Benign Acute Childhood Myositis During Influenza B Outbreak.

Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a syndrome classically occurring in children during the convalescent phase from a febrile upper respiratory tract infection, most commonly after influenza B. BACM can cause difficulty walking due to severe calf pain. Laboratory results show increased serum creatinine kinase and AST. Although alarming, BACM is self-limiting with symptoms disappearing within a week. Herein, we described a case series of BCAM in children in two cities in Poland during the influenza outbreaks in 2012/2013 and 2014/2015. We discussed the presentation and the clinical workup and examinations of the myositic syndrome. In addition, we evaluated the association of BACM with influenza B. We detected specific IgG against influenza B virus in 83% of the children diagnosed with BCAM. Reports from the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw, Poland confirmed a high rate of influenza B cases during both epidemic seasons in question.

The effect of PCB126, 77, and 153 on the intracellular mobilization of Ca+2 in bovine granulosa and luteal cells after FSH and LH surge in vitro.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of persistent environmental pollutants that impair cattle reproduction. Among other effects, PCBs can disturb the intracellular mobilization of Ca(+2) in several cell types. Hence, it is possible that they disrupt the transduction of intracellular signals generated from gonadotropin (FSH/LH) receptors. In steroidogenic ovarian cells, a defect in Ca(+2) mobilization may have a detrimental influence on two important processes: the secretion of steroids (E2 or/and P4) and their morphological and functional differentiation. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of PCBs: 126 (dioxin-like) 77 (ambivalent) and 153 (estrogen-like) and a mixture of PCBs (Aroclor 1248) on these processes. Bovine granulosa and luteal cells were incubated for 72 hrs with PCBs (100 ng/ml), followed by Fura 2AM dye, and the fluctuations in intracellular Ca(+2) mobilization after FSH/LH treatment were determined using an inverted microscope coupled with a CCD camera. The intensity and area of fluorescence excited by UV light were detected in the green spectrum of visible light. Aroclor 1248 and PCBs 153 and 77 significantly decreased (P < 0.01-0.001) the effect of FSH on intracellular Ca(+2) mobilization in granulosa cells. In luteal cells, the most effective PCB on this process was PCB 77. The results revealed adverse effects of PCBs on the mobilization of intracellular Ca(+2). Moreover, the estrogen-like congeners were found to more effectively disturb this process than the dioxin-like PCB 126. Hence, it is possible for PCBs to have a negative influence on reproductive processes by affecting calcium mobilization.

Nuclear progesterone receptor isoforms and their functions in the female reproductive tract.

Progesterone (P4), which is produced by the corpus luteum (CL), creates proper conditions for the embryo implantation, its development, and ensures proper conditions for the duration of pregnancy. Besides the non-genomic activity of P4 on target cells, its main physiological effect is caused through genomic action by the progesterone nuclear receptor (PGR). This nuclear progesterone receptor occurs in two specific isoforms, PGRA and PGRB. PGRA isoform acts as an inhibitor of transcriptional action of PGRB. The inactive receptor is connected with chaperone proteins and attachment of P4 causes disconnection of chaperones and unveiling of DNA binding domain (DBD). After receptor dimerization in the cells' nucleus and interaction with hormone response element (HRE), the receptor coactivators are connected and transcription is initiated. The ratio of these isoforms changes during the estrous cycle and reflects the different levels of P4 effect on the reproductive system. Both isoforms, PGRA and PGRB, also show a different response to the P4 receptor antagonist activity. Connection of the antagonist to PGRA can block PGRB, but acting through the PGRB isoform, P4 receptor antagonist may undergo conversion to a strongly receptor agonist. A third isoform, PGRC, has also been revealed. This isoform is the shortest and does not have transcriptional activity. Alternative splicing and insertion of additional exons may lead to the formation of different PGR isoforms. This paper summarizes the available data on the progesterone receptor isoforms and its regulatory action within the female reproductive system.

Expression of membrane progestin receptors (mPRs) in the bovine corpus luteum during the estrous cycle and first trimester of pregnancy.

