Search

The development of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) has been very rapid recently. The wide accessibility of UAVs has unlocked a great potential for the malicious or accidental damage or destruction of property or other aircraft in flight. UAVs can be used for espionage, contraband, and the trafficking or transport of arms and hazardous materials. Every month sees a growing number of reports of incidents that involve remote-controlled UAVs operated for aerial video recording. These incidents justify undertaking research into minimizing the hazards which UAVs may potentially cause. A concept was developed for a solution dedicated to this problem and comprising an integrated modular anti-UAV system for application in commercial (civilian) markets in the areas of security of mass events, strategic enterprises, and critical strategic infrastructure in Poland. The proposed system is intended to incapacitate any UAVs that breach a predefined air space and bring the incapacitated UAVs safely to the ground. The project is developed jointly by the Institute of Armament Technology at the Military University of Technology (Warsaw, Poland) and Polish company Ellipsis Sp. z o.o.

Eser, Sultan (Balikesir Author), Background In 2015, the second cycle of the CONCORD programme established global surveillance of cancer survival as a metric of the effectiveness of health systems and to inform global policy on cancer control. CONCORD-3 updates the worldwide surveillance of cancer survival to 2014. Methods CONCORD-3 includes individual records for 37.5 million patients diagnosed with cancer during the 15-year period 2000-14. Data were provided by 322 population-based cancer registries in 71 countries and territories, 47 of which provided data with 100% population coverage. The study includes 18 cancers or groups of cancers: oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, lung, breast (women), cervix, ovary, prostate, and melanoma of the skin in adults, and brain tumours, leukaemias, and lymphomas in both adults and children. Standardised quality control procedures were applied; errors were rectified by the registry concerned. We estimated 5-year net survival. Estimates were age-standardised with the International Cancer Survival Standard weights.Findings For most cancers, 5-year net survival remains among the highest in the world in the USA and Canada, in Australia and New Zealand, and in Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. For many cancers, Denmark is closing the survival gap with the other Nordic countries. Survival trends are generally increasing, even for some of the more lethal cancers: in some countries, survival has increased by up to 5% for cancers of the liver, pancreas, and lung. For women diagnosed during 2010-14, 5-year survival for breast cancer is now 89.5% in Australia and 90.2% in the USA, but international differences remain very wide, with levels as low as 66.1% in India. For gastrointestinal cancers, the highest levels of 5-year survival are seen in southeast Asia: in South Korea for cancers of the stomach (68.9%), colon (71.8%), and rectum (71.1%); in Japan for oesophageal cancer (36.0%); and in Taiwan for liver cancer (27.9%). By contrast, in the same world region, survival is generally lower than elsewhere for melanoma of the skin (59.9% in South Korea, 52.1% in Taiwan, and 49.6% in China), and for both lymphoid malignancies (52.5%, 50.5%, and 38.3%) and myeloid malignancies (45.9%, 33.4%, and 24.8%). For children diagnosed during 2010-14, 5-year survival for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia ranged from 49.8% in Ecuador to 95.2% in Finland. 5-year survival from brain tumours in children is higher than for adults but the global range is very wide (from 28.9% in Brazil to nearly 80% in Sweden and Denmark). Interpretation The CONCORD programme enables timely comparisons of the overall effectiveness of health systems in providing care for 18 cancers that collectively represent 75% of all cancers diagnosed worldwide every year. It contributes to the evidence base for global policy on cancer control. Since 2017, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has used findings from the CONCORD programme as the official benchmark of cancer survival, among their indicators of the quality of health care in 48 countries worldwide. Governments must recognise population-based cancer registries as key policy tools that can be used to evaluate both the impact of cancer prevention strategies and the effectiveness of health systems for all patients diagnosed with cancer., American Cancer Society Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Swiss Re Swiss Cancer Research foundation Swiss Cancer League Institut National du Cancer La Ligue Contre le Cancer Rossy Family Foundation US National Cancer Institute Susan G Komen Foundation

