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Social cognitive deficits are currently considered as one of the main predictors of clinical symptoms and functional outcome in patients with schizophrenia. Multiple studies have suggested that a two-factor solution (low-level vs. high-level) best describes the structure of social cognitive processes in patients. While higher-order processes have been repeatedly linked to negative symptoms, no such association was found for lower-level processes. Thus, the aim of the current study is to examine whether the association between basic social perception processes and symptoms in patients with schizophrenia is mediated by mentalizing abilities. One hundred thirty-nine patients have completed basic social perception (Communicative Interactions Database task CID-12) and mentalizing (Reading the Mind in the Eyes task) tasks. In line with our hypothesis, we have observed full mediation of the effects of basic social perception abilities on negative symptoms via mentalizing abilities in patients. This effect suggests that, similarly as in the case of positive symptoms, a hierarchical nature of social cognitive processes should be considered while investigating negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Ceratonova shasta is an important myxozoan pathogen affecting the health of salmonid fishes in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Ceratonova shasta exists as a complex of host-specific genotypes, some with low to moderate virulence, and one that causes a profound, lethal infection in susceptible hosts. High throughput sequencing methods are powerful tools for discovering the genetic basis of these host/virulence differences, but deep sequencing of myxozoans has been challenging due to extremely fast molecular evolution of this group, yielding strongly divergent sequences that are difficult to identify, and unavoidable host contamination. We designed and optimized different bioinformatic pipelines to address these challenges. We obtained a unique set of comprehensive, host-free myxozoan RNA-seq data from C. shasta genotypes of varying virulence from different salmonid hosts. Analyses of transcriptome-wide genetic distances and maximum likelihood multigene phylogenies elucidated the evolutionary relationship between lineages and demonstrated the limited resolution of the established Internal Transcribed Spacer marker for C. shasta genotype identification, as this marker fails to differentiate between biologically distinct genotype II lineages from coho salmon and rainbow trout. We further analyzed the data sets based on polymorphisms in two gene groups related to virulence: cell migration and proteolytic enzymes including their inhibitors. The developed single-nucleotide polymorphism-calling pipeline identified polymorphisms between genotypes and demonstrated that variations in both motility and protease genes were associated with different levels of virulence of C. shasta in its salmonid hosts. The prospective use of proteolytic enzymes as promising candidates for targeted interventions against myxozoans in aquaculture is discussed. We developed host-free transcriptomes of a myxozoan model organism from strains that exhibited different degrees of virulence, as a unique source of data that will foster functional gene analyses and serve as a base for the development of potential therapeutics for efficient control of these parasites. Fil: Alama Bermejo, Gema. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". - Provincia de Río Negro. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni". Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni"; Argentina. Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Biology Centre. Institute of Parasitology; República Checa. State University of Oregon; Estados Unidos Fil: Meyer, Eli. Oregon State University; Estados Unidos Fil: Atkinson, Stephen D.. Oregon State University; Estados Unidos Fil: Holzer, Astrid S.. Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Biology Centre. Institute of Parasitology; República Checa Fil: Wiśniewska, Monika M.. Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Biology Centre. Institute of Parasitology; República Checa Fil: Kolísko, Martin. Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Biology Centre. Institute of Parasitology; República Checa. University of South Bohemia; República Checa Fil: Bartholomew, Jerri. Oregon State University; Estados Unidos

Social cognitive deficits are currently considered as one of the main predictors of clinical symptoms and functional outcome in patients with schizophrenia. Multiple studies have suggested that two-factor solution (low-level vs. high-level) best describes the structure of social cognitive processes in patients. While higher-order processes have been repeatedly linked to negative symptoms, no such association was found for lower-level processes. Thus, the aim of the current study is to examine whether the association between low-level socio-perceptual processes and symptoms in patients with schizophrenia is mediated by higher-order socio-inferential abilities. One hundred thirty-nine patients have completed basic communicative interactions processing (CID-12) and mind reading (Reading the Mind in the Eyes task) tasks. In line with our hypothesis, we have observed full mediation of the effects of basic social perception abilities on negative symptoms via mentalizing abilities in patients. This effect suggests that, similarly as in the case of positive symptoms, a hierarchical nature of social cognitive processes should be considered while investigating negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Cold-adapted enzymes are useful tools in the organic syntheses conducted in mixed aqueous-organic or non-aqueous solvents due to their molecular flexibility that stabilizes the proteins in low water activity environments. A novel psychrophilic laccase gene from Kabatiella bupleuri, G3 IBMiP, was spliced by Overlap-Extension PCR (OE-PCR) and expressed in Pichia pastoris. Purified recombinant KbLcc1 laccase has an optimal temperature of 30 °C and pH of 3.5, 5.5, 6.0, and 7.0 in the reaction with 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), guaiacol, sinapic acid, and syringaldazine, respectively. Moreover, laccase KbLcc1 is highly thermolabile, as it loses 40% of activity after 30 min at 40 °C and is inactivated at 50 °C after the same period of incubation. The new enzyme remained active with 1 mM of Ni2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ and with 2 mM of Co2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, but Fe2+ greatly inhibited the laccase activity. Moreover, 1% ethanol had no impact on KbLcc1, although acetone and ethyl acetate decreased the laccase activity. The presence of hexane (40%, v/v) caused a 58% increase in activity. Laccase KbLcc1 could be applied in the decolorization of synthetic dyes and in the biotransformation of ferulic acid to vanillin. After 5 days of reaction at 20 °C, pH 3.5, with 1 mM ABTS as a mediator, the vanillin concentration was 21.9 mg/L and the molar yield of transformation reached 14.39%.

