Investigation of the structural, electrical, and dielectric properties of La0.5Sm0.2Sr0.3Mn1-x Cr x O3 for electrical application.

In the present research, polycrystalline samples of La0.5Sm0.2Sr0.3Mn1-x Cr x O3 are prepared using the self-combustion method. Then, we have studied their crystalline structure, and dielectric and electrical properties. The X-ray diffraction study shows that all the samples exhibit a single phase with orthorhombic structure (space group Pnma). The studied samples were also characterized by complex impedance spectroscopy in a wide range of temperatures and frequency. AC conductivity analyses are used to study the transport property of the investigated samples. These analyses indicate that the conduction mechanism is strongly dependent on temperature and frequency. It is also found that the conductivity decreases with Cr concentration. Complex impedance analysis confirms the contributions of grain and grain boundaries in the conduction mechanism. Finally, the impedance spectra, characterized by the appearance of semicircle arcs at different temperatures, were well modeled in terms of equivalent electrical circuits to explain the impedance results.

[Clinical and pharmacological data in COVID-19 hospitalized nonagenarian patients]. / Variables clínicas y farmacológicas de pacientes nonagenarios hospitalizados por COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in geriatrics, data on nonagenarian patients is scarce. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical features of COVID19-diagnosed nonagenarians, as well as its clinical evolution and therapeutic response. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of nonagenarians, admitted for COVID-19. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were registered, including previous polypharmacy. Blood analysis data and COVID-19-specific treatment were registered. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were included, with 50.6% (40 patients) of mortality. None of the comorbidities registered correlated with mortality, which was significantly higher among patients with moderate/complete functional dependence, compared to those mild-dependents/independents (59.5% vs 40.5%; p=0.015). Most prescribed drugs were hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine and azithromycin. Non-survivors presented higher counts of leukocytes and neutrophils, and higher lymphopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Nonagenarians with functional dependence presented higher mortality, irrespective of comorbidities or treatment received. Implementing an integral geriatric evaluation would enhance the implementation of personalized therapeutic strategies for nonagenarians.

Comparison of the Sapien 3 versus the ACURATE neo valve system: A propensity score analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes of transfemoral ACURATE neo (NEO) and Sapien 3 (S3) patients in terms of device success and clinical safety outcomes using a propensity score analysis. BACKGROUND: Differences in clinical outcomes between the latest-generation balloon-expandable S3 and self-expanding NEO in a "real-world transfemoral TAVI population" are still unclear. METHODS: We compared up to 6 months clinical outcomes using a propensity score analysis (inverse probability of treatment weighting [IPTW]) to account for differences in baseline characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 345 patients underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with either NEO or S3 at two centers in the Netherlands. Composite device success and early safety endpoints were comparable between NEO and S3 (Device success: IPTW-adjusted OR: 0.35 [95% CI: 0.12-1.18], and early safety: IPTW-adjusted OR: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.19-1.38]). Six-months mortality was 5.3 versus 3.6%, stroke was 2.8 versus 3.3%, and pacemaker rate was 6.1 versus 8.6%, respectively with p = NS. Mean aortic gradient was lower in the NEO group (5.72 ± 2.47 vs. 9.05 ± 3.48; p = <.001), with a comparable rate of moderate or severe paravalvular leak (0 versus 2.1%; p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Device success and clinical safety outcomes were comparable for both valves. Up to 6-months follow-up clinical outcomes and mortality rate remained excellent. Mean aortic gradient was lower after ACURATE neo implantation.

Effects of deer density on tick infestation of rodents and the hazard of tick-borne encephalitis. I: empirical assessment.