The management of patients with mesothelioma and thymic malignancy requires continuous multidisciplinary expertise at any step of the disease. A dramatic improvement in our knowledge has occurred in the last few years, through the development of databases, translational research programs, and clinical trials. Access to innovative strategies represents a major challenge, as there is a lack of funding for clinical research in rare cancers and their rarity precludes the design of robust clinical trials that could lead to specific approval of drugs. In this context, patient-centered initiatives, such as the establishment of dedicated networks, are warranted. International societies, such as IMIG (International Mesothelioma Interest Group) and ITMIG (International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group) provide infrastructure for global collaboration, and there are many advantages to having strong regional groups working on the same issues. There may be regional differences in risk factors, susceptibility, management and outcomes. The ability to address questions both regionally as well as globally is ideal to develop a full understanding of mesothelioma and thymic malignancies. In Europe, through the integration of national networks with EURACAN, the collaboration with academic societies and international groups, the development of networks in thoracic oncology provides multiplex integration of clinical care and research, ultimately ensuring equal access to high quality care to all patients, with the opportunity of conducting high level clinical and translational research projects.

Background: Rare cancers pose challenges for diagnosis, treatments, and clinical decision making. Information about rare cancers is scant. The RARECARE project defined rare cancers as those with an annual incidence of less than six per 100 000 people in European Union (EU). We updated the estimates of the burden of rare cancers in Europe, their time trends in incidence and survival, and provide information about centralisation of treatments in seven European countries. Methods: We analysed data from 94 cancer registries for more than 2 million rare cancer diagnoses, to estimate European incidence and survival in 2000–07 and the corresponding time trends during 1995–2007. Incidence was calculated as the number of new cases divided by the corresponding total person-years in the population. 5-year relative survival was calculated by the Ederer-2 method. Seven registries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and the Navarra region in Spain) provided additional data for hospitals treating about 220 000 cases diagnosed in 2000–07. We also calculated hospital volume admission as the number of treatments provided by each hospital rare cancer group sharing the same referral pattern. Findings: Rare cancers accounted for 24% of all cancers diagnosed in the EU during 2000–07. The overall incidence rose annually by 0.5% (99·8% CI 0·3–0·8). 5-year relative survival for all rare cancers was 48·5% (95% CI 48·4 to 48·6), compared with 63·4% (95% CI 63·3 to 63·4) for all common cancers. 5-year relative survival increased (overall 2·9%, 95% CI 2·7 to 3·2), from 1999–2001 to 2007–09, and for most rare cancers, with the largest increases for haematological tumours and sarcomas. The amount of centralisation of rare cancer treatment varied widely between cancers and between countries. The Netherlands and Slovenia had the highest treatment volumes. Interpretation: Our study benefits from the largest pool of population-based registries to estimate incidence and survival of about 200 rare cancers. Incidence trends can be explained by changes in known risk factors, improved diagnosis, and registration problems. Survival could be improved by early diagnosis, new treatments, and improved case management. The centralisation of treatment could be improved in the seven European countries we studied., peer-reviewed

Background Cancer registries (CRs) are fundamental for estimating cancer burden, evaluating screening and monitoring health service performance. Stage at diagnosis—an essential information item collected by CRs—has been made available, for the first time, by CRs participating in EUROCARE-5. We analysed the quality of this information and estimated stage-specific survival across Europe for CRs with good data quality. Data and methods Sixty-two CRs sent stage (as TNM, condensed TNM or extent of disease) for 15 cancers diagnosed in 2000–2007. We assessed the quality, partly by comparing stage according to the three systems. We also developed procedures to reconstruct stage (categories: local, regional, metastatic and unknown) using information from all three systems, thus minimising the amount of missing information. Results Moderate-to-excellent stage concordance was found for practically all 24 CRs, for which it was possible to compare at least two staging systems. However, since stage was often incorrectly assigned, and information on the presence/absence of metastases was often lacking, data on only 7/15 cancers from 34/62 CRs (15 countries) were of sufficient quality for further analysis. Cases diagnosed ≥70 years had more advanced (or lacking) stage– and worse stage-specific survival than those Conclusions Many European CRs collect and record reasonably accurate stage information. Others have difficulties. Both the completeness of primary data and the accuracy of stage coding need to be improved in order for CRs to fulfil their expanding roles in cancer control. We propose our stage reconstruction/checking procedures as a means of fully exploiting the stage information provided by EUROCARE CRs. More advanced (or lacking) stage at diagnosis plus poorer stage-specific survival in the elderly are worrying.

