Navigation-supported and sonographically-controlled fine-needle puncture in soft tissues of the neck.

In surgery, sonography has been a well-accepted means of orientation for years. The immediate vicinity of many vital structures in the head and neck region calls for a very exact visualization of the surgical instrument in the 2-D ultrasonic picture. We report on the development of a new method for navigation-supported and sonographically-controlled fine-needle puncture in soft tissues of the neck. Our system comprises a navigated ultrasound probe, a navigated fine-puncture needle and a coordinate sensor. A personal computer with specially-developed software assists calibration and surgical application. The applicability test for the system is described. In vitro, a model lymph node of 9 mm in diameter had been hit. It is shown that the target structure can be aimed at very precisely by the navigated puncture needle. An accuracy of 97% and a specificity of 99% could be demonstrated. The development of a very precise and easy-to-handle method for navigation-supported fine-needle puncture in the neck region is presented. The outstanding advantage of this method is that no rigid reference gadget fixed to the patient's body is necessary. That makes this method very suitable for surgery in the neck region. Contrary to other sonographically-supported navigation methods in the head and neck region, preoperative imaging (CT or MRT) is dispensable.

[Navigation-assisted sonography for soft tissues in the head and neck region]. / Navigationsunterstützte Weichteilsonographie für den Kopf-Hals-Bereich.

BACKGROUND: In soft tissue surgery of the head and neck region tissue shifts limit the usefulness of conventional CT/MRI-based navigation procedures. Furthermore, changes caused by invasive measures cannot be visualized. METHODS: A novel navigation device for sonography of soft tissues was developed. This consists of a navigated ultrasound scanner, a navigated surgical instrument, and a personal computer with custom-made software. Its use makes an additional visualization by means of CT or MRI dispensable. RESULTS: The system deviation (three-dimensional error) of this newly developed prototype was less than 1 mm. The practical application in a model setup showed good handling properties of the system. Orientation and approach of the surgical instrument to the sonographically visualized target structure were rapid and accurate. CONCLUSION: This new navigation system does not require additional CT or MRI images. The navigated ultrasound probe shows tissue changes in real time. This navigation system is especially suitable for invasive procedures in soft tissues.

Absorption of proinflammatory cytokines from inflamed porcine uterus into the uterine venous blood--preliminary data.

The aim of the present study was to estimate the absorption of 125I-labeled proinflammatory cytokines--interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) from inflamed porcine uterus into the uterine venous blood. Moreover, in order to test the hypothesis that the above cytokines penetrate directly into ovaries and oviduct via local destination transfer in the area of the ovarian vascular pedicle and bypassing the systemic circulation, the concentration of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in ovarian and oviductal tissues was also studied. These cytokine concentrations were also estimated in the ovarian venous blood. IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha from both control and inflamed uteri were absorbed into the uterine venous blood, but it was higher (P < 0.05-0.001) from the pathologically changed uteri. The uterine tissues, particularly the endometrium, of both control and inflamed uteri retained all studied cytokines, but to a higher degree (P < 0.001) in the inflamed uteri. Injections of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha into the control and inflammatory changed uteri produced the presence of these proteins in the ovary and oviduct. However, the concentrations of IL-1beta and IL-6 in the ovarian and oviductal tissues was low after injections of control and inflamed uteri with these cytokines. In turn, administration of TNF-alpha into the inflammatory changed uteri lead to an enhancement in the concentration of this cytokine in the ovarian parenchyma (P < 0.05) and oviduct (P < 0.001). All studied cytokines were found in the ovarian venous blood after their injection into both control and inflamed uteri, which indicated its local destination transfer to the ovary. However, the concentration of cytokines increased (P <0.05-0.001) in the gilts with pathologically changed uteri as compared to controls. The study showed that both control and inflamed porcine uteri absorbed IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha into the uterine venous blood, but the values of absorbed cytokines from inflamed uteri were higher. Moreover, the quantity and the manner of the studied cytokineS absorption into the uterine venous blood differed.

