Profiling the Proteome of Cyst Nematode-Induced Syncytia on Tomato Roots.

Cyst nematodes are important herbivorous pests in agriculture that obtain nutrients through specialized root structures termed syncytia. Syncytium initiation, development, and functioning are a research focus because syncytia are the primary interface for molecular interactions between the host plant and parasite. The small size and complex development (over approximately two weeks) of syncytia hinder precise analyses, therefore most studies have analyzed the transcriptome of infested whole-root systems or syncytia-containing root segments. Here, we describe an effective procedure to microdissect syncytia induced by Globodera rostochiensis from tomato roots and to analyze the syncytial proteome using mass spectrometry. As little as 15 mm2 of 10-µm-thick sections dissected from 30 syncytia enabled the identification of 100-200 proteins in each sample, indicating that mass-spectrometric methods currently in use achieved acceptable sensitivity for proteome profiling of microscopic samples of plant tissues (approximately 100 µg). Among the identified proteins, 48 were specifically detected in syncytia and 7 in uninfected roots. The occurrence of approximately 50% of these proteins in syncytia was not correlated with transcript abundance estimated by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis. The functional categories of these proteins confirmed that protein turnover, stress responses, and intracellular trafficking are important components of the proteome dynamics of developing syncytia.

Conservative treatment of borderline ovarian tumors: the experience of one clinical center.

OBJECTIVES: Borderline ovarian tumors have favorable survival rates, however, prognostic factors are still discussed. The aim was to investigate the outcome for women treated conservatively with respect to different tumor-dependent and tumor-independent prognostic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 194 women treated surgically between years 1978 and 2007. Influence of conservative or radical surgical treatment on survival was evaluated. RESULTS: The overall 5-year survival rate was 93.1% and 96.8% respectively for radical and conservative treatment. The mean time of survival was longer in women treated conservatively (p = 0.03), but this was an outcome of their younger age; when age was eliminated as a determining factor; the type of treatment had not influenced the length of postoperative survival (p=0.57). Conservative treatment was chosen more frequently for younger women. Factors that are detrimental to survival are age, postmenopausal detection of borderline ovarian tumors, an advanced stage of progression, a bilateral localization of tumors, the occurrence of invasive peritoneal implants and a serous rather than a mucinous histological type of borderline ovarian tumor more frequently occurred in women treated radically Borderline ovarian tumors recurred in 16.7% of women after conservative treatment and in 3.5% of women after radical treatment. Of women with preserved fertility 25.7% became pregnant at least once and 21.2% of the group as a whole delivered children at term; none of the pregnancies were fertility-assisted. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment does not have a deleterious effect on the prognosis of women provided that unfavorable prognostic factors are identified.

The proteomic profile is altered but not repaired after bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes pigs.

To reveal the sources of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in humans, animal models, mainly rodents, have been used. Here, we propose a pig model of T2D. Weaned piglets were fed high fat/high sugar diet suppling 150% of metabolizable energy. Measurements of weight gain, blood morphology, glucose plasma levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT) were employed to observe T2D development. The histology and mass spectrometry analyses were made post mortem. Within 6 months, the high fat-high sugar (HFHS) fed pigs showed gradual and significant increase in plasma triglycerides and glucose levels in comparison to the controls. Using OGTT test, we found stable glucose intolerance in 10 out of 14 HFHS pigs. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated significant changes in 330 proteins in the intestine, liver, and pancreas of the HFHS pigs. These pigs showed also an increase in DNA base modifications and elevated level of the ALKBH proteins in the tissues. Six diabetic HFHS pigs underwent Scopinaro bariatric surgery restoring glycaemia one month after surgery. In conclusion, a high energy diet applied to piglets resulted in the development of hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, and type 2 diabetes being reversed by a bariatric procedure, excluding the proteomic profile utill one month after the surgery.

