Can Galectin-3 Be a Novel Biomarker in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?

Galectin-3's (Gal-3) effect on the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not yet been extensively studied. The present study aims to analyze the potential role of Gal-3 as a prognostic biomarker in CLL patients. The Gal-3 expression was evaluated in CLL cells with RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. Due to the unclear clinical significance of soluble Gal-3 in CLL, our goal was also to assess the prognostic value of Gal-3 plasma level. Because cell survival is significantly affected by the interaction between Gal-3 and proteins such as Bcl-2, the results of Gal-3 expression analysis were also compared with the expression of Bcl-2. The results were analyzed for known prognostic factors, clinical data, and endpoints such as time to first treatment and overall survival time. Our research confirmed that Gal-3 is detected in and on CLL cells. However, using Gal-3 as a potential biomarker in CLL is challenging due to the significant heterogeneity in its expression in CLL cells. Moreover, our results revealed that Gal-3 mRNA expression in leukemic B cells is associated with the expression of proliferation markers (Ki-67 and PCNA) as well as anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and can play an important role in supporting CLL cells.

Prognostic Potential of Galectin-9 mRNA Expression in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Galectin-9 (Gal-9), very poorly characterized in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), was chosen in our study to examine its potential role as a CLL biomarker. The relation of Gal-9 expression in malignant B-cells and other routinely measured CLL markers, as well as its clinical relevance are poorly understood. Gal-9 mRNA expression was quantified with RT-qPCR in purified CD19+ B-cells of 100 CLL patients and analyzed in the context of existing clinical data. Our results revealed the upregulation of Gal-9 mRNA in CLL cells. High Gal-9 mRNA expression was closely associated with unfavorable prognostic markers. In addition, Gal-9 expression in leukemic cells was significantly elevated in CLL patients who did not respond to the first-line therapy compared to those who did respond. This suggests its potential predictive value. Importantly, Gal-9 was an independent predictor for the time to treatment parameters. Thus, we can suggest an adverse role of Gal-9 expression in CLL. Interestingly, it is possible that Gal-9 expression is induced in B-cells by EBV infection, so we determined the patients' EBV status. Our suggestion is that EBV coinfection could worsen prognosis in CLL, partly due to Gal-9 expression upregulation caused by EBV.

Prognostic Value of the miR-17~92 Cluster in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-17∼92 cluster members in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Six microRNAs (miRNAs)-miR-17, miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-19b-1, miR-20a, and miR-92a-1-very poorly characterized in CLL patients, were chosen for the study to consider their possible role as cancer biomarkers. It is currently unclear to which extent miR-17~92 expression is related to other routinely measured CLL markers, and whether the findings can be of any clinical significance. To achieve this goal, we report the expression levels of these miRNAs detected by RT-qPCR in purified CD19+ B lymphocytes of 107 CLL patients and correlate them with existing clinical data. The study provides new evidence regarding the heterogeneity of miR-17~92 cluster members' expression in CLL patients. Higher miR-17-5p expression was associated with unfavorable prognostic factors (i.e., 17p and 11q deletions, CD38 and ZAP-70 expression). On the other hand, miR-19a, miR-20a, and miR-92a-1 negatively correlated with these adverse factors. The presence of del(13q) as a sole aberration was associated with a significantly lower miR-17-5p as well as higher miR-19a-3p and miR-92a-1-5p expression compared to patients carrying unfavorable genetic aberrations. Particularly, miR-20a could be considered an independent favorable prognostic factor. In a multivariate analysis, high miR-20a expression remained an independent marker predicting long TTT (time to treatment) for CLL patients.

