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Implementowana do prawa polskiego instytucja zarządu sukcesyjnego regulowana przepisami ustawy z 5 lipca 2018 r. o zarządzie sukcesyjnym przedsiębiorstwem osoby fizycznej i innych ułatwieniach związanych z sukcesją przedsiębiorstw umożliwia przedsiębiorcom prowadzącym działalność w formie jednoosobowej działalności gospodarczej zapewnienie ciągłości funkcjonowania przedsiębiorstw w wypadku ich śmierci. W Polsce jest to najpopularniejsza forma prowadzenia działalności, a z powodu śmierci przedsiębiorcy z Centralnej Ewidencji i Informacji o Działalności Gospodarczej (CEIDG) wykreślanych jest średnio około 1000 przedsiębiorców miesięcznie. Pomimo tego wykorzystanie instytucji zarządu sukcesyjnego jest znikome. Celem artykułu jest próba odpowiedzi na pytanie o potencjalne przyczyny takiego stanu rzeczy. Materiał empiryczny stanowią badania zarówno ilościowe, jak i jakościowe. Na podstawie danych z bazy CEIDG obejmujących ponad cztery i pół roku obowiązywania ustawy o zarządzie sukcesyjnym w polskim porządku prawnym dokonano analizy wykorzystania instytucji zarządu sukcesyjnego przez przedsiębiorców. Przeanalizowano dane dotyczące zarówno powoływania przez przedsiębiorców za życia zarządcy sukcesyjnego, jak i przypadków związanych z powoływaniem go przez spadkobierców już po śmierci przedsiębiorcy. Zaprezentowane statystyki wskazują na niewielki odsetek przedsiębiorców, którzy za swojego życia powołali zarządcę sukcesyjnego. Jednocześnie zdecydowana większość pełniących swoje obowiązki zarządców sukcesyjnych została powołana przez spadkobierców już po śmierci przedsiębiorcy. Materiał empiryczny stanowi również 16 pogłębionych wywiadów z przedsiębiorcami prowadzącymi działalność gospodarczą na podstawie wpisu w CEIDG, których celem była egzemplifikacja ich wiedzy i postaw związanych z omawianą problematyką. Respondenci wskazują, że nie powołują zarządcy sukcesyjnego, gdyż nie mają wiedzy na temat przedmiotowej instytucji, a ewentualna zmiana ich postępowania wymagałaby przeprowadzenia skutecznej kampanii informacyjnej.

Abstract Background In clinical practice, genetic testing has become standard for many cancerous diseases. While a diagnosis of a single hereditary syndrome is not uncommon, the coexistence of two genetic diseases, even with partially common symptoms, remains unusual. Therefore, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS), along with genetic consultation and imaging studies, is essential for every patient with confirmed paraganglioma. In this report, we present two sisters diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2A) and familial paraganglioma syndrome type 1 (FPGL1). Case presentation After presenting to the clinic with neck tumors persisting for several months, both patients underwent tumor removal procedures following imaging and laboratory studies. Pathological reports confirmed the diagnosis of paragangliomas. Subsequently, genetic testing, including NGS, revealed a mutation in the rearranged during transfection (RET) gene: the heterozygous change (c.2410G > A), (p.Val804Met), and a variant of the succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit D (SDHD) gene: (c.64 C > T), (p.Arg22Ter). Subsequently, thyroidectomy procedures were scheduled in both cases. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report presenting these two mutations in two related patients, resulting in distinctive genetic syndromes with similar manifestations. This underscores that although infrequent, multiple hereditary disorders may co-occur in the same individual.

