Are there new biomarkers of the gastroduodenal microbiota useful in the diagnosis of coeliac disease in children? A pilot study

The changing of microbiome could precede the development of coeliac disease (CeD). We compared the bacterial profile of microbiota of tissues collected simultaneously from the stomach and duodenum in newly diagnosed patients with CeD. Biopsies were collected from 60 children and adolescents aged 2-18 years: (1) 40 patients with CeD; (2) 20 children as control group. The evaluation of the bacterial microbiota was carried out by sequencing the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA subunit, using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The composition of bacterial microbiota was correlated with clinical and blood parameters. The beta diversity analysis revealed a significant dissimilarity in the gastric samples between the CeD and control group (Bray-Curtis index, P = 0.008, and weighted UniFrac distance, P = 0.024). At L2 (phylum level), Campylobacterota was only present in the stomach of the CeD group. A comparison of the abundance of bacteria between the stomach and duodenum showed significant differences in 10 OTUs (operational taxonomic units) in the control and 9 OTUs in the CeD group at L6 (genus) and in 8 OTUs and in 6 OTUs, respectively, at L7 (species). A significant correlation was observed between the genus Novosphingobium in stomach of CeD group and possession of the DQ2.5 and DQ 8 allele, and in the duodenum - between the DQ 8 allele and the species Blautia wexlerae. Significant differences in selected, little-known genera of bacteria suggest their potential role as new biomarkers in the development of CeD. To fully understand the mechanism of CeD development in genetically predisposed individuals, it is necessary to take into account not only the abundance of a given genus or species of bacteria, but also the anatomical location of its occurrence.

A pilot randomized trial of the body advocacy movement: a novel, dissonance-based intervention designed to target fear of weight gain and anti-fat bias in young adults

The Body Advocacy Movement (BAM) is a novel, cognitive-dissonance-based intervention designed to target fatphobia and anti-fat bias as mechanisms to drive reductions in eating disorder (ED) risk. Previous dissonance-based programs (i.e. the Body Project; BP) have successfully targeted thin-ideal internalization as an intervention mechanism. As burgeoning research indicates that fatphobia and anti-fat bias may play a central role in the maintenance of ED pathology, a focused intervention designed to target these constructs could bolster prevention efforts. The aims of this pilot study include confirming acceptability and feasibility of BAM and developing preliminary estimates of its effects on intervention targets, along with benchmarking these effects against the BP intervention. BAM was found to be accepted by participants and feasible to facilitate in a peer-led model. Preliminary results from 50 participants (BAM: N = 26; BP: N = 24) reveal small-to-moderate pre-to-post intervention effects on fatphobia, anti-fat bias, thin-ideal internalization, and eating pathology, which dissipated at 8-week follow-up. The BAM intervention has the potential to supplement the existing suite of ED prevention programs by specifically targeting anti-fat bias, though additional testing in larger and more diverse samples is necessary to clarify its impact on both hypothesized risk mechanisms and ED outcomes.

The multidirectional assessment of moderate caloric restriction and metformin treatment in obese patients

