Key Properties of a Bioactive Ag-SiO2/TiO2 Coating on NiTi Shape Memory Alloy as Necessary at the Development of a New Class of Biomedical Materials.

Recent years have seen the dynamic development of methods for functionalizing the surface of implants using biomaterials that can mimic the physical and mechanical nature of native tissue, prevent the formation of bacterial biofilm, promote osteoconduction, and have the ability to sustain cell proliferation. One of the concepts for achieving this goal, which is presented in this work, is to functionalize the surface of NiTi shape memory alloy by an atypical glass-like nanocomposite that consists of SiO2-TiO2 with silver nanoparticles. However, determining the potential medical uses of bio(nano)coating prepared in this way requires an analysis of its surface roughness, tribology, or wettability, especially in the context of the commonly used reference coat-forming hydroxyapatite (HAp). According to our results, the surface roughness ranged between (112 ± 3) nm (Ag-SiO2)-(141 ± 5) nm (HAp), the water contact angle was in the range (74.8 ± 1.6)° (Ag-SiO2)-(70.6 ± 1.2)° (HAp), while the surface free energy was in the range of 45.4 mJ/m2 (Ag-SiO2)-46.8 mJ/m2 (HAp). The adhesive force and friction coefficient were determined to be 1.04 (Ag-SiO2)-1.14 (HAp) and 0.247 ± 0.012 (Ag-SiO2) and 0.397 ± 0.034 (HAp), respectively. The chemical data showed that the release of the metal, mainly Ni from the covered NiTi substrate or Ag from Ag-SiO2 coating had a negligible effect. It was revealed that the NiTi alloy that was coated with Ag-SiO2 did not favor the formation of E. coli or S. aureus biofilm compared to the HAp-coated alloy. Moreover, both approaches to surface functionalization indicated good viability of the normal human dermal fibroblast and osteoblast cells and confirmed the high osteoconductive features of the biomaterial. The similarities of both types of coat-forming materials indicate an excellent potential of the silver-silica composite as a new material for the functionalization of the surface of a biomaterial and the development of a new type of functionalized implants.

Increased number of endothelial progenitor cells in the blood of patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Introduction: Psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) is a common dermatosis characterized by excessive activation of neovascularization. Latest research has shown that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a crucial factor involved in the repair of endothelial injury and formation of new blood vessels, in a process termed postnatal vasculogenesis. However, the exact mechanism of creating psoriatic skin patches and the involvement of EPCs in this process remains unknown. Aim: To evaluate the number of EPCs in the blood of patients with PsV, characterized by the expression of specific cell surface markers, including CD45-, CD31+, CD34+ and CD133+. Material and methods: A total of 49 patients suffering from PsV and 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. The number of EPCs in each of the volunteers' whole blood samples was measured with a FACSCalibur flow cytometer using monoclonal antibodies directed against antigens specific for EPCs. Results: The number of EPCs was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis compared with the controls (p = 0.0007) and inversely correlated with disease severity assessed by PASI score (R = -0.2935, p = 0.0407). Statistical analysis did not show significant relations between the count of EPCs and age, body mass index, gender, disease duration, blood pressure, extent of itching, severity and frequency of pruritus, presence of bruises, vitamin D supplementation and smoking habit. Conclusions: The results of our studies indicate that patients with psoriasis showed an increased mobilization of EPCs compared with healthy individuals which correlated negatively with disease severity.

