Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as an unexpected diagnosis in a hip arthroplasty.

Total hip replacement is routinely performed for osteoarthritis of the hip joint. We report a case of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as an unexpected diagnosis after routine pathological examination of the bone block harvested during total hip replacement in an asymptomatic patient. Although controversies exist regarding the cost effectiveness of routine specimen evaluation during total hip replacement, we suggest that histological analysis of any unusual-looking surgical tissues is appropriate and should be performed in all the patients who have suspicious surgical findings. To our knowledge, this is the first case of lymphoma detected during primary total hip replacement.

[Prognosis of the skin UV-incidence increase in Poland]. / Wzrost zachorowan na schorzenia skóry uwarunkowane oddzialywaniem promieniowania ultrafioletowego--prognoza dla Polski.

The degradation of the ozone layer causes a real menace to human health. One of the most dangerous effects is the possibility of evoking skin cancer by the intensified UV-radiation level. The authors analysed the influence of ongoing changes on the increase in skin cancer cases in Polish conditions. Following the analysis, a 16-per cent increase in morbidity can be anticipated within the next decade.

[Absorption and dispersion of ultraviolet radiation in human skin]. / Pochlanianie i rozpraszanie promieniowania ultrafioletowego na skórze czlowieka.

The study was carried out in a group composed of 48 men. The linear coefficient and linear coefficient of dispersion of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the skin was measured for different wavelengths. The mean values were determined for four types of the skin in both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) ranges from 280 to 400 nm. The skin ability to absorb UVR decreases rapidly with decreasing wavelength. At wavelength of 280 nm, the coefficient of absorption changed within the range from 105 cm-1 (skin type II) to 160 cm-1 (skin type V), however, at wavelength of 400 nm it accounted only for 20 cm-1. A reciprocal relationship for scattering was found. The coefficient of dispersion changed within the range from 3.5 cm-1 at wavelength of 280 nm to 12 cm-1 at wavelength of 400nm. The mechanism based on absorption predominated at a shorter wave range (UVB), while at a longer range (UVA) the scattering mechanism was more efficient.

Reflection of ultraviolet radiation from different skin types.

In this study using 43 male subjects, the spectral reflectance of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been measured from the skin of each subject's forearm. The total diffuse reflectance and directional characteristics of reflection were determined for different wavelengths. Mean values were determined for four skin types in both the ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) range from 280 to 400 nm. Reflection occurs in all directions and with cylindrical symmetry that is normal to the skin surface. The ability of skin to reflect UVR decreases rapidly with decreasing wavelength. Reflection is as high as 20% for 400 nm and falls below 1% at 280 nm. Average UVA (315 to 400 nm) reflectance can reach 12%, but is only about 2.5% in the UVB (280 to 315 nm) spectral range. The significant differences in reflectance occur between different skin types and are determined primarily by complexion. Skin types with moderate sensitivity to solar radiation, neither too pale nor too tanned, reflect the greatest UVR. In this skin type the protective mechanism of reflection dominates over a mechanism based upon the absorption of UVR by melanin pigment.

Mechanisms of enhanced macrophage apoE secretion by oxidized LDL.

Previous studies have demonstrated that atherosclerotic lesions contain apoE synthesized primarily by macrophages. As oxidized LDL has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis, its effect on macrophage apoE synthesis and secretion was examined. Human monocytic leukemia cells, THP-1, and human monocyte-derived macrophages were exposed to various forms of oxidatively modified LDL for determination of their effect on apoE mRNA and protein levels. Extensively copper oxidized (Cu-oxidized) LDL resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent increase in apoE mRNA and protein as compared to other forms of oxidized LDL, i.e., LDL modified by soybean lipoxygenase (SLO), azoamidinopropane HCl (AAPH), and hypochlorite (HOCl). Consistent with these results, experiments using THP-1 cells transfected with the apoE promoter linked to a luciferase reporter gene indicated that Cu-oxidized LDL was the most potent stimulator of apoE transgene expression. Enhanced apoE expression due to Cu-oxidized LDL was shown to be due to cholesterol accumulation as well as additional factors. HPLC analysis of the various forms of modified LDL revealed that 7-ketocholesterol was the major oxysterol present in Cu-oxidized LDL. AAPH-oxidized LDL contained significantly less 7-ketocholesterol than Cu-oxidized LDL and virtually no 7-ketocholesterol was detected in SLO- or HOCl-oxidized LDL. Northern blot analysis indicated an increase in apoE mRNA in response to increasing concentrations of 7-ketocholesterol. These results elucidate a potential role of oxidized LDL, and specifically 7-ketocholesterol, in the stimulation of macrophage apoE secretion in atherosclerotic lesions.

