Low-Coordinate Erbium(III) Single-Molecule Magnets with Photochromic Behavior.

The structures and magnetic properties of photoresponsive magnets can be controlled or fine-tuned by visible light irradiation, which makes them appealing as candidates for ternary memory devices: photochromic and photomagnetic at the same time. One of the strategies for photoresponsive magnetic systems is the use of photochromic/photoswitchable molecules coordinated to paramagnetic metal centers to indirectly influence their magnetic properties. Herein, we present two erbium(III)-based coordination systems: a trinuclear molecule {[ErIII(BHT)3]3(dtepy)2}.4C5H12 (1) and a 1D coordination chain {[ErIII(BHT)3(azopy)}n·2C5H12 (2), where the bridging photochromic ligands belong to the class of diarylethenes: 1,2-bis((2-methyl-5-pyridyl)thie-3-yl)perfluorocyclopentene (dtepy) and 4,4'-azopyridine (azopy), respectively (BHT = 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolate). Both compounds show slow dynamics of magnetization, typical for single-molecule magnets (SMMs) as revealed by alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility measurements. The trinuclear compound 1 also shows an immediate color change from yellow to dark blue in response to near-UV irradiation. Such behavior is typical for the photoisomerization of the open form of the ligand into its closed form. The color change can be reversed by exposing the closed form to visible light. The chain-like compound 2, on the other hand, does not show significant signs of the expected trans-cis photoisomerization of the azopyridine in response to UV irradiation and does not appear to show photoswitching behavior.

An intermetallic molecular nanomagnet with the lanthanide coordinated only by transition metals.

Magnetic molecules known as molecular nanomagnets (MNMs) may be the key to ultra-high density data storage. Thus, novel strategies on how to design MNMs are desirable. Here, inspired by the hexagonal structure of the hardest intermetallic magnet SmCo5, we have synthesized a nanomagnetic molecule where the central lanthanide (Ln) ErIII is coordinated solely by three transition metal ions (TM) in a perfectly trigonal planar fashion. This intermetallic molecule [ErIII(ReICp2)3] (ErRe3) starts a family of molecular nanomagnets (MNM) with unsupported Ln-TM bonds and paves the way towards molecular intermetallics with strong direct magnetic exchange interactions-a promising route towards high-performance single-molecule magnets.

Hormonal replacement therapy in women with a history of internal genital organ malignancy.

Sudden cessation of ovary activity as a result of bilateral oophorectomy or chemo- or radiotherapy in premenopausal women is linked with more serious consequences that bear no comparison to natural menopause - to name just a few: higher rate of mortality, higher rate of colorectal and lung cancer, circulatory system diseases, cognitive disorders, Parkinson's disease, psychological disorders, osteoporosis, and sexual disorders. The prolonged period of estrogens deficit in premenopausal age is connected with worsened quality of life. The progress in oncological care means that in many malignant diseases, also in the case of gynaecological malignancies, the percentage of survivors increases. This makes improving the quality of life more and more important. The purpose of this review is to establish, based on EBM data, the answer to whether replacement hormonal therapy, being the most effective treatment of menopause symptoms, can be recommended for women who have undergone bilateral oophorectomy because of gynaecological cancer. On the basis of collected data, derived from meta-analysis, and studies which have been published within the last 20 years, it seems that the use of the appropriate type of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) in properly selected gynaecological cancer survivors (epithelial ovarian cancer - EOC, endometrial cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix) is safe and effective. It seems that benefits connected with better quality of life that stem from the use of appropriate HRT in gynaecological cancer survivors predominate the unfounded fear of disease recurrence in selected patients' groups.

Changes of androgens levels in menopausal women.

Androgens play an important role in women's health. They are responsible for the sexual well-being and for maintaining proper structure and function of genitourinary woman's tract. In menopausal period a relative increase in androgens level is observed as a result of dramatic demise of estrogens and increase of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). However, the response of target tissue depends on its ability to control androgens availability. In menopausal women the symptoms of both hyperandrogenemia and of androgens deficiency may be observed. Hyperandrogenemia may result in discrete symptoms, such as slight terminal facial hair grow, or worsening of scalp hair loss. Those symptoms should not be belittled in any of the cases, especially when their severity increases one should seek possible causes of postmenopausal hyperandrogenemia. Ovarian and adrenal aging, leading to a progressive decline in androgen levels, may exert detrimental effects on the quality of life. During menopause, changes in activation of particular brain spheres are connected with low sex hormone concentration and correlate with loss of sexual arousability. Hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD) may be the direct result of androgens deficiency in menopausal women. It is the only evidence-based indication for the use of testosterone in women. However, before treatment, other diseases must be excluded that might alternatively be the cause of HSDD.

