Reliability of humeral head measurements performed using two- and three-dimensional computed tomography in patients with shoulder instability.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare two measurement methods of humeral head defects in patients with shoulder instability. Intra- and inter-observer reliability of humeral head parameters were performed with the use of 2D and 3D computed tomography. METHODS: The study group was composed of one hundred humeral heads measured with the use of preoperative 2D and 3D computed tomography by three independent observers (two experienced and one inexperienced). All observers repeated measurements after 1 week. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the minimal detectable change with 95% confidence (MDC95%) were used for statistical analysis of diagnostic agreement. RESULTS: For 3D inter-observer reliability, ICC values were "excellent" for all parameters and MDC95% values were "excellent" or "reasonable." All intra-observer ICC and MDC95% values for 3D were "excellent" for experienced and inexperienced observers. For 2D-CT, ICC values were usually "good" or "moderate" with MDC95% values higher than 10 or 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional CT measurements are more reliable than 2D for humeral head and Hill-Sachs lesion assessment. This study showed that 2D measurements, even performed by experienced observers (orthopaedic surgeons), are burdened with errors. The 3D reconstruction decreased the risk of error by eliminating inaccuracy in setting the plane of the measurements.

The effect of obesity on the bone morphometry and histomorphometry in male and female Wistar rats.

The study was undertaken to determine the effect of continuation or changes of the diet on the morphometry and histomorphometry of bone in male and female Wistar rats with experimen- tally induced obesity by high energetic diet. Sixty-four 90-day-old Wistar rats obtained from obese parents (16 male, 16 female) and control parents (16 male, 16 female) were used in this study. After 21 days of the baby period, rats were divided into four groups: obese rats fed with high energy feed (F/F), control rats fed with a standard diet (C/C), obese rats with changed diet from high energy diet to control diet (F/C) and control rats with changed diet from control diet to high energy diet (C/F). After 90 days of experimental feeding, the rats were sacrificed. Thereafter, body weight and the isolated humerus were measured and next, the histological stainings and counts were done. Our results revealed that change in the parent's diet from F to C in the female leads to increased bone growth length and reduction of body weight in female and male. Reverse diet changes (from C to F) lead to decreased bone length only in the female. Moreover, the con- tinuation by offspring of both sexes with a high-energy diet contributes to a reduction in osteo- cytes, reduction in bone marrow cavity and cortical expansion, but a change in nutrition from parents' standard diet to high-energy diet leads to increase in osteocytes dimensions. The contin- uation of feeding with F diet promotes the accumulation of adipocytes in the bone marrow in female and male, and correction of nutrition from F to standard diet leads to a reduction in their number in the bone marrow compared to groups continuing feeding with high-energy diet.

Immunoreactivity for calretininin interneurons of the hippocampal CA1 field and dentate gyrus in adult rats after administration of habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.).

Calretinin (CR), a calcium-binding protein from EF-hand family, is localised in non-pyramidal GABA-ergic interneurons of the hippocampus. CR takes part in maintaining calcium binding homeostasis, which suggests its neuroprotective role. Hippocampal neurons contain membrane transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) which binds to capsaicin (CAP) contained in habanero pepper fruits. Few in vivo studies have revealed the effect of CAP on interneurons containing CR. The aim of the present study was to investigate the CR immunoreac- tivity in interneurons of the hippocampal CA1 field and dentate gyrus (DG) in adult rats after intragastric admin- istration of the habanero pepper fruits. Wistar rats received a peanut oil - control group (C), and oil suspension of habanero pepper fruits at doses of 0.025 g dm/kg b.w. - group I and 0.08 g dm/kg b.w. - group II for 28 days. After euthanasia, the brains were collected and embedded in paraffin blocks using a routine histological tech- nique. Frontal hippocampal sections were immunohistochemically stained for CR by using a peroxidase-antiper- oxidase method. CR immunoreactive (CR-IR) interneurons were morphologically and morphometrically ana- lyzed under a light microscope. The results showed similar shapes and distribution of cells in both areas of the brain in group C and I of animals. However, CR-IR interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 field and in DG were occasionally observed in the group II of rats. The results of morphometric studies did not reveal statistically significant differences in the surface area and shape index of cells between examined brain regions from groups I and II compared to group C. Only in group II of rats, an increase in the digital immunostaining intensity of CR-IR interneurons was found in DG. Low number of CR-IR interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 field and in the DG, under the influence of a large dose of habanero pepper fruits containing CAP, may be caused by the activation of TRPV1 receptors and the increase in Ca2+ ions in these cells. This phenomenon may ultimately lead to neuronal death and may disturb neuronal conduction.

