Effects of aerobic workout on the changes in the characteristics of dynamics of the center of gravity in different age categories

INTRODUCTION

The quality and function of movements undergo deterioration due to weight gain. Aerobic training normalizes body weight, improves the health status, and in addition, it is expected to improve the dynamics of movements. The aims of this study were to prove the beneficial effects of recreational physical activities on the movements.

METHODS

Participants were divided into five different age categories: second childhood, adolescence, mature age I, mature age II, and aging. Squatting and vertical jumping of the participants were measured at the beginning and at the end of a 5-month training program. These movements simulated ordinary daily movements. Changes in the body were determined by InBody230. APAS 3D system was used for movement analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed significant improvements in body weight, fat mass, muscle mass, fat mass-body weight ratio, muscle mass-body weight ratio, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-hip ratio. During jumping, the lifting and sinking of the center of gravity's (CG) position and its velocity and acceleration were improved. In case of squatting, the results showed significant improvements in the velocity and acceleration of dynamical characteristics of the CG. Other correlations were observed between changes in body composition and the dynamics of movements.

DISCUSSION

The research proved that recreational training optimized body composition and improved the characteristics of CG's dynamics. The study suggests considerable connection between body composition and the characteristics of the movements' dynamics. From this point of view, our training program was the most effective in the working age groups.

Mycotic Aneurysm in the Aortoiliac Area - Current Options for Treatment

BACKGROUND

Infection represents a less frequent cause for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The diagnosis is associated with a high risk of rapir progression and rupture.

CASE REPORTS

Case 1 is a female operated on urgently for a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. After resection of the aneurysm, we performed in situ replacement using a rifampicin-soaked vascular prosthesis. In case 2, an asymptomatic aneurysm of the right iliac artery was treated by endovascular implantation of a stent-graft. Both patients were treated with antibiotics concurrently and are still alive.

DISCUSSION

The discussion deals with the up-to-date treatment modalities for mycotic aneurysms in the aorto-iliac region. The indication criteria must be adjusted individually.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis of patients with a mycotic aneurysm depends particularly on an early diagnosis.

[A rare case of a long-term patent axillobipopliteal bypass--a case report]

INTRODUCTION

One of the options for the treatment of vascular graft infection in the aortoiliofemoral region is its explantation and extra-anatomical reconstruction. The authors present a rare case of a long-term patent axillobipopliteal bypass.

CASE REPORT

A polymorbid patient with complete infection of the aortobifemoral prosthetic graft, with abscess in the groin and bilateral occlusion of the superficial femoral artery was treated by complete graft explantation and implantation of extra-anatomical axillobipopliteal bypass. The occlusion of the distal part of the left limb of the graft after 6 years was successfully solved by reoperation replacement with a new vascular prosthesis.

DISCUSSION

The advantage of the extra-anatomical axillo(bi)femoral/popliteal reconstruction is its usability in urgent conditions. However, this reconstruction is associated with a high risk of graft thrombosis because of the length of the graft. Currently, we prefer an autogenous femoral vein for the treatment of the graft infection in the aortoiliofemoral region.

CONCLUSION

Although the long-term results of the axillo(bi)femoral/popliteal reconstructions are generally not favourable, the secondary patency of the extra-anatomical bypass in presented patient is maintained for more than 6 years.

[Robot-assisted vascular reconstructions in the aortoiliac region]

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to evaluate the results of the robot-assisted laparoscopic aortoiliofemoral reconstructions in a group of 45 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The procedure is performed using three surgical techniques--conventional for the dissection of the vessels in the groin and distal anastomosis creation; laparoscopic for the dissection of the abdominal aorta and robotic for the proximal anastomosis creation. Between May 2006 and May 2010 we operated on 45 patients (37 males, 8 females) at a mean age of 57 years for aortoiliac occlusive disease using robot-assisted laparoscopic approach. We assessed the perioperative and hospitalization data.

RESULTS

We created 21 aortobifemoral, 22 aortofemoral and 2 iliofemoral bypasses. The median time of the proximal anastomosis creation was 23 minutes (range 18 to 50 minutes), median clamping time was 60 minutes (range 40 to 95 minutes), median total operating time was 295 minutes (range 180 to 475 minutes). The median estimated blood loss was 265 ml (range 50 to 1200 ml). The median ICU stay was 2 days (range 1 to 8 days). During the follow-up period (median 19 months; range 2 to 50 months), we observed 3 early occlusions (6.7%)--all due to an insufficient outflow. All occlusions were resolved by the extension of reconstructions. No renal, cardiac or pulmonary complications were observed. The 30-day mortality was 0%. Late complications: port-site hernia (2.2%). The secondary patency was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The da Vinci robotic system allows a precise vascular anastomosis creation and blood loss minimization. The achieved results (clamping time, anastomosis time) are fully comparable to conventional vascular surgery. The robotic system eliminates the technical limitations of laparoscopic aortic anastomosis creation. Robot-assisted laparoscopic aortoiliofemoral bypass grafting seems a safe method with a low complication rate.

[Analysis of the set of pregnancy women with asthma bronchiale]

OBJECTIVE

The set of pregnant females suffering from bronchial asthma-retrospective analysis.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Na Bulovce, First Medical Faculty, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.

SUBJECT AND METHOD

Our set consists of pregnant women suffering from bronchial asthma and attending our Antenatal Clinic & delivering at our Maternity Hospital from January 2008 through December 2009. Retrospective analysis of the set based on the medical records was performed.

RESULTS

80 females suffering from bronchial asthma gave birth at our Hospital during the studied time span, i.e., 1.7% of all deliveries at our Maternity Hospital. In 4 females (i.e. 5%) the asthma attack was observed during the pregnancy. 33% of all females suffering from bronchial asthma did not require any bronchodilator medication, 22% were just on betamimetics, 23% required inhalational betamimetics with intermittent inhalational corticosteroid and 21% use both regularly. Perorally corticosteroids or leukotrien inhibitors were not used at all. There was no negative influence on subjective felling of the female during her pregnancy and labor in 71% of cases. 24% of all females suffering from bronchial asthma delivered by Caesarean Section but just in two of them it was indicated due to the bronchial asthma itself. We observed no case of IUGR or congenital defect. No change in the length of the hospital stay in comparison to the other females was shown.

