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To identify the enzymes potentially useful for the decolorization of azo dyes, the secretome of the ascomycetous fungus Myrothecium roridum IM6482 was studied by using a bottom-up proteomic approach. Among the identified proteins, the most promising for dye removal was laccase, which decolorized respectively, 66, 91, 79, and 80% of Acid Blue 113 (AB 113), Acid Red 27 (AR 27), Direct Blue 14 (DB 14), and Acid Orange 7 (AO 7). The degradation of dyes was enhanced at the wide range of pH from 4 to 8. The addition of redox mediators allowed eliminating AB 113 in concentrations up to 400 mg/L and decolorization of the simulated textile effluent. Microbial toxicity and phytotoxicity tests indicated that dyes are converted into low-toxicity metabolites. This is the first insight into the M. roridum secretome, its identification and its application for removal of select azo dyes. Obtained results extended knowledge concerning biodegradative potential of ascomycetous, ligninolytic fungi and will contribute to the improvement of dye removal by fungi. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11356-019-05324-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In this study, the extracts of lignocellulosic materials such as sawdust, hay, and rapeseed press cake were used as medium for the production of laccase of the non-ligninolytic fungus Myrothecium roridum. Media prepared from hay extract and rapeseed press cake extract contributed to the highest quantity of the enzyme produced (ranging from 465 to 728 U/L after 24 h of cultivation). It could have resulted from the high content of reducing sugars and phenolic compounds such as gallic or ferulic acid identified in media by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The enzyme was found to be stable in the pH ranging from 2 to 8 and decolorized up to 90% of Amaranth (400 mg/L) after 24-h incubation in the presence of a selected redox mediator. After 24 h of incubation, laccase almost completely (97%) decolorized the simulated dye effluent containing several dyes, metal ions, reducing agents, and detergents. An environment-friendly approach for dyes removal by laccase immobilized together with rapeseed press cake was proposed. After 24-h incubation of a dye (acid orange 7, trypan blue, and Amaranth) with laccase–rapeseed press cake alginate beads, more than 70% decolorization was obtained. The rate of Amaranth removal was found to be about 50% after five successive batches. Low-cost production and high decolorization efficiency in the presence of additional compounds make M. roridum laccase and its newly developed immobilization technique a promising option as a green catalyst for azo dyes containing wastewater treatment.

Purpose: To present the arthroscopic “PCL envelope lack sign” (PELS) and to calculate its diagnostic characteristics in chronic PCL insufficiency. Methods: Recordings of knee arthroscopies performed in a single clinic between April 2015 to March 2020 were retrospectively evaluated, searching for the “PCL envelope”. It was defined as a “soft tissue cuff coursing around the PCL tibial attachment, visible with the arthroscope positioned between the PCL, medial femoral condyle and posterior horn of the medial meniscus at the level of its shiny white fibers”. PELS was defined as “the PCL adhering to the proximal tibia adjacent to the medial meniscal posterior root attachment, inability to observe the normal space between the PCL and posterior tibia and no soft tissue cuff around the PCL tibial attachment”. Inclusion criteria were possibility to evaluate the PELS presence on recordings. Patients who underwent PCL reconstruction were assigned to the study group. The rest of the patients were controls. Criteria to operate on symptomatic PCL patients were at least 5 mm of posterior instability in physical examination and at least 6 months post-injury. Results: Out of 614 available recordings, 592 patients (205 females, 387 males, mean age 45.2 years, SD = 14.36, range 14–81) were included: 38 in the study group and 554 in the control group. In the study group, PELS was positive in 36 of 38 cases (94.7%). In the control group, PELS was negative in 554 PCL-efficient patients (100%). Calculated PELS sensitivity was 94.7%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 99.6%. The PELS was present significantly more often in PCL-insufficient patients, p &lt, 0.001. Conclusions: The PCL envelope lack sign was found to be a highly effective tool to arthroscopically confirm chronic PCL insufficiency, and should be considered a direct sign of chronic posterior knee instability.

Od pierwszych dni życia człowiek ma styczność z żywnością. Dlatego wydaje się, że o żywności wie wszystko i jest specjalistą w tej dziedzinie. Jednak czy naprawdę tak jest? Celem pracy jest próba przybliżenia wiedzy na temat zalet i wad różnego typu sposobów odżywiania się tak, aby każdy człowiek mógł w pełni świadomie podejmować decyzję o wyborze diety. Człowiek ewolucyjnie i biologicznie przystosowany jest do diety zróżnicowanej, czyli do żywności pochodzenia zwierzęcego i roślinnego. Coraz więcej jest jednak osób wybierających i propagujących wegetarianizm, ale gdyby większość społeczeństwa podjęła taką decyzję, to ucierpiałaby różnorodność upraw, byłoby głównie zapotrzebowanie na rośliny strączkowe. Zanik bioróżnorodności miałby wpływ na wymieranie owadów pożytecznych. Podobnie jest z decyzją o wyborze żywności z produkcji konwencjonalnej czy ekologicznej. Wydaje się, że żywność ekologiczna jest zawsze zdrowsza i bezpieczniejsza dla człowieka. Żywność ekologiczna na pewno jest wolna od zanieczyszczeń pestycydami, ale obecność metali szkodliwych dla zdrowia w obu typach żywności jest już podobna. Natomiast żywność ekologiczna może być bardziej zainfekowana patogenami i w większym stopniu podatna na zanieczyszczenia biologiczne. Niezbędne jest, aby dieta człowieka uwzględniała indywidualne zapotrzebowanie energetyczne, zapotrzebowanie na wszystkie podstawowe składniki odżywcze, w tym wodę, ale także powinna stanowić przyjemność i być wyrazem kultury danego regionu.

The aim of the study was to overproduce, identify and apply in dyes removal of a novel laccase-like multicopper oxidases (LMCOs) from Myrothecium roridum. LMCOs production was enhanced by modifying the medium and adding copper ions. After purification two proteins, LMCO1 and LMCO2, with molecular masses 46,7 and 66,3 kDa were discovered. The peptides analysis by mass spectrometry revealed that they belonged to the cupredoxin superfamily. Characteristic peptide sequences were obtained for MCOs and bilirubin oxidases. The crude enzymes were applied for dyes decolorization. Supplementation with 1 mM of vanillin allowed almost complete elimination of Indigo carmine within 3 hours. The dye was removed from solution containing metals, surfactants and organic solvents. The in-gel assessment of the activity and decolorization ability of MCOs followed by protein extraction and SDS-PAGE confirmed that only LMCO2 was responsible for the dye removal. MCOs produced by Myrothecium sp. have been poorly studied before. The obtained results increase the knowledge on this subject and may contribute to the development of an eco-friendly method of dyes elimination.