Cold-adapted enzymes are useful tools in the organic syntheses conducted in mixed aqueous-organic or non-aqueous solvents due to their molecular flexibility that stabilizes the proteins in low water activity environments. A novel psychrophilic laccase gene from Kabatiella bupleuri, G3 IBMiP, was spliced by Overlap-Extension PCR (OE-PCR) and expressed in Pichia pastoris. Purified recombinant KbLcc1 laccase has an optimal temperature of 30 °C and pH of 3.5, 5.5, 6.0, and 7.0 in the reaction with 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), guaiacol, sinapic acid, and syringaldazine, respectively. Moreover, laccase KbLcc1 is highly thermolabile, as it loses 40% of activity after 30 min at 40 °C and is inactivated at 50 °C after the same period of incubation. The new enzyme remained active with 1 mM of Ni2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ and with 2 mM of Co2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, but Fe2+ greatly inhibited the laccase activity. Moreover, 1% ethanol had no impact on KbLcc1, although acetone and ethyl acetate decreased the laccase activity. The presence of hexane (40%, v/v) caused a 58% increase in activity. Laccase KbLcc1 could be applied in the decolorization of synthetic dyes and in the biotransformation of ferulic acid to vanillin. After 5 days of reaction at 20 °C, pH 3.5, with 1 mM ABTS as a mediator, the vanillin concentration was 21.9 mg/L and the molar yield of transformation reached 14.39%.

This review focuses on the role of butyrate as one of the key metabolites of gut microbiota. Butyrate along with other short-chain fatty acids, acetate and propionate, is one of the most important regulators of human metabolism. In this review, we discuss how changes in gut microbiota triggered by type 2 diabetes mellitus and its treatment (e.g., metformin) affect butyrate synthesis, how to increase butyrate production and whether there is robust evidence for the positive effects of sodium butyrate in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Literature review was conducted by all authors. Studies published until 27/03/2020 were included. Search words were: ("butyric acid" OR "butyrate") AND ("type 2 diabetes "OR "T2DM"). The articles selected for the study were not chosen in a systematic manner, so the evidence may not be comprehensive.Butyrate was found to effectively reduce inflammation and plays a prominent role in the function of the intestinal barrier. To date the use of sodium butyrate in the treatment of patients with T2DM is not very popular. Meanwhile, butyric acid can beneficially modulate intestinal functions, counteracting the negative effects of the disease as well as the drugs used to treat diabetes.T2DM is a widespread chronic disease. Understanding role of microbiota in type 2 diabetes and the mechanisms connecting T2DM and alterations in gut microbiota could be the key to improved treatment of T2DM.

Psychrophilic laccases catalyzing the bond formation in mild, environmentally friendly conditions are one of the biocatalysts at the focus of green chemistry. Screening of 41 cold-adapted strains of yeast and yeast-like fungi revealed a new laccase-producing strain, which was identified as Kabatiella bupleuri G3 IBMiP according to the morphological characteristics and analysis of sequences of the D1/D2 regions of 26S rDNA domain and the ITS1–5,8S–ITS2 region. The extracellular activity of laccase in reaction with 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) at the optimal pH 3.5 was 215 U/L after 15 days of growth in a medium with waste material and 126 U/L after 25 days of cultivation in a defined medium. Copper (II) ions (0.4 mM), Tween 80 (1.0 mM) and ascorbic acid (5.0 mM) increased the production of laccase. The optimum temperature for enzyme operation is in the range of 30–40 °C and retains over 60% of the maximum activity at 10 °C. New laccase shows high thermolability—half-life at 40 °C was only 60 min. Enzyme degradation of synthetic dyes was the highest for crystal violet, i.e., 48.6% after 1-h reaction with ABTS as a mediator. Outcomes of this study present the K. bupleuri laccase as a potential psychrozyme for environmental and industrial applications.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a hydrophilic bile acid containing taurine conjugated with the ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), has been known and used from ancient times as a therapeutic compound in traditional Chinese medicine. TUDCA has recently been gaining significant interest as a neuroprotective agent, also exploited in the visual disorders. Among several mechanisms of TUDCA’s protective action, its antioxidant activity and stabilizing effect on mitochondrial and plasma membranes are considered. In this work we investigated antioxidant activity of TUDCA and its impact on structural properties of model membranes of different composition using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and the spin labeling technique. Localization of TUDCA molecules in a pure POPC bilayer has been studied using a molecular dynamics simulation (MD). The obtained results indicate that TUDCA is not an efficient singlet oxygen (1O2 (1Δg)) quencher, and the determined rate constant of its interaction with 1O2 (1Δg) is only 1.9 × 105 M−1s−1. However, in lipid oxidation process induced by a Fenton reaction, TUDCA reveals substantial antioxidant activity significantly decreasing the rate of oxygen consumption in the system studied. In addition, TUDCA induces slight, but noticeable changes in the polarity and fluidity of the investigated model membranes. The results of performed MD simulation correspond very well with the experimental results.

