Novel Application of Metal-Organic Frameworks as Efficient Sorbents for Solid-Phase Extraction of Chemical Warfare Agents and Related Compounds in Water Samples.

In this work, we test metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as sorbents in the solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique to determine chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and their related compounds in water samples. During this study, we used 13 target compounds to test the selectivity of MOFs thoroughly. Three MOFs were used: MIL-100(Fe), ZIF-8(Zn), and UiO-66(Zr). The obtained materials were characterized using FT-IR/ATR, SEM, and XRD. CWA's and related compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The effect of the type of elution solvent and the amount of sorbent (MOFs) in the column on the efficiency of the conducted extraction were verified. The LOD ranged from 0.04 to 7.54 ng mL-1, and the linearity range for the analytes tested extended from 0.11/22.62 (depending on the compound) to 1000 ng mL-1. It was found that MOFs showed the most excellent selectivity to compounds having aromatic rings in their structure or a "spread" spatial structure. The best recoveries were obtained for DPAA, CAP, and malathion. Environmental water samples collected from the Baltic Sea were analyzed using an optimized procedure to verify the developed method's usefulness.

Intracellular ascorbate is a safe-guard and/or reservoir for plasma vitamin C in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Prostate cancer (PC) represents one of the most common cancer types worldwide and many patients suffering from this kind of cancer are treated with radiotherapy (RTH). Ionizing irradiation is closely associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress. Over the years the role of vitamin C (VC) in cancer prevention has been highlighted as it may be mediated by its ability to neutralize pro-carcinogenic ROS. However, the debate concerning the presence of VC in blood and its beneficial effect on the survival of cancer patients is inconsistent and controversial. To our best knowledge until recently there have been no studies concerning such a role of intracellular VC (iVC). In the present study, blood and intracellular concentrations of vitamin C were analyzed along with the level of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), as an established marker of the stress condition, in leukocytes of PC patients during the course of radiotherapy. The level of intracellular vitamin C significantly decreased in PC patients in comparison with the healthy group, while there were no differences in blood VC. It was observed that a sub-group of the PC patients reacted to RTH decreasing VC in leukocytes (group A), while the other sub-group acted the other way round, significantly increasing its level (group B). Under stressful conditions (RTH) leukocytes react in two different ways. Both ways are in good agreement with two well recognized functions, proposed for iVC; it may serve as a save factor, to protect the cellular DNA, increasing its concentration inside the cell (group B), and as a reservoir decreasing the VC level inside leukocytes and releasing VC into the plasma to rescue its physiological level (group A). It was also demonstrated that there was a relationship between the level of 8-oxodG in leukocytes' DNA and the markers of RTH toxicity.

Altered Transcript Levels of MMP13 and VIT Genes in the Muscle and Connective Tissue of Pigs with Umbilical Hernia.

Umbilical hernia (UH) and inguinal hernia (IH) are among the most common defects in pigs, affecting their welfare and resulting in economic losses. In this study, we aimed to verify the association of previously reported differences in transcript levels of the ACAN, COL6A5, MMP13, and VIT genes with the occurrence of UH and IH. We examined mRNA levels in muscle and connective tissue from 68 animals-34 affected by UH and 34 controls. In a second cohort, we examined inguinal channel samples from 46 pigs (in four groups). We determined DNA methylation levels in muscle tissue for the UH and control animals. The transcript level of MMP13 changed in the UH cases, being upregulated and downregulated in muscle and connective tissue, respectively, and the VIT gene also showed an increased muscular mRNA level. The transcript of the ACAN gene significantly decreased in old pigs with IH. We further observed an increased DNA methylation level for one CpG site within the MMP13 gene in UH individuals. We conclude that these alterations in gene mRNA levels in the UH animals depend on the tissue and can sometimes be a consequence of, not a cause of, the affected phenotype.

Ordered Mesoporous Carbons with Well-Dispersed Nickel or Platinum Nanoparticles for Room Temperature Hydrogen Adsorption.

