Active Compounds with Medicinal Potential Found in Maxillariinae Benth. (Orchidaceae Juss.) Representatives-A Review.

Orchids are widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a whole range of different health conditions, and representatives of the Neotropical subtribe Maxillariinae are not an exception. They are utilized, for instance, for their spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory activities. In this work, we analyze the literature concerning the chemical composition of the plant extracts and secretions of this subtribe's representatives published between 1991 and 2022. Maxillariinae is one of the biggest taxa within the orchid family; however, to date, only 19 species have been investigated in this regard and, as we report, they produce 62 semiochemicals of medical potential. The presented review is the first summary of biologically active compounds found in Maxillariinae.

Differences in diffusion tensor imaging parameters of brain white matter tracts between patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and type 2 - a retrospective single-centre study.

INTRODUCTION: The main aim of our study was to compare diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters in patients with myotonic dystrophy types 1 and 2 (DM1 and DM2). CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY: To ascertain whether DTI could be used to assess the integrity of white matter tracts in the brain and identify any abnormalities or disruptions in connectivity between different brain regions in patients with DM. By providing a more detailed understanding of the structural changes in the brain associated with DM, could DTI potentially be used to develop more effective treatments for the cognitive and neurological symptoms of the disorder? MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared MRI scans of 19 patients with DM1 to those of 23 healthy, matched controls, and of 16 patients with DM2 to those of 20 healthy, matched controls, and finally compared the DM1 and DM2 samples. Fraction anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) values were assessed using Tract Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS). RESULTS: In patients with DM1, a statistically significant decrease in the values of the FA parameter was revealed in 45/48 white matter tracts compared to patients with DM2. There was no statistically significant decrease in the values of the FA parameter in patients with DM2 compared to DM1. The values of MD and RD were significantly higher in 47 tracts in DM1 patients compared to DM2 patients. AD values were significantly higher in all 48 tracts in DM1 patients compared to DM2 patients. There were no tracts with increased MD, AD, or RD values in DM2 patients compared to DM1. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate diffuse disintegration of white matter pathways in DM patients, especially in the DM1 group. The damage to all types of fibres (association, commissural, and projection) may explain the diversity of clinical symptoms, which were more severe in the DM1 group of patients than in the DM2 group. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: DTI in patients with DM may help us to understand the neural mechanisms underlying brain involvement during the disease. In future, it may help to identify biomarkers for disease progression and treatment response.

Floral attractants in the black orchid Brasiliorchis schunkeana (Orchidaceae, Maxillariinae): clues for presumed sapromyophily and potential antimicrobial activity.

BACKGROUND: Orchids have evolved various strategies that aim to ensure their reproduction success. These may include the production of rewards for pollinators, or on the contrary, deception. Specific sets of features such as flower morphology, color, nectar, and odor presence (or lack thereof) are considered to determine suitability for pollination by different groups of animals. Stingless bees are thought to be the primary pollinators of the orchids of the Neotropical subtribe Maxillariinae. However, almost black flowered Brasiliorchis schunkeana at first glance presents floral adaptations that may suggest another pollination syndrome-sapromyophily. RESULTS: A few traces of secretion were noticed on the glabrous lip callus and lip apex built by conical to villiform papillae (SEM analysis). Histochemical studies revealed huge amounts of lipids in the epidermis, subepidermis, and some parenchyma cells (SBB test) with various stages of lipids accumulation between cells. Further TEM analysis showed a heterogeneous (lipoid and phenolic) nature of secretion. The dense osmiophilic cytoplasm contained organelles (RER, free ribosomes, dictyosomes, plastids with plastoglobuli, nucleus) and vesicles migrating to plasmalemma. The vesicles, osmiophilic globules, and flocculent material were visible in periplasmic space. The central vacuole possessed osmiophilic phenolic content and flocculent material. GC-MS analysis revealed in floral extract the presence of 7,9-di-tert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione (77.06%) and 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (16.65%). Both compounds are known for their biological activity. CONCLUSIONS: The juxtaposition of results led us to the conclusion that the labellar tissue produces lipoid and phenolic material, which is responsible for the glossiness and rotten herring scent. This type of secretion could be classified as a phenolic resin. The chemical analysis revealed the presence of five semiochemicals that are known to be attractants for some Diptera, which together with the rest of the results constitutes a strong premise that representatives of this order could be potential pollinators of B. schunkeana. Field observations however are still needed to confirm this pollination syndrome.

