Incorporation of Fluorescent Fluorinated Methacrylate Nano-Sized Particles into Chitosan Matrix Formed as a Membranes or Beads.

Fluorescent particles are of particular interest as probes and active agents for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food applications. Here, we present two strategies for incorporation of core-shell acrylic fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) with Rhodamine B (RhB) as a dye into a chitosan (CS) matrix. We selected two variants of NPsRhB immobilisation in a CS membrane and biopolymeric CS beads. Modification of the method for production of the biopolymer cover/transporter of nanoparticles allowed two series of hydrogels loaded with nanoparticles to be obtained with a similar concentration of the aqueous solution of the nanoparticles. Microscopic analysis showed that the NPs were nonuniformly distributed in millimetre-sized CS beads, as well as membranes, but the fluorescence signal was strong. The composition of CS layers loaded with nanoparticles (CS/NPsRhB) showed water vapour barrier properties, characterised by the contact angle of 71.8°. Finally, we incorporated NPsRhBCS beads into a gelatine matrix to check their stability. The results confirmed good stability of the NPsRhBCS complex system, and no dye leakage was observed from the beads and the membranes. The proposed complex system demonstrated promising potential for further use in bioimaging and, thus, for the development of advanced diagnostic tools.

Chronic Milk-Dependent Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome in Children from West Pomerania Region.

Characteristics of chronic milk-dependent food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) in children from the region of Western Pomerania were studied. Prospectively, 55 children were diagnosed at a median of 2.2 months. The open food challenges (OFC), morphologies, milk-specific IgE (sIgE) (FEIA method, CAP system), and skin prick tests (SPTs) were examined. Vomiting and diarrhea escalated gradually but quickly led to growth retardation. Of the infants, 49% had BMI < 10 c, 20% BMI < 3 c; 25% had anemia, and 15% had hypoalbuminemia. During the OFCs we observed acute symptoms that appeared after 2-3 h: vomiting diarrhea and pallor. A total of 42% children required intravenous hydration. Casein hydrolysates or amino acids formulae (20%) were used in treatment. In 25% of children, SPT and milk sIgE were found, in 18%-other food SPTs, and in 14% allergy to other foods. A transition to IgE-dependent milk allergy was seen in 3 children. In the twelfth month of life, 62% of children had tolerance to milk, and in the twenty-fifth month-87%. Conclusions. Chronic milk-dependent FPIES resolves in most children. By the age of 2 children are at risk of multiple food sensitization, and those who have milk sIgE are at risk to transition to IgE-mediated milk allergy. Every OFC needs to be supervised due to possible severe reactions.

Fluorescent Submicron-Sized Poly(heptafluoro-n-butyl methacrylate) Particles with Long-Term Stability.

Fluorescent submicron particles of fluorinated methacrylate (HFMBA) with long-term stability have been synthesized and characterized with regard to their potential applications. Rhodamine B (RBITC) isothiocyanate was used as the fluorescent component. The core-shell structure of the particles effectively protected the dye against bleaching. HFBMA nanoparticle (NP) stability was confirmed after seven years of storage. Only slight differences were found in the polydispersity index (pdi) from 0.002 to 0.010. Particle size measurements were carried out using dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking (NTA), and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The hydrodynamic diameter evaluated by different methods were in good agreement, respectively: 184-550 nm, 218-579 nm, and 236-508 nm. Particle and core morphology was estimated by using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The ability to recognize particles in 3D as a reference sample in biological media has been confirmed by epifluorescence optical microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and super-resolution confocal microscopy (STED).

Familial occurrence of Caffey-Silverman syndrome.

