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Domestic ducks are one of the main poultry species whose production depends on artificial hatching. Despite improvements in incubation technology, hatchability of duck eggs is lower than that of chicken. The aim of this study was to characterise the natural brooding of the domestic duck using recorders of the incubation environment parameters and broody duck behaviour, serving to better understand the hatching biology of domestic ducks and ultimately to compare with the accepted parameters of artificial hatching. The study material consisted of pairs of domestic ducks of the landrace variety maintained in pens equipped with nests allowing the placement of loggers recording incubation conditions, i.e. temperature and relative humidity. In addition, during the brooding period, mobile and wireless dummies egg were placed in the nests, which concealed temperature loggers distributed under the surface of the cover at five locations and a centrally located angular acceleration transducer (accelerometer). Data collection was carried out until the end of the brood, after which the data were used to determine natural brood parameters such as temperature during the incubation, the number and duration of nest bouts, the temperature to which the nest was cooled during the nest unattendance, relative humidity and parameters related to egg turning. The temperature of the nest, as controlled by the loggers, increased with the duration of brooding, while the relative humidity of the nest space decreased. The temperature to which the nestlings cooled the nest took the lowest values during the first week of brooding and the week before hatching. The first half of the incubation period was characterised by a higher number of bouts, while the third week of incubation was characterised by a longer average daily bouts. The activity of egg turning by the brooding duck increased until reaching its highest values in the third week of incubation, after which the frequency of this process decreased. Conclusions: The natural brooding parameters of the domestic duck obtained using loggers are more heterogeneous than those adopted in artificial incubation technology for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, discusses the resolution of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) in a patient who underwent endoscopic resection of a nodular esophageal inlet patch with low-grade dysplasia. The inlet patch is a congenital anomaly that is usually asymptomatic but can sometimes cause swallowing difficulties. The authors emphasize the importance of closely examining and considering endoscopic intervention when abnormal features are present. The case presented in the article demonstrates the successful resolution of symptoms following the removal of the inlet patch through multi-band mucosectomy. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transgastric drainage as a potential alternative for managing pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF), a rare complication of pancreatitis that can cause respiratory symptoms. The study analyzed the outcomes of EUS-guided drainage in four male patients with PPF. Despite unsuccessful attempts at other drainage methods, EUS successfully visualized the fistula tracts and allowed for successful drainage. The procedure was found to be safe and effective, with no adverse events and resolution of symptoms in all patients. The authors conclude that EUS-guided transgastric drainage may be a viable option for managing PPF that does not respond to conventional interventions. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, examines the efficacy of endoscopic interventions versus surgery for pain management in patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP). The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies to assess the outcomes of these interventions. The results suggest that surgery may be more effective in relieving pain and achieving technical success compared to endoscopic interventions. However, no significant difference was found in adverse events between the two approaches. The findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment approaches that consider pain relief, procedural success, and potential adverse events. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ablation as an alternative treatment for pancreatic insulinomas, which are functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The study presents the results of treating nine patients with pancreatic insulinomas using either EUS-radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) or EUS-ethanol ablation (EUS-EA). The procedures were found to be effective and safe, with immediate relief of hypoglycemia and no severe adverse events reported. However, further studies are needed to assess long-term response and recurrence rates. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, discusses the incidence, risk factors, and management of delayed bleeding after endoscopic ampullectomy for ampullary adenomas. The study, which included 113 patients who underwent the procedure, found that delayed bleeding occurred in 22.1% of cases. Factors such as hypertension, an INR≥1.2 without blood thinners, and histology revealing high-grade dysplasia or cancer were associated with a higher risk of delayed bleeding. The study suggests that these factors should be considered when developing strategies to reduce post-ampullectomy bleeding. