Search

Abstract Biomaterial science has contributed tremendously to developing nanoscale materials for delivering biologically active compounds, enhancing protein stability, and enabling its therapeutic use. This paper presents a process of formation of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) prepared by sequential adsorption of positively charged polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) and negatively charged heparin sodium salt (HP), from low polyelectrolyte concentration, on a solid substrate. PEM was further applied as a platform for the adsorption of a brain-derived growth factor (BDNF), which is a protein capable of regulating neuronal cell development. The multilayers containing BDNF were thoroughly characterized by electrokinetic (streaming potential measurements, SPM) and optical (optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy, OWLS) techniques. It was found that BDNF was significantly adsorbed onto polyelectrolyte multilayers terminated by HP under physiological conditions. We further explore the effect of established PEMs in vitro on the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed that BDNF was released from multilayers, and the use of the PEMs intensified its cellular uptake. Compared to the control, PEMs with adsorbed BDNF significantly reduced cell viability and mitochondrial membrane polarization to as low as 72% and 58%, respectively. HPLC analysis showed that both PDADMAC-terminated and HP-terminated multilayers have antioxidative properties as they almost by half decreased lipid peroxidation in SH-SY5Y cells. Finally, enhanced formation of spheroid-like, 3D structures was observed by light microscopy. We offer a well-characterized PEM with antioxidant properties acting as a BDNF carrier, stabilizing BDNF and making it more accessible to cells in an inhomogeneous, dynamic, and transient in vitro environment. Described multilayers can be utilized in future biomedical applications, such as boosting the effect of treatment by selective anticancer as adjuvant therapy, and in biomedical research for future development of more precise neurodegenerative disease models, as they enhance cellular 3D structure formation.

Abstract Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) increases the risk of atherosclerosis in children and adults. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in young patients FH is usually subclinical but recognition of children with more pronounced changes is crucial for adjusting effective management. Aim of this research was to use ultrasonography with two-dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) and tonometry to evaluate atherosclerotic changes in patients with FH (parents and their offspring). Methods Applanation tonometry and carotid arteries sonography with evaluation of the intima-media complex thickness (IMCT) and application of the 2DST were performed in 20 families with FH (20 parents and 29 children). The same size control group (age and sex matched) was included. Results were compared between peers and between generations together with the correlation analysis. Results Adults with FH, in comparison with healthy peers, presented significantly more atherosclerotic plaques (9 vs. 2, p = 0.0230), had significantly thicker IMC (0.84 ± 0.19 vs. 0.56 ± 0.06 mm, p

Abstract Background Aquaculture is the fastest growing sector of food production worldwide. However, one of the major reasons limiting its effectiveness are infectious diseases among aquatic organisms resulting in vast economic losses. Fighting such infections with chemotherapy is normally used as a rapid and effective treatment. The rise of antibiotic resistance, however, is limiting the efficacy of antibiotics and creates environmental and human safety concerns due to their massive application in the aquatic environment. Bacteriophages are an alternative solution that could be considered in order to protect fish against pathogens while minimizing the side-effects for the environment and humans. Bacteriophages kill bacteria via different mechanisms than antibiotics, and so fit nicely into the ‘novel mode of action’ concept desired for all new antibacterial agents. Methods The bacteriophages were isolated from sewage water and characterized by RFLP, spectrum of specificity, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and sequencing (WGS). Bioinformatics analysis of genomic data enables an in-depth characterization of phages and the choice of phages. This allows an optimised choice of phage for therapy, excluding those with toxin genes, virulence factor genes, and genes responsible for lysogeny. Results In this study, we isolated eleven new bacteriophages: seven infecting Aeromonas and four infecting Pseudomonas, which significantly increases the genomic information of Aeromonas and Pseudomonas phages. Bioinformatics analysis of genomic data, assessing the likelihood of these phages to enter the lysogenic cycle with experimental data on their specificity towards large number of bacterial field isolates representing different locations. Conclusions From 11 newly isolated bacteriophages only 6 (25AhydR2PP, 50AhydR13PP, 60AhydR15PP, 22PfluR64PP, 67PfluR64PP, 71PfluR64PP) have a potential to be used in phage therapy due to confirmed lytic lifestyle and absence of virulence or resistance genes.

