Pentatricopeptide Motifs in the N-Terminal Extension Domain of Yeast Mitochondrial RNA Polymerase Rpo41p Are Not Essential for Its Function.

The core mitochondrial RNA polymerase is a single-subunit enzyme that in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is encoded by the nuclear RPO41 gene. It is an evolutionary descendant of the bacteriophage RNA polymerases, but it includes an additional unconserved N-terminal extension (NTE) domain that is unique to the organellar enzymes. This domain mediates interactions between the polymerase and accessory regulatory factors, such as yeast Sls1p and Nam1p. Previous studies demonstrated that deletion of the entire NTE domain results only in a temperature-dependent respiratory deficiency. Several sequences related to the pentatricopeptide (PPR) motifs were identified in silico in Rpo41p, three of which are located in the NTE domain. PPR repeat proteins are a large family of organellar RNA-binding factors, mostly involved in posttranscriptional gene expression mechanisms. To study their function, we analyzed the phenotype of strains bearing Rpo41p variants where each of these motifs was deleted. We found that deletion of any of the three PPR motifs in the NTE domain does not affect respiratory growth at normal temperature, and it results in a moderate decrease in mtDNA stability. Steady-state levels of COX1 and COX2 mRNAs are also moderately affected. Only the deletion of the second motif results in a partial respiratory deficiency, manifested only at elevated temperature. Our results thus indicate that the PPR motifs do not play an essential role in the function of the NTE domain of the mitochondrial RNA polymerase.

High frequency ultrasonography: a complementary diagnostic method in evaluation of primary cutaneous melanoma.

AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of high frequency ultrasonography in the diagnosis of melanoma. METHODS: We examined 84 patients with suspicious melanocytic skin lesions, including 19 cases of melanoma. In vivo high-resolution ultrasonography (30 MHz) was performed prior to excision. RESULTS: In ultrasound scans early melanomas presented as flat oval or fusiform shaped structures and were clearly demarcated, while advanced melanomas were characterized by a roundish shape with less distinct borders. The ultrasonographic thickness of in situ melanomas ranged from 0.02 to 0.85 mm. In the case of invasive tumors, the mean thickness evaluated by high frequency ultrasonography was 10.7% higher compared to the Breslow Score (1.44±0.8 mm and 1.3±0.88 mm, respectively). In all melanomas of Breslow Score of 1 mm or more ultrasound also indicated a Breslow Score of 1 mm or more. CONCLUSION: High frequency ultrasound examination has limited value in differential diagnosis of melanoma, but it gives a clear picture of the size and depth of the tumor. The method should be used as a complementary method (after dermoscopy and, where applicable, reflectance confocal microscopy) in preoperative evaluation of the tumor. In some cases of locally advanced melanoma, ultrasound examination may allow to reduce the number of surgical procedures and favor the decision of a one-time surgical treatment (removal of primary tumor and sentinel lymph node biopsy at the same time).

[Occupational penicillin allergy as an example of chronic recurring anaphylaxis]. / Alergia zawodowa na penicyline jako przyklad przewleklej nawracajacej anafilaksji.

A case of anaphylactic shock which appeared in a nurse working at surgery room for many years, was described. The nurse was examined due to the anaphylactic attack at work (paroxysmal, idiopathic anaphylaxis). Among many factors the first of all occupational ones (exposure to disinfectants, latex and penicillin) were taken into consideration. Two minutes after the intradermal application of 2 units of crystalline penicillin the symptoms of anaphylaxis (including the shock) occurred. The problems of penicillin allergy in the aspect of skin tests, which make use of this antibiotic, were also described in the paper.

[Preliminary estimation of results of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in severe steroid-dependent adult asthma]. / Wstepna ocena wyników leczenia ciezkich postaci steroidozaleznej astmy oskrzelowej duzymi dawkami immunoglobulin ludzkich.

The aim of this study was to estimate efficacy and safety the high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin's (IVIG) in severe steroid-dependent adult asthma. The study group consisted of 10 asthmatic patients aged 18-74 (in an average 53 +/- 15) who received 6 months infusions therapy (7 doses). Each IVIG dose was 2 g/kg/month of body mass. In treatment monitoring the following parameters were used: asthma score, drugs (systemic and inhaled corticosteroids, beta 2-mimetic) use, daily PEF and monthly FEV1. Preliminary estimation of the obtained results shows the reduction of systemic corticosteroids doses and simultaneous improvement of asthma score and FEV1 as well as the decrease of asthma aggravation and emergency need among examined patients. Basing on this experience in high-dose IVIG treatment of patients with severe steroid-dependent asthma one could conclude about the safety and effectiveness of this method, particularly about its influence on the reduction of corticosteroids doses necessary for asthma control. The short time of observation does not allow to estimate the persistence of therapeutic effect after finish of this therapy. However, in some patients the recovery persisted for 6 months after the ending of IVIG infusions.

[Simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting on the beating heart without assisted circulation and radical modified Patey mastectomy--case report]. / Jednoczasowa operacja rewaskularyzacji naczyn wiencowych na bijacym sercu bez krazenia pozaustrojowego i radykalnej zmodyfikowanej amputacji sutka sposobem Pateya--opis przypadku.

A case of 53-year-old female with unstable angina pectoris and primary right breast cancer is presented. Simultaneous operation including coronary artery bypass grafting and modified radical mastectomy was performed. On the beating heart coronary anastomoses were done without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) through median sternotomy (OPCABG). Immediately after OPCABG cancer operation was performed under stable hemodynamics without any bleeding tendency. There were neither perioperative nor postoperative complications noticed. Three months after operation adjuvant local radiotherapy was started. Concomitant surgical treatment seems to be safe and beneficial in carefully selected patients who have surgically correctable coronary artery disease and potentially curable breast cancer.