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, presents the results of a study that aimed to establish evidence-based guidelines for the safe and effective use of fluoroscopy in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. The study used a modified Delphi method to achieve consensus among 46 experts from six continents. After three rounds of voting, 31 statements achieved consensus, covering various categories such as patient safety, staff safety, education, pregnancy, and family planning. The accepted statements were rated highly in terms of priority, with mean scores ranging from 7.28 to 9.36 on a scale of 1 to 10. The guidelines aim to mitigate the risks of radiation exposure while maintaining the benefits of fluoroscopy, promoting a culture of safety in healthcare settings. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: The level of artificial electromagnetic field (EMF) has steadily increased with the development of human civilization. The developing chicken embryo has been considered a good model to study the effects of EMF on living organisms. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a 1800 MHz electromagnetic field during embryogenesis on the frequency of chick embryo malformations, morphometric parameters of the heart and liver and concentration of corticosterone in blood plasma, lipid and glycogen content in the liver of newly hatched chicks. A 1800 MHz EMF was found to shorten the duration of embryogenesis (earlier pipping and hatching of chicks) while having no effect on the quantity and quality of chicks and on increasing the incidence of embryo malformations. Exposure of chick embryos to EMF caused decreases in relative heart weight and right ventricle wall thickness. The pipping and hatching of chicks can be accelerated by stressful impact of EMF, which is confirmed by a significant increase in plasma corticosterone concentrations and decrease in fat and glycogen in the liver of chicks exposed during embryogenesis on the electromagnetic field with a frequency of 1800 MHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: β-Carotene is an important molecule in the photosynthetic system, medicine and pharmacy, and has two important functions, photoprotection and light harvesting. Eleven different ionic liquids were designed, synthesized and purified for our experiment in order to obtain samples with predicted physicochemical parameters. The absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of all-trans and 15-cis-β-carotene, at concentrations of 5 μM and 50 μM, in different ionic liquids were recorded. The influence of temperature (in the physiological range important for the isomer stability) on the absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of the carotenes was investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Interactions of therapeutic drugs containing metals with proteins are known to exert a great impact on the mode of action of these compounds, including drug metabolism, delivery, cell processing, and targeting. Modern analytical techniques applied to proteomic studies of metallodrugs may improve our understanding of accompanying biochemical processes, which is essential for the efficiency of treatment, the proper dosing of established metal-based cancerostatic agents, and the design and development of new drugs. Such methods basically rely on the application of mass spectrometry (or a few alternative detection techniques) for species identification, characterization, quantification, and measuring the binding parameters, directly or after separation of free parent drug and protein-bound drug fractions, using the principles of electrophoresis, chromatography or ultrafiltration. This review focuses on the development and recent advances in the field of “metallodrug proteomics” from the implementation of advanced analytical methodologies. Also addressed are emerging issues of metallodrug binding toward cellular protein targets and within real-world biological samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of tryptophan metabolism. Several metabolites of this pathway are proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate peripheral KP in patients with Alzheimer type dementia and a detailed analysis of correlation between kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), anthranilic acid (AA), quinolinic acid (QUIN) and degree of neuropsychological changes in AD.Material/Methods: The plasma concentration of tryptophan and its products degradation by kynurenine pathway were analyzed in 34 patients suffering from Alzheimer type dementia and 18 controls in similar age using high-performance liquid chromatography technique.Results: In demented patients we found lower tryptophan and KYNA concentrations. There was a non-significant increase of KYN, 3-HK and AA levels, and a Marked increase of QUIN in Alzheimer's disease group. We observed positive correlations between cognitive function tests and plasma KYNA