Background and Objectives: Burnout is an occupation-related syndrome comprising emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced feelings of work-related personal accomplishments. There are reports on burnout among adult nephrologists and general pediatricians, but little is known about burnout among pediatric nephrologists. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence and severity of burnout syndrome among Polish pediatric nephrologists. Materials and Methods: A 25-item study survey consisting of abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory and additional self-created questions about work-related factors was completed by 97 physicians affiliated with the Polish Society of Pediatric Nephrology. Women comprised 75.3%, with median time of professional experience in the study group was 15 years. Results: A high level of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced feeling of personal accomplishments were observed in 39.2%, 38.1%, and 21.6% of the participants, respectively. At least a medium level of burnout in all three dimensions were observed in 26.8% of the participants and 8.2% of them presented high three-dimensional burnout. About 41.2% of the participants stated that they would like to take part in burnout prevention and support programs. According to the study participants, excessive bureaucracy in healthcare systems, rush at work, and overtime work were the main job-related problems that could influence burnout intensity. Conclusions: Burnout is an important factor in the professional landscape of pediatric nephrology. Actions aimed at reducing the risk of occupational burnout among pediatric nephrologists should be applied, both at the personal and institutional levels.

Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, is incorporated into selenoproteins as selenocysteine using insertion machinery, including UGA codon and selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) element in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of mRNA. To assess the biological effects of tumor cells exposed to the elevated, but nontoxic Se level on glutathione peroxidase (GPx1 [cellular] and GPx3 [extracellular]), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and selenoprotein P (SeP) mRNA expression, we introduced a semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction technique for each selenoprotein transcript using β-actin as a reference housekeeping gene in mouse fibroblasts (WEHI 164). Cell lines were cultured with 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 ng of Se in 1 mL of medium for 3 and 7 d, apart from the control cell line with standard medium. It was found that Se exerts a statistically significant (p<0.05) effect only on GPx3 mRNA, referred to as the optical density (OD) ratio (GPx3/β-actin). Moreover, the lowest Se level affected GPx3 mRNA expression more strongly than its highest concentrations. In an in vitro model applied in this study, GPx3 gene expression is most specific for Se supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nocturnal enuresis is a common problem in the paediatric population. A number of reports indicate that there is a relationship between sleep-disordered breathing in children with tonsillar hypertrophy and nocturnal enuresis. Restoration of nasopharyngeal patency may eliminate nocturnal enuresis. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of nocturnal enuresis in children snoring due to nasopharyngeal lymphatic tissue hypertrophy as well as to assess the effects of restored upper respiratory patency by means of adenectomy and tonsillectomy on the resolution of nocturnal enuresis in children. Material and methods: The study included 50 children with sleep-disordered breathing qualified for adenectomy, tonsillotomy or adenotonsillotomy (median age 7 years). The control group consisted of 20 healthy children (median age 8 years). Children in the study group were assessed prior to surgical procedure as well as 3 and 6 months after surgery. The presence of sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal enuresis was determined based on author’s questionnaire completed by parents. Results: The incidence of nocturnal enuresis in children with nasopharyngeal lymphatic tissue hypertrophy was 18% (M:F 17%:19%; p > 0.05). Nocturnal enuresis was still reported in 6% of children 3 months after tonsillotomy. The disorder resolved in all girls and 97% of boys 6 months after procedure. Conclusions: Sleep-disordered breathing in children with nasopharyngeal lymphatic tissue hypertrophy is associated with nocturnal enuresis. Restoration of nasopharyngeal patency in these patients eliminates nocturnal enuresis. Tonsillar hypertrophy causing obstructive breathing should be included in the differential diagnosis of nocturnal enuresis.

