Serum levels of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and their association with disease activity: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may modulate the inflammatory process in systemic autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to assess the serum concentrations of essential 18-carbon PUFAs and their long-chain derivatives in patients with SLE and healthy controls, and to analyse their associations with laboratory and clinical features of the disease. METHOD: n-6 and n-3 PUFA composition was assessed in the sera of 30 SLE patients and 20 healthy controls using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We investigated the associations between PUFAs and disease activity measured with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, complement C3 and C4 concentrations, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) titre, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody concentration, and medications. RESULTS: Serum linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid concentrations were significantly higher in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. LA concentration correlated positively with the ANA titre and corticosteroid doses; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid correlated inversely with anti-dsDNA antibody concentration. Patients treated with immunosuppressants had significantly lower concentrations of LA, arachidonic acid, and EPA. CONCLUSION: Both n-6 and n-3 PUFA precursors can participate in the inflammatory process in SLE patients. The mechanism of the PUFA metabolism disturbance needs further exploration.

Local properties and phase transitions in Sn doped antiferroelectric PbHfO3 single crystal.

Pb(Hf1-x Sn x )O3 single crystals with x = 0.23 were characterized using single-crystal x-ray diffraction in the wide temperature range. The information on the structure of two intermediate phases, situated between low temperature antiferroelectric and high temperature paraelectric phases, has been obtained. The lower-temperature intermediate AFE2 phase is characterized by incommensurate displacive modulations in the Pb sublattice. The higher temperature intermediate IM phase is characterized by rotations of oxygen octahedra, primarily in the form of anti-phase tilts, which are also present in the lower-temperature AFE2 phase. For the same crystal, 119Sn Mossbauer effect in the temperature range from 300 K to 600 K has been used to study phase transitions mechanism. Two kinds of quadruple splitting have been found. It implies that two different environments of the central Sn ion exist. The observed two kinds of quadruple splitting do not disappear in the whole investigated temperature range which confirm that even far above T C the structure of paraelectric phase is locally non-centrosymmetric.

Dynamic Displacement Disorder of Cubic BaTiO_{3}.

The three-dimensional distribution of the x-ray diffuse scattering intensity of BaTiO_{3} has been recorded in a synchrotron experiment and simultaneously computed using molecular dynamics simulations of a shell model. Together, these have allowed the details of the disorder in paraelectric BaTiO_{3} to be clarified. The narrow sheets of diffuse scattering, related to the famous anisotropic longitudinal correlations of Ti ions, are shown to be caused by the overdamped anharmonic soft phonon branch. This finding demonstrates that the occurrence of narrow sheets of diffuse scattering agrees with a displacive picture of the cubic phase of this textbook ferroelectric material. The presented methodology allows one to go beyond the harmonic approximation in the analysis of phonons and phonon-related scattering.

An impact of the diet on serum fatty acid and lipid profiles in Polish vegetarian children and children with allergy.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vegetarian diet has become an increasing trend in western world and in Poland. The frequency of allergies is growing, and the effectiveness of vegetarian diet in allergic diseases is a concern for research. We aimed to study an effect of vegetarian diet on lipid profile in serum in a group of Polish children in Poland and to investigate lipid parameters in healthy vegetarian children and in omnivorous children with diagnosed atopic disease. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Serum lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, fatty acids) were assessed in groups of children: healthy vegetarians (n=24) and children with diagnosed atopic diseases (n=16), with control group of healthy omnivores (n=18). Diet classification was assessed by a questionnaire. RESULTS: No differences were observed in serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids level in all groups. In the group of Polish vegetarian children, we recorded high consumption of vegetable oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acid, and sunflower oil containing linoleic acid. This observation was associated with higher content of linoleic acid in serum in this group. Among polyunsaturated n-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid revealed significantly (P<0.05) lower levels in allergy vs vegetarian groups. In case of eicosapentaenoic acid (n-3 fatty acid), the allergy group showed higher levels of this compound in comparison to vegetarians. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly higher concentration of linoleic acid in vegetarian children in comparison to allergy group indicated possible alternative path of lipid metabolism in studied groups, and in consequence, some elements of vegetarian diet may promote protection against allergy.

