Activity of Selected Bone Formation and Angiogenesis Markers During the Treatment of Limb Length Discrepancy in Children Using Distraction Osteogenesis with the Circular Hexapod External Fixator.

Limb lengthening and deformity correction techniques, particularly distraction osteogenesis, have significantly evolved in pediatric orthopedics. This study examines the temporal changes of key biochemical markers-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1), and the propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP)-during the limb lengthening process. Twenty pediatric patients (aged 13-16) underwent distraction osteogenesis using the Circular Hexapod External Fixator.

Ring Oscillators with Additional Phase Detectors as a Random Source in a Random Number Generator.

In this paper, we propose a method to enhance the performance of a random number generator (RNG) that exploits ring oscillators (ROs). Our approach employs additional phase detectors to extract more entropy; thus, RNG uses fewer resources to produce bit sequences that pass all statistical tests proposed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Generating a specified number of bits is on-demand, eliminating the need for continuous RNG operation.

Co-delivery of rhBMP-2 and zoledronic acid using calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite carrier as a bioactive bone substitute to enhance and accelerate spinal fusion.

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been FDA-approved for lumbar fusion, but supraphysiologic initial burst release due to suboptimal carrier and late excess bone resorption caused by osteoclast activation have limited its clinical usage. One strategy to mitigate the pro-osteoclast side effect of rhBMP-2 is to give systemic bisphosphonates, but it presents challenges with systemic side effects and low local bioavailability. The aim of this study was to analyze if posterolateral spinal fusion (PLF) could be improved by utilizing a calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite (CaS/HA) carrier co-delivering rhBMP-2 and zoledronic acid (ZA).

A New Exopolysaccharide from a Wood-Decaying Fungus for a Wide Range of Biotechnological Applications.

Fungi are a unique natural resource rich in polysaccharides, proteins, and other components. Polysaccharides are considered one of the most important bioactive components in fungi. Increasing numbers of studies have confirmed that fungal polysaccharides have various biological activities.

Association between Polymorphism eNOS4, tPA, Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin, and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase and the Occurrence of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease.

Background: Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCPD) disease is a complex condition affecting the femoral head's epiphysis in children. It occurs with a prevalence ranging from 0.4 to 29.

[Mother's experience of planned caesarean section in the absence of the father or companion: Impact of Covid-19 pandemic-related lockdown].

Background: The presence of the father or companion during planned caesarean section presents several benefits. However, we found no study regarding the mother's experience of his presence or absence.

Material And Methods: We conducted an observational, prospective, two-centre study based on the data of women who had a planned caesarean section in Bel Air and Mercy Maternities between November 17th 2020 and June 4th 2021.

Effect of bisphosphonates on selected markers of bone turnover in patients after total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: Osteoporosis is a problem for many patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aseptic loosening of the prosthesis is also a significant problem. Therefore, in these patients, bisphosphonates (BPs) are used that, by influencing the level of bone turnover markers, reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures and aseptic revisions in TKA.

Dose-Dependent Effects of a Novel Selective EP Prostaglandin Receptor Agonist on Treatment of Critical Size Femoral Bone Defects in a Rat Model.

Difficulties in treating pseudarthrosis and critical bone defects are still evident in physicians' clinical routines. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) has shown promising osteoinductive results but also considerable side effects, not unexpected given that it is a morphogen. Thus, the bone regenerative potential of the novel selective, non-morphogenic EP prostaglandin receptor agonist KMN-159 was investigated in this study.

Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of spp. Colonizing European Pond Turtles and Their Natural Environment. First Study from Poland.

The aim of the study was to isolate and identify species belonging to the genus and evaluate the antimicrobial resistance and virulence patterns of isolates colonizing European pond turtles () from natural environment of Eastern Poland. In total, 74 turtles and 15 samples of water from their natural environment were examined. More than 40 strains were isolated and identified: ( = 1), ( = 13), ( = 2), ( = 3), and ( = 23).

Thromboelastometric Analysis of Anticancer Subfractions Reveal Their Potential as Fibrin Glue Drug Carrier Enhancers.

In this study, the influence of two subfractions (with previously proven anti-cancer properties) isolated from wood rot fungus on the formation of a fibrin clot was investigated in the context of potential use as fibrin glue and sealant enhancers and potential wound healing agents. With the use of ROTEM thromboelastometry, we demonstrated that, in the presence of fibrinogen and thrombin, the S6 fraction accelerated the formation of a fibrin clot, had a positive effect on its elasticity modulus, and enhanced the degree of fibrin cross-linking. The S5 fraction alone showed no influence on the fibrin coagulation process; however, in the presence of fibrin, it exhibited a decrease in anti-proliferative properties against the HT-29 line, while it increased the proliferation of cells in general at a concentration of 100 µg/mL.

Physical Unclonable Function Based on the Internal State Transitions of a Fibonacci Ring Oscillator.

This article introduces a new class of physical unclonable functions (PUFs) based on the Fibonacci ring oscillator (FIRO). The research conducted here proves that before reaching the desired randomness, the oscillator shows a certain degree of repeatability and uniqueness in the initial sequence of internal state transitions. The use of an FIRO in conjunction with the restart method makes it possible to obtain a set of short boot sequences, which are processed with an innovative feature extraction algorithm that enables reliable device identification.

Last Call for Replacement of Antimicrobials in Animal Production: Modern Challenges, Opportunities, and Potential Solutions.

The constant market demand for easily available and cheap food of animal origin necessitates an increasing use of antibiotics in animal production. The alarming data provided by organizations monitoring drug resistance in indicator and pathogenic bacteria isolated from humans and animals indicate a possible risk of a return to the preantibiotic era. For this reason, it seems that both preventive and therapeutic measures, taken as an alternative to antimicrobials, seem not only advisable but also necessary.

