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Biomedical subjects

Z Zizka

Publications and source records attributed to Z Zizka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A new type of microscope illumination and its use in microbiology.

To overcome problems with taking photographs of motile microorganisms we used a new type of microscope illumination by means of a light-emitting diode (LED), which fully preserves the Kohler illumination principle. Oblique illumination or relief contrast after the Hostounsk, microscopy method were used for observing and photographing bacteria, flagellates and infusorians having different motion velocities with sufficient image contrast. The device, which permitted us to use short shutter time (1/30, 1/60 or 1/125 s), was successfully used in recording different motile microorganisms including their internal architecture.

Animals↗

Primary fluorescence (autofluorescence) of fruiting bodies of the wood-rotting fungus Fomes fomentarius.

Autofluorescence of fruiting bodies of the wood-rotting fungus Fomes fomentarius has been observed and is described among native macrofungi for the first time. The strongest yellow autofluorescence with blue excitation was displayed by pith sets, a weaker yellow, yellow-green to yellow-red fluorescence was due to generative thin-walled hyphae while the weakest yellow-reddish fluorescence was emitted by thick-walled skeletal hyphae (though their parts may emit a more intensive yellow fluorescence). This yellow, yellow-green to yellow-red autofluorescence was assessed to be more intensive than the emission described so far in bacteria and fungi (except for lysed hyphae of the fungus Trametes versicolor). With green excitation all F. fomentarius cells emitted strong red autofluorescence.

Fluorescence↗

[Effect of early onset of transdermal and oral estrogen therapy on the lipid profile: a prospective study with cross-over design].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to evaluate changes of lipid profil during different types of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: 1st Faculty of Medicine and General Faculty Hospital Prague. METHODS: Two routes of administration were used for 12 weeks: oral estradiol 2 mg/day and transdermal estradiol 50 microg/day (7-day pathes). Forty five healthy women with average age 49 +/- 6 years were randomised into prospective cross-over designed study. Forty one women finished the study and were analysed. Blood collections were performed from veins on the beginning of study and during last week of each therapeutic interventions. Statistical results have counted by paired t-test. RESULTS: Total cholesterol levels were not changed. Triglycerides grew up from 1,39 +/- 0,9 mmol/l to 1.61 +/- 0.8 mmol/l (p = 0,004) after oral ERT. This results showed significant (p = 0.0001) differences between oral and transdermal application because of nonsignificant (p = 0.187) lowering trends after transdermal ERT. The elevation of HDL levels after oral ERT (from 1.85 +/- 0.39 mmol/l to 2.09 +/- 0.42 mmol/l, p = 0.0001) was significantly (p = 0.009) more favourable than after transdermal ERT (to 1.96 +/- 0.42 mmol/l, p = 0.029). Changes of LDL levels are also more favourable (p = 0.0001). LDL levels decreased after oral ET from 3.06 +/- 0.97 mmol/l to 2.52 +/- 0.71 mmol/l in comparison with the nonsignificant decline on 3.0 +/- 1.0 mmol/l after transdemal ERT. CONCLUSION: All data from lipid metabolism had more favourable changes after oral ET with the exception of triglycerides. Knowledge of the patient's lipid profile and it's changes after each type of estrogen applications enable doctors individualisation of hormone replacement therapy from this point of view.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

[Present occurrence of benign teratoma of ovary and fallopian tube in a patient with adnexal torsion].

OBJECTIVE: The authors demonstrate the case of left adnexal torsion caused by 2 benign teratomas in its ovarian and tubal location. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General Teaching Hospital, Charles University, Prague. CASE: 24-years old woman underwent laparoscopy for several days lasting pain in lower abdomen and ultrasound finding of semicystic mass in the left adnexal region with suspicion of teratoma. The benign teratoma of the left ovary together with a torsion of the left Fallopian tube distended by teratoma was revealed during surgery. Left side salpingectomy and enucleation of the ovarian teratoma has been performed. This surprising finding was confirmed by histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: The acute gynaecological torsion event may be caused not only by torsion of uterine fibroid or enlarged tumorous ovary but rarely also by a teratoma of the Fallopian tube.