Large-scale re-establishment of wetland buffer zones (WBZ) along rivers is regarded as an effective measure in order to reduce non-point source nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) pollution in agricultural catchments. We estimated efficiency and costs of a hypothetical establishment of WBZs along all watercourses in an agricultural landscape of the lower Narew River catchment (north-eastern Poland, 16,444 km2, amounting to 5% of Poland) by upscaling results obtained in five sub-catchments (1087 km2). Two scenarios were analysed, with either rewetting selected wetland polygons that collect water from larger areas (polygonal WBZs) or reshaping and rewetting banks of rivers (linear WBZs), both considered in all ecologically suitable locations along rivers. Cost calculation included engineering works necessary in order to establish WBZs, costs of land purchase where relevant, and compensation costs of income forgone to farmers (needed only for polygonal WBZs). Polygonal WBZs were estimated in order to remove 11%&ndash, 30% N and 14%&ndash, 42% P load from the catchment, whereas linear WBZs were even higher with 33%&ndash, 82% N and 41%&ndash, 87% P. Upscaled costs of WBZ establishment for the study area were found to be 8.9 M EUR plus 26.4 M EUR per year (polygonal WBZ scenario) or 170.8 M EUR (linear WBZ scenario). The latter value compares to costs of building about 20 km of an express road. Implementation of buffer zones on a larger scale is thus a question of setting policy priorities rather than financial impossibility.

The present study evaluated effects of fermentation with or without enzymes (phytase, pectinase and β-glucanase) on the nutritional quality of rapeseed cake (RSC). The impact on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers as a consequence of substituting soybean meal (SBM) in the diet with fermented RSC was also investigated. A standard maize-wheat-SBM diet was used as the control (CON). Second experimental diet was produced using untreated RSC (NR; 150 g/kg) as a substitute for SBM. Third and fourth diets were produced using RSC that had been fermented either without (SFR; 321.8 g/kg) or with (EFR; 312.8 g/kg) enzymes. For these two diets, the same diet formulations as NR diets were used. However, since DM content of the fermented products was considerably lower than untreated RSC (355 and 345 vs. 928 g/kg), the inclusion rate of the fermented products in the EFR and SFR diets were adjusted to have the same amount of rapeseed cake DM in the SFR and EFR diets as it was included in the NR diets. A fifth diet (NRE) was produced using 150 g/kg untreated RSC and in-feed inclusion of the same enzymes (at the same inclusion level) as present in the EFR diet. Performance variables were recorded and the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of crude protein, fat, amino acids, Ca and P was determined at the end of the trial (d 35). Data were subjected to ANOVA using the GLM procedure. Fermentation of RSC with enzymes effectively reduced its phytate and insoluble-NSP content, but in the absence of enzymes, fermentation had only a moderate effect on reducing insoluble-NSP concentration. The dietary treatments had no impact on body weight gain or feed intake in this study (P > 0.05). At the end of the starter period (d 1-21) and entire experiment (d 1-35), feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broilers fed the NRE diet was lower compared with those receiving the CON or NR diet (P ≤ 0.05). At d 1-21, broilers in the EFR treatment group displayed lower FCR than those in the CON or NR group, but at d 35, birds fed the EFR diet showed lower FCR compared with those fed the NR diet (P ≤ 0.05). The experimental diets had no impact on CAID of crude protein, fat and all of the amino acids, except cysteine and glycine (P > 0.05). Birds receiving the EFR and NRE diets showed higher CAID of P compared with those fed the CON, NR or SFR diet. Birds in the NRE group showed higher CAID of Ca compared with those in the NR or SFR group, with those in the NR group presenting the lowest CAID of Ca (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, enzymatic fermentation of RSC effectively reduced its anti-nutrient content. Partial replacement of SBM with RSC in broiler diets had no negative impact on digestibility of the nutrients and growth performance of broilers. Furthermore, inclusion of enzymatically fermented RSC in broiler diets and supplementation of the diets containing untreated RSC with a mixture of phytase, pectinases and β-glucanase could improve the CAID of some of the nutrients and led to better feed efficiency for these diets.

