Lower proportions of CD4+CD25(high) and CD4+FoxP3, but not CD4+CD25+CD127(low) FoxP3+ T cell levels in children with autoimmune thyroid diseases.

The essence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is loss of tolerance of own tissues caused by malfunction of T lymphocytes, which affects the production of antibodies reacting with particular cell structures and tissues. Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) take part in the regulation of immune response and play a leading role in developing immune tolerance through active suppression. The aim of the study was to estimate the expression of CD4+CD25(high), CD4+CD25+CD127(low)FoxP3(+) and CD4+ FoxP3 T cells in patients with Graves' disease (GD) (n = 24, median age 15.5 years), in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (n = 30, median age 15 years) in comparison with sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects (n = 30, median age 15 years). Polychromatic flow cytometry using a FACSCalibur (BD Biosciences) cytometer was applied to delineate T regulatory cell populations. In untreated patients with Graves' disease and HT we observed a significant decrease in CD4+FoxP3 (p < 0.001, p < 0.01) and CD4+CD25(high) (p < 0.016, p < 0.048) T lymphocytes as compared to the healthy control subjects. After 6-12 months of L-thyroxine therapy in HT cases these phenotypes of Tregs were normalized, yet no such changes were observed during GD therapy. The analysis of CD4+CD25+CD127(low)FoxP3+ T cells in the peripheral blood revealed comparable percentages of these cells in patients with thyroid autoimmune diseases to the controls. We conclude that the reduction number of Tregs with CD4+CD25(high) and CD4+FoxP3 phenotype suggests their role in initiation and development of autoimmune process in thyroid disorders.

Follow-up study of olfactory deficits, cognitive functions, and volume loss of medial temporal lobe structures in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: At 3 years after diagnosis, the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is estimated to be 18% to 30%. To improve treatment of patients at high dementia risk there is a need for a better prediction of the risk for transition from MCI to AD. Olfactory deficits are a hypothetical predictor of conversion form MCI to AD. Furthermore, several studies point at volumetric reduction of medial temporal lobe structures as predictors of conversion form MCI to AD. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether investigations of odor deficits in MCI combined with neuropsychological tests and MRI examinations can improve prediction of the development of dementia. METHODS: Changes in olfactory functions, cognitive functions, and volume of medial temporal lobe structures (hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, and amygdala) were evaluated in a 24-month follow-up study in 49 MCI patients and 33 controls. RESULTS: In the MCI group, a prediction of strong cognitive functions deterioration based on poor performance in Olfactory Identification tests shows sensitivity of 57% and specificity of 88%. The test based on cognitive functions only shows a sensitivity of 44%, and 89%, respectively. Combined tests having a criteria of poor olfactory identification performance AND poor results of neuropsychological tests showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 84%. Furthermore, correlation was found between the results of Olfactory Identification tests at baseline and deterioration of cognitive functions at follow up. Odor identification threshold did not appear to be a dementia predictor. A correlation of progress of cognitive function deterioration, odor identification deterioration, and decrease of volume of the hippocampus was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of MCI to dementia conversion can be improved by supplementing the neuropsychological tests with odor identification tests. A follow up study of hippocampus volume reduction, OI performance and cognitive functions deterioration will further increase prediction accuracy.

Relationship between metabolic parameters and thyroid hormones and the level of gastric peptides in children with autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Overweight and diseases connected with it are increasing problems in children and adults. We often observe change of weight in thyroid disease. It is emphasized that changes in hormones such as peptide levels are in close relationship with regulation of body mass: ghrelin increases appetite and in effect increases body mass, but obestatin decreases appetite and weight. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between lipid-carbohydrate metabolism parameters and thyroid hormones and the level of gastric peptides (ghrelin and obestatin) in young patients with Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and in children with simple goiter. The study group formed 78 patients suffering from Graves' disease (29 girls and 2 boys; aged from 6 to 21 - mean 15,2 yrs) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (29 girls and 3 boys; aged from 9 to 18--mean 14.5 yrs). The control group consisted of children with simple goiter--13 girls and 2 boys; aged from 9 to 18 --mean 14.8 yrs. In all patients, ghrelin and obestatin levels were analyzed by the RIA method (Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, USA). In children and adolescents with untreated Graves' disease we found higher levels of insulin and HOMA-IR index compared to the group of children with simple goiter (34 +/- 8 microIU/mL vs 15 +/- 5; p < 0.03; 7.3 +/- 1.2 vs 3 +/- 0.3, p < 0.03). No significant correlations were observed of gastric hormones with antithyroid antibodies, lipids or h-CRP in patients with untreated hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism. Positive correlation was noted of insulin and glucose levels and HOMA-IR index with ghrelin level in children with newly diagnosed Graves' disease (r = 0.109, p < 0.045; r = 0.176, p < 0.036; r = 0.174, p < 0.037). The correlation was also positive between obestatin level and HOMA-IR index in children with subclinical hypothyroidism in the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (r = 0.497, p < 0.011). We also examined the relationship between BMI, thyroid hormones and the level of gastric peptides. In untreated GD patients, ghrelin level exhibited a significant negative correlation with fT3 and fT4 (r = -0.38, p < 0.041; r = -0.459, p < 0.012) and positive with TSH (r = 0.38, p < 0.041) and BMI (r = 0.8, p < 0.01). In conclusion, we suggest that the disturbances in carbohydrate parameters in thyroid diseases have an essential effect on change of hormone-controlled appetite: ghrelin (in hyperthyroidism) and obestatin (in Subclinical hypothyroidism).

