Tight versus less tight 1-hour postprandial glycemic target in women with gestational diabetes mellitus - a single-center cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the impact of the change of 1-hour postprandial glycemic target from < 6.7 mmol/L (120 mg/dL) to < 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treatment and pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of 1021 GDM patients from the Department of Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital in Cracow, Poland, we compared insulin therapy regimens and pregnancy outcomes between women admitted in 2014-2016 (before the change) and in 2018-2019 (after it). RESULTS: A total of 377 patients were admitted between 2014 and 2016 (TIGHT group) and 644 between 2018 and 2019 (LESS TIGHT group). Women from the LESS TIGHT group were older (32 vs 30 years, p < 0.001) and gained less weight during pregnancy (7.0 vs 9.0 kg, p < 0.001). There was no change in the frequency of any insulin therapy (51.6% vs 56.1%, p = 0.168). In the LESS TIGHT group, the basal insulin-only model was used more frequently (32.5% vs 10.2%, p < 0.001), while the prandial insulin and basal-bolus model less frequently (23.6% vs 42.6% and 21.4% vs 36.7%, p < 0.001, respectively) than in the TIGHT group. There were no differences in the frequency of cesarean sections, preterm births, Hbd of delivery, mean birth weight or prevalence of perinatal complications. CONCLUSIONS: Less tight glycemic targets in women with GDM, compared to tighter targets, were associated with less frequent use of prandial insulin, with insulin therapy often limited to basal administration. The change in glycemic targets did not affect the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, providing evidence supporting new recommendations.

Determination of Bioactive Compound Kynurenic Acid in Linum usitatissimum L.

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a bioactive compound exhibiting multiple actions and positive effects on human health due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. KYNA has been found to have a beneficial effect on wound healing and the prevention of scarring. Despite notable progress in the research focused on KYNA observed during the last 10 years, KYNA's presence in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) has not been proven to date. In the present study, parts of flax plants were analysed for KYNA synthesis. Moreover, eight different cultivars of flax seeds were tested for the presence of KYNA, resulting in a maximum of 0.432 µg/g FW in the seeds of the cultivar Jan. The level of KYNA was also tested in the stems and roots of two selected flax cultivars: an oily cultivar (Linola) and a fibrous cultivar (Nike). The exposure of plants to the KYNA precursors tryptophan and kynurenine resulted in higher levels of KYNA accumulation in flax shoots and roots. Thus, the obtained results indicate that KYNA might be synthesized in flax. The highest amount of KYNA (295.9 µg/g dry weight [DW]) was detected in flax roots derived from plants grown in tissue cultures supplemented with tryptophan. A spectroscopic analysis of KYNA was performed using the FTIR/ATR method. It was found that, in tested samples, the characteristic KYNA vibration bands overlap with the bands corresponding to the vibrations of biopolymers (especially pectin and cellulose) present in flax plants and fibres.

Influence of Chemical Composition on Structure and Mechanical Properties of Vacuum-Carburized Low-Alloy Steels.

This study presents research results concerning the vacuum carburizing of four steel grades, specifically conforming to European standards 1.7243, 1.6587, 1.5920, and 1.3532. The experimental specimens exhibited variations primarily in nickel content, ranging from 0 to approximately 3.8 wt. %. As a comparative reference, gas carburizing was also conducted on the 1.3532 grade, which had the highest nickel content. Comprehensive structural analysis was carried out on the resultant carburized layers using a variety of techniques, such as optical and electron scanning, transmission microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, mechanical properties such as hardness and fatigue strength were assessed. Fatigue strength evaluation was performed on un-notched samples having a circular cross-section with a diameter of 12 mm. Testing was executed via a three-point bending setup subjected to sinusoidally varying stresses ranging from 0 to maximum stress levels. The carburized layers produced had effective thicknesses from approximately 0.8 to 1.4 mm, surface hardness levels in the range of 600 to 700 HV, and estimated retained austenite contents from 10 to 20 vol%. The observed fatigue strength values for the layers varied within the range from 1000 to 1350 MPa. It was found that changing the processing method from gas carburizing, which induced internal oxidation phenomena, to vacuum carburizing improved the fatigue properties to a greater extent than increasing the nickel content of the steel.