Background: Incidence rates of thyroid cancer (TC) increased in several countries during the last 30 years, while mortality rates remained unchanged, raising important questions for treatment and follow-up of TC patients. This study updates population-based estimates of relative survival (RS) after TC diagnosis in Europe by sex, country, age, period and histology.Methods: Data from 87 cancer registries in 29 countries were extracted from the EUROCARE-5 dataset. One-and 5-year RS were estimated using the cohort approach for 86,690 adult TC patients diagnosed in 2000-2007 and followed-up to 12/31/2008. RS trends in 1999-2007 and 10-year RS in 2005-2007 were estimated using the period approach.Results: In Europe 2000-2007, 5-year RS after TC was 88% in women and 81% in men. Survival rates varied by country and were strongly correlated (Pearson rho = 75%) with country-specific incidence rates. Five-year RS decreased with age (in women from > 95% at age 15-54 to 57% at age 75+), from 98% in women and 94% in men with papillary TC to 14% in women and 12% in men with anaplastic TC. Proportion of papillary TC varied by country and increased over time, while survival rates were similar across areas and periods. In 1999-2007, 5-year RS increased by five percentage points for all TCs but only by two for papillary and by four for follicular TC. Ten-year RS in 2005-2007 was 89% in women and 79% in men.Conclusions: The reported increasing TC survival trend and differences by area are mainly explained by the varying histological case-mix of cases. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A crystalline sample of N-benzoyl-DL-phenylalanine 1 and a polycrystalline sample of N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine 2 were studied using 13C high-resolution solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray structure of the DL form was established. Sample 1 crystallizes in a monoclinic form with a P21/c space group, a=11.338(1) A, b=9.185(1) A, c=14.096(2) A, beta=107.53(3) degrees, V=1400(3) A3, Z=4 and R=0.053. The principal elements of the 13C chemical shift tensors deltaii for 1 and 2, selectively 13C (99%) labeled at the carboxyl groups were calculated. On the basis of 13C (delta)ii analysis the hydrogen bonding pattern for sample 2 was deduced. Enriched samples were used to establish the intermolecular distance between chemically equivalent nuclei for 1 and spatial proximity in heterogeneous domain for 2, employing the ODESSA pulse sequence. The consistence of the complementary approach covering X-ray data, analysis of the 13C (delta)ii parameters and ODESSA results is revealed.

The effects of losartan potassium, an AT 1 angiotensin receptor antagonist on lipid peroxidation and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the kidney of streptozotocin-diabetic rats were studied. Experimental diabetes resulted in an increase of malondialdehyde content of the kidneys and decreases of superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in this organ after 6 and 12 weeks. Administration of losartan potassium (1 mg/kg body weight in the drinking water) prevented the increase on malondialdehyde level and normalized the activities of antioxidant enzymes after both 6 and 12 weeks of the experiment. These results demonstrate an antioxidative effect of losartan potassium in diabetic rats in vivo.

Whole blood leukocytes of DS patients were found to produce less superoxide radical anion than in healthy controls, especially without stimulation with zymosan. This decreased superoxide generation may contribute to the immune system deficiency reported for DS.

In (+)-5,5-dimethyl-4-(3-oxobutyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-one, C10H16O3, the absolute configuration at the chiral carbon atom is S. The five-membered ring adopts a deformed envelope conformation with the asymmetric carbon atom being in the flap position. The oxobutyl group is planar.

Plasma malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) concentration was determined by Placer method in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis before and during treatment period with tuberculostatic drugs. Patients were divided into three groups. Group I comprised 20 patients (10 men and 10 women) aged 24-74 years (mean 48.3 years) with pulmonary tuberculosis BK(+). Group II comprised 20 patients (15 men and 5 women) aged 19-67 years (mean 45.1 years) with pulmonary tuberculosis BK(0). The control group consisted of 16 clinically healthy persons (12 men and 4 women) aged 28-59 years (mean 42.5 years). In patients blood samples (5 ml) were collected for examination from cubital vein before, after 1-month and 2-month treatment period with tuberculostatic drugs. In the control group blood samples were collected from cubital vein once. Results of our study showed that plasma MDA concentrations in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, both before and during treatment period with tuberculostatic drugs, were significantly higher, in comparison to the control group.