A facile mechanochemical method was used for the synthesis of ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) with well-dispersed metal nanoparticles. The one-pot ball milling of tannins with a metal salt in the presence of a block copolymer followed by thermal treatment led to Ni- or Pt-embedded OMCs with high specific surface areas (up to 600 m2·g-1) and large pore volumes (up to ~0.5 cm3·g-1). The as-prepared OMC-based samples exhibited hexagonally ordered cylindrical mesopores with narrow pore size distributions (average pore size ~7 nm), which implies sufficient long-range copolymer-assisted self-assembly of the tannin-derived polymer upon milling even in the presence of a metal salt. The homogenous decoration of carbons with small-sized metal (Ni or Pt) particles was essential to provide H2 storage capacities up to 0.33 wt.% at 25 °C and under 100 bar. The presented synthesis strategy seems to have great potential in the practical uses of functionalized polymers and carbons for applications in adsorption and catalysis.

XX/XY Chimerism in Internal Genitalia of a Virilized Heifer.

Five DSD heifers underwent genetic analysis in the present study. We cytogenetically analyzed in vitro cultured leukocytes and searched for SRY, AMELX/AMELY and ZFX/ZFY genes in leukocytes and hair follicles, finding that four of the studied heifers were freemartins (XX/XY leukocyte chimerism). The fifth case had an underdeveloped vulva localized ventrally and cranially to the mammary gland, a normal female sex chromosome complement (60,XX) in the leukocytes, and a lack of Y-chromosome-derived genes in the leukocytes and hair follicles. Postmortem anatomical examination of this heifer revealed the presence of normal ovaries with follicles, uterus, and oviducts, but molecular detection of the SRY, ZFX, ZFY,AMELX, and AMELY genes in these organs indicated the presence of a cell line carrying the Y chromosome. Further analysis of twelve microsatellite markers revealed the presence of additional variants at six loci in DNA samples derived from the reproductive organs; XX/XY chimerism was thus suspected in these samples. On the basis of the detection of AMELY (Y-linked) versus AMELX (X-linked) and SOX9 (autosomal) versus AMELY genes by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), the Y/X and Y/autosome ratios were evaluated; they indicated the presence of XX and XY cell lines in the reproductive tissues. Our study showed that XX/XY chimerism can be present in the internal reproductive organs of the virilized heifers with a normal female set of sex chromosomes (60,XX) and a lack of Y-chromosome-derived genes in the leukocytes. The etiology of this phenomenon remains unknown.

Effect of Age and Gender on the Efficacy of a 12-Month Body Weight Reduction Program Conducted Online-A Prospective Cohort Study.

Overweight and obesity are a cause of many non-communicable diseases leading to an increased risk of death. There are many programs aimed at weight reduction, but few publications have evaluated their effectiveness according to the gender and age of the subjects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of age and gender on weight loss outcomes in subjects participating in a 12-month online weight loss program. 400 subjects, 190 men and 210 women, were included in the study. The online intervention consisted of a 15% energy deficit diet and training (RESPO method). Changes in body weight over 12 months were similar (p = 0.14) across age groups. Weight reductions by month were statistically significant (p = 0.0001) in both groups. We noted no differences in weight loss between men and women expressed in kilograms. However, women reduced their body weight to a greater extent, i.e., by 2.7 percentage points, than men. Gender is a factor that may influence the effectiveness of weight loss programs, while age demonstrates no such influence. Our study shows that significant weight reduction during weight loss therapy is achieved by both men and women, but women can expect better results.

Effectiveness of a 12-Month Online Weight Reduction Program in Cohorts with Different Baseline BMI-A Prospective Cohort Study.

