Chalicogloea cavernicola gen. nov., sp. nov. (Chroococcales, Cyanobacteria), from low-light aerophytic environments: combined molecular, phenotypic and ecological criteria.

This work characterizes a unicellular cyanobacterium with nearly spherical cells and thin-outlined sheaths that divide irregularly, forming small packets immersed in a diffluent mucilaginous layer. It was isolated growing on calcite speleothems and walls in a show cave in Collbató (Barcelona, Spain). Spectral confocal laser and transmission electron microscopy were used to describe the morphology, fine structure and thylakoid arrangement. The pigments identified were phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin and chlorophyll a. Three-dimensional reconstructions, generated from natural fluorescence z-stacks, revealed a large surface area of nearly flat, arm-like thylakoidal membranes connected to each other and forming a unified structure in a way that, to our knowledge, has never been described before. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed 95% similarity to strain Chroococcus sp. JJCM (GenBank accession no. AM710384). The diacritical phenotypic features do not correspond to any species currently described, and the genetic traits support the strain being classified as the first member of an independent genus in the order Chroococcales and the family Chroococcaceae. Hence, we propose the name Chalicogloea cavernicola gen. nov., sp. nov. under the provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants. The type strain of Chalicogloea cavernicola is COLL 3(T) (=CCALA 975(T) =CCAP 1424/1(T)).

[Aseptic necrosis of the capitulum of the humerus (Panner's disease) treated by solid chondrograft implantation]. / Aseptická nekróza hlavicky humeru (Morbus Panner) resena implantací solidního chondrograftu.

The authors present the case of aseptic necrosis of the humeral capitulum in a top female gymnast. She was referred to our department with the diagnosis of aseptic necrosis already made and after repeated arthroscopic treatment of the elbow including removal of a loose body in another institution. Exercise-related pain and swelling of the elbow became permanent and did not allow her to pursue her sports activities. After thorough examination, the treatment by implantation of autologous cultured chondrocytes, as a solid chondrograft, was chosen. At the first stage of arthroscopic surgery, a loose body was removed and a sample of healthy cartilage from an articular region not subject to strain was collected. The sample was sent to the Tissue Bank for cultivation and chondrocyte formation into a solid chondrograft, a procedure taking 4 to 5 weeks. At the second stage, the chondrograft was implanted into the lesion site and fixed with tissue glue (Tissucol). The arm was immobilised in a plaster cast for 4 weeks. The patient was followed up clinically and examined with magnetic resonance imaging at 6 month after implantation. The examination showed full graft integration and the arm's return to full mobility without pain at exercise. Even with this rare lesion site within the elbow joint, the implantation of a solid chondrograft proved to be a method achieving very good outcomes.

[Treatment of deep cartilage defects of the knee with autologous chondrocyte transplantation: long-term results]. / Lécba osteochondrálních defektu kolenního kloubu metodou implantace solidního chondrograftu - dlouhodobé výsledky.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors present the long-term results of surgical treatment of deep chondral defects of the knee (medial or lateral femoral condyle). They used the transplantation of autologous cultured chondrocytes in the form of a solid chondral graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Indications for autologous chondrocyte transplantation most frequently included acute trauma to the knee. Patients with chondral lesions categorized as grades IIIa and IIIb by the Noyes-Stabler classification were indicated for this treatment. A small sample of healthy cartilage was harvested arthroscopically from the non-weight-bearing area of the knee and was sent to the Tissue Bank for chondrocyte cultivation. After 4 to 5 weeks the cultured chondrocytes were formed into a solid chondral graft, implanted at the damaged site of the medial or lateral femoral condyle and fixed with fibrin glue (Tissucol). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients, 34 males and 18 females (average age, 29 years range, 17 to 45 years) were treated using this method in the period from 2001 to 2009. Follow-up was 6 to 84 months, with an average of 46 months. Thirteen patients were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 7 to 39 months (average, 19 months) after the implantation. Full incorporation the chondrograft was observed in 12 patients (92.3%). The clinical results were evaluated by the Lysholm scoring system (1, 2 and 5 years after the operation) and showed significant improvement. In 24 patients, the chondrograft quality was evaluated by immunohistochemical methods in samples taken by second-look arthroscopy from the borders of implantation sites. Hyaline chondral tissue was detected in 100% samples by microscopic examination, and collagen type II was present in 100% samples examined by imnunohistochemistry using haematoxylin-eosin staining. CONCLUSIONS: A significant improvement in knee function was recorded when the pre-operative and final follow-up stages were compared. The autologous chondrocyte transplantation showed a potential for the treatment of large cartilage defects. The excellent results achieved allowed the patients to return to normal activity levels.This method is also convenient when ligament reconstruction is necessary during one operation.

