: Cholecalciferol applied ip at doses of 37.5-75µg/kg significantly raised the electroconvulsive threshold. Cholecalciferol, administered at the subthreshold dose of 18.75µg, potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine, but did not change their brain concentrations, therefore the revealed interactions seem to be pharmacodynamic. Furthermore, the action of cholecalciferol was not dependent on its conversion to calcitriol. The anticonvulsant effect of topiramate was enhanced by cholecalciferol applied at the higher dose of 37.5µg/kg, at which it also increased the brain level of topiramate. As regards adverse effects, cholecalciferol, antiepileptic drugs, and their combinations did not significantly impair motor coordination or long-term memory in mice. Moreover, cholecalciferol did not show either anxiolytic or anxiogenic properties. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that cholecalciferol has not only its own anticonvulsant action but also enhances efficacy of certain antiepileptic drugs, at least in experimental conditions.

[The diagnostic and therapeutic management of pregnant women with neoplasms of the reproductive organs]. / Nowotwory narzadu plciowego u kobiet ciezarnych w materiale i Kliniki Ginekologii Operacyjnej AM w Lublinie.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the way of diagnostic and therapeutic management in case of neoplasm of the reproductive organ in pregnant women treated in the I Clinic of the Operative Gynaecology in Lublin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the years 1990-2000 in the I Clinic of the Operative Gynaecology in Lublin, 3556 operations were performed. In 9 cases the operations were carried out because of the neoplasm of the reproductive organ diagnosed in the course of pregnancy. In 8 cases, pregnant women with tumors in the pelvis minor were operated on and in 6 cases benign ovary neoplasms were stated. RESULTS: In one patient, extraperitoneal tumor coming out from the region of the sacral bone was diagnosed. In one case the patient in the 16th week of pregnancy was operated on and she had 10 cm in diameter myoma enucleated. The myoma was localized on the anterior uterus wall. In patient in the 33rd week of pregnancy with the diagnosed cervical carcinoma of the 2nd degree, diagnosed on the basis of histopathological examination, Caesarean section and Meigs operation were performed. In all operated patients tocolysis was employed. In one case there was a miscarriage in the 16th week of pregnancy following the myoma enucleation. The postoperative course in the remaining women was uncomplicated and pregnancies ended with the delivery of healthy infant. CONCLUSIONS: The most common neoplasms occurring in pregnancy are simple ovarian cysts and uterine myomas. Among malignant changes sporadically ovarian and cervical carcinomas are met. Although tumors of the reproductive organ in pregnant women are quite rarely met, the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties reveal the necessity of the though differential diagnosis and accurate establishment of indications for the operation.

[The dually perfused human placenta by Schneider method modified by Miller. I. Changes of arterial and venous pH in material and fetal blood]. / Badania nad metodyczna wartoscia dwustronnej perfuzji zrazika lozyska ludzkiego in vitro sposobem Schneidera w modyfikacji Millera. I. Ocena wartosci pH plynu perfuzyjnego w krazeniu tetniczym i zylnym ukladu plodowego oraz matczynego.

The study was carried out on 7 human placental cotyledons. Placental perfusions performed by Schneider method modified by Miller were conducted for 180 min. Assessment of arterial and venous pH in maternal and fetal blood was performed. There were no statistically significant differences between obtained parameters throughout the experiment. The results of this study point to the conclusion that the method can be used for assessment of other perfusion liquid parameters and introduced to subsequent experiments.