Concha Bullosa in Paleoanthropological Material.

Concha bullosa is a variant of the sinonasal anatomy in which the middle nasal turbinate contains pneumatized cells, which leads to turbinate enlargement. The reason for concha bullosa formation is unclear, but the variant is seen in up to half the modern population and it may predispose to paranasal sinusitis. The variant has hitherto featured little in paleopathology. Therefore, in the present study we seek to determine the presence of concha bullosa, with the coexisting hypertrophy of the middle turbinate and signs of sinusitis or other pathology of the paranasal complex, in a population living in Tomersdorf-Toporow in the Upper Lausatia, a historical region in Germany and Poland, presently Zgorzelec County in the Lower Silesian voivodeship, at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century. The material consisted of 32 skeletons (24 males, 8 females). The gender, age, and stress indicators and the presence of pathological signs were assessed, followed by CT of the skulls. We found 2 skulls (6.3 %) with concha bullosa. In one case septal nasal deviation was present. We conclude that the incidence of concha bullosa could be lower in the past times than at present. Wider research is necessary to settle whether concha bullosa is indeed a rare respiratory paleopathology or a missed, and thus underreported observation.

Concha Bullosa in Paleoanthropological Material.

Concha bullosa is a variant of the sinonasal anatomy in which the middle nasal turbinate contains pneumatized cells, which leads to turbinate enlargement. The reason for concha bullosa formation is unclear, but the variant is seen in up to half the modern population and it may predispose to paranasal sinusitis. The variant has hitherto featured little in paleopathology. Therefore, in the present study we seek to determine the presence of concha bullosa, with the coexisting hypertrophy of the middle turbinate and signs of sinusitis or other pathology of the paranasal complex, in a population living in Tomersdorf-Toporow in the Upper Lausatia, a historical region in Germany and Poland, presently Zgorzelec County in the Lower Silesian voivodeship, at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century. The material consisted of 32 skeletons (24 males, 8 females). The gender, age, and stress indicators and the presence of pathological signs were assessed, followed by CT of the skulls. We found 2 skulls (6.3 %) with concha bullosa. In one case septal nasal deviation was present. We conclude that the incidence of concha bullosa could be lower in the past times than at present. Wider research is necessary to settle whether concha bullosa is indeed a rare respiratory paleopathology or a missed, and thus underreported observation.

Prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis in Poland and costs generated by AS patients in the public healthcare system.

The aim of the research was to analyse the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Poland and to assess the costs generated by AS patients in the system of public health care. The database of national payer-National Health Fund (NHF)-has been analysed. For the analysis, the information has been extracted from IT system about each treated patient with ICD-10 = M45 code as main or coexisting diagnosis included in the mandatory reports from entities of public healthcare service. In the years 2008-2013, from 28,800 to 32,800 persons diagnosed with AS as main or coexisting diagnosis have been registered in NHF database. In 2013, the prevalence amounted to 7.48 for 10,000 persons of general population-the highest in Kujawy-Pomerania province (10.92 per 10,000 inhabitants), Silesia (10.04) and Swietokrzyskie province (9.81). In male patients, this coefficient amounted to 8.91 per 10,000 inhabitants, whereas in female-to 6.15. In 2013, the prevalence for men was the highest in the age group of 60-64 years and for women in the group of 65-69 years. The healthcare expenses related to AS financed by the NHF increased from 13,200 million PLN (6.3 million USD) in 2008 to 72,600 million PLN (21,900 million USD) in 2013. The increase in healthcare expenses related to AS patients in the public healthcare system is significant and noticeable. High regional diversity is also a vital issue. It is necessary to carry out further research on the incidence rate of AS in Polish population.

Topography of the mental foramen in human skulls originating from different time periods.

