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The objective of this research was to assess the viability and developmental potential of feline oocytes following in vitro maturation (IVM), vitrification, and post-warming incubation with resveratrol. In the first experiment, warmed oocytes were incubated with 0.2 μM, 2 μM, or 20 μM resveratrol for 2 h. Oocytes treated with 0.2 μM resveratrol had the highest viability (68.89 %), as assessed by fluorescein diacetate and ethidium bromide staining, while higher concentrations were associated with diminished oocyte viability. In the second experiment, the warmed oocytes were inseminated following the 2-h incubation with the three concentrations of resveratrol. The presumptive zygotes were then maintained in culture and their development evaluated. The highest cleavage rate was observed when the oocytes had been incubated with 0.2 μM resveratrol (88.34 %), which was higher than for the control group (without resveratrol (75 %)). Moreover, this concentration of resveratrol also augmented the blastocyst formation rate. While the vitrification of oocytes often results in diminished developmental potential in the ensuing embryos, attributed to cryopreservation-induced injury, the utilization of low concentrations of resveratrol enhances the procedure's efficacy., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Mastitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease. The increase in antibiotic resistance of bacteria that cause mastitis means that cattle breeders would prefer to reduce the use of antibiotics. Recently, therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from various sources have gained significant interest in the development of regenerative medicine in humans and animals, due to their extraordinary range of properties and functions. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of an allogeneic stem cells derived from bone marrow (BMSC) and adipose tissue (ADSC) in treating mastitis in dairy cattle. The research material consisted of milk and blood samples collected from 39 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows, 36 of which were classified as having mastitis, based on cytological evaluation of their milk. The experimental group was divided into subgroups according to the method of MSC administration: intravenous, intramammary, and intravenous + intramammary, and according to the allogeneic stem cells administered: BMSC and ADSC. The research material was collected at several time intervals: before the administration of stem cells, after 24 and 72 h, and after 7 days. Blood samples were collected to assess hematological parameters and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while the milk samples were used for microbiological assessment and to determine the somatic cells count (SCC). The administration of allogeneic MSCs resulted in a reduction in the total number of bacterial cells, Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae group, and a systematic decrease in SCC in milk. The therapeutic effect was achieved via intravenous + intramammary or intramammary administration., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Cumulus cell (CC) expansion is pivotal for oocyte maturation, during which CCs release factors that initiate paracrine signaling within the follicular fluid (FF). The FF is abundant in extracellular vesicles (EVs) that facilitate intercellular communication. Although bovine and murine EVs can control cumulus expansion, these effects have not been observed in equines. This study aimed to assess the impact of FF-derived EVs (ffEVs) on equine CC expansion, viability, and transcriptome. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) that underwent in vitro maturation (IVM) in the presence (200 µg protein/mL) or absence (control) of ffEVs were assessed for cumulus expansion and viability. CCs were isolated after 12 h of IVM, followed by RNA extraction, cDNA library generation, and subsequent transcriptome analysis using next-generation sequencing. Confocal microscopy images illustrated the internalization of labeled ffEVs by CCs. Supplementation with ffEVs significantly enhanced cumulus expansion in both compacted (Cp, p < 0.0001) and expanded (Ex, p < 0.05) COCs, while viability increased in Cp groups ( p < 0.01), but decreased in Ex groups ( p < 0.05), compared to the controls. Although transcriptome analysis revealed a subtle effect on CC RNA profiles, differentially expressed genes encompassed processes (e.g., MAPK and Wnt signaling) potentially crucial for cumulus properties and, consequently, oocyte maturation.