The purpose of this article was to answer the question of whether people who want to reduce their body weight can achieve different results depending on their baseline BMI and whether the rate of weight loss is constant over the months of intervention. The study included 400 individuals aged 19 to 55 years with a mean BMI of 31.83 ± 4.77 (min 25.1 max 51.8). Men comprised 190 subjects and women 210 subjects. The participants were divided into three groups with the following BMI: overweight, class 1 obesity, and obesity class > 1 (class 2 and 3 combined). BMI groups were randomized by gender, the number of trainings per week, training time, intervention length, and intervention type. The online intervention consisted of a 15% energy deficit diet and training. Over the 12-month dietary intervention, overweight subjects reduced average body weight by 16.6%. The group with class 1 obesity reduced body weight by 15.7%. The group with obesity class > 1 reduced mean body weight by 15.4%. The relative weight reduction in the overweight group was significantly greater than in the other obesity groups (p = 0.007). In all groups, the rate of weight loss from month-to-month was statistically significant (p = 0.0001), ranging between 0.6 and 2.6% per month. The results indicate that overweight individuals are likely to experience a percent greater weight loss as a result of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention. Regardless of baseline BMI, the observed weight loss was consistent from month-to-month throughout the 12-month period, which may indicate that the diet, as well as, the training plan were properly tailored to the subjects' needs and that they were highly motivated to participate in the program throughout its course. Properly conducted lifestyle intervention enables significant weight loss regardless of baseline BMI values.

Alternative and online weight loss interventions during Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

The problem of obesity is affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic and the required social distancing, which make it impossible to see a dietitian, present new challenges and require the development of new ways of working with overweight individuals. Based on research and practice, dietetic services are beginning to shift from in-office consultations to a form of online consultation using mobile apps and websites. This literature review aims to critically analyze the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of interventions targeting weight loss in overweight or obese individuals focusing on behavioral and online interventions. The data from the presented studies suggest that the effectiveness of online interventions to control body weight is high enough to be used in nutritional education and in weight reduction or maintenance. The main advantage is a wide access to them for the public.

The effect of high-fat versus high-carb diet on body composition in strength-trained males.

Low-fat, high-carb (LFHC) and low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diets change body composition as a consequence of the reduction of body fat of overweight persons. The aim of this study is the assessment of the impact of LFHC and LCHF diets on body composition of men of a healthy body mass who do strength sports while maintaining the appropriate calorific value in a diet and protein intake. The research involved 55 men aged 19-35, with an average BMI of 24.01 ± 1.17 (min. 20.1, max. 26.1). The participants were divided into two groups following two interventional diets: high-fat diet or high-carb diet, for 12 weeks. The body composition of the participants was measured using bioimpedance. After the 12-week-long experiment based on the low-carbohydrate diet, a significant body mass reduction of 1.5% was observed. In the group, following the LFHC diet, the parameters did not significantly change. In the group following LCHF diet, the body fat reduction of 8.6% from 14 (6.7-19.8) kg to 12.7 (3.9-19.2) was reported (p = 0.01) (in the absolute value of 1.2 kg). However, also in the LFHC group, the body fat mass was significantly reduced, that is, by 1.5% (p = 0.01) (by 0.4 kg). Nevertheless, it is worth emphasizing that despite significant changes within the groups, these changes were not statistically significant between the groups. Diets with different carbohydrate and fat intake and the energy value covering the energy needs of men training strength sports have similar impact on changes in body composition.

The Combination of a Diversified Intake of Carbohydrates and Fats and Supplementation of Vitamin D in a Diet Does Not Affect the Levels of Hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol, and Cortisol) in Men Practicing Strength Training for the Duration of 12 Weeks.

