The effect of obesity on the bone morphometry and histomorphometry in male and female Wistar rats.

The study was undertaken to determine the effect of continuation or changes of the diet on the morphometry and histomorphometry of bone in male and female Wistar rats with experimen- tally induced obesity by high energetic diet. Sixty-four 90-day-old Wistar rats obtained from obese parents (16 male, 16 female) and control parents (16 male, 16 female) were used in this study. After 21 days of the baby period, rats were divided into four groups: obese rats fed with high energy feed (F/F), control rats fed with a standard diet (C/C), obese rats with changed diet from high energy diet to control diet (F/C) and control rats with changed diet from control diet to high energy diet (C/F). After 90 days of experimental feeding, the rats were sacrificed. Thereafter, body weight and the isolated humerus were measured and next, the histological stainings and counts were done. Our results revealed that change in the parent's diet from F to C in the female leads to increased bone growth length and reduction of body weight in female and male. Reverse diet changes (from C to F) lead to decreased bone length only in the female. Moreover, the con- tinuation by offspring of both sexes with a high-energy diet contributes to a reduction in osteo- cytes, reduction in bone marrow cavity and cortical expansion, but a change in nutrition from parents' standard diet to high-energy diet leads to increase in osteocytes dimensions. The contin- uation of feeding with F diet promotes the accumulation of adipocytes in the bone marrow in female and male, and correction of nutrition from F to standard diet leads to a reduction in their number in the bone marrow compared to groups continuing feeding with high-energy diet.

The age at onset in Multiple Sclerosis is associated with patient's prognosis.

BACKGROUND: The causes of the individual differences in the rate of disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) are still not completely clear. According to the long-term prognosis of MS patients, the search for new valuable prognostic markers of "benign" or "malign" MS is necessary. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to assess the possible association of MS onset age with the disease disability progression rate in Slovak patients with MS. METHODS: By the unique pattern of evaluation of disability progression rate using Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS), each of 270 MS patients was defined as slow-progressing, mid-rate progressing or rapidly progressing. RESULTS: We found a significant differences in the age at onset between MS patients with different rate of disability progression (p(K-W)<0,00005). The faster was a disability progression assessed by MSSS score, the higher was the MS onset age. CONCLUSION: We showed for the first time in Central European Slovak population that MS onset age is an early marker that is in the positive correlation with disease disability progression rate, evaluated by MSSS score. We conclude that relapsing-remitting MS patients older at clinical onset have a higher risk of unfavorable prognosis (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 21).

55Mn NMR observation of colossal magnetoresistance effect in Sm0.55Sr0.45MnO3.

Temperature dependent 55Mn NMR study of Sm0.55Sr0.45MnO3 is reported. Previous bulk magnetization measurements have shown that below T C ~ 125 K the sample is ferromagnetic metallic (FMM) and above TC it is charge ordered and insulating. In present report, we show that from zero-field NMR a single line double-exchange (DE) signal is observed at temperatures up to 139 K, which is due to a presence of FMM clusters also above T C. The intensity of the DE line follows the temperature dependence of the magnetization measured at 0.01 T. When a magnetic field up to 2 T is applied at 139 K (i.e. 14 K above T C), a strong increase in NMR intensity of the DE line is observed indicating that content of FMM regions increases. This reveals that metallicity is induced in the material by the applied magnetic field and explains the observed colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) effect at the microscopic level. The observation agrees with previous results, which confirm that the percolation of the FMM clusters is responsible for the CMR effect. The shift of the resonant frequency in the applied field is three times smaller compared to decrease expected from gyromagnetic ratio, which indicates an antiferromagnetic coupling between the FMM clusters.

Tumefactive demyelination of the spinal cord: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: We report on a 52-year-old male patient with tumefactive demyelination of the spinal cord. SETTING: University Hospital and Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia. BACKGROUND: In contrast to relatively frequent tumefactive fulminant lesions in the brain, cases affecting the spinal cord in isolation have been reported less frequently. METHODS: Description of the case report. RESULTS: Clinical, neuroradiological and necropsy findings are described in a 52-year-old man with tumefactive fulminant demyelination of the spinal cord. Progression of the demyelination process produced paraplegia, mild paresis of the right upper limb, neurogenic bladder and sensitive loss over 2 weeks. MRI scans revealed several ovoid lesions in cervical segments and tumefactive T2-hyperintense signals with oedema and post-contrast enhancement located in thoracic segments Th3 to Th6. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination displayed lymphomonocytic pleocytosis with normal proteinorhachia, positive CSF oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) and elevated IgG index (1.55). Serum anti-AQP4-Ab was not tested. Stored frozen CSF samples were later repeatedly examined with negative findings of anti-AQP4-Ab. Treatment with high-dose methylprednisolon and plasma exchange had limited effect. Immunosuppressive medication was interrupted because of an acute urinary infection. The patient died suddenly because of pulmonary embolism as a secondary complication. Histopathology of the spinal cord confirmed active demyelination. We considered that tumefactive demyelination could be a variant of neuromyelitis optica. CONCLUSION: Our case could be anti-AQP4-Ab-negative longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, a variant of neuromyelitis optica.

