Assessment of fetal circulation in the late first trimester--preliminary study

OBJECTIVES: to confirm that fetal echocardiography is indeed possible in late first trimester and that it improves the standard of the so-called "genetic" ultrasound scan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Early echocardiography was performed in 75 fetuses from high and low risk pregnancies. All fetuses underwent echocardiography examination in 18-22 weeks of gestation and established follow up. RESULTS: The most suitable method of visualization seems to be transabdominal examination, between 13.0-13.6 weeks of gestation, an transvaginal one, between 12.0-12.6 weeks of gestation, with 90% effectiveness. In researched group of 75 fetuses (with established follow up) there were four heart defects (5.3%). Three of them were diagnosed before 14th week of gestation. One case (tetralogy of Fallot) was overlooked. There were two false positive diagnosis verified at 20th week of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Early echocardiography, especially between 12.0-13.6 weeks of gestation, is a possible and valuable method of diagnosis. Reference evaluation should be performed between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation. In cases with suspected anomalies karyotyping is recommended. Congenital heart disease diagnosed at late first trimester should be treated as the next potential marker of genetic disorder.     

Evaluation of the influence of epoxide resins and their hardeners on the female body. II. Biochemical studies.

In women employed in an industrial plant in direct contact with epoxide resins and their hardeners, the following biochemical parameters were determined in blood: total protein, seromucoid, haptoglobin, hemoglobin variants, methemoglobin, alpha1-inhibitor of trypsin, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, alkaline and acid phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, leucylaminopeptidase, and alanine aminopeptidase. Depending on duration of work, Hb A2 fraction and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly, and aspartate aminotransferase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities decreased. In pregnant women, leucylaminopeptidase activity and isozyme of placental alkaline phosphatase were decreased.     

Über den Einfluss Grosser Dosen von Lactoflavin im Tierexperiment

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Einzelreferate und Buchbesprechungen

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Analysis of Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Children with Down Syndrome in the Context of Lipid and Oxidative Stress Parameters

Introduction: The risk of obesity in children with Down syndrome is high. Undoubtedly, proper nutrition plays an important role in the prevention of excess body weight and is associated with a reduction of metabolic complications. The aim of the study was to assess the problem of disturbances in the nutritional status and eating habits of children with DS. Methods: A total of 39 patients were included in the study. The nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric tests and Dual X-ray Absorptiometry. Eating habits were assessed using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire and the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Blood samples were taken to determine the oxidative stress and lipid parameters. Results: Obesity was recognized in 15% of subjects and 23% were overweight. Children that were overweight were characterized by higher levels of triglycerides, atherogenic index of plasma, and apoA2 and apoE levels. Fat mass, fat mass/height² index, and visceral fat mass correlated with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and advanced oxidative protein product level. The analysis of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire showed that children struggling with being overweight were more interested in food compared to those with normal body weight. A positive correlation was identified between waist circumference and food interest categories. Insufficient consumption of dairy products, vegetables, whole grain products, as well as fruits, seeds, nuts, and fatty fish was noted. Patients were less likely to consume products that are a good source of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conclusions: In children with Down syndrome and obesity, disturbances in lipid and oxidative stress parameters are observed. Abnormal eating habits in all children with Down syndrome regardless of their nutritional status were noted. Proper nutritional education, nutritional control, and management of metabolic problems are essential in this group of patients.     

GL Beams Reinforced with Plywood in the Outer Layer

Glulam beams are increasingly used in the construction industry because of their high strength and the possibility of using round timber with smaller cross-sections. The load-bearing capacity of beams is strongly related to the quality of the outer layers and, in the case of wood, especially the tension zones. For these reasons, this study decided to replace the outer lamella with tensile plywood. The produced beams were subjected to static bending strength and modulus of elasticity evaluation. It was shown that the best static bending strength values were obtained for beams containing plywood in the tension layer. However, the change in structure in the tension zone of beams made of glued laminated timber results not only in an increase in the load capacity of elements produced in this way but also in a decrease in the range/range of the obtained results of bending strength. This way of modifying the construction of glued laminated beams allows a more rational use of available pine timber.     

Permeability and Load Capacity of Iron Porous Bearings with the Addition of Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Due to their properties, porous sliding bearings are considered to be maintenance-free, which means that no lubrication is required during operation. Their design enables operation at low rotational speeds with high load. Another effect of this bearing design is the lubrication continuity in the tribological pair. In this study, the selected tribological properties (such as load capacity and permeability) of new-generation iron porous bearings with boron nitride powder were experimentally investigated. Tests were carried out under various conditions, using unique test apparatus. The addition of 3% (weight) of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) significantly increased the load capacity of tested porous bearings in comparison to the same standard bearings containing 2.5% copper. The obtained p_gr·v rating reached almost 7 MPa, which is a value almost three times higher than the requirements for this type of bearing. It is worth emphasizing that such a result was obtained despite a noticeable deterioration in the air and oil permeability of the bearing.