Caffey-Silverman syndrome, or infantile hyperostosis, is a rare condition of unclear etiology and pathogenesis affecting the skeletal system and the surrounding soft tissues. It is characterized by indurated swelling of soft tissues and cortical bone hyperostosis. The changes are usually multiple and affect such parts as the mandible, scapulae, ribs, clavicles, and forearm and shank bones. When long bones are affected, the lesions are typically limited to shafts, with the sparing of meta- and epiphyses. The prognosis is usually good and, in most patients, the changes resolve spontaneously after several months to over a year, leaving no permanent sequelae. Caffey-Silverman syndrome needs to be distinguished from osteitis, for which it is most often mistaken. We present a case of an early form of Caffey-Silverman syndrome. The course of disease in this form is usually severe, with multifocal lesions, and the typical self-limiting regression is not complete. In our patient, a systemic musculoskeletal condition was already suspected following the detection of skeletal defects in a prenatal US examination. Physical and radiological work-up in the first weeks of life revealed the typical signs of congenital Caffey-Silverman syndrome. Several years of follow-up showed gradual regression of the bone deformities with persistent lower-extremity bowing. Due to a positive family history for Caffey-Silverman syndrome, the patient's pedigree was prepared. On the basis of the history data, existing radiographs and in- and outpatient medical records, Caffey-Silverman syndrome was confirmed in 10 family members. It was established that the cases of Caffey-Silverman syndrome in the patient's family were characterized by diverse phenotypic expression and different times of onset.

[Analysis of risk factors for nosocomial infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin in the years 2005-2008]. / Analiza czynników ryzyka zakazen szpitalnych w Oddziale Intensywnej Terapii Noworodka Kliniki Neonatologii PAM w Szczecinie w latach 2005-2008.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to assess the significance of some perinatal risk factors and neonatal complications in occurrence of nosocomial infections in the population of NICU patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of risk factors was performed in all patients treated in the years 2005-2008 in NICU Department of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. Five hundred and seventeen neonates divided into groups with and without occurrence of nosocomial infection were included into the study. RESULTS: Seventy-nine (15.28%) neonates developed nosocomial infection. Among them pneumonia (56.96%) and sepsis (21.5%) were the most common. The proportion of Gram-positive and Gram negative organisms were 44.3% and 50.6% respectively. The main risk factor for nosocomial infection was colonization (sensitivity--100% and specificity--94.75%). Univariate analysis showed that premature rupture of fetal membrane, GA<32 hbd, birthweight <2000 g, respiratory insufficiency intracranial hemorrhages and oral feeding intolerance were associated with the development of nosocomial infection. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that mechanical ventilation - OR 9.42 [4.45-19.96] p<0.0001, intracranial hemorrhages--OR 4.12 [2.21-7.67] p<0.0001, necessity of Infant-Flow method--OR 3.32 [1.82-6.06] p<0.0001or n-CPAP method--OR 1.92 [1.07-3.44] p<0.05, necrotizing enterocolitis--OR 2.38 [1.17-4.87] p<0.05 and intrauterine hypotrophy--OR 1.8 [1.07-3.76] p<0.05 were sets of predicted factors for the development of nosocomial infection. We conclude that colonization of NICU patients with hospital pathogens is the most important risk factor of nosocomial infection incidence. Besides colonization, significant additional risk factors for nosocomial infection were mechanical ventilation, intraventricular hemorrhages, low birth weight and low gestational age.

[Assessment of relationship between cord blood cotinine levels and some factors of perinatal hypoxia]. / Ocena zaleznosci miedzy stezeniem kotyniny we krwi pepowinowej a wybranymi wskaznikami niedotlenienia okoloporodowego.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between cord blood cotinine levels and some markers of perinatal hypoxia such as cord blood erythropoietin levels, parameters of umbilical arterial blood gas analysis and Apgar scores. METHODS: 150 women with uncomplicated, healthy singleton pregnancies were assessed by means of a patient questionnaire. Neonates born by the examined pregnant women were divided into 3 groups according to recorded maternal smoking status--active smoking: n = 51, passive smoking: n = 49, non smoking: n = 50. Immediately after birth umbilical venous (for cotinine and erythropoietin levels) and arterial blood (for pH, pO2, pCO2, BE) were collected. RESULTS: Cotinine levels were significantly higher (p < 0.00001) in active smoking group (Me = 19.3 ng/ml) than in passive smoking (Me = 0.75 ng/ml) and non smoking (Me = 0.72 ng/ml) ones. Cord blood erythropoietin, pH values and 1, 3 and 5-minute Apgar scores did not differ significantly between the study groups. No significant correlation between cotinine and erythropoietin, pH and Apgar scores results in all study material and in the compared groups was found. CONCLUSION: No correlation between cord blood cotinine and erythropoietin levels was detected. Cord blood cotinine concentration does not influence the condition of the newborn assessed by Apgar scores and umbilical arterial blood gas analysis.