Verifying and validating waterleaving radiance measurements from space for an accurate derivation of Ocean/Water Colour biogeophysical products is based on concurrent high-quality fiducial reference measurements (FRM) carried out on the ground or water body. The FRM principles established by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) recommend that in situ Ocean Colour radiometers (OCR) have a documented history of SI traceable calibrations including uncertainty budgets. Furthermore, there can be significant differences between calibration and use of the instruments in the field due to differences in operating temperature, angular variation of the light field (especially for irradiance sensors), the intensity of the measured radiation, and spectral variation of the target, among others. Each of these factors may interact with individual properties of the instrument when deployed in the field, and estimation of such uncertainties requires instrument characterization in addition to the absolute radiometric calibration if expanded uncertainties within ±10% (k = 2) are the aim. The FRM4SOC Phase 2 project - funded by the European Commission in the frame of the Copernicus Programme and implemented by EUMETSAT - contributes to these efforts, aiming at developing an operational and sustained network of radiometric measurements of FRM quality. Within FRM4SOC-2, scientists from the Tartu Observatory (TO) of the University of Tartu performed an unprecedented batch of calibrations and characterizations on a set of 37 hyperspectral field radiometers representative of the most used OCR classes within the OC community. The calibrations and characterizations performed include the determination of radiometric responsivity, long-term stability, the accuracy of the spectral scale, non-linearity and accuracy of integration times, spectral stray light, angular response of irradiance sensors in air, dark signal, thermal sensitivity, polarization sensitivity, and signal-to-noise ratio of individual OCRs. Consistent correction of biases and extended uncertainty analysis procedures of in situ data obtained from different instruments and measurement models need to be clearly defined, which is the objective of this paper.

Background: Kidneys play an essential role in the circulatory system, regulating blood pressure and intravascular volume. They are also set on maintaining an adequate filtration pressure in the glomerulus. During the CPB, a decrease in systemic blood pressure and hemoglobin concentration may lead to renal ischemia and subsequent acute kidney injury.Methods: One hundred nine adult patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. The intervention in this study was increasing the flow of the CPB pump to reach the target MAP of > 90 mmHg during the procedure. The control group had a standard pump flow of 2.4 L/min/m2.Results: Standard pump flow of 2.4 L/min/m2 resulted in mean MAP < 90 mmHg during the CPB in most patients in the control group. Maintaining a higher MAP during CPB in this study population did not affect CSA-AKI incidence. However, it increased the intraoperative and postoperative diuresis and decreased renin release associated with CPB. Higher MAP during the CPB did not increase the incidence of cerebrovascular complications after the operation; patients in the highest MAP group had the lowest incidence of postoperative delirium, but the result did not obtain statistical significance.Conclusion: Maintaining MAP > 90 mmHg during the CPB positively impacts intraoperative and postoperative kidney function. It significantly reduces renal hypoperfusion during the procedure compared to MAP < 70 mmHg. MAP > 90 mmHg is safe for the central nervous system, and preliminary results suggest that it may have a beneficial impact on the incidence of postoperative delirium.

Uncertainties in remote sensing reflectance Rrs for the Ocean Color sensors strongly affect the quality of the retrieval of concentrations of chlorophyll-a and water properties. By comparison of data from SNPP VIIRS and several AERONET-OC stations and MOBY, it was recently shown that the main uncertainties come from the Rayleigh-type spectral component (Gilerson et al., 2022), which was associated with small variability in the Rayleigh optical thickness in the atmosphere and/or its calculation. In addition, water variability spectra proportional to Rrs were found to play a significant role in coastal waters, while other components including radiances from aerosols and glint were small. This work expands on the previous study, following a similar procedure and applying the same model for the characterization of uncertainties to the Sentinel-3A and B OLCI sensors. It is shown that the primary sources of uncertainties are the same as for VIIRS, i.e., dominated by the Rayleigh-type component, with the total uncertainties for OLCI sensors typically higher in coastal areas than for VIIRS.