Endothelium plays a key role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by secreting active factors involved in many biological processes such as hemostasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Hyperglycemia in diabetic patients causes dysfunction of endothelial cells. Soluble fractions of adhesion molecules like sE-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM) are considered as markers of endothelial damage. The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) effectively supports the conventional treatment of vascular complications in diabetes, for example hard-to-heal wounds in patients with diabetic foot syndrome. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of low-energy laser at the wavelength of 635 nm (visible light) and 830 nm (infrared) on the concentration of adhesion molecules: sE-selectin and sVCAM in the supernatant of endothelial cell culture of HUVEC line. Cells were cultured under high-glucose conditions of 30 mM/L. We have found an increase in sE-selectin and sVCAM levels in the supernatant of cells cultured under hyperglycemic conditions. This fact confirms detrimental influence of hyperglycemia on vascular endothelial cell cultures. LLLT can modulate the inflammation process. It leads to a decrease in sE-selectin and sVCAM concentration in the supernatant and an increase in the number of endothelial cells cultured under hyperglycemic conditions. The influence of LLLT is greater at the wavelength of 830 nm.

The metabolic response of prohexadione-Ca (Pro-Ca) treated cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) leaves to Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans (Psl) was analyzed at the local and systemic levels. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) utilizing guaiacol and syringaldazine as well as lipid peroxide level were studied. Observed changes in these parameters were compared to the response induced by benzotiadiazole (BTH) treatment after Psl infection. Cucumber plants pretreatment (priming) with Pro-Ca similarly to BTH priming enhanced the defense response of cucumber leaves to subsequent bacterial infection as shown by the suppression of disease development in comparison to the untreated plants. Pro-Ca priming changed the examined parameters in both pathogen-inoculated leaves and systemic (uninfected) ones depending on Pro-Ca concentration used. However, these changes were pronounced especially in the direct inoculated leaves. In the systemic leaves Pro-Ca pretreatment induced different changes profile in examined parameters than BTH. Obtained results suggested that Pro-Ca as BTH affect the pro-antioxidative metabolism under Psl infection conditions but in a different way. BTH induced mainly APX while Pro-Ca APX and CAT. Strong influence of Pro-Ca on both examined types of POX was also found. The POX utilizing syringaldazine activity indicted that in all examined variants Psl infection affected the lignifications of cell wall. Although the physiological significance of examined pro-antioxidative reactions at the local and systemic levels remains to be elucidated, the presented results support for the first time the protective role of Pro-Ca in defense response of cucumber against P. syringae pv. lachrymans.

Theoretical calculations of the m-acetotoluidide and m-thioacetotoluidide isolated molecules were performed by using density functional theory (DFT) method at B3LYP/6–311++G (d,p) and B3LYP/6–311++G (3df,2pd) basis set levels. The Hirshfeld surfaces analysis and FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy studies have been reported. The geometrical parameters of the title amide and thioamide are in a good agreement with the XRD experiment. The vibrational frequencies were calculated and scaled, and subsequently values have been compared with the experimental Infrared and Raman spectra. The observed and calculated frequencies are found to be in good agreement. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surface has been well correlated to the spectroscopic studies. Additionally, the highest occupied molecular orbital energy ( E HOMO ), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy ( E LUMO ) and the energy gap between E HOMO and E LUMO ( ΔE HOMO–LUMO ) have been calculated.

Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) is said to be a relatively common disease which may lead to an end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on this field published until now, discuss the results of both conservative and surgical treatment options, as well as to introduce new methods of treatment, which may be applicable in SONK treatment. We searched the PubMed and Cochrane databases until November 2019 and presented the most recent findings in this work. The exact aetiology of SONK still remains unclear; however, recent studies suggested that early stage of SONK is rather a result of the subchondral fracture than primary osteonecrosis. So far described conservative treatment includes non-weight bearing or protected weight bearing with a knee brace, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and bisphosphonates. Surgical management includes arthroscopic debridement, core decompression, osteochondral autograft, high tibial osteotomy, and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty. Although the aetiology of SONK remains unknown, there are many treatment options, and the choice of the most suitable one is challenging. We think that subchondroplasty may be one of the effective methods.

Multicopper oxidases (MCOs) are a large family of blue copper proteins which contain from one to six copper atoms per molecule. Their catalytic centre consists of three domains which involve type I Cu, type II Cu and a pair of type III Cu’s. They include laccases, ferroxidases, ascorbate oxidase, bilirubin oxidase, laccase-like multicopper oxidases. MCOs are capable of one-electron oxidizing of aromatic as well as non-aromatic compounds with a concomitant four-electron reduction of molecular oxygen to water. These properties make them a valuable tool in various industries (e.g. food, textile, pharmaceutical) medicine or environment protection. 1. Introduction. 2. Multicopper oxidases – classification, structure and properties. 3. Identification methods of MCOs. 4. Laccases vs. others MCOs. 5. Application of multicopper oxidases. 6. Summary

Chloroxylenol (PCMX) is applied as a preservative and disinfectant in personal care products, currently recommended for use to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Its intensive application leads to the release of PCMX into the environment, which can have a harmful impact on aquatic and soil biotas. The aim of this study was to assess the mechanism of chloroxylenol biodegradation by the fungal strains Cunninghamella elegans IM 1785/21GP and Trametes versicolor IM 373, and investigate the ecotoxicity of emerging by-products. The residues of PCMX and formed metabolites were analysed using GC-MS. The elimination of PCMX in the cultures of tested microorganisms was above 70%. Five fungal by-products were detected for the first time. Identified intermediates were performed by dechlorination, hydroxylation, and oxidation reactions catalysed by cytochrome P450 enzymes and laccase. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis confirmed an increase in CYP450 genes expression in C. elegans cells. In the case of T. versicolor, spectrophotometric measurement of the oxidation of 2,20-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) showed a significant rise in laccase activity during PCMX elimination. Furthermore, with the use of bioindicators from different ecosystems (Daphtoxkit F and Phytotoxkit), it was revealed that the biodegradation process of PCMX had a detoxifying nature.

