Changes In Morphological Parameters Research Articles

Depth-Sensing-Based Algorithm for Chest Morphology Assessment in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

This study introduced a depth-sensing-based approach with robust algorithms for tracking relative morphological changes in the chests of patients undergoing physical therapy. The problem that was addressed was the periodic change in morphological parameters induced by breathing, and since the recording was continuous, the parameters were extracted for the moments of maximum and minimum volumes of the chest (inspiration and expiration moments), and analyzed. The parameters were derived from morphological transverse cross-sections (CSs), which were extracted for the moments of maximal and minimal depth variations, and the reliability of the results was expressed through the coefficient of variation (CV) of the resulting curves. Across all subjects and levels of observed anatomy, the mean CV for CS depth values was smaller than 2%, and the mean CV of the CS area was smaller than 1%. To prove the reproducibility of measurements (extraction of morphological parameters), 10 subjects were recorded in two consecutive sessions with a short interval (2 weeks) where no changes in the monitored parameters were expected and statistical methods show that there was no statistically significant difference between the sessions, which confirms the reproducibility hypothesis. Additionally, based on the representative CSs for inspiration and expirations moments, chest mobility in quiet breathing was examined, and the statistical test showed no difference between the two sessions. The findings justify the proposed algorithm as a valuable tool for evaluating the impact of rehabilitation exercises on chest morphology.

Evaluation of junctional zone differential and ratio as possible markers of clinical efficacy in uterine artery embolisation of adenomyosis

BackgroundUterine artery embolisation is a recommended method of adenomyosis treatment with good clinical results. Changes in uterine volume and maximal junctional zone thickness (JZmax) after embolisation are thoroughly analyzed in the literature. In contrast changes in other suggested morphological diagnostic markers of adenomyosis (junctional zone differential / JZdiff—and junctional zone ratio / JZratio) are rarely evaluated. This single-centre retrospective study aimed to analyse the changes in morphological parameters used for the MR imaging diagnosis of adenomyosis (including JZdiff and JZratio) after UAE. Clinical effectiveness and safety were also analysed.Materials and methodsPatients who underwent UAE for pure adenomyosis from Jan 2008 to Dec 2021 were evaluated. Adenomyosis was diagnosed based on JZmax, JZdiff, and JZratio measured on MR imaging. To assess clinical efficacy, the numerical-analog-quality-of-life (QoL) score was routinely obtained from patients at our centre. MRI morphological data were analysed. Statistical analysis was conducted using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, uni- and multivariate regression models, Pearson product-moment correlation, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.ResultsFrom our database of 801 patients who underwent UAE between Jan 2008 to Dec 2021, preprocedural MR images were available in 577 cases and, 15 patients had pure adenomyosis (15/577, 2.6%). Uterine volume, JZmax, and JZdiff decreased significantly after UAE; QoL score increased significantly. A significant correlation was found between QoL change vs. JZmax and JZdiff change. Permanent amenorrhoea and elective hysterectomy 5 years after UAE were both 7.1%.ConclusionChange of JZdiff after UAE in adenomyosis is a potential marker of clinical success. UAE is a clinically safe and effective treatment for adenomyosis.Graphical

Dynamics of morphofunctional parameters in experimental pseudomonosis of rabbits

Among the most frequently reported diseases of rabbits, the main place is occupied by diseases of bacterial etiology, the pathogens of which are characterized by multidrug resistance. The aim of the study was to analyze the dynamics of morphometric indicators during experimental infection of rabbits with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. When assessing colonization resistance of organs, the following indicators were taken into account: colonization index, ratio of the number of microorganisms isolated from nasal cavity washes, contents of cecum of clinically healthy and sick animals. Significant changes in morphological parameters (p 0.05) were revealed during the isolation of P. aeruginosa from blood, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and kidneys of sick rabbits. Overgrowth of isolates producing adhesive antigens, hemolysins, bacteriocins should be considered as prognostic markers of connective tissue dysplasia. The initiation, development, and outcome of microbial overgrowth syndrome are mediated by morphofunctional changes in compensatory mechanisms of mucociliary clearance system and colonization resistance.

