Application of spike sorting algorithm to neuronal signals originated from boron doped diamond micro-electrode arrays.

In this work we report on the implementation of methods for data processing signals from microelectrode arrays (MEA) and the application of these methods for signals originated from two types of MEAs to detect putative neurons and sort them into subpopulations. We recorded electrical signals from firing neurons using titanium nitride (TiN) and boron doped diamond (BDD) MEAs. In previous research, we have shown that these methods have the capacity to detect neurons using commercially-available TiN-MEAs. We have managed to cultivate and record hippocampal neurons for the first time using a newly developed custom-made multichannel BDD-MEA with 20 recording sites. We have analysed the signals with the algorithms developed and employed them to inspect firing bursts and enable spike sorting. We did not observe any significant difference between BDD- and TiN-MEAs over the parameters, which estimated spike shape variability per each detected neuron. This result supports the hypothesis that we have detected real neurons, rather than noise, in the BDD-MEA signal. BDD materials with suitable mechanical, electrical and biocompatibility properties have a large potential in novel therapies for treatments of neural pathologies, such as deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

Imaging of transfection and intracellular release of intact, non-labeled DNA using fluorescent nanodiamonds.

Efficient delivery of stabilized nucleic acids (NAs) into cells and release of the NA payload are crucial points in the transfection process. Here we report on the fabrication of a nanoscopic cellular delivery carrier that is additionally combined with a label-free intracellular sensor device, based on biocompatible fluorescent nanodiamond particles. The sensing function is engineered into nanodiamonds by using nitrogen-vacancy color centers, providing stable non-blinking luminescence. The device is used for monitoring NA transfection and the payload release in cells. The unpacking of NAs from a poly(ethyleneimine)-terminated nanodiamond surface is monitored using the color shift of nitrogen-vacancy centers in the diamond, which serve as a nanoscopic electric charge sensor. The proposed device innovates the strategies for NA imaging and delivery, by providing detection of the intracellular release of non-labeled NAs without affecting cellular processing of the NAs. Our system highlights the potential of nanodiamonds to act not merely as labels but also as non-toxic and non-photobleachable fluorescent biosensors reporting complex molecular events.

[Monster hernia programme in Hernia Centre Liberec]. / Program monstrózních kýl v Kýlním centru Liberec.

INTRODUCTION: The authors introduce a unique programme in the Czech Republic focused on extreme herniology. Patients with giant complex ventral hernias (monster hernias) have been concentrated in a high-volume hernia center with the most advanced perioperative intensive care since 2012. The authors present their single centre experience with the support of literature. RESULTS: Between 20122015 we operated on 36 patients with a giant complex hernia. Minimal inclusion criteria for enrolment in the very heterogeneous group included: a defect over 15 cm wide, loss of domain of 20% and higher, and the mean surface area of at least 225 cm².We consider not only advanced abdominal wall reconstruction techniques to be essential in the treatment of giant complex ventral hernias. Open component separation, endoscopic component separation technique, bariatric procedures, panniculectomy, abdominoplasty, advancement flaps, skin grafting, preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum, CT volumetry, individual binders tailoring, crane pulley and many others (see the text) should all be included in the armamentarium of such specialized, high-volume hernia centres. The anatomy, function and aesthetics should be inseparable parts of preoperative planning. Apart from the operation there are three major aspects in the treatment of the so called monster hernias: tailoring, preconditioning and complex postoperative care. NPWT (negative pressure wound therapy) should be easily accessible in case of extensive skin necrosis with mesh infection after major abdominal hernia repairs. Using negative pressure we have saved 100% of infected prostheses from explantation (including MRSA, ESBL..). CONCLUSION: Monster hernia programme is challenging for both the patient and the surgeon. It is costly, time consuming, associated with a high complication ratio (high morbidity and recurrence) and is designed for patients with a significant health, social, work, sexual and sports handicap, and with the risk of further severe or irreversible health problems. KEY WORDS: hernia component separation abdominoplasty volumetry.

Charge-sensitive fluorescent nanosensors created from nanodiamonds.

We show that fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are among the few types of nanosensors that enable direct optical reading of noncovalent molecular events. The unique sensing mechanism is based on switching between the negatively charged and neutral states of NV centers which is induced by the interaction of the FND surface with charged molecules.

[Morphological validation of peloidobalneotherapy intensification in patients with duodenal ulcer]. / Morfologicheskie obosnovanie intensifikatsii peloidobal'neoterapii u bol'nykh iazvennoi bolezn'iu dvenadtsatiperstnoi kishki.

AIM: To study effectiveness of short courses of intensive peloidobalneotherapy in duodenal ulcer (DU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsy before and after the treatment course were made in 124 DU patients. Depending on timing of moor applications, pine and pearl baths, the patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients of group 1 received procedures daily with interval 4-5 hours (intensive course), patients of group 2 were treated each other day. RESULTS: 3-4 weeks of the treatment produced a response in both groups but in group 2 there were no signs of active inflammation in gastric and duodenum mucosa. 2 years later, patients of group 1 had histological evidence of chronic inflammation exacerbation. The latter was absent in group 2. CONCLUSION: An intensive course of peloidobalneotherapy results in attenuation of chronic gastroduodenal inflammation in DU patients.

[Effectiveness of an intensive pelobalneotherapy course in the treatment of patients with duodenal ulcer]. / Effektivnost' kursa intensivnoi peloidobal'neoterapii v lechenii bol'nykh iazvennoi bolezn'iu s lokalizatsiei iazvy v dvenadtsatiperstnoi kishke.

Intensification of peloidobalneation pattern results in cicatrization of ulcer in many patients with duodenal ulcer at the stage of partial clinical remission and attenuated exacerbation during 18 days promoting alleviation in chronic inflammation in gastroduodenal zone.

[Possibility of using intensive peloid balneotherapy on duodenal ulcer patients]. / Vozmozhnost' naznacheniia intensivnoi peloidobal'neoterapii bol'nym iazvennoi bolezn'iu dvenadtsatiperstnoi kishki.

The authors studied effectiveness of intensive peloidobalneotherapy (PBT)--daily peloids, baths and drinking mineral water--in 124 patients with duodenal ulcer in attenuating exacerbation and incomplete clinical remission. The condition of the gastroduodenal zone was studied with intragastric pH-metry, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with spot biopsy, usease test, rheohepatography. Intensive PBT reduced the time of the treatment by 8-10 days, faster relieved clinical symptoms, raised the number of ulcer healings, normalized acid function of the stomach, prolonged long-term effect. The response of the body to intensive PBT increases therapeutic effectiveness 1.6 times. Tolerance criteria for PBT and the effect prognosis formula have been designed.

[Gastric and duodenal mucosal function in peptic ulcer patients exposed to endoscopic laser therapy and sanatorium-health resort factors]. / Sostoianie slizistoi obolochki zheludka i dvenadtsatiperstnoi kishki u bol'nykh iazvennoi bolezn'iu pri vozdeistvii éndoskopicheskoi lazeroterapii i sanatorno-kurortnykh faktorov.

A comparative study of gastric and duodenal bulb mucosa has been performed in 138 patients with ulcer before and after treatment. The patients were treated with either He-Ne laser or copper steam laser alone vs combination of laser therapy with spa treatment. The most favourable was the complex including green spectrum laser in combination with administration of Shira Lake mineral water and electrophoresis of this water.