Prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals and micronutrients and neurodevelopmental outcomes in early school age children from Poland.

Exposure to environmental factors, such as neurotoxic metals and micronutrients, during critical periods of development can contribute to long-term consequences in offspring's health, including neurodevelopmental outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between simultaneous prenatal exposure to metals [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg)] and micronutrients [selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu)] and neurodevelopmental outcomes in school-age children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). Metals and micronutrients concentrations were measured in cord blood (Pb, Cd, Se, Zn, Cu) and in maternal hair (Hg) collected during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Behavioral and emotional problems, as well as children's cognitive and psychomotor development, were assessed in 436 school-age children using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, filled in by the mothers) and the Polish adaptation of the Intelligence and Development Scales (IDS, administered by trained psychologists). Multivariate regression models were applied after imputation of missing values, using two approaches: (i) a joint analysis taking into account all metals and micronutrients simultaneously, and (ii) an ExWAS study (single-exposure model). In the SDQ, Hyperactivity/Inattention problems and Total difficulties were associated with higher Hg concentrations in maternal hair (0.18, 95% CI: 0.05; 0.3; and 0.14, 95% CI: 0.01; 0.3, respectively), whereas Emotional symptoms were inversely associated with Se and Zn levels in cord blood (-0.13, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.004; and -0.10, 95% CI: -0.2; 0.02, respectively). In the IDS, cord blood Pb levels were found to be negatively associated with Fluid and Crystallized IQ (-0.12, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.02; and -0.14, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.007, respectively) as well as Mathematical skills (-0.15, 95% CI: -0.3; 0.01). The current research has been able to simultaneously assess the exposure to various interacting chemicals during the prenatal period. We demonstrate that prenatal co-exposures to Pb, Hg, Zn and Se have long-term influences on the neuropsychological outcome of school-age children.

Maternal diet during pregnancy and risk of allergic diseases in children up to 7-9 years old from Polish Mother and Child Cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of maternal diet during pregnancy on the risk of allergic diseases in childhood is an increasing scientific and public health concern. We evaluated the associations of maternal type of diet and essential elements and vitamins intake during pregnancy with offspring allergic and respiratory outcomes. METHODS: The study population included 557 mother-child pairs from Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). Based on the Food Frequency Questionnaire filled in between the 20th-24th week of pregnancy, overall maternal diet was evaluated as the difference between the Prudent Dietary Pattern (PDP) score and Western Dietary Pattern (WDP) score ((PDP-WDP) score) and maternal achievement of dietary recommendations (estimated average requirement, EAR) for essential elements and vitamins was assessed. Children's health examination at age of 1, 2, and 7-9 years covered the following symptoms: infections, wheezing/asthma, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. At age of 7-9 years, children underwent spirometry and skin-prick tests. RESULTS: Children of the mothers who were not achieving adequate intake of vitamin C during pregnancy had a higher risk of wheezing and having more than two infections within the first two years of life comparing to those who met EAR (OR = 2.6, p = 0.05, and OR = 2.3, p = 0.04, respectively). Inadequate intake of vitamin E during pregnancy was related to a higher risk of atopic dermatitis (OR = 2.7, p = 0.04), whereas inadequate intake of magnesium during pregnancy was associated with the risk of wheezing in the offspring at age of two years (OR = 3.7, p = 0.03). A lower (PDP-WDP) score during pregnancy (indicating unhealthier diet) was associated with a higher risk of infections (OR = 1.5, p = 0.007) but a lower risk of atopic dermatitis (OR = 0.7, p = 0.02) at age of 7-9 years. CONCLUSIONS: These results may contribute to the body of evidence for the impact of maternal diet during pregnancy for children's optimal health, however further studies are needed before drawing conclusions and recommendations for clinical practice.

Factors affecting survival in children requiring intensive care after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A retrospective single-center study.

