Anthropometrics of Polish children with osteogenesis imperfecta: a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) causes a number of abnormalities in somatic development. The predominant symptoms are reduced bone mass and an increased risk of fractures as well as bone deformities and short stature. Due to the lack of causal treatment options, bisphosphonates are considered the gold standard of therapy. The aim of our study is to present selected anthropometric parameters (body weight, height, BMI) in children with type I and III of OI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type I and III confirmed by genetic testing. The study group included individuals admitted to the Department in 2020. We analysed the anthropometric parameters of 108 children (receiving and not receiving bisphosphonates treatment). RESULTS: In the group of children with OI type I admitted for follow-up (group 1), the median weight percentile was 37, while in the group 2 it was 17. In the patients with OI type III (group 3), the median weight percentile was 0.1. The median height percentile in group 1 was 21, in group 2 it was 5, whereas in group 3 = 0.1. The differences in anthropometric measurements of the patients with OI type I and OI type III were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Among the analysed patients, an abnormal BMI was found in 41.67% of whom 37.78% were underweight, 48.89% were overweight and 13.33% were obese. CONCLUSION: Considering prevalence of the disease, it is not only low stature but also abnormal BMI, and especially excessive body weight, that play an important role in the somatic development disorder.

Effect of Microcystins on Proto- and Metazooplankton Is More Evident in Artificial Than in Natural Waterbodies.

The increasing proliferation of cyanobacterial blooms prolongs the impact of cyanobacteria on aquatic fauna, potentially altering trophic relationships. We hypothesized that any effect of dissolved microcystins (toxins produced by cyanobacteria) on plankton assemblages would be more evident in artificial reservoirs and ponds than in natural ones. The concentrations of dissolved microcystins in the waters we studied ranged widely from 0.07 to 0.81 µg/L. We showed that the artificial ponds were subjected to more frequent and longer-lasting harmful algal blooms. The plankton occurring in them were exposed to significantly higher concentrations of dissolved microcystins than those in natural oxbow lakes. Using a general linear model (GLM) regression, our study identified a significant relationship between dissolved microcystins and both the density and biomass of particular zooplankton groups (ciliates, rotifers, cladocerans, copepods). The density, biomass, and richness of the animal plankton were significantly lower in the artificial ponds than in the natural oxbow lakes. The impact of microcystins and the length of time that they remained in the water caused structural homogenization of the plankton.

Cytokine responses to exercise and activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: case-control study.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by fatigue after exertion. A systematic review suggested that transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß concentrations are often elevated in cases of CFS when compared to healthy controls. This study attempted to replicate this finding and investigate whether post-exertional symptoms were associated with altered cytokine protein concentrations and their RNA in CFS patients. Twenty-four patients fulfilling Centers for Disease Control criteria for CFS, but with no comorbid psychiatric disorders, were recruited from two CFS clinics in London, UK. Twenty-one healthy, sedentary controls were matched by gender, age and other variables. Circulating proteins and RNA were measured for TGF-ß, tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6 and IL-1ß. We measured six further cytokine protein concentrations (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p70, and interferon (IFN)-γ). Measures were taken at rest, and before and after both commuting and aerobic exercise. CFS cases had higher TGF-ß protein levels compared to controls at rest (median (quartiles) = 43·9 (19·2, 61·8) versus 18·9 (16·1, 30·0) ng/ml) (P = 0·003), and consistently so over a 9-day period. However, this was a spurious finding due to variation between different assay batches. There were no differences between groups in changes to TGF-ß protein concentrations after either commuting or exercise. All other cytokine protein and RNA levels were similar between cases and controls. Post-exertional symptoms and perceived effort were not associated with any increased cytokines. We were unable to replicate previously found elevations in circulating cytokine concentrations, suggesting that elevated circulating cytokines are not important in the pathophysiology of CFS.

What Underpins the Trophic Networks of the Plankton in Shallow Oxbow Lakes?