Immuno-endocrine mechanisms connected with the creation of corpora lutea persistent in animal ovaries.

Factors which induce the corpus luteum persistent (CLP) creation in animal ovaries are located in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and also in the uterus. In cows and likewise in others animals, various mediators of inflammatory reaction are released, mainly proinflammatory cytokines from inflamed uterus into the blood and lymph. Afterwards the cytokines cross the blood-brain barrier, and though the brain mediators alter the hormonal profile and amplitude pulses of the hormones release in the hypothalamus and the pituitary. Until it is known, that cytokines: IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha and also IFN-alpha, administered into the median eminence, cause an increase in corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations and decrease in the pituitary gland hormones secretion. The immune system, represented in the corpora lutea (CL) by numerous macrophages/monocytes, limphocytes and neutrophils plays an important role in the luteolysis process. The stimulating factor of the infiltration of these cells is an increased PRL level. The preovulatory increase in PRL level regulates the number of macrophages in newly-formed CL and later influences the number of these cells in the luteolysis period. The pulsatory release and high levels of the hypophyseal oxytocin (OT) and uterine PGF2alpha ensure the beginning and the normal course of the luteolysis period. The cytokines decrease OT concentration and disorder its pulsatory release from the pituitary. In these circumstances the quantity of the uterine PGF2alpha reaching ovaries, is insufficient to begin luteolysis. In the inflamed uterus, the elevation of PGE2 and PGI2 synthesis takes place. Both prostaglandins cause smooth uterine muscles relaxation and the dilatation of blood and lymph vessels in this organ. In these conditions, the blood and lymph outflow from the uterus is several times slower than in the control animals. The secretion of P4 and E2 from CLP, in comparison with control animals, is significantly lower. Decreased P4 concentration during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle, and E2 in the initiation of the luteolysis period, may cause the insufficient preparation of the endometrium for hypophyseal OT activity. Finally, we can assume that the creation of the CLP in the animal ovary is an exceptionally complex and not yet fully understood process.

The effect of intrauterine infusion of inflammation-provoking factors on proinflammatory cytokines and hormones in rat peripheral blood.

The aim of the study was to determine, using the rat model, whether uterine infections cause an increase in cytokine concentrations in peripheral blood, and whether this increase is accompanied by changes in the pituitary-ovarian axis function. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, progesterone, testosterone and estradiol-17beta in blood plasma as well as the weight of the uterus were determined after intrauterine infusion of lipopolysaccharide (15 microg), peptidoglycan (1 mg) and Escherichia coli (10(6) cfu) suspension on the day of metaestrus. On days 3, 7 and 10 after treatment the rats were sacrificed to collect the blood samples. Inflammation of uterus and vaginal discharge developed in all rats after treatment. The administration of lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and Escherichia coli induced considerable changes in ovarian cyclic activity, mainly diestrus was observed. Application of all these factors resulted in an increase (P<0.05, P<0.01) of plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, mainly on day 3 and 7. In the rats receiving pathological factors, the plasma levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin and estradiol-17beta decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) whereas progesterone and testosterone increased (P<0.05). These results indicate that in rats, the developing inflammatory process of the uterus following lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan and Escherichia coli infusions is connected with an increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta concentrations in peripheral blood, and is accompanied by changes in the pituitary-ovarian axis function.

The cannulation of the caudal caval vein through the femoral vein in the pig for endocrine research.