levels, and inversely correlations between these tests and QUIN levels in Alzheimer type dementia.Conclusions: Increased TRP degradation and simultaneous altered kynurenines levels were found in plasma of AD patients. It proves activation of peripheral kynurenine pathway in this type of dementia. The alterations of two main KYN metabolites: KYNA and QUIN seem to be associated with the impairment of the cognitive function in AD patients. This appears to offer Novel therapeutic opportunities, with the development of new compounds as a promising perspective for brain neuroprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The endothelium dysfunction is an important component of atherosclertic cardiovascular disease. It has been also suggested that kynurenine pathway activation may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.Material/Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (n=106; 60 Males). The plasma markers of endothelial dysfunction and kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HKYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), anthranilic acid (AA) and quinolinic acid (QA) were measured in relation to an early indicator of the systemic atherosclerosis - intima-media thickness (IMT).Results: Kynurenines, von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin (TM), soluble adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) and IMT in each uraemic group were significantly higher than in healthy people. In contrast, no significant differences in sE-selectin and sP-selectin concentrations were observed between CKD patients and controls. Kynurenines were positively associated with vWF, TM, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, whereas sP-selectin was inversely associated with the most of kynurenines. IMT was positively correlated both with kynurenines: KYN, 3-HKYN, QA as well as with endothelial markers: TM, vWF, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 (all p<0.01). Finally, multiple regression analysis identified age, vWF, sVCAM-1 and QA levels as the independent variables significantly associated with increased IMT in this population (adjusted r2 = 0.51).Conclusions: This study suggests a relationship between kynurenine pathway activation, endothelial dysfunction and the progression of atherosclerosis in CKD patients. It opens a new idea that the inhibition of kynurenine pathway may provide an effective strategy to slow down endothelial dysfunction and thereby the prevalence of atherosclerosis in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid Power Sources/Systems (HPS) are generally treated as local prosumer supplies. The paper presents a new approach to the strategy of electricity contracting from HPS, considering hybrid systems as a new type of quasi-centrally dispatched power units operating in Polish market conditions. The possibilities of contracting electricity from HPS, consisting of three electricity generation technologies: biogas plant, wind power plant and solar power plant, are presented. The opportunity to obtain additional income from the electricity trading on the balancing market was used. Proposals for a new mathematical description of HPS topology were also presented, including a feasibility function, which can be used for technical and economic analyses. The obtained results can be used as a direction of development in the field of optimization of hybrid source operation in cooperation with the power grid. Based on the conducted analyses, it can be observed that electricity sales contracts concluded for each hour of the day may bring additional profit for the investor. However, the strong dependence of the proposed strategy on the situation on the balancing market or other local electricity markets similar in their operations should be emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Disturbances in hemostasis and endothelial damage are common complications of kidney disease. Endothelial dysfunction may link these 2 processes and inflammation is closely related to endothelial dysfunction. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study on serum concentrations of markers of endothelial damage and inflammation in relation to adhesion molecules was performed in 90 kidney allograft recipients and 30 healthy volunteers. We measured markers of endothelial damage—von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM), CD146, CD44, and CD40L; markers of inflammation—high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL-6); and other hemostatic parameters—thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT), plasmin-antiplasmin complexes, and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) using commercially available kits. Results: Markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation were significantly elevated in kidney allograft recipients compared with control subjects. CD44 was independently related to hsCRP (r = .37; P < .01), ICAM (r = .23; P < .05), eGFR (r = −.37; P < .01), thrombomodulin (r = .43; P < .001), VCAM (r = −.44; P < .001), hemoglobin (r = −.26; P < .01), red blood cell count (r = −.25; P < .05), creatinine (r = .37; P < .01), CD146 (r = .34; P < .01), and CD40L (r = .23; P < .05). Upon multiple