Search

Background: Temporomandibular disorders are common conditions characterized by discomfort within the temporomandibular joints, acoustic changes, and restricted mandibular movement. Accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment rely heavily on clinical examination, but it is often necessary to add radiological examinations to the diagnostics. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for visualizing the disc, while cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is primarily used for evaluating condylar morphology. Ultrasound (US) serves as a real-time imaging modality for soft tissues. The objective of the present study was to explore the association between clinical manifestations observed in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders and corresponding radiographic findings. Methods: A total of 63 adult patients (51 female and 12 male) with temporomandibular joint disorders were included in this cross-sectional study. Each patient underwent a clinical examination, followed by appropriate radiological examinations (MRI, CBCT, or US). The level of statistical significance was set at an alpha of 0.05. The Shapiro–Wilk test assessed the normality of numerical variables. The Wilcoxon rank sum test compared two independent groups with non-normally distributed data. Relationships between categorical variables were evaluated using the Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The Kendall tau (τ) method analyzed the correlation between two binary variables. Results: The analysis included 63 patients with TMD, predominantly females (80.95%). Ages ranged from 18 to 74 years with a median of 39 years. In the CBCT study, we observed rarefied changes in the left bone structures in patients with bruxism (p = 0.010). MRI and ultrasound imaging revealed changes in patients with limited jaw opening: erosions in the right mandibular head on ultrasound (p = 0.008) and abnormal right bone structures on MRI (p = 0.009). In CBCT, asymmetry in the left joint space was correlated with a high incidence of right side muscle tension (p = 0.004). Additionally, both CBCT and ultrasound showed a correlation between muscle tension and erosion (p = 0.040 in ultrasound, p = 0.020 in CBCT). Acoustic changes, when compared with radiological imaging, were evident in all three studies, like temporomandibular joint pain or palpation. Conclusions: Our study compared three radiographic imaging methods with clinical examinations to assess their correlation with clinical symptoms. Each imaging technique provided unique insights depending on the specific symptoms presented. The observed correlations varied, highlighting the unique contributions of each modality to the diagnostic process. This underscores the importance of employing multiple diagnostic approaches for a thorough assessment of the temporomandibular joint. However, a limitation of our study is the small sample size and the uneven distribution of participants among the groups. Additionally, not all patients underwent every imaging modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Ecosystem engineering freshwater bivalves, burrowing in the substratum and accumulating shell deposits, transform bottom habitats. Especially the invasive Asian bivalve Sinanodonta woodiana (SW), due to its rapid growth, large size, and high fecundity, can affect benthic communities. Here, we determined its effect on habitat selection and behaviour of endangered native bivalves, Anodonta cygnea and Unio tumidus. 2. We conducted laboratory preference assays (Experiment 1: choice between two substrata) exposing the native bivalves to pure sand (control), shells (several densities on the sand surface or burrowed), or living SW. Then, we tested their locomotion and burrowing (Experiment 2) on pure sand and substrata contaminated with shells or living SW. 3. In Experiment 1, native bivalves avoided shells, but not living SW. Burrowed and larger shells were avoided compared with those on the surface and smaller ones, respectively. 4. In Experiment 2, U. tumidus exposed to SW delayed activity initiation (in response to living bivalves), increased locomotion (living bivalves, surface shells), and reduced burrowing depth (living bivalves, all shells). Anodonta cygnea exposed to SW reduced locomotion speed (living bivalves, shells), and reduced burrowing duration (burrowed shells) and depth (living bivalves, burrowed shells). 5. SW (especially shell beds) constitutes another emerging threat to native bivalves, impairing their burrowing and inducting active avoidance. As SW expands its distribution with climate warming, the range and strength of its impact is likely to increase, reducing the area available to native bivalves, exposing them to environmental dangers (due to burrowing limitation) and deteriorating physical condition (energetic resources used for excessive locomotion). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Computed tomography (CT) contributes significantly to the collective dose from medical sources, raising concerns about potential health risks. However, existing radiation dose estimation tools, such as volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), effective dose (ED), and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE), have limitations in accurately reflecting patient exposure. This study introduces a new parameter, size-specific dose-length product (DLPss), aiming to enhance the precision of radiation dose estimation in real-life scenarios. