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Sowińska A, Pezoa Tudela R. Living with invisible medical disabilities: experiences and challenges of Chilean university students disclosed in medical consultations. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2221905. [PMID: 37300841 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2221905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this qualitative study is to explore experiences and challenges of university students living with invisible disabilities. METHODS Nine videotaped medical consultations with students, conducted at the health centre of a higher education institution in northern Chile, were analysed, drawing on the thematic analysis to organize the most salient themes. RESULTS Three major themes were identified in the analysis, along with their subthemes: (1) experiencing overpowering symptoms, including variable, multiple, and severe symptoms; (2) facing medical, social, and academic barriers; (3) engaging in self-management behaviours, such as self-medication, self-treatment, changing therapies, and non-compliance. CONCLUSION As the healthcare system is mostly ineffective in diagnosing students with invisible disabilities as well as providing them with long-lasting help, the students often have to manage their conditions by themselves, without much success. It seems essential to promote the development of stronger links between health providers and universities to allow for early disability detection and awareness-raising programs within educational institutions. Further research should focus on strategies promoting effective support mechanisms to decrease barriers and increase the inclusion of these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sowińska
- Department of Experimental Linguistics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland (Country of Residence)
- Universidad Católica Del Norte, Escuela de Inglés, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Rosa Pezoa Tudela
- Universidad Católica Del Norte, Escuela de Inglés, Antofagasta, Chile
- Faculty of Arts, Cultures, Languages and Linguistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (Country of Residence)
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Witkowska J, Borowski T, Sowińska A, Choińska E, Moszczyńska D, Morgiel J, Sobiecki J, Wierzchoń T. Influence of Low Temperature Plasma Oxidizing on the Bioactivity of NiTi Shape Memory Alloy for Medical Applications. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:6086. [PMID: 37763363 PMCID: PMC10533197 DOI: 10.3390/ma16186086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The present study elucidates the impact of glow discharge oxidation within a low-temperature plasma environment on the bioactivity characteristics of an NiTi shape memory alloy. The properties of the produced surface layers, such as structure (TEM observations), surface morphology (SEM observations), chemical and phase composition (EDS and XRD measurements), wettability (optical gonimeter), and the biological response of osteoblasts and platelets to the oxidized surface compared with the NiTi alloy without a surface layer are presented. The presented surface modification of the NiTi shape memory alloy, achieved through oxidizing in a low-temperature plasma environment, led to the creation of a continuous surface layer composed of nanocrystalline titanium oxide TiO2 (rutile). The findings obtained from this study provide evidence that the oxidized layer augments the bioactivity of the shape memory alloy. This augmentation was substantiated through the spontaneous biomimetic deposition of apatite from a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Furthermore, the modified surface exhibited improved osteoblast proliferation, and enhanced platelet adhesion and activation. This proposed surface modification strategy holds promise as a prospective solution to enhance the biocompatibility and bioactivity of NiTi shape memory alloy intended for prolonged use in bone implant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Witkowska
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland; (T.B.); (E.C.); (D.M.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
| | - Tomasz Borowski
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland; (T.B.); (E.C.); (D.M.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
| | - Agnieszka Sowińska
- Pathology Department, Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Emilia Choińska
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland; (T.B.); (E.C.); (D.M.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
| | - Dorota Moszczyńska
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland; (T.B.); (E.C.); (D.M.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
| | - Jerzy Morgiel
- Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Sobiecki
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland; (T.B.); (E.C.); (D.M.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
| | - Tadeusz Wierzchoń
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland; (T.B.); (E.C.); (D.M.); (J.S.); (T.W.)