The aim of this study was to determine the relationships in the microbial trophic network underpinning them about communities of plankton ciliates in shallow oxbow lakes of the Vistula River in southern Poland (Jeziorzany 1, Jeziorzany 2, Piekary, Tyniec). The plankton components (phytoplankton, ciliates, zooplankton) were grouped by dietary preference. The studied oxbows differed in physicochemical parameters and in phytoplankton. Cyanobacteria dominated in the total biomass of phytoplankton in the Tyniec oxbow, big green algae (>30 µm) in Piekary and Jeziorzany 1, and euglenoids in Jeziorzany 2 oxbow. The dominance pattern of ciliates and zooplankton were similar in all oxbows. Algivorous ciliates were the main dominant ciliates, and among zooplankton the dominant ones were herbivores that feed on small algae (<30 µm). The oxbows differed significantly in total phytoplankton biomass, cyanobacteria biomass, euglenoid biomass, small green algae (<30 µm) biomass, total biomass of zooplankton, biomass of zooplankton feeding on bacteria + algae, and biomass of zooplankton feeding on big algae (>30 µm). There was no significant differences in ciliate biomass between oxbows. In redundancy analyses, the variability at the trophic groups of plankton was described by explanatory variables in 42.3 %, and positive relationships were found: e.g., between omnivorous zooplankton biomass, the biomass of ciliates feeding on bacteria + algae, and NH4 level; between euglenoid biomass and dinoflagellate biomass; and between cyanobacteria biomass and bacterivorous ciliate biomass. Spearman correlation analysis revealed several relationships between different groups of plankton. In general, phytoplankton group shows more connection among themselves and with different zooplankton groups, e.g., phytoplankton biomass with herbivorous zooplankton biomass (-0.33); and cyanobacteria biomass with dinoflagellate biomass (0.65). Ciliates showed more connections among their trophic groups (e.g., algivorous ciliate biomass with omnivorous ciliate biomass, 0.78) and with zooplankton trophic groups (e.g., biomass of algivorous + bacterivorous ciliates with biomass of predator zooplankton, -0.36). Simple correlations analysis revealed the trophic food web network connectivity among plankton organisms, indicating the flow of organic matter from phytoplankton to zooplankton and from ciliates to zooplankton. Our study sheds light on the trophic relations among plankton ciliates, which are neglected in research but often form a large percentage of zooplankton biomass. In the studied oxbows, ciliate forms 6.7 % of total zooplankton biomass in Jeziorzany 1 and up to 44.5 % of it in the Piekary oxbow.

Assessment of intake and nutritional status of vitamin b1, b2, and b6 in men and women with different physical activity levels.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the nutritional status of vitamin B1, B2, and B6 in respect to dietary intake of these vitamins and activity coefficients of the erythrocyte enzymes transketolase, glutathione reductase, and aspartic aminotransferase in young men and women with different physical activity levels. The participants of this study were 20 women and 20 men with high physical activity (groups HAW and HAM, respectively), and 20 women and 20 men with low physical activity (groups LAW and LAM, respectively). The intake of vitamins B1, B2, B6, proteins, and calorie content of the diet was based on the average of the 4-day dietary recalls. To assess nutritional status of vitamin B1, B2, and B6, the activity coefficients (α) of erythrocyte transketolase (ETK), erythrocyte glutathione reductase (EGR), and erythrocyte aspartic aminotransferase (EAST) were estimated in blood hemolysates. The intake of the studied vitamins in the diet was statistically significantly lower in the female groups compared with the respective male groups. Deficiency of vitamin B6 in the diet was present more often in women than in men (in terms of the recommended dietary allowances [RDA]). Values of the activity coefficient αETK indicated that none of the groups in this study suffered the risk of vitamin B1 deficiency. The value of the activity coefficient αEGR indicated that the groups of women and men with low physical activity were more prone to vitamin B2 deficiency compared with the high physical activity groups. The risk of vitamin B6 deficiency (αEAST) in both male groups was higher than in both female groups. The obtained results do not allow for unequivocal determination of the impact of sex and the level of physical activity on intake and nutritional status of vitamin B1, B2, and B6. Independently of sex and the level of physical activity, the women and men consumed insufficient quantities of vitamins B1 and B6, although this was not always related to increased values of corresponding activity coefficients.

Effect of rugby training on blood antioxidant defenses in able-bodied and spinal cord injured players.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study with comparison group. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of rugby training on the blood antioxidant capacity in able-bodied and wheelchair rugby players with tetraplegia. SETTING: Poland. METHODS: Four groups of subjects participated in the study: sedentary able-bodied males (group SA, n=19), sedentary males with tetraplegia (group ST, n=10), able-bodied rugby players (group RA, n=22) and wheelchair rugby players with tetraplegia (group RT, n=14). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) were determined in erythrocyte hemolysates, whereas glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was determined in whole-blood hemolysates. Concentrations of total antioxidant status (TAS) was determined in plasma. RESULTS: SOD activity was significantly higher in the group SA compared with group ST and group RA. No significant differences occurred within the tetraplegic groups: RT and ST. Resting CAT and GPX activities were significantly higher in both the groups of rugby players than in the respective group of sedentary males. There were no differences in GR activity among all the studied groups. Plasma TAS concentration was higher in both the groups of able-bodied males compared with the respective groups of tetraplegics. The present study is the first to conduct an evaluation of wheelchair rugby training-induced adaptations to oxidative stress in individuals with tetraplegia. CONCLUSION: Adaptive response to training was similar in both able-bodied and wheelchair rugby players, and it was characterized by increased erythrocyte CAT and GPX activities in resting conditions improving resistance to oxidative stress.