Diurnal variations in tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor concentrations in relation to on-treatment platelet reactivity: an analysis of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The aim of the study was to evaluate diurnal changes of tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) concentrations in relation to on-treatment platelet reactivity. The study group included 51 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and dual antiplatelet therapy. TF and TFPI concentrations were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. We found a significant increase of TF concentration in clopidogrel-resistant, but not clopidogrel-sensitive, patients at 10.00 a.m. (410.66 pg/mL) in comparison with 6.00 a.m. (250.99 pg/mL), 14.00 p.m. (255.12 pg/mL) and 19.00 p.m. (267.58 pg/mL). Moreover, TF concentration at 10.00 a.m. was 30% higher in clopidogrel-resistant than clopidogrel-sensitive patients (p = .043). We failed to demonstrate diurnal variation in TFPI concentration in clopidogrel-resistant patients. However, TFPI concentration in clopidogrel-sensitive patients was significantly higher at 10.00 a.m. as compared with other sampling points (p < .05). We observed a marked elevation in TF concentration at 10.00 a.m. only in aspirin-resistant patients and a significant increase in TFPI concentration at 10 a.m. only in aspirin-sensitive patients. Our findings suggest the presence of diurnal variations in TF and TFPI concentrations in AMI patients, with the highest thrombotic risk in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity in the midmorning.

Activation of TF-Dependent Blood Coagulation Pathway and VEGF-A in Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia.

Background and objectives: Recent studies suggest that a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) may be involved in the thrombotic process by stimulating the expression of tissue factor in vascular endothelial cells. Tissue factor (TF) can also stimulate the transcription of the gene encoding VEGF-A. The relationship between coagulation and angiogenesis in myeloproliferative neoplasms is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of TF in relation to VEGF-A in the blood of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Patients and methods: The study group consisted of 130, newly diagnosed patients with ET (mean age 61 years). The control group consisted of 35 healthy volunteers (mean age 51 years). Concentrations of VEGF-A, TF, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) were analysed using immunoenzymatic methods. TF and TFPI activities were performed using chromogenic assays. Results: The median concentration of TF Ag was 3-fold higher and the TF activity was more than 15-fold higher in ET patients than in normal individuals. There were no statistically significant differences in the TFPI concentration and activity between groups. VEGF-A was significantly increased in patients with ET (p < 0.000001). Analysis of correlations revealed a positive correlation between VEGF-A and TF Ag as well as a positive correlation between VEGF-A and TFPI activity. Conclusions: The simultaneous increase of TF concentration and activity, VEGF-A in the blood of patients with ET, as well as a positive correlation between the concentration of TF and VEGF-A demonstrates the coexistence of TF-dependent coagulation and activation of angiogenesis.

Chorionic thickness and PlGF concentrations as early predictors of small-for-gestational age birth weight in a low risk population.

OBJECTIVES: SGA is associated with higher incidence of postnatal complications, including suboptimal neurodevelopment and increased cardiovascular risk. Screening for SGA, carried out at 11-13 (+ 6d) gestational weeks enables to reduce or completely eliminate the above mentioned complications. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between chorionic thickness, concentration of PIGF protein and foetal birth weight in a single low-risk pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 76 patients at 11-13 (+ 6d) gestational weeks, monitored throughout preg-nancy. Ultrasound examinations identified the location and thickness of the chorion by measuring it in its central part at its widest point in a sagittal section. Additionally, at each visit venous blood was collected to determine the level of PlGF, PAPP-A, and BhCG. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation (r = 0.37) was found between the foetal weight and chorionic thickness. This correlation was affected by the location of the chorion and a significant negative correlation was observed between the level of PLGF, FHR, weight and length of the newborn. Maternal early-pregnancy BMI did not affect neonatal weight and body length, FHR, chorionic thickness, and the levels of PlGF, PAPP-A, and BhCG. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary analysis indicates an association between chorionic thickness assessed during ultrasound at 11-13 (+ 6d) gestational weeks, PIGF levels assayed at the same time and birth weight. Increasing chorion thickness was accompanied by increasing foetal birth weight. PlGF level showed an inversely proportional effect on the foetal weight. This correlation was significant for the posterior location of the chorion.