Feeding Bacillus-based probiotics to gestating and lactating sows is an efficient method for improving immunity, gut functional status and biofilm formation by probiotic bacteria in piglets at weaning.

The effects of dietary probiotic supplementation with viable Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens spores on sow performance, immunity, gut functional status and biofilm formation by probiotic bacteria in piglets at weaning were investigated. Ninety-six sows reared in a continuous farrowing system for one full cycle were fed gestation diets during the first 90 d of pregnancy and lactation diets until the end of lactation. The sows were fed a basal diet without probiotics (control; n = 48) or a diet supplemented with viable spores (1.1 × 109 CFU/kg of feed) (probiotic; n = 48). At 7 d of age, sucking piglets (n = 12/group) were provided prestarter creep feed until weaning at 28 d of age. The piglets in the probiotic group were supplemented with the same probiotic and dosage as their dams. Blood and colostrum collected from sows and ileal tissues collected from piglets on the day of weaning were used for analyses. Probiotics increased the weight of piglets (P = 0.077), improved the weaning weight (P = 0.039) and increased both the total creep feed consumption (P = 0.027) and litter gain (P = 0.011). Probiotics also improved the faecal score in the second (P = 0.013) week of life. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in sow blood at farrowing and the IgM concentrations in piglet blood at weaning were higher in the probiotic group than in the control group (P = 0.046). The piglets from the probiotic-treated sows showed a higher IgM concentration in the ileal mucosa (P = 0.050) and a lower IgG concentration in the ileal mucosa (P = 0.021) compared with the piglets from control sows. The probiotic-treated piglets had a thicker ileal mucosa (P = 0.012) due to the presence of longer villi and larger Peyer's patches (P < 0.001). B. subtilis and B. amyloliquefaciens were detected in the probiotic-treated piglets but not the control piglets; these bacteria were present in the digesta and villus structures and formed structures resembling biofilms. Overall, Bacillus-based probiotic supplementation improves the health indices of sows and their piglets.

Automatic air volume control system for ventilation of two patients using a single ventilator: a large animal model study.

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak led to a global ventilator shortage. Hence, various strategies for using a single ventilator to support multiple patients have been considered. A device called Ventil previously validated for independent lung ventilation was used in this study to evaluate its usability for shared ventilation. We performed experiments with a total number of 16 animals. Eight pairs of pigs were ventilated by a ventilator or anesthetic machine and by Ventil for up to 27 h. In one experiment, 200 ml of saline was introduced to one subject's lungs to reduce their compliance. The experiments were analyzed in terms of arterial blood gases and respiratory parameters. In addition to the animal study, we performed a series of laboratory experiments with artificial lungs (ALs). The resistance and compliance of one AL (affected) were altered, while the tidal volume (TV) and peak pressure (Ppeak) in the second (unaffected) AL were analyzed. In addition, to assess the risk of transmission of pathogens between AL respiratory tracts, laboratory tests were performed using phantoms of virus particles. The physiological level of analyzed parameters in ventilated animals was maintained, except for CO2 tension, for which a permissive hypercapnia was indicated. Experiments did not lead to injuries in the animal's lungs except for one subject, as indicated by CT scan analysis. In laboratory experiments, changes in TV and Ppeak in the unaffected AL were less than 11%, except for 2 cases where the TV change was 20%. No cross-contamination was found in simulations of pathogen transmission. We conclude that ventilation using Ventil can be considered safe in patients undergoing deep sedation without spontaneous breathing efforts.

Differences in Intestinal Barrier Development between Intrauterine Growth Restricted and Normal Birth Weight Piglets.