Introduction: Primary prevention of hypertension underlines the relevance of body composition abnormalities, particularly of so-called lean body mass. Increased fructose intake can lead to elevated blood pressure. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the metabolic profile and dietary fructose intake in prehypertensive and hypertensive adolescents. Material and methods: Thirty-one patients (18 boys and 13 girls) aged 12–18 years (median: 15 years) with well controlled hypertension and prehypertension were selected for the study. The authors measured body height and weight, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio as well as fat content and lean body mass using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The patients’ diet was assessed in terms of fructose intake and food energy value. Results: Forty-two per cent of children (33% of boys and 61% of girls) had abnormally high body mass index (BMI z-score > 2.0 SDS). The waist-to-height ratio was significantly higher in girls than in boys (0.53 and 0.45, respectively, p = 0.04). The results in waist circumference z-score were similar (2.82 vs. 1.13, respectively, p = 0.02). Girls had greater fat mass than boys (31% vs. 17%, respectively, p = 0.001). The energy value of girls’ diet was lower (1,967 vs. 2,683 kcal, p = 0.003), but excessive energy intake was observed in both groups (120% of requirement). Dietary fructose intake covered 11% of energy requirement. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that girls with elevated blood pressure have a greater amount fat tissue than boys and its distribution is more unfavourable. The diet of children with elevated blood pressure values is characterised by excessive energy delivery, and dietary fructose intake exceeds daily recommended intake of simple sugars.

Mowat–Wilson syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterised by a number of congenital anomalies, including facial dysmorphia, heart and kidney anomalies, Hirschsprung’s disease, intellectual disability and abnormalities of reproductive organs. In the paper, we present a case of a girl who was admitted to the Department of Paediatrics, Immunology and Nephrology at the age of 3 months, with a suspicion of tubulointerstitial nephritis. The patient had facial dysmorphia, congenital malformations of the nervous system and Hirschsprung’s disease. During hospitalisation, congenital urinary anomalies (bilateral vesicoureteral reflux) and heart defects were diagnosed. On the basis of the clinical picture, the diagnostics was expanded to genetic tests for Mowat–Wilson syndrome, which revealed an 857_858delAG pathogenic mutation in one of the ZEB2 gene alleles (exon 7) – one of the rarer causes of Mowat–Wilson syndrome. At present, the girl is 13 months old. Her development is delayed. Currently, the girl is under multidisciplinary care and she is undergoing intensive rehabilitation. The knowledge of the syndrome’s clinical features allows a faster diagnosis to be made and multispecialty care to be provided to the child.

Bacteriophages are bacterial predators, which are garnering much interest nowadays vis-à-vis the global phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance. Bacteriophage preparations seem to be an alternative to antibiotics, which can be used at all levels of the food production chain. Their safety and efficacy, however, are of public concern. In this study, a detailed evaluation of BAFASAL® preparation was performed. BAFASAL® is a bacteriophage cocktail that reduces Salmonella in poultry farming. In vivo acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies on rats and tolerance study on targeted animals (chicken broiler) conducted according to GLP and OECD guidelines did not reveal any signs of toxicity, which could be associated with BAFASAL® administration. In addition, no evidences of genotoxicity were observed. The tolerance study with 100-times concentrated dose also did not show any statistically significant differences in the assessed parameters. The in vitro crop assay, mimicking normal feed storage and feed application conditions showed that BAFASAL® reduced the number of Salmonella bacteria in experimentally contaminated feed. Moreover, reductions were observed for all examined forms (liquid, powder, spray). Furthermore, the in vivo efficacy study showed that treatment with BAFASAL® significantly decreased Salmonella content in caeca of birds infected with Salmonella Enteritidis. Detailed examination of BAFASAL® in terms of safety and efficacy, adds to the body of evidence that bacteriophages are harmless to animals and effective in the struggle against bacteria.