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Bierła JB, Cukrowska B, Skrzydło-Radomańska B, Prozorow-Król B, Kurzeja-Mirosław A, Cichoż-Lach H, Laskowska K, Sowińska A, Majsiak E. The Occurrence of Gluten-Related Antibodies, Sensitization to Selected Food Allergens, and Antibodies against Intrinsic Factor in Adult Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1165. [PMID: 37511778 PMCID: PMC10381837 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Due to the possible overlap of IBS clinical symptoms with gluten-related diseases, food allergies, and autoimmune gastritis (AIG), the aim of this study was to present the frequency of anti-tissue transglutaminase 2 (TTG2) autoantibodies, anti-deamidated gluten peptide (DGP) antibodies, specific immunoglobulin E antibodies (sIgE) to selected food allergens, and anti-intrinsic factor (IF) autoantibodies in adult patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). The study involved 244 patients (170 women) aged 18-75 years. The antibodies were measured with the use of multiparametric immunoassays. Elevated antibody concentrations, irrespective of the class of tested antibody, occurred in 44 patients (17.6%), including 11 patients (4.5%) with positive DGP antibodies, four patients (1.6%) with TTG2 autoantibodies, six patients (2.5%) with IF autoantibodies, and 31 patients (12.7%) with sIgE to food allergens. Sensitization to gluten, proteins from cow's milk, and bovine serum albumin was found in 2.1%, 5.3%, and 9.0% of patients, respectively. Our study showed a high percentage of positive results for the tested antibodies in the IBD-D patients, which indicates the need to perform serological tests for CD, food allergies, and AIG in this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna B Bierła
- Department of Pathomorphology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Aleja Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bożena Cukrowska
- Department of Pathomorphology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Aleja Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Beata Prozorow-Król
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anetta Kurzeja-Mirosław
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Halina Cichoż-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Laskowska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sowińska
- Department of Pathomorphology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Aleja Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emilia Majsiak
- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty Health of Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 4/6, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
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Trubicka J, Łastowska M, Karkucińska-Więckowska A, Niemira M, Ejmont M, Sowińska A, Pronicki M, Matyja E, Grajkowska W. BCOR expression in paediatric pineoblastoma. Folia Neuropathol 2023; 61:121-128. [PMID: 37587886 DOI: 10.5114/fn.2023.129377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BCOR is expressed in a new brain tumour entity, i.e. 'CNS tumour with BCOR internal tandem duplication' (HGNET BCOR) but not in several other high grade paediatric brain tumours investigated. Immunohistochemical detection of BCOR expression may therefore serve as a potential diagnostic marker. Nevertheless, in rare paediatric glioma cases recurrent EP300-BCOR fusions were detected, which resulted in strong BCOR immunopositivity. We have therefore examined other, not analysed so far, types of central nervous system (CNS) tumours, pineoblastoma and germinoma, to assess a potential involvement of BCOR in these tumours. Levels of BCOR RNA expression were investigated by NanoString nCounter system analysis in a series of altogether 66 high grade paediatric tumours, including four pineoblastoma cases. Immunohistological detection of BCOR was performed in eight pineoblastoma, five germinoma and four atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours (ATRTs), all located in the pineal region. We detected BCOR expression in all pineoblastomas, at the RNA and protein levels, but not in germinomas and ATRTs. Further analysis of pineoblastoma samples did not reveal the presence of either BCOR internal tandem duplication or BCOR fusion involvement. Positive immunohistological BCOR nuclear reaction in pineoblastoma may therefore differentiate this type of tumour from other high grade tumours located in the pineal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Trubicka
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Łastowska
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Niemira
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Maria Ejmont
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sowińska
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Pronicki
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Matyja
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Neuropathology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiesława Grajkowska
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Skrzydło-Radomańska B, Prozorow-Król B, Cichoż-Lach H, Majsiak E, Bierła JB, Kanarek E, Sowińska A, Cukrowska B. The Effectiveness and Safety of Multi-Strain Probiotic Preparation in Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030756. [PMID: 33652763 PMCID: PMC7996889 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of multi-strain probiotic in adults with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). The patients were randomized to receive a mixture of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus strains or placebo for eight weeks. Primary endpoints included changes in symptom severity and improvement assessed with the IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) and Global Improvement Scale (IBS-GIS). The probiotic in comparison with placebo significantly improved the IBS symptom severity (the change of total IBS-SSS score from baseline ‒165.8 ± 78.9 in the probiotic group and ‒105.6 ± 60.2 in the placebo group, p = 0.005) and in the specific scores related to the severity of pain (p = 0.015) and the quality of life (p = 0.016) after eight weeks of intervention. The probiotic group indicated an improvement in symptoms with the use of the IBS-GIS compared with the placebo group after four (p = 0.04) and eight weeks (p = 0.003). The occurrence of adverse events did not differ between study groups. In conclusion, the multi-strain probiotic intervention resulted in a significant improvement in IBS symptoms evaluated with the use of both IBS-SSS and IBS-GIS scales. The results suggest that the studied probiotic preparation is well tolerated and safe and can offer benefits for patients with IBS-D. (registration number in Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04662957).
