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Preparatory procedures, technology melting / casting and final treatment have a significant impact on the stereochemistry of the metal surface of prosthetic design. The study investigated the dependence of the rate of dissolution of metallic prosthetic structures subjected to the process electropolishing a function of current density (A/cm2). The study used Collado CC dental alloy and Magnum H75 alloy. It was found that the development of the surface of the material promotes its destruction, and the electropolishing process, over a range of technological parameters prevents this by surface smoothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Empirical evaluations of sexually dimorphic expression of genes on the mammalian X-chromosome are needed to understand the evolutionary forces and the gene-regulatory mechanisms controlling this chromosome. We performed a large-scale sex-bias expression analysis of genes on the X-chromosome in six different somatic tissues from mouse. Results Our results show that the mouse X-chromosome is enriched with female-biased genes and depleted of male-biased genes. This suggests that feminisation as well as de-masculinisation of the X-chromosome has occurred in terms of gene expression in non-reproductive tissues. Several mechanisms may be responsible for the control of female-biased expression on chromosome X, and escape from X-inactivation is a main candidate. We confirmed escape in case of Tmem29 using RNA-FISH analysis. In addition, we identified novel female-biased non-coding transcripts located in the same female-biased cluster as the well-known coding X-inactivation escapee Kdm5c, likely transcribed from the transition-region between active and silenced domains. We also found that previously known escapees only partially explained the overrepresentation of female-biased X-genes, particularly for tissue-specific female-biased genes. Therefore, the gene set we have identified contains tissue-specific escapees and/or genes controlled by other sexually skewed regulatory mechanisms. Analysis of gene age showed that evolutionarily old X-genes (>100 myr, preceding the radiation of placental mammals) are more frequently female-biased than younger genes. Conclusion Altogether, our results have implications for understanding both gene regulation and gene evolution of mammalian X-chromosomes, and suggest that the final result in terms of the X-gene composition (masculinisation versus feminisation) is a compromise between different evolutionary forces acting on reproductive and somatic tissues.

Abstract Background Sexual dimorphism in brain gene expression has been recognized in several animal species. However, the relevant regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. To investigate whether sex-biased gene expression in mammalian brain is globally regulated or locally regulated in diverse brain structures, and to study the genomic organisation of brain-expressed sex-biased genes, we performed a large scale gene expression analysis of distinct brain regions in adult male and female mice. Results This study revealed spatial specificity in sex-biased transcription in the mouse brain, and identified 173 sex-biased genes in the striatum; 19 in the neocortex; 12 in the hippocampus and 31 in the eye. Genes located on sex chromosomes were consistently over-represented in all brain regions. Analysis on a subset of genes with sex-bias in more than one tissue revealed Y-encoded male-biased transcripts and X-encoded female-biased transcripts known to escape X-inactivation. In addition, we identified novel coding and non-coding X-linked genes with female-biased expression in multiple tissues. Interestingly, the chromosomal positions of all of the female-biased non-coding genes are in close proximity to protein-coding genes that escape X-inactivation. This defines X-chromosome domains each of which contains a coding and a non-coding female-biased gene. Lack of repressive chromatin marks in non-coding transcribed loci supports the possibility that they escape X-inactivation. Moreover, RNA-DNA combined FISH experiments confirmed the biallelic expression of one such novel domain. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the amount of genes with sex-biased expression varies between individual brain regions in mouse. The sex-biased genes identified are localized on many chromosomes. At the same time, sexually dimorphic gene expression that is common to several parts of the brain is mostly restricted to the sex chromosomes. Moreover, the study uncovered multiple female-biased non-coding genes that are non-randomly co-localized on the X-chromosome with protein-coding genes that escape X-inactivation. This raises the possibility that expression of long non-coding RNAs may play a role in modulating gene expression in domains that escape X-inactivation in mouse.