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome in children is usually idiopathic and the first episode is rarely observed before the 1st year of life. Viral infections are a rare cause of this condition. Case report: The paper presents a case of a 9-month-old infant who developed nephrotic syndrome secondary to cytomegalovirus infection. The course of the disease was atypical – not all symptoms of nephrotic syndrome were present; only progressing proteinuria was observed. Proteinuria was preceded by respiratory tract infection with fever. Due to delayed access to serology test results, a combined therapy with glucocorticosteroids and ganciclovir was administered. A rapid remission was obtained. There were no early complications of the therapy and no relapse of nephrotic syndrome. Conclusions: The viral background of nephrotic syndrome should be considered in patients below the 2nd year of life and when the course of the disease is atypical. Causal treatment can then lead to a permanent and complete remission. This aspect distinguishes this form of nephrotic syndrome from its typical forms affecting the youngest patients – classical forms tend to be steroid-dependent or steroid-resistant.

Introduction: Breathing disorders during sleep in adults have an adverse influence on the circulatory system and promote the development of hypertension, among other disorders. A large number of literature data confirm the view that sleep-disordered breathing can increase the risk of the development of hypertension in childhood as well. The aim of the study was to evaluate blood pressure values in children with adenoid or tonsillar hypertrophy and sleep-related breathing disorders such as snoring or apnoea. Material and methods: Fifty-one children participated in the study (17 girls and 34 boys). Anthropometric measurements (body height and weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumference) and blood pressure values were analysed. The intensity of sleep-related breathing disorders was evaluated using a questionnaire administered to the children’s parents. The results obtained were compared to normative values established by a Polish population study (OLAF). Results: Children from the study group have body dimensions comparable with those of the whole children population. Blood pressure in the children from the study group is also within normal range, but in boys we found it to be slightly higher than in girls by comparing the Z-score values. Conclusions: We did not confirm the hypothesis that children who snore due to adenoid/tonsillar hypertrophy who were qualified to surgery had hypertension in comparison to the whole population of Polish children. However, it was observed that snoring had a greater impact on boys’ blood pressure.

Wstęp: Trening fizyczny uważany jest za czynnik wpływający na parametry antropometryczne i ciśnienie tęt‑ nicze. Twierdzi się, że osoby regularnie ćwiczące mają lepsze wskaźniki składu ciała oraz niższe wartości ciśnienia tętniczego krwi w porównaniu z osobami nieuprawiającymi sportu. Cel: Ocena wpływu regularnej rocznej aktywności fizycznej prowadzonej w szkole sportowej na skład ciała oraz wartości ciśnienia tętnicze‑ go u dzieci 14-letnich (II klasa gimnazjum). Materiał i metodyka: W badaniu wzięło udział 25 dzieci z gim‑ nazjum sportowego. Dzieci badano dwukrotnie w odstępie 12 miesięcy. Analizie poddano zmianę parame‑ trów antropometrycznych, składu ciała metodą impedancji bioelektrycznej oraz wartości ciśnienia krwi. Wyniki: W całej grupie zaobserwowano wzrost wartości centylowych ciśnienia skurczowego krwi (p < 0,05), przede wszystkim u chłopców. W zakresie ciśnienia rozkurczowego nie zanotowano istotnych różnic. Skład ciała zmienił się niekorzystnie u wszystkich badanych – wzrósł udział tłuszczu (13% vs 20%, p < 0,05), a przy‑ rost masy tłuszczowej był wyższy u dziewczynek (6% vs 3%, p < 0,05). Centyl BMI istotnie statystycznie wzrósł w grupie dziewczynek (37 vs 49, p < 0,05), u chłopców nie uległ zmianie. Wnioski: Aktywność fizyczna proponowana przez szkołę sportową nie poprawia stanu odżywienia 13–14-letnich dziewcząt i chłopców, u których obserwuje się istotne zwiększenie w organizmie zawartości tkanki tłuszczowej. Szkolna aktywność fizyczna nie powoduje obniżenia ciśnienia tętniczego wśród młodzieży w wieku 13–14 lat w odniesieniu do norm wiekowych. W zakresie ciśnienia skurczowego w grupie chłopców zaobserwowano nawet wyższe wartości centylowe.