Rapid learning of an abstract language-specific category: Polish children's acquisition of the instrumental construction

Rapid acquisition of linguistic categories or constructions is sometimes regarded as evidence of innate knowledge. In this paper, we examine Polish children's early understanding of an idiosyncratic, language-specific construction involving the instrumental case - which could not be due to innate knowledge. Thirty Polish-speaking children aged 2 ; 6 and 3 ; 2 participated in a elicited production experiment with novel verbs that were demonstrated as taking nouns in the instrumental case as patients. Children heard the verbs in sentences with either masculine or feminine nouns (which take different endings in the instrumental case), and were tested with new nouns of the same and of the opposite gender. In both age groups, a substantial majority of children succeeded in generalizing from one gendered form of the instrumental case to the other (especially to the masculine), thus indicating that they have some kind of abstract understanding of the instrumental case in this construction. This relatively early abstract knowledge of an idiosyncratic construction casts doubt on the view that early acquisition requires innate linguistic knowledge.

The activity of cathepsin D in saliva of cystic fibrosis patients

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is genetically determined illness, which is caused by the mutation in the CFTR gene. CFTR protein is also expressed in epithelial cells of parotid glands, therefore parotid glands are also affected in CF patients. Cathepsin D is one of the proteolitic cascade enzymes. Physiological wearing out result in occurrence of trace quantities of this enzyme in serum and body fluids, including saliva. Among different enzymes, saliva contains cathepsin D (CTSD, EC 3.4.23.5). The aim of this study was to determine cathepsin D activity in mixed saliva in cystic fibrosis patients and healthy controls. The study was performed in a group of 26 CF patients (10F, 16M). The results obtained in CF group was compared with the results of thirty healthy subjects (12F, 14M). From each subject 8 ml of mixed saliva was obtained: before and after the stimulation of saliva excretion using paraffin pledgets. Protein and glycoprotein content was assessed using Winzler's method. Protein concentration in controls and CF group before stimulation of excretion was 1.15+/-0.714 mg/mL and 1.54+/-0.925 mg/mL. After stimulation protein concentration in saliva has lowered to 0.88+/-0.77 mg/mL in CF group and 1.24+/-1.213 mg/mL in controls. Glycoprotein concentration in controls and in CF group was respectively: before stimulation 1.08+/-0.271 mg/mL and 1.05+/-0.344 mg/mL; after stimulation 0.92+/-0.292 mg/mL and 0.86+/-0.283 mg/mL. The activity of CTSD in controls was 45.9+/-24.98 Tyr nmol/mL/4h before stimulation and 109.3+/-56.94 Tyr nmol/mL/4h after stimulation of excretion. In CF group CTSD activity before stimulation was 134.5+/-81.80 Tyr nmol/mL/4h and after stimulation 134.4+/-62.18 Tyr nmol/mL/4h. Comparing the CTSD activity in both groups statistically significant difference has been revealed in samples collected before stimulation of excretion (p=0.013). The activity of cathepsin D in saliva of cystic fibrosis patient is significantly higher than in healthy controls before the stimulation of excretion with paraffin pledgets.

Polish children's productivity with case marking: the role of regularity, type frequency, and phonological diversity

57 Polish-speaking children aged from 2;4, to 4;8 and 16 adult controls participated in a nonce-word inflection experiment testing their ability to use the genitive, dative and accusative inflections productively. Results show that this ability develops early: the majority of two-year-olds were already productive with all inflections apart from dative neuter; and the overall performance of the four-year-olds was very similar to that of adults. All age groups were more productive with inflections that apply to large and/or phonologically diverse classes, although class size and token frequency appeared to be more important for younger children (two- and three-year-olds) and phonological diversity for older children and adults. Regularity, on the other hand, was a very poor predictor of productivity. The results support usage-based models of language acquisition and are problematic for the dual mechanism model.

Ultrastructural study of the submandibular gland of the rat after 6-month exposure to cadmium and zinc in drinking water

PURPOSE

Cadmium toxicity in the exposure of the general, professional and cigarette smoking populations has been well known. From the dental point of view, it is important to find out whether and how separate and joint exposures to cadmium and zinc affect the structure and function of the submandibular gland, which is the major saliva-releasing gland. Cadmium, a particularly active xenobiotic, damages cellular metabolism at the level of various enzymatic systems of the cell, which may disturb functioning of the salivary glands. Mutual interactions of cadmium and zinc suggest a protective role of zinc through the induction of metallothionein which inactivates cadmium effect.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The aim of the study was to assess the ultrastructural picture of chosen cell organelles of the submandibular salivary gland of the rat exposed to cadmium and zinc. The study used 90 male Wistar rats, of the initial b.w. 150-180 g. The animals were exposed to cadmium and/or zinc for 6 months. Cadmium was received in aqueous solutions of cadmium chloride with drinking water at a concentration of 5 mg Cd/dm3 or 50 mg Cd/dm3. Zinc was also given in aqueous solutions of zinc chloride ad libitum at concentrations of 30 mg Zn/dm3 and 60 mg Zn/dm3.