Obesity treatment is often burdensome for patients. We used the combination of moderate caloric restriction (CR) with hypoglycemic metformin to assess their multidirectional effect in obese patients. One group was treated only with moderate CR (n=21) the second was treated with moderate CR and 800 mg metformin twice daily (n=23). Serum was drawn before and after treatment. The following parameters were monitored: anthropometric, cardiovascular, inflammatory, metabolic, and markers characteristic for thyroid, liver, pancreas, and kidney functions. Both tested groups did not significantly differ in most tested parameters after the treatment. Two groups reduced anthropometric parameters (body mass, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference) and fat mass but also muscle and fat-free mass, improving systolic blood pressure, insulin and leptin concentration, insulin sensitivity, leptin to adiponectin ratio, and inflammatory markers. Unfortunately, there was little impact on improving dyslipidemia and the thyroid and liver parameters. Free triiodothyronine (fT3) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity were decreased in both groups, but triglycerides were reduced only in patients treated with moderate CR. Metformin with CR treatment decreases uric acid and aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) activity. Metformin treatment with moderate CR in obese patients mainly improved insulin sensitivity, resulting in a reduction of patients with glucose intolerance, improved anthropometric, cardiovascular, and inflammatory mediators, and only slightly enhanced liver and thyroid function. No changes in kidney and pancreas function were observed during the treatment. In conclusion, eight weeks of CR alone and CR with metformin in obese adults improved anthropometric and metabolic markers, reduced muscle mass, fT3, GGT, proinflammatory, and CV parameters, and displayed no changes in kidney and pancreas function. The group treated with metformin after the treatment was still more obese and had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and homeostasis model assessment-an index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), but despite this, considerably reduced the number of patients with glucose intolerance.

Determinants of the microbiome spatial variability in chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

The sinus microbiome in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is considered homogenous across the sinonasal cavity. The middle nasal meatus is the recommended sampling site for 16S rRNA sequencing. However, individuals with unusually high between-site variability between the middle meatus and the sinuses were identified in previous studies. This study aimed to identify which factors determine increased microbial heterogeneity between sampling sites in the sinuses.

METHODOLOGY

In this cross-sectional study samples for 16S rRNA sequencing were obtained from the middle meatus, the maxillary and the frontal sinus in 50 patients with CRS. The microbiome diversity between sampling sites was analysed in relation to the size of the sinus ostia and clinical metadata.

RESULTS

In approximately 15% of study participants, the differences between sampling sites within one patient were greater than between the patient and other individuals. Contrary to a popular hypothesis, obstruction of the sinus ostium resulted in decreased dissimilarity between the sinus and the middle meatus. The dissimilarity between the sampling sites was patient-specific: greater between-sinus differences were associated with greater meatus-sinus differences, regardless of the drainage pathway patency. Decreased spatial variability was observed in patients with nasal polyps and extensive mucosal changes in the sinuses.

CONCLUSIONS

Sampling from the middle meatus is not universally representative of the sinus microbiome. The differences between sites cannot be predicted from the patency of communication pathways between them.

Alterations in intestinal Archaea composition in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease based on next-generation sequencing - a pilot study

Intestinal dysbiosis can lead to the induction of systemic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's disease Although archaea are part of the commensal microbiota, they are still one of the least studied microorganisms. The aim of our study was the standardization of the optimal conditions and primers for sequencing of the gut archaeome using Next Generation Sequencing, and evaluation of the differences between the composition of archaea in patients and healthy volunteers, as well as analysis of the changes that occur in the archaeome of patients depending on disease activity. Newly diagnosed patients were characterized by similar archeal profiles at every taxonomic level as in healthy individuals (the dominance of Methanobacteria at the class level, and Methanobrevibacter at the genus level). In turn, in patients previously diagnosed with Crohn's disease (both in active and remission phase), an increased prevalence of Thermoplasmata, Thermoprotei, Halobacteria (at the class level), and Halococcus, Methanospaera or Picrophilus (at the genus level) were observed. Furthermore, we have found a significant correlation between the patient's parameters and the individual class or species of Archaea. Our study confirms changes in archaeal composition in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease, however, only in long-standing disease. At the beginning of the disease, the archeal profile is similar to that of healthy people. However, in the chronic form of the disease, significant differences in the composition of archaeome begin to appear. It seems that some archaea may be a good indicator of the chronicity and activity of Crohn's disease.