Effect of exercise on the level of immunoglobulin a in saliva.

The aim of this paper is to describe the structure, production and function of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) as well as changes of its concentration caused by exercise of various intensity and duration. Immunoglobulin A is the main class of antibodies present in the body secreted fluids such as saliva, tears or mucus from the intestines. It is generally recognized that IgA, due to its dominance in the immune system of mucous membranes, is the first line of defence against harmful environmental factors. The secretion and composition of saliva depends on the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Physical activity, stimulating the autonomous nervous system, may reduce the amount of saliva and/or inhibit its secretion. The relationship between physical activity and the suppression of the immune system is not fully understood, but it is known that moderate intensity exercise can improve immune defences, while extreme effort can reduce them by creating an increased risk of upper respiratory tract inflammation (URTI). In athletes, the lowest risk of upper tract infection was connected with the case of moderate intensity exercise. It is now believed that the relationship between exercise volume and the risk of URTI has the shape of the letter "J". This means that both too little and too much physical activity may increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infection. Training optimization and correct balance between exercise and rest periods may reduce the risk of adverse changes in the immune system and decrease the frequency of URTI.

A Shift Towards Biotechnology: Social Opinion in the EU.

Consumers' attitude to genetic engineering provides information to stakeholders who are interested in its adoption, which is essential considering the emerging growth of new breeding techniques. This short article analyses, compares, and describes the knowledge, doubts, and concerns of Europeans about biotechnology and genetic engineering over the past 20 years.

Tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate oncogenes and susceptibility to ovarian cancer.

Low-moderate risk alleles that are relatively common in the population may explain a significant proportion of the excess familial risk of ovarian cancer (OC) not attributed to highly penetrant genes. In this study, we evaluated the risks of OC associated with common germline variants in five oncogenes (BRAF, ERBB2, KRAS, NMI and PIK3CA) known to be involved in OC development. Thirty-four tagging SNPs in these genes were genotyped in approximately 1800 invasive OC cases and 3000 controls from population-based studies in Denmark, the United Kingdom and the United States. We found no evidence of disease association for SNPs in BRAF, KRAS, ERBB2 and PIK3CA when OC was considered as a single disease phenotype; but after stratification by histological subtype, we found borderline evidence of association for SNPs in KRAS and BRAF with mucinous OC and in ERBB2 and PIK3CA with endometrioid OC. For NMI, we identified a SNP (rs11683487) that was associated with a decreased risk of OC (unadjusted P(dominant)=0.004). We then genotyped rs11683487 in another 1097 cases and 1792 controls from an additional three case-control studies from the United States. The combined odds ratio was 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80-0.99) and remained statistically significant (P(dominant)=0.032). We also identified two haplotypes in ERBB2 associated with an increased OC risk (P(global)=0.034) and a haplotype in BRAF that had a protective effect (P(global)=0.005). In conclusion, these data provide borderline evidence of association for common allelic variation in the NMI with risk of epithelial OC.

The fate of Hepatozoon species naturally infecting Florida black racers and watersnakes in potential mosquito and soft tick vectors, and histological evidence of pathogenicity in unnatural host species.

Haemogregarine parasites, derived from the Florida snakes Coluber constrictor and Nerodia fasciata and ingested by Aedes aegypti, completed sporogony within the hemocoeles of nearly all fed mosquitoes in 14-18 days, and produced oocysts typical of Hepatozoon. However, mortalities and morbidity were high in the Culex which had fed on the Coluber. Oocysts were not found in any Ornithodoros turicata (Argasidae) which fed upon either snake host, but many sections of fed ticks had gametocyte-like cells within the gut lumen. Most lizards, Anolis carolinensis and Anolis sagrei, infected per os with oocysts derived from both snake species developed infections. Infections in the lizards were largely confined to hepatic schizonts with few parasites found in erythrocytes. Unlike naturally infected snake hosts, Hepatozoon schizonts in livers of lizards were often either surrounded by an unidentified dark pigment or heavily infiltrated with mononuclear inflammatory cells.

Demonstration of common and stage-specific anti-Hepatozoon mocassini antibodies in experimentally infected unnatural lizard hosts.