Abstract Background Polymorphism in the FTO gene is strongly associated with obesity, but little is known about the molecular bases of this relationship. We investigated whether hypothalamic FTO is involved in energy-dependent overconsumption of food. We determined FTO mRNA levels in rodent models of short- and long-term intake of palatable fat or sugar, deprivation, diet-induced increase in body weight, baseline preference for fat versus sugar as well as in same-weight animals differing in the inherent propensity to eat calories especially upon availability of diverse diets, using quantitative PCR. FTO gene expression was also studied in organotypic hypothalamic cultures treated with anorexigenic amino acid, leucine. In situ hybridization (ISH) was utilized to study FTO signal in reward- and hunger-related sites, colocalization with anorexigenic oxytocin, and c-Fos immunoreactivity in FTO cells at initiation and termination of a meal. Results Deprivation upregulated FTO mRNA, while leucine downregulated it. Consumption of palatable diets or macronutrient preference did not affect FTO expression. However, the propensity to ingest more energy without an effect on body weight was associated with lower FTO mRNA levels. We found that 4-fold higher number of FTO cells displayed c-Fos at meal termination as compared to initiation in the paraventricular and arcuate nuclei of re-fed mice. Moreover, ISH showed that FTO is present mainly in hunger-related sites and it shows a high degree of colocalization with anorexigenic oxytocin. Conclusion We conclude that FTO mRNA is present mainly in sites related to hunger/satiation control; changes in hypothalamic FTO expression are associated with cues related to energy intake rather than feeding reward. In line with that, neurons involved in feeding termination express FTO. Interestingly, baseline FTO expression appears linked not only with energy intake but also energy metabolism.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine optimal radiological parameters for assessment of the round window approach in cochlear implantation surgery., Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing cochlear implantation at the Department of Otolaryngology in Szczecin, between 2015 and 2022 inclusive, were eligible for the study. Radiological assessments were performed according to eight parameters (seven proposed in the literature) and visibility clinical assessments were made intra-operatively on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 - not visible, 5 - fully visible). Visibility assessments of the round window niche (RWN) and round window membrane (RWM) allowed the difference (RWN minus RWM) to be used as a clinical assessment of the size of the overhang over the round window., Results: Computed tomography images of 57 ears from 52 patients were analyzed in terms of round window access. The study group included 26 females and 26 males, ranging in age from 1 year to 80 years, with a median age of 41 years. In clinical assessment, round window visibility was rated as 5, after removal of the bone overhang, in 69% of patients. Cochlear access through the round window was achieved in 39 (68%) cases, extended access through the round window in 13 (23%) cases and cochleostomy was performed in 5 (9%) cases. Statistically significant ordinal correlations with round-window access were found using one parameter from the literature (Chen_Angle) and from our proposal (RWM_prediction). From parameters describing the bone overhang of the round window, positive correlations (using Kendall rank tests) were found using parameters from the literature (Sarafraz_OH and Mehanna_OH)., Conclusions: Radiological measurements describing access to the round window which determine the angle based on the anatomy of the posterior wall of the auditory canal and the position of the facial nerve were found to be of the highest value., Clinical Relevance Statement: In the future, the use of algorithms for computed tomography evaluation and robot-assisted surgery will require parameters for assessing round window access, for surgery planning and choice of electrode. The parameters proposed by various authors are summarized, allowing researchers to assess their usefulness in further clinical practice., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Paragangliomas are rare tumors originating from the paraventricular bodies of the autonomic nervous system located in the adrenal glands, chest, abdomen, pelvis and head and neck. Tumors of this type account for 0.5% of head and neck cancers, 0.03% of all cancers and their incidence is estimated at 1-30/100,000 per year. Head and Neck Paragangliomas (HNPGL) are localized in carotid body, tympanic cavity or jugular foramen. It is established that HNPGL may be associated with mutations of the SDH complex, with SDHD being the most prevalent. However, SDHB, SDHC and SDHAF are also potential causes. The aforementioned mutations are influenced by various risk factors, including young age, a positive family history of paraganglioma, the presence of metastases and gender The purpose of this study is to summarize the results of genetic testing performed on patients with head and neck paraganglioma and to create an up-to-date genetic diagnosis algorithm for patients with HNPGL based on previous studies published in the literature that can be used in daily practice. Several papers observed that among SDHD mutation carriers, most or all of those studied had HNPGL, and SDHB mutations were more frequently found in the presence of metastasis. Based on the results, it was concluded that there is no basis for genetic testing for VHL in patients without a positive family history. In each algorithm proposed by different authors, proposals for rational genetic diagnosis were analyzed based on the studies cited by the author and the analyses included in our paper. For the analysis of the treatment algorithms, the following were included: Martin, Mannelli, Neumann, Gupta. Subsequently, publications related to the genetic diagnosis of HNPGL were analyzed to verify the proposed algorithms in light of the latest genetic studies and to establish an updated diagnostic management scheme., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Radomska, Leszczyńska, Becht, Zaborek - Łyczba, Rzepakowska, Lubiński and Szymański.)