Allo-HSCT is associated with life-threatening complications. Therefore, a considerable number of patients require admission to a PICU. We evaluated the incidence and outcome of PICU admissions after allo-HSCT in children, along with the potential factors influencing PICU survival. A retrospective chart review of 668 children who underwent first allo-HSCT in the Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and BMT in Wroclaw during years 2005-2017, particularly focusing on patients admitted to the PICU within 1-year post-HSCT. Fifty-eight (8.7%) patients required 64 admissions to the PICU. Twenty-four (41.5%) were discharged, and 34 (58.6%) patients died. Among the discharged patients, 6-month survival was 66.7%. Compared with survivors, death cases were more likely to have required MV (31/34; 91.2% vs. 16/24; 66.7% P = .049), received more aggressive cardiac support (17/34; 50% vs. 2/24; 8.3% P = .002), and had a lower ANC on the last day of their PICU stay (P = .004). Five patients were successfully treated with NIV and survived longer than 6 months post-discharge. The intensity of cardiac support and ANC on the last day of PICU treatment was independent factors influencing PICU survival. Children admitted to the PICU after allo-HSCT have a high mortality rate. Mainly those who needed a more aggressive approach and had a lower ANC on the last day of treatment had a greater risk of death. While requiring MV is associated with decreased PICU survival, early implementation of NIV might be considered.

Large-Scale Purification of Photon-Upconversion Nanoparticles by Gel Electrophoresis for Analogue and Digital Bioassays.

The performance of photon-upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as background-free luminescent labels in bioanalytical applications strongly depends on the preparation of well-defined and water-dispersible nanoconjugates. We have exploited the separation power of agarose-gel electrophoresis to purify milligram amounts of homogeneous UCNPs covered with carboxylated silica, biotin, or streptavidin with recovery rates of 30 to 50%. Clusters containing discrete numbers of UCNPs were isolated from the gel and reanalyzed by agarose-gel electrophoresis, single-nanoparticle-upconversion microscopy, and additional complementary methods. The purified nanoconjugates improved conventional (analogue) bioaffinity assays and provided highly monodisperse conjugates for assays that rely on counting individual UCNPs (digital assays).

A New Approach for Spontaneous Silver Ions Immobilization onto Casein.

The work presents the kinetic and isotherm studies of silver binding on casein, which was carried out using batch sorption technique. Moreover, the influence of light irradiation on the process was shown. In order to investigate the mechanism of metal ions sorption by casein the zero, pseudo-first order kinetics and Weber-Morris intra-particle diffusion as well as Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used. Furthermore, to specify more precisely, the possible binding mechanism, the spectroscopic (FT-IR-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman), spectrometric (MALDI-TOF MS-Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry), microscopic (SEM-Scanning Electron Microscope, TEM/EDX-Transmission Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray detector) and thermal (TGA-Thermogravimetric Analysis, DTG-Derivative Thermogravimetry) analysis were performed. Kinetic study indicates that silver binding onto casein is a heterogeneous process with two main stages: initial rapid stage related to surface adsorption onto casein with immediate creation of silver nanoparticles and slower second stage of intraglobular diffusion with silver binding in chelated form (metalloproteins) or ion-exchange form. Spectroscopic techniques confirmed the binding process and MALDI-TOF MS analysis show the dominant contribution of the α-casein in the process. Moreover, the treatment of silver-casein complex by artificial physiological fluids was performed.

Micronutrients during pregnancy and child psychomotor development: Opposite effects of Zinc and Selenium.

Studies on the impact of micronutrient levels during different pregnancy periods on child psychomotor functions are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal plasma concentrations of selected micronutrients, such as: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and child neuropsychological development. The study population consisted of 539 mother-child pairs from Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). The micronutrient levels were measured in each trimester of pregnancy, at delivery and in the cord blood. Psychomotor development was assessed in children at the age of 1 and 2 years using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. The mean plasma Zn, Cu and Se concentrations in the 1st trimester of pregnancy were 0.91±0.27mg/l, 1.98±0.57mg/l and 48.35±10.54µg/l, respectively. There were no statistically significant associations between Cu levels and any of the analyzed domains of child development. A positive association was observed between Se level in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and child language and motor skills (ß=0.18, p=0.03 and ß=0.25, p=0.005, respectively) at one year of age. Motor score among one-year-old children decreased along with increasing Zn levels in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and in the cord blood (ß=-12.07, p=0.003 and ß=-6.51, p=0.03, respectively). A similar pattern was observed for the association between Zn level in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and language abilities at one year of age (ß=-7.37, p=0.05). Prenatal Zn and Se status was associated with lower and higher child psychomotor abilities, respectively, within the first year of life. Further epidemiological and preclinical studies are necessary to confirm the associations between micronutrient levels and child development as well as to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of their effects.

Maternal stress during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes of children during the first 2 years of life.