The effect of depletion of the earth ozone layer on the human health condition.

Development of economic human activity has caused many harmful side effects which constitute an important danger for the biological life of our planet. This review discusses some aspects of the atmospheric changes and their influence on UV radiation reaching a man. The ozone-layer depletion is the result of emissions to the atmosphere chemical substances containing chlorine and bromine. Ozone, which absorbs the solar ultraviolet radiation, is a basic bio-protective filter. Degradation of the atmospheric ozone layer leads to increase of UV-level in our environment. The harmful effects of UV-radiation on live organisms constitute a danger for health of the whole human population. There is no doubt that cumulative exposure to UV radiation is important in the aetiology of skin cancer. A strong cataractogenic effect of UV radiation has been also evidenced. It is also known that the increase of UV radiation may be capable of activating viruses and reduce immunological response. The recent and predicted increase in these menaces are discussed.

Oxidized LDL stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinases in smooth muscle cells and macrophages.

It has been proposed that oxidized LDL is more atherogenic than native LDL. However, the mechanisms by which native LDL and oxidized LDL alter function of cells in the vessel wall remain undefined. A signal transduction pathway that mediates many changes in cell function is the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade. We therefore examined the effect of native LDL and oxidized LDL on MAP kinase activity in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), endothelial cells, and macrophages by using an in-gel-kinase assay and anti-phosphotyrosine MAP kinase antibodies. Native LDL and LDL oxidized by the addition of Cu2+ (Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL) stimulated MAP kinase in a time- and dose-dependent manner in baboon and rat VSMC but not in bovine endothelial cells. Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL stimulated MAP kinase in human monocyte-derived macrophages, but the effect was much greater in cells cultured for 7 days compared with 1 day, suggesting dynamic regulation of the cellular response to oxidized LDL. In rat VSMC, the maximal MAP kinase response to Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL was significantly greater than the response to native LDL. Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL was more potent, with half-maximal activation at 15 micrograms/mL versus 30 micrograms/mL for native LDL. Stimulation of MAP kinase appeared to involve protein kinase C, since phorbol ester pretreatment for 24 hours blocked MAP kinase activation. Oxidation of LDL by other methods showed that activation of MAP kinase was not well correlated with lipid peroxides or aldehydes, suggesting that other components present in oxidized LDL were responsible. The active moiety appeared to be lipid based on extraction of oxidized LDL with organic solvents. These data indicate that LDL stimulates MAP kinase in VSMC, oxidation of LDL potentiates the effect, a lipid moiety is involved, and Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL activation of MAP kinase is cell-type specific. These findings suggest a role for MAP kinase in the pathways by which oxidized LDL contributes to altered cellular function associated with atherogenesis.

[Evaluation of protective properties of sunglasses commonly available in the marketplace]. / Ocena wlasciwosci ochronnych okularów przeciwslonecznych powszechnie dostepnych w handlu.

The optical properties of sunglasses common on the market were tested for UV radiation and visible light. Out of a large variety of sunglasses offered to customers, four types of sunglasses visually diversified, so they could suit mostly different tastes and requirements of customers, had been selected randomly. It was found that even not branded sunglasses satisfy the requirements of protective glasses. None of the sunglasses tested transmitted UV-B radiation (280-315 nm) and considerably limited UV-A radiation (315-400 nm). Moreover, radiation permeability in the visible range was good. UV-A transmission occurred mostly in the wavelength range above 380 nm. In order to evaluate the properties of protective sunglasses the ocular sun protective factor (OSPF) was defined and proposed.

[Evaluation ultraviolet radiation penetration into human skin. II. experimental studies]. / Ocena wnikania promieniowania ultrafioletowego do skóry ludzkiej II. badania doswiadczaline.

Direct reflections of ultraviolet (UV) radiation (280-400 nm wavelength) from the human skin were characterised for different types of individuals. On the ground of this characteristics, the total UV reflection coefficient in this range was estimated. A new, noninvasive method for measuring a linear absorption and dispersion coefficient of UV radiation in skin layer was proposed. It is based on the measurement of radiant flux dispersed inside the skin cover during its radiation by a beam with a given profile. The dispersive flux is measured beyond the light zone. The absorption and dispersion coefficients can be calculated according to formulas developed previously and published in part I--"Theoretical analysis". Preliminary measurements of the above mentioned parameters were performed for different types of individuals.

Electron spin resonance studies of fatty acid-induced alterations in membrane fluidity in cultured endothelial cells.