Tick borne encephalitis (TBE) is endemic to eastern and central Europe with broad temporal and spatial variation in infection risk. Although many studies have focused on understanding the environmental and socio-economic factors affecting exposure of humans to TBE, comparatively little research has been devoted to assessing the underlying ecological mechanisms of TBE occurrence in enzootic cycles, and therefore TBE hazard. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the main ungulate tick hosts on the pattern of tick infestation in rodents and TBE occurrence in rodents and questing adult ticks. In this empirical study, we considered three areas where endemic human TBE occurs and three control sites having no reported human TBE cases. In these six sites located in Italy and Slovakia, we assessed deer density using the pellet group count-plot sampling technique, collected questing ticks, live-trapped rodents (primarily Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus) and counted ticks feeding on rodents. Both rodents and questing ticks were screened for TBE infection. TBE infection in ticks and rodents was positively associated with the number of co-feeding ticks on rodents and negatively correlated with deer density. We hypothesise that the negative relationship between deer density and TBE occurrence on a local scale (defined by the minimum overlapping area of host species) could be attributed to deer (incompetent hosts) diverting questing ticks from rodents (competent hosts), know as the 'dilution effect hypothesis'. We observed that, after an initial increase, the number of ticks feeding on rodents reached a peak for an intermediate value of estimated deer density and then decreased. Therefore, while at a regional scale, tick host availability has already been shown to be directly correlated with TBE distribution, our results suggest that the interactions between deer, rodents and ticks are much more complex on a local scale, supporting the possibility of a dilution effect for TBE.

Effects of dietary inclusion of Rhus coriaria on internal milieu of rabbits.

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of Rhus coriaria L. inclusion to the diet on some biochemical, haematological parameters and the level of antioxidant status of male rabbits. Adult rabbits were divided into five groups: one control (C) and four experimental groups. Experimental animals received sumac per os in feed in various doses (0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.50%) for 90 days. Significant increase in PDWc (platelet distribution width) in E3 group when compared with control group was recorded. Sumac administration resulted in decreased cholesterol levels in all experimental groups vs. control group. Significantly lower level of cholesterol was found in E4 group with highest dose of sumac (1.50%). Higher values of total antioxidant status (TAS) and albumins were observed in all experimental groups in comparison with control group. A significant increase in TAS was detected in group E1 and E4. Concentrations of albumins were significantly higher in groups E3 and E4 vs. control group. Sumac administration had no significant effect on bilirubin content. In conclusion, these results show a positive effect of sumac consumption on antioxidant status and cholesterol level in adult male rabbits.

A sewage disposal failure as a cause of ascariasis and giardiasis epidemic in a family.

In monitoring the incidence of intestinal parasites in children and employees of a nursery the authors examined 31 children with 8 (25.81%) and 16 employees with 3 (18.75%) positive results. The authors wanted to examine also the family members of 8 positive children and 3 positive employees but except from the cleaner's family, (Ascaris lumburicoides, Enterobius vermicularis and Entamoeba coli) nobody accepted the offer. All 8 members of a large family except for Patient 1 (a cleaner) and her grandson were without clinical and laboratory findings. They constitute 3 independent families who lived in 1st category flats. On August 31 there was an extensive sewage disposal failure in the ground floor flat of Family II and the flat was flooded by sewage. All family members worked solidarily on cleaning and also the members of Family IV who are friends of Family II. As shown by clinical symptoms of 'virosis', during the pre-patent period and after an outbreak within 73-78 days, laboratory findings of the family members demonstrated a severe family infection equal to a epidemic of intestinal parasitosis. Ascaris lumbricoides was diagnosed in 8 family members (61.54%) and Giardia intestinalis in 7 family members (53.85%) involved in cleaning. Enterobius vermicularis was found in 2 and Etamoeba coli in 1 family member. In monitored persons, in extreme hygienic conditions during the failure and later, a mass contraction arose on the basis of infection. The fact, that family epidemic arose subsequently, proved, in contrast to sporadic findings in children and adults, a 6.4 and 3.3 times higher incidence of Ascaris lumbricoides and a 5.6 and 8.6 times higher incidence of Giardia intestinalis. The authors discus the reasons of incidence and also preventive measures in population. (Tab. 3, Ref. 29.).

Enterobius gregorii--reality or fiction?

Authors present findings based on the actual epidemiologic situation of incidence of E. vermicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) which is till now the uniquely diagnosed parasite of Enterobius species in human population in Slovak Republic. They compared methods used in our laboratories for detection of propagation stages of E. vermicularis ova with methods used in other laboratories, which detect various propagation stages directly in stool. The authors found differences in detection and identification of adult female and male parasites. The relevance of sings for Enterobius gregorii (Hugot, 1983) diagnosis was assessed from the point of view of ontogenetic and morphologic development of E. vermicularis. Authors describe the isolation of a gravid female of Enterobius species from the patient, which showed some somato-morphological signs different from that found in E. vermicularis females. Possible explanations of such deviations are being discussed. The study is illustrated by pictures showing morphological differences in females. (Fig. 3, Ref. 28)

Oestradiol microimplants in the ventromedial preoptic area inhibit secretion of luteinizing hormone via dopamine neurones in anoestrous ewes.