RESULTS

The ultrastructural changes in the mucous and serous cells of the submandibular salivary gland were most pronounced at cadmium concentration of 50 mg Cd/dm3 and were mainly observed in the cell nucleus, Golgi Apparatus and secretory granules of the salivary gland cells.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Exposure to cadmium induces ultrastructural changes in the submandibular gland, which are dose and time of exposure. 2. Exposure to zinc did not affect significantly the ultrastructural picture of cells of the submandibular gland. 3. Zinc administered together with cadmium reduces the intensity of ultrastructural changes in the submandibular gland.

Assessment of dental status and oral hygiene in the study population of cystic fibrosis patients in the Podlasie province

PURPOSE

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common genetic diseases worldwide. It is caused by mutations of the gene situated on the long-arm of the 7th chromosome coding Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTCR) which is responsible for the synthesis of cAMP-dependent membrane chloride channel located on the top surface of epithelial cells of exocrine glands. Accumulation of the secretion in the outlet ducts caused by a dysfunction or lack of CFTR proteins leads to abnormal activity of exocrine glands, especially in the respiratory and alimentary tracts. Carbohydrates, the main dietary component, supply energy to the body, but at the same time are the major cariogenic agent. The aim of the current study was to assess dental caries disease and oral hygiene in CF patients in the region of Podlasie.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 23 patients with cystic fibrosis, aged 2.5-24 years, from the Podlasie Province treated in the Outpatient Cystic Fibrosis Department of the Children's University Hospital in Białystok. Three age groups were distinguished: 1-5, 6-12, 13-24 years. The following were evaluated: caries incidence (percentage of patients with caries CI), caries intensity--based on the mean dmf/DMF score, oral hygiene--based on the dental plaque index (OHI-pl).

RESULTS

The incidence rate of caries was found to be very high both in the CF population and in the control group. In children with mixed dentition it was 100%. For permanent teeth, mean DMF score was 3.55 in group II and 10.9 in group III. In CF patients, dental plaque index was the highest in group III.

CONCLUSIONS

In CF patients, there is a serious risk of caries due to severe course of the disease, long-term administration of medications and high carbohydrate diet. CF patients should remain under constant dental care according to the individually designed programmes of oral health promotion and caries prophylaxis.

Effect of sodium fluoride on the morphological picture of the rat liver exposed to NaF in drinking water

PURPOSE

Due to its efficacy in caries prophylaxis and easy application, sodium fluoride (NaF) is still used for caries prevention in the form of fluoridated drinking water, fluoride tablets, fluoridated salt or milk. Effect of fluorides on various metabolic levels in hard and soft tissues, namely respiration as well as carbohydrate, protein, enzymatic and vascular metabolism, can disturb detoxication of fluorine compounds administered orally. The study objective was morphological examination of the liver of young and mature rats exposed to NaF in drinking water from conception till maturity, as well as after its withdrawal.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the initial stage of the experiment, 30 female Wistar rats, 180-200 g body weight, were divided into 3 groups: one control and two experimental groups (I, II). Female rats in the experimental groups received fluorine in aqueous solutions of sodium fluoride (NaF) at a concentration of 10.6 mg NaF/dm3 (group I) and 32.0 mg NaF/dm3 (group II).

RESULTS

The pathomorphological changes observed in the liver, particularly of young rats exposed,to fluorides at superoptimal doses can help determine to what degree oral fluoride caries prevention is safe and whether it should be implemented. The transitory nature of pathomorphological changes in hepatocytes indicates adaptive potentials or defence mechanisms against orally administered sodium fluoride.

Incidence rate of Candida species in the oral cavity of middle-aged and elderly subjects

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence rate of oral Candida species in middle-aged and elderly subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study carried out in 103 adults aged 35-92 years, in which 32 (31.1%) used complet or partial acrylic dentures. Mycological tests were performed by using culture (Sabouraud agar) and API 20C AUX (bioMérieux) for identification of the species level. Material for analysis included swabs taken from the palate mucosa and mucosal part of denture surfaces in denture wearers, as well as, from tooth surface and/or dentine carious lesions. The dental caries status of each patients was evaluated using DMF index (WHO 1986 criteria).

RESULTS

Yeasts of Candida genus were isolated in 65/103 (63.1%) adults. The incidence rate of Candida spp. was higher in adults without dentures (46/71; 64.8%) compared to denture wearers (19/32; 59.4%); however, the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.59 > p = 0.05). Candida albicans were the most frequently isolated species, and with a comparable rate (p = 0.06), both in adults with and without dentures (17/32; 53.1% and 38/71; 53.5%, respectively). In 3 individuals without dentures, two other species were found apart from C. albicans, namely C. glabrata (2x) and C. krusei (1x). In a total of 11/49 (22.5%) strains belonging to 5 non-C. albicans species were detected in adults without dentures, while in denture wearers only 2/19 (10.5%) other species were found (C. krusei and C. oralis) (p = 0.26 > p = 0.05). Strains of C. glabrata species were isolated only from the elderly. No significant differences were noted in the incidence of Candida spp. between middle-aged subjects (35-44 years) (35/52; 67.3%) and the elderly (> 55 years) (30/51; 58.8%) (p > 0.05), both in denture wearers and non-denture wearing subjects. However, the frequency of oral Candida spp. strains was increased in advanced age subgroup 71-92 years (74.2%) compared with 56-70 years (35.0%) of elderly subjects (p < 0.05), only in denture wearers (30.0% vs 5.0%) (p < 0.05). The sex and DMF index distribution of both subject groups had no significant influence on the numbers of Candida spp. detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Yeasts of the genus Candida were isolated at a comparable rate (p > 0.05) from the oral cavity of adults with and without dentures, as well as in middle-aged (35-44 years) and elderly subjects (56-92 years). However, a significant difference was observed only between elderly subgroups aged 56-70 (35%) and advanced age subgroup 71-92 years (74%).