The location of the mental foramen is used in a number of maxillofacial surgical procedures and in anthropological examinations. The position of the mental foramen has been reported to vary in different ethnic groups and in different historical populations. The aim of this work was to analyse the topography of the mental foramen in mandibles from selected historical populations from the Pomeranian region in Poland. The material consisted of three groups: 92 skulls from the beginning of the 20th century from Szczecin (earlier name Stettin), and two Mediaeval groups -31 skulls from Rurka (historic Rörchen), 18th-19th centuries, and 50 skulls from Sypniewo (historic Zyppnow), 11th-13th centuries. Distances of the mental foramen in relation to the midline, and to the second corresponding point were measured. Additionally, non-metric traits of the mental foramen were recorded. No significant differences in average diameters of the mental foramina measured on the right and the left sides were observed between historical populations. On both sides, in all groups, the foramen was mainly located between positions of the lower first and lower second premolars. In all three groups the direction of the opening of the mental foramen was superoposterior. The similar level of epigenetic variation was observed in all groups. The position and the direction of the exit were similar to other previously studied European populations.

Respiratory diseases in the late middle ages.

Respiratory diseases have beset humanity from the earliest times. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the inhabitants of a large medieval city. We analyzed 110 skeletons, coming from 12 to 17th century of individuals of either gender. In order to assess pneumatisation of paranasal sinuses and nasal septum curvature, radiographs were performed in the PA projection. Nasal septum deviation was found in 50% of individuals, asymmetry of the frontal sinuses and their aplasia in 11% of individuals. There was no significant relationship between the curvature of the nasal septum and frontal sinus aplasia. One case of tuberculosis and one case of periradicular abscess causing perforation of the maxillary sinus were noted. Developmental variation of the sternum was present in two individuals. In another two individuals, rib fractures with bone union were observed. Analysis of the presence of respiratory disease in bone material is particularly difficult, but the use of modern methods: X-rays, CT scans and endoscopy significantly extends the capability to unravel the underlying causes of bygone diseases.

Characterisation of the supraorbital foramen and notch as an exit route for the supraorbital nerve in populations from different climatic conditions.

The aim of this study was to obtain morphological data on the supraorbital foramina and notches related to sex and side of the skull in populations from different climatic conditions. We assume that the type and frequency of these supraorbital structures may depend on the climatic conditions in which the population lived. Populations from colder regions should have a higher frequency of foramina and populations from warmer climates should have a higher frequency of supraorbital notches than other populations. This may be a result of adaptive changes and developmental responses to ambient temperatures, for prevention of heat loss in the supraorbital neurovascular bundle passing through these supraorbital structures. Localisation of the supraorbital neurovascular bundle is higher and deeper when it passes through the foramen than in the notch. A total of 1978 orbits from 989 skulls collected in three climatic regions: warm, temperate and cold, were analysed. The highest frequency of supraorbital foramina (35.4%) was in skulls from cold climatic conditions. In samples from warm climates, the frequency of supraorbital foramina was lowest (16.4%). In contrast, the frequency of supraorbital notches was highest in the sample from warm climates (54.5%), and lowest in the sample from cold climatic conditions (44.0%). Statistically significant differences in the frequency of supraorbital structures were found between cold climate sample and the other two samples (p<0.05). Our results suggest a relationship between the type of supraorbital structure and climatic conditions as an adaptation to cold climate and thermoregulatory processes concerning the human head. This research is of direct relevance to clinical practice, and drawing attention to the differences in the frequency of these supraorbital structures may help surgeons to avoid injuring the neurovascular bundles. These data and studies may also contribute to the understanding of the impact of climate on the morphology of modern European skulls.

Selection of skull morphological traits for sexual dimorphism analysis.

The aim of the present work was to test how the method used for elimination of pathological or incidental individuals from the studied historical sample, as well as the number of morphological traits analysed, influence values of sexual dimorphism index (SDI). The material from two Polish medieval burial sites: Sypniewo (11th to 13th century) and Gródek nad Bugiem (13th to 17th century), was studied. In total, 749 skeletons were analysed, 527 of which were from Sypniewo and 222 from Gródek nad Bugiem. Sexual dimorphism index was used to compare the results obtained when different methods were employed to eliminate the individuals characterised by extreme values of the analysed traits from the sample. It was concluded that in the majority of cases the method used for material selection significantly affected the results.