The purpose of this study is to review the surgical methods of enhancing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft maturation. Several methods of ACL maturation enhancement were identified through research of the literature available in the PubMed database. ACL remnant preservation was the most extensively investigated technique. ACL reconstruction with a pedunculated hamstring graft provides superior revascularization of the graft along with higher mechanical strength. The usage of a graft enveloped with a periosteum was proposed to enhance the tendon-bone unit formation, and consequently, to prevent the bone tunnel widening. The muscle tissue on the graft is a potential source of stem cells. However, an excessive amount may weaken whole graft strength despite its enhanced remodeling. Similarly, amniotic tissue may augment the ACL reconstruction with stem cells and growth factors. Despite the existence of several surgical techniques that utilize amnion, the outcomes of these augmentation methods are lacking. Lastly, the intra-articular transplantation of the synovium on the surface of an ACL was proposed to augment the graft with synovial tissue and blood vessels. In conclusion, diverse approaches are being developed in order to enhance the maturation of an ACL reconstruction graft. Although these approaches have their foundation in on well-established scientific research, their outcomes are still equivocal. Clinical trials of high quality are needed to evaluate their utility in clinical practice.

Objective: Decompensated chronic hyperglycemia often leads to late microvascular complications such as retinopathy, diabetic foot syndrome, and diabetic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and its receptors in patients with well-controlled diabetes. Methods: The study was conducted on 31 patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes without micro- or macroangiopathy. Thirty healthy volunteers were enrolled in a control group. Serum concentrations of VEGF-A, VEGF receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), fasting glucose, and lipid profiles were measured, and the plasma concentration of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was determined. Results: No significant differences were observed between the concentration of VEGF-A, VEGFR1 or VEGFR2 in the subject group and that in the control group. Positive correlations were noted between the levels of VEGF-A, VEGFR2, and triglyceride, and there was a negative correlation between the levels of VEGFR2 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in the study group. Conclusions: The concentrations of VEGF-A and its receptors 1 and 2 in patients with well-controlled diabetes are comparable to those of healthy individuals, which may indicate that appropriate control of glucose levels delays the occurrence of vascular complications. A negative correlation between VEGFR2 and HDL-cholesterol levels, and positive correlations between VEGF-A, VEGFR2, and triglyceride levels, suggest that lipid abnormalities occurring in diabetes may be involved in the modulation of angiogenesis.

The long-term health threats posed to humans exposed to pollutants acting as endocrine disruptors (EDs) is yet to be quantified. There is insufficient knowledge about the sources and magnitude of exposure to selected polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during the most sensitive period of fetal development, suggesting the need for a study. Organochlorine pesticides, classified as being persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and potential EDs, were also included in this analysis. Xenobiotics were measured in paired fetal cord blood and maternal breast milk samples. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of PCB-101, PBDE-47, and PBDE-99 between maternal milk and cord blood according to the Wilcoxon test, and the Spearman tests demonstrated significant correlations in β-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p'-DDE, and PCB-118 between maternal milk and cord blood from the same subjects. All others tested (HCB, β-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT, PCB-101, PCB-...

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane], are environmental contaminants with potential endocrine disrupting activity. DNA methylation levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes have been associated with serum concentrations of POPs in Greenland Inuit and Korean populations. Greenland Inuits are characterized by the highest worldwide POP levels. In this cross-sectional study we evaluated the relationship between serum POP concentrations and DNA methylation levels in sperm of non-occupationally exposed fertile men from Greenland, Warsaw (Poland), and Kharkiv (Ukraine). Serum levels of PCB-153 [1,2,4-trichloro-5-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)benzene], as a proxy of the total PCBs body burden, and of p,p'-DDE [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene], the main metabolite of DDT were measured. Sperm DNA methylation level was assessed globally by flow cytometric (FCM) immunodetection of 5-methyl-cytosines and at specific repetitive DNA sequences (Alu, LINE-1, Satα) by PCR-pyrosequencing after bisulfite conversion. Multivariate linear regression analysis was applied to investigate correlations between serum POP concentrations and DNA methylation. No consistent associations between exposure to POPs and sperm DNA methylation at repetitive DNA sequences were detected. A statistically significant global decrease in methylation was associated with exposure to either POP by FCM analysis. This is the first study to investigate environmental exposure to POPs and DNA methylation levels considering sperm as the target cells. Although POP exposure appears to have a limited negative impact on sperm DNA methylation levels in adult males, the global hypomethylation detected by one of the methods applied suggests that further investigation is warranted.

A laccase-producing ascomycete fungus was isolated from soil collected around the premises of a textile dye factory and identified as Nectriella pironii. Efficient laccase production was achieved via the synergistic action of 1 mM copper sulfate and ferulic acid. Extracts of rapeseed oil cake, grass hay, and leaf litter collected in a pocket urban park were used for enzyme production. The highest laccase activity (3,330 U/L) was observed in the culture grown on the leaf litter extract. This is the first report on biosynthesis of laccase by N. pironii. This is also the first study on utilization of naturally fallen park leaves as a substrate for fungal laccase production. The extracellular enzyme possessing laccase activity was purified to homogeneity by ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatographic techniques. The amino acid sequence of the protein revealed highest similarity to the laccase enzyme produced by Stachybotrys chartarum-and considerable homology to those produced by other fungal species. The purified laccase possessed a molecular mass of 50 kDa. The enzyme had an optimum pH of 2.0 or 6.0 and retained more than 50% of residual activity after 3 hours of incubation at pH 3.0-10.6 or 4.0-9.0 when 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid or 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, respectively, were used. Dithiothreitol, β-mercaptoethanol, and sodium azide at 1 mM concentration strongly inhibited the laccase activity, while in the presence of 50 mM urea, the enzyme was found to retain 25% of its activity. The laccase was able to decolorize more than 80% of Indigo Carmine, Remazol Brilliant Blue R, Reactive Orange 16, and Acid Red 27 dyes within 1 h. The possibility of leaf litter use for the production of the laccase enzyme from N. pironii (IM 6443), exhibiting high pH stability and degradative potential, makes it a promising tool for use in different environmental and industrial operations.

