[Fat content in young adults determined by skinfolds and body composition analyzator]

INTRODUCTION

Body composition analysis is essential in assessing the nutritional status, as well as the risk of developing diseases associated with abnormal body fat content. At present, many methods are available to measure the amount and distribution of body fat. Among them, of particular importance are those methods that are simple, do not require expensive equipment and allow the assessment of the body composition of a large number of people (population study). However, previous observations show that they provide different results, and, therefore, further analysis and comparisons should be conducted in different age, sex and body composition groups.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The goal was to compare the anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) methods used to assess body composition in young women and men.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

65 women and 109 men, physical education students, took part in the study. Average chronological age of the women was 20.5±3.1 years and men 19.9±1.4 years. Body weight, height and thickness of 4 skinfolds (SF; over the biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac) were measured. The percentage of body fat in the anthropometric method was calculated using the Durnin and Womersley's equation. Assessment of body composition was also made by the BIA method. All the measurements in every person were made on the same day.

RESULTS

The mean BMI was 21.4±1.9 in women and 23.9±2.4 in men. The mean percentage of body fat obtained by anthropometric method was 16.7±7.1% in women and 10.2±6.6% in men. The amount of body fat estimated by the BIA method was higher than that calculated by skinfold thickness among female students by about 5% (p <0.001), while for male students by 3% (p <0.001). The correlation coefficients between the anthropometric method and BIA method for women and men were 0.448 (p <0.05) and 0.380 (p <0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The anthropometric and BIA methods provide different results of body fat content, especially in women, so they should not be used interchangeably.

Mutagenicity of quaternary ammonium salts containing carbohydrate moieties

Quaternary ammonium salts are widely used in industrial, agricultural, healthcare and domestic applications. They are believed to be safe compounds, with little or no health hazard to humans. However, in this report, we demonstrate that a series of newly synthesized quaternary ammonium salts containing carbohydrate moieties reveal potent mutagenic activities, as assessed by using the Vibrio harveyi bioluminescence mutagenicity test. D-Gluco- and D-galacto-derivatives were found to have a higher mutagenic potential than D-manno-derivatives. Among the former groups of compounds, the N-[2-(D-glycopyranosyloxy)ethyl]-N,N,N-trimethylaminium salts were of the highest activity in the mutagenicity assay. These results suggest that the safety of quaternary ammonium salts may be lower than previously supposed, indicating a need for testing such compounds for their mutagenicity.

Stability of cefuroxime in 1% and 5% buffered eye drops determined with HPLC method

The aim of the studies was to develop formulary technologies of 1% and 5% eye drops containing cefuroxime with stability of at least 10-12 days. The stability was defined as the time required to reach the cutoff value of 10% degradation of cefuroxime in the drops, as determined using an HPLC assay. The drops should have such properties as optical clarity, pH in the range of 3.5 to 8.5 and osmotic pressure not lower than 280 mOsm/L. Additionally, drops of enhanced viscosity within the range 7-9 mPaxs were developed. Drops (1% and 5%) were prepared under aseptic conditions by dissolving Biofuroksym (Cefuroxime natricum) IBA Bioton--the form of the drug for dry injections--in citrate buffer of pH 6.05-6.28. Polyvinyl alcohol was used to increase the viscosity of the drops. Phenylmercuric borate at the final concentration of 0.001% was used together with beta-phenylethyl alcohol at the final concentration of 0.4% to preserve the drops. The drops were stored for 30 days in tightly closed glass bottles at the temperature of 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C, protected from light. As the course of the infection may differ in intensity, location and the area of the infection in the eye, the composition of the drops was developed at two concentrations (1% and 5%), and five formulary versions for each concentration were prepared. The concentration of cefuroxime in the drops was determined every three days using HPLC. Such properties as pH, osmotic pressure and viscosity were also examined. Additionally, organoleptic analysis (clarity, color, odor) was performed. Physical and chemical properties of all formulations of 1% and 5% drops containing cefuroxime prepared in citrate buffer of pH 6.05-6.28 met the standards set in the objective of the work. The stability of cefuroxime in buffered drops stored at the temperature of 4 degrees C, determined with HPLC as the time of 10% degradation of cefuroxime, was 15 days for 1% and 5% drops. In the drops, which were buffered and of increased viscosity, the times of 10% cefuroxime degradation were 18 days for 1% drops and 30 days for 5% drops. The preservatives added to the buffered drops did not lower their stability. Osmotic pressure, pH and viscosity of the drops during the period of 30-day-storage at the temperature of 4 degrees C met the requirements acceptable for the eye drops. The stability of 1% and 5% buffered drops containing cefuroxime stored at the temperature of 4 degrees C allows preparing the drops in pharmacies on the basis of doctor's prescription. Depending on the character and the course of the infection the drops can be prepared at the concentration of 1% and 5% following the composition of the selected formulation which would meet the individual needs of the patient's therapy.