Background: Growth charts are the primary tools for evaluating neonatal birth weight and length. They help and qualify the neonates as Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA), Small for Gestational Age (SGA), or Large for Gestational Age (LGA). The most commonly used neonatal charts include Intergrowth-21st, WHO, and Fenton. The aim of the study was to compare the tools used for assessing neonatal birth weight and the incidence of SGA and LGA using the different charts. Methods: Data on 8608 births in the Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were compared. We divided the patient population into five gestational age groups. The 10th and 90th percentiles were calculated. The percentage of cases meeting the SGA and LGA criteria was determined. Results: Statistically significant differences between growth charts were identified for each of the groups. The 10th percentile for the study population corresponded to 2970 g for females and 3060 g for males born in the 40th week of gestation. The 90th percentile values were 4030 g and 4120 g. Our analysis showed a statistically significant difference in detection of LGA or SGA between three growth charts and our data both in male (χ2(3) = 157.192, p < 0.001, Kramer’s V = 0.444) and female newborns (χ2(3) = 162.660, p < 0.001, Kramer’s V = 0.464). Discussion: Our results confirm that differences exist between growth charts. There is a need for harmonizing growth assessment standards. It is recommended that a growth chart should be developed for the Polish population, which would improve the diagnosis of SGA and LGA.

During pregnancy, the placenta undergoes a natural aging process, which is considered normal. However, it has been hypothesized that an abnormally accelerated and premature aging of the placenta may contribute to placenta-related health issues. Placental senescence has been linked to several obstetric complications, including abnormal fetal growth, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth, with stillbirth being the most challenging. A systematic search was conducted on Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Twenty-two full-text articles were identified for the final synthesis. Of these, 15 presented original research and 7 presented narrative reviews. There is a paucity of evidence in the literature on the role of placental aging in late small for gestational age (SGA), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and stillbirth. For future research, guidelines for both planning and reporting research must be implemented. The inclusion criteria should include clear differentiation between early and late SGA and FGR. As for stillbirths, only those with no other known cause of stillbirth should be included in the studies. This means excluding stillbirths due to congenital defects, infections, placental abruption, and maternal conditions affecting feto-maternal hemodynamics.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-factorial disorder of pregnancy, and it continues to be one of the leading causes of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Aspirin is universally recommended for high-risk women to reduce preeclampsia risk. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recommendations of various scientific societies on predicting preeclampsia and their indications for the inclusion of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prophylaxis. Fourteen guidelines were compared. The recommended dose, screening method, and gestational age at the start of the test vary depending on the recommendation. The societies are inclined to recommend using increasingly higher doses (>75 mg) of ASA, with many encouraging doses from 100 mg upward. Most societies indicate that the optimal time for implementing aspirin is prior to 16 weeks’ gestation. Following the publication of the Aspirin for Evidence-Based Preeclampsia Prevention (ASPRE) trial results and other papers evaluating the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) screening model, a large number of societies have changed their recommendations from those based on risk factors alone to the ones based on the risk assessment proposed by the FMF. This allows for the detection of a high-risk pregnancy population in whom aspirin will be remarkably effective in preventing preterm PE, thereby decreasing maternal and fetal morbidity.

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTI) represent one of the most common contagious diseases in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains are recognized as the most frequent causative agent, and these express a range of virulence factors including the adhesins. Immune response to UPEC under immunosuppression has not been fully understood yet. Interleukin 1β (IL1β), 6 (IL6) and 17 (IL17) represent clinically relevant markers of inflammation.AimThe study aimed to investigate the interplay between UPEC genotype and hosts' immune status in shaping local inflammatory response in the course of an UTI episode. The respective numbers of: 18 kidney recipients with UPEC UTI, 28 immunocompetent hosts with UPEC UTI and 29 healthy controls were involved. Urine IL1β, IL6, and IL17/creatinine ratios in relation to fimH, csgA, papC, tosA, and flu genes presence in UPEC isolated from the urine samples were analyzed. Apart from traditional statistics, also machine learning algorithms were applied.ResultsThe urine levels of IL1β and IL 6 were similar in kidney recipients and the immunocompetent hosts. IL1β levels were higher in both kidney recipients and immunocompetent hosts than in controls, while IL6 levels were higher only in immunocompetent hosts than in controls. In the machine learning classification model, high urine IL17 levels were significantly more prevalent in controls, while low IL17 levels in urines infected with Ag43-positive UPEC strains, regardless of the host's immune status. In the traditional statistical analysis, IL17 levels appeared significantly higher in urine samples from kidney recipients infected with Ag43-negative UPEC strains.ConclusionsIn the UTI- affected patients, the combination of the immune status of an individual and Ag43 status of the UPEC strain determined urine IL17 level in the analyzed group. However, IL17 levels above median were overall more prevalent in controls.

