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INTRODUCTION: Pineoblastoma is a rare, highly aggressive supratentorial tumour, more frequently diagnosed in young children. The prognosis remains poor. AIM: To present own experience with children with pineoblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 14 pts: 8 girls and 6 boys treated between 1998 and 2017 were analyzed. 5 pts (36%) were under 3 years of age. 7 pts underwent complete tumour resection, 2-partial resection and 5- biopsy. At the onset of treatment six patients had disseminated disease. 9 pts were treated according to protocol for MB HR group (with radiotherapy), 5 pts according to own baby protocol. RESULTS: 9 pts (64%) achieved good response to treatment (CCR-4 pts, CR-4 or PR-1). Four patients experienced tumour progression. 7 out of 14 patients are alive 3 ms to 17years from diagnosis (median 3years 4ms). Seven patients died (10ms to 8years from diagnosis). 1 pt died of long term post- radiotherapy sequelae. 5 yr EFS was 23 %, OS- 57%. 10 yr EFS and OS were 23 and 30,1% consecutively. 10 out of 14 pts relapsed 7ms to 4 years 3ms from diagnosis. 9 pts received second line treatment- 4 are alive. Children younger than 3 years of age treated without radiotherapy had worse outcome with 5 yrs OS estimated at 0% vs 74,1% in older children treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy (p=0,014). CONCLUSION: Pineoblastoma is highly malignant CNS neoplasm of childhood with dismal prognosis. In our series children below 3 years of age treated without radiotherapy had poorer responses and worse outcome.

Obestatin is a 23-amino acid peptide derived from proghrelin, a common prohormone for ghrelin and obestatin. Previous studies showed that obestatin exhibited some protective and therapeutic effects in the gut. The aim of our presented study was to examine the effect of treatment with obestatin on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. In rats anesthetized with ketamine, colitis was induced through intrarectal administration of 25 mg of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Obestatin was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 4, 8, or 16 nmol/kg, twice per day for four consecutive days. The first dose of obestatin was given one day before the induction of colitis, and the last one was given two days after administration of TNBS. Fourteen days after the induction of colitis, rats were anesthetized again with ketamine, and the severity of colitis was determined. The administration of obestatin had no effect on the parameters tested in rats without the induction of colitis. In rats with colitis, administration of obestatin at doses of 8 or 16 nmol/kg reduced the area of colonic damage, and improved mucosal blood flow in the colon. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in the colitis-evoked increase in the level of blood leukocytes, and mucosal concentration of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1&beta, Moreover, obestatin administered at doses of 8 or 16 nmol/kg reduced histological signs of colonic damage. The administration of obestatin at a dose of 4 nmol/kg failed to significantly affect the parameters tested. Overall, treatment with obestatin reduced the severity of TNBS-induced colitis in rats. This effect was associated with an improvement in mucosal blood flow in the colon, and a decrease in local and systemic inflammatory processes.

In the emission spectrum of the CO molecule thirteen bands of the fourth-positive ( A 1 Π → X 1 Σ + ) band system were photographed and analysed. Under high resolution and by using conventional photographic spectroscopy, the following excited bands: 7–16, 7–17, 8–18, 8–19, 9–19, 9–20, 10–20, 10–21, 11–21, 11–22, 12–22, 13–24, 14–26 and approximately 1340 molecular lines were recorded. A rotational analysis of the bands: 7–17, 8–18, 8–19, 9–20, and 11–22 were carried out for the first time, and the bands 11–21 and 14–26 were identified and analysed for the first time. After detailed rotational analysis of the bands, experimental rovibronic term values of the A 1 Π ( v = 9 –14) levels were determined for the first time. Individual and equilibrium molecular constants of the A 1 Π state as well as the Franck–Condon factors were determined for the analysed bands. Moreover, a region of analysed perturbations of the A 1 Π ( v = 7 –14) levels was extended to the J ⩾ 30 rotational levels. Also, most of theoretically predicted perturbations of the v A = 13 and 14 levels were identified for the first time.

In tissue engineering, the possibility of a comprehensive restoration of the tissue, structure or a portion of the organ is largely determined by the type of material used. A wide range of materials such as graphene and other carbon nanocompounds which have different physical and chemical properties can be expected to react differently upon contact with biomolecules, cells and tissues. This mini-review describes the current knowledge on biocompatibility of graphene and its derivatives with a variety of mammalian cells, such as osteoblasts, neuroendocrine cells, fibroblasts NIH/3T3 line, PMEFs (primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts), stem cells and neurons. The results from different studies give hope for the possibility of graphene to be used in the regeneration of almost all tissues, including neural tissue implants or in the form of neural chips, which may allow in the future treatment of degenerative diseases and injuries of the central nervous system.