ET-AAS determination of aluminium in dialysis concentrates after continuous flow solvent extraction.

Conditions of a continuous flow extraction (CFE) of aluminium acetylacetonate in acetylacetone and aluminium 8-hydroxyquinolinate into methylisobutylketone (lengths of reaction and extraction coils, flow rates of aqueous and organic phases and their flow rate ratio, pH of aqueous phase, lengths of coils for transport of aqueous and organic phases and effect of salts) were studied. The analytical signal of the aluminium chelates present in the organic phase was measured at 309.3 nm using atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization (ET-AAS) at the flow rate ratio F aq/F org=3 for aqueous and organic phases. The five points calibration curves were linear (R2 0.9973 and 0.9987) up to 21 microgl(-1) Al with the limits of detection of 0.3 microgl(-1) and the recovery 100+/-2% and precision of 3% at 2-10-fold dilution of the dialysis concentrates. The acetylacetonate method was applied to the determination of aluminium in real dialysis concentrates. Aluminium in concentrations 5-6 microgl(-1) (R.S.D.s 5-10% in real samples) were found and the results were in the very good agreement with those obtained by an ET-AAS using preconcentration of Al(III) on a Spheron-Salicyl chelating sorbent (absolute and relative differences were under 0.4 microgl(-1) and 8.2%, respectively).

Mobility, bioavailability, and toxic effects of cadmium in soil samples.

Total concentration is not a reliable indicator of metal mobility or bioavailability in soils. The physicochemical form determines the behavior of metals in soils and hence the toxicity toward terrestrial biota. The main objectives of this study were the application and comparison of three approaches for the evaluation of cadmium behavior in soil samples. The mobility and bioavailability of cadmium in five selected soil samples were evaluated using equilibrium speciation (Windermere humic aqueous model (WHAM)), extraction procedures (Milli-Q water, DMSO, and DTPA), and a number of bioassays (Microtox, growth inhibition test, contact toxicity test, and respiration). The mobility, represented by the water-extractable fraction, corresponded well with the amount of cadmium in the soil solution, calculated using the WHAM (r(2)=0.96, P<0.001). The results of the ecotoxicological evaluation, which represent the bioavailable fraction of cadmium, correlated well with DTPA extractability and also with the concentration of free cadmium ion, which is recognized as the most bioavailable metal form. The results of the WHAM as well as the results of extraction experiments showed a strong binding of cadmium to organic matter and a weak sorption of cadmium to clay minerals.

Speciation of copper, lead and cadmium in aquatic systems by circulating dialysis combined with flame AAS.

The assessment of free Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions in the presence of complexed species was realised by a circulating dialysis with Cuprophan planar membranes and subsequent quantification by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The effect of the flow rate, the time of equilibration, pH and the presence of various complexing agents in the donor solutions were studied. The determination of free Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions in the presence of soil humic substances resulted from the above studies.

Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae) and cyanobacteria: an example of larval habitat selection.

Northern Belize has extensive herbaceous wetlands. Those dominated by sparse emergent macrophytes, rushes (Eleocharis spp.) and sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense Crantz), often develop floating mats of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). These mats provide suitable habitat for larvae of the malaria transmitting mosquito Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann. Presence/absence of A. albimanus larvae and cyanobacterial mats was assessed in marshes located throughout northern Belize. Of the 21 marshes examined during the 1993 wet and 1994 dry seasons, cyanobacterial mats were found in 11 and A. albimanus larvae were detected in 9 of these 11 marshes. No A. albimanus larvae were found in marshes without cyanobacterial mats. Mosquito larvae were collected along two 1,000 m long transects in both the wet season (August 1993) and the dry season (March 1994) to delineate larval distribution in marshes with cyanobacterial mats. A. albimanus larval densities in cyanobacterial mats were relatively high in both seasons: 2.8 and 2.3 larvae per dip in the wet and dry seasons, respectively, in Chan Chen marsh; and 0.8 and 1.02 larvae per dip in Buena Vista marsh. Numbers of larvae per dip did not significantly change with increasing distance from houses/pastures or margins of the marsh. A field experiment showed a strong preference of ovipositing A. albimanus for cyanobacterial mats. Higher temperatures and higher CO2 emissions from cyanobacterial mats are possible ovipositional cues.