Clinical transplantology is a constantly evolving field of medicine. Kidney transplantation has become standard clinical practice, and it has a significant impact on reducing mortality and improving the quality of life of patients. Allogenic transplantation induces an immune response, which may lead to the rejection of the transplanted organ. The gold standard for evaluating rejection of the transplanted kidney by the recipient’s organism is a biopsy of this organ. However, due to the high invasiveness of this procedure, alternative diagnostic methods are being sought. Therefore, the biomarkers may play an essential predictive role in transplant rejection. A review of the most promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of allogenic kidney transplant rejection summarizes novel data on neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL-10), cystatin C (CysC), osteopontin (OPN), and clusterin (CLU) and analyses the dynamics of changes of the biomarkers mentioned above in kidney diseases and the mechanism of rejection of the transplanted kidney.

Objectives and methods. The first aim of our study was to assess the detectability of women at risk of developing eo-PE depending on the algorithm used. All 801 patients had an estimated risk of eo-PE based on the Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm. The patients were divided into four groups based on a risk calculation algorithm: 1) screening based on UtPI, MAP, and PlGF; 2) screening based on UtPI, MAP, PAPP-A, and PlGF; 3) screening based on UtPI, MAP, and PAPP-A; and 4) screening based on UtPI and MAP. The second aim was to explore how these groups changed depending on the cut-off points for the increased risk of eo-PE. We selected patients within groups where the risk of eo-PE was >1 : 150. Among them, the UtPI, MAP, PAPP-A, and PLGF values were compared taking into account the sizes of the groups. Results. For the cut-off point >1 : 150, 86 women at an increased risk of eo-PE using algorithm 1 were identified. Of these 86 patients, 83 (96%) were identified using algorithm 2, 62 (72%) using algorithm 3, and 60 (69%) using algorithm 4. In addition, it was demonstrated that between 21% and 29% of women at a low risk of eo-PE could be given acetylsalicylic acid if a screening test was used that did not account for PlGF. Conclusions. In order to provide the highest level of health care to pregnant women, it is extremely important that full screening for eo-PE should be ensured. The cheapest algorithm based only on MAP and UtPI resulted in our patients being unnecessarily exposed to complications.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can result from multiple factors. The main cause is reduced renal perfusion. Kidneys are susceptible to ischemia due to the anatomy of microcirculation that wraps around the renal tubules–peritubular capillary (PTC) network. Cortical and medullary superficial tubules have a large share in transport and require the supply of oxygen for ATP production, while it is the cortex that receives almost 100% of the blood flowing through the kidneys and the medulla only accounts for 5–10% of it. This difference makes the tubules present in the superficial layer of the medulla very susceptible to ischemia. Impaired blood flow causes damage to the endothelium, with an increase in its prothrombotic and pro-adhesive properties. This causes congestion in the microcirculation of the renal medulla. The next stage is the migration of pericytes with the disintegration of these vessels. The phenomenon of destruction of small vessels is called peritubular rarefaction, attributed as the main cause of further irreversible changes in the damaged kidney leading to the development of chronic kidney disease. In this article, we will present the characteristic structure of renal microcirculation, its regulation, and the mechanism of damage in acute ischemia, and we will try to find methods of prevention with particular emphasis on the inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.