This study aims to verify the extent to which a diversification of carbohydrates and fats intake in a diet, together with the reduction in vitamin D deficiency, impact the levels of hormones (testosterone, estradiol, cortisol) and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHGB) in men doing strength training. The research involved 55 men aged 19-35. The participants were divided into two groups following two interventional diets for 12 weeks: high-fat diet (LCHF) or high-carb diet (LFHC), which were applied to satisfy the caloric requirements of each participant. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation was included. Moreover, both before and after following interventional diets, the level of hormones in participant's blood was examined. After 12 weeks of following interventional diets in both groups, no changes of the levels of testosterone and estradiol, as well as SHGB, were found. The cortisol level in both groups decreased; however, only in the LFHC group was the change statistically significant (p = 0.03) and amounted to -3.5% (the cortisol level on an empty stomach in this group decreased from 14.17 ± 3.35 to 13.93 ± 2.63 mcg/dl). In both groups, the supplementation of vitamin D brought about a significant change in the level of vitamin D metabolite (25 (OH) D) (p = 0.01). In the LCHF group, the level of metabolite increased by 95%, and by 58.3% in the LFHC group. The increase in vitamin D metabolite in blood was higher in the LCHF group than the LFHC group, which might have resulted from the supplementation of this vitamin.

The causes of adverse changes of testosterone levels in men.

INTRODUCTION: As men age, progressive testosterone deficiency syndrome becomes an increasingly common problem. However, the decreased testosterone levels are not only the result of advanced age. AREAS COVERED: PubMed search of published data on testosterone, nutritional deficiency, stress, sleep, and obesity. Many factors impact the male HPG axis (the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal), including body weight, calorific and nutritional value of a diet, the amount and quality of sleep, as well as the level of stress. In the case of persons of healthy weight, a below-average calorific value of a diet may decrease the levels of testosterone in men. On the other hand, the same caloric deficiency in obese persons may result in a neutral or positive impact on testosterone levels. EXPERT OPINION: Many factors, including external, environmental and internal factors, influence testosterone levels. Undoubtedly, nutritional deficiency, and particularly of such nutrients as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, together with low polyphenols intake, affects the HPG axis. The levels of mental and oxidative stress can also adversely impact the axis. Hence, a diagnosis of the cause of disturbance in testosterone levels depends on many factors and requires a broad range of research, as well as a change of patients' lifestyle.

The Assessment of the Supply of Calcium and Vitamin D in the Diet of Women Regularly Practicing Sport.

INTRODUCTION: The appropriate intake of calcium and vitamin D in women's diet is significant for a proper maintenance of the skeletal system. RESEARCH AIM: The aim of the research was to assess the calcium and vitamin D supply in a diet among women regularly practicing sport. METHODOLOGY: The research was completed by 593 women at the age of 18-50 (median 25) who played sports regularly (at least 2 times a week). To assess the calcium and vitamin D intake, short Food Frequency Questionnaires for calcium and vitamin D (VIDEO-FFQ) were used. The examined group was provided with the questionnaires via social media. To assess intake levels, the authors applied the group-based cutoff point method (calcium norm was EAR 800 mg/day; vitamin D norm was AI 15 µg/day). RESULTS: The median of calcium and vitamin D intake in a diet was 502 mg/day and 5.2 µg/day, respectively (Q25 and Q75 for calcium was 387 mg/day and 627 mg/day, respectively, and for vitamin D was 3.4 µg/day and 8.2 µg/day, respectively). In relation to the EAR norm for calcium and AI norm for vitamin D, 92.0% of the examined participants in a group demonstrated lower than recommended calcium intake levels and 97.3% showed lower than recommended vitamin D intake levels. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation was used by 13.1% (in this subgroup, 11.5% of the examined group members did not need it) and 56.8% of the examined women (in this subgroup, 2.4% of the examined group did not need it), respectively. After including the calcium and vitamin D intake, the supply median for the whole group was 535 mg/day and 28.8 µg/day, respectively (Q25 and Q75 for calcium was 402 mg/day and 671 mg/day, and for vitamin D was 6.3 µg/day and 55.7 µg/day, respectively); 87.5% of the examined participants did not meet the EAR norms for calcium and 42.0% did not meet the AI norm for vitamin D. Among the women supplementing calcium, 58.9% did not reach the reference intake value; however, all women supplementing vitamin D fulfilled the expected nutritional need. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to educate women about the necessity to provide the body with proper calcium and vitamin D intake levels in a diet in order to avoid health problems resulting from the deficit of the nutrients.