Determination of copper by electrothermal AAS after electrodeposition on a graphite disk electrode.

The electrodeposition of copper on a graphite electrode at a constant potential with subsequent atomization in the graphite atomizer HGA-400 has been studied. A special graphite disk electrode is suitable for electrochemical enrichment at E = -0.7 V vs. SCE and the determination of copper by electrothermal-atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-AAS) if atomized at 2300 degrees C. In this way copper was determined in potable water and free Cu(2+) could be distinguished from that bound in chelate speciations after using a suitable deposition potential of the working electrode. This approach seems to be an alternative to the commonly used anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) for the preconcentration and determination of free metal ions.

Determination of cadmium and copper with ET-AAS after electrochemical deposition on a graphite electrode.

The electrodeposition of cadmium and copper on a special graphite disk electrode has been performed at controlled potential. The electrode with the deposit has been inserted into the graphite atomizer HGA-400 by an adapted automatic sampler for the final determination by ET-ASS. The sensitivity of determination has been 0.371 (microg l(-1))(-1) for cadmium and 0.025 (microg l(-1))(-1) for copper for 2 min electrodeposition and increased linearly with the time of deposition. The limit of detection (3s(bl)) has been 7.9 ng l(-1) Cd(2+) and 0.11 microg l(-1) Cu(2+) for 2 min deposition and it has been improved with increased time of electrodeposition. The technique has been applied to the determination of both metals in seawater and to speciation in the presence of EDTA complexing agent.

Dynamics of some biochemical indices in myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis and creatine phosphate.

There was studied the effect of intravenously administered creatin phosphate (Neoton-drug with cardioprotective effect, Alfa Schiapparelli Wassermann) in the group of 98 patients affected by their first attack of myocardial infarction. In the course of the treatment there were observed the serum level of many biochemical indices, including the cardioselective enzyme activity. We concluded that the patients treated with Neoton, compared with the control group, revealed the significantly higher elevation of the CK, AST and LDH activity levels and the shift of the CK peak activity towards to the earlier hours after the onset of anginal pain.

[The effect of creatine phosphate (Neoton) in acute myocardial infarct (a prospective multicenter pilot study]. / Ucinek kreatinfosfátu (Neoton) u akutního srdecního infarktu (pilotní multicentrická prospektivní studie).

The authors investigated in a group of 106 patients with a first myocardial infarction treated by thrombolysis the effect of i.v. administration of creatine phosphate (a new drug with cardioprotective action--Neoton Alfa Schiapparelli Wassermann Co). In the course of treatment electrocardiographic changes were recorded and the presence of arrhythmias examined by the Holter technique. The Neoton group displayed a statistically insignificant but nevertheless obvious trend of electrocardiographically less serious forms of infarction and a lower incidence of infarctions, as compared with the control group.

[Creatine phosphate as a drug in acute myocardial infarct]. / Kreatinfosfát jako lék u akutního infarktu myokardu.

The reserves of endogenous creatine phosphate are very rapidly exhausted in ischaemia. This leads at first to reversible and later to irreversible cell damage. Creatine phosphate can be administered in the preparation Neoton. It serves not only as a source of energy after arrest of oxidative phosphorylation; its main effect is stabilization of sarcolemma and protection against its disintegration. Several publications provide evidence of its favourable effect on the protection of the heart muscle during operations on the open heart, on a reduced incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction and improvement in chronic cardiac insufficiencies. In Czechoslovakia multicentre clinical studies are under way testing Neoton in cardiological indications.

[Changes in the extent of residual stenosis in coronary arteries after thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarct]. / Zmeny rozsahu reziduální stenózy vencité tepny po trombolytické lécbe akutního infarktu myokardu.