The knee alignment and the foot arch in patients with Turner syndrome

INTRODUCTION

It is established that patients with Turner syndrome (TS) have numerous defects of the skeletal system, including in the lower extremities structure. However, there are not enough studies in the literature about knee alignment and foot arches in girls and women with TS.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Assessment of knees and feet in girls and women with TS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-two girls and women with TS were examined. The mean chronological age of the patients was 15.61±5.27 years, ranging from 6.36 to 27.04-years-old. All patients underwent physical examinations of their knees and feet. Additionally, almost 70% (n=42) underwent plantographic examinations and measurement of their heel angle and Clarke's angle. The formation of the foot in patients with TS was related to the reference values developed on the basis of studies of healthy girls (n=92). In women whose knee conditions were assessed only on the basis of a physical examination, a drawer test was performed each time to assess the stability of the knee ligament systems.

RESULTS

In over 60% of patients with TS, incorrect knee alignment, primarily in the form of genu valgum (knock-knee), was diagnosed. At the same time, 60% of the patients tested only in physical examinations were diagnosed with knee ligament instabilities (positive drawer test). Physical examinations showing foot arch malformation - in equal proportion splay-foot and low-arched - were found in almost two-thirds of women with TS. However, on the basis of plantography, abnormalities in the longitudinal arch of the foot were diagnosed in 60% of patients with TS, and abnormalities in the transverse arch of the foot were diagnosed in 80% of patients with TS.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with TS, the occurrence of the following is characteristic: 1. Genu valgum of knees and heels; 2. Frequent cases of abnormally formed longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot, with the longitudinal arch of the foot usually being reduced, while the transverse arch is excessively elevated; 3. Asymmetry involving a frequent occurrence of different types of abnormalities in the arches of the left and right foot, and the possible occurrence of normal knee alignment with an abnormal formation of the feet, or incorrect knee alignment with normal formation of the arches in both feet. The presence of the aforementioned disorders of knee alignment and foot arches authorizes us to recommend a routine assessment of posture, knee alignment, and the arch of the foot in all patients with Turner syndrome and, if irregularities are found, to direct patients for corrective treatment of the musculoskeletal system disorders.

HLA-C C1C2 heterozygosity may protect women bearing the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor AA genotype from spontaneous abortion

Spontaneous abortion is the most common complication of human pregnancy. Natural killer (NK) cells expressing killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), which may recognize HLA-C (i.e. its C1 or C2 groups) on trophoblast cells, constitute a large leukocyte population in the endometrium. This study investigated whether genetic polymorphisms in the KIR and HLA-C genes are risk factors for spontaneous abortion. One hundred and twenty-five couples with at least two spontaneous abortions, including eighty-five couples with idiopathic recurrent abortion (RSA; three or more abortions), and 117 control couples (with two or more healthy-born children) were tested. The frequencies of the individual KIR genes in the patients were similar to those in the controls. In the group of KIR AA women with HLA-C C2C2 partners, the HLA-C C1C2 heterozygotes were present in the controls but not in the patients (p=0.015 for all patients and p=0.0048 for RSA, but both comparisons lost significance after Bonferroni correction), whereas both homozygotes, C1C1 and C2C2, were absent in the control women but present among the aborting ones. Therefore, our results suggest that among KIR AA women who have HLA-C C2C2 partners, HLA-C heterozygous females show a trend towards an increased chance of successful pregnancy.