Humic waters (HW) are globally unique, deep underground, dark-brown waters containing humic acids, and they present numerous therapeutic activities including anti-inflammatory. In the present study, we use HW from source in Poland. Diabetes has become an epidemic and is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Hyperglycemia in diabetes is responsible for damaging of the endothelium and increases inflammation on the surface of the vascular lining. The inflammatory process in diabetes is associated with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by endothelial cells, e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), and with the reduction of cell proliferation. In the study, we used cultures of endothelial cells (HUVEC line—human umbilical vein endothelial cells) with the addition 30 mM/L of glucose in the culture medium which imitated the conditions of uncontrolled diabetes. The addition of HW in the proper volume to the culture medium causes reduction of inflammation by significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6 and also leads to enhancement of the cell proliferation. It appears that the adverse effects of hyperglycemia on vascular endothelial cells may be corrected by addition of humic water. The above promising results of in vitro tests provide an opportunity to the possible use of humic water in the supportive treatment of endothelial dysfunction disorders in diabetes. However, this issue requires further clinical research.

Aim The aim of the study was to assess the blood concentration of orexin and its association with other clinical factors in patients with alcohol dependence. Methods Thirty-two males hospitalized on an addiction treatment ward due to alcohol dependence and 23 healthy men as a control group were enrolled in the study. The measurement of orexin in the blood was made at the beginning of the treatment (after withdrawal symptoms had stopped) and again after 4 weeks of observation. Results At the beginning of the observation, the alcohol-dependent patients had significantly greater orexin blood concentration than the control group. After 4 weeks of treatment for relapse prevention, the blood orexin level decreased significantly to a value similar to that in the control group. At the beginning of the study, more severely alcohol-dependent patients (Short Alcohol Dependence Data [SADD] score range: 20–45) had significantly greater orexin blood concentration than individuals with moderate addiction severity (SADD score range: 10–19). However, after 4 weeks of abstinence, the peptide blood concentration was similar in both groups of alcoholic patients. Conclusions Orexin or its receptor is a potential target for relapse prevention treatment, but further study with long-term observation is needed to verify the usefulness of blood orexin determination as a marker of alcohol relapse risk.

Introduction Visfatin is a protein which belongs to the adiponectines, and exhibits insulinomimetic properties. A high concentration of visfatin may be directly related to an ongoing inflammatory process in the body. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the concentration of visfatin in relation to the intensity of alcohol craving and selected clinical characteristics in patients with alcohol dependency. Materials and methods The thirty-seven males enrolled in the study had been hospitalised due to alcohol dependence in the addiction treatment unit. In the first week and after four weeks of treatment, clotted blood samples were obtained to determine the concentration of visfatin and other biochemical parameters. Next, patients were divided into two groups – group 1 with a decrease and group 2 with an increase in the concentration of visfatin during the four weeks of treatment. The study used a socio-demographic and clinical scale, the Short Alcohol Dependence Data questionnaire (SADD) and an analogue alcohol craving scale. Additionally, the study considered measurements of waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR) and biochemical blood parameters. Results There was a statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2 in the concentration of visfatin (35.5 ng/ml vs 146 ng/ml) after four weeks of inpatient alcohol dependence treatment. Discussion Perhaps different pathophysiological processes were taking place (including inflammatory response) in patients with high and low visfatin concentration in the initial stage of the trial. Conclusions The dynamic of change in the concentration of visfatin during four weeks of abstinence is not associated with a reduction in craving for alcohol at the time and is associated with alcohol drinking and liver functioning.

Objective: Diabetes, including type 1 and type 2, is associated with the hypercoagulable state. The aim of this study is to evaluate the concentration of selected hemostatic parameters and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) in diabetic subjects. Methods: The study was conducted in 62 patients with diabetes. Group I consisted of 27 patients having uncontrolled diabetes with microalbuminuria and Group II included 35 well-controlled diabetic patients. The control group was made up of 25 healthy volunteers. In the citrate plasma, the concentrations of tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, and D-dimer were assayed. Serum concentrations of VEGF-A, lipid profile, creatinine, and plasma fasting glucose were measured and in the versene plasma the concentration of HbA1c was determined. Results: In the patients with uncontrolled diabetes, higher concentrations of TF, TFPI, and VEGF-A were observed, as compared with the well-controlled diabetics group and the control group. A significantly lower activity of antiplasmin was reported in patients from Group I as compared with the control group. In Group I, using the multivariate regression analysis, the glomerular filtration rate was independently associated with VEGF-A and dependently associated with total cholesterol. Conclusions: The study showed higher concentrations of TF and TFPI in the patients with uncontrolled diabetes with microalbuminuria, which is associated with rapid neutralization of the thrombin formation, since TFPI inhibits the complex of TF/VIIa/Ca2+. The manifestation of the above suggestions is the correct TAT complexes and D-dimer, which indicates a low grade of prothrombotic risk in this group of patients, but a higher risk of vascular complications.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the degree of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with morbid obesity exposed to a three-week low-calorie diet and balneotherapy. Methods: The study included 33 patients (25 females and 8 males; mean age 46 years) with body mass index (BMI) values of >40 kg/m2. Evaluations of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, lipid profile, HOMA-IR, and fasting glucose were carried out before (baseline data) and three weeks after the treatment. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers (15 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 39 years and BMI values of ≤24.9 kg/m2. Results: In the blood of patients with morbid obesity we found significantly elevated levels of CRP, TNF-α, triglycerides, HOMA-IR and fasting glucose, but a decreased level of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, compared with the healthy individuals. The treatment resulted in about a 9.4% reduction in body weight from 122.5 to 111.0 kg and a significant decrease in the concentration of CRP, but no change in TNF-α or IL-6. HOMA-IR was significantly reduced. Conclusions: The decrease in CRP level without changes in TNF-α or IL-6 concentrations after the low-calorie diet and balneological treatment, suggests that an essential amount of adipose tissue must be removed before proper adipocyte function is restored. The decrease in HOMA-IR indicates an improvement in insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial in obese patients.