[Long-term follow-up of children with prenatally found increased nuchal translucency and normal karyotype]. / Dalsze losy dzieci ze stwierdzonym prenatalnie poszerzeniem przeziernosci karkowej oraz prawidlowym kariotypem.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was a long-term follow-up of children with prenatally found increased nuchal translucency (NT) and normal karyotype. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 147 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis due to increased fetal NT with or without other structural anomalies in the fetus. The final analysis concerned children with prenatally found increased NT and normal karyotype who were at least 2 years of age. A questionnaire was sent to all patients who underwent amniocentesis in order to assess the development of the children. RESULTS: Normal karyotype was found in 101 (68.7%) fetuses with increased NT Complete information on the outcome of pregnancy and further development of the children was submitted by 70 patients (69.3%). An abnormal outcome of pregnancy congenital structural anomalies and abnormal development was found finally in 17.1% of the children. In case of normal result of the second-trimester fetal ultrasound scan, normal further development was found in 93% of the children. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Further development of the children with prenatally found increased NT and normal karyotype is usually normal. 2. The degree of NT increase and the result of the second-trimester fetal anatomy scan seem to play the key role in the prognosis of further, postnatal outcome of the fetuses with increased NT 3. Normal karyotype in fetuses with increased NT does not exclude the possibility of an existing genetic syndrome.

[Results of cytogenetic examinations in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency]. / Wyniki badan cytogenetycznych u plodów z poszerzeniem przezernosci karkowej.

OBJECTIVES: The analysis of karyotypes in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) and the assessment of correlations between NT thickness, presence of other fetal anomalies and the result of karyotype. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 121 singleton fetuses with increased NT thickness. In all fetuses the karyotype was assessed following amniocentesis. The results of karyotypes were analyzed in the whole studied group, as well as in specific subgroups of patients according to NT value: 1) increased NT, but not exceeding 3,5mm, 2) 3,5-4,4mm, 3) 4,5-5,4mm, 4) 5,5-6,4mm, and 5) > or = 6,5mm. RESULTS: Abnormal results of the karyotype were found in 41 out of 121 fetuses (33,9%). The most common aberration was trisomy 21. A percentage of abnormal fetal karyotypes increased with the degree of NT thickening and was 15,9% in fetuses with increased NT which did not exceed 3,5 mm and 54,5% in fetuses with NT > or = 6,5 mm. The abnormal karyotype was diagnosed in 54,5% of fetuses with increased NT and other abnormalities found in ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Around 65% of the fetuses with an increased NT have normal karyotype. 2. A percentage of abnormal karyotypes in fetuses increases with the degree of NT thickening. 3. An ultrasound finding of an increased NT and other abnormalities in a fetus is associated with higher risk of chromosomal aberrations in comparison to cases when there is only an increased nuchal translucency.

[Edwards syndrome--most frequent indications for genetic amniocentesis. Analysis of the last 5 years]. / Zespól Edwardsa--najczestsze wskazania do wykonania amniopunkcji genetycznych. Analiza na przestrzeni ostatnich 5 lat.

Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) occurs in 1: 8000 live births and is closely related to the mother's age. Most of the embryos and fetuses with trisomy of 18 chromosome pair undergo natural abortion. Change in number and structure of chromosomes usually takes place spontaneously. However, the incidence of chromosome mutations increases with the presence of mutagenic factors. One of the chemical mutagenic factors is benzopyrene - present in cigarette smoke. Prenatal cytogenetic diagnostic is used for detecting diseases and clinical syndromes conditioned by chromosome aberrations. To this date the "golden standard" of this diagnostic is the assessment of the fetus karyotype by means of analysis of chromosome banding pattern from amniotic fluid-derived cells. The aim of the study was the analysis of indications for genetic amniocenteses carried out in the last 5 years and in case of which trisomy of chromosome 18 (Edwards syndrome) was diagnosed. The analysis covered 1593 results of fetus karyotypes obtained from Cytogenetic Laboratory of the Central Gynecological-Obstetric Clinical Hospital in Poznan over the last 5 years. The study procedure consisted in producing cell culture from amniotic fluid, appliance of appropriate color techniques and thorough microscopic analysis of chromosome banding pattern. As a result of the analysis it was discovered that in 1538 cases the karyotype was normal, and in 55 cases trisomy 18 was diagnosed, which constituted 3% of all cytogenetic tests. The highest number of trisomy 18 cases was noted in 2009 - 19 cases, which constitutes 5% of all tests. In 2010 and 2011 the results included respectively 2% and 3% of diagnosed trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). In the last 5 years normal results for karyotypes constituted 87%, in 10% cases other aberrations were diagnosed through cystogenetic tests, whereas 3% of the results have shown trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome The most frequent indications for performing genetic amniocentesis, as a result of which trisomy 18 was diagnosed, were defects in ultrasound image, including fetal hydrops which constituted 27.3% of all indications. Malformation syndrome in fetus and hydramnion constituted only 9.1% of indications for cytogenetic tests where trisomy 18 was diagnosed. The highest incidence rate of trisomy 18 was diagnosed in fetuses of women aged between 30 and 34. These were followed by 29 fetuses with Edwards syndrome in mothers aged between 25 and 29.