[Use of thermographic methods for estimation of skin prick test results. II. Evaluation of skin prick test results with histamine solutions of different concentration using liquid crystal mixtures]. / Zastosowanie metod termograficznych do oceny wyników punktowych testów skórnych. II. Ocena wyników punktowych testów skórnych z roztworami histaminy o róznych stezeniach przy uzyciu mieszanin cieklokrystalicznych.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of liquid crystal thermography in interpretation of skin prick tests with selected allergens and different solutions of histamine. The study group consisted of 35 young adults with indications for skin prick tests, and in whom skin tests with different solutions of histamine were also carried out (10 mg of histamine per 1 ml diluted to a concentration of 1:1, 1:10, 1:100). The skin reaction was assessed visually after 15 minutes, measuring flare and wheal diameter and utilizing the liquid crystal thermographic method--assessing the diameter of each colour green, blue, violet. For statistical purposes the area was also calculated. A correlation of each area was performed with the wheal and flare diameter. The area of the skin reaction was largest for both methods using the undiluted solution of histamine, the smallest using the 1:100 dilution. The liquid crystal thermographic method showed larger areas of skin lesions than those using only the visual method by analyzing the size of the wheal and flare. Due to this fact skin tests should be carried out at lest 9 cm apart from each other. The largest correlation was found between diameter of the flare and area of blue colour of the liquid crystal thermographic method (registering the temperature of 34.3 degrees C-36.3 degrees C). Using the thermographic method a joint temperature analysis of the wheal and flare lesions are performed. The results of this study correspond with the earlier, preliminary studies showing the usefulness of the liquid crystal thermographic method in assessing skin reactions to different allergens and histamine solutions.

[Use of thermography methods for evaluating skin prick tests. I. Background temperature of area where skin prick tests are performed. Optimal color scale of temperature differences registered by liquid crystals and conditions of their use]. / Zastosowanie metod termograficznych do oceny wyników punktowych testów skórnych. I. Tlo temperaturowe obszarów wykonywania punktowych testów skórnych, optymalne zakresy temperaturowej odpowiedzi barwnej mieszanin cieklokrystalicznych oraz warunki ich stosowania.

The aim of the study was to estimate the value in visualization of temperature gradients in assessing results of skin prick tests. The study group consisted of 10 patients suspected of having allergic diseases in whom skin prick tests were carried out. They were performed typically using the Bencard allergens kits. A positive control was performed using different solutions of histamine (10 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 0.1 mg/ml). The traditional method comprising of measurement of erythema, and whed was compared with visual thermography and open liquid crystal themography. The background temperature of typical areas chosen for skin prick tests were compared under condition of thermographic evaluation. The skin of the upper region of the back was chosen for uniform temperature background. Basing on the analysis of the background temperature and in areas of high reaction to histamine and allergens the temperature and in areas of high reaction to histamine and allergens the temperature gradient was calculated to be 2.2 degrees--2.5 degrees C. In order to visualize this gradient in composition of liquid crystals was made of a working range of 34.3 degrees--36.3 degrees C. Criteria for a correct thermographic evaluation of skin prick tests were established after studying the effect of manipulation of the area examined, local lowering of the temperature, use of cold solutions of allergens. Further studies are planned in order to assess the practical use of this thermographic analytical method.

[Effect of cetirizine therapy on the rate of adverse reactions to specific desensitization]. / Wplyw podawania cetirizyny na wystepowanie objawów niepozadanych odczulania swoistego.

An effect of cetirizine--one of antihistaminic agents--on the rate of adverse reactions to the specific desensitization has been evaluated in patients with atopic respiratory diseases. The study included 270 patients desensitized in 1988-1993 for the atopic diseases due to hypersensitivity to grass pollens and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Standard Alvac-P. Pollinex, and Alvac-S HDM vaccines have been used. Occurrence and severity of the adverse reactions noted during 3,368 injections of vaccines have been analysed. Frequency and adverse reactions severity have been compared for two periods--1988-1990 when patients have not been given antihistaminic agent, and 1991-1993--when ceterizine has been administered during the whole period of desensitization. It has been found that simultaneous cetirizine administration decreases frequency and severity of adverse reaction to the used vaccines. Such a procedure may be recommended to patients with advance hypersensitivity given vaccines in out-patient clinics.

High serum levels of allergen specific IgG-4 (asIgG-4) for common food allergens in healthy blood donors.

High serum levels of asIgG-4 against common food allergens are found in many patients with symptoms suggesting food allergy. The same patients are frequently negative for allergen specific IgE (asIgE) against the same allergens. These data were frequently interpreted as suggestive of a role of asIgG-4 in food allergy. In order to evaluate this hypothesis we tested serum levels of asIgG-4 against food allergens in young blood donors without any signs or history of food allergy. Fifty young healthy male donors were evaluated. The serum levels of IgE, and asIgE and IgG-4 against 14 common food allergens were determined. The studies were carried out using commercially available 3M Diagnostics Systems kits. AsIgG-4 against food allergens were found in sera of 92% blood donors, and in 62% of these healthy persons the levels of asIgG-4 were higher than 10.0 micrograms/ml. In a small proportion of patients, high serum levels of IgE and asIgE against the same food and/or inhalant allergens were found. Common occurrence of asIgG-4 against food allergens in healthy persons (without any symptoms which could suggest allergy or food intolerance) argues against the possible participation of these antibodies in the pathogenesis of food allergy. It is possible that their occurrence is the result of immunization against food antigens (allergens). It remains to be resolved whether the presence of these antibodies represents an epiphenomenon or may have some other biological role.