Hydrodynamic studies of innovative membrane reactor for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic waste.

This paper presents the study concerning the impact of the basic operational parameters on the performance of an innovative microfiltration membrane reactor applied for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. The concept and basic hydrodynamics of the reactor with tubular ceramic membranes and a propeller agitator were shown. Besides, the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of corn straw was studied to check reactor functionality. It has been proven that the proposed reactor construction can improve the microfiltration of lignocellulosic suspension by reducing the cake layer on the membrane surface. Increasing the rotational speed of the propeller agitator also improved the filtration efficiency. The permeate flux during the microfiltration experiments was lower for smaller lignocellulose biomass fraction (D < 425 µm) when compared to the less fragmented corn straw (425 < D < 900 µm). For larger solid fractions, a stirring speed increase enhanced the separation efficiency regardless of the differences in biomass concentration. In contrast, this trend for the finer biomass fraction was only noticeable for the highest used biomass concentration (C = 2.0%). Considering the enzymatic hydrolysis of corn straw, membrane separation of reaction products positively influenced the process yield, and the results depended on the applied operational parameters.

Safety of the COVID-19 vaccination in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-A observational study from two pediatric rheumatology centres in Poland.

Introduction: The safety of COVID-19 vaccines in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the concern of patients and their parents and doctors in the current pandemic reality. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the safety of COVID-19 vaccine in patients with JIA. Method: A cohort study based on short clinical follow-up of 43 children with JIA was conducted in the years 2021-2022 in two centres of paediatric rheumatology in Poland. All patients received mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The patients' data were collected using appropriate validated questionnaire. Disease activity was evaluated using Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score 27-joint count (JADAS-27). Results: Ten (22.7%) children had COVID-19 infection before getting COVID-19 vaccine. After first dose of COVID-19 vaccine 25/43 (58.1%) patients presented typical adverse events: arm pain or oedema at the application side or weakness. Also, twenty five (58.1%) children had side effects after second dose of this vaccine, however the spectrum of the symptoms was wider (additionally: headache, fever, lymphadenopathy, arrhythmia). Thirteen out of 43 (30.2%) patients had active disease before and 8/43 (18.6%) after COVID-19 vaccination, while the degree of JADAS-27 activity was higher in the study group before COVID-19 vaccination (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Our study found out that children and adolescents with JIA with remission without treatment or on the long-term treatment-cDMARDs or even bDMARDs, can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19. Moreover, the study found that COVID-19 vaccination does not interfere with the JIA treatment and does not exacerbate symptoms of the disease and that vaccination protected against developing COVID-19 in children with JIA even on treatment.

Smoking History and the Development of Incisional Umbilical Hernia After Laparoscopic and Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Cholecystectomy.

The aim of this study was to analyze umbilical hernia occurrences in patients who underwent laparoscopic or laparoendoscopic single-sight (LESS) cholecystectomy. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2020 were surveyed. Data are presented as median (mean +/- standard deviation). Two hundred and fifty-three patients were sent the survey and 130 (51%) patients responded. The overall age was 57 (31 +/- 18) and the overall BMI was 30 (31 +/- 7). Twelve (9%) patients developed an umbilical hernia. Seventeen patients were active smokers and four (24%) developed an umbilical hernia. One hundred and thirteen patients were inactive smokers and eight (7%) developed an umbilical hernia. There was a statistical significance between umbilical hernia occurrence and smoking history (P < .05). Active smokers have a higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia following a minimally invasive cholecystectomy, regardless of operative approach. Elective cholecystectomy should be reconsidered for current smokers.

Concentration of survivin in children with oligo- and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): diagnostic and prognostic value-a single-center study.