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Skrzydło-Radomańska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland; (B.S.-R.); (B.P.-K.); (H.C.-L.)
| | - Beata Prozorow-Król
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland; (B.S.-R.); (B.P.-K.); (H.C.-L.)
| | - Halina Cichoż-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-950 Lublin, Poland; (B.S.-R.); (B.P.-K.); (H.C.-L.)
| | - Emilia Majsiak
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Beata Bierła
- Department of Pathomorphology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Aleja Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.B.); (E.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Ewelina Kanarek
- Department of Pathomorphology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Aleja Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.B.); (E.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Sowińska
- Department of Pathomorphology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Aleja Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.B.); (E.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Bożena Cukrowska
- Department of Pathomorphology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Aleja Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (J.B.B.); (E.K.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-815-19-69
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Ejmont M, Rydzanicz M, Grajkowska W, Perek-Polnik M, Sowińska A, Kozłowska M, Łastowska M, Pronicki M, Płoski R, Dembowska-Bagińska B, Trubicka J. HGG-21. GERMLINE MUTATIONS IN MSH2 GENE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH CONGENITAL AND SPORADIC GLIOBLASTOMA. Neuro Oncol 2020. [PMCID: PMC7715741 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa222.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the biggest therapeutic challenges in neuro-oncology. In spite of multimodal treatment approaches the prognosis of GBM is extremely poor, median survival is estimated about 12–16 months. Although GBM is one of the most common and malignant primary brain tumors, pediatric glioblastoma, including congenital is a very rare tumor, with an incidence of about 1.1–3.4 per million live births. Moreover, the mode of presentation, behavior, response to therapy and molecular background of pediatric glioblastomas differs from adult type of GBM. Until now, about ten patients with congenital glioblastoma have been described and in none of them germline markers were examined. Here we report two patients with GBM, one with congenital tumor with germline mutations in MSH2 gene. METHODS Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of the probands DNA extracted from leucocytes was performed using the TruSight One sequencing panel on an Illumina HiSeq 1500. Applied gene panel investigated the coding sequence and splice sites of 4813 genes associated with known disease phenotypes. The NGS data were analyzed using an in-house procedure. Identified variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS NGS analysis of patients constitutional DNA revealed know, pathogenic variants c.940C>T and c.942 + 3A>T in MSH2 gene (NM_000251.3) associated with MMR-dependent hereditary cancer syndromes. CONCLUSION Molecular analysis are heavily needed for better understanding of pediatric GBM etiology and new treatment modality implementation. Identification of this oncogenic driver may provide insight into the pathogenesis of GBM, including congenital cases. Funded by National Science Centre, Poland (2016/23/B/NZ2/03064 and 2016/21/B/NZ2/01785).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ejmont
- The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rafał Płoski
- The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Sowińska A, Morsy Y, Czarnowska E, Oralewska B, Konopka E, Woynarowski M, Szymańska S, Ejmont M, Scharl M, Bierła JB, Wawrzyniak M, Cukrowska B. Transcriptional and Ultrastructural Analyses Suggest Novel Insights into Epithelial Barrier Impairment in Celiac Disease. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020516. [PMID: 32102433 PMCID: PMC7072847 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of epithelial junctional complex (EJC), especially tight junctions (TJ), resulting in increased intestinal permeability, is supposed to activate the enhanced immune response to gluten and to induce the development of celiac disease (CD). This study is aimed to present the role of EJC in CD pathogenesis. To analyze differentially expressed genes the next-generation mRNA sequencing data from CD326+ epithelial cells isolated from non-celiac and celiac patients were involved. Ultrastructural studies with morphometry of EJC were done in potential CD, newly recognized active CD, and non-celiac controls. The transcriptional analysis suggested disturbances of epithelium and the most significant gene ontology enriched terms in epithelial cells from CD patients related to the plasma membrane, extracellular exome, extracellular region, and extracellular space. Ultrastructural analyses showed significantly tighter TJ, anomalies in desmosomes, dilatations of intercellular space, and shorter microvilli in potential and active CD compared to controls. Enterocytes of fetal-like type and significantly wider adherence junctions were observed only in active CD. In conclusion, the results do not support the hypothesis that an increased passage of gluten peptides by unsealing TJ precedes CD development. However, increased intestinal permeability due to abnormality of epithelium might play a role in CD onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sowińska
- Department of Pathology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.C.); (E.K.); (S.S.); (M.E.); (B.C.)
| | - Yasser Morsy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, CH-8001 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.S.); (M.W.); (Y.M.)