Progesterone (P4) affects luteal cell function through nuclear P4 receptors and via nongenomic mechanisms, presumably involving membrane P4 receptors. There are 2 types of these receptors: progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) and membrane progestin receptor (mPR), including mPR alpha (mPRα), beta (mPRß), and gamma (mPRγ), which belong to the progestin and adipoQ receptor family (PAQR 7, 8, and 5, respectively). The aim of this study was to evaluate mRNA expression, protein expression, and localization of mPRα, mPRß, and mPRγ in the bovine corpus luteum (CL) on days 2-5, 6-10, 11-16, and 17-20 of the estrous cycle as well as on weeks 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 of pregnancy (n = 5/each period). The highest mPRα mRNA expression was found on days 11-16 (P < 0.05) and 17-20 (P < 0.001) of the estrous cycle compared with other stages of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. The mPRß mRNA level was highest (P < 0.01) on days 11-20 of the estrous cycle and in all stages of pregnancy. mPRγ mRNA expression was highest (P < 0.001) on days 17-20 of the estrous cycle and also during weeks 9-12 of pregnancy compared with the other stages of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Only the mPRα protein was changed during the estrous cycle; there were no significant differences in protein expression of mPRß and mPRγ during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Immunostaining for the mPRα, mPRß, and mPRγ proteins was detectable in the CL sections at all stages of the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Strong positive staining was observed in small luteal cells; this reaction was less evident in large luteal cells. All proteins were also localized in endothelial cells of blood vessels. The obtained data indicate variable expression of mPRα, mPRß, and mPRγ in bovine CL during the estrous cycle and first trimester of pregnancy and suggest that P4 may be involved in the regulation of CL function via these membrane receptors during both the estrous cycle and pregnancy.

The expression of progesterone receptor coregulators mRNA and protein in corpus luteum and endometrium of cows during the estrous cycle.

The aim of this study was to examine whether changes in the mRNA and protein expression of the progesterone receptor (PGR) coactivator P300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) and the corepressor Nuclear Receptor Corepressor 1 (NCOR1) may participate in the regulation of PGR function during the estrous cycle in corpus luteum (CL) and endometrium and thus modulate the effect of progesterone (P4) within the reproductive system. The experimental material included CL and endometrial tissues from cows on days 2-5, 6-10, 11-16, and 17-20 of the estrous cycle. The mRNA expression of PCAF and NCOR1 was determined by means of real-time PCR, and protein levels were determined using western blotting. The highest mRNA and protein expression for PCAF (P<0.01) and NCOR1 (P<0.01) was found on days 6-16 in CL, whereas mRNA and protein expression for PCAF in endometrium was the highest on days 1-10 (P<0.05), but for NCOR1 it was the highest on days 2-5 (P<0.05) and decreased thereafter. Significant correlations were found between PCAF and NCOR1 mRNA and protein in CL and endometrium, between PCAF mRNA or protein and P4 levels only in CL, and between NCOR1 protein and P4 levels in endometrium only. Correlations between PCAF and NCOR1 mRNA and PCAF and NCOR1 protein were also found. These data suggest that the variable expression of these coregulators in CL and endometrium during the estrous cycle may depend on the influence of P4, and in these tissues both coregulators may compete for binding to the PGR.

Expression and immunolocalization of membrane progesterone receptors in the bovine oviduct.

The oviduct plays a crucial role in the transport and maturation of gametes and ensures suitable conditions for fertility and early embryo development. One regulator of oviduct function is progesterone (P4), which affects the cell by interacting with nuclear progesterone receptors (PGRs) and through nongenomic mechanisms, presumably involving membrane PGRs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of messenger RNAS (mRNAs) and proteins for progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC) 1 and 2 and membrane progestin receptors (mPR) α, ß, and γ and to use immunohistochemistry to demonstrate their cell-specific localization in the bovine oviduct. Oviducts ipsilateral and contralateral to the corpus luteum or to the dominant follicle were collected from cows on days 6 to 12 (midluteal stage) and 18 to 20 (follicular stage) of the estrous cycle and divided into 3 parts (infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the PGRMC1, PGRMC2, mPRα, ß, and γ mRNA expression between ipsi- and contralateral oviducts. However, the same parts of the oviduct collected during the different stages of the estrous cycle showed higher (P < 0.05) mRNA levels of PGRMC1, PGRMC2, and mPRα on days 18 to 20 than on days 6 to 12 of the estrous cycle. mPRα and mPRß mRNA levels were higher (P < 0.05) in the infundibulum than in the isthmus, whereas PGRMC1 expression was higher (P < 0.05) in the infundibulum than in ampulla. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect PGRMC1, PGRMC2, PRα, ß, and γ proteins in all parts of both oviducts from days 6 to 12 and 18 to 20 of the estrous cycle. There were no differences in the staining intensity and cellular localization of the studied proteins between the ipsi- and contralateral oviducts and between the studied stages of the estrous cycle. A strong positive reaction was observed in luminal cells, but this reaction was less evident in myocytes and stromal cells. All proteins were also localized to the endothelial cells of blood vessels. These results suggest that membrane progesterone receptors, may be involved in the regulation of oviduct motility, secretory function, and blood flow in this organ.