Assessment of dentition status and oral hygiene in first year dental students, Medical University of Białystok

PURPOSE

Caries, a social ailment, is one of the diseases of civilization of the 20th century. In Poland, the incidence rate of caries is very high both in the young and adults. The major etiological factors of caries are: improper oral hygiene, diet based on carbohydrate-rich and highly processed food products, neglect of prophylaxis and dental check-up. The aim of the study was to assess dental status and oral hygiene of the first year dental students, Medical University of Białystok, through the analysis of the chosen caries and dental plaque indices.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 70 first year dentistry students, including 50 women and 20 men, aged 19-23 years. Dentition status and oral hygiene were assessed using basic dental instruments, in artificial light, in clinical settings of the Department of Social Dentistry and Prophylaxis, Medical University of Białystok.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The record analysis showed a very high caries frequency index and a low treatment index. However, proper oral hygiene was observed, which may indicate greater health-promoting awareness among future dentists. Poor dentition status found in the study group of dental students may be due to neglect of oral hygiene, prophylaxis and lack of systematic dental control in the earlier age periods.

Evaluation of the product based on Recaldent technology in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of GC Tooth Mousse in the treatment of patients with dentin hypersensitivity caused by various factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The evaluation was carried out on 101 teeth with dentin hypersensitivity in 13 patients. Patients with gingival recession and exposed dental necks and those with non-carious lesions at the initial stage were selected. The initial examination was to evaluate the intensity of pain inducted by a stream of the air syringe and by probing the tooth surface. It was repeated directly after the preparation application, after 15 minutes, after 1 and 4 weeks.

RESULTS

After the medicine application, the number of teeth reacting with strong or extremely strong pain decreased (from almost 80% to 37.62%). The percentage of teeth reacting with mild pain increased by 15% and the number of teeth which did not react to the cold air stream also increased by 27.72%. The values after 15 minutes were similar. A week later, the percentage of teeth with very strong pain was elevated and so was the percentage of medium pain. On the other hand, the number of teeth without pain and with mild pain decreased twice. After one month the percentage distribution was close to the results obtained after 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

1. GC Tooth Mousse preparation, based on Recaldent technology reveals insufficient effectiveness and short-term therapeutic effect in treating hypersensitivity of dentine. 2. It seems that soothing the pain by GC Tooth Mousse should be regarded rather as an additional remineralizing effect of the medicine.

Effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinse on cathepsin C activity in human saliva

Chlorhexidine is an active agent commonly used against dental plaque in the mouth apart from fluorides applied to prevent caries. It is contained in toothpastes and mouthrinses.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of mouthrinses containing chlorhexidine digluconate on the activity of cathepsin C in human saliva.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Material for analyses contained mixed saliva samples collected at rest, directly into test tubes (Z PS type, Medlab) at least 2 hours after meal from 40 subjects (dentistry students; 30 women and 10 men), aged 19-24. Saliva was collected before the preparations were applied after rinsing the mouth with distilled water and following a single use of the preparations according to the producer's instructions, 8 samples for each preparation.

RESULTS

The decrease of cathepsin C was observed for each preparation, but was the greatest after mouth rinsing with Kin Gingival (65.08%) and Corsodyl (58.00%).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study confirms this assumption by finding a decrease in cathepsin C activity after the use of chlorhexidine mouth rinses.

[Histoenzymatic study of the liver and submandibular gland of rats exposed to sodium fluoride in drinking water]

PURPOSE

Universal use of fluorine compounds in dentistry, as well as industrial and civilization-related exposures may produce undesirable effects of fluorine action. The effects of fluoride ions depend on the dose and exposure time. Some may be positive, e.g. in caries prevention, while others are harmful when optimal prophylactic or therapeutic doses have been surpassed. The literature is replete with reports on interactions of fluoride ions with the activity of many enzymes and indirectly with cellular metabolism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The paper presents the results of a histoenzymatic study of the liver and submandibular gland of young rats exposed to NaF administered in drinking water. The intensity of staining for lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase was evaluated.

RESULTS

The reaction to succinate dehydrogenase in the submandibular gland and lactate dehydrogenase in hepatocytes was attenuated, while the reaction to acid phosphatase was enhanced in the liver when rats were exposed to 32.0 mg NaF/dm(3) of drinking water.

The effect of temperature, acidification, and alkalization changes as well as ethanol on salivary cathepsin D activity

The activity of salivary cathepsin D undergoes inactivation at the temperature of 50-60 degrees C and at pH of 2.0 and pH of 8.0-10.0. The enzyme activity is also decreased by high concentrations of ethanol and high-proof alcoholic beverages. The factors should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of salivary cathepsin D activity.