The present study was conducted to investigate how fermentation (FE) and enzymatic treatment (ET) of pea affect standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of nutrients in diets with peas as the only protein source, and evaluate the consequences of inclusion of different pea products in turkey diets (100 g/kg) on growth performance and bird health. For FE process, Pisum sativum L. was mixed with water (1:1) containing 4.9 × 108 Bacillus subtilis and licheniformis spores/kg pea (BIOPLUS 2B®, Chr. Hansen, Denmark). The prepared dough was fermented for 48 h at 30 °C. For ET, the dough water contained three enzymes, AlphaGal™ (α-galactosidase – Kerry, USA), RONOZYME® ProAct and VP (protease and pectinases, respectively – DSM, Switzerland). The dough (500 g/kg DM) was incubated for 24 h at 30 °C. Both processes reduced α-galactosides, phytate, trypsin inhibitor activity and resistant starch in peas. For standardized ileal digestibility (SID) assay, 288 turkeys were assigned to 24 pens and received four experimental diets including native (NP), fermented (FEP) and enzymatically treated peas (ETP) as well as a N-free diet (all supplemented with vitamins and minerals). The ETP had better SID of protein, Glu, Phe and Val compared with FEP and NP. Enzymatic treatment of pea also improved standardized ileal digestibility of Ala, Gly, His, Ilu, Leu and Lys (P ≤ 0.05), however digestibility of these nutrients in fermented pea were similar to other two types of pea (P > 0.05). Both processes drastically improved ileal digestibility of starch (P ≤ 0.05). For performance trial, 960 turkeys were allocated into 60 pens and received 4 different diets consisted of a basal mash wheat-SBM diet (CON) and there experimental diets which were prepared by inclusion of each pea products NP (NPD), FEP (FEPD) and ETP (ETPD) in the basal diet at the rate of 100 g/kg. The experiment lasted 105 d. In general, in the most time periods of the performance trial, birds received ETPD or FEPD diets showed better growth performance than those fed NPD diet, while birds in ETPD group displayed similar performance to those fed CON diet. At the end of the trial, birds fed CON and ETPD diets had the best FCR and birds which received NPD diet had the worst one (P ≤ 0.05). Birds in ETPD group showed the best footpad dermatitis score and turkeys in the NPD group had the worst score (P ≤ 0.05). The footpad dermatitis scores for turkeys in CON and FEPD groups were identical and considerably different from those in ETPD and NPD groups (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, both processes could improve the nutritional quality of pea by reduction in ANF and increasing ileal starch digestibility. Furthermore, ET process considerably improved SID of protein and AAs in pea. Inclusion of ETP in turkey diets (100 g/kg) demonstrated neither positive nor negative impact on growth performance, while it remarkably improved footpad dermatitis score. The present data shows the feasibility of these processes, particularly ET, for improving the nutritional quality of pea as a protein source for turkey diets.

Wetland buffer zones (WBZs) are riparian areas that form a transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments and are well-known to remove agricultural water pollutants such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). This review attempts to merge and compare data on the nutrient load, nutrient loss and nutrient removal and/or retention from multiple studies of various WBZs termed as riparian mineral soil wetlands, groundwater-charged peatlands (i.e. fens) and floodplains. Two different soil types (‘organic’ and ‘mineral’), four different main water sources (‘groundwater’, ‘precipitation’, ‘surface runoff/drain discharge’, and ‘river inundation’) and three different vegetation classes (‘arboraceous’, ‘herbaceous’ and ‘aerenchymous’) were considered separately for data analysis. The studied WBZs are situated within the temperate and continental climatic regions that are commonly found in northern-central Europe, northern USA and Canada. Surprisingly, only weak differences for the nutrient removal/retention capability were found if the three WBZ types were directly compared. The results of our study reveal that for example the nitrate retention efficiency of organic soils (53 ± 28%; mean ± sd) is only slightly higher than that of mineral soils (50 ± 32%). Variance in load had a stronger influence than soil type on the N retention in WBZs. However, organic soils in fens tend to be sources of dissolved organic N and soluble reactive P, particularly when the fens have become degraded due to drainage and past agricultural usage. The detailed consideration of water sources indicated that average nitrate removal efficiencies were highest for ground water (76 ± 25%) and lowest for river water (35 ± 24%). No significant pattern for P retention emerged; however, the highest absolute removal appeared if the P source was river water. The harvesting of vegetation will minimise potential P loss from rewetted WBZs and plant biomass yield may promote circular economy value chains and provide compensation to land owners for restored land now unsuitable for conventional farming.

Purpose HCV chronic infection still presents a very serious epidemiological and clinical problem. Apart from its cytopathic effect on liver parenchyma, its detrimental effect on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism has recently been emphasized. The aim of the study was to assess lipid and carbohydrate parameters in children with chronic HCV-related hepatitis. Material/Methods The study comprised 41 children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) aged between 7 and 18 years, and 30 healthy controls. The anthropometric measurements of the subjects were taken, and, after overnight fasting, serum glucose, insulin, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels were investigated. The HOMA IR insulin resistance index was also calculated. Results The values for mean body mass index (BMI), glucose, insulin, bilirubin, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL/C index and HOMA IR levels did not differ significantly between the two groups. AST and ALT were significantly higher in the control group. The serum levels of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol showed a tendency toward lower values in the control group. We found positive correlation between serum levels of insulin and HOMA IR with staging (respectively r=0.336, P Conclusions In children with CHC and a relatively short duration of the disease, lipid and glucose disorders are not observed. Correlations between insulin and HOMA IR with staging suggest the ability of HCV to contribute to fibrosis through interference with glucose metabolism.

A method of partial reconfiguration of logic controllers implemented in FPGA is presented in the chapter. Only the control memory content is replaced while the rest of the system is not modified. The logic synthesis and implementation are performed only once. Therefore, such a realisation highly accelerates the whole prototyping process. The performed experiments showed that the original bit-stream that is sent to the FPGA can be reduced even over 500 times.