[Frequency of prevalence of Turner syndrome in fetuses of patients referred to genetic amniocentesis in 2007-2011]. / Czestosc wystepowania zespolu Turnera u plodów pacjentek skierowanych na badanie amniopunkcji genetycznej w latach 2007-2011.

Turner syndrome is a genetic diseases caused by an aberration of sex chromosomes. It is conditioned by structural and/or quantitative aberration of one of the two X chromosomes, with frequent presence of mosaicism in cells. Since there are a few types of the syndrome, its diagnosis is often difficult and, as a consequence, a lot of people live without knowing of their disease. It is only during puberty that symptoms occur, or when full maturity begins it possible to diagnose the disease and start treatment. Genetic amniocentesis is a method thanks to which a material for cytogenetic test is obtained. The method involves puncturing amniotic sac and aspiration of fluid under the control of ultrasound for diagnostic purposes. Microscopic analysis of the chromosomes makes it possible to recognize aberration of one chromosome X which indicates Tuner syndrome phenotype. The objective of the study was the analysis of the frequency of prevalence of Turner syndrome in the patients' fetuses referred for genetic amniocentesis in 2007-2011. The most frequent cause of Turner syndrome in girls is missing one of two chromosomes X. the analysis shows that in 1815 tests Turner syndrome was confirmed in 46 cases which constitutes 2.5%. It is mostly young women, aged 25-29 that are at risk of having a child with this aberration. Indications which were later confirmed by the cases of fetuses with this syndrome included fetal hydrops, cystic hygroma and abnormalities in ultrasound image. In case of indications such as genetic defects in the family, incorrect result of triple test are not confirmed by Turner syndrome.

An Assessment of Selected Molecular and Biochemical Markers of the Folate Pathway as Potential Risk Factors for Fetal Trisomy 21 during the First Trimester of Pregnancy in the Polish Population.

Are the maternal gene variants MTHFR: c.665C>T, MTHFR: c.1286A>C, MTR: c.2756A>G, MTRR: c.66A>G, RFC1: c.80C>T and TCN2: c.776G>C and blood markers of the folate pathway important factors in assessing the risk of fetal trisomy 21 (fetal-T21)? Twenty pregnant women with a high risk and twenty with a low risk of fetal-T21 underwent prenatal examination. Selected gene variants and folate pathway markers and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free ß-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin ß (free-ß-hCG) multiple of the medians (MoMs) were determined. The distributions of the alternative alleles and genotypes of the gene variants did not differ between the studied groups. There was no relationship between PAPP-A and ß-hCG MoM values and the presence of allele alternative genotype variants. The occurrence of alternative variants of the selected genes and concentrations of most of the studied folate pathway markers may not play a crucial role in the risk of fetal-T21 in pregnant women. However, the relationships between erythrocyte folate concentrations and the occurrence of alternative variants: c.665C>T MTHFR and c.776G>C TCN2, as well as the methylmalonic acid concentration and the occurrence of alternative variant c.776G>C TCN2 in pregnant women with fetal-T21, encourage further research. So far, of the biochemical markers, maternal PAPP-A and ß-hCG MoM values remain independent risk factors for fetal-T21.

