Naked DNA vaccination differentially modulates autoimmune responses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Vaccination with naked DNA represents a therapeutic strategy currently under consideration in multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we tested the potential therapeutic effect of vaccination with a naked DNA construct encoding proteolipid protein (pRc/CMV-PLP) upon the outcome of subsequent sensitization for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) actively-induced in SJL mice with PLP139-151 peptide in adjuvant. Intramuscular vaccination with the naked DNA pRc/CMV-PLP construct led to PLP expression in local muscle tissue that persisted for about 8 weeks. Early sensitization for EAE (4 weeks after DNA vaccination) caused recipient mice to develop a severe, exacerbated form of disease (in comparison to control mice), while late sensitization (>10 weeks) resulted in a milder, ameliorated form. In the groups sensitized <10 weeks post-DNA vaccination with pRc/CMV-PLP induction of a Th1-type cytokine response was noted. In contrast, sensitization >10 weeks post-DNA vaccination led to peripheral tolerance as evidenced by a decrease in T cell proliferation and cytotoxic T cell response, no Th2 response, and no increase in apoptosis. These data are novel in that they demonstrate a differential effect of DNA vaccination and have important implications for its use as a mechanism to enhance or modulate immune reactivity.

AK phenotypic changes observed in some hematologic diseases.

Determination of AK types in 372 patients of Hematologic Clinic, revealed in many cases changes in electrophoretic pattern of AK1 type namely the occurrence of an additional protein band. These changes were observed mostly in the acute granulocytic leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia, and aplastic anemia. In the chronic granulocytic leukemia they were present as a rule, during the blastic crisis. Phenotypic changes were transient and the repeated examinations showed disappearance of an additional band in some patients. Etiology of the changes observed is still unclear.

[Metastatic tumor of the right heart successfully removed by surgery]. / Przerzutowy nowotwór do jam prawego serca skutecznie usuniety operacyjnie.

A case report of a cardiac metastasis from osteosarcoma of the pelvis is presented. The tumor obliterated nearly completely the right atrium and ventricle, inferior vena cava and pulmonary artery. It was successfully treated surgically and during a 9 month follow-up echocardiographical assessment was normal.

[Studies of lysozyme activity in the saliva of workers in the drug industry]. / Badania aktywnosci lizozymu w slinie osób zatrudnionych w zakladach przemyslu farmaceutycznego.

The aim of this study was to examine the lysozyme activity in saliva of pharmaceutic industry workers in whom pathologic changes in the oral cavity were previously diagnosed. The study was carried out in the Pharmaceutic Plant "Polfa" in Stargard Gdanski at the departments of sulphonamides, acetylsalicylic acid and various syntheses. The study comprised 94 workers from whom resting saliva samples were collected 2-3 hours after breakfast. The lysozyme activity was determined using the modified Litwack method, while proteins were examined using the Lawry method. Our examinations have demonstrated a higher enzyme activity in pharmaceutic industry workers as compared to the control group. The highest lysozyme activity was recorded at the sulphonamides department.

[Activity of acid phosphatase in saliva of industrial workers exposed to fluorine compounds]. / Badania aktywnosci fosfatazy kwasnej w slinie pracowników przemyslu narazonych na dzialanie zwiazków fluoru.

Assuming that fluorine is a strong inhibitor of phosphatases, the activity of acid phosphatase in the saliva of 42 phosphorus fertilizers plant workers was studied. The workers were chronically exposed to fluorine compounds. Saliva had been collected for studies before the workers entered the productive plant and after the 1st and 2nd working hour. Enzyme activity was determined by Bessey and Lowry's method and was related to both the volume of the saliva and total protein level. The studies revealed a significant decrease in the activity of acid phosphatase after the 1st and 2nd working hour in those working in the division with a higher exposure to fluorine compounds. The results of these studies were confirmed by in vitro studies carried out additionally. Taking into account biological activity of acid phosphatase it seems that the observed phenomenon of inhibiting enzymatic activity may be connected with the frequency of parodontopathy in the studied group of workers. The results of these studies may be used for working out a biological test of workers' exposure.

[Clinical picture of dentition, periodontium and mouth mucosa in pharmaceutical industry workers]. / Obraz kliniczny uzebienia, przyzebia i blony sluzowej jamy ustnej u pracowników zakladów farmaceutycznych.