AIM: The goal of the study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic utility of survivin in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: Seventy children with JIA-59 newly diagnosed and 11 biologically treated (46 girls and 17 boys) aged 1.5-18 years and 29 healthy children as a control group, appropriately matched in terms of sex and age, were included in the study. The disease activity was established on the basis of the JADAS-27 criteria. The concentration of survivin was assessed by an ELISA test in serum and also 18 matched synovial fluid samples collected from patients with JIA. RESULTS: Children with JIA were divided according to the subtype of the JIA. In 65.7% of patients, oligoarthritis was diagnosed. The largest group comprised children of low disease activity (62.9%) according to JADAS-27. The serum concentration of survivin was significantly higher in children with JIA compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The concentration of survivin was higher among patients positive for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide autoantibodies (ACPA) (p = 0.001). In all synovial fluid samples, the concentration of survivin was higher than in matched serum (p = 0.003). Serum survivin concentration was not significantly associated with radiological damage status or active synovitis assessed by joint ultrasonography. Survivin level was not significantly associated with disease duration time or treatment with TNF-α inhibitors in DMARD's non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: Survivin should be considered as a biomarker of joint inflammation helpful in the diagnosis of oligo- and polyarticular JIA and probably not dependent on treatment with TNF-α inhibitors.

Comparison of costs of hospitalization of patients with primary lung cancer after lobectomy with access through classic thoracotomy and VATS in the conditions of financing based on diagnosis-related groups.

BACKGROUND: One of serious problems in the management of health care units is rational management of financial resources allocated by the government for health care. This management is significantly influenced by the valuation tariff of health care services, including surgical procedures. The assessment of the cost-effectiveness of a particular service has a key role in the selection of procedures performed in a given health care unit. The aim of the study is to assess the costs of lobectomy via thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in terms of the impact on the overall hospitalization cost and the answer to the question whether differences in hospitalization costs depending on the access are large enough to justify different valuation tariffs for surgery via traditional and minimally invasive access. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of data on the costs of treatment of patients who underwent lobectomy via traditional access or VATS due to non-small cell lung cancer. Data concerning valuation of the procedure and hospitalization were compared with general costs of hospital treatment of these patients. RESULTS: The study has proven that duration of the procedure (VATS: 145 min, thoracotomy: 143 min) and total value of hospitalization costs depending on the type of access (VATS: €2,235, thoracotomy: €1,500) were similar-the differences did not show statistical significance (P=0.96 and 0.05118). In contrast, the average time of patient stay in the hospital after surgery and the average cost of surgery were significantly different (3.69 for VATS vs. 5.71 days for thoracotomy with P=0.0000084 and €1,705 for VATS and €682 for thoracotomy with P=0.0114). CONCLUSIONS: The total cost of patient hospitalization after lobectomy via VATS is similar to the cost of hospitalization after thoracotomy. Similar costs of both treatments with well-known benefits of VATS including shorter hospitalization and better quality of life of the patient speak in favor of a wider use of minimally invasive access with a good effect in the form of economical use of financial resources.

Isolation and characterization of Sphingomonadaceae from fouled membranes.

Membrane filtration systems are widely applied for the production of clean drinking water. However, the accumulation of particles on synthetic membranes leads to fouling. Biological fouling (i.e., biofouling) of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes is difficult to control by existing cleaning procedures. Improved strategies are therefore needed. The bacterial diversity on fouled membranes has been studied, especially to identify bacteria with specialized functions and to develop targeted approaches against these microbes. Previous studies have shown that Sphingomonadaceae are initial membrane colonizers that remain dominant while the biofilm develops. Here, we characterized 21 Sphingomonadaceae isolates, obtained from six different fouled membranes, to determine which physiological traits could contribute to colonization of membrane surfaces. Their growth conditions ranged from temperatures between 8 and 42 oC, salinity between 0.0 and 5.0% w/v NaCl, pH from 4 and 10, and all isolates were able to metabolize a wide range of substrates. The results presented here show that Sphingomonadaceae membrane isolates share many features that are uncommon for other members of the Sphingomonadaceae family: all membrane isolates are motile and their tolerance for different temperatures, salt concentrations, and pH is high. Although relative abundance is an indicator of fitness for a whole group, for the Sphingomonadaceae it does not reveal the specific physiological traits that are required for membrane colonization. This study, therefore, adds to more fundamental insights in membrane biofouling.