Adnexal Diseases↗

Formation of a parasitophorous vacuole in a nonadequate experimental host: electron microscopical and X-ray microanalytical study.

An unusual mechanism of formation of a parasitophorous vacuole as a result of interaction between an invasive stage of a parasite (merozoites of a protozoon, Mattesia dispora) and defense response of an insect host, Galleria mellonella is reported. The entire ontogenesis of parasitophorous vacuole can be divided into five morphologically clearly discernible stages. They differed, e.g., in the contents and distribution of elements at subcellular level, as determined by direct in situ elemental analysis of single organelles (electron microprobe X-ray analysis). The method was used in conjunction with electron microscopy to investigate the relationship between the host and the parasite.

Animals↗

[Threatening uterine rupture in pregnancy after previous laparoscopic myoma enucleation. Case report].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the negative effect of uterine myoma enucleation forcompact structure of the uterus. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Faculty Hospital, Prague, Pronatal Sanatoruim, Prague METHODS: In this study, the authors analyze their experience of the course of pregnancy in a patient who had uterine myoma enucleation with penetration to the uterine cavity and large coagulation. The pregnancy was terminated by caesarean section for the indication of prior uterine surgery and the risk of uterine rupture in 38 week of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates the risk of uterine rupture in pregnancy after laparoscopy myoma enucleation.

Adult↗

ARC-microscopy--a novel microscopic technique used in microbiological studies.

ARC-microscopy (azimuth relief contrast; a new method of optical microscopy in transmitted light developed in cooperation with Lambda Ltd. Prague) was used to study fungi and algae at both low and higher (480-2880x) magnification. The novel ARC condenser features a higher resolving power, higher contrast and stronger three-dimensional effect than the standard condenser particularly when studying elongated structures that are present in a random orientation in the specimen. The results of these microscopic observations can be used for both morphological (taxonomical) and ecological studies of microorganisms.

Eukaryota↗

Infections with the ascomycete fungus Metschnikowia typographi sp.nov. in the bark beetles Ips typographus and Ips amitinus (Coleoptera, Scolytidae).

The ascomycete fungus Metschnikowia typographi sp.nov. is described. It infects the spruce bark beetles Ips typographus L. and Ips amitinus Eichl. Masses of vegetative cells and navicular asci (I. typographus 13-17 x 2 microns; I. amitinus 17-22 x 2 microns) were found in cells of the midgut epithelium and in the body cavity of infected beetles. Each ascus contains two needle-shaped ascospores flattened in the central part, 0.5-1.5 x 0.3 x 13-15 microns and pointed at both ends. The parasitic species of Metschnikowia, M. bicuspidata, M. artemiae, M. unicuspidata, M. wickerhami and M. typographi are discussed as a special group of the genus characterized by morphological characters.