CONCLUSION

The nowadays standard treatment of bronchial asthma during pregnancy is based on local inhalative bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory medication. Pregnant females are usually well compensated, and thus their perinatal outcome shows no difference compared to the healthy population.

[Autogenous superficial femoral vein for replacement of an infected aorto-ilio-femoral prosthetic graft]

A group of 12 patients (10 men, 2 women; average age, 52.7 years; range, 50-79 years) with vascular prosthetic graft infection (n=9) or with an increased risk of such infection (n=3) underwent arterial aorto-ilio-femoral reconstruction using autogenous superficial femoral vein. None of the patients died or had to have revision surgery during the follow-up (mean +/- SD, 14.1 +/- 7.3 months; range, 3-27 months). No pulmonary embolism occurred, nor were any early or late complications such as recurrent infection, graft occlusion, limb amputation or aneurysmal dilatation of vein graft recorded. In one patient, benign oedema of the limb following deep vein harvest persists, but this is well managed with a compression stocking. The findings reported in the international literature as well as the authors' experience show that the use of autogenous femoral vein gives very good results in the treatment of an infected vascular prosthetic graft, one of the most feared and most serious complications of vascular surgery.

[Ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta managed using a superficial femoral vein graft--a case review]

Mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is a rare, but potentially lethal disorder because of the risk of rupture. It presents a permanent problem in vascular surgery. Despite recent advances in endovascular procedures, one of the available surgical interventions generally remains the method of choice. The authors present the case of a patient with a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta who urgently underwent aorto-biiliac reconstruction by an autologous superficial femoral vein graft. The patient's post-operative condition with the absence of complications is in agreement with the good results achieved with this technique by surgeons abroad, and gives support to the notion that this approach is superior to other surgical treatments of mycotic aneurysms.

[Arthroscopic treatment for calcaneal spur syndrome]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Arthroscopic treatment of calcaneal spur syndrome is a tissue-sparing and effective approach when conservative therapy has failed. This method, its results and our experience with the treatment of this syndrome are presented here. MATERIAL Between January 2003 and November 2007, 26 patients underwent an arthroscopic procedure for calcaneal spur syndrome; of these, 20 were women with an average age of 49 years, and six were men with an average age of 45 years. Four, three women and one man, were lost to follow-up, therefore 22 patients with 24 heels were eventually evaluated. All had conservative therapy for 3 to 6 monts. METHODS The arthroscopic method used was developed by the arthroscopic group of the Orthopaedic Service of Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras in Havana, Cuba. The surgical technique insolves treatment of the spur and plantar fasciitis commonly found in calcaneal spur syndrome, but it also addresses adjacent calcaneal periostitis. RESULTS The results were evaluated on the scale that is part of the foot function index developed by Budiman-Mak for measuring rheumatoid arthritis pain. The patients were asked mine questions on pain intensity during various activities before and after surgery. Pain was evaluated on a scale with grades from 0 to 9. The average value was 5.9 before surgery and 1.4 after surgery. A 0-1 pain range was reported by 25 %, 1-2 by 26 % and 2-4 by 22 % of the patients. All patients reported improvement. DISCUSSION The orthopaedic group in Havana led by Carlos achieved 85 % excellent outcomes (pain range, 0-2) at one-year followup; this was 79 % in our study, in which no problems with foot arches or wound infection were recorded. CONCLUSIONS The heel spur syndrome is a result of an inflamed ligament (plantar fascia) due to repeated microtrauma. It is not a traction osteophyte,but a reaction of the tissue where it attaches to the calcaneus. Adjacent calcaneal periostitis is usually present as well. Therefore, this method treting all three causes of the syndrome appears to be more effective than mere fasciotomy.

[Abortion induction in IInd trimester]

STUDY AIM

Analysis of the set of women that underwent the termination of pregnancy in IInd trimester at the OBGYN clinic, Teaching Hospital Na Bulovce at interval of years 2006-2007. We appreciated the effect of method and compared with references in the literature. TYPE STUDY: Retrospective descriptive study. SEATTING: OBGYN clinic of the 1st faculty of Charles University, teaching hospital Na Bulovce, Prague.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis of the set of women that underwent termination of pregnancy in the IInd trimester. Data are obtained from medical documentation and statistically processed. The analysis treats with 50 cases, in all of them, cervix was prepared with hydrophile dilators. In 37 cases were subsequently handed up prostaglandins intraamnially, in two cases generally intravenously, in two cases vaginally and 9 pregnancies were finished directly by dilatation and curettage without endeavour about expulsion.

RESULTS

From 37 women after intraamnial administration of prostaglandins, 35 (94.6%) aborted successfully. Average time from amniocentesis to expulsion was 13 hours 45 minutes, 23 women aborted to 24 hours (62.2%). Undesirable effects were present in 12 cases (32.4%).

CONCLUSION

Our record of local intraamnial administration of prostaglandins appears to be effective method. On the other hand, other methods are described in recent literature, which appear to be more efficient and have smaller occurrence of adverse effects.

[New experience regarding various forms of osteoclasis (author's transl)]

The authors supplement their 1975 paper on the latest views on osteoclasis with further research on the subject. The complexity of the osteoclastic process is demonstrated, with the participation at times of the nuclei of various bone cells as well as cell organelles, an important role also being played by cell extinction. This complexity of bone resorption relates not only to the endosteal and perosteal bone surfaces, but also appears in osteoclastically active osteocytes. The giant multinuclear cell represents here an absorbent factor, surrounding incompletely demolished bone matrix and cell debris. Submicroscopic histochemical research completes the picture.

