Osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) in healthy pubertal girls - relationships with physical growth and classical bone turnover markers.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a trap receptor for the receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL). We aimed to determine the OPG and free soluble RANKL (sRANKL) concentrations in girls during puberty and their relationships with pubertal stage, growth rate and serum concentrations of estradiol, as well as classical bone formation (N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (OC)) and bone resorption (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX)) markers. The semi-longitudinal study involved 88 healthy girls, aged 11.8-13.2 years. Their weight and height were measured twice at one-year intervals. Pubertal stages were assessed using the Tanner (T) scale. Blood samples were taken at the first examination. Serum concentrations of OPG, sRANKL, CTX and BALP were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, estradiol and PINP by radioimmunoassay and osteocalcin by immunoradiometric assay. The one-year increase in height and weight of girls in the T2 and T3 pubertal stages was greater than that of girls in the T4 stage (p=0.000, p<0.03). OPG concentrations (T2: 4.04±0.62; T3: 4.31±0.79; T4: 4.46±0.84 pmol/L) sRANKL concentrations (T2: 0.22 (IQR 0.09-0.54); T3: 0.42 (IQR 0.22-0.79); T4: 0.35 (IQR 0.16-1.04) pmol/L) and sRANKL/OPG ratios (T2: 0.05 (IQR 0.03-0.13); T3: 0.11 (IQR 0.05-0.19); T4: 0.09 (IQR 0.05-0.19) did not differ significantly between pubertal stages. Concentrations of PINP, CTX, BALP and OC were higher in girls at T3 stage than at the T4 stage (p=0.000, p=0.001, p=0.046, p=0.038; respectively). Concentrations of sRANKL and OPG did not correlate with body weight, height, growth rate, or concentrations of estradiol, PINP, CTX, BALP and OC. There were correlations between the increase in height over one year and the concentrations of PINP (r=0.499, p=0.000), CTX (r=0.311, p=0.003) and BALP (r=0.224, p=0.036), as well as of estradiol (r=-0.473, p=0.000). Unlike PINP, OC, BALP, CTX or estradiol concentrations, sRANKL and OPG concentrations do not change in girls during puberty. Neither OPG nor sRANKL concentrations correlate with somatic characteristics and classical bone turnover markers concentrations.

Determination of specific and non-specific protein-protein interactions for beta-lactoglobulin by analytical ultracentrifugation and membrane osmometry experiments.

Protein-protein interactions are essential for the understanding of biological processes. Specific protein aggregation is an important aspect for many biological systems. In particular, electrostatic interactions play the key role for protein-protein interactions, as many amino acids have pH-dependent charge states. Moreover, protein dissociation is directly related to the solution pH, ionic strength, temperature and protein concentration. The subtle interplay between different specific and non-specific interactions is demonstrated for beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) with a focus on low salt concentrations, thus mimicking technically relevant processing conditions. BLG is a well-characterized model system, proven to attain its monomer-dimer equilibrium strongly dependent upon the pH of the solution. In this manuscript, we present a unique combination of analytical ultracentrifugation and membrane osmometry experiments, which quantifies specific and non-specific interactions, i.e. in terms of the dimer dissociation constants and the second osmotic virial coefficient, at pH 3 and 7 and sodium chloride concentrations of 10 mM and 100 mM. This provides direct insight to protein-protein interactions for a system with a concentration-dependent monomer-dimer equilibrium. Moreover, using a coarse-grained extended DLVO model in combination with molecular dynamics simulations, we quantify non-specific monomer-monomer, monomer-dimer and dimer-dimer interactions as well as the binding free energy of BLG dimerization from theoretical calculations. The experimentally determined interactions are shown to be mainly governed by electrostatic interactions and further agree with free energy calculations. Our experimental protocol aims to determine non-specific and specific interactions for a dynamically interacting system and provides an understanding of protein-protein interactions for BLG at low salt concentrations.