Metformin paradoxically worsens insulin resistance in SHORT syndrome.

BACKGROUND: SHORT syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition associated severe insulin resistance (IR) and lipoatrophy due to post-receptor defect in insulin signaling involving phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), where no clear treatment guidelines are available. METHODS: We attempted to test the efficacy metformin in a female patient with SHORT syndrome by measuring glucose and insulin during an extended Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in a 21-year old patient (BMI 17.5 kg/m2), who presented for endocrine assessment with a history of amenorrhoea. RESULTS: She had lipid concentrations within the reference range, normal thyroid function tests, prolactin, gonadotropins, estradiol and androgens with Free Androgen Index 4.52. Extended Oral Glucose Tolerance Test was performed and showed severe IR. She was then started on metformin 850 mg twice a day, and had repeated OGTT. This showed dramatic worsening of glucose tolerance (e.g. glucose 96 mg/dl versus 187 mg/dl and 68 mg/dl versus 204 mg/dl at 120 and 150 min of OGTT, respectively). This was accompanied by a massive increase of already high insulin concentrations (e.g. from 488.6 to > 1000 µIU/ml, and from 246.8 to > 1000 µIU/ml at 120 and 150 min of OGTT, respectively). Insulin concentrations remained above upper assay detection limit also at 180 min of OGTT on metformin treatment (> 1000 µIU/ml versus 100.6 µIU/ml without metformin). CONCLUSIONS: Metformin treatment may paradoxically lead to deterioration of insulin resistance and to development of glucose intolerance in SHORT syndrome. Hence, metformin treatment might be potentially harmful in these patients. Though, the precise cause of such profound and paradoxical worsening of glucose tolerance post metformin remains unknown, SHORT syndrome might prove to be an interesting model to study the mechanism(s) of metformin action.

Gestational diabetes - is diet and insulin the only solution?

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a relatively common complication of pregnancy. Maternal hyperglycemia causes many serious side effects for mothers, fetuses and newborns. In 90% of women diagnosed with GDM, a dietary treatment results in satisfactory levels of blood glucose. The remaining 10% require insulin therapy to achieve the recommended glycemic levels. The majority of recent studies show the efficiency of metformin in gestational diabetes and prove that it is not a cause for any harmful side effects to the embryo and/or fetus. Metformin is an effective alternative to insulin in glycemic control in pregnant women. The implementation of metformin, as a routine procedure in gestational diabetes, requires further research, the results of which would unequivocally confirm its efficacy and safety for pregnant women and their offspring.

[Comparison of carbetocin and oxytocin effectiveness for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after caesarean delivery]. / Porównanie skutecznosci dzialania karbetocyny i oksytocyny w profilaktyce krwotoku poporodowego po cieciu cesarskim.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of carbetocin and oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after caesarean section. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed data from 279 patients who received 100 µg of carbetocin intravenously or 10 IU of oxytocin into the uterine muscle as a rudimentary treatment for prevention of PPH. RESULTS: Blood loss was statistically significantly higher (p=0.0136) in the entire study group as compared to the oxytocin group, and in cases when additional uterotonics were administered (p=0.0090). Also, we observed a statistically significantly correlation between the need for additional treatment and patient BMI. Patients with pre-pregnancy BMI of ≥25 more often required additional medicaments after administration of carbetocin as compared to oxytocin (p=0.0077). We noted a statistically significantly higher rate of using additional treatment (p<0.05) after administering oxytocin into the uterine muscle as compared to intravenously given carbetocin (75% vs. 33%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Carbetocin is more effective than oxytocin in the prevention of PPH and significantly reduces the necessity to administer therapeutic uterotonics during caesarean delivery. 2. Higher rates of additional treatment with uterotonics after the administration of carbetocin as compared to oxytocin in a group of patients after2 or more cesarean sections and women with BMI of ≥25 require further studies in a target-selected larger sample size. 3. Based on our findings, it is not possible to conclude that 100 µg of intravenous carbetocin is more effective than 10 IU of oxytocin given to the uterine muscle during caesarean delivery to prevent PPH.