Comparison of uveitis in the course of juvenile idiopathic arthritis with isolated uveitis in children - own experiences.

OBJECTIVES: Uveitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) relatively often coexist. Inflammatory changes in the anterior segment of the eye are the most common extra-articular symptom in children with JIA, and JIA is, in turn, the main systemic cause of anterior uveitis in children. The aim of our study was to compare the course of anterior uveitis accompanying JIA and isolated uveitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 25 children with JIA and uveitis (group I) and 28 children with isolated uveitis (group II). The study population was retrospectively selected from the patients treated in our center in the years 1998-2016 through a search of the hospital database. All data were presented as descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In group I there was a higher percentage of girls than in group II (64% vs. 50%) and uveitis occurred at a significantly younger age (8.7 years vs. 11.6). Patients from group I more often presented with immunological abnormalities (positive antinuclear antibodies or HLA-B27 antigen). The majority of children from group I developed uveitis prior to (44%) or simultaneously with (20%) arthritis. In patients who first presented with uveitis, arthritis appeared on average after 28 months (median 12 months). In children in whom arthritis developed first, uveitis appeared on average after 51 months (median 36 months). In some patients the time interval between the involvement of these two organs was as long as 9-10 years. Four children from group I and three from group II were qualified for biological treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our analysis indicate the need for constant cooperation between the pediatric rheumatologist and the ophthalmologist. Although the risk of uveitis in JIA decreases with the disease duration, in some cases this complication can develop after many years. Children with present antinuclear antibodies, at younger age and of female gender should be subject to particularly close observation.

The effect of chamomile extract obtained in supercritical carbon dioxide conditions on physicochemical and usable properties of pharmaceutical ointments.

The study investigated the effect of chamomile extract obtained in supercritical carbon dioxide conditions on the basic properties of pharmaceutical ointments. A total of five formulations were designed and prepared, differing in the weight ratio of sunflower oil to chamomile extract (5:0, 3.5:1.5, 2.5:2.5, 1.5:3.5 and 0:5). An increase in the concentration of chamomile extract was found to be accompanied by a decrease in hardness, adhesive power and flow limit. Based on viscosity measurements it was shown that ointments containing the hydrophobic plant extract under study were prone to larger drops in viscosity under the effect of the set shear rate. It was determined that from the viewpoint of ointment spreadability and application to the skin, the optimum concentration of chamomile extract for the studied formulations should be within the range of 1.5-2.5%. Furthermore, the addition of chamomile extract to ointments was found to give samples a yellow-green color. Green was observed to be the dominant color, and its saturation and shade varied for different formulations.

Chest reconstruction using a custom-designed polyethylene 3D implant after resection of the sternal manubrium.

INTRODUCTION: Resection of manubrium or body of the sternum is associated with a necessity of chest wall reconstruction. Large sternal defects require the use of different types of implants to ensure acceptable esthetic effect for the patient and chest stabilization. AIM: The purpose of this case report is to present a novel method of reconstruction of manubrium removed due to renal cancer metastasis to the sternum. CASE: We present the case of a patient, who had underwent right nephrectomy for clear cell kidney cancer, diagnosed with a metastatic tumor in the sternum resulting in destruction of manubrium. The patient undergone tumor resection with primary reconstruction with an individual prosthesis. Sternal defect was filled with a personalized, computed tomography scan-based 3D-milled implant made of polyethylene. RESULTS: Sternal reconstruction was uneventful. The patient endured surgery well, and has been under surveillance in outpatient clinic, without any respiration disorders, implant movement or local recurrence. CONCLUSION: Custom-designed sternal implants created by 3D technique constitute an interesting alternative for previous methods of filling defects after resection of a tumor in this location.

