Nano Tin/Tin Oxide Attached onto Graphene Oxide Skeleton as a Fluorine Free Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Herein, we show a composite formation method of tin/tin oxide nanoparticles with graphene oxide and CMC based on laser ablation technique as an electrode material for energy storage devices. The material exhibited a three-dimensional conducting graphene oxide network decorated with tin or tin oxide nanoparticles. The structure, homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles, and direct contact between inorganic and organic parts were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron spectroscopy. Electrochemical performances of composite electrode material showed a reversible capacity of 644 mAh/g at a current density equal to 35 mA/g, and 424 mAh/g at 140 mA/g. The capacity retention of 90% after 250 cycles show that tested electrode material is suitable as a negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries.

Erythrocyte transketolase deficiency in patients suffering from Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study was to assess the possible vitamin B1 deficiency in relation to the exacerbation of Crohn's disease (CD) in adult patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine Crohn's disease (CD) patients with different disease activity (The Crohn's Disease Activity Index-CDAI) were included in the study. Anthropometrical and biochemical parameters, i.e., high sensitive C-reactive protein, were assessed. The spectrophotometric method was used to measure the transketolase activity (TK) in erythrocytes. The normalized transketolase activity ratio (NTKZ) and the percentage of activation with thiamine pyrophosphate (%TPP) were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean values of BMI were close to cut-off: 18.5 kg/m2, indicating a poor nutritional status in CD patients. The patients with moderate-to-severe active CD had a statistically significant higher value of CDAI and hsCRP concentrations compared to those being in the asymptomatic remission or at the mildly active stage of the disease. The level of NTKZ and %TPP were statistically different between the analyzed groups, showing the deficit of vitamin B1 in the group of moderate-to-severe active CD patients (Mean ± SD; NTKZ: 1.99 ± 0.87 vs. 1.54 ± 0.62 U/g Hb; % of TPP: 0.15 ± 0.78 vs. 54.90 ± 38.80). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin B1 deficiency is part of the Crohn's disease manifestation in moderate-to-severe active patients.

A modified weighted mixture model for the interpretation of spatial and temporal changes in the microbial communities in drinking water reservoirs using compositional phospholipid fatty acid data.

The aim of this work was to check whether a methodology based on the analysis of data that contain the entire phospholipid fatty acid, PLFA, compositions of water samples can be successfully used to interpret spatial and temporal changes in the microbial communities in water reservoirs. The proposed methodology consists of the construction of a modified weighted multivariate mixture model for the PLFA profiles of the water samples collected in a given monitoring campaign and the identification of latent PLFA components through a comparison with the known PLFA profiles of some cultivated or non-cultivated microbial communities. A 16S rDNA analysis of some of the selected water samples in the monitoring campaign was performed in order to verify the results of the PLFA analysis. The results showed that the proposed methodology can be useful for a dynamic and sensitive evaluation of changes in the microbial quality of water before and after flash flooding and can help in taking a decision regarding further risk assessment.

Fetal membranes as a source of stem cells.

In recent years, a constant growth of knowledge and clinical applications of stem cells have been observed. Mesenchymal stromal cells, also described as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a particular cell type for research and therapy because of their ability to differentiate into mesodermal lineage cells. The most investigated source of MSCs is bone marrow (BM). Yet, collection of BM is an invasive procedure associated with significant discomfort to the patient. The procedure results in a relatively low number of these cells, which can decrease with donor's age. Therefore, it seems to be very important to find other sources of mesenchymal stem cells nowadays. A human placenta, which is routinely discarded postpartum, in spite of its natural aging process, is still a rich source of stem cells capable to proliferate and in vitro differentiate in many directions. Besides homing and differentiation in the area of injury, MSCs there elicit strong paracrine effects stimulating the processes of repair. In this review, we focus on the biology, characteristics and potential clinical applications of cells derived from human fetal membranes: amnion and chorion.