Effect of Yarrowia lipolytica yeast biomass with increased kynurenic acid content on selected metabolic indicators in mice.

Background: The unconventional yeast species Yarrowia lipolytica is a valuable source of protein and many other nutrients. It can be used to produce hydrolytic enzymes and metabolites, including kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous metabolite of tryptophan with a multidirectional effect on the body. The administration of Y. lipolytica with an increased content of KYNA in the diet may have a beneficial effect on metabolism, which was evaluated in a nutritional experiment on mice. Methods: In the dry biomass of Y. lipolytica S12 enriched in KYNA (high-KYNA yeast) and low-KYNA (control) yeast, the content of KYNA was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, proximate and amino acid composition and selected indicators of antioxidant status were compared. The effect of 5% high-KYNA yeast content in the diet on the growth, hematological and biochemical indices of blood and the redox status of the liver was determined in a 7-week experiment on adult male mice from an outbred colony derived from A/St, BALB/c, BN/a and C57BL/6J inbred strains. Results: High-KYNA yeast was characterized by a greater concentration of KYNA than low-KYNA yeast (0.80 ± 0.08 vs. 0.29 ± 0.01 g/kg dry matter), lower content of crude protein with a less favorable amino acid composition and minerals, higher level of crude fiber and fat and lower ferric-reducing antioxidant power, concentration of phenols and glutathione. Consumption of the high-KYNA yeast diet did not affect the cumulative body weight gain per cage, cumulative food intake per cage and protein efficiency ratio compared to the control diet. A trend towards lower mean corpuscular volume and hematocrit, higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and lower serum total protein and globulins was observed, increased serum total cholesterol and urea were noted. Its ingestion resulted in a trend towards greater ferric-reducing antioxidant power in the liver and did not affect the degree of liver lipid and protein oxidation. Conclusions: The improvement of the quality of Y. lipolytica yeast biomass with increased content of KYNA, including its antioxidant potential, would be affected by the preserved level of protein and unchanged amino acid profile. It will be worth investigating the effect of such optimized yeast on model animals, including animals with metabolic diseases.

Anatomy of the pontine arteries and perforators of the basilar artery in humans.

Cerebral blood flow constitutes a critical area of interest for neurologists, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists as a social burden related to ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and vascular dementia is expected to intensify. There is a great need to develop new and effective therapies, therefore deepening understanding of cerebrovascular anatomy, physiology, and pathology is crucial. The main aim of the study was to develop a comprehensive classification of the pontine arteries considering their typology, relations to the cranial nerves, branching schemes, and superficial pontine blood supply areas. We prepared 100 anatomical specimens of the human brainstem with the basilar artery, the pontine arteries, and the terminal perforating arteries. With the use of microsurgical microscope, we analyzed morphometry of the basilar artery, origins, courses, and branching patterns of the pontine arteries as well as distribution of the terminal perforators in relation to pontine superficial vascular areas and the cranial nerves. Additionally, we studied presence of pontine branches of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) and anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA). Repetitive branching patterns, origins, and courses led us to distinguish five types of the pontine arteries: type 1-the paramedian branches, type 2-the short circumflex branches, type 3-composition of the paramedian and the short circumflex branches, type 4-long circumflex branches, and type 5-median branches penetrating the pons along the basilar sulcus. Types 1, 2, and 4 were described in the literature previously, but the classification did not include the median branches (the most prevalent branches) and frequently occurring combinations of the types 1 and 2. There were seven pontine arteries on both sides on average that presented the following general pattern: the first pontine artery below the SCA is a type 4 vessel called the posterolateral pontine artery and it is followed by a type 2 vessel-the superolateral pontine artery; the next three arteries represent the types 1, 2, and 3 and supply most of the ventral pontine surface; the sixth artery-the anterolateral pontine artery-is a short circumflex branch and the seventh artery, originating below the AICA, represents long circumflex arteries. Occlusion of each of the abovementioned vessels relates to a specific pontine vascular syndrome. As explained by the phylogenesis and ontogenesis of the central nervous system, the pontine arteries are subject to variability. The SCA and the AICA took part in the pontine blood supply in 2.5% and 12.5% of cases, respectively, therefore neurovascular interventions involving the SCA, or the AICA may lead to pontine ischemia. Contact of the pontine arteries with the cranial nerves depends on the vessel type and origin location.