The paper deals with the designing and verification of distributed logic controllers. The control system is initially modelled with Petri nets and formally verified against structural and behavioral properties with the application of the temporal logic and model checking technique. After that it is decomposed into separate sequential automata that are working concurrently. Each of them is re-verified and if the validation is successful, the system can be finally implemented.

W artykule zostały omówione sposoby prezentowania sektora spożywczo-restauracyjnego w powojennej prasie łódzkiej. Badaniu poddano wybrane artykuły z „Dziennika Łódzkiego” oraz „Expressu Ilustrowanego” z lat 1949–1956. Podstawowym celem jest ukazanie materiałów prasowych o tematyce kulinarnej w kontekście obecnej ówcześnie reglamentacji wolnego słowa. Analiza wybranych artykułów przekonuje, że działania Głównego Urzędu Kontroli Prasy, Publikacji i Widowisk (oraz oddziałów terenowych) nie pozostawały bez wpływu na kształt dopuszczanych do druku tekstów użytkowych. Nierzadko dziennikarze, powodowani autocenzurą, przedstawiali rzeczywistość jedynie postulowaną, niemającą zbyt wiele wspólnego z faktami.

It has recently been noted that notorious underperfomance of YAlO 3 :Ce scintillator (25–30 ns scintillation decay time at room temperature instead of 17 ns) is caused by uncontrolled traps that accompany Ce radiative recombination centers. A possible way to improve the material is to introduce a second intentional dopant that would assume a role of shallow trap preventing deeper traps from interfering with the scintillation process. In this communication, we present initial results of studies on YAP:Ce,Co. Experimental results include radioluminescence spectra, VUV spectroscopy and scintillation light yields. We conclude that Co-codoping of YAP:Ce fails to produce a desired effect on scintillation kinetics. Apparently Co ions do not assume a role of shallow traps but, instead, become active recombination centers that compete with Ce ions in the YAP matrix introducing other slow emissions that lower the scintillation light yield.

Physical properties of thylakoid membranes isolated from barley were investigated by the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin labeling technique. EPR spectra of stearic acid spin labels 5-SASL and 16-SASL were measured as a function of temperature in secondary barley leaves during natural and dark-induced senescence. Oxygen transport parameter was determined from the power saturation curves of the spin labels obtained in the presence and absence of molecular oxygen at 25 °C. Parameters of EPR spectra of both spin labels showed an increase in the thylakoid membrane fluidity during senescence, in the headgroup area of the membrane, as well as in its interior. The oxygen transport parameter also increased with age of barley, indicating easier diffusion of oxygen within the membrane and its higher fluidity. The data are consistent with age-related changes of the spin label parameters obtained directly by EPR spectroscopy. Similar outcome was also observed when senescence was induced in mature secondary barley leaves by dark incubation. Such leaves showed higher membrane fluidity in comparison with leaves of the same age, grown under light conditions. Changes in the membrane fluidity of barley secondary leaves were compared with changes in the levels of carotenoids (car) and proteins, which are known to modify membrane fluidity. Determination of total car and proteins showed linear decrease in their level with senescence. The results indicate that thylakoid membrane fluidity of barley leaves increases with senescence; the changes are accompanied with a decrease in the content of car and proteins, which could be a contributing factor.

In this study, we found Lewis X (Le(x)) determinants on 68% of Helicobacter pylori isolates from patients with chronic gastroduodenal diseases. Anti-Le(x) IgG were detected more frequently in the sera from dyspeptic children and adults (45 and 46%), with or without proved (culture) H. pylori infection, than in the sera from healthy individuals (14% and 25%). In contrast, the prevalence of anti-Le(x) IgM was higher in the groups of healthy individuals than in the groups of dyspeptic patients. Moreover, anti-Le(x) monoclonal antibody of IgM class enhanced the uptake of Le(x)(+) but not Le(x)(-) H. pylori isolates by phagocytes. In the sera from some dyspeptic patients, we detected Le(x)-anti-Le(x) IgG immune complexes (Le(x) ICs). There was a great difference between children and adults as regards the presence of Le(x) ICs. The immune complexes were found in the sera from nine out of 29 (27%) H. pylori-infected and three out of eight (37%) uninfected adult dyspeptic patients. In comparison, Le(x)-anti-Le(x) IgG ICs were detected only for two out of 18 (11%) H. pylori-infected children. Le(x) ICs were not found in the sera from healthy individuals. Our results suggest that anti-Le(x) IgM may play a protective role in H. pylori infections. In contrast, anti-Le(x) IgG and particularly Le(x)-anti-Le(x) IgG ICs might contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic H. pylori infections.

Sepsis and its complications remain a frequent cause of death, but the pathogenesis of sepsis has not been thoroughly investigated. Ineffective elimination of the pathogen may be important in the development of a generalized inflammatory response. In this study, phagocytosis and the expression of Fc gamma RIII on neutrophils in peripheral blood from 25 children with sepsis and 25 healthy children were analyzed. The study was conducted in the initial phase of sepsis and then repeated 2-3 months after resolution. In the course of sepsis, a decrease in the percentage of neutrophils with Fc gamma RIII and the number of phagocytozing neutrophils compared with the control group were observed. Even after resolution, there was a decrease in the neutrophil phagocytic capacity. The persistent dysfunction of phagocytic cells in children after resolution of sepsis suggests the possibility of serious recurrent infections.