Urologic de novo malignancies after kidney transplantation: a single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Urologic cancers are the second or third most common malignancies in renal transplant (RT) recipients. This study sought to determine the incidence of and identify possible risk factors for urologic malignancies among patients who underwent transplantation at our center. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center cohort included 836 patients who underwent transplantation from 1994 to 2011 who remained under our care. A review of their medical records revealed 63 subjects with de novo cancer, including 21 with urologic malignancies (2.5%). We analyzed demographic and clinical data of cancer versus noncancer patients with differences considered to be significant at P < .05. RESULTS: The urologic malignancies included renal cell carcinoma (n = 13), prostate cancer (n = 5), and bladder transitional cell carcinoma (n = 3). The mean follow-up time was 10 ± 3.9 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 54 ± 7.4 years and the mean time from transplantation was 4 ± 3.3 years. The mortality rate among group was 19.0%. The analysis did not show significant differences in demographic or clinical characteristics between the groups, except for the prevalence of male gender and smoking status among the cancer cohort. No significant differences were observed for other suspected risk factors, including immunosuppressive protocols, time of pretransplantation dialysis, and age. CONCLUSIONS: The development of urologic malignancies is an early event, frequently observed within 4-5 years after transplantation. Therefore, this period should be considered for routine urologic cancer screening.

Skin cancer following kidney transplantation: a single-center experience.

One of the major problems associated with prolonged immunosuppression is a high occurrence of skin malignancies among kidney recipients. Studies have shown that nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most frequently occurring tumor after organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of and identify possible risk factors for skin malignancies among a population of kidney recipients. This retrospective, single-center cohort comprised 1672 patients transplanted from 1994 to 2011. Only patients with a confirmed diagnosis of skin cancer were selected for medical records review. Among 836 kidney transplant recipients remaining under our care since 1994, skin malignancies were diagnosed in 16 patients (1.9%). The histological diagnoses included squamous cell carcinoma (n=8; 50.0%); basal cell carcinoma (n=6; 37.5%) or malignant melanoma (n=2; 12.5%). The slightly lower incidence of skin malignancies noted in our study compared with other reports might result from differences in the length of follow-up. Some patients diagnosed with skin cancer were treated in local dermatology clinics. Also, a lower exposure to the sun characteristic for the latitude and differences in immunosuppressive therapies could be partially responsible for the lower skin cancer incidence. We also did not observe any association between other reported risk factors, such as age, human leukocyte antigen mismatch, duration of pretransplant hemodialysis, particular immunosuppressive therapies and the skin cancer occurrence among our kidney recipients.

Possible defect of T suppressor cell subpopulation in patients with kidney acute rejection.

CD8(+)CD28(-) forkhead box P3 (Foxp3(+)) T suppressor (Ts) lymphocytes are antigen-specific cells capable of inducing tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells by up-regulation of inhibitory receptors immunoglobulin-like-transcripts -3 and -4 and down-regulation of costimulatory molecules. Our study sought to investigate the relation between the level of peripheral CD8(+)CD28(-)Foxp3(+) Ts cells and kidney allograft outcomes. The project included 44 kidney transplantation patients. During the 6-month period following transplantation an acute rejection episode (ARE) was diagnosed in 11 patients based on biopsy results using the Banff criteria. Peripheral blood samples collected at 1 day before as well as 14 and 30 days after transplantation were tested for CD8(+)CD28(-)Foxp3(+) T cells by means of flow cytometry. Values were considered significant when P < .05. Cytometric analysis did not show significant differences between the groups in pretransplant levels of peripheral CD8(+)CD28(-)Foxp3(+) Ts cells (P > .05); however, the posttransplantation analysis showed a higher mean level of Ts cells in nonrejection (NONARE) versus acute rejection (ARE) patients (P < .0001). This observation suggested that dysfunction of CD8(+)CD28(-)Foxp3(+) Ts cells observed in ARE patients may contribute to these episodes. Interestingly, we observed similar results with respect to peripheral CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T regulatory cells in ARE patients, suggesting impairment of immunoregulatory mechanisms (especially within the inducible Foxp3 system) in this group, leading to acute renal allograft rejection episodes.

Distinct cytokine patterns in different states of kidney allograft function.