Adaptational Response of Individual Trabeculae Morphology to Loading at Different Directions

Trabecular bone undergoes changes in its morphology when subjected to external loading. This paper analyses changes in morphological parameters of individual trabeculae (trabecular thickness and bone volume fraction) in response to loadings at different directions: 0°, 20°, 45°, 70° and 90°. It was found that increase in the load incline caused increase in trabecular thickness and bone volume fraction. In addition, the equilibrium-state trabeculae obtained from adaptation to load at 90° (shear loading) had the highest axial and lateral stiffnesses, as compared to trabecular geometries obtained from other loading scenarios.

Prediction models of texture attributes for radiofrequency assisted hot air drying of jujube slices based on morphological parameters

The effects of temperature and radiofrequency (RF) treatment on the texture attributes and morphological parameters of jujube slices were investigated using radiofrequency-assisted hot air drying (RFHAD). Drying temperature and RF treatment time have a significant influence on texture attributes such as chewiness and cohesiveness and morphological parameters such as area, roundness, and perimeter of jujube slices. The correlation between texture attributes and morphological parameters showed that area, roundness and perimeter were highly correlated with cohesiveness (P < 0.01), and chewiness was significantly correlated with circumference (P < 0.05). The regression model was estimated by using back propagation neural network (BPNN), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and multi-linear regression (MLR). Then, the texture attributes of jujube slices were predicted according to the changes of morphological parameters. BPNN predicted root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.1116 and 0.0091 for chewiness and cohesiveness, respectively, and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9943 and 0.9893 for chewiness and cohesiveness, respectively. In addition, BPNN obtained the highest R2 and lowest RMSE compared with PLSR and MLR. Therefore, BPNN can be used to explore the change mechanism of texture attributes of jujube slices from a macro point of view and provide a new idea for the drying technology of jujube slices.

Dendritogenic Potential of the Ethanol Extract from Lippia alba Leaves in Rat Cortical Neurons.

A reduced dendritic complexity, especially in regions such as the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, has been linked to the pathophysiology of some neuropsychiatric disorders, in which synaptic plasticity and functions such as emotional and cognitive processing are compromised. For this reason, the identification of new therapeutic strategies would be enriched by the search for metabolites that promote structural plasticity. The present study evaluated the dendritogenic potential of the ethanol extract of Lippia alba, an aromatic plant rich in flavonoids and terpenes, which has been widely used in traditional medicine for its presumed analgesic, anxiolytic, and antidepressant potential. An in vitro model of rat cortical neurons was used to determine the kinetics of the plant's effect at different time intervals. Changes in morphological parameters of the neurons were determined, as well as the dendritic complexity, by Sholl analysis. The extract promotes the outgrowth of dendritic branching in a rapid and sustained fashion, without being cytotoxic to the cells. We found that this effect could be mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway, which is involved in mechanisms of neuronal plasticity, differentiation, and survival. The evidence presented in this study provides a basis for further research that, through in vivo models, can delve into the plant's therapeutic potential.

Peculiarities of the morphological composition, protein profile, and activity of aminotransferases in the blood of turkeys in the presence of keel “namins”

A timely blood test is essential to detect possible abnormalities in the body. Blood somewhat objectively reflects the state of the internal environment in which all metabolic processes take place. The blood test is one of the most informative laboratory diagnostic tools, which provides essential information about the functional state of various organs and systems of the body. The work aimed to investigate the changes in morphological parameters, protein profile, and activity of aminotransaminases in the blood of turkeys in the presence of keel “namins”. The research was carried out at “Indykat” Ltd. in the village Kadubivtsi of the Lviv region on turkeys of the Big-6 breed on two groups of turkeys, 10 birds each. The turkeys of the control group were clinically healthy, and those of the experimental group had visible clinical signs of “namin” on the keel. The results of the research showed that the number of erythrocytes in the blood of clinically healthy birds was 2.5 ± 0.19 T/l, leukocytes – 21.8 ± 1.36 G/l, hemoglobin content – 90.5 ± 2.54 g/l, and the hematocrit was equal to 29.4 ± 1.44 %. In the presence of “namins” in the blood of turkeys, the number of leukocytes and hematocrit, compared to the control, was higher by 15.2 and 3.8 %, respectively, and the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin content was lower by 16.1 and 11.3 %. Analyzing the leukogram of the blood of the turkeys of the research group, the appearance of basophilic leukocytes and young neutrophils was established, the number of which was 1.1 ± 0.08 and 0.2 ± 0.01 %, respectively. Compared to the control, the number of rod-shaped and segmented neutrophils was higher by 1.3 and 6.3 %, monocytes by 16.3 %, and eosinophils and lymphocytes were lower by 1.3 and 16.8 % and amounted to 6, 3 ± 0.27 and 41.1 ± 2.41 %. The level of total protein in the blood of birds in the pectoral muscles that developed and formed “namins” was 26.4 ± 1.35 g/l and was 6.7 % lower than that of the experimental group. In the presence of “namins” on the keels of turkeys, a 4.4 % higher level of globulins, which perform a protective function, and a 17.1 % lower amount of albumins were found. The pathological process that developed in the pectoral muscles of turkeys led to an increase in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood of turkeys to 32.4 ± 1.23 and 314.2 ± 14.2 units/l, which was more significant than indicators of the control group by 8.6 and 8.3 %, respectively.