Immunoreactivity of acetylcholinesterase and M1 muscarinic receptors in the hippocampus and striatum of rats treated with Rebaudioside A

Rebaudioside A (RebA) is a steviol glycoside used for production of sweeteners. It was shown that the glycosides affect memory and learning processes. The aim of the study was to investigate neurons immunoreactive for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and M1 muscarinic receptors (mAChRs-M1) of the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 fields and striatal caudateputamen (CP) and globus pallidus (GP) in rats receiving RebA. RebA was administrated to adult rats for 45 days in dilutions of 1 mg and 2 mg RebA/ml water. Indirect peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical reaction was conducted on frontal sections containing the hippocampus and striatum with use of antibodies against AChE and mAChRs-M1. Immunoreactive for the studied proteins neurons were morphologically and morphometrically assessed in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 fields and in CP and GP. Microscopic observations did not reveal significant changes in morphology of immunoreactive neurons, which suggests no neurotoxic effect of the studied glycoside on these cells. Morphometric analyses revealed an increase in the density of AChE and mAChRs-M1 immunoreactive neurons. A decrease in reaction intensity of AChE-positive neurons was also demonstrated in the hippocampal CA1 field and in GP. In contrast, an increase in reaction intensity of mAChRs-M1-positive neurons was found in CA1, CA3 fields and in CP and GP. The results of our preliminary studies indicate that RebA administrated to rats has an impact on cholinergic neurons in the studied area. The results suggest a possible increase in the activity of the cholinergic system, responsible for memory and learning processes, after administration of RebA.

Virucidal efficacy of different formulations for hand and surface disinfection targeting SARS CoV-2

In the ongoing SARS CoV-2 pandemic, effective disinfection measures are needed, and guidance based on the methodological framework of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) may enable the choice of effective disinfectants on an immediate basis. This study aimed to elucidate whether disinfectants claiming ‘virucidal activity against enveloped viruses’ as specified in the European Standard EN 14476 as well as in the German Association for the Control of Viral Diseases/Robert Koch Institute (DVV/RKI) guideline are effectively inactivating SARS-CoV-2. Two commercially available formulations for surface disinfection and one formulation for hand disinfection were studied regarding their virucidal activity. Based on the data of this study the enveloped SARS-CoV-2 is at least equally susceptible compared to the standard test virus vaccinia used in the EN 14476 and DVV/RKI guidelines. Thus, chemical disinfectants claiming ‘virucidal activity against enveloped viruses’ based on the EN 14476 and DVV/RKI guidelines will be an effective choice to target enveloped SARS-CoV-2 as a preventive measure.

Immunoreactivity for calretininin interneurons of the hippocampal CA1 field and dentate gyrus in adult rats after administration of habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Calretinin (CR), a calcium-binding protein from EF-hand family, is localised in non-pyramidal GABA-ergic interneurons of the hippocampus. CR takes part in maintaining calcium binding homeostasis, which suggests its neuroprotective role. Hippocampal neurons contain membrane transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) which binds to capsaicin (CAP) contained in habanero pepper fruits. Few in vivo studies have revealed the effect of CAP on interneurons containing CR. The aim of the present study was to investigate the CR immunoreac- tivity in interneurons of the hippocampal CA1 field and dentate gyrus (DG) in adult rats after intragastric admin- istration of the habanero pepper fruits. Wistar rats received a peanut oil - control group (C), and oil suspension of habanero pepper fruits at doses of 0.025 g dm/kg b.w. - group I and 0.08 g dm/kg b.w. - group II for 28 days. After euthanasia, the brains were collected and embedded in paraffin blocks using a routine histological tech- nique. Frontal hippocampal sections were immunohistochemically stained for CR by using a peroxidase-antiper- oxidase method. CR immunoreactive (CR-IR) interneurons were morphologically and morphometrically ana- lyzed under a light microscope. The results showed similar shapes and distribution of cells in both areas of the brain in group C and I of animals. However, CR-IR interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 field and in DG were occasionally observed in the group II of rats. The results of morphometric studies did not reveal statistically significant differences in the surface area and shape index of cells between examined brain regions from groups I and II compared to group C. Only in group II of rats, an increase in the digital immunostaining intensity of CR-IR interneurons was found in DG. Low number of CR-IR interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 field and in the DG, under the influence of a large dose of habanero pepper fruits containing CAP, may be caused by the activation of TRPV1 receptors and the increase in Ca2+ ions in these cells. This phenomenon may ultimately lead to neuronal death and may disturb neuronal conduction.