regression analysis the predictors of elevated CD44 were hsCRP concentration (beta = .25; P < .05), CD146 (beta = .39; P < .05), creatinine (beta = .55; P < .01), and thrombomodulin (beta = .39; P < .05) with an adjusted R 2 = .40 (F = 4.12; P < .00028; SE of estimate = 151.19). Conclusions: As demonstrated in multiple regression analysis, kidney function was strictly linked to the degree of inflammation and endothelial injury. Endothelial cell injury and the presence of an inflammatory state, as reflected by elevated marker concentrations, and endothelial activation/injury may play roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications among kidney allograft recipients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Apelin, a newly discovered adipocytokine produced by white adipose tissue, is also expressed in kidney and heart. It has been reported that apelin is related to echocardiographic features in hemodialyzed patients. Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to the mortality and morbidity among patients with chronic renal failure as well as kidney allograft recipients. The aim of this study was to assess the association between apelin and coronary artery disease (CAD) among kidney allograft recipients. We investigated plasma apelin levels in 100 clinically stable, kidney allograft recipients with versus without CAD. We also assessed markers of endothelial cell injury—von Villebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), and CD146; markers of inflammation—high-sensitivity-reactive protein (hsCRP); other hemostatic parameters—tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its inhibitor (PAI-1); as well as other adipocytokines—adiponectin and resistin—using commercially available kits. Markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation were significantly elevated among patients with CAD levels, as well as with CAD or diabetes, compared with those without CAD. Apelin was significantly lower among patients with CAD, but higher in diabetic patients. Apelin content was similar in hypertensive versus normotensive kidney allograft recipients. We observed significant correlations between apelin and ICAM, resistin, adiponectin, calcium, phosphate, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels, with CAD or diabetes. Upon multiple regression analysis as well as CAD, adiponectin, and ICAM were predictors of apelin. Apelin was significantly reduced in kidney allograft recipients with CAD; its level was predicted by the presence of CAD, endothelial damage, or inflammation. Apelin and other adipocytokines may be associated with inflammation and its clinical consequences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Visfatin and apelin are novel adipocytokines that have recently generated much interest. The aim of the study was to assess visfatin and apelin in correlation with markers of endothelial cell injury and inflammation in 22 patients with chronic kidney disease-CKD and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Methods: We assessed visfatin, apelin, markers of coagulation: TAT (thrombin-antithrombin complexes), prothrombin fragments 1+2; fibrinolysis: tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor), PAP (plasminantiplasmin complexes); endothelial function/injury: vWF (van Willebrand factor), thrombomodulin, ICAM (intracellular adhesion molecule), VCAM (vascular cell adhesion molecule), CD146, CD40L, CD44, E-selectin, inflammation: hsCRP. Results: Triglycerides, hsCRP, creatinine, vWF, prothrombin fragments 1+2, TAT, thronthomodulin, ICAM, VCAM, CD146, CD44, CD40L, PAI-1, PAP, visfatin and E-selectin were elevated in chronic kidney disease patients when compared with the control group. Visfatin correlated significantly in patients with chronic kidney disease, in univariate analysis, with CD40L (r=-0.27, p<0.05), apelin (r=0.27, p<0.05), ICAM (r=0.26, p

Abstract: Background: Renal function affects the thyroid gland in many ways. Disturbances in hemostasis and endothelial damage are common complications of kidney disease. Endothelial dysfunction may link these two processes. Aim and methods: This cross-sectional study examined thyroid hormones in relation to markers of endothelial damage and inflammation among 80 kidney allograft recipients and 29 healthy volunteers. Thyroid hormones, markers of endothelial damage (vWF, thrombomodulin, intracellular adhesion molecule [ICAM] vascular adhesion molecule [VCAM], CD146), markers of inflammation (hsCRP), other hemostatic parameters (thrombin-antithrombin complexes [TAT], prothrombin fragments 1 + 2 [F1 + 2], plasmin-antiplasmin complexes, tissue plasminogen activator and its inhibitor, platelet glycoprotein [V-GPV]) as well as P-selectin were measured using commercially available kits. Results: Total T3 was significantly lower among kidney allograft recipients, whereas markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation were significantly elevated over controls. In kidney allograft recipients total T3 was independently related to PAI-1, ICAM, and eGFR, whereas free T3 was independently related to thrombomodulin, aspartate, and alanine aminotransferases, hemoglobin, urea, eGFR, dose of cyclosporine and treatment with mycophenolate