Introduction: In patients with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS), an inadequate angiogenic response is observed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of VEGF-A, PDGF-BB, sVEGF-R2 and sVEGF-R1 in patients with diabetes-complicated diabetic foot syndrome and analyse them using selected clinical data. Material and methods: Forty seven diabetic patients, 25 women mean age 63 and 20 men mean age 60.5, with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) were enrolled in the experimental group. To evaluate angiogenesis factors depending on Wagner grade, the subjects were divided into three subgroups: I — patients with 0 Wagner grade (n = 14); II — patients with 1,2,3 Wagner grades (n = 15); and III — patients with 4,5 Wagner grades (n = 18). The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. The material for research was blood. Results: Significantly higher levels of VEGF-A and PDGF-BB in the DFS cases compared to controls were observed (VEGF-A p = 0.000001; PDGF-BB p = 0.000051). Analysis of angiogenic parameters according to the stage of diabetic foot syndrome advancement showed higher VEGF-A level (I: p = 0.000867; II: p = 0.001827; III: p = 0.000024) and PDGF-BB (respectively p = 0.004113, p = 0.004224, p = 0.002480) in all the subgroups. Decreased sVEGF-R2 concentrations were observed in the I (p = 0.054) subgroup and the III (p = 0.03524) subgroup. In this study, a strong positive correlation between VEGF-A and PDGF-BB was observed (R = 0.66; p = 0.000001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that proangiogenic factor levels were increased in DFS. This is associated with lower limb ischaemia and hypoxic conditions. The stage of diabetic foot syndrome advancement influenced VEGF-A and PDGF-BB concentrations. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (4):306–312)

Introduction: Diabetes has become an epidemic and is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Hyperglycemia in diabetes is responsible for damaging of the endothelium and increases inflammation on the surface of the vascular lining. The inflammatory process in diabetes is associated with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by endothelial cells, e.g., tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and by a reduction of cell proliferation. Humus waters (HW) containing humus acids with sources in Poland are originally bacteriologically pure, physically and chemically stable. Because of the physicochemical properties of humus acids of adsorption, complexation and ion exchange they present numerous therapeutic activities including anti-inflammatory. Data regarding its molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena are scarce. The present study reveals that humus water exerts important beneficial effects on endothelial cells under conditions of hyperglycemia.

Objective: Uncontrolled diabetes has become a major cause of mortality and morbidity by reason of vascular angiopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of soluble forms of vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), E-selectin, and thrombomodulin in patients with well-controlled and uncontrolled diabetes type 2. Methods: The study was conducted on 62 patients with diabetes. Group I consisted of 35 patients with well-controlled diabetes. The second group included 27 patients with uncontrolled diabetes with micro-albuminuria. A control group was made up of 25 healthy volunteers. The concentrations of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, sE-selectin, and soluble thrombomodulin were assayed in plasma. Serum concentration of creatinine was measured and the plasma concentrations of fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) determined. Results: Lower concentrations of ICAM-1 were found in the group of uncontrolled diabetes patients compared with those with well-controlled disease. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, VCAM-1 levels were significantly higher compared with the group with well-controlled diabetes. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes a positive correlation was obtained between glomerular filtration rate and sE-selectin and a negative correlation between the levels of creatinine and ICAM-1, although there was a positive correlation between (HbA1c) and ICAM-1. Conclusions: The study confirmed the participation of the inflammatory process associated with impaired vascular endothelial function in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The opposite effect of uncontrolled hyperglycemia on adhesion molecules suggests different functions of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in complications of diabetes.

Rare earth metals including yttrium and europium are one of several critical raw materials, the use of which ensures the development of the so-called high technology. The possibility of their recovery in Europe is limited practically only to secondary materials such as phosphogypsum and electronic waste. The article presents the results of our research concerning the development of recovery technology of yttrium and europium from luminophore CRT used lamps. It describes the principle of separation of elements and the test results of cleaning the concentrate. It was shown that the costs of preparing the concentrate according to the proposed technology are lower than the phosphogypsum processing technology and the composition of the resulting product does not contain hazardous substances.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in numerous products, from which they are emitted to the environment, including house dust. House dust is a source of human exposure to these compounds by ingestion. The aim of this article was to determine the levels of selected PBDEs in the house dust and indicate their potential sources of origin. PBDE congeners: BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-153 and BDE-209, were analyzed in 129 samples. The geometric mean levels (and 95% CIs) of the aforementioned congeners amounted to 3.8 (3.1-4.7) ng/g, 4.5 (3.5-5.6) ng/g, 2.2 (2.1-2.4) ng/g and 345 (269-442) ng/g respectively. BDE-209 was the dominant congener in the majority of tested samples. We found a statistically significant correlation between the concentrations of BDE-47 and the computer operating time per day (rs - 0.18) and the living area (rs - 0.20). Statistically significant higher levels of BDE-99 were found in homes where the floor was not replaced during the last 2 years.

The goal of this paper is to determine concentrations of seven selected perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs): perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) in the blood serum of men and women of reproductive age from the central region of Poland. The relation between sex of tested subjects and the levels of compounds in blood serum of humans will also be considered and analysed as an element of the risk assessment. The study was made on the blood serum samples collected from 253 women and 176 men of reproductive age between 20 and 44 years from Warsaw and surrounding areas. Higher concentrations of five (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA) from among seven selected PFASs were observed in men in comparison to women from the same populations. Only the concentrations of PFHxS and PFDoDA were slightly higher in women than in men. These differences were statistically significant in all cases, except for PFUnDA. The hypothesis that the concentrations of said compounds increase with age of the test subjects, regardless of gender has not been confirmed.

Organohalogen compounds constitute one of the important groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Among them, due to their long-term health effects, one should pay attention on organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs). This paper is an attempt to answer the question about relation between the fact of cohabitation by couples expecting a child and the level of the organohalogen compounds in the blood serum of both parents. The study was done on a population of parent couples from Greenland, Poland and Ukraine, from whom blood samples were collected in order to establish the levels of marker organohalogen compounds. We selected, as the representative of these compounds, the most persistent metabolite of DDT, i.e. p,p'-DDE, the most frequently detected PCB congener - CB-153, and PFOS and PFOA as the representatives of PFASs. The results show that in case of all compounds under study the highest concentrations were present always in men in relation to the levels detected in the blood serum of their female partners, regardless of the country of origin of the couple. A positive correlation was noted between the concentrations of the studied compounds in the blood serum of men and women in parenting couples. In some cases these correlations were statistically significant, e.g. for concentrations of p,p'-DDE in pairs from Greenland and Ukraine, of CB-153 in pairs from Poland and Ukraine, and of PFOS for parents from Greenland and Poland, while for PFOA - only for couples from Greenland. The concentrations of the compounds included in the study were similar to the levels found in general population in other countries. Our results show that the exposure to POPs resulting from cohabitation plays a role in the general exposure to these compounds.

