Investigations on the impact of the introduction of the Aloe vera into the hydrogel matrix on cytotoxic and hydrophilic properties of these systems considered as potential wound dressings.

In the paper, synthesis of chitosan-based hydrogels modified with Aloe vera juice is presented. The novelty of the research was a combination of hydrogel materials with properties beneficial in viewpoint of their use as modern wound dressings and Aloe vera juice supporting the wound healing process. Hydrogels have been obtained via UV radiation. The impact of the amount of the crosslinking agent as well as the introduction of the Aloe vera juice into the hydrogel matrix has been determined. Performed measurements involved analysis of the swelling ability, characteristics of the surface roughness, determining the release profile of Aloe vera and the contact angles of hydrogels. Furthermore, the analysis of the dehydration process of the polymer membrane, investigations on the cytotoxicity of hydrogels via MTT reduction assay and the neutral red uptake assay as well as the studies on the pro-inflammatory activity have also been performed. It was proved that the addition of Aloe vera juice improves the hydrophilic properties of the materials (e.g. contact angle changed from 82.5° to 73.0°). Next, the use of 25% more of the crosslinker resulted even in the increase of the contact angle by 86%. Modified hydrogels showed higher swelling properties even by 15% than unmodified materials. Furthermore, obtained hydrogels show an ability to release Aloe vera - after 5 h approx. 80% of this additive has been released in an acidic environment. Tested materials do not exhibit cytotoxic properties, the addition of Aloe vera results in an improvement of the viability of L929 murine fibroblasts and, importantly, these materials show lower pro-inflammatory activity than the positive control. Performed investigations allow to state that obtained materials show a great application potential.

From probiotics to psychobiotics - the gut-brain axis in psychiatric disorders.

This review aims to present a comprehensive state-of-the-art analysis of the bidirectional crosstalk between gut microbiota and the central nervous system (CNS). The literature concerning the potential effects of gut microbiota on psychiatric disorders through neural pathways comprising the 'gut-brain axis' were gathered. In addition, the influence of probiotics and prebiotics and dairy-rich diets combined with the intake of probiotics and prebiotics on gut microbiota and the subsequent relationship with brain function was reviewed. However, a meta-analysis on the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation in psychiatric disorders is lacking. Therefore, a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from January 1969 to December 2019 was conducted. It led to the identification of a total of 844 research articles. Of these, a total of 23 studies met the meta-analysis criteria. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the symptoms of schizophrenia, stress, and anxiety between probiotic and placebo groups, post-intervention. Probiotic administration reduced depressive symptoms among patients with depression in a statistically significant manner (standardised mean difference (SMD) = -0.87; 95% confidence interval (95% confidence interval): -1.66, -0.99; P=0.03). Further evidence from larger and more rigorous studies with longer duration of probiotic administration, as well as well-defined populations, homogenous probiotic intervention and outcome measures, are needed to clarify the potential therapeutic effects of probiotics on psychiatric symptoms. Based on the current literature, it seems that not all probiotic-/prebiotic-/dairy-rich diet-based treatments exhibited a psychobiotic effect on the CNS. Among the parameters determining the success of the given treatment, the most significant were probiotic composition (multi-strain formulation), the quantity of ingested psychobiotics and the duration of the study.

Web-based platform for patient dose surveys in diagnostic and interventional radiology in Bulgaria: Functionality testing and optimisation.

In the period 2013-2016 the National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection (NCRRP) at the Ministry of Health of Bulgaria has developed a web based platform for performing national patient dose surveys and establishing Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs). It is accessible via internet browser, allowing the users to submit data remotely. Electronic questionnaires, specific for radiography, fluoroscopy, image guided interventional procedures, mammography and CT, were provided. Short and clear manuals were added to guide users and minimise human errors. The web-based data collection platform is functional and is currently being used for performing the third national dose survey in Bulgaria, launched in 2016. Data analysis is facilitated due to the standardisation of collected data and their storing. Using the platform, the participating facilities can establish their typical dose levels based on the median value, and compare them to DRLs. A disadvantage of the platform is the need to enter data manually, but it is opened for future upgrades for automatic data harvesting and analysis. Various practical approaches were used to overcome the lack of qualified human resources and insufficient understanding of the DRL and dose tracking concept and to motivate facilities to submit data.