TRALI due to granulocyte-agglutinating human neutrophil antigen-3a (5b) alloantibodies in donor plasma: a report of 2 fatalities.

BACKGROUND: TRALI is usually an immunologic reaction to WBC antibodies in infused plasma and ranks second only to ABO mismatch as a cause of transfusion-associated death. Implicated donors are usually multiparous women (>/=3 pregnancies). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two fatal cases of TRALI were evaluated by reviewing clinical and laboratory findings and characterizing alloantibodies present in donor plasma. Investigation for WBC antibodies was by lymphocytotoxicity (LCT), FlowPRA (FlowPRA, One Lambda, Inc.) and granulocyte immunofluorescence and agglutination assays. Patient 1 was a 62-year-old man with chronic T-cell lymphocytic leukemia, and Patient 2 was a 54-year-old woman undergoing a cadaveric kidney transplant. Both patients developed acute respiratory distress and hypotension during (Patient 1) and approximately 30 minutes after (Patient 2) transfusion. Fulminant pulmonary edema ensued in both cases necessitating mechanical ventilation and both patients died within 24 hours of the onset of respiratory complications. RESULTS: The donors of the implicated blood components were women with a history of two pregnancies but no blood transfusions. Weak apparently panreactive granulocyte antibodies were detected with flow cytometry. However, in the granulocyte agglutination test, strong antibodies specific for human neutrophil antigen (HNA)-3a (5b) were identified in both donors. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that female blood donors with only two previous pregnancies can form clinically important granulocyte-reactive alloantibodies leading to fatal TRALI reactions in recipients. The sometimes devastating consequences of TRALI should prompt the development of strategies to prevent or reduce its incidence. Further research is warranted to investigate recipient and donor factors responsible for TRALI, including whether 5b (HNA-3a) alloantibodies are especially prone to cause severe reactions, and to better characterize the HNA-3a (5b) antigen, particularly at the molecular level.

Histological changes in the retina in experimental alloxan-induced diabetes in rabbits.

Mature rabbits were given a single dose of alloxan at the dose of 100 mg/kg of b.m. After 3 and 6 weeks and after 3 and 6 months the retina samples were taken from the areas immediate to the papilla of the optic nerve. Half-thin sections were stained with Swiss blue and azure, and the changes in the particular layers were evaluated under the light microscope. Morphological changes in the form of decreased number of neurones (especially ganglionic) and narrowed layer of rods and cones occurred after 6 weeks. After 3 months even further increase in the number of neurones and atrophy of the pigmented epithelium cells were observed. After 6 weeks nearly total atrophy of ganglionic neurones and distinct narrowing of all the layers were found.

Histological examination of the thyroid after experimental administration of Metizol.

The investigations were carried out on thyroids of white Wistar rats which were given Metizol for 3 days, 3 and 6 weeks at the dose of 1 mg/kg of b.m. for 24 hrs. The samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and by the PAS method. The following changes were observed: 1. Three-day administration of Metizol resulted in the decrease in the quantity of colloid; the secretory epithelium became uniform--i.e. cubic; the quantity of the interfollicular tissue increased. 2. Three-week administration of Metizol resulted in appearing of colloid stained differently than in the control group; secretory epithelium cells were of different height (cubic and cylindrical), a considerate congestion of the gland was visible, the quantity of the interfollicular tissue increased. 3. After 6 weeks of Metizol administration the morphological picture of the thyroid became similar to that of the control group.

Myasthenic crisis. Response to plasmapheresis following failure of intravenous gamma-globulin.

Myasthenic crisis is a potentially life-threatening complication of myasthenia gravis that requires aggressive therapy. We describe four patients in whom myasthenic crisis developed and who failed to respond to initial treatment with intravenous gamma-globulin. All four patients subsequently responded to intensive plasma exchange. Based on our experience, plasmapheresis appears to be superior to intravenous gamma-globulin for the treatment of myasthenic crisis in certain patients. Prognostic factors that determine the effectiveness of intravenous gamma-globulin vs plasmapheresis in these patients merit further investigation.

