Mentalizing abilities mediate the impact of the basic social perception on negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Social cognitive deficits are currently considered as one of the main predictors of clinical symptoms and functional outcome in patients with schizophrenia. Multiple studies have suggested that a two-factor solution (low-level vs. high-level) best describes the structure of social cognitive processes in patients. While higher-order processes have been repeatedly linked to negative symptoms, no such association was found for lower-level processes. Thus, the aim of the current study is to examine whether the association between basic social perception processes and symptoms in patients with schizophrenia is mediated by mentalizing abilities. One hundred thirty-nine patients have completed basic social perception (Communicative Interactions Database task CID-12) and mentalizing (Reading the Mind in the Eyes task) tasks. In line with our hypothesis, we have observed full mediation of the effects of basic social perception abilities on negative symptoms via mentalizing abilities in patients. This effect suggests that, similarly as in the case of positive symptoms, a hierarchical nature of social cognitive processes should be considered while investigating negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Could the use of butyric acid have a positive effect on microbiota and treatment of type 2 diabetes?

OBJECTIVE: This review focuses on the role of butyrate as one of the key metabolites of gut microbiota. Butyrate along with other short-chain fatty acids, acetate and propionate, is one of the most important regulators of human metabolism. In this review, we discuss how changes in gut microbiota triggered by type 2 diabetes mellitus and its treatment (e.g., metformin) affect butyrate synthesis, how to increase butyrate production and whether there is robust evidence for the positive effects of sodium butyrate in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Literature review was conducted by all authors. Studies published until 27/03/2020 were included. Search words were: ("butyric acid" OR "butyrate") AND ("type 2 diabetes "OR "T2DM"). The articles selected for the study were not chosen in a systematic manner, so the evidence may not be comprehensive. RESULTS: Butyrate was found to effectively reduce inflammation and plays a prominent role in the function of the intestinal barrier. To date the use of sodium butyrate in the treatment of patients with T2DM is not very popular. Meanwhile, butyric acid can beneficially modulate intestinal functions, counteracting the negative effects of the disease as well as the drugs used to treat diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM is a widespread chronic disease. Understanding role of microbiota in type 2 diabetes and the mechanisms connecting T2DM and alterations in gut microbiota could be the key to improved treatment of T2DM.

Anionic polyacrylamide influence on the lead(II) ion accumulation in soil - the study on montmorillonite.

PURPOSE: Polymeric substances, as soil conditioners, limit the erosion process as well as improve the soil structure. The same macromolecular compounds may influence the heavy metal accumulation in soil environment. The main aim of this study was investigation of anionic polyacrylamide (AN PAM) effect on the lead(II) ion sorption on the montmorillonite surface. The effects of Pb(II) ion concentration, sequence of heavy metal and anionic polymer addition into the system as well as anionic group content in the PAM macromolecules were also studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on montmorillonite (clay mineral). Two types of polymers were used: AN PAM 5% and AN PAM 30% containing 5% and 30% of carboxylic groups, respectively. The adsorbed amounts of Pb(II) ions or AN PAM on the solid were determined spectrophotometrically. Electrokinetic properties of the examined systems were established using potentiometric titration and microelectrophoresis method. The montmorillonite aggregation without and with selected substances was described based on the sedimentation study. RESULTS: At pH 5 the Pb(II) adsorbed amount on montmorillonite equaled 0.05 mg/m2 (for the initial concentration 10 ppm). Anionic polyacrylamide increased this value significantly (it was 0.11 mg/m2 with AN PAM 5% and 0.11 mg/m2 with AN PAM 30%). The lead(II) ions presence causes a slight increase of the anionic PAM adsorption on the montmorillonite surface. For example, for the initial polymer concentration 100 ppm, the AN PAM 5% adsorbed amount without Pb(II) equaled 0.49 mg/m2, whereas with Pb(II) - 0.57 mg/m2. What is more, anionic polyacrylamide and lead(II) ions affected electrokinetic properties and stability of the montmorillonite suspension. CONCLUSIONS: Anionic polyacrylamide makes the Pb(II) accumulation on the montmorillonite surface larger and, as a consequence, reduces the Pb(II) availability to organisms. Therefore, this macromolecular compound can certainly be used to remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals.

Bone Metabolism Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and in Patients After Kidney Transplantation.