The extent of residual coronary artery stenosis has been studied immediately after thrombolysis using streptokinase and after 3.-4. weeks follow-up in 28 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Thrombolysis was successful in 19 patients (67.9%). In these patients the extent of residual coronary artery stenosis (percentage narrowing of diameter) decreased from 73.4% to 66.1% (p less than 0.05). The residual stenosis did not change in 5 patients (26.3%), increased in 1 patient (5.2%), 3 patients suffered reocclusion of the vessel (15.8%). Marked improvement was found in 10 patients (52.6%). It means despite significant regression a coronary artery stenosis of more than 50% of diameter persisted in 47.4% of patients with successful thrombolysis 3.-4. weeks after the infarction. The factors which could be involved in regression of residual stenosis of vessel related to myocardial infarction are discussed.

[Relation of angina pectoris before myocardial infarct to coronarographic findings after thrombolytic therapy]. / Vztah anginy pectoris pred infarktem myokardu ke koronarografickým nálezum po trombolytické lécbe.

Patients with significant residual stenosis after thrombolytic therapy during acute myocardial infarction have higher risk of reinfarction, periinfarction ischemia and sudden death. Early revascularisation can prevent such complications. To find out patients who are at increased risk and are candidates for early angiography 74 patients undergoing angiography after thrombolytic therapy were reviewed. Significant residual stenosis (greater than or equal to 50% diameter reduction) of infarct related artery was present in 85%, high grade stenosis (greater than or equal to 75%) in 58% of patients respectively. The group of patients with preinfarction angina (Canadian class I to IV. 24 hours before infarction) had higher mean residual stenosis than patients without angina (76.5% vs 64%). There was significant difference in presence of preinfarction angina in patients with high grade stenosis and without high grade stenosis (79% and 21% respectively). Thus preinfarction angina can be used to identify patients with higher risk of reocclusion after thrombolytic therapy during acute myocardial infarction. Early coronary angiography and revascularisation can prevent serious complications in these patients.

[Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Initial clinical experience]. / Perkutánní transluminální koronární angioplastika. První klinické zkusenosti.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was performed in 20 patients with angina pectoris (16 patients with stable AP, class II-III., 4 patients with unstable AP) in the period of 1 year. There was single-vessel disease in all patients. Left ventricular function was normal as well in all patients. PTCA was successful in 16 patients (80%), in the remaining 4 patients coronary artery stenosis was not reached with balloon catheter. There were no death, Q-wave myocardial infarction or emergency bypass surgery. Transient ischemic changes on ECG has been found in 2 patients (10%). All patients with successful PTCA were symptomatically improved in period of 1-12 months, in one half of them this improvement was confirmed with stress ECG. Control coronary angiography was made in 2 patients until now, restenosis was not found.

[Dermatophytes in clinically healthy dogs and cats]. / Dermatofyta klinicky zdravých psu a kocek.

The hair and skin of 300 clinically healthy animals, 268 dogs and 32 cats, were examined mycologically. The method described by Mariat and Tapia (1966) was used for the examination, along with square pieces of the fitted carpet Kovral. The dermatophytes were isolated in 12 samples, all from the material taken from dogs. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was isolated six times, Microsporum canis four times, Trichophyton gallinae once, Trichophyton rubrum once. The origin of the dermatophyte Trichophyton gallinae, found in a village dog, was not determined. In one case of occurrence of the dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes in a dog the dermatophyte was probably transmitted from man to the dog. Microsporum canis was not proved to be the most frequent dermatophyte in dogs or cats in this country.

[Low-fat milk syndrome]. / Sledování "syndromu snízené tucnosti mléka".

Three groups of cows--one group given linseed supplement, the second split rations of concentrates and the third as control--were studied for five months to investigate the biochemical parameters of rumen fluid and blood serum in animals with the "low-fat milk syndrome". The lowest decrease of butterfat content was observed in the linseed-supplement group of cows. In this group the lowest drop of acetic acid in rumen was found out, along with an increase in adipose metabolites in blood serum--total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol. There were no variations of the content of glucose and total protein in blood. It has been stated that a linseed supplement can have a positive influence on the "low-fat milk syndrome".