AIM: A growing body of literature documents associations between maternal stress in pregnancy and child development, but findings across studies are often inconsistent. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between exposure to different kinds of prenatal stress and child psychomotor development. METHODS: The study population consisted of 372 mother-child pairs from Polish Mother and Child Cohort. The analysis was restricted to the women who worked at least 1 month during pregnancy period. Maternal psychological stress during pregnancy was assessed based on: the Subjective Work Characteristics Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale and Social Readjustment Rating Scale. The level of satisfaction with family functioning and support was evaluated by APGAR Family Scale. Child psychomotor development was assessed at the 12th and 24th months of age by Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. RESULTS: Negative impact on child cognitive development at the age of two was observed for the Perceived Stress Scale (ß = -0.8; P = 0.01) and the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (ß = -0.4; P = 0.03) after adjusting for the variety of confounders. Occupational stress, as well as satisfaction with family functioning, was not significantly associated with child psychomotor development (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study supports the findings that prenatal exposure to maternal stress is significantly associated with decreased child cognitive functions. In order to further understand and quantify the effects of prenatal stress on child neurodevelopment further studies are needed. This will be important for developing interventions that provide more assistance to pregnant women, including emotional support or help to manage psychological stress.

[Enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions of secreted phospholipases A2]. / Enzymatyczne i nieenzymatyczne funkcje sekrecyjnych fosfolipaz A2.

Phospholipases catalyze enzymatic degradation of membrane lipids. The phospholipases are divided into four major groups: A1, A2, C, and D by the type of ester bond which is hydrolyzed. Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) hydrolyze membrane glycerophospholipids at sn-2 position releasing lysophospholipid and free fatty acid. The PLA2s are involved in biosynthesis of intracellular messengers (eicosanoids), endo- and exocytosis, and cytoskeleton reorganization. Moreover, secreted PLA2 play various functions which are not dependent on their enzymatic activity. An intriguing question is specific interaction of sPLA2 from snake venom with several protein acceptors (human coagulation factor Xa or CFTR). In this review, we describe classification of PLA, mechanism of catalytic action, as well as interactions of snake venom PLA2 with various human proteins.

Selenium status during pregnancy and child psychomotor development-Polish Mother and Child Cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The studies on the impact of selenium (Se) levels in different pregnancy periods on child psychomotor functions are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of prenatal Se on child neurodevelopment. METHODS: The study population consisted of 410 mother-child pairs from Polish Mother and Child Cohort. Se levels were measured in each trimester of pregnancy, at delivery, and in cord blood by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Psychomotor development was assessed in children at the age of 1 and 2 y using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. RESULTS: Plasma Se levels decreased through pregnancy (from 48.3 ± 10.6 µg/l in the first trimester to 38.4 ± 11.8 µg/l at delivery; P < 0.05). A statistically significant positive association between Se levels in the first trimester of pregnancy and motor development (ß = 0.2, P = 0.002) at 1 y of age, and language development (ß = 0.2, P = 0.03) at 2 y of age was observed. The positive effect of Se levels on cognitive score at 2 y of age was of borderline significance (ß = 0.2, P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prenatal selenium status was associated with child psychomotor abilities within the first years of life. Further epidemiological and preclinical studies are needed to confirm the association and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these effects.

Evaluation of serum chemokine RANTES concentration as a biomarker in the diagnosis of early-onset severe infections in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Only a few studies on improving the early diagnosis of severe neonatal infections have focused on the role of serum RANTES concentration (sRC). The aim of the study was to establish sRC in neonates with early-onset infections, according to their gestational age, sex, birth asphyxia, mode of delivery and value of some biochemical and hematological parameters. MATERIAL/METHODS: The analysis comprised 129 neonates, including 89 infected (52 preterm, 37 full-term; 43 with sepsis, 39 with congenital pneumonia, 7 with severe urinary tract infection) and 40 healthy (control group, 25 full-term, 15 preterm). The sRC in peripheral vein blood was measured by the ELISA method using Quantikine Set (R & D systems, USA). RESULTS: The sRC in infected neonates ranged from 10.83 to 122.55 µg/ml, in full-term neonates from 18.28 to 122.55 µg/ml, and in preterm from 10.83 to 118.24 µg/ml. The mean sRCs in full-term septic neonates (73.95±25.99 µg/ml) and with organ infections (58.43±29.24 µg/ml) were significantly higher than healthy ones (28.25±14.06 µg/ml). The mean sRCs in septic preterm neonates (59.17±28.29 µg/ml) and those with organ infections (50.86±28.16) were significantly higher than in healthy preterm neonates (25.61±8.29 µg/ml). Positive correlations between sRC and CRP value (r=0.3014, p=0.004) and between sRC and band cell count (r=0.2489, p=0.019) were found in all infected neonates. CONCLUSION: The significant increase of serum RANTES concentration in early-onset infections in neonates, regardless of their gestational age, sex and birth asphyxia, not only proves the presence of an active immunological process but also may be a useful biomarker for diagnosis of severe neonatal infections.