Excitation spectra of KLi molecule were investigated in the spectral range 31,000–33,100 cm −1 by polarisation labelling spectroscopy technique. Three hitherto unknown electronic states of 1 Π symmetry were observed. The Dunham coefficients and potential curves characterising the states were deduced from the spectra. Basing on theoretical calculations, the states were identified as 9 1 Π, 10 1 Π and 11 1 Π.

Desmoplastic infantile tumors are rare supratentorial brain lesions occurring in children under 18 months of age. We report characteristic neuroimaging with DWI and the histopathological features of these neoplasms.Magnetic resonance (MR) examinations of nine patients, aged 0-18 months (median age 3.5 months), were retrospectively analyzed. Analysis of MR images included location and tumor size, signal intensity, contrast enhancement, presence of edema, and hemorrhage. Minimum and mean value of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the solid component of the tumor and contralateral normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) were measured, and ADC/NAWM ratios were calculated. All patients underwent tumor resection, and diagnosis of grade I desmoplastic tumors was confirmed.The tumors were located in the temporal lobe in seven patients, the parietal lobe in three, and in the frontal lobe in one case (in two children, tumors invaded more than one lobe). Suprasellar localization was observed in two patients; one child had multifocal brain lesions. In five cases, signal intensity of the solid component was hypointense on T2-WI. The measured minimum ADC value of solid tumor varied from 0.606 to 1.020 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, with a mean value of 0.921 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s. The mean ADC value of NAWM was 1.121 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s. The mean ADC ratio was 0.858 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s.From our series, we can assume that restricted diffusion is observed not only in malignant but also in benign brain tumors. Diffusion signals and ADC values in these neoplasms appear to depend on their cellularity and components of the extracellular matrix.

We report the first experimental observation of the 6 1 Σ + state in the KCs molecule. Polarization labelling spectroscopy technique was applied to determine energies of about 1000 rovibrational levels in this state, most of them strongly perturbed by the neighbouring 4 3 Π state levels. The inverted perturbation approach was used to construct the irregular potential energy curve of the 6 1 Σ + state. It is compared with the recent theoretical calculations to show that Hund's coupling case (a) is proper for description of this state.

A polarization labelling spectroscopy technique was used to investigate the A 1 Σ + ← X 1 Σ + band system of the 7LiCs molecule in a heat-pipe oven. All 27 observed vibrational levels of the A state were found to be subject to strong perturbations assigned to interaction with the b 3 Π 0 state. The deperturbation analysis provided molecular constants of the A and b states and a value of the electronic part of the spin–orbit interaction matrix element 〈 b 3 Π 0 ∣ H so ∣ A 1 Σ + 〉 .

The aim of the study was to asses QoL in Medulloblastoma (MB) survivors according to risk groups. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 2005-2015 132 patients (40 girls, 92 boys aged 2 9/12 – 17 6/12) were treated of MB. 44 patients were standard risk and 88 high risk. Patients in SR group received radiotherapy to CNS 25Gy whereas HR - 36Gy. Age at analysis 6 1/12 to 29. Analysis included 5 year EFS/OS and assessment of: weight/height in percentiles according to risk groups and age at diagnosis, hearing loss, hearing aids, hair loss and occurrence of posterior fossa syndrome(PFS). Psychosocial assessment, including IQ, education, work, physical and social activities, interpersonal relationships was performed and compared in risk groups. RESULTS: 5 years EFS was 83% in SR and 76,6% HR (p=0,112), OS 89,7% and 82,3%. There was no significant difference in hearing loss between risk groups, but there was greater use of hearing aids in the latter (p=0,003), hair loss was markedly worse in HR (p=0,022). SR patients and those older than 10 years at diagnosis were higher as compared to other survivors. PFS occurred more often in HR group (p=0,005). IQ, educational achievements, physical and social activity and interpersonal relationships were significantly better in SR group (p

Energies of 1655 rovibrational levels of the mutually perturbed 6 1 Σ + and 4 3 Π 0 + states in KCs were measured in a series of experiments employing polarization labelling spectroscopy technique. The experimental term values of the 6 1 Σ + ∼ 4 3 Π 0 + complex in KCs were used in coupled-channels deperturbation analysis which took explicitly into account the spin-orbit coupling of the 6 1 Σ + and 4 3 Π 0 + states. The empirical deperturbation treatment was supported by ab initio electronic structure calculation of adiabatic potentials of the interacting states and of the corresponding spin-orbit coupling matrix element as a function of internuclear distance.

The 41Σ+ state of LiCs molecule is observed experimentally for the first time. The inverted perturbation approach (IPA) method is used to derive the potential energy curve of the state from the measured spectra. The experiment is accompanied by theoretical calculations of adiabatic potentials for excited states in LiCs including 41Σ+, performed with the MOLPRO program package. The irregular shape of the 41Σ+ state potential predicted by theory is confirmed in the experiment.