Prediction of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with standardised evaluation of initial computed tomography pulmonary angiography performed for suspected acute pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVES: Closer reading of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) scans of patients presenting with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) may identify those at high risk of developing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We aimed to validate the predictive value of six radiological predictors that were previously proposed. METHODS: Three hundred forty-one patients with acute PE were prospectively followed for development of CTEPH in six European hospitals. Index CTPAs were analysed post hoc by expert chest radiologists blinded to the final diagnosis. The accuracy of the predictors using a predefined threshold for 'high risk' (≥ 3 predictors) and the expert overall judgment on the presence of CTEPH were assessed. RESULTS: CTEPH was confirmed in nine patients (2.6%) during 2-year follow-up. Any sign of chronic thrombi was already present in 74/341 patients (22%) on the index CTPA, which was associated with CTEPH (OR 7.8, 95%CI 1.9-32); 37 patients (11%) had ≥ 3 of 6 radiological predictors, of whom 4 (11%) were diagnosed with CTEPH (sensitivity 44%, 95%CI 14-79; specificity 90%, 95%CI 86-93). Expert judgment raised suspicion of CTEPH in 27 patients, which was confirmed in 8 (30%; sensitivity 89%, 95%CI 52-100; specificity 94%, 95%CI 91-97). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of ≥ 3 of 6 predefined radiological predictors was highly specific for a future CTEPH diagnosis, comparable to overall expert judgment, while the latter was associated with higher sensitivity. Dedicated CTPA reading for signs of CTEPH may therefore help in early detection of CTEPH after PE, although in our cohort this strategy would not have detected all cases. KEY POINTS: • Three expert chest radiologists re-assessed CTPA scans performed at the moment of acute pulmonary embolism diagnosis and observed a high prevalence of chronic thrombi and signs of pulmonary hypertension. • On these index scans, the presence of ≥ 3 of 6 predefined radiological predictors was highly specific for a future diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), comparable to overall expert judgment. • Dedicated CTPA reading for signs of CTEPH may help in early detection of CTEPH after acute pulmonary embolism.

The impact of insecticides containing deltamethrin and cyfluthrin on the composition of surface compounds in the larvae, females and males of Tenebrio molitor.

This paper presents the effect of insecticides on the composition of the surface compounds of one of the most harmful insects, Tenebrio molitor, by analysis using GC-MS. As a result of the use of insecticides, the composition of the chemical compounds on the surface of insects changes, depending on the insecticides used. The most numerous groups of the marked compounds were fatty acids, alkanes, esters and sterols. The content of the identified compounds in the larvae increased at both 24 and 48 h after the application of insecticides, in comparison with the control samples. The content of identified compounds in the samples taken from the females increased 24, 48 and 72 h after the application of insecticides in comparison with the control samples. By contrast, in samples prepared from males, the content of identified compounds decreased 24 h after the application of insecticides, compared with the control samples. The highest content of chemical compounds was for fatty acids and alkanes after the use of insecticides. The content of fatty acids after the application of the insecticide with deltamethrin was 62.1 ± 3.3-466.9 ± 5.9 µg/g, and after the application of the insecticide with cyfluthrin was 49.9 ± 1.9-458.3 ± 4.2 µg/g. However, the content of alkanes after the use of deltamethrin was 115.6 ± 4.2-4672.0 ± 32.1 µg/g, and after the use of cyfluthrin was 189.4 ± 3.8-3975.0 ± 10.2 µg/g.