[Preliminary evaluation of the incidence and control of insects--pest control in Polish hospitals]. / Wstepna ocena wystepowania i zwalczania owadów--szkodników sanitarnych w szpitalach w Polsce.

The evaluation of the infestation and methods of insect disease vectors control in 748 hospitals in Poland in the period of 1990 to 1995 were done. The insect species, places of their occurrence and control agents were analysed. Blattella germanica L. occurred most frequently (71% hospitals). Blatta orientalis and Monomorium pharaonis were found in 40% and 17% hospitals respectively. Kitchens, laundries and baths were most infested. Sometimes insects were found also in central sterilization units and operating theaters. Controls of insects in hospitals were performed one to four times a year mostly by spraying with residual formulation. The control agents contained pyrethroids (mostly permethrin, but also deltamethrin and cypermethrin) and carbamates (bendiocarb, propoxur). Baits with hydramethylnon, boric acid, methoprene and chlorpyrifos were used not very often. The authors suggest reduction in using the spraying agents. The baits are recommended because they delay the development of the resistance to pesticides in controlling insect populations and are safer.

[Nutrition and mortality from some diet-related diseases]. / Zywienie a umieralnosc z powodu chorób dietozaleznych.

Authors analysed changes in consumption of selected food groups (cereals, fruit, vegetables, meat, fat, sweets) as well as mortality indexes (CVD, intestinal cancers, diabetes) among four European countries (the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden) during 1970-1992. It was shown that consumption of fruit and vegetables (except the Netherlands) significantly increased. The growing tendency of meat consumption was decelerated, whereas no changes were observed in case of cereals, total fats and sweets. However (except Sweden) fats of animal origin decreased in favour of vegetable ones. As far as mortality from CVD and stomach cancer is concerned some decrease was observed in all countries. In addition mortality from intestine and colon cancer was lower in Sweden as well as UK. Although changes in dietary pattern are playing the crucial role observed mortality rates, other factors related to style of life incl. smoking or physical activity should not be overlooked.

[Susceptibility of cockroaches Blattella germanica L. collected from hospitals to selected pyrethroid and carbamate insecticides]. / Opornosc prusaków Blattella germanica L. odlowionych w szpitalach na wybrane insektycydy pyretroidowe i karbaminianowe.

The resistance to four pyrethroid insecticides: permethrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, etofenprox, and to two carbamate insecticides--bendiocarb, propoxur was investigated on field strains of German cockroaches (Blatella germanica L.) caught in hospitals from various parts of Poland. The tests were carried out only on males by the contact method recommended by the WHO. The resistance was evaluated on the basis of LT50S and resistance ratios (RRs). The tested fields strains showed high or moderate resistance to permethrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin and bendiocarb: moderate resistance or tolerance to etofenproks (this compound has been never used in Poland before), and tolerance or susceptibility to propoxur.