The effectiveness of radiant catalytic ionization in inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes planktonic and biofilm cells from food and food contact surfaces as a method of food preservation

AIMS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbicidal effectiveness of radiant catalytic ionization (RCI) against Listeria monocytogenes strains in the form of planktonic cells and biofilm on food products and food contact surfaces as a method of food preservation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study material comprised six strains of L. monocytogenes, isolated from food. Samples of different types of food available by retail (raw carrot, frozen salmon filets, soft cheese) and the fragments of surfaces (stainless steel AISI 304, rubber, milled rock tiles, polypropylene) were used in the experiment. The obtained results showed the effectiveness of RCI in the inactivation of both forms of the tested L. monocytogenes strains on all the surfaces. The effectiveness of RCI for biofilm forms was lower as compared with planktonic forms. The PRR value ranged from 18·19 to 99·97% for planktonic form and from 3·92 to 70·10% for biofilm.

CONCLUSIONS

The RCI phenomenon induces the inactivation of L. monocytogenes on surfaces of food and materials used in the processing industry to a varying degree, depending on the manner of surface contamination, the properties of the contaminated materials as well as on the origin of the strain and the properties of surrounding dispersive environment in which the micro-organisms were suspended.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Searching of new actions aimed at the reduction of the microbial contamination of food and food contact surfaces are extremely important. RCI method has been already described as an effective technique of microbial and abiotic pollution removal from air. However, our studies provide new, additional data related to evaluation the RCI efficacy against microbes on different surfaces, both in planktonic and biofilm form.

Immunoreactivity of arcuate nucleus astrocytes in rats after intragastric administration of habanero peppers (Capsicum Chinese Jacq.)

Habanero pepper fruits contain capsaicin (CAP) characterised by a spicy taste. Astrocytes express vanilloid receptor (TRPV1), which interacts with cannabinoids including CAP. Only a few studies revealed that CAP leads to alterations of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) structures. The aim of this study was to analyse the GFAP (GFAP-IR) and S100β (S100β-IR) immunoreactive astrocytes of ARC in adult rats after intragastric administration of habanero pepper fruits. Adult, Wistar rats received a peanut oil – control group (C) – and oil suspension of habanero pepper fruits at a dose of 0.08 g dm/kg b.w. for 7 days – E1 group – and 28 days – E2 group. After euthanasia, the brains were embedded in paraffin blocks using a routine histological technique. Frontal slices of ARC were immunohistochemically stained for GFAP and S100β using specific antibodies in the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Astrocytes of ARC were morphologically and morphometrically analysed under a light microscope. The results of the study did not reveal statistically significant changes in the density of GFAP-IR cells in E1 and E2 groups of rats in comparison with group C. A statistically significant increase in the density of S100β-IR astrocytes was observed in the E1 group and a decrease in the E2 group. Astrocytes with expression of both studied proteins were characterised by morphological alterations in ARC in the E2 group. The obtained results suggest an influence of CAP contained in habanero pepper fruits on the reactivity of astroglia, which may have an impact on the astrocyte-neuron interactions in order to maintain a proper activity of nervous cells in ARC.

HPV vaccine education: enhancing knowledge and attitudes of community counselors and educators

Educational efforts targeting parents of preadolescents may help them make informed decisions about having their children vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). We conducted a pilot study examining knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of community-based health educators and counselors who routinely disseminate sexual health and prevention information through counseling and supporting these parents. We evaluated the impact of a single, brief workshop by administering questionnaires before and after the session. The workshop consisted of an educational intervention that was presented orally by an expert in gynecological oncology and was followed by an open discussion period. Following the information and discussion session, improvements were seen in knowledge accuracy, confidence in being able to discuss HPV vaccine issues with parents, greater willingness to recommend the vaccine, and a better understanding of potential barriers to vaccine uptake. These results suggest that health educators and counselors may be better prepared to encourage their clients to make well-informed decisions regarding HPV vaccination.

