Search

This study examines the impact of airborne particulate matter (PM) and associated trace elements (TEs) on deciduous and coniferous trees at the edge of Wigry National Park in northeast Poland, focusing on pollution levels and the potential for phytoremediation. Researchers measured PM concentrations in the air and on the leaves of Picea abies, Quercus robur, and Corylus avellana, along with photosynthetic indicators (Fv/Fm ratio and performance index). The study found significant differences in pollution intensity across areas with varying levels of human activity. P. abies, an evergreen species, accumulated the highest PM levels (>200 μg/cm2), while Q. robur had the highest accumulation among deciduous trees (>50 μg/cm2). Trace elements such as Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, and Cd were detected, with C. avellana being the most efficient in accumulating Cd (up to 7.5 mg/kg). The accumulation of pollutants correlated with reduced photosynthetic efficiency in trees closest to pollution sources. The findings suggest that strategically planting specific tree species can help mitigate air pollution in national parks and protect sensitive vegetation. Future research should explore the long-term effects of PM on forest health and the role of different species in phytoremediation. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This is the first time that the impact of PM and TEs pollution on trees growing within a national park was investigated. PM and TEs were revealed to penetrate into the park, which affected the photosynthetic efficiency of trees. To protect endangered park flora, it is proposed that selected trees be planted as a shield against air pollution. HIGHLIGHTS: Evaluation of the PM and TE accumulation by Q. robur, C. avellana, and P. abies growing at the borders of Wigry National Park PM and TEs penetrate deep into protected area and are effectively accumulated by P. abies, Q. robur, and C. avellana which affects their photosynthetic apparatus Strategically planted 'pollution accumulators' can shield more susceptible plants from PM and TEs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS) pathology in tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) remains unclear. We attempted to identify mediators of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption in human TBE in paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 100 TBE patients. CSF albumin quotient (Qalb) was calculated as a measure of BBB impairment. Concentrations of cytokines, cytokine antagonists, adhesion molecules, selectins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) were measured with a multiplex bead assay. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in genes MIF, TNF, TNFRSF1A, TNFRSF1B, IL-10, TLR3 and TLR4 were studied in patient blood DNA extracts and analyzed for associations with Qalb and/or cytokine concentrations. The multivariate regression models of Qalb were built with the soluble mediators as independent variables. The best models obtained included L-selectin, P-selectin, sVCAM, MMP7, MMP8 (or MMP9) and IL-28A as positive and IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-6Rα/IL-6 ratio and TNF-RII/TNFα ratio as negative correlates of Qalb. The genotype did not associate with Qalb, but polymorphism rs4149570 (in TNFRSF1A) associated with TNFα and rs1800629 (TNF) with MIF concentration. We confirm the association of the TNFα-dependent response, L-selectin and MMP8/MMP9 with BBB disruption and identify its novel correlates (IL-12, IL-15, IL-28A, MMP7). We detect no genotype associations with BBB function in TBE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Calcium homeostasis is essential for neurophysiological functions, with dysregulation implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies suggest that specific viral brain infections, such as tick-borne encephalitis, can initiate neuronal loss and subsequent neurodegenerative changes. This study examines alterations in calcium levels within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Objectives: To evaluate the concentration of calcium in the CSF of TBE patients and assess its potential as a diagnostic marker for disease severity. Materials and Methods: CSF samples were collected from 42 subjects (11 controls, 20 with TBE, 11 with other forms of meningitis). Calcium levels were measured using the Alinity c analyzer. Statistical analyses included the Shapiro–Wilk test, Mann–Whitney U test, and ROC curve analysis. Results: Calcium levels were significantly lower in TBE patients compared to controls (mean 0.85 mmol/L vs. 0.98 mmol/L). Lower calcium levels were associated with milder cases of TBE. ROC analysis (AUC 0.802, p-value 0.0053) supports the diagnostic utility of calcium concentration in differentiating TBE severity. The optimal cut-off value for calcium was >3.09 mg/dL, with a sensitivity of 84.62% and specificity of 71.43%. These findings further emphasize the potential of calcium as a diagnostic marker for TBEV. Conclusions: The observed differences in CSF calcium levels between mild and severe TBE cases highlight its potential as a diagnostic marker. Further research is warranted to elucidate calcium's role in TBE, aiming to improve clinical management and reduce complications. We emphasize that this study is one of the first to propose calcium levels as a potential biomarker for assessing the severity of tick-borne encephalitis, offering a new perspective in the diagnostic approach to this infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.) is a dioecious vine belonging to the Schisandraceae family. Its berries show beneficial activities, including cardioprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. We examined the chemical content of S. chinensis berry extract and its antiplatelet potential in vitro. The antiplatelet activity assays included measurements of thrombus formation in full blood (with Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System) and platelet activation and adhesion. We also assessed the extract's effect on coagulation times in human plasma and