Effect of storage conditions on lignocellulose biofuels properties.

This article examines the effects of different storage conditions on selected physicochemical properties of three types of agro-biomass pellets: sunflower husks, wheat straw and hemp hurds, and wood pellets. The tests were carried out in a climatic chamber, which allows simulation of real storage conditions, i.e. conditions with high air humidity and variable (±) ambient air temperatures. The results showed higher degradability of agro-biomass pellets compared to woody biomass. The pellets degraded to a less extent at varying ± temperatures than at high humidity (90% RH). After complete moisture saturation, durability decreases for agro-pellets by an average of 9%, while after freezing and defreezing for sunflower husk pellets and woody pellets durability decreases by 2%, and for hemp hurd pellets by 11%. In contrast, strength-by-dropping index for agro-pellets decreased by 20% after being in the environment (30 °C and 90%RH) and 15% under varying temperature conditions. No change in the energy parameters of all pellets in the dry matter was noted. On the other hand, an increase in the moisture content of pellets when they are stored under different environmental conditions results in a decrease in calorific value.

The importance of time and other determinants in the assessment of heavy metals release during solid waste management.

One of the parameters affecting the leachability of heavy metals from waste is their contact time with the leachant. In this paper, the leaching behaviour of Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni was evaluated in relation to the liquid to solid ratio (L/S), which is a reflection of time after which a certain volume of water permeates the material, e.g. in slag heaps or landfills. A leaching study was carried out by different leaching methods with using three test materials, i.e. hazardous zinc slag, lump copper slag and mineral-organic composite. It was found that the highest amount of metals leached in the long term in the maximum availability test, under the following leaching conditions: L/S = 50 dm3/kg, reduced pH of the leachant, fragmentation of the materials to particle size < 0.125 mm. Comparing the results obtained in the batch test and the percolation test, no strict trend was observed in the release of a given metal from different test materials. The analysis using the tank test showed that processes controlling leachability can result in the release of the highest metal loads immediately after contact between the material and the leachant, but can also contribute to the release of metals only after prolonged contact.

Short- and long-term outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in infants: A single-center experience over 20 years.

Introduction: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a treatment method for a wide range of malignant and non-malignant diseases. Infants constitute a distinct patient group, especially due to their organ immaturity and differences in drug metabolism. The present paper aims to analyse the short- and long-term outcomes after allo-HSCT in infants. Material and methods: In the study period, 67 patients under 12 months of age underwent allo-HSCT. This study is a retrospective analysis of patient medical records, in the form of paper and electronic documentation. Results: The probability of 5-year OS was 69% and 72% in patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases, respectively. The allo-HSCT from a matched donor was associated with improved OS in comparison to haploidentical donor (0.8 vs. 0.58%, p = 0.0425). The overall incidence of acute graft-vs.-host disease (aGVHD) was 59.3%, and grade III-IV aGVHD was diagnosed in 23% of patients. The 100-day non-relapse mortality (NRM) in the study cohort was 17.9%, while the 5-year NRM was 26.9%. Among the causes of NRM, infections occurred in 83.3% of patients, and aGVHD in 16.3% of individuals. Twenty-two children (32.8%) required hospitalization in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The median length of PICU hospitalization was 6 days (range 1 to 12 days). Late sequelae diagnosed during post-transplant surveillance included ocular disorders in 26.8% of patients, cardiac complications in 4.4%, as well as endocrinopathy with short stature (<3rd percentile) in 37.2% and overt hypothyroidism in 35.4%. In the long-term perspective, 83.3% of survivors were able to attend a regular school. Conclusions: Improvements in unrelated donor availability, and better supportive care resulted in better outcomes. Management of infant allo-HSCT recipients requires the formation of multi-disciplinary specialist teams. In addition, the role of parental empowerment must be acknowledged; for example, in speech therapy and rehabilitation.