Background Prior studies on the association between prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and child motor development have found contradicting results. Using data collected in the INUENDO cohort in Kharkiv (Ukraine), Warsaw (Poland) and Greenland (N = 1,103) between the years 2002 and 2012, we examined relations of prenatal exposure to 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p′-DDE) and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) on motor development and developmental milestones; crawling, standing-up and walking. Methods CB-153 and p,p′-DDE were measured in maternal blood in second or third trimester of pregnancy. Motor development was measured in terms of the parentally assessed screening tool Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire 2007 and developmental milestones were assessed via retrospective parental reports of child age at the first time of crawling, standing-up and walking. Results We saw no associations between tertiles of CB-153 and p,p′-DDE or log-transformed exposures and retrospective reports of the developmental milestones crawling, standing-up and walking in infancy or the motor skills measured as developmental coordination disorder at young school age. Conclusions In utero exposure to CB-153 and p,p′-DDE was not associated with parentally retrospectively assessed developmental milestones in infancy or parentally assessed motor skills at young school age. The use of a more sensitive outcome measure may be warranted if subtle effects should be identified. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1465-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Surface properties of the binary mixed systems of decyl- and dodecylpyridinium chloride or bromide and sodium pentyl- and heptylsulfonate have been investigated. The surface tension of solutions of equimolar mixtures of surfactants and individual surfactants was measured, and the composition of mixed monolayers and surface interaction parameter β were calculated with the regular solution theory. Our results indicate that the properties of mixed films depend on both ionic strength and the kind of added inorganic electrolyte. With the increase of inorganic electrolyte concentration, the content of more surface active ions in the adsorption films enhances and is the highest in the presence of NaI and the smallest when solutions contain NaCl. Mutual interactions in mixed adsorbed films were found to be attractive. However, the strength of interaction weakens with the increase of ionic strength and depends on the kind of inorganic ions in the order: Cl−>Br−>I−.

The composition and mutual interactions of the components in anionic–cationic adsorption films have been determined by using a regular solution model for the mixed monolayers. Equimolar mixtures containing sodium nonylsulfonate and decyl- or dodecylpyridinium chloride or bromide have been investigated. The ionic strength of the solutions has been fixed by addition of appropriate amount of inorganic electrolyte (NaCl, NaBr, NaI). It has been found that an increase of the ionic strength and change of the inorganic electrolyte from sodium chloride through bromide to iodide results in a weakness of mutual attraction of the adsorbed components which indicates that these interactions have a mainly electrostatic character. The ionic strength of the solution and the kind of the inorganic electrolyte also distinctly influence the composition of mixed adsorption films. This effect is greater the more different the surface activity is of the mixture components.

Introduction Data about angiogenic factors in diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) are insufficient. Therefore, in the present study we focus on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and two major angiogenic factors: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in patients with DFS. Materials and methods We included 75 subjects: 45 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 controls. The study group was divided into 2 subgroups: 23 patients with diabetic foot and 22 patients without diabetic complications. The concentration of VEGF-A, soluble VEGF receptor 2 (sVEGF-R2) and FGF-2 were measured in plasma samples. The number of circulating EPCs was determined in peripheral venous blood. The number of endothelial progenitor cells was measured with FACSCalibur flow cytometer using monoclonal antibodies directed against antigens specific for EPCs. Results In our study we observed significant higher levels of VEGF-A and FGF-2 and lower sVEGF-R2 concentration in patients with T2DM compared to healthy subjects. The conducted analysis showed decreased levels of VEGF-A and elevated levels of FGF-2 in patients with DM complicated DFS compared to diabetic patients without DFS. Increased circulating EPCs number was reported in patients with DFS, and the difference was almost statistically significant. Conclusions The high concentration of VEGF-A and FGF-2, and a positive correlation between them indicate their participation in the process of angiogenesis in T2DM. Decreased sVEGF-R2 may result from inactivation of VEGF-A during complexes formation.

An attempt was made to understand how consecutive deliveries and the following lactations have an impact on the organochlorine compound levels detected in human milk. The other goal of the study was to check for a possible dependence between fat content and the levels of the studied compounds in milk samples from the same lactations. 199 milk samples were examined for the presence of p , p ′ -DDT, p , p ′ -DDE, p , p ′ -DDD, α-, β-, γ-HCH and ∑PCBs. Moreover, in 87 milk samples the fat content was additionally determined. This study has indicated that, for the mother with a shorter interval between lactations, mean concentrations of the examined compounds were higher in the milk of the first lactation than that of the second. For the other donor whose second lactation began after 2 years, the mean levels of HCB, β-HCH, p , p ′ -DDD, and PCBs in her milk were higher during the first lactation. At the same time, the concentrations of p , p ′ -DDT and p , p ′ -DDE after the second delivery were slightly higher. The correlation coefficients between the two data sets (fat content in milk, concentrations of the compounds studied in milk) showed no interrelationship between them.

This study was an attempt to identify if there are any trends in excretion of 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers alpha-, beta-, and gamma-, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), [1,1,1-trichloro-2, 2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane] (p,p'-DDT), [1,1-dichloro-2, 2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane] (p,p'-DDD), [1,1-dichloro-2, 2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene] (p,p'-DDE), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with human milk during lactation. The shortest lactation studied took 16 weeks, and the longest 84 weeks. Three hundred fifty-two milk samples, collected from each donor once a week, were examined. The analysis of the result showed individual differences in the excretion of the compounds. The findings from this study are not conclusive enough to claim that there are consistent trends showing a decrease or increase in the excretion of the compounds under examination. Thus, one cannot claim that the infants' exposure to those compounds decreases or increases as breast-feeding continues.