its cytotoxicity toward blood platelets based on extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity. The most important constituents of the extract were dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans; schisandrin was the dominant compound. S. chinensis berry extract at the concentration of 50 μg/mL inhibited thrombus formation by approximately 15%. The adhesion of unstimulated and thrombin-activated blood platelets to collagen was inhibited by all used concentrations of the extract (0.5–50 μg/mL), while the adhesion of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-activated platelets to fibrinogen was inhibited only by the concentrations of 10 and 50 μg/mL. The extract also inhibited the exposition of the active form of GPIIb/IIIa on the surface of platelets stimulated with 10 μM ADP (at 0.5–50 μg/mL) and 20 μM ADP (at 50 μg/mL). The exposition of P-selectin was inhibited only by the extract at the concentrations of 5–50 μg/mL in platelets stimulated with 10 μg/mL collagen. Moreover, the extract was not cytotoxic toward blood platelets. This indicates that S. chinensis berries hold promise as new antiplatelet agents, but more studies are needed to determine their mechanisms of action and in vivo efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most prevalent viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in Poland. The disease is characterized by the presence of two stages. The first phase, called the viremic stage, presents with flu-like symptoms, while the second stage of TBE is characterized by damage to the nervous system and may follow a severe and dramatic course. The aim of this paper is to increase the awareness of the potential sequelae after TBE. In this study, we report cases of severe TBE in 36-year-old and 57-year-old female patients. The outcome of TBE varies from patient to patient, but there are some factors that can help to predict the severity of TBE infection. The risk factors presented in these patients were as follows: the monophasic course of TBE, high pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and older age. Both of our patients were not vaccinated despite the World Health Organization's (WHO's) recommendations. Both patients had no history of travel outside their region of residence prior to the onset of illness. The few risk factors shown in our patients and the serious sequelae of the disease may indicate the need to test patients for possible gene mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of IgM anti-Tick-Borne Encephalitis (anti-TBE) intrathecal synthesis in the diagnosis and prediction of the clinical course of the disease. Thirty-six patients were included in the study (patients reported symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting). CRP, White Blood Cells (WBC), pleocytosis, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) protein concentration, CSF albumin concentration, serum IgM, serum IgG, CSF IgM, CSF IgG, IgM Index, IgG Index, and IgG Index/IgM Index ratio were the parameters which were examined in the individuals. An analysis of correlation presented statistical significance between IgM Index and pleocytosis and protein concentration in CSF in the whole group of individuals. IgM Index and IgG Index/IgM Index ratio may be used in the prediction of severity of TBE. The most probable link between the IgM intrathecal production and severity of TBE may be a result of delayed seroconversion to IgG, and therefore not an adequate response to the virus presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 is the major cause of infections in humans since December 2019 and is top of the global health concern currently. Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the leading pathogens of invasive bacterial diseases, including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Moreover, this bacteria is mostly responsible for secondary infections subsequent to post-viral respiratory disease. Co-infections with bacterial and viral pathogens are associated with severe course of the disease and are a major cause of mortality. In this report, we describe a rare case of COVID-19 patient with pneumococcal sepsis and meningitis of unsuccessful course. Case presentation A 89-year-old man, not vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection, was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Patient required oxygen therapy due to respiratory failure. The initial treatment of viral infection with tocilizumab and dexamethasone allowed for the stabilization of the patient’s condition and improvement of laboratory parameters. On the 9th day of hospitalization the patient’s condition deteriorated. Consciousness disorders and acute respiratory disorders requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation were observed. Brain computed tomography excluded intracranial bleeding. The Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis with concomitant pneumoniae and meningitis was diagnosed based on microbiological culture of blood, bronchial wash, and cerebrospinal fluid examination. Despite targeted antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone and multidisciplinary treatment, symptoms of multiple organ failure increased. On the 13th day of hospitalization, the patient died. Conclusions Co-infections with bacterial pathogens appear to be not common among COVID-19 patients, but may cause a sudden deterioration of the general condition. Not only vascular neurological complications, but also meningitis should be always considered in patients with sudden disturbances of consciousness. Anti-inflammatory treatment with the combination of corticosteroids and tocilizumab (or tocilizumab alone) pose a severe risk for secondary lethal bacterial or fungal infections. Thus, treating a high-risk population (i.e. elderly and old patients) with these anti-inflammatory agents, require daily clinical assessment, regular monitoring of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, as well as standard culture of blood, urine and sputum in order to detect concomitant infections, as rapidly as possible.

