Hafnium (IV) oxide obtained by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology promotes early osteogenesis via activation of Runx2-OPN-mir21A axis while inhibits osteoclasts activity.

BACKGROUND: Due to increasing aging of population prevalence of age-related disorders including osteoporosis is rapidly growing. Due to health and economic impact of the disease, there is an urgent need to develop techniques supporting bone metabolism and bone regeneration after fracture. Due to imbalance between bone forming and bone resorbing cells, the healing process of osteoporotic bone is problematic and prolonged. Thus searching for agents able to restore the homeostasis between these cells is strongly desirable. RESULTS: In the present study, using ALD technology, we obtained homogeneous, amorphous layer of hafnium (IV) oxide (HfO2). Considering the specific growth rate (1.9Å/cycle) for the selected process at the temperature of 90 °C, we performed the 100 nm deposition process, which was confirmed by measuring film thickness using reflectometry. Then biological properties of the layer were investigated with pre-osteoblast (MC3T3), pre-osteoclasts (4B12) and macrophages (RAW 264.7) using immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR. We have shown, that HfO2 (i) enhance osteogenesis, (ii) reduce osteoclastogenesis (iii) do not elicit immune response and (iv) exert anti-inflammatory effects. CONCLUSION: HfO2 layer can be applied to cover the surface of metallic biomaterials in order to enhance the healing process of osteoporotic bone fracture.

Alterations of aorta intima and media transcriptome in swine fed high-fat diet over 1-year follow-up period and of the switch to normal diet.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We previously showed that 12-month high-fat diet (HFD) in pigs led to fattening and increased artery intima-media-thickness, which were partly reversed after 3-month return to control diet (CD). The aim of this study was to decipher underlying mechanism of action by using transcriptomic analyses of intima and media of aorta. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-two pigs were divided into three groups: CD for 12 months; HFD for 12 months; switch diet group (regression diet; RD): HFD for 9 months followed by CD for 3 months. After 12 months, RNA was isolated from aorta intima and media for nutrigenomic analyses. HFD significantly affected gene expression in intima, while RD gene expression profile was distinct from the CD group. This suggests that switch to CD is not sufficient to correct gene expression alterations induced by HFD but counteracted expression of a group of genes. HFD also affected gene expression in media and as for intima, the expression profile of media of pigs on RD differed from that of these on CD. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed nutrigenomic modifications induced by long-term HFD consumption on arterial intima and media. The return to CD was not sufficient to counteract the genomic effect of HFD.

Chemical bonding of nitrogen formed by nitridation of crystalline and amorphous aluminum oxide studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Numerous efforts have already been made to optimize nitridation of crystalline sapphire (c-Al2O3) substrates whereas very little attention has been paid to nitridation of amorphous aluminum oxide layers (a-AlO x ). An extensive analysis of the reaction of amorphous aluminum oxide films with nitrogen species is thus needed to clarify the mechanisms of nitrogen incorporation into such layers and to control their properties. In this work X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine the chemical state of nitrogen formed by nitrogen plasma treatment of c-Al2O3 and 15 nm thick a-AlO x layers grown by atomic layer deposition on Si and sapphire substrates. The results show that the nitridation proceeds significantly different for c-Al2O3 and a-AlO x samples, which we correlate with the initial stoichiometry of both materials. At the surface of sapphire O vacancies were found, which are necessary for the formation of AlN-type bonding via diffusion limited replacement of oxygen by nitrogen. This process was slow and involved formation of oxinitride AlN-O. After 80 min of nitridation only ∼3.4 at% of N was incorporated. In contrast, in a-AlO x layers Al vacancies were present before nitridation. This opened a new, more effective path for nitrogen incorporation via accumulation of N in the cation-deficient lattice and creation of the Al(NO y ) x phase, followed by AlN and AlN-O formation. This scenario predicts more effective nitrogen incorporation into a-AlO x than c-Al2O3, as indeed observed. It also explains our finding that more N was incorporated into a-AlO x on Si than on sapphire due to supply of oxygen from the sapphire substrate.

Evolution of adjuvant treatment in endometrial cancer-no evidence and new questions?