[Blood vessel reconstruction infections: a practical view]

Infection represents a serious complication in vascular surgery. The average of 2-3% of reconstructions are involved. The article offers a review of current diagnosis and treatment of infection after vascular reconstruction. Emphasis is put on early diagnosis and its impact on prognosis of patients. We summarize the practical potential of surgical treatment. The situation is illustrated by our results from the years 2004-2006. During the last 3 years 19 patients were operated on for infection of the arterial reconstruction (15 ways aorto-femoral and 4 ways femoro-popliteal bypass). The main agent was Staphylococcus aureus (9 patients, i.e. 47.4%). In most cases explantation of the whole infected reconstruction was performed (13 patients). The early mortality rate is 26.3%. Amputation was necessary in 6 patients (i.e. 31.5%). Our results are fully comparable to those from other centres of vascular surgery.

[Infection in vascular reconstructive surgery]

PURPOSE

Infection is one of the most serious complications in vascular surgery.

METHODS

We summarize the patients operated on in our clinic during a 3-year period for infection of the arterial reconstruction.

RESULTS

577 primary arterial reconstructions were performed in the region of abdominal aorta and lower limb arteries during the years 2003-2005. In the same period 17 patients were operated on for infection of the arterial reconstruction grade III of Szilagyi (13x aortofemoral, 4x femoropopliteal region). The main agent of infection was Staphylococcus aureus (47.1%). In most cases the therapy involved revision of the infected groin (10x) with subsequent explantation of the reconstruction (7 patients). Eight extraanatomic reconstructions were performed. Three patients died during the follow-up (2 within 30 days of an operation). The one year mortality rate is 17.6%. Amputation was necessary in 6 patients (i.e. 35.3%)

CONCLUSIONS

Handling vascular infection still remains a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic problem.

Involvement of phosphatidylserine externalization in the down-regulation of c-myb expression in differentiating C2C12 cells

Analysis of c-myb gene down-regulation in differentiating C212 cells revealed that in proliferating cells, c-myb expression is high and ceases as the proliferation rate decreases. However, a low level of c-myb mRNA was detected in confluent non-proliferating differentiating cells for an extended period of time before it declined to an undetectable level. The time course of c-myb gene silencing in differentiating cells correlated with exposition of phosphatidylserine (PS) on the cell surface. Moreover, the interaction of exposed PS with exogenously added annexin V perturbed PS-mediated cell signaling and transiently up-regulated the declining c-myb expression. We, therefore, suggest that cell surface-exposed PS, which plays a role in the process of myotube formation, is also involved in the down-regulation of c-myb expression.

[Rupture of the renal artery aneurysm in a patient with symptoms of a systemic connective tissue disorder--A case review]

The renal arteries aneurysms are relatively rare, however, their rupture has a high mortality rate. The authors present a case-review of a 38-year old female, hospitalized with a pain in the left lumbar region, lasting for 24 hours, which spread into the mesogastrium and the left groin. Upon angiographic examination, the left renal artery aneurysm was detected. Embolization was conducted, aiming to save the kidney, however, it proved unsuccessful and was complicated by a rupture of the aneurysm. Consequently, urgent nephrectomy was completed. Prior to the procedure, massive haemorrhaging from the right groin following angiography, was managed. Relapsing haemorrhaging from the right groin and development of a major retroperitoneal haematoma, complicated the postoperative course and required repetitive postoperative revisions. The accidental finding of a minor aneurysm of the lienal artery, the patient's constitution, her anamnestic data and the complicated course of hospitalization, suggested the systemic connective tissue disorder. Furthermore, the authors discuss contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the renal arteries aneurysms.

Identification of potential human oncogenes by mapping the common viral integration sites in avian nephroblastoma

Gene deregulation is a frequent cause of malignant transformation. Alteration of the gene structure and/or expression leading to cellular transformation and tumor growth can be experimentally achieved by insertion of the retroviral genome into the host DNA. Retrovirus-containing host loci found repeatedly in clonal tumors are called common viral integration sites (cVIS). cVIS are located in genes or chromosomal regions whose alterations participate in cellular transformation. Here, we present the chicken model for the identification of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in solid tumors by mapping the cVIS. Using the combination of inverse PCR and long terminal repeat-rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique, we have analyzed 93 myeloblastosis-associated virus type 2-induced clonal nephroblastoma tumors in detail, and mapped >500 independent retroviral integration sites. Eighteen genomic loci were hit repeatedly and thus classified as cVIS, five of these genomic loci have previously been shown to be involved in malignant transformation of different human cell types. The expression levels of selected genes and their human orthologues have been assayed in chicken and selected human renal tumor samples, and their possible correlation with tumor development, has been suggested. We have found that genes associated with cVIS are frequently, but not in all cases, deregulated at the mRNA level as a result of proviral integration. Furthermore, the deregulation of their human orthologues has been observed in the samples of human pediatric renal tumors. Thus, the avian nephroblastoma is a valid source of cancer-associated genes. Moreover, the results bring deeper insight into the molecular background of tumorigenesis in distant species.

Polyhydroxylated Sapphyrins: Multisite Non-metallic Catalysts for Activated Phosphodiester Hydrolysis

Enhanced hydrolysis rates for the cleavage of bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP), a model phosphodiester, may be achieved by using appropriately designed ditopic receptors containing the known phosphate-binding nucleus, sapphyrin, attached covalently to suitably oriented polyhydroxyl subunits. Evidence for the interaction between sapphyrin and BNPP comes from solid-state X-ray diffraction analysis of a diprotonated dihydroxylated sapphyrin-BNPP complex and from solution-phase (31)P NMR spectroscopic binding studies. The sapphyrins described in this paper may have a role to play as oligonucleotide cleavage agents.

[20-year experience in surgical treatment of popliteal aneurysm]

We present our 20-year experience in surgical treatment of popliteal aneurysm in 67 patients. We conclude that popliteal aneurysms should be surgically treated as early as possible after its diagnosis, preferably before ischemic complications occur.

Expression of cytochrome P450 genes in CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Expression of major cytochrome P450 forms (P450) was followed in preparation of purified hematopoietic CD34+ stem and progenitor cells. Levels of transcripts as well as mature proteins were traced by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and by Northern and Western blotting. P450 1B1 and P450 2E1 proteins and respective mRNAs were found in all cases. On the other hand, no expression of P450 3A4, P450 3A7, and P450 2C9 was found. The results showed that expression of various P450 enzymes starts at different stages of cell differentiation. Both P450 forms found are known to be connected with cancer cells and with activation of procarcinogens (P450 1B1, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; P450 2E1, nitrosamines, and solvents). Hence, cells at the early stage of differentiation already may be influenced by interaction with xenobiotics. This fact should also be taken into consideration when hematopoietic cell transplant therapy is applied.