| | - Elżbieta Czarnowska
- Department of Pathology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.C.); (E.K.); (S.S.); (M.E.); (B.C.)
| | - Beata Oralewska
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.W.)
| | - Ewa Konopka
- Department of Pathology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.C.); (E.K.); (S.S.); (M.E.); (B.C.)
| | - Marek Woynarowski
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (B.O.); (M.W.)
| | - Sylwia Szymańska
- Department of Pathology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.C.); (E.K.); (S.S.); (M.E.); (B.C.)
| | - Maria Ejmont
- Department of Pathology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.C.); (E.K.); (S.S.); (M.E.); (B.C.)
| | - Michael Scharl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, CH-8001 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.S.); (M.W.); (Y.M.)
| | - Joanna B. Bierła
- Department of Pathology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.C.); (E.K.); (S.S.); (M.E.); (B.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-815-19-69
| | - Marcin Wawrzyniak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, CH-8001 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.S.); (M.W.); (Y.M.)
| | - Bożena Cukrowska
- Department of Pathology, The Children Memorial Health Institute, Al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.C.); (E.K.); (S.S.); (M.E.); (B.C.)
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Witkowska J, Sowińska A, Czarnowska E, Płociński T, Rajchel B, Tarnowski M, Wierzchoń T. Structure and properties of composite surface layers produced on NiTi shape memory alloy by a hybrid method. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2018; 29:110. [PMID: 30019236 PMCID: PMC6061091 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-018-6118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A hybrid process that combines oxidation under glow-discharge conditions with ion beam-assisted deposition (IBAD) has been applied to mechanically polished NiTi shape memory alloy in order to produce composite surface layers consisting of a TiO2 layer and an external carbon coating with an addition of silver. The produced surface layers a-C(Ag) + TiO2 type have shown increased surface roughness, improved corrosion resistance, altered wettability, and surface free energy, as well as reduced platelet adhesion, aggregation, and activation in comparison to NiTi alloy in initial state. Such characteristics can be of great benefit for cardiac applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Witkowska
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Sowińska
- Pathology Department, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Czarnowska
- Pathology Department, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Płociński
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bogusław Rajchel
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342, Cracow, Poland
| | - Michał Tarnowski
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Wierzchoń
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Wołoska 141, 02-507, Warsaw, Poland
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Sowińska A, Czachowski S. Patients' experiences of living with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS): a qualitative study. BMC Fam Pract 2018; 19:23. [PMID: 29394880 PMCID: PMC5797356 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-018-0709-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are common in primary care, and pose a communicative and therapeutic challenge to GPs. Although much has been written about GPs' frustration and difficulties while dealing with these patients, research presenting the patients' perspectives on MUS still seems to be scarce. Existing studies have demonstrated the patients' desire to make sense of symptoms, addressed the necessity for appropriate and acceptable explanation of MUS, and revealed stigmatization of patients with symptoms of mental origin. Treatment in primary care should focus on the patient's most essential needs and concerns. The objective of this paper is to explore Polish patients' perspectives on living with MUS. METHODS A qualitative content analysis of 20 filmed, semi-structured interviews with patients presenting MUS (8 men and 12 women, aged 18 to 57) was conducted. All patients were diagnosed with distinctive somatoform disorders (F45), and presented the symptoms for at least 2 years. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed independently by two researchers. RESULTS Four major themes emerged: (1) experiences of symptoms; (2) explanations for symptoms; (3) coping; (4) expectations about healthcare. Within the first theme, the patients identified the following sub-themes: persistence of symptoms or variability, and negative emotions. Patients who observed that their symptoms had changed over time were better disposed to accept the existence of a relationship between the symptoms and the mind. The second theme embraced the following sub-themes: (1) personal explanations; (2) social explanations; (3) somatic explanations. The most effective coping strategies the patients mentioned included: the rationalization of the symptoms, self-development and ignoring the symptoms. The majority of our respondents had no expectations from the healthcare system, and stated they did not use medical services; instead, they admitted to visiting psychologists or psychiatrists privately. CONCLUSION Patients with MUS have their own experiences of illness. They undertake attempts to interpret their symptoms and learn to live with them. The role of the GP in this process is significant, especially when access to psychological help is restricted. Management of patients with MUS in the Polish healthcare system can be improved, if access to psychologists and psychotherapists is facilitated and increased financial resources are allocated for primary care. Patients with MUS can benefit from a video/filmed consultation with a follow-up analysis with their GP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sowińska
