Pattern of changes in salicylic acid-induced protein kinase (SIPK) gene expression and salicylic acid accumulation in wheat under cadmium exposure

Salicylic acid-induced protein kinase (SIPK) is known as a 'master switch' for stress responses in plants. It can be induced by salicylic acid (SA) and several stress factors. The main aim of the present study was to reveal the relationship between SA accumulation and the gene expression level of SIPK during 50 and 250 µm Cd stress in wheat plants. Quantitative real-time PCR was used for determination of the gene expression level of SIPK. Salicylic acid content measurement was performed with an HPLC system equipped with a fluorescence detector. Cadmium treatment increased the endogenous SA level and expression level of SIPK in a concentration-dependent manner. Induction of SIPK expression preceded the accumulation of endogenous SA. Although SA treatment induced dramatic endogenous SA accumulation, its SIPK-inducing effect was moderate. In roots, higher induction of SIPK was observed than in leaves. The same tendency of SIPK expression was observed in both Cd- and SA-treated plants, as decisively the highest transcript level was detected after 30 min of treatment, but thereafter the expression decreased rapidly to control level or even below. The induction of SIPK was transient in all cases, and even a very high SA level in either the leaves or roots was not able to maintain the elevated expression level of this gene. The results suggest that SIPK has a role in initiating Cd stress response and the exogenous SA-induced signalling process.

New clustering methods for population comparison on paternal lineages

The goal of this study is to show two new clustering and visualising techniques developed to find the most typical clusters of 18-dimensional Y chromosomal haplogroup frequency distributions of 90 Western Eurasian populations. The first technique called "self-organizing cloud (SOC)" is a vector-based self-learning method derived from the Self Organising Map and non-metric Multidimensional Scaling algorithms. The second technique is a new probabilistic method called the "maximal relation probability" (MRP) algorithm, based on a probability function having its local maximal values just in the condensation centres of the input data. This function is calculated immediately from the distance matrix of the data and can be interpreted as the probability that a given element of the database has a real genetic relation with at least one of the remaining elements. We tested these two new methods by comparing their results to both each other and the k-medoids algorithm. By means of these new algorithms, we determined 10 clusters of populations based on the similarity of haplogroup composition. The results obtained represented a genetically, geographically and historically well-interpretable picture of 10 genetic clusters of populations mirroring the early spread of populations from the Fertile Crescent to the Caucasus, Central Asia, Arabia and Southeast Europe. The results show that a parallel clustering of populations using SOC and MRP methods can be an efficient tool for studying the demographic history of populations sharing common genetic footprints.

Investigation of changes in psycho-physiological parameters evoked by short duration, intensive physical stress

The aim of our study was to investigate changes in psycho-physiological parameters evoked by short duration, intensive physical stress on university students practicing judo at different intensities and timely manner. Stability of posture, muscle strength (hand force exertions), attention concentration (choice reaction time), cardiac parameters, (ECG, heart rate, heart rate variability), and oxygen saturation were measured, cardiac state and stress index were computed before and after the physical stress. The actual psychic state of the subjects was evaluated using the Spielberger's STPI-H Y-1 test which determined anxiety, curiosity, anger and depression level. Analysis of psychometric and physiologic parameters indicated significant correlations, among others, between force and cardiac stress (-), force and depression (-), anxiety and errors in actions (+), cardiac state and errors in action (-), cardiac state and depression (-). Paired samples tests showed the influence of intensive physical stress within groups of students, and independent samples tests made it possible to evaluate the power of medical and sport students, performing physical training at a significantly higher level than it is usual among the medical students. Our results proved that higher level physical training influences the psychic state advantageously, limits increases in cardiac stress level, and decreases susceptibility to anxiety and depression.

Successful surgical intervention in a case of spontaneous chylothorax in an infant unresponsive to conservative therapy

We report a case of an infant with spontaneous chylothorax due to the congenital malformation of a small lymph vessel of the chest wall. Conservative therapy with omitting long-chain fatty acids from the diet, fat-free nutrition, total parenteral nutrition and intravenous somatostatin did not result in the decrease of pleural effusion. Thoracic surgical intervention performing thoracic duct ligation and using fibrin sealants was applied after 10 days of unsuccessful conservative therapy, and resulted in the complete recovery of the patient. Our experience support the already existing observations, that in cases where the daily loss of chyle exceeds 100 ml per age years and/or lasts longer than 2 weeks, early surgical intervention is recommended.

Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibitors modify the accumulation of tumor-diagnostic PET tracers in cancer cells

AIM

To establish the effects of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) blockers on 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)FDG) and (11)C-choline accumulation in different cancer cells.

METHODS

The tumor cells were incubated with NCX inhibitors, and the uptakes of (18)FDG and (11)C-choline were measured. Flow cytometric measurements of intracellular Ca(2+) and Na(+) concentrations were carried out. The presence of the NCX antigen in the cancer cells was proved by Western blotting, flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

RESULTS

The NCX is expressed at a noteworthy level in the cytosol and on the cytoplasmic membrane of the examined cells. Incubation of the cells with three chemically unrelated NCX blockers (bepridil, KB-R7943 or 3',4'-dichlorobenzamil hydrochloride) resulted in an increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, with a simultaneous decrease in the intracellular Na(+) concentration. The treatment with the NCX inhibitors increased the energy consumption of the tumor cells by 50-100%. Thapsigargin abolished the NCX-induced (18)FDG accumulation in the cells. The NCX blockers applied decreased the (11)C-choline accumulation of all the investigated cancer cells by 60-80% relative to the control.

CONCLUSION

A possible masking effect of NCX medication must be taken into consideration during the diagnostic interpretation of PET scans.

Evaluation of liver function for hepatic resection

New limits have been established to decrease mortality and morbidity rates after liver resection in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. Various laboratory data and imaging techniques have been used to complement the Child-Pugh score to predict liver failure after hepatectomy and to assess functional hepatic reserve. The greatest experiences are with the aminopyrine breath test and the galactosyl elimination capacity, which are decreased among hepatic failure patients after liver resection. However, absence of these changes do not totally exclude it. The indocyanine green retention test is the most widely used clearance test. Nevertheless, it remains imperfect because it depends both on hepatic blood flow and on the functional capacity of the liver. Nuclear imaging of the asialoglicoprotein receptors with radiolabelled synthetic asialoglicoproteins provides volumetric information as well a functional assessment of the liver. In summary, while liver function is complex, a successful liver test to assess quantitative functional hepatic reserve still needs to be established. The combination of the Child-Pugh score, the presence of ascites, the serum bilirubin levels, the indocyanine green retention (ICG R15) value, and the remnant liver CT volumetry seems to avoid an index of liver failure after hepatic resection. Cases when ICG R15 is above 15% should be combined with portal vein embolization. If there is no possibility to perform an ICG clearance test, it may be replaced with other available, well known dynamic liver function tests.

Paclitaxel modifies the accumulation of tumor-diagnostic tracers in different ways in P-glycoprotein-positive and negative cancer cells

AIM

To study how paclitaxel treatment modifies the accumulation of tumor-diagnostic radiotracers in P-glycoprotein (P-gp) positive and negative cancer cells.

METHODS

The accumulations of different P-gp substrates, including rhodamine 123, daunorubicin and [(99m)Tc]hexakis-2-methoxybutyl isonitrile ((99m)Tc-MIBI), were measured in P-gp-positive (A2780AD) and P-gp-negative human ovarian carcinoma cells (A2780) and JY human lymphoid B cells. The uptakes of the tumor-diagnostic tracers (11)C-choline and 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ((18)FDG) were measured in the same cell lines. The P-gp expression and function were demonstrated by flow-cytometry.

RESULTS

The (18)FDG measurements revealed that the glucose metabolic rate was significantly higher (p<0.01) in the P-gp-positive A2780AD cells than in the P-gp-negative cells. Paclitaxel (1-70microM) increased the (18)FDG uptake (up to 200%) of both P-gp-positive and P-gp-negative cells, whereas it did not modulate their (11)C-choline uptake. Paclitaxel reinstated the (99m)Tc-MIBI accumulation of the A2780AD cells (to 1500% of the control) in a concentration-dependent manner, while it increased the uptake of the P-gp-negative cells to a lesser extent (to a maximum of 200% of the control).

CONCLUSION

Paclitaxel modifies the uptake of tumor-diagnostic tracers in both P-gp-dependent and independent manners. Interpretation of the multifactorial effects of paclitaxel may promote a correct in vivo diagnosis of P-gp-positive and P-gp-negative tumors.