Tacrolimus, in combination with mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticoids, is the basis of immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation. Tacrolimus intrapatient variability (IPV) and the blood concentration normalized by the dose (concentration/dose ratio, C/D ratio) both have an effect on the function of the transplanted kidney. In this study, we examined whether the metabolism rate affected IPV, whether the C/D ratio value was stable in the long-term follow-up, and whether it could be used for IPV measurements. In addition, our study population was examined for the effect of the C/D ratio and IPV on long-term renal function. The C/D ratio and IPV were examined in 170 patients at appointments held at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after RTx. The average time post renal transplantation was 70 months. Renal function defined as creatinine concentration at the last appointment was examined. Results: the mean C/D ratio in the study group was 1.63. A negative correlation between the C/D ratio and creatinine concentration at the end of the follow-up was observed. Between the C/D ratio < and ≥1.63 groups, significant differences in creatinine concentration at the last appointment were found. No relationship was identified between the mean C/D ratio and IPV. The C/D ratio values increased significantly over a longer post-transplant period (12, 24, 60 and 120 m). We did not find a correlation between the mean IPV and the creatinine concentration from the last appointment. Our study group was divided into terciles according to IPV, while no renal graft function differences were found at the same appointment. Conclusion: the C/D ratio is useful for assessing the effects of the metabolism rate of tacrolimus on the long-term renal graft function. The C/D ratio does not affect the IPV value. IPV calculated from variability of the C/D ratio does not influence transplanted kidney function. The C/D changes over time.

Despite many available treatments, infants born to preeclamptic mothers continue to pose a serious clinical problem. The present study focuses on the evaluation of infants born to preeclamptic mothers for the occurrence of early-onset complications and attempts to link the clinical status of such infants to the angiogenesis markers in maternal blood (sFlt-1, PlGF). The study included 77 newborns and their mothers diagnosed with preeclampsia. The infants were assessed for their perinatal outcomes, with an emphasis on adverse neonatal outcomes such us infections, RDS, PDA, NEC, IVH, ROP, or BPD during the hospitalization period. The cutoff point was established using the ROC curve for the occurrence of any adverse neonatal outcome and it was 204 for the sFlt-1/PlGF and 32 birth week with AOC 0.644 and 0.91, respectively. The newborns born to mothers with high ratios had longer hospitalization times and, generally, were more frequently diagnosed with any of the aforementioned adverse neonatal outcomes. Also, the neonates born prior to or at 32 wkGA with higher sFlt-1/PlGF ratios were statistically significantly more common to be diagnosed with any of the adverse neonatal outcomes compared to those with lower ratio born prior to or at 32 wkGA. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio can be a useful tool in predicting short-term adverse neonatal outcomes. Infants born after a full 33 weeks gestation developed almost no severe neonatal complications. Appropriate screening and preventive healthcare for preeclampsia can contribute significantly to reducing the incidence of neonatal complications.