Relationship between the number of steps taken during lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and low back pain

Introduction: In 2020, the whole world was overwhelmed by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus threat. In order to prevent the spread of the virus, national governments introduced restrictions of movement in public space, closing schools, universities, many companies switched to remote working. In addition to the obvious benefits of the above changes, numerous side effects can be observed. One of them is pain in the locomotive organs caused by the sedentary lifestyle. Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the relationship between physical activity during quarantine, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the occurrence of spinal pain. Material and methods: The study was attended by 55 people (29 women and 26 men) who attended physiotherapeutic consultations due to low back pain. For comparison purposes, they were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=24) includes active persons, Group 2 (n=31) includes inactive persons. The survey was conducted in June 2020. The study used the reading of pedometers from mobile phones and the Rolland-Morris Questionnaire, Laitinen’s Pain Scale and author’s own questionnaire. The respondents were asked to share the pedometer results from given weeks before, during and after restriction causes by the COVID-19. Results: Physically active persons (those performing health training) performed more steps before introducing restrictions (p<0.001). After the introduction of restrictions, all-day activity decreased significantly in both groups. The evaluation of pain characteristics revealed significant differences (between groups) in two categories – pain intensity and physical activity limitation. Group 2 individuals also reported greater functional limitations. Conclusion: In physically inactive people, the intensity of low back pain was much higher. This proves the relationship between activity levels and pain.

Association Among Pelvic Girdle Pain, Diastasis Recti Abdominis, Pubic Symphysis Width, and Pain Catastrophizing: A Matched Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) may persist or occur postpartum and negatively affects women's lives. There is uncertainty regarding the association between the structures of the bony pelvis, diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), pain processing, and PGP and to what extent these factors should be considered during physical therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the differences between women with and without PGP shortly after delivery regarding the separation of a pubic symphysis, DRA, and pain catastrophizing.

METHODS

Women diagnosed with PGP 24 to 72 hours after vaginal delivery were matched to pain-free controls according to age and parity. Ultrasound evaluations of diastasis recti (interrecti distance [IRD]) during rest and curl-up task and pubic symphysis (interpubic width) were performed. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale was used to assess the level of catastrophizing. A special Cox regression model was used to fit a conditional logistic regression for a 1:2 matched case-control study.

RESULTS

Thirty-five women with clinically diagnosed PGP and 70 matched controls were included in the study. The PGP group had a significantly higher pre-pregnancy body mass index than the control group. After adjusting for body mass index in multiple conditional logistic regression, the interpubic distance (odds ratio = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.22 to 2.20) and IRD during curl-up (odds ratio = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.08 to 3.74) were significantly associated with PGP. Pain catastrophizing and IRD at rest were not associated with PGP in univariable or multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain catastrophizing is similar for women with and without PGP early postpartum. However, the degree of the pubic symphysis and rectus abdominis separation during the curl-up task are positively associated with PGP shortly after delivery.

IMPACT

This study indicates that a reconsideration of the way we look at DRA is warranted. The development of a more comprehensive assessment including objective measurements and a biopsychosocial understanding is needed to inform directions for further postpartum physical therapy.

Immunity in the ABM-DSGE Framework for Preventing and Controlling Epidemics-Validation of Results

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised many questions on how to manage an epidemiological and economic crisis around the world. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists and policy makers have been asking how effective lockdowns are in preventing and controlling the spread of the virus. In the absence of vaccines, the regulators lacked any plausible alternatives. Nevertheless, after the introduction of vaccinations, to what extent the conclusions of these analyses are still valid should be considered. In this paper, we present a study on the effect of vaccinations within the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with an agent-based epidemic component. Thus, we validated the results regarding the need to use lockdowns as an efficient tool for preventing and controlling epidemics that were obtained in November 2020.

High M-MDSC Percentage as a Negative Prognostic Factor in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia

Simple Summary

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a malignancy of mature B cells. Tumour microenvironment is important for survival and proliferation of malignant cells. In the current study, we investigated the potential role of circulating monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSC) in CLL. We have observed an increased percentage of M-MDSC cells in CLL patients. Moreover, we have observed a close association with unfavourable prognostic markers, which suggests a potential role of M-MDSC as a prognostic factor in CLL. We have established an association between a high M-MDSC percentage on the one side and shorter time-to-treatment and overall survival on the other. Therefore, we strongly suggest to use M-MDSC percentage as another prognostic factor.

