Effect of heavy metals on stem anatomical characteristics of Trapa natans L. from Skadar Lake (Montenegro)

This study aimed to analyze stem anatomical characteristics of Trapa natans from five Skadar Lake locations (L1 - Milovića bay, L2 – inflow of the Morača river, L3 - Kamenik, L4 - Grmožur, L5 - Lipovik) with different concentrations of Cu, Mn, Zn, Co and Pb, during the summer period of the year 2012. Cross sections of stem were made using cryotechnic procedure. For all analyzed quantitative anatomical parameters, the minimum values at the location L2 were recorded, with the presence of maximum content for all investigated metals in stem of Trapa natans. On the other hand, except for cobalt, at the location L4 the minimum concentration for all investigated metals were recorded. Plants collected from this location have the largest average values of the most measured anatomical parameters. The results of Discriminant Analysis showed that plants from different location could be clearly classified into three groups according to their stem quantitative anatomical characteristics which corresponds with heavy metals content. Our research also showed that there is no statistically significant correlation between the content of most investigated metals (Co, Cu, Pb and Zn) and the values of anatomical parameters. Statistically significant negative correlation was found between Mn content in stem and values of two anatomical characters (stem cross-sectional area and Mn content, r = - 0.88; p < 0.05; number of hypodermal cell layers and Mn content, r = - 0.90; p < 0.05).

Impact of statin treatment on patients diagnosed with chronic venous disease. Morphological analysis of the venous wall and clinical implications

Objectives The study evaluates the potential morphological changes that may occur in the venous wall in the case of the patients with chronic venous disease which associates treatment with statins for at least 2 years. Methods Operated patients with chronic venous disease in the CEAP C2-C3 stage were included in the study. 215 venous fragments, collected from 50 patients within the study group and 179 venous fragments collected from 52 patients within the control group were microscopically analysed, evaluating a series of morpho-anatomical parameters. Results In the study group, it was found that, venous reflux predominantly affects small veins, and also, a significant increase in collagen deposits in the adventitia and media tunics, proportional to the thickening of the venous wall. Conclusion Our results indicate possible effects of statins upon the venous morphology. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of these results on daily practice.

Effects of NaCl and CaCl2 Salinization on Morpho-Anatomical and Physiological Traits of Potted Callistemon citrinus Plants

The aim of this work was to assess the possible coordination mechanisms between leaf functional anatomical traits and physiological acclimation of potted Callistemon citrinus plants when subjected to two saline iso-osmotic solutions using NaCl or CaCl2. Digital image analysis was applied to quantify anatomical parameters with a specific focus on the occurrence of signs of structural damage as well as on alterations, such as the occurrence of shrunk tissues and accumulation of phenolic compounds. Morpho-anatomical analyses were accompanied by measurements of leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence emission. Results showed that C. citrinus plants, when irrigated with the CaCl2 solution, induced a leaf morpho-anatomical structure which did not allow the maintenance of high photosynthetic performance under such conditions, compared to both controls and plants treated with the iso-osmotic solution of NaCl. Data collected seem to suggest a close relationship between anatomical traits and eco-physiological strategies in maintaining the photosynthetic efficiency under saline stress conditions and highlight the fundamental role of leaf anatomy in imposing the limits of plant physiology.

Influence of postoperative ectopic inner foveal layer on visual function after removal of idiopathic epiretinal membrane

