Concentration levels of cadmium and lead in the raw and processed meat of Helix pomatia snails.

This work reports on cadmium and lead contaminations in the edible snail Helix pomatia harvested in Poland. One hundred and 24 samples of Helix pomatia meat collected from seven provinces (voivodeships) of Poland were analyzed for their trace metal levels by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The research was conducted in 2 stages. The 1st stage analyzed snail meat prior to any further technological treatment (raw meat). In the 2nd stage, the trace element levels were measured in meat subjected to technological treatment (processed meat). The trace element contents in raw meat samples ranged from 0.06 mg kg-1 to 0.22 mg kg-1 for Cd and from 0.06 mg kg-1 to 0.18 mg kg-1 for Pb. The analyses revealed an increase in the cad- mium content from 0.12 mg kg-1 to 0.18 mg kg-1 in thermally treated snail meat and no changes in lead concentration during the two-stage heat treatment. Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 does not specify the Cd and Pb residue limits in meat of terrestrial edible snails. The limits are set for in- vertebrate aquatic organisms meat (i.e. shellfish, mollusc, cephalopod) and range from 0.5 mg/kg to 1.5 mg/kg of tissue fresh weight for Pb and from 0.5 mg kg -1 to 1 mg kg-1 for Cd (EU Commis- sion 2006). The results demonstrate that the land snail Helix pomatia has a tendency to bioaccu- mulate trace elements, and the cooking process is likely to affect (increase) the Cd content in the snail meat.

Study on establishing normal ranges of chosen biochemical parameters of haemolymph of Cornu aspersum maxima and Cepaea nemoralis gastropods.

The aim of the study was to establish normal ranges for chosen biochemical parameters of haemolymph of snails (Gasropoda: Mollusca), in the light of the use of these animals as experi- mental models in various types of studies. The study was conducted on 100 specimens of Cornu aspersum maxima (CAM) and 100 specimens of Cepaea nemoralis (CN). The haemolymph col- lected from the animals was analysed using colorimetry to assay aspartate transaminase (AST) activity, alanine transaminase (ALT) activity, amylase activity and the concentrations of urea and triglycerides. In the further part of the study, the influence of administering doxycycline with feed on the change of AST and ALT activity in snail haemolymph has been studied. The normal values established for CAM are as follow: AST activity: 26-38 u/l, ALT activity: 0-11 u/l, amylase activity 9-16 u/l, concentration of urea: 3-6 mg/dl, concentration of triglycerides: 16-20 mg/dl. For CN, the following data have been obtained: AST activity: 30-80 u/l, ALT activity: 0-15 u/l, amylase activity 12-15 u/l, concentration of urea: 5-8 mg/dl, concentration of triglycerides: 18-24 mg/dl. It has been shown that doxycycline presents a high workload on the hepatopancreas of snails, which is reflected by a statistically significant (p ⟨ 0.05) increase of AST and ALT activity in the haemolymph of the specimens which obtained doxycycline in feed, as compared to the groups with antibiotic-free feed. The haemolymph activity of both studied parameters increased together with study time and tetracycline administration time.

Is the consumption of snail meat actually healthy? An analysis of the osteotropic influence of snail meat as a sole source of protein in growing rats.

The study was aimed at determining the osteotropic effects of diets containing snail meat as a sole protein source. In our experiment, we tested three different diets incorporating snail meat originating from Helix pomatia (HP), Cornu.aspesa maxima (CAM) and Cornu.aspersum aspersum (CAA) and compared these to a control diet (CON) in which casein was the source of protein. In all diets, the protein content amounted to 10%, as calculated on a dry weight basis. In the study, forty male Wistar rats with an initial body mass of 50 ± 2 g were randomly placed within the control and three experimental groups. After 28 days of experimental feeding, the rats were sacrificed, and the body mass, total skeletal density and body composition were recorded. Moreover, blood serum (osteocalcin, CTX) and isolated tibia (pQCT, DXA, 3D micro-CT, 3-point bending test) were stored for further analysis. The results reveal that a diet incorporating snail meat significantly decreased BMC (bone mineral content), as well as area of total skeleton and isolated tibia, and was without influence on BMD (bone mineral density). Furthermore, the 3D micro-CT analysis of trabecular compartment documented a reduced Tb.Th (trabecular thickness), as well as Tb.N (trabecular number), and an increased Tb.Sp (trabecular separation). Beyond the aforementioned, the snail-based diets had an influence upon the architectonical properties of the tibia-decreasing its resistance to mechanical loading. Finally, snail meat, when used as an alone source of protein, negatively influenced the metabolism of the bone tissue in growing animals-making bone smaller and weaker.