The reactions of radicals with human serum albumin (HSA) under reductive stress conditions were studied using pulse radiolysis and photochemical methods. It was proved that irradiation of HSA solutions under reductive stress conditions results in the formation of stable protein aggregates. HSA aggregates induced by ionizing radiation are characterized by unique emission, different from the UV emission of non-irradiated solutions. The comparison of transient absorption spectra and the reactivity of hydrated electrons (eaq-) with amino acids or HSA suggests that electron attachment to disulfide bonds is responsible for the transient spectrum recorded in the case of albumin solutions. The reactions of eaq- and CO2•- with HSA lead to the formation of the same products. Recombination of sulfur-centered radicals plays a crucial role in the generation of HSA nanoparticles, which are stabilized by intermolecular disulfide bonds. The process of creating disulfide bridges under the influence of ionizing radiation is a promising method for the synthesis of biocompatible protein nanostructures for medical applications. Our Raman spectroscopy studies indicate strong modification of disulfide bonds and confirm the aggregation of albumins as well. Low-temperature measurements indicate the possibility of electron tunneling through the HSA protein structure to specific CyS-SCy bridges. The current study showed that the efficiency of HSA aggregation depends on two main factors: dose rate (number of pulses per unit time in the case of pulse radiolysis) and the temperature of the irradiated solution.

Backgrounds/Objectives: Parotid gland tumors (PGTs) with parapharyngeal space (PPS) involvement have a specific clinical course and they can be a great challenge for surgeons, especially due to more difficult approaches and the risk of serious complications. The aim of this study is to present the characteristics of PGTs with PPS involvement. Methods : Retrospective, multicenter analysis of 1954 primary PGTs from 5 years (2017-2021) was performed. Comparative analysis was performed between groups with and without PPS involvement and included the following clinical and histopathological data: age, sex, place of residence, tumor size, FNAC result, percentage of malignant tumors, histological diagnosis, radicality of resection, and postoperative facial nerve (FN) dysfunction. Results: PPS involvement was found in 114 patients (5.83%). Secondary tumors affecting the deep lobe or the entire gland were predominant (46 and 60 cases, respectively). In a univariate analysis of tumors with and without PPS involvement, statistically significant differences were found in their size > 4 cm (12.97% vs. 37.72%), percentage of malignant tumors (7.12% vs. 17.55%), incidence of Warthin Tumors (WTs) (43.58% vs. 24.56%), percentage of R1 resection (5.53% vs. 12.50%), and rate of FN paresis (17.15% vs. 53.34%). Multivariate analysis showed that tumors with PPS involvement were statistically significantly characterized by larger size (tumors > 4 cm were 2.9 times more frequent), 2 times less frequent occurrence of WTs, and 1.6 times higher risk of FN paresis. Conclusion: PGTs with PPS involvement show certain clinical and histological differences and require more complex surgical accesses. Therefore, they cannot be treated as "ordinary" tumors occupying the deep lobe.