Comparative analysis of the effect of preparations used in professional fluoride prophylaxis on the chosen parameters of human saliva

Regular supply of fluoride ions to the oral environment is one of the prophylactic actions against dental caries. Fluorides, whose exogenous action combines with saliva properties, condition the anticariogenic effect. Fluoride ions exhibit high chemical activity, can alter the oral environment parameters and inhibit the activity of enzymes.

PURPOSE

In the current study, the effect of fluoride preparations used in professional caries prophylaxis on chosen saliva parameters was studied. The levels of pH and fluoride ions, and the activity of cathepsin D in human saliva were determined.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Material for analysis contained resting mixed saliva collected before and 1, 4 and 24 hours after the application of Duraphat, Elmex Gel, Fluor Protector, Fluormex Gel and Fluoro-Gel.

RESULTS

The fluoride-containing preparations inhibited the activity of cathepsin D in the way depending on the time that had passed since the application and altered the pH level of human saliva.

Oral Candida albicans carriage in healthy preschool and school children

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to detect Candida albicans carriage in the oral cavity of healthy preschool and school children. The second aim was the determination of correlation between C. albicans occurrence and dental caries in children population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The samples for mycological examinations were collected from the pharynx and supragingival plaque, and carious lesions in 102 children, aged 4-7 years (preschool children) and 104 children and adolescents, aged 12 and 18 (school children). All samples were cultured directly on Sabouraud agar medium. Isolated yeasts were identified based on API 20C AUX (bioMérieux).

RESULTS

A total of 123 C. albicans strains were isolated, in which 61 (49.6%) derived from supragingival plaque, 48 (39%)--from carious lesions, and 14 (11.4%)--from pharyngeal swabs. C. albicans was isolated from the samples of single material in 61 children (35--school children, 26 --preschool children) while from the rest of 29 children, C. albicans was isolated from two (25x) or three materials (4x). C. albicans was detected in 48/75 (64%) children with dental caries; the rate was statistically significantly higher as compared to the overall number of children with C. albicans carriage (90/206; 43.7%) (p = 0.0026). Similar results was obtained in preschool children (38/61; 62.3% and 47/102; 46.1%, respectively) (p = 0.0449), as in school children (10/14; 71.4% and 43/104; 41.3%, respectively) (p = 0.0336).

CONCLUSIONS

1) Candida albicans was observed in the oral cavity of healthy children with high (approximately 40%)--comparable rate in school and preschool children (p > 0.05). 2) C. albicans was isolated with high comparable rate from carious lesions in preschool and school children. The statistically significant differences between the rate of C. albicans in carious lesions in preschool children (62.3%) and school children (71.4%) and the overall number of children with C. albicans carriage in the oral cavity of children in both age groups (p < 0.05) were showed.

The choice of conditions for cathepsin D activity determination in human saliva

The aim of the study was the demonstration and choice of conditions for the determination of cathepsin D activity in human mixed saliva. The 6% solution of hemoglobin, denatured with hydrochloric acid, was used as the substrate. The ratio of saliva volume to hemoglobin was 4:1 w/v. The reaction was interrupted by adding 10% trichloroacetic acid, after 6 hours of incubation at 37 degrees C. The increase in degradation products was determined with the use of Folina and Ciocalteau method with copper modification.

Catechol-O-Methyltransferase and Monoamine Oxidase B Genes and Susceptibility to Sporadic Parkinson’s Disease in a Polish Population

Recent reports have proved that genetic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). It has been suggested that polymorphisms in monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) might increase the risk of PD. A total of 210 Polish patients with sporadic PD and 152 healthy controls were studied. The MAOB and COMT polymorphisms were identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The MAOB allele and genotype frequencies in PD patients did not differ significantly from the controls. A statistically lower frequency of the COMTLL genotype in patients with parkinsonism was found. The combined haplotype of the MAOB G (G/G) and COMTHL genotype showed a fourfold increase (p < 0.05) in the risk of PD in female patients in this Polish population.

Productivity and beyond: mastering the Polish genitive inflection

This study charts the development of the genitive masculine inflection, one of the most irregular parts of the Polish case-marking system. 72 Polish children aged from 2;3 to 10;8 participated in a nonce word production experiment testing their ability to supply the genitive form and their sensitivity to the semantic factors determining the choice of ending. Results indicate that productivity, or the ability to supply the inflected form of some nonce words, emerges early: 78% of the two-year-olds were able to inflect at least one test item. However, mastery, or the ability to consistently supply the correct ending, takes considerably longer to develop, and adultlike levels of provision are not reached until about age 10;0.

[Effect of drugs on the diagnostic laboratory tests results]

The results of clinical laboratory determinations depend on physiological, environmental and pharmacological factors. Thousand pharmacological factors used daily, are known to interfere with routine laboratory tests by pharmaco-toxicological and physico-chemical reactions. This confusing interference may cause the wrong diagnoses but also incorrect treatment, unnecessary tests and further costs. Even if we would be able to recognize the most important effects of drugs, we will not be able to remember all of the drugs adverse reactions; therefore use of computer databases could be helpful for interpreting doubtful laboratory test results.

