SUMMARYIntroduction/Objective Subtrochanteric fractures are unstable, tending to a varus, antecurvatum, and shortening deformity. The aim of this paper was to compare operation time and fluoroscopy time between different internal fixation methods in the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures. Method The prospective study of the group of 27 patients with a subtrochanteric fracture treated by the SIF (selfdynamisable internal fixator with a trochanteric unit) method had been done. Operation time and fluoroscopy time values from this group were compared to the same parameters data from the literature for intramedullary (IM) nails, proximal femur locking plates (PF-LCP), dynamic condylar screws (DCS), and the 95°-angled blade plate. Results In the SIF group, operation time was 62.2 (25–140) minutes and fluoroscopy time was 43 (20–95) s. Average operation time from the literature data was: 102.1 (43–181) minutes for IM nail, 94.2 (75–129) minutes for PF-LCP, 105.3 (70–166) minutes for DCS and 221.5 (171–272) minutes for blade plate. Average fluoroscopy time from the literature data was: 109.6 (34–250) seconds for IM nail, 102.3 (47–180) seconds for PF-LCP, 238 seconds for DCS. Operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy time were higher in IM nail, PF-LCP, DCS and blade plate comparing to SIF method (p < 0.05). Conclusion The above mentioned difference could be explained by a degree of required accuracy in the initial operative technique maneuvers, by used number of screws and by the type of the fracture reduction performance in different fixation methods. Operation time during IM nailing of subtrochanteric fractures sometimes can be shorter than average operation time in SIF method, what could be explained by the skill of the surgeon to perform as fast closed reduction for insertion of guide wire.

Trivalent chromium is an essential trace element for humans and animals and it is the final product of hexavalent chromium reduction in the cell. It is an integral part of the glucose-tolerance factor, which increases the systemic impact of insulin. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of trivalent and hexavalent chromium on selected biochemical parameters in Japanese quails. Birds were divided into three groups: group I (control group, n=12), group II (treated with trivalent chromium, n=12) and group III (treated with hexavalent chromium, n=12). During 20 days of follow-up, control and experimental groups of quails had identical diet; chromium was added daily into the food (5 mg/kg) and water (5 mg/L) of the experimental groups. Glucose concentrations were the highest in Group III, while lowest glucose concentrations were obtained in Group I. There were higher differencies regarding blood biochemical parameters between control group and quails treated with Cr(VI). Our results showed that hexavalent chromium had negative effects on biochemical parameters in quails, while treatment with Cr(III) showed minor fluctuations in concentrations or activities of blood biochemical parameters.

Several haematological parameters in Herzegovinian donkeys based on gender and age were analysed in this study. The study included 30 clinically healthy donkeys (12 males and 18 females), between one and twenty years of age. Donkeys were grouped in three age classes: young (1-2 years, n=10), adult (3-6 years, n=12) and old donkeys (7-20 years, n=8). A total of seven haematological parameters were analysed. In both genders and in all age groups, the mean values of MCHC were slightly above the recommended reference intervals for donkeys in general. The mean values of HCT in females and in adult donkeys were lower than the reference intervals. The PLT mean values in female, and in young and old Herzegovinian donkeys were lower than the reference intervals. Gender significantly affected HCT and Hb values (p=0.049; p=0.046, respectively), which were significantly higher in males. Age significantly affected WBC and LYM count, which were lowest in young donkeys.

Integrated intelligent CAD systems (IICAD) can be developed for different purposes. The objective of this article is to emphasize the advantages of the use of IICAD systems in comparison with the classic systems. The article shows a structure of one such developed system, namely the IICADv system. This system is used for automatization of activities undertaken during the realization of certain phases of the process of designing of shafts, especially the synthesis phase. The development of a module for computation of the shaft and integration of the entire system was performed in the C# programming language, while shaping of the shaft was performed in the CATIA system. The interlinking was performed thanks to previously modelled basic 3D models. In such way, utilizing the advanced IICADv system, the computation and shaping of the shaft is done almost instantly. The results of the use of the IICADv systems are generated final 3D models of the shaft, ready for use by numerous other applications.