Micromagnetic simulations of anisotropies in coupled and uncoupled ferromagnetic nanowire systems.

The influence of a variation of spatial relative orientations onto the coupling dynamics and subsequent magnetic anisotropies was modeled in ferromagnetic nanowires. The wires were analyzed in the most elementary configurations, thus, arranged in pairs perpendicular to each other, leading to one-dimensional (linear) and zero-dimensional (point-like) coupling. Different distances within each elementary pair of wires and between the pairs give rise to varying interactions between parallel and perpendicular wires, respectively. Simulated coercivities show an exchange of easy and hard axes for systems with different couplings. Additionally, two of the systems exhibit a unique switching behavior which can be utilized for developing new functionalities.

Clinical relevance of polymorphonuclear (PMN-) elastase determination in semen and serum during infertility investigation.

The polymorphonuclear (PMN) elastase is secreted by activated granulocytes and is widely used as a marker of male accessory gland infection. However, the clinical value of routine determination of seminal plasma (SP) PMN elastase in asymptomatic patients during infertility investigation has not clearly been established and not much is known about the significance of PMN-elastase levels in serum as a potential biochemical determinant associated with infection/inflammation of the male genital tract. This prospective study included a total of 221 asymptomatic males from unselected subfertile couples, to evaluate the relationship of (i) serum and (ii) same-day SP PMN elastase concentrations with established semen quality parameters, including sperm functional capacity, local antisperm antibodies (ASA), seminal leucocytes, and the outcome of semen cultures including typical sexually transmitted disease pathogens, and a potential association with patients' medical history and results of clinical andrological examination. Furthermore, couples were followed up for subsequent fertility (controlled for female infertility factors). The concentrations of PMN elastase in serum and in SP were not significantly related to semen quality [with regard to microscopic (e.g. count, motility, morphology) as well as biochemical parameters, and also to local ASA of the IgG- or IgA-class]. There was no strong relationship with sperm functional capacity. No significant relationship with the outcome of the microbial screening was found. PMN-elastase levels in serum and SP were not significantly correlated and there was no association with subsequent fertility. Therefore, the value of routine determination of PMN elastase in semen and/or serum samples, particularly when used as a single parameter to screen for subclinical infection/inflammation in males under infertility investigation is limited.

[Changes in gastric mucosa and Helicobacter pylori infection in young health volunteers]. / Zmiany w blonie sluzowej zoladka i zakazenie Helicobacter pylori u mlodych, zdrowych ochotników.

They examined 114 young health volunteers to establish a frequency of inflammation of gastric mucous membrane and(or) duodenal bulbous, a frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection and interdependence between infection and inflammation, smoking and nourishment. They evaluated a frequency and intensity of inflammation in antrum, fundus and duodenal bulbus and present of Helicobacter pylori using an urease test and microscopic examination. They noted in young inhabitants of Warsaw, appearance of asymptomatic gastritis in more than 53% cases, an inflammation of duodenal bulbus in 34% and H.pylori infection in 50% cases.

Is Helicobacter pylori infection a real risk factor for gastric carcinoma?

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: That Helicobacter pylori has a role in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma is widely accepted, although not all doubts are definitively clarified. The purpose of this work was to detect the differences in presence and mean titer of anti-H. pylori antibodies between groups with gastric (n = 65), colonic (n = 70), and lung (n = 43) carcinoma. RESULTS: The highest prevalence of anti-H. pylori antibodies was found in patients with pulmonary carcinoma (88.4%), which significantly surpassed (p = 0.02) that in the group with gastric carcinoma (69.2%). The groups with colonic and gastric carcinomas failed to show any difference in this respect. Mean antibody titer was significantly higher in subjects with lung carcinoma than in those with gastric carcinoma (p = 0.005). This difference was unrelated to age. CONCLUSIONS: These results contradict the hypothesis assuming a relationship between H. pylori infection and the sequence of phenomena leading to gastric carcinoma.

[Inflammatory changes in the gastric mucosa of patients with idiopathic non-ulcer dyspepsia and the effect of colloid bismuth treatment on the course of inflammation]. / Zmiany zapalne blony sluzowej zoladka u ludzi z idiopatyczna dyspepsja niewrzodowa oraz wplyw leczenia bizmutem koloidalnym na przebieg zapalenia.

The studies were aimed at the assessment of the coexistence of non-ulcer dyspepsia with chronic gastritis and Campylobacter pylori infection, and of the effect of therapy with De-Nol on the course of such disease. The studies involved 50 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. Prior to and after the treatment with De-Nol samples of the mucosa collected from the antrum and corpus of the stomach have been examined histologically with urease test indicating C. pylori infection. Chronic gastritis of the antral mucosa membrane and/or mucosa of the corpus of the stomach has been found in 36 patients, and normal mucosa in 14 patients. Therapy with De-Nol produced statistically significant improvement. Totally histological improvement has been noted in 77.1% of patients with inflammation of the antral mucous membrane and in 64.3% of patients with inflammation of the corporeal gastric mucosa. Campylobacter pylori has been eradicated in all patients with chronic gastritis. De Nol eliminates or significantly lowers an inflammation in the antrum and/or corpus of the stomach. Its action is related to the eradication of Campylobacter pylori infection.

[Effect of colloid bismuth treatment on Campylobacter pylori infection of the gastric mucosa and the clinical course of non-ulcer dyspepsia]. / Wplyw leczenia bizmutem koloidalnym na zakaåenie blony sluzowej zoladka przez Campylobacter pylori i przebieg kliniczny idiopatycznej dyspepsji niewrzodowej.

There are suggestions, that the idiopathic non-ulcer dyspepsia is related to the chronic gastritis type B coexisting with C. pylori infection. Presented studies were aimed at the assessing of an effect of the treatment with De-Nol on the course of the idiopathic non-ulcer dyspepsia of C. pylori infection. Gastroscopic examination was performed in 52 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia before and after the treatment with De-Nol administered for 4-8 weeks. Campylobacter pylori was isolated from 71% of patients with idiopathic non-ulcer dyspepsia. An infection was eradicated in 97.4% of patients treated with De-Nol. The number of dyspeptic episodes decreased in by 96% of patients, including 33% of patients in whom total recovery was noted. De-Nol was well tolerated. De-Nol is highly effective in the eradication of C. pylori and produces clinical improvement in the majority of patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.