Role of DTI-MRI parameters in diagnosis of ALS: useful biomarkers for daily practice? Tertiary centre experience and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the rapid development of neuroimaging techniques, the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains a significant challenge. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important for ruling out ALS mimickers, while Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a useful tool for the identification of cortical tract damage. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal set of DTI parameters to support the diagnosis of ALS that could be applied to everyday MRI and be used as a disease biomarker in daily practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-seven ALS patients and 55 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals underwent MRI using a 1.5-Tesla scanner including a DTI sequence with 30 spatial directions and a b-value 0/1,000 s/mm2. Two independent researchers measured the DTI parameters: fractional anisotropy (FA), TRACE and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) using freehand regions of interest (ROIs) placed along both corticospinal tracts (CSTs), starting at the level of the internal capsule and ending at the medulla. RESULTS: Statistical significance was only achieved for fractional anisotropy (FA) (ALS vs controls, p < 0.001). The highest sensitivity was found in the brainstem (cerebral peduncles, pons and pyramids) where it ranged from 72.3% to 80.9%, whereas the highest specificity was observed at the level of the internal capsule (94.6%). The combined highest sensitivity and specificity was obtained in the pons (72.3% and 72.7%, respectively). Classifier based positive predictive values for Youden index cut-off scores varied between 60.7% and 69.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Fractional anisotropy (FA) measured at the level of the brainstem was shown to be the single most relevant parameter in differentiating patients with ALS from healthy subjects. This has the potential to become an ALS-specific biomarker for patient identification in daily practice.

Computed tomography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency and laser ablation for the treatment of osteoid osteoma - long-term follow-up from 5 to 10 years.

PURPOSE: The impact of computed tomography (CT)-guided, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and interstitial laser ablation (ILA) on the management of patients with osteoid osteoma was studied. This was carried out by assessing immediate and long-term clinical outcomes, the complication rate, and repeat therapy effectiveness in recurrent patients who have already experienced percutaneous ablation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with osteoid osteoma were assessed before the interventional treatment in a single centre from 2010 to 2015. Patient demographics, complications, and recurrence were recorded. The pain was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Percutaneous procedures were performed by means of radiofrequency thermoablation or ILA. Epidural or regional anaesthesia in the CT suite was applied in all procedures. Success, whether primary or secondary, was measured as complete pain relief without evidence of recurrence after the first or second procedure, respectively. Osteoid osteoma characteristics, procedure overview, and technical success were looked for in pre-procedural and procedural scans. RESULTS: Eighty-three per cent of osteoid osteomas were located in lower extremities, 56% of tumours were intracortical, and 83% of osteoid osteomas were extra-articular. The mean pre-procedure VAS score was 8.5 ± 0.8, while the overall primary success rate of radiofrequency thermoablation and ILA was 87.5%. No major complications were noted. The mean follow-up period for patients in was 7.5 years (5.0-10.2 years). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous, CT-guided thermoablation proved to be effective and should become the method of choice in osteoid osteoma treatment because of its minimal invasiveness. Our results show that there is no risk of very late recurrence after achieving primary and secondary treatment success.

Imaging after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy - literature review with practical recommendations.

In the XXI century obesity has become one of the most demanding epidemiological threats worldwide. At the same time, bariatric surgery has established itself as an effective treatment for morbidly obese patients, with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) emerging as the most popular bariatric procedure. This paper reviews the role of imaging studies of patients after LSG. Computed tomography is widely considered as the method of choice in detection of complications in early postoperative period. The dynamic character of upper gastrointestinal examination allows for the assessment of passage through the gastric remnant. The paper also discusses evaluation of the shape and volume of the gastric remnant assessed by imaging studies.