Background/Aims: Chronic kidney disease CKD patients on intermittent hemodialysis IHD are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and carry a risk of developing severe symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the humoral and cellular immunity induced by two doses of mRNA vaccines, the Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna (mRNA-1273) COVID-19 vaccine. Patients and methods: The study included 281 patients from five dialysis centers in northern Poland. Within 2 weeks prior to the first dose of the vaccine, a blood sample was collected for an evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Thirty to forty-five days after the second dose of the vaccine, a blood sample was taken to evaluate humoral and cellular response. Results: Patients with stage 5 CKD on IHD were characterized by a considerable SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced seroconversion rate. The strongest factors influencing the antibodies AB level after vaccination were a pre-vaccination history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, age, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio NLR, neutrophil absolute count, and the hemoglobin level. Cellular immunity was higher in patients with a pre-vaccination history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cellular immunity depended on the albumin level. Positive cellular response to vaccination was a positive factor reducing all-cause mortality, except for COVID-19 mortality (no such deaths were reported during our follow-up). Cellular immunity and humoral immunity were positively mutually dependent. High levels of albumin and hemoglobin, low neutrophil count, and a reduced NLR, translated into better response to vaccination. Conclusions: Patients with stage 5 CKD on IHD were characterized by a considerable SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced seroconversion rate and a good rate of cellular immunity. The factors that change with exacerbating inflammation and malnutrition (albumin, hemoglobin, neutrophil count, the NLR) affected the efficacy of the vaccination.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with renal fibrosis, and develops with the participation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts from epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In cancer research, the key role of the glycoprotein CD147/EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer) in EMT has been proven. In this study, we evaluate how serum CD147/EMMPRIN affects long-term renal graft function and renal biopsy specimen lesions. In total, 49 renal graft recipients who had a renal biopsy within the last 18 months were retrospectively reviewed. At their most recent appointments, their serum concentrations of CD147/EMMPRIN and renal function were assessed. The occurrence of delayed graft function (DGF), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 1-year post-kidney transplantation (Tx) and the subsequent years of the follow-up period, and renal biopsy specimen lesions, mainly those related to renal fibrosis and tubular atrophy, were also evaluated. Results: CD147/EMMPRIN serum concentration correlated negatively with eGFR at the most recent appointment (ME 69 months) and with eGFR at 1 and 2 years after Tx (p < 0.05, R = −0.69, R = −0.39, and R = −0.40, respectively). CD147/EMMPRIN serum levels correlated positively with urine protein concentrations (p < 0.05, R = 0.73). A positive correlation was further found with the severity of renal biopsy specimen lesions such as interstitial fibrosis (CI), tubular atrophy (CT), double contours of the GBM (CG), mesangial matrix expansion (MM), and arteriolar hyalinosis (AH) (p < 0.05, R = 0.39, R = 0.29, R = 0.41, R = 0.32 and R = 0.40, respectively). Patients with a history of DGF had higher CD147/EMMPRIN serum concentrations (

Ocean colour (OC) remote sensing is an important tool for monitoring phytoplankton in the global ocean. In optically complex waters such as the Baltic Sea, relatively efficient light absorption by substances other than phytoplankton increases product uncertainty. Sentinel-3 OLCI-A, Suomi-NPP VIIRS and MODIS-Aqua OC radiometric products were assessed using Baltic Sea in situ remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) from ferry tracks (Alg@line) and at two Aerosol Robotic Network for Ocean Colour (AERONET-OC) sites from April 2016 to September 2018. A range of atmospheric correction (AC) processors for OLCI-A were evaluated. POLYMER performed best with Rrs and 28% at 665 nm, suggesting that using this AC for deriving Chl a will be the most accurate. Suomi-VIIRS and MODIS-Aqua underestimated Rrs by 35, 29, 22 and 39% and 34, 22, 17 and 33% at 442, 486, 560 and 671 nm, respectively. The consistency between different AC processors for OLCI-A and MODIS-Aqua and VIIRS products was relatively poor. Applying the POLYMER AC to OLCI-A, MODIS-Aqua and VIIRS may produce the most accurate Rrs and Chl a products and OC time series for the Baltic Sea.

The exact pathogenesis and influence of various cytokines in patients with ovarian lesions remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to investigate whether IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α could be considered as new useful markers for diagnosis of ovarian cancer. 63 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer (OC) and 53 patients with benign ovarian cystic (BOC) lesions were included in this study. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were measured using ELISA. Statistical comparisons were made using the Mann–Whitney U test and all correlations were evaluated by Spearman’s ranks. The serum IL-8 and TNF-α concentration measured in the OC Group was significantly higher than in the BOC Group (p < 0.05). The cutoff level of IL-8 and TNF-α in the serum was set at 4.09 ng/mL and 2.63 ng/mL, respectively, with the sensitivity and specificity of 70% and 96% for IL-8 and 85.7% and 79.3% for TNF-α (p < 0.0001). These results suggest that IL-8 and TNF-α are useful biomarkers for predicting the malignant character of lesions of the ovary. The present study highlighted the importance of measuring the cytokines such as IL-8 and TNF-α in patients with ovarian lesions in predicting the clinical outcome.