- Department of English, Nicolaus Copernicus University, ul. W. Bojarskiego 1, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Sławomir Czachowski
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, ul. Gagarina 39, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
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Cukrowska B, Sowińska A, Bierła JB, Czarnowska E, Rybak A, Grzybowska-Chlebowczyk U. Intestinal epithelium, intraepithelial lymphocytes and the gut microbiota - Key players in the pathogenesis of celiac disease. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:7505-7518. [PMID: 29204051 PMCID: PMC5698244 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i42.7505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Before activating the immune system, gluten peptides are transferred by the epithelial barrier to the mucosal lamina propria, where they are deamidated by intestinal tissue transglutaminase 2. As a result, they strongly bind to human leucocyte antigens (HLAs), especially HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, expressed on antigen-presenting cells. This induces an inflammatory response, which results in small bowel enteropathy. Although gluten is the main external trigger activating both innate and adaptive (specific) immunity, its presence in the intestinal lumen does not fully explain CD pathogenesis. It has been hypothesized that an early disruption of the gut barrier in genetically susceptible individuals, which would result in an increased intestinal permeability, could precede the onset of gluten-induced immune events. The intestinal barrier is a complex functional structure, whose functioning is dependent on intestinal microbiota homeostasis, epithelial layer integrity, and the gut-associated lymphoid tissue with its intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). The aim of this paper was to review the current literature and summarize the role of the gut microbiota, epithelial cells and their intercellular junctions, and IELs in CD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Cukrowska
- Department of Pathology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw 04-730, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sowińska
- Department of Pathology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw 04-730, Poland
| | - Joanna Beata Bierła
- Department of Pathology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw 04-730, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Czarnowska
- Department of Pathology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw 04-730, Poland
| | - Anna Rybak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
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Józefczuk J, Konopka E, Bierła JB, Trojanowska I, Sowińska A, Czarnecki R, Sobol L, Józefczuk P, Surdy W, Cukrowska B. The Occurrence of Antibodies Against Gluten in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Does Not Correlate with Serological Markers of Impaired Intestinal Permeability. J Med Food 2017; 21:181-187. [PMID: 29072974 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2017.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) display an increased immune reactivity against gluten, which is supposed to be the effect of intestinal barrier abnormalities. The aim of study was to evaluate the relation of antibody induced by gluten to zonulin and intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABP), that is, serological markers of an impaired gut barrier. The study included 77 patients with ASDs. Zonulin, I-FABP, celiac-specific antibodies, anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA), and antibodies against neural transglutaminase 6 (TG6) of immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG classes were detected in sera. Celiac-specific antibodies were negative in all ASD children, four children (5.2%) had positive anti-TG6 antibodies, and increased AGA-IgG production was found in 21 patients (27.3%). Mean levels of zonulin and I-FABP in ASD patients were similar to those found in healthy controls and revealed a negative correlation with age, whereas regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between antibody production and the age. Serum concentrations of zonulin and I-FABP showed no statistically significant association with antibody positivity. An increased production of antibodies related to gliadin and neural TG6 in ASD children is not related to serological markers of an impaired intestinal barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Józefczuk
- 1 The Paediatric Ward with the Paediatric Cardiology Unit, Specialist Hospital of the Holy Spirit , Sandomierz, Poland
| | - Ewa Konopka
- 2 Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute , Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Beata Bierła
- 2 Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute , Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ilona Trojanowska
- 2 Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute , Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sowińska
- 2 Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute , Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Czarnecki
- 1 The Paediatric Ward with the Paediatric Cardiology Unit, Specialist Hospital of the Holy Spirit , Sandomierz, Poland
| | - Lucjan Sobol
- 3 Department of Pathology, Specialist Hospital of the Holy Spirit , Sandomierz, Poland
| | - Paweł Józefczuk
- 4 Foundation for Protection of the Immunological System "Immuno ," Warsaw, Poland
| | - Weronika Surdy
- 1 The Paediatric Ward with the Paediatric Cardiology Unit, Specialist Hospital of the Holy Spirit , Sandomierz, Poland
| | - Bożena Cukrowska
- 2 Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute , Warsaw, Poland
