Genotype and soil substrate effects on the wood quality of poplar grown in a reclaimed lignite-mining area.

An understanding of the structural organisation and chemistry of the cell walls in woody tissues is crucial from the perspective of plant mechanical strength, water transportability, as well as subsequent commercial utilisation of the wood. Poplar trees (Populus sp.), grown on two reclamation substrates ("Humus" and "Sand") under the extreme soil conditions of an external coal mining spoil heap of the lignite mine in Belchatów (Central Poland), were examined. Conventional parameters - tree-ring width (TRW) and wood density (WD) resolved annually (years 2008-2017) were corroborated by a novel approach of Raman spectroscopic analysis. Annually resolved Raman spectroscopic data representing the lignin-to-cellulose ratio (Li/Ce) enabled to estimate trends of lignification. The above traits were obtained for the three poplar genotypes: H-275, Grandis, and Androscoggin to assess the suitability of their plantation on the reclaimed heap. Our results show a significant effect of genotype on TRW, WD, and the Raman Li/Ce, while the effect of the soil substrate was less pronounced. The highest Li/Ce was identified in the H-275 genotype grown on a substrate with hummus. H-275 also showed higher TRW values compared to the other genotypes. WD was significantly higher in Grandis and Androscoggin genotypes grown on the "Sand" substrate. Associations between tree-ring parameters and climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) were mostly low and not statistically significant. Our findings from individual tree rings indicate that the genotype is the crucial factor influencing the lignification of poplar trees grown on post-mining lands.

Effectiveness of the iodine prophylaxis model adopted in Poland.

OBJECTIVE: Most of the Polish territory has been classified as an iodine-deficient and endemic goiter area according to the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency (ICCIDD) criteria. In 1997 the obligatory model of iodine prophylaxis was implemented. Our investigations were aimed at the effectiveness of iodine prophylaxis in Poland. METHODS: We assessed urinary iodine excretion and goiter prevalence in 5663 children aged 6-12 yr. The population of children from the same 27 schools was investigated from 1992 to 1994 (1406 girls and 1244 boys) and from 1999 to 2005 (1563 girls and 1450 boys) using identical laboratory and ultrasound methods. RESULTS: We found significant increase in iodine urinary concentration (median 52 microg/l vs 93 microg/l, p<0.001) with accompanying drop in goiter prevalence (29.6% vs 5.2%, p<0.001) after implementation of iodine prophylaxis. Iodine excretion distribution changed significantly after 1997 with an increase in the percentage of children with iodine urinary concentration above 100 microg/l from 10.8% to 45.4%, respectively. A significantly higher iodine urinary concentration was observed in lowlands compared to uplands both before and after implementation of iodine prophylaxis (median, 50 microg/l vs 57 microg/l and 86 microg/l vs 114 microg/l, respectively, p<0.001). The goiter prevalence did not differ between girls and boys from 1992 to 1994 (28.8% vs 30.5%, p=0.35) and 1999 to 2005 (5.5% vs 4.9%, p=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the new model of iodine prophylaxis in Poland in 1997 has led to significant increase in iodine urinary concentration and decrease in goiter prevalence among Polish schoolchildren. In the youngest group of children (6-8 yr olds), prevalence of goiter decreased to 3.2%--i.e. below endemic levels.

Efficacy and safety of a new ready-to-use recombinant human growth hormone solution.

We report 24-month interim results of two multicenter phase III studies in previously untreated children with growth failure secondary to GH deficiency (GHD) that were paramount to the development of a new recombinant human GH (rh- GH, somatropin), approved as the first 'biosimilar' in Europe. Study 1 consisted of 3 parts performed in 89 children. The objective was to compare efficacy and safety of the lyophilized formulation of the new somatropin [Somatropin Powder (Sandoz)] with a licensed reference rhGH preparation and the liquid formulation of the new somatropin [Somatropin Solution (Sandoz)] and to assess long-term efficacy and safety of this ready-to-use Somatropin Solution. Study 2 was performed in 51 children and designed to demonstrate efficacy and safety of Somatropin Powder and to confirm its low immunogenic potential; rhGH was given sc at a daily dose of 0.03 mg/kg. Primary [body height, height SD score (HSDS), height velocity, and height velocity (HV) SD score (HVSDS)] and secondary [IGF-I and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3)] efficacy endpoints and safety parameters were assessed regularly. In study 1, all treatments showed comparable increases in growth. The baseline-adjusted difference between Somatropin Powder and the reference rhGH product in mean HV was -0.20 cm/yr (95% confidence interval (CI) [-1.34;0.94]) and in mean HVSDS was 0.76 (95% CI [-0.57;2.10]) after 9 months. These very small differences demonstrate comparable therapeutic efficacy between the two treatments. The results of study 2 were consistent with those seen in study 1. Equivalent therapeutic efficacy and clinical comparability in terms of safety and immunogenicity between Somatropin Powder and the reference rhGH product and between Somatropin Powder and Somatropin Solution was demonstrated. The safety and immunogenicity profiles were similar and as expected from experience with rhGH preparations.