mofetil/azathioprine. Total T4 was related to aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, dose of cyclosporine, PAI-1, and ICAM. In multiple regression analysis the only correlates of T3 were PAI-1 and ICAM, whereas the only correlates of free T3 were thrombomodulin, aspartate aminotransferase, eGFR, and cyclosporine dose. In healthy volunteers GPV was related only to TSH. Conclusions: We described novel relations between thyroid hormones and markers of endothelial dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients. In kidney transplant recipients thyroid function metrics were associated with endothelial damage, immunosuppressive treatment, liver and kidney function. Therefore, the relations between thyroid axis and endothelium in kidney allograft recipients merit additional studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: In kidney transplant recipients, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis are almost universal, as are cardiovascular complications. Inflammatory markers have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis, regarded as a chronic inflammatory condition. Iron metabolism is disturbed in chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Hepcidin, the liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide, LEAP-1, is an acute-phase reactant produced in the liver that displays intrinsic antimicrobial activity. Cross-sectional study was performed to assess possible relations between hepcidin and inflammatory markers in kidney transplant recipients with versus without coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Iron status, complete blood count, creatinine, albumin, and lipids were estimated using standard laboratory methods. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the MDRD formula. Hepcidin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, TNFα, and soluble receptor of transferin were measured using commercially available kits. Results: Kidney transplant recipients with CAD were older, and showed higher hepcidin, hsCRP, IL-6, TNFα, sTFR, ferritin, and lower cholesterol levels than did patients without CAD. Univariate analysis of values in kidney transplant recipients showed hepcidin to correlate significantly with total protein, ferritin, time after transplantation, creatinine, eGFR (simplified MDRD), cholesterol, neutrophil count, hsCRP, and IL-6. There were tendencies to correlate with TNFα. Multiple regression analysis showed that hepcidin was independently related to GFR, cholesterol, and hsCRP. Conclusions: Elevated hepcidin values in kidney allograft recipients may be due not only to impaired renal function, but also to a low-grade inflammatory state, as reflected by hepcidin correlations with hsCRP, IL-6, and ferritin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, examines the impact of procedural timing on the outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. ERCP is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for hepatobiliary disease, but it carries a high risk of adverse events. The study reviewed the records of 5755 ERCP procedures performed at a tertiary referral center and found that the time of day did not affect the procedural success rate. However, there were slightly higher rates of immediate bleeding in procedures performed in the morning, which may be attributed to higher rates of anticoagulation in that group. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, examines the role of preventative therapies in reducing the risk of stricture formation after esophageal endoscopic resection. The study conducted a literature review and analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies focusing on prophylactic interventions for stricture prevention. The interventions studied included steroids, botulinum toxin, mechanical therapies, and novel techniques. The results showed that oral steroid administration and steroid injection were effective in reducing stricture rates compared to no interventions. The study highlights the varying effectiveness of prophylactic interventions in preventing esophageal stricture formation post-endoscopic resection. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, examines the success and complications of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in different age groups. The study analyzed data from over 6,000 patients who underwent ERCP at a Canadian tertiary care center between 2011 and 2020. The results showed that while ERCP remains a reliable and safe procedure for patients of all ages, success rates declined and procedure times increased significantly in older patients. However, the incidence of complications did not vary across age groups. The study highlights the importance of considering patient age when assessing the efficacy and safety of ERCP. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the impact of patient positioning on the technical success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. The study conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 2010 to 2020 and included patients with specific types of surgical anatomy. The primary outcome measured was the technical success of the ERCP procedure, and secondary outcomes included immediate bleeding and procedural time. The results showed that patients in the left lateral decubitus (LLD) position had a significantly higher likelihood of technical success compared to those in the prone position. Additionally, non-Roux-en-Y reconstructions were associated with higher technical success rates than Roux-en-Y reconstructions. The study concludes that patient positioning plays a significant role in the success of ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Background: Among patients without chronic kidney disease, resistin, an adipocytokine, has been related to inflammatory markers, coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular disease in the metabolic syndrome. Moreover, resistin up-regulates adhesion molecules. Since inflammation and endothelial cell damage or injury are invariably associated with thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and their major clinical consequences, resistin may play a role to link inflammation and CVD. The aim of this study was to correlate resistin with markers of inflammation and endothelial cell injury in 96 kidney allograft recipients. Methods: We measured resistin and the following markers of endothelial function/injury: vWF, thrombomodulin, VCAM, hsCRP, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results: Triglycerides, CRP (assessed by high-sensitivity method), phosphate, creatinine, IL-6, TNFα, vWF, prothrombin fragments 1 + 2, and resistin were elevated among kidney transplant recipients compared with the control group. Kidney allograft recipients with coronary artery disease displayed significantly higher resistin levels than those in patients without this complication. Upon univariate analysis resistin levels in kidney allograft recipients were related to hsCRP, IL-6, thrombomodulin, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, platelet count, creatinine, urea, VCAM, CSA, dose and eGFR. Upon multiple regression analysis, resistin was independently related only to creatinine, hsCRP, and white blood cell count in kidney allograft recipients. Conclusions: The relation of elevated resistin levels to markers of inflammation may represent a novel link between these conditions and adipocytokines. Renal function was a major determinant of elevated resistin in kidney allograft recipients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: In kidney transplant recipients leptin levels are often elevated and bone mineral density (BMD) decreased. However, to date there are no about correlations between leptin and BMD in this population. It has been suggested that leptin is a predictor of BMD in postmenopausal women. Moreover, leptin acts as a marker of fat stores. We examined the relationships between leptinemia, some markers of nutritional status, BMD, and bone metabolism in kidney transplant recipients. We also assessed whether leptin was a significant and independent predictor of BMD in this population. Methods: BMD and fat content (global, percentage, trunk) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 27 kidney allograft recipients. Markers of bone turnover and leptin were studied using commercially available kits. Results: Leptin correlated with the percentage of body fat, trunk fat, lean body mass, serum creatinine, and urea. Insulin growth factor binding protein 1 was negatively related to waist-hip ratio and global and trunk fat, whereas BMD of the lumbar spine was correlated with the daily dose of prednisone, azathioprine, cyclosporine trough levels, serum calcium, as well as osteoprotegerin level. Conclusions: Leptin levels are associated with graft function and body fat in kidney allograft recipients. Leptin is not related to nutritional status, BMD, or bone metabolism in kidney allograft recipients, but is associated with the current dosage of immunosuppressants and the serum calcium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of the study was to investigate selected factors that affect the course of embryogenesis and the quality of golden pheasant chicks during artificial incubation. All hatching eggs (n = 76) laid in one breeding season (April-June) by a single flock of golden pheasants (1 male and 3 unrelated females) from one breeding pen were analysed for the effect of egg origin and egg-laying period on hatchability, egg weight, egg shape index, and egg weight loss. The average weight of a golden pheasant egg was 26.7 ± 1.84 g and was strongly dependent on the individual, but not on the egg-laying period. In 19 days of incubation, the weight loss was 13.2% on average, with an error/variation range of 2.17%, which was inversely correlated (r = -0.51) with initial egg weight. The highest hatchability was at the beginning of the egg-laying period: 77% in the first set and 80% in the second. Moreover, the hatchability decreased gradually from 86% to 38% for eggs stored for 1-3 days and 4-10 days respectively. The weight of one-day-old chicks (ca. 17 g) was strongly correlated with egg weight before setting (r = 0.82). In conclusion, the embryo development of the golden pheasant is affected by similar factors as known from other Galliformes species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Systematic literature reviewObjective:To