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Witkowska J, Sowińska A, Czarnowska E, Płociński T, Kamiński J, Wierzchoń T. Hybrid a-CNH+TiO 2+TiN-type surface layers produced on NiTi shape memory alloy for cardiovascular applications. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2017; 12:2233-2244. [PMID: 28818003 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2017-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The goal was to improve the properties of NiTi shape memory alloy to make it suitable for cardiac applications. For this purpose, a hybrid a-CNH+TiO2+TiN-type surface layer was produced on NiTi alloy and characterized. MATERIALS & METHODS The NiTi alloy subjected to hybrid process combining low-temperature oxynitriding under glow discharge conditions and radio frequency chemical vapor deposition process was examined for microstructure, surface topography, corrosion resistance, wettability and surface-free energy, Ni ion release and platelets adhesion, aggregation and activation. RESULTS The hybrid surface layers showed slightly increased surface roughness, better corrosion resistance, a more hydrophobic nature, decreased surface free energy, smaller release of nickel ions and reduced platelets activation. CONCLUSION The produced layers could expand the range of NiTi medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Witkowska
- Faculty of Materials Science & Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sowińska
- Pathology Department, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Płociński
- Faculty of Materials Science & Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Kamiński
- Faculty of Materials Science & Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Wierzchoń
- Faculty of Materials Science & Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
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Jamsheer A, Badura-Stronka M, Sowińska A, Dębicki S, Kiryluk K, Latos-Bieleńska A. A severe progressive oculodentodigital dysplasia due to compound heterozygous GJA1 mutation. Clin Genet 2010; 78:94-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01412.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Sowińska A, Jagodzinski PP. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of DNMT1 and DNMT3B induces CXCL12 expression in MCF-7 breast cancer and AsPC1 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. Cancer Lett 2007; 255:153-9. [PMID: 17532557 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2007.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Revised: 04/05/2007] [Accepted: 04/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It has been recently demonstrated that in colonic carcinoma, CXCL12 expression undergoes epigenetic regulation by methylation of cytosine in cytosine-guanosine (CpG) dinucleotides of the promoter sequence. Using lentiviral vectors, we generated stable RNA interference-mediated knockdown of DNMT1 and DNMT3B in MCF-7 breast cancer and AsPC1 pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. Employing reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence analysis, we determined re-expression levels of CXCL12 transcript and protein in these cells. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that the level of promoter demethylation appeared more effective in cells expressing DNMT1 siRNA than in those expressing DNMT3B siRNA, and this correlated with higher expression of CXCL12. Moreover, the combined expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3B siRNAs enhanced promoter demethylation that was associated only with a slight increase of CXCL12 expression. However, the demethylating agent 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine exhibited the strongest effect on promoter demethylation, which correlated with the highest expression level of CXCL12 transcript and protein in MCF-7 and AsPC1 cells. Our findings suggest that DNMT1 plays a key role in maintenance of methylation, and DNMT3B may act as an accessory DNA methyltransferase to epigenetically silence CXCL12 expression in MCF-7 and AsPC1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sowińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 6 Swiecickiego St, 60-781, Poznań, Poland
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Ratajska A, Ciszek B, Sowińska A. Embryonic development of coronary vasculature in rats: corrosion casting studies. Anat Rec A Discov Mol Cell Evol Biol 2003; 270:109-16. [PMID: 12524686 DOI: 10.1002/ar.a.10011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the development of coronary vessels at different stages of embryonic life in rats using corrosion casts and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We studied morphologic details of vessel maturation, expansion, and pattern formation from the stage of development when the coronary system forms patent connections with the aorta and the right atrium (embryonic day 16 (ED16)) to full-term fetus (ED21). The internal surface morphologies of the arterial and venous vessel walls were different and were dependent on the distance from the orifice and the capillary system. They also depended on the maturation state of a given vessel. In various branches of the coronary system we demonstrated round, fusiform or polygonal, endothelial cell imprints. The capillary network was dense, however, at the early stages of development, it formed a thin layer over the myocardium. By ED21 capillaries assumed an orientation parallel to the long axes of the cardiac myocytes. During all stages of development, different forms of angiogenesis by intussusceptive growth were observed. Splitting of the vessel wall occurred in two or three points along the vessel, forming two- or three-link chains. Certain areas of vessels resembled doughnuts, from which several sister vessels originated. The coronary arteries were situated deep within the myocardial wall. The major coronary veins were mostly located on the surface of the capillary plexuses of the myocardial wall. In conclusion, this method of vessel casting enables the detection of angiogenesis by intussusceptive growth, and the visualization of a capillary's position to the myocardial wall, thickness of the capillary plexuses, and the internal surface morphology of major vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ratajska
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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