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 134 chest CT studies was conducted. Relationships between CTDIvol and anthropometric parameters were examined, and SSDE was calculated based on effective diameter. Additionally, the novel parameter, DLPss, was introduced, considering scan length and cross-sectional dimensions. Results: Analysis reveals variations in scan length, effective diameter, and CTDIvol between genders. Strong correlations were observed between CTDIvol and effective diameter, particularly in men. The average CTDIvol for the entire group was 7.83 ± 2.92 mGy, with statistically significant differences between women (7.38 ± 3.23 mGy) and men (8.30 ± 2.49 mGy). SSDE values showed significant gender differences, with men exhibiting higher values. The average SSDE values for women and men were 9.15 ± 2.5 mGy and 9.6 ± 2.09 mGy, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.03). The newly introduced DLPss values ranged around 343.90 ± 81.66 mGy·cm for the entire group, with statistically significant differences between women (323.53 ± 78.69 mGy·cm) and men (364.89 ± 79.87 mGy·cm) (p < 0.05), providing a comprehensive assessment of total radiation dose. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for accurate radiation dose estimation, emphasizing the impact of CT examination parameters on dose variability. The proposed DLPss parameter offers a promising approach to enhancing precision in assessing radiation risk during CT scans. Further research is warranted to explore additional parameters for a comprehensive understanding of radiation exposure and to optimize imaging protocols for patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clams from the Corbicula species complex of Asian origin are invasive all over the world, currently extending their distribution to waters of the natural thermal regime in Central European areas. Features linking the clams to their habitats in newly invaded areas have not been fully examined. These include substratum preferences and mobility, which may be key to determining potential niche overlap with native bivalves and gaining a better knowledge of their potential active dispersal and impact. Therefore, our aim was to determine the substratum preferences, horizontal locomotion and burrowing behaviour of three Corbicula morphospecies from Poland, Central Europe: two populations of undetermined Corbicula sp. from an artificially heated habitat and water of the natural thermal regime (cold water), as well as Corbicula leana, and Corbicula fluminea (from artificially heated and cold water, respectively).To determine the preferred substratum range, we used pairwise choice tests with a range of muddy, sandy, and gravelly substrata, as well as zebra mussel shells. Then, we conducted behavioural observations (locomotion and burrowing) by CCTV cameras on substrata found as preferred and non‐preferred by clams.All morphospecies preferred fine‐grained over coarser substrata. C. fluminea from cold water had the widest range of substratum preferences. By contrast, C. leana from artificially heated water and Corbicula sp. from cold water showed the narrowest substratum preferences and spent the longest time deeply burrowed. The longest duration of burrowing activity was noted on non‐preferred coarser substrata, which may indicate difficulties in burrowing. On non‐preferred coarse substrata, C. fluminea (cold water) crawled more than the other morphospecies.Our results show that sediment preferences and behaviour (burrowing and locomotion) differ among various Corbicula morphospecies in Europe, probably also varying their invasive potential.This knowledge is important for determining the overlap of habitat preferences of non‐native Corbicula clams with native bivalves, which is critical for determining potential competition strength, impact, and/or displacement. Our results also indicate that habitats with fine sediments could be more threatened by Corbicula invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a telecommunication system created to enable ships to transmit information regarding their trajectories (such as their position, speed, course, etc.) to other ships and shore stations. With the use of AIS, collisions between ships can be avoided. Unfortunately, AIS suffers from some technical issues that lead to part of the transmitted data being damaged (incorrect or missing). This paper contains a review of machine learning based methods of reconstructing this damaged AIS data as well as examples of inspiration from other telecommunication systems for dealing with this kind of a problem. Finally, after analysing frameworks available in the relevant literature, a novel algorithm for AIS data reconstruction is briefly presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The ultimate goal in major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment is recovery. A proportion of MDD patients with formal remission experience persistent difficulties, which impair their daily functioning. Residual insomnia is one of the most common residual symptoms. Patients with residual insomnia experience relapse significantly earlier and have a poor prognosis. Little is known about possible ways of treatment and what subtype of insomnia ismostly reported. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in PubMed and Web of Science to synthesize the current status of knowledge about effective treatment methods and insomnia subtypes in residual insomnia in MDD. Results: A few non-pharmacological treatment methods e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), behavioral activation (BA) and pharmacological methods (gabapentin, clonazepam) have proven to mitigate residual insomnia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D) ameliorates insomnia complaints to a limited extent. Mid-nocturnal insomnia is the most common residual insomnia subtype in MDD patients. Conclusion: Residual insomnia is a very common complaint and most often appears as mid-nocturnal insomnia. Scarce data points out the benefits from pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and BA. More research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New imaging sequences and biophysical models allow adopting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for in vivo myelin mapping in humans. Understanding myelination and remyelination processes in the brain is fundamental from the perspective of proper design of physical exercise and rehabilitation schemes that aim to slow down demyelination in the aging population and to induce remyelination in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, in this review we strive to provide a state-of-the art summary of the existing MRI studies in humans focused on the effects of physical activity on myelination/remyelination. We present and discuss four cross-sectional and four longitudinal studies and one case report. Physical activity and an active lifestyle have a beneficial effect on the myelin content in humans. Myelin expansion can be induced in humans throughout the entire lifespan by intensive aerobic exercise. Additional research is needed to determine (1) what exercise intensity (and cognitive novelty, which is embedded in the exercise scheme) is the most beneficial for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, (2) the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and myelination, and (3) how exercise-induced myelination affect cognitive abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Available knowledge about malocclusion and cephalometric variables and their connection with an increased risk of condylar displacement (CD) is scarce. This article aims to present current information on the relationship between centric relation-maximum intercuspal position discrepancies and maxillofacial morphology and malocclusion in patients seeking orthodontic treatment as well as to identify those who require expanded diagnostic evaluation for this disorder. Methods: This review analyzed the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases up to February 2022. Keywords and additional manual searches were performed. Literature selection was based the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The JBI Critical Appraisal Tool assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Results: The databases search provided 2321 studies. A total of 10 studies were included in this review after eligibility criteria and JBI assessment. This review was separated into five parts that evaluated CD correlations depending on the following: maxillofacial structure in different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns, vertical, horizontal, and transverse malocclusions. Conclusions: A hyperdivergent facial skeletal structure is a risk factor for increased CD, particularly in the vertical dimension. The condylar processes are usually displaced in a posteroinferior direction. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the relationship among remaining skeletal and dental malocclusions and the occurrence of CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of L-carnitine (LC) in combination with leucine supplementation on muscle strength and muscle hypertrophy in aged women participating in a resistance exercise training (RET) program. Design/Setting/Participants: Thirty-seven out of sixty (38.3% dropout) healthy women aged 60–75 years (mean 67.6 ± 0.7 years) completed the intervention in one of three groups. One of the supplemented groups received 1 g of L-carnitine-L-tartrate in combination with 3 g of L-leucine per day (LC+L group; n = 12), and the second supplemented group received 4 g of L-leucine per day (L group; n = 13). The control group (CON group; n = 12) received no supplementation. Intervention: All three groups completed the same RET protocol involving exercise sessions twice per week for 24 weeks. Measurements: Before and after the experiment, participants performed isometric and isokinetic muscle strength testing on the Biodex dynamometer. The cross-sectional areas of the major knee extensors and total thigh muscles were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. Fasting serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), myostatin and decorin, and plasma levels of total carnitine (TC) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels were measured. Results: The 24-week RET significantly increased muscle strength and muscle volume, but the group and time interactions were not significant for the muscle variables analyzed. Plasma total carnitine increased only in the LC+L group (p = 0.009). LC supplementation also caused a significant increase in plasma TMAO, which was higher after the intervention in the LC+L group than in the L (p < 0.001), and CON (p = 0.005) groups. The intervention did not change plasma TMAO concentration in the L (p = 0.959) and CON (p = 0.866) groups. After the intervention serum decorin level was higher than before in both supplemented groups combined (p = 0.012), still not significantly different to post intervention CON (p = 0.231). No changes in serum IGF-1 and myostatin concentrations and no links between the changes in blood