Graphene 2D platform is safe and cytocompatibile for HaCaT cells growing under static and dynamic conditions.

The study concerns the influence of graphene monolayer, as a 2 D platform, on cell viability, cytoskeleton, adhesions sites andmorphology of mitochondria of keratinocytes (HaCaT) under static conditions. Based on quantitative and immunofluorescent analysis, it could be stated that graphene substrate does not cause any damage to membrane or disruption of other monitored parameters. Spindle poles and cytokinesis bridges indicating proliferation of cells on this graphene substrate were detected. Moreover, the keratinocyte migration rate on the graphene substrate was comparable to control glass substrate when the created wound was completely closed after 38 hours. HaCaT morphology and viability were also assessed under dynamic conditions (lab on a chip - micro scale). For this purpose, microfluidic graphene system was designed and constructed. No differences as well as no anomalies were observed during cultivation of these cells on the graphene or glass substrates in relation to cultivation conditions: static (macro scale) and dynamic (micro scale). Only natural percentage of dead cells was determined using different methods, which proved that the graphene as the 2 D platform is cytocompatible with keratinocytes. The obtained results encourage the use of the designed lab on a chip system in toxicity testing of graphene also on other cells and further research on the use of graphene monolayers to produce bio-bandages for skin wounds in animal tests.

Morphology of Coronary Ostia in Domestic Shorthair Cat.

Diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases due to changes in the coronary vascularization need a detailed knowledge on the morphology and possible variations of the aortic valves and coronary ostia. This study was performed to clarify details on morphology of these structures in domestic cats. The tricuspid aortic valve was examined in 65 domestic shorthair cats. The location of coronary ostia was determined either inferior to (26 and 20%, left and right coronary ostium - LCO and RCO), at (65 and 66%) or superior to the intercommissural line (9 and 14%). In 13 cats (20%), accessory ostia were found either for left, right or both coronary arteries (LCA and RCA). Their position varied between specimens. They were located beyond the main ostium, at its edge, or inside just below the edge. In one cat, no main trunk of the LCA was found. In one cat, two accessory ostia next to the RCO were observed. Coronary ostia in cats show anatomical variants and morphological anomalies. This study provides basic data useful for, for example, angiography performed for diagnosis of cardiac diseases and as a basis for surgical interventions.

The state of bioelements in the hair of free-ranging European bisons from Bialowie a Primeval Forest.

Human or animal hair is considered to be a good indicator of the content of bioelements or toxic elements in human and animal organism. Its analysis is a good alternative for the arduous obtaining blood or biopsy samples. The aim of the performed research was the assessment of some chosen bioelements in the organism of European bison on the basis of their analysis in hair. The investigation material comprised hair samples obtained from 22 animals. All animals were divided into groups according to gender (males, females) and age (calves up to one year of age and animals older than 2 years). Samples were mineralized in nitric acid, under pressure in the microwave apparatus. The content of phosphorus, sulphur, magnesium, iron, titanium and vanadium were determined in hair samples. The content of these elements was determined using the ICP-AES method in accredited laboratory. The accuracy of determinations was tested using the standard reference material. The mean content of phosphorus in hair amounted to 245.14 mg x kg(-1), SD 65.00, magnesium 97.32 mg x kg(-1), SD 33.16, iron 119.48 mg x kg(-1), SD 83.31 and titanium 2.368 mg x kg(-1), SD 2.097. In case of these elements, differences depending on gender and age were statistically insignificant. Mean content of sulphur in the European bison hair amounted to 3.41% with equalized content in the herd (SD 0.22%). Here also statistically insignificant differences depending on gender were observed. However, a statistically significant difference (p < or = 0,05) was demonstrated which depended on animal age. Mature European bisons had more sulphur in hair as compared to calves. The concentration of vanadium (0.362 mg x kg(-1), SD 0.396 on the average) significantly differed in hair depending on the European bison age with much higher values in adult animals (calves 0.260 mg x kg(-1), animals older than 2 years 0.686 mg x kg(-1)). Similar data were obtained while investigating hair of sea mammals.