Touch-Down Reverse Transcriptase-PCR Detection of IgVH Rearrangement and Sybr-Green-Based Real-Time RT-PCR Quantitation of Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can relapse even after aggressive therapy and autografts. It is commonly assumed that to prevent relapse the level of minimal residual disease (MRD) should be as low as possible. To evaluate MRD, highly sensitive quantitative assays are needed.

AIM

The aim of the study was to develop a robust and sensitive method for detection of the clonal immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable (IgV(H)) rearrangement in CLL and to introduce a highly sensitive and specific methodology for MRD monitoring in patients with CLL who undergo intensive treatment.

METHODS

As a prerequisite for MRD detection, touch-down reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR using degenerate primers were used for the diagnostic identification of (H) gene rearrangement(s). For quantitative MRD detection in 18 patients, we employed a real-time RT-PCR assay (RQ-PCR) making use of patient-specific primers and the cost-saving Sybr-Green reporter dye (SG). For precise calibration of RQ-PCR, patient-specific IgV(H) sequences were cloned.

RESULTS

Touch-down RT-PCR with degenerate primers allowed the successful detection of IgV(H) clonal rearrangement(s) in 252 of 257 (98.1%) diagnostic samples. Biallelic rearrangements were found in 27 of 252 (10.7%) cases. Degenerate primers used for the identification of clonal expansion at diagnosis were not sensitive enough for MRD detection. In contrast, our RQ-PCR assay using patient-specific primers and SG reached the sensitivity of 10(-)(6). We demonstrated MRD in each patient tested, including four of four patients in complete remission following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and three of three following allogeneic 'mini'-HSCT. Increments in MRD might herald relapse; aggressive chemotherapy could induce molecular remission.

CONCLUSIONS

Our touch-down RT-PCR has higher efficiency to detect clonal IgV(H) rearrangements including the biallelic ones. MRD quantitation of IgV(H) expression using SG-based RQ-PCR represents a highly specific, sensitive, and economic alternative to the current quantitative methods.

[Gluten enteropathy--occurrence, diagnosis, therapy]

Gluten enteropathy is a chronic all-life disease, characterized by typical inflammatory changes of the small bowel mucosa. It is the genetically determined autoimmune disease with permanent intolerance to gluten. Its clinical signs are very heterogeneous and also the severity of intestinal changes varies considerably. It frequently presents with atypical symptoms, as many as 80% of adult patients have no gastrointestinal troubles at all. The present estimated prevalence is 1:200 - 1:250. The diagnosis is based on criteria of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition revised in 1990, above all on the detection of serum antibodies to endomysium and tissue transglutaminase. The five forms are distinguished: classic, subclinical, latent, potential and silent. Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis are considered to be two identical forms of the gluten enteropathy manifestations. Coeliac disease is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases--diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyreoiditis, hepatitis, IgA deficiency. Permanent gluten free diet is the cornerstone of the therapy; untreated gluten enteropathy is a serious illness, considered to be a significant precancerosis.

[The subclavian steal syndrome]

The aim of this work is to summarize the authors' experience gathered during surgical procedures for the subclavian steal syndrome. The authors put forward the method of anaesthesia with patient's vigility and mobility preserved, favouring the arterial transposition procedures against the prostheses implantation methods. The main common feature of the above approaches is to increase the procedure's safety.

[Sexual asphyxias in medical practice]

The authors deal with so called sexual hanging. From literary historical dates concerning this problem they give a case of Czech musician named Kotzwarra. The typical autoerotic fatalities and atypical autoerotic fatalities are mentioned. The article sums up basic characteristics during the investigation of the scene of a sexual hanging.

Novel cationic transport agents for oligonucleotide delivery into primary leukemic cells

Novel cationic compounds forming complexes with oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) were prepared, and their ability to transport ODNs into cultured primary leukemic cells was tested. Two cationic porphyrin derivatives (2 and 3) were found to be at least 1 order of magnitude more efficient in this respect than commercially available agents. The ODN transporting capacity of novel compounds was dependent on the magnitude and the nature of their positive charges as well as on the porphyrin/ODN molar ratio. Porphyrin-ODN complexes were internalized into cells, and their dissociation was demonstrated by accumulation of fluorescein isothiocyanate-ODN fluorescence in the nucleus. Importantly, porphyrin 3 significantly protected complexed ODN against degradation and efficiently mediated the specific antisense effect on targeted v-Myb expression, resulting in reproducible growth inhibition of treated cells. Low toxicity, serum compatibility, and water solubility of porphyrin 3 make this compound a promising novel tool for modulation of gene expression in primary leukemic cells.

Cloning and expression of PARP-3 (Adprt3) and U3-55k, two genes closely linked on mouse chromosome 9

Post-translational modification of nuclear proteins by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is involved in the regulation of DNA repair, cell death, and maintenance of genomic stability. Recently, several PARP-1 homologues have been identified constituting a family of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ating proteins. We cloned and sequenced the cDNAs of the mouse PARP-3 (Adprt3) gene encoding poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 3 and of the closely linked U3-55k gene coding for the U3 small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein complex-associated 55-kilodalton protein. The two genes are located in a head-to-head orientation on mouse chromosome 9 and are linked by an approximately 1.5-kb putative bi-directional promoter region. This gene arrangement is conserved between mouse and human orthologues. Three alternative non-coding 5'-end exons were found in the mouse PARP-3 mRNA. The expression patterns of PARP-3, U3-55k, PARP-2, and PARP-1 genes were determined using Northern blot with mRNA from various adult mouse tissues and organs. PARP-3 expression was found to be regulated in a tissue-specific manner. The highest expression of PARP-3 was detected in the skeletal muscle, high to moderate levels were found in the lung, liver, kidney, ovary, spleen and heart, while thymus, small intestine and colon contained lower levels of the PARP-3 transcripts. Notably, PARP-3 expression was barely detectable in the whole brain and testis mRNA. In contrast to PARP-3, the other three genes showed ubiquitous expression with less variable mRNA levels. Interestingly, the mouse and human PARP-2 gene has recently been shown to be connected via a bi-directional promoter with the gene for the RNase P RNA subunit (Amé et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276: 11092-11099, 2001). As both the U3-55k protein and the RNase P RNA are involved in the processing of precursor RNAs of the protein-synthesizing machinery (pre-rRNA and pre-tRNA, respectively), it is tempting to hypothesize that expression of some members of the two groups of genes (i.e. PARP vs. protein-synthesizing machinery RNA-processing genes) may be coordinately regulated under certain physiological or pathological conditions and/or in some cell types.