ANALIZA ZMIAN WYBRANYCH WSKAZNIKÓW HEMATOLOGICZNYCH KRWI KRÓW MLECZNYCH ´ W OSTATNIM TRYMESTRZE PIERWSZEJ CI ˛AZY I PIERWSZYCH DWÓCH MIESI ˛ACACH LAKTACJI

Dynamic changes in an organism of heifers at the end of pregnancy, and in primiparous cows in early lactation, may imply changes in morphological parameters. Their evaluation may contribute to a better understanding of changes, occurring in an organism of pregnant and lactating young cows. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate, analyze and evaluate the changes in hematological parameters of peripheral blood (RBC, MCV, HGB, MCH, MCHC, WBC, PLT and HCT) in pregnant heifers/primiparous cows, of Polish Holstein-Friesian of Black-and-White variety, during the last trimester of pregnancy and in the first two months of lactation, with particular emphasis on transition period. Blood parameters were analyzed with the use of analyzer: scil Vet abc Plus+ (HORIBA Medical), on the following dates: 90, 30, 14 and 7 days before parturition and 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after parturition. Results of the study indicate that the most abrupt changes were observed for hematocrit, erythrocyte count, leukocytes, thrombocytes and hemoglobin concentration in blood. Parameters of red blood cells, at the end of pregnancy and first two months of lactation, didn’t exhibit any statistically significant changes. Noteworthy, is the convergence of trends in hematocrit and hemoglobin during analyzed period. High and stable hematocrit at the end of pregnancy was due to the stable erythrocyte count in this period. Decrease in RBCs after calving, and lower values during first two months of lactation, caused postpartum decrease in hematocrit and its stabilization at a lower level. These observations denote indirectly changes in blood volume, during analyzed period, what is supported by: tendencies observed for hemoglobin concentration, and stable MCV and MCHC. Obtained results suggest high efficiency of homeostatic mechanisms in pregnant and lactating heifers/primiparous cows. Our results may be useful for comparative studies both in physiology and health disturbances research in cows during the pre and post-partum period.

Gastrointestinal Hormones, Morphological Characteristics, and Physical Performance in Elite Soccer Players.

To determine the relationship between gastrointestinal hormones (leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1), ghrelin, cholecystokinin, peptide YY, morphological characteristics, and physical performances in elite soccer players. Q2 Twenty-two elite male soccer players (age = 23.1 [2.7]y, height = 177.0 [0.1]cm, weight = 70.2 [2.9]kg, body mass index = 22.1 [1.8]kg/m2) completed 3-day food records each week during the 5-week training period. Blood samples were drawn after an overnight fast before and after preseason training to assess gastrointestinal hormones (leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1, ghrelin, cholecystokinin, and peptide YY). Continuous analysis of the training load was used during the training period. Preintervention and postintervention tests assessed jumping (countermovement jump), sprinting (10, 20, and 30 m), and endurance fitness (the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 [YYIRT1]) levels. Preseason training decreased body mass index (P = .001; effect size [ES] = 0.183) and body fat percentage (P = .001; ES = 0.516). There were increases in countermovement jump (P = .032; ES = 0.215), 20- (P = .016; ES = 0.195) and 30-m sprints (P = .001; ES = 0.188), and YYIRT1 performance (P = .001; ES = 0.9). Levels of cholecystokinin, peptide YY, and ghrelin did not change during preseason training, although changes in leptin (P = .001; ES = 0.41) and glucagon-like peptide-1 levels (P = .039; ES = 0.606) were recorded. Leptinemia correlated with anthropometric parameters (body mass index, r = .77, P = .001; percentage of body fat,r = .67, P = .006) and the total distance covered during the YYIRT1 (r = -.54; P = .03). Changes in morphological parameters and physical performance in elite-level male soccer players are related to variations in selected gastrointestinal hormones.