Eye lens exposure to medical staff during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

The paper presents a study of the radiation doses to eye lens of medical staff during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures performed in a busy gastroenterology department. For each procedure the dose equivalent to the eye, exposure time, dose rate, Kerma Area Product and fluoroscopy time were recorded. Measurements were performed for a period of two months in four main positions of the operating staff, and then extrapolated to estimate annual doses. The fluoroscopy time per ERCP procedure varied between 1.0 min and 28.8 min, with a mean value of 4.6 min. The calculated mean eye dose per procedure varied between 34.9 µSv and 93.3 µSv. The results demonstrated that if eye protection is not used, annual doses to the eye lens of the gastroenterologist performing the procedure and the anesthesiologist can exceed the dose limit of 20 mSv per year.

Risk of radiation exposure to medical staff involved in interventional endourology.

The aim is to estimate the possibility the new annual dose limit for eye lens to be exceeded and to study the impact of protective shield. Radiation exposure to medical personnel was evaluated with EDD-30 dosemeter in positions of operating surgeon, assisting doctor and nurse. At the operator's typical position for diagnosis and treatment of the urinary tract, the lens dose rates were 0.9 mSv h(-1) and 0.06 mSv h(-1) without and with lead shield. At the operator's position typical for percutaneous intervention dose rates were 1.9 and 0.02 mSv h(-1), respectively. At typical workload, the annual eye lens dose to the main operator without protective screen was estimated to be 29 mSv. With lead screen, operator lens dose can be reduced by a factor of 15-95 according to the procedure. Installation and use of lead screen and use of lead glasses were recommended to the endourology medical team.

Mer receptor tyrosine kinase mediates both tethering and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.

Billions of inflammatory leukocytes die and are phagocytically cleared each day. This regular renewal facilitates the normal termination of inflammatory responses, suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators and inducing their anti-inflammatory counterparts. Here we investigate the role of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) Mer and its ligands Protein S and Gas6 in the initial recognition and capture of apoptotic cells (ACs) by macrophages. We demonstrate extremely rapid binding kinetics of both ligands to phosphatidylserine (PtdSer)-displaying ACs, and show that ACs can be co-opsonized with multiple PtdSer opsonins. We further show that macrophage phagocytosis of ACs opsonized with Mer ligands can occur independently of a requirement for αV integrins. Finally, we demonstrate a novel role for Mer in the tethering of ACs to the macrophage surface, and show that Mer-mediated tethering and subsequent AC engulfment can be distinguished by their requirement for Mer kinase activity. Our results identify Mer as a receptor uniquely capable of both tethering ACs to the macrophage surface and driving their subsequent internalization.

A program to support self-efficacy among athletes.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a proprietary program for increasing self-efficacy among track and field athletes through vicarious experience and successful control over excitation and to determine the changes in the cognitive dimensions related to self-efficacy: dispositional optimism, hope of success and locus of control. An experimental two-group design with a pre-test and a post-test in the experimental and control groups was used. Forty-two athletes (29 women and 13 men) aged 17 to 24 years randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups took part in the study. The General Scale of Self-Efficacy, Hope for Success Questionnaire, Life Orientation Test Revised, and Internal-External Locus of Control Scale were used. The study's results indicate that the program was effective. Participants in the intervention group demonstrated a substantial increase in self-efficacy (P = 0.001). This was not observed in the control group (P = 0.732). After the completion of the program, athletes in the intervention group had significantly higher levels of self-efficacy (P = 0.001) and optimism (P = 0.017). They also had more internal locus of control compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Contrary to expectations, athletes in the intervention group demonstrated a substantially lower level of propensity in pathways (P = 0.001) as well as in agency (P = 0.001) (both components of the hope for success).

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus: early and late efficacy in relation to aetiology.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyse the effectiveness and usefulness of treatment of hydrocephalus by Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV). We sought to relate rates of failure to the cause of hydrocephalus, distinguishing between early and late outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 1999 and April 2001, 30 patients underwent ETV. In 23 patients hydrocephalus was caused by an expansive mass (tumour). Three groups of patients were distinguished, according to the different aims of ETV. Thus in group T--ETV was carried out to eliminate hydrocephalus prior to the main surgery (53%), in C--ETV was the definite treatment of choice (30%), and in group P--ETV was a palliative treatment (17%). The results were assessed in the early postoperative period and in long term follow-up using clinical relief of symptoms, and radiological criteria (pre- and postoperative computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance scans). RESULTS: In the early postoperative period ETV was rated to be effective by clinical criteria in 29 patients, and by radiological criteria in 27. According to late assessment the method was successful in 25 patients using clinical criteria, and in 21 using radiological criteria. There was no peri-operative mortality. A transient complication (wound CSF leak) occurred in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: ETV is effective in well chosen patients in relieving symptoms of hydrocephalus. It is valuable before a definitive major operation to remove the cause of hydrocephalus, as a palliative treatment, and in itself as a method of definitive management when indications are correct.