Demographic factors, personality, and executive functions as predictors of procrastination in Polish and Ukrainian youth.

BACKGROUND: Procrastination is an irrational and unproductive behavior that disrupts psychological well-being and the quality of interpersonal relationships. The study aimed to determine the differences between Polish and Ukrainian youth in procrastinating and establish personality and executive functions as predictors of procrastination. Also, cultural differences were taken into account. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: It included 180 students (86 females and 94 males) aged 12 to 17; 84 lived in Lublin, Poland, while 96 lived in Lviv, Ukraine. The Pure Procrastination Scale, Ten Item Personality Inventory, and Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory were used. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the level of procrastination between the whole Polish and Ukrainian groups, but age was an important predictor of procrastination. Gender was not a differentiating factor within the Polish or Ukrainian group. The most stable negative set of predictors of procrastination appeared to be age, agreeableness, and inhibitory control. These traits can be helpful in dealing with procrastination tendencies. CONCLUSIONS: Our research shows that an ability to control procrastination depends more on predispositions related to personality traits than on executive function improvement linked to the maturation of the frontal lobes. Combining the demographic, personality, and executive variables showed that students in the older age groups were more resistant to procrastination.

Evaluation of the Protective and Regenerative Properties of Commercially Available Artichoke Leaf Powder Extract on Plasma and Liver Oxidative Stress Parameters.

Hepatocellular damage by the harmful effects of xenobiotics, which increase the production of free radicals, is a widespread phenomenon. The extract from the leaves of Cynara scolymus L. available as an artichoke preparation (natural source) of antioxidants may serve as a potential hepatoprotective factor. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the protective and regenerative properties of artichoke preparation on the liver in three extract doses: 0.5; 1.0; and 1.5 g/kg bw/day. The evaluation was conducted by measuring the levels of oxidative stress parameters, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferases (GST), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), SH- group, nitrosylated protein (RSNO), as well as such liver enzymes as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the plasma and liver homogenate of rats with liver damage induced by CCl4 (1 mL/kg bw). Measurements were taken in plasma and liver homogenate. The results have demonstrated that the artichoke preparation, owing to its high antioxidative potential, exhibits protective and regenerative effects on the liver. This is supported by the observation of higher GSH levels in the plasma of rats treated with artichoke extract for two weeks before CCl4 exposure. Furthermore, the artichoke extract has shown regenerative properties, as evidenced by lower ALT, AST, and SOD activity in the group treated with artichoke extract after CCl4 exposure. These findings suggest that the in vivo administration of artichoke preparation may be beneficial for the protection and regeneration of the liver.

The Impact of Study Mode (Online vs. Hybrid) on Early Symptoms of Depression and Coping Strategies among University Students in Poland in Time of COVID-19 Pandemic-Preliminary Study.

INTRODUCTION: mental health has been one of the most important issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic; mental disorders can be exacerbated by isolation during lockdowns or online learning. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between non-clinical (early) symptoms of depressed moods, personality traits, and coping strategies, as well as whether the learning mode (online versus hybrid) differentiates the experiences of these early symptoms and coping strategies. METHODS: 114 university students aged 19 to 34, whose education model was changed from stationary to hybrid or online due to COVID-19 restrictions, participated in the study. The participants completed the online questionnaire, which consisted of two sections: (1) demographic questions to characterize the subjects and 44 questions based on the literature review. (2) Mini-COPE Inventory. RESULTS: the study showed that the fully online study mode has a negative impact on the mental health of students; hybrid students are more likely to use active and positive coping strategies, which effectively help to control negative thoughts and/or reduce negative mental states. CONCLUSIONS: the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological effects that will extend to coming years; therefore, implementing systemic psychological care is of utmost importance.

Insight into the Sorption of 5-Fluorouracil and Methotrexate onto Soil-pH, Ionic Strength, and Co-Contaminant Influence.

Nowadays anticancer drugs (ADs), like other pharmaceuticals, are recognized as new emerging pollutants, meaning that they are not commonly monitored in the environment; however, they have great potential to enter the environment and cause adverse effects there. The current scientific literature highlights the problem of their presence in the aquatic environment by publishing more and more results on their analytics and ecotoxicological evaluation. In order to properly assess the risk associated with the presence of ADs in the environment, it is also necessary to investigate the processes that are important in understanding the environmental fate of these compounds. However, the state of knowledge on mobility of ADs in the environment is still very limited. Therefore, the main aim of our study was to investigate the sorption potential of two anticancer drugs, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and methotrexate (MTX), onto different soils. Special attention was paid to the determination of the influence of pH and ionic strength as well as presence of co-contaminants (cadmium (Cd2+) and another pharmaceutical-metoprolol (MET)) on the sorption of 5-FU and MTX onto soil. The obtained distribution coefficient values (Kd) ranged from 2.52 to 6.36 L·kg-1 and from 6.79 to 12.94 L·kg-1 for 5-FU and MTX, respectively. Investigated compounds may be classified as slightly or low mobile in the soil matrix (depending on soil). 5-FU may be recognized as more mobile in comparison to MET. It was proved that presence of other soil contaminants may strongly influence their mobility in soil structures. The investigated co-contaminant (MET) caused around 25-fold increased sorption of 5-FU, whereas diminished sorption of MTX. Moreover, the influence of environmental conditions such as pH and ionic strength on their sorption has been clearly demonstrated.

New Gene Markers Expressed in Porcine Oviductal Epithelial