[Biological activity of polar lipids from bifidobacteria].

Fractions of polar lipids have been isolated from bifidobacteria, and the immunoreactivity and serological specificity of glycolipids and phospholipids have been studied. Enzyme immunoassay (dot-EIA) of polar lipids demonstrates that the fractions of glycolipids and phospholipids of bifidobacteria are highly immunoreactive. Pronounced reactions of major glycolipids and phospholipids with a homologous polyvalent antiserum against B. adolescentis 94-BIM have been observed at antigen concentrations of approximately 100 ng. The antiserum contained high titers of specific antibodies against glycolipids and phospholipids of bifidobacteria, as demonstrated by heterogeneous solid-phase enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Experimental data confirming the presence of subpopulations of specific antibodies (antiglycolipid and antiphospholipid) in the blood sera of immunized animals lead to the conclusion that the major glycolipids and phospholipids of bifidobacteria are specific markers appropriate for serological diagnostics.

[Nocardia and human nocardiosis]. / Nocardia i nokardiozy.

Nocardia spp. are pathogens commonly found in soil worldwide, and they cause mostly opportunistic infections in humans and animals, complicating both immunodepressive states and primary diseases. Nocardiosis is difficult to proper microbiological and clinical diagnosis because of its non-specific symptoms, which manifest as the cutaneous and sub-cutaneous infections, lung symptoms and the dissemination through the bloodstream to other organs. General characteristics of Nocardia, human nocardiosis as well as the microbiological diagnostics routine and treatment are discussed.

Rare, suppurative pulmonary infection caused by Nocardiopsis dassonvillei recognized by glycolipid markers.

An opportunistic actinomycete was isolated as the only etiological agent of a severe, suppurative pulmonary infection. The strain was rapidly recognised as Nocardiopsis by the taxonomically important and immunologically active glycolipid markers (G1 and G2). Identification of the clinical isolate, from a group of actinomycetes mainly known as soil habitants, was definitely proved by chemotaxonomic studies (cell wall/sugar, phospholipid and fatty acid types) as well as by genomic data (GC content, DNA-DNA reassociation). The level of DNA-DNA homology of the clinical actinomycete, in comparison with other reference members of this genus, revealed the highest (88%) relatedness to Nocardiopsis dassonvillei. The results confirmed the value and generic specificity of glycolipid markers from Nocardiopsis, the first time used for rapid recognition of a clinical strain causing a nocardiosis-like disease.

[The effect of joint facet asymmetry on the pathogenesis of lower segments of the lumbar spine]. / Wplyw asymetrii wyrostków stawowych na powstawanie zmian chorobowych dolnych segmentów odcinka ledzwiowego kregoslupa.

Magnetic resonance and computed tomography scans of L4/5 and L5/S1 levels in 129 patients operated for herniated intervertebral disc were assessed to establish the relationship of facet joint asymmetry, disc prolapse and degenerative disease. Facet angle and spinal stenosis were measured. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlation between facet joint asymmetry and disc disease or degenerative stenosis within lumbar spine.

Relation of femoral to tibial torsion in children measured by ultrasound.

To study the relation between femoral and tibial torsion, we measured their values by ultrasound (US) in 97 normal children in two groups (aged 6 and 15 years). Anteversion was measured between the anterior aspect of the femoral neck and the axis of the femoral condyles, and tibial torsion as the difference of the proximal to the distal posterior tibial planes. The mean value of anteversion was 37 degrees in the younger group and 24 degrees in the older group. The mean value of tibial torsion was 18 degrees in both groups. We found neither side- nor sex-dependent differences in both age groups. There was no relation between both values.

[Effect of implantation errors on increased osteolysis in cemented hip arthroplasty]. / Wplyw bledów techniki osadzenia na osteolize wokól elementów endoprotezy cementowej stawu biodrowego.

A retrospective standardized review of 76 cases of cemented hip arthroplasty has been done to evaluate the influence of technical errors on survivorship of prosthesis. Increased bone loss around the prosthesis was correlated to improper geometry of artificial hip joint and deficiency of the cementing technique.

[Transthoracic approach to the thoracic spine via the rib cage]. / Dostep przednio-boczny do kregoslupa piersiowego przez klatke piersiowa.