Infestation of urban populations of the Northern white-breasted hedgehog, Erinaceus roumanicus, by Ixodes spp. ticks in Poland.

Infestation by the nest-dwelling Ixodes hexagonus Leach and the exophilic Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) on the Northern white-breasted hedgehog, Erinaceus roumanicus (Erinaceomorpha: Erinaceidae), was investigated during a 4-year study in residential areas of the city of Poznan, west-central Poland. Of 341 hedgehogs, 303 (88.9%) hosted 10 061 Ixodes spp. ticks encompassing all parasitic life stages (larvae, nymphs, females). Ixodes hexagonus accounted for 73% and I. ricinus for 27% of the collected ticks. Male hedgehogs carried significantly higher tick burdens than females. Analyses of seasonal prevalence and abundance of I. hexagonus revealed relatively stable levels of infestation of all parasitic stages, with a modest summer peak in tick abundance noted only on male hosts. By contrast, I. ricinus females and nymphs peaked in spring and declined steadily thereafter in summer and autumn, whereas the less abundant larvae peaked in summer. This is the first longterm study to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of both tick species on populations of wild hedgehogs inhabiting urban residential areas.

[Sublumbar abscesses in the dog. Retrospective evaluation of 13 patients]. / Sublumbale Abszesse beim Hund. Retrospektive Auswertung der Daten von 13 Patienten.

OBJECTIVE: Presentation of sublumbar abscesses in the dog with regard to diagnostic and therapeutic options as well as prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of the data of 13 dogs, which were presented with sublumbar abscesses between 2002 and 2012. RESULTS: Young to middle-aged and middle to large breed dogs were mainly affected. The time until presentation varied from 1 day to 2 years. Symptoms were generally nonspecific. Computed tomography and sonography were normally applied for diagnosis. All dogs underwent surgery and several wound examinations; only in two cases was a single surgical intervention sufficient. In addition, after being discharged, ambulant post-operative care was usually necessary for a considerable time. In two cases, plant foreign bodies could be identified as a cause of abscess formation, and in one case a prostatic abscess and a putative prostate carcinoma were present. After surgery, 12 of 13 dogs could be discharged. Nine of them showed an unremarkable healing process, one dog had a relapse followed by an unremarkable healing process, and one dog was euthanized at the request of the owners because of a putative relapse. One animal was lost to follow-up. One dog was euthanized after two surgical procedures. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sublumbar abscesses are a rare, but a serious disease in veterinary medicine. Sectional imaging techniques and sonography are suitable for diagnosis. Treatment is often sophisticated and long-standing. However, with adequate treatment, the prognosis with regard to a complete convalescence is favorable. In most cases, the cause of abscess formation remains unclear.

Correlations among magnetic, electrical and magneto-transport properties of NiFe nanohole arrays.

In this work, we use anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates to build NiFe magnetic nanohole arrays. We perform a thorough study of their magnetic, electrical and magneto-transport properties (including the resistance R(T), and magnetoresistance MR(T)), enabling us to infer the nanohole film morphology, and the evolution from granular to continuous film with increasing thickness. In fact, different physical behaviors were observed to occur in the thickness range of the study (2 nm < t < 100 nm). For t < 10 nm, an insulator-to-metallic crossover was visible in R(T), pointing to a granular film morphology, and thus being consistent with the presence of electron tunneling mechanisms in the magnetoresistance. Then, for 10 nm < t < 50 nm a metallic R(T) allied with a larger anisotropic magnetoresistance suggests the onset of morphological percolation of the granular film. Finally, for t > 50 nm, a metallic R(T) and only anisotropic magnetoresistance behavior were obtained, characteristic of a continuous thin film. Therefore, by combining simple low-cost bottom-up (templates) and top-down (sputtering deposition) techniques, we are able to obtain customized magnetic nanostructures with well-controlled physical properties, showing nanohole diameters smaller than 35 nm.