PURPOSE: For endometrial cancer (EC), clinical and pathological risk factors are taken to triage patients and estimate their prognosis. Lymph node involvement (pN+), lymphovascular space involvement (LSVI), grading, age of the patients, and T classification are internationally accepted parameters for treatment decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies on adjuvant radiation, chemotherapy, and chemoradiation are discussed against the background of risk stratification and clinical decision-making in early-to-advanced stage endometrial cancer. Recent publications on adjuvant treatment in high-risk disease and its implications for the patients with regard to expected oncologic benefit and treatment-related toxicity are discussed. RESULTS: Surgery is the mainstay of treatment of EC patients. Well-differentiated tumors and early disease (FIGO IA) should be followed up without further treatment. In FIGO I stage without risk factors, VBT remains the standard treatment after surgery. FIGO I, II patients with one or more risk factors (MI ≥ 50%, Grading[G]3, age >60 years, LVSI) benefit from external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in terms of survival. There are no data of acceptable quality demonstrating that chemotherapy is superior to radiation in locally advanced carcinomas. Therefore, even in locally advanced disease (FIGO III, IV), EBRT remains the standard of care after surgery. EBRT contributes to the very low rate of local relapses and better DFS in these patients and should not be replaced by chemotherapy only. Whether and which subgroups of patients benefit from an additional (concomitant and/or adjuvant) chemotherapy in terms of disease-free survival remains a controversial issue. The recently published PORTEC-3 trial could not create clear evidence. With a high rate of isolated tumors cells and micrometastases in the specimens, the increasing use of unvalidated sentinel concepts in endometrial cancer raises more questions with regard to indications for adjuvant treatment. In the future, integrated genomic characterization of tumors might be helpful for treatment individualization in the adjuvant setting.

Quality of training in radiation oncology in Germany: where do we stand? : Results from a 2016/2017 survey performed by the working group "young DEGRO" of the German society of radiation oncology (DEGRO).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the current situation of young radiation oncologists in Germany with regard to the contents and quality of training and level of knowledge, as well as their working conditions and professional satisfaction. METHODS: From June 2016 to February 2017, a survey was conducted by the young DEGRO (yDEGRO) using an online platform. The questionnaire consisted of 28 items examining a broad range of aspects influencing residency. There were 96 completed questionnaires RESULTS: 83% of participants stated to be very or mostly pleased with their residency training. Moderate working hours and a good colleagueship contribute to a comfortable working environment. Level of knowledge regarding the most common tumor sites (i.e. palliative indications, lung, head and neck, brain, breast, prostate) was pleasing. Radiochemotherapy embodies a cornerstone in training. Modern techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and stereotactic procedures are now in widespread use. Education for rare indications and center-based procedures offers room for improvement. CONCLUSION: Radiation oncology remains an attractive and versatile specialty with favorable working conditions. Continuing surveys in future years will be a valuable measuring tool to set further priorities in order to preserve and improve quality of training.

Psychological correlates of quality of life in dermatology patients: the role of mental health and self-acceptance.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic skin diseases have been recognized as having a detrimental effect on patients' quality of life, also causing considerable mental discomfort. Reduced self-acceptance, low self-esteem, a negative body image, and a low sense of self-worth have been noted in patients with visible skin disorders. Yet in the available literature we could not find any data concerning the relationship between mental health status, self-image, and quality of life. This research, then, analyzes potential relationships between self-acceptance, mental health status, and quality of life in dermatology patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 112 patients of the Occupational Diseases Outpatient Clinic and the Occupational and Environmental Allergy Centre of the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM) were examined. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to assess the patients' mental health; a Polish version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was employed to assess life quality; and the Self-Acceptance Scale (SAS) served to obtain the patients' self-image. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences in self-assessment of mental health and quality of life depending on ones's level of self-acceptance. People with high self-acceptance are characterized by better mental health than those with low self-acceptance (t = 4.8; p = 0.00). Patients with a negative selfimage (compared to those with a positive self-image) also deem their quality of life to be poor (t = 3.1; p = 0.00). Results of regression analysis show that mental health status significantly affects the quality of life in dermatology patients; the standardized coefficient was beta = 0.42 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Relationships have been found to exist between the patient's mental health and both their subjective assessment of life quality and self-image. Taking into account the role of mental health as a potential determinant of quality of life among dermatology patients, and considering the strong correlation between self-acceptance and well-being, treatment should also focus on counseling.

[Bilateral nephrectomy as a life saving procedure in a young woman with recurrent bacteremic shock]. / Obustronna nefrektomia jako zabieg ratujacy zycie u mlodej kobiety z nawracajacym wstrzasem bakteriemicznym.

On the basis of the recurrent bacteremic shock in young woman with bilateral reflux nephropathy and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) from early childhood we present diagnostic and therapeutic problems of complicated UTI. Negative results of localization diagnosis of UTI and clinical suspicious on renal microabscesses as a cause of recurrence bacteremic shock were the reason of bilateral nephrectomy--as a life saving procedure--and initiation of CAPD programme.

[Malfunction of some immunologic functions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]. / Zaburzenia niektórych funkcji ukladu odpornosciowego u chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny (OBS).