Animals↗

[Prediction of premature labor--multifactorial analysis of a prospective clinical study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, which of selected anamnestic, laboratory and ultrasonographic (USG) parameters could contribute to the prediction of prematurity. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, clinical study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and the General Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Prague. METHODS: 349 women with the singleton pregnancy were followed from the half of the 2nd trimester until the end of gestation. At each woman the anamnestic (age, parity, pregravid BMI, weight gain until 20th week, significant risk from patient's history, cigarette smoking, risk pregnancy symptoms until 20th week), laboratory (maternal serum concentration of AFP, hCG, and uE3/triple test/at 16th week, the blood count and ferritin concentration at 18th-20th week, bacteriological cultivation of the smear from the cervix at 34th-36th week), and USG (transvaginal cervicometry and doppler flowmetry of the uterine arteries at 18th-20th week) data were established. With the aid of one-dimensional and multi-dimensional analysis the dependence of completed gestational age and preterm delivery (before completed 37th week) on above mentioned parameters was tested. RESULTS: 314 women completed the study. We proved a significant dependence of prematurity on the following markers: risk pregnancy symptoms until 20th week (RR 2.94), abnormal triple test (RR 4.63), cultivation of pathogens from the cervix (RR 5.49), USG established cervical length (P < 0.0001), abnormal result of cervicometry (RR 19.02), both doppler parameters (RI of uterine arteries: P < 0.0001; presence of early diastolic notch: RR 2.84). The results of multi-dimensional analysis confirmed superiority of USG cervicometry in prediction of both measured outcomes. CONCLUSION: The predictive value of some of selected anamnestic, laboratory, and USG markers of premature delivery was proved at random population of women with singleton pregnancy. The abnormal result of transvaginal USG cervicometry was the most significant predictor of prematurity. We recommend a routine performing of cervicometry (as a part of USG screening at 18th-20th week) for early selection of women with significantly increased risk of prematurity.

Adult↗

Morphological details of microorganisms revealed by RCH-microscopy at high magnification--a ready-to-use adaptation of a light microscope.

RCH-microscopy (Relief Contrast after Hostounský) is a new method of optical microscopy in transmitted light developed with Lambda Ltd., Prague. This method was used to study bacteria, fungi including yeasts and algae at high magnification. The equipment provides a three-dimensional image of high contrast and resolution. The results of these microscopic observations can be used for both morphological (taxonomical) and ecological studies of microorganisms.

Bacteria↗

[Termination of 128 pregnancies in the 2nd trimester using prostaglandin 15 methyl F2 alpha].

OBJECTIVE: The critical analysis of the authors' standard protocol of termination of pregnancy during the second trimester. DESIGN: The prospective nonrandomised study. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 1th Faculty of Medicine, Prague. METHODS: We used a synthetic prostaglandin analog carboprost, 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha for induction of abortion during second trimester. It was administered in a single dose 500 micrograms. It was given into the amniotic cavity through the transabdominal puncture. At the same time dinoprostonum gel (0.5 mg) was given into vagine. Peridural analgesia has used since beginning of contractions. We investigated indication, mean period of induction, correlation between the period and indication and week of pregnancy so as a type and number of complication. RESULTS: From October 1998 till January 2000 128 pregnancy were terminated by intraamniotic prostaglandins administration. After a single administration 67.2% of women aborted within 24 hours. In 32.8% the intraamniotic administration was repeated twice. The mean induction period, i.e. the interval between the administration and abortion of the foetus was 28 hours. We didn't detect a correlation between the period of induction and the week of gestation or indication. COMPLICATIONS: A major blood loss replaced by transfusion of erythrocyte mass at 4 cases, a rest in uterus at 3 cases, once perforation of uterus during revision of the uterine cavity, once sectio minor for bleeding, once major bleeding conjoined with septic shock, once phlebotrombosis and at three headache (in connection with peridural analgesia). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect was achieved in all instances. One case of sectio minor was connected with strong vaginal bleeding. The method fulfils condition for second-trimester termination of pregnancy--must be safe, rapid, psychologically feasible and associated with a minimal risk of long-term consequences. The disadvantage of the method is the price of prostaglandins and necessity to repeat administration in 32.8% of patients.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗

Biological effects of macrotetrolide antibiotics and nonactic acids.

Published results as well as patent applications on biological effects of macrotetrolides and nonactic acids are reviewed. Their antimicrobial, antiprotozoan (coccidiostatic), antiparasitic (anthelminthic), insecticidal and acaricidal (miticidal) effects and also newly described immunosuppressive and plant growth stimulating activities are described. Both theoretical papers and practical applications including the effects of macrotetrolides on the environment are included; a particular target organism and precise dosage (e.g. LD50) are reported, in agreement with the original papers. It appears that macrotetrolides and their homologs are very prospective bioactive compounds that find application in agriculture, forestry, human and veterinary medicine while their negative effects on the environment are restricted to a minimum (biological quality of soil and water etc.).