Endogenous mechanisms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

The main cellular source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is mitochondrial respiratory chain and active NADPH responsible for "respiratory burst" of phagocytes. Whatsmore ROS are produced in endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, with the participation of xanthine and endothelial oxidase and during autoxidation process of small molecules. Mitochondrial respiratory chain is the main cellular source of ROS. It is considered that in aerobic organisms ROS are mainly formed during normal oxygen metabolism, as byproducts of oxidative phosphorylation, during the synthesis of ATP. The intermembranous phagocyte enzyme - activated NADPH oxidase, responsible for the "respiratory burst" of phagocytes, which is another source of ROS, plays an important role in defense of organism against infections. The aim of this article is to resume actuall knowledge about structure and function of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in which ROS are the byproducts and about NADPH oxidase as well as the function of each of its components in the "respiratory burst" of phagocytes.

Anti-MCV and anti-CCP antibodies-diagnostic and prognostic value in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

The goal of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) antibodies in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) comparing to anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP). Thirty children with confirmed JIA diagnosis and 20 children as a control group were included into the study. Serum and synovial fluid levels of anti-CCP, anti-MCV, and immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) antibodies have been assessed. Anti-MCV was positive in 11/30 (36.6 %), whereas anti-CCP positivity was found in 12/30 (40 %) children with JIA. Among 11 children with JIA positive for anti-MCV, five (45.5 %) were also positive for anti-CCP and among 18 JIA children negative for anti-CCP, six (33.33 %) were also anti-MCV positive. Six out of 30 JIA children were found to be IgM-RF positive. In general, two out of all those 11 anti-MCV-positive patients demonstrated oligoarthritis and 9/11 had polyarticular type of onset. Anti-MCV serum concentration correlated positively with anti-CCP (p = 0.004). Almost 60 % of children in early stage of JIA were anti-MCV positive. Levels of anti-CCP antibodies correlated positively with the disease activity (p = 0.0014) and radiological outcome (p = 0.00017). In all synovial fluid samples, the concentration of autoantibodies was under the cut-off values. The results of our study indicate that anti-MCV as well as anti-CCP antibodies may be helpful in the diagnosis of JIA, especially in the early course of the disease. Anti-MCV antibodies could identify a group of children with JIA which is negative for anti-CCP antibodies and RF. However, it appears that in JIA, anti-CCP rather than anti-MCV antibodies have impact on radiographic changes.

Inhibition of a biological sulfide oxidation under haloalkaline conditions by thiols and diorgano polysulfanes.

A novel approach has been developed for the simultaneous description of reaction kinetics to describe the formation of polysulfide and sulfate anions from the biological oxidation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) using a quick, sulfide-dependent respiration test. Next to H2S, thiols are commonly present in sour gas streams. We investigated the inhibition mode and the corresponding inhibition constants of six thiols and the corresponding diorgano polysulfanes on the biological oxidation of H2S. A linear relationship was found between the calculated IC50 values and the lipophilicity of the inhibitors. Moreover, a mathematical model was proposed to estimate the biomass activity in the absence and presence of sulfurous inhibitors. The biomass used in the respiration tests originated from a full-scale biodesulfurization reactor. A microbial community analysis of this biomass revealed that two groups of microorganism are abundant, viz. Ectothiorhodospiraceae and Piscirickettsiaceae.

