Detailed analysis of a series of explanted Talent AAA stent-grafts: biofunctionality assessment

Six Talent stent-grafts were harvested at reoperations (N=5) and autopsy (N=1). The explants were observed nondestructively, including gross morphology, X-rays, CT scans and closed pressure system analysis. The Nitinol frames in three devices harvested at reoperations and another harvested at autopsy were intact. One had a stent fracture of the proximal bare stent, and one had a wire fracture of a thin proximal external supporting stent as well as a hole in the fabric just above the bifurcation. For the three devices structurally intact, reoperations were performed for a type 1A endoleak (one patient) and aorto-enteric fistulas (two patients). The healing characteristics were poor or absent. The fabric in the main body of the grafts harvested after aorto-enteric fistula was devoid of biological deposits. Two of the grafts harvested at reoperation demonstrated fabric holes of up to 4 mm 2. The device obtained at autopsy showed an almost continuous internal capsule with variable thickness. The luminal surface was smooth, but the capsule detached easily. The devices explanted at reoperations showed various levels of impaired biofunctionality associated with adverse outcomes. The stent-graft retrieved from autopsy was intact.     

Breast cancer cell populations and its changes relation to therapy

This review summarizes the data from published studies that dealt with observation of various bioparameters changes in cancer population dependant on used therapy. Critically evaluating these studies and looking for relations among separate results we are trying to estimate prognostic value of these parameters (likelihood of recurrence, overall survival, ...) and also their value for prediction of tumor response to cytostatic, hormonal or other treatment. The aim is selection of such tumor population characteristics the testing of them would enable better patient stratification in postoperative adjuvant systemic therapy.     

Impaired decision-making in psychopathic heroin addicts

Substance-dependent individuals (SDIs) often show neurocognitive deficits in decision-making, such that their choices are biased toward the greatest immediate reward rather than the optimal future outcome. However, studies of SDIs are often hampered by two significant methodological challenges: polysubstance dependence and comorbid conditions, which are independently associated with neurocognitive impairments. We addressed these methodological challenges by testing heroin addicts in Bulgaria, where heroin addiction is highly prevalent but polysubstance dependence is rare. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the potential contribution of psychopathy to decision-making processes among this group of Bulgarian heroin addicts. We tested 78 male currently abstaining heroin addicts, classified as psychopathic or non-psychopathic using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, Revised (PCL-R). Psychopathic heroin addicts showed notable deficits in decision-making in that they made significantly more disadvantageous decisions relative to non-psychopathic heroin addicts. Results indicate that the presence of psychopathy may exacerbate decision-making deficits in heroin addicts.     

A model of experimental acute hematogenous pyelonephritis in the rat

The OBJECTIVE of the study was to create a model of acute hematogenous pyelonephritis in the rat without causing urinary retention by ligation of the ureter. Mixed bacterial suspension containing 1.5 x 10(6) colony-forming units (CFU) of S. aureus and 3.0 x 10(6) CFU of E. coli was inoculated in the caudal vein at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg. Control animals received the same amount of saline solution. Pyelonephritis was confirmed by lab urine tests and histopathological study of the kidneys. Infected animals initially developed sepsis with a significant increase of leukocytes and C-reactive protein in the blood. Originally only bacteriuria was found in the urine of experimental animals, but later, in the course of the development of pyelonephritis (12-18 days), leucocyturia and active leukocytes (glitter cells) were also available in urine. The levels of beta-2 microglobulin in the urine of infected animals (4.02 +/- 0.04 mmol/l on day 16 and 4.18 + 0.07 mmol/l on day 18) were significantly highly increased (p <0.0001) in comparison with the value of the control group (0.088 +/- 0.005 mmol/l). In the early days the histopathological examination of the kidneys established erythrocyte stasis. Later leukocyte infiltrates were observed in the interstitial tissue around the kidney tubules, glomeruli and vascular walls, and inflammatory cell infiltration and degenerative changes were present in the epithelium of the canaliculi. Combined hematogenous infection with S. aureus and E. coli led to the development of pyelonephritis in rats. The pathology in the kidney tubules was confirmed by histopathological study and by the elevated levels of beta-2 microglobulin and the presence of active leukocytes in urine.     

An integrated approach for bioaccumulation assessment in mussels: towards the development of Environmental Quality Standards for biota

The possible use of chemical concentrations measured in mussels (Mytillus galloprovincialis) for compliance checking against Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) established for biota is analyzed with the help of an integrated model. The model consists of a 3D planktonic module that provides biomasses in the different compartments, i.e., phytoplankton, zooplankton and bacteria; a 3D fate module that provides the concentrations of contaminants in the water column and in the sediments; and a 3D bioaccumulation module that calculates internal concentrations in relevant biotic compartments. These modules feed a 0D growth and bioaccumulation module for mussels, based on the Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) approach. The integrated model has been applied to study the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Thau lagoon (France). The model correctly predicts the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in mussels as a function of the concentrations in the water column and in phytoplankton. It also sheds light on the origin of the complexity associated with the use of EQS for biota and their conversion to water column concentrations. The integrated model is potentially useful for regulatory purposes, for example in the context of the European Water Framework (WFD) and Marine Strategy Framework Directives (MSFD).