Post-mortem detection of neuronal and astroglial biochemical markers in serum and urine for diagnostics of traumatic brain injury.

Currently available epidemiological data shows that traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the leading causes of death that is associated with medico-legal practice, including forensic autopsy, criminological investigation, and neuropathological examination. Attention focused on TBI research is needed to advance its diagnostics in ante- and post-mortem cases with regard to identification and validation of novel biomarkers. Recently, several markers of neuronal, astroglial, and axonal injury have been explored in various biofluids to assess the clinical origin, progression, severity, and prognosis of TBI. Despite clinical usefulness, understanding their diagnostic accuracy could also potentially help translate them either into forensic or medico-legal practice, or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-mortem pro-BDNF, NSE, UCHL1, GFAP, S100B, SPTAN1, NFL, MAPT, and MBP levels in serum and urine in TBI cases. The study was performed using cases (n = 40) of fatal head injury and control cases (n = 20) of sudden death. Serum and urine were collected within ∼ 24 h after death and compared using ELISA test. In our study, we observed the elevated concentration levels of GFAP and MAPT in both serum and urine, elevated concentration levels of S100B and SPTAN1 in serum, and decreased concentration levels of pro-BDNF in serum compared to the control group. The obtained results anticipate the possible implementation of performed assays as an interesting tool for forensic and medico-legal investigations regarding TBI diagnosis where the head injury was not supposed to be the direct cause of death.

Honey's Yeast-New Source of Valuable Species for Industrial Applications.

Honey is a rich source of compounds with biological activity; moreover, it is a valuable source of various microorganisms. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify yeast from a sample of lime honey from Poland as well as to assess its ability to biosynthesize value-added chemicals such as kynurenic acid, erythritol, mannitol, and citric acid on common carbon sources. Fifteen yeast strains belonging to the species Yarrowia lipolytica, Candida magnolia, and Starmerella magnoliae were isolated. In shake-flask screening, the best value-added compound producers were chosen. In the last step, scaling up of the culture in the bioreactor was performed. A newly isolated strain of Y. lipolytica No. 12 produced 3.9 mg/L of kynurenic acid growing on fructose. Strain Y. lipolytica No. 9 synthesized 32.6 g/L of erythritol on technical glycerol with a low concentration of byproducts. Strain Y. lipolytica No. 5 produced 15.1 g/L of mannitol on technical glycerol, and strain No. 3 produced a very high amount of citric acid (76.6 g/L) on technical glycerol. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge this is the first study to report the use of yeast isolates from honey to produce valuable chemicals. This study proves that natural products such as lime honey can be an excellent source of wild-type yeasts with valuable production properties.

Hytrel-like Copolymers Based on Furan Polyester: The Effect of Poly(Butylene Furanoate) Segment on Microstructure and Mechanical/Elastic Performance.

This paper aims to compare the performance of two Hytrel-like segmented copolymers: "classic" PBT-b-PTMG and fully bio-based PBF-b-PTMG, containing poly(butylene furanoate) as the rigid segment. The idea behind this research is to assess whether the sustainable copolymers can successfully replace those "classic" once at the thermoplastic elastomers' market. Two series of copolymers were synthesized under the same process parameters, had the same compositions, but differed in aromatic ring structure in terephthalate/furanoate unit. Furthermore, the materials were processed by injection moulding as typical Hytrel products. Then, the samples were subjected to extensive characterisation including NMR, GPC, FTIR, DSC, WAXS, DMTA, TGA techniques and mechanical tests with particular interest in the microstructure formed during processing and its effect on the copolymers' mechanical and elastic behaviour. The detailed analysis proved that PBF-b-PTMG and PBT-b-PTMG copolymers represent two kinds of materials with similar chemical structure, some features of thermoplastic elastomers, but evident differences in their physical properties.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics, glycemic control, and pregnancy outcomes between women with gestational diabetes mellitus in waves I and III of the COVID-19 pandemic: a reference center report.