Анализ ганглиозных клеток сетчатки по данным оптической когерентной томографии у пациентов после витрэктомии по поводу регматогенной отслойки сетчатки

The study included 59 eyes after vitrectomy with silicone oil and gas tamponade. The 1st group (31 eyes) consisted of cases with silicone oil 1300 cSt tamponade, the 2nd group (28 eyes) – cases with C2F6 gas tamponade. Perpose. To compare changes in morphological parameters of ganglion cells and the morphological structure of the retina after vitrectomy with gas and silicone oil tamponade due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Results. BCVA in the 1st group was reduced compared to the 2nd group, amounting to 0.4 [0.2; 0.5] in the 1st group and 0.5 [0.3; 0.6] (U = 242.500, p = 0.044) in the 2nd group. In the 1st group ERM occurred 4.1 times more often than in the 2nd group (χ² = 4.391, df = 1, p = 0.036). Macular edema in the outer nuclear layer was detected only in the 1st group in 16 % of cases (χ² = 4.766, df = 1, p = 0.029). Macular edema in the inner nuclear layer in the 1st group was 5.7 times more common than in 2nd group, amounting to 22.6 % and 4 %, respectively (χ² = 4.325, df = 1, p = 0.029). Ellipsoid zone defect was detected in 22.6 % of cases in the 1st group and in 32 % of cases in the 2nd group (χ² = 0.835, df = 1, p = 0.361). The focal loss volume of retinal ganglion cells in the 1st group was 8.5 times higher than in the 2nd group (U = 158.500, p = 0.009) A statistically significant difference was obtained for the Intra Eye GCC parameter, amounting to -5.0 [-8.25; 1.0]* in the 1st group and 0.0 [-3.0; 6.0] in the 2nd (U = 146.500, p = 0.004). Conclusion. According to visometry in the postoperative period for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using silicone oi tamponade with a duration of 80.0 [59.0; 120.0] associated with a lower functional result compare to gas tamponade, accompanied by a more frequent formation of ERM, cystoid macular edema and an increase in focal loss volume of ganglion cell complex compared to gas tamponade.

Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy With High Hinge Position Risks Lateral Hinge Fracture in Men With Posterolateral Tibial Condyle Protrusion

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional morphology of the proximal tibia around the osteotomy plane in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy, focusing on the posterolateral (PL) and posteromedial (PM) tibial condyles, and to clarify the changes in morphologic parameters due to differences in patient characteristics and hinge position. The secondary aim was to examine whether morphologic features were associated with insufficient osteotomy, which increases the risk of lateral hinge fracture (LHF). The PL and PM anteroposterior distance, asymmetry ratio, and discrepancy between PL and PM distances along the tibial osteotomy plane were measured. We investigated changes in the parameters due to differences in patient characteristics and hinge position. Osteotomy configurations and LHFs were evaluated using postoperative computed tomography scans. The 3-dimensional preoperative plans of 117 knees (male, 41 knees; female, 76 knees) were evaluated. PL distances were larger than PM distances in almost all cases. The average asymmetry ratio was 1.35, and the standard deviation was 0.22. Higher hinge position was associated with a larger asymmetry ratio and discrepancy (P < .001). The asymmetry ratio and discrepancy were independently positively correlated with male sex (P= .002 and P= .001, respectively) and gentle posterior tibial slope (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Osteotomies with type III LHFs showed lower osteotomy sufficiency than osteotomies without LHFs (P < .001). PL tibial condyle protrusion was more pronounced in male patients and those with a high hinge position, and may result in insufficient PL osteotomy, which is a risk factor for type III LHF during open-wedge high tibial osteotomy. The optimal hinge position was located approximately 15 mm and 20 mm distal to the lateral tibial plateau in female and male patients, respectively. IV: retrospective case series.

Isotopic evidence concerning the habitat of Nautilus macromphalus in New Caledonia.