The composition and mutual interaction of the components in anionic-cationic adsorption films have been determined by using a regular solution model for the mixed monolayers. Equimolar mixtures of surfactants that differ markedly in their surface activity (decylpyridinium chloride and sodium butylsulfonate) have been investigated. A marked asymmetry of the composition of mixed adsorption films, as well as mutual attraction of the adsorbed components (negative values of surface interaction parameter beta) have been found in these systems. The effect of the ionic strength and kind of the inorganic electrolyte on the surface interactions is similar, as in the case of mixtures of decylpyridinium chloride and sodium alkylsulfonates with hydrocarbon chains longer than the butyl ones that were previously investigated. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

The regular solution model for mixed monolayers was used to calculate the composition of the anionic–cationic adsorption films and parameters characterizing the mutual interactions between their components. The surfactants forming the mixed monolayers were decylpyridinium chloride and sodium hexylsulfonate. The monolayers under investigation were all adsorbed from equimolar solutions of surfactants. The results obtained show that the composition of the anionic–cationic adsorption films is dependent on the concentration and the kind of inorganic electrolyte present in the solution. The values of surface interaction parameter β , being all negative, show that the adsorbed components attract mutually. It has been observed that the strength of the attraction mentioned is also dependent on the factors given above for the composition of mixed adsorption films. It has also been established that the system examined here behaves, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in very similar manner to the previously investigated mixture of decylpyridinium chloride and sodium octylsulfonate, i.e. of surfactants with the same difference in length of the hydrocarbon chains as examined in this work.

A series of racemic methyl phosphonyl- and phosphorylacetates were hydrolyzed in the presence of porcine liver esterase (PLE) under kinetic resolution conditions to give the corresponding P-chiral phosphonyl- and phosphorylacetic acids and recovered esters in moderate to high enantiomeric purity (up to 95% ee). The Jones PLE active site model was applied to explain the enantioselectivity of this reaction.

Persistent organochlorine compounds were used in agriculture and industry for years. Their ability to accumulate in organisms constituting links of the food chain and a unique chemical stability made them a hazardous environmental contaminants. The metabolism and excretion of chlorinated hydrocarbons is a very slow process. One of the most important means of elimination such compounds from the woman`s body is lactation. Consequently, human milk has occasionally a significant concentration of organochlorine compounds. Such compounds are identified in women`s milk all over the world. The objective of this study was to identify organochlorine pesticides, HCB, and PCBs concentrations in human milk in Poland by comparing more and less industrialized regions. 15 refs., 3 tabs.

The purpose of this study was to assess human exposure in the prenatal period to selected PBDEs (BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-153) and PCBs (CB-77, CB-101, CB-118, CB-126, CB-138, CB-153, CB-170, CB-180) basing on the analysis of these compounds in cord blood. The experimental material consisted of 89 cord blood samples taken from women resident in Warsaw and its vicinity. In over 90% of all tested samples the presence of congeners CB-153, CB-138, CB-180 and BDE-47 was identified. The least frequently found were CB-126 and BDE-153, which were present at relatively low concentration levels. Among all analysed PCBs, the highest average concentrations were found in the case of congeners CB-138 (11.8 ng/g of fat) and CB-153 (43.4 ng/g of fat), whereas the lowest was in the case of CB-170 (0.4 ng/g of fat) and CB-126 (0.1 ng/g of fat). In the case of PBDEs the greatest share in the total concentration was that of the congeners BDE-47 and BDE-99, whereas the smallest share was that of the higher brominated congener BDE-153. These results suggest that human exposure to the examined compounds begins already in the period of intrauterine life. The comparison of our own results with the findings of other authors indicates that the PCBs and PBDEs levels in cord blood of women living in Poland do not differ from the respective concentrations in cord blood of other female inhabitants of Europe.

Recently, it has been reported that nonstenotic bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with dilated proximal aorta is linked with increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and endothelial dysfunction.We wondered whether asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, might be altered and associated with MMP-2 in BAV patients. We assessed the relation between ADMA levels and aortic diameters and hypothesized that elevated ADMA might be an independent predictor of progressive aortic dilatation in BAV patients.We studied 20 patients with nonstenotic BAV (17 men and 3 women, median age 27, range 24-33 years). Twenty age-matched patients with tricuspid aortic valves served as controls. Plasma levels of ADMA, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), L-arginine, serum MMP-2, MMP-9, and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), together with parameters of aortic elasticity, were measured.ADMA and MMP-2 levels were higher in the BAV group compared with controls (medians, 0.55 vs. 0.43 μmol/l, P0.001 and 1.25 vs. 1.00 μmol/l, P0.001, respectively). The BAV patients also had higher SDMA and tHcy levels than controls (0.39 vs. 0.35 μmol/l, P0.001 and 11.5 vs. 9.7 μmol/l, P = 0.006). ADMA levels in BAV patients correlated with aortic annulus (r = 0.4, P = 0.043), peak aortic velocity (r = 0.6, P = 0.001), aortic distensibility (r = 0.6, P = 0.004), aortic stiffness index (r = 0.7, P0.001), and aortic strain (r = 0.7, P0.001) as well as with MMP-2 (r = 0.6, P = 0.002) and tHcy (r = 0.4, P = 0.042).This study is the first to show that circulating ADMA together with MMP-2 is a marker of proximal ascending aortic dilatation and impaired aortic elastic properties in nonstenotic BAV patients. It might be speculated that plasma ADMA could be helpful in identifying BAV patients at a higher risk of aortic aneurysm.

The composition and mutual interaction of the components in mixed adsorption films have been determined on the basis of the results of surface tension measurements obtained for solutions of single anionic and cationic surfactants with hydrocarbon chains of the same length (sodium decylsulfonate and decylpyridinium chloride) and their mixtures. An equation analogous to one derived on the basis of a regular solution model, however without the controversial assumption that the excess entropy of mixing is zero, has been used in calculations. Investigations have been made for mixtures of different compositions and for different concentrations of added inorganic electrolyte (NaCl).

Persistent organic chlorine compounds such as DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) play an important role in chronic poisoning and take part in a number of pathological processes. This study estimates the degree of accumulation of organic Chlorine compounds and polychlorinated biphynyls in the liver, ovaries, and mammary gland tissues of cows.12 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.