We present an experimental investigation of the 51Π state of KCs using the polarisation labelling spectroscopy technique. A pointwise potential energy curve was constructed from 1146 energy levels with use of the inverted perturbation approach.

Sulphidogenous microorganism communities were isolated from selected oilfield waters in the Flysch Carpathians of south-eastern Poland. Organisms were incubated using the microcosms method with application of two media: minimal medium and modified Postgate C medium with yeast extract or trisodium citrate or monocyclic hydrocarbons from the BTEX group (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) as the sole carbon source. Activity of sulphidogenic, autochthonous microorganism communities was noted only on the Postgate medium. Beside active sulphate reduction – max. 70%, ca. 74% biodegradation of organic compounds was also observed in the cultures. The highest content of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the COD (ca. 83%) was noted in cultures, in which trisodium citrate and yeast extract were applied as the sole carbon source. Molecular analysis indicated not only the presence of SRB such as Desulfobacterium autothrophicum, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, but also other microorganisms, e.g., Geobacter metal...

One of the major lipid peroxidation products trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), forms cyclic propano- or ethenoadducts bearing six- or seven-carbon atom side chains to G > C ≫ A > T. To specify the role of SOS DNA polymerases in HNE-induced mutations, we tested survival and mutation spectra in the lacZα gene of M13mp18 phage, whose DNA was treated in vitro with HNE, and which was grown in uvrA−Escherichia coli strains, carrying one, two or all three SOS DNA polymerases. When Pol IV was the only DNA SOS polymerase in the bacterial host, survival of HNE-treated M13 DNA was similar to, but mutation frequency was lower than in the strain containing all SOS DNA polymerases. When only Pol II or Pol V were present in host bacteria, phage survival decreased dramatically. Simultaneously, mutation frequency was substantially increased, but exclusively in the strain carrying only Pol V, suggesting that induction of mutations by HNE is mainly dependent on Pol V. To determine the role of Pol II and Pol IV in HNE induced mutagenesis, Pol II or Pol IV were expressed together with Pol V. This resulted in decrease of mutation frequency, suggesting that both enzymes can compete with Pol V, and bypass HNE-DNA adducts in an error-free manner. However, HNE-DNA adducts were easily bypassed by Pol IV and only infrequently by Pol II. Mutation spectrum established for strains expressing only Pol V, showed that in uvrA− bacteria the frequency of base substitutions and recombination increased in relation to NER proficient strains, particularly mutations at adenine sites. Among base substitutions A:T → C:G, A:T → G:C, G:C → A:T and G:C → T:A prevailed. The results suggest that Pol V can infrequently bypass HNE-DNA adducts inducing mutations at G, C and A sites, while bypass by Pol IV and Pol II is error-free, but for Pol II infrequent.

Ferric ion-respiring microorganisms (FRMs) are a group of prokaryotes that use Fe(III) as well as other metals as terminal electron acceptors in the process of anaerobic respiration. Special attention is paid to a biotechnological significance of FRMs because of their potential role in electricity production in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) where the terminal acceptor of the electrons during anaerobic respiration is not a ferric ion but the anode. One of the best known FRMs is the Shewanellaceae family. Most of the Shewanella species have been isolated from marine environments. In this report, sugar beet molasses and ferric oxide were successfully used in the selection of a bacterial consortium capable of dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction in a long-term continuous culture. The inoculum was a sample of eutrophic lake bottom sediment. Among the bacteria present in this culture were representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae, and the genera Pseudomonas, Arcobacter, and Shewanella. Two non-marine Fe(III)-reducing Shewanella-related clones named POL1 and POL2 were isolated. The abilities of the POL1 and POL2 isolates to metabolize a panel of 190 carbon sources were examined using a BIOLOG assay. The results confirmed the abilities of the shewanellas to utilize a broad range of carbon substrates. The utility of the POL1 and POL2 isolates in H-type MFCs operating on pyruvate or molasses was demonstrated. The operation of the MFC with shewanellas cultured on molasses was shown for the first time. A two-stage character of the fuel cell polarization curves, not previously noted in Shewanella MFC studies, was observed.

Nucleotide-excision repair (NER) is important for the maintenance of genomic integrity and to prevent the onset of carcinogenesis. Oxidative stress was previously found to inhibit NER in vitro, and dietary antioxidants could thus protect DNA not only by reducing levels of oxidative DNA damage, but also by protecting NER against oxidative stress-induced inhibition. To obtain further insight in the relation between oxidative stress and NER activity in vivo, oxidative stress was induced in newborn piglets by means of intra-muscular injection of iron (200mg) at day 3 after birth. Indeed, injection of iron significantly increased several markers of oxidative stress, such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) levels in colon DNA and urinary excretion of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua). In parallel, the influence of maternal supplementation with an antioxidant-enriched diet was investigated in their offspring. Supplementation resulted in reduced iron concentrations in the colon (P=0.004) at day 7 and a 40% reduction of 8-oxodG in colon DNA (P=0.044) at day 14 after birth. NER capacity in animals that did not receive antioxidants was significantly reduced to 32% at day 7 compared with the initial NER capacity on day 1 after birth. This reduction in NER capacity was less pronounced in antioxidant-supplemented piglets (69%). Overall, these data indicate that NER can be reduced by oxidative stress in vivo, which can be compensated for by antioxidant supplementation.