Chronic kidney disease adversely affects the structure and metabolism of bone tissue, which may be a result of disturbed biochemical processes in adipose tissue. Renal replacement therapy is a life-saving therapy but it does not restore all metabolic functions and sometimes even escalates some disturbances. The study included 126 subjects: 47 hemodialysis patients (HD), 56 patients after renal transplantation (Tx) and 23 healthy controls (K). Bone density at the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS), as well as body composition (adipose tissue content and lean body mass) were measured in each patient using the DXA method. In addition, serum concentrations of glucose, calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, FGF23, Klotho, osteocalcin, leptin, adiponectin and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were measured. We observed significantly higher concentrations of leptin, FGF23 and Klotho proteins in the HD patients (77.2±48.1 ng/ml, 54.7±12.4 pg/ml, 420.6±303.8 ng/ml, respectively) and the Tx group (33.2±26.5 ng/ml; 179.8±383.9 pg/ml; 585.4±565.7, respectively) compared to the control group (24.4±24.6 ng/ml, 43.3±37.3 pg/ml, 280.5±376.0 ng/ml). Significantly lower bone density at FN was observed in the HD and Tx patients in comparison to the controls and in the HD patients compared to the Tx group. There were no significant differences in body mass composition between the studied groups. The results of this study indicate that both hemodialysis and transplantation are associated with increased serum concentrations of leptin, FGF23 and Klotho proteins, as well as lower bone density at femoral neck.

The mechanism of anionic polyacrylamide adsorption on the montmorillonite surface in the presence of Cr(VI) ions.

The anionic polyacrylamide AN PAM (with various contents of carboxyl groups) adsorption mechanism on the montmorillonite surface was examined. The effect of hazardous chromium(VI) ions addition was studied. The anionic polyacrylamide is a popular soil flocculant, commonly used to prevent erosion of arable soils. On the other hand, polymeric macromolecules can increase the accumulation of various toxic substances, such as heavy metal ions (among others Cr(VI) ions) in soil minerals. For this purpose the adsorption properties of soil mineral - montmorillonite in relation to mixed system containing AN PAM and Cr(VI) ions was investigated. The impact of solution pH, order of individual adsorbates addition, chromium(VI) ions concentration and anionic groups content in the polymeric macromolecules were determined. The montmorillonite was characterized using the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption method, XRF, FTIR and SEM techniques. In turn, the adsorption and electrokinetic properties of examined montmorillonite - AN PAM - Cr(VI) systems were examined by means of spectrophotometry, potentiometric titration and microelectrophoresis methods.

Qualitative and quantitative detection of chicken deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in dry dog foods.

Chicken is a common protein source in pet foods and is concurrently listed among food allergens. Commercial over-the-counter (OTC) diets with an alternative animal protein source are considered suitable for dietary elimination trials by pet owners. The potential presence of undeclared chicken-derived ingredients in these diets can compromise the outcome of the trial during the diagnosis of adverse food reactions. The aim of this study was to selectively verify the absence or presence of chicken DNA in 10 OTC dry canine foods, using qualitative and quantitative approaches. The method of identification of chicken-derived protein was elaborated with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, whereas quantitative real-time PCR was used for the quantitative assessment. In most of the analysed samples, the chicken DNA was detectable; however, the quantified amounts were predominantly low, although differences between batches were observed.

The effects of fermentation and enzymatic treatment of pea on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of broilers.

The present study examined the impacts of native, fermented or enzymatically treated peas (Pisum sativum L.) inclusion in broiler diets, on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. For the fermentation process, Madonna pea was mixed with water (1/1) containing 2.57×108 Bacillus subtilis (GalliPro®) spores/kg pea and then, incubated for 48 h at 30 °C. For the enzymatic treatment process, the used water for dough production contained three enzymes, AlphaGalTM (α-galactosidase), RONOZYME® ProAct and VP (protease and pectinases respectively - DSM, Switzerland) and the pea dough incubated for 24 h at 30°C. Nine corn-wheat-soybean diets were formulated by supplying 10%, 20% and 30% of the required CP with either native, fermented or enzymatically treated peas. Performance was recorded weekly and at the end of the experiment (day 35), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of CP, amino acids (AA), crude fat, starch, Ca, P and K were determined. Data were subjected to ANOVA using GLM procedure with a 3×3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Both processes reduced α-galactosides, phytate, trypsin inhibitor activity and resistant starch in peas. Increasing levels of pea products up to 300 g/kg diet, reduced BW gain and feed intake (P⩽0.05). Broilers fed diets containing enzymatically treated pea had the best feed conversion ratio at day 35. Different types of pea product and their inclusion levels had no effect on AID of all nutrients. The interaction between type of the pea products and inclusion levels was significant for AID of starch. For native pea diets, 10% group showed similar AID of starch to 20% native pea but it had higher AID than 30% native pea. For fermented and enzymatically treated groups, all three levels displayed similar AID of starch. In conclusion, enzymatic treatment and fermentation could improve the nutritional quality of pea. Inclusion of enzymatically treated pea in broiler diets could improve broiler performance compared with other pea products while, it displayed neither positive nor negative impact on nutrient digestibility. The present findings indicate the feasibility of these processes, particularly enzymatic treatment, for improving the nutritional quality of pea as a protein source for broiler nutrition.