<b>Introduction:</b> More than 5% of the world's population experience hearing impairment. The most common form is presbycusis (age-related hearing loss; ARHL). It affects almost one in three people over the age of 65. The hair cells of the cochlea play an important role in the process of sound registration. Genetic mutations, aging and environmental factors can cause damage that contributes to the hearing loss.<b>Methods and results:</b> The currently explored research directions include drug treatments, gene therapies, and stem cell therapies. To date, no significant differences in the therapeutic effect depending on the route of corticosteroid administration have been demonstrated in patients with moderate to severe hearing loss. New dexamethasone-containing hydrogel formulations, as well as lipid formulations, thermosensitive polymers, and nanoparticles, have been developed to achieve high drug concentrations in the inner ear structures. Otoprotective effects of antioxidants or substances that modify the toxic effects of e.g. cisplatin, are also being studied. Attempts at auditory cells' regeneration seem promising in hearing loss research. Substances that regulate the central mechanisms of the Notch and Wnt pathways are being explored to this end. The genetic determinants of presbycusis suggest that interference at the level of specific genes may be a promising option for the treatment of this condition. With the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the functions of inner ear genes can be effectively studied by disrupting normal gene alleles. The CRISPR/Cas9 complexes developed to target specific genes are delivered using cationic lipids, proteins, and viral vectors. They are then transported through the round window membrane by diffusion, without the need to surgically disrupt the inner ear. The potential of using antisense oligonucleotides to treat hereditary deafness caused by hair cell degeneration has also been established. Another research direction is related to stem cells being used for the development of in vitro 3D models of the human inner ear. Studies are also pursued to identify the mechanisms underlying the formation of cochlear organoids from pluripotent cells as well as determine the critical time points and events for cochlear sensory epithelial development and targeted hair cell differentiation.<b>Conclusions:</b> In summary, significant progress has been made over the past decade in the search for novel therapies for sensory hearing loss. This line of research remains an ambitious and important area for further exploration.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and T-cell therapies are a modern, well-established cancer treatment. The priority of oncological treatment is to cure cancer. However, treatment-related toxicities, i.e. immune-related adverse events (irAEs), continue to emerge and are not that well understood yet. ICIs can cause profound, multiple, and diverse irAEs - the sequelae of unknown mechanisms. One of the organs susceptible to collateral damage is the hearing organ. Complications related to hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders are extremely burdensome and significantly impair many aspects of the quality of life of patients and survivors.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> The aim of the work is to review the literature in the area of ototoxicity of ICIs.</br> <b><br>Materials and method:</b> A systematic search of the Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase databases for studies published until 1 March 2022 was conducted.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> Reported clinical symptoms ranged from sudden bilateral hearing loss and imbalance to mild hearing loss or tinnitus with preserved hearing. It was found that the median time from ICI initiation to hearing loss development was 3 months. The hearing impairment was secondary to bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in the majority of patients (>60%), and at least one other irAE accompanied the hearing loss in 2/3 of patients. Hearing loss significantly improved in 45.7% of the patients.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> The majority of cases of ICI-related hearing loss presented in the literature were reversible. Therefore, it is important to develop and implement routine therapeutic algorithms. Further research is needed to define the true prevalence of ICI-related hearing loss, optimal diagnostics, and management.</br&gt.

Background: The primary objective of this study was to analyse middle ear structures critical for cochlear implantation using computed tomography., Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent cochlear implantation at the Department of Otolaryngology in Szczecin between 2015 and 2022 were eligible for the study. We analysed computed tomography images of 57 ears in 52 patients. The following parameters were assessed: mastoid aeration, tegmen tympani height, sigmoid sinus position, posterior tympanotomy width, the distance between the facial nerve and chorda tympani, modified facial recess distance, and the prediction line described by other authors., Results: In 69% of patients, after the removal of the round window bony overhang, the round window membrane became fully visible. There were no statistically significant correlations found for parameters describing mastoid process anatomy or those rating the width of the posterior tympanotomy concerning round window access. The prediction lines, according to Kashio and Jwair, were found to be relevant. In cases where patients' access to the niche and membrane of the window was rated as good or very good during clinical evaluation, they were more likely to describe the window as being located posteriorly or medially in the radiological evaluation. Using a binary Jwair scale provided a better correlation with the clinical assessment. In cases where the windows were graded as posterior, the clinical assessment indicated better surgical access, especially to the RWM (Round Window Membrane)., Conclusions: Evaluating middle ear anatomy on a computed tomography scan is useful for preparing for middle ear surgery but does not significantly affect the ability to access the round window. For such access, the position of the window in relation to the facial nerve is the most relevant factor, and measurements based on this relationship hold the highest clinical value.