Reactive oxygen species and serum antioxidant defense in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

In autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which leads to joint destruction, there is an imbalance between production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their neutralization which, as a consequence, leads to "oxidative stress." The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of oxidative stress markers: nitric oxide (NO), a degree of lipid membrane damage, and total antioxidant plasma capacity in children with JIA. Thirty-four children with JIA were included into the study. A degree of lipid membrane damage (lipid peroxidation products) was estimated as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs), NO concentration as NO end-products: nitrite/nitrate (NO2(-)/NO3(-)) and total antioxidant plasma capacity as ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). NO2(-)/NO3(-) serum concentration in children with JIA was statistically significantly higher than that in healthy children (p = 0.00069). There was no significant difference in TBAR levels between children with JIA and the control group. FRAP in sera of children with JIA was lower than that in healthy children, but the difference was not statistically significant. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between NO end products and the 27-joint juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS-27) and ESR, and a negative correlation was observed between FRAP and C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC). Our results confirm the increased oxidative stress in children with JIA. Overproduction of NO and decrease in the antioxidant plasma capacity may be involved in JIA pathogenesis.

Recurrent arterial and venous thrombosis in a 16-year-old boy in the course of primary antiphospholipid syndrome despite treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Antiphospholipid syndrome is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis and persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. It can be a primary disease or secondary when associated with other autoimmune diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 16-year-old Caucasian boy with a massive arterial and venous thrombosis in his lower limbs as well as in his central nervous system with clinical symptoms such as headaches and chorea. He did not present any clinical or laboratory signs of a systemic inflammatory connective tissue disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus. Based on the clinical picture and results of the diagnostic tests (positive antibodies against ß2-glycoprotein and a high titre of anticardiolipin antibodies) we finally diagnosed primary antiphospholipid syndrome. During a 9-month follow up after the acute phase of the disease, he was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. Neurological symptoms were relieved. Features of recanalization in the vessels of his lower limbs were observed. After a subsequent 6 months, because of the failure of preventive treatment - an incident of thrombosis of the vessels of his testis - treatment was modified and heparin was replaced with warfarin. CONCLUSION: Although the preventive treatment with warfarin in our patient has continued for 1 year of follow up without new symptoms, further observation is needed.

Correlation between spatial (3D) structure of pea and bean thylakoid membranes and arrangement of chlorophyll-protein complexes.

BACKGROUND: The thylakoid system in plant chloroplasts is organized into two distinct domains: grana arranged in stacks of appressed membranes and non-appressed membranes consisting of stroma thylakoids and margins of granal stacks. It is argued that the reason for the development of appressed membranes in plants is that their photosynthetic apparatus need to cope with and survive ever-changing environmental conditions. It is not known however, why different plant species have different arrangements of grana within their chloroplasts. It is important to elucidate whether a different arrangement and distribution of appressed and non-appressed thylakoids in chloroplasts are linked with different qualitative and/or quantitative organization of chlorophyll-protein (CP) complexes in the thylakoid membranes and whether this arrangement influences the photosynthetic efficiency. RESULTS: Our results from TEM and in situ CLSM strongly indicate the existence of different arrangements of pea and bean thylakoid membranes. In pea, larger appressed thylakoids are regularly arranged within chloroplasts as uniformly distributed red fluorescent bodies, while irregular appressed thylakoid membranes within bean chloroplasts correspond to smaller and less distinguished fluorescent areas in CLSM images. 3D models of pea chloroplasts show a distinct spatial separation of stacked thylakoids from stromal spaces whereas spatial division of stroma and thylakoid areas in bean chloroplasts are more complex. Structural differences influenced the PSII photochemistry, however without significant changes in photosynthetic efficiency. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of chlorophyll-protein complexes as well as spectroscopic investigations indicated a similar proportion between PSI and PSII core complexes in pea and bean thylakoids, but higher abundance of LHCII antenna in pea ones. Furthermore, distinct differences in size and arrangements of LHCII-PSII and LHCI-PSI supercomplexes between species are suggested. CONCLUSIONS: Based on proteomic and spectroscopic investigations we postulate that the differences in the chloroplast structure between the analyzed species are a consequence of quantitative proportions between the individual CP complexes and its arrangement inside membranes. Such a structure of membranes induced the formation of large stacked domains in pea, or smaller heterogeneous regions in bean thylakoids. Presented 3D models of chloroplasts showed that stacked areas are noticeably irregular with variable thickness, merging with each other and not always parallel to each other.