Questionnaire regarding the knowledge of the rules of organ procurement from cadaveric donors for transplantation directed to the directors of medical institutions in Poland

We assessed the level of knowledge of organ procurement regulations among the directors of medical institutions in Poland. We also sought to promote the objection form, and the activity of the Central Register of Objections. A questionnaire consisting of 10 questions was sent to 381 random medical health care institution directors countrywide. In 89% of surveyed institutions, the written text of the organ procurement regulations was available and 94% of directors knew the forms of objection, but in 26% of institutions the form was not available and in 14% it was never obtainable. In the medical institutions directors' opinions, the estimated number of objections is 13% of the population in Poland. Organ transplantation is a form of treatment most medical institutions are familiar with, but the matter of donation is not as well known as transplantation, as observed in 48% of questioned institutions.

Geography of the referred potential liver recipients and donors in Poland in 2004

Our aim was to assess the accessibility of potential liver recipients to cadaveric organs and the ability of transplant teams to realize recipients needs in Poland in 2004. Our calculations revealed that in Poland the number of cadaveric liver transplants was two to three times lower than in other countries and is insufficient to meet the needs, also the number of referred potential liver recipients is two to three times lower than expected.

36-Month follow-up of 75 renal allograft recipients treated with steroids, tacrolimus, and azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of acute rejection episodes (AR), diabetes mellitus (DM), and serum creatinine (SCr) among renal transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus (Tac), steroids (S), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or azathioprine (Aza).

METHODS

Seventy-five renal allograft recipients enrolled in the COSTAMP study were followed for a period of 3 years. Patients were randomized to receive either Tac and MMF (n = 41) or Tac and Aza (n = 34) concomitantly with steroids. Follow-up assessments were performed at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months.

RESULTS

Patient survival at month 36 was 91.18% in the Tac/Aza/S group and 97.56% in the Tac/MMF/S group. Graft survival at month 36 was 82.35% and 85.37%, respectively. During the study period, 22 cases of biopsy-proven AR were diagnosed in 17 patients (22.6%). After 36 months the total number of AR was 11 in the Aza-treated group (32.4%) and 11 in the MMF-treated group (26.8%). DM was diagnosed de novo in 17 individuals (22.6%). During 36 months, 10 patients from Aza-treated group (29.4%) and seven from MMF-treated group developed DM (17.1%). Serum creatinine values were not significantly different in both arms of the study. Comparison of arterial blood pressure and total cholesterol revealed no significant changes in any of the studied groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that combinations of steroids, tacrolimus, and azathioprine or MMF provide good results with regard to renal function.

The application of Ilizarov's "bone segment transport" method in the treatment of tumors and tumor-like changes in bone

Background. The authors present their own experience in the application of the "bone segment transport" method developed by Ilizarov for filling post-resection bone deficits in the treatment of neoplastic tumors in long bones. Material and method. Our research involved 9 patients: 2 female patients with an average age of 14.5, and 7 male patients with an average age of 16.7. The follow-up time ranged from 2 to 8 years (average 3.4). Of these patients, 5 were treated for giant-cell tumors with varying degrees of malignancy. Among the remaining patients the bone transport method was used in 2 cases of osteogenic sarcoma, 1 case of chondrosarcoma, and 1 case of aneurismatic cyst. The choice of surgical treatment method was made on the basis of the surgical systems of evaluation and classification of tumors in the locomotor apparatus provided by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and described by Enneking. Results. The authors discuss the method and the results using the example of three cases: an osteogenic sarcoma, a giant-cell tumor, and an aneurismatic cyst. The outcome for bone tumors treated with the "bone segment transport" method are satisfactory. Conclusions. In our material there were no tumor relapses after the combined treatment program was completed. In addition, the preservation of the limb provides psychological comfort for the patient, for whom the potential loss of the limb is a source of stress, often undermining faith in the good effects of treatment.

