Zinc concentrations in apices [Zn 2+]apex of the lichens, Cladonia arbuscula and C. rangiferina were determined along transects through two sub-Arctic towns in the Usa River Basin, northeast European Russia. One transect, which was 130 km long running in an east-west direction, passed through the town of Vorkuta and the other transect, which was 240 km long running in a southwest-northeast direction, passed through Inta. Zinc accumulation in lichens, which was detected 25-40 km within the vicinity of Vorkuta, was largely attributed to local emissions of alkaline coal ash from coal combustion. The present results using C. arbuscula around Vorkuta are consistent with those of previous studies suggesting that this lichen is a useful bioindicator for trace metals. There was no such elevation of [Zn 2+]apex detected in C. rangiferina along the transect running through Inta.
Mitral regurgitation is the second most common valvular disease. The etiology is either primary or functional-secondary to the left ventricle dysfunction in the course of coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension and diabetes. Along with the population aging and increasing number of comorbidities the number of patients with mitral regurgitation soars. In patients with heart failure the mitral regurgitation significantly decreases the quality of life and worsens the survival prognosis. Surgical correction is the treatment of choice in patients with mitral regurgitation. However, up to 50% of potential candidates are denied surgery for its prohibitive risk. The minimally invasive, percutaneus procedures are potential solution for those subjects. Currently the „edge to edge” technique with use of the MitraClip system is most commonly performed. This procedure is less efficient in MR reduction than open heart surgery. However, the number of periprocedural complications is smaller. It has been shown the MR correction with the MitraClip device improves the duration and quality of life. There are several ongoing preclinical studies on the percutaneusly implanted mitral valve prosthesis. First in men procedures have been performed. However the mitral valve anatomy is much more complex as compared to aortic. Therefore the breakthrough comparable to TAVI procedure will not occur in the very close future.
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