Anticitrullinated protein antibodies and radiological progression in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether determination of anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) provides predictive information on severity of disease course and joint destruction in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: Sera from 74 children with JIA were examined for ACPA using the ELISA test. To assess joint destruction, plain radiographs of both hands were scored twice according to the Steinbrocker scale: at the beginning of observation and after 8.9 to 15.2 months (median 11.5 months) of the followup. Correlations between ACPA serum levels and the disease characteristics (type of JIA onset, disease activity, disease duration, radiological status) were investigated. RESULTS: Twenty-six out of 74 examined children with JIA (35.0%) were ACPA-positive [> 5 relative units (RU)/ml]. ACPA were present in all types of JIA onset, including 36.6% of children with early stage JIA (disease duration < 6 months). All of the IgM-rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive children with polyarticular type of JIA onset were simultaneously positive for ACPA. ACPA levels correlated positively with disease activity at the beginning of the study (rho = 0.7196; p < 0.0001) and after followup (rho = 0.2485; p = 0.0486). Disease duration did not significantly affect ACPA serum levels. ACPA levels correlated positively with radiological joint destruction in children with JIA, both at the beginning of the study (rho = 0.4599; p = 0.0004) and after the followup period (rho = 0.5523; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: ACPA were superior to IgM-RF in diagnosing JIA and provided predictive information on severity of disease course and radiological outcome.

Takayasu's arteritis mimicking Kawasaki disease in 7-month-old infant, successfully treated with glucocorticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins.

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) rarely occurs in infants. There are only four reports on TA in children below 1 year of age, revealing diversity of its symptoms. We describe a 7-month-old female infant hospitalized for hectic fever, irritability, high acute phase indices, and coronary artery dilatations found on echocardiography, which suggested Kawasaki disease (KD). Despite of standard treatment, rapid development of thoracic and abdominal aorta aneurysms occurred, while coronary artery abnormalities regressed. The initial diagnosis was changed for TA. Subsequently implemented glucocorticosteroids led to clinical and laboratory normalization. However, 2 months after treatment discontinuation, TA relapsed. Glucocorticosteroid therapy was restarted with additional introduction of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), resulting in full and stable remission lasting over 1 year. Thus, diagnosis and treatment of infant TA pose a big challenge to physicians. TA onset in infants may mimics KD. Prolonged glucocorticosteroids and IVIG administration can be recommended in the youngest patients with TA.

[Metabolic syndrome in young adults type 1 diabetic patients]. / Zespól metaboliczny u mlodych doroslych chorych na cukrzyce typu 1.

AIM: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in type 1 diabetic patients and to assess the relationship between the scores of MS components and body mass and metabolic control. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 165 patients aged 18-32 years with diabetes duration 8-26 years were included into the study. The height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured. HbA1c and plasma lipids concentrations were examined. Body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR) and daily dose of insulin were calculated. MS was diagnosed according to the definition of National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). RESULTS: The prevalence of individual components of MS was 10.3% for high triglycerides, 7.3% for low HDL, 27.9% for high blood pressure, and 10.3% for abnormal waist circumference according to NGEP and 18.8% according to IDF definition. After assuming that all type 1 diabetic patients fulfilled criteria for hyperglycemia, the prevalence of MS diagnosed according to NCEP was 10.9% (95% CI 6.1-15.7) and according to IDF was the same 10.9% (95% CI 6.1-15.7). In 14 patients MS was diagnosed according to both definitions, whereas 4 met only the NCEP, and another 4 met only the IDF criteria. Rrelationships between the scores of MS components and BMI (p < 0.0001) and HbA1c (p = 0.002) were found. Patients with MS were older than the patients without MS (p = 0.003) and needed higher insulin doses (p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: According to the NCEP and IDF criteria similar prevalence of MS is recognized in type 1 diabetic patients. Only in 2/3 of them MS is diagnosed according to both definitions. The most frequently occurring component of MS is elevated blood pressure. The scores of MS components are related to the presence of overweight and to poor metabolic control.