[The role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the detection of local recurrence and metastases of colorectal cancer]

We presented here the results of PET imaging of 12 patients, previously operated on for colorectal cancer and followed at the 1st Department of Surgery, University of Debrecen. The tests were carried out using 0.15 mCi/kg FDG injections. Whole body imaging was performed in eleven patients. The indication for PET was elevated tumor marker levels in three patients, although CT scan was negative. The PET scan showed lymph node, hepatic and disseminated lymph node metastases with liver involvement in these patients. Suspicious lesions were found on CT scan in the pelvis of four patients. Local recurrence was identified in three of them, PET was negative in the fourth case. Bone scan suggested rib metastasis in one patient, which was not supported at PET investigation. In one patient, the malignant nature of large retroperitoneal lymph nodes could not be determined by CT. PET imaging proved that they were malignant and detected a previously unknown pulmonary metastasis at the same time. In one patient both pulmonary and liver metastases were seen on CT, whereas PET confirmed only the latter. Similarly, CT failed to identify liver metastasis detected at ultrasound, while PET proved it. Finally, a pulmonary metastasis detected on X-ray, could be confirmed by PET only. Based on our experience, we recommend PET-scanning with FDG when conventional imaging is equivocal and/or elevated tumor marker levels are present during follow-up. FDG-PET is important in the detection of local recurrence and metastases as well. It is advisable to use PET more often in the evaluation of patients with recurrent colorectal cancer in order to diagnose recurrences in earlier stages, which helps to identify patients who will benefit from surgery.

Comparative evaluation of abnormal spermatozoa in Pannon White, New Zealand White and Angora rabbit semen (short communication)

Abstract. The connection between sperm cell abnormalities and the breeds and seasons was studied. Semen was obtained from 20 Pannon White (PW), 20 New Zealand White (NZW) and 20 Angora (A) males monthly throughout a year. 697 ejaculates were evaluated. The average abnormal spermatozoa content of the ejaculates was 16.07 ± 1.77, 16.50 ± 0.2I and 27.34 ± 0.30 % respectively. The incidence of head and tail abnormalities was higher than that of other abnormalities in every group, but in A rabbits acrosome abnormalities were also at a significantly high level. The ratio of deformations was higher (P < 0.05) in all seasons in the A breed than in PW or NZW. Under Hungarian climate conditions the summer heat causes both primary and secondary degradation in semen quality. The effect of heat stress on spermatogenesis can be observed in the decreased semen quality in autumn.

From unidentified to 'misidentified' newborn: male bias in recognition of sex

Our study tests in newborns the perceptual bias described in 1979 by Hildebrandt and Fitzgerald in recognizing the sex of infants, using videorecords instead of still photographs. Analysis showed a tendency for young adults to perceive newborn infants as male immediately after birth, and this perceptual bias diminished if the babies smile.

[Recovery of facial nerve function using sural nerve transplantation after its injury in acoustic nerve surgery]

INTRODUCTION

Statoacoustic n. neurinoma is a benign, slow-growing and usually unilateral tumor. During its growth the tumor exerts pressure on the surrounding anatomic forms within the pontocerebellar angle: cranial nerves, pons, cerebellum. Therefore the first clinical symptoms are ear buzzing and deafness, vision disorders, occipital headache or walking difficulties. The diagnosis of such conditions must be precise, whereas CT (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are the methods of choice. Surgical tumor removal is the only therapy, but during surgery facial nerve injury occurs. The objective of this paper is a case report of a facial nerve injury and sural nerve transplantation during acoustic neurinoma surgery and recovery of facial nerve function.

