Non-Reflex Defense Mechanisms of Upper Airway Mucosa: Possible Clinical Application.

The sinonasal mucosa has an essential role in defense mechanisms of the upper respiratory tract. The innate immune system presents the primary defense against noxious microorganisms followed by induction of the adaptive immune mechanisms as a consequence of the presence of pathogens. This well-known activation of adaptive immune system in response to presence of the antigen on mucosal surfaces is now broadly applicated in vaccinology research. Prevention of infectious diseases belongs to substantial challenges in maintaining the population health. Non-invasive, easily applicable mucosal vaccination purposes various research opportunities that could be usable in daily practice. However, the existence of multiple limitations such as rapid clearance of vaccine from nasal mucosa by means of mucociliary transport represents a great challenge in development of safe and efficient vaccines. Here we give an updated view on nasal functions with focus on nasal mucosal immunity and its potential application in vaccination in nearly future.

[Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence as an alternative method to pharmacopeial tests for heavy metals]. / Röntgenofluorescencná spektrometria ako alternatívna metóda liekopisných skúsiek na tazké kovy.

Pharmacopeial tests for heavy metals require comparisons between test solution's colour after addition of thioacetamide and a control solution containing a known quantity of Pb. As this test neither informs about the type of heavy metals, nor about the concentrations of each of them, there is a reason for more frequent employment of instrumental methods such as AAS and AES, as well as ICP, NAA, and X-ray fluorescence. These methods provide us with quick and exact elemental analyses of impurities, thus becoming more and more important in the quality control of drugs and medicinal plants.