Evaluation of energy and nutritive value of meals for nursery school children

The energy value and content of nutritive components in nursery school meals have been evaluated by analytical method and calculated by Nutritionist IV computer program with Polish data base. A significant correlation between analysed and calculated values has been observed. An average nursery school meal covered recommended intake of iron, calcium, zinc, vit. B1 and % of energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. An average nursery school meal covered above recommended intake of total energy and % of energy from saturated fatty acids, proteins, fats, cholesterol, carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper and vitamins A, E, C, B2 i B6. Only the average content of vit. PP and % of energy from mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids in analysed nursery school meals has been below the recommended intake. The results indicate that there is a tendency to supply energy and some of nutritive components in nursery school meals above the recommended intake.     

Stereotactic methods in interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of posterior fossa tumours

For over 2 years, we have had access to latest generation apparatus and software for planning and stereotactic treatment as well as for x-rays treatment. Until now, we have carried out over 100 procedures. These included 52 stereotactic biopsies of neoplasms, some of them located within the structures of the posterior fossa. In this report, we have discussed the possibilities and effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment of tumours located in different structures, including posterior cave. In the study, we used stereotactic methods. We have described biopsies of the following tumours: cerebellar hemisphere tumour (diagnosed as "metastatic atypic planoepitheliale carcinoma" in a patient with coexisting orbit lymphoma), a bifocal lesion (located in cerebellar hemisphere and cerebellar peduncle, diagnosed as pilocytic astrocytoma of WHO malignancy grade II/III), and lesion (located in the pons, diagnosed as pilocytic astrocytoma WHO grade II).     

Astroglial reaction during the early phase of acute lead toxicity in the adult rat brain

The developing nervous system is susceptible to lead (Pb) exposure but less is known about the effect of this toxic agent in adult rat brain. Since astrocytes serve as a cellular Pb deposition site, it is of importance to investigate the response of astroglial cells in the adult rat brain in a model of acute lead exposure (25 mg/kg b.w. of lead acetate, i.p. for 3 days). An increased immunoreactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) on Western blots was noticeable in fractions of astroglial origin-glial plasmalemmal vesicles (GPV) and in homogenates from the hippocampus and cerebral cortex but not in the cerebellum. The features of enhanced astrocytic reactivity (i.e. large accumulation of mitochondria, activated Golgi apparatus and increment of gliofilaments) were observed in electron microscopy studies in the same tissues. Total glutathione levels increased both in GPV fractions and in brain homogenates-in the cerebellum (120% above control) and in hippocampus (30% above control). The results of current studies indicate that acute lead exposure is accompanied by astrocyte activation connected with the presence of the enhanced expression of GFAP. It may indicate lead-induced neuronal injury. At the same time, a regional enhancement of detoxicative mechanisms (GSH) was noticed, suggesting activation of astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection against toxic Pb action.     

Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy using <Superscript>99m</Superscript>Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma

Purpose Several new somatostatin analogues have been developed for the diagnosis and therapy of different tumours. Since somatostatin receptors are often over-expressed in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), the aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of scintigraphy with the somatostatin analogue ^99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC in MTC in comparison with other diagnostic techniques. Methods Forty-five patients with MTC, aged 14–83 years, were investigated. Scintigraphy using ^99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC (Tektrotyd) was performed 2 and 4 h post injection of 740 MBq (20 mCi) of the tracer. Other imaging techniques were also applied and analysed in individual cases (ultrasonography, computed tomography, ^99mTc(V)-DMSA, ¹³¹I-MIBG, ^99mTc-MDP, ¹¹¹In-DTPA-octreotide and ¹⁸F-FDG-PET) and compared with ^99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC. Results In group 1 (eight patients before thyroidectomy), uptake of the tracer was found in the primary tumours. In group 2 (six patients with remission), a false positive result was found in one patient; in the remaining five patients, no pathological foci were visualised. In group 3 (31 patients with post-surgical hypercalcitoninaemia), scintigraphy was true positive in 23 patients (74.2%): uptake in the thyroid bed was found in five patients, in the lymph nodes in 18 and in bone metastases in four. Using ^99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy, the overall sensitivity was 79.5%, specificity 83.3%, accuracy 80.0%, positive predictive value 96.9% and negative predictive value 38.5%. Conclusion ^99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC is clinically useful for scintigraphy in the follow-up of patients with MTC. It can be used in clinical practice for preoperative evaluation, for localisation of local recurrence or distant metastases and particularly for therapy decision making.     