Animals↗

[Complications of prevention and treatment of erythrocyte alloimmunization (case reports)].

OBJECTIVES: The treatment of late recognized alloimunization with intraumbilical transfusions is more difficult and more often connected with complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 1991-1997 we performed 70 intraumbilical transfusions in 25 fetuses for erythrocyte alloimunization. Six fetuses (24%) were hydropic in the beginning of the treatment. Eleven fetuses were delivered before 36 weeks of pregnancy. Two immature neonates (660 g and 1320 g) had intraventricular hemorrhage with neurologic complications. In six cases the transfusion was complicated by severe bradycardia of the fetus, but only twice the pregnancy was to be terminated by cesarean sectio during 24 hours after the procedure. Two of the 25 fetuses died antenataly and one postnataly, all of them primary hydropic. Two neonates had severe late onset anemia. CONCLUSION: Fetal alloimune anemia should be treated before onset of hydrops. The study was supported by the grant of IGA Ministry of Health CR No. 3200-3.

Adult↗

[Diagnosis and therapy of erythrocyte alloimmunization in pregnancy].

INTRODUCTION: By preventive administration of anti-D globulin the number of cases of Rh isoimmunization declines steadily. Severe untreated isoimmunization may lead via foetal hydrops to intrauterine death, sometimes already during the 18th-19th week of gestation. The purpose of prenatal diagnosis in pregnant women with isoimmunization is to assess the danger or affection of the foetus, its prognosis and the mode of monitoring of the foetus. It is necessary to decide in time on intrauterine therapy by transfusion of erythrocyte mass and to assess the optimal time of delivery with regard to the risk of prematurity and foetal erythroblastosis, as well as with regard to intrauterine therapy. The objective of the present work was to test the protocol in the treatment of erythrocytic isoimmunization of the foetus. METHOD: During the period between January 1991 and October 1997 the authors investigated two groups of pregnant women: with a hydropic (n = 5) and non-hydropic (n = 20) foetus at the onset of treatment. In both groups amniocentesis and umbilical puncture were indicated. The authors investigated the number of cordocenteses and the volume of transfused blood per pregnancy, the number of complications and their type, gestation age of the foetuses on delivery, their birth weight, the condition of the neonates after delivery and on discharge to home care. RESULTS: During the mentioned period the authors administered 70 intraumbilical transfusions to 25 foetuses. The transfusion was not repeated more than eight times. The baseline haematocrit of non-hydropic foetuses was 26 (14-34), treatment was started on average during the 28th week (23rd-33rd). Pregnancy in women with a non-hydropic foetus was terminated during the 35th (27th-40th) week, with a mean weight of the foetuses of 2439 g (870-3520). Of 25 treated foetuses 6 were hydropic (24%) at the onset of treatment. The initial haematocrit of hydropic foetuses was 10.7 (4-19.8), treatment was started on average during the 28th (23rd-33rd) week. Pregnancy of women with hydropic foetuses was terminated during the 30th (25th-36th) week, the mean birth weight being 1838 g (660-3500). DISCUSSION: The very favourable therapeutic results in non-hydropic foetuses are in great contrast with the therapeutic results of moribund hydropic foetuses. CONCLUSION: The basic prerequisite of successful treatment by intraumbilical transfusion is to concentrate risk pregnancies in specialized centres with a high standard neonatological team for intensive care of pathological neonates.

Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine↗

[Cleft lip and palate--prenatal diagnosis and counseling].