Oxygen saturation or respiratory rate to improve risk stratification in hemodynamically stable patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Essentials In acute pulmonary embolism (PE), risk stratification is essential to drive clinical management. Improving the 2014-ESC risk stratification strategy is crucial in hemodynamically stable patients. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate improve risk stratification in hemodynamically stable PE. Simple and routine tests improve risk stratification of hemodynamically stable PE. SUMMARY: Background In patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), risk stratification for short-term death is recommended to drive clinical management. A risk stratification strategy combining the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), echocardiography and troponin was proposed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in 2014. The identification of hemodynamically stable patients at increased risk of death by this strategy needs improvement. Objective To assess whether further stratification by serial cut-off values of oxygen saturation or respiratory rate improves the accuracy of the ESC risk stratification strategy in hemodynamically stable PE patients. Methods Prospective cohorts of hemodynamically stable patients with PE were merged in a collaborative database. The accuracy of risk stratification for 30-day mortality by the original and a modified 2014 ESC strategy was assessed. Results Overall, 255 patients (27%) were categorized as low, 510 (54%) as intermediate-low and 181 (19%) as intermediate-high risk according to the original 2014 ESC strategy. Thirty-day mortality was 1.2% in low, 10% in intermediate-low and 11% in intermediate-high-risk patients. By adding oxygen saturation in air of < 88%, the discriminatory power of the 2014 ESC model improved for 30-day mortality (c-statistics, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.77 vs. 0.63, 95% CI, 0.56-0.69) and for PE-related death (c-statistics, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69-0.81 vs. 0.63, 95% CI 0.56-0.69). Conclusions Simple and routine tests, such as oxygen saturation or respiratory rate, could be added to the 2014 ESC strategy for risk stratification to identify hemodynamically stable PE patients at increased risk of death who are potentially candidates for more aggressive treatment.

The impact of a single bout of high intensity circuit training on myokines' concentrations and cognitive functions in women of different age.

The study aimed to assess effect of a single bout of high-intensity circuit training (HICT) on myokines concentration: interleukin-6 and irisin, inteleukin-10, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), heat shock proteins (HSP27, HSP70) and cognitive functions among women participated in HICT. It also attempted evaluating whether vitamin D could have modified the effect of HICT. Fourteen healthy, non-active women participating in the experiment were assigned to a young or middle-aged group. They performed a single session HICT using body weight as a resistance, based on the ACSM recommendations. Blood samples were taken before, one and 24h after training. Cognitive functions were assessed before and 1h after the HICT session. Simple statistics and effects of changes for dependent variables were determined using mixed linear modeling, and evaluated by means of magnitude-based inference (MBI). Following a single session of HICT the young group exhibited improved concentration and spatial memory, whereas in middle-aged women these functions were attenuated. A varied tendency was also observed in the levels of myokine IL-6 and cytokine IL-10. Vitamin D was covariate for changes in cognitive functions and myokines' levels after exercise. Its concentration modified the anti-inflammatory effect of HICT, expressed in decreasing HSP70.

Influence of Ca/Mg ratio on phytoextraction properties of Salix viminalis. II. Secretion of low molecular weight organic acids to the rhizosphere.

A hydroponic experiment in a phytotron was performed to investigate the effect of two different Ca/Mg ratios (4:1 and 1:10) and trace element ions (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in solution on the efficiency of low molecular weight organic acid (LMWOA) formation in Salix viminalis rhizosphere. Depending on the Ca/Mg ratio and presence of selected trace elements at 0.5mM concentration, the amount and kind of LMWOAs in the rhizosphere were significantly affected. In physiological 4:1 Ca/Mg ratio the following complex of acids was observed: malonic (Pb, Zn), citric, lactic, maleic and succinic (Zn) acids. Under 1:10 Ca/Mg ratio, citric (Cd, Zn), maleic and succinic (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) acids were seen. Additionally, high accumulation of zinc and copper in all systems was observed, with the exception of those where one of the metals was at higher concentration. Summing up, the results indicate a significant role of LMWOAs in Salix phytoremediation abilities. Both effects can be modulated depending on the mutual Ca/Mg ratio.

Cadmium and lead uptake by Salix viminalis under modified Ca/Mg ratio.

The studies were focused on the influence of mutual changes in the ratio of calcium and magnesium in soil on the efficiency of cadmium and lead uptake and accumulation by Salix viminalis. In the environmental experiment the soil was modified according to the natural Ca/Mg ratio with the experimental groups 4:1 (physiological ratio), 20:1, and 1:10, and was characterized by the amounts of the most important elements (including heavy metals) and selected soil parameters. Efficiency of lead and cadmium accumulation was in the order of Ca/Mg ratios 1:10 > 4:1 > 20:1, and was higher in the shoots at 0.5 m height when compared to 0.1 m above the ground. Under Cd and Pb supplementation the level of both metals was 2-fold higher, while bioaccumulation factor values according to selected literature indicated weak accumulation. When the seasonal metal uptake was analysed (from April to October), the highest accumulation efficiency was observed in the first two periods (April to August) and was Ca/Mg ratio independent. Salix growth was restrained under 1:10 Ca/Mg ratio while it was stimulated under 20:1 ratio, which was opposite to the metal sorption. Summing up, increased calcium level in soil (20:1 Ca/Mg) resulted in limited sorption of heavy metals and stimulated biomass productivity. Under increased magnesium concentration (1:10 Ca/Mg) in relation to the natural 4:1 ratio the accumulation efficiency was the greatest but plant growth was inhibited.