Can redox imbalance predict abnormal foetal development?

OBJECTIVES: Based on the current state of knowledge, elevated levels of oxidative stress markers may be considered as risk factors for pregnancy complications. The aim of the research was to assess the correlation between selected oxidative stress biomarkers with the occurrence of foetal chromosomal aberration and congenital malformations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective research lasted for two years. The purpose was to determine serum levels of selected oxidative stress markers, including total protein (TP), glutathione (GSH), S-nitrosothiols (RSNO), nitric oxide (NO), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) at 11-13 + 6 gestational weeks in 38 women with confirmed foetal developmental abnormalities and in 34 healthy pregnancies in order to assess their utility as predictors of abnormal foetal development. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of TP (56.90 ± 5.30 vs 69.1 ± 15.30 mg/mL), TEAC (4.93 ± 0.82 vs 5.64 ± 0.74 µM/mL) and GST (15.94 ± 4.52 vs 21.72 ± 6.81 nM/min/mg) were statistically significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the group of patients with developmental abnormalities in the fetus, whereas GSH levels (6.43 ± 1.24 vs 4.98 ± 1.88 nM/mg) were significantly higher, compared to the group of healthy fetuses. There were no differences in the concentration of these markers between chromosomal aberrations and fetal dysmorphia in subjects. A significant difference in odds ratio obtained for GSH (OR = 0.57, 95% CL: 0.40-0.80) indicates that its higher concentration can relate to reduced risk of developmental abnormalities, whereas odds ratio for TP (OR=1.11, 95% CL: 1.04-1.17), TEAC (OR = 3.54, 95% CL: 1.56-8.05) and GST (OR = 1.18, 95% CL: 1.03-1.17) indicate that their elevation may increase the risk of developmental abnormalities CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of TP, GST, TEAC and low GSH level may be relevant to predict congenital defects.

Assessment of endothelial progenitor cells, VEGF-A and SDF-1α in Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Recently, there is great interest in vasculogenesis, a process of the formation of new blood vessels from progenitor cells or angioblasts, in the pathogenesis of cancer. To the best of our knowledge, the evaluation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in Hodgkin's lymphoma has not yet been reported. The aim of the present study was to assess the number of EPCs and selected cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1α) involved in vasculogenesis in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. The study was conducted in a group of 42 patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (eight patients with relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma and 34 patients before the first treatment) and 30 healthy controls. The number of EPCs defined as CD31(+), CD34(+), CD45(-), CD133(+) was analysed on FacsCalibur flow cytometer and the concentration of VEGF-A and SDF-1α was assessed by ELISA. The study showed that there was a significantly higher EPCs number and VEGF-A concentration in the blood of Hodgkin's lymphoma patients compared to healthy individuals (8.20 vs. 0.55 cells/µl; P < 0.000001; 85.10 vs. 25.33 pg/ml, P = 0.000017; respectively). Detailed analysis revealed that there was elevated EPCs number in both study subgroups as compared to the control group. However, there was no difference in VEGF concentration between recurrent Hodgkin's lymphoma patients and the control group. A significant positive correlation was found between the number of EPCs and VEGF-A concentration (R = 0.31, P = 0.047). Significantly higher EPCs number combined with increased VEGF-A concentration, found in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients before the first treatment, suggest stimulation of new blood vessels formation, which may in turn contribute to tumour growth and metastasis in these patients.

In vitro evaluation of electrochemically bioactivated Ti6Al4V 3D porous scaffolds.

Triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) are known for their advanced mechanical properties and are wrinkle-free with a smooth local topology. These surfaces provide suitable conditions for cell attachment and proliferation. In this study, the in vitro osteoinductive and antibacterial properties of scaffolds with different minimal pore diameters and architectures were investigated. For the first time, scaffolds with TPMS architecture were treated electrochemically by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with and without silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance the surface bioactivity. It was found that the scaffold architecture had a greater impact on the osteoblast cell activity than the pore size. Through control of the architecture type, the collagen production by osteoblast cells increased by 18.9% and by 43.0% in the case of additional surface PEO bioactivation. The manufactured scaffolds demonstrated an extremely low quasi-elastic modulus (comparable with trabecular and cortical bone), which was 5-10 times lower than that of bulk titanium (6.4-11.4 GPa vs 100-105 GPa). The AgNPs provided antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and had no significant impact on the osteoblast cell growth. Complex experimental results show the in vitro effectiveness of the PEO-modified TPMS architecture, which could positively impact the clinical applications of porous bioactive implants.

Inhibitors of the blood coagulation process in patients with essential thrombocythemia.

: The aim of the study was to assess the activity of protein C, protein S and tissue factor pathway inhibitor in relation to the risk factors for thrombotic complications in patients with essential thrombocythemia.The study group consisted of 45 newly diagnosed patients with essential thrombocythemia. Protein S activity was determined by chromogenic method. Activities of protein C and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) were determined using ELISAs.Significantly lower protein C and protein S activity but higher TFPI activity were found in patients with ET in comparison with the control group. TFPI activity was higher in women as compared to men, and in patients over 60 years of age compared with patients below 60 years of age. TFPI activity was higher in patients with leukocytes count at least 11 g/l than in patients with leukocytes count below 11 g/l and the difference almost reached statistical significance. Significantly lower protein C activity was found in patients with the JAK2V617F mutation, in comparison with essential thrombocythemia patients JAK2V617F (-).The reduced protein C and protein S activity may be one of the pathogenic factors of increased prothrombotic state in essential thrombocythemia patients. The decreased protein C activity in patients with the JAK2 V617F mutation seems to confirm the significant role of this mutation in the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications in essential thrombocythemia patients. Significantly increased TFPI activity in essential thrombocythemia patients above 60 years of age and with leukocyte count above 11 g/l expresses the activation of the compensatory mechanism for increased prothrombotic activity.