We have shown that many proteins and enzymes (ovalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, lysozyme, insulin, histone, papain) undergo concentration-dependent reversible aggregation as a result of the interaction of the studied biomolecules. Moreover, irradiation of those protein or enzyme solutions under oxidative stress conditions results in the formation of stable soluble protein aggregates. We assume that protein dimers are mainly formed. A pulse radiolysis study has been made to investigate the early stages of protein oxidation by N3• or • OH radicals. Reactions of the N3• radical with the studied proteins lead to the generation of aggregates stabilized by covalent bonds between tyrosine residues. The high reactivity of the • OH with amino acids contained within proteins is responsible for the formation of various covalent bonds (including C-C or C-O-C) between adjacent protein molecules. In the analysis of the formation of protein aggregates, intramolecular electron transfer from the tyrosine moiety to Trp • radical should be taken into account. Steady-state spectroscopic measurements with a detection of emission and absorbance, together with measurements of the dynamic scattering of laser light, made it possible to characterize the obtained aggregates. The identification of protein nanostructures generated by ionizing radiation using spectroscopic methods is difficult due to the spontaneous formation of protein aggregates before irradiation. The commonly used fluorescence detection of dityrosyl cross-linking (DT) as a marker of protein modification under the influence of ionizing radiation requires modification in the case of the tested objects. A precise photochemical lifetime measurement of the excited states of radiation-generated aggregates is useful in characterizing their structure. Resonance light scattering (RLS) has proven to be an extremely sensitive and useful technique to detect protein aggregates.

The use of spectroscopic techniques has shown that human serum albumin (HSA) undergoes reversible self-aggregation through protein−protein interactions. It ensures the subsequent overlapping of electron clouds along with the stiffening of the conformation of the interpenetrating network of amino acids of adjacent HSA molecules. The HSA oxidation process related to the transfer of one electron was investigated by pulse radiolysis and photochemical methods. It has been shown that the irradiation of HSA solutions under oxidative stress conditions results in the formation of stable protein aggregates. The HSA aggregates induced by ionizing radiation are characterized by specific fluorescence compared to the emission of non-irradiated solutions. We assume that HSA dimers are mainly responsible for the new emission. Dityrosine produced by the intermolecular recombination of protein tyrosine radicals as a result of radiolysis of an aqueous solution of the protein is the main cause of HSA aggregation by cross-linking. Analysis of the oxidation process of HSA confirmed that the reaction of mild oxidants (Br2•−, N3•, SO4•−) with albumin leads to the formation of covalent bonds between tyrosine residues. In the case of •OH radicals and partly, Cl2•−, species other than DT are formed. The light emission of this species is similar to the emission of self-associated HSA.