Background: There is a need for early diagnostic solutions for cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) as serum creatinine changes do not occur dynamically enough. Moreover, new approaches are needed for kidney protective strategy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery procedures; Methods: Samples of serum and urine were taken from the selected group of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of specific inflammation and kidney injury biomarkers in the early diagnostic of CSA-AKI and in the prognosis of long-term postoperative kidney function; Results: At 6 h after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, there were significant differences in IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MMP-9 and NGAL concentrations in patients with CSA-AKI, compared to the control group. Serum IL-8 and urine NGAL 6 h after weaning from CPB proved to be independent acute kidney injury predictors. The TNF-α, MMP-9, IL-18, TIMP-1 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in the early postoperative period correlated with long-term kidney function impairment; Conclusions: Novel kidney injury biomarkers are an eligible tool for early diagnosis of CSA-AKI. They are also reliable indicators of long-term postoperative kidney function impairment risk after cardiac surgery procedures.

Background/Aims: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury (IRI) is an inseparable feature of organ transplantation and may have a negative impact on the graft, its function and survival. Acute tubular necrosis, which is reversible thanks to the regenerative capacity of renal tubular epithelial cells, is the main cause of acute renal failure secondary to IRI. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are proteolytic enzymes involved in digesting proteins that are components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the basement membrane of the nephrons. This way post-reperfusion MMP activation allows the inflammatory process to spread. Methods: In our studies, we focused on identifying whether the concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and their natural inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in urine sample at day 1 and day 30 as well as after 12 months following renal transplantation are markers of early and long-term renal function during meanly five-years observation. Moreover, in urine sampled at months 6 and 12 after renal transplantation, we determined the content of TGF-β as a graft fibrosis indicator. Results: MMP-9 concentration in the early post-transplant period is a major marker of early and long-term function of the transplanted kidney. Its increased concentration was correlated with lesions related to tubular atrophy and fibrosis in renal biopsies performed at months 3 and 12 after transplantation. Its concentration is correlated with TGF-β content in a later period. Conclusions: TIMP-1 and-2 are primarily markers of an early function of the transplanted kidney. Early post-transplant concentration of MMP-2 is a marker of proteinuria in early and long-term post-transplant periods.

Background/Aims: It has been confirmed that telomere length (TL) correlates with chronological donor age and that telomere shortening is accelerated in allografts. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between graft rs2735940 hTERT and rs2630578 BICD1 gene polymorphisms and rs7235755/rs2162440 chromosome 18 polymorphisms, relative TL and kidney function after transplantation. Methods: The study enrolled 119 Polish Caucasian kidney allograft recipients (64M/55F, mean age 47.3±14.0 years). The relative TL was assessed in biopsy specimens. To identify genotypes of the studied polymorphisms, real-time PCR was performed. Results: The graft rs2735940 hTERT gene polymorphism TT genotype was associated with a significantly lower risk of delayed graft function (DGF) (TT vs. TC+CC; OR=0, p=0.009) and significantly shorter TL in the ‘0' biopsy (TT vs. CC: 207±153 vs. 400±161, p=0.036). The graft rs2630578 BICD1 gene polymorphism CC genotype was associated with lower creatinine concentrations in the first month (CC vs. GC: 1.11±0.06 vs. 2.0±1.25 mg/dL, p=0.03). The AA genotype of the graft rs7235755 chromosome 18 polymorphism was associated with longer relative TL in specimens collected 12 to 60 months after transplantation (AA vs. GG+GA p=0.04; AA vs. GG: 489±152 vs. 246±145, p=0.035) and the presence of A allele was associated with higher creatinine concentrations one month after transplantation (GA+AA vs. GG p=0.026; GA vs. GG: 2.18±1.59 vs. 1.76±0.88 mg/dL, p=0.02). It was found that shorter TL in the first six months was associated with higher creatinine concentrations 12 and 18 months after transplantation (Rs=-0.32; p=0.07 and Rs=-0.54; p=0.006, respectively). Conclusions: Graft rs2735940 hTERT and rs2630578 BICD1 gene polymorphisms and rs7235755/rs2162440 chromosome 18 polymorphisms, apart from the association with TL, affect early kidney function after transplantation. Relative TL correlated negatively with creatinine concentrations, allowing the use of TL as a predictor of long-term kidney function.