The in vitro maturation (IVM) of equine oocytes is still not efficient and does not yield consistent results. The specific requirements of equine oocytes during this process are still largely unknown, which hinders the development of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in this species. Because the ovarian follicle microenvironment supports oocytes in their acquisition of developmental competence, follicular fluid seems to be a substantial source of bioactive factors that could support the IVM process. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-secreted molecules in body fluids that are able to deliver molecular signals and transfer genetic information (mRNA, miRNA) between donor and recipient cells. Hence, our hypothesis is that follicular fluid EVs (ffEVs) from small (<20 mm) ovarian follicles can improve the in vitro maturation rate of mare oocytes. To test our hypothesis, equine ovarian follicular fluid was aspirated and ffEVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation, then characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis and flow cytometry. Additionally, ffEVs were labeled using the ExoGlow-protein EV labeling kit (System Biosciences, Palo Alto, CA). Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured using a one-step method (Method I, continuous culture for 24-38 h) or a two-step method (Method II, initial denudation after 24 h), in the presence (200 μg protein/ml) or absence of ffEVs. The results show the internalization of ffEVs by equine cumulus cells and, for the first time, also by oocytes. The ffEV treatment during two-step culture had a positive effect on the maturation rate of compacted COCs compared to the control group (45.7% and 20.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). No effect of supplementation was observed on the maturation rate during one-step culture. Our results indicate that the supplementation of culture media with EVs isolated from the follicular fluid of small follicles can improve the IVM rate of mare oocytes, suggesting that ffEVs play an important role during this process and may enhance the development of equine ART., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The effect of the g.4290 C>G substitution in the FADS2 gene and g.285 C>T in the FABP4 gene on carcass quality, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of the pectoralis superficialis muscle of 238 male broiler chickens reared up to 45 days of age was analyzed. A significant influence of g.4290 C>G in the FADS2 gene on the pectoralis superficialis muscle fatty acid profile was demonstrated. Chickens with the GG genotype were characterized by the highest content of conjugated linoleic acid, amino acids, eicosapentaenoic acids, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acids. and the lowest value of the linoleic acid/alpha-linolenic acid ratio. The FABP4 polymorphism determined only the content of C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6 and docosahexaenoic acid. There was no effect of the studied genotypes on final body weight, carcass quality traits, or quality of broiler pectoral muscles.

Domestic cats are frequently used as a research model for felid species that are threatened with extinction. Until now, the development of feline embryos has been evaluated using both classical observation methods and time-lapse monitoring (TLM). Blastocyst collapse observed using time-lapse cinematography is used as a predictor of blastocyst quality and is closely related to implantation potential. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the quality of domestic cat blastocysts obtained after in vitro fertilization and the frequency and duration of collapse, and of hatching. There was a significant difference in the average number of collapses and weak contractions between good and poor quality blastocysts. There was no significant difference between hatching and non-hatching blastocysts in terms of blastocyst cavity formation time or average number and duration of collapse. These results showed that the time of cavity formation was not related to blastocyst quality. The number of collapses and the occurrence of hatching were positively related to blastocyst quality, and poor quality blastocysts have, as a consequence, a reduced potential for implantation. TLM plays a significant role in cat embryo evaluation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study, in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript or in the decision to publish the results., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

One of the main problems of modern medicine are infections. They can be divided into local and general (depending on infected tissues and/or organs) or hospital and community-acquired infections (depending on the location and source of infection). The occurrence of infection reduces the ability for quick recovery, and in case of complications the ability to continue professional activity. Bacteria can be present in the vascular system causing vein, artery, capillary infection or blood infection (bacteremia). The vascular system infection can be connected with medical procedures, type and chemical composition of used medical devices or biomaterials. The usage of central or peripheral venous catheters can increase the risk factor of vascular system infection. The main risk factors of hospital infection are: patient's condition, surgical procedure and hospital aseptic procedures. Improving the current state of knowledge of medical personnel and implementation of well-designed prevention procedures can contribute to reducing hospital infection factors. The technical quality of used medical devices (e.g. anti-bacterial coat on vascular prostheses) can also reduce the risk of infection. Raising awareness and educating the patient (e.g. with infected trophic ulcers) can be an important element of control and prevention of nosocomial and communityacquired infections. Medical literature containing procedures and descriptions of specific medical cases related to development process of infections was analysed. The literature confirms the significant magnitude of the problems associated with the vascular system infections.