GATA-1 and c-myb crosstalk during red blood cell differentiation through GATA-1 binding sites in the c-myb promoter

GATA-1 and c-Myb transcription factors represent key regulators of red blood cell development. GATA-1 is upregulated and c-myb proto-oncogene expression is downregulated when red cell progenitors differentiate into erythrocytes. Here we have employed a culture system, that faithfully recapitulates red blood cell differentiation in vitro, to follow the kinetics of GATA-1 and c-myb expression. We show that c-myb proto-oncogene expression is high in progenitors and effectively downregulated at the time when nuclear GATA-1 accumulates and cells differentiate into erythrocytes. Additionally, we identified two GATA-1 binding sites within the c-myb promoter and demonstrate that GATA-1 protein binds to these sites in vitro. Furthermore, GATA-1 represses c-myb expression through one of the GATA-1 binding sites in transient transfection experiments and this requires FOG-1. Thus, our study provides evidence for a direct molecular link between GATA-1 activity and c-myb proto-oncogene expression during terminal red cell differentiation.

The twist gene is a common target of retroviral integration and transcriptional deregulation in experimental nephroblastoma

The genes involved in the transformation of kidney blastema cells were searched for in avian nephroblastomas induced by the MAV2 retrovirus. The twist gene was identified as a common site of provirus integration in tumor cells. Twist was rearranged by the MAV2 provirus in three out of 76 independent nephroblastoma samples. The MAV2 integration sites were localized within 40 nucleotides of the twist 5'UTR region, right upstream from the ATG initiation codon. The integrated proviruses were deleted at their 5'ends. As a consequence, twist transcription became controlled by the retroviral 3'LTR promoter and was strongly upregulated, more than 200 times. In addition, 2-100 times elevated twist transcription was also detected in the majority of other nephroblastoma samples not containing MAV2 in the twist locus. We propose that chicken nephroblastoma originates from a single blastemic cell in which the MAV retrovirus, through its integration, has deregulated specific combinations of genes controlling proliferation and differentiation. The activation of the twist gene expression appears to contribute to tumorigenesis, as there is an in vivo positive selection of tumor cell clones containing the twist gene hyperactivated by MAV2 sequences inserted within the twist promoter.

[Terminology used in evaluating the severity of injuries for agencies involved with the penal system]

The authors deal with medical and juristis terms concerning the evaluation of the grievousness of injuries for the police of the Czech Republic.

[Endoscopic gastric polypectomy--personal experience]

In the time period from August 1986 to August 2001, a total of 10,260 gastrofibroscopic examinations were performed in our department. Gastric polyps were found in 28 patients--in 15 men and 13 women. Polypoid foveolar hyperplasia was present in 67.8% patients, hyperplasiogenic polyps in 21.5%, and adenomatous polyps in 10.7% of patients. Multiple gastric polyposis was found in 3 patients: in two of them all polyps were removed and one patient has regular gastrofibroscopic checkups. We did not encounter complications after endoscopic polypectomy of the stomach in our study group. Polypectomy via gastrotomy was not performed in any of our patients.

[Occult fecal blood loss--comparison of immunochemical and biochemical tests]

BACKGROUND

Test of occult fecal blood loss belongs to the basic diagnostic procedures in gastroenterology. That examination is introductory method for screening, diagnosis and dispensarization of patients with colorectal cancer. Most frequently used tests in practice are biochemical and immunochemical tests. The aim of the study was to compare the results and clinical contribution of both kinds of tests.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The results of immunochemical test Immocare (Care Diagnostica) and biochemical test Haemoccult (Röhm Pharma) were compared in a group of 253 patients (131 women, 122 men, average age 52.6 yr, range 19-88 yr). In all patients total coloscopy was subsequently performed. Sensitivity of immunochemical test was clearly higher (61.2%) than of biochemical test (29.4%), specificity was slight lower (95%, resp. 98%). Accuracy of Immocare test was also higher (82% than 72% of Haemoccult).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm advantages and competency of Haemoccult test for screening and dispensary programmes. More expensive and more difficult Immocare test is suitable for examination of symptomatic or risk patients.

bFGF signaling and v-Myb cooperate in sustained growth of primitive erythroid progenitors

The development of red blood cells from hematopoietic progenitors requires the interplay of specific extracellular factors and transcriptional regulators. Here we have identified an erythroid progenitor that is critically dependent on bFGF and requires expression of AMV v-Myb for sustained proliferation in vitro, indicating that bFGF and Myb proteins cooperate in these cells. In the presence of bFGF such v-Myb cells are completely blocked in their ability to differentiate and exhibit an exceptionally high proliferative potential and long lifespan in vitro. Interestingly, in the absence of bFGF cells effectively differentiate into mature erythrocytes, irrespective of constitutive and elevated levels of v-Myb. We also demonstrate that these cells express high levels of FGF receptor type 1 (FGFR1) and that phospholipase C(gamma) (PLC(gamma)) is one of the important molecules in FGF receptor signaling. Our studies suggest that bFGF, in cooperation with Myb proteins, represents an important factor for determining erythroid lineage choice. These findings unravel a so far unidentified link between extracellular signaling and Myb in hematopoietic cells.