Semiquantitative Scale for Assessing Brain MRI Abnormalities in Wilson Disease: A Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: MRI is a sensitive method for the assessment of brain abnormalities in Wilson disease, that is, T2 hyperintensities, T2 hypointensities, and atrophy, but a validated scoring system for the classification of radiological severity is lacking. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a brain MRI visual rating scale for Wilson disease. METHODS: The proposed Wilson disease brain MRI severity scale consists of acute toxicity and chronic damage subscores from predefined structures. The former, calculated by summing scores of T2 hyperintensities (excluding cavitation), is likely to be partially reversible with treatment. The latter, representing the sum of scores of T2 hypointensities and brain atrophy, reflects pathology that is not readily reversible. Validation was performed on MRI scans acquired using 1.5T system from 39 Wilson disease patients examined at baseline and after 24 months on anticopper treatment. Intraclass correlation coefficients of 5 ratings from 3 raters were calculated. Temporal evolution of the MRI severity score and its association with clinical severity, assessed using the Unified Wilson Disease Rating Scale part III, was calculated. RESULTS: Intrarater and interrater agreement were good (r > 0.93; P < 0.001; and r > 0.74; P < 0.001, respectively). In neurologic Wilson disease patients, the total MRI severity score improved over 2 years (P = 0.032), mainly because of reduced acute toxicity (P = 0.0015), whereas the chronic damage score deteriorated (P = 0.035). Unified Wilson Disease Rating Scale part III score was positively associated with chronic damage and total score at baseline (P = 0.005 and P = 0.003, respectively) and in month 24 (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The Wilson disease brain MRI severity scale is a simple, reliable, and valid instrument that allows semiquantitative assessment of radiological Wilson disease severity. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Effects of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride on the fat body lipid composition of Zophobas morio larvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Insects employ different defense strategies against fungal infections and chemicals. We aimed to identify the lipid compositions of the fat body of Zophobas morio larvae before and after fungal infection with the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze lipid extracts of the fat body isolated of Z. morio 2, 5, and 7 days after fungal infection (treatment group) and compared it with the lipid extracts in a control group injected with physiological isotonic saline. In all the samples, fatty acids were the most abundant compound found in the fat body extracts, with hexadecanoic acid/C16:0 being the most abundant lipid. However, the types and concentrations of lipids changed after fungal infection, likely as an immune response. The most considerable changes occurred in the concentrations of long-chain fatty acids, i.e., hexadecanoic acid/C16:0, octadecenoic acid/C18:1, and octadecanoic acid/C18:0. Contents of methyl ester increased significantly after infection, but that of other esters, especially octanoic acid decyl ester/OADE, decreased on the 5th day after infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed analysis of the changes in the lipid composition of the fat body of Z. morio larvae as a result of fungal infection. Our results suggest that entomopathogenic fungal infection affects the internal lipid composition of insects, potentially as a way of adjusting to such infection. These results can help understand infection processes and defense strategies of insects against fungal infection. Ultimately, they can contribute to the creation of more effective chemicals against pest insects.

SPME-GC/MS Analysis of Volatile Compounds Contained in the Insect Larvae of Tenebrio molitor and Leptinotarsa decemlineata before and after Using Insecticides.

The larvae of two harmful insect species Tenebrio molitor and Leptinotarsa decemlineata were analyzed. The insects were sprayed with insecticides containing the active substances cyfluthrin and deltamethrin (T. molitor), and thiamethoxam and acetamiprid (L. decemlineata). The sprayed insect larvae were left for 24, 48 and 72 h. Samples were then prepared using SPME fiber to identify the volatile compounds contained in the larvae. The determinations were made by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Chemical compounds were found in the analyzed samples: alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, esters, terpenes, fatty acids. In the samples prepared from T. molitor larvae, more than 20 % of aldehydes and 8-41 % of alkanes were determined. In the samples from L. decemlineata, fatty acids were 8-65 % depending on the length of time after applying the insecticide.