markers and muscle function or muscle volume were observed. Conclusions: LC combined with leucine or leucine alone does not appear to improve the effectiveness of RET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in patients with symptoms of cervical myelopathy. Detailed goals included determining the diagnostic effectiveness of quantitative parameters, i.e. fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), in the diagnosis of cervical myelopathy, and the correlation between these parameters and clinical symptoms. Clinical rationale for the study. The demonstration of an ischaemic focus in the spinal cord by standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods is associated with already accomplished spinal cord damage, and of course limited treatment options. Therefore, finding a new examination protocol that allows early diagnosis of myelopathic focus, before the onset of full neurological symptoms, has become a priority in the diagnosis and treatment of spine diseases. Such an examination increases the chances of correctly qualifying the patient for conservative vs. surgical treatment. Material and methods. Between 2013 and 2017, 128 adults with clinical signs of cervical myelopathy were examined, and were divided into four symptomatic subgroups. A control group consisted of 37 healthy volunteers. DTI values were measured at the level of C2/C3, and at the most severe stenosis of the spine. Results. In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), the ADC values were significantly higher (p < 0.001), and FA values were significantly lower (p < 0.001), than in healthy volunteers at the stenotic level. There were significant differences in DTI parameters between the clinical subgroups (p < 0.001). Conclusions and clinical implications. Changes in DTI parameters indicate a microstructural disorder of the core which is not visible in a structural MRI. FA and ADC values measured at the level of the most severe stenosis of the spinal canal allow the differentiation of patients with myelopathy of varying degrees of clinical severity. Extending standard MRI to include assessment of FA and ADC may be helpful in deciding treatment modalities (conservative vs. surgical) for patients with visible canal stenosis without full neurological symptoms. This may be useful in selecting patients for urgent rehabilitative treatment. This study is a starting point for further research, i.e. an evaluation of the extent of FA and ADC lesion withdrawal after surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Available knowledge about disorders of temporomandibular joint structures and their association with orthodontic variables are still lacking. Objectives. This article is aimed at to identifying studies and presenting current information on the relationship between morphology diversity and the occurrence of degenerative changes in structures of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the context of craniofacial morphology and malocclusion. Search Methods. The review was conducted by analyzing the PubMed (including Medline), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases up to November 2021 using two different comprehensive search strategies based on keywords as well as additional manual searches. Eligibility Criteria. Selection of the literature was carried out according to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Methodological quality of the selected studies was evaluated using JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. Results. The electronic databases search revealed 3331 records. After applying the eligibility criteria and JBI assessment, a total of 33 studies were extracted and selected to the study. The review was divided into 4 parts, in which the following correlations were assessed in terms of orthodontic variables: TMJ degenerative changes, joint space and condylar position, condylar shape, TMJ articular eminence, and fossa. Conclusions. Skeletal and dental class II malocclusion with a retrognathic mandible, a hypodivergent skeletal pattern with a steep mandibular plane, and significant lateral mandibular displacement can be risk factors for developing radiographically detectable degenerative changes. Patients with skeletal and dental class III malocclusion as well as a hyperdivergent skeletal pattern may be at greater risk of TMD occurrence compared with other groups. Further studies are necessary to clarify the relationship between the position of the condylar processes and the presence of degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joints among orthodontic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to examine on the basis of radiographic images of bone tissue, whether there are differences in the rate of bone remodelling using different shapes of implants in the mandible and maxilla. Moreover, the study also compares texture features obtained on the basis of these images for healthy bone tissue, bone directly after implantation and after a 12-month period of prosthetic loading. Materials and Methods: The subject of the analysis was radiovisiogram images obtained from the Medical University of Bialystok from the Department of Dental Surgery. They are radiovisiogram photographs of 146 people aged 18–74, treated implantally due to missing teeth. The whole group of patients received two types of implants (Active and Replace) of the same company, made of titanium, intraosseous, screw-in. Results: It has been shown that both in the upper jaw and the mandible, the values of texture parameters obtained for bone