The serologic screening for celiac disease in the general population (blood donors) and in some high-risk groups of adults (patients with autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis and infertility) in the Czech republic

The prevalence of celiac disease (CD) was determined in healthy blood donors and in high-risk groups of adults (a total of 1835 adults--randomly selected 1312 healthy blood donors, 102 patients with primary osteoporosis, 58 patients with autoimmune diseases and 365 infertile women). It was calculated on the basis of a two-step serologic screening method--in the first step IgA and IgG antigliadin antibodies (AGA) and IgA anti-gamma-glutamyltransferase ('transglutaminase') antibodies (ATG) were estimated, in the second step sera positive for IgA AGA and/or IgA ATG were examined for antiendomysial IgA (AEA) antibodies. Immunoenzymic assay (ELISA) was used for determining of AGA and ATG antibodies; immunofluorescence method, performed on human umbilical cord tissue, was used for assaying of AEA antibodies. Total serum IgA level in only IgG AGA positive subjects was measured by routine turbidimetric method. 0.45% of healthy blood donors, 0.98% of osteoporotic patients, 2.7% of patients suffering from autoimmune disease and 1.13% of women with infertility considered as immunologically mediated were found to be positive in both steps of serologic screening (AGA and/or ATG and antiendomysium positive). The presumed high prevalence of seropositivity for CD in apparently healthy Czech adult population was confirmed. In the high-risk groups, the prevalence of seropositivity for CD was approximately 2-4 times higher than in healthy blood donors. The real prevalence of CD in the tested groups, however, can be estimated after performing small intestinal biopsy in the seropositive patients.

The leucine zipper region of Myb oncoprotein regulates the commitment of hematopoietic progenitors

The development of blood cells proceeds from pluripotent stem cells through multipotent progenitors into mature elements belonging to at least 8 different lineages. The lineage choice process during which stem cells and progenitors commit to a particular lineage is regulated by a coordinated action of extracellular signals and transcription factors. Molecular mechanisms controlling commitment are largely unknown. Here, the transcription factor v-Myb and its leucine zipper region (LZR) are identified as regulators of the commitment of a common myeloid progenitor and progenitors restricted to the myeloid lineage. It is demonstrated that wild-type v-Myb with the intact LZR directs development of progenitors into the macrophage lineage. Mutations in this region compromise commitment toward myeloid cells and cause v-Myb to also support the development of erythroid cells, thrombocytes, and granulocytes, similar to the c-Myb protein. In agreement with that, the wild-type v-Myb induces high expression of myeloid factors C/EBP beta, PU.1, and Egr-1 in its target cells, whereas SCL, GATA-1, and c-Myb are more abundant in cells expressing the v-Myb LZR mutant. It is proposed that Myb LZR can function as a molecular switch, affecting expression of lineage-specifying transcription factors and directing the development of hematopoietic progenitors into either myeloid or erythroid lineages.

Biodistribution and antitumour efficacy of long-circulating N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer-doxorubicin conjugates in nude mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the molecular weight (mol. wt) of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-doxorubicin (DOX) conjugates (P-DOX) on biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy in nu/nu mice bearing human ovarian carcinoma OVCAR-3 xenografts. Copolymerisation of HPMA, a polymerisable derivative of DOX (N-methacryloylglycylphenylalanylleucylglycyl doxorubicin) and a newly designed crosslinking agent, N(2),N(5)-bis(N-methacryloylglycylphenylalanyl-leucylglycyl)ornithine methyl ester monomers resulted in novel, high mol. wt, branched, water-soluble P-DOX containing lysosomally degradable oligopeptide sequences as crosslinks and side-chains terminated in DOX. Four conjugates with mol. wt of 22, 160, 895 and 1230 kDa were prepared. The results indicated that the half-life in blood and the elimination rate from the tumour were up to 28 times longer and 25 times slower, respectively, for P-DOX (mol. wt=1230 kDa) than for free DOX. Treatment with P-DOX (mol. wt > or = 160 kDa) inhibited tumour growth more efficiently than that of 22 kDa P-DOX or free DOX (P<0.02) at a 2.2 mg/kg DOX equivalent dose. In conclusion, the administration of long circulating P-DOX resulted in enhanced tumour accumulation with a concomitant increase in therapeutic efficacy.

[Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic islet cell tumors producing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIPoma)]

The incidence of VIPoma is approximately one per 10 million population. Thus in the Czech Republic this rare disease should be diagnosed once per year. The authors present their experience with the diagnosis and treatment of patient born in 1956, who suffered since 1990 from diarrhoea, at first episodically. In 1992-1994 the diarrhoea was profuse, caused dehydration, hypokalaemia and severe metabolic acidosis without an increase of the anion gap. As a result of dehydration the patient developed acute renal insufficiency. Due to hypokalaemia he developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The diagnosis was based on the clinical finding and later confirmed on laboratory examination by a high VIP serum concentration. For treatment of diarrhoea Sandostatin was used. The tumour was located only after a scan with 123I-VIP in the cauda of the pancreas. Scintigraphy with labelled octreotide, similarly as other imaging methods (sono, X-ray and CT) were not effective. In 1994 left-sided hemipancreatectomy was performed. Although the patient was operated four years after the onset of the disease, no secondaries were detected. After surgery the diarrhoea stopped and no further treatment was necessary.

High-molecular weight HPMA copolymer-adriamycin conjugates

High-molecular weight (branched) water-soluble N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers containing lysosomally degradable oligopeptide crosslinks were synthesized by radical copolymerization of HPMA and newly designed crosslinking agents, N(2), N(5)-bis(N-methacryloylglycylphenylalanylleucylglycyl)ornithine s with different modification of the carboxy group. The length of the primary chain was controlled by the addition of a chain transfer agent, 3-mercaptopropionic acid. A polymerizable derivative of the anticancer drug adriamycin (ADR), N-methacryloylglycylphenylalanylleucylglycyl adriamycin, was added to some polymerization mixtures. This resulted in high-molecular weight, branched, water-soluble HPMA copolymers containing oligopeptide sequences in the crosslinks as well as in side-chains terminated in ADR. The degradability of the crosslinks as well as the release of ADR by lysosomal enzymes isolated from rat liver were investigated.