Effect of fluoride preparations on the activity of human salivary cathepsin C

Preparations containing organic and inorganic fluorine compounds are used for oral hygiene. Fluoride ions contained in these preparations display high bioactivity and can alter the environment of the mouth. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of preparations containing aminofluorides, commonly used in oral hygiene, on the activity of salivary cathepsin C (EC 3.4.14.1). The research material included mixed saliva, collected at rest before and after the application of the following preparations: Elmex gelee, Elmex red fluid, Elmex green fluid, Fluormex rinse. The salivary pH, concentration of fluoride ions and activity of cathepsin C were determined. Fluoride preparations inhibit the activity of cathepsin C and cause changes in human salivary pH. Saliva can serve as a diagnostic material in the examination of the environmental exposure to fluorides.

Ultrastructural study of the mitochondria in the submandibular gland, the pancreas and the liver of young rats, exposed to NaF in drinking water

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of fluoride on ultrastructural changes in the submandibular gland, the pancreas and the liver. The experimental rats received fluoride in aqueous solutions of sodium fluoride at concentrations of 10.6 NaF/dm3 and 32.0 NaF/dm3. In the ultrastructural examination, mitochondria were most damaged.

Treatment of Wilson's disease

On the basis of literature review and own experience we presented the method of treatment of Wilson's disease. Causative treatment has been impossible so far, although gene therapy could be real in the future. Nowadays the principle of treatment is the elimination of the excess of easily mobilized copper by chelating agents or blocking the intestinal absorption of copper. Chelation therapy, aimed at mobilizing copper from the affected organs and promoting its excretion in the urine or stool is the most important. The major chelating agent is d-penicillamine, which is quite effective but not without some side effects. Alternative chelating agents such as trientine and tetrathiomolybdate have also been successfully employed. Zinc salts are also of therapeutic value. They promote copper excretion by inducing the synthesis of metallothionein in the intestine, thereby blocking copper absorption from the gut. Zinc salts have almost no side effects. They cannot be used as an initial treatment, but are very effective for maintenance therapy. The chelation therapy is ineffective in patients with acute liver failure with encephalopathy and hemolysis. In these cases, liver transplantation is the only hope for survival. Liver transplantations in patients with dominating psychoneurological symptoms are open to discussion.

Serum selenium levels in alcoholic liver disease

BACKGROUND

The pathomechanism of liver damage in chronic alcoholic liver disease has not been fully elucidated yet. It seems undoubted that one of the mechanisms of alcohol-induced liver damage involves free radical reactions leading to peroxidation of proteins and lipids. The most important defense mechanisms are associated with the activity of antioxidative enzymes, among which glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), belonging to so-called 'free radical scavengers' should be mentioned. Selenium, regarded as a bioelement, is present in GSH-Px. Involved in numerous redox reactions, it belongs to the factors protecting the organism from oxidative shock. The aim of the study was to determine the selenium levels in blood serum of chronic alcohol abusers and to find potential correlations with the parameters of liver damage.

MATERIAL/METHODS

The study was carried out in a group of 25 subjects (21 males, 4 females), treated in the Clinic or Outpatient Department of Hepatology for chronic alcoholic liver disease. At the time of the study, the patients had abstained from drinking for a period from one month to a year. Selenium was determined with atomic absorption spectroscopy method, using the hydride generation technique. The control group consisted of 11 males and 7 females.

RESULTS

Statistical analyses of the control group indicated a significantly higher blood serum selenium level in males than in females. The patients demonstrated elevated aminotransferase activity, normal Falk, markedly increased GGTP. Mean INR was 1.4 and albumin concentration 3.3 g/l. Blood serum selenium levels in male patients were significantly lower in comparison with normal values. The analysis of correlations between some liver function parameters and selenium levels demonstrated a positive correlation between the levels of albumin and selenium. Serum selenium level was inversely proportional to ALAT activity. No correlations between selenium levels and INR levels, or GGTP activity were found.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Serum selenium levels differ in male and female populations. In healthy men, the level of Se in the serum is higher. 2. Antioxidative activity measured by serum Se level is low in men with chronic alcoholic liver disease (during the abstinence period). 3. Increased selenium level in the hair may indicate the presence of certain antioxidative reserve, which requires further studies.

Results of treatment of Wilson's disease--own observations

BACKGROUND

Causative treatment of genetically determined Wilson's disease (WD) has been impossible so far, although gene therapy could be real in the future. Nowadays the principle of treatment is the elimination of the excess of easily mobilized copper, bound by chelating agents, the most important of which is d-penicillamine, through the kidneys. Blocking of the intestinal absorption of copper by administration of zinc preparations, which additionally induce hepatic metallothionein synthesis, is also possible. The aim of our study was to present own observations and results of treatment of Wilson's disease.