Pregnancy in a woman with acromegaly after transsphenoidal partial resection of pituitary macroadenoma - a case report.

Acromegaly is a systemic disease caused by an excessive release of growth hormone and the hypopituitarism, which is induced by macroadenoma local mass effect. The gynecological and obstetric disorders include irregular menstrual cycles, anovulatory cycles and infertility. Therefore, pregnancy in patients affected by the disease is rare. A CASE REPORT: Patient described in this study became pregnant after pharmacological, surgical and infertility treatment. Hence, the following paper presents the course of pregnancy and the discussion of the impact of acromegaly on female fertility, pregnancy, and concerns related to the diagnosis and treatment.

[Human papilloma virus genotyping in women with abnormal cytology]. / Ocena genotypów wirusów brodawczaka ludzkiego u kobiet z nieprawidlowa cytologia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess presence of HPV infection and identification of the most common HPV types in patients with abnormal cytology based on the Bethesda system (atypical squamous cells). MATERIAL AND METHOD: 81 women with abnormal cytology based on the Bethesda system (atypical squamous cells) were qualified for the study. Material was taken from the cervical canal, the vaginal portion of the cervix and the vagina onto a liquid medium to detect HPV DNA and genotyping of 19 most common oncogenic types of high and medium risk was performed with the Papillomastrip method and for HPV types 6 and 11 with the PCR method. RESULTS: HPV was detected in 53 out of 81 examined women, which accounted for 66%. The most common HPV types were: 6/11 - 23 cases (43% of women with infection), 16 - 23 cases (43% of women with infection), 18 and 33 with 9 cases each (17% of women with infection). Coexistence of 6/11 with 16 or 18 - 13 concerned 15 patients (28% of women with infection) and presence of HPV 16 or 18 was detected in 28 cases (53% of women with infection). Positive HPV type contained in the quadrivalent vaccine against human papillomavirus 6/11 and 16 or 18 was detected in 38 patients (72% of women with infection). 40% of HPV positive women were infected with only one type of the virus, 26%--with two types and 23% with three types. CONCLUSION: In 81 women with abnormal cytology based on the Bethesda system (atypical squamous cells) within 66% of HPV positive results the most common were type 6/11 (of low oncogenic potential but responsible for anogenital warts) and type 16 of high oncogenic potential.

Evaluation of internet use in university education by midwifery students.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of the medical Internet by midwifery students with analysis of influencing factors and students' preferences. A prospective cross-sectional questionnaire study was carried out with 180 midwifery students. The response rate was 83.8%, 82% use the Internet, and 79.3% use the medical resources in their education. The mean accession to the Web is 5.3 +/- 8.4 times per month. The mean evaluation of information resources for books, journals, conferences and university courses was 6.6 +/- 3.2, 4.8 +/- 3.1, 2.7 +/- 3.0, and 6.8 +/- 3.8, respectively, as measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (p < 0.001). Age did not correlate with Internet use and its evaluation but correlated with a self-evaluation of Internet skills as a user (Rs = -0.20, p = 0.016). The evaluation of the Internet as a source of medical knowledge correlated with self-evaluation of medical search skills (Rs = 0.66, p < 0.001) and user skills (Rs = 0.61, p < 0.001). The medical Internet is used by the majority of midwifery students, but it is still a secondary source of information, after university training and medical books. The higher evaluation of Internet correlated with general computer skills and medical search skills, which suggests the need for education on Internet use by students.

[Assessment of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in women with benign ovarian tumors]. / Ocena stezen rozpuszczalnych miedzykomórkowych molekul adhezyjnych typu 1 (sICAM-1) u kobiet z guzami niezlosliwymi jajników.