OBJECTIVES: The medical care of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the COVID-19 pandemic was influenced by changing epidemiological conditions and government regulations. Aim - To compare the clinical pregnancy data of GDM women between waves I and III of the pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records from the GDM clinic and compared the periods of March-May 2020 (wave I) and March-May 2021 (wave III). RESULTS: Women with GDM during wave I (n = 119) compared to wave III (n = 116) were older (33.0 ± 4.7 vs 32.1 ± 4.8 years; p = 0.07), booked later (21.8 ± 8.4 vs 20.3 ± 8.5 weeks; p = 0.17), and had their last appointment earlier (35.5 ± 2.0 vs 35.7 ± 3.2 weeks; p < 0.01). Telemedicine consultations were used more frequently during wave I (46.8% vs 24.1%; p < 0.01), while insulin therapy was used less often (64.7% vs 80.2%; p < 0.01). Mean fasting self-measured glucose did not differ (4.8 ± 0.3 vs 4.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L; p = 0.49), but higher postprandial glucose was reported during wave I (6.6 ± 0.9 vs 6.3 ± 0.6 mmol/l; p < 0.01). Pregnancy outcome data were available for 77 wave I pregnancies and 75 wave III pregnancies. The groups were similar in terms of gestational week of delivery (38.3 ± 1.4 vs 38.1 ± 1.6 weeks), cesarean sections (58.4% vs 61.3%), APGAR scores (9.7 ± 1.0 vs 9.7 ± 1.0 pts), and birth weights (3306.6 ± 457.6 g vs 3243.9 ± 496.8 g) (p = NS for all). The mean wave I neonate length was slightly higher (54.3 ± 2.6 cm vs 53.3 ± 2.6 cm; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: We identified differences between wave I and wave III pregnancies for several clinical characteristics. However, nearly all pregnancy outcomes were found to be similar.

Can we still use X-rays to predict contralateral slip in primary unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis?

The objective of this study was to assess subsequent contralateral slip (SCS) in the unaffected hip in patients with primary unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) using three radiographic parameters: posterior sloping angle (PSA), center-edge angle (CEA) and triradiate cartilage (TC) appearance. A total of 152 patients admitted to two pediatric units between 2001 and 2015 were divided into three groups: A - underwent prophylactic fixation of the unaffected hip at the time of index surgery- high clinical risk of SCS; B - no clinical risk factors but SCS occurred; C - no issues regarding the contralateral hip during follow-up. The mean PSA for groups A, B and C were 22°(6-49), 17°(9-24) and 13°(0-27), respectively. PSA was significantly higher in Group A than in Group C ( P < 0.0001). The differences in PSA between groups A and B, but also B and C were insignificant ( P = 0.12 and p=0.21, respectively). The mean CEA in groups A, B and C was 33(25-43), 35(26-42) and 37(17-53), respectively. CEA did not differ significantly between groups A, B and C ( P = 0.25). Assessment of TC did not differ significantly between the groups ( P = 0.66). Observation of TC in groups B and C combined revealed that the cartilage was open in 65% of 77 patients and 14% of them developed SCS; whereas among the 35% of patients with ossified TC only 7% developed SCS (OR=2.0). PSA and CEA alone have no predictive value in determining the risk of contralateral slip. The absence of TC results in a two-fold decrease in the likelihood of developing an SCS. The decision of prophylactic surgical treatment of the contralateral hip in primary unilateral SCFE should not be based solely on radiographic findings.

Femoroacetabular impingement in the unpinned contralateral hip in patients with primary unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis: preliminary radiographic outcomes.

The study evaluated femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in the unpinned contralateral hip in patients with unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and verified initial age, posterior sloping angle (PSA) and center-edge angle (CEA) as predictors of FAI in the contralateral hip. 152 patients with unilateral SCFE with a mean index age of 13.2 years (8.2-17.2 years) were enrolled retrospectively into the study. Mean follow-up was 8 years (3-14 years). PSA and CEA were measured on initial radiographs of the unaffected hip. Alpha-angle and CEA were measured on radiographs taken at the last follow-up to identify FAI. Four groups of patients were distinguished: (1) no FAI (10 patients, 17.54%); (2) CAM-type FAI (41 patients, 71.9%); (3) pincer-type FAI (3 patients, 5.26%) and (4) mixed-type FAI (13 patients, 22.8%). The mean PSA was 12.1°, 12°, 16.8°, 11.9° for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, with no significant difference ( P = 0.65). The mean initial CEA for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 34.4°, 35.5°, 42° and 42° respectively, with significant differences between groups 1 versus 4 ( P = 0.034) and 2 versus 4 ( P = 0.009). Conclusions are as follows: 1. Radiographic features of FAI were present in 85.1% of unpinned contralateral hips in patients with unilateral SCFE. 2. 71.9% of unpinned contralateral hips developed CAM deformity. 3. CEA can be used in predicting pincer-type FAI in the contralateral hip in unilateral SCFE. 4. PSA and age revealed negligible value in predicting FAI.