The Impact of High CMV Viral Load and Refractory CMV Infection on Pediatric HSCT Recipients with Underlying Non-Malignant Disorder.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapy for an increasing number of nonmalignant indications. Its use is restricted by severe transplant-related complications, including CMV infection; despite various prophylactic and therapeutic strategies, CMV reactivation has remarkable morbidity and mortality. The analysis included 94 children with nonmalignant disorder who underwent allogeneic HSCT in the Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation in Wroclaw during years 2016-2020. Twenty-seven (29%) children presented with CMV infection, including ten (10/27; 37%) with high level CMV viremia (10,000 copies/mL). Six patients experienced subsequent CMV reactivation. The first-line ganciclovir-based (GCV) treatment was insufficient in 40% (11/27) of children. Overall survival (OS) was significantly lower in children with high CMV viremia compared to those with low levels/no CMV [1yrOS High CMV = 0.80 (95% CI 0.41-0.95) vs. 1yrOS others = 0.96 (95% CI 0.89-0.99)]. Similarly, patients with resistant and recurrent infections had greater risk of death. CMV reactivation at any level relevantly prolonged the hospital stay. CMV reactivation with high viremia load and resistant/recurrent CMV infections lead to a significant decrease in OS in children with nonmalignant disorders treated with HSCT. Our data proves there is an urgent need to introduce an effective anti-CMV prophylaxis in this cohort of patients.

Mechanisms Accompanying Chromium Release from Concrete.

The use of mineral additives from the power and metallurgy industries in the production of building materials still raises questions about the ecological safety of such materials. These questions are particularly associated with the release of heavy metals. The article presents research related to the leaching of chromium from concretes made of Portland cement CEM I and slag cement CEM III/B (containing 75% of granulated blast furnace slag). Concrete was evaluated for leaching mechanisms that may appear during tank test over the long term (64 days). It has been presented that the dominating process associated with the leaching of chromium from both types of concrete is surface wash-off. Between the 9th and 64th day of the test, leaching of Portland cement concrete can be diffusion controlled. It has been proven that the participation of slag in the composition of concrete does not affect the level of leaching of chromium into the environment from concrete.

An assessment of pH-dependent release and mobility of heavy metals from metallurgical slag.

The paper presents the results obtained in pHstat leaching test and assesses the influence of pH changes and occurring processes on the release of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Crtotal, Pb, Cu and Zn) from metallurgical slag in a zinc smelter. Additionally, the analysis of the potential maximum amount of element available for leaching and releasing in the batch leaching test was carried out. All the results of the leaching tests were compared with the total content of heavy metals in the material. In order to evaluate the chemical forms of elements, a sequential extraction study was also carried out. On the basis of test results obtained in pHstat test, a strong dependence of heavy metals leaching on the pH was found. The highest concentrations of the analysed elements were observed in acidic environment. For most metals, except for lead, an increase in the pH of the solution caused a decrease in their concentration. Lead showed an upward trend of release under alkaline conditions. A sharp increase of copper leaching at pH 10.5 was also observed. Based on the results of the study, cadmium can be considered the most mobile element from metallurgical slag. Chromium indicated the lowest degree of release.

Properties of Concrete Made with Low-Emission Cements CEM II/C-M and CEM VI.

The paper presents the composition and properties of low-emission ternary cements: Portland multicomponent cement CEM II/C-M and multicomponent cement CEM VI. In the ternary cements, Portland clinker was replaced at the levels of 40% and 55% with a mixture of the main components such as limestone (LL), granulated blast furnace slag (S) and siliceous fly ash (V). Portland multicomponent cements CEM II/C-M and CEM VI are low-emission binders with CO2 emissions ranging from 340 (CEM VI) kg to 453 (CEM II/C-M) kg per Mg of cement. The results obtained indicate the possibility of a wider use of ground limestone (LL) in cement composition. This is important in the case of limited market availability of fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag. The tests conducted on concrete have shown that the necessary condition for obtaining a high strength class and durability of concrete from CEM II/C-M and CEM VI ternary cements is low water-cement ratio. Durability characteristics of concrete (carbonation susceptibility, chloride ion permeation, frost resistance) made of CEM II/C-M and CEM VI cements were determined after 90 days of hardening. This period of curing reflects the performance properties of the concrete in a more effective way.