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets are born at term but have low birth mass and a characteristic shape of the head. Impaired general condition, especially in intestinal function, leads to an increase in the occurrence of diarrhoea and high mortality in the first days of life. So far, the mechanical and immunological gut barrier functions in IUGR are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to microscopically evaluate the early postnatal changes in the gut mucosa occurring in IUGR piglets. Whole-tissue small intestine samples were collected from littermate pairs (IUGR and normal) on postnatal day (PD) 7, 14 and 180 and analysed by light microscopy. We found that in the IUGR piglets, the percentage of intraepithelial leukocytes was reduced in the duodenum on PD 7, but it increased in the proximal and middle jejunum both on PD 7 and PD 14, which suggested the development of an inflammatory process. The number of goblet cells was also reduced on PD 14. The average size of the Peyer's patches in the distal jejunum and ileum showed significant reduction on PD 7 as compared to normal pigs; however, on PD 14, it returned to normal. On PD 180, we did not find any differences in the measured parameters between the IUGR and the normal pigs. In conclusion, we found that in one-week-old IUGR pig neonates, the gut barrier and the immune system structures display signs of retarded development but recover within the second postnatal week of life.

Performance and Meat Quality of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Pigs.

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pigs are characterized by high perinatal mortality and dysfunction of internal organs, adipose, and muscle tissues. However, little is known about the post-weaning performance and meat quality of the IUGR pigs. The aim of this study was to compare normal pigs and pigs with IUGR from birth until slaughter, also with respect to their meat quality. Pigs with the IUGR achieved lower slaughter weight but did not differ significantly from normal pigs in terms of their meat content. The IUGR did not negatively affect the culinary quality of the obtained meat, including its content of basic chemical components and energy value, as well as hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, elasticity, and penetration force. The meat of the IUGR pigs, when compared to the meat of normal pigs, was characterized by higher pH, lower EC (Electrical Conductivity) and drip loss; it was also tenderer and obtained higher scores in sensory evaluation of taste, smell, and general desirability. Therefore, such raw material can be appreciated by the consumers and can be used for the production of culinary portions similarly to the raw material obtained from normal pigs.

Sexual behavior and contraception among young Polish women.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze sexual behavior and the use of contraception among young women in Poland. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. POPULATION: 1,478 young women in higher (78.9%) and secondary (21.1%) education. SETTING: Gdansk region in Poland. METHODS: The data were gathered between September and December 2008 by the use of a questionnaire prepared for the purpose of this study, completed anonymously and in person by the young women. RESULTS: Sexual activity had been initiated by 67.2% of the women studied at a mean age of 18.7 years (±1.97). Assessment was made of changes in their contraceptive practice between the time of sexual initiation and later sexual activity. Since their first experience of intercourse 67.0% did not change their contraceptive methods. As many as 40.1% continued using either low effective methods or no contraception. Early sexual initiation was linked to a significantly lower likelihood of highly effective contraception, more frequent unprotected sexual intercourse and more sexual partners (p < 0.05). Over half of women assigned to a 'high-risk' group with regard to the chance of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection, declared that their behavior did not carry any risk, similar (p > 0.05) to those who did not have a history of hazardous behavior. CONCLUSION: Sexual behavior differentiates Polish women from the women in Western Europe. Despite the welcome tendency toward choosing reliable contraceptives, use of appropriate contraception is still insufficient.

Effect of exogenous butyrate on the gastrointestinal tract of sheep. II. Hydrolytic activity in the rumen and structure and function of the small intestine.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous butyrate on the activity of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes in the reticuloruminal digesta and structure and selected functions of the small intestine in sheep. Eighteen rams (30.8 ± 2.1 kg; 12 to 15 mo of age) were fed for 14 d a diet without (CTRL) or with sodium butyrate (BUT; 36 g/kg of offered DM). Butyrate concentration in the reticuloruminal fluid and proximal small intestinal digesta was greater for BUT compared with CTRL (P ≤ 0.05). Amylolytic activity was greater, whereas cellulolytic and xylanolytic activity in the reticuloruminal digesta was less for BUT compared with CTRL (P ≤ 0.04). Relative to BW, small intestinal tissue mass and small intestine length did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.15); however, absolute length of the small intestine was greater for BUT compared with CTRL (P = 0.04). In the duodenum, crypt depth tended (P = 0.10) to be greater, whereas in the ileum, crypt depth and muscularis thickness tended (P = 0.10) to be less for BUT compared with CTRL. Mitosis-to-apoptosis ratio in the proximal jejunum was greater for CTRL compared with BUT (P = 0.02). Expression of G-protein-coupled receptor 43 mRNA in the duodenal epithelium was greater for BUT compared with CTRL (P < 0.01). On the other hand, peptide transporter 1 mRNA expression in the distal sections of the small intestine, as well as activity of aminopeptidase A and dipeptidylpeptidase IV, were greater for CTRL (P ≤ 0.05). In summary, exogenous butyrate supplementation in feed affects hydrolytic activity in the rumen, and increased butyrate flow out of the reticulorumen affects both proximal and distal sections of the small intestine in sheep.