[The role of vitamin D deficiency in the etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome disorders]. / Rola niedoboru witaminy D w patofizjologii zaburzen wystepujacych w zespole policystycznych jajników.

Vitamin D deficiency connected with insufficient production in the skin and limited alimentation delivery disrupts the function of all systems of the body and increases the risk of chronic diseases. Many studies have reported associations between low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level and symptoms of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - insulin resistance, hirsutism, and infertility associated with both, ovulatory disorders and abnormal endometrial receptivity. The beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance, ovarian follicles maturation, ovulation and menstrual regularity were confirmed. Due to limited evidence, the additional randomized trials are required to establish the correct dose of vitamin D and confirm the effectiveness of vitamin D treatment in PCOS disorders. However; it seems evident that correct supplementation of vitamin D is beneficial in the management of women with PCOS and low 25(OH)D serum levels, and that it could be helpful in improving the effects of PCOS treatment.

[Analysis of delivery types in women after previous cesarean section]. / Analiza sposobu zakonczenia ciazy u kobiet po przebytym cieciu cesarskim.

OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to analyze the course of pregnancy and delivery in women after previous cesarean section. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 1272 pregnant women after one cesarean section, who delivered at the 1st Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2010. RESULTS: Among patients after previous cesarean section, the most numerous group constituted women whose pregnancy was resolved with an elective repeat cesarean section, without the attempt to deliver vaginally - 58,96% whereas the remaining 41,04% of the women were qualified to make an attempt at vaginal delivery 48,28% of them succeeded to gave birth vaginally and 51,72% underwent repeat cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: Proper qualification of patients after previous caesarean section for a natural vaginal birth allows a successful vaginal delivery. A critical analysis of the indications for surgical delivery needs to be performed in order to lower the rate of cesarean sections.

[Intrauterine contraceptive device in an appendix--a case report]. / Wkladka wewnatrzmaciczna w wyrostku robaczkowym--opis przypadku.

The application of an intrauterine contraceptive device can perforate the uterus and migrate to adjacent organs such as the bladder or small bowel. The main symptoms are painful insertion of the intrauterine contraceptive device and missing IUD strings. The diagnosis of perforation and transuterine migration of the IUD is made on the basis of an ultrasound examination and an abdominal X-ray. The proper management is such case is immediate removal of the IUD. The aim of this paper was to present a case of a 34-year-old woman with a copper IUD found during a caesarean section.

[Pregnancy and delivery in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma--a case report]. / CiAza i poród u pacjentki z chloniakiem nieziarniczym--opis przypadku.

INTRODUCTION: Neoplasmatic diseases during pregnancy are relatively rare, with the incidence of approximately 1/1000 pregnancies. The symptoms of neoplasmatic processes are unspecific and often mirror physiological changes during pregnancy Chemotherapy is the main therapeutic management of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The strategy of the treatment and its influence on the course of pregnancy remain controversial. AIM: The aim of this study was to present the case of a pregnant woman with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. CASE REPORT: We described the case of a 27-year-old pregnant nullipara with anemia, breathlessness, cough and general weakness with diagnosed diffused large B-cell lymphoma. During pregnancy the patient received six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy without any serious complications. On 37 week of gestation the caesarean section was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Coexisting non-Hodgkin lymphomas and pregnancy are seldom the case and the treatment requires complex chemotherapy.

[Analysis of the indications for the caesarean section delivery for very low birthweight neonates (< 1500 g) delivered in I department gynecology and obstetrics, Medical University in Lodz in 2006-2010]. / Analiza wskazan do porodu droga ciecia cesarskiego noworodków ze skrainie niska masa urodzeniowa (< 1500 g) urodzonych w latach 2006-2010 w I Katedrze Ginekologii i Poloznictwa UM W Lodzi.