Endothelial cell dysfunction has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. Of vital importance to the maintenance of endothelial cell integrity is the preservation of membrane functional and structural properties, such as membrane fluidity. The aim of this study was to develop a model for studying the relationship between endothelial cell integrity and membrane fluidity alterations in a well-defined cell culture setting. Alterations in membrane fluidity were assessed using electron spin resonance after labeling endothelial cells with the lipid-specific spin labels, CAT-16 and 12-nitroxide stearic acid. Endothelial cells were exposed to various 18-carbon fatty acids, i.e. stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), or linolenic (18:3), in addition to lipolyzed HDL (L-HDL) and benzyl alcohol. Membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition of endothelial cells supplemented with these fatty acids was analyzed using gas chromatography. All fatty acids, except 18:0, decreased membrane fluidity. A relationship between membrane fluidity and fatty acid compositional alterations in cellular phospholipids was observed. In particular, the arachidonic acid content decreased following exposure to 18:1, 18:2, or 18:3. Exposure of endothelial cells to L-HDL, lipoprotein particles which contain high levels of 18:1 and 18:2, also decreased membrane fluidity. The stabilization of cytoskeletal actin filaments by phalloidin partially prevented 18:2-induced increases in albumin transfer, thus implicating a cytoskeletal involvement in the 18:2-induced membrane fluidity changes involved in endothelial cell dysfunction. The present study shows that the exposure of endothelial cells to various lipids causes membrane fluidity alterations which may contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

[Assessment of ultraviolet radiation penetration into human skin. I. Theoretical analysis]. / Ocena wnikania promieniowania ultrafioletowego do skóry ludzkiej. I. Analiza teoretyczna.

This is one of the two articles under the same title "Assessment of ultraviolet radiation penetrating into human skin" which are aimed at presenting a part of broader studies in this area. They drive at identifying biophysical aspects of the effects of ultraviolet radiation on human skin. In order to characterise such parameters as UV reflectance from the skin surface of UV absorption and dispersion coefficients, it is necessary to develop appropriate methods. In Part I--"Theoretical analysis", theoretical principles for interpreting measurements of radiation dispersed in different geometrical configurations are presented. They can serve as a basis for estimating the values of UV linear absorption and dispersion coefficients in skin tissues.

[Evaluation of ultraviolet radiation reflectance for human skin]. / Ocena wspólczynnika odbicia promieniowania ultrafioletowego dla skóry ludzkiej.

In a group of 20 males aged 19-20 years ultraviolet radiation reflectance of different wavelength (250-400 nm) from skin surface was measured. It was found that the reflectance increased monotonically with the decrease of wavelength. The reflectance values were compared with the coefficient of relative spectral biological effectiveness and significance of both values for evaluation of human exposure to ultraviolet radiation was discussed.

[Ultraviolet radiation in selected computer monitoring]. / Emisja promieniowania UV wybranych monitorów komputerowych.

Bearing in mind that computer monitors have become quite popular nowadays among both professionals and hobbyists, the authors analysed the UV radiation emitted by them. Chromatic and monochromatic monitors were used in the study. The ultraviolet radiation of monitors was compared with the UV emission of sterilamps and fluorescent lamps. The same order of radiation intensity was found in all sources under study. In addition, the effectiveness of two popular screen filters in suppressing the UV emission of computer monitors was studied. The suppression of radiation was observed together with a parallel absorption of the visible part of radiation.

Nutrition, endothelial cell metabolism, and atherosclerosis.

The vascular endothelium that forms an interface between the blood and the surrounding tissues is continuously exposed to both physiologic and pathophysiologic stimuli. These stimuli are often mediated by nutrients that can contribute to the overall function of the endothelial cell in the regulation of vascular tone, coagulation and fibrinolysis, cellular growth and differentiation, and immune and inflammatory responses. Therefore, nutrient-mediated functional changes of the endothelium and the underlying tissues may be significantly involved in the atherosclerotic disease process. There is evidence that individual nutrients or nutrient derivatives may either provoke or prevent metabolic and physiologic perturbations of the vascular endothelium. Preservation of nutrients that exhibit antiatherogenic properties may, therefore, be a critical issue in the preparation and processing of foods. This review focuses on selected nutrients as they affect endothelial cell metabolism and their possible implications in atherosclerosis.

A case of polycythaemia vera presenting with intramuscular chest wall haematoma.