Theoretical multireference configuration interaction (MRDCI) calculations on the excited 1 Σ + and 1 Π states of NaLi are presented. They improve the results of a previous study by two of the present authors, resolve some differences with other theoretical results and lead to overall good agreement with experimental observations. To extend the experimental data base of electronic states in NaLi, a previously unknown 1 Σ + state is investigated by polarisation labelling spectroscopy. Comparison with accompanying and previous theoretical calculations leads to a conclusion that the observed system consists of two band systems switching smoothly from one adiabatic state to the other and allows assignment of the bands as 5 1 Σ + ← X 1 Σ + in the lower energy part and to 6 1 Σ + ← X 1 Σ + for higher energies.

The polarisation labelling spectroscopy technique has provided detailed information about the shape of the potential barrier to dissociation of the 2 Π 1 state in KLi. The potential curve of the 2 Π 1 state is constructed using the Inverted Perturbation Approach method. Our analysis shows that the barrier height is Δ E = 20.8 ± 1.0 cm−1 relative to the dissociation limit and the barrier maximum is located at R bar = 8.2 ± 0.1 A.

The C1Πu and 21Σu+ states of lithium dimer are investigated experimentally by polarization labelling spectroscopy. The inverted perturbation approach method is used to construct the potential energy curves of both states. A very good agreement is found between the experimental potentials and those resulting from the most recent theoretical calculations.

We have carried out the direct deperturbation analysis of about 780 rovibronic term values of the strongly spin-orbit (SO) coupled A(1)Σ(+) and b(3)Π states of the (7)Li(133)Cs molecule recorded by polarization labelling spectroscopy technique. The explicit A(1)Σ(+) ∼ b(3)ΠΩ=0,1,2 coupled-channels treatment allowed us to reproduce 95% experimental term values with a standard deviation of 0.05 cm(-1) which is close to the accuracy of the present experiment. The initial potential energy curves (PECs) of the mutually perturbed states and SO matrix elements were ab initio evaluated in the basis of the spin-averaged wave functions. The empirically refined PECs and SO functions, along with the theoretical transition dipole moments, were used to predict energy and radiative properties of the A ∼ b complex for low J levels of both (7)Li(133)Cs and (6)Li(133)Cs isotopologues. The reasonable candidates for the stimulated Raman transitions between initial Feshbach resonance states, the mixed levels of the A ∼ b complex, and absolute ground X(1)Σ(+) (v = 0 and J = 0) state were identified.

BACKGROUND The femoral approach has been the preferably used access in interventional cardiology as well for coronary diagnostics as for percutaneous coronary intervention, being perceived as easy and facilitating quick access with relatively low risk. Due to the results of the latest studies, however, the radial approach has become increasingly popular. The aim of this study was a safety analysis of cardiological interventional procedures (i.e., coronarography and PCI) according to the vessel approach. MATERIAL/METHODS The 204 coronary interventions done in our Department of Interventional Cardiology were retrospectively analyzed. All the procedures were classified according to femoral or radial access. The incidence of local complications (e.g., major bleedings and hematomas) was assessed as well as the volume of contrast agent administered during the procedure and the radiation dose. RESULTS It has been shown that radial approach, which is obviously more comfortable for patients, reduces the risk of local complications (0 vs. 2.97% and 0 vs. 3.96%) and does not lead to increased radiation exposure (p=0.88). However, there could be a larger volume of contrast agent administered (p=0.029), which in some cases could increase the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS The radial approach should be recommended as a first choice because it is safer than the classical femoral approach, but one must be cautious in choosing radial approach patients with renal insufficiency.

This paper contains the analysis of the C (2) 1 Π u state of Na 2 molecule based on a large data set (3030 lines) obtained from a polarization labeling spectroscopy experiment on the C 1 Π u ← X 1 Σ g + transition. The energies of rovibrational levels in the C state, spanning a wide range of v (0 ⩽ v ⩽ 43) and J (12 ⩽ J ⩽ 100) quantum numbers, are fitted to a Dunham polynomial expansion and also to a numerical potential curve constructed by the inverted perturbation approach (IPA) method.