Cytokines are crucial inflammatory mediators involved in the development of immune response leading to allograft rejection. We investigated the cytokine patterns in patients sera from cases of acute rejection episodes (ARE), chronic rejection (CR), and long-term stable courses (STABLE). The project included 20 patients with ARE, 20 with CR, and 15 with at least a 5-year stable course. Serum samples collected at the time of rejection diagnosis were cytometrically tested for concentrations of interleukin (IL) 2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN) gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. No significant differences between investigated groups were observed before transplantation (P > .05). Significant differences were observed among the groups in serum levels of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10. Our data suggested that distinct serum cytokine patterns were present among various states of kidney allograft function. ARE was characterized by a mixed cytokine pattern with elevated IL-10 and IFN-gamma compared with the STABLE patients. The cytokine pattern in CR patients, in turn, was characterized by elevated levels of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 and decreased levels of IFN- gamma compared with both STABLE and ARE subjects. Our results suggested that the T(H)2 response may contribute to the initiation and/or maintenance of CR, because IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 serve as growth and differentiation factors for B cells to increase antibody production. We also observed up-regulated production of IFN-gamma and down-regulation of T(H)2 cytokines among patients with stable long- term graft function.

The role of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in kidney transplantation.

Our project aimed to investigate the relation between the level of pretransplantation and posttransplantation peripheral CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T-regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) and the development of acute rejection (AR) episodes in 44 patients after kidney transplantation. During the 6-month period following transplantation, AR was diagnosed in 11 patients. Peripheral blood samples were collected 1 day before and 10 days after transplantation and tested for concentrations of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells by means of flow cytometry. The pretransplantation analysis showed significantly lower mean levels of peripheral Tregs in AR patients versus control group (P < .05). A lower level of Tregs was also observed in nonrejection (NONAR) patients versus control group (P < .05); however, it was still higher than in the AR group (P < .05). The 10-day posttransplantation analysis showed a similar pattern; however, a significant increase in the concentration of peripheral Tregs in NONAR patients was observed (P < .05), whereas no change was recorded in AR patients (P > .05). We found lower pretransplantation levels of peripheral Tregs in both AR and NONAR groups, versus control group. The deficiency of peripheral Tregs in patients with end-stage renal failure might be due to the long-term inflammatory processes adversely affecting the peripheral regulatory mechanisms. However, significantly lower levels of Tregs observed in AR patients might also be related to genetic predispositions. Our observation suggests that the size and possibly the functionality of Tregs in the AR group was not sufficient to successfully control the immune response after kidney transplantation, leading to acute rejection episodes.

Mathematical modeling of intrusive growth of fusiform initials in relation to radial growth and expanding cambial circumference in Pinus sylvestris L.

This study on the cambium of Pinus sylvestris L. examines the intrusive growth of fusiform cambial initials and its possible contribution to the tangential and radial expansions of the cambial cylinder. The location and extent of intrusive growth of the fusiform initials were determined by microscopic observations and by mathematical modeling. In order to meet the required circumferential expansion of the cambial cylinder, the fusiform initials grow in groups by means of a symplastic rather than intrusive growth, leaving no room for the assumption that intrusive growth of the initials takes place between radial walls and has a direct role in the increase of the cambial circumference. Therefore, it is postulated that the fusiform initials grow intrusively between the tangential walls of the neighboring initials and their immediate derivatives and not between the radial walls of the adjacent initials as per common belief.

Role of TH1/TH2 cytokines in kidney allograft rejection.

One of the major issues in contemporary kidney transplantation is prevention of acute allograft rejection episodes (AREs). Cytokines are crucial mediators of immune reactions leading to AREs. We correlated serum Th1/Th2 cytokine concentrations with AREs. The project included 44 patients undergoing kidney transplantation. During the 3-month period following the transplantation, ARE was diagnosed in 11 patients. Serum samples collected 1 day before and 2, 7, 14, and 30 days after transplantation were tested for interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha concentrations using flow cytometry. Nonrejection (NONAR) and rejection (ARE) groups of patients did not show significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics. We observed that higher pretransplantation serum levels of IFN-gamma (P = .000003) and IL-10 (P = .000001) were associated with AREs. Our analysis also showed slightly higher IL-4 serum levels among NONAR patients up to 7 days posttransplantation, followed by a drop in concentrations in NONAR patients. In contrast, there was a continuous increase among ARE patients. No significant differences were observed in plasma levels of IL-2, IL-5, IL-10, or TNF-alpha between the two groups. Higher pretransplantation levels of IFN-gamma and IL-10 observed in ARE patients indicated ongoing nondetected, probably nonspecific, inflammatory processes able to intensify an immune response directed against the transplanted organ leading to its acute rejection. Higher levels of IL-4 prior to and shortly after transplantation may have protective effects on graft survival. However, a prolonged, increased production of IL-4 after transplantation can also contribute to AREs.