Effect of exogenous butyrate on the gastrointestinal tract of sheep. I. Structure and function of the rumen, omasum, and abomasum.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous butyrate on the structure and selected functions of the stomach in sheep. Eighteen rams (30.8 ± 2.1 kg; 12 to 15 mo of age) were allocated to the study and fed a diet for 14 d without (CTRL) or with sodium butyrate (BUT; 36 g/kg of offered DM). Neither DMI nor initial BW differed between treatments (P ≥ 0.61), but final BW was greater for BUT compared with CTRL (P = 0.03). Butyrate concentration in the reticuloruminal fluid and abomasal digesta was greater for BUT compared with CTRL (P ≤ 0.01), but total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration, as well as concentration of other SCFA, did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.07). Relative to BW, reticuloruminal tissue mass tended (P = 0.09) to be greater and omasal digesta was less (P = 0.02) for BUT compared with CTRL. Dietary butyrate did not affect ruminal papillae length, width, and density nor did it affect ruminal epithelium thickness (P ≥ 0.12) in the ventral sac of the rumen. However, the DM of ruminal epithelium (mg/cm2) tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for BUT compared with CTRL. Omasal and abomasal epithelium thicknesses were greater (P ≤ 0.05) for BUT compared with CTRL. Mitosis-to-apoptosis ratio in the abomasal epithelium was less for BUT compared with CTRL (P = 0.04). Finally, the mRNA expression of peptide transporter 1 in the omasal epithelium was less (P = 0.02) and mRNA expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 in the abomasal epithelium tended (P = 0.07) to be greater for BUT compared with CTRL. It can be concluded that exogenous butyrate supplementation affected not only the rumen but also omasum and abomasum in sheep.

[The analisys of complications in forceps delivery in Institutute of Obsterics and Women Disease Medical University of Gdansk]. / Analiza powiklan porodów zakonczonych zabiegiem kleszczowym w materiale Instytutu Poloznictwa i Chorób Kobiecych AM w Gdansku.

INTRODUCTION: The forceps are the oldest obstetrics instrument using to quickly finishing delivery in situation of imminent fetal death. Forceps delivery increase the risk of new-born and women complications AIM OF STUDY: The aim of the study was retrospective analysis of 215 forceps deliveries in Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Gdansk between years 1991 and 2004. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 26653 deliveries took place in Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Gdansk between years 1991 and 2004 and in 215 cases deliveries finished by forceps operations. The fetal and mothers complications were assessed. RESULTS: Percentage of forceps delivery was low 0.81%. About 30% of new-borns were born with different types of birth's complications. 16.7% of new-borns had extravasations of skin and 14.8% had subperiosteal haematoma. More than half of examined women had various injuries of their birth canal and the more common was unilateral rupture of cervix--18.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of complications after forceps delivery in rather high. 37.2% of newborn and 58,1% of women had various complications after forceps delivery. Our results indicate that percentage of forceps deliveries is decreased and in the 14 years periods was only 0.81%.

[The late recurrence of ovarian cancer seventeen years after radical surgery]. / Wznowa raka jajnika po 17 latach po radykalnym leczeniu operacyjnym.