To evaluate the presence of nitric oxide and measure its level in the aqueous humor of the rabbit's eye, in physiological conditions and after extracapsular lens extraction and PMMA artificial lens implantation. We also investigated nitric oxide maintenance during early postoperative period (between 1-5 day after surgery).We used 30 rabbits (weighing 3.0-3.5 kg) Just before surgery samples of aqueous humor were aspirated by anterior chamber puncture. Lens was extracted with extracapsular (envelope) technique. In 15 eyes PMMA IOL was implanted in the bag and 15 eyes were left aphakic. The aqueous samples were collected on 1st, 3rd, 5th days after surgery. Nitric oxide in each sample was measured with respect to fluorometric assay.In aqueous humor in physiological conditions we detected nitric oxide. Its level was estimated on the value of 26.52 nM/dl. After extracapsular lens extraction in both groups the level of nitric oxide was significantly higher than in control group. The day and value of NO level was different among examined groups. Nitric oxide level diminished significantly on 5th postoperative day.We came to conclusion that after ECCE and PMMA IOL implantation NO level was significantly higher as compared with control. This higher NO level after lens extraction can be responsible for the blood aqueous breakdown.

To evaluate the presence of nitric oxide (NO) and its level in the aqueous humor of rabbit's eye physiological conditions and after phacoemulsification and acrylic foldable artificial lens implantation. We also investigated nitric oxide maintenance during early postoperative period (between 1-5 days after surgery).We examined 30 rabbits (weighing 3.0-3.5 kg) Just before surgery samples of aqueous humor were aspirated. Lens was extracted with phacoemulsification technique. In 15 eyes acrylic foldable IOL (group III) was implanted and 15 eyes were left aphakic (group IV). The aqueous samples were collected on 1, 3, 5 days after surgery. Nitric oxide in each sample was determined with fluorometric assay.The level of NO in aqueous humor in physiological conditions was estimated to 26.52 nM/dl. After phacoemulsification in both groups the level of nitric oxide was higher than in control group. The day and value of the highest NO level was different among examined groups. The highest level of NO was released during 1st day in group III and on the 3rd day in the group IV.We came to conclusion that the level of nitric oxide in aqueous humor after phacoemulsification in both groups is higher than in control group but significantly lower than in previously examined groups in which the surgery was made with extracapsular technique.

The aim of the study were the evaluation of generation of oxygen free radical and antioxidative enzymatic activity in blood of patients with carcinoma of larynx (7 persons, aged 48-68) in comparison with healthy persons (15, aged 21-28). The superoxide anion generation of blood granulocytes described by the rate of the reducted cytochrom C at rest and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan according to Bellavite et al. were measured. The enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase in blood (method of Misra and Fridovich), catalase (method of Beers and Sizer) and malonyl dialdehyde (method of Placer et al.). The obtained data pointed at the growth of generation of oxygen free radical in blood (at rest and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan) of patients with carcinoma of larynx in comparison with the healthy ones. At the same patients with carcinoma of larynx observed at significant reduction of antioxidative enzymatic activity against the oxygen species generation in blood and significant growth of peroxidation lipids and disturbances of function of cells the human body.

To evaluate clinical, physiochemical and biochemical changes in rabbit vitreous body caused by local injection of sulphur hexafluoride gas.The volume of fluid vitreous fraction was measured with Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ levels and full proteins concentration in both vitreous fractions in 24 New Zealand rabbits at 2, 7 and 14 day after SF6 injection. The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and malonyl dialdehyde were used to evaluate the activity of antioxidative enzymatic system. Control group consisting of 6 New Zealand rabbits had no experimental procedures.In the investigated group, the fluid vitreous fraction volume was increased while gelatous one was diminished from 0.08 ml in control group to 0.32 ml in the study group (on day 14). The level of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ in the fluid fraction was unchanged. On day 7, we noticed statistically significant increase in protein concentration in comparison with the control group and the study group on 14 day. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as the level of malonyl dialdehyde were increased in the fluid vitreous fraction compared to the gelatous one in the control group. After the SF6 injection we did not observe any changes of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the gelatous part of vitreous body while in the fluid one there was statistically significant decrease in the enzymatic activity and the MDA level in the whole observation time.The injected sulphur hexafluoride gas caused the damage of the gelatous vitreous fraction with the increase in the fluid one. The oxygen free radicals might trigger these pathological processes.