The most frequent congenital developmental defect in the orofacial region are, no doubt, facial clefts which are a serious stress for health professionals and the population. Depending on the type of cleft, the prevalence is between 1 : 1000-2800 births. According to contemporary views in the etiology of orofacial clefts participate genetic as well as environmental factors. That means that specific genetic factors create a certain "sensitivity" for specific factors of the external environment which act as a trigger mechanism and combined they produce the cleft. Cleft lip can be diagnosed already during the 13th week of gestation, while a cleft palate is not necessarily apparent till after the 18th week of gestation as the maxilla is in the process of joining. Presentation of the foetal face and its profile is thus important in particular during the second trimester of gestation and should be part of ultrasonographic screening between the 18th and 20th week of gestation. As more than 8% of facial clefts are associated with chromosomal abnormalities, in all affected foetuses karyotyping is done. The prognosis of satisfactory cosmetic and functional repair in cleft lip and in cleft lip and palate is favourable. In case of associated malformations all depends on the type and severity of these associated defects or on the diagnosis of the syndrome. If median clefts are extensive or associated with cerebral anomalies, the prognosis is as a rule poor. Prenatal diagnosis and management of defects of the orofacial area calls for collaboration of the obstetrician, neonatologist and plastic surgeon already in the stage when the defect is detected to give the expectant mother an opportunity to obtain accurate and unbiased information on possible treatment and prognosis for the foetus.

Cleft Lip↗

[Termination of pregnancy in the 2nd trimester using intra-amniotic administration of prostaglandins].

INTRODUCTION: The method used to terminate pregnancy on medical grounds during the second trimester must be safe, rapid, psychologically feasible and associated with a minimal risk of long-term sequelae. The objective of the present work was a critical analysis of the author's standard protocol of termination of pregnancy during the second trimester. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For induction of abortion during the second trimester the authors used a synthetic prostaglandin analogue (PG) F2 alpha-Dinoprost which was administered in a single dose of 30 mg by the intraamniotic route. At the time of onset of uterine contractions the authors administered peridural anaesthesia. The authors investigated indications, mean period of induction, correlation between the period of induction of abortion and the indications for termination of pregnancy, the week of pregnancy and parity of the mother. They recorded also the type and number of complications. RESULTS: From January 1991 till June 1997 179 pregnancies were terminated by intraamniotic PG administration. After a single intraamniotic PG administration 72% women aborted within 24 hours. In 26% women the intraamniotic administration was repeated twice and in 2% women three times. The mean induction period, i.e. the interval between the administration and abortion of the foetus was 22.6 hours. The interval was significantly longer (28 hours) in foetuses where pregnancy was terminated because of a neural tube defect (p < 0.01). The authors did not detect a correlation between the period of induction and the indication, week of gestation and parity of the mother. COMPLICATIONS: once a general reaction to intraamniotic administration, in three patients a major blood loss replaced by transfusion of erythrocyte mass, no uterine rupture. CONCLUSION: In all instances the therapeutic effect was achieved and there was no need to perform section minor. The disadvantage of the method is the high price of the preparation and need of repeated intraamniotic administration of PG in 29% of the patients.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗

Quantitative assessment of cell damage in situ: electron microprobe X-ray analysis of model organisms treated with noxious species.

The existing set of methods for assessing toxicity of noxas, based on experiments with whole animals (subclinical toxicity, toxicokinetics, carcinogenity, teratogenity, neurotoxicology etc.) does not provide much information about cellular and subcellular effects such compounds may exert. We suggest to complement the current methodology by combining a traditional morphological observation in an electron microscope with a spectroscopic method of electron microprobe X-ray analysis (or X-ray microanalysis). The latter makes it possible to measure concentrations of chemical elements in individual cells and organelles and effects of noxas can thus be assessed (i) at subcellular level, (ii) directly in situ and (iii) quantitatively. Concentrations of biologically important elements such as phosphorus, sulfur or zinc were measured in individual organelles in both intact and noxa-treated tissues, thus offering a possibility of comparing the effects of various noxious species at subcellular level (with the noxa previously applied to whole tissue or animal). The suggested correlation of analytical and morphological information may also provide new insights into cellular targeting of noxas (and potentially also drugs) as some organelles appear to be much more susceptible to damage than others.

Animals↗