[Complications of distraction-compression osteogenesis and their prophylaxis--a clinical report]

The authors present a historical overview of various classifications of distraction osteogenesis complications. Paley's classification as well as the authors' own classification also presented. Basing on the authors' own 10 year experiences with the Ilizarov method, selected complications at different stages of diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation are presented. The most effective forms of prophylaxis are presented, with special attention given to the surgeon's own experience with the Ilizarov method.

[The influence of osteotomy technique on distraction osteogenesis]

The authors reviewed the clinical results of leg lengthening by distraction osteogenesis, where two different osteotomy techniques were used: classical corticotomy according to Ilizarov or osteoclasis. Evaluation of results of 64 patients were bases on orthopedic examination and detailed X-ray analysis which included criteria assessing osseous regeneration rate. In those cases where osteoclasis was performed bone formation in the distraction gap was faster than in after osteotomy. An accelerated rate of regenerate formation, as well as a more active regenerate remodelling was observed. This allowed to shorten the time of external fixator application and an earlier rehabilitation.

Association of polymorphism of LTalpha and TNF genes with Graves' disease

Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disease, which develops on the basis of an interaction between genetic, environmental and endogenous factors. GD is associated with some HLA genes. Closely linked with them are TNF genes (TNF and LTalpha). Their role in the pathogenesis of GD is still unclear. Two functional polymorphisms within TNF genes include a substitution of G with A in intron I of LTalpha gene and the same one at position -308 in the TNF gene promoter. We carried out a case-control study for the analysis of the contribution of TNF genes to GD in Polish patients. 156 patients with GD diagnosed by clinical data were investigated and compared to 80 healthy persons with negative familial anamnesis. Both TNF and LTalpha were analysed by PCR/Nco I RFLP. The allelic frequency of the rarer TNF2 (A) allele, was 24.7% in GD patients, significantly higher than in healthy persons (9.3%; p<0.0001). The OR was 4.38 for this allele. The frequency of heterozygotes was 41.8% in GD, as compared to 13.6% in the control group. The allelic frequency of the rarer LTB*1 (G) allele was also significantly increased: from 21.9% in the control group to 37.2% in GD patients (p<0.01; OR 2.81). The frequency of heterozygotes was 48.7% in GD, and 28.8% in the control group. The results indicate that TNF genes may contribute to GD in the Polish population.

[ECT versus transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): preliminary data of computer modeling]

The essential issue of electroshock therapy (ECT) is the activity of physical stimulus, i.e., the electric current, on the disturbed structures of the brain. ECT sessions--when chronically applied for evoking antidepressive effects--are responsible for the appearance of excessive incitement in the neuronal net in the brain tissue in a form of self-sustaining after-discharge (SSAD) (convulsive attack characteristic for ECT). The study presents the computer research on basic biophysical phenomena of electroshock therapy (flow of electric current in the structures of the head just before convulsive attack). Five-layer 3-D model of the head was created in OPERA-3D (Vector Fields Ltd., Oxford), general 3 dimensional issues solver. Geometrical dimensions and electrophysical properties of each layer correspond with natural properties. The model was subjected to the action of electric stimulation (parameters identical to those applied in clinical conditions). Analysis of the flow in particular layers revealed the crawling/spreading effect present not only in the scalp layer but also in the layer of cerebrospinal fluid. The effect is conditioned by "deeper situated" lesser conduction of electricity-respectively skull bones, brain tissue. Crawling effect is the reason why only 5-15% of the electricity applied on the surface of the head reaches the surface of the brain. Electro-stimulation examinations also showed that the values of the so called density of the current in layers of brain tissue balanced between 1-10 mA/mm2. The current parameters of ECT were effective in evoking subsequent convulsive attack and safe for the brain tissue. The model was subjected to the action of magnetic stimulation according to the parameters of neurologic technique of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). ELECTRA module was used to solve wire-current issues. The examination showed more regular distribution of current vectors in all layers of the head. The density of cerebral cortex was 0.1-1 mA/mm2, confirming markedly lesser current charge than that observed during ECT. The problem of magnetic stimulation efficacy in irritating deep structures of the brain demands further studies.