review and assess the quality of available epidemiologic data of spinal cord injury (SCI) in Poland in the context of general International Classification of Functioning (ICF) domains and to answer the question whether there is a need for a comprehensive epidemiologic study of SCI in Poland.Methods:Databases Medline, Embase and Polish Medical Bibliography were searched using keywords 'spinal cord injury', 'paraplegia', 'tetraplegia' and 'Poland'. Inclusion criteria: studies on humans, original papers, publication in 1979 or later. Case reports and studies with unclear inclusion criteria or performed on a population other than Polish were excluded. Full texts were reviewed for data on incidence, prevalence, etiology, mortality, natural history and outcome of comprehensive treatment. Quality of studies was assessed according to the modified Downs and Black criteria. The ICF model was applied to group the studies according to the ICF components.Results:Out of 536 identified papers, 224 articles were extracted and reviewed. Mean quality score was 11.04 points based on a 28-grade scale. Body functions and structures were assessed in 81.6%, activities in 22.4%, participation in 14.8%, environmental factors in 15.2% and personal factors in 47% of the studies reviewed.Conclusion:Current epidemiologic data on SCI in Poland are insufficient and biased toward biomedical aspects. There is a need to develop a long-term research strategy for SCI in Poland in the form of a comprehensive cohort study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Anticoagulant tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is released from its endothelial stores by heparin, which may lead to its untoward depletion. We investigated the effects of sulodexide -- a commercially available mixture of heparan and dermatan sulfate, on plasma TFPI release and depletion. ] Material and Methods: An open-label pilot trial of intravenous and/or oral sulodexide effects on plasma immunoreactive total TFPI antigen level was performed in 11 healthy men. The drug was initially administered i.v. at a singledose of 120 mg, then- orally for 12 days (50 mg b.i.d), and again by i.v route:after 2 weeks. Results Sulodexide injections induced marked increases in plasma TFPI; they were more pronounced on day 14 than on study initiation (3,fold vs. 2-fold after 10 min) and Still evident after 120 min. TFPI levels did not change when measured at 120 min after oral sulodexide administration. The percentage increment in plasma TFPI after 10 min from initial sulodexide injection inversely correlated with baseline TFPI levels (r = - 0.664, P = 0.026). on day 14, the association became strong (r = - 0.970, P < 0.0001) and evident also after 120 min (r = - 0.810, P < 0.002). Baseline TFPI levels decreased over the trial; on day 14 they were lower by 34% than on study initiation (P = 0.001) Conclusions: TFPI release by i.v. sulodexide and its depletion during oral administration of this heparinoid compound constitute novel and likely important hemostatic effects of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The value of neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was highlighted as a novel biomarker for the detection of acute renal failure. We tested the hypothesis whether NGAL could represent an early biomarker of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in 100 patients with normal serum creatinine values undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). In addition, we assessed serum and urinary NGAL in relation to cystatin C, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and serum and urinary creatinine in these patients. We measured urinary and serum NGAL values before and 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after the PCI. We found a significant rise in serum NGAL levels 2, 4, and 8 h after the PCI and in urinary NGAL values 4, 8, and 24 h after a PCI procedure. Cystatin C rose significantly 24 h after the procedure. The prevalence of CIN was 11%. The NGAL levels were significantly higher 2 h after the PCI (serum NGAL) or 4 h after the PCI (urinary NGAL), whereas the cystatin C values were higher only 8 and 24 h after a PCI procedure in patients with CIN. In multivariate analysis, only serum creatinine was a predictor of serum NGAL before a PCI. NGAL may represent a sensitive early biomarker of renal impairment after PCI. Serum creatinine level, the presence of diabetes, and the duration of the PCI may affect serum NGAL values and kidney function following a PCI procedure. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to assess whether NGAL and cystatin C could predict contrast-induced nephropathy in non-diabetic patients (n =60, mean age 60±11 years) with normal serum creatinine undergoing elective PCI. We found a significant rise in serum NGAL after 2, 4 and 8 h, and in urinary NGAL after 4, 8 and 24 h after PCI. Cystatin C rose significantly 8 and 24 h after the procedure. Prevalence of CIN was 10%. We found 90% sensitivity and 74% specificity of serum and 76% sensitivity and 80% specificity of urinary NGAL increase. NGAL may represent a sensitive early biomarkers of renal impairment after PCI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]