Mechanical properties of radiation-sterilised human Bone-Tendon-Bone grafts preserved by different methods.

Patellar tendon auto- and allo-grafts are commonly used in orthopedic surgery for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL). Autografts are mainly used for primary reconstruction, while allografts are useful for revision surgery. To avoid the risk of infectious disease transmission allografts should be radiation-sterilised. As radiation-sterilisation supposedly decreases the mechanical strength of tendon it is important to establish methods of allograft preservation and sterilisation assuring the best quality of grafts and their safety at the same time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the tensile strength of human patellar tendon (cut out as for ACL reconstruction), preserved by various methods (deep fresh freezing, glycerolisation, lyophilisation) and subsequently radiation-sterilised with doses of 0, 25, 50 or 100 kGy. Bone-Tendon-Bone grafts (BTB) were prepared from cadaveric human patella tendons with both patellar and tibial attachments. BTB grafts were preserved by deep freezing, glycerolisation or lyophilisation and were subsequently radiation-sterilised with doses of 0 (control), 25, 50 or 100 kGy. All samples were subjected to mechanical failure tensile tests with the use of Instron system in order to estimate their mechanical properties. All lyophilised grafts were rehydrated before performing of those tests. Obtained mechanical tests results of examined grafts suggest that deep-frozen irradiated grafts retain their initial mechanical properties to an extent which does not exclude their clinical application.

Influence of pleural macrophages on proliferative activity and apoptosis regulating proteins of malignant cells.

Malignant tumors contain numerous macrophages as a major component of the leukocytic infiltrate. Only few studies have evaluated the interaction between products secreted by macrophages and tumor cells. Our objective was to study soluble factors produced by pleural macrophages. We sampled pleural effusions from patients with cancer and used human tumor cell lines as targets. Pleural macrophages were cultured and the supernatants were used as a conditioned medium for cultures of human cell lines A549, HT29, HCT116, SW620, MCF7, MDA-MB231, JURKAT, and HL60. We investigated apoptosis, proliferative activity, and expression of apoptosis regulating proteins Fas, Bcl2, Caspase-3, and survivin of malignant cells cultured in the conditioned medium. Our findings raise the possibility that macrophages from malignant pleural effusions can act as a factor inhibiting apoptosis of malignant cells.

The initial zones of the atrioventricular node: really neglected anatomical features of potential clinical significance?

The constant evolution of medical knowledge and accompanying development of diagnostic and treatment possibilities for arrhythmias and conduction disturbances has reawakened interest in the structure and function of the conduction system of the human heart, especially in the region of the atrioventricular (AV) junction and within the junction itself. Of the large number of studies dealing with the AV junction few focus on the initial zones of the AV node. These were described for the first time by Tawara in 1906. Similarly, Anderson et al. distinguished two origins of the AV node, the left one running towards the basis of the mitral valve and the right one leading towards the tricuspid valve. The differences in length and scale could be the result of the adoption of different reference points. The study was carried out on the material of 50 human hearts, of both sexes and ranging in age from 22 to 93, which were fixed in 10% formalin and 98% ethanol solution. The tissue obtained was fixed in the 10% formalin solution and, after being sunk in the paraffin, was cut into layers of about 10 mum thick. According to the age of the hearts, every 10(th) or 6(th) section was stained by the Masson-Goldner method. The preparations were examined under a LEICA 2000 and BIOLAR 2 microscope at magnifications of 2x to 400x. Each of the 50 examined hearts contained the atrioventricular node and its initial parts. We observed that the initial zone of the AV node is created by an assembly of cells typical for a conduction system that can create three groups that are initially independent of each other and are always arranged around the AV nodal artery. In all the hearts examined we found at least two initial parts of the node: the superior and inferior. These two groups were present in 45 hearts (90%). In the last 5 cases (10%) there was also a middle group. No cases were found either with a single initial group or without any initial groups. In the sections examined the superior group appeared to be first in 27 hearts (54%), while in 23 cases (46%) the inferior group was first. The length of each group was measured from its first appearance to its first direct contact with the second part. The length of the superior part varied from 0.15 to 2.91 mm (mean 0.90 +/- 0.6 mm), the inferior from 0.11 to 2.41 mm (mean 0.88 +/- 0.6 mm) and the middle from 0.67 to 2.21 mm (mean 1.04 +/- 0.7 mm). As mentioned above, in all 50 hearts there was a direct connection between the atrial muscle and the upper origin of AV node. Furthermore, in all sections (100%) the same part of the interatrial septal muscle was connected to the compact part of the node. Additionally, in 3 cases (6%) we were able to observe direct connections between the muscle fibres running from the fasciculus limbicus inferior to the initial zone of the AV node: in 2 cases (4%) with the superior group and in 1 case (2%) with the inferior group. In 8% of the material the atrial muscle of the supra-orificial zone made direct contact with the superior initial group and the compact zone of the node and in 10% there was contact between the suborificial muscle and the inferior group and the compact part of the node. This configuration was not observed in relation to the middle and inferior groups.