Results of artificial fertilization of P. uliginosa with P. sylvestris and P. mugo are presented and discussed. P. sylvestris and P. mugo are thought to be the parental species of P. uliginosa. Two grafts of one P. uliginosa clone from Arboretum of the Institute of Dendrology in Kórnik, Poland were used as mother individuals. One individual of P. sylvestris and one individual of P. mugo were the pollen donors. Three mature cones were obtained as the result of artificial pollination of P. uliginosa with P. mugo pollen. Out of 107 seeds, 68 were filled what gives 63%. P. uliginosa conelets pollinated with P. sylvestris pollen were all aborted. Based on obtained data, close phylogenetic relationship between P. uliginosa and P. mugo complex is suggested.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomo- and histopathological lesions in internal organs of sows and their stillborn piglets after experimental Y. enterocolitica infection in different phases of pregnancy. Twelve pregnant sows were divided into 4 groups, infected per os on 33 (n = 3), 54 (n = 3) and 89 (n = 3) day of pregnancy with the pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strain isolated from the aborted swine fetus, and uninfected control group. Histopathological examinations of internal organs and intestine samples of stillborn piglets, slaughtered sows and samples of placentas were performed. Anatomo- and histopathological lesions were the most intense in the group of sows infected in the final phase of pregnancy, where the highest number of stillborn piglets was also found. Lesions of internal organs in stillborn piglets suggested a severe generalized bacterial infection. Although the analysis of experimental Y. enterocolitica infection of pregnant sows revealed that the most intense clinical, anatomopathological and histopathological abnormalities were recorded in the group of animals infected in the final phase of pregnancy. Infection in the first phase of pregnancy could have had an influence on the formation of the granulomatous inflammation. Differences in anatomopathological lesions between infected and control animals suggest that the period of pregnancy in which the infection appears could have had an influence on the course of yersiniosis in pigs.

Macrophages have the potential to recognize apoptotic neutrophils and phagocytose them while the same function for monocytes is uncertain. In fact, early findings indicated that monocytes started to phagocytose neutrophils on the third day of differentiation to macrophages. Here we show, using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, that peripheral blood monocytes phagocytose apoptotic but not freshly isolated granulocytes. Recognition of apoptotic cells is predominantly connected with CD16(+) monocytes (CD14(high) CD16(+) and CD14(dim) CD16(+)) and requires CD36. Clearance of apoptotic polymorphonuclear leucocytes appears to be independent of the CD14 mechanism. Uptake of apoptotic Jurkat T cells by monocytes is CD14 and CD36 dependent. Liposomes containing phosphatidyl-l-serine reduce binding of apoptotic polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Lipopolysaccharide-activated subpopulations of monocytes while in contact with apoptotic cells produce more anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 whereas the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta is reduced.

Recently, the results of many experimental investigations have shown that melatonin possesses gastroprotective properties. On the other hand its role in pathogenesis of upper digestive tract diseases in man still remains unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate nocturnal secretion of melatonin in patients with functional and organic diseases of the upper part of digestive tract. The investigations were carried out in 149 persons, aged 21-51 years, including healthy subjects (group I, n=30), and patients with non-erosive gastroduodenal reflux (NERD, group II, n=24), with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, group III, n=25), with functional dyspepsia (FD, according to the Rome III Criteria, group IV, n=36) and with recurrent duodenal ulcer (DUD, group V, n=34). Diagnoses were established on the basis of endoscopic imaging and histological examination, 24-hour pH-metry and laboratory tests. Melatonin serum concentration was measured with ELISA method. Blood samples were taken for examination in red-lighted room at 10 p.m. and on the following day at 2 and 6 a.m. The highest concentration of melatonin in all examined groups was determined at 2 a.m. The average melatonin concentration in healthy subjects was 34,7 +/- 4,8 pg/ml. In patients with GERD and DUD melatonin concentration was lower than in healthy subjects - 27,2 +/- 8,5 pg/ml and 25,5 +/- 6,2 pg/ml respectively (p0,05; p0,01). The highest concentration of melatonin was found in patients with NERD and FD - 43,2 +/- 10,8 pg/ml and 42,4 +/- 10,1 pg/ml (p0,01; p0,05). The findings of this study support the notion that melatonin exerts beneficial influences on the upper digestive tract. It is likely that high or relatively correct secretion of melatonin is sufficient to prevent peptic changes in esophageal and duodenal mucosa.

The aim of the study was to determine the factors allowing non-smoking for the next 2 years after a 5-year period of non-smoking. A questionnaire study was performed in October 2003 among 449 of men and women chosen from among 1700 contest' 'QuitWin' Competition participants, which was ending in 1996 2nd International Antinicotine Campaign "QuitWin" in Poland in the region of Lódź and Kalisz. Chosen people were respondents, who during studies conducted in the years 1998 and 2001 stated that they were not smoking at all since their participation in the contest. Filled-in questionnaires were sent back by 296 people (65.9%). The analysis showed that the surveyed with elementary education more rarely than people with other level of education could preserve in non-smoking habit for the next 2 years after a 5-year period of non-smoking. Further maintenance of nicotine abstinence was not dependent on: age, sex, the place of living, the marital status and the source of income.

