Diagnosing peri-implant disease using the tongue as a 24/7 detector.

Our ability of screening broad communities for clinically asymptomatic diseases critically drives population health. Sensory chewing gums are presented targeting the tongue as 24/7 detector allowing diagnosis by "anyone, anywhere, anytime". The chewing gum contains peptide sensors consisting of a protease cleavable linker in between a bitter substance and a microparticle. Matrix metalloproteinases in the oral cavity, as upregulated in peri-implant disease, specifically target the protease cleavable linker while chewing the gum, thereby generating bitterness for detection by the tongue. The peptide sensors prove significant success in discriminating saliva collected from patients with peri-implant disease versus clinically asymptomatic volunteers. Superior outcome is demonstrated over commercially available protease-based tests in saliva. "Anyone, anywhere, anytime" diagnostics are within reach for oral inflammation. Expanding this platform technology to other diseases in the future features this diagnostic as a massive screening tool potentially maximizing impact on population health.Early detection of gum inflammation caused by dental implants helps prevent tissue damage. Here, the authors present a peptide sensor that generates a bitter taste when cleaved by proteases present in peri-implant disease, embed it in a chewing gum, and compare the probe to existing sensors using patient saliva.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor as a new marker of metabolic syndrome in Caucasian population.

Authors present that serum pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is an independent marker of metabolic syndrome in Caucasianpopulation. PEDF was measured with new ELISA sandwich test. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:17-19, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Serum adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein discriminates patients with permanent and temporary body weight loss.

Adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) is a biomarker of adiposity and metabolic syndrome. The aim of our work was to investigate the effect of weight reduction on serum A-FABP value. In the study, we analyzed a group of 189 probands suffering from obesity (102 women and 87 men; aged 57.3+/-12 years) initially, after a 3-month low-fat diet and once again 3 months after the termination of the diet for serum A-FABP, insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. Basal biomarker concentrations were typical of the metabolic syndrome, and moreover A-FABP correlated with Quicki and BMI. We observed a reduction in BMI in 145 subjects who were divided into two subgroups: A-with persistent BMI reduction even after 6 months, B-with BMI reduction after 3 months and its regress after 6 months. Individuals with rise or no BMI difference were signed as subgroup C. In subgroup A, A-FABP level increased and returned to the earlier level (42.3 vs 68.3 vs 37.1 microg/l) and correlated with the markers of the metabolic syndrome. In subgroup B, A-FABP level increased less significantly, however elevated A-FABP level persisted for 6 months (41.9 vs 53.6 vs 50.7 microg/l). Subgroup C (n=54) showed no difference in A-FABP after 3-month diet and after next 3 months. The A-FABP value correlated with the some components of the metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, we describe that serum A-FABP might be a prognostic marker of body weight loss suggesting a preventive therapeutic intervention.

Fibroblast growth factor-19: development, analytical characterization and clinical evaluation of a new ELISA test.

OBJECTIVE: Since fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF-19) is a potent metabolic regulator that influences glucose and lipid homeostasis, our aim was to develop an ELISA assay for measuring FGF-19 in human serum and to investigate its concentrations in healthy volunteers and patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sandwich ELISA method was developed for quantitative determination of human FGF-19 in serum samples. Blood pressure, waist circumference, FGF-21 serum levels, serum cholesterol, triacylglycerols, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin, glucose, adiponectin, uric acid, creatinine, hs-CRP and calculated BMI and Quicki insulin sensitivity index were measured in 153 healthy volunteers and 66 persons with metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Neither sex nor age influenced FGF-19 serum concentration in the healthy volunteers. Probands with metabolic syndrome had 65 % lower FGF-19 serum values than the healthy ones (medians 158.6 versus 242.4 ng/L; p<0.01). FGF-19 correlated with glucose (r = -0.35, p<0.01), HDL (r = 0.24, p = 0.045), triacylglycerols (r = -0.19, p = 0.05) and with a number of other risk factors for metabolic syndrome (r = -0.28, p = 0.01). When adjusted to the concentrations of triacylglycerols, BMI and glucose, and finally to all data pertinent to FGF-19 (according to correlation analysis), our data indicate that FGF-19 is an independent marker of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates the analytical properties of the ELISA FGF-19 assay and its usefulness when studying the metabolic syndrome. Serum concentrations of FGF-19 could be new key predictors of metabolic syndrome and thereby even a new negative risk factor of atherosclerosis.