The study presents a very interesting case of ovarian cancer with long-term survival. The patient was primary treated by conservative surgery without chemotherapy. Cystadenocarcinoma mucinous G-1 was recognized. Ovarian cancer relapsed after eight years and the second operation was performed. During next, radical operation other histological typ of ovarian cancer (mixed, sero-mucinous cystadenocarcinoma) was recognized. Eight years after second surgery and seventeen years after primary surgery ovarian cancer again recurred. There were a very diffuse neoplastic process at the abdominal cavity. Although patient was treated by surgery and chemotherapy, she died. The study presents new opinions of pathogenesis of ovarian cancer and origin of recurrences, including theory of multifocal neoplasia of mesothelium.

[Comparison of two groups of patients with serous and mucinous types of borderline ovarian tumors]. / Analiza porównawcza chorych z surowiczymi i sluzowymi nowotworami jajnika o granicznej zlosliwosci.

OBJECTIVE: The retrospective comparison of two groups of patients with the most common types of borderline ovarian tumors (BTO): serous and mucinous. METHODS: All patients were treated between 1978 and 2000 at the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical University of Gdansk. The first group consisted of 58 patients with serous BTO. The second group consisted of 48 patients with mucinous BTO. These groups were compared according to such parameters: age at diagnosis, parity, clinical symptoms, localization of tumor, tumor size, type of operation, stage of disease, utilization of adjuvant therapy, presence of recurrence and 5-year survival. Statistical comparisons were made by the chi 2 test. The clinical life table analysis was performed to determine 5-year survival and comparisons were made by means of the Long Rank tests. RESULTS: The mean age of serous BTO was 53.1 +/- 12.8 and of mucinous BTO 43.3 +/- 17.9 (p = 0.0000). In the first group 15.5% and in the second 43.8% women were nullipara (p = 0.0602). The main symptom of serous BTO was pain--53.5% patients and that of mucinous BTO increasing girth--47.9% patients (p = 0.0456). The mean size of serous BTO was 13.7 +/- 6.9 cm and that of mucinous BTO was 20.3 +/- 9.5 cm (p = 0.004). 43 patients (89.6%) with mucinous and 28 patients (48.3%) with serous BTO were at I A stage and 9 patients (15.5%) with serous and only one (2.1%) with mucinous were at III stage (p = 0.0008). The mucinous BTO--affected were more frequently treated conservatively than serous BTO--ones which were rather treated radically with using adjuvant therapy (p = 0.003). Residual disease was observed mainly in patients with serous BTO. 5-years survival was better in patients with mucinous BTO, 87.7% and 85.2% respectively (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: 1. The mucinous BTO occurred more frequently than serous BTO in women of the childbearing age. 2. The extraovarian disease was observed more often with serous BTO than the mucinous BTO. 3. The mucinous BTO was usually bigger than serous BTO and mainly affected only one ovary. 4. The mucinous BTO was more frequently treated conservatively than serous BTO which were rather treated radically with use of adjuvant therapy. 5. The recurrence rate was higher and the 5-year survival was worse in patients with serous BTO.

[Pregnancy and delivery after conservative treatment of borderline ovarian tumor with FIGO stage III C--a case report]. / Ciaza i poród po oszczedzajacym leczeniu operacyjnym z powodu nowotworu jajnika o granicznej zlosliwosci w stopniu zaawansowania III C.

This study presents a case of pregnancy after conservative surgical treatment of borderline ovarian tumor with III C stage according to FIGO classification. The caesarean section in 37 week of pregnancy was performed and connected with very precise staging. In normal-appearing both ovaries the foci of borderline ovarian tumor were found. There were no foci of borderline ovarian tumor or foci of invasive carcinoma in tissues routinely sampled during the second look operation. All benefits and costs of conservative surgical approaches to very young, childless women with advanced borderline ovarian tumor were exactly estimated.