A 40 year old male, previously well, presented with a posterior chest wall haematoma. Computerized tomography and ultrasound showed this to be intramuscular. Haematological indices were consistent with a diagnosis of polycythaemia vera. The haematoma and indices responded to hydroxyurea and venesection. This rare presentation of polycythaemia vera in a young person is described and the haemorrhagic complications of polycythaemia vera discussed.

[Effect of vibration on crystalline lens transparency]. / Wplyw wibracji na przezroczystosc soczewki.

It was demonstrated experimentally that the transparency of the eye lenses diminishes under the influence of a prolonged vibration. Investigations were performed in a group of rabbits which were subjected to a long-lasting exposition to mechanical vibration of 10 Hz throughout a period of 5 months. The transparency of the extracted lenses was evaluated by spectrophotometry and compared with lenses of 2 control groups. Group 1 consisted of rabbits which in the same period of 5 months were subjected to a continuous neon illumination of 1200 lx intensity as a cataractogenous factor. A second comparative group consisted of rabbits not exposed to any external factor. The authors detected a statistically significant decrease of transparency of lenses of the examined group in reference towards the second comparative group, it was however smaller than in the 1-st group.

The incidence of B cell leukaemia and lymphopenia in B cell neoplasia in adults: a study using the Kiel classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The incidence of B cell leukaemia in 186 consecutive untreated patients with histologically defined B cell neoplasms is described. The lymphomas were classified by the Kiel convention. B cell leukaemia in the context of this paper refers to the situation where a neoplastic clone of B cells in the blood greatly outnumbers normal blood B cells. It is defined as an absolute blood B cell count greater than 0.75 X 10(9)1(-1) where either greater than 90% B cells express kappa immunoglobulin light chains or greater than 80% express lambda light chains. This was found in several patients where the total blood lymphocyte count was within normal limits. All patients with diffuse lymphocytic lymphoma with the histological appearances of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (ML-BCLL) were found to have B cell leukaemia. However, more than half these patients had blood B cell counts less than 10 X 10(9)1(-1). B cell leukaemia was also a feature in approximately 33% of patients with follicle centre cell tumours and 33% of those with lymphoplasmacytoid tumours. B cell leukaemia was not detected in 34/35 patients with myelomatosis. The 35th patient had plasma cell leukaemia. Only 3/22 patients with high grade lymphoma had B cell leukaemia. In the three principal tumour types associated with B cell leukaemia mu + delta was the most common immunoglobulin heavy chain phenotype. Spontaneous mouse red cell rosette formation also characterised leukaemic B cells in these three groups but high proportions of mouse rosetting cells were seen only in association with ML-BCLL. None of 4 cases of prolymphocytic leukaemia showed mouse red cell rosetting. HLA-DR alpha chain was found on the leukaemic cells of all patients except one with ML-BCLL. B cell lymphopenia was a frequent finding in all histological groups in those patients who did not have B cell leukaemia.

Hematologic and clinical responses in patients with sickle cell anemia after chronic extracorporeal red cell carbamylation.

In eight patients with sickle cell anemia, weekly extracorporeal carbamylation of about 20% of the circulating red cell mass was carried out for 2 yr or longer. At each visit, a mean of 1.3+/-0.2 mol of cyanate were incorporated per mole of hemoglobin in the carbamylated erythrocytes. Within 3 mo, a stable level of about 35-50% of the circulating erythrocytes was carbamylated. This quantity and degree of hemoglobin carbamylation produced a decrease in mean whole blood P50 from 33 to 26 mm Hg. During the first 3 mo of carbamylation, the mean hemoglobin increased from 6.4 to 9.1 g/100 ml, while mean absolute reticulocytes decreased by 58% and circulating irreversibly sickled erythrocytes decreased by 65%. The mean red cell life span increased from 13 days before treatment to 21.6 days after 3 mo of carbamylation. Beyond the 3rd mo of carbamylation, blood P50, hemoglobin, and reticulocytes remained quite stable. No toxic effects of extracorporeal carbamylation of erythrocytes were noted. The capacity of blood to release oxygen at 30 mm Hg PO2 increased from 4.3 to 5.0 cm3/100 ml blood during carbamylation. The overall frequency of severe painful crises decreased by about 80% during carbamylation. Before carbamylation, 34% of the crises were induced by a concomitant illness, usually an infection. During carbamylation, the incidence of induced crises decreased 50% while spontaneous crises virtually disappeared. The marked improvements in hematologic parameters and the decreased frequency of severe painful crises observed during this study offer sufficient promise to warrant further exploration, hopefully using more efficient techniques, of the clinical efficacy of extracorporeal erythrocyte carbamylation in sickle cell anemia.