We present a first detailed experimental study of the C(3)1Σ+ state of the NaRb molecule converging to the Na(3p) + Rb(5s) states of separated atoms. Two different high resolution spectroscopic methods have been applied: the Fourier transform spectroscopy of laser induced fluorescence and the V-type optical-optical double resonance polarization labeling spectroscopy. The entire data field for the C1Σ+ state of Na85Rb and Na87Rb consists of rovibrational levels with v'=0–64 and J'=4–123. The data were incorporated into a direct fit of a single potential energy curve to the level energies using the Inverted Perturbation Approach method. As the experimental data extend to the “shelf" region of the potential at large internuclear separations of 8.5 A, the C state's suitability for photoassociation yielding cold heteronuclear NaRb is discussed.

The E(4) 1 Π u ←X 1 Σ + g band system of the K 2 molecule is investigated by the technique of Doppler-free optical–optical double resonance polarization spectroscopy. The observed vibrational levels v =0 to 9 of the E state are subject to numerous rotational perturbations by the neighboring 4 3 Π u , 4 1 Σ + u , and 5 3 Σ + u electronic states. By using deperturbation methods, the potential curves of the 4 1 Π u and 4 3 Π u states are determined as well as some properties of the 4 1 Σ + u and 5 3 Σ + u state potentials. The results are compared with predictions of ab initio calculations.

The physiological assessment of a lesion is a key to quality of life and prognosis of a patient with moderate coronary stenosis. Blood flow in coronary arteries occurs primarily during diastole, it is evident especially in the LAD. The systolic phase lasts roughly 300 ms and its duration is almost

Silicon carbide (SiC) nanostructures produced by combustion synthesis can cause oxidative stress in the bacterium Pseudomonas putida. The results of this study showed that SiC nanostructures damaged the cell membrane, which can lead to oxidative stress in living cells and to the loss of cell viability. As a reference, micrometric SiC was also used, which did not exhibit toxicity toward cells. Oxidative stress was studied by analyzing the activity of peroxidases, and the expression of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (zwf1) using real-time PCR and northern blot techniques. Damage to nucleic acid was studied by isolating and hydrolyzing plasmids with the formamidopyrimidine [fapy]-DNA glycosylase (also known as 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase) (Fpg), which is able to detect damaged DNA. The level of viable microbial cells was investigated by propidium iodide and acridine orange staining.

We report an accurate inverted perturbation approach (IPA) potential energy curve for the “shelf” F 1Σg+ state in Li2 which reproduces positions of the experimental energy levels available in the literature for all three isotopomers 7Li2, 6Li7Li, and 6Li2 with a standard deviation of 0.11 cm−1. Our analysis significantly improves the shape of the recently reported Rydberg–Klein–Rees (RKR) potential curve of the F 1Σg+ state [Antonova et al., J. Chem. Phys. 112, 7080 (2000)] and provides evidence for the existence of a shallow minimum in the shelf region. Using our IPA potential curve we were able to localize and identify some local perturbations in the spectra, as well as to correct the assignment of several spectral lines previously observed experimentally.

Doppler-free UV-visible optical–optical double resonance polarization spectra of the 2 1Σu+←X 1Σg+ and C 1Πu←X 1Σg+ transitions in 7Li2 molecules were measured. In the case of the double minimum 2 1Σu+ state transitions to all vibrational levels (except the lowest two) localized in the inner potential well, to several levels in the outer well and some levels beyond the potential barrier were observed. Potential energy curves of the C 1Πu(v=0–10) state and the inner well of the 2 1Σu+ state are determined by the RKR method. A V(R) curve describing the whole potential of the 2 1Σu+ state (including both wells) is constructed using the Inverted Perturbation Approach (IPA). Tunneling splittings and energy shifts of the 2 1Σu+ levels were observed, and their magnitudes are well represented in a semiclassical model using the IPA potential. Perturbations between the C 1Πu(v,J) and 2 1Σu+(v′,J) levels were detected in the region above the potential barrier of the 2 1Σu+ state, where the rotational constant of the...

The double minimum 2(1)Sigma(+)(u) state of Na(2) was investigated by polarization labeling spectroscopy technique. A total of 1156 transitions to rovibrational levels of the inner well and above the barrier were identified. Using the IPA method, an accurate potential curve of the state was constructed based on a weighted fit of our experimental results and spectroscopic data available in the literature [D. L. Cooper, R. F. Barrow, J. Vergés, C. Effantin, and J. d'Incan, Can. J. Phys. 62, 1543-1558 (1984)]. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

The inverted perturbation approach (IPA) method is used to construct the potential energy curve of the double minimum 6 1Σ+ state of NaK. The IPA potential makes it possible to reproduce the experimental energies of 1032 rovibrational levels situated both in the inner well and above the internal maximum of the potential.

The hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis spontaneously activates in hibernating frogs, Rana temporaria, under constant conditions (0-4 degrees, darkness). The hypothesis that the spontaneous hibernatory activation involves other regulatory processes preparing the frogs for breeding and posthibernatory activity was tested. The serum concentrations and glandular contents of thyroid hormones (THs) were determined during hibernation. It was shown that (i) in both sexes, serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels significantly increased in the middle of January (week 13/14, between day 92 and 98 of hibernation); (ii) the peak of THs blood concentration was accompanied by a slow decrease of free forms of THs and the bound forms of both hormones dropped rapidly over this period; (iii) after a decrease on day 111, the low level of serum THs (but higher than before the peak) was sustained to the end of hibernation; (iv) the thyroid content of free THs significantly rose after their "surge" into the blood, reached maximal values in the middle of February, and remained at this level to the end of hibernation (last week of March); (v) in spring, after spawning, the THs levels in glands and in serum were much lower than those at the end of hibernation or were not detectable; and (vi) the results were confirmed during the second season, when the material in the period of expected elevation of serum THs was collected every other day.

We present new c 3Σ+→a 3Σ+ laser induced fluorescence spectra of the NaK molecule, which clearly indicate that v0=20 is the first vibrational level of the c 3Σ+ state lying above v=0 of B 1Π state. These spectra are used in a multistep deperturbation (B 1Π∼c 3Σ+∼b 3Π) procedure to obtain improved a 3Σ+, b 3Π and c 3Σ+ potential energy curves. The deperturbation analysis is confirmed by the calculated electronic B 1Π∼c 3Σ+ and c 3Σ+∼b 3Π spin–orbit matrix elements obtained from many-body multipartitioning perturbation theory employing the relativistic effective potential method.

The 41Π and 51Π states of the NaK molecule have been investigated experimentally by polarization labelling spectroscopy technique and theoretically within the framework of the ab initio pseudopotential method. A very good agreement has been obtained between the calculated potential curves and those determined from experimental observations.

The polarization labelling spectroscopy technique is used to study the B 1 Π ← X 1 Σ + and C 1 Σ + ← X 1 Σ + band systems of the KLi molecule. Accurate molecular constants are derived for the B and C states from a Dunham expansion. For the B 1 Π state our analysis covers more than 99% of the potential well depth and provides a precise value for its dissociation energy. This also allows dissociation energies of the ground X 1 Σ + state and excited C 1 Σ + state to be determined.

The $3{}^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ and $6{}^{1}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ states of the NaK molecule were investigated by polarization labeling spectroscopy in a heat pipe oven. About 2000 molecular transitions in the $3{}^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}\ensuremath{\leftarrow}X{}^{1}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ and $6{}^{1}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}\ensuremath{\leftarrow}X{}^{1}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ band systems were measured in the $24600\char21{}27700{\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ spectral range. The analysis provided molecular constants and the potential-energy curve corresponding to 97% of the potential well of the $3{}^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ state. For the double minimum $6{}^{1}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ state nearly the whole inner potential well was characterized. The results are compared with the predictions of recent theoretical calculations.

The ground state X1Sigma+ of the diatomic molecule KLi has been studied by analyzing spectra of the B1Pi-X1Sigma+ system, simplified by polarization labeling. Rotational and vibrational constants are reported for the X1Sigma+ state covering about 45% of its potential well depth and the potential curve is constructed by the Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) procedure. Comparison with previous experimental and theoretical work is made. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

The Doppler-free polarization spectrum was measured for the B1Π–X1∑+ band system of the 39K7Li molecule. The Dunham coefficients describing the X state and f-parity levels of the B state are reported. Numerous transitions were observed for the 41K7Li and 39K6Li isotopomers, the latter ones displaying anomalous isotopic shifts. The anomalies are discussed in terms of mass-independent `reduced' Dunham coefficients and mass-scaling factors.

Oxidative stress via redox reactions can regulate DNA repair pathways. The base excision repair (BER) enzyme apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a key player in the redox regulation of DNA repair. Environmental factors can alter the methylation of DNA repair genes, change their expression and thus modulate BER activity and susceptibility to oxidative DNA damage. Therefore, we hypothesized that epigenetic modifications play a role in the redox regulation of APE1 in hippocampi of newborns and investigated the effect of supplementation of pregnant sows with a diet enriched in antioxidants and other nutrients on oxidative stress, DNA methylation and DNA repair in their offspring. High levels of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and low levels of glutathione were detected in control piglets after birth compared with supplemented piglets, indicating the presence of oxidative stress. In control animals, this oxidative stress was associated with genomic DNA demethylation, decreased APE1 promoter methylation, increased APE1 expression and with slightly but not statistically significant increased BER-related DNA incision activity. Supplementation of piglets with antioxidants and other nutrients significantly lowered 8-oxodG levels compared to control animals, which was accompanied by overall lower APE1 promoter methylation and enhanced APE1 expression at day 7-28 after birth in supplemented piglets, although DNA incision activity was not significantly different between groups. Preliminary attempts to study the interaction between redox and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms revealed an inverse correlation between APE1 expression and methylation of CpG-sites 11 and 13 in the promoter region, which according to Genomatix "MatInspector" are located in the core binding sites of redox-sensitive transcription factors. We are the first to study methylation of the APE1 promoter and its role in mediating the functional effects of redox reactions induced by oxidative stress. Epigenetic and redox mechanisms may interact in regulating APE1-related DNA repair processes, involving redox-sensitive TFs. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