Virus detection in questing ticks is not a sensitive indicator for risk assessment of tick-borne encephalitis in humans.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most important tick-transmitted arbovirus causing human disease in Europe, but information on its endemic occurrence varies between countries because of differences in surveillance systems. Objective data are necessary to ascertain the disease risk for vaccination recommendations and other public health interventions. In two independent, separately planned projects, we used real-time RT-PCR to detect TBE virus in questing ticks. In Poland, 32 sampling sites were selected in 10 administrative districts located in regions where sporadic TBE cases were reported. In Germany, 18 sampling sites were selected in two districts located in a region with high TBE incidence. Altogether, >16,000 ticks were tested by real-time RT-PCR, with no sample testing positive for TBEV. A systematic search for published studies on TBEV prevalence in ticks in Poland and Germany also suggested that testing large numbers of collected ticks could not consistently assure virus detection in known endemic foci. Although assignment of results to administrative regions is essential for TBE risk mapping, this was possible in only 10 (investigating 22,417 ticks) of 15 published studies (>50,000 ticks) identified. We conclude that the collection and screening of ticks by real-time RT-PCR cannot be recommended for assessment of human TBE risk. Alternative methods of environmental TBEV monitoring should be considered, such as serological monitoring of rodents or other wildlife.

Early and delayed auditory oddball ERPs and brain MRI in patients with MTBI.

INTRODUCTION: Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is a common neurotraumatologic diagnosis. It is possible to confirm objective cognitive impairment in MTBI patients not only by complex neuropsychological testing but also by event-related potentials (ERPs). The most common ERPs used in clinical practice are based on an oddball paradigm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not routinely used in MTBI despite its proven greater sensitivity and specificity in comparison with computer tomography (CT). METHODS: This study investigated 31 MTBI patients and 31 sex and age-matched healthy controls. Both groups underwent clinical neurological examinations. Auditory oddball ERPs and brain MRI were done early after the injury and 3-7 months later. RESULTS: There were no significant sex, age and education differences between the analysed groups. No significant differences were found in N2 and P3 wave parameters in both ERP examinations. CONCLUSION: Standard auditory oddball ERPs are not sensitive enough to detect and/or quantify subtle objective neuropsychological changes in selected MTBI patients, especially those with traumatic MRI brain lesions. More complex auditory or other oddball paradigms have to be tested in the future.

XAS and XMCD under high magnetic field and low temperature on the energy-dispersive beamline of the ESRF.

The present paper demonstrates the feasibility of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) under high magnetic fields up to 26 T and low temperatures down to 5 K on the ID24 energy-dispersive XAS beamline of the ESRF. The pulsed magnetic field set-up, entirely developed at the ESRF, is described as well as the beamline set-up, the synchronization and the measurement procedure. It allows field strengths up to 30 T. Finally, as an example, we report a recent XMCD study at the Re L2 and L3 absorption edges of the double perovskite Sr2CrReO(6).

Conduction electron spin resonance of small silver particles.

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy has been used to study the conduction electron spin resonance (CESR) of small silver particles stabilized in dehydrated Ag-rho zeolite. Silver particles were produced by hydrogen reduction at elevated temperatures and diameter of the stabilized particles was calculated based on the linewidth of CESR signal using Kawabata theory.

Comparison of ninhydrin method of detecting amine compounds with other methods of halitosis detection.

OBJECTIVES: Halitosis is a result of overactivity of Gram-negative bacteria for which protein amino acids are the major source of energy. Therefore, statistical correlation between concentrations of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) and low-molecular-weight amines should be expected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients suffering from halitosis and 40 healthy volunteers aged 20-62 years (average 39.7) participated in the study. In all subjects low-molecular-weight amines were evaluated by the ninhydrin method. Patients with halitosis were randomized into treatment groups. Zinc tablets, tablets and mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or lyophilized lactic acid-forming bacteria were used. RESULTS: Analysis showed that the level of amines was highest in subjects with halitosis (0.39, s.d. +/- 0.06, P < 0.001) and correlated significantly with results of VSC measurement and organoleptic scores (P < 0.001). Reduction of amine levels after treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Three months following treatment the amine levels began to increase (0.37, s.d. +/- 0.05). The amine levels in healthy controls were lower (0.29, s.d. +/- 0.07) and remained at a stable level. CONCLUSION: The salivary amine levels significantly correlated with VSC levels and organoleptic scores. Therefore, the ninhydrin method of detecting salivary amines may be an alternative or additional method of diagnosing halitosis. This method may also be used to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Subjective patients' opinion and evaluation of halitosis using halimeter and organoleptic scores.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of interest in fetor ex ore among respondents, patients of the Department of Conservative Dentistry in Warsaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was completed by 295 patients, 202 females and 93 males aged 18-74 years (average 38.73 years). Each person was also examined for organoleptic score and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) by Halimeter. Halitosis was diagnosed if the average level of VSC was > or =125 ppb and the organoleptic measurement using a 0-5 point scale was > or =2. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test. RESULTS: Incidence of halitosis was greatest in age ranges 25-34 years (29.68%) and 45-54 years (24.52%). Sixty-eight (43.87%) persons with diagnosed halitosis frequently reported having a problem with bad breath and only 5.81% persons with halitosis did not notice this problem (P < 0.001). Among 54 healthy persons three (5.56%) reported having a problem with halitosis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant correlation was found between clinical organoleptic diagnosis of halitosis and VSC level by halimeter. Subjective patients' opinion correlated well with objective evaluation of halitosis.