Abstract

In the current study, we analysed the role and prognostic value of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The frequency of circulating monocytic MDSC (M-MDSC; defined as CD14⁺CD11b⁺CD15^-HLA-DR^-/low cells) was assessed in correlation with clinical and laboratory parameters characterising the disease activity and patient immune status. Samples of peripheral blood from untreated CLL patients and healthy volunteers were stained with monoclonal antibodies for flow cytometry analysis. CLL patients with M-MDSC percentages above 9.35% (according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis) had a shorter time-to-treatment and shorter survival time than the group with a lower percentage of M-MDSC. The M-MDSC percentage was higher in patients with adverse prognostic factors (i.e., 17p and 11q deletion and CD38 and ZAP-70 expression). A high M-MDSC percentage was linked to significantly lower expression of the CD3ζ in T cells. Furthermore, an analysis of immune regulatory molecules (arginase 1 (ARG1), nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and interleukin (IL)-10) was performed. By the means of flow cytometry and RT-qPCR, we showed an overexpression of three of them in M-MDSC of CLL patients. M-MDSC cells seem to be an important factor in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of CLL and seem to be a good and novel prognostic factor

Atmospheric exposure to the major Artemisia pollen allergen (Art v 1): Seasonality, impact of weather, and clinical implications

Artemisia pollen grains are important aeroallergens worldwide. The amount of allergenic proteins produced by pollen, or pollen allergenicity, is regulated by both genes and the environment. As a result, even closely related plant taxa may release pollen with distinctly different allergen contents. Here, we determined the variability in atmospheric exposure to the major Artemisia pollen allergen, Art v 1, during the pollination seasons of two common species, i.e., A. vulgaris (early flowering species) and A. campestris (late flowering species), in Poznań, Poland (2013-2015). Artemisia pollen grains were collected using Hirst-type volumetric trap, while Art v 1 was collected by a two-stage cascade impactor (PM₁₀ and PM_>10 air fractions) and quantified by immunoenzymatic analysis. The results showed that daily Art v 1 levels correlated significantly with mean daily concentrations of Artemisia pollen (from r = 0.426 to r = 0.949, depending on air fraction and peak of the season). Significant differences were observed between 1) the median pollen allergenicity in different seasons (from 2.5 to 4.7 pg Art v 1/pollen) and 2) the median pollen allergenicity in different peak periods of the season (from 1.8 to 6.7 pg Art v 1/pollen). During the late peak (flowering of A. campestris), the median pollen allergenicity was significantly higher (on average by 63%, p < 0.05) than that during A. vulgaris flowering. The highest mean seasonal pollen allergenicity was observed during the wettest season, while the lowest was observed during the driest season (from July-August). In summary, our study showed distinct differences in Artemisia pollen allergenicity, that were not only related to daily and seasonal variability, which may exceed 800% and 80%, respectively but also noticeable when two common Artemisia species were compared. Therefore, we argue that variability in pollen allergenicity (both seasonal and species-specific) should be considered in future studies assessing pollen exposure.

Temporal variability in the allergenicity of airborne Alternaria spores

The concentration of fungal spores in the air is traditionally considered as a proxy of allergen exposure. However, in vitro experiments have shown that the allergenicity of Alternaria spores varies depending on ecophysiological and developmental factors. Despite the potential clinical significance of these findings, it has never been verified in outdoor environments. This study, therefore, aims to investigate variability in the amount of the major allergen (Alt a 1) released from Alternaria spores in outdoor air. During the 3-year monitoring study (2014-2016), the median seasonal allergenicity of Alternaria spores exceeded 8.6 × 10-3 pg Alt a 1/spore. The most allergenic spores were collected during the driest and the most polluted season (with respect to seasonal concentrations of ozone, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter). Within the season, daily spore allergenicity ranged from 2.4 to 34.7 × 10-3 pg Alt a 1/spore (5th-95th percentile). No repeatable effects of weather and pollution on short-term variations in Alternaria spore allergenicity were found. However, during the episodes when high-potency spores were recorded, the air masses arrived from eastern directions. Contrary, the spores with the lowest allergenicity were related to western winds. This suggests that factors such as source area (habitat types) and species diversity could be responsible for the varying exposure to Alternaria allergens. Our findings show that high and low-potency spores are recorded in the air; therefore, the airborne concentrations of fungal spores alone may not be sufficient to provide allergy sufferers and healthcare professionals with information about allergen exposure.