MATERIAL/METHODS

During the last 16 years, we have observed 33 patients aged 13-60 (mean age 27 years) with various forms of WD. The studied group consisted of 11 females and 21 males, admitted to hospital or seen at the Specialistic Outpatient Department of Hepatology with various diagnoses. In addition to standard laboratory tests, the levels of ceruloplasmin, serum and urine copper, as well as the activity of some hepatic enzymes, proteins and HBV/HCV infection markers were determined. The patients were also examined by a neurologist and an ophthalmologist, with psychiatric consultation if necessary. Taking into account the overall clinical presentation, the patients were divided into the following groups according to the form of the disease: fulminant, acute, hepatic, hepatic with neurological and psychiatric symptoms, neuropsychiatric, asymptomatic.

RESULTS

All the patients were initially treated with d-penicillamine. In most of them, no side effects were observed. The treatment was continued according to the levels of copper excreted with urine (for 10 years at the longest). After obtaining clinical improvement with reduced amount of copper excreted with 24-h urine, we tapered d-penicillamine doses or even discontinued the drug, introducing zinc preparations. In asymptomatic carriers, zinc preparations were used throughout the period of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Early institution of chelation treatment is associated with good prognosis both in hepatic and neurological forms of WD. Zinc preparations are effective and safe in neurological and oligosymptomatic forms of the disease.

[Paracervical non-caries defects]

The aim of the study was the description of origin and treatment of paracervical, non-caries defects. Dental plaque is involved in the formation of caries defects, while those of non-caries origin are produced due to the action of mechanical and chemical factors. The treatment consists in wide fluoride prophylaxis (elimination of causes) and in the application of mineralization procedures and restoration of missing dental tissue using modern dental highly-adhesive materials. At the same time occlusion disorders and parafunctions are eliminated.

Histochemical and ultrastructural study of the effect of natrium fluoride on glycogen content in rat hepatocytes

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of natrium fluoride (NaF) on glycogen content in hepatocytes of the offspring rats receiving fluoridated water, basing on histochemical (PAS reaction) and ultrastructural examinations. The experiment used 90 rats obtained from 30 mothers. The animals were given fluoridated water in two different concentrations: 10.6 mg NaF/l and 32.0 mg NaF/l. Material for analysis consisted of liver specimens collected on day 4, 14, 30, 60, 90 and 120 of rats' life. The rats were exposed to fluoride from the intrauterine life, during lactation, till full maturity. The experiment revealed the effect of super-optimal concentrations of natrium fluoride on carbohydrate metabolism of the rat.

Learning a morphological system without a default: the Polish genitive

The acquisition of the English past tense inflection is the paradigm example of rule learning in the child language literature and has become something of a test case for theories of language development. This is unfortunate, as the idiosyncratic properties of the English system of marking tense make it a rather unrepresentative example of morphological development. In this paper, I contrast this familiar inflection with a much more complex morphological subsystem, the Polish genitive. The genitive case has three different markers, each restricted to a different subset of nouns, in both the singular and the plural. Analysis of the spontaneous speech of three children between the ages of 1;4 and 4;11 showed that they generalized, and overgeneralized, all three singular endings. However, error rates were extremely low and there is no evidence that they treated any one ending as the 'default'. The genitive plural, on the other hand, showed a strikingly different pattern of acquisition, similar to that seen in English-speaking children learning the past tense. It is argued that in the latter two cases, the default-like character of one of the affixes is attributable to the properties of the relevant inflectional subsystems, not to the predispositions that children bring to the language-learning task.

Effect of high fiber vegetable-fruit diet on the activity of liver damage and serum iron level in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT)

BACKGROUND

During the treatment of coronary heart disease with a vegetable-fruit diet, we have observed the positive effect of the treatment on PCT patients. Therefore, we have now examined the short-term results of the diet on the selected PCT activity parameters. The study was approved by our Review Board.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 13 male PCT patients (mean age 52 years) was evaluated. We assessed the body mass index (BMI), serum iron level, activity of transaminases (ALT, AST), severity of skin symptoms, and urinary prophyrins excretions, before and after a three-week period of vegetable-fruit diet. The diet was of natural vegetable/fruit products, and its daily caloric content was ca. 500 kcal/day.

RESULTS

The mean BMI before and after the diet period were 26.8 +/- 4.7 vs. 25.8 +/- 4.3 (p = 0.001), the serum activities of ALT 122.0 +/- 60.7 U/l vs. 75.6 +/- 31.8 U/l, and of AST 91.8 +/- 56.0 U/l vs. 55.2 +/- 14.2 U/l (p = 0.001), respectively. The mean serum iron levels were 188.6 +/- 75.7 mg/dl vs. 140.2 +/- 56.4 mg/dl, serum ferritin concentrations 574 +/- 351 vs. 499 +/- 340 ng/ml (p = 0.04), respectively. Severity of skin lesions and urinary coproporphyrins excretion were significantly diminished during the diet; urinary uroporphyrins excretion was also lowered, but not to a statistically significant level.

CONCLUSION

In our group of PCT patients, we noticed the beneficial effect of the vegetable-fruit diet on selected disease parameters. The diet may be useful in the treatment of PCT and diseases associated with PCT.