[Antithrombotic activity of low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) during hemodialysis in patients with terminal kidney failure]. / Przeciwzakrzepowe dzialanie niskoczasteczkowej heparyny (enoksaparyny) w czasie hemodializy u pacjentów ze schylkowa niewydolnoscia nerek.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of low molecular weight heparine (enoxaparin) in comparison to heparin during haemodialysis (HD) in prevention of blood clotting chestry extracorporeal circulation. Enoxaparin (Clexan, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, in syringes, 20 mg) was evaluated in 42 patients with end stage renal failure treated with HD. In the first part of study heparine and in the second part enoxaparin given into arterial lines were evaluated during 6 following HD with the same type of dialysator. Clotting of extracorporeal circulation and bleeding time from the needle site after HD were evaluated. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) before, after 1 hour of HD and after HD during heparine and enoxaparin were measured. There was advantage of enoxaparin in 23 patients when compared to heparine. It was depended on the reduction of number of injections of enoxaparin when compared to heparine (22 patients have received heparine in 2 or more doses when only 5 patients have received enoxaparin in 2 doses) on the reduction of clotting events in extracorporeal circulation (16 events during heparine treatment -6.3% of all HD and 5 events during enoxaparin treatment -2.0% of all HD), and on the shortening of the bleeding time from the needle site after HD (5.9 +/- 3.4 min. during heparin and 4.5 +/- 1.6 min. during enoxaparin treatment; p < 0.02). Increase of APTT after 1 hour of HD when compared to the value from before HD was significantly lower during enoxaparin than heparine therapy (1.73 +/- 0.4 and 2.55 +/- 0.91 respectively; p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[House fly development after chitin biosynthesis inhibitor application to eggs]. / Rozwój muchy domowej poddanej dzialaniu inhibitorów biosyntezy chityny w stadium jaj.

Nine asymmetrically substituted ureas were bioassayed against house-fly (Musca domestica L.) eggs. The compounds included benzoylaryl urea derivatives, shown in Table I, (compounds 1 and 3-8) and benzoylheteroaryl ureas (2 and 9) which previously revealed effective inhibition of metamorphosis and reproduction when applied in food to the larvae and adults. The benzoyl moiety of the compounds comprise 2,6-disubstituted benzene ring with fluorine atoms (6-9), chlorine atoms (1-2) or fluorine and chlorine atoms (3-5), respectively. The majority of the compounds include aniline derivatives (1, 3-8), except the two containing pyridine ring (2) or pyridone-2 system (9). The eggs of house fly Musca domestica L. (some hours after they were laid) were put on a piece of cloth impregnated with acetone solution of tested compounds in concentrations 0.1 and 0.01%. The hatching of larvae and the later phases of development were observed. From the tested compounds one (no 8 in tab. II) decreased and delayed the hatching, two compounds (no 1 and 4 in tab. II) affected the later stages of development: the number of pupae and adults were decreased.

[Increased fibrinogen and factor VII activity levels in patients after myocardial infarction]. / Zwiekszone stezenie fibrynogenu i aktywnosci czynnika VII u chorych po zawale serca.

Functional and biochemical parameters of the haemostatic system in coronary heart disease (CHD) are still not well defined. Epidemiological studies indicate a positive correlation between fibrinogen (F) level and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Two independent ways of factor VII activation in the coagulation cascade suggest a special role of this factor in clot forming (Fig. 1). 22 patients (pts) under 55 yrs with a history of myocardial infarction (MT) and 22 healthy control men were studied for F level and factor VII activity (fVIIa). We found increased F level (M-363.3 mg/dl) and high level of VIIa (M-150.3%) in plasma of pts with a history of MI. Furthermore a strong positive correlation between fVIIa in plasma and F level (r = 0.62), serum cholesterol (chol) (r = 0.35), serum triglycerides (tg) (r = 0.32) (Tab. 2) was bound. Calculations were performed for all subjects: pts and control combined in one group. A possible influence of diet on fVIIa level is discussed. One should consider the usefulness of oral anticoagulants in the prophylaxis of MT.

[Ferritin (tumor marker) in patients with laryngeal cancer and precancerous conditions]. / Ferrytyna (marker nowotworowy) u chorych na raka krtani w stanach przedrakowych.

Evaluation of the ferritin as a neoplasm marker was performed in laryngeal cancer patients. In 35 laryngeal cancer patients and in 21 laryngeal leucoplakia patients the ferritin serum level and the blastic transformation of leucocytes were tested. In both groups the high ferritin level was discovered. It is the sign of low specificity of ferritin as a neoplasm marker. There was no correlation between the ferritin serum level and the degree of the blastic changes of leucocytes.

Blood coagulation changes in rats during development of epithelioma.

Coagulation activity in the blood of rats during the development of Guerin epithelioma was studied. Clotting time, level of fibrinogen and some coagulation factors (II, V, VII + X) in the plasma were determined and thromboelastographic studies were performed. Two periods of blood hypercoagulability were observed in the process of epithelioma development. The first a short-term period, was noticed during the first days following the implantation of the neoplastic tissue. The second took place during the intensive growth of the primary tumor and metastases.