The c.29T>C polymorphism of the transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1) gene, bone mineral density and the occurrence of low-energy fractures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Gastrointestinal tract conditions are frequently associated with low bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis, the latter concerning particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. One of the candidate genes involved in osteoporosis is the transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1) whose polymorphisms may be responsible for the development of this disease. The aim of this study was to analyse the frequency of TGFB1 polymorphic variants and determine the association between the c.29T>C TGFB1 polymorphism, and bone mineral density and fractures in IBD patients. The study subjects included 198 IBD patients [100 suffering from Crohn's disease (CD) and 98 from ulcerative colitis (UC)] and 41 healthy volunteers as a control group. Densitometric bone measurements were obtained using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The TGFB1 genotyping was conducted using restriction fragments length polymorphism. We conducted an analysis of genotype distribution's concordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We found statistically significant differences in lumbar spine (L2-L4) and femoral neck BMD and T-scores between CD, UC and control subgroups. The distribution of TGFB1 polymorphic variants among CD and UC patients was concordant with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There were no statistically significant differences in densitometric parameters (lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD, T-score, and Z-score) between carriers of different TGFB1 polymorphisms among IBD (CD and UC) patients nor among controls. We have found no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of low-energy fractures between groups of different TGFB1 polymorphic variant carriers. The allele dose effect, recessive effect and dominant effect analysis did not show an association between low-energy fractures and the TGFB1 polymorphisms among CD and UC patients. We have not observed an association between the c.29T>C TGFB1 polymorphic variant and the bone mineral density within the cancellous and cortical bones (L2-L4 and femoral neck, respectively), or the occurrence of fractures among the IBD patients and their family members.

Bone mineral density and the 570A>T polymorphism of the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) gene in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study.

Finding genetic predictors of osteoporosis and fractures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may provide incentives for non-pharmacological actions and so improve the long-term prognosis of the patients. We analysed the incidence of BMP2 570A>T polymorphic variants and their association with bone mineral density (BMD) and the incidence of fractures in patients with IBD. The study comprised 198 IBD patients (100 with Crohn's disease (CD), and 98 with ulcerative colitis, (UC)) and 41 healthy controls. Bone densitometric analysis was carried out using the DXA method. The 570A>T polymorphisms in the BMP2 gene were genotyped using RFLP. We found significant differences in the BMD and T-scores of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and femoral neck between the three groups. In controls and CD patients, the highest L2-L4 BMD was found in carriers of the AA variant of the BMP2 gene, while among UC patients it was the case of TT carriers. In both femoral neck and lumbar spine among UC patients, the highest BMD was observed in carriers of the TT variant of the BMP2 gene. Among patients with CD and in the control group, the highest L2-L4 BMD was found in carriers of the AA variant, whereas in UC patients, it was the case of TT homozygotes. Within the femoral neck, there were no significant differences in BMD for the carriers of individual variants of BMP2 gene polymorphism. We conclude that the 570A>T polymorphism of the BMP2 gene, no statistically significant relationship was observed between the polymorphic variant and bone mineral density or the incidence of fractures in IBD patients.

[Strongyloidiasis and its current treatment]. / Wegorczyca (strongyloidosis) i jej wspólczesne leczenie.

A case of strongyloidosis and giardiasis was observed in a women aged 62 years. The treatment included tinidazole, metronidazole and ercefuryl. Modern views on the epidemiology, clinical course and therapy of this parasitic infestation are discussed.

[Evaluation of cadmium intake with food in Polish households in 1993-1997]. / Ocena pobrania kadmu z zywnoscia w gospodarstwach domowych w Polsce w latach 1993-1997.

The studies on cadmium food intake in years 1993-1997 were carried out in six types of households i.e. workers, worker-farmers, farmers, pensioners and retired, self-employed households and families maintaining themselves on non-income sources. Using household budget data and "Tables of trace elements in food products" mean and maximum food intake of cadmium was calculated and compared to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) taking into consideration main sources of them. The obtained results indicated that the mean cadmium food intake did not exceed PTWI value but maximum intake of one was 38% higher than PTWI. Cadmium intake depended on type of household being highest at farmers, pensioners and retired persons. The main food sources of cadmium were: cereals supplied 43% of one, vegetables and their products supplied 30% cadmium and meat products supplied 15%.

[The in vitro effect of ascorbic acid on sodium nitrite intoxication]. / Okreslenie in vitro dzialania kwasu askorbinowego przy intoksykacji azotynem sodu.