Introduction of new pediatric EBMT criteria for VOD diagnosis: is it time-saving or money-wasting? : Prospective evaluation of pediatric EBMT criteria for VOD.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a potentially fatal complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We evaluated in prospective analysis the usefulness of the pediatric EBMT criteria for VOD diagnosis and their presumable impact on cost effectiveness and patients' outcome. Study included all 282 HSCT procedures performed in Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and BMT in Wroclaw between January 2016 and March 2019. Data were compared with previous VOD research conducted in our center before year 2016. Twenty-five (8.9%) patients (median age 3.5 years) were diagnosed with VOD. Duration of defibrotide (DF) administration varied from 4 to 34 days (median: 16.5), with 96% response rate. Overall survival was 88%. If applying Baltimore and modified Seattle criteria, VOD incidence was 2.13% and 5.7%, respectively. Median diagnosis delay based on modified Seattle criteria was 3 days. Before 2016, VOD incidence was 4.9%, with 74% DF response rate (p = 0.033) and 56.2% OS (p = 0.008). After implementing new criteria length of hospitalization for VOD patients decreased by median of 12 days (p = 0.009). Earlier VOD diagnosis, facilitated by EBMT criteria, resulting in implementing immediate treatment significantly improved patients' outcome. Furthermore, it allows shortening of DF administration and minimizes length of hospital stay.

[Amphetamine and its analogues determination in urine from patients hospitalized in the Department of Toxicology Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum in Krakow]. / Oznaczanie amfetamin i ich zmodyfikowanych form w moczu pacjentów Kliniki Toksykologii UJ Collegium Medicum w Krakowie.

UNLABELLED: The most popular stimulant drugs in Poland are amphetamine and its analogues: ecstasy (MDMA) and methamphetamine (MA). The substances are usually determined by immunoassays (EMIT, FPIA, Rapid Tests) in medical, toxicological laboratories. The methods are not useful for identification of the substances. Chromatography methods are reference, confirmation methods that identify stimulant drugs in biological samples. The aim of the study was investigation of kinds of amphetamine derivatives abused by poisoned patients treated in the Clinic of Toxicology of the Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum in Krakow. Materials for the study were urine samples collected from 46 patients. All the samples were positive for amphetamine presence by EMIT (cut off = 300nn/ mL). Amphetamine analogues were identified by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Amphetamine alone was present in 54.3% samples; amphetamine and it's analogues (MDMA, MDA, MA) were present in 26.0%; MDA and MDMA (no amphetamine) were present in 19.5% samples. In one case no amphetamine neither its analogues were detected in the sample. The positive amphetamine EMIT result was caused by fenfluramine--the substance present in slimming product. CONCLUSIONS: the most often determined stimulant drug in the group of poisoned patients was amphetamine. The frequency of MDMA and MA intoxications were occasional and with probably increase. Immunoassay tests are useful for routine analysis in clinic laboratories but in some cases when the history is unreliable, confirmation analysis by reference method should be performed to identify the abused substance.

Oxidative Stress and Hemostatic Parameters in Patients With Nephrolithiasis Before and After Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy.

PURPOSE: In patients with nephrolithiasis, oxidative stress, especially lipid peroxidation is observed. Moreover, various invasive methods [including extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)] for treatment of nephrolithiasis may induce not only the oxidative stress, but they may modulate hemostasis. The study was aimed to evaluate the oxidative damages of lipids and proteins in patients with nephrolithiasis (before and after ureteroscopic lithotripsy - URSL). The aim of the present study was also determine selected parameters of hemostasis in these patients. METHODS: 56 patients with nephrolithiasis and 49 healthy participants were included: 30 men and 26 women (for patient group); 27 men and 22 women (for healthy group). We measured the level of selected typical two biomarkers of oxidative modification of lipids [such as the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and isoprostane concentration (8-isoPGF2α)] and two biomarkers of oxidative damages of proteins (carbonylation and the level of thiol groups) in patients with nephrolithiasis (before and after URSL). The following parameters of hemostasis were measured: blood platelet count, the level of fibrinogen and D-dimer, and coagulation times (the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT) of plasma). RESULTS: Different levels of plasma lipid peroxidation were observed in patients with nephrolithiasis before URSL and after URSL. However, no such difference in the level of oxidative damage to plasma proteins was observed. In addition, the tested hemostasis parameters were not influenced by the presence of nephrolithiasis, nor by treatment with URSL. CONCLUSION: We suggest URSL does not induce the oxidative modifications of plasma proteins and does not change hemostatic parameters in patients with nephrolithiasis.