Andrzej Malinowski,1,* Małgorzata Mrugacz,2,* Marcin Stopa,3 Erita Filipek,4 Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska,5 Piotr Czupryna5 1EliteOptyk Malinowscy, Białystok, Poland; 2Laboratory of Eye Rehabilitation; Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Heliodor Swiecicki University Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; 4Clinic and Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland; 5Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska Tel +48-85-740-95-14Email annamoniuszko@op.plPurpose: To assess the impact of soft contact lenses on the progression of myopia in young patients.Patients and Methods: The observational study included 102 patients divided into 3 groups: MFCL (multifocal contact lenses) group: 15 girls and 9 boys, aged 8– 20 (= 14.12 ± 2.863) with soft multifocal contact lenses with myopia: = − 3.12 D ± 1.776 D and mean myopia progression − 0.23 ± 0.233D after 2 years; SVCL (single vision contact lenses) group: 30 girls and 5 boys, 11– 20 years old (=15.5 ± 2.24) with myopia = − 2.88 ± 2.122 D at admission and mean myopia progression − 0.54 ± 0.464 D after 2 years; the spectacle (single vision glasses) group: 25 girls and 18 boys, aged 8– 18 years ( = 13.65 ± 2.448) with single vision glasses with myopia: = − 1.74 ± 1.412 D at admission and mean myopia progression − 0.86 ± 0.489D after 2 years. Medical history and physical examination were performed every 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Refractive error was examined using the autorefractometry after cycloplegia.Results: The analysis of myopia correction after 2 years showed differences between MFCL and spectacle correction. The change in myopia progression after 2 years was statistically significant for MFCL vs SVCL and MFCL vs spectacle correction when the myopia occured before the period of intensive growth. When myopia occurred during the period of intensive growth, difference was noted for MFCL vs spectacle correction and SVCL vs spectacle correction. When myopia occurred after a period of intensive growth, no significant differences between the groups were observed.Conclusion: 1) Multifocal contact lenses and some single vision contact lenses (Biofinity) may be useful in the control of myopia in younger patients, slowing the progression of nearsightedness; therefore, they can be a therapeutic option in inhibiting the progression of myopia. 2) The best effects of using multifocal contact lenses occur if myopia is diagnosed before the period of intensive growth.Keywords: myopia, multifocal contact lenses, single vision contact lenses, spectacles

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with increases in morbidity and mortality worldwide. The mechanisms of how SARS-CoV-2 may cause cardiovascular (CV) complications are under investigation. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CV risk. Methods: These are single-centre Bialystok PLUS (Poland) population-based and case‒control studies. The survey was conducted between 2018 and 2022 on a sample of residents (n = 1507) of a large city in central Europe and patients 6–9 months post-COVID-19 infection (n = 126). The Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation 2 (SCORE2), the Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation 2-Older Persons (SCORE2-OP), the Cardiovascular Disease Framingham Heart Study and the LIFEtime-perspective model for individualizing CardioVascular Disease prevention strategies in apparently healthy people (LIFE-CVD) were used. Subsequently, the study populations were divided into CV risk classes according to the 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice. Results: The study population consisted of 4 groups: a general population examined before (I, n = 691) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (II, n = 816); a group of 126 patients post-COVID-19 infection (III); and a control group matched subjects chosen from the pre-COVID-19 pandemic (IV). Group II was characterized by lower blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) values than group I. Group III differed from the control group in terms of lower LDL-c level. There was no effect on CV risk in the general population, but in the population post-COVID-19 infection, CV risk was lower using FS-lipids, FS-BMI and LIFE-CVD 10-year risk scores compared to the prepandemic population. In all subgroups analysed, no statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of CV risk classes. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic did not increase the CV risk calculated for primary prevention. Instead, it prompted people to pay attention to their health status, as evidenced by better control of some CV risk factors. As the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn people's attention to health, it is worth exploiting this opportunity to improve public health knowledge through the design of wide-ranging information campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract While obesity has been correlated with welfare in the general population, there is not much data on the influence of body composition on welfare among the non-obese adult individuals. In this study, a total of 726 non-obese individuals from the general population were analyzed. The mean age was 46.8 ± 15.4 years and 42.1% of participants were male. The anthropometric measurements and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) were done. The mean value for the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was 23.09 ± 5.43, for Euro Quality of Life Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) was 78.0 ± 14.5, and for the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was 6.7 ± 6.6. On the SWLS, the higher waist-hip ratio had a negative impact even after adjusting for age, gender, and concomitant diseases. EQ-VAS was inversely associated with android fat distribution and directly associated with muscle mass. BDI value was inversely associated with lower muscle mass, especially in lower limbs. The well-being of women was mainly associated with the distribution of adipose tissue and less with the distribution of muscle tissue—abdominal fat distribution has a particularly negative impact on well-being among women. In contrast, men’s well-being depends more on muscle mass and to a lesser extent on the distribution of fat tissue—a positive significant effect has lean mass and a circumference of thigh below gluteal fold.

Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk,1 Jerzy Jaroszewicz,2 Magdalena Rogalska,3 Diana Martonik,3 Paweł Pabjan,1 Aleksandra Berkan-Kawińska,4 Beata Bolewska,5 Barbara Oczko-Grzesik,2 Dorota Kozielewicz,6 Magdalena Tudrujek-Zdunek,7 Justyna Kowalska,8 Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska,9 Krzysztof Kłos,10 Marta Rorat,11,12 Piotr Leszczyński,13,14 Anna Piekarska,4 Joanna Polańska,15 Robert Flisiak3 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, 25-369, Poland; 2Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, 40-055, Poland; 3Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, 15-089, Poland; 4Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, 90-549, Poland; 5Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, 61-701, Poland; 6Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, 87-100, Poland; 7Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, 20-059, Poland; 8Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland; 9Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, 15-089, Poland; 10Department of Infectious Diseases and Allergology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, 04-141, Poland; 11Department of Forensic Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, 50-367, Poland; 12First Infectious Diseases Ward, Gromkowski Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Wrocław, 51-149, Poland; 13Department of Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, 61-701, Poland; 14Department of Rheumatology and Osteoporosis, Szpital im. J. Strusia w Poznaniu, Poznań, 61-285, Poland; 15Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, 44-100, PolandCorrespondence: Dorota Zarębska-MichalukDepartment of Infectious Diseases, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Ul. Radiowa 7, Kielce, 25-317, PolandTel +48 662441465Fax +48 41 3682262Email dorota1010@tlen.plPurpose: The pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is complicated, and in addition to antiviral therapy and combating coagulopathy, treatment should also include inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokines overproduction. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of tocilizumab (TCZ) and dexamethasone (DEX) administered alone or in combination in patients with severe COVID-19.Patients and Methods: Patients were selected from the SARSTer database, containing 3330 individuals with COVID-19 treated between 1 March 2020 and 10 March 2021. The current study included adult patients with baseline oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤ 90%, requiring regular or non-invasive high-flow oxygen supplementation.Results: Among included 460 patients, 59 were treated with TCZ, 125 with TCZ and DEX, 169 with DEX, and 107 did not receive TCZ nor DEX. The groups were balanced regarding demographics, coexisting diseases, baseline SpO2, and comedications with remdesivir or low-molecular-weight heparin. The death rate of 6.8% was significantly lower in patients receiving TCZ alone than each arm (19.6%– 23.1%), particularly in patients with interleukin-6 concentration exceeding 100pg/mL (5% vs 22.9%– 51.7%, respectively). Analysis of clinical improvement demonstrated doubled, significantly higher rate after 21 and 28 days in patients treated with TCZ alone (60% and 75%, respectively) compared to DEX (27.6% and 37.9%, respectively). The need for mechanical ventilation was similar in all arms.Conclusion: In patients with severe course of COVID-19, particularly those developing cytokine storm, administration of TCZ provides a significantly better effect than DEX regarding survival, clinical improvement, and hospital discharge rate. The combination of TCZ and DEX does not improve therapy effectiveness in patients with severe COVID-19 compared to the administration of TCZ alone.Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, tocilizumab, dexamethasone, cytokine storm

Background/Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of vessel wall imaging and MRI in assessment of the post-COVID-19 changes in the brain. VWI is a progressive MRI technique that provides precise imaging of the pathological process in the wall of the vessel. It might help us to better understand the pathophysiology of COVID-19-related neurological lesions and may have an impact on management protocols. Methods: A total of 43 patients were included in the study; the post-COVID-19 group included 23 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 (mean age of the group: 53.52 years; 26% male, 74% female). The control group consisted of 20 patients from the general population who did not suffer from COVID-19 (mean age: 52.15 years; 35% male, 65% female). MRI examinations were performed on a 3T scanner (Biograph mMR, Siemens). The VW-MRI protocol included T1-weighted SPACE FS black-blood images, FLAIR images, SWI, and MRA. Results: Several radiological changes in post-COVID-19 patients were described: hyperintense foci in the white matter of the brain hemispheres, in the lower parts of the temporal lobes, and in the structures of the posterior cranial fossa; presence of engorgement of deep medullary veins or perivascular enhancement; presence of inflammatory vessel thickening in VWI images; changes in hippocampus size; presence of cortical atrophy; and thickening of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses. The presence of atherosclerotic vessel thickening in VWI and the width of the third ventricle