The present study was designed to examine the usefulness of cannulation of the caudal caval vein through the femoral vein for the measurement of hormone concentrations in the reproductive tract in the pig. The experiment was performed on sexually pubertal gilts (Polish Large White x Polish Landrace) of a similar age (7-8 months) and body mass (100-110 kg) after two controlled subsequent estrous cycles. Six gilts in the luteal phase (10th day) of the estrous cycle were used in this experiment. The animals were subjected to a surgical procedure which included:--premedication (Combelen, i.m. 1 ml/10 kg of body mass) and than after 20-30 min general anaesthesia (Vetbutal, i.v., dose 30-40 ml) according to body mass and the symptoms observed,--insertion of cannulas (o.d. 2.2 and i.d. 1.8 mm)--one into the jugular vein and the other into the caudal caval vein through the femoral vein. In several gilts the cannulas were inserted into the caudal caval vein to a depth of 14, 18, 20, 23, 25 and 30 cm from the femoral ring. The concentrations of progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) were analysed in samples of blood plasma from the jugular and caudal caval veins by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The largest differences in hormone concentrations between the jugular and caudal caval veins were ascertained when a cannula was inserted into the caudal caval vein to a depth of 20 cm from the femoral ring. In other cases the differences were less prominent, or no differences were observed (e.g. 14 cm for progesterone and testosterone or 18 cm for testosterone).

Hormonal profile and morphological changes in pig ovaries after intraovarian infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin.

The purpose of this study was to estimate morphological changes in the ovary and size of the production of steroid hormones during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle in pigs after intraovarian infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin. Polish Large White gilts (n = 15) of similar age (7-8 months) and body weight (90-110 kg) with two controlled subsequent estrous cycles were used. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: control (n = 9, the 10th day of the estrous cycle,) and treated with Escherichia coli endotoxin (n = 6, the same day of the estrous cycle). The gilts were infused with Escherichia coli endotoxin at a dose of 1 mg three times a day during six consecutive days, from the 14th to the 19th day of the estrous cycle. Plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4), androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), estrone (E1) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) were determined by radioimmunoassay method. Infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the production of P4, A4, T, E1 and E2 in the luteal phase as compared with the levels found in the control animals. Plasma level of P4, A4 and T was decreased by 84.6%, 86.0% and 73.0%, respectively. Plasma concentrations of E1 and E2 in some cases exceeded 5 pg/ml, nevertheless in the majority of the samples they were under sensitivity of the method. Escherichia coli endotoxin infusions resulted in a considerable decrease in the size of the ovaries, and morphological changes characteristic for acute and chronic inflammation were observed.

Effect of the gonadotrophins treatment on morphological alterations in ovary and peripheral plasma concentrations of steroid hormones in gilts.

The present study was designed to examine the influence of gonadotrophins treatment on the ovarian morphology changes and plasma concentrations of steroid hormones in peripheral blood. The experiment was performed on sexually pubertal gilts (Large White x Landrace) of similar age (7-8 months) and body mass (100-110 kg) with two controlled subsequent estrous cycles. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: two control consisting of pigs with the luteal phase (n = 9, the 10th day of the estrous cycle) and the follicular phase (n = 6, the 20th day of the estrous cycle) and two experimental ones consisting of animals with both mentioned periods (n = 7 and n = 9) treated with gonadotrophins (PMSG and hCG). The gilts in the luteal phase were injected (s.c.) with gonadotrophins at a daily dose of PMSG 400 and hCG 200 IU from the 16th to the 27th day (the 6th day of the next estrous cycle). The gilts in the follicular phase, were injected with the same dose of gonadotrophins but from the 8th to the 19th day of the estrous cycle. Plasma concentrations of P4, A4, T, E1, E2 and metabolite of PGF2 alpha-PGFM were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. Injections of PMSG and hCG in both experimental groups produced several times enlarged: weight, size and volume of ovaries and alterations in a number of structural elements as compared with those found in the control animals. The morphological elements presented in ovaries: corpora haemorrhagica, corpora lutea, regular and atretic follicles and first of all cysts by distinctly differentiation thickness of the walls are characteristic for cystic ovarian degeneration. Plasma concentrations all determined hormones after gonadotrophins treatment in experimental groups were increased except E1 (insignificant decrease) in luteal phase as compared with those found in the control groups. Statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) in plasma concentrations of P4, A4, and T in both experimental groups and E2 (p < 0.001) in luteal phase were noted. In peripheral plasma concentrations increase of E1 and E2 in follicular phase of the estrous cycle were insignificant.