Association of the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene 3435C> T polymorphism with male infertility

Infertility is a common problem affecting one in six couples, and in 30% of infertile couples, the male factor is a major cause due to defective sperm quality. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a product of the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene, may be a link between genetic and environmental factors contributing to the development of male infertility because pesticides (P-gp substrates) are well established factors of male infertility. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the MDR1 gene 3435C>T polymorphism on male infertility. In total, 162 male patients undergoing semen analysis due to initial infertility workup were included in the study. The control group consisted of 191 healthy males with proven fertility. MDR1 3435C>T genotyping was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Assessment of MDR1 genotypes among the infertile men showed that 17.9% of subjects were carriers of the CC genotype, 58.0% were CT and 24.1% were TT. Among fertile men, 30.4% of subjects were characterised by the CC genotype, 49.7% were CT and 19.9% were TT. In addition, the frequency of carriers of at least one T allele (i.e., CT and TT genotypes) among infertile and fertile subjects was 82.1% and 69.6%, respectively. The risk of infertility was significantly elevated by two-fold in individuals carrying at least one T allele (CT and TT genotypes: p = 0.009, OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.20–3.32). Furthermore, this elevated risk was still found when considering each of the CT and TT genotypes alone (TT genotype: p = 0.027, OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.09–3.86; CT genotype: p = 0.013, OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.16–3.36). This preliminary report suggests that P-gp may play some role in male infertility, mediating detrimental effects of environmental factors.     

A new aspect of in vitro antimicrobial leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma activity based on flow cytometry assessment

The current literature suggests that the antibacterial effect of leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) is directly related to platelet and leukocyte concentrations. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of L-PRP against selected bacterial strains in vitro, and second, to correlate this effect with leukocyte and platelet content in the final concentration. Blood was collected from 20 healthy males, and L-PRP, acellular plasma (AP), and autologous thrombin were consecutively prepared. Flow cytometry analysis of the blood, L-PRP, and AP was performed. The L-PRP gel, liquid L-PRP, and thrombin samples were tested in vitro for their antibacterial properties against seven selected bacterial strains using the Kirby–Bauer disk-diffusion method. There was notable antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial strains. No statistically significant correlations between antimicrobial activities and the platelet concentration in L-PRP were observed. Statistically significant positive correlations between selected leukocyte subtypes and antimicrobial activity were noted. A negative correlation was found between elevated monocyte count and antimicrobial activity of L-PRP against one bacterial strain studied. L-PRP possesses antimicrobial activity and can be potentially useful in the fight against certain postoperative infections. The bactericidal effect of L-PRP is caused by leukocytes, and there exists a relationship among selected leukocyte subtypes and L-PRP antimicrobial activity.     

Leptin, leptin gene, leptin gene receptor polymorphisms and pregnancy

The article presents information about leptin as the major metabolic hormone. The structure, localization of the hormone and its receptor have been described focusing on maturation and fertility processes. Several polymorphisms of leptin gene and its receptor have been described as potential developmental factors of pregnancy complications such as diabetes mellitus or pregnancy induced hypertension.     

Pathogenesis of Dupuytren's contracture--a review]

Dupuytren's disease is a palmar fibromatosis bringing about irreversible finger contracture. Histopathologically, the disease is characterized by the presence of the two types of structures: nodules, containing of intensively proliferating cells, and fibrous cords, formed by thick bundles of collagen fibers. It seems that key role in the development of Dupuytren's contracture play alterations of palmar fibroblasts activity. These cells begin intensively proliferate and transform to myofibroblasts. The later ones sharing phenotypic features of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells take part in remodelling of extracellular matrix and are a source of palmar contracture. The pivotal factors involved in changes of palmar fibroblasts functions seem to be growth factors (mainly TGF beta, PDGF and bFGF). However, the participation of reactive forms of oxygen in mentioned process is also considered.