Chemiluminescence of ABEI-labelled IgG triggered by the N-chloramine-H(2)O(2)-p-iodophenol system

Light is emitted in systems containing N-chloramines or hypochlorite, H(2)O(2) and N-(4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylisoluminol (ABEI). The emission is enhanced by 4-iodophenol (PIP) in alkaline solution (1 mol/L NaOH), while at lower pH range (9-11) PIP is not only inactive but also its presence reduces chemiluminescence (CL) of the monochloramine-H(2)O(2)-ABEI system to the background. Two procedures for ABEI-labelled IgG assays were developed, with PIP in 1 mol/L NaOH and without PIP at pH 11, and the standard curves of free ABEI in these conditions were examined. We suggest also that the oxidative deamination of taurine chloramine leads to the formation of the various carbonyl derivatives and their formation is accelerated in the presence of H(2)O(2), especially in less alkaline solutions (pH 11). Moreover, the formation of enol forms of aldehydes in assay buffers was observed. The yield of the phenoxy radical mediators of ABEI oxidation and the pH-dependent H(2)O(2):HO(2) ratio seems to be decisive for the overall CL in the system examined. The main advantage of this method is that CL does not need precise timing of measurements and assays can be performed over a long period of time (hours) using a plate luminometer.

Oxidative modification of ovalbumin

Stimulated neutrophils (PMNL) are a source of the active oxygen species: O2, H2O2 and HOCl/OCl- which in turn can act on proteins yielding a variety of mixed oxidation products. A system is proposed in which a model protein-ovalbumin (OVA) first undergoes chlorination by HOCl/OCl- and next is oxidised by H2O2. The modification of functional groups (-NH2, -SH, -S-S-, > C = O, Tyr and Trp) in OVA was monitored as well as their accessibility to promote aggregation. Chlorination resulted in additional inter- or intra -S-S- bond formation followed by a decrease in the total sulfhydryl group content. Amino groups were oxidised to carbonyl moieties with a concomitant acidic shift of pI. Formation of chlorotyrosine at the chlorination step was confirmed and its further H2O2-mediated transformation to bityrosine was demonstrated. It has also been confirmed that tryptophan, and not tyrosine, is the first target for chlorination. SDS/PAGE and HPLC profiles revealed that HOCl/OCl- chlorination promotes formation of aggregates stabilised by non covalent bonds. In conclusion, we suggest that a dramatic change in the OVA molecule structure begins when the molar excess of HOCl/OCl- is about 2 per one reactive group in OVA.

[Magnetic brain stimulation in treatment of depression: the search for effective parameters of stimulation]

Transcranial magnetic stimulation seems to evoke an antidepressant effect similar to that of electroshocks. This effect, however, is not accompanied by convulsions. This technique may be regarded as an alternative method of treatment of depression. It may prove as effective as electroshock treatment, but induce no negative phenomena connected with electro-convulsive treatment. Effectiveness of magnetic stimulation depends on selection of physical parameters of the applied magnetic field. In our model the optimum parameters of transcranial stimulation are: magnetic field induction B < or = 2 T stimulation frequency f [symbol: see text]¿50-100 Hz¿ time of single impulse twide [symbol: see text]¿0,1-1 ms¿ time of impulse rise trise [symbol: see text]¿(10)50-200 microseconds¿ time of impulse decline tdecline [symbol: see text]¿(100)200-1000 microseconds¿ total stimulation time ttotal > or = 1 min repetition rate repetition rate = 8-12