depended on the age of the patient. Conclusions: VWI and MRI may be useful in the assessment of post-COVID-19 lesions in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otopheidomenidae include 30 species of parasites of insects. These mites occur in areas with warm and hot climates. The only exception is Hemipteroseius adleri, the distribution of which reaches the central European region, which is characterised by a moderate climate with below-zero temperatures in winter. In Europe, H. adleri only parasitises the red firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus). Field observations indicate that only fertilised females of H. adleri survive winter conditions. The aim of the study therefore was to evaluate the impact of air temperature on the development and survival of H. adleri. A research model was established involving mites parasitising red firebugs in laboratory conditions at 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C. After oviposition, no egg development was possible at 15 °C. Egg development began at 20 °C, however the egg-to-adult period lasted for 13 days and larval mortality was significantly higher at this temperature than at 25 and 30 °C. At the latter tem temperatures, mites matured fastest (five and four days, respectively). The net reproductive rate (R0) was 10.8, the mean generation time was (T) 14.4 (SD = 0.273), the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) was 0.165 (SD = 0.003), and the finite rate of population increase (λ) was 1.12. At 25 °C, H. adleri required 4.2 days to double its population. The results indicate that the thermal conditions prevailing in early spring in central Europe are highly unfavourable for the effective reproduction of H. adleri. The presence of northern populations of this mite is discussed in the context of behavioural thermoregulation mechanisms adapted by its host, P. apterus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is characterized by a disturbed maturation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) resulting in development of a malignant clone. Despite relatively positive outcome, there are still instances of disease relapse occurring due to ineffective disease eradication or primary leukemic clone alterations. Unclear significance of stem cells in the course of ALL led us to investigate and establish crucial changes in two stem cell populations - very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and HSCs during the induction phase of treatment. Methods: In a retrospective study selected stem cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow of 60 pediatric ALL subjects and 48 healthy controls were subjected to flow cytometric analysis at 4 different time points. Results: Both VSELs and HSCs were elevated at the moment of ALL diagnosis compared to healthy controls, but profoundly decline until day 15. Further observations revealed an increase in HSCs with a concomitant depletion of VSELs until week 12. ALL patients with high HSCs showed positive correlation with bone marrow blasts at diagnosis. Patients with lower VSELs or HSCs at diagnosis had slightly improved response to applied therapy. We observed higher initial bone marrow lymphoblast values in patients with lower VSELs or higher HSCs in the high-risk group. The significance of VSELs in predicting treatment outcome can be illustrated by lower day 15 MRD level of patients with lower VSELs at diagnosis. ȩ Discussion: We found HSCs and VSELs to be valid participants in pediatric ALL with possible contribution in the neoplastic process and prediction of initial treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in limiting house dust mite extract-induced mixed granulocytic lung inflammation in an experimental asthma model. The study found that intranasal administration of adipose tissue-derived MSCs reduced lung leukocyte infiltration, eosinophil and neutrophil counts, and altered gene expression related to inflammation. Additionally, MSCs were effective in reducing subepithelial collagen deposition and changing T effector cell responses. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of MSC transplantation in non-T2-driven asthmatic inflammation. [Extracted from the article]

Graves' disease is the leading cause of autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones are an essential element of the endocrine system, playing a pivotal role in the body's development, especially important in children with intensified growth. Disturbance within thyroid tissue certainly affected the whole body. Nowadays, numerous research studies indicate different factors contributing to the onset of the disease; however, the exact pathomechanism of Graves' disease is still not fully understood, especially in the context of immune-related processes. Th1, Th17, and Th22 effector lymphocytes were found to be crucial participants in the disease outcome, as well as in autoimmune diseases. Here, our study aimed at assessing selected effector T lymphocytes, Th1, Th17, and Th22, in newly diagnosed pediatric Graves' disease patients, together with their association with thyroid-related parameters and the potential outcome of disease management. We indicated significant increases in the frequencies and absolute numbers of selected effector lymphocytes in Graves' disease patients. In addition, their mutual ratios, as well as Th1/Th17, Th/Th22, and Th17/Th22, seem to be significant in those diseases. Notably, low