How to reduce the number of rating scale items without predictability loss?

Rating scales are used to elicit data about qualitative entities (e.g., research collaboration). This study presents an innovative method for reducing the number of rating scale items without the predictability loss. The “area under the receiver operator curve method” (AUC ROC) is used. The presented method has reduced the number of rating scale items (variables) to 28.57% (from 21 to 6) making over 70% of collected data unnecessary. Results have been verified by two methods of analysis: Graded Response Model (GRM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). GRM revealed that the new method differentiates observations of high and middle scores. CFA proved that the reliability of the rating scale has not deteriorated by the scale item reduction. Both statistical analysis evidenced usefulness of the AUC ROC reduction method.

Determination of factors responsible for the bioweathering of copper minerals from organic-rich copper-bearing Kupferschiefer black shale

The aim of this study was to investigate the bioweathering of copper minerals present in the alkaline, copper-bearing and organic-rich Kupferschiefer black shale through the action of a consortium of indigenous lithobiontic, heterotrophic, neutrophilic bacteria isolated from this sedimentary rock. The involvement of microorganisms in the direct/enzymatic bioweathering of fossil organic matter of the rock was confirmed. As a result of bacterial activity, a spectrum of various organic compounds such as urea and phosphoric acid tributyl ester were released from the rock. These compounds indirectly act on the copper minerals occurring in the rock and cause them to weather. This process was reflected in the mobilization of copper, iron and sulfur and in changes in the appearance of copper minerals observed under reflected light. The potential role of identified enzymes in biodegradation of fossil organic matter and role of organic compounds released from black shale as a result of this process in copper minerals weathering was discussed. The presented results provide a new insight into the role of chemical compounds released by bacteria during fossil organic matter bioweathering potentially important in the cycling of copper and iron deposited in the sedimentary rock. The originality of the described phenomenon lies in the fact that the bioweathering of fossil organic matter and, consequently, of copper minerals occur simultaneously in the same environment, without any additional sources of energy, electrons and carbon.

CHEK2 is a multiorgan cancer susceptibility gene

A single founder allele of the CHEK2 gene has been associated with predisposition to breast and prostate cancer in North America and Europe. The CHEK2 protein participates in the DNA damage response in many cell types and is therefore a good candidate for a multisite cancer susceptibility gene. Three founder alleles are present in Poland. Two of these result in a truncated CHEK2 protein, and the other is a missense substitution of an isoleucine for a threonine. We ascertained the prevalence of each of these alleles in 4,008 cancer cases and 4,000 controls, all from Poland. The majority of the common cancer sites were represented. Positive associations with protein-truncating alleles were seen for cancers of the thyroid (odds ratio [OR] 4.9; P=.0006), breast (OR 2.2; P=.02), and prostate (OR 2.2; P=.04). The missense variant I157T was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (OR 1.4; P=.02), colon cancer (OR 2.0; P=.001), kidney cancer (OR 2.1; P=.0006), prostate cancer (OR 1.7; P=.002), and thyroid cancer (OR 1.9; P=.04). The range of cancers associated with mutations of the CHEK2 gene may be much greater than previously thought.