This paper presents the geomicrobiological analysis of acid water reservoirs and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) developed in the weathering zone of pyrite-bearing schists near the closed-down pyrite mine in Wieściszowice (south-western Poland ). The analysis was focused on two reservoirs characterized by different physical and chemical properties (pH, redox potential, content of sulphates and heavy metals). The study is the first thorough report on the geomicrobiological relationships taking place in the AMD setting in Wieściszowice and enables a description of the microbiological processes that significantly influence biogeochemical cycles of sulfur and iron in the analyzed water reservoirs. The reservoir water also harbors numerous big, organized microbial structures in the form of streamers. Samples of these structures were studied in detail using optical and electron microscopy, as well as microbiological cultivation and molecular methods. According to the obtained results, the slime streamers from the Wieściszowice mine are characterized by the co-occurrence of typical chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms oxidizing sulphur and iron together with sulphate reducing bacteria. The presence of these structures probably depends on the occurrence of iron (II) in the surrounding environment.

The band system in the and molecules is investigated by the polarization labelling spectroscopy technique. Accurate molecular constants are derived for the observed levels v = 0 - 30, J = 18 - 95 in the state.

The 3 [sup 1][Pi][sub [ital u]][l arrow][ital X] [sup 1][Sigma][sub [ital g]][sup +] and 3 [sup 1][Sigma][sub [ital u]][sup +][l arrow][ital X] [sup 1][Sigma][sub [ital g]][sup +] band systems of K[sub 2] are studied by the polarization-labeling spectroscopy method. An observation of isotope shifts of rotationally resolved lines in both systems reveals that the previous vibrational numbering in the 3 [sup 1][Pi][sub [ital u]] and 3 [sup 1][Sigma][sub [ital u]][sup +] states is incorrect by 1 and 3 vibrational quanta, respectively. An analysis is carried out for both states. We present the resulting molecular parameters that describe the 3 [sup 1][Pi][sub [ital u]] state to 55% and the 3 [sup 1][Sigma][sub [ital u]][sup +] state to 71% of their potential well depths.

Although tissues may exist regardless of reduced oxygen pressure, this requires glycolytic ATP generation, which is very expensive from the energetic viewpoint. Hypoxia is defined as the condition in which oxygen pressure is reduced at the level of bodily tissues. There are many clinical situations during which decreased tissue oxygenation may occur. It may be transient or chronic, as well as systemic or local. An emergent need exists for monitoring and diagnosis with respect to numerous possible clinical circumstances leading to hypoxia and its life-threatening consequences. The assessment of global oxygen homeo-stasis relies on blood gas analysis and lactate concentration, but such an approach does not fully reflect the local oxygenation of tissues. Oxygen needle microelectrode measurements reveal great differences in tissue pO2 levels. Local pO2 levels depend on many factors, among which the most important are: the distance to the nearest capillary, the extracellular and intracellular fluid diffusion rates and intracellular measurements of the number and activity levels of mitochondria. Thus, nowadays, it is impossible to establish an accurate normal value ranges for local tissue pO2. Oxygen deficiency is an important gene regulator. A sequence-specific DNA-binding factor, the hypoxia induced factor (HIF), is the fundamental hypoxia response protein. 70 genes identified so far have been found to be HIF-dependent. They are responsible for increased oxygen delivery, i.e. by boosting angiogensis due to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release and the enhancement of red blood cell production by erythropoietin (EPO). VEGF-induced angiogenesis is one of several key hypoxia adaptations. An enhanced vascular bed in response to hypoxia affects almost every bodily tissue and organ. This was observed particularly in skeletal muscles as well as in the brain. The expression of a few hypoxia markers does not require HIF activation. An especially interesting member of this group is osteopontin (OPN), whose synthesis increases during hypoxia. OPN was originally linked to bone remodeling, but currently it seems to posses an important role in immunity, inflammation and tumor pathogenesis. Quantification of hypoxia is clinically essential both for therapy and prognosis. Taking account of the fact that the concept of oxygen pressure at the tissue level is not quantitative (norms do not exist, results are incomparable), biochemical markers are preferable. Particularly significant in this context are hypoxia-induced proteins such as HIF, EPO, VEGF or potentially OPN.