Contrasting effect of dark-chilling on chloroplast structure and arrangement of chlorophyll-protein complexes in pea and tomato: plants with a different susceptibility to non-freezing temperature.

The effect of dark-chilling and subsequent photoactivation on chloroplast structure and arrangements of chlorophyll-protein complexes in thylakoid membranes was studied in chilling-tolerant (CT) pea and in chilling-sensitive (CS) tomato. Dark-chilling did not influence chlorophyll content and Chl a/b ratio in thylakoids of both species. A decline of Chl a fluorescence intensity and an increase of the ratio of fluorescence intensities of PSI and PSII at 120 K was observed after dark-chilling in thylakoids isolated from tomato, but not from pea leaves. Chilling of pea leaves induced an increase of the relative contribution of LHCII and PSII fluorescence. A substantial decrease of the LHCII/PSII fluorescence accompanied by an increase of that from LHCI/PSI was observed in thylakoids from chilled tomato leaves; both were attenuated by photoactivation. Chlorophyll fluorescence of bright grana discs in chloroplasts from dark-chilled leaves, detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy, was more condensed in pea but significantly dispersed in tomato, compared with control samples. The chloroplast images from transmission-electron microscopy revealed that dark-chilling induced an increase of the degree of grana stacking only in pea chloroplasts. Analyses of O-J-D-I-P fluorescence induction curves in leaves of CS tomato before and after recovery from chilling indicate changes in electron transport rates at acceptor- and donor side of PS II and an increase in antenna size. In CT pea leaves these effects were absent, except for a small but irreversible effect on PSII activity and antenna size. Thus, the differences in chloroplast structure between CS and CT plants, induced by dark-chilling are a consequence of different thylakoid supercomplexes rearrangements.

[Polymorphism I/D of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and disturbance of blood pressure in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents]. / Zaburzenia cisnienia tetniczego u dzieci i mlodziezy chorej na cukrzyce typu 1 a polimorfizm I/D genu enzymu konwertujacego angiotensyne.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate an association between ACE genotypes and blood pressure (BP) disturbances in children and adolescents withType 1 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 126 normo-albuminuric, type 1 diabetic children and adolescents at the age 10.5-19.7 years, and duration of diabetes 2.0-17.8 years, were included in the study. All patients were clinically normotensive and normoalbuminuric. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring was undertaken in all patients. The values of systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial BP blood pressure and diurnal variation in BP were estimated. Prehypertension was diagnosed as BP values between 90pc or 120/80 mmHg and 95pc. ACE genotypes were assessed using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In 48 individuals (38.1%) prehypertension was diagnosed. ACE genotypes distributed in patients were as follow: 31 (24.6%) genotype II, 45 (35.7%)--ID, and 50 (39.7%)--DD. Patients with DD genotype had higher nocturnal systolic BP (104 vs. 101 mmHg; p=0.029), diastolic BP (54 vs. 52 mmHg, p=0.003) and mean arterial BP (71 vs. 68 mmHg, p=0.003) as compared to carriers of the I allele (group ID + II). In the group DD in compare to the group ID + II lower nocturnal depletion in diastolic BP (18.0 vs. 20.5 mmHg, p=0.024) and mean BP (14.8 vs 16.6 mmHg, p=0.049) was observed. 14% patients of the DD group were non-dipper and 1.32% in the group ID + II (p=0.01). There was no differences in the prevalence of prehypertension between genotype groups (II+ID vs. DD: 38.2 vs. 38.0%, ns). CONCLUSIONS: Genotype DD is associated with nocturnal BP abnormalities in normotensive and normo-albuminuric children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. There is no relationship between frequency of prehypertension and ACE gene polymorphism.