Stability of cosmetic emulsion containing different amount of hemp oil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the optimal conditions, that is the content of hemp oil and time of homogenization to obtain stable dispersion systems. METHODS: For this purpose, six emulsions were prepared, their stability was examined empirically and the most correctly formulated emulsion composition was determined using a computer simulation. Variable parameters (oil content and homogenization time) were indicated by the optimization software based on Kleeman's method. Physical properties of the synthesized emulsions were studied by numerous techniques involving particle size analysis, optical microscopy, Turbiscan test and viscosity of emulsions. RESULTS: The emulsion containing 50 g of oil and being homogenized for 6 min had the highest stability. Empirically determined parameters proved to be consistent with the results obtained using the computer software. The computer simulation showed that the most stable emulsion should contain from 30 to 50 g of oil and should be homogenized for 2.5-6 min. CONCLUSIONS: The computer software based on Kleeman's method proved to be useful for quick optimization of the composition and production parameters of stable emulsion systems. Moreover, obtaining an emulsion system with proper stability justifies further research extended with sensory analysis, which will allow the application of such systems (containing hemp oil, beneficial for skin) in the cosmetic industry.

[Rare case of multiple primary malignant neoplasm of the larynx: squamous carcinoma and fibrosarcoma]. / Rzadki przypadek pierwotnego mnogiego nowotworu zlosliwego krtani: raka plaskonablonkowego i wlókniako-miesaka.

The problem of primary mixed neoplasms has been recently a subject of numerous research works trying to find out their pathogenetic mechanisms, early detection, clinical course and treatment opportunities. The authors present a rare case (fibrosarcoma and squamous carcinoma) in a 73-year-old man. The patient had a surgery (total laryngectomy) and complementary irradiation at the Institute of Oncology.

[Hip Zespol fixator in osteosynthesis for trochanteric fracture]. / Osteosynteza zlaman kretarzowych stabilizatorem biodrowym Zespol.

Over 250 proximal femur fractures (ones) have been treated in Department with hip Zespol fixator since 1987. There were 159 trochanteric (44 stable and 114 unstable) fractures in this group. Mean patient age at operation was 71 years. Thirty-four patients died before bony union had been achieved. One hundred-thirteen cases have been reviewed. In 101 patients the fracture healed without complications, in 12 cases reoperation was required due to fixator failure. The study confirms the need for anatomic reduction, proper surgical technique and most of all weight bearing restriction till radiographically confirmed union.

[Transient global amnesia]. / Przemijajaca niepamiec ogólna.

Transient global amnesia is a disease of nonuniform pathogenesis. Based on review of the literature, etiology, prevalence, clinical pictures and differentiation of this interesting but not always recognized syndrome have been discussed in the article.

[Universal hip fixator "Zespol". Construction of the fixator, principles of function, instrumentation, surgical technique, indications and results of treatment]. / Uniwersalny stabilizator biodrowy "Zespol". Budowa stabilizatora, zasady dzialania, instrumentarium, technika operacyjna, wskazania oraz wyniki leczenia.

The construction and principles of function of hip fixator based on Zespol method, with compression of the fragments provided by elastic deformation of a plate is presented. Original instrumentation, operative technique and indications for this type of osteosynthesis is described. Results analysis revealed that out of 64 patients 10 died within 6 month from surgery, all of them older than 80 years of age. In 46 from remaining 56 patients a union of fractured bone was found. There were 82.2% of good results in patients with femoral neck fracture and 87.5% in the group with trochanteric fractures. Few complications produces hope for Zespol hip fixator to become valuable device for treatment both trochanteric and femoral neck fractures.