Lipocalin-2: development, analytical characterization, and clinical testing of a new ELISA.

Lipocalin-2 (also known as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL]) has been described as a promising marker of metabolic syndrome associated with inflammation. The aim of our work was to develop an assay for the determination of lipocalin-2 in human serum and to investigate its levels in healthy volunteers and donors suffering from metabolic syndrome. We also conducted a pilot study on individuals with metabolic syndrome and on healthy probands and measured lipocalin-2 in these individuals. We developed and evaluated the sandwich ELISA method for the quantitative determination of human lipocalin-2 in serum samples. We measured blood pressure, waist circumference, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, insulin, glucose, creatinine, hs-CRP, and adiponectin and calculated the BMI and Quicki insulin sensitivity index. In the study on 153 healthy volunteers, we showed that sex and age are not determinative for lipocalin-2 serum values. Furthermore, we tested 45 individuals with metabolic syndrome; values of lipocalin-2 did not differ (78.8 vs. 80.0 microg/l, p =0.56) from the data of healthy individuals from the first study. Neither group differed with regard to sex or age. Lipocalin-2 correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r=-0.3, p<0.01) aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (r=-0.3, p<0.01), cholesterol (r=-0.21, p=0.047), creatinine (r=0.19, p=0.05), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r=0.22, p=0.036). No significant correlation was found between serum lipocalin-2 and BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL, Quicki, or the number of metabolic syndrome components. When study patients with metabolic syndrome were further stratified according to the number of components of metabolic syndrome, serum concentrations of lipocalin-2 did not differ. The results presented demonstrate the analytical competence of the lipocalin-2 assay. However, we assumed that lipocalin-2 is not a routinely usable marker of metabolic syndrome or obesity. The association between serum lipocalin-2 and obesity or metabolic syndrome was not validated in our study.

Angiopoietin-like protein 4: development, analytical characterization, and clinical testing of a new ELISA.

The aim of our work was to develop an assay for the determination of angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angplt4) in human blood, and to investigate its levels in healthy volunteers and donors suffer from metabolic syndrome. We developed and evaluated the sandwich ELISA method for the quantitative determination of human Angplt4 in serum samples. We conducted also the pilot study on individuals with metabolic syndrome or familiar hypercholesterolemia and healthy probands and measured blood pressure, waist circumference, Angplt4 serum levels, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin, glucose, A-FABP and calculate BMI and QUICKI insulin sensitivity index. In the study on 30 healthy volunteers we demonstrated that sex or age is not the determinant for Angplt4 serum values. Furthermore, we tested 115 individuals with metabolic syndrome and found that probands with metabolic syndrome did not differ in Angplt4 values than healthy individuals from the first study (medians 8.7 vs. 8.1 ng/ml, p = 0.6). Individuals with metabolic syndrome did not differ in sex or age from healthy. Angplt4 values correlated with the HDL-cholesterol (r = -0.25; p < 0.01), FGF-21 (r = 0.23, p < 0.01), glucose (r = 0.17; p = 0.03), uric acid (r = 0.17; p = 0.49), lipocalin-2 (r = 0.23, p < 0.01), triacylglycerols (r = 0.25; p < 0.01) and number or characters of metabolic syndrome (r = 0.21; p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between serum Angplt4 and BMI, WC or QUICKI. However, we performed stepwise regression and we found that Angplt4 was not an independent marker for metabolic syndrome. The patients from the metabolic syndrome group suffering diabetes mellitus (n = 83) did not differ in serum Angplt4 from the group of healthy patients, too. The pilot study supports the hypothesis about the role of Angplt4 as a new class of lipid metabolism modulator. Their values could be a new key predictors of metabolic syndrome. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings in individuals with dyslipidemia, obesity, coronary artery diseases and different medication in order to assess Angplt4 value as a risk predictor of accelerated atherosclerosis.

Determination of serum zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein in patients with metabolic syndrome by a new ELISA.

OBJECTIVES: To develop an assay for the determination of ZAG in human serum, and to investigate its clinical relevance as a marker of metabolic syndrome. DESIGN AND METHODS: A new sandwich ELISA was introduced and clinically tested. RESULTS: ZAG serum level did not differentiate healthy subjects (27.4+/-8.3 mg/L; N=132) from patients with metabolic syndrome (24.9+/-8.1; N=92). ZAG correlated with glucose, creatinine and uric acid. CONCLUSION: The immunoassay offers a new research tool for glucose metabolism.