In this study we describe a 3-generation family carrying a (X;Y)(p22.3;q11.2) translocation in seven individuals of both sexes. Molecular analysis of the aberrant (X;Y)(p22.3;q11.2) chromosome was performed by FISH using X and Y-specific painting probes and also PCR amplification of the Y-specific sequences. Using these approaches it was demonstrated that the translocation resulted in a deletion of both X and Y pseudoautosomal regions. Moreover, using RBG banding it was shown that in all females the X-derivative chromosome was inactive in over 90% of mitoses. From the preliminary results obtained in this study we assumed that in this particular family the observed phenotype of the patients was caused by a deletion of the cluster of pseudoaotosomal genes responsible for the stature. More proximal loci, like STS or MRX49, were probably not deleted, since neither ichtyosis nor mental retardation was observed in this family.

The paper presents a case of a 17-year-old girl with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis in whom biochemical, serological and histopathological markers of chronic hepatitis A were observed for the last 4 years. The diagnosis was based on elevated levels of gammaglobulins, IgG and the presence of autoantibodies (ANA, SMA). At first, the patient was treated with the pulses of corticosteroids and then, as no improvement was observed, continuous steroid therapy was involved. Relatively mild clinical course of the disease and good response to treatment with prednisone were recorded. Our observations suggest that HAV is capable of inducing autoimmune reactions and they indicate possible development of chronic hepatitis A.

The pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis induced by virus C as well as the mechanisms responsible for the elimination of this infection are still not fully understood. The course of HCV infection depends on the extent to which both specific and non-specific response is induced. One of the treatment methods applied in HCV is the use of IFN-alpha which has both antiviral and immunomodulatory activity. The knowledge of IFN-alpha effect on non-specific humoral response may be helpful in the choice of optimal strategy for HCV prevention and treatment. The purpose of the study was the assessment of total haemolytic activity of CH50 complements as well as C3 and C4 levels in children with chronic hepatitis C treated with IFN-alpha.Sixty children aged 3-15 years with chronic hepatitis C were included in the study. The diagnosis was based on biochemical examinations, the presence of HCV RNA and histological investigations of the liver. The study group was divided into two subgroups of 30 children each. One subgroup was treated with subcutaneous recombined IFN-alpha (Intron A Schering Plough) at the dose of 3 MU 3 times a week for 6 months, while the other subgroup was a control. All the children underwent the assessment of total haemolytic activity of CH50 complement according to modified Mayer's technique as well as the concentration of its components C3 and C4 with turbidimetric method with the use of Behring reagents and Turbi Time system. The assessments were performed at the beginning of the study and 6 months later.Total haemolytic activity of CH50 complement and C3, C4 levels after 6 months of IFN-alpha therapy were significantly higher in children on IFN-alpha when compared to control group. Among children treated with IFN-alpha, 9 managed to eliminate HCV genetic material from blood serum. Mean values of analysed parameters did not differ at both stages of the study in the IFN-alpha group between the children with and without HCV RNA elimination.Higher total haemolytic activity of CH50 complement and C3, C4 levels after 6 months of treatment with IFN-alpha administered to children with chronic hepatitis C suggest that IFN-alpha is capable of reducing complement activity.

Diabetes develops in more than half of the patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis (CAP), mostly due to increasing insulin deficiency. In this regard CAP-related diabetes (CAP-DM) is similar to the type 1 diabetes. Data on microvascular complications in CAP-DM are scarce. The aim of the study was the analysis of microvascular complications frequency in relation to metabolic control in comparison with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The study subjects were 50 patients divided into two groups: group 1-25 patients with CAP-DM (15 men, 10 women, mean age 44.6 +/- 8.4 yrs, duration of diabetes 3.7 +/- 2.1 yrs, body mass index (BMI) 22.4 +/- 2.9 kg/m2, duration of CAP 7.0 +/- 3.5 years), and group 2-25 well-matched type 1 diabetes patients (14 men, 11 women, mean age 42.3 +/- 7.6 yrs, duration of diabetes 4.1 +/- 2.8 yrs, BMI 24.0 +/- +/- 2.5 kg/m2). CAP was diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination, ultrasound and computed tomography scans, and in some cases upon the results of endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and creatinine concentrations were measured. Fundoscopy was performed in all the subjects, in addition fluorescein examination was conducted in 15 and 18 patients from groups 1 as 2 respectively. Fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c level and insulin requirement were significantly lower in CAP-DM patients than in type 1 diabetes subjects (133 +/- 48 vs 174 +/- 59 mg/dl, p0.01; 8.3 +/- 2.0 vs 9.8 +/- 1.1%, p0.01; 36 +/- 15 vs 57 +/- 11 IU/day, p0.001 respectively). However, the prevalence of background retinopathy (group 1-13/25, group 2-11/25), and microalbuminuria (group 1-14/25, group 2-13/25) was similar in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found between CAP-DM and type 1 diabetic patients in regard to blood lipids, triglycerides, urea and creatinine concentrations. We conclude that microvascular complications may be encountered in pancreatic diabetes as often as in type 1 diabetes. Therefore this particular type of secondary diabetes should be regarded by no means as a "milder" type of the disease.