The microbial production of kynurenic acid using Yarrowia lipolytica yeast growing on crude glycerol and soybean molasses.

Yarrowia lipolytica yeast are able to produce kynurenic acid-a very valuable compound acting as a neuroprotective and antioxidant agent in humans. The recent data proved the existence of the kynurenine biosynthesis pathway in this yeast cells. Due to this fact, the aim of this work was to enhance kynurenic acid production using crude glycerol and soybean molasses as cheap and renewable carbon and nitrogen sources. The obtained results showed that Y. lipolytica GUT1 mutants are able to produce kynurenic acid in higher concentrations (from 4.5 mg dm-3 to 14.1 mg dm-3) than the parental strain (3.6 mg dm-3) in the supernatant in a medium with crude glycerol. Moreover, the addition of soybean molasses increased kynurenic acid production by using wild type and transformant strains. The A-101.1.31 GUT1/1 mutant strain produced 17.7 mg dm-3 of kynurenic acid in the supernatant during 150 h of the process and 576.7 mg kg-1 of kynurenic acid in dry yeast biomass. The presented work proves the great potential of microbial kynurenic acid production using waste feedstock. Yeast biomass obtained in this work is rich in protein, with a low content of lipid, and can be a healthy ingredient of animal and human diet.

Rare case of posterior hip dislocation caused by low-energy trauma in a boy in early adolescence: acute and long-term management-review of the literature.

The incidence of hip dislocations in teenagers caused by low-velocity trauma is a relatively rare finding and constitutes a true orthopaedic emergency. Prompt reduction is recommended to avoid long-term complications. On average, the non-weight-bearing period ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. Follow-up with radiographic imaging is necessary to evaluate for hip pathologies over time. In this paper, we will report the findings of a posterior hip dislocation in a healthy boy in early adolescence caused by a ground level fall on grass with review of the literature. Closed reduction of the right hip was performed within 4 hours of the dislocation. A 6-week non-weight-bearing period was recommended before transitioning into a 2-week period of partial weight-bearing. At 12 weeks, our patient returned to sports and had negative radiographic and clinical findings of hip pathology throughout the follow-up period.

Hip dysplasia in adolescence: osteotomy in childhood improves the results of periacetabular osteotomy in adolescents and young adults : a prospective study.

AIMS: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a pathological relationship between the femoral head and acetabulum. Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) may be used to treat this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of PAO in adolescents and adults with persistent DDH. METHODS: Patients were divided into four groups: A, adolescents who had not undergone surgery for DDH in childhood (25 hips); B, adolescents who had undergone surgery for DDH in childhood (20 hips); C, adults with DDH who had not undergone previous surgery (80 hips); and D, a control group of patients with healthy hips (70 hips). The radiological evaluation of digital anteroposterior views of hips included the Wiberg angle (centre-edge angle (CEA)), femoral head cover (FHC), medialization, distalization, and the ilioischial angle. Clinical assessment involved the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and gluteal muscle performance assessment. RESULTS: Significant improvements in radiological parameters were achieved in all measurements in all groups (p < 0.05). The greatest improvement was in CEA (mean of 19° (17.2° to 22.3°) in Group B), medialization (mean of 3 mm (0.9 to 5.2) in Group C), distalization (mean of 6 mm (3.5 to 8.2) in Group B), FHC (mean of 17% (12.7% to 21.2%) in Group B), and ilioischial angle (mean of 5° (2.3° to 8.1°) in Group B). There were significant improvements in the mean HHS and gluteal muscle performance scores postoperatively in all three groups. CONCLUSION: The greatest correction of radiological parameters and clinical outcomes was found in patients who had undergone hip surgery in childhood. Although the surgical treatment of DDH in childhood makes subsequent hip surgery more difficult due to scarring, adhesions, and altered anatomy, it requires less correction of the deformity and has a beneficial effect on the outcome of PAO in adolescence and early adulthood. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):775-780.