The number of granulocytes, their ability to generate superoxide anion (O2-) and the activities of Cu, Zn--superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) as well as malonyldialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in erythrocytes in the blood extracted from the venous sinus and aorta under coronary artery bypass were examined with the use of St. Thomas Hospital cardioplegic solution. Specimens at the peak of ischemia of the right atrium for ultrastructural examination of the endothelial cells of capillary vessels and sarcomers were taken. The blood was obtained during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) before the aorta clamping and immediately after aorta declamping (peak of ischaemia) between 1-3 minute and 10-13 minute of reperfusion. Increase of the number of granulocytes both in the coronary sinus and aortal blood at all examined intervals as well as decrease in the number of ones in sinus compared with aortal blood was noted. The ability to produce superoxide anion radical decreased at the peak of ischemia and during reperfusion. The activity of SOD-1 was lower both after the period of ischemia and reperfusion. The increase in aortal blood activity during reperfusion was characteristic of GSH-Px; the activity was higher in the blood sample from the coronary sinus taken during ischemia and initial reperfusion. With the exception of the initial reperfusion the activity of CAT diminished in all observed cases. MDA concentration did not demonstrate any significant changes with the exception of the initial reperfusion in the aortal blood and later towards the end of reperfusion in the blood from the coronary sinus. Ultrastructural studies indicated overhydration of the cells both in the endothelium and the intercellular space. The obtained data demonstrate that the applied cardioplegic solution protects the myocardium from harmful effects of reactive oxygen species produced as a result of ischemia and reperfusion.

A crystalline sample of N-benzoyl-DL-phenylalanine 1 and a polycrystalline sample of N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine 2 were studied using 13C high-resolution solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray structure of the DL form was established. Sample 1 crystallizes in a monoclinic form with a P21/c space group, a=11.338(1) A, b=9.185(1) A, c=14.096(2) A, beta=107.53(3) degrees, V=1400(3) A3, Z=4 and R=0.053. The principal elements of the 13C chemical shift tensors deltaii for 1 and 2, selectively 13C (99%) labeled at the carboxyl groups were calculated. On the basis of 13C (delta)ii analysis the hydrogen bonding pattern for sample 2 was deduced. Enriched samples were used to establish the intermolecular distance between chemically equivalent nuclei for 1 and spatial proximity in heterogeneous domain for 2, employing the ODESSA pulse sequence. The consistence of the complementary approach covering X-ray data, analysis of the 13C (delta)ii parameters and ODESSA results is revealed.

The aim of the work was the examinations of antioxidant enzymatic activity in blood of patients with chronic hypertrophic of maxillary sinusitis (15 patients) and laryngitis (10 patients), and carcinoma of larynx (7 patients) in comparison with healthy persons (15). The enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase in blood (method of Misra and Fridovich), katalase (method of Beers and Sizer) and malonyl dialdehyde (method of Placer) were evaluated. The obtained results pointed at significant reduction of antioxidant enzymatic activity against the oxygen species generation in blood of patients with chronic hypertrophic of maxillary sinusits and laryngitis and mainly with the carcinoma of larynx (in comparison with healthy persons). At the same patients observed the significant growth of peroxydation lipoid and disturbances of function of cells the human body.

To determine the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in aqueous humor, lens and red blood cells after application of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) into vitreous of rabbits.0.5 ml of 100% SF6 was injected into the vitreous of 24 rabbits of New Zealand race. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups (of 8 rabbits each) depending on the observation day: group 1-2nd day of experiment, group 2-7th day and group 3-14th observation day. The control group (gr. 0) consisted of 6 rabbits that did not undergo any operations. Activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and MDA concentration were determined in aqueous humor, lens and systemic blood erythrocytes.On the 7th day of observation an increased activity of dismutase and catalase as well as simultaneous increased MDA concentration were observed. In the lens on the 7th day the increased activity of dismutase was significant in relation to the results in the next time interval, whereas MDA concentration was significantly lower in all time intervals of the experiment in comparison with control group. In erythrocytes an increased activity of catalase was noticed on the 2nd and 14th day.Increased occurrence of active oxygen species in aqueous humor leads to insufficiency of the antioxidant system and intensification of peroxidation processes, which is reflected by increased MDA concentration. However, in the lens of this experimental model a slight stimulation of antioxidant system by a small number of free radicals is observed, which provokes a reaction of sweeping them away. Efficiency of lens antioxidant system is secured by weakening of peroxidation processes, which is expressed in minimal drop of MDA concentration.