Porphyria cutanea tarda, hepatitis C virus and selected symptoms of cholestasis

BACKGROUND

The influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the development of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) was recently detected, but the status of trace elements in etiology of the diseases is relatively poorly recognized. Individually observed symptoms of cholestasis do not seem to be related to the above conditions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 22 PCT patients (37-73 years old, mean 54.9 years), including 10 cases (45.5%) of serum HCV-RNA positive, as evaluated by automatic Cobas AmplicorTM Hepatitis C ver. 2.0 assay (Roche Diagnostics), was assessed. None of the patients have recently abused alcohol. Serum levels of copper and bilirubin, activity of gammaglutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in all patients.

RESULTS

We have found statistically significant differences between both mean serum activity of GGTP (145.9 U/l vs. 58.3 U/l, p = 0.004) and mean serum copper levels (131.9 mg/dl vs. 79 mg/dl, p = 0.003) in patients infected with HCV compared to the other PCT patients, respectively. Mean serum ALP activity was also higher, but the difference was not of statistical importance (106.9 U/l vs. 90.9 U/l, p = 0.24); mean serum bilirubin concentration was significantly lower in HCV-infected patients (0.55 mg/dl vs. 0.85 mg/dl, respectively, p = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

In our group of PCT patients we have noticed a higher serum copper level and higher activity of both GGTP and alkaline phosphatase, but lower level of serum bilirubin in patients infected with HCV as compared with those not infected. This observation does not confirm suggestions concerning the role of HCV in promotion of cholestatic liver disease in PCT patients. The influence of HCV infection on the metabolism of copper and GGTP activity is connected rather with the inflammatory lesions in the liver of PCT patients infected with HCV. Bilirubin metabolism in PCT patients requires further studies for its elucidation.

Influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on porphyrin and iron metabolism in porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) patients

BACKGROUND

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) is the most common form of porphyria. It is characterised by lowered activity of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. It seems possible that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection triggers the symptoms of PCT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 29 PCT patients (33-73 years old, mean 54 years) was evaluated. In these patients the serum HCV-RNA (by mean of automatic Cobas AmplicorTM Hepatitis C ver. 2.0 assay, Roche Diagnostics), activity of transaminases (ALT, AST), serum protein fractions, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation, and urinary porphyrins excretion were assessed.

RESULTS

The presence of HCV-RNA was detected in 12 cases (41.4%). Statistically important differences between currently HCV infected patients and other PCT patients concerned the following parameters: mean body mass (68.5 vs. 78.0 kg, p = 0.02), mean body mass index (22.4 vs. 26.8 kg/m2, p = 0.007), mean serum activities of ALT (112.6 vs. 65.4 U/l, p = 0.02) and AST (85.0 vs. 56.5 U/l, p = 0.038), total serum protein concentration (78.0 vs. 71.6 g/l, p = 0.016) and serum alpha-2 protein concentration (7.2 vs. 5.5 g/l, p = 0.009), respectively. Some other not significant differences were also found: mean serum iron level 182 vs. 169 micrograms/dl, transferrin concentration 2.77 vs. 2.56 g/l, transferrin saturation 43 vs. 45%, serum TIBC 445 vs. 397 mg/dl and ferritin concentration 394 vs. 400 micrograms/l, respectively. The mean urinary uroporphyrin concentrations were 643 micrograms/l vs. 366 micrograms/l (p = 0.16) and those of coproporphyrins were 190 micrograms/l vs. 136 micrograms/l (p = 0.37), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In the group of PCT patients investigated no significant relationship between current HCV infection and iron or porphyrin metabolism was noted. Nevertheless, HCV infection significantly influences the symptoms of liver damage and seems to influence other metabolic parameters in PCT patients.

Acute haemolytic syndrome and liver failure as the first manifestations of Wilson's disease

Acute liver failure and haemolytic syndrome appeared quite suddenly as the first manifestations of Wilson disease (WD) in five of our patients previously regarded as healthy persons (although an interview showed that 2-4 weeks prior to the illness the patients complained of several non-specific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, headaches, fever, weakness or behavioural changes). All the patients were young women (17-23 years), none of them had any history of liver disease. They were admitted with icterus, nausea, vomiting and symptoms of increasing haemolysis. The diagnosis of WD was given as disturbed copper metabolism. After a short period of observation ascites and anasarca occurred, haemorrhagic diathesis and other symptoms of liver failure increased. Levels of clotting factors decreased rapidly. Despite treatment with D-penicillamine, plasmapheresis, and symptomatic drugs, three of the women died in irreversible liver coma, due to the unavailability of liver transplantation. The fourth woman was carried to the Transplantation Centre, due to aggravation of the symptoms of liver failure, where liver transplantation was performed. Histopathologically micronodular cirrhosis was shown in all these cases. The fifth patient survived having undergone the above treatment without liver transplantation. The main differences between the patient who survived and those who died or underwent transplantation were relatively higher activity of alkaline phosphatase (26 U/l vs. 10-20 U/l), slightly higher levels of clotting factors and prothrombin time, which never fall below 68% of the control (versus 14-44% in other patients). Only in the surviving patient was the Kayser-Fleischer ring present. In four of our patients we found family members who were carriers of WD.