Nanostructure of Poly(Acrylic Acid) Adsorption Layer on the Surface of Activated Carbon Obtained from Residue After Supercritical Extraction of Hops.

The nanostructure of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) adsorption layer on the surface of mesoporous-activated carbon HPA obtained by physical activation of residue after supercritical extraction of hops was characterized. This characterization has been done based on the analysis of determination of adsorbed polymer amount, surface charge density, and zeta potential of solid particles (without and in the PAA presence). The SEM, thermogravimetric, FTIR, and MS techniques have allowed one to examine the solid surface morphology and specify different kinds of HPA surface groups. The effects of solution pH, as well as polymer molecular weight and concentration, were studied. The obtained results indicated that the highest adsorption on the activated carbon surface was exhibited by PAA with lower molecular weight (i.e., 2000 Da) at pH 3. Under such conditions, polymeric adsorption layer is composed of nanosized PAA coils (slightly negatively charged) which are densely packed on the positive surface of HPA. Additionally, the adsorption of polymeric macromolecules into solid pores is possible.

The impact of ICAM1 and VCAM1 gene polymorphisms on chronic allograft nephropathy and transplanted kidney function.

ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 adhesion molecules play important roles in the immune response and emergence of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). The several polymorphisms of ICAM1 and VCAM1 genes are associated with changes in molecular expression therefore affecting allograft function and immune responses after kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of polymorphisms in ICAM1 and VCAM1 genes on biopsy-proven CAN and renal allograft function. The 270 Caucasian renal transplant recipients (166 men and 104 women) were genotyped for the rs5498 ICAM1 and rs1041163 and rs3170794 VCAM1 gene polymorphisms using real-time polymerase chain reaction. There was no correlation between polymorphisms and CAN. Creatinine concentrations in the first month after transplantation differed between the rs5498 ICAM1 genotypes (P = .095), being higher for GG carriers (AA + AG vs GG, P =.07) albeit not with statistical significance. Creatinine concentrations at 12, 24, and 36 months after transplantation differed significantly among rs5498 ICAM1 genotypes (P = .0046, P =.016, and P = .02) and were higher among GG carriers (AA + AG vs GG, P = .001, P = .004, and P = .006). Rs5498 ICAM1 GG genotype and receipient male gender were independent factors associated with higher creatinine concentrations. These results suggest that the rs5498 ICAM1 GG genotype may be associated with long-term allograft function.

Postnatal isoform switch and protein localization of LEF1 and TCF7L2 transcription factors in cortical, thalamic, and mesencephalic regions of the adult mouse brain.

ß-Catenin signaling, leading to the activation of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1/T cell factor (LEF1/TCF) transcription factors, plays a well-established role in transcription regulation during development and tissue homeostasis. In the adult organism, the activity of this pathway has been found in stem cell niches and postmitotic thalamic neurons. Recently, studies show that mutations in components of ß-catenin signaling networks have been associated with several psychiatric disorders, indicating the involvement of ß-catenin and LEF1/TCF proteins in the proper functioning of the brain. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of LEF1/TCF protein localization and the expression profile of their isoforms in cortical, thalamic, and midbrain regions in mice. We detected LEF1 and TCF7L2 proteins in neurons of the thalamus and dorsal midbrain, i.e., subcortical regions specialized in the integration of diverse sources of sensory information. These neurons also exhibited nuclear localization of ß-catenin, suggesting the involvement of ß-catenin/LEF1/TCF7L2 in the regulation of gene expression in these regions. Analysis of alternative splicing and promoter usage identified brain-specific TCF7L2 isoforms and revealed a developmentally coordinated transition in the composition of LEF1 and TCF7L2 isoforms. In the case of TCF7L2, the typical brain isoforms lack the so-called C clamp; in addition, the dominant-negative isoforms are predominant in the embryonic thalamus but disappear postnatally. The present study provides a necessary framework to understand the role of LEF1/TCF factors in thalamic and midbrain development until adulthood and predicts that the regulatory role of these proteins in the adult brain is significantly different from their role in the embryonic brain or other non-neural tissues.