Does the KIR2DS5 gene protect from some human diseases?

Background

KIR2DS5 gene encodes an activating natural killer cell receptor whose ligand is not known. It was recently reported to affect the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In our studies on KIR2DS5 gene associations with human diseases, we compared the frequencies of this gene in patients and relevant controls. Typing for KIR2DS5 gene was performed by either individual or multiplex polymerase chain reactions which, when compared in the same samples, gave concordant results. We noted an apparently protective effect of KIR2DS5 gene presence in several clinical conditions, but not in others. Namely, this effect was observed in ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.003, odds ratio [OR] = 0.47, confidence interval [CI] = 0.28–0.79), endometriosis (p = 0.03, OR = 0.25, CI = 0.07–0.82) and acute rejection of kidney graft (p = 0.0056, OR = 0.44, CI = 0.24–0.80), but not in non-small-cell lung carcinoma, rheumatoid arthritis, spontaneous abortion, or leukemia (all p>0.05). In addition, the simultaneous presence of KIR2DS5 gene and HLA-C C1 allotype exhibited an even stronger protective effect on ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.0003, OR = 0.35, CI = 0.19–0.65), whereas a lack of KIR2DS5 and the presence of the HLA-C C2 allotype was associated with ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.0017, OR = 1.92, CI = 1.28–2.89), whereas a lack of KIR2DS5 and presence of C1 allotype was associated with rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.005, OR = 1.47, CI = 1.13–1.92). The presence of both KIR2DS5 and C1 seemed to protect from acute kidney graft rejection (p = 0.017, OR = 0.47, CI = 0.25–0.89), whereas lack of KIR2DS5 and presence of C2 seemed to favor rejection (p = 0.0015, OR = 2.13, CI = 1.34–3.37).

Conclusions/Significance

Our results suggest that KIR2DS5 may protect from endometriosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute rejection of kidney graft.

[Incidence of low birth weight in academic youth]

INTRODUCTION

Birth parameters are used to evaluate infant's maturity and to indicate children with a potential risk of growing disorders and metabolic complications in later life. Low birth weight can be connected with higher fat content, especially in the abdominal part in adult individuals. Low birth weight is recognized as one of the criteria of metabolic syndrome in non-obese individuals.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The percentage of academic youth aged 19-25 years born with low birth weight was evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

146 students (52% women and 48% men) of Warsaw higher schools took part in the study. Data of birth parameters and gestational age (GA, weeks) were gained from the medical documentation retrospectively. Infant's mass ≤2999 g was recognized as decreased birth weight (LBW group). Body height and body mass, waist and hip circumferences were measured. WHR was calculated as well. Bioimpedance method was used to evaluate the body composition, height and weight were standardized using data for 18-year-old women and men from Warsaw population.

RESULTS

Decreased birth weight has been identified in 18% studied population - LBW group: 65% women and 35% men. It has been shown that students with low birth weight were characterized by a significantly lower body height (-0.22±1.14 v. 0.38±1.02 SDS) and body mass (-0.11±1.15 vs. 0.70±1.15 SDS) in comparison with individuals born with normal birth parameters. Body fat content in students of studied groups was similar. It has been noted that WHR index was significantly lower (p=0.0009) in men of LBW group than in those of NBW group.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Decreased birth weight appears more frequently among girls. It's suggested that MONW are more common in females. 2. The relationship between birth parameters and height and weight in adults was confirmed. 3. In young men distribution of body fat is associated with birth weight.

[Assessment of physical fitness in children and teenagers with type 1 diabetes]

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity is regarded as one of the four basic factors influencing the concentration of glucose in the blood of diabetic patients. Despite this, concerns about hypoglycaemia and exposure of chronically ill children to excessive fatigue mean that their physical activity is frequently inadequate. Until now, physical endurance of diabetes mellitus patients has been assessed more frequently than their physical fitness.