This study aims to assess number and function of T lymphocytes in children with chronic hepatitis persistent C. The study included 60 children with chronic hepatitis C. Among this group 30 were treated with interferon-alpha (INF-alpha) during 6 months. Forty healthy children were included in the study as the control group. We examined subsets of blood lymphocytes T (CD3, CD4, CD8) and lymphocytes with expression of CD3/HLADR, CD3/CD25 antigens using monoclonal antibodies IMK plus and flow cytometry, at the beginning and after 6 months. After INF-alpha therapy a significant increase in subset of CD4 lymphocytes, significant decrease in CD8, increase in CD4/CD8 ratio and increase in lymphocytes with expression CD3/HLADR, CD3/CD25 receptors were observed. Differences in CD8 lymphocytes and CD4/CD8 ratio in the treated children were statistical higher in children with elimination HCV RNA. Applying INF-alpha in children with chronic hepatitis C stimulated immunological response by increasing subsets of CD4 lymphocytes, CD4/CD8 ratio and stimulated lymphocytes.

The aim of this study was evaluation of the role NK cells in antiviral response and the monitoring IFN-alpha therapy in children with chronic hepatitis C. The study included 60 children between 3 and 15 years of age with chronic hepatitis C--30 treated and 30 not treated IFN-alpha (Intron A, Schering Plough). Percentage of NK cells (CD3-CD16+CD56+) was determined in all children using monoclonal antibodies (Becton-Dickinson) and flow cytometry before and after therapy.After IFN-alpha therapy increase of the percentage NK cells, significantly higher in children with elimination HCV RNA and decrease NK cells in children no treated was observed. These observations underline significant part NK cells in antiviral response and suggest that IFN-alpha ability to increase this cells population is an important mechanism elimination of HCV infection.Increase NK cells in children with chronic hepatitis C IFN-alpha treated may be determinate effectiveness of IFN therapy.

In this study we present the analysis of pathological pictures of the liver in children with chronic HCV infection, among whom 60 children with HCV RNA and 22 children without HCV RNA were selected. For histological evaluation traditional classification and modified Histological Activity Index (HAI) was used. Only 2 children without viremia did not present changes in histopathological picture, in the remaining ones with and without viremia hepatitis chronic persistent prevailed. In both groups of children statistical differences in necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis were not observed. In histopathological picture correlation grading and staging was observed. The results of the studies show necessity for histological evaluation in anti-HCV carriers, because the pathology of the liver may occur independent of viremia.

In this study we present evaluation of some immune parameters in children with borreliosis. We examined subsets of blood lymphocyte (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD3 HLA DR) and NK cells using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry in 14 children age from 3 to 16 years. We observed an altered lymphocyte phenotypes and NK cells in infected children compare to healthy control. We conclude that the changes in host immune response may play an important role in the pathogenesis of borreliosis and their monitoring may be helpful for the prognosis the course of the disease.

The aim of the study was to analyse possible sources of HCV infection as well as to study their relation to specific HCV genotype. The study comprised 60 children with chronic hepatitis C age from 3 to 15 years. In 36.6% of patients, the probable risk factors were surgical interventions or injures; in 60% prior hospitalisation in conservative wards. Surgery was a risk factor in 59% of cases of infection with genotype 1a and in 41%--with genotype 1b. Hospitalisation conservative was the risk factor for the infection in 47% and 50% of cases, respectively.

The genotoxic effects of triarylmethane (Acid Green 16, C.I.44025) and arylmonoazo (Basic Orange 28, developed by Boruta Pigment Plant, Poland, C.I. undisclosed) dyes, were evaluated in Balb/C mice. Animals were fed for 6 days nutritionally adequate Portagen liquid diet (1 kcal/ml) or isocaloric alcoholic diet containing 5% (w/v) ethanol (36% of total calories) in order to induce the cytochrome P-4502E1 monooxygenase. Dye compounds were administered intraperitoneally 30 h before the test at doses: 90 mg/kg of Acid Green 16 and 70 mg/kg of Basic Orange 28. Bone marrow micronucleus test was used for evaluation of genotoxicity of the dyes. Ethanol caused an increase of the level of cytochrome P-450 by 200% and activities of 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD) by 650%, 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) by 460% and glutathione (GSH)-S-transferase by 60% in the liver. Both dyes exerted genotoxic effect as inferred from a 3-fold increase of frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in bone marrow, and a further increase (2-fold) was caused by ethanol liquid diet combined with Acid Green 16 treatment. Basic Orange 28 genotoxicity remained unaffected by ethanol. It is concluded that: (1) enhancement of genotoxic effect of Acid Green 16 by ethanol is caused by induction of cytochrome P-4502E1 monooxygenases resulting in an increased bioactivation of the dye; (2) lack of enhancement of the genotoxic effect of Basic Orange 28 by ethanol probably results from the dye- and ethanol-mediated stimulation of GSH-S-transferase, bypassing the cytochrome P-4502E1 bioactivation step.