[Liver transplantation in a patient with hemolytic syndrome in the course of fulminant Wilson's disease]

The case report of a 20 year old woman with fulminant liver failure and hemolytic syndrome was described. Huge amounts of copper excreted in the urine (3555 mg/12 h without, and 5180 mg/12 h after d-penicillamine provocation, respectively) confirmed the diagnosis of fulminant Wilson's disease. Because the patient's general condition worsened rapidly (hemolysis, diathesis hemorrhagic, ascites, encephalopathy increased during 3 days of clinical observation) orthotopic liver transplantation was performed. After the transplantation, ischemic type biliary lesion (ITBL) II stage was diagnosed. The woman is still being treated with Prograf and Urso-Falk. The patient returned to her normal life, continues to work and was married. Two years after OLT she gave birth to a healthy boy. The liver function tests are normal with the exception of GGTP and FALK activities elevation. Copper and ceruloplasmin level, as well as copper excretion in the urine are within the normal values.

Submicron emulsions as drug carriers. Studies on destabilization potential of various drugs

Few drugs have been successfully formulated as submicron emulsions. The physicochemical stability of submicron emulsions on admixture of drugs is the main factor limiting a wider use of this type of vehicle for parenteral or other routes of administration. In a short-term stability studies we have investigated 35 drugs with regard to their compatibility with 20 or 5% parenteral fat emulsions. The study has shown that interaction of drugs with submicron emulsions is complex in nature. Taking into consideration the physicochemical properties of a drug e.g. lipophilicity or ionization, it is difficult to predict changes in the physical stability of the system. If destabilization occurs it is maximal at saturated concentrations and the presence of even significant amounts of the solid phase formed by undissolved drug does not influence the short-term stability of the system. Due to the increased ratio of emulgator to oil, emulsions containing 5% of oily phase are less susceptible to destabilization than 20% emulsions.

Increased partitioning of pilocarpine to the oily phase of submicron emulsion does not result in improved ocular bioavailability

Submicron emulsions containing pilocarpine as ion-pair with mono-dodecylphosphoric acid were prepared. Physical stability of these preparations was confirmed during 4 months of storage at 4 degrees C. Approximately 50% of the drug was found in the aqueous phase of emulsion separated using an ultrafiltration technique, while the rest was present in the oily phase and interphase. The miotic effect observed in rabbits after application of the ion-pair in aqueous solution or in submicron emulsion was the same; indicating that the drug distribution into the oily phase of the colloidal vehicle does not improve ocular bioavailability.

Discriminatory power of MRI for differentiation of adrenal non-adenomas vs adenomas evaluated by means of ROC analysis: can biopsy be obviated?

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the discriminatory power of MRI in high-field magnet (1.5 T) for differentiation of adrenal non-adenomas vs adenomas assessing the following parameters separately and in combination: mean diameter of adrenal mass; previously described and new ratios as well as index calculated from signal intensity (SI) on SE T2-weighted images, chemical shift imaging (CSI), and Gd-DTPA-enhanced dynamic studies. One hundred eight adrenal masses (36 non-hyperfunctioning adenomas, 27 pheochromocytomas, 23 aldosterone-secreting adenomas, 20 malignant masses and 2 cortisol-secreting adenomas) in 95 patients were evaluated with SE sequences, CSI and Gd-DTPA dynamic studies. Indices and ratios of SI for all examined MRI methods were calculated and examined retrospectively for significance of differences between the groups with calculation of sensitivity and specificity. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis of calculated parameters in combination was performed. The multifactorial analysis of all four parameters, including size of the tumor, T2(liver) index, CSI ratio reflecting lipid content in the tumor and Wo(max/last) ratio reflecting maximal washout of contrast agent from the tumor had 100 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity in characterization of adrenal non-adenoma. The best performance of combination of mean tumor diameter with single MRI SI parameter was achieved in combination with T2(liver) index for all adrenal masses (area under ROC 0.987) and CSI ratio for non-hyperfunctioning adrenal masses (area under ROC 0.991). Magnetic resonance imaging enables sensitive and specific diagnosis of adrenal non-adenoma.

[Low zinc levels in metabolic X syndrome (mzX) patients measured by hair zinc composition analysis]

The hair zinc content in 16 patients with metabolic X syndrome (mzX) was measured by means of atomic absorption spectrometry method. The mean concentration (125.13 mg/kg) was lower than in the majority of other published studies. The differences among groups of patients with different sex or diseases (e.g. coronary heart disease, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus) were not significant. It seems to be probably that deficiency of zinc plays a role in pathogenesis of mzX or that it is a consequence of mzX.

Intravital treatment of the pulp with simultaneous laser biostimulation

The aim of the study was clinical and radiological evaluation of the pulp treatment using direct capping and amputation under anaesthesia with simultaneous laser biostimulation. Thirty procedures were performed using laser and thirty-six without it. In all cases non-setting Ca(OH)2 was applied as a biological dressing. The results obtained provide justification for the application of laser biostimulation to biological treatment of the pulp.

[Porphyria cutanea tarda--new views on its pathogenesis and therapy]

Literature data and the results of our studies on the prevalence of the HCV infection markers in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) are presented. We also present new views on the PCT pathogenesis in some cases, therapy of the cutaneous changes, and the use of interferon in the patients as a prevention of the hepatocellular carcinoma.