Comparison of the long-term effects of treatment with oral and parenteral interferon alpha in chronic viral hepatitis patients.

This report presents the interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment results for 75 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) (51 cases) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) (24 cases) induced hepatitis in maximal 61 months follow-up. Among the group of 51 patients with chronic HBV hepatitis, 35 were treated orally with IFN-alpha in the form of lozenges in low daily doses (37.5-150 U). The treatment was completed in 32 cases. The remaining 16 patients with chronic HBV hepatitis completed the treatment with parenteral IFN-alpha (3 x 10(6) U, 3 times a week). Positive results measured by the use of seroconversion in the HBe-antigen system were obtained for 68.7% (5-61 months follow-up) and 56.2% (7-44 months follow-up) of the patients treated with oral and parenteral IFN-alpha, respectively. Among the group of 24 patients with chronic HCV hepatitis, the first 6 patients were initially treated with IFN-alpha in the form of lozenges, in low daily doses. Biochemical remission was not achieved in these patients; genotype 1b was documented in 4 of them. Both, the first 6 patients (after a break) and the remaining 18 were treated with IFN-alpha parenterally, as in HBV patients. Temporary clinical and biochemical remission was achieved in 62.5% of the cases during the treatment, however the durable remission observed during 6-29 months of follow-up was achieved in 20.4 of the cases only.

Elastic properties of dense solid phases of hard cyclic pentamers and heptamers in two dimensions.

Systems of model planar, nonconvex, hard-body "molecules" of fivefold and sevenfold symmetry axes are studied by constant pressure Monte Carlo simulations with variable shape of the periodic box. The molecules, referred to as pentamers (heptamers), are composed of five (seven) identical hard disks "atoms" with centers forming regular pentagons (heptagons) of sides equal to the disk diameter. The elastic compliances of defect-free solid phases are computed by analysis of strain fluctuations and the reference (equilibrium) state is determined within the same run in which the elastic properties are computed. Results obtained by using pseudorandom number generators based on the idea proposed by Holian and co-workers [Holian et al., Phys. Rev. E 50, 1607 (1994)] are in good agreement with the results generated by DRAND48. It is shown that singular behavior of the elastic constants near close packing is in agreement with the free volume approximation; the coefficients of the leading singularities are estimated. The simulations prove that the highest density structures of heptamers (in which the molecules cannot rotate) are auxetic, i.e., show negative Poisson ratios.

[Staphylococcus aureus sepsis--still life threatening disease]. / Posocznica gronkowcowa--choroba nadal zagrazajaca zyciu.

We report an analysis of clinical course of 18 patients presenting with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis. Community acquired infection was caused by Methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) in 11 patients. MSSA in 3 and Methicillin Resistant S. aureus strains (MRSA) in 4 patients, were the etiologic factor in 7 patients with nosocomial infection. From anamnestic data patients presented with: elevated body temperature--18/18, arthralgia and myalgia--9/18, headache--8/18, nausea--6/18, chills--2/18. Physical examination on admission revealed: meningismus--12/18, hepatomegaly--11/18, purulent and haemorrhagic skin lesions--7/18 and impaired neurological status (Glasgow Coma Scale < or = 12)--6/18. The mean APACHE III score, calculated from data collected at diagnosis of sepsis was 47 (7-114). Several complications had been observed: endocarditis--10, purulent meningitis--5, focal CNS lesions--5, pneumonia--8, pulmonary abscess--3, hydrothorax--1, abscesses of the spleen--5, renum--4, osteomyelitis--2. 11/18 patients required ICU treatment. Ventilator assistance of respiration was necessary in 7/18. Acute thrombocytopenia (< 100,000/ml) was diagnosed in 60%. In 5 patients suppurative meningitis had been diagnosed with a mean pleocytosis-837 (173-1898) microL. The results of treatment were satisfactory in 11 patients, 3 patients required further surgical treatment (2--cardiosurgery, 1--orthopedic surgery), 4 patients died. Infection caused by community acquired MSSA strains had been characterized by severe clinical course with increased incidence of endocarditis, organ failure and abscess forming. We conclude that Staphylococcus aureus sepsis is still a life-threatening disease, which should be treated at centers with immediate access to imaging techniques of CNS and circulatory system as well as intensive care and cardiosurgery. Community acquired S. aureus sepsis compared with nosocomial infection is characterized by more severe clinical course and higher mortality, despite of a great susceptibility to most antibiotics of causative S. aureus strains.