AIM OF THE STUDY

An attempt to assess physical fitness of a group of children and teenagers suffering from type 1 diabetes (DM1).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Physical fitness was assessed in 40 children with DM1: mean age for girls (n=20) was 10.58±2.63 years old (7.03-16.11), and for boys (n=20) 12.25±2.62 years old (7.23-16.52). Physical fitness was assessed on the basis of the result of 8 out of 9 tests from the European test of physical fitness (Eurofit) set. The results of individual trials were expressed as percentile measurements read against percentile grids designed by Stupnicki, Przewęda and Milde.

RESULTS

When compared against healthy peers, girls with DM1 achieved significantly lower scores in balance maintenance, long jump and hand grip tests. Boys with DM1 were fitter than girls with DM1 in tests assessing balance, hand grip and agility, yet they were less fit than their healthy peers in balance and hand grip tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical fitness of children and teenagers suffering from DM1 differs between the sexes. In boys it was assessed as being close to that of their healthy peers, while in girls it was assessed as being inadequate. It is likely that the girls' poorer physical fitness results from both their state of health and environmental conditions, which were not defined in this study. It seems that diabetic girls should be especially encouraged to take part in regular physical exercise, since it is regarded as one of the key components of correct therapeutic procedures in diabetes.

[Retrospective assessment of growth monitoring of subjects born between 1989-1991]

INTRODUCTION

Systematically taken measurements of body length, and--after 18 months of life--height, facilitate the correct monitoring of the course of physical development in children and teenagers. Measuring body mass only is incorrect and may lead to a faulty evaluation of the patient's condition.

AIM OF STUDY

Assessment of frequency of measurements of body mass and height during the developmental period among students born between 1989-1991.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For 109 subjects (52% women), age 20.0±1.0 year, range 19.1-23.8 years of age, measurements at birth, duration of the mother's pregnancy and frequency of measurements of body mass and weight until the 18th year of life.

RESULTS

The frequency of measurements of body length and height was the highest during the 1st and 2nd year of life, on average every 3 months during the 1st year and every 6 months during the 2nd year. However, during the 1st year as many as 1/3 of children were assessed incorrectly by having only their body mass measured. During the 2nd year, regardless of body mass at birth, measurements were taken more frequently than during the 1st year, which may suggest inadequate preparation of the medical personnel to take measurements of the baby's body length. Measurements of body height and even body mass during puberty and the growth spurt were carried out in a far too small percentage of subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Body mass measurements are all too frequently not accompanied by measurements of body length or height, with the result that the physician is unable to assess the child's growth pattern. 2. Measurements of body height and mass were taken too infrequently during childhood and puberty, which in many cases makes it impossible to assess the subject's physical development.

[Assessment of anaerobic capacity for subjects with short, normal and tall stature between 18-23 years of age]

INTRODUCTION

Until now it has not been established whether anaerobic capacity of subjects with short stature, statistically comprising 10% of the population, differs from those of normal and tall stature (> 90 centile). No results of studies comparing anaerobic capacity for subjects with a range of body heights have been published in literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

435 (women 57%, men 43%) healthy young adults ranging between 18-23 years of age. Physical parameters for anaerobic capacity (work, maximum generated power and duration) have been marked during a 10-second exercise burst carried out on a cycloergometer. Subjects were classified into three body height categories: < 10 centile (ct)--short stature; between 10-90 ct--normal stature; > 90 ct--tall stature.

RESULTS

Short stature was noted in 5% subjects, with a height deficiency (≤ -2.0 SDS) noted in 0.7% subjects. Tall stature was noted among 22% subjects. In both sexes the cohort included a significantly greater than expected (p < 0.001) number of tall-statured subjects and a significantly lower number (p < 0.01) of short-statured subjects. No differences were found in the mean parameters of anaerobic capacity for subjects of short, normal and tall stature, with the exception of women of tall stature whose results were significantly better than those for women of normal stature.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences were found in the capacities of subjects with short, normal and tall stature. However, with regard to women, in particular those of tall stature, a correlation between body height and anaerobic capacity was observed. It must be noted that the majority of the worst results were noted among the short-statured subjects, indicating that caution must be taken during interpretation of anaerobic capacity levels among this population. In order to correctly interpret results of anaerobic capacity studies, a standard needs to be put in place for the national population taking into regard sex and age, while for people of short stature the causes of their short stature must be established.