UNLABELLED: Despite better care pregnant women receive nowadays, preterm birth and prematurity remain to be the reason of many complications and high mortality of neonates. OBJECTIVE: The goal was to analyze the indications for cesarean sections delivery for very low birthweight (<1500 g) newborns delivered in the I Department Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University in Lodz. MATERIAL: The data from 560 preterm caesarean sections were analyzed. Detailed analysis referring to 120 cesarean sections resulting in deliveries of very low birthweight neonates was performed. Maternal age, parity neonatal weight and gestational age were assessed. The authors also assessed the number of cesarean sections performed for extremely low birthweight newborns, in particularly years and the rate of the indications in the groups of gestational age. RESULTS: The greatest number of the cesarean sections was done between 26-35 years of age of the patients (68,4%) in 28-32 weeks of gestation (53,3%). The rate of cesarean section performed for very low birthweight neonates was 2,3% of preterm caesarean sections. Fetal growth restriction (IUGR) and the symptoms of intrauterine hypoxia were the indications for cesarean sections in 33,4%, multiple pregnancy in 17,5%, abnormal fetal presentation in 15,8%, intrauterine infection in 13,3% and placental abruption in 11,7% of cases. The rate of the other indications was 11,7% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In our material the most frequent indication for the cesarean section for very low birthweight neonates was fetal growth restriction with the symptoms of intrauterine hypoxia.

[Body mass changes during pregnancy and concentration of insulin and neuropeptide Y in women with regard to the BMI]. / Zmiany masy ciala podczas ciazy oraz stezenie insuliny 1 neuropeptydu Y u kobiet ciezarnych w zaleznosci od BMI.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity poses a serious problem to human population as it increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome. In pregnancy obesity increases the frequency of its complications. AIM: The main aim of the study was to estimate the increase of body mass and insulin and neuropeptide Y concentrations in pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The changes of body mass and BMI in women before pregnancy and before delivery and the concentrations of insulin and neuropeptide Y in blood were estimated. RESULTS: The increase of body mass and BMI during the pregnancy period was higher in the group with high body mass and I stage obesity and increase of insulin concentration depended on increase of the body mass. Higher concentration of NPY was found in the group of women with normal body mass and obese if compared to stages II and III of obesity No correlation between insulin increase and concentration of NPY was found. CONCLUSIONS: In most pregnant women body mass gain is excessive and leads to obesity of different stages. Insulin concentration increases as BMI increases. Neuropeptide Y concentration in the obese women group was lower than in the normal weight group.

[The role of physiotherapy in selected gynecological disorders]. / Znaczenie zabiegów z zakresu fizjoterapii w wybranych schorzeniach ginekologicznych.

Physical training is a method supporting pharmacological and surgical treatment by shortening the time of recovery and effectiveness of the entire treatment. Many kinds of such methods, despite their availability remain unpopular and unused. The aim of the following study was to present possibilities of aiding the processes of curing by means of new physical methods. Guidelines for the treatment of adnexitis and rehabilitation after operative treatment were presented.

[Concentration of selected biochemical parameters in blood of pregnant women infected by HPV 16 and 18]. / Ocena stezenia wybranych parametrów biochemicznych w surowicy kobiet ciezarnych z zakazeniem HPV 16 i 18.

UNLABELLED: Asymptomatic HPV infection in pregnant women may be connected with changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes which may condition the persistence of infection during pregnancy. AIM: The main aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of interleukin-1, TNF-alpha and alpha-1 antitrypsin in pregnant women infected by oncogenic types HPV. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted in 2008-2009 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical University Lodz, on pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy The study group consisted on 19 pregnant women HPV-16, -18 infected. The control group consisted on 34 pregnant women at the same gestational age, HPV-negative. The concentration of interleukin-1, TNF-alpha and alpha-1 antitripsin was estimated in blood. RESULTS: The results of concentration interleukin-1, TNF-alpha and alpha-1 antitrypsin were similar in both groups of pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: High risk HPV infection has no influence on the concentration of pro- inflammatory cytokines. In HPV infection during pregnancy the anti proteolytic defense did not decrease.

[Physiotherapy in obstetrics]. / Fizjoterapia w poloznictwie.

Physical activity during pregnancy, active preparation for the delivery and rehabilitation after delivery are factors that can influence the quality of life of a woman at those stages of life. Treatment and prevention of leg edemas decreases the risk of hospitalization. Kinezytherapy helps pregnant women to prevent obesity and stay in good physical condition. Physiological changes in skeleton and muscle system may be the reason of pain during pregnancy and physiotherapy may effectively prevent it. Preparation for the delivery by physical activity, kinezytheraphy and respiratory exercises increase awareness and help a pregnant woman to participated more actively in the act of the delivery.