CASE REPORT

A 23-year-old male patient suffered from ear buzzing in the right ear for a year and a half with gradual development of deafness. Due to frequent headaches and after ophthalmologic examination, the patient was urgently hospitalized at the Neurology Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad where MRI of the endocranium was performed revealing a tumor of the pontocerebellar right angle, 3 x 3.5 cm in size. The patient has undergone surgery at the Neurosurgery Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine in Pees in Hungary, with suboccipital craniotomy and tumor ablation. During surgery facial nerve injury occurred in the premeatal segment and intraoperative transplantation of sural nerve grafts from the left leg to the distal parts of the facial nerve was performed. The histopathologic finding revealed an acoustic neurinoma (Schwannoma). After surgery a control CT was performed revealing a complete tumor removal. The wound healed per primam intentionem and the patient was released from hospital two weeks later. During the postoperative period physical therapy was performed in the aim of rehabilitation of the facial nerve due to peripheral paralysis. After electrodiagnostic tests using GALVOMED 20 apparatus, massage was performed in the periorbital and perioral regions. Kinesitherapy was also done in front of a mirror several times a day. 6 months after surgery an EMG (electromyography) of m. frontalis dx., m. orbicularis oculi dx. and m. orbicularis oris dx. were performed. The EMG revealed evident reinnervation possibilities. A year after surgery the control MR finding of the endocranium was regular, as well as the control MR two years after surgery (postoperative cyst without signs of recurrence of the removed neurinoma). Control EMG of the m. frontalis dx., m. orbicularis oculi dx., m. orbicularis oris dx. showed signs of reinnervation.

DISCUSSION

Tumors of the pontocerebellar angle are usually acoustic nerve neurinomas. 8% of intracranial tumors are Schwannomas. They originate from neurilemmal cells, by rule they grow slowly and are benign tumors. Therefore, for years the only signs pointing to them are ear buzzing and gradual development of deafness. That is why these anamnestic data are important for diagnosis. Headaches, walking difficulties, vision disorders are the usual difficulties due to which patients seek doctor's help. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging represent the diagnostic methods of choice in establishing the diagnosis. In this case MRI was performed on time. Surgery is the only therapy, but during tumor ablation the facial nerve was injured in the premeatal region. Intraoperative transplantation of grafts taken from sural nerve to proximal and distal parts of the facial nerve provides possibilities for injured nerve regeneration. The process of regeneration of such a nerve is long-term and often permanent 40% axon loss occurs. This is the reason to perform a control EMG two years after surgery. During peripheral paralysis rehabilitation is performed in the aim of preventing contractures. It is achieved by passive exercises in front of a mirror a few times a day. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

[Physical medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders of the spinal column]

INTRODUCTION

Manual (Physical) Medicine is concerned with physiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of the musculoskeletal system functional disorders. Functional disorders are caused by direct or indirect injury (muscular spasm), inflammation, sudden movements etc. Functional disorders in regard to decreased joint volume are also called segmental or peripheral joint dysfunction, somatic dysfunction and function blocking. Blocking means: reversible disorder with decreased functional joint movement; muscular spasms caused by neurophysiological changes including decreased movement; pain and functional disorder of internal organs and tissues being part of the joint. Intervertebral joints, intervertebral discs, muscles and their nerve control belong to such control circles which are integrated within an organism. The basic principles of Manual (Physical) Medicine are good knowledge of functional anatomy and three-dimensional imaging of biochemical functions of the spine. The most important functions of the spinal column are as follows: it is an organ of axis with a protective and supportive function and it enables normal walk and balance. The basic functional unit in the architecture of the vertebral column is the dynamic spinal segment. Its basic function is movement, posture maintenance and protection of spinal nerve roots. The functional disorder of one part of the dynamic segment cannot be isolated from other parts. Thus functional blocks within the fascial joints, abnormalities within intervertebral discs, changes within the ligament apparatus, and muscular disorders may be both causes and consequences at the same time. The dynamic segment is thus included into a mechanical functional circle. Its mechanical function is tightly connected with the statics of the whole body. Different leg length, severe abnormalities of great leg joints may cause blocks within the fascial joints. The vertebral dynamic segment is also a part of the nervous, functional reflex circle. Clinical symptoms associated with functional disorders within intervertebral joints are as follows: restricted joint mobility and nervous reflex disorders (local segmental and peripheral segmental injuries).