Modern nautilids (Nautilus and Allonautilus) have often been studied by paleontologists to better understand the anatomy and ecology of fossil relatives. Because direct observations of these animals are difficult, the analysis of light stable isotopes (C, O) preserved in their shells has been employed to reveal their habitat and life history. We aim to (1) reconstruct the habitat depth of Nautilus macromphalus and (2) decipher the fraction of metabolic carbon in its shell by analyzing oxygen and carbon isotopes (δ18O, δ13C) in the septa of two specimens in combination with analyses of water samples from the area. Additionally, we investigate whether morphological changes during ontogeny are reflected in the isotopic values of the shells. Results reveal that the patterns of change of δ18O and δ13C in the septa of N. macromphalus pre- and post-hatching are consistent with previous studies. Values of δ18Owater range from 0.7 to 1.4‰ (VSMOW), with a maximum value coincident with a salinity maximum at ~150 m. We use the temperature and δ18Owater profiles to calculate equilibrium values of δ18Oaragonite with depth. Comparing these values with the measured δ18O of the septa shows that the habitat depth of N. macromphalus is ~140 m pre-hatching and ~370 m post-hatching. Using δ13C of shell carbonate and published data on metabolic carbon, the fraction of metabolic carbon is reconstructed as ~21% and 14% pre- and post-hatching, respectively. The reconstructed depth pre-hatching is slightly shallower than in N. pompilius from the Philippines and Fiji, but the post-hatching depth is similar. However, it is important to emphasize that these estimates represent average over time and space because nautilus is a mobile animal. Lastly, the changes in morphological parameters and the changes in δ13C and δ18O during ontogeny do not coincide except at hatching and at the onset of maturity.

TYPE-II PYRETHROID INDUCED ABNORMALITIES IN Drosophila melanogaster

Biodiversity is a popular issue today. Vast biodiversity is available on our planet from ancient time. Among al groups, insects are very important for ecosystem. Insects are worthy for human beings by many ways viz. - help in pollination, production of useful substances etc. However, many of these insects are very harmful to us in many ways like destroy our crops, stored food products, cause of dreadful diseases. Common categories of pesticides are organophosphate, organochlorine and carbamate which are common pesticides in country and used externally to control this destruction. Now it is necessary to test the potency of pyrethroid for indoor use which are safer comparatively. The present study reveals pyrethroid sample lambda-cyhalothrin tested in Drosophila melanogaster, a dipteran insect. After treatment, a significant change in morphological parameters like decreased larvae number and darkening of caterpillars front and morphometrical changes i.e. decrease in length of larvae, weight of larvae and adult fly weight of Drosophila melanogaster. The obtained data were statistically signified to confirm the biological and appropriate importance of the research work conducted.

Identification of Peripheral Anterior Synechia by Corneal Deformation Using Air-Puff Dynamic Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

Indentation gonioscopy is commonly used in the clinic to evaluate peripheral anterior synechia (PAS) of angle closure glaucoma (ACG). The examination requires contacting with the cornea, resulting in an uncomfortable feeling for patients, and it only provides qualitative outcomes which may be affected by subjective judgment of the clinicians. Previous studies had reported to identify the presence of PAS by measuring the changes of morphological parameters of the anterior chamber angle (ACA) under the pupillary light reflex, by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). However, this method was invalid for some subjects who had low sensitiveness to light. This article describes an air-puff dynamic anterior segment optical coherence tomography (DAS-OCT) system that can evaluate the presence of PAS in a non-contact approach. The peripheral cornea is deformed by an air puff jetted from the DAS-OCT, causing a transfer of force to the ACA, just as how indentation gonioscopy works. The dynamic changes of the ACA before and after the air puff are recorded by OCT. Ten eyes of normal subjects were enrolled in this study to validate the repeatability and availability of the measurements. Then, ten samples of the ACA from five subjects with ACG were recruited and were assigned into two groups, the non PAS group (NPAS) and PAS group, according to the results of gonioscopy. The ACA structural parameters including the angle opening distance at 750 μm to the scleral spur (AOD750) and the trabecular-iris space area at 750 μm anterior to the scleral spur (TISA750) were then calculated automatically by a custom-written algorithm. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of measured parameters was all above 0.85 for normal subjects, exhibiting good repeatability. For patients, both parameters showed significant differences between the two groups after the air puff, while no differences were observed before the air puff. AOD750dif and TISA750dif between two groups showed more significant differences, indicating that they could be used as indicators to identify the presence of PAS. In conclusion, the DAS-OCT system proposed in this study is demonstrated effective to identify the presence of PAS by measuring the changes of the ACA via a noncontact approach. It shows great potential for applications in guidance for diagnosis of angle closure glaucoma.