[Course of pregnancy and delivery in a patient with ovarian cancer after conservative surgical treatment--case report]. / Przebieg ciazy i porodu u pacientki po leczeniu oszczedzajacym z powodu raka jajnika--opis przypadku.

Ovarian cancer is most often recognized in women at a menopausal age. It rarely appears in young women, however it can coexists with pregnancy or even precede their reproductive activity. Therefore, the exists a risk that the advancement of the illness or the course of treatment will prevent them from having children. The aim of the study is to describe and present the case of a 30-year-old patient treated conservatively for the cancer of the ovary, the course of pregnancy and the way of delivery.

[Influence of pharmacological treatment on selected parameters of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy]. / Wplyw leczenia farmakologicznego na wybrane wykladniki cholestazy ciezarnych.

UNLABELLED: Intrahepatic cholestasis occurs most frequently in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by elevated concentrations of liver enzymes and bile acids. The main aim of the study was to analyze the changes of concentration in biochemical indicators of cholestasis during the treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the group of 38 women with diagnosed intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy and hospitalized in Medical University Lodz, High Risk Pregnancy Clinic in 2007-2008. Treatment constituted UDCA in 750 mg per 24h and Essentiale Forte 3 times a day. The concentrations in serum of AspAt, AlAt, ALP, GGTP, bile acids and bilirubin were estimated before and after 7 and 15 days of the treatment. RESULTS: Mean concentration of AlAt was 262 +/- 16.26 U/L, AspAt 146 +/- 141.17 U/L, ALP 189 +/- 60.64 U/L, bile acids 28.6 +/- 15 micromol/L, GGTP 31.5 +/- 28.15 U/L but only in 28.9% was elevated. After 7 days the decrease of mean concentrations of AlAt (165 +/- 126.7 U/L) and AspAt (85 +/- 59.62 U/L) was observed. The concentration of ALP was similar to the previous results (190 +/- 71.94 U/L). After 15 days mean values of AlAt and AspAt decreased to 119 +/- 103.56 U/L and 65 +/- 46.12 U/L (p < 0.001), No changes in ALP concentration were found. The concentration of bile acids decreased after 15 days to 17 +/- 15 micromol/L. CONCLUSIONS: The applied treatment decreased the concentration of most of biochemical markers of cholestasis. To reach the normal values of concentration of biochemical markers of cholestasis a 15-day treatment is necessary.

[The assessment of leptin concentration and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in relation to the body mass index since 20th week of pregnancy]. / Ocena stezenia leptyny oraz sródblonkowo- naczyniowego czynnika wzrostu od 20 tygodnia ciazy, w zaleznosci od wskaznika masy ciala.

UNLABELLED: High body mass index and obesity in pregnancy signify an increased obstetrical risk. Obesity before pregnancy qualifies a patient into the group that demands more attention from the obstetrician. Leptin and VEGF are among numerous factors that influence the pregnancy course and outcome. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted in a group of pregnant women from 20-24 weeks of gestation in High Risk Pregnancy Clinic, Medical University Lodz, between 2005-2007. The study group consisted of 30 pregnant women with BMI > or =30 and the control group consisted of 25 pregnant women at the same gestational age and BMI < or =25. Concentrations of leptin and VEGF were measured in venous blood every 4 weeks. RESULTS: More body mass gain during pregnancy was observed in the group of women with BMI > or =30 when compared to the group of BMI < or =25. Mean value of leptin was higher in the group of obese women. No difference was found in leptin concentration measured every 4 weeks. The correlation between leptin concentration and BMI was found in the group of obese women. The concentration of VEGF was higher in controls than in the group of obese women. The mean concentration of VEGF measured every 4 weeks in both groups was similar. The highest values of VEGF were found in 20-24 and 30-34 weeks of pregnancy in women with normal BMI. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The synthesis of leptin depends on body mass, not the duration of pregnancy. 2. Obesity in pregnancy is connected with decreased VEGF synthesis.

[Obstetric hysterectomy in a patient with uterine myoma of uterus duplex--case report]. / Histerektomia poloznicza u pacjentki z miesniakiem macicy podwójnej--opis przypadku.

A case of a 43-year-old multipara in 36th week of pregnancy with a duplicate uterus and uterine myoma with 15 centimeters diameter has been presented in the article. The aim of the study was to present her obstetric history, course of pregnancy and delivery mode.