Body weight gain as the major risk factor of cholelithiasis in women and an important risk factor in man.

PURPOSE: The power of correlation was assessed between chosen risk factors of cholelithiasis in order to establish the ranking of these factors in Podlasie inhabitants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 169 patients hospitalized due for cholelithiasis (study group) and 202 patients without cholelithiasis (control group). Previous exposure of patients of both groups to the chosen risk factors of cholelithiasis was evaluated (based on a history questionnaire designed by the authors of the study). Two models of logistic regression were prepared (for men and women) for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The ranking of the risk factors of cholelithiasis was established by analysing multiple correlation coefficients for the two models of logistic regression and their significance was determined with Wald's test. The significant risk factors for women included: overweight and obesity, age, diabetes, use of contraceptive pills, while for men these were: age, serum triglycerol level, obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of risk factors of cholelithiasis in our population is the essence of health promoting actions. Obesity is the major risk factor in women and statistically significant in men. Promotion of appropriate eating habits can result in body mass reduction and may thus indirectly decrease other risk factors of cholelithiasis (incidence of type II diabetes and serum triglycerol level).

The evaluation of parodontium in medical students of the Medical University of Bialystok according to CPITN index.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was the evaluation of parodontium according to Community Peridental Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) index in 455 students of The Medical and Dentistry Department of The Medical University of Bialystok. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After the examination, the students filled a survey according to their own project concerning hygienic habits as well as smoking, sweet intake. The results underwent statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 1334 (48.86%) sextants observed with healthy parodontium in the studied population. Gingivorrhoea was stated in 440 sextants (16.12%), more often in men than in women. Calculus was reveled in 790 sextants (28.94%) of the population. The number of sextants with code 3 was 1.76%. Sextants with shallow pockets were more numerous in women (37 sextants) than in men (11 sextants). Advanced changes in parodontium (code 4) were observed in 9 sextants (0.33%). On the basis of the analysis of treatment needs in the group of 455 students, it can be stated that only 24.62% of the examined subjects did not need parodontium treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of parodontopathy and the factor that can have harmful influence on the parodontium tissues in young people is a superior criterion in the fight with irreversible parodontium changes in adults.

The oral cavity hygiene as the basic element of the gingival recession prophylaxis.

The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the dental plaque and the influence of determined hygienic factors on gingival recession occurrence in 455 students of The Medical University of Bialystok. All the subjects were examined in artificial light, with the use of the probe, mirror, and parodontometer. The distribution of stained dental deposits were estimated with the use of the plaque index according to Quigley and Hein. Moreover, the students were to fill a survey of their own project concerning hygienic habits. The results underwent statistical analysis. The dental plaque was not present in 71 people. Gingival recession was revealed in 134 out of 455 subjects. The majority of medical students brushed their teeth twice a day, using medium hard toothbrush or electric toothbrush with appropriate movements and medium strength while brushing. The frequency of brushing the teeth, hardness of the toothbrush, the use of electric toothbrush, the movements during brushing the teeth, the strength of brushing, the frequency of toothbrush change, the age, and sex have significant influence on the number of recession. The increase in the gingival recession in students is connected with: large pressure on the brush while toothbrushing, too frequent brushing and toothbrush change, the use of hard toothbrush and additional hygienic items, movements while brushing, the age (the number of recession elevates with the age), and sex (women showed more recession than men).

N-heterocyclic derivatives of 2,4-dihydroxybenzcarbothioamide as antimycotic agents.

N-heterocyclic derivatives of 2,4-dihydroxybenzcarbothioamide were synthesized from sulfinylbis(2,4-dihydroxybenzenethioyl) and commercially available heterocyclic amines. The composition and chemical structures were confirmed by IR, (1)H NMR, EI-MS, and elemental analysis. For the estimation of potential activity in vitro the MIC values against 15 strains of dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds were determined. The strongest fungistatic potency was found for N-5'-(3'-oxobenzfurylidyne)-2,4-dihydroxybenzcarbothioamide in relation to all tested dermatophyte strains with MIC = 0.48-0.98 microg/mL. On the basis of the spectroscopic data the influence of N-heterocyclic substitution on antimycotic activity is discussed.