Purpose To investigate the functional and anatomical parameters and their postoperative changes according to the ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL) staging scheme for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods In this prospective study, patients with idiopathic ERM underwent pars plana vitrectomy and ERM removal, and were followed-up for 6 months. The associations of EIFL with pre- and postoperative functional and anatomical parameters were analyzed. Results A total of 84 eyes (84 patients) were included: 39 (46.4%), 33 (39.3%), and 12 (14.3%) as EIFL stages 2, 3, and 4, respectively. At 6 months after surgery, the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved in all EIFL stages (P ≤ 0.003); however, metamorphopsia improved only in eyes with EIFL stage 2 (P = 0.039) and 3 (P = 0.011). The aniseikonia and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area showed no significant postoperative changes in any of the EIFL stages. Both preoperatively and during 6 months after surgery, the EIFL stage showed a significant correlation with BCVA (P ≤ 0.033), metamorphopsia (P ≤ 0.008), central macular thickness (P < 0.001), and FAZ parameters (P ≤ 0.016) at each time point, but not with aniseikonia. Significant correlations of EIFL thickness with BCVA (P = 0.028) and metamorphopsia (P = 0.006) before surgery were not persistent after surgery. Conclusion Both pre- and postoperatively, the staging of EIFL, rather than its thickness, is a simple and adequate surrogate marker for visual acuity and metamorphopsia in eyes with idiopathic ERM.

Physiological and anatomical responses of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves to glyphosate application

The use of herbicides is a usual practice in E. camaldulensis nurseries and plantations. The most widely used herbicide is glyphosate, whose drift damages this plant leaves. Although the mechanism of action of glyphosate is well known, it is not clear which alterations lead to the death of plants. The aim of this work was to assess the physiological and anatomical responses of leaves of E. camaldulensis seedlings to glyphosate application. Tests were performed on one-year-old seedlings sprayed with 0, 65 and 130 g a.e. ha-1 glyphosate. Ten days after the application, we measured gas exchange and fluorescence emission of chlorophyll a. We also quantify the concentrations of chlorophyll a, shikimate, carbohydrates, K+ and Mg2+, and the anatomical parameters of epidermis and mesophyll. Data was contrasted using Fisher’s test (p<0.05). We concluded that glyphosate alters the physiology of E. camaldulensis, inhibiting photosynthesis, changing the metabolism of carbohydrates and the ionic homeostasis. Tissue disorganization, heavily marked at the level of mesophyll, indicates definite alterations.

ANTEROLATERAL LIGAMENT AS ROTATION STABILISER OF KNEE- JOINT. THE ROLE OF MRT AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN UNDERSTANDING ITS ANATOMY AND IN SELECTING SURGICAL TREATMENT STRATEGY FOR ITS INJURIES

Objective. To assess the variability of the anterolateral ligament according to MRT and ultrasonography data and to coordinate it with surgical treatment strategy for its injuries. Methods. The anterolateral ligament was analyzed on 100 series of MRI images of knee joints without traumatic pathology on Philips Achieva 1.5 T tomograph using the standard research protocol in three mutually perpendicular planes and 150 series of MRT images of knee joints with injuries and without injuries of the anterolateral ligament obtained on different tomographs from 0.2 to 3 Tesla. The quality of visualization of anterolateral ligament separate portions, the number of layers, and the contact with the joint capsule were evaluated. Both knee joints were analyzed by ultrasonography in 30 patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries of one of the knee-joint and in 30 patients with intact knee-joints. Results. During the studies in the identification of anterolateral ligament with magnetic resonance tomography (MRT 1.5T)it was revealed at least partially in 92% of cases (in 68% as a two-layer structure; in 24% as a single-layer structure; in 14% as a thickening of the capsule or in 10% as a separate extracapsular structure), ultrasound examination - in 100% (the structure was not determined, however, in 26.67% of patients without clinically pronounced pathology of the knee-joint and significant trauma in anamnesis ultrasound scan revealed a violation of the integrity of the cortical layer at the tibial attachment site), Conclusion. According to MRT and ultrasonography data, the anterolateral ligament is a constant structure of the knee-joint, but very variable in its anatomical parameters, which in some cases may be poorly visualized on MRT, may have a two-layer structure, may be located either extracapsular or as a thickening of the knee-joint capsule. The variability of its anatomical structure makes it impossible to make the theoretical substantiation of the advantages of one separate method of its restoration, but, on the contrary, justifies a differentiated approach to the selection of optimal surgical treatment. What this paper adds With the help of current research methods, the normal anatomical parameters and anatomical variants of the anterolateral ligament of the knee joint have been clarified and detailed. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of a differentiated approach to choosethe optimal methods of surgical treatment for its injuries.