[Posture in Turner syndrome patients]

INTRODUCTION

Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disease regarded as the most common cause of pathological short stature in women. TS patients frequently present with abnormalities in the structure of the vertebrae and limb bones, leading to this assessment of posture in girls and women with TS.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Assessment of posture in TS patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Posture was assessed in 63 TS patients ranging between 6-27 years of age. All patients under 16 years of age were undergoing treatment with recombinant human growth hormone. The older patients had received the treatment in the past and were undergoing oestrogen or combined oestrogen and progesterone treatment. The TS diagnosis was confirmed in each case by a cytogenetic study. Two methods of posture assessment were used: Moire's photogrammetric (in 68% patients) or an orthopaedic examination (in 32% of patients). Posture was assessed in the median and frontal planes.

RESULTS

The photogrammetric assessment in the median plane found normal posture among 30% of patients, 33% of patients exhibited lordosis, while 28% of patients exhibited kyphosis. Orthopaedic examination in the medial plane found normal posture among half of patients under 16 years of age, while all the older patients (n=4) exhibited faulty posture. Clinical examination found more cases of kyphosis than other posture defects. In the frontal plane over half of all patients were found to have scoliosis, irrespective of patient's age or method used.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the numerous and diverse posture defects found in the studied patients, routine assessment of posture in all TS patients is recommended. From the clinical perspective it seems that a single method of posture assessment in TS patients is recommended to simplify comparison of assessment results and improve understanding of the frequency of incidence of individual posture defects in TS patients.

[Frequency of hypotrophic births in the Warsaw population]

INTRODUCTION

Newborn's reduced body mass and length are regarded as an important symptom. The diagnosis requires careful observation of the individual's course of growth and metabolic condition. Various criteria are used to diagnose hypotrophy; 3rd, 5th or 10th percentile body mass are the most common, although others recommend using a value of -2.0 SDS body mass and length.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To define the frequency of body mass and length deficiency in newborns in the Warsaw population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

4096 children born in single deliveries in 2009 at one Warsaw hospital. Body dimensions at birth were compared against the following standards, taking gestation period and sex into consideration: 1. Usher and McLean (UML). 2. A standard generally used in Warsaw maternity wards, drawn up by the Mother and Baby Institute (IMiD). 3. A standard drawn up in Wielkopolska (WLKP). Hypotrophy was diagnosed retrospectively on the basis of -2.0 SDS body mass and/or body length and 10th percentile body mass criterion.

RESULTS

Regardless of sex and the standard being applied, at least one of the analysed body dimensions fell at or below -2.0 SDS in approximately 1% of all children. In newborn boys hypotrophy was diagnosed significantly less frequently using the UML standard than using the national ones, while in newborn girls it was diagnosed less frequently using the IMiD standard than UML or WLKP. Birth mass below the 10th percentile was found in approximately 7% and in just over 3% of all newborns using the IMiD and WLKP standards respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of national standards for body length at birth makes the -2.0 SDS criterion difficult to use, while basing the diagnosis purely on evaluating body mass results in too few diagnoses of hypotrophy. Using the 10th percentile criterion allows for diagnosing hypotrophy in a few percent of newborns, while the Warsaw and Wielkopolska standards result in more diagnoses. Taking population trends into account, we postulate the need to prepare new national standards of body dimensions of newborns based on the gestation period.

[Physical activity for young adults born with low body weight on the background of peers]

INTRODUCTION

Low birth parameters are associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, glucose intolerance and hypertension at later life. Regular physical activity can counteract these metabolic disorders.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

We determined the relation of the declared physical activity and body composition in young adults with respect to their birth weight.

MATERIAL

A total of 156 subjects (52% women and 48% men) took part in the study (the average age 20.6±1.2 years). Participants who declared regular physical activity (minimum 3 times per week) were included in group I (n=66), others in group II (n=99). In each group, the percentage of people with small (SBW) and normal (NBW) birth weight was assessed.