This study examines the immunological response to Hepatozoon mocassini in lizards. Three lizard species were infected experimentally with H. mocassini. Baseline and post-infection (PI) sera were assayed for anti-H. mocassini meront and gametocyte antibody by immunohistochemistry and IFA. Seroconversion occurred at 38 d PI with endpoint IFA titers of 1:64. Antisera from non-parasitaemic and parisitaemic lizards exhibited similar affinities for merozite and gametocyte antigens. Antibody specific for the membranes of gametocyte-infected erythrocytes was demonstrated exclusively in parasitaemic lizards. The results demonstrate that lizards infected with snake haemogregarines mount an antibody response with common and stage-specific components.

Characterization of the clinical and anatomical pathological changes associated with Hepatozoon mocassini infections in unnatural reptilian hosts.

Laboratory-reared Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were employed in the successful transmission of Hepatozoon mocassini from a cotton-mouth moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) to 3 lizard species (Sceloporus undulatus, Eumeces obsoletus and Sceloporus poinsetti). Marked to severe lethargy and anorexia developed in the S. undulatus, E. obsoletus and S. poinsetti at 15, 38, and 96 days postinfection (PI), respectively. All 3 lizards developed a leukocytosis and had increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) by 14 days PI. Multifocal random hepatocellular necrosis and intrahepatic aggregates of heterophils centered on mature H. mocassini meronts were demonstrated in all 3 lizards. The pulmonary interstitium was multifocally thickened by aggregates of heterophils centered on meronts. No comparable clinical or anatomical pathological changes were demonstrated in naturally infected snakes. The results of this study suggest that H. mocassini is capable of inducing necrotizing inflammatory by lesions in unnatural reptilian hosts.

The long-chain acyl-CoA hydrolase activity in the heart of rat fed on rape-seed oil.

1. Fat feeding (soybean oil or erucic acid-rich rape-seed oil) enhance after 2 to 7 days the palmitoyl-CoA hydrolase activity in the heart of weanling rats in a degree dependent on the content of fat in the diet. 2. The rise in enzyme activity between the 7th and 14th day of feeding, observed only in rats fed on rape-seed oil, coincides with the decrease in lipid infiltration in the heart. 3. The obtained results suggest that palmitoyl-CoA hydrolase may control in the heart the amount of acyl-CoA thioesters in the cell, thus decreasing the lipidosis induced by eurcic acid.

Low-concentration morphine infusion does not compromise packed red blood cell transfusion.

Regulations currently prohibit co-administration (through the same line) of red blood cell transfusions with continuous morphine infusions for pain management, resulting in additional intravenous access or interrupted analgesic therapy in seriously ill children. Packed cells that had been in contact with morphine 0.1 or 1.0 mg/mL and infused through a mock central venous catheter system showed no evidence of hemolysis when compared with control samples. There is thus no need to interrupt analgesic therapy or start another venous access line in order to give a coincident blood transfusion.

Tumor-specific apoptosis induced by the human monoclonal antibody SC-1: a new therapeutical approach for stomach cancer.

Stomach cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers worldwide, with a very poor prognosis, even after complete gastrectomy. We describe here an alternative therapeutical approach using a human monoclonal antibody (SC-1), which was isolated from a patient with diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma. We demonstrate that the antibody significantly reduces stomach cancer growth in vivo, by inducing tumor-specific apoptosis and that the antibody, even delivered in high doses, shows no toxic crossreactivity to other organs or tissues. The data presented here show that tumor-specific apoptosis can be induced and they give rise to the hope that human monoclonal antibodies with biological activity might present a completely new type of adjuvant cancer therapy.

Evidence of common and genus-specific epitopes on Ornithodoros spp. Tick (Acari: Argasidae) salivary proteins.

New Zealand White rabbits were repeatedly infested with Ornithodoros turicata (Duges), Ornithodoros talaje (Guérin-Méneville), and Ornithodoros coriaceus (Koch) at 2-wk intervals. Blood samples were taken from each animal 10 d after each infestation and the titer of anti-tick antibody was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subsequent cross-reactivity studies demonstrated that the antitick antisera nonspecifically bound to salivary gland extract proteins prepared from several other tick genera and species' Amblyomma maculatum (Koch), Dermacentor andersoni (Stiles), Dermacentor variabilis (Say), and Ornithodoros moubata (Murray). Absorption of the antisera against an immobilized extract of A. maculatum substantially increased specificity at the genus level. Western blots of electrophoretically separated Ornithodoros salivary gland extract samples were used to further compare the specificity of absorbed and nonabsorbed antitick antisera. The blots demonstrated that many of the Ornithodoros salivary gland extract proteins bear genus specific epitopes. Some differences were noted among the Ornithodoros species examined with respect to the degree of antigenic relatedness with the ixodid ticks.

