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Titanium (Ti) has significant biological effects on plants, being beneficial at low and toxic at higher concentrations. From results of our hydroponical experiment with oats, we have recently proposed that the effect called hormesis is the mechanism of Ti action in plants. Here, we present the experiment with oats (Avena sativa L. cv. Zlat'ák) grown on soil where Ti was applied using leaf sprays. Two different soils, three different concentrations of Ti(IV) citrate spray solution (0, 20, and 50 mg Ti/kg), and three different Mg concentrations in each soil were tested. Some physiological parameters (dry and raw weights, top heights, chlorophyll content) and element contents (Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn) were determined. Ti showed considerable effects on all physiological parameters and the element's contents were determined. Differences between the two different soil types used was only in the strength of the effect of Ti; the trends remained unchanged. Generally, the effect of Ti is considerably weaker if Ti is applied on leaves than if being added to the nutrient solution. Thus, we confirm here that the action of Ti on plants could be explained by the hormesis effect.

Papiliotrema huenov was previously reported to be highly tolerant of a range of extremely toxic heavy metals. This study aimed to identify the potential of P. huenov to remove manganese and copper from aqueous solution. Physical conditions which affect removal of Mn(II) and Cu(II) were determined. Optimal temperature for adsorption of both metal ions was 30 C, and optimal pH for maximum uptake of Mn(II) and Cu(II) were 5 and 6, respectively. Under these conditions, living cells of P. huenov accumulated up to 75.58% of 110 mg/ L Mn(II) and 70.5% of 128 mg/L Cu(II) over 120 h, whereas, the removal efficiency of metal ions by dead cells over 1 h was 60.3% and 56.5%, respectively. These results indicate that living cells are more effective than dead biomass for bioremediation, but that greater time is required. The experimental data extends the potential use of P. huenov in biosorption and bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals to copper and manganese, two of the most common industrial contaminants.

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Background: Inguinal hernia is one of the commonest surgical diseases and there are many different techniques applied. The laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair allows a better view of the inguinal anatomy, evaluation of opposite side and resolve combined peritoneal diseases as well. Patient and method: The study included 60 cases with inguinal hernia that have been treated by laparoscopic transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair. Method: Description, prospective follow-up. Result: The mean age was 58±18.2. 96.7% were males. The average operative time was 45.6±15.1 minutes for one side hernia, 73±25.2 minutes for bilateral hernia. 02 cases have been post-operation inguinal seroma complication (3.3%), 02 cases with hydrocele (3.3%), 01 case with abdominal seroma (1.7%). 04 cases (6.7%) opposite inguinal hernia were detected and 05 cases (8.3%) with combined diseases were resolved. Duration of post-operative stay was 3.9±1.1 days. Conclusion: TAPP is a safe and feasible procedure, allows evaluation of opposite side and resolve combined peritoneal diseases.

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