Bis(5-chloroquinolin-8-olato)-bis(pyridine)-cobalt(II) as new catalytic material.

Nowadays, studies are carried out on the design and synthesis of new catalysts for olefin oligomerization and polymerization, which would contain non-toxic metals and at the same time show high catalytic activities. Complex compounds of transition metal ions such as Fe(II), Cr(III) and Zr(II) containing pyridine or quinoline as ligands show at least moderate catalytic activity in ethylene and propylene polymerizations. To investigate the catalytic activity of the complex containing pyridine ligands and quinoline derivatives, here we have synthesized the crystals of new bis(5-chloroquinolin-8-olato)-bis(pyridine)-cobalt(II) solvate. The synthesized cobalt(II) complex compound was tested in reactions of 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol and norbornene oligomerizations. Our studies showed that bis(5-chloroquinolin-8-olato)-bis(pyridine)-cobalt(II) after activation by MMAO-12 catalyzes the formation of oligomers in nitrogen atmosphere, under atmospheric pressure and at room temperature. Bis(5-chloroquinolin-8-olato)-bis(pyridine)-cobalt(II) possesses moderate catalytic activity in the formation of norbornene oligomers process and low catalytic activity in 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol oligomerization.

Mutation search within monogenic diabetes genes in Polish patients with long-term type 1 diabetes and preserved kidney function.

INTRODUCTION: Some patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are free from advanced complications despite long­standing disease. These patients may be carriers of gene mutations responsible for maturity­onset diabetes of the young and may have been misdiagnosed with T1DM. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with long­term T1DM, without advanced microvascular complications, and with well­preserved kidney function. A search for mutations in monogenic diabetes genes was performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited at 2 Polish university centers based on the following criteria: T1DM duration of 40 years or longer and absence of advanced complications defined as chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 ), overt proteinuria, blindness, and diabetic foot syndrome. Mutations in the 7 most frequent monogenic diabetes genes were identified using next­generation sequencing. RESULTS: We enrolled 45 patients with T1DM (mean [SD] age at examination, 59.2 [8.0] years; mean [SD] age at T1DM diagnosis, 14.6 [6.7] years). Mean (SD) hemoglobin A1c levels were 7.6% (1.4%); daily insulin dose, 0.48 (0.17) U/kg; high­density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, 1.9 (0.6) mmol/l; body mass index (BMI), 26.4 (5.0) kg/m2 ; and eGFR, 82.2 (12.1) ml/min/1.73 m2 . Albuminuria and retinopathy were reported in 7 and 39 patients, respectively. We were not able to assign a causative role to any of 10 genetic variants identified by next­generation sequencing in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with long­term T1DM and preserved kidney function have good glycemic control, elevated HDL cholesterol levels, low insulin requirements, near ­normal BMI, and a rare occurrence of mutations in monogenic diabetes genes.

Wound coverage by the linen dressing accelerates ulcer healing.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic ulcers are the main cause of morbidity and mortality, and the incidence of chronic wounds is expected to increase given that people live longer and that there are civil diseases. AIM: Much attention in the treatment of wounds concerns a dressing that involves wound cleansing, bacterial balance, exudate management and local tissue in a wound environment. These important elements of the evaluation led to the development of an interactive dressing based entirely on flax raw materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The complete dressing for wound coverage was prepared from plant (flax) row products: seedcakes, oil, fiber. The content of bioactive compounds (qualitatively and quantitatively) was tested using chromatographic techniques, and their biological activity during tests on fibroblast cell cultures (NHDF). As a final step the clinical trial were performed. RESULTS: The dressings, which help control the microenvironment, combining with exudate using hydrophilic fibre, controlling the flow of exudate from the wound to the dressing were generated. They stimulate the activity in the healing cascade and accelerate the healing process by combining lignocellulose fibre with higher amounts of phenolic compounds, sterols, cannabidiol and unsaturated fatty acids simultaneously with the 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer. All constituents of linen dressing are natural, originate from two types of the engineered flax plant. Pre-clinical data reveal a reasonable reduction in wound size in patients with chronic leg ulcers treated with a linen dressing. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, a successful application of the innovative interactive linen dressing in the treatment of chronic wounds was noted.