Angiopoietin-like protein 3: development, analytical characterization, and clinical testing of a new ELISA.

The aim of our work was to develop an assay for the determination of angiopoietin-like protein 3 (Angptl3) in human blood, and investigate its levels in healthy volunteers and donors suffer from metabolic syndrome and familiar hypercholesterolemia. We developed and evaluated the sandwich ELISA method for the quantitative determination of human Angptl3 in serum samples. We conducted also the pilot study on individuals with metabolic syndrome or familiar hypercholesterolemia and healthy probands. The following parameters were measured: blood pressure, waist circumference, Angptl3 serum levels, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin, glucose, A-FABP, and BMI and Quicki insulin sensitivity index was calculated. In the study on 93 healthy volunteers we demonstrated that sex or age is not the determinant for Angptl3 serum values. Futhermore, 118 individuals with metabolic syndrome and 200 patients with familiar hypercholesterolemia were tested and it was found that probands with metabolic syndrome or familiar hypercholesterolemia had higher Angptl3 values than healthy individuals from the first study (medians 289.5 vs. 277.1 vs. 224.8 ng/ml, p < 0.01). All of groups did not differ in sex or age. Angptl3 values correlated with the systolic blood pressure, LDL and A-FABP (p < 0.05). No connection of Angptl3 with triglycerides was found (presumably influences of statins, fibrates via PPARs, etc). However, we performed stepwise regression and found A-FABP and Angptl3 serum values as the independent markers for metabolic syndrome presence only (F ratio 29, p < 0.01). Then we adjusted Angptl3 to A-FABP (reputable metabolic syndrome marker) and recognised that Angptl3 is the A-FABP-independent marker. The pilot study supports the hypothesis about the role of Angptl3 as a new class of lipid metabolism modulator. Their values could be a new key predictors of metabolic syndrome. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings in individuals with dyslipidemia, obesity, CAD and different medication in order to assess Angptl3 value as a risk predictor of accelerated atherosclerosis.

Serum Reg-Ialpha is not suitable marker of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Reg-1alpha plays a role in various types of tissue regeneration. AIM: To evaluate serum Reg-1alpha for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: 14 non-obese, healthy subjects and 15 individuals with metabolic syndrome were studied. Anthropometric and laboratory analysis in sera (Body Mass Index--BMI, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, uric acid, aglucose, Quicki calculation, Reg-1alpha) were performed. RESULTS: Reg-1alpha levels did not differ between subjects with metabolic syndrome and healthy subjects (means 597.7 vs. 631.1 ng/l, p < 0.01) and positively correlated only with fasting glucose (r = 0.34; p < 0.01) and age (r = 0.38; p < 0.01); Reg-1alpha correlated even after adjustment to age. Reg-lalpha concentrations did not differ in men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, for the first time, indicates that serum Reg-1alpha is not useful for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (Tab. 3, Ref. 7).

Treatment with atorvastatin reduces serum adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein value in patients with hyperlipidaemia.

BACKGROUND: Adipocyte-fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) is a circulating protein expressed in adipocytes and macrophages. Several recent studies demonstrated that A-FABP might be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, particularly in dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of atorvastatin treatment (20 mg day(-1) for 3 months) on serum A-FABP value in subjects with hyperlipidaemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anthropometric and serum analyses were performed for body mass index, A-FABP, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), creatine kinase (CK) and glucose on 26 subjects (BMI 30.3 +/- 6.0, mean age 62 +/- 10 years) with hyperlipidaemia who met the criteria: total cholesterol > 5.2 mmol L(-1), LDL cholesterol > 3.3 mmol L(-1) and triglycerides < 3 mmol L(-1). RESULTS: After the 3-month therapy, a significant reduction in total cholesterol (P < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (P < 0.001), glucose (P < 0.001), A-FABP (from 44.6 +/- 26.2 to 38.6 +/- 19.3 g L(-1), P < 0.01), uric acid (P < 0.05), AST (P < 0.05) and triglycerides (P < 0.05) values was observed. No difference was found in BMI, CK, ALT, hs-CRP, or HDL cholesterol values. A significant difference in the serum A-FABP value before and after the therapy remains after the correction for total cholesterol value (P < 0.001). A positive correlation between serum A-FABP and glucose was found (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study confirmed in vivo that atorvastatin reduces serum A-FABP by a pleiotropic mechanism and supports the hypothesis that A-FABP is involved in atherosclerotic actions.