images made after one year of prosthetic loading are closer to healthy tissue than immediately after implantation. These values for the mandible were relatively closer to those obtained on the basis of healthy tissue than those for the upper jaw. The bone around the implant with a single threading achieved better results in the mandible than the one with a double threading. Conclusion: The type of bone tissue and the shape of the implant have an impact on the achieved osseointegration. With the passage of time and the process of bone remodelling, the damaged tissue returns to its normal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study is aimed at evaluating the impact of the craniofacial structure and occlusal conditions on the position of the articular heads of the mandibular condyles in the maximum intercuspal position (MIP) and comparing the centric relation (CR) and MIP of the mandibular condyles prior to orthodontic treatment. Methods. The studied group consisted of 33 women and 15 men (median age of 17.75 years). Contact points of opposing teeth in the MIP were assessed by hand-held casts. Condylar displacement (CD) in three spatial planes on both sides was measured on models mounted in an articulator using a mandibular position indicator (MPI). Patients were divided into groups according to craniofacial structures (vertical and horizontal growth directions). The Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, post hoc Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner, and Pearson's χ 2 independence tests as well as Spearman's nonparametric correlations were used in the statistical analyses. Results. Within the limitations of this study, no statistically significant correlation of CD with certain cephalometric measurements from a lateral cephalometric radiograph (ANB, SN-ML, and SGo/NMe) was observed. Correlation, however, was found between condylar displacement in the transverse axis and the mandibular plane angle SN-ML (p = 0.033) and also between condylar displacement in the anteroposterior axis and a midline shift of the mandible (p = 0.041). The results revealed a relationship between Angle's classification of molar position on the right side and anteroposterior CD values (p = 0.006). Conclusions. Cephalometric measurements cannot be used to predict CD at the level of the condyles. Analysis of occlusal conditions of models mounted in an articulator is desirable for patients with Angle's class I and lower jaw asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with the deposition of β-amyloid in the brain. AD accounts for over 50% of cases of dementia which results from disturbances in redox homeostasis. Indeed, increased intensity of protein oxidation and nitration as well as lipid peroxidation is observed in brain areas with considerable amounts of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. However, little is known about the oxidoreductive balance of salivary glands in AD patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant barrier and oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in stimulated saliva and blood of AD patients. The study was participated by 25 AD patients and 25 non-demented controls without neurological diseases or cognitive impairment, matched by age and gender to the study group. The number of patients was determined based on a previous pilot study (test power = 0.9). We found a significant decrease in the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), increased activity of catalase (CAT) and reduced concentration of plasma non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid, UA and reduced glutathione, GSH). In contrast, in the stimulated saliva of AD patients we observed significantly decreased activity of all antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) as well as concentration of GSH compared to the control group. The content of lipid (malondialdehyde, MDA) and protein (advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP; advanced glycation end-products, AGE) oxidation products as well as biomarkers of nitrosative stress (peroxynitrite, nitrotyrosine) was significantly higher in both saliva and plasma of AD patients compared to the controls. In AD patients, we also observed a considerable decrease in stimulated saliva secretion and salivary total protein content, and an increase in salivary β-amyloid concentration. In conclusion, AD results in redox imbalance towards oxidative reactions, both at the level of the oral cavity and the entire body. General redox balance disturbances do not coincide with salivary redox balance disturbances. Reduction in stimulated saliva secretion in AD patients reflects secretory dysfunction of the parotid glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers seeking to generate genomic data for non‐model organisms are faced with a number of trade‐offs when deciding which method to use. The selection of reduced representation approaches versus whole genome resequencing will ultimately affect the marker density, sequencing depth, and the number of individuals that can multiplexed. These factors can affect researchers' ability to accurately characterize certain genomic features, such as landscapes of divergence—how FST varies across the genomes. To provide insight into the effect of sequencing method on the estimation of divergence landscapes, we applied an identical bioinformatic pipeline to three generations of sequencing data (GBS, ddRAD, and WGS) produced for the same system, the yellow‐rumped warbler species complex. We compare divergence