The mechanical properties of poly(urethaneimides) (PUI) were compared with known biomedical polyurethanes. The resistance of PUI to extraction with hexane and water and to sterilization with ethylene oxide or water vapor was stated. Water sorption and the permeability of water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide through PUI foils were investigated. In blood compatibility, the PUI foils were similar to cellulose material Cuprophane, used in dialysis. Preliminary in vivo testing of PUI implanted in rats indicated good biocompatibility of this polymer. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Background: Left ventricular (LV) systolic function is a significant prognostic factor in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Multiple angiogenic and inflammatory factors are involved in postinfarction LV remodelling process. In addition, CD34+progenitor cells mobilised from bone marrow and tissue niches participate in regeneration of the infarcted myocardium. Aim: To examine relationships between LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and wall motion score index (WMSI) and the number ofCD34+ cells and plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin and such inflammatory factors asinterleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with ST-elevation MI (STEMI). Methods: The study group included 61 patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)involving bare metal stent implantation. Plasma levels of the evaluated angiogenic and inflammatory factors were measured byflow cytometry at 4 time points (just before PCI, 24 h later, at hospital discharge, and 30 days after STEMI). LVEF and WMSIwere measured by echocardiography at hospital discharge, 1 month later, and 6 months later. We compared angiogenic andinflammatory factor levels in patients with no improvement of the LV systolic function during the follow-up (group 1, n = 22)vs. those with improved LV systolic function (group 2, n = 39). Results: No differences in the levels of VEGF, angiogenin, IL-6, IL-8, and hsCRP, and the number of CD34+ cells wereobserved between the two groups. Despite this, we found significant negative correlations between hsCRP level and LVEF,and positive correlations between hsCRP level and WMSI in both patient groups, but these correlations were much strongerin group 1. We also found a significant negative correlation between WMSI at 6 months and the number of CD34+ cellsmeasured 24 h after PCI. Conclusions: 1. Evaluation of plasma VEGF, angiogenin, IL-6, IL-8, and hsCRP levels and the number of CD34+ cells at differenttime points in patients with STEMI did not allow predicting the direction of changes in LVEF and WMSI. 2. Observedsignificant correlations between hsCRP level and LVEF and WMSI may suggest a harmful effect of inflammation on postinfarctionmyocardial remodelling. 3. A significant negative correlation between the number of CD34+ and WMSI suggests thatincreased mobilisation of these cells might have a beneficial effect on systolic function after MI.

In the construction industry carbonate aggregates are commonly used in processes such as concrete production. Aggregates which contain (in their mineral composition) dolomite and an admixture of clay minerals and amorphous silica, can react with alkalis. These reactions can lead to a destructive expansion in concrete. This article explains the mechanisms and the essence of this phenomenon. What is more, some effective and fast methods of the estimation and evaluation of Polish aggregates consisting of carbonate rocks suggests effective methods to determine the usefulness of Polish carbonate aggregates in concrete production are discussed in the paper. Underneath the quality criteria to determine the reactivity of the aggregates will be given. It has been agreed that alkaline reaction and expansion are two separate phenomena related to each other genetically. The aggregates in which reactions caused by clay-siliceous admixtures occur are subjected to expansion. Mineral composition of expansive aggregates as well as their texture indicate that epigenetic dolomites with a distinctive texture are the most reactive.The phase transformations do not end with a complete disintegration of dolomite. They have a cyclical character. They consist of interchangeable reactions of dedolomitization and dolomitization of secondary calcite formed as a result of dolomite's disintegration. The secondary calcite can be effected by Mg+2 ions from pores' solutions and it can form a secondary dolomite. The Mg2+ ions originate from brucite [Mg(OH)2], created in dolomitization process. As a consequence of its reaction with silica, brucite can dissolve and enrich secondary calcite with magnesium. Therefore the reactions which take place in reactive carbonate aggregates and concrete that is made of it are in fact ongoing processes which consist of dolomite's changes into calcite and vice versa. They are reactions between dedolomitization products (brucite, silica) and products from outside (water, alkalis). The described dedolomitization reactions are a phase of the process that enables expansion due to formation of pressure in inter-granular cracks, with pressure being a result of dry clay-minerals' expansion under the influence of water solutions.Loosening of the aggregate's structure as an effect of dedolomitization reaction makes it easier for water solutions to migrate far into the aggregate's grains followed by their contact with clay minerals.

The effect of sodium bromide concentration on the simultaneous adsorption of dodecylpyridinium bromide and sodium octylsulfonate on the free surface of their aqueous solutions has been investigated. The composition of the mixed films adsorbed from equimolar solutions has been evaluated on the basis of the Gibbs adsorption equation and by using the regular solution model, it has been stated that this composition depends on the surface tension value and the concentration of added inorganic electrolyte. The same factors influence the value of the surface interaction parameter β; negative values indicate a strong attraction between the adsorbed components. The concentration ratio of both surfactants in the solution significantly influences the composition of anionic-cationic adsorption films and the mutual interactions of their components. A distinct difference in the effects of NaBr and NaCl on the properties of the mixed monolayers has been also found.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been recognized as a marker of cardiovascular risk. We sought to investigate whether consumption of tea, coffee, fruit or vegetables is associated with ADMA. In 148 consecutive apparently healthy subjects (104 men and 44 women aged 40 to 70), daily tea, coffee, fruit and vegetable consumption was ascertained by questionnaire. Plasma ADMA, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and l-arginine levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Median tea and coffee consumption was 2 cups/d, while vegetable and fruit intake was 152 (120-179)g/d and 120 (108-134)g/d, respectively. Median plasma ADMA, SDMA and arginine were 0.47 (0.43-0.53)μmol/L, 0.59 (0.54-0.66)μmol/L and 86 (68-101)μmol/L, respectively. ADMA correlated inversely with tea (r = -0.70, P < .0001) and vegetable consumption (r = -0.50, P < .0001) even after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, and potential dietary and biochemical parameters. No association between ADMA and fruit consumption was found. ADMA correlated positively with coffee intake (r = 0.37, P < .0001), although these associations were less potent after adjustment for dietary factors. Higher tea and vegetable intake is associated with lower plasma ADMA levels in healthy middle-aged subjects.