METHODS

Information about birth parameters and duration of pregnancy was obtained from medical records. Infant's mass ≤2999 g was recognized as small birth weight. Body height, body weight, waist and hips circumferences and body composition by BIA were measured. Frequency of physical activity was determined during an interview.

RESULTS

Percentage of participants with small birth weight was respectively 17% in group I and 21% in group II. In group I standardized body height was significantly lower in subjects with SBW in comparison with those with NBW. Participants from group II with SBW had markedly lower standardized body weight and standardized BMI than adults with NBW. Independently of birth weight physically active persons characterized higher WHR values than their non active counterparts. Body fat content was significantly lower in group I (both in participants with SBW and NBW). Women and men from group I with SBW had also higher fat free mass in comparison with those from group II.

CONCLUSIONS

Body fat content in young adults with small birth weight is related to their physical activity. People who regularly exercise had lower fat mass in comparison with non exercising ones. This is the confirmation of a protective influence of physical activity.

Polymorphism of the TGFB1 gene is not associated with bronchial allergic asthma in a Polish population

Allergic asthma is a complex genetic disorder that involves interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Some studies have indicated that transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)), a pleiotropic cytokine regulating inflammatory reactions and airway remodeling, may participate in the pathogenesis of asthma. Several polymorphisms have been described in the TGFB1 gene; some were tested in allergic asthma, with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations of four TGFB1 gene polymorphisms (-800G>A, -509C>T, 869T>C, and 915G>C) with allergic asthma in a Polish population. These four single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in 247 asthmatic patients (including 207 atopic individuals) and 287 unrelated healthy volunteers by means of the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. No significant differences between patients and controls in allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies were reported. Logistic regression analysis of genotype distribution and allele positivity adjusted for age and sex did not reveal any significant differences between all patients or patients selected for atopy and controls. Thus, no evidence was reported for a contribution of the TGFB1 gene to allergic asthma in a Polish population. The results are discussed in the context of similar studies in other populations.

[Children with body length deficiency at birth and at risk of growth deficiency since childhood]

Every year a several percent of newborns is affected with deficient body size, in some of these cases can be identified growth disorders, for examples Turner's Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome, idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. Clinical records of such newborns, aimed at monitoring their growth, do not exist so far. Screening for body size deficiencies requires only that the measurements of body length and mass be appropriately performed and this would be much less costly than screenings for congenital metabolic diseases. These recommendations are supported by the fact that in recent decades the risk of growth disorders and/or short stature (body height below -2 SDS upon full skeletal maturity) of children with deficient body size at birth is 5- to 7-fold higher than in those with normal body size relative the time of delivery. Moreover, in the former newborns the risk of behavioural/psychosocial disorders, hypertension, CHD, Type 2 diabetes and several other hormonal disorders were shown to be also higher than in the "normal"-born ones. The number of the so afflicted individuals and costs of potential therapies evidence the indispensability of a widespread detection of deficient body size at birth and a subsequent growth monitoring consisting of measuring body length/height 4 times in the course of the first year of life and twice a year thereafter.

[Functional assessment in girls with Turner syndrome--preliminary results]

INTRODUCTION

About 10% of Turner's syndrome (TS) patients complain on persistent knee pain, and seek the orthopaedic help because of it.

AIM OF STUDY

To evaluate the gait pattern of girls with TS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Gait analysis was performed using VICON 460 system in 15 patients aged 7 to 20 years. The maximal isometric flexion and extension moments of the knee joints were measured. The knees were examined with X-ray and USG for possible anatomical or degenerative changes.

RESULTS

All spatio-temporal parameters of the gait were within normal values. Only 3 patients had proper pelvic tilt, all the others had decreased tilt (from 2 to 9). Only 40% had proper knee flexion at initial contact, 1 patient had knee hyperextension, all the others increased knee flexion. In 50% of the patients the decreased knee range of motion together with decreased maximum knee flexion in swing phase was observed. In 30% there was a decreased hip range of motion. Clinical evaluation of body posture revealed that nearly all patients had trunk asymmetry, and various deformities of knees and feet.