Recession occurrence in patients treated with fixed appliances--preliminary report.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the dependence of gingival recession, malocclusion and factors that may lead to recessions of the gingiva in patients applying for orthodontical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 52 randomly selected patients treated with fixed appliances due to occlusal irregularities and dental abnormalities. Data obtained from the examination and selected parameters from cephalometric analysis were placed in a chart including ANB skeletal class and Wits parameter, lower incisor position IMPA, dental abnormalities, extractions due to orthodontical indications and recession etiopathic factors. Statistical analysis of obtained data was conducted using variance analysis. Statistically significant were assumed those calculations for which value of significance level p < or = 0.05. RESULTS: Recession was observed in 18 patients of the 52 examined. Skeletal I class was found in 11 patients (61.12%) and in 8 cases Wits parameter corresponded with skeletal class III (44.4%). Among the patients examined normal incisor inclination was observed in 6 patients (33.33%), whereas 12 cases revealed inclination irregularities (66.66%). Clinical examination disclosed dental defects in 13 patients (72.22%) and in 12 cases recession etiopathic factors were recognized (66.66%). Statistically significant differences between periodontal biotype and gingival recession of 43, 31, 33 teeth were estimated. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical factors, malocclusion and dental irregularities were fund to be the main cause of the single and/or multiple recessions. Patients applying for orthodontic treatment due to occlusal abnormalities should remain under particular control in case of symptoms suggesting the incidence of recession, particularly when recessions are already present.

The evaluation of parodontium in medical students of the Medical University of Bialystok according to CPITN index.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was the evaluation of parodontium according to Community Peridental Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) index in 455 students of The Medical and Dentistry Department of The Medical University of Bialystok. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After the examination, the students filled a survey according to their own project concerning hygienic habits as well as smoking, sweet intake. The results underwent statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 1334 (48.86%) sextants observed with healthy parodontium in the studied population. Gingivorrhoea was stated in 440 sextants (16.12%), more often in men than in women. Calculus was reveled in 790 sextants (28.94%) of the population. The number of sextants with code 3 was 1.76%. Sextants with shallow pockets were more numerous in women (37 sextants) than in men (11 sextants). Advanced changes in parodontium (code 4) were observed in 9 sextants (0.33%). On the basis of the analysis of treatment needs in the group of 455 students, it can be stated that only 24.62% of the examined subjects did not need parodontium treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of parodontopathy and the factor that can have harmful influence on the parodontium tissues in young people is a superior criterion in the fight with irreversible parodontium changes in adults.

The oral cavity hygiene as the basic element of the gingival recession prophylaxis.

The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the dental plaque and the influence of determined hygienic factors on gingival recession occurrence in 455 students of The Medical University of Bialystok. All the subjects were examined in artificial light, with the use of the probe, mirror, and parodontometer. The distribution of stained dental deposits were estimated with the use of the plaque index according to Quigley and Hein. Moreover, the students were to fill a survey of their own project concerning hygienic habits. The results underwent statistical analysis. The dental plaque was not present in 71 people. Gingival recession was revealed in 134 out of 455 subjects. The majority of medical students brushed their teeth twice a day, using medium hard toothbrush or electric toothbrush with appropriate movements and medium strength while brushing. The frequency of brushing the teeth, hardness of the toothbrush, the use of electric toothbrush, the movements during brushing the teeth, the strength of brushing, the frequency of toothbrush change, the age, and sex have significant influence on the number of recession. The increase in the gingival recession in students is connected with: large pressure on the brush while toothbrushing, too frequent brushing and toothbrush change, the use of hard toothbrush and additional hygienic items, movements while brushing, the age (the number of recession elevates with the age), and sex (women showed more recession than men).