To evaluate the enzymatic activity of antioxidant system of rabbit's vitreous after sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) application.Activity of CuZn-SOD, catalase and concentration of MDA in fluid and gel fraction of vitreous were determined in 24 rabbits of New Zealand race on the 2nd, 7th and 14th day after SF6 application. Control group consisted of 6 animals which did not undergo any operations.Dismutase and catalase activity as well as MDA concentration were higher in fluid fraction than in gel fraction in animals of control group. After SF6 application the activity of enzymes and MDA concentration did not change, whereas in fluid fraction all these values were statistically significantly reduced in all time intervals.SF6 leads to disintegration of vitreous structure especially just after its application. Damage to hyalocytes causes dysfunction of enzymatic system. Specific fluid fraction structure and insufficient number of substrates for peroxidation processes are the reasons for simultaneous reduction of MDA concentration.

The number of granulocytes, their capability to generate O2-. and the activity of SOD-1, GSH-Px, Cat as well as MDA concentrations in erythrocytes in the blood extracted from the venous sinus and aorta under coronary artery bypass with use of St. Thomas cardioplegic solution were determined. The blood for examination was obtained before the institution of cardiopulmonary bypass, in the period of the deepest ischaemia (just after declamping of the aorta) and between the 1-3 minute and the 10-13 minute of reperfusion. A rise in the number of granulocytes both in the venous sinus and aortal blood at all examined intervals was noted. Capability to produce superoxide anion radicals decreased at the peak of ischemia and during reperfusion. The activity of SOD-1 was lower both after the period of ischemia and reperfusion. A rise in aortal blood activity during reperfusion was characteristic for GSH-Px; the activity was greater in the blood sampled from the coronary sinus during ischemia and initial reperfusion. With the exception of the initial reperfusion the activity of Cat diminished in all observed cases. We did not observe any significant changes in MDA concentration with the exception of the initial reperfusion in the aortal blood and later during reperfusion in the blood from the coronary sinus. The results demonstrate that the applied cardioplegic solution may protect myocardium from harmful effects of active oxygen froms produced as a results of ischemia and reperfusion.

Acoustic startle responses (ASR) were studied in 12 young Wistar albino and in 15 hooded rats of both genders. The six week old animals were first exposed to a 6.9 kHz tone pair of 2 ms pulses of 120 db intensity with the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) between 2 and 11 ms. ASR amplitudes and latencies as a function of the ISI, animal strain and gender were recorded and analyzed for ten consecutive weeks. No differences in the ASR amplitude between Wistar and hooded rats were found. ASR amplitude increased during the experimental period and followed body weight increase. Significant differences were also observed between male and female rats in their startle responses to acoustic stimuli. Generally, male subjects responded with a greater ASR amplitude than females, and the changes may be attributed to the difference in neuromuscular development between genders. This experiment sets a background for further developmental studies.

In patients with unstable angina pectoris, subjected (n = 20) or not subjected (n = 12) to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), baseline superoxide anion (O.2-) generation by neutrophils in the coronary sinus blood was significantly higher than that found in the basilic vein blood of control healthy subjects (n = 12). During reperfusion following effective PTCA, neutrophil counts in the coronary sinus blood tended to decrease, an effect accompanied by a significant decrease in the neutrophil O.2- generation and enhancement of blood plasma lipid peroxidation as reflected by increased malonyldialdehyde concentrations.

The evaluated of oxygen specious generation in blood granulocytes of patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and larynx. There were 33 patients tested (13 with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses, 10 with hypertrophy of larynx and 10 healthy). The superoxide anion generation of peripheral blood granulocytes described by the rate of the reduced cytochrome C at rest and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan according to Bellavite were measured. There were statistically significant differences between the superoxide anion generation in patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and larynx in comparison with the healthy ones.