Oestradiol exerts a season-specific negative feedback effect on the GnRH/LH neurosecretory system of the Suffolk ewe. This neuroendocrine suppression is mediated in part by dopamine A15 neurones, but these neurones do not possess the oestrogen receptor. Based on indirect evidence, we hypothesized that oestrogen receptor-containing neurones in the ventromedial preoptic area (vmPOA) may be the initial step in a neuronal system whereby oestradiol suppresses GnRH secretion during the non-breeding season. To test this, three experiments were conducted using ovariectomized ewes receiving either empty or oestradiol-containing bilateral microimplants directed at the vmPOA or s.c. subcutaneous oestradiol-containing implants. In the first experiment, LH pulse frequency was measured on days 0, 1, 7 and 14 of treatment during seasonal anoestrus. In vmPOA oestradiol and s.c. oestradiol groups only, LH pulse frequency was suppressed on days 7 and 14, with maximal suppression evident by day 7. In the second experiment, this protocol was repeated during the breeding season, with LH pulses examined on days 0 and 7; LH pulse frequency did not change in any group. The third experiment tested if the effect of vmPOA oestradiol during anoestrus could be overcome by an injection of the dopamine-D2 receptor antagonist (-)-sulpiride. The vmPOA microimplants and s.c. oestradiol implants again suppressed LH pulse frequency and this was reversed by sulpiride in vmPOA oestradiol ewes. We conclude that oestradiol acts on cells in the vmPOA to stimulate a system involving dopamine neurones that inhibits GnRH/LH pulsatility in the anoestrous ewe.

The effect of photoperiod and food intake on daily changes in plasma calcitonin in broiler breeder hens.

The roles of photoperiod, energy balance, and concentrations of plasma total calcium (CaT) on daily changes in plasma calcitonin (CT) were investigated in broiler breeder hens (84-100 weeks old). In the first study, broiler breeder hens (n = 24), reared on 14L:10D, were divided into two groups. One group was transferred from a restricted diet (DR) of 150 g/day to ad libitum (AL) for 14 days, while the other group remained on DR. After 2 weeks of ad libitum feeding, birds from each group (AL and DR) were bled every 2 hr for 24 hr for measurement of plasma CaT and CT. In a second study, the hens (n = 20) were transferred to continuous light (LL) for 30 days. After the 30 days, food was removed from one group for 48 hr prior to blood sampling for 24 hr at 3-hr intervals. In a third study, birds were transferred to an ahemeral light cycle (11L:10D) for 28 days. Food was removed from the birds (n = 11) for 48 hr prior to blood sampling every 3 hr for 24 hr. Four weeks later the same birds were bled again for 24 hr, but this time the birds were maintained on a restricted feeding schedule. Plasma CT was measured by a specific heterologous electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assay while plasma CaT was measured by atomic absorption. The results showed that plasma CT concentrations did not correlate with plasma CaT concentrations. Comparisons made between initial and final CaT and CT concentrations indicated an effect of stress due to repeated handling of the birds. Concentrations of plasma CT were significantly reduced in the fasted animals (P < 0.05) compared to diet-restricted controls. There was a significant increase in plasma CT during the dark period of fed animals which was abolished in animals maintained on LL or fasted. In conclusion, a surge in plasma CT requires that the hens be provided food and that they be exposed to a dark cycle.

Evaluation of selected parameters of a metabolic profile and levels of cadmium in reproductive organs of rabbits after an experimental administration.

Selected serum parameters of metabolic profile and distribution of cadmium in reproductive organs in rabbits were studied after an acute and subchronic administration. After an i.p. application of cadmium (1.5 mg.kg-1) a significant increase of glucose (5.90 mmol.l-1) and cholesterol (2.22 mmol.l-1) was observed. There were no significant differences in these parameters after the subchronic (5 month) p.o. application. The concentration of AST and ALT significantly decreased after a subchronic p.o. administration (1.0 mg.kg-1) but not after an acute i.p. application. There were no significant differences in the level of total proteins and total lipids. The highest accumulation in reproductive organs (testis, ovary, uterus) was observed after i.p. administration. The level in the testis was 40 times higher than in the control group (0.04 mg.kg-1; 1.93 mg.kg-1), 174 times higher in the ovary (0.03; 5.21) and 65 times higher in the uterus (0.04; 2.59). After a subchronic p.o. application, the concentration was only 2.5 times higher in the testis (0.04; 0.10), 16 times higher in the ovary and 6 times higher in the uterus than in the control group.