IL 6 but not TNF is linked to coronary artery calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high risk of death mainly due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Early risk identification may allow interventions and prevention of fatal events. OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to assess the usefulness of selected CVD biomarkers as predictors of 5-year mortality in patients with different CKD stages. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study included 57 CKD patients: 38 in stage 5 (ESRD), 19 in stage 3 and 4 (CKD3-4), and 19 healthy controls. Blood samples were obtained once to measure fetuin A, adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), intracellular-1 (ICAM1) and vascular-1 (VCAM1) adhesion molecules (ELISA or Luminex platform). Computed tomography was performed to assess the calcium score (CS). Patients were prospectively followed for 5 years to evaluate their all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Serum VCAM1, TNF and IL-6 were significantly higher in more advanced CKD stages. VCAM1 correlated significantly with ICAM1, TNF and IL-6. TNF and IL-6 were also significantly correlated with each other. No significant changes were detected for other markers. IL-6 correlated significantly with CS, age, renal function and CRP. Elevated CS and IL-6 increased over 3 times the 5-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks in patients with CKD or ESRD at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 and CS were significantly associated with 5-year risk of all-cause mortality in CKD patients. Our study suggests an involvement of chronic inflammation linked to coronary artery calcification that is likely to contribute to the cardiovascular mortality in patients with impaired renal function.

Cyfluthrin and Deltamethrin Induce Changes in the Fat Body Composition of Tenebrio molitor Larvae, Males and Females.

The purpose of present study was to analyze the chemical composition of the fat body of insects (Tenebrio molitor) and its eventual variation after the application of insecticides. Using the GC/MS technique, the fat body composition of larvae, males and females was analyzed. The insects were stressed with selected insecticides containing cyfluthrin (Cyflok 50EW) and deltamethrin (K-othrine) recommended for this species of insect by insecticides producers and farmers. The effect of these two chemicals on the chemical compounds patterns from fat body of insects was compared. Possible differences in the fat body composition between developmental stages and the sex of insects were also compared. Possible identified compounds included amino acids, carboxylic acids, alcohols, sterols, glycerol and urea. Our results show that the composition of lipids was different depending on the stage of development, the insecticide used and the elapsed time since its application.

A deceptive case of emphysematous cholecystitis complicated with retroperitoneal gangrene and emphysematous pancreatitis: clinical and computed tomography features.

PURPOSE: Emphysematous cholecystitis (EC) is an uncommon, severe variant of acute cholecystitis caused by gas- forming bacteria - most often Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli. We present a deceptive case of EC associated with retroperitoneal gas gangrene and emphysematous pancreatitis. CASE REPORT: An 86-year-old, overweight woman was admitted to the emergency department with non-specific abdominal symptoms. Admission laboratory tests showed elevated diastase levels indicating acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a substantial amount of gas in the retroperitoneum and peritoneal cavity, which raised a suspicion of duodenal perforation. Primary diagnosis was not confirmed during emergency laparotomy, which revealed a gangrenous gallbladder adjacent to the duodenum and surrounded by purulent fluid. The final diagnosis established after laparotomy and rereading of CT scans was that of emphysematous cholecystitis associated with gangrenous pancreatitis and retroperitoneal gangrene. After surgery, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit in septic shock. Shortly after, the second laparotomy was undertaken on suspicion of internal bleeding. During surgery, the patient experienced cardiac arrest and died despite immediate resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Emphysematous cholecystitis may be associated with a spread of infection both to the peritoneal cavity and retroperitoneum and result in a substantial amount of gas in those anatomic compartments. The knowledge of this rare complication may be helpful in establishing a correct diagnosis.

Computed tomographic evaluation of cleft palate in one-day-old puppies.