Proguanylin: development, analytical characterization, and clinical testing of a new ELISA.

The aim of our work was to develop an assay for the determination of proguanylin in human blood, and investigate its levels in healthy volunteers and donors suffer from hypertension often accompanied by body sodium accumulation and plasma volume expansion. We developed and evaluated the sandwich ELISA method for the quantitative determination of human proguanylin in serum samples. We conducted also the pilot study on individuals with hypertension and oh healthy probands and measured proguanylin serum levels, serum and urine sodium and creatinine levels. In the study on 256 healthy volunteers we demonstrated that women have significantly higher values of proguanylin than men (medians 12.7 vs. 9.6 ng/ml, p < 0.01) and proguanylin values increased with age of individuals (p < 0.01). Futhermore, we tested 17 individuals with hypertension and found that probands with anamnesi of hypertension had higher proguanylin values than healthy individuals from the first study (medians 16.2 vs. 11.3 ng/ml, p < 0.01). Both of groups did not differ in sex or age. Proguanylin values correlated with the systolic blood pressure (r = 0.41, p < 0.01), sodium fraction excretion (r = 0.72, p < 0.01) and serum sodium (r = -0.39, p < 0.01). No significant correlation we found with serum proguanylin and creatinine. In the group of 9 healthy probands we demonstrated the existence of a diurnal rhythm of proguanylin with its maximum in the evening hours (between 6-10 p.m.). The pilot study supports the hypothesis about the role of proguanylin in sodium metabolism and its possible importance for hypertension disorder. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings in individuals with hypertension with different medication in order to assess proguanylin value as a risk predictor of accelerated hypertension, and to classify individuals with hypertension for variuos types of diuretic therapy.

[Healthy persons versus patients with diabetes mellitus type 2--choosen parameters in serum and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue]. / Zdravé osoby versus pacienti s diagnózou diabetes mellitus 2. typu--vybrané parametry v séru a v subkutánní abdominální tukové tkáni.

UNLABELLED: Endocrinal products of adipocytes (PPARgamma, A-FABP, E-FABP, leptin, adiponectin and others) modulate insulin tissue sensitivity enabling them to participate in the ethiopathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2T). Persons with DM2T are characterised by typical changes in lipid spectrum (lower HDL-cholesterol and higherTAG) and in the endocrinal function of subcutaneous adipose tissue; adipocytes produce more PPARgamma, A-FABP and E-FABP and less adiponectin. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To measure chosen markers of metabolic syndrome (MS) in serum and in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue in healthy persons and patients with DMT2, to determine basic statistical characteristics of investigated parameters and to discus their role in the genesis and progress of the MS. METHODS: Samples of blood and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue were collected from each participant (healthy: 7 men and 8 women; diabetics: 18 men, 11 women) to investigate the levels of HDL, TAG, insulin, C-peptide, glycaemia and the concentrations of A-FABP, E-FABP, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, PPARgamma and TNFalpha. RESULTS: In most cases the average concentration of investigated parameters in serum was higher in persons with DM 2 regardless of gender. Lower values were only found for HDL and adiponectin. The same situation prevailed in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Values of most other parameters (A-FABP, E-FABP, and PPARgamma) were also higher in patients. The values of measured parameters not only differed in healthy and in sick persons but depended on gender. The increase/decrease in concrete parameters was greater in diabetic women than diabetic men. CONCLUSION: Higher concentrations of A-FABP, E-FABP in serum and in subcutaneous adipose tissue in diabetic persons also higher concentrations of PPARgamma in subcutaneous adipose tissue suggest that these investigated parameters are closely associated with obesity and MS. We can assume that in the near future these parameters will be used in clinical work for diagnosis of this syndrome.

[Utilization of glycogen phosphorylase BB measurement in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes in the event of chest pain]. / Vyuzití stanovení glykogenfosforylázy BB v diagnostice algické formy akutních koronárnich syndromu.