OBJECTIVES: Overexpression of intracellular adhesion molecule-I (ICAM-1) was observed in many benign and malignant tumors. The aim of our study was to evaluate its serum concentrations as well as CA-125 in women with benign ovarian tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five women treated surgically because of benign ovarian mass. RESULTS: Mean concentrations of sICAM-1 in benign tumors was 241.8+/-74.1 ng/ml and 195.6+/-68.7 ng/ml in healthy controls. No correlations between sICAM-1 concentrations and leukocyte count, tumor volume, BMI and obstetrical history. Efficiency in tumor differentiation was higher for CA-125 than sICAM-1 (area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve 0.78 and 0.63 respectively). We observed higher sICAM-1 concentrations in fibrothecomas and lower in endometrial and dermoid cysts. CONCLUSIONS: Serum ICAM-1 concentrations correlate with some histological types of benign tumors, but not with tumor volume. Levels of CA-125 are more effective than ICAM-1 in ovarian tumors differentiation.

[Production of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in human endometrial cell culture]. / Wydzielanie rozpuszczalnej formy miedzykomórkowych czasteczek adhezyjnych typu 1 (sICAM-1) w hodowli komórek ludzkiego endometrium.

UNLABELLED: Soluble ICAM-1 could play different roles in pathological mechanisms of human endometrium found in such diseases as endometriosis, spontaneous abortion and infertility. The aim of our study was to evaluate in vitro sICAM-1 secretion to medium dependent on menstrual cycle and estradiol (E2) stimulation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Hysteroscopic biopsies in 19 infertile women. We established 16 cell cultures. Tissue was collected on DMEM, 5% FCS, 5% BSA with Penicillin, Streoptomycin, Gentamycin (2.5 mg/ml). Isolation was performed during 4 hours. Tissue was washed twice, treated with collagenase 1A (1 mg/ml, 37 degrees C 2 hours), centrifuged 10 min by 1200 rpm. Cells were cultured in DMEM/5% FCS/5% BSA with Penicillin/Streptomycin. After 2 days of endometrial and stromal cells coculture D-Valine was used to stop fibroblasts' growth. Number of cells was calculated according to Buerker method. After 2 days estradiol in concentration of 10(-10 M) was added to some cultures. Soluble ICAM-1 concentrations in supernatants were evaluated using standard ELISA kit. T-Student test was used for statistical analysis, p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Median culture time was 14.9 (+/- 3.3) days. Longer cultures were obtained from women in follicular phase. The addition of estradiol prolonged culture by 3.8 days. The level of soluble ICAM-1 in supernatants in follicular phase was 17.6 ng/ml, in luteal 8.8 ng/ml. E2 influenced sICAM-1 production in culture (15.8 vs. 10.6 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: Endometrial cells produce sICAM-1 constitutively. Soluble ICAM-1 concentrations are higher in follicular phase. Estradiol increases the excretion of sICAM-1.

[Evaluation of serum sICAM-1 amd CA-125 in patients with ovarian tumors--preliminary report]. / Ocena stezen sICAM-1 oraz CA-125 w surowicy pacjentek z guzami przydatków--doniesienie wstepne.

OBJECTIVES: Today's diagnostics and differentiation of ovarian tumour is not efficient enough. Wide spreading tumour immunology of neoplasm presents an opportunity to determine new markers and mechanisms useful for diagnostic and discrimination. The aim of our study was to evaluate concentration of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) with CA-125 in ovarian cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Serum of 40 patients undergoing surgical treatment, 32 with ovarian cancer and 8 with benign tumours. Concentration of markers was determined immunoenzymatically. RESULTS: Concentration of sICAM-1 correlated moderately with FIGO stage, tumour volume and CA-125. Mean concentrations between analysed groups were different, but not statistically significant. Determination of sICAM-1 together with CA-125 increased discrimination power of the test. CONCLUSIONS: Determination of sICAM-1 alone seems to have limited application. Addition of this test to CA-125 could improve value of the diagnostic process.