Schizophrenia is a highly heritable disorder with a heterogeneous symptomatology. Research increasingly indicates the importance of the crucial and often overlooked glial perturbations within schizophrenia. Within this study, we examined an isoform of quaking (a gene encoding an RNA-binding protein that is exclusively expressed in glial cells), known as QKI6B, and a prototypical astrocyte marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), postulated to be under the regulation of QKI. The expression levels of these genes were quantified across post-mortem brain samples from 55 schizophrenic individuals, and 55 healthy controls, using real-time PCR. We report, through an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model, an upregulation of both QKI6B, and GFAP in the prefrontal cortex of brain samples of schizophrenic individuals, as compared to control samples. Previous research has suggested that the QKI protein directly regulates the expression of several genes through interaction with a motif in the target's sequence, termed the Quaking Response Element (QRE). We therefore examined if QKI6B expression can predict the outcome of GFAP, and several oligodendrocyte-related genes, using a multiple linear regression approach. We found that QKI6B significantly predicts the expression of GFAP, but does not predict oligodendrocyte-related gene outcome, as previously seen with other QKI isoforms., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune-based disease of the connective tissue with still unknown etiology. Numerous studies have indicated the association between Copper (Cu) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations and pathogenesis of RA., Objective: To compare the concentrations of Cu and Cp in different biological samples and their correlation with the inflammatory process, between a group of patients with RA and a control group of healthy individuals., Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 74 Caucasian patients (20 men and 54 women), aged 29-50 (mean age 39.8±6.1 years) diagnosed with RA. The control group consisted of 30 healthy Caucasian individuals. Copper levels were assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy., Results: Among RA patients the mean Cu level was significantly higher in serum and hair compartments and significantly lower in erythrocytes, compared with the control group (p<0.01). The Cp concentration was also higher in serum of RA patients (p<0.001). A statistically significant, positive correlation between the Cp serum concentration and the ESR values (r(s)=0.38; p<0.007) was found. No significant influence of pharmaceutical treatment (methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, calcium, vitamin D3 and sulphasalazine) on serum Cu was found., Conclusions: It seems that the 'copper status' in patients with RA, based on the measurement of Cu and Cp levels in blood serum is correlated with presence of the inflammatory process. The hair could serve as a useful, additional diagnostic material. Some other factors, different from the applied treatment, can probably influence the Cu levels in patients with RA.

The aim of the study was to evaluate zinc levels in three biological compartments (serum, erythrocytes and hair) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as compared to healthy individuals. Zinc levels in serum, erythrocytes and hair (in 74 patients with RA and 30 healthy individuals) were assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The mean hair zinc content was significantly lower in RA patients as compared to healthy individuals (p<0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation was observed in the RA patient group between the erythrocyte zinc levels and the prednisone dose (rs=0.48, p<0.05), and a negative correlation was found in this population between the serum zinc levels and disease duration (rs=-0.42, p<0.0006). In conclusion, it seems that hair may be a useful complementary study material for evaluating "zinc status" in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The aim of this study was to define referential values of 5 basic bioelements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe) and 2 toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the hair of Polish adults aged 40 to 60 years, based on the research conducted from 1991 to 2006 on a group of 3349 formally healthy women and men. The results of our biochemical tests were subjected to statistical analysis and they can be treated as referential norms for the concentrations of analyzed bioelements in the hair of Polish population. Our analyses confirm significant differences in accumulations of certain elements (Ca, Mg, Zn) in women's and men's hair. The hair element analysis of the tested women population indicates the age 49-50 as the one in which a significant decrease of hair Ca and Zn begins. Marked decrease of Ca and Zn in men begins 2-3 years later than in women. A slight tendency to decrease hair Mg in women and men during the period observed of 40-60 years of age was noticed. Significant differences (alpha = 0.05) between hair Cu contents in women and men were not observed. The increase of variances of hair Fe concentrations in women, especially after 50, has been observed. Significantly higher hair Pb and Cd concentrations were shown in men. The analysis of correlation confirms the significance (p < 0.050000) of synergistic interactions between bioelements: Ca-Mg (r = +0.7635), Ca-Zn (r = +0.36), Ca-Cu (r = +0.124), Ca-Fe (r = +0.054), Mg-Zn (r = +0.35), Mg-Cu (r = +0.11), Mg-Fe (r = +0.0757), Zn-Cu (r = +0.11), Cu-Fe (r = +0.0765). Significance (p < 0.050000) of antagonistic interactions of bioelements with toxic metals: Ca-Pb (r = -0.0965), Zn-Pb (r = -0.2476), Mg-Pb (r = -0.13), Zn-Cd (r = -0.0889) was established. Significance (p < 0.050000) of synergistic effects with toxic metals: Pb-Cd (r = +0.3322), Cu-Pb (r = +0.09), Fe-Pb (r = +0.1413), Fe-Cd (r = +0.1161) was confirmed. Adults in whose hair bioelements and hair toxic metal concentrations have shown values outlying from reference and who have too much toxic elements and too little bioelements should undergo further diagnostic tests since these results could be a sign of disturbances, that could lead to various diseases.