[Studies of acidic degradation of heparin. A UV-VIS spectroscopy study]. / Badanie produktów kwasowej degradacji heparyny. I. Analiza widmowa.

The preliminary studies on acidic degradation of heparin were performed. The UV-VIS and 1H-NMR techniques were used. The analogical features of degradation products of heparin, glucuronic acid and furfural were found (7 characteristic groups).

[Hydrolysis of keratin products using some of sulfonic acids. Isolation of hydrolysing factors from hydrolyzates]. / Hydroliza odpadowych surowców keratynowych z zastosowaniem niektórych kwasów sulfonowych. III. Izolowanie czynników hydrolizujacych z hydrolizatów.

The term of isolation of arylosulfonic acids as hydrolysing factors from casein's hydrolyzates have been worked out. The most satisfactory results have been achieved when using in this case chloride 2,3,5-triphenylo-2H-tetrazole. When using benzenosulfonic acid as the best hydrolising factor 98.4% of this acid was removed from hydrolysates of hoofs whereas 96.1% was removed from hydrolysates of bristles. The residues of acids remaining in hydrolysates have been removed by shaking with Wofatyt SBW in form H+. The total recovery of aminoacids irrespectively to kind of hydrolyzate and applied acid amounts to 95.5% average.

Specificity of human keratinocyte X HeLa cell hybrid murine monoclonal antibodies.

The immunofluorescent staining patterns of three differentiation-specific monoclonals (HLK3, HLK7, HLK20) that display different immunofluorescent (IF) reactivity in normal and psoriatic epidermis, were examined in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as other human normal epithelial and nonepithelial tissues. Similar staining patterns within epidermis were seen with HLK3 (intercellular) and HLK7 (perinuclear) in psoriasis, SCC, and BCC. HLK20 selectively stained BCC and SCC within epidermis and dermis, and was negative in psoriasis. The monoclonals did not react with nonepithelial tissues, but repetitively displayed positive, granular reactivity with simple epithelia and transitional epithelium. Stratified squamous epithelia showed IF staining similar to normal epidermis for all three monoclonals. These new monoclonal antibodies offer new investigative tools to study abnormalities in keratinocyte differentiation in benign and malignant hyperplastic skin diseases.

[Hydrolysis of raw keratin wastes with use of certain sulfonic acids. II. Analysis of optimal conditions for hydrolysis]. / Hydroliza odpadowych surowców keratynowych z zastosowaniem niektórych kwasów sulfonowych. II. Opracowanie optymalnych warunków hydrolizy.

We have fixed optimal conditions to hydrolysis of the waste keratin material cerebellum, hoof and bristle. With apply 1 mol/dm3 solutions of acids: amide-, benzene-, 4-methylbenzene- and naphtalene-1-sulfonate, the best results obtained by degradation protein for 24 hours in closed glass tube in the argon in the temperature 110 degrees C by means of benzenesulfonate acid; materials after hydrolysis contain all exogenous amino acids.

[Hydrolysis of waste keratin material for use of certain sulfonated acids. I. Chemical characteristics of protein waste products]. / Hydroliza odpadowych surowców keratynowychz zastosowaniem niektórych kwasów sulfonowych.I. Chemiczna charakterystyka odpadowego bialka.

We have fixed optimal conditions for preparation to analysis of waste keratin material (bristle, cerebellum and hoof), which then description of the chemical character define in there fat, moisture and ash content, nitrogen: total and ammonium and qualitative and quantitative composition amino acids. Results, which we obtained indicate to possibility utilization waste keratin material to obtain of full value, dyeability protein products.

Recurrent abortions and paternal balanced translocation t(lq--;13q+).

A healthy husband showing balanced simple translocation (1q--;13q+) is presented. The relevance of these findings to genetic counselling prompted by recurrent abortion in his wife is discussed.