Late Functional and Morphological Findings after Methylalcohol Poisoning.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the morphological and functional findings in a patient after methanol poisoning. Examination methods: The patient (male, 38 years old) was suffered methanol poisoning in eight years ago (2012). The following tests and examinations were performed: neurological visual field XR test (Medmont M700), retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary vessel density (all using Avanti RTvue, Optovue), pattern electroretinography (PERG) and pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) examination according to ISCEV methodology (Roland Consult Instrument) and brain MRI examination (Philips Achieva Dstream 3 T). RESULTS: The biggest changes were found in RNFL and VD. PERG also showed damage to retinal ganglion cell axons. In left eye we determined decrease in oscillations (in comparison with contralateral eye) at N35-P50 and P50-N95. VEPs in both eyes were significantly reduced, almost inconspicuous in the left eye. Extension of latency time of P100 was not identified. Functional MRI showed a bilateral decrease in voxel activity with a greater decrease in the left eye. There were postmalatical changes in the dorsal parts of the putamen on MRI. The width of the optic nerve and chiasm was physiological. CONCLUSION: Asymmetric damaging of RNFL and cortical centres of the brain were determined. We registered large pathological changes in VD, which are probably responsible for the deepening of optic nerve excavation and further loss of nerve fibers of retinal ganglion cells, which have not yet been described in the literature. Following these results is possible to define direct damage of nerve structures and blood vessels by toxins of methanol metabolism in the acute stage and upcoming reparation processes in following periods.

Composite Scaffolds Containing Silk Fibroin, Gelatin, and Hydroxyapatite for Bone Tissue Regeneration and 3D Cell Culturing.

Three-dimensional (3D) silk fibroin scaffolds were modified with one of the major bone tissue derivatives (nano-hydroxyapatite) and/or a collagen derivative (gelatin). Adhesion and proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) within the scaffold were increased after modification with either nano-hydroxyapatite or gelatin. However, a significant increase in MEF adhesion and proliferation was observed when both additives were introduced into the scaffold. Such modified composite scaffolds provide a new and better platform to study wound healing, bone and other tissue regeneration, as well as artificial organ bioengineering. This system can further be applied to establish experimental models to study cell-substrate interactions, cell migration and other complex processes, which may be difficult to address using the conventional two-dimensional culture systems.

Effect of aprindine on transmembrane currents and contractile force in frog atria.

The effects of aprindine on transmembrane currents in frog (Rana Ridibunda) atrial trabeculae were studied using a voltage clamp technique. Aprindine (1 x 10(-6) g/ml) reduced maximum inward sodium current by 38.6 +/- 7.2% (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 6), but had no effect on the slow inward current or outward current. A higher dose of aprindine (2.8 +/- 10(-5) g/ml) suppressed both the fast inward current and the slow inward current. Outward current was decreased at membrane potentials between -80 and -45 mV and increased at membrane potentials positive to -20 mV. In addition, aprindine was tested on frog (R. Ridibunda) atrial strips in which the transmembrane action potential and contractile force were recorded. The low dose of aprindine (1 x 10(-6) g/ml) depressed action potential amplitude and dV/dt and slightly increased action potential duration, but had no effect on contractile force. The higher dose (2.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) significantly reduced developed tension and dP/dt, decreased action potential amplitude and dV/dt and increased action potential duration. Aprindine (2.8 x 10(-5) g/ml) also depressed slow channel dependent membrane oscillations induced in atrial trabeculae by injection of current pulses. These data indicate that aprindine possesses fast and slow channel blocking properties, the latter being more apparent at high concentrations of the drug, and affects outward current differentially, depending on the membrane potential.