Differentiation of the nuclear groups in the posterior horn of the human embryonic spinal cord.

The formation of nuclear groups in the posterior horns of the human embryonic spinal cord was traced in serial sections of embryos of developmental stages 13 to 23 (32 to 56 postovulatory days). The following observations, new for the human, are presented: 1. The differentiation of the neural tube into 3 zones (germinal, mantle and marginal) is detected in the middle of the 5(th) week. 2. The primordia of the posterior horns are marked at stage 14 (33 days). 3. In the middle of the 7(th) week the nucleus proprius and substantia gelatinosa are discerned. 4. Differentiation of the nuclei within the posterior horns proceeds in the ventrodorsal and rostrocaudal gradients.

White communicating rami in human embryos at the end of the fifth week.

White communicating rami were traced in 8 human embryos of developmental stages 14 and 15 (aged 33 and 36 postovulatory days, respectively). In embryos at stage 14 the white communicating rami were found in the spinal nerves T1 to T9. In embryos at stage 15 the white communicating rami were present at the spinal cord levels T1 to L3.

The thickness of the ventral midline of the spinal cord in human embryos during the fifth week.

The thickness of the ventral midline of the spinal cord was determined in 9 human embryos aged five weeks (developmental stages 13-15). This part of the spinal cord consists of floor plate, mantle and marginal layers. The floor plate ependymal cells form pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The thickness of the investigated structure varied from 20 to 50 micrometers at different levels of the spinal cord.

Evidence that the caudal portion of the neural tube develops by cavitation of a neural cord in the caudal eminence of human embryos.

The formation of the secondary neural tube was traced in serial sections of human embryos of developmental stages 13 to 17 (32-41 days after fertilisation). It was found that the secondary neural tube formation begins with cavitation of the neural cord. The minute cavities are seen in embryos at stages 13 and 15. At stages 16 and 17 the numerous cavities coalesce to form a single central canal.

Prostate biopsy outcome using 29 mm cutting length.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the prostate biopsy outcome by using either standard or extended cutting length of the needles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 74 consecutive prostates from radical prostatectomy were used. Two sextant biopsies were performed ex vivo. We developed a precise simulation of a transrectal biopsy procedure using ultrasound for guiding the needle. In the first set of biopsies an 18-gauge tru cut needle with 19 mm cutting length, powered by a automatic biopsy gun was used. In the second set a single use gun with an 18-gauge end-cutting needle and 29 mm cutting length was used. RESULTS: In the set of sextant biopsies using 19 mm cutting length 49 (66%) carcinomas were found. In the set of sextant biopsies using 29 mm cutting length 58 (78%) of the tumors were detected. 24 (32%) prostates showed tumor in the transition zones, but there was no transition-zone-only cancer in this study. Nevertheless taking longer cores led to an improvement in prostate cancer detection of 18%. CONCLUSIONS: In this ex vivo setting the use of 29 mm cutting length for prostate biopsy led to an significant improvement in cancer detection. As we found the end-cutting needle not suitable for use in the patient, these results support the idea to develop a longer tru cut needle and corresponding gun for further clinical investigations.

The quantitative distinction between train-of-four "counts of 2" and posttetanic "counts of 2" evidenced by a stable paralysis/stable infusion rate method in anesthetized patients receiving mivacurium.

In this study we quantitatively evaluated, by a stable paralysis/stable infusion rate method, the difference between two standardized paralysis levels--train-of-four (TOF) count of 2 responses and posttetanic count (PTC) of 2. Ten ASA physical status I-II consenting adult patients scheduled for elective surgery were anesthetized (sufentanil/propofol), tracheally intubated, mechanically normoventilated with a fixed O(2)/air mixture, and normothermic; oropharynx and thenar temperatures were maintained above 36 degrees and 32.5 degrees C, respectively. After partial recovery from 200 microg/kg mivacurium (MIV), stable tactile TOF and PTC counts of 2 paralysis levels were induced on the adductor pollicis muscle by manual adjustments of an infusion pump containing MIV. The paralysis levels and the infusion rates were considered as stable once they remained constant at 4 consecutive time points separated by 5 min each. Infusion rates observed were: TOF count 2-6 (2-11) and PTC 2-17 (3-18) microg . kg(-1) . min(-1) (P < 0.001; Wilcoxon's paired comparison test). Under the present conditions, obtaining and maintaining a PTC of 2 requires MIV infusion rates far in excess of the "standard" recommendations mentioned in the literature for MIV infusion management.