BACKGROUND: Cleft palate is a birth defect characterized by a lack of fusion between structures forming the palate. Causes include a multitude of factors, both genetic and environmental. Computed tomography (CT) is widely used to evaluate morphological features and diagnose head disorders in adult dogs. However, there is less data about its use in neonatal dogs. The purpose of this study was to perform CT evaluation of palatal defects in one-day-old puppies and to present a novel approach of 3D modeling in terms of cleft palate assessment. RESULTS: Macroscopic and CT examinations were performed in 23 stillborn or euthanized purebred newborn puppies. On the basis of CT data, a 3D model was prepared and the cleft surface area was then calculated. A multi-stage approach, which utilised software such as 3D Slicer and Blender, was applied. Palatal defects were found in ten dogs, of which five had cleft palate, three had bilateral cleft lip and palate, one had a unilateral cleft lip and palate and one had a unilateral cleft lip. The surface area of the clefts ranged from 31 to 213 mm2, which made up respectfully 11 to 63% of the total surface area of the palate. No abnormalities were found in thirteen dogs and they made up the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography and 3D modeling were very effective in evaluation of palatal disorders in newborn dogs. 3D models adapted to the natural curvature of the palate were created and more precise data was obtained. Morphological characteristics, CT findings and advanced image analysis of cleft palate in neonates obtained from these models increase the knowledge about this malformation in dogs.

Application of headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to determine esters of carboxylic acids and other volatile compounds in Dermestes maculatus and Dermestes ater lipids.

A constant problem in veterinary medicine, human healthcare, agriculture, forestry and horticulture is the large number of pests, and the lack of effective methods to combat them which cause no harm to the rest of the environment. It is recommended and desired to reduce the use of chemicals and increase the use of agents based on knowledge acquired in the fields of biology, chemistry and agrochemicals. To learn the defense mechanisms of insects we should consider not only the site of their physiological ability to protect against external factors (cuticle), but also the possibility of chemical protection, formed by all compounds on the surface and in the body of insects. In this study, a procedure was developed to determine the esters of carboxylic acids in insect lipids. Headspace solid-phase microextraction was followed by gas chromatography coupled with gas spectrometry. First, the best conditions were selected for the analysis to obtain the best chromatographic separation. An RTx-5 column was used for this purpose. Polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) and polyacrylate fibers were used to isolate acid esters. PDMS/DVB fiber achieved the best conditions for the extraction; the extraction time was 50 min, the extraction temperature was 105°C and the desorption time was 10 min at 230°C. These solid-phase microextraction conditions were used to analyze volatile compounds extracted from insects belonging to the Dermestidae family.

Computed tomography urography with iterative reconstruction algorithm in congenital urinary tract abnormalities in children - association of radiation dose with image quality.

PURPOSE: To assess the extent to which a radiation dose can be lowered without compromising image quality and diagnostic confidence in congenital urinary tract abnormalities in children by using a CT scanner with an iterative reconstruction algorithm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 120 CT urography image series were analysed retrospectively. Image series were divided into four study groups depending on effective radiation dose (group 1: 0.8-2 mSv; group 2: 2-4 mSv; group 3: 4-6 mSv; group 4: 6-11 mSv). Objective and subjective image quality were investigated. In objective analysis, measurements of attenuation and standard deviation (SD) in five regions of interest (ROIs) were performed in 109 excretory image series, and image noise was evaluated. In subjective analysis, two independent radiologists evaluated 138 kidney units for subjective image quality and diagnostic confidence. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in image noise in objective evaluation between the following study groups: 2 vs. 3 and 3 vs. 4 in all ROIs (with the only exception in spleen SD measurement between study groups 2 vs. 3), while there was significantly more image noise in group 2 in comparison to group 4. For all other ROIs in all study groups, there was more image noise on lower dose images. There were no significant differences in pairwise comparisons between study groups in subjective image quality. Diagnostic confidence was not significantly different between all study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose CT urography can be a valuable method in congenital urinary tract abnormalities in children. Despite poorer image quality, diagnostic confidence is not significantly compromised in examinations performed with lower radiation doses.