Immunoreactivity of iNOS in porcine uterus after infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the porcine uterus after infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). In the group I (treated; n=6), 1 mg of LPS was infused into both the left and right uterine horn starting from the 4th to the 10th day of the estrous cycle, twice a day. In the group II (control; n=6), saline was infused into the uterus. The uterine horns were collected on the 14th day of the estrous cycle. Cryostat sections from the paraformaldehyde fixed tissues were stained immunohistochemically to estimate the distribution of iNOS. The luminal and glandular epithelium was stained more intensely for iNOS in the LPS-treated gilts than in the control animals. After LPS infusions, iNOS staining in vascular endothelial cells was also more intense than that observed in the controls. The present study has revealed that infusions of LPS into the porcine uterus result in an increase in the intensity of iNOS staining in some structures of this organ and supports our earlier data that NO can mediate an inflammatory effect of LPS in the uterus.

[Euthanasia as a form of extermination applied by Germans in concentration camps during the World War II]. / Eutanazja jako forma eksterminacji stosowana przez Niemcow w obozach zaglady w czasie II wojny swiatowej.

Fighting for the "pure" German nation during the World War II Nazis used euthanasia for killing mentally ill and disabled persons - the action known under the cryptonim T-4. Throughout Poland under the German occupation during euthanasia action Nazis killed many patients of mental hospitals. The euthanasia in concentration camps - the action of murdering ill inmates - was called 14f13. In the Auschwitz concentration camp thousands were murdered in gas chambers. The Nazis aimed at getting rid of disabled and mentally diseased people. Euthanasia was to serve the Nazi ideology.

[SS physician Johann Paul Kremer]. / Johann Paul Kremer - lekarz SS.

SS-Obersturmfuhrer Johann Paul Kremer (professor of anatomy of Munster University) in Auschwitz camp tested upon human bodies result in starvation. He carried out researches concerning liver illness (braune Atrophie). He had been a SS in Auschwitz since 30th August till 18th November 1942. During a process of Auschwitz-Birkenau SS crew he was sentenced to death 22nd December 1947 by National Tribunal in Cracow. Verdict was changed by The President of Polish Republic for life-annuity. Verdict revision in 1960 sentenced him for 10 years of prison. He died in 60's.

The concentration of GnRH in hypothalamus, LH and FSH in pituitary, LH, PRL and sex steroids in peripheral and ovarian venous plasma of hypo- and hyperthyroid, cysts-bearing gilts.

The aim of this work was to investigate the hormonal pattern in hypo- and hyperthyroid gilts with experimentally induced cystic ovarian disease (COD). A total of 70 adult, nulliparous gilts divided into six groups were used for the experiment. Group I was euthyroid and control. Group II was made hypothyroid by oral administration of methylthiouracyl for 24 days. Group III represented euthyroid gilts injected with gonadotropins (PMSG and hCG). Group IV consisted of hypothyroid gilts injected with gonadotropins. Group V was treated with L-thyroxine for 24 days and Group VI with thyroxine and with gonadotropins for the last 10 days of the test. The treatment of all groups was terminated on the 4th-5th day of the next estrous cycle. The peripheral blood of the gilts was collected on Day 0, and on Day 24. On the 25th day the gilts were laparotomized and cannulas were inserted into utero-ovarian veins of each ovary for blood collection. Simultaneously, peripheral blood samples were collected during 1 to 3 consecutive days. The animals were then slaughtered and the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries were frozen and preserved for further analyses. In hypothalamic tissue the content of GnRH: in the pituitary the concentration of LH and FSH; and in peripheral and ovarian blood plasma the level of LH, PRL, E1, P4, A4, T and cortisol (Cl) were estimated by RIA procedure. The level of GnRH in the hypothalamus, and LH and FSH in the pituitary showed a tendency to parallel with thyroid function which may indicate a role of this gland in their production or secretion. In hypothyroid animals an increase of LH and PRL and a slight decrease of secretory function of the ovaries were noted. Injections of gonadotropins in euthyroid or hypo- and hyperthyroid gilts intensified the function of the ovaries, which was manifested by numerous follicular cysts and corpora lutea. The hormonal milieu of gilts from these groups showed a low level of LH, PRL and an increased content of sex steroids in peripheral and ovarian blood. The ovarian steroidogenesis of cyst-bearing gilts was disturbed, which was indicated by an increased level of E1, P4, A4, T, and Cl, but a low level of E2. These disturbances in steroidogenesis in cystic gilts may be caused by a deficiency in LH secretion as the consequence of the pituitary gonadotropin suppression by the used gonadotropins. The steroid hormone pattern of cyst-bearing gilts strongly resembles the endocrine profile noted in polycystic ovarian disease in women.