landscapes generated using each method for the myrtle warbler (Setophaga coronata coronata) and the Audubon's warbler (S. c. auduboni), and for Audubon's warblers with deeply divergent mtDNA resulting from mitochondrial introgression. We found that most high‐FST peaks were not detected in the ddRAD data set, and that while both GBS and WGS were able to identify the presence of large peaks, WGS was superior at a finer scale. Comparing Audubon's warblers with divergent mitochondrial haplotypes, only WGS allowed us to identify small (10–20 kb) regions of elevated differentiation, one of which contained the nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial gene NDUFAF3. We calculated the cost per base pair for each method and found it was comparable between GBS and WGS, but significantly higher for ddRAD. These comparisons highlight the advantages of WGS over reduced representation methods when characterizing landscapes of divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Previous studies have shown that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation with the simultaneous inclusion of HFD prevents salivary glands from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. In this experiment, we examined if NAC supplementation could reverse the harmful effect of HFD on mitochondrial function, reduce the severity of apoptosis, and the activity of pro-oxidative enzymes in the salivary glands of rats with confirmed hyperglycemia. Subjects/methods: Wistar rats were fed the standard or high-fat (HFD) diet for 10 weeks. After 6 weeks of the experiment, HFD rats were diagnosed with hyperglycemia and for the next 4 weeks, the animals were given NAC intragastrically. In the mitochondrial fraction of the parotid (PG) and submandibular salivary glands (SMG), we assessed redox status, inflammation, and apoptosis. Results: The inclusion of NAC increased the activity of mitochondrial complexes I and II + III as well as decreased the concentration of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and caspase-3, but only in the parotid glands of rats with hyperglycemia compared to the HFD group. However, N-acetylcysteine supplementation did not reduce the activity of caspase-9 or the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in PG and SMG mitochondria. In both salivary glands we observed reduced activity of cytochrome c oxidase, NADPH oxidase, and xanthine oxidase, as well as hindered production of ROS and lower ADP/ATP radio, but the levels of these parameters were not comparable to the control group. Conclusions: We demonstrated that NAC supplementation restores the glutathione ratio only in the mitochondria of the submandibular salivary glands. The supply of NAC did not significantly affect the other measured parameters. Our results indicate that NAC supplementation provides little protection against free radicals, apoptosis, and inflammation in the salivary gland mitochondria of HFD rats. Stimulated salivary secretion in hyperglycaemic rats supplemented with NAC seems to be closely related to mitochondrial respiratory capacity and appropriate ATP level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Szarmach Marian, Maksymos z Tyru, „O istocie boga według Platona" (XI) (Maximus of Tyre, Who is God according to Plato?, XI). The paper contains a Polish translation of Maximus of Tyre's Eleventh Discourse entitled Who is God according to Plato?, with a short introduction and notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species are those that have been transferred by humans out of their natural range. Native crayfish species in Polish waters include: Astacus astacus and Pontastacus leptodactylus, whereas invasive species are: Pacifastacus leniusculus, Faxonius limosus, Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus virginalis. The objective of this study was to determine how abiotic and biotic environmental factors contribute to interspecific competition of Polish crayfish based on the available literature. Abiotic factors affecting the interspecific competition include tolerance to extreme pH values, calcium ion content, temperature, oxygenation, water salinity, preferred substrate and the type of water bodies. Biotic factors are, inter alia, pathogens, food base, plant cover and interactions in the prey–predator system, as well as interactions between crayfish species. The most important abiotic factors are water temperature and oxygenation, while the most important biotic factor is the crayfish plague – a deadly disease for native species. Each invasive species has a different set of traits and adaptations that enable a successful invasion. However, a successful invasion of a given species is not determined by one, but many adaptations that coexist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forum Reumatologiczne is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Ketamine exhibits antidepressant properties in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with some concern over its cardiovascular safety and tolerability issues. This paper reports on the cardiovascular safety in short-term intravenous ketamine treatment in TRD inpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BP). Materials and Methods: The observational study population comprises 35 MDD and 14 BP subjects treated with intravenous ketamine. Results: Blood pressure (RR) and heart rate (HR) values returned to baseline within 1.5-hours post infusion with no sequelae for all study subjects. Six time points were analyzed for each infusion: 0', 15', 30', 45', 60' and 90' for