The generation of O2-. and H2O2 by neutrophils (PMNs) obtained from peripheral and coronary sinus blood was investigated in twenty four patients with unstable angina, who were qualified for PTCA procedure. The control group consisted of twenty one clinically healthy persons. The blood for the investigations was obtained from coronary sinus and basilic vein just before the procedure, while in the control group from--basilic vein only. In patients with unstable angina statistically significant higher (p0.05) O2-. generation by peripheral blood PMNs (at rest and stimulated), compared with the control group, was found respectively (the sick: rest--11,09 +/- 1.92; stimulated--25.48 +/- 5.76 nmol/cell/min.; healthy: rest--7.98 +/- 1.06; stimulated--13.58 +/- 1.19 nmol/cell/min). No significant differences in O2-. generation between PMNs obtained from coronary sinus or peripheral blood were found. No differences in H2O2 generation by rest PMNs obtained from coronary sinus or peripheral blood were found in patients compared with the control group. The generation of H2O2 by PMA stimulated PMNs was higher in the sick without statistical significance.

During experimental renal ischemia and reperfusion in rabbits, morphine as well as naloxone significantly inhibited the increased superoxide anion (O2-) generation by resting and opsonized zymosan-stimulated phagocytes in renal venous blood. Morphine with naloxone in combination inhibited O2- generation to a lesser extent than that observed when these drugs were used separately. Morphine and/or naloxone did not significantly affect erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activities or malonyldialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in venous blood during renal ischemia. During reperfusion there was a tendency to a slight reduction of erythrocyte catalase activity in morphine-treated animals, and to slight diminutions of erythrocyte SOD-1 and GPx activities and erythrocyte MDA concentrations in rabbits treated with naloxone and morphine in combination. These results indicate that opioid receptor agonists and antagonists modify the response of the kidney to acute injury. These effects may have relevance to the pattern of oxidative stress seen in patients with acute ischemic renal failure.

In twenty patients with unstable angina, the effects of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) on superoxide anion generation by neutrophils (PMNs) obtained from ulnar vein (UV) and coronary sinus (CS) were investigated. Blood samples for the investigations were taken from CS just before the procedure, within the first minute after the last balloon inflation and 20 minutes after PTCA; from BV--just before the procedure and 20 minutes following it. The results were compared with those obtained from 12 patients with unstable angina, (in whom coronary angiography was performed, but for various reasons angioplasty was desisted from) and with those obtained from 20 clinically healthy persons. In patients with unstable angina, the significantly increased O2.- generation by PMNs from CS and BV was found at rest as well as following opsonized-zymosan stimulation, compared with healthy persons. Within the first minute after PTCA, the significantly decreased O2.- generation by PMNs from CS was observed, compared with the results before the procedure (rest.--11.29 +/- 0.73 and 10.15 +/- 0.65 nmol/cell/min., p0.05; stimulation--27.62 +/- 6.25 and 18.54 +/- 3.37 nmol/cell/min., p0.05). Twenty minutes after PTCA O2.- generation by PMNs from CS still decreased (rest--9.23 +/- 1.08 nmol/cell/min., stimulation--15.71 +/- 5.98 nmol/cell/min.). In blood samples taken from BV before and after PTCA, no statistically significant differences in O2.- generation were observed (rest--11.32 +/- 0.79 nmol/cell/min. and 10.77 +/- 1.43 nmol/cell/min.; stimulation--25.96 +/- 6.12 nmol/cell/min. and 21.15 +/- 5.47 nmol/cell/min.).

Whole blood superoxide anion generation, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and catalase activities and erythrocyte and plasma malonyldialdehyde concentrations were evaluated during cuprophane hemodialysis using bicarbonate and acetate dialysate. Superoxide anion generation by resting phagocytes was found to be significantly higher during bicarbonate hemodialysis, while its generation by opsonized zymosan--stimulated phagocytes did not differ between hemodialyses with both kinds of dialysates. Changes in the erythrocytes SOD-1 activities, found in the initial period of hemodialysis, were independent of the kind of dialysate, while erythrocyte catalase activity was higher during acetate hemodialysis in comparison with bicarbonate one. The kind of dialysate did not affect extent of erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation, while plasma lipid peroxidation was lower during acetate hemodialysis in comparison with bicarbonate one. In vitro studies with blood cells incubated with acetate or bicarbonate ions in concentrations, which are observed in vivo during hemodialysis, suggest that probably these ions do not directly affect superoxide anions generation, erythrocyte SOD-1 and catalase activities and erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation.