Beta-adrenergic receptors in corpora lutea from different stages of the estrous cycle in conscious and slaughtered cattle.

The overall objective of this study was to determine the pattern of beta-adrenergic receptors in bovine luteal membranes obtained from slaughtered and from conscious cattle on different days of the estrous cycle. Two approaches were used with respect to the CL collection. In the first approach, CL (n = 20) were obtained from animals slaughtered in a local abattoir. The day of the estrous cycle was estimated based on the morphology of luteal tissue and follicles present. Using 3H-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA) as a ligand, we were unable to find specific binding in any of the tissues examined. Therefore, for the second approach we decided to collect CL from mature heifers or cows under local anesthesia on Days 4 (n = 15), 8 (n = 7), 12 (n = 6), and 16 (n = 3) of the estrous cycle by means of colpotomy or by lumbar incision. This procedure was chosen to reduce the influence of stress factors before CL collection. In these samples, specific beta-adrenergic binding sites were found and they varied during the estrous cycle. Maximal binding (Bmax; fmol/mg of protein) was highest on Day 4 (178.3 +/- 15.2); it then decreased significantly (73.2 +/- 14.7, 40.1 +/- 5.5, 10.8 +/- 0.8) on Days 8, 12, and 16, respectively. The dissociation constant (Kd; nM), which followed the same pattern, was 52.0 +/- 14.4, 16.3 +/- 3.9, 14.9 +/- 3.2, and 7.6 +/- 4.0) on the same days, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of L-tryptophane on yield of field bean and activity of soil microorganisms.

The pot trial was performed to study the effect of L-tryptophane (as an auxin precursor) applied in the amount 0.3 and 3.0 mg per 1 kg of the soil on yield and the chemical composition of field bean. The effects of this compound on dehydrogenases activity in the cells Rhizobium leguminosarum isolated from root nodules, soil dehydrogenases activity and number of microorganisms from different systematic or physiological groups were also studied. The effects of L-tryptophane were compared to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) after application to soil in the rate 0.2 mg per 1 kg of the soil of foliar spraying in the rate 20 mg Din 1 dm3 of distilled water. Studies were carried out in three experimental series: without microorganisms or with addition of Azotobacter sp. or Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar. viciae to the soil. It was found that L-tryptophane and IAA did not affect the yield of above ground part and roots of field bean and their effects on macronutrients concentration were not direct and dependent on the nutrient and experimental series. L-tryptophane and auxine increased the dehydrogenases activity in the cells of Rhizobium leguminosarum isolated from root nodules and the effect on the activity of soil dehydrogenases and urease was dependent on the rate of L-tryptophane. This chemical adversely affected the numbers of some microorganisms groups.

Investigations of the course of post-partum period in the merino Polish sheep. IV. Shifts in the intercaruncular regions of uterus (observation in light microscope--LM and in scanning electron microscope--SEM).