Hypoxia and sleep disorders may result in an impairment of immune system in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Therefore we studied mitogenic stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes by PHA (1 microgram/ml) by measurement of 3H-thymidine incorporation, metabolic activity of neutrophils measured by chemiluminescence (CL), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) concentration in serum (radial immunodiffusion) and TNF-alpha concentration in serum (ELISA), and E-rosette tests (with theophylline) in 57 obese patients with severe OSA. In OSA patients severe impairment of f-MLP-induced granulocyte chemiluminescent activity was observed.

[Disturbances of polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte chemiluminescence in patients with chronic or recurrent respiratory tract infections]. / Zaburzenia chemiluminescencji granulocytów obojetnochlonnych u chorych na przewlekle lub nawracajace zakazenia ukladu oddechowego.

The disturbances of polymorphonuclear neutrophil leucocytes (PMNLs) may be considered as a one of the causes of chronic or recurrent respiratory tract infections (RTI). The study carried out on patients with chronic or recurrent RTI was aimed at attempting to assess the dependence of clinical manifestations of RTI on nonspecific PMNLs dependent cellular response status. We used the chemiluminescence (CL) assay to study the ability of PMNLs to generate free oxygen forms during phagocytosis process. CL response of PMNLs to chemotactic peptide FMLP in 48 chronic and/or recurrent RTI patients and in 50 healthy blood donors of similar age (control group) was evaluated. RTI do not seem to be dependent on decreased PMNLs count (mild neutropenia was found in 35% of patients), but they may result from impaired function of PMNLs. All the values of CL response in RTI patients were lower than the lowest value observed in control group and ranged from 2.9 to 27.6 x 10(3) cpm/10(3) PMNLs. The lowest of PMNLs CL test value were found in patients with infections of pulmonary tissue (recurrent pneumoniae). The patients with infections of higher parts of respiratory tract (nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, trachea and bronchi) did not present such levels of PMNLs function impairment.

Immunological status of patients with denture stomatitis and yeast infection after treatment of maxillofacial tumors.

Therapeutic modalities employed in the treatment of maxillofacial malignancy, tumor resection, radiation and chemotherapy, can result in local and systemic changes in healthy oral tissues many years after anticancer therapy has been stopped. The immunologic status of a select group of nine individuals who underwent surgery of the maxillofacial region and after head and neck irradiation, with severe and persistent denture stomatitis was studied. A significant impairment of granulocyte and lymphocyte functions and increased concentrations of serum IgG, as compared to healthy controls, were found in the patients of the study group. It is concluded, that this group of patients show immunological abnormalities many years post therapy, which must be recognized by the clinician in order to effect a cure.

[Evaluation of selected immunologic parameters in healthy persons infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis bacillus]. / Ocena wybranych czynnosci ukladu odpornosciowego u zdrowych osób zakazonych pratkiem gruzlicy.

Selected immunological parameters of peripheral blood leukocytes in 30 tb contracts and control group consisting of 30 healthy blood donors in similar age were examined. All contacts showed the exudate type Mantoux reaction (over 20 mm in diameter) and all revealed normal chest X-ray. No differences between both groups in total T cells, CD4, CD8 counts, CD4/CD8 ratio and in proliferative response to mitogens (PHA and Con A) were found. Tb contacts had the similar serum IgM and elevated IgG and IgA concentrations as compared with the controls. Tb contacts showed depressed granulocyte metabolic activity as measured by CL response to chemostatic peptide N-FORMYL-MET-LEU-PHE (FMLP) in comparison with control subjects.

[Increase of pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus strains caused by lysogenic conversion by phages of serologic group F]. / Wzrost patogennosci szczepów gronkowca zlocistego spowodowany konwersja lizogenna fagami grupy serologicznej F.

The substantial influence of presence of the double converting prophages of the serological group F on the decrease of intensity of human leukocytes stimulation with lysogenic cells of S. aureus was determined. The end values of chemiluminescence in the six experimental systems containing lysogenic bacteria were only from 15.4 to 37.2% of the value in the control sample. The end values of the intercellular killing of the two lysogenic variants were twofold lower than in controls. Third of the investigated variants was completely resistant to intracellular killing in the applied system, and revealed 27% of growth stimulation.

[Assessment of the value of stimulation from a preparation of Tolpa peat for treatment of trauma related osteomyelitis]. / Badania wartosci stymulujacej preparatu torfowego Tolpy w leczeniu pourazowego zapalenia kosci.

Tolpa peat preparation at the dose of 5 mg per day was administered to 10 patients with chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis for 6 weeks period of time. Good clinical result (ceasing of the inflammatory process) was found in 4 patients but 3 of them were concurrently treated surgically. Immunological examination (angiogenesis test and chemiluminescence test) performed before the onset and after completion of the treatment with Tolpa preparation did not reveal meaningful changes indicating immunomodulating action of the preparation on the course of posttraumatic osteomyelitis.