Association between leptin, markers of bone formation and physical growth of newborns.

BACKGROUND: The increase of body size and weight depends on metabolism in the bone tissue and accumulation of fat, but the role of many hormones and enzymatic systems that may influence these processes significantly has not been recognized. AIM: An attempt to assess the correlation between the leptin hormone taking part in the regulation of fat tissue reserves, markers of bone formation and selected anthropometric traits in newborns was made. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Levels of leptin, osteocalcin and C-terminal propeptide type I procollagen (PICP) in the serum of 64 Appropriate for Gestational Age newborns (AGA newborns) with gestational age between 27 and 42 weeks were assessed. In parallel, 15 anthropometric traits were measured and the Quetelet Index was calculated for all the newborns. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation and Spearman's correlation rank test. p < 0.05 was regarded as significant. RESULTS: Statistically significant correlations between leptin, osteocalcin, PICP and selected anthropometric traits in newborns were found. There were no statistically significant correlations between serum levels of leptin and markers of bone formation in the investigated group of children. CONCLUSION: In our study, we documented the association of leptin, osteocalcin and PICP with overall physical growth of AGA newborns. We did not confirm the relationship between leptin and bone formation in this stage of ontogenesis.

Growth and remodelling of the dysplastic hip after conservative reduction in congenital dislocation.

This study presents the development and remodelling of 78 dysplastic hips treated conservatively. The hip joints were observed from the end of conservative treatment, during growth until maturity, up to the age of 18 years and beyond. We used 9 radiological parameters of hip structure. The parameters described the status of the acetabulum, proximal end of the femur and the joint congruity. The values of these parameters were compared with the norms established for healthy hips. The material was divided into groups with regard to the parameter values. It was found that hip congruity at the age from 2 to 5 years or from 2 to 7 years is the most important factor that determines the development of both the acetabulum and the whole joint. Based on the values of three radiological parameters, describing hip congruity at this period of life, it was found that the remodelling of a dysplastic hip follows one of three definable models. If we attribute the development of a given hip to a given model, then the status of this hip at maturity is predictable. What makes the prediction of the final condition of the hip feasible is the observation of the hip remodelling process from age 2 to 5 or 7 years. This also permits a decision regarding surgery to eliminate any dysplastic elements from the hip during the childs optimal age for operative treatment. (Hip International 2002; 12: 320-33).

Development of the atrioventricular junctional area in the human heart.

The structure of the heart has been the subject of many observations since the beginnings of medical research. The first information regarding the existence of the conduction system of the heart was described by Purkinje and regarding the a-v node by Tawara. From the history regarding this structure it seems that this special system, so relevant to today's invasive cardiologist, is not understood in full. With regards to the interventional electrophysiology on the basis of histological study we decided to evaluate in detail the morphology and the topography of the various portions of the a-v junction. In order to confirm this hypothesis we made observations on the autopsy material of 100 normal human hearts, both sexes from 16 weeks of foetal life to 105 years of age, in which no pathological changes or inborn faults were found. Sections were done containing the heart's septum, stained using Masson's method with Goldner's modification. This research proves that the atrioventricular junction is a stable structure occurring in all hearts, undergoing involutionary changes with age, in which two main parts can be differentiated: the node and the bundle. The morphology of the node is very complex, because it is composed of three zones: the prenodal, the perinodal and the main, differing in cell structure and position. The topography of the node is generally stable, as it lies in the interatrial septum and always above the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve. The structure of the bundle, in contrast to the node, is more stable and consists of the following parts: the penetrating, the non-branching and the branching. Its topography is also stable, as it lies in the membranous septum, mainly below the septal cusp of the tricuspid valve.

[MR imaging of the subcapital growth plate of the proximal femur]. / Obraz podglowowej chrzastki nasadowej blizszego konca kosci udowej w badaniu MR.

The possibilities of MR imaging of the subcapital growth plate of the proximal femur were evaluated in 36 children with 58 normal hips. The most common presentation of the area of subcapital growth plate on MR images was that of a hypointense band on T1-weighted images and a hyperintense band on sequences using fat saturation. Thinning of the growth plate with age was observed and in the older subjects in this group the growth plate was no longer visible.