RR and HR. After the infusion significant peaks in systolic (p = 0.004) and diastolic (p = 0.038) RR were seen. In concomitant medication with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), higher RR peaks (p = 0.020; p = 0.048) were seen as compared to other subjects. The decrease in HR was greater (p = 0.02) in the absence of concomitant medication with mood stabilizers as compared to subjects receiving mood stabilizing medication accompanied by the observation of a greater decrease in diastolic RR among those taking mood stabilizers (p = 0.009). Limitations: The study may be underpowered due to the small sample size. The observations apply to an inhomogeneous TRD population in a single-site, pilot study, with no blinding and are limited to the acute administration. Conclusion: The study demonstrates good safety and tolerability profile of intravenous ketamine as add-on intervention to current psychotropic medication in TRD, regardless of the MDD or BP type of mood disorders. The abatement of elevated RR and BP scores was observed in time with no sequelae nor harm. Still, cardiovascular risks appear to be more pronounced in subjects with comorbid arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation of two orations by Maximus of Tyre, a representative of the Second Sophistic, dedicated to friendship: „How to make a friend?” (XXXV) and „How do you distinguish a friend from a flatterer?” (XIV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The evidence accumulates that the response to acetazolamide test is delayed on the ipsilateral side to stenosis. However, the effect of acetazolamide beyond 30 min after acetazolamide administration remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the diameters of anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs), middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) and posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) before and 60 min after the acetazolamide test.Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with carotid artery stenosis ≥ 90% on the ipsilateral side and ≤ 50% on the contralateral side were enrolled into the study. Diagnosis was based on ultrasonography examination and was confirmed using digital subtractive angiography. In all patients, two computed tomography angiography examinations were carried out; the first was performed before the acetazolamide administration, while the second one was carried out 60 min after injections.Results: In response to the acetazolamide test: PCA diameter diminished in both ipsi- and contra-lateral side to stenosis (from 1.31 to 1.24 mm and from 1.23 to 1.15 mm, respectively), ACA and MCA decreased in the contralateral side to the stenosis (from 1.33 to 1.26 mm and from 2.75 to 2.66 mm, respectively), ACA and MCA increased in the ipsilateral side to the stenosis (from 1.29 to 1.46 mm and from 2.77 to 2.96 mm, respectively). All changes were statistically significant.Conclusions: There were significant differences in reactivity to acetazolamide challenge between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebrobasilar circulation in patients suffering from chronic carotid artery stenosis. Within the ICA territory, ACA and MCA responses vary in the affected and not affected side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The use of the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is rapidly growing in the neuroimaging field. Nevertheless, rigorously performed quantitative validation of DTI pathologic metrics remains very limited owing to the difficulty in co-registering quantitative histology findings with magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this review is to summarize the existing state-of-the-art knowledge with respect to axial (λ║) and radial (λ┴) diffusivity as DTI markers of axonal and myelin damage, respectively. First, we provide technical background for DTI and briefly discuss the specific organization of white matter in bundles of axonal fibers running in parallel; this is the natural target for imaging based on diffusion anisotropy. Second, we discuss the four seminal studies that paved the way for considering axial (λ║) and radial (λ┴) diffusivity as potential in vivo surrogate markers of axonal and myelin damage, respectively. Then, we present difficulties in interpreting axial (λ║) and radial (λ┴) diffusivity in clinical conditions associated with inflammation, edema, and white matter fiber crossing. Finally, future directions are highlighted. In summary, DTI can reveal strategic information with respect to white matter tracts, disconnection mechanisms, and related symptoms. Axial (λ║) and radial (λ┴) diffusivity seem to provide quite consistent information in healthy subjects, and in pathological conditions with limited edema and inflammatory changes. DTI remains one of the most promising non-invasive diagnostic tools in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the healing process in postresectal and postcystal bone loss cases using techniques guided bone regeneration, observed within 1-year-long period. Radiographic images of 20 patients (17 females and 8 males) who had undergone xenotransplantation to fill jawbone losses were analyzed. The combination therapy of intraosseous deficits following xenotransplantation consisted of bone augmentation with xenogenic material together with covering regenerative membranes and tight wound closure. The bone regeneration process was estimated comparing the images taken on the day of the surgery and 12 months later, by means of digital radiography set Kodak RVG 6100. The interpretation of the RVG image depends on the assessment ability of the eye looking at it, which gives a large margin of uncertainty. Areas of interest were separated from radiographic images and binarized. On the basis of those fragments, box-counting dimension ( $$D_{B}$$ ) and information dimension ( $$D_{I}$$ ) were calculated. Box-counting dimension and information dimension values increase with time-image structures become more complex. Knowing that in case of normal bone regeneration, the value of the fractal dimension equals 1.0 right after the surgery and 1.6 after a year after the bone treatment, and we could use image segmentation to efficiently find fragments where this value differs from those acquired in the course of tests and quicken diagnostics of irregularities in bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human saliva is one of the body fluids which collection method is relatively simple and non-invasive. The article is dedicated to assess concentration (activity) of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl− in fresh, unstimulated or stimulated human saliva samples using single solid contact ion-selective electrodes with conventional reference electrode and self-made multisensor platform (MP) equipped with ion-selective membranes for Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl− and reference electrode made in solid state technology, based on dispersed KCl in the polymer. Both kind of electrodes, single ISE and miniaturized electrodes in multisensor platform (ISE-MP) were made of glassy carbon. The electrode surfaces have been modified by conductive polymer (PEDOT) layer deposition; with the exception of Cl− electrode, in which conducting polymer was not applied. Potentiometric measurements were used to compare the changes of the ionic composition in various samples of saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the correction "L-Carnitine Combined with Leucine Supplementation Does Not Improve the Effectiveness of Progressive Resistance Training in Healthy Aged Women."

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the morphometry of the intracranial segment of the vertebral artery in the context of clinical usefulness. The results were compared with published data available in full-text archived medical journals.Materials and Methods: More than 100 digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3-dimensional (3D) angio-computed tomography (CT) examinations were used to measure the following parameters: the whole and partial length of V4 in characteristic anatomical points, the diameter in three places (on the level of foramen magnum, in point of exit to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, and in the vertebro-basilar junction), the angle of connection to the vertebral arteries, and all anatomical variations including fenestration, duplication, dolichoectasia or absent artery.Results: The left V4 section was predominant over the right artery, which is manifested by length, width, cases of ectasia and fewer cases of hypoplasia. The incidences of V4 ectasia were identified more often than those documented in the accessible literature, and they were found in the natural location of formation of saccular aneurysms.Conclusions: The presented knowledge of anatomical variation and abnormali-ties of vertebral circulation can improve the accuracy and "safety" of the surgical procedures in this region, help to determine the range of surgical approach and avoid associated complications. The radiological examinations using 3D CT, DSA reveal unlimited observation of anatomical structures in contrast to studies based on cadavers, and can complement the morphometry in anatomical preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical event in the development and progression of diseases such as acute ischemic stroke, chronic ischemia or small vessels disease that affect the central nervous system. It is not known whether BBB breakdown in subjects with chronic carotid artery stenosis can be restrained with postoperative recovery of cerebral perfusion. The aim of the study was to assess the short-term effect of internal carotid artery stenting on basic perfusion parameters and permeability surface area-product (PS) in such a population. Forty subjects (23 males) with stenosis of >70% within a single internal carotid artery and neurological symptoms who underwent a carotid artery stenting procedure were investigated. Differences in the following computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters were compared before and after surgery: global cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP) and PS. PS acquired by CTP is used to measure the permeability of the BBB to contrast material. In all baseline cases, the CBF and CBV values were low, while MTT and TTP were high on both the ipsi- and contralateral sides compared to reference values. PS was approximately twice the normal value. CBF was higher (+6.14%), while MTT was lower (−9.34%) on the contralateral than on the ipsilateral side. All perfusion parameters improved after stenting on both the ipsilateral (CBF +22.66%; CBV +18.98%; MTT −16.09%, TTP −7.62%) and contralateral (CBF +22.27%, CBV +19.72%, MTT −14.65%, TTP −7.46%) sides. PS decreased by almost half: ipsilateral −48.11%, contralateral −45.19%. The decline in BBB permeability was symmetrical on the ipsi- and contralateral sides to the stenosis. Augmented BBB permeability can be controlled by surgical intervention in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]