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We present comparative analysis of the micro- and macro-morphology of the olfactory organ of six neoselachians living in different habitats: two freshwater benthopelagic batoids, Potamotrygon motoro and Potamotrygon hystrix (Potamotrygonidae) as well as four species of sharks occupying the outer continental shelves and upper slopes Mustelus mustelus (Trikidae) and Scyliorhinus canicula (Scyliorhinidae), and deep-water Galeus melastomus (Scyliorhinidae) and Etmopterus spinax (Etmopteridae). Our research used light and electron (TEM, SEM) microscopes as well as macroscopic observations. The position of the nostrils in relation to the mouth varied in these species but all of them possessed elongate olfactory rosettes with primary lamellae arranged over two rows. The types of primary lamellae were distinguished based on their arrangement on the opposite sides of the median raphe as well as morphology of secondary lamellae and distribution of sensory and non-sensory regions of olfactory epithelium lining the lamellae; these were different between batoids and sharks. Analysis of olfactory epithelium revealed the presence of microvillous olfactory sensory neurons as the only type of receptor cells in all studied species whereas ionocytes were recognized only in sharks. All species possessed one type of goblet cells (Alcian Blue or Periodic Acid Schiff positives) except for P. motoro in which both types of goblet cells were present. Moreover, apical parts of non-sensory microvillous cells that lined the basal parts of the primary lamellae, possessed PAS-positive mucous granules; these were present in both species of batoids. This analogous region was abundant in goblet cells in the species of sharks studied here. Results indicated that differences between freshwater and marine species as well as between marine species occupying various habitat zones include mainly nostrils position, density of occurrence of ionocytes and goblet cells within olfactory epithelium as well as biochemical character of mucus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pantodon buchholzi is the only extant member of a primitive group within the fish order Osteoglossiformes producing complex sperm and sperm bundles, but neither mode of sperm bundle formation nor testis structure was previously described, therefore our studies provide more details on the reproductive biology of this species' testes based on light and electron microscopy (TEM, SEM). Males of P. buchholzi possess paired testes divided into anterior spermatogenic and posterior aspermatogenic regions modified into testicular glands. The spermatogenic part contains anastomosing seminiferous tubules filled with spermatocysts arranged peripherally around a central lumen filled with secretion. Within the cysts germ cells develop synchronously. At the end of spermiogenesis all spermatids have their heads oriented parallel and in the same direction, surrounded by spherical residual bodies, which are phagocytized by Sertoli cells. This arrangement of spermatozoa is maintained during spermiation and within sperm bundles released into the luminal secretion. Sperm bundles are then transported to the testicular gland, where are stored within the glandular secretion. In addition to tutoring sperm bundles, the testicular gland is also involved in the steroidogenic process. Given that modifications of testis structure, coupled with sperm bundle formation, were features previously described only in species with insemination, it is likely that insemination also occurs in P. buchholzi. However, presence of a testicular gland was only noted as a part of the testis of externally fertilizing species. Therefore P. buchholzi appears to be the most primitive teleost species with insemination in which sperm packets are stored in the secretory product of epithelial cells of the testicular gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the cervical spine supports and controls the kinematics of the head, it is vulnerable to injuries during mechanical loading. Severe injuries often result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to significant ramifications. The role of gender in determining the outcome of such injuries has been established as significant. In order to better understand the essential mechanics and develop treatments or preventative measures, various forms of research have been conducted. Computational modelling is one of the most useful and extensively utilised methods, as it provides information that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. As such, the primary goal of this research is to create a new finite element of the female cervical spine that will more accurately represent the group most affected by such injuries. This work is a continuation of a previous study where a model was created from the computer tomography scans of a 46-year-old female. A functioning spinal unit consisting of the C6–C7 segment was simulated as a validation procedure. The experimental data obtained from cadaveric specimens, that assessed the range of motion of different cervical segments in flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending, was used to validate the reduced model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Fluticasone and formoterol are well established medications for the treatment of asthma. This study (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00734318) compares the efficacy and safety of a combination of these drugs in a single inhaler (fluticasone/formoterol) versus the individual components (fluticasone + formoterol). Methods: Patients aged ≥ 18 years (n = 620) with a history of severe, persistent reversible asthma for ≥ 6 months prior to screening were