Tracking changes in rhodium nanoparticles in the environment, including their mobility and bioavailability in soil.

The goals of the undertaken studies included assessment of the mobility of Rh nanoparticles (Rh NPs) and ionic forms (Rh(III)) in soil, optimization of the digestion procedure of environmental samples containing Rh NPs, and comparison of Rh NPs and Rh(III) uptake and bioaccumulation by hydroponically cultivated plants. Mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP MS) was used to determine the total content of Rh in solutions obtained after the processes of digestion and extraction. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) supported the investigation of Rh NPs decomposition and proved the presence of uptaken nano forms in plant tissues. Adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) allowed to distinguish ionic and metallic forms of Rh, based on the fact that Rh NPs are electrochemically inactive. A two-step digestion procedure with H2SO4 and HNO3 was proposed for efficient decomposition of Rh NPs. Based on single extractions with selected extractants, it was found that independently of its chemical form Rh is substantially immobilized in soil. The mobility of Rh(III) and Rh NPs was below 38% and 0.02%, and the accumulation factor in leaves equaled 0.2 and 4.4, respectively.

The development of marine biomaterial derived from decellularized squid mantle for potential application as tissue engineered urinary conduit.

Tissue engineering is focusing research effort on search for new biomaterials that might be applied to create artificial urinary conduit. Nevertheless, the demanding biomechanical characteristics necessary for proper conduit function is difficult to be replicated. In this study, we are introducing novel marine biomaterial obtained by decellularization of squid mantle derived from Loligo vulgaris. Squid mantles underwent decellularization according to developed dynamic flow two-staged procedure. Efficacy of the method was confirmed by computational dynamic flow analysis. Subsequently Decellularized Squid Mantle (DSM) underwent extensive histological analysis and mechanical evaluation. Based on gained biomechanical data the computational modelling using finite element method was utilized to simulate behavior of DSM used as a urinary conduit. Taking into account potential application in reconstructive urology, the DSM was then evaluated as a scaffold for urothelial and smooth muscle cells derived from porcine urinary bladder. Conducted analysis showed that DSM created favorable environment for cells growth. In addition, due to polarized structure and natural external polysaccharide layer, it protected seeded cells from urine.

Development of a conductive biocomposite combining graphene and amniotic membrane for replacement of the neuronal network of tissue-engineered urinary bladder.

Tissue engineering allows to combine biomaterials and seeded cells to experimentally replace urinary bladder wall. The normal bladder wall however, includes branched neuronal network propagating signals which regulate urine storage and voiding. In this study we introduced a novel biocomposite built from amniotic membrane (Am) and graphene which created interface between cells and external stimuli replacing neuronal network. Graphene layers were transferred without modifying Am surface. Applied method allowed to preserve the unique bioactive characteristic of Am. Tissue engineered constructs composed from biocomposite seeded with smooth muscle cells (SMC) derived from porcine detrusor and porcine urothelial cells (UC) were used to evaluate properties of developed biomaterial. The presence of graphene layer significantly increased electrical conductivity of biocomposite. UCs and SMCs showed an organized growth pattern on graphene covered surfaces. Electrical filed stimulation (EFS) applied in vitro led additionally to increased SMCs growth and linear arrangement. 3D printed chamber equipped with 3D printed graphene based electrodes was fabricated to deliver EFS and record pressure changes caused by contracting SMCs seeded biocomposite. Observed contractile response indicated on effective SMCs stimulation mediated by graphene layer which constituted efficient cell to biomaterial interface.

Hand anthropometry in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a case-control study with a matched control group of healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to perform anthropometrical measure- ments of patients' hands with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in order to evaluate if there is a correlation between CTS occurrence and hand features regarding sexual dimorphism, age and physical activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study sample consisted of 48 patients (33 females) and control group included 80 healthy volunteers (58 females) with no history of CTS. The following measurements were performed: the wrist circumference, length of the hand, the hand's width, width of the wrist, thickness of the wrist, height of the hypothenar and thenar, length of the arm and forearm, circumference of the proximal phalanges and width of the digits; as well as several indexes were calculated i.e.: body mass index (BMI), shape index, digit index, wrist index, hand length/height ratio (HLH-ratio) and hand length/upper limb length ratio (HLULL-ratio). RESULTS: Correlation coincidences were analysed between circumferences within the hand, palm and body weight. All parameters except fingers were correlated with body weight in either gender in both groups (p < 0.05; r = 0.40-0.80); Furthermore, width of the hand was correlated with body height (p < 0.001; r = 0.56-0.71). Mean values of wrist index for CTS patients were: males: 0.8, females: 0.74 (significantly higher than in healthy individuals and indicating square shape); shape index: males 76.5, females 75.8; digit index: males 55.7, females 56.5. The calculated HLH-ratio in CTS group was: males 10.6, females 10.9; HLULL-ratio: males 23.6, females 24.9 and they did not differ significantly from healthy volunteers. Almost 90.0% of females with diagnosed CTS have BMI > 25.0 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in morphometrical features of the upper limbs between CTS patients and healthy individuals. Hands of patients with CTS are more massive and with 'plumb' fingers and square shape of the wrist. Furthermore, higher BMI values were confirmed to be predisposing factors in CTS occurrence.