The ultrastructure and histochemistry of the tegument and penetration glands of adult Amphilina foliacea from the body cavity and the tissues of the internal organs of Acipenser ruthenus and A. stellatus were studied. New data on the localization in the tissue, development and in encapsulation of the adult A. foliacea mostly in the liver of A. ruthenus were obtained. The well developed penetration glands are necessary for penetration into the tissue and for migration of A. foliacea into the body cavity of the hosts. The tegument of the adult A. foliacea is a syncytium with cytons deeply embedded into the parenchyma. The secretory activity of the tegument of worms has a protective function against the immune system of the host. Our results give further information about the phylogeny of Amphilinidea and confirm the view of the close phylogenetic relationship of Amphilinidea and Cestoidea.
This paper presents the results of investigations on changes of the parameters of coal and surrounding rocks in the fault zones in the Upper Silesia Coal Basin. It has been shown that these zones, in relation to the undisturbed coal seams, reveal a n enrichment with some substances that pose a threat to the natural environment and that they also show a deterioration in the strength parameter values of rocks which threaten the safety of the operation. The greatest threat for the environment constituted sulphur and the ash. In the zone of the fault, it wa s observed that sulphur behaved in two ways. In the first case, the total sulphur and pyritic sulphur increased significantly by 192.3 and 823.5 %, respectively, and a small quantity of sulphate sulphur was found here, whereas in the other case, the total sulphur and pyritic sulphur decreased by 31.6 an d 35.3 %, respectively, and sulp hate sulphur increased considerably and reached up to 600 %. The mean content of ash increased by 171.8 %. The mechanical strenght of the rocks under uniaxial compressive strength in the fault zones decreased by 67 %, the microhardness of coal decreased to zero, and the intensity of cracks in coal grains increased by 359.1 %., Stanisław Roman Cmiel., and Obsahuje bibliografické odkazy
The importance of GIS detailed data for geomorphostructural study is discussed. This paper is a case study in the area of Inowrocław (central Poland). This small area is a place being a concentration of geological processes and its relief depicted by a number of height points (with determined elevations of satisfying accuracy required in the analysis) demonstrates their effects. The invented approach is based on a numerical analysis of actual and theoretical relief surfaces. Considering the area type this study involves a high resolution model of the relief. There are specified examples of correlation between morphological features and tectonic structures. The presented results prove a role of structural elements (faults) in development of geomorphostructural features and a tectonic mobility as a significant factor forming the area relief., Zbigniew Szczerbowski., and Obsahuje bibliografii
This paper describes a prototype of the authors own design used to measure the relative inclinations of engineering objects and inanimate nature phenomena. A set of measurements can be used to determine ground surface deformation caused by mining activities or due to influences of hydro-geological, geotechnical or construction. The instrument was built with elements of the optoelectronic technique. Fiber optic, CCD camera and semiconductor laser are the basic building blocks of the device. The elaborated device runs on a Central Registration and Data Processing (CRP D) System. The deflection of freely suspended fiber are recorded by a CCD camera and next are transmitted to an external recorder (eg. notebook). Natural light or laser light was introduced into the fiber. The length of the fiber and the optical construction affects the measuring range of the device. The accuracy of instruments depends on: method of fiber suspension, method of fiber attenuation fluctuations, resolution CCD camera and identification method of the image laser spot recorded. Experiments have shown that the built prototype device is able to obtain a submillimetre accuracy., Kazimierz Ćmielewski, Janusz Kuchmister, Piotr Gołuch and Krzysztof Kowalski., and Obsahuje bibliografické odkazy
The future of the global and local geodynamic researches belongs to permanent monitoring. The conception of the semipermanent GPS observations’ application in geodynamic research in Sudetes area is presented in this paper. The conception is based on spatial modeling of the disturbing phenomena in the coordinate time series of (semi) permanent stations. The local interplate movements and their correlation with major European tectonic structures are determined on the strength of coordinate time series of these stations. The problem of epoch integration with semipermanent and permanent (EPN/IGS) observations for local geodynamic monitoring is also investigated., Bernard Kontny, Jarosław Bosy and Andrzej Borkowski., and Obsahuje bibliografii
The article discusses techniques for interpreting satellite images, which are capable of detecting and monitoring landslip zones, and presents a research plan for the study of landslips with the use of satellite interferometry. The exceptionally longlasting and heavy rainfall that occurred in 1997 initiated more than 20,000 landslips within the Polish Carpathians. These landslips continue to pose a threat. Some of them move almost imperceptibly - slowly but continually - yet long-lasting periods of heavy rainfall can lead to catastrophe. The price can be human lives, as well as losses into the millions connected with the devastation of technical infrastructures and entire housing estates. The sheer number of landslips that occur in the Polish Carpathians makes the traditional ways of researching them insufficient. Satellite remote sensing allows capturing a large area of interest on a single photo. Many various satellites photograph the surface of the Earth using different techniques, allowing for the selection of the best-suited image type for a given application. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images are utilized in landslip studies. The images may be interpreted using the InSAR and/or PSInSAR techniques. Both methods are capable of detecting landslip zones and monitoring them in order to assess the risk of a sudden landslide. Information of this type is significant to local authorities when planning the activities necessary to protect the safety of inhabitants and the local technical infrastructure., Katarzyna Mirek., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by the development of osteoproductive changes in the spine which could possibly result in ankylosis. Treatment with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitors has proved to be an important step forward in the treatment of this disease, but for the time being it is not clear whether it favourably influences radiographic progression of the disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor most probably plays a role in the development of osteoproductive changes and recently its predictive influence on radiographic progression has been demonstrated. Bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2) participates in the regulation of bone proliferation and its increased serum level has been demonstrated in patients with advanced AS and correlated with the degree of radiographic changes. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the VEGF and BMP-2 levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and how these levels relate to the concurrent treatment with TNFα inhibitors. Methods: Sera were evaluated from patients at the Rheumatologic Clinic of the Hradec Králové Faculty Hospital who fulfilled the modified New York Criteria for AS (n = 55). In these patients, the parameters of the activity of the disease (BASDAI = Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, CRP = C-reactive protein) and the concurrent therapy (TNFα inhibitors, n = 21, vs. non-anti TNFα, n = 34) were recorded. The levels of VEGF and BMP-2 were analyzed using the ELISA method. Results: In patients treated with TNFα inhibitors, a significantly lower VEGF level was found when compared to untreated patients (140.3 (109.4; 262.2) vs. 261 (172.4; 396.6) pg/ml; p = 0.02). No difference was found between BMP-2 levels in both groups (treated vs. untreated patients) (254.8 (2301; 267.3) vs. 261.1 (248.6; 273.5) pg/ml; p = 0.24). A correlation analysis did not reveal any relationship between VEG F and BMP-2 (r = 0.057; p = 0.68). Serum levels of VEGF correlated with serum levels of CRP (r = 0.56; p = 0.00001) and the BASDAI value (r = 0.33; p = 0.015). Conclusion: Significantly lower VEGF levels were found in patients treated with TNFα inhibitors versus the untreated patients. These findings are in harmony with some hitherto published analyses and may give evidence of a favourable effect of TNFα inhibitors on radiographic progression. Neither influence on the BMP-2 level by treatment with TNFα inhibitors nor correlation with VEGF levels was demonstrated. and M. Tošovský, P. Bradna, C. Andrýs, K. Andrýsová, E. Čermáková, T. Soukup
The aim of this study was to obtain a detailed analysis of the relationship between the finger arterial compliance C [ml/mm Hg] and the arterial transmural pressure Pt [mm Hg]. We constructed a dynamic plethysmograph enabling us to set up a constant pressure Pcss [mm Hg] and a superimposed fast pressure vibration in the finger cuff (equipped with a source of infra-red light and a photoelectric sensor for the measurement of arterial volume). Pcss could be set on the required time interval in steps ranging between 30 and 170 mm Hg, and on sinusoidal pressure oscillation with an amplitude Pca (2 mm Hg) and a frequency f (20, 25, 30, 35, 40 Hz). At the same time continuous blood pressure BP was measured on the adjacent finger (Portapres). We described the volume dependence of a unitary arterial length on the time-varying transmural pressure acting on the arterial wall (externally Pcss+Pca.sin(2πf), internally BP) by a second-order differential equation for volume. This equation was linearized within a small range of selected BP. In the next step, a Fourier transform was applied to obtain the frequency characteristic in analytic form of a complex linear combination of frequency functions. While series of oscillations [Pca, f] were applied for each Pcss, the corresponding response of the plethysmogram was measured. Amplitude spectra were obtained to estimate coefficients of the frequency characteristic by regression analysis. We determined the absolute value: elastance E, and its inverse value: compliance (C=1/E). Then, C=C(Pt) was acquired by applying sequences of oscillations for different Pcss (and thus Pt) by the above-described procedure. This methodology will be used for the study of finger arterial compliance in different physiological and pathological conditions., J. Moudr, J. Svačinová, E. Závodná, N. Honzíková., and Obsahuje bibliografii
To propose a test to evaluate endothelial function, based on VO 2 on-transition kinetics in sub -anaerobic threshold (AT) constant load exercise, we tested healthy subjects and patients with ischemic -hypertensive cardiopathy by two cardiopulmonary te sts on a cycle ergometer endowed with an electric motor to overcome initial inertia: a pre-test and, after at least 24 h, one 6 min constant load exercise at 90 % AT. We measured net phase 3 VO2-on kinetics and, by phase 2 time constant (τ), valued endothe lial dysfunction. We found shorter τ in repeated tests, shorter time between first and second test, by persisting endothelium -dependent arteriolar vasodilatation and/or several other mechanisms. Reducing load to 80 % and 90 % AT did not produce significant changes in τ of healthy volunteers, while in heart patients an AT load of 70 %, compared to 80 % AT, shortened τ(∆=4.38±1.65s, p=0.013). In heart patients, no correlation was found between NYHA class, ejection fraction (EF), and the two variables derived from incremental cycle cardio - pulmonary exercise, as well as between EF and τ; while NYHA class groups were well correlated w ith τ duration (r=0.92, p=0.0001). Doxazosin and tadalafil also significantly reduced τ. In conclusion, the O2 consumption kinetics during the on transition of constant load exercise below the anaerobic threshold are highly sensitive to endothelial functi on in muscular microcirculation, and constitute a marker for the evaluation of endothelial dysfunction. and D. Maione, A. F. G. Cicero, S. Bacchelli, E. R. Cosentino, D. Degli Esposti, D. N. Manners, E. R. Rinaldi, M. Rosticci, R. Senaldi, E. Ambrosioni, C. Borghi.