included in this randomized, double-blind study, which consisted of a screening phase of up to 5 days, a 2-week run-in phase and an 8-week treatment period. Results: Fluticasone/formoterol (500/20 μg, b.i.d.) was at least as effective as fluticasone + formoterol (500 μg + 24 μg, b.i.d.) with respect to the primary outcome measure: there were similar increases in mean pre-morning dose forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) in these two groups. Fluticasone/formoterol (500/20 μg, b.i.d.) also demonstrated similar efficacy to fluticasone + formoterol in terms of change in mean FEV1 from baseline pre-morning dose to 2 h post-morning dose at week 8, as well as for several secondary parameters. Fluticasone/formoterol (500/20 μg, b.i.d.) demonstrated superiority to fluticasone monotherapy (500 μg, b.i.d.) and fluticasone/formoterol (100/10 μg, b.i.d.) for several secondary efficacy parameters. Fluticasone/formoterol had a similar safety and tolerability profile to fluticasone + formoterol. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the fluticasone/formoterol combination is at least as effective as its components administered concurrently from separate inhalers. Fluticasone/formoterol (500/20 μg, b.i.d.) showed superior efficacy to its inhaled corticosteroid component alone and the efficacy of fluticasone/formoterol was dose-dependent for several clinically important parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: Lung deposition is crucial for asthma treatment. However, there is no study comparing the potential role of lung co-deposition of combination therapy (inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β2 agonist) in the same inhaler. In moderate to severe asthmatics, an extra-fine hydrofluoroalkane combination of beclomethasone dipropionate and formoterol given via a single pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) was compared with beclomethasone dipropionate chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) pMDI and formoterol dry powder inhaler (DPI) given via separate inhalers. Methods: In a double-blind, double-dummy, 24-week randomised clinical trial, 645 patients with moderate to severe asthma uncontrolled by regular treatment with inhaled corticosteroids received regular treatment with extra-fine fixed combination beclomethasone dipropionate 200μg/formoterol 12μg bid, or beclomethasone dipropionate (500μg bid) via CFC pMDI and formoterol (12μg bid) via DPI, or beclomethasone dipropionate (500μg bid) via CFC pMDI. The primary outcome was morning peak expiratory flow (PEF). Secondary outcomes included lung function measured at clinic, asthma symptoms and control, exacerbations. Results: Beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol combination via single inhaler or via separate inhalers improved morning PEF. However, the combination via single inhaler was more effective than given via separate inhalers for asthma control. Both combination treatments were superior to beclomethasone dipropionate alone in improving lung function and asthma control. All treatments were well tolerated. Interpretation: In patients with moderate to severe asthma, beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol in a single inhaler was as effective as beclomethasone dipropionate plus formoterol and superior to beclomethasone dipropionate alone in improving lung function. For the first time with a single inhaler, beclomethasone dipropionate/formoterol was significantly superior to separate components for asthma control. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , number NCT00476268. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Free from toxic elements biomaterial potentially applicable for load bearing biomedical implants was obtained for the first time by laser cladding of S520 bioactive glass onto ultrafine-grained commercially pure titanium. The cladding process affected the refined structure of the substrate inducing martensitic transformation near its surface. The α' acicular martensite gradually passes into relatively large grains with increasing distance from the substrate surface, which subsequently are transformed into smaller grains of about 2 μm in diameter. Both the melted zone, where the martensite crystalline structure was found, and the HAZ are characterised by relatively lower hardness in comparison with that of the substrate core indicating increased ductility. Such a combination of zones with different properties may have a synergistic effect and is beneficial for the obtained biomaterial. A characteristic region in the form of about 3 μm width band was formed in the melted zone at about 10 μm below the titanium surface. The results of EDS analysis indicate that several glass elements moved into the region while the titanium content in the same area was decreased. High bioactivity of the coated S520 glass was revealed by in vitro testing with SBF solution and almost complete reduction of P concentration occurred after 14 days. [Display omitted] • laser cladding was used for coating of bioactive glass on ultrafine-grained titanium. • Free from potentially toxic elements biomaterial for implants was obtained. • The areas of relatively high plasticity were found below the cladded material. • High bioactivity of bioactive glass coating was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital internal mesenteric hernia is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in the newborn. We report on a new unusual feature of combined internal transmesenteric hernia with intrahepatic location of the intestinal loop. We present also our controversial therapeutic approach based on the intention to finally resolve the problem of internal hernia in the newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]