DISCUSSION

Nearly all TS patients had decreased pelvic tilt, which could be sign of the weakness of the muscles responsible for the pelvis orientation. The abnormalities of upper and lower body found during clinical evaluation of body posture also suggested decreased muscular strength. It is known that girls with TS have poorer motor development, which could result in decreased muscular strength and our findings support this thesis. Decreased muscular strength could also negatively influence the locomotor abilities.

[Sense of differentiation in child-mother relationship of obese persons in adolescence]

INTRODUCTION

There are specific relation properties of mother to obese child. Sense of self-differentiation is the experience of one's own limitations. Sense of self-differentiation is based on a sense of identity and mental representation of mother. The sense of identity involves the contents of mental self-experiencing, sense of differentiation and sense of continuity. The mother's representation in child is understood as the way of one's experiencing. The aim of this article is a trial of answering what is a sense of differentiation experienced by obese girls and boys in adolescence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

21 obese persons (12 girls, 9 boys) and 23 persons of normal body mass (15 girls, 8 boys) have been investigated. The mean age of the investigated obese persons was 14,53, and for a persons of normal body mass was 15,31 years. All persons were investigated by clinical interview.

RESULTS

It enable obese person to experience distinction of theirselves and mothers. The obese persons are often in depending relation with their mothers, what is manifested in difficulties of their own distinction and stabilization of the mother relation limits.

CONCLUSION

1. Obesity seems to fulfill the fundamental role in relation of obese person to parents. 2. The necessary condition to effective weight loose is to take up by adolescent an independent decision regarding a treatment, which is a manifestation of autonomy in his mental function, what in the case of dependence upon from the others comes out to be impossible.

[The influence of parental height on diagnosis of Turner syndrome in newborns and very young girls]

INTRODUCTION

The high efficacy of treatment in Turner's patients (TS) is possible only when the therapy has been initiated early. Thus, in order to prevent short stature, an early detection of TS is indispensable, i.e. prenatally or at very early childhood.

AIM OF STUDY

To compare mother's and father's stature to length and body mass of newborn with Turner's syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort of 355 female newborns with Turner's syndrome from single pregnancies were retrospectively studied. Data on GA, birth weight and birth length were taken from the medical records. Body height of both parents was recorded and related to norms for 18-year old subjects recorded in 1983.

RESULTS

Mean body height of mothers amounted to -0.3+/-1.0 SDS. and that of fathers -0.2+/-1.0 SDS. Mean parental height was -0,2+/-0,8 SDS; 70% of parental stature is appropriate to normal range (-1,0 to +1,0 SDS).

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of short parents, especially of fathers, is in the Turner population higher than of the tall ones. It may be presumed that short fathers pass their Turner daughters a deficient growth potential which may be one of the sources of deficient body height in that syndrome. Thus, only a short father may be considered a risk factor pointing to detailed search for Turner's syndrome, provided father's body height has been properly determined and assessed.

Distribution of the CTLA-4 single nucleotide polymorphisms CT60G>A and +49A>G in psoriasis vulgaris patients and control individuals from a Polish Caucasian population

Psoriasis vulgaris is a multifactorial disease with an autoimmune component, and T lymphocytes seem to be involved in its aetiology. CTLA-4 molecule is an important down-regulator of T-lymphocyte activation, and several polymorphisms of the CTLA-4 gene were found to be associated with some autoimmune diseases. We examined whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CTLA-4 gene, CT60A>G and +49A>G, are associated with psoriasis vulgaris. Alleles of these two SNPs were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Both the CT60G>A and the +49A>G alleles and genotypes were distributed similarly in patients and controls. Although the two SNPs studied here in Poles were in linkage disequilibrium, all four possible two-locus haplotypes were found, one of them rare; of the remaining three, the haplotype +49G, CT60G was significantly (P = 0.019, OR = 0.58, 95%CI = 0.37-0.91) less frequent in the patient group with disease onset between the ages of 21 and 40 years than in controls and the other patient groups, whereas the frequencies of the other haplotypes were similar in patients and controls. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study on CTLA-4 CT60 allele frequencies in psoriasis.