Michał Skibniewski

Graphene and carbon nanocompounds: biofunctionalization and applications in tissue engineering

In tissue engineering, the possibility of a comprehensive restoration of the tissue, structure or a portion of the organ is largely determined by the type of material used. A wide range of materials such as graphene and other carbon nanocompounds which have different physical and chemical properties can be expected to react differently upon contact with biomolecules, cells and tissues. This mini-review describes the current knowledge on biocompatibility of graphene and its derivatives with a variety of mammalian cells, such as osteoblasts, neuroendocrine cells, fibroblasts NIH/3T3 line, PMEFs (primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts), stem cells and neurons. The results from different studies give hope for the possibility of graphene to be used in the regeneration of almost all tissues, including neural tissue implants or in the form of neural chips, which may allow in the future treatment of degenerative diseases and injuries of the central nervous system.

Magnesium concentrations in the tissues of free-ranging European bison

The European bison (Bison bonasus) is the only living species of the bison genus in the Old World. It is the largest, wild, herbivorous mammal living in Europe. As a result of the efforts of biologists, the European bison has been saved as a species. In Poland, they were reintroduced into the natural conditions of the Bialowieza Forest. By 2011, this herd of free-living bison comprised more than 700 animals. The aim of the present work was to determine tissue levels of magnesium in free-living bison. Samples for the investigations were collected during the winter, from 20 European bison aged from five months to five years culled as part of the annual management programme. Segments of rib, muscle, liver, kidney, hoof and hair were collected. With regards to the gender and age of the animals studied, magnesium content in particular tissues was as follows: in the liver, magnesium content was significantly higher in the group of males; in rib, muscle and kidney there were no statistically significant differences between groups; in hair and hoof wall, a significantly higher magnesium content was found in the group of calves.

EVALUATION OF RUBIDIUM CONTENTS IN ORGANS OF BITCHES (CANIS LUPUS F. FAMILIARIS )

Abstract The objective of the presented study was to compare rubidium concentration in different organs of bitches, depending on their health state. Samples of muscles, liver, and kidneys collected post mortem from 45 animals, at the age of 1-8 years, were examined. Chemical analysis was conducted using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy method. The contents of rubidium in particular organs varied from 2.07 to 4.52, from 1.25 to 3.81, and from 1.32 to 3.78 mg·kg-1 of wet weight for muscle, kidney, and liver samples, respectively. The highest values were observed in animals with neoplastic disease and the lowest in healthy animals. These differences were highly statistically significant.

Biocompatibility of pristine graphene monolayer: Scaffold for fibroblasts

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of pristine graphene monolayer and its utility as a scaffold for murine fibroblast L929 cell line. Cell viability, morphology, cytoskeleton architecture (microfilaments and microtubules), cell adhesion and migration into the scratch-wound area were determined using pristine graphene-coated microscopic slides. We found that fibroblasts cultured on pristine graphene monolayer exhibited changes in cell attachment, motility and cytoskeleton organization. Graphene was found to have no cytotoxicity on L929 fibroblasts and increased cell adhesion and proliferation within 24 h of culture. The area of cells growing on graphene was comparable to the area of fibroblasts cultured on glass. Migration of cells on the surface of graphene substrate appeared to be more regular in comparison to uncoated glass surface, however in both control (glass) and experimental (graphene) groups the scratch wound was closed after 48 h of culture. Taken together, our results indicate that pristine graphene monolayer is non-toxic for murine subcutaneous connective tissue fibroblasts and could be beneficial for recovery of damaged tissues after injury. These studies could be helpful in evaluating biocompatibility of graphene, which still remains ambiguous.

Morphology of Coronary Ostia in Domestic Shorthair Cat.

Diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases due to changes in the coronary vascularization need a detailed knowledge on the morphology and possible variations of the aortic valves and coronary ostia. This study was performed to clarify details on morphology of these structures in domestic cats. The tricuspid aortic valve was examined in 65 domestic shorthair cats. The location of coronary ostia was determined either inferior to (26 and 20%, left and right coronary ostium – LCO and RCO), at (65 and 66%) or superior to the intercommissural line (9 and 14%). In 13 cats (20%), accessory ostia were found either for left, right or both coronary arteries (LCA and RCA). Their position varied between specimens. They were located beyond the main ostium, at its edge, or inside just below the edge. In one cat, no main trunk of the LCA was found. In one cat, two accessory ostia next to the RCO were observed. Coronary ostia in cats show anatomical variants and morphological anomalies. This study provides basic data useful for, for example, angiography performed for diagnosis of cardiac diseases and as a basis for surgical interventions.

Dependence between Cu concentration in the liver, kidneys and skeletal muscles of canine females

The aim of the investigations was the determination of the Cu contents in the liver, kidneys and skeletal muscles of canine females. Material for research was collected post mortem from 45 animals aged 1 to 18 years coming from the Warsaw area. The effect of the health state, age and life conditions on the distribution of copper in the investigated organs was estimated. That element was determined using the method of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). In the liver, the average Cu contents amounted to 24.04 mg kg−1 wet weight, in kidneys to 2.90 mg kg−1 wet weight and in muscles to 0.94 mg kg−1 wet weight. The highest values of copper content in particular tissues and organs were noted in the group of animals with neoplastic changes. In respect to the animal age the highest mean values of the copper content were noted in the oldest animals. They amounted to 30.97 mg kg−1 in the liver, 3.34 mg kg−1 in kidneys and 1.18 mg kg−1 wet weight in muscles. Considering life conditions of the dogs it was observed that the higher mean values in all the investigated organs occurred in dogs coming from the urban areas.