In patients with chronic renal failure (crf) on conservative treatment whole blood granulocyte superoxide anion (O2-) generation was significantly decreased. Regular hemodialysis treatment did not induce its significant improvement. As granulocyte O2- generation determines production of other active oxygen compounds, this phenomenon may lead to the impairment of phagocyte bactericidal activity and increased susceptibility to infections in crf. Various methods of determination of active oxygen compounds give incomparable results.

The investigations were carried out in 20 patients with severe forms of psoriasis, and in 18 healthy subjects. The generation of free superoxide radicals by polymorphonuclear leukocytes of peripheral blood was evaluated by Bellavite et al. (1983) method by use superoxide dismutase of Sigma firm. The obtained results may confirm alterations in PMNL functions in patients with psoriasis observed by many authors. It may confirm the probability of damage of membrane structures and alterations in their bactericidal functions.

A case of glomus jugular chemodectoma is described in a 38 years old woman who was treated surgically. In the postoperative course a haemorrhage from the internal carotid artery appeared, needing a second surgical intervention, that was performed with good result.

A new technique for investigating some of the rheological properties of slurries is proposed. A commercial concentric cylinder viscometer was modified so that a continuous coaxial flow could be superimposed on the Couette flow; this eliminated the influence of sedimentation of the solid particles. The influence of the changed strain was measured and found to be small. Relations between the shear stress and shear rate, temperature, mass fraction of solids and particle size were determined for a coal-oil slurry. The power-law coefficients were calculated. The influence of solid particles on the power-law coefficientskm andnm was determined and approximated by empirical equations.

This paper presents the results of experiments on the in vitro effect of zinc ions on the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and on the 2,3-DPG content of the red blood cells of healthy humans. Blood was incubated in 1.5 X 10(-3) M ZnSO4 solution for 4 h and then the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin and the hematocrit number were determined. An original method of determination the oxygen dissociation curve of HbO2 was employed enabling an exact calculation of the P50 value of the hemolysates by the method of least squares. Analysis of statistically verified results reveals that zinc ions increase the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin bringing about a leftward shift of the HbO2 dissociation curve (by 3.85 mm Hg for P50) the level of 2,3-DPG remaining constant in the red cells incubated with ZnSO4. The mechanisms of this phenomenon and its possible clinical implications are discussed.

The reported investigations were carried out in 6 young (20 years old) healthy males who performed a 10-minute exercise on a Monark cycle ergometer at workloads increasing the heart rate to 170/minute. Before the exercise, after its termination, and after 30 minutes of restitution the concentrations of adenosine-5' triphosphate, adenosine-5' diphosphate, adenosine-5' monophosphate, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate were assayed in erythrocytes. After the end of exercise a non-significant increase in ATP concentration and a non-significant decrease of 2,3-DPG were found in the erythrocytes. The concentrations of ADP and AMP were lower than at rest, both, after the end of exercise and after 30 minutes of restitution (p less than 0.05). The concentrations of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate decreased after exercise (p less than 0.05) fell even more after 30 minutes of restitution (p less than 0.05).

Effect of zinc on the osmotic fragility-stability of human erythrocytes in hypotonic NaCl solutions and on the reversion of hemolysis was studied in vitro. Erythrocytes washed in 0.9% NaCl were incubated in 1.5 X 10(-3) M ZnSO4 solution in 0.6% NaCl. The obtained results indicate an osmotic stabilization of the erythrocyte membrane by Zn2+ ions increase in osmotic fragility-stability in hypotonic NaCl solutions and increase in reversion of hemolysis due to the effect of Zn2+ ions. As the process of stabilization of the erythrocyte membrane by zinc ions was found to be independent of temperature, a non-enzymatic character of this phenomenon is postulated on this basis and on the basis of literature data.

Speed control mechanisms were investigated during overground locomotion in the dog. Swing and stance durations as well as stride length were measured for the four limbs simultaneously. Other locomotion parameters such as the mean velocity of the run, phase shifts, step length and the mean velocity of limb transport during the swing phase were calculated on the basis of the measured parameters. It was shown that the increase in stride length was almost linear in relation to the increase in locomotion velocity. There were similar changes in the stepping frequency although changes of this parameter were not strictly linear and depended on changes of step length. During moderate trotting the amplitude of limb movements was almost constant and the velocity of limb transport during the swing phase was minimal. Moreover in the symmetrical gaits spatial phase shifts between unilateral limbs were equal to zero, which means that hind and fore limbs were placed in the same point during successive steps.