The EurValve model execution environment.

The goal of this paper is to present a dedicated high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure which is used in the development of a so-called reduced-order model (ROM) for simulating the outcomes of interventional procedures which are contemplated in the treatment of valvular heart conditions. Following a brief introduction to the problem, the paper presents the design of a model execution environment, in which representative cases can be simulated and the parameters of the ROM fine-tuned to enable subsequent deployment of a decision support system without further need for HPC. The presentation of the system is followed by information concerning its use in processing specific patient cases in the context of the EurValve international collaboration.

Observations of mineralised tissues of teeth in X-ray micro-computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The one of the most recent imaging technology is X-ray microtomography which allows non-invasive three-dimensional visualisation of structures. It also offers the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the tested objects such as measuring the shares of the various phases, determining the material density and distribution of the size of pores and particles. The aim of the paper was to present an overview on the applicability and relevance of X-ray microtomography in the study of mineralised tissues of the teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article is based on the most recent and significant literature and own observations. RESULTS: The use of X-ray microtomography in dentistry has recently increased and includes, inter alia, the assessment of the density of minerals in enamel and dentin, the detection of demineralisation in an artificially and a naturally induced caries, the automatic measurement of the depth of cavities in dentin, the measurement of the amount of removed dentin in preparation of carious lesions by various methods, the assessment of microleakage around fillings and fissure sealants, cortical bone density measurement, evaluation of root canal morphology, comparison of the accuracy of root canal working and filling by various methods. CONCLUSIONS: X-ray microtomography offers within the analysis of mineralised tissues - complex structures of bone, teeth and biomedical materials, turn out to be indispensable since it opens new opportunities for cognitive and implementation research.

Effect of ethanol and diazepam given to pregnant rats on the behavior and catecholamine content in the brain of offspring.

Effect of separate and combined treatment with ethanol and diazepam applied to pregnant rats upon the behavior of 3- and 6-week old and 3 month old rats, as well as on the content of noradrenaline (NA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in various brain areas was investigated. It has been shown that separate application of ethanol and diazepam causes slight changes in the behavior and content of amines on the brain of offsprings. Combined application of ethanol and diazepam to pregnant rats exerts marked effects upon the behavior of offsprings and causes a decreased content mainly of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the investigated areas of the brain.

[Effect of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea on the liver ultrastructure. I. Activity of the cytochrome P-450-dependent hepatic monooxygenase system]. / Wplyw N-etylo-N-nitrozomocznika na ultrastrukture. I. Aktywnosc watrobowego ukladu monooksygenaz zaleznych od cytochromu P-450.

Effects of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) on cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase system activity and the ultrastructure of the liver cells are examined. Significant changes in the structure of mitochondria, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are observed, particularly in 3rd zone of acinus. Cytochrome P-450 and monooxygenase activity shows decrease, but cytochrome b5 and NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase activity increases.

[Congestive papilledema caused by marked narrowing of the superior ophthalmic vein]. / Zastoinowy obrzek tarczy nerwu wzrokowego w przebiegu znacznego zwezenia swiatla zyly górnej oczodolu.

In the reported case eye fundus changes and symptoms suggested initially increased intracranial pressure. The cause of choked disc was recognized relatively late, after phlebography. Thrombosis of the upper ophthalmic vein causes papilloedema with or without haemorrhages on the disc and around it. Vision may be normal or slightly impaired. There are no inflammatory changes in the orbital soft tissues or exophthalmos. Fundus changes are not different from those caused by raised intracranial pressure.