A programme of iodine supplementation using only iodised household salt is efficient--the case of Poland.

BACKGROUND: Iodine prophylaxis in Poland started in 1935 and has been interrupted twice: by World War II and in 1980 for economic reasons. Epidemiological surveys carried out after the Chernobyl accident in 1989 as well as in 1992/1993 and in 1994 as a 'ThyroMobil' study, revealed increased prevalence of goitre in children and adults. Ninety per cent of Poland was classified as an area of moderate iodine deficiency, and 10%, in the seaside area, as mild iodine deficiency territory. Iodine prophylaxis based on iodisation of household salt was introduced again in 1986 as a voluntary model and in 1997 as a mandatory model with 30+/-10 mg KI/kg salt. OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of the obligatory model of iodine prophylaxis in schoolchildren from the same schools in 1994 and 1999. METHODS: Thyroid volume was determined by ultrasonography. Ioduria in casual morning urine samples was measured using Sandell-Kolthoff's method, within the framework of the ThyroMobil study. RESULTS: Goitre prevalence decreased from 38.4 to 7% and urinary iodine concentration increased from 60.4 to 96.2 microg/l mean values between 1994 and 1999. In four schools the prevalence of goitre diminished below 5%. In 1999, 70% of children excreted over 60 microg I/l, and 36% over 100 microg I/l, whereas in 1994 the values were 44 and 13% respectively. CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that iodine prophylaxis based only on iodised household salt is highly effective.

[Concurrent goiter and vitiligo in a 13-year old boy]. / Wspólwystepowanie wola koloidowego oraz bielactwa nabytego u 13-letniego chlopca.

The coincidence of goitre and vitiligo in 13-year-old boy is reported. Skin changes appeared two years before the thyroid disease was diagnosed. Immunological investigation revealed the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies, which may suggest an autoaggressive etiology of both disorders.

Specific IgE against milk allergens in children with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Cow's milk has been considered as a possible trigger of the autoimmune response that destroys pancreatic B-cells, thus causing insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. We investigated 46 children with IDDM. In this group we showed an increased total IgE in 58.6% of cases and the presence of specific IgE antibodies induced by milk allergens in 32.5% of cases. These results suggests that antibodies probably play an important role in IDDM pathogenesis.

[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.

[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.

Immunoperoxidase examination of cutaneous infiltrates of mycosis fungoides and large-plaque atrophic parapsoriasis with OKT10.

A monoclonal antibody (OKT10), which was developed recently, reacts with pro-thymocytes, T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells, cells in normal bone marrow (including plasma cells), and activated T cells. Tissues from patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma were studied for the presence of OKT10-reactive cells with the use of an indirect immunoperoxidase technic. OKT10-reactive cells were identified in three of eight cases of mycosis fungoides, one of two cases of Sézary syndrome, with an equivocal reaction in one of ten cases of large-plaque parapsoriasis and in one of seven positive patch tests (allergic contact dermatitis). The biologic and possible clinical implications are discussed.

OKT 9 reactivity in mycosis fungoides and large plaque (atrophic) parapsoriasis.

A monoclonal antibody OKT 9 which detects a determinant expressed by a variety of proliferating cell types has been recently developed. This antibody was used in conjunction with the immunoperoxidase technique to study the cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates of nine patients with mycosis fungoides, one patient with lymphomatoid papulosis, two patients with Sézary syndrome, and ten patients with large plaque atrophic parapsoriasis (a condition which may terminate in overt mycosis fungoides.) OKT 9 reactive cells were identified in all cases of mycosis fungoides examined, in one case of lymphomatoid papulosis, one of two cases of Sézary syndrome, and one of ten cases of large plaque atrophic parapsoriasis. These results suggest that further studies using OKT 9 should be performed to assess whether OKT 9 reactivity may be used as a prognostic marker in cutaneous lymphomas and prelymphomas.