MANUAL (PHYSICAL) DIAGNOSIS

In order to make physical diagnosis it is necessary to have good knowledge of anatomy, functional anatomy, kinesiology and neurology. History taking is of great importance for the physician who establishes physical therapy. It is also necessary to note various abnormalities, muscle atrophy and to analyze patient's walk. Palpation at rest reveals changes, skin disorders, subcutaneous and fatty tissues and muscles and it assesses the status of soft tissues. By physical examination of the spine it is possible to diagnose intervertebral joint blocks. Thus examination of joint mobility is performed. It is important to differ physiological, anatomic and pathologic ranges of mobility and to determine the greatest mobility and joint play. Joint play represents the property of the joint to achieve some additional mobility. This examination requires knowledge of a special technique. Palpation of local segmental irritation is performed on all spinal segments after a special technique examining bone-transversal joints as well as sacroiliac joints. Local irritation points, muscle spasms and tendomyosis are being detected. The diagnosis of blocks is also the therapeutic diagnosis at the same time. Physicians using physical medicine must apply x-ray of the spinal column, whereas the aim of physical therapy is to eliminate functional blocks, which occur in the form of reduced reversible mobility in one or more directions. Only physical examination can establish this, while apparatuses cannot objectivize it. Manipulative techniques on the spine should be performed only by specialists.

MANUAL (PHYSICAL) THERAPY

Manual (Physical) therapy comprises numerous techniques and is used in various indications. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Changes of urinary enzyme activity after endoscopic treatment of vesico-ureteric reflux

The urinary enzymes Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Leucine-Arylamidase (LAS), and Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) were measured before and after endoscopic treatment of vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in two groups of twenty children. Ten patients had undergone successful endoscopic corrective surgery for VUR, another 10 patients had unsuccessful endoscopic intervention. After successful treatment the activity of LAS in the urine did not change, but GGT, ALP and DPP-IV activity in the urine was 2-5 times higher than before treatment (P < 0.03 for all three enzymes). Considerable changes of urinary enzyme activity were not observed following unsuccessful endoscopic treatment. Our data and the literature are contradictory. However, this contradiction might be explained by the differences in urine sampling methods. Our patients received the same chemoprophylactic drug at the time of both urine samplings, a point not considered by other researchers. The extent of increase of enzyme activity after endoscopic treatment of VUR did not reach the level that would permit the use of investigated enzymes for screening, because the observed changes did not exceed the limits of the normal range.

[Investigation of variation of the production of biological and chemical compounds of Hyssopus officinalis L]

Hyssopus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae family) has been cultivated in Central Europe for a long time. This essential oil containing species serves not only as spice but in many countries including Hungary, it is used as a folk medicine against certain respiratory diseases. Despite this fact, little is known about the variation of its productivity under Central European climatic conditions. The cultivated populations of hyssop can be characterised by a significant heterogenity. In the course of its breeding the uniformity of flower colour (e.g. blue form), and increase in the oil content are the main achievable purposes. The purpose of this work was to investigate both the variability of strains of different crigin and the time-dependent variations of its production parameters. The optimum of phytomass was obtained at the beginning of July. The essential oil content as well as compounds of the non volatile fractions were also investigated. The non volatile fractions for rosmarinic, caffeic acids were analysed mainly by TLC and densitometry. Both compounds were present in all samples and they are suitable for the characterisation of the plant. The essential oils were gained with Water Steam Distillation (WSD) and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) with CO2. The oils were analysed by GC, GC-MS techniques. In the essential oil composition of the populations studied significant heterogenity could be observed. In the case of applying SFE extraction the oil composition is more uniform, similarly to the obtained by WSD adding hexane. The heterogenity can be experienced in the offsprings, too. If only the main four components (beta-pinene, limonene, pinocamphone, isopinocamphone) are regarded, among the offsprings clear and mixed lines alike can be found. Results of these experiments justify the necessity and usefulness of selection which is going on.

[Changes in urinary enzyme activity following silicon therapy of vesico-ureteral reflux]

The urinary enzymes Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Leucine-Arylamidase (LAS) and Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) were measured before and after endoscopic treatment of vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in two groups of twenty children's. Ten patients had undergone successful endoscopic corrective surgery for VUR, another 10 patients had unsuccessful endoscopic intervention. After successful treatment the activity of LAS in the urine did not change, but that of GGT, ALP and DDP-IV activity in the urine was 2-5 times higher than before treatment (P < 0.03 for all three enzymes). Considerable changes of urinary enzymes' activity were not observed following unsuccessful endoscopic treatment. Our data and the literature are contradictory. However this contradiction might be explained by the differences in urine sampling methods. Our patients received the same chemoprofilactic drug at the time of both urine sampling, a point not considered by other researchers. The extent of increase of enzyme activity after endoscopic treatment of VUR did not reach the level that would permit the use of investigated enzymes for screening, because the observed changes did not exceed the limits of the normal range.