Lymphatic drainage of cerebrospinal fluid in mammals – are arachnoid granulations the main route of cerebrospinal fluid outflow?

The outflow of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in animals was over the years the subject of detailed analysis. For a long time it was stated that arachnoid granulations of the venous sinuses play a key role in CSF circulation. However, recent studies on this subject have shown that a considerable part of the CSF is drained to the lymphatic vessels. Moreover, disorders in the CSF passage may result in severe central nervous system diseases such as e.g. hydrocephalus. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the lymphatic drainage of the CSF in mammals. We present in detail comparative anatomy of different species taking into account cranial and spinal compartment. In addition, we clarified role of the lymphatic vessels in the CSF outflow and the relationship between impairment in this transport and central nervous system diseases. In the author’s opinion knowledge on CSF circulation is still poorly examined and therefore required comment.

Rostral cranial fossa as a site for cerebrospinal fluid drainage – volumetric studies in dog breeds of different size and morphotype

BackgroundHydrocephalus is a multifactorial condition, whose aetiology is not fully understood. Congenital hydrocephalus frequently occurs in small and brachycephalic dog breeds. Although it is widely accepted that the cribriform plate located in the rostral cranial fossa (RCF) is a site of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, the RCF has not been studied extensively. Literature reports indicate that a decreased caudal cranial fossa (CCF) volume in the course of the Chiari-like malformation may obstruct CSF circulation. We hypothesised that morphological diversity among different breeds in the volume of the RCF may affect CSF circulation. The aim of the study was to carry out a volumetric analysis of the RCF and the cranial cavity and to determine the ratio between them in dog breeds of different size and morphotype. We performed computed tomography (CT) morphometric analysis of the RCF compartment by obtaining volume measurements from the transverse and reformatted sagittal and dorsal planes.ResultsThe rostral cranial fossa percentage – volume of the rostral cranial fossa/volume of cranial cavity × 100 (volRCF/volCC × 100) was lower in small and brachycephalic dog breeds than in the other dogs.ConclusionsA reduced RCF volume was detected in small and brachycephalic dog breeds, some of which are predisposed to congenital hydrocephalus. This may lead to overcrowding of brain parenchyma in the RCF and may impede CSF circulation. Our observations may be useful for future studies focusing on the causes and new therapies to treat conditions such as hydrocephalus and syringomyelia.

Concentrations of zinc, cadmium and lead in the hoof horn of the European bison (Bison bonasus bonasus) / Zawartość cynku, kadmu i ołowiu w ścianie rogowej racicy żubra Europejskiego (Bison bonasus bonasus)

Abstract The aim of the study was the assessment of zinc, cadmium and lead concentrations in the hoof horn of the European bison free ranging in Białowieża Primeval Forest. The investigation material comprised hoof samples collected from animals eliminated during annual selection. Animals were divided depending on gender (males and females). Metals content was determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method (ICP-MS). Mean metals concentrations in hoof were: 114.1, 0.15 and 0.45 mg·kg-1 dry matter for zinc, cadmium and lead, respectively. A significantly correlated dependence at p ≤ 0.05 was observed between the zinc and lead content in the material studied. No statistically significant differences in the metals content were observed depending on gender. It can be stated, that zinc, cadmium and lead concentrations in the hoof wall of the European bison from Białowieża primeval forest are in the reference values determined for the hair coat of other ungulates species Streszczenie Celem pracy była ocena zawartości cynku, kadmu i ołowiu w ścianie rogu racicy żubra pochodzącego z Puszczy Białowieskiej. Materiałem badawczym były próby racic pobrane od zwierząt podczas corocznej eliminacji. Zwierzęta podzielono na grupy w zależności od płci (samce i samice). Zawartość metali określano za pomocą spektrometrii mas z jonizacją w plazmie indukcyjnie sprzężonej (ICP-MS). Średnie stężenia metali w ścianie racicy wynosiły: 114,1; 0,15 i 0,45 mg·kg-1 suchej masy odpowiednio dla cynku, kadmu i ołowiu. Stwierdzono statystycznie istotną zależność (p ≤ 0,05) między zawartością cynku i ołowiu w badanym materiale. Nie odnotowano różnic statystycznych w zawartości metali w zależności od płci zwierząt. Można stwierdzić, że zawartość cynku, kadmu i ołowiu w ścianie rogowej racicy żubrów z terenu Puszczy Białowieskiej znajduje się w zakresie wartości referencyjnych ustalonych dla okrywy włosowej innych gatunków zwierząt kopytnych

The effect of gender and age on the sulphur tissue content in free living European bisons / Wpływ płci i wieku na zawartość siarki w tkankach żubra wolno żyjącego

Abstract The presented investigations aimed at determining sulphur status in the European bison free ranging in Białowieża primeval forest. The sulphur concentration in the liver, kidneys, muscle and rib was determined. The material for analyses was obtained from animals eliminated within annual selection. They were grouped according to gender (males, females) and age (calves up to one year of age, animals aged over two years). The sulphur concentrations were determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method in the accredited laboratory. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistica™ 10 packet. No statistically significant differences in the sulphur content were observed with respect to the sex and age of animals. The mean content of the discussed element in the liver of European bisons amounted to 6.75 g • kg−1 of the fresh tissue, 6.82 g • kg−1 in kidneys, 6.66 g • kg−1 in muscles and 0.44 g • kg−1 in ribs.