The aim of the present study was to define referential values of 5 basic bioelements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe) and 2 toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the hair of Polish adults aged 20 to 40 years, based on the research conducted from 1991 to 2006 on a group of 5733 formally healthy subjects of both sexes. The results of our biochemical tests were subjected to statistical analysis and they can be treated as referential norms for the concentrations of analyzed bioelements in the hair of the Polish population. Our analyses confirm significant differences in accumulations of certain elements in women's and men's hair. We established that women's hair Ca, Mg, Zn (p = 0.000000) and hair Cu (p = 0.0001) concentrations are higher than they are in men. A lower mean of hair Fe concentrations in women were confirmed by some tests. Men have significantly higher (p = 0.0000) concentrations of toxic metals (hair Pb and Cd), which keep increasing with age. Analyses of correlations confirm significance (for the assumed level of significance alpha = 0.05) of synergistic interactions between bioelements: Ca-Mg (r = +0.70), Ca-Zn (r = +0.39), Ca-Cu (r = +0.14), Mg-Zn (r = +0.31), Mg-Cu (r = +0.10), Zn-Cu (r = +0.11), Zn-Fe (r = +0.07). Significance (a < 0.05) of antagonistic interactions with toxic metals: Ca-Pb (r = -0.13), Zn-Pb (r = -0.15), Mg-Pb (r = -0.15), Zn-Cd (r =-0.02) was confirmed. Significance (alpha < 0.05) of synergistic effects with toxic metals: Pb-Cd (r = +0.35), Fe-Pb (r = +0.16), Fe-Cd (r = +0.08) was also confirmed. Adults in whose hair bioelements and hair toxic metals concentrations have shown values outlying from reference and who have too many toxic elements and too few bioelements should undergo further diagnostic tests since the results could be a sign of disturbances that could lead to various diseases.

The aim of this study was to define referential values of 5 basic bioelements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe) in the hair of Polish young persons aged 10-20 years, based on the research conducted from 1991 to 2004 on a group of over 3420 healthy young persons. Mean concentrations of two toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in over 2000 young men were also investigated. The results of biochemical tests were analyzed with the program STATISTICA 7.0 (StatSoft PL). Significant differences between girls' and boys' hair Ca, Mg and Zn in the same age group were observed (p = 0.0000). It was determined that boys have smaller concentrations of hair Ca, Mg and Zn than girls. No significant differences were observed between concentrations of Cu and Fe in the hair of girls and boys of the same age in the tested period. Significantly greater amounts of Pb and Cd characterize boys. Analyses of correlations confirm significance (p < 0.05000) of synergistic interactions between bioelements: Ca-Mg (r = +0.80), Ca-Zn (r = +0.52), Ca-Cu (r = +0.14), Mg-Zn (r = +0.50), Mg-Cu (r = +0.13), Zn-Cu (r = +0.11), Cu-Fe (r = +0.04). Significance (p < 0.05000) of antagonistic interactions of bioelements with toxic metals: Zn-Pb (r = -0.30), Mg-Pb (r = -0.20), Ca-Pb (r = -0.18) and Zn-Cd (r = -0.07) was confirmed. Significance (p < 0.05000) of synergistic effects with toxic elements: Pb-Cd (r = +0.34), Fe-Pb (r = +0.22), Fe-Cd (r = +0.13) was determined. Compatibility of the statistically mapped basic characteristics of young persons' developmental age with the functions of concentrations in tested hair bioelements was confirmed. Young persons whose concentrations of selected hair bioelements showed values outside the reference ranges and who had higher concentrations of toxic metals should undergo further diagnostic tests since the results of previous tests could be a sign of disturbances leading to various diseases. Analyses of the concentrations of bioelements and toxic metals in humans based on hair analysis can be useful as a convenient, non-invasive and painless method in the diagnosis of pathological states. Combined with other analytical data, this method can be used by practising physicians as a complementary diagnostic procedure.