Is transmission of bacteria that cause halitosis from pets to humans possible?

OBJECTIVE: Bacteria that cause halitosis naturally colonize the animal's mouth. The possibility of transmission of these bacteria from pets to human is an intriguing question. Therefore, the possible correlation between halitosis and regular contact of dental patients with pet animals was the aim of the presented study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered 84 patients suffering from halitosis and 40 healthy controls aged 20-62 years. Each person completed a questionnaire and was then examined for organoleptic score, volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) and evaluation of low molecular mass amines in saliva by a ninhydrin colorimetric reaction. Halitosis was diagnosed if the average level of VSC was 125 ppb and the organoleptic measurement using a 0-5 point scale was 2. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon's and chi-square tests. RESULTS: The results showed that among the halitosis group over 80% of patients had reported having pets in childhood and over 70% owned a pet at present. In the control group results are 47 and 40%, respectively. Analysis showed a significant correlation between frequency of halitosis and regular contact with pets at present (P < 0.001) or in childhood (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pets (dogs, cats) owned in childhood or at present may transmit bacteria that cause halitosis.

Evaluation of the response of a questionnaire study by using the GIS and standard statistical methods.

This study is a part of a larger project Nr. NJ 6139-3 funded by the Grant Agency of the Czech Ministry of Health. The aim of the paper was to analyse the response rate using standard statistical methods and the Geographical Information System (GIS); to indicate differences in the response by sex, age, education, and employment; to determine the breakpoint for the collection of questionnaires according to which we can estimate the total response rate; to indicate whether the study sample was representative enough to generalize the project results. The additional aim of the paper was to collect those background literary sources dealing with the response rate as a methodological paradigm. The statistical and GIS analysis were based on comparison of the total population data (Census 2001), the study sample and the sample of the completed questionnaires data in the 23 districts of the city of Ostrava. The information from the data collection was derived from the date of receipt for each questionnaire. The literature sources were obtained from the Internet--in total 228 papers from the period since 1986 to the present have been checked. The main results of this study are: the GIS analysis was confirmed in all stages by standard statistical methods--it can therefore be used as a valid tool for quick orientation in data and for the comparison of a study sample with the general population; we did not find significant differences in the course of the collection of the questionnaires between sex, age, education, and the employment of respondents; it can be seen that the breakpoint according to which we can estimate the total response rate, is the 10th day after the questionnaires are distributed by post (75% of the questionnaires collected); our sample is representative enough from the geographical point of view. More detailed information about the whole project and results already published or presented are available on the following web site: www.zuova.cz/projekty/ses/php.

Expression and one-step purification of intracellular human prolactin in insect cells.

Human prolactin was expressed in insect culture cells by recombinant baculoviruses carrying prolactin gene cDNA placed under the transcriptional control of polyhedrin gene promoter of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus. Preliminary results of recombinant human prolactin expression as extracellular as well as intracellular product of baculovirus expression system were presented at the FEBS Meeting in Nice, France, in 1999 (Abstracts, p. 288). In the present work prolactin was expressed as a hexahistidine-tagged fusion protein and recombinant protein was purified by metal affinity resin. Yields varied between approximately 20 and 35 mg/liter of medium. This recombinant prolactin was biologically active in Nb2 lymphoma cell proliferation assay and after simple purification could substitute for pituitary-derived prolactin.

Multifrequency EPR study of carbonate- and sulfate-derived radicals produced by radiation in shells and corallite.

Shells of two sea mollusks (Venus sp.), pearl oyster (Meleagrina vulgaris) and corallite (white coral) were exposed to ionizing radiation (gamma and X rays) and then examined by EPR spectroscopy in X, Q and W band. The resulting spectra were analyzed and the g values of the EPR lines in the multicomponent spectra were determined. The increased resolution in Q- and W-band spectra allowed us to assign the observed lines to CO(2)(-) ion radicals (isotropic and orthorhombic), SO(2)(-) isotropic, SO(3)(-) (isotropic and axial), and Mn(2+) species. The assignments were confirmed by simulations of the spectra. Practical implications for the use of Q and/or W band in low-dose quantitative EPR measurements for dating and for accidental dose estimation are discussed.