Myb-interacting protein, ATBF1, represses transcriptional activity of Myb oncoprotein

Using the yeast two-hybrid system, the transcription factor ATBF1 was identified as v-Myb- and c-Myb-binding protein. Deletion mutagenesis revealed amino acids 2484-2520 in human ATBF1 and 279-300 in v-Myb as regions required for in vitro binding of both proteins. Further experiments identified leucines Leu325 and Leu332 of the Myb leucine zipper motif as additional amino acid residues important for efficient ATBF1-Myb interaction in vitro. In co-transfection experiments, the full-length ATBF1 was found to form in vivo complexes with v-Myb and inhibit v-Myb transcriptional activity. Both ATBF1 2484-2520 and Myb 279-300 regions were required for the inhibitory effect. Finally, the chicken ATBF1 was identified, showing high degree of amino acid sequence homology with human and murine proteins. Our data reveal Myb proteins as the first ATBF1 partners detected so far and identify amino acids 279-300 in v-Myb as a novel protein-protein interaction interface through which Myb transcriptional activity can be regulated.

[Pregnancy after kidney transplantation]

In the period 1966-1997 renal allografting was performed in 1746 recipients, 244 of whom were women in fertile age. In 32 of them 45 pregnancies were registered. 29 of them (64%) resulted in abortion, which was spontaneous in 4 and medically advised in 25. There were 16 labours, 4 of them free of any complications; of the latter, hypertension was the most frequent one (8). Of the former, 13 were solved by caesarean section and 3 were vaginal deliveries. Of 15 live babies 7 were immature (one died 1.5 year later of renal failure due to microcystic kidneys). No unfavourable effect of pregnancy on prognosis and on long-term graft function was found.

The "small" polydisperse cytoplasmic extrachromosomal DNA of chicken leukaemic myeloblasts and the avian myeloblastosis virus core-bound DNA seem to descend from origin regions of chromosomal DNA replication

Nucleotide sequences are presented for 12, 7 and 12 cloned extrachromosomal DNAs by nature harbored in nucleoprotein (NP) complexes forming chicken leukaemic myeloblast (CHLM) post microsomal sediment (POMS) components A, B and C, respectively, and for 11 cloned avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) DNAs. Analysis of the abundance of sequence motifs significant for eukaryotic chromosomal DNA replication origin (ori) regions (and their initiation zones) has shown that these DNAs are reminiscent of cell DNA fragments enriched in ori sequences (Rao et al., 1990) and/or sequence features of several eukaryotic chromosomal oris containing clusters of modular sequence elements (Dobbs et al., 1994). Accordingly, these DNAs, with an (A + T) content prevalently higher than that of the total cell DNA, revealed the presence of asymmetrically distributed (A + T)-rich stretches, scaffold attachment region (SAR) T consensuses, polypyrimidine nucleotide (poly(Py)) tracts and minimal Saccharomyces cerevisiae autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) consensus, in abundance comparable with that of these sequences of DNA fragments enriched in oris. All these DNAs were found to be enriched also in sequence elements held as primase (Pr) attachment sites. Moreover, DNAs of POMS component B and those of AMV DNA were found to be enriched in the asymmetric pyrimidine (Py) heptanucleotide motif of Waltz et al. (1996) occurring in the initiation zones of ori region. Consequently, these extrachromosomal DNAs, portion of which represents a precursor of AMV DNA, seem to descent from initiation zones of various ori regions of an early replicating chromosomal myeloblast DNA. In addition, a possible explanation of the inclination of these DNAs to form multimers is presented.

The Myb leucine zipper is essential for leukemogenicity of the v-Myb protein

The AMV v-Myb oncoprotein causes oncogenic transformation of myelomonocytic cells in vivo and in vitro. Its transforming capacity is strictly dependent upon the N-terminal DNA binding domain, the central transactivation region, and on the C-terminal domain containing a putative leucine zipper motif. Here we show that the v-MybL3,4A mutant, in which Leu325 and Leu332 of the leucine zipper have been replaced by alanines, failed to induce leukemia in virus infected chicken. This demonstrates that the leucine zipper domain is indispensable for v-myb induced leukemogenesis in vivo. v-MybL3,4A was, however, still able to transform myelomonocytic cells from chicken bone marrow in vitro. Yet, while v-mybL3,4A transformed cells were impaired in growth at 37 degrees C, they failed to grow at 42 degrees C, the physiological body temperature of avian species. This might explain the loss of v-MybL3,4A leukemogenic potential in vivo. We also demonstrate that the v-Myb leucine zipper domain interacts in vitro with two host cell proteins, p26 and p28. This interaction is compromised in v-MybL3,4A indicating that binding of v-Myb to p26 and p28 might be important for the leukemogenic potential of v-Myb.

[Treatment of duodenal ulcer with pantoprazole. A multicenter study]

BACKGROUND

The inhibition of H+/K(+)-ATPase (proton pump) of gastric parietal cells by substituted benzimidazoles represents a new therapeutic approach in conditions connected with hypersecretion of hydrochloric acid. Pantoprazol is the newest member of this group of drugs. Monotherapy of duodenal ulcer with pantoprazole or ranitidine was evaluated in terms of healing rate, tolerance and compliance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A double-blind, parallel-group comparing study (double dummy technique) of treatment florid duodenal ulcer (diameter 5-20 mm) was performed in 95 subjects (age 18-74 years). The active substances were either pantoprazole (40 mg before breakfast-47 subjects) or ranitidine (300 mg before bedtime-48 subjects). The average diameter of the ulcer and subjective complaints before treatment were comparable in both groups. After 2 weeks of pantoprazole therapy 88.5% of ulcers (a) and 87.2% patients (b) were cured, whereas the corresponding values in the ranitidine series amounted to 66% (a) and 62.5% (b) only (p = 0.006 for both (a) and (b)). The rate of healing in relative values of reducing the ulcer size was significantly higher after 2 weeks of pantoprazole therapy (p = 0.026 (a) and 0.0027 (b)). All ulcers healed after 4 weeks of this regimen. The difference between the pantoprazole and ranitidine series after 4 weeks was closely above the 5% level of significance (p = 0.589 for (a) and 0.0588 for (b) respectively). This was due to the low number of patients in both groups at this time interval, particularly in the pantoprazole group. Pain during day-time and regurgitation were observed significantly more frequently after ranitidine therapy. The compliance was very good and practically no adverse effects of pantoprazole therapy were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The healing rate of duodenal ulcer with pantoprazole monotherapy (40 mg before breakfast) was significantly higher than with ranitidine (300 mg before bedtime). The compliance of patients and the tolerance of pantoprazole were very good and its administration was not associated with any side-effects.