The development of non-caseating granulomas in patients with neoplastic diseases is referred to as a sarcoid-like reaction. This reaction may be found in the primary tumour or near it; however, it is commonly seen in the regional lymph nodes, and usually subsides after treatment of the underlying disease. The pathogenesis of this process has not been fully explained. Sarcoid-like reactions occur in 4.4% of solid tumours, 7.3% of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 13.8% of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. The radiological image of increased lymph nodes due to the sarcoid-like reaction is similar to that of lymphadenopathy with neoplastic aetiology, and may create diagnostic difficulties. The paper presents the case of a patient with a sarcoid-like reaction in regional lymph nodes caused by lung cancer, and describes difficulties in the interpretation of results from positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET), which may have led to inappropriate treatment. False-positive accumulation of radiotracer (fluorodeoxyglucose, FDG) in mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes in the patient, who had chemotherapy and right-side pneumonectomy, was unambiguously interpreted by the radiologists as the relapse of lung cancer. Considering the fact that the patient was in a very good condition and presented with no clinical symptoms that indicated the progression of cancer, we extended the medical diagnostics. The performed procedures ruled out neoplastic process and confirmed our assumptions regarding sarcoid-like reaction. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was the diagnostic procedure that provided conclusive results. Sarcoid granulomas were identified by the pathomorphologist in the specimen. The patient avoided toxic treatment.

Introduction: Chemical pleurodesis is an accepted palliative therapy for patients with recurrent and symptomatic pleural effusion. The aim of the study is to present our own experiences with a less invasive variant of this procedure performed with talc slurry administered via a chest tube under local anaesthesia. Available medical literature in Polish does not contain information about this type of pleurodesis., Material and Methods: During 2005-2011 in the Pulmonology and Respiratory Rehabilitation Department we hospitalized and diagnosed 162 patients with pleural fluid. Pleurodesis was performed in 24 patients (14.8%) with persistent pleural fluid. In this article we present retrospective analysis of safety, efficacy of treatment and patients' survival time. We also provide detailed information about this type of pleurodesis: clinical theory, indications, contraindications, patient's preparation, description of procedure with our modifications and use of chest X-ray and transthoracic ultrasound., Results: The procedure was effective in 20 cases, partially effective in 3 cases and ineffective in one case. In-hospital mortality was 4.2% (one case). We frequently observed mild fever and local pain. Median hospitalization was 9 days. Median survival time was 32 days, whereas in the group of still living patients it was 96 days., Conclusions: Talc slurry pleurodesis with adequate patient preselection is a relatively effective and safe procedure. The procedure can be performed in a non-surgical pulmonology unit.

In 2001 a modified MRC questionnaire and spirometry were performed in the inhabitants of Zabrze (Poland). Two hundred and thirty-nine men and 320 women aged 19-69 years were studied. Forty percent of men and 23% of women were smokers. In men but not in women a decline in smoking habit was observed as compared with previous studies in Zabrze carried out in the eighties. More men (32%) than women (19%) gave up smoking. The prevalence of chronic productive cough was closely related to smoking habit. Dyspnea and wheezing were also related to smoking but less strongly than productive cough. The prevalence of COPD (diagnosed according to GOLD criteria) was 10.2%. COPD was more common in smokers than in non-smokers, especially among men (19% and 2% respectively). Persistent productive cough, wheezing and advanced dyspnoea as well as intensive smoking (more than 40 pack years) were strongly connected with the prevalence of COPD. COPD was previously diagnosed in more than 50% of subjects identified as having COPD in this study. Almost 80% of subjects with COPD were not given any treatment in the past year.

A casuistic case has been presented with endometriosis of the lung in an 18-year-old girl. Several diagnostic difficulties including haemoptysis accompanying changes in the hings and chest, suggesting a npl process. The final diagnosis has been made after the second thoracotomy and was confirmed by the histopathological examination of the lungs and pleurae. Because of the patient's age the a-GnRH therapy was not taken and the treatment with new progestin (dienogest) was administered. The 4-months therapy have appeared to be fully positive without any side effects.

32 patients, in whom bronchoscopy was performed due to the removal of foreign body from the lower respiratory tract were described. Age of the patients clinical symptoms and a time lapse between aspiration and removal of foreign body from the lover respiratory tract and localization of foreign body in the particular bronchus were analysed. We conclude, that rigid bronchoscopy is still more useful and safe method of foreign body removing from the lower respiratory tract.