The influence of experimental Yersinia enterocolitica infection on the pregnancy course in sows--preliminary studies. III. Histopathological lesions.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomo- and histopathological lesions in internal organs of sows and their stillborn piglets after experimental Y. enterocolitica infection in different phases of pregnancy. Twelve pregnant sows were divided into 4 groups, infected per os on 33 (n = 3), 54 (n = 3) and 89 (n = 3) day of pregnancy with the pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strain isolated from the aborted swine fetus, and uninfected control group. Histopathological examinations of internal organs and intestine samples of stillborn piglets, slaughtered sows and samples of placentas were performed. Anatomo- and histopathological lesions were the most intense in the group of sows infected in the final phase of pregnancy, where the highest number of stillborn piglets was also found. Lesions of internal organs in stillborn piglets suggested a severe generalized bacterial infection. Although the analysis of experimental Y. enterocolitica infection of pregnant sows revealed that the most intense clinical, anatomopathological and histopathological abnormalities were recorded in the group of animals infected in the final phase of pregnancy. Infection in the first phase of pregnancy could have had an influence on the formation of the granulomatous inflammation. Differences in anatomopathological lesions between infected and control animals suggest that the period of pregnancy in which the infection appears could have had an influence on the course of yersiniosis in pigs.

Lack of association of polymorphisms 239+34A/C in the SOD1 gene and 47C/T in the SOD2 gene with delayed graft function and acute and chronic rejection of kidney allografts.

The superoxide dismutases (SODs) seem to be the most important enzymes involved in defense against reactive oxygen species, in particular against superoxide anion radicals. We hypothesized that genetic variability of antioxidant enzymes may have a role in development of these complications. The objective of the present study was to examine the association between polymorphisms 239+34A/C in the SOD1 gene or 47C/T in the SOD2 gene and development of delayed graft function (DGF) and acute or chronic rejection. The study included 187 recipients of first renal transplants. Patient history was analyzed taking into account DGF, acute rejection episodes, and chronic rejection. The polymorphisms were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. There were no significant associations between the polymorphisms and DGF or acute or chronic rejection. Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in SOD1 and SOD2 are not associated with development of either DGF or acute or chronic rejection.

A novel GJA1 missense mutation in a Polish child with oculodentodigital dysplasia.

Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) (OMIM #164200) is a rare congenital, autosomal dominant disorder comprising craniofacial, ocular, dental, and digital anomalies. The syndrome is caused by GJA1 mutations. The clinical phenotype of ODDD involves a characteristic dysmorphic facies, ocular findings (microphthalmia, microcornea, glaucoma), syndactyly type III of the hands, phalangeal abnormalities, diffuse skeletal dysplasia, enamel dysplasia, and hypotrichosis. In a Polish child with the clinical symptoms typical of ODDD, we demonstrated a novel missense mutation c.C31A resulting in p.L11F substitution. Our report provides evidence on the importance of this highly conserved amino acid residue for the proper functioning of GJA1 protein.

Influence of low doses of deoxynivalenol on histopathology of selected organs of pigs.

Deoxynivalenol is one of mycotoxins that are most frequently determined in animal feed manufactured in Poland. The examination of histopathological lesions concomitant with deoxynivalenol intoxication is difficult because of the common, often synergistic, reaction of this mycotoxin with other toxins, such as zearalenone or ochratoxin A, which has a strong nephrotoxic activity. The possibility of estimating histopathological lesions in the course of intoxication with pure toxin at various doses is therefore of interest. Dosages used in this experiment relate to clinical cases observed in feeding the animals with whole ration feed obtained by processing feedingstuffs contaminated with Fusarium moulds. However, concerning the fact of one-shot administration of clinically pure toxin, the main question was if it was a sufficient dose to cause changes in the histopathological picture of gastrointestinal tract organs. The experiment was carried out on 12 nursery pigs of mixed breed (Polish White Large x Polish White Ear-pendent) with an average body weigh of 35 kg. The experimental nursery pigs were divided into 3 groups: group I (n=4)--control; group II (n=4)--DON administered at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg b.w.; group III (n=4)--DON administered at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg b.w. After slaughter of the animals, macroscopic examination was performed and segments of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, liver and mesenteric lymph nodes were sampled and assigned for histopathological examination. The results obtained equate to the clinically observed signs in swine production involving some nutrient metabolism disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract in the course of deoxynivalenol mycotoxicosis. Histopathological examination of segments of the duodenum, the jejunum, the ileum, the liver and the lymph nodes indicate that the regressive lesions are more expressed in the experimental group treated with the highest concentration of deoxynivalenol.

Adsorption and thermodynamic properties of the alumina-polyacrylic acid solution system.