Avian stem cell factor (SCF): production and characterization of the recombinant His-tagged SCF of chicken and its neutralizing antibody

Recombinant chicken stem cell factor (SCF) was produced in bacteria as a histidine-tagged protein (His delta SCF) and purified by affinity chromatography on an Ni(2+)-NTA agarose column. His delta SCF is devoid of signal peptide and transmembrane domains and therefore mimics a soluble form of SCF. We demonstrate that the factor is biologically fully active in supporting sustained proliferation of SCF-dependent red blood progenitor cells of chicken in vitro. Polyclonal SCF-specific antibodies were raised in rabbits and shown to display potent SCF-neutralizing activity. Thus, recombinant chicken His delta SCF together with the SCF-specific antibody provide valuable tools for studying the role of SCF and c-kit receptor in development, growth and differentiation of avian haematopoietic cells.

Characterization of human, mouse and rabbit anti-gliadin antibodies by ELISA and western blotting

Monoclonal, hyperimmune rabbit and human serum anti-gliadin antibodies were analyzed by ELISA and immunoblotting techniques. In Western blotting the difference in reactivity between monoclonal and human antibodies was quantitative rather than qualitative. Rabbit antisera differed in reactivity according to the protein used for immunization. The rabbits immunized by the peptic-tryptic pancreatic digest of gliadin reacted similarly to the patients. In ELISA, significantly higher reactivity with crude, A-, glyc-gli, alpha-, beta- and omega-gliadins was found in the patients' sera than in controls.

Avian myeloblastosis virus core-bound 7 S DNA, a collection of minute replicative host-cell DNA structures

The early replicative nature of avian myeloblastosis virus core-bound 7 S DNA (AMV DNA), indicated by our preceding findings (Ríman et al., 1993), has been confirmed using various experimental approaches. It has been shown by agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis that this DNA represents actually a collection of molecules the size of which is strongly reminiscent of the minute early replicative structures found in DNA of sea urchin embryos (Baldari et al., 1978). With such a characteristic correspond, the sequence properties of the individual AMV DNA clones, the majority of which were found to be AT-rich with ARS-like motifs and stretches of A-residues carrying conformational requirements for bending. In comparative hybridization experiments, AMV DNA exhibited the highest homology with chicken leukaemic myeloblast scaffold-bound DNA. Compatible with high replicative activity of AMV DNA was also found its specific [methyl-3H]thymidine radioactivity. The constancy of the virus content of this DNA and its virus age-dependent cleavage changes taking place inside the virus core structure open the question of possible significance of this special host DNA for the reaction machinery represented by the retroviral nucleoprotein core complex.

The carboxy-terminal domain of c-Myb activates reporter gene expression in yeast

We have shown previously that c-myb expressed in the yeast S. cerevisiae mediated efficient transcriptional activation of reporter genes designed with specific Myb Recognition Elements (MRE's), confirming that this proto-oncogene is able to function as a regulator of transcription in that heterologous context. Here we show that in yeast, as in higher eucaryotic cells, the central domain of c-Myb displays transactivating capacity. In yeast, however, the carboxy-terminal region, defined as a negative regulatory domain in higher cells, activates transcription as well and appears to be a more potent transactivating domain than the central domain itself. Within this region two domains, namely C1 and C2, have been defined that contribute about equally to the activity of the carboxy-terminal region. C1 spans the sequences missing in AMV v-myb while C2, which contains the leucine-zipper motif is specifically absent in the E26 v-myb in addition to C1. The c-Myb DNA-binding domain itself has no effect on the level of transcription in yeast. We also show that AMV v-Myb stimulates gene expression in yeast with about half the efficiency of full length c-Myb. The fact that the carboxy-terminal region either stimulates or inhibits transactivation properties of c-Myb, depending on the cellular context, stresses the participation of putative c-Myb partner proteins in Myb regulated processes and reopens the question of whether the oncogenic activation of c-myb is indeed due to the increased transactivation capacity of its onco derivatives.

Identification of CpG island at the 5' end of murine leukemia inhibitory factor gene

We identified a CpG island at the 5' end of murine leukemia inhibitory factor gene (LIF). The CpG island is 0.6 kb long and covers most of the first exon and first intron. The region is non-methylated, its G+C content is 65% and relative frequency of CpG dinucleotide is 0.7. The block of 150 nucleotides, which is 72% conserved between murine, human, ovine and porcine genes, is a part of the CpG island. Two DNA fragments from this CpG island interact with nuclear proteins from NIH 3T3 cells. One fragment partially covers the block of conserved nucleotides. Human, ovine and porcine LIF genes also contain G+C- and CpG-rich sequences in the corresponding region.

[Endoscopic ultrasonography of the upper part of the digestive tract. II]

Endoscopic ultrasonography is a new method of visualization which makes it possible to visualize reliably and in detail the wall the digestive tract and its close surroundings. Indication is above all diagnosis of tumours and their staging. The authors submit their initial experience with the method in a group of 71 examinations in 65 subjects. The conclusions of endosonography were confirmed as correct in 96.7% and provide evidence of the asset and possibilities of the method in the differential diagnosis of diseases of the upper portion of the digestive tract.

Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the 5' part of v-myb cDNA

cDNA of a subgenomic v-myb mRNA from AMV-transformed BM-2 cells was cloned. Sequencing of the 5' end of this cDNA revealed the structure of both AMV leader and the splice junction in v-myb message. The leader is a novel variant of known avian retrovirus leaders. The long open reading frame in the cloned cDNA starts with six gag-derived codons spliced to the myb-specific sequence.