[Helminth and protozoan findings in the water of school swimming pools]. / Helmintologické a protozoologické nálezy vo vode skolského bazéna.

In the year 1993 repeated parasitological examinations of water and the equipment of an indoor school swimming pool were made. The sanitary and hygienic regime of the swimming pool was not respected and parasitological findings corresponded to this fact. Examinations of the swimming pool revealed the presence of helminths--Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis and Taenia saginata, as well as of protozoa--Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba coli. The parasites were detected in samples taken under operation conditions from free water, from walls of the swimming pool an from its equipment, as well as from the sediment in sand filters. The authors pointed out that increased occurrence of parasites was connected with exceeding of swimming pool capacity. They noted also massive occurrence of non-pathogenic protozoa in water and sediment of the swimming pool, which was considered an indicator of increased pollution. They drew attention to the possibility of infection with intestinal parasites present in the swimming pool water. The conditions are discussed which enable parasites to reach the stage in which they are can infect bathing people and cause parasitoses in them. The authors suggested which places of a swimming pool should be examined in the course of parasitological investigations. They took steps to prevent contamination of swimming pool water with developmental stages of parasites and to prevent their maturation.

Evaluation of acid-base disorders in dairy cows using principal component analysis and empiric equations.

Acid-base disorders were studied in two groups of dairy cows. According to conventional interpretation in the 1st group of dairy cows (n = 10) the results of the acid-base parameters indicated respiratory alkalosis and in the 2nd group (n = 10) metabolic acidosis. The data of the two groups were examined using principal component analysis. So called "reduced variables"--principal components for each animal were calculated. Each experimental animal was projected in the coordinates of 3 principal components K1, K2 and K3. The components K1, K2 and K3 comprised a 90% data variability. The importance of variables for a dividing of groups (1 and 2) was quantified. The most important were pCO2, (HCO3)' and BE. It was proved according to mathematico-empiric equations that dairy cows of 1st group suffered from acute respiratory alkalosis. In the 2nd group of dairy cows the combined acid-base disorder was confirmed using the equations for metabolic acidosis and chronic respiratory acidosis. The use of PCA method and empiric equations for acid-base imbalances shows the possibilities for gaining new knowledge how to make the diagnostic process more exact.

Proteinases of Trichomonas vaginalis: antibody response in patients with urogenital trichomoniasis.

Immunoprecipitation combined with electrophoresis in gelatin-polyacrylamide gels was successfully used for detection of antibodies against numerous proteinases of Trichomonas vaginalis in infected patients. The method proved to be highly specific as anti-proteinase antibodies were absent in women with negative cultivation of T. vaginalis and no history of trichomoniasis. Sera of 71% and vaginal washes of 86% patients with trichomoniasis were positive for these antibodies. In vaginal washes, but not in sera, antibodies were partly complexed with proteinases, possibly of trichomonad origin. It was also shown that serum antibodies as well as local anti-proteinase antibodies persisted for weeks after patients had been cured.

[Super Duo latex fixation test--an alternative diagnostic method for trichomoniasis?]. / Latexový fixacný test super duo--alternatívna diagnostická metóda pri trichomoniáze?

The reliability of the new latex-agglutination test super duo for the detection of antigens of T.vaginalis and Candida, a prospective screening method for trichomoniasis, was verified. In a group of 27 women the microscopic and culture diagnosis of trichomoniasis was established in 22 patients and 21 of them were positive in the latex-agglutination test for T.vaginalis. The immunochemical examination was not positive in either of the five women with findings of negative cultivation for the parasite. The intensity of agglutination was in good correlation with the clinical signs of inflammation. In asymptomatic women the reaction was indistinct. Vaginal candidiasis was revealed by culture in two women, one of them was positive on the latex-agglutination test for Candida. One woman with negative cultivation finding for yeast microorganisms was positive in the immunochemical test. Examination of asymptomatic sexual partners of trichomoniasis patients would be necessary to evaluate the suitability of the set for T.vaginalis infection screening.