Discovery and initial structure-activity relationships of trisubstituted ureas as thrombin receptor (PAR-1) antagonists.

Thrombin is the most potent agonist of platelet activation, and its effects are predominantly mediated by platelet thrombin receptors. Therefore, antagonists of the thrombin receptor have potential utility for the treatment of thrombotic disorders. Screening of combinatorial libraries revealed 2 to be a potent antagonist of the thrombin receptor. Modifications of this structure produced 11k, which inhibits thrombin receptor stimulated secretion and aggregation of platelets.

[Evaluation of protein, fat and carbohydrate contents in daily dietary allowance of overweight and obese students from the Medical Academy in Bialystok]. / Ocena zawartosci bialka, tluszczów i weglowodanów w dziennej racji pokarmowej studentów Akademii Medycznej w Bialymstoku z nadwaga i otyloscia.

The major causes of primary obesity include dietary errors (e.g. high-fat, high-energy diets) and low physical activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the quantitative evaluation of daily dietary allowances of students with overweight and obesity in the Medical Academy of Bialystok. Questionnaire investigations were conducted in the years 1997-1999 and included 1050 students (701 women and 349 men). Basing on BMI overweight was revealed in 22 women (3.14%) and 82 men (23.5%). Obesity was found in only 2 women (0.3%) and 4 men (1.2%). The 24-hour dietary history of the preceding day was the method used for quantitative analysis. Low physical activity and low-energy food intake (below the recommended safe norm) were the characteristic features found in the majority of students with overweight or obesity. Their daily dietary allowances showed high protein content (above the safe norm in 75% of women and 87.2% of men) and low content of carbohydrates (below the safe norm in over 70% of those examined). Fat content above the safe norm was found in approximately 55% of men with overweight and obesity, the rest consumed low-fat foods. The incidence of overweight or obesity was higher in young men than women studying in the Medical Academy of Bialystok. In some of them, this may be caused by a disturbed proportion in the consumption of the major food components (protein, fat, carbohydrates).

Molecular physiology and pathophysiology of tight junctions III. Tight junction regulation by intracellular messengers: differences in response within and between epithelia.

Tight junction permeability differs with the type of permeants, their size, and their charge. Selective changes in permeability do occur, and they illustrate the diversity in functional reactions of tight junctions. This suggests that special structures in the tight junctions are involved. More and more structural components of the tight junctions are becoming known. The divergence in behavior of native tissue and filter-grown epithelial monolayers with respect to the effects of intracellular messengers offers the possibility to relate structure and function. In addition to the tools for conventional permeability studies, probes have become available to detect changes in activation of intracellular effector proteins such as the protein kinase C isotypes, and with in situ imaging techniques the way is open for a functional approach in the study of tight junctions.

[Content of selected bioelements in complete daily food rations of students at the Bialystok Medical Academy]. / Zawartosc wybranych biopierwiastków w calodziennej racji pokarmowej studentów Akademii Medycznej w Bialymstoku.

The aim of the study was to evaluate calcium and iron content in a daily food ration of students of Bialystok Medical Academy. The analysis was correlated with the consumption of product groups being the main source of these bioelements in the diet (milk, meat and their products). The study involved 492 students (66% women and 34% men) aged 19-25 years. Quantitative analysis was carried out using the 24-hour recall method. Calcium and iron content in the diet were estimated according to Kunachowicz et al. The results were compared with the standards accepted by the Institute of Food and Nutrition in Warsaw, for people with moderate physical activity. The mean calcium content in the diet of female students was 582.9 mg, while in the diet of male students 802.2 mg. Daily diet calcium content covered 53% and 73% of the safe norm in women and men respectively, the recommended norm being 49% and 67%. Calcium content in a daily food ration of the Bialystok Medical Academy students was too low, which was caused by insufficient intake of milk and its products. Mean iron intake in a daily food ration of female students was 10.1 mg/day and of male students 15 mg/day. The difference was statistically significant. Iron supply in men, s diet covered the recommended norm in 100%, while the safe norm in 136.4%. In women iron in diet covered the safe norm in 72.1% and the recommended norm in 56.1%. Differences in iron content in a daily food ration of the students examined are associated with differentiated consumption of meat and its products (high intake was noted in men studying at Bialystok Medical Academy).