A methodology is described for the validation of Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (MTCI) data over heterogeneous land surfaces in an agricultural region in Southern Italy. The approach involves the use inverse canopy reflectance modeling techniques to derive maps of canopy chlorophyll content (CCC) and leaf area index (LAI) at fine spatial resolution. Indirect field measurements are used for validation of the fine spatial resolution data. Subsequently, these maps are aggregated based on a regular grid at 1 km spatial resolution to validate MERIS Level 2 MTCI (300 m). RapidEye satellite sensor data with a pixel size of 6.5 m are used for this purpose. Based on a set of independent ground measurements, fine spatial resolution maps achieved an R2 = 0.78 and RMSE = 0.39 for CCC and R2 = 0.76 and RMSE = 0.64 for LAI. The relationship between MERIS L2 MTCI and CCC [g∙m−2] achieved a coefficient of determination of 0.74 and it resulted to be extremely statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). Additionally, a relative validation of two other satellite products at medium resolution spatial scale, namely MERIS leaf area index (LAI) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) LAI was performed by comparison with the fine spatial resolution LAI map. Results indicated a better accuracy in LAI estimation of MERIS (RMSE = 0.33) compared to MODIS (RMSE = 0.81) data.

Preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are two separate disease entities that, according to numerous reports, share the same pathogenesis. In both, angiogenesis disorders and generalized inflammation are the dominant symptoms. In this study, we hypothesized that both diseases demonstrate the same profile in early preeclampsia, late preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction patients, with the only difference being the degree of exacerbation of lesions. One hundred sixty-seven patients were enrolled in the study and divided into four groups: early preeclampsia, late preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction groups, and one control group. Concentrations of the angiogenesis and inflammatory markers soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor 1, placental growth factor, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 were determined, and the behavior of these markers and correlations among them were studied. Higher concentrations of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor 1, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 and a lower concentration of placental growth factor were observed in the study groups compared with the control group. No differences in concentrations of the studied markers were found among the study groups but significant correlations were observed. The higher values for the angiogenesis and inflammatory markers both in preeclampsia patients and patients with intrauterine growth restriction of placental origin compared with the control group suggest the existence of the same underlying disorders in the development of these pathologies. The observed mutual correlations for disordered angiogenesis and inflammatory markers are suggestive of a mutual relationship between these processes in the development of pathologies evolving secondary to placental ischemia. The same lesion profile was observed for both preeclampsia and 'placental' intrauterine growth restriction patients, which could be used in developing common diagnostic criteria for pregnant patients.

Lyme borreliosis is a chronic illness caused by tick-transmitted spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Borreliosis can be extremely threatening if it is not diagnosed and treated in early stages. Kidneys are not typically involved in the disease. However, in infected dogs, Lyme nephritis is present in 5–10% of cases. It is associated with rapidly progressing renal failure. Histopathological examination shows mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with diffuse tubular necrosis, (Dambach et al. (1997)). In available literature, there were reports of human's glomerulonephritis associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection. These cases refer to membranous and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (Kirmizis and Chatzidimitriou (2010), Zachäus (2008), and Kirmizis et al. (2004)). In this paper, we present the case of minimal-change disease (MCD) as a result of Borrelia burgdorferi infection.