Morphometric parameters of the optic disc and peripapillary retina in children in cases of congenital pathology

Purpose: to study the nature of changes in morphological parameters of the children’s optic disc and peripapillary retina in cases of congenital pathology.Material and methods. 45 children aged 5–17 (the median age was 9.5 years) with congenital pathology of the optic disc (optic disc drusen — 15 eyes, myelinated nerve fibers — 10, optic disc coloboma — 10 and hypoplasia — 10 eyes) were tested for morphological parameters of the optic disc — the disc area, the area and volume of the neuroretinal rim and the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) — using optical coherence tomography (OCT, SOCT Copernicus HR). The control group included 15 healthy children (15 eyes) of the same age group.Results. The analysis of the mean values of morphometric parameters of the optic disc and peripapillary retina revealed statistically significant changes of morphometric indicators of the optic disc compared to the norm and their specificity for each type of congenital pathology were identified. Children with optic disc drusen showed an increased optic disc area, increased area and volume of the neuroretinal rim, and thicker RNFL. In cases of myelinated nerve fibers, the area of the optic disc and the area and volume of the neuroretinal rim were increased, too: however, the increased thickness of RNFL was observed in only half of the cases. All children with optic disc coloboma showed a reliable increase of optic disc area, reliable drop in neuroretinal rim area and volume, and statistically insignificant increase of RNFL thickness.Conclusion. Morphometric features of the optic disc revealed for individual pathologies (myelinated fibers, drusen, coloboma, hypoplasia) revealed by OCT allow one to predict the development of clinical and functional disturbances in children with congenital optic nerve abnormalities.

Hydromorphological dependences of the meandring riverbed forms in the lower course of the Amudarya river

At coming up with of civil engineering constructions within the watercourse hydraulic calculation of the riverbeds is made. Hydraulic calculation establishes bottom main parameters: width, depth of a stream and radius of curvature of the river beds, and so on. In article results of studying of changes of morphological parameters of the riverbed are yielded: width of a bed, average depths of a stream and radius of a dynamic axis of a stream on river beds in conditions of regulated a water flow on water basins. On the footing of the statement of results from examination of hydraulic parameters of a stream with use of a method of dimension connections of width, average depths of a stream and radius of a dynamic axis of a stream from the factor forming a river bed are received.

A novel anatomo-physiologic high-grade spondylolisthesis model to evaluate L5 nerve stretch injury after spondylolisthesis reduction

L5 nerve palsy is a well-known complication following reduction of high-grade spondylolisthesis. While several mechanisms for its occurrence have been proposed, the hypothesis of L5 nerve root strain or displacement secondary to mechanical reduction remains poorly studied. The aim of this cadaveric study is to determine changes in morphologic parameters of the L5 nerve root during simulated intraoperative reduction of high-grade spondylolisthesis. A standard posterior approach to the lumbosacral junction was performed in eight fresh-frozen cadavers with lumbosacral or lumbopelvic screw fixation. Wide decompressions of the spinal canal and L5 nerve roots with complete facetectomies were accomplished with full exposure of the L5 nerve roots. A 100% translational slip was provoked by release of the iliolumbar ligaments and cutting the disc with the attached anterior longitudinal ligament. To evaluate the path of the L5 nerves during reduction maneuvers, metal bars were inserted bilaterally at the inferomedial aspects of the L5 pedicle at a distance of 10 mm from the midpoint of the L5 pedicle screws. There was no measurable change in length of the L5 nerve roots after 50% and 100% reduction of spondylolisthesis. Mechanical strain or displacement during reduction is an unlikely cause of L5 nerve root injury. Further anatomical or physiological studies are necessary to explore alternative mechanisms of L5 nerve palsy in the setting of high-grade spondylolisthesis correction, and surgeons should favor extensive surgical decompression of the L5 nerve roots when feasible.

Influence of heavy metals on physiological and biochemical parameters of Pseudorasbora parva (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae)