Transthoracal approach to the thoracic spine is presented. It has been used in 19 patients with trauma or tumor within thoracic spine. This approach allowed for direct access to the vertebral body where the pathology was located. Transthoracal approach, however, should be performed by a surgeon with sufficient knowledge of thoracic surgery.

A simple method for differentiation of Propionibacterium acnes and Propionibacterium propionicum.

TLC glycolipid profiles of several culture collection and clinical strains of Propionibacterium acnes and Propionibacterium propionicum were examined. The former were characterized by weak orcinol-positive minor glycolipids of type g, while the others had mainly strong orcinol-positive major glycolipids of type G. The simple and rapid small scale procedure seemed to be useful for differentiation of these phenotypically similar and genotypically closely related species irrespective of their serotypes.

[Partial release of the ilio-tibial band as a treatment for snapping hip]. / Czesciowe przeciecie pasma biodrowo-piszczelowego w leczeniu biodra trzaskajacego.

Partial release of the iliotibial band has been performed in 3 patients with bilateral snapping hip. The technique of surgical procedure has been described. In all cases very good both functional and cosmetic results have been achieved.

[Treatment of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis]. / Leczenie urazowego kregozmyku obrotnika.

Classification of hangman's fracture according to Levine has been presented. The classification enables individualization of the management depending on the mechanism of the injury. A series of 37 patients with traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis has been analyzed. Skull traction in flexion injury cases led to the increased dislocation.

[Fracture of the dens--conservative or surgical treatment?]. / Zlamania zeba obrotnika--leczenie zachowawcze czy operacyjne?

An analysis of 28 cases of dens fracture has shown that conservative treatment is generally sufficient in Anderson type I and type III fractures. In type II fractures surgical treatment is indicated, especially if the fracture is dislocated, complicated by neurological impairment or has occurred in the elderly.

[Use of ultrasonography for measurement of femur anteversion and tibial torsion in children]. / Zastosowanie ultrasonografii do pomiaru przodoskrecenia kosci udowej i torsji piszczeli u dzieci.

Sonography has been used to measure femoral and tibial torsion. Their normal values have been established in a series of 97 healthy children 6 and 15 years old. Tibial torsion has been found to be 18 degrees, femoral neck anteversion decreases 12 degrees between sixth and fifteenth year of age. Sonography proved to be a reproducible and precise method for torsional measurements of the tibia and femur.

Results of conservative treatment of unilateral cervical spine dislocations.

Unilateral cervical dislocations are less common and have fewer accompanying neurological complications than bilateral dislocations. Being therefore rated as "less serious", these injuries are often treated non-operatively. A review of 292 patients presenting with acute spine injuries revealed 32 cases of unilateral dislocation (11%). Analysis of their management showed that non-operative treatment was mostly unsatisfactory. Twenty-four of the 32 (75%) eventually required surgical correction. Surgery led to good results in all of these cases. We recommend surgery as a method of choice for patients with unilateral cervical dislocations.

[Cruciate paralysis in patients with posttraumatic segment C1/C2 instability of the cervical spine]. / Niedowlad skrzyzowany u chorych z pourazowa niestabilnoscia segmentu C1/C2 kregoslupa szyjnego.

Clinical manifestation of the injury to the pyramidal decussation with resulting cruciate paralysis has been described. The treatment and final results have been presented.

[Transpedicular fixation in treatment of segmental thoraco-lumbar spinal fractures]. / Zespolenie transpedikularne w leczeniu zlaman odcinka piersiowo-ledzwiowego kregoslupa.

The technique of transpedicular fixation employed in 18 patients has been presented. Satisfactory reduction with instrumentation limited to 2 segments only has been achieved. Transpedicular instrumentation allowed for early ambulation without any external immobilization.

[Transoral approach to the anterior aspect of C1-C3 cervical vertebrae]. / Dostep przedni przez jame ustna do trzonów C1-C3 kregoslupa szyjnego.

Transoral approach to C1-C3 vertebrae has been presented. The approach has been used in 2 patients with tumor of the upper cervical spine and in 4 patients with pseudoarthrosis of the dens. Surgical technique and 2 typical cases have been reported.