The significance of maternal blood pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels for the risk assessment of fetal trisomy 18 during the first prenatal testing between 11 and 13+6 weeks of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of the maternal blood level of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG), to estimate the risk of fetal trisomy 18 and their correlation with the assessment of nuchal translucency (NT) during the first prenatal testing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Examinations of 93 pregnant women between 11 and 13+6 weeks of pregnancy were conducted, which included determination of ß-hCG and PAPP-A concentrations in the maternal serum and ultrasound assessment of fetal nuchal translucency. Concentrations of biochemical parameters were expressed as multiples of median (MoM) for the appropriate gestational age. The risk assessment of trisomy 18 was analyzed using Astraia software. Pregnant women with a high (≥ 1:300) risk of trisomy 18 were offered a genetic amniocentesis with an examination of fetal karyotype. Twenty cases were healthy and 23 with trisomy 18. RESULTS: PAPP-A and ß-hCG MoM values < 0.3 were found in 61% cases of fetal trisomy 18. In 26% of cases, PAPP-A and ß-hCG MoM values < 0.2 were NT-independent risk factors for trisomy 18. There were no significant differences between groups with normal fetal karyotype (40%) and trisomy 18 (35%) in PAPP-A and ß-hCG MoM 0.2-0.5 range. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal free ß-hCG MoM was found to change parallelly to fetal NT widening in case of trisomy 18 diagnosis. Maternal ß-hCG and PAPP-A MoM results presented less then 0.2 might be used independently of NT widening in fetus for trisomy 18 risk evaluation. Above 0.2 for PAPP-A and ß-hCG MoMs, fetal NT measurement was an requirment.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells as a Marker of Vascular Damage But not a Predictor in Acute Microangiopathy-Associated Stroke.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with acute stroke due to cerebral microangiopathy and evaluate whether there is a relationship between their number and clinical status, radiological findings, risk factors, selected biochemical parameters, and prognosis, both in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: In total, 66 patients with lacunar ischemic stroke, 38 patients with typical location hemorrhagic stroke, and 22 subjects from the control group without acute cerebrovascular incidents were included in the prospective observational study. The number of EPCs was determined in serum on the first and eighth day after stroke onset using flow cytometry and identified with the immune-phenotype classification determinant (CD)45-, CD34+, CD133+. RESULTS: We demonstrated a significantly higher number of EPCs on the first day of stroke compared to the control group (med. 17.75 cells/µL (0-488 cells/µL) vs. 5.24 cells/µL (0-95 cells/µL); p = 0.0006). We did not find a relationship between the number of EPCs in the acute phase of stroke and the biochemical parameters, vascular risk factors, or clinical condition. In females, the higher number of EPCs on the first day of stroke is related to a favorable functional outcome on the eighth day after the stroke onset compared to males (p = 0.0355). We found that a higher volume of the hemorrhagic focus on the first day was correlated with a lower number of EPCs on the first day (correlation coefficient (R) = -0.3378, p = 0.0471), and a higher number of EPCs on the first day of the hemorrhagic stroke was correlated with a lower degree of regression of the hemorrhagic focus (R = -0.3896, p = 0.0367). CONCLUSION: The study showed that endothelial progenitor cells are an early marker in acute microangiopathy-associated stroke regardless of etiology and may affect the radiological findings in hemorrhagic stroke. Nevertheless, their prognostic value remains doubtful in stroke patients.

Mid-trimester ultrasound parameters for predicting birth weight in low risk pregnancies vs high-risk pregnancies complicated with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the utility of mid-trimester ultrasound parameters in predicting birth weight in low-risk pregnancy and high-risk pregnancy complicated with pregestational diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study group comprised 97 healthy women and 160 women with pregestational diabetes (PGDM, type 1), all in singleton pregnancy. Ultrasound examination was performed between weeks 11 and 14, and in weeks 20 and 30 of gestation, based on recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, Ultrasonography Division. We also checked uterine artery blood flow parameters. RESULTS: There is a correlation between the birth weight and ultrasound-ascertained parameters, including those characterising uterine artery blood flow and foetal biometry [abdominal circumference (AC), femoral length (FL), biparietal dimension (BPD)].The biparietal dimension (BPD), head circumference (HC) abdominal circumference (AC) and pre-existing diabetes are the ultrasound predictors of LGA. The presence of an early-diastolic uterine artery blood flow waveform notching, as well as the uterine artery pulsatility index (UAPI), femoral length (FL) and hypertension in pregnancy are the ultrasound predictors of SGA. In the subset of women with pre-gestational diabetes (PGDM), there is a negative correlation between the birth weight and the uterine artery pulsatility index and early-diastolic uterine artery blood flow waveform notching. In women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM), femoral length (FL) is a significant predictor of LGA and in case of SGA significant predictors are uterine artery pulsatility index, artery blood flow waveform notching and femoral length (FL). CONCLUSIONS: Midtrimester ultrasound parameters with confirmed usefulness in the prediction of birth weight in low-risk pregnancy and high-risk pregnancy complicated with pregestational diabetes mellitus include: uterine artery PI, early-diastolic uterine artery blood flow waveform notching and foetal biometry.

Formation of a Bacteriostatic Surface on ZrNb Alloy via Anodization in a Solution Containing Cu Nanoparticles.