[Clinical, radiological and personal condition of patients over 18 year of age with congenital hip dislocation treated conservatively]. / Stan kliniczny, radiologiczny i osobisty osób w wieku powyzej 18 lat, leczonych w dziecinstwie zachowawczo bez powiklan z powodu wrodzonego zwichniecia stawu biodrowego.

The paper presents the clinical, radiological and personal condition of 121 patients (162 hip joints) age 18 to 32 years (mean age 24 years) treated during childhood because of congenital hip dislocation. In 34% of the cases slight and moderate pain was reported, but no other symptoms were found during follow-up. Radiological condition was assessed as very good in 34% of the cases, good in 48%, satisfactory in 6% and unsatisfactory in 5%. Structural changes in spongy bone, which may be early signs of degenerative disease were found in 3 hips. These changes were visible on X-ray films as a sign of increased density in the upper rim of the acetabulum. The assessed patients lead a normal life, work, often doing a job that is inappropriate for people who should take special care of their hip joints.

[An analysis of the selected parameters of the normal hip joint during growth in magnetic resonance imaging]. / Analiza niektórych parametrów budowy prawidlowego stawu biodrowego w przebiegu jego wzrostu w obrazie rezonansu magnetycznego.

Dynamics of the selected parameters of the normal hip joint during growth has been presented. Fifty-three normal hips in 40 individuals aged 3-17 years were assessed with Magneton Impact MRI. The angles and indices were found on T1 coronal images in Spin Echo or Turbo Spin Echo sequence. Acetabular roof angle of Hilgenreiner, acetabular inclination angle of Sharp, Wiberg angle and Heyman-Herndon index were calculated with both bony and cartilaginous elements regarded. Parameters based on cartilaginous parts of the joint did not change during normal growth, but they do change if calculated with the use of bony landmarks reaching Acartilaginous values by the age of 14-15. The results suggest, that during growth gradual ossification of cartilaginous elements takes place but the proportions remain unchanged. The investigation determines the age of enhanced ossification and the age of its termination.

Contractile elements of Lemna trisulca L. glycerinated cell models during chloroplast translocations.

Electron microscopy of Lemna glycerinated cell models depicts contractile elements during chloroplast translocations. One contractile element, the thin ectoplasmic layer, is < or = 0.4 microm thick, pressed against plasma membrane-cell wall. Thin ectoplasmic layer contains numerous oriented filaments and some appear to be actin and myosin. Another contractile element is the outer chloroplast membrane which envelops each chloroplast and joins or fuses with the thin ectoplasmic layer. Chloroplast interconnections are formed between two or more chloroplasts by outer chloroplast membranes; they enhance chloroplast communications, translocations, and molecular exchanges.

[Development of the normal infantile hip joints assessed by MRI]. / Badania nad rozwojem dzieciecego prawidlowego stawu biodrowego w obrazie rezonansu magnetycznego.

The paper provides an overview of the time of appearance of the secondary ossification centers and closure of the growth plates of the acetabulum and proximal epiphysis of the femur: the triradiate cartilage, the acetabular roof growth cartilage, the subcapital growth cartilage, the growth cartilage of the major trochanter, the growth cartilage of the minor trochanter. The study is based upon 62 MRI scans of healthy hips in 45 patients aged 3-21. The examined hips showed no pathologic traits--neither in the MRI scan nor in X-ray investigation. In Spin Echo and Turbo Spin Echo sequential imaging all obtained slices were used, on GRADIENT ECHO: FISP 3D, FLASH 2D, and FLASH 3D FAT SAT only chosen slices were included in the study. This way the following results were obtained: the ossification center of the major trochanter appears at the age of 3 in girls and at the age of 6 in boys, while the ossification center of the minor trochanter appears at the age of 6 in both sexes. The times of complete ossification of following growth cartilages were observed: for the triradiate cartilage ossification was observed at age 12-15 in girls and 15-16 in boys; for the cartilage of the acetabular roof ossification was noted at age 12-15 in girls and 15-18 in boys; ossification in the subcapital growth cartilage occurred at age 15-17 in girls and 16-18 in boys; the major trochanter growth cartilage ossifies at age 15-16 in girls and 16-18 in boys; for the minor trochanter ossification of the growth cartilage occurs at age 14-16 in girls and at age 16-18 in boys. The secondary ossification center of the pubic bone appears at age 9-11 in girls and 13-16 in boys and the secondary ossification center of the acetabular roof appears at age 13-17 in girls and boys. This study expand our knowledge on the development of the hip joint and facilitate the assessment of hip pathology.