A facile one-stage treatment of critical bone defects using a calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite biomaterial providing spatiotemporal delivery of bone morphogenic protein-2 and zoledronic acid.

Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) are the only true osteoinductive molecules. Despite being tremendously potent, their clinical use has been limited for reasons including supraphysiological doses, suboptimal delivery systems, and the pro-osteoclast effect of BMPs. Efforts to achieve spatially controlled bone formation using BMPs are being made.

Antitumor potential of new low molecular weight antioxidative preparations from the white rot fungus Cerrena unicolor against human colon cancer cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer and antioxidant activities of low molecular weight subfractions isolated from secondary metabolites produced by the wood degrading fungus Cerrena unicolor. Human colon cancer cells (stage I) HT-29 and human normal colon epithelial cells CCD 841 CoTr were used in the research. The present study demonstrated that the low molecular weight subfractions exhibited inhibitory activity towards human colon cancer cells HT-29 at a concentration range of 25-200 μg/mL.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in children: A comparative randomized short-term study of fascia lata allograft and gracilis tendon autograft reconstruction.

Background: Many surgical procedures have been described to treat recurrent patellar dislocation, but none of these techniques has been successful in all patients. The goal of the study was to evaluate the results of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in children. Two operative procedures were evaluated; a fascia lata allograft and an autologous gracilis graft.

Cat Scratch Disease in a 1.5-year-old girl - Case report.

Introduction: The paper is a case report presenting Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) in a 1.5-year- old girl. Bartoneloses, including CSD, are a group of infectious diseases which are rarely detected, therefore there are no statistical data concerning the aetiology, and the incidence of CSD noted in Poland is low in comparison with other European countries.

Anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of low molecular weight bioactive subfractions isolated from cultures of wood degrading fungus Cerrena unicolor.

The aim of this study is to investigate in vitro the anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of three low molecular weight subfractions I, II and III isolated from secondary metabolites produced by the wood degrading fungus Cerrena unicolor. The present study demonstrated that the low molecular weight subfractions III exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity towards breast carcinoma cells MDA-MB-231, prostatic carcinoma cells PC3, and breast cancer cells MCF7 with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 52,25 μg/mL, 60,66 μg/mL, and 54,92 μg/mL, respectively. The highest percentage of inhibition was noted at a concentration of 300 μg/mL in all the examined tumor lines.

Haptoglobin as a treatment monitoring factor in feline plasmacytic gingivostomatitis.

Introduction: feline plasmacytic gingivostomatitis is an important and fairly common chronic disease. Its complex aetiology - which involves infectious agents, immunological disorders, and even genetic factors adds to the considerable difficulty of its treatment.

Materials And Methods: the study was performed on 33 cats, 26 animals diagnosed with plasmacytic gingivostomatitis (study group) and 7 clinically healthy cats (control group).

Clavicle fracture associated with atlantoaxial rotatory displacement, type II in an 8-year-old girl: A case report.

Rationale: Fracture of the clavicle is a very common injury in children. However, association between clavicle fracture and atlantoaxial rotatory displacement is rarely observed.

Patient Concerns: We present a case of an 8-year-old girl, who suffered a right clavicle fracture as a result of a sledge accident.

Transition-Metal-Free Radical C(sp)-C(sp) and C(sp)-C(sp) Coupling Enabled by 2-Azaallyls as Super-Electron-Donors and Coupling-Partners.

The past decade has witnessed the rapid development of radical generation strategies and their applications in C-C bond-forming reactions. Most of these processes require initiators, transition metal catalysts, or organometallic reagents. Herein, we report the discovery of a simple organic system (2-azaallyl anions) that enables radical coupling reactions under transition-metal-free conditions.

[Prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects: Correlation between prenatal and postnatal data].

Objectives: Neural tube defects (NTD) are congenital anomalies that can cause significant neurological long-term disabilities. Theses malformations are accessible to prenatal diagnosis and quite recently, to in utero repair for some myelomeningoceles. The aim of this study was to analyse the correlation between prenatal and postnatal examinations.

Bilateral congenital torticollis: a case report with 25 years of follow-up.

Unilateral congenital sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) contracture causing torticollis is well known. Although the unilateral muscular torticollis is quite often recognized, a bilateral contracture of SCM muscle is very rare. A review of the literature showed only three cases of bilateral congenital torticollis reported over the last two decades.

Molecular-level evaluation of selected periodontal pathogens from subgingival regions in canines and humans with periodontal disease.

Dogs commonly serve as a model for various human conditions, including periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the anaerobic bacteria that colonize the subgingival areas in dogs and humans by using rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based tests and to compare the results obtained in each species. Bacterial microflora evaluations, both quantitative and qualitative, were performed by applying ready-made tests on twelve dogs and twelve humans.

Stimulation of the Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Potential of the Blood Red Bracket Mushroom Pycnoporus sanguineus (Higher Basidiomycetes).

The antioxidative and antibacterial properties of low-molecular-weight secondary metabolite subfractions (ex-LMS) from cultures of Pycnoporus sanguineus cultivated under different temperature conditions (25°C [ex-LMSa] and 30°C [ex-LMSb]) were assessed. The antioxidative properties were studied using chemiluminometric measurement, an ABTS assay, and a DPPH reduction rate assay with Trolox and ascorbic acid as the control. The values noted for the ex-LMSb were significantly higher than those for ex-LMSa: 97%, 52%, and 31% for chemiluminometric measurement, the ABTS assay, and the DPPH assay, respectively, at a concentration of 50 µg/mL.