Microscopic examination of bone marrow aspirate in healthy adults - comparison of two techniques of slide preparation.

INTRODUCTION: According to the International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) guidelines for the standardization of bone marrow specimens and reports, smears from bone marrow aspirates for microscopic examination should be prepared using two techniques simultaneously: the wedge-spread and the crush technique. However, the outcomes of these techniques have never been compared. METHODS: We investigated the bone marrow of 105 adult, haematologically healthy subjects, using bone marrow smears prepared via both techniques simultaneously. RESULTS: Comparison of the two techniques revealed significant differences in terms of the composition of bone marrow cells. Only the percentages of lymphocytes, mature eosinophils and basophils did not differ significantly. The reference ranges for each technique were established. CONCLUSIONS: The crush technique seems to be more valuable than the wedge-spread technique because of the lack of a blood dilution effect and better assessment of megakaryopoiesis. We recommend the crush technique for the evaluation of the percentage composition of bone marrow cells. In a very small number of patients with irregular cell localization in the bone marrow particles, the wedge-spread technique may be more beneficial for the assessment of total cellularity. The recommendation to routinely prepare slides using both of these techniques is fully justified.

Regulation of progesterone synthesis and action in bovine corpus luteum.

The main function of the corpus luteum (CL) is to synthesize and secrete progesterone (P4), which regulates the duration of the estrous cycle and maintains of pregnancy in many species. Both synthesis and action of this hormone is regulated by many luteotropic and luteolytic factors. Progesterone also affects its own synthesis by regulation of the activity and genes expression of crucial enzymes which control steroidogenesis. The physiological effect of P4 on luteal cells is mediated through the nuclear receptor which occurs in two specific A and B receptor isoforms and also by non-genomic pathways. The nature of non-genomic action of P4 has not been fully understood. It is possible that P4 can temporarily impair binding of oxytocin to its receptor or it can bind one of the three potential membrane receptors. It is assumed that one of these proteins, progesterone receptor membrane component 1 may be involved in regulation of CL function and it can participate in protecting bovine CL against luteolysis. This review summarize the data involving the molecular regulation of P4 synthesis, its intracellular and membrane receptor and the genomic and non-genomic action in the bovine CL.

Atopy and asthma in rural Poland: a paradigm for the emergence of childhood respiratory allergies in Europe.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that, in south-west Poland, a 'rural' protective effect on atopy and respiratory allergies would be most pronounced among children but that at all ages would be stronger among those with a rural background. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of the inhabitants (age >5 years, n = 1657) of Sobotka, a town of 4000 people in south-west Poland: and seven neighbouring villages. We measured and analysed responses to skin prick tests (atopy) and to a standard questionnaire (asthma and hayfever). RESULTS: Atopy was very uncommon (7%) among villagers at all ages but not among townspeople (20%, P < 0.001); the differences were most marked among those aged under 40 years. Asthma and hayfever were similarly distributed, both being very rare among villagers. The differences appear to be explained by the cohort effect of a communal move away from rural life. This interpretation is supported by an ecological correlation (rho = -0.59) between rural populations and childhood wheeze in 22 European countries. CONCLUSION: The very striking differences in the prevalence of allergy between these two neighbouring communities of central Europe reflect the pan-continental population movements that may have been responsible for the emergence of childhood allergies in Europe.