Anthropogenic load on aquatic ecosystems leads to increased inputs of heavy metals, which can have a toxic effect on aquatic organisms. Some of the most appropriate objects for research are short-cycle fish species. This article considers the results of studies on the adaptive reactions of the stone moroko Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck et Schlegel, 1846) to Mn, Pb, Ni heavy metal ions, which exceeded the reference values in the reservoir by 1.7, 1.5 and 2.0 times, respectively. Changes in morphological parameters of the blood and histocytological pattern of the hepatopancreas of the experimental species under the influence of toxicants, as well as changes in biochemical parameters, were determined. It was noted that the influence of Mn caused pathological changes in the form of poikilocytosis. The morphometric parameters of erythrocytes (the cell area and the nuclear area) reached 67.48 ± 0.67 and 13.97 ± 0.22 µm2 respectively (4.0% and 13.8% less compared to the control). The influence of Ni resulted in an increased number of leukocytes and immature forms of erythrocytes. The area of erythrocytes was 0.9% smaller than that of the control group, and the area of the nucleus was 4.5% smaller than in the control. The effect of Pb as well as Mn consisted in poikilocytosis. The area of red blood cells and nuclei was smaller by 6.5% and 8.3%, respectively, compared to the control. The percentage of white blood cells in fish exposed to Ni and Pb tended to increase. In the experiment with nickel, the percentage of white blood cells was 10.2% of the number of formed elements; in the experiment with lead – 11.3%; with manganese – 6.1%, while in the control, the number of white blood cells compared to the total number of formed elements of fish was only 1.2%. Cytometric studies have revealed that there are significant differences in the shape, size, and location of hepatocytes in different experimental fish. The structural components of the liver for histological specimens were stained differentially with different intensities and different colours. The hepatocytes on histological specimens of the liver of the stone moroko exposed to Ni and Mn ions did not have clearly defined boundaries, there was a large number of destroyed cells, which indicates the toxic effect of these heavy metals. The hepatocytes exposed to Pb had the largest area of cells and nuclei and the highest nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio is typical for hepatocytes under the influence of Mn. The nuclei had the largest size and occupied 12.7% of the internal contents of the cells. It is shown that under the impact of the studied concentrations of Mn, Ni and Pb, lactate dehydrogenase activity increased by 1.22, 1.14 and 1.48 times compared to the control, respectively. In contrast, there was a 3.27-fold decrease in succinate dehydrogenase activity under the impact of Mn. Besides that, the activity of the enzyme decreased by 1.48 and 1.68 times under the action of Ni and Pb. Subsequently, we found an increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase in muscle tissue by 3.25–3.94 times under the influence of the studied toxicants. Muscle protein levels under the impact of Mn were 1.14 times lower than in the control, the most distinct decrease in protein was found under the impact of Ni (1.53 times). The obtained data of physiological and biochemical reactions of the stone moroko to the influence of heavy metals provide an opportunity to predict changes in the species composition of fish fauna under conditions of excessive toxic pollution of ecosystems.

Age-Related Differences in Body Fatness and Nutritional Status in Large Sample of Serbian Women 20–70 Years of Age

Obesity due to increased body fatness has been recognized internationally as one of the leading factors affecting individual and public health. The aim of this study was to determine age-related differences in body fatness in a representative sample of women in Serbia. The study included 1937 Serbian females aged 20 to 69.9 years from all regions of the Republic of Serbia. The obesity and body fatness were analyzed using body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), percent of body fat (PBF), body fat mass index (BFMI), and visceral fat area (VFA). Multivariate analysis of variance with post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed the largest differences between the age categories in VFA followed by BFMI, PBF, and BMI. The prevalence of overweight, obese, and extremely obese subjects in the overall sample by BMI was 30.77, 1.32, and 1.40%, respectively. The prevalence was higher when calculated by PBF, with 37.84 and 20.11% for overweight and obese subjects. The prevalence of overweight and obesity, as calculated by BMI and PBF, was higher in older age groups of Serbian women. The prevalence of overweight women in the oldest group was 4.32 times higher, while the rate of obesity was 8.67 times higher than in the youngest group. Our results are a good basis for planning and implementing preventive health activities and monitoring changes in morphological parameters in Serbian women of different ages.

Ceramics Based on Nano-Modified Alumino-Silicates

The paper considers the formulation of nanomodification of alumino-silicate raw materials, in order to obtain ceramic materials, based on it, by various molding methods with an increased strength and other operational properties. Studies of the dependence of the compressive strength on the type and concentration of aluminum and silicon oxide nanoparticles, their influence on the granulo-metric composition and microstructure of alumino-silicate powders, based on alkaline earth bentonite, are presented. It is shown that the addition of oxide nanoparticles in small concentrations leads to a decrease in the average particle size, aggregated structural elements of bentonite and their redistribution, and changes in morphological parameters (the shape of micro-aggregates and aggregates, pores), which increases the strength of raw materials and, as a result, burnt products.