Free energies of polyacrylic acid (PAA) adsorption (DeltaG( composite function)) on an alumina (Al(2)O(3)) surface in the temperature range 15-35 degrees C were estimated on the basis of adsorption-desorption measurements of the inorganic radioactive ions (36)Cl, (45)Ca, and (55)Fe. Adsorbing polymer macromolecules caused the desorption process of previously adsorbed radioactive ions. The free energy of Ca-PAA surface complex formation (DeltaG(o)) was estimated to be close to the free energy of Ca(2+) ions adsorption (polymer causes about 50% desorption of these ions). Moreover, a free energy of polymer molecule adsorption increase with the increasing temperature was observed. The obtained values of DeltaG(o) were compared with those calculated from the adsorption data. Additionally, the amount of polymer adsorbed and the thicknesses of polymer adsorption layers were determined in the temperature range 15-35 degrees C. The changes of polymer chain conformation with the temperature increase are responsible for the increase of PAA adsorption as well as thickness of polymer adsorption layers in the studied temperature range.

Impact of presence of HBs antigen and anti-hepatitis C virus and anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies on transplanted kidney survival.

INTRODUCTION: Infections are one of the most common complications after organ transplantation. Viral infections such as hepatitis type B (HBV) and C (HCV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are among the most serious ones. A high frequency of HBV and HCV infections has been recognized in kidney recipients. Viral infections play a special role in graft recipients because of clinical symptoms influencing graft function and recipient survival. Immunosuppressive treatment to decrease immunological reactions after organ transplantation may increase the risk of viral infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the presence of HBs antigen and HCV and CMV antibodies on patient and graft survivals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred one enrolled kidney transplantation patients (96 women and 105 men) were treated with the same immunosuppressive regimen. Age, sex, and viral state (HBs antigen, anti-HCV and anti-CMV antibodies) were evaluated in every patient. Statistical analysis was performed with the Gompertz model, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard tests. RESULTS: The presence of HBs antigen was detected in 161 patients (20.4%), HCV antibodies in 61 recipients (30.3%); and CMV antibodies in 12 patients (5.9%). Eighty-seven recipients (43.4%) were seronegative. Average recipient age was 38.5 years. CONCLUSION: Time of graft function was independent of the presence of HBs antigen or HCV or CMV antibodies.

Factors influencing the maintenance of nicotine abstinence among the habitants of the region of Lódz and Kalisz in the years 1996-2003.

The aim of the study was to determine the factors allowing non-smoking for the next 2 years after a 5-year period of non-smoking. A questionnaire study was performed in October 2003 among 449 of men and women chosen from among 1700 contest' 'Quit & Win' Competition participants, which was ending in 1996 2nd International Antinicotine Campaign "Quit & Win" in Poland in the region of Lódz and Kalisz. Chosen people were respondents, who during studies conducted in the years 1998 and 2001 stated that they were not smoking at all since their participation in the contest. Filled-in questionnaires were sent back by 296 people (65.9%). The analysis showed that the surveyed with elementary education more rarely than people with other level of education could preserve in non-smoking habit for the next 2 years after a 5-year period of non-smoking. Further maintenance of nicotine abstinence was not dependent on: age, sex, the place of living, the marital status and the source of income.

Obesity in carnivores.

Obesity is the common nutritional disorder affecting more and more animals every year. Obese individuals have altered metabolism and disorders of many organs. Obesity may develop as a result of specific genetic, metabolic, nervous and environmental factors. Dietary management of obesity requires addressing the underlying metabolism of the animal, normalizing the glucose level and proper treatment of diabetes, which is usually associated with obesity. Novel nutrients like leptin, chromium, carnitine and starch added to the diet as well as new approaches in the obesity therapy are very important in successful weight management and treatment of this common disorder.

Application of the SAXS method and viscometry for determination of the thickness of adsorbed polymer layers at the ZrO2-polymer solution interface.

The authors studied the influence of the molecular weight of polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM), solution pH and ionic strength, and the background electrolyte type on adsorption and the thickness of polyelectrolyte adsorption layers formed on ZrO(2) surface. Carboxyl groups distributed along PAA and PAM chains were shown to be responsible for their interface conformation, which directly influences the thickness of the adsorbed polyelectrolyte layers. Bonding of macromolecules with solid surface occurs through the hydrogen bridges of these groups. Two methods were applied to determine the PAA and PAM adsorption layer thickness on ZrO(2), i.e., SAXS (small angle X-ray scattering) and viscometry. Despite some limitations of the SAXS method resulting from the relationship between the size of solid pores, polymer molecular weight, and conformation of the adsorbed macromolecule, all obtained SAXS results were very close to those calculated from viscometry data.