Vaginal leukocyte characteristics in urogenital trichomoniasis.

Morphological and functional characteristics of vaginal exudate leukocytes were examined in 47 patients with urogenital trichomoniasis. Electron microscopic morphology, viability, phagocytosis of Candida albicans blastospores and ability to undergo respiratory burst in the iodonitrotetrazolium reductase test were evaluated in these cells. Vaginal inflammatory leukocytes were almost exclusively polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and their concentration was positively correlated (r = 0.58; p less than 0.001) with the number of trichomonads in the exudate. Median leukocyte viability reached 39% and both phagocytic and tetrazolium reductase activities of these cells were significantly reduced in comparison with those of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Patients with a clinical picture of severe mucosal inflammation had significantly higher vaginal exudate leukocyte concentrations and viability than those without inflammatory signs. The possible role of vaginal leukocytes in the pathogenesis of urogenital trichomoniasis is discussed.

Dot-immunobinding assay with monoclonal antibody for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in clinical specimens.

A rapid and specific dot-enzyme immunoassay (DIBA) using monoclonal antibody was introduced for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis antigen in vaginal and urethral materials. The results of DIBA were compared with culture findings of the parasite in 245 female patients. Taking culture as the reference method, DIBA had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 93%. The predictive value of a positive test was 98% and that of a negative test 77%. The efficacy of wet mount, culture and DIBA were compared in 134 women with trichomonal infection. The most sensitive method was cultivation with a positivity of 99.3%. DIBA was as sensitive as the wet mount (92%). In 51 sexual partners of women with trichomoniasis DIBA proved to be ineffective. The sensitivity of the assay with corpuscular antigen of T vaginalis was 1 x 10(4) cells/ml, with soluble antigen 47 micrograms/ml. Specificity of the assay was confirmed by lack of any cross-reactivity with Trichomonas tenax. Tritrichomonas mobilensis and Candida albicans.

[Insulin and thyroxine levels in dairy cows during lactation and after a 9-day fast]. / Hladina inzulínu a tyroxínu u dojníc v priebehu laktácie pocas devätdnovej hladovky.

The aim of the study was to observe the effect of longer fasting of dairy cows during lactation on the insulin and thyroxine levels in blood serum. The test was performed at the Research Institute of Animal Production, Nitra. The blood samples for determination of the hormone levels were collected in the morning from the vena jugularis of four fasted 4-5-year-old dairy cows of the Black Pied breed during lactation with an average daily performance of 16.91. The blood was collected on the first, fifth, sixth, seventh, eight and ninth day (fasting) and then on the fifteenth and twenty first day of the test (feeding). The insulin level in the blood serum of fasted dairy cows was more or less balanced till the seventh day of fasting, and ranged from 4.33 to 4.91 microU.ml-1. On the last two days of fasting, the insulin level increased up to 7.11 microU.ml-1 on the 9th day of fasting. The insulin level was significantly higher during feeding than during starvation. The thyroxine level was statistically significantly lower in fasted dairy cows. Increasing insulin level at the last two collections of the fasting period was probably closely connected with the shifting of the endocrine balance from dominant position of insulin to the dominance of the growth hormone and glucocorticoids. A comparatively high effect on the increase of the insulin level was exerted during that time also by the increasing amounts of non-esterifed fatty acids. Starvation significantly reduced the levels of the studied hormones in dairy cows during lactation.

[The first period in the history of the Institute for General Biology]. / Prvé obdobie histórie Ustavu pre vseobecnú biológiu.

Of the history of the Institute for General Biology, School of Medicine, Comenius University, the study deals with the first period, namely the years 1923-1945. The institute greatly benefited from the activities of Prof. MUDr. Zdenek Frankenberger who established it and was its Head in the first year of its existence. From 1925 till 1943 the institute was directed by Prof. MUDr. Jozef Florian Babor. Professor Babor's main interest was focused on malacology and he achieved international reputation in this field of zoology. He investigated the flora and fauna of Slovakia, was engaged in limnology, and cooperated with Professor Frankenberg in the field of anthropology and primatology. Over these years, prof. Vojtech Nábelek and MUDr. Bohumil Krajnik greatly contributed to the activities and development of the institute along with Prof. Babor. The Institute for General Biology was already in the first period of its existence reknown not only for its teaching activities but was also internationally appreciated in the medical, biological and historiographic community.