Natural history of intracranial aneurysms in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a relatively frequent genetic disorder that is associated with increased prevalence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, evidence on the natural history of IAs in ADPKD is suboptimal. That leads to difficulties in development of recommendations on surveillance on patients with IAs in their medical history, or the need for repeat imaging for IAs in those with a negative result of the initial screening. The aim of the article is to present our experience on the natural history of IAs in ADPKD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four ADPKD patients, managed at our outpatient department, with imaging for intracranial aneurysms performed at least twice, were included into present retrospective analysis. RESULTS: Among 8 patients with an IA in their medical history, no new IA was observed during 93 patient-years of follow-up. In 6 patients with untreated, unruptured IAs, IA growth was observed in 2 cases during 32 patient-years of follow-up. Finally, among 20 patients with a negative result of initial screening, 2 new IAs were noticed during 115 patient-years of follow-up, including 1 patient with a positive family history for an IA, and 1 patient without a family history. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations support repeat imaging for IAs in patients with ADPKD, positive family history of IA, and negative result of initial screening. Additionally, efforts should be made to develop clinical and/or laboratory risk factors for IAs development in ADPKD patients without family history of IA, which enable to identify patients who should undergo repeat imaging for IAs.

[One-phase split-bolus CT Urography - a novel approach to reduce radiation dose in diagnostics of congenital anomalies of kidneys and urinary tract in children].

BACKGROUND: Low-dose CT Urography (LD-CTU) has become a standard procedure in urinary tract abnormalities in children, especially when MR Urography is not available. Standard one-phase CTU is performed in excretory phase. There is also a split-bolus technique, which combines two or even three phases during one scan and provides more clinical information without higher radiation exposure. It can be implemented for congenital anomalies of kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) in children, however, this application is not deeply discussed in scientific literature. Aim of this publication is to present the protocol and determine the role of LD-CTU in diagnostic imaging of CAKUT in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Close to 300 CTUs in children were performed as a standard of care during the last 6 years in our Department. Diagnostic accuracy in suspected CAKUT was analyzed, depending on applied protocol - standard excretory CTU, multiphase CTU and two different one-phase split-bolus CTU protocols. RESULTS: Visualization of the urinary tract was adequate in all study protocols. However, more clinically significant information was received in vascular-excretory protocol, including vascular and renal anatomy. Radiation exposure was similar or even lower than in other study protocols. CONCLUSIONS: One-phase split-bolus CTU protocol is a novel approach in low-dose diagnostic imaging of CAKUT in children. Combination of vascular and excretory phases has been shown as very effective technique, especially in comprehensive anatomical assessment of the abnormality and qualification to surgical intervention.

Determination of cuticular and internal fatty acids of Chorthippus brunneus males and females using HPLC-LLSD and GC-MS.

Insects are of growing significance in veterinary medicine and human healthcare; therefore, an understanding of their biology is very important. The cuticular and internal fatty acid compositions of Chorthippus brunneus males and females have been studied for the first time. The lipids of males and females were separated into classes of compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography with a laser light scattering detector. The free fatty acid (FFA) fractions obtained by HPLC were silylated and then analyzed by GC-MS. The cuticular lipids of males contained 15 saturated, four unsaturated with even-numbered and two unsaturated with odd-numbered carbon chains, FFAs ranging from C8 to C25. The major free fatty acids in males were C16 (20.8%), C18:2 (8.5%), C18:1 (32.9%) and C18 (24.4%). The cuticular lipids of females contained 17 saturated, four monounsaturated and two diunsaturated free fatty acids ranging from C8 to C30. The major cuticular fatty acids in females were C16 (25.1%), C18:2 (6.2%), C18:1 (23.7%) and C18:0 (33.2%). The internal FFAs of males consisted of 20 compounds ranging from C8 to C26. Four of these compounds were detected as major compounds: C16 (14.1%), C18:2 (21.6%), C18:1 (38.0%) and C18 (22.5%). Among 18 internal free fatty acids of females, C16 (22.3%), C18:2 (10.9%), C18:1 (40.2%) and C18 (20.5%) were the most abundant compounds. The following cuticular fatty acids present in the lipids of females were absent in the lipids of males: C26, C27 and C30. On the other hand, only C24 was absent from the cuticular lipids of females. Only C10 and C24 internal fatty acids present in the lipids of males were absent in the lipids of females. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.