The in vitro effect of ascorbic acid on the content of sodium nitrite in relation to pH and time of incubation and also effect of sodium nitrite on the total content of vitamin C as a sum of both reduced and oxidized forms was demonstrated. Ascorbic acid in respective quantities of 60 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg and sodium nitrite in quantity of 12 mg were added to the in vitro simulated stomach content at pH 1.5, 2.5, 3.5. The control samples were tested without addition of ascorbic acid. The Griess method for determination of nitrite and the Tillmans method with Pijanowski's modification were used for the determination of vitamin C. It was found that the choice of lower pH significantly decreased the level of nitrite in the control samples produced the disappearance of nitrite increased depending on the quantity of ascorbic acid added to the sample and on pH. The total content of vitamin C did not change after adding of sodium nitrite to the samples. The performed studies suggested a positive effect of ascorbic acid decreasing of the nitrite level.

[Evaluation of nitrate, nitrite and total protein content in selected vegetables cultivated conventionally and ecologically]. / Ocena zawartosci azotanów i azotynów oraz bialka ogólem w wybranych warzywach uprawianych konwencjonalnie i ekologicznie.

Nitrates, nitrites and total protein content in selected vegetables from conventional and ecological farms were estimated. The beetroots, carrots, potatoes available on market or special shops in January, May and March were evaluated. The content of nitrates and nitrites was determined by colorimetric method with Griess reagent after previous reduction of nitrates to nitrites by metallic cadmium. Total protein content was determined by Kjel-Foss Automatic 16210 analyser working on the basis of classical Kjeldahl method. The higher content of nitrates was found in vegetables from conventional farms. Amounts of nitrates in both groups of vegetables did not exceed allowed limits. Levels of nitrites in ecological and conventional vegetables were similar-above 0.5 mg NaNO2/kg (except conventional potatoes from January). Slightly more content of protein was recorded in conventional vegetables.

[The evaluation of nitrates and nitrites food intake among Polish households in 1991-1995]. / Ocena pobrania azotanów i azotynów z zywnoscia w gospodarstwach domowych w Polsce w latach 1991-1995.

The studies on nitrates and nitrites food intakes in year 1991-1995 were carried out in four types of households i.e. works, worker-farmers, farmers, pensioners and retired persons and from 1993 in self-employed households and families maintaining themselves on non-income sources; altogether and with regard to the number of persons in family. Using household budget data and literature concerning nitrates and nitrites contents in food products, mean and maximum food intakes of these compounds were calculated and compared to acceptable daily intake (ADI) taking into consideration main sources of them. The obtained results indicated that the mean nitrate and nitrite food intakes did not exceed ADI but maximum intakes of one were several times higher than ADI. Nitrate and nitrite food intakes depended on type of household being highest at farmers, pensioners and the number of persons in family. Six persons families took nearly half less than did one-person one. There were no differences in main food sources of nitrates and nitrites for all types of households and number of person in families. Vegetables and their products supplied 94-98% of nitrates whereas meat products supplied 98% of nitrites.

[Values of nitrates and nitrites in selected vegetables given to hospitalized children]. / Zawartosc azotanów i azotynów w wybranych stosowanych w zywieniu dzieci hospitalizowanych.

In the study the levels of nitrates and nitrites were determined in certain vegetables used in preparation of meals for hospitalized children. The material studied comprised vegetables taken in three seasons of the year: autumn, winter, spring. Nitrates and nitrites were determined by the colorimetric method with Griess reagent after previous reduction of nitrates to nitrites with metallic cadmium. The content of nitrates, over 1 g NaNO3/kg, was found in celery, beet-roots, lettuce, green leaves of parsley and cabbage, even up to 10 g NaNO3/kg, in winter and spring in onions, leek and potatoes, and in autumn and spring in carrots. In 85% of the determinations the nitrite level was below 5 mg NaNO2/kg. An important source of nitrates in the food rations of the hospitalized children throughout the whole investigation period was lettuce, in autumn potatoes, in winter carrots and celery, and in winter and spring beet-roots.

Altered endothelin receptor expression in prehepatic portal hypertension predisposes the liver to microcirculatory dysfunction in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endothelin (ET) is one of the most active vascular regulators in the liver. It is unknown how partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) induced prehepatic portal hypertension influences the response of the liver to ET and its agonists. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the expression of ET receptors and its functional significance after PPVL. METHODS: Competitive receptor binding study and semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed using liver homogenates after 2 weeks of PPVL or sham operation in rats. Hepatic microcirculation was evaluated in vivo using intravital microscopy. RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference in dissociation constant (Kd) and total amount of receptors (Bmax) between sham and PPVL, the proportion of ET(B) receptor was significantly increased in PPVL. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the up-regulation of ET(B) receptors demonstrated by the competitive receptor binding assay. In the functional study, infusion of ET(B) agonist (IRL 1620) in a low dosage did not change the hepatic microcirculation in sham but strongly constricted the sinusoids leading to a reduction of sinusoidal perfusion in PPVL. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that prehepatic portal hypertension may predispose the hepatic microcirculation to dysregulation in stress conditions where ET is upregulated.