The studies involved 94 workers of one of pharmaceutical plants producing sulphonamides, aspirin, and psychotropic drugs. The subjects exhibited higher rate of stomatopathies, as compared to controls. The greatest exposure to hazards occurred at the Division of Sulphonamides where numerous cases of leukoplakia and oral mucosa inflammation, probably of allergic origin, were noted. The need for a better dental care for workers, especially within adaptation to environmental conditions was pointed out.

[Lysozyme activity in the saliva of industrial workers exposed to fluorine compounds]. / Badania aktywnosci lizozymu w slinie pracowników przemyslu narazonych na dzialanie zwiazków fluoru.

The authors performed investigations in Phosphoric Fertilizers Works in Gdansk to find out whether or not the work environment contaminated by fluorine compounds affects the activity of lysozome--the protective enzyme of saliva. In some in vitro experiments lysozome activity in exposed workers' saliva was found to be significantly lowered, as opposed to that in unexposed workers. In vivo experiments did not indicate any effects of work conditions on the activity of this enzyme. The obtained results, in vivo and in vitro, do not demonstrate any clear effects of work environment in the Phosphoric Fertilizers Works in Gdansk, upon lysozome activity in workers' saliva.

[Hematologic changes in stomach cancer]. / Zmiany hematologiczne w raku zoladka.

Haematologic disturbances in 13 cases of gastric cancer are described. All the patients had anemia of different origin. Increased leukocytosis was observed in half of the cases, leukemic reaction in one third. Hemolysis was present in 50% of cases. Thrombocytopenia coexisted most frequently with disseminated intravascular coagulation in 4 patients. Bone metastases were visualised as osteolytic foci with radiological methods or increased capture of isotopic marker in the bones under scintigraphic examination. Under the microscope neoplastic metastases were found in bone marrow smears of 5 patients. All patients displayed symptoms of gastric ulcer disease acute or chronic phase. In some cases only repeated gastroscopic examination and mucosa biopsy was the only way to confirm cancer. In other cases the diagnosis was made after the histopathologic examination of the resected stomach, in still others by a section.

[Radionuclide diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation as a method of estimating the significance of tricuspid insufficiency with concurrent mitral valve disease]. / Diagnostyka radioizotopowa wielkosci fali zwrotnej trójdzielnej jako metoda okreslania istotnosci niedomykalnosci trójdzielnej towarzyszacej wadzie mitralnej.

UNLABELLED: A mitral valve replacement without simultaneous correction of a concomitant tricuspid regurgitation aggravates remote postoperative results. Nowadays diagnostics of a degree of tricuspid regurgitation bases on semi-quantitative methods, which are not unequivocal criteria of a significant tricuspid insufficiency. The aim of the study was to investigate diagnostic usefulness of a radioisotopic method of determination significant tricuspid insufficiency. The study group consisted of 35 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and tricuspid regurgitation (30 females, 5 males) at a mean age of 55 years qualified for operative treatment. Physical and noninvasive examinations were performed in all patients: chest X-ray (relative heart volume--RHV) and echocardiographicy (tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricle pressure). Final determination of a significant tricuspid insufficiency based on intraoperative diagnosis. The radioisotopic method relies on first pass technique with a determination of a tricuspid regurgitation index (TRI) and a right ventricular ejection fraction. Intraoperatively the patients were divided into two groups: with significant tricuspid regurgitation--21 patients and without--14 patients. Statistically significant differences, considering clinical and echocardiographic assessment between the two groups were noticed. The TRI index did not differentiate two groups. Noninvasive parameters that could affect diagnosis of significant tricuspid regurgitation were proved by a logistic regression analysis. Among them the TRI Index could have a separate value. CONCLUSIONS: Presented radioisotopic method of determination a degree of tricuspid regurgitation with the new TRI Index is of value in diagnosing significant tricuspid insufficiency when assessed with other noninvasive parameters. Estimation of a clinical usefulness of the method needs further investigation and bigger study group.

Unusual case of granular lymphocytes (GL) proliferation: simultaneous reactive and neoplastic proliferation.

We report a case of a 55-year-old male with lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes. In the first year of follow-up reactive expansion of granular lymphocytes was observed during infectious episodes additionally to malignant proliferation. Histopathological studies revealed malignant lymphocytic infiltrations of the liver and gallbladder walls. The number of GL varied from 1.1 G/l to 17.8 G/l. Immunophenotyping studies showed surface phenotype CD3+, CD8+. There was markedly reduced NK cell function. The patient exhibited lack of severe parenchymal involvement, moderately increased white cell count (up to 21.0 G/l), severe neutropenia (0.06 G/l - 0.8 G/l) and recurrent infectious episodes.