Isolation and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies reactive with soft tick (Acari: Argasidae) salivary antigens of high molecular weight.

The purpose of this study was to immunologically characterize soft tick salivary antigens. BALB/c mice hyperimmunized with salivary gland extract prepared from Ornithodoros talaje (Guérin-Méneville) were observed to develop high titers of antitick salivary antigen antibodies. Subsequent fusion of splenic lymphocytes from the hyperimmunized mice with SP-2/0-AG14 myeloma cells resulted in the production of 10 antitick IgM-producing hybridoma clones. Partial characterization of the respective tick antigens by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE demonstrated all 10 monoclonal antitick antibodies to be reactive with a salivary gland extract fraction containing proteins 50-110 kDa in molecular weight. Cross-reactivity assays and electrophoretic comparison of salivary gland extract specimens demonstrated similar proteins in several ixodid tick genera and species.

Antibody responses of laboratory mice to sequential feedings by two species of argasid ticks (Acari: Argasidae).

The host antibody response of CD1 mice resulting from sequential exposures to two species of Ornithodoros ticks was isotyped (ELISA) in an effort to determine the mechanism for the development of acquired resistance. In addition, salivary gland proteins from two argasid and one ixodid species were examined (RIA) for cross-reactivity. Significant antibody responses, detectable for at least 90 d after last exposure, were shown to occur. Isotyping showed that the initial response was of the IgM class with a secondary class switch to the IgG1 subclass occurring. Evidence that cross-reactive proteins exist between argasid and ixodid ticks is also discussed.

The quantitative conversion of morphine 3-beta-D glucuronide to morphine using beta-glucuronidase obtained from Patella vulgata as compared to acid hydrolysis.

Methods to confirm morphine in urine require hydrolysis to liberate morphine from its 3-beta-D glucuronide (M-3G) conjugate. Lengthy enzyme hydrolysis procedures prolong testing turnaround time whereas rapid enzyme methods may produce a low conversion of M-3G to morphine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quantitative conversion of M-3G to morphine in human urine using a thermally stable beta-glucuronidase isolated from Patella vulgata; to compare these findings with those obtained from acid hydrolysis; and to compare between-run imprecision for both hydrolysis methods. We found both enzyme and acid hydrolysis techniques to be efficient, giving 90.4% and 92.8% conversion of M-3G to morphine, respectively. Also, both methods were found to be reproducible. Over a 14 week period, 20 opiate confirmation batches were analyzed by each hydrolysis method; the coefficient of variation for morphine liberated from M-3G was 5.5% for enzyme hydrolysis and 2.7% for acid hydrolysis.

Application of the Technicon Chem 1+ chemistry analyzer to the Syva Emit ethyl alcohol assay in plasma and urine.

The performance of the Technicon Chem 1+ chemistry analyzer with the Syva Emit ethyl alcohol assay in plasma and urine was evaluated. Spiked specimens from 0 to 600 mg/dL were tested, and expected versus measured concentrations were monitored. Linear regression line equations of y = 0.9314x + 5.4 and y = 0.9005x + 4.6, and correlation coefficients (r) of 0.9997 and 0.9995, were obtained for plasma and urine, respectively. A limit of detection of 5 mg/dL for plasma and urine, and a limit of quantitation of 20 mg/dL for plasma and 15 mg/dL for urine were obtained. Recovery was within 10% of expected concentration from 20 to 600 mg/dL. Precision was evaluated, giving the following coefficients of variation: within-run precision: plasma, 1.31-2.20; urine, 1.16-1.21; total precision: plasma, 2.72-3.38; urine, 2.98-4.64. No carry-over was detected when alternating 600 mg/dL and negative specimens. No interference from acetone, isopropanol, or methanol was detected. No significant differences in evaporation of alcohol at two concentrations, or from the two matrices were observed. Evaporation from a small cup (200 microL) was more than twice as great as from a large cup (2 mL). The Chem 1+ was compared to a gas chromatographic method. Plasma specimens of 0-352 mg/dL produced a linear regression line of y = 1.0112x + 6.0, r = 0.9859; urine specimens of 0-313 mg/dL produced a line of y = 1.0493x - 0.3, r = 0.9910. The capability to separate positive and negative specimens at 20% around a cutoff concentration of 20 mg/dL was examined. Four hundred specimens were analyzed, with only one specimen incorrectly classified (a false positive). The Chem 1+ chemistry analyzer demonstrated reliable performance of the Emit ethyl alcohol assay of plasma and urine specimens.