Efficient synthesis of pyrenylalanine

An efficient synthesis of L-3-(1'-pyrenyl)alanine (Pya), a highly fluorescent amino acid, is described. The amino acid was obtained by the classical asymmetric hydrogenation of chiral 1-acetyl-3-pyrenemethylidene-6-methyl-piperazine-2,5-dione. In the proposed improved procedure mild conditions of the synthesis were applied and the final product--N-tertbutoxycarbonyl-pyrenylalanine--was obtained in good yield. Pyrenylalanine, due to its interesting photophysical properties, can be applied as a fluorescent probe in numerous biochemical and conformational studies.

[Epistaxis: causes and management]

Evaluation of 265 patients treated in hospital due to nasal bleeding revealed that almost half of them suffered from hypertension and in about 30% of cases it was impossible to establish the cause of epistaxis. The most frequent way to stop the bleeding was anterior nasal packing and in case of failure posterior nasal packing together with anterior one. Posterior nasal packing with Foley's catheter is relatively simple and effective procedure. Introduction of superselective embolization of maxillary artery and dermoplasty in Rendu-Osler disease was very helpful.

Diurnal profile of melatonin secretion in the acute phase of major depression and in remission

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in the 24-hour melatonin secretion profile between patients with major depression (MD) before and after clomipramine treatment, and a control group, and also whether or not there exist statistically significant differences in the melatonin levels depending on the severity of depression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

20 patients with MD and 14 healthy volunteers took part in the study. Before and after clomipramine treatment all the patients had an 8 ml blood sample collected 7 times, at fixed hours, for measurement of the melatonin level. The severity of depression was assessed (HAMDS, BDI, POMS) before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The mean melatonin concentration at each of the chosen hours was higher in persons with MD than in the control, but the differences reached statistical significance only at certain night hours. In both groups the nocturnal rise in melatonin secretion began at 12 midnight, reaching its peak at 2 am, to reach low values by 8 am, similar to the values from the previous morning. After 8 weeks of clomipramine treatment, the melatonin concentrations at 12 midnight, 2 am, and 4 am were lowered, and were elevated at 8 am, 2 pm, and 8 pm. The difference was statistically significant only at 8 pm. Melatonin secretion during both night time hours and daytime hours is higher in individuals with MD than in healthy subjects, and remains elevated after 8 weeks of effective clomipramine treatment. Those patients whose state changed the least after 8 weeks of clomipramine treatment differed in a statistically significant way in terms of melatonin secretion level at 2 pm from those patients who improved the most.

CONCLUSIONS

Some patients with MD have elevated melatonin concentration levels during daytime and nighttime hours, and this melatonin secretion pattern is independent of the severity of depression.

[Preliminary assessment of occupational exposure to Glutaraldehyde in selected endoscopic workplaces]

The effect of occupational exposure to glutaric aldehyde in 17 endoscopic laboratories of the Wrocław region was assessed. The level of glutaraldehyde concentration was measured, and the survey was carried out in a group of 34 laboratory employees. In 11 laboratories MAC and STEL values were exceeded. Undesirable effects following the contact with glutaric aldehyde were noted in 28 subjects (82%). The skin, mucous membrane and respiratory system irritations predominated among the symptoms observed. The data show that glutaric aldehyde may induce irritation or exert an allergic effects in medical personnel.

[Pseudohypoparathyroidism]

The article presents data concerning pseudohypoparathyroidism (PH TP). It is an unusual disease, which is characterized by the resistance of bones and kidney to PTH, followed by hypocalcaemia, hyperphospha-taemia, glandulary hypertrophy and hypersecretion of PTH. Patients with PTHT clinically manifest tetany seizures, soft tissue calcifications and many congenital malformations. The disease has a genetic etiology, it is connected with chromosome X and more often found in women. Clinical symptoms may be different and depend on genetic defect or its selectivity with reference to the tissues. At present we can distinguish three types of PHPT and pseudo-pseudo-HPT. The disease usually appears in the infancy. Early diagnosis and vitamin D3 or calcium treatment seem to be the most important for patient's condition. Too late treatment threatens with brain calcification followed by neurological defects and mental retardation. The long-lasting effect of PTH in bones can lead to their destruction, if bone receptors are completely sensitive.