Oxidative modification of ovalbumin

Stimulated neutrophils (PMNL) are a source of the active oxygen species: O2, H2O2 and HOCl/OCl- which in turn can act on proteins yielding a variety of mixed oxidation products. A system is proposed in which a model protein-ovalbumin (OVA) first undergoes chlorination by HOCl/OCl- and next is oxidised by H2O2. The modification of functional groups (-NH2, -SH, -S-S-, > C = O, Tyr and Trp) in OVA was monitored as well as their accessibility to promote aggregation. Chlorination resulted in additional inter- or intra -S-S- bond formation followed by a decrease in the total sulfhydryl group content. Amino groups were oxidised to carbonyl moieties with a concomitant acidic shift of pI. Formation of chlorotyrosine at the chlorination step was confirmed and its further H2O2-mediated transformation to bityrosine was demonstrated. It has also been confirmed that tryptophan, and not tyrosine, is the first target for chlorination. SDS/PAGE and HPLC profiles revealed that HOCl/OCl- chlorination promotes formation of aggregates stabilised by non covalent bonds. In conclusion, we suggest that a dramatic change in the OVA molecule structure begins when the molar excess of HOCl/OCl- is about 2 per one reactive group in OVA.

[Alpha-1-antitrypsin, albumin and whole protein in meconium and stools during the first days of life in the neonate]

Samples of meconium and first stools were taken prospectively over the first 3 days of life from healthy, term neonates from uncomplicated deliveries (control group) and from neonates that were hypertrophic, premature, delivered through a Cesarian section or born to diabetic mothers. The variability and diagnostic value of determining alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), albumin and total protein in these samples was analyzed. Both the level and dynamics of AAT in the first three days of life differed between the study and control groups. No correlation was found between the AAT and albumin concentrations in the studied material. An increase in total protein content over control values was found in the same neonates that showed elevated AAT concentration in meconium and stools. The concomitant determination of AAT, albumin and total protein in stool makes it possible to discriminate between these groups of neonates with a 91.7% accuracy.

Seventeen years experience with accelerated radiotherapy for carcinoma of the breast

Between 1973 and 1989, one hundred and three women received accelerated radiotherapy to the breast. Fifteen of them had the treatment after local tumor removal; the rest had primary radiotherapy for inoperable cancer. Eleven patients were irradiated twice a day, 83 three times a day, and nine four times a day. The overall time was five days in 52 courses, 7-15 days in 49 courses, and two patients had a longer regime. Actuarial local tumor control was 34.6% at five, and 24.7% at ten years in the whole group, and 25.5% and 14.6%, respectively, in the patients with macroscopical disease. Crude local control in the latter patients was achieved in 24.4% after a five day course, 28.8% after 7 to 11 days course, and 50% after a time of 12 or more days. Crude local control after total dose of less than 40 Gy was 15.8%, after 40-45 Gy, 31.7%, after 45.1-50 Gy, 33.3%, and after more than 50 Gy, 100% (four patients). Sixty patients were evaluable for late damage at 18 months; twenty three of them developed moderate changes. Six suffered severe late damage such as skin leathering or necrosis: three of them were treated for recurrence after previous radiotherapy. The main factor influencing tumor control was not the overall treatment time, but the total dose.

Effect of 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulphonate on phase transition temperature of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes

The effect of 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) on the thermotropic phase transition of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers was examined by differential scanning calorimetry. The main phase transition temperature was found to be shifted to lower values in the presence of the probe. The shift strongly depends on pH and the presence of salts. This indicates that the penetration of the probe of the hydrocarbon moiety of the bilayer is influenced by coulombic interactions. Pretransition phenomena are also affected. The implications for the interpretation of experimental data of biomembrane studies are discussed.