[Co-existence of myoma uteri and pregnancy]. / Ciaza powiklana obecnoscia miesniaków macicy.

OBJECTIVE: Myomas of uterus are the most common mild tumours of uterus. There is often observed the rapid increase of them during the pregnancy and then they could caused complications from 0.3% to 2.6% of pregnancies. DESIGN: The aim of study was the general valuation of the course and delivery means of the pregnancies coexisted with myoma uteri. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have analysed 11 pregnancies, which we observed during hospitalisation of pregnant women at 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Medical University of Gdansk. RESULTS: We observed pain in abdomen during pregnancy in 63.6% of analysed group. The 6 (54.5%) pregnant women were pharmacologically treated against symptoms of miscarriages and preterm labors. We investigated in the connection of the complicated pregnancy at women with myomatous uterus. The results confirm the high risk of the pregnancy. Almost 82% of analysed group delivered at time. The frequency of caesarean sections in our study was about 36%, but 2 of them were performed because of myomas. CONCLUSION: We made conclusion that pregnancy complicated by myomas had not significant increase in failure at the end. Myomatous uterus in pregnancy required to be quickly diagnosed and take care to prevent complications.

[An advanced cervical carcinoma coexisting with pregnancy in 19-years old primipara--a case report and review of current literature]. / Zaawansowany rak szyjki macicy wspólistniejacy z ciaza u 19-letniej pierwiastki--opis przypadku i przeglad pismiennictwa.

In our case report we described an fatal outcome of very young, nineteen years old primipara with advanced, aggressive squamous cervical cancer associated with 20 weeks gestation. Despite of our intentions to abort the pregnancy and started immediate therapy, she decided to delay treatment to allow fetal maturity. After 12 weeks interval, she was readmitted to the hospital with symptoms of intestinal occlusions caused by fast progression of disease. In 33 week of gestation we performed classical caesarean section with Pivercs type III radical hysterectomy. She was delivered of viable female infant weighing 1800 g. Simultaneously, we extended operation of possible cytoreductive surgery. After that, patient received two courses of adjuvant chemotherapy (MIC-scheme) and supplemental external beam radiation. Unfortunately, despite of multidisciplinary, aggressive treatment, she experienced recurrence in pelvic side walls within 6 months of surgery. At last follow-up, she was receiving salvage therapy.

[Coexistence of ovarian carcinoma with pregnancy--case report]. / Zlosliwy nowotwór jajnika wspólistniejacy z ciaza.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian tumors during pregnancy are a rare event. More ovarian tumors are detected accidently during ultrasonography examination or caesarean section at term. STUDY DESIGN: Ovarian tumor was recognized at the 36 years old patient during 21 weeks of pregnancy and was observed and treated during caesarean section. RESULTS: During caesarean section the mesonephroid ovarian carcinoma at IA stage has been diagnosed and unilateral cystectomy after meticulous surgical exploration was done.

[The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Polish population]. / Czestotliwosc cukrzycy ciezarnych (GDM) w Polsce w badaniach przesiewowych.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of GDM in different parts of Poland and to assess whether 1 h--glucose plasma levels after 50 g glucose tolerance test (50 g OGTT) reflect the risk of GDM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 5778 pregnant women were screened with 50 g OGTT between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. All subjects whose post-challenge glucose levels exceeded 140 mg/dl had 75 g OGTT performed according to WHO criteria. RESULTS: The rate of abnormal screening test results ranged from 8.0% to 20.7% for different regions of Poland, respectively. The pathological 50 g OGTT results were from 140 mg/dl to 320 mg/dl. Screening test results within 140 mg/dl to 149 mg/dl were confirmed by positive 75 g OGTT only in 2.9% subjects. All patients whose 1 h--glucose levels at 50 g OGTT were greater than 190 mg/dl had pathological 75 g OGTT results as well. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GDM in different parts of Poland ranged from 2.0% to 3.8% (the average 3.4%).