One 10-core prostate biopsy is superior to two sets of sextant prostate biopsies.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficiency of different transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy techniques for detecting prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 81 prostates from radical prostatectomy were used and two consecutive sets of sextant biopsies and one 10-core biopsy taken in each specimen. The 10-core biopsy consisted of a sextant biopsy and four cores from the far lateral areas of the prostate. To simulate a transrectal biopsy procedure, all biopsies were taken under TRUS guidance. RESULTS: In the first set of sextant biopsies 44 prostate cancers (54%) were detected and in the second set 51 (63%). Combining both sets of sextant biopsies 57 (70%) of the carcinomas were detected. One set of 10-core biopsies detected 66 (82%) of all prostate cancers. Overall, with the 10-core biopsies 16% more prostate tumours were diagnosed than with two consecutive sets of sextant biopsies. To find the same number of prostate cancers as with the 10-core technique, 14% of patients undergoing sextant biopsy would require a second set and 11% at least a third set of biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: The 10-core prostate biopsy technique is superior to the commonly used sextant technique and could spare patients unnecessary repeated biopsy. Even after including a second set of sextant biopsies, the total detection rate with these 12 biopsies was inferior to the 10-core technique.

GC-MS analysis of fatty acids in phospholipids from Chlorella vulgaris cultivated synchronously in the presence of propranolol.

Changes in the content and composition of fatty acids in phospholipids were determined to estimate the effect of propranolol on the growth of unicellular green algae Chlorella vulgaris cultivated synchronously. The general biological activity of the cells and the division coefficient (DC) as well as the cell synchronisation were disturbed by propranolol in a concentration dependent manner. Also, the effect of propranolol on the fatty acids content of Chlorella vulgaris phospholipids was proportional to its concentration.

[Effect of recombinant human erythropoietin on kinetics of alloantibodies in patients awaiting renal allograft]. / Wplyw leczenia ludzka rekombinowana erytropoetyna na kinetyke alloprzeciwcial u chorych oczekujacych na przeszczep nerki.

Iterative transfusions are one of the most important mechanism of the induction as well as maintenance anti-HLA antibodies. We evaluated the evolution of PRA (panel reactive antibodies) in 46 sensitized patients during and after withdrawal of blood transfusion. Twenty nine of them (22 women and 7 men in age 38 +/- 7 years) were treated with EPO for 13 to 60 months. With EPO therapy anemia improved, allowing transfusions withdrawal in 19 patients. PRA level decreased from 62 +/- 23% to 42.5 +/- 25% after 1 year of therapy. At 2 year PRA reduced to 37.7 +/- 30% and remained on this level at 3 year. PRA levels became negative in 4 patients, decreased in 11 (by 35%) and remained high in 7 patients. The results of the patients were compared with 17 sensitized patients (9 women, 8 men in age of 40 +/- 10) who did not receive EPO and only part of them required sporadicly transfusions (mean 3 unit of blood) during last 2-3 years. PRA levels decreased from 59 +/- 20% to 45 +/- 22% at 3 year. PRA became negative in 6 patients. The reduction in PRA levels in this group of patients was lower than in EPO treated patients (24.3% vs 14%) as well as in fewer number of patients PRA droped (53% vs 63%). Analysis of risk factors for persistent high levels of alloantibodies showed, that female sex and DR2 phenotype were significant factors.

[Effects of drugs used in high-risk pregnancy on child development]. / Wplyw leków stosowanych u kobiet w ciazy ryzyka na dalszy rozwój dzieci.

The study involved 60 children delivered by the mothers of risk group who were given gestagens and beta-adrenomimetics during pregnancy. Physical, motoric development and morbidity in this group of children with particular relation to respiratory diseases were subject to our study. Thirty eight children delivered by healthy mothers were used as a control group. It was found that there was no developmental abnormalities in children from pregnancies maintained with gestagens and beta-adrenomimetics. Morbidity rate was the same in the tested and control groups.