Studies on the intercaruncular regions of uterus were carried out on 34 ewes on Days 1-78 of the post-partum period to determine the approximate date of ending post-partum changes and the appearance of morphological sings interrelated with the ovarian cycle phases. It was demonstrated that in sheep the remodelling of endometrium relief lasted until Day 12 of post-partum (p.p.) and at the same time destruction changes in the superficial and glandular epithelium, as well as in the uterine stroma ended. At first, changes in the myometrium (around Day 6--in the longitudinal layer and on Day 10--in the circular layer) were finished. After Day 12 p.p. there was a number of morphological signs indicating the relationship between the ovarian cycle phase and changes in the endometrium of intercaruncular regions of the uterus. At the same time, the role of stromal leucocytes and certain hormones in processes of the involution of uterus was discussed.

[Studies of the course of the postpartum period in sheep of the Polish Merino breed. III. Progesterone level in the peripheral blood 1-40 days after labor]. / Badania nad przebiegiem okresu poporodowego u owiec rasy merynos polski. III. Poziom progesteronu we krwi obwodowej w dniach od 1 do 40 po porodzie.

Progesterone concentration was determined by RIA in 24 ewes of Polish Merino Breed on 1-40th day after parturition. In most of the studied ewes (58%) 1-3 luteal phases were observed. Elevated concentration of progesterone appeared on days 6-15, but in most cases on the 20th day postpartum approximately. Luteal phases of first oestrous cycles were shortened and lasted approximately 6 days, whereas normal length of oestrous cycles and progesterone concentration illustrating the presence of cyclic corpus luteum were observed on the 25th day after postpartum.

[Studies of the course of the puerperal period in selected group of Polish Merino sheep. II. Clinical observations of the genital organs]. / Badania nad przebiegiem okresu poporodowego u wybranej grupy owiec rasy merynos polski. II. Obserwacje kliniczne narzadu plciowego.

Studies were carried out on 33 Polish Merino sheep. They concerned macro-morphological changes in the sexual organs during the postpartum period. Observations were made from the first to the 41st day postpartum. Changes in the sexual organs were described, as follows: skin swelling and colouring around perineum and vulvar lips, shape and size of the vaginal part of the uterine cervix, colour of the mucosa in the vaginal part of the uterine cervix, degree of opening of the external orifice of the uterine cervix, amount, consistency and colour of the postpartum discharges and uterine mucus. Observations revealed that in the examined group of ewes of the Polish Merino sheep the genital tracts became totally clean of the postpartum discharges, the mucosa of the vaginal part of the uterine cervix and of the vagina regained its normal colour by the 21st day of postpartum. The external orifice of the uterine cervix and the cervical canal also closed completely by this time. On the other hand, changes as to the shape and size of the vaginal part of the uterine cervix persisted as long as 33 days postpartum.

[Studies of the course of the postpartum period in Polish Merino sheep.I. Macromorphological studies of the ovary and uterus]. / Badania nad przebiegiem okresu poporodowego u owiec rasy merynos polski. I. Obserwacje makromorfologiczne jajnika i macicy.

The aim of the conducted research was to establish postpartum oestrous cycles and approximate data for mating Polish Merino sheep. 34 sheep were examined. During sheep laparotomy observations of ovaries and uterus were made on definite days of the postpartum period (1-78). It was stated that after about one-week of postpartum inactivity, the growth and development of follicles occurred in ovaries. First ovulations were noticed from the 15th to 18th day of postpartum, while processes connected with uterus involution were not completed. From the 14th to 18th day of postpartum, casting off of pregnant tissues from caruncules' surfaces into uterus cavity occurred. In the majority of sheep, regeneration of caruncules and purification of uterus cavity were completed by the 30th day of postpartum. The observed compatibility of the phases of ovary cycle with macromorphologically determined functional state of uterus after 30 days of postpartum, in the majority of tested sheep, suggests possibility of successful mating of Polish Merino sheep.