The aim of this prospective study was to assess age-related changes of the respiratory status and to evaluate risk factors for persistent airflow obstruction in symptomatic school children. One hundred fifty children aged 7-12 years (mean age 9.5 yr.) were followed-up. In 1994 parents--administered questionnaire, skin prick tests and three dynamic spirometries in 4-6 week intervals were performed. Airways flow limitation was defined as FEV1%, MEF50 or MEF25 below minimal value. In 1999 questionnaires and spirometry were repeated by the same methods. The response rate was 74.7%. Children's respiratory status generally improved. Frequency of respiratory symptoms and obstructive disturbances (37.5% in 1994 versus 22.3% in 1999) decreased. Significant risk factors for airways flow limitation in 1999 were nocturnal dry cough, doctor diagnosed asthma, female gender and parental smoking. Advanced or persisting airway obstruction during several month in 1994 was valuable to predict lung function impairment in 1999. No relation between skin tests results and persistent airway obstruction was observed.

18-years old girl was admitted to hospital because of recurrent infections after pulmonary tuberculosis treated 4 year ago. Chest X-ray was near normal but during bronchoscopy--narrowing of lingula bronchi was revealed. In order to dilate the bronchi, a balloon, bronchoscopically directed, coming from a set designed for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, was applied.

A case of a young man with chylopericardium followed by chylothorax was described. Performed diagnostic procedures did not reveal infectious, neoplastic or traumatic cause of chylothorax. Only partially deformed lymphatic system of the thorax was found.

In 1983 and 1993 among second year medical students surveys were conducted with regard to their cigarette smoking habits. After 10 years we found decrease in smoking habit among medical students (in 1983 48% of students smoked cigarettes, in 1993 only 28% smoked cigarettes). In 1983 only 27% but in 1993 75% of the students who smoked had started smoking prior to their university studies. In 1983 69% of the students smoked fewer than 5 cigarettes a day. Today, the figure is 36%. The corresponding figures of students smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day are 4.5% and 5.6% respectively. The reasons for smoking--chiefly among women students--are stress and sociability.

N-Trifluoroacetyl n-butyl ester derivatives of amino acids were studied. The investigations, carried out on random slaughter-house material, were based on the results of histological and biochemical differences between the atrium and ventricle of the mammalian heart muscle. The data indicate a high level of glutamic acid, and a predominance of tyrosine in the atrium and phenylalanine in the ventricle. The results provide evidence for metabolic differences between the atrium and the ventricle of the heart. This finding may have some significance in heart muscle defects.

The paper deals with the composition of amino acids in the hyaloplasm of cerebral tissue, cerebellum, eyeball, heart muscle and skeletal muscles. The investigations performed showed that: the most numerous groups of peaks were obtained from heart muscle (45), cerebellar tissue (43), skeletal muscle (36), eyeball (29) and cerebral tissue (25); and the highest molar levels corresponded to those of tryptophan in skeletal muscle, heart and cerebellum, proline in the heart, valine in the eyeball, and aspartic acid in the brain. Weight ratios indicated high contents of histidine, tyrosine and phenylalanine in the tissues of the skeletal muscles, the heart and cerebellum.

Studies of the qualitative and quantitative composition of free amino acids in the hyaloplasm of the hypophysis, pineal gland, thyroid gland, spinal cord, thymus and lymph nodes of the cow are described. The following findings are reported: the highest levels of alanine, valine, glycine, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, threonine, serine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and lysine are found in the thyroid gland, methionine and aspartic acid in the spinal cord, tryptophan and hydroxyproline in the pineal gland, and proline and glutamic acid in the thymus gland. The highest level by weight is that of glutamic acid in all tissues. The presence of alpha-aminobutyric acid combined with sarcosine and 4-aminoisobutyric acid with 2-AOA and citrulline with cystine was demonstrated. alpha-Aminoisobutyric acid and isovaline were found in the spinal cord.