Demonstration of cells bearing the OKT6 determinant in human tonsil and lymph node.

An immunoperoxidase study was carried out on human tonsil (15 specimens) and human lymph node (5 specimens) using OKT6, a monoclonal antibody which was raised against a determinant on immature thymocytes. OKT6-positive cells were identified in the crypt epithelium of all tonsils examined and in occasional clusters in the interfollicular areas of two lymph nodes. OKT6 has recently been shown to react with epidermal dendritic cells (Langerhans' cells). This study confirms that OKT6-reactive cells may be found outside the thymus. The pattern of staining obtained suggests that OKT6 reactivity belongs to a dendritic subpopulation. The significance of the finding in relation to physiology and pathology is discussed. These physiological findings may also be relevant to the immunotherapy of T-cell lymphomas.

Demonstration of OKT 6-reactive cells in mycosis fungoides.

Infiltrates of five cases of mycosis fungoides (MF) were studied for the presence of cells reactive with a monoclonal antibody, OKT 6, which detects an antigen present on relatively immature thymocytes and Langerhans cells. In situ immunohistochemical staining was used for their demonstration. OKT 6-reactive cells formed a definite component of the dermal infiltrates of all patients examined. In three patients who showed numerous Pautrier microabscesses on routine histologic examination, OKT 6-positive cells were found to form a component of these abscesses. OKT 6-reactive cells have also recently been shown to be present in varying numbers in the dermal infiltrates of large plaque (atrophic) parapsoriasis (LPAP), a condition which may terminate in MF. The significance of these findings is discussed.

In situ immunologic phenotyping of mycosis fungoides.

In situ immunologic phenotyping of the cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates of five cases of mycosis fungoides (MF) was performed. This was done by the immunoperoxidase technic using monoclonal antibodies directed against normally expressed by mature peripheral T cells and T cells subsets. A significant proportion of the infiltrates reacted with peripheral T cell antibodies. In addition, "helper" predominance was demonstrated. However, cells reacting positively with "suppressor" antibodies were also demonstrated in three cases, indicating immunologic heterogeneity of the infiltrates. The presence of a significant component of the infiltrates yielding an equivocal or negative reaction with the mature T cell antibodies, especially in the infiltrates of one case which had a fatal outcome, suggests further heterogeneity with the presence of immature cells. Future investigation with monoclonal antibodies directed against immature T cell differentiation antigens will be of interest.

Identification of T cell in parapsoriasis infiltrates. Use of an anti-human T-cell serum and the immunoperoxidase technique.

"Parapsoriasis" is a term used to include a heterogeneous group of conditions, one variant of which, at least, eventuates in mycosis fungoides in a substantial percentage of cases. The T-cell origin of mycosis fungoides is well established. The lack of similar information on lymphoid cell types in parapsoriasis prompted an immunoperoxidase study using a specific antihuman T-cell serum in a group of seven patients with parapsoriasis. Our findings demonstrated a preponderantly T-cell infiltrate in the categories of parapsoriasis examined.

Negative immunoperoxidase staining for lysozyme in nodular subepidermal fibrosis.

Nodular subepidermal fibrosis (NSF) is a clinical entity, the histogenetic origins of which remain unclear. More than 200 such lesions were examined with light microscopy and subdivided into four types based on their relative degree of cellularity. Five examples of each subtype were stained for lysozyme with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. None of the 20 lesions contained cells with lysozyme. We conclude that the basic cell type in NSF is not lysozyme-containing macrophage; it is a different cell, perhaps one of mesenchymal origin.

OKT 6-positive cells: their demonstration in human thymus, and the effect of fixation on the immunoperoxidase reaction.

Human thymocytes at an intermediate stage of differentiation were demonstrated in situ in tissue sections of thymus using the mouse monoclonal antibody OKT 6 THY (Ortho Immunobiology Ltd, Raritan, NJ) and the immunoperoxidase technique. These cells were found to reside mainly within the thymic cortex. The effects of on-slide fixation on the ease of demonstration of the antigen involved were assessed. The choice of fixative was found to have a marked effect, acetone and paraformaldehyde producing the most satisfactory results.