INTRODUCTION: Glykogen Phosphorylase BB is considered a timely and specific marker of acute coronary syndrome. A kit for measuring Glykogen Phosphorylase BB in routine diagnosis has been released recently. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To test the utilisation of Glykogen Phosphorylase BB measurement in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. METHOD: 70 patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome were tested. A final diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome/non-coronary difficulties was made according to ESC/ACC/AHA criteria. Measurements of troponin I, myoglobin and GPBB in venous plasma (heparin-lithium) were taken for all probands on admission and two and six hours later. RESULTS: Individuals with acute coronary syndrome (n = 52) had significantly higher levels of Glykogen Phosphorylase BB on admission and 2 hours after admission (21.9 vs 6.2; 18.7 vs 5.9 microg/l; p < 0.01). Levels of Glykogen Phosphorylase BB had a greater diagnostic effectiveness for the presence of acute coronary syndrome than levels of troponin I (threshold below ROC curve 0.89 vs. 0.78; 0.87 vs. 0.67). In the first two hours after admission, only levels of Glykogen Phosphorylase BB were included as independent variables in the regression model for the incidence of acute coronary syndrome (p < 0.05). When the group of patients with myocardial necrosis (n = 39; acute myocardial infarction without ST elevations on ECG; NSTEMI) is removed from the group with acute coronary syndrome, it was found that only GPBB and cTnl were independent variables in the regression model on initial testing and after two hours. After adjusting GPBB to cTnl, significantly higher levels of GPBB adjusted to troponin I were found in persons with NSTEMI (14.5 vs -48.0; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Measurement of Glykogen Phosphorylase BB has excellent effectiveness independently of troponin in the first hours after the onset of acute coronary syndrome and should ensure the correct diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in combination with troponin.

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in a Caucasian population: a new marker of metabolic syndrome?

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) has been suggested as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum A-FABP as a marker of metabolic syndrome and to assess its predictive accuracy in a Caucasian population. Anthropometric and serum analyses were performed for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, A-FABP, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), uric acid, and glucose on 67 non-obese, healthy subjects and 71 subjects with metabolic syndrome. Quicki-quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-curve) and chi(2) analysis were completed. Compared with healthy controls, subjects with metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher A-FABP serum level (mean: 42.4 vs. 23.7 microg L(-1); P < 0.01). The A-FABP serum level correlated with fasting levels of insulin (r = 0.34; P < 0.01), glucose (r = 0.21; P = 0.01), triglycerides (r = 0.4; P < 0.01), BMI (r = 0.57; P < 0.01) and waist circumference (r = 0.51; P < 0.01), but negatively with HDL-c (r = -0.23; P < 0.01) and Quicki (r = -0.32; P < 0.01). The relationship was defined between serum A-FABP level and metabolic syndrome diagnosis with 40% sensitivity and 99% specificity at A-FABP level 16.4 microg L(-1). Serum A-FABP level might be an independent marker of metabolic syndrome in a Caucasian population.

[Study of a newly synthesized substance with a potential to stimulate beta3-adrenergic receptors]. / Testování nove syntetizované látky s potencionálním beta-adrenergne agonistickým úcinkem.

beta3-Adrenoreceptor agonists can stimulate lipolysis in the white adipose tissue and thermogenesis in the brown adipose tissue. These activities could be useful in the treatment of obesity and the associated metabolic syndrome. The effects of six-week oral administration of the newly synthesized substance B496 (methyl-4-[2-[2-hydroxy-3-(4-ethylcarbamoyl)phenoxyprophyl]amino]etyl)-phenoxyacetate hydrochloride) on serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and leptin levels were studied in male Wistar rats fed with a high-fat diet. The animals were divided into a group treated with B496 (5 mg dissolved in 1 litre of water) and a control group. The results indicated a significant reduction in serum glucose levels (-26 %, p<0,01), triacylglyceride levels (-21 %, p<0,05) and leptin levels (-43 %, p<0,01). Further the effect of a single intraperitoneal dose (1 mg/kg) of B496 and BRL-37344 on serum leptin levels in the C57Bl/6J mouse was investigated. Administration of BRL-37344 resulted in a significant decrease in serum leptin levels (-55 %, p<0,001). This reduction was not demonstrated by newly synthesized substance B496.

[Experimental study of resveratrol and flavonoids in red wine with regard to their possible hypolipemic effects]. / Studium resveratrolu a flavonoidu prítomných v cerveném víne z pohledu mozného hypolipidemického úcinku v experimentu.

Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilben) is a polyphenol (phytoalexin) naturally found in wine and different therapeutic plants. It is a substance with an antioxidant and estrogenic effect and the ability to inhibit the growth of some tumours. Some studies mention its possible antiaggregation, neuroprotective and antiallergic effect. In the submitted pilot study the authors investigated the effect of resveratrol and flavonoids (anthocyanins, catechins) on serum lipid levels, in particular total cholesterol and liver enzymes in the laboratory rat. In the experiments healthy animals were used (fed a standard diet) as well as hypercholesterolemic animals (fed a special sugar diet) and treated animals. The investigated parameters were total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, aminotransferase aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The conclusions of the investigation indicate that resveratrol and flavonoids (anthocyanins, catechins) found in red wine significantly reduce the total cholesterol level in the hypercholesterolemic rat. The resultant effect of resveratrol and flavonoids on liver enzymes in our experiment is not unequivocal.

Hydrazide-functionalized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) microspheres for immobilization of horseradish peroxidase.

Nonporous cross-linked poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) (poly(HEMA-co-EDMA)) microspheres were prepared by dispersion polymerization of HEMA and EDMA. The polymerization was performed in toluene/2-methylpropan-1-ol in the presence of cellulose acetate butyrate as a steric stabilizer and dibenzoyl peroxide initiator. The particle size may be increased by decreasing the toluene/2-methylpropan-1-ol ratio and by increasing polymerization temperature. Adipohydrazide was attached to the microspheres activated with 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine. After periodate oxidation of its carbohydrate moieties, horseradish peroxidase was coupled to the hydrazide-functionalized poly(HEMA-co-EDMA) microparticles up to 7.3 microgram of enzyme/g of carrier without a significant loss of its activity. Immobilized peroxidase was found to be stable, retaining more than 97% of its initial activity when stored for 23 days after the preparation.

[Juvenile proximal femoral epiphysiolysis--review of the problems and results of surgical therapy]. / Juvenilní proximální femorální epifyzeolýza--souhrn problematiky a výsledky operacní lécby.

The authors describe the aetiology and different types of a serious affection of the hip joint which occurs during adolescence--juvenile proximal femoral epiphysiolysis. They describe surgical methods used in non-dislocated and dislocated conditions of this affection of the adolescent hip joint. In the course of ten years at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Institute of Postgraduate Medical Training a total of 88 epiphysiodeses and stabilizations of the proximal femoral epiphysis were performed, 32 osteotomies at the level of the trochanter minor according to Southwick's method, two osteotomies by Imhäuser-Weber's method and in 42 patients the epiphysiolysis was treated by subcapital osteotomy by Dunn's method. The authors emphasize accurate and early diagnosis of the disease and selection of correct surgical tactics. Adjustment of the anatomical conditions in the hip joint with restoration of articular congruence creates perspectives of its optimal function.

[Wedge resection of the metatarsal head in Freiberg-Köhler disease]. / Klínová resekce hlavicky metatarzu u m. Freiberg-Köhler.

The authors describe a group of 13 patients where during treatment of aseptic necrosis of the head of the metatarsal bone a new surgical method was used--wedge-shaped resection of the head. They describe the aetiology, surgical technique and results. This surgical technique is used at the Orthopaedic Clinic of the Institute for Postgraduate Medical Training Prague-Bulovka since 1987. In the discussion the authors evaluate the disadvantages of hitherto used surgical techniques and compare the methods with the method they use. In the conclusion the achieved results are evaluated which justify wider use of the described method in routine practice of orthopaedic departments.

[Extensive subtalar release in the treatment of congenital pes equinovarus]. / Rozsáhlé subtalární uvolnení v lécení pes equinovarus congenitus.

The results of the surgical treatment by the method of extensive subtalar release after McKay is observed on the group of 35 feet operated on in 23 patients. In 17 feet it was the case of the recurrence after the operation, 18 feet were operated on primarily either after the conservative therapy or after no preceding therapy. Surgical technique is described in which major stress is put on the considerate approach and perfect correction of all abnormalities within one operation. A three-grade evaluation was used for the assessment of the results: good, fair, poor. Good results were achieved in 60 per cent of operated feet, 23 percent were evaluated as fair and 17 per cent as poor results. In the group of patients operated on beforehand the number of poor results is higher than in the group of patients operated on for the first time. As a supplementary procedure enucleation of os cuboideum is applied either during the basic operation or in the following period, in the second phase metatarsal osteotomy and transposition of the tendon of m. tibialis ant. into the base of Vth metatarsal are performed. This method of surgical treatment provides very satisfactory results. With the adequate performance of surgical treatment the number of complications is minimal. This type of operation is indicated for children between 1 and 4 years of age, exceptionally it can be performed also in older patients (the oldest boy in the group was 6 years old).