Resonant two photon ionization (R2PI) spectroscopy was used to obtain detailed spectroscopic information on the neutral and cation ground states of the jet‐cooled molecules V2, VNb, and Nb2. By recording photoionization efficiency (PIE) spectra, their adiabatic ionization potentials were determined to be 51 269(5) cm−1 (V2), 51 554(10) cm−1 (VNb), and 51 359(10) cm−1 (Nb2). In VNb, we used different ionization routes to determine that the splitting between the Ω=0 and Ω=1 spin–orbit components of the X 3Σ− ground state was 230(3) cm−1. In the case of V2 and VNb, two thresholds were observed in the PIE spectra recorded via Ω=1 intermediate states. We were thus able to assign the ground states of V+2 and VNb+ as having 4Σ− symmetry, with second‐order spin–orbit splittings of 20(3) and 82(3) cm−1, respectively. A simple model was applied to calculate the locations of the 1Σ+ and 2Σ+ states which are responsible for the second‐order spin–orbit splitting of the neutral and cation ground states, respectively. One‐color R2PI spectroscopy was employed to determine the bond dissociation energy of VNb, the result D00=30 562(10) cm−1 being obtained. The implications of our measurements regarding the relative bond strengths of the neutral and cationic dimers are discussed.

Jet-cooled fluorescence excitation spectra of some new electronic band systems of the niobium dimer molecule are reported. The molecules were generated by pulsed laser vaporization of a niobium target rod and cooled by supersonic expansion in helium. Rotationally resolved spectra of four new band systems in the region 653-686 nm were obtained using a single-mode ring dye laser to excite fluorescence. The Doppler-limited experimental resolution was 200 MHz. Of the four systems observed, all of which originate from electronically excited states, three are tentatively assigned as 1Γu ← 1Γg, 3Π0± ← 3Π0±, and 3Δu ← 3Δg transitions. Results are discussed in light of theoretical predictions of the electronic structure of the Nb2 molecule.

Polarization labeling spectroscopy technique was used to measure excitation spectra of LiCs molecule in the spectral range of 16,000-18,500 cm(-1). Four band systems were observed and assigned to transitions from the ground X(1)Σ(+) state to excited states (4)Ω = 0(+), (5)Ω = 0(+), (5)Ω = 1, and (6)Ω = 1 (in Hund's case (c) notation proper here), the latter three states being fine structure components of the states d(3)Π and e(3)Σ(+), nominally of triplet symmetry. The observed states are characterized spectroscopically and the experimental results are compared with predictions of theoretical calculations, showing accuracy of the theoretical electronic term values better than 100 cm(-1) and of the ω(e) and R(e) constants within 5%.

Background and purpose Lumbar discectomy with the METRx X-Tube system and operating microscope is a modification of microendoscopic discectomy. The aim of this study was to describe this method and present the results of treatment of the first 13 patients. Material and methods Under general anaesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance, a guidewire was placed over the inferior aspect of the superior lamina. A 2.5–3 cm midline skin incision was made, followed by paramedian lumbar fascia incision. Then, dilators were sequentially introduced (muscle-splitting approach). Finally, a tubular retractor was fixed directly over the interlaminar space. Further stages of the procedure were performed using an operating microscope and standard microdiscectomy equipment. The first 13 consecutive patients operated on using this method were analysed. Twelve patients were operated on at one level and 1 at two levels. Disc herniation was centro-lateral in 10 cases, lateral in 2 and central (broad-based) in 2 patients. Results Regression of radicular pain was noted in all patients. No postoperative complications were observed except for prolongation of wound healing in 2 patients. According to modified MacNab criteria, excellent late outcome was achieved in 8 patients and good in 4 patients. There were no cases of recurrent radicular pain or need for surgical revision for herniation recurrence. One patient was reoperated on because of low back pain (implantation of an interspinous spacer). Conclusions Microscopically assisted lumbar discectomy using the METRx X-Tube system seems to be safe and effective. This method combines the advantages of modern minimally invasive techniques while avoiding the limitations of endoscopy.

Rotationally resolved electronic spectra of the niobium dimer molecule are reported for the first time. The molecules were produced by laser vaporization of a niobium target rod and cooled in a helium supersonic expansion. The molecular beam containing niobium dimer molecules was interrogated in the range 400–900 nm using a pulsed dye laser to excite fluorescence. Numerous Ω=0←Ω=0 and Ω=1←Ω=1 vibronic transitions were discovered in the region 630–720 nm and investigated at 200 MHz resolution using the cw output of a single mode ring dye laser. The principal features were classified into five Ω=0←Ω=0 systems originating from a common lower state of 0+g symmetry, and three Ω=1←Ω=1 systems originating from a common lower state of 1g symmetry. The two lower states were assigned as the Ω=0 and Ω=1 spin–orbit components of the X 3Σ−g ground state, which is derived from the electron configuration 1π4u1σ2g2σ2g1δ2g. The two spin–orbit components are split by several hundred cm−1 due to a strong, second‐order isoco...