Th17/Th22 ratio values were distinguished as potential prognostic factors for normalizing TSH levels in response to methimazole treatment. To sum up, our research determines the crucial contribution of Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease. Moreover, the mentioned subset of T cells is highly likely to play a substantial role in the potential prediction of therapy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adrenomedullin has emerged as a promising biomarker in the field of viral diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated its potential in assessing disease severity, predicting clinical outcomes, and monitoring treatment response. Adrenomedullin (AM) is a multifaceted peptide implicated in vasodilation, hormone secretion, antimicrobial defense, cellular growth, angiogenesis, and, importantly, chronic pain. AM and related peptides interface with cytoskeletal proteins within neuronal contexts, influencing microtubule dynamics. AM has primarily been utilized in diagnosing diseases of bacterial origin, including sepsis. Nevertheless, there are reports suggesting its utility in diseases of viral origin, and this is the focus of the present study. Furthermore, adrenomedullin has been shown to be elevated in various viral infections, suggesting its role in immune response modulation. Furthermore, AM may contribute to neuronal dysfunction through mechanisms involving immune and inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and disruptions in calcium homeostasis. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge regarding AM and its potential implications in viral diseases, elucidating its diverse roles in neurological pathophysiology. This review highlights the growing importance of adrenomedullin as a biomarker in viral diseases and the need for further functional studies to understand the underlying mechanisms involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates for the first time whether 33 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants originating from a moderate climate continue to be capable of air filtration of particulate matter (PM) at the end of the growing season. Research was undertaken in November in two urban meadows located in trafficked areas of Białystok (Poland). The study reveals that despite the lateness in the season, tested species remained capable of PM accumulation. Deposition of total PM exceeding 100 μg·cm−2 was found on S. vulgaris, S. latifolia, T. pratense, E. vulgare, and A. officinalis. The finest and most toxic fraction was accumulated most effectively by S. latifolia, E. vulgare, and L. vulgare (>12 μg·cm−2). Taraxacum officinale and M. sylvestris retained c. 60% of PM in their epicuticular wax. A slight significant correlation was found between rosette growth pattern and deposition of total PM on foliage, while the accumulation of the finest fraction was correlated with a simple leaf shape. These results support the usefulness of urban meadows as long-lasting air bio-filters provided that their composition includes species that have a confirmed, prolonged PM accumulation capacity and that the meadow is not mown in autumn. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This is the first time that the PM accumulation capacity of urban meadow species at the end of the vegetative season has been evaluated in real-life conditions. Evidence of prolonged PM deposition on herbaceous plants was obtained. To enhance PM mitigation in cities located in moderate climate zones, it is proposed that a selection of species be sown in urban meadows. HIGHLIGHTS: Evaluation of the PM accumulation capacity of 33 plant species at the end of the vegetative season. Herbaceous plants filtered the air effectively despite the lateness in the season. Unmown urban meadows provide long-lasting protection from PM in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaucher disease (GD) is the most frequent sphingolipidosis, caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the GBA1 gene encoding for β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase, E.C. 3.2.1.45). The condition is characterized by hepatosplenomegaly, hematological abnormalities, and bone disease in both non-neuronopathic type 1 (GD1) and neuronopathic type 3 (GD3). Interestingly, GBA1 variants were found to be one of the most important risk factors for the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in GD1 patients. We performed a comprehensive study regarding the two most disease-specific biomarkers, glucosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb1) and α-synuclein for GD and PD, respectively. A total of 65 patients with GD treated with ERT (47 GD1 patients and 18 GD3 patients), 19 GBA1 pathogenic variant carriers (including 10 L444P carriers), and 16 healthy subjects were involved in the study. Lyso-Gb1 was assessed by dried blood spot testing. The level of α-synuclein as an mRNA transcript, total, and oligomer protein concentration were measured with real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. α-synuclein mRNA level was found significantly elevated in GD3 patients and L444P carriers. GD1 patients, along with GBA1 carriers of an unknown or unconfirmed variant, as well as healthy controls, have the same low level of α-synuclein mRNA. There was no correlation found between the level of α-synuclein mRNA and age in GD patients treated with ERT, whereas there was a positive correlation in L444P carriers.