High strength, excellent corrosion resistance, high biocompatibility, osseointegration ability, and low bacteria adhesion are critical properties of metal implants. Additionally, the implant surface plays a critical role as the cell and bacteria host, and the development of a simultaneously antibacterial and biocompatible implant is still a crucial challenge. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) could be a promising alternative to silver in antibacterial surface engineering due to low cell toxicity. In our study, we assessed the biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of a PEO (plasma electrolytic oxidation) coating incorporated with CuNPs (Cu nanoparticles). The structural and chemical parameters of the CuNP and PEO coating were studied with TEM/SEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy/Scanning Electron Microscopy), EDX (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Dpectroscopy), and XRD (X-ray Diffraction) methods. Cell toxicity and bacteria adhesion tests were used to prove the surface safety and antibacterial properties. We can conclude that PEO on a ZrNb alloy in Ca-P solution with CuNPs formed a stable ceramic layer incorporated with Cu nanoparticles. The new surface provided better osteoblast adhesion in all time-points compared with the nontreated metal and showed medium grade antibacterial activities. PEO at 450 V provided better antibacterial properties that are recommended for further investigation.

Antibacterial and cytocompatible coatings based on poly(adipic anhydride) for a Ti alloy surface.

This paper describes a formation of hybrid coatings on a Ti-2Ta-3Zr-36Nb surface. This is accomplished by plasma electrolytic oxidation and a dip-coating technique with poly(adipic anhydride) ((C6H8O3)n) that is loaded with drugs: amoxicillin (C16H19N3O5S), cefazolin (C14H14N8O4S3) or vancomycin (C66H75Cl2N9O24 · xHCl). The characteristic microstructure of the polymer was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. Depending on the surface treatment, the surface roughness varied (between 1.53 µm and 2.06 µm), and the wettability was change with the over of time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the oxide layer did not affect the polymer layer or loaded drugs. However, the drugs lose their stability in a phosphate-buffered saline solution after 6.5 h of exposure, and its decrease was greater than 7% (HPLC analysis). The stability, drug release and concentration of the drug loaded into the material were precisely analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results correlated with the degradation of the polymer in which the addition of drugs caused the percent of degraded polymer to be between 35.5% and 49.4% after 1 h of material immersion, depending on the mass of the loaded drug and various biological responses that were obtained. However, all of the coatings were cytocompatible with MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. The drug concentrations released from the coatings were sufficient to inhibit adhesion of reference and clinical bacterial strains (S. aureus). The coatings with amoxicillin showed the best results in the bacterial inhibition zone, whereas coatings with cefazolin inhibited adhesion of the above bacteria on the surface.

Electrochemical modification of the Ti-15Mo alloy surface in solutions containing ZnO and Zn3(PO4)2 particles.

This paper reports on the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of titanium alloy Ti-15Mo in baths containing zinc to obtain biomaterials with bacteriostatic and antibacterial properties. The Ti-15Mo surface was oxidised in a 0.1 M Ca(H2PO2)2 bath containing zinc compound particles: ZnO or Zn3(PO4)2. During the PEO process, the applied voltage was 300 V, and the current density was 150 mA∙cm-2. The surface morphology, roughness and wettability were determined. It has been noted that both roughness and wettability of Ti-15Mo alloy surface increased after PEO. EDX and XPS chemical composition analysis was carried out, and Raman spectroscopy was also performed indicating that Zn has been successfully incorporated into oxide layer. To investigate the antibacterial properties of the PEO oxide coatings, microbial tests were carried out. The bacterial adhesion test was performed using four different bacterial strains: reference Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), clinical Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA 1030), reference Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 700296) and clinical Staphylococcus epidermidis (15560). Performed zinc-containing oxide coatings did not indicate the bacteria growth inducing effect. Additionally, the cytocompatibility of the formed oxide layers was characterised by MG-63 osteoblast-like live/dead tests. The surface bioactivity and cytocompatibility increased after the PEO process. The zinc was successfully incorporated into the titanium oxide layer. Based on the obtained results of the studies, it can be claimed that zinc-containing PEO layers can be an interesting course of bacteriostatic titanium biomaterials development.