The aim of this study is to define referential values of 5 basic bioelements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe) and toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the hair of Polish children aged 1 to 10 years, based on the research conducted from 1991 to 2004 on a group of over 4000 formally healthy children. Significant differences between girls' and boys' hair Ca, Mg and Zn were observed, particularly in those aged 7 to 10 years (p = 0.0000). We noticed that boys have less concentration of hair Ca, Mg and Zn than girls do. Maximum concentration of hair Fe in children of both sexes was observed in 3 to 5 years old, diminishing subsequently. No significant differences were observed between concentrations of Cu in the hair of girls and boys of the same age, in the tested period from 1 to 10 years of age. The greatest amounts of Pb and Cd characterize the youngest children aged 1 to 5 years; while the boys possess a tendency to have higher contents of toxic elements than do girls. Children whose concentrations of hair bioelements have shown values outlying from reference ranges and who have higher concentrations of toxic metals should undergo further diagnostic tests since the results of previous tests could be a sign of disturbances in their organism leading to various diseases. The analysis of concentrations of bioelements and toxic metals in organisms based on hair analysis can be useful as a convenient, non-invasive and painless method of diagnosis of pathological states. In combination with other analytical data, this method is a complementary diagnostic procedure for practicing physicians.

46 children, aged 2-6 years, with decreased magnesium concentrations in hair, were studied. Magnesium supplementation consisted of Asmag preparation for 3 months and multivitamin Multi-tabs preparation (containing magnesium, but without calcium) for the following 4 months. Control studies were performed again after 7 months of treatment, i.e. 12 months after the initial measurements (the same season of the year--early spring). The results proved increases of both magnesium (from 7.74 microg/g dry mass to 11.03 microg/g dry mass) and calcium (from 159.82 mg/g dry mass to 191.60 mg/g dry mass) concentrations in hair. Increased magnesium concentrations were observed in 40 studied children (86.95 per cent). Post supplementation magnesium deficiency was found in 22 children (47.83 per cent), and four children (8.70 per cent) showed further worsening of hypomagnesemia. Increased calcium concentrations were found in 42 children (91.30 per cent), while decreased Ca levels were found in 4 children (8.70 percent). The achieved results indicate a positive influence of that form of compensation of magnesium deficiency, and suggest the need of individual selection of doses and period of Mg supplementation. The initial level of hypomagnesemia, presence of factors that might inhibit intestinal absorption, accompanying diseases that might cause decrease in magnesium concentration and other factors that might influence the total body magnesium concentration should be taken into account while designing the supplementation therapy.

Male rats were administered, for the period of 30 days, potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) in a dose of 2 and 5 mg/kg of body weight and magnesium chloride (Mg Cl2) in a dose of 500 mg/kg of body weight. These two substances were also administered jointly (K2C2O7-5 mg/kg and MgCl2-500 mg/kg of body weight). In the testicles of animals receiving K2Cr2O7 in a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight in groups III and IV there were observed changes of significant degree, mainly degenerative and multifocal, which consisted in degenerative changes of various degrees and changes of necrotic epithelium cells which, in turn, consist in cell hyper- or hypochromasia of chromatolysis or pycnosis and, too, in lesions of testicle epithelium of the spermatic epithelium cells. The cells of the Leydig intraparenchymatous gland did not reveal any histopathological changes as well as changes in the increase of hyatochemical tests. The highest concentration of chrome was in the hair of the animals receiving K2Cr2O7 in a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight.