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.

The effect of temperature, acidification, and alkalization changes as well as ethanol on salivary cathepsin D activity.

The activity of salivary cathepsin D undergoes inactivation at the temperature of 50-60 degrees C and at pH of 2.0 and pH of 8.0-10.0. The enzyme activity is also decreased by high concentrations of ethanol and high-proof alcoholic beverages. The factors should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of salivary cathepsin D activity.

The choice of conditions for cathepsin D activity determination in human saliva.

The aim of the study was the demonstration and choice of conditions for the determination of cathepsin D activity in human mixed saliva. The 6% solution of hemoglobin, denatured with hydrochloric acid, was used as the substrate. The ratio of saliva volume to hemoglobin was 4:1 w/v. The reaction was interrupted by adding 10% trichloroacetic acid, after 6 hours of incubation at 37 degrees C. The increase in degradation products was determined with the use of Folina and Ciocalteau method with copper modification.

Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism--an epidemiological survey several years after institution of iodine prophylaxis in Poland.

In 1997, the obligatory model of iodine prophylaxis was introduced in Poland in order to correct the existing status of mild and/or moderate iodine deficiency. In order to monitor possible side-effects of increased iodine supply, studies on iodine-induced hyperthyroidism were initiated by establishing several regional registers of hyperthyroidism. In the present paper, the results of a two-year monitoring (2000-2001) have been summarized. There are no epidemiological data on hyperthyroidism prior to starting the iodine prophylaxis, but the obtained current data are comparable to observations in other countries, made after iodine supplementation. The incidence of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism did not exceed the acceptable level, thus confirming--together with previous observations on the effectiveness of iodine prophylaxis--the adequacy of applied dose of KI (30 microg/kg NaCl), used for salt iodization in Poland.

Epidemiology and outcome of osteomyelitis in the era of sequential intravenous-oral therapy.

BACKGROUND: There has been little recent information on the epidemiology and outcome of childhood osteomyelitis since the era of sequential intravenous-oral antibiotic therapy. METHODS: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVE: To review the recent experience and outcome of osteomyelitis in children. RESULTS: Between 1984 and 1996 we identified 146 patients with osteomyelitis. Decreased limb use and fever were the most common presenting symptoms, and tenderness was the most common sign. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative organism, and Haemophilus influenzae was not identified after 1990. Bone biopsies or aspirates were superior (83%) to blood cultures (32%) in yielding organisms. 99mTc bone scan was the most sensitive imaging test (94%). Lack of use of anti-teichoic acid titers and serum bactericidal titers did not adversely affect outcome. The median duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy was 11 days, with a median duration of total antibiotics of 38 days. Complications occurred in 6.6% of patients. CONCLUSION: S. aureus remains the most important cause of osteomyelitis. Despite inconsistent use of tests for diagnosis and management and use of sequential intravenous-oral therapy, the overall outcome remains excellent.