Elevated serum and urine levels of progranulin (PGRN) as a predictor of microglia activation in the early phase of traumatic brain injury: a further link with the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent finding during forensic autopsies and neuropathological examinations in medico-legal practices. Despite the unprecedented attention currently focused on TBI pathogenesis, there is a need to improve its diagnostics through the use of novel biomarkers to facilitate detection, treatment, and prognosis. Recently, growth factor progranulin (PGRN) has attracted significant attention because of its neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory activities. The role of PGRN in TBI has not been widely discussed, although PGRN-related neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative phenomena have been described. The aim of this study was to identify PGRN concentration levels in biofluids and examine PGRN and CD68 protein expression in brain tissue using immunohistochemical staining in individuals with fatal TBI in its early phase. The study was performed using cases (n = 30) of fatal head injury and control cases (n = 30) of sudden death. The serum and urine were collected within ~24 h after death and compared using the ELISA test, where brain specimens were stained with anti-PGRN and anti-CD68 antibodies. In our study, we observed elevated concentration levels of PGRN in the serum and urine of TBI individuals in the early phase of TBI. These changes were accompanied by increased expression of PGRN in the frontal cortex (1st-3rd layers), in which anti-CD68 immunostaining revealed disseminated cortical microglia activation. The possible implementation of performing such assays offers a novel and interesting tool for investigation and research regarding TBI diagnosis and pathogenesis. Furthermore, the above-mentioned surrogate biofluid assays may be useful in clinical prognosis and risk calculation of non-fatal cases of TBI, considering the development of neurodegenerative conditions of TBI individuals.

Parasitosis of the vertebral canal mimicking lumbar intervertebral disc herniation: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. BACKGROUND: It is a case of dracunculiasis of the spine mimicking lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57 year-old Caucasian male was admitted to the hospital because of the left L5 radiculopathy lasting for 2 months. The pain in the left lower limb was associated with muscle weakness on dorsal flexion of the foot, paresthesia of the dorsal aspect of the foot and tingling in the big toe. Neurological examination revealed: muscle weakness on dorsal flexion of the foot, impaired light touch and pin prick test on the dorsal aspect of the foot and positive Lasègue's sign. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination revealed L4-L5 intervertebral disc herniation with sequester compressing the left L5 nerve root. The open L4-L5 left side discectomy was performed. During the sequester evacuation 3 pieces of nematodes were removed and preserved in 10% of formaldehyde solution. After the surgery the patient was pain free with normal neurological examination. The diagnosis of dracunculiasis was based on the morphology of the nematode and on exclusion of the other parasites. DM infestation could not be confirmed with molecular testing that was impaired by the formaldehyde. CONCLUSIONS: Parasite infestation should be considered even in cases with obvious MRI of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. If a nematode was found accidentally during any surgery it should be preserved in a 0.9% saline, not in formaldehyde, not to disturb the molecular tests.

An efficient method for production of kynurenic acid by Yarrowia lipolytica.

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a compound derived from the tryptophan catabolic pathway. Antioxidant and neuroprotective properties have been confirmed for KYNA, which makes it an interesting and important metabolite of biomedical significance. In the present study, the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica was tested for KYNA biosynthesis. The results showed that Y. lipolytica strain S12 is able to produce KYNA in high concentrations (up to 21.38 µg/ml in culture broth and 494.16 µg/g cell dry weight in biomass) in optimized conditions in a medium supplemented with tryptophan. Different conditions of culture growth, including the source of carbon, its concentration and pH value of the medium, as well as the influence of an inhibitor or precursor of KYNA synthesis, were analysed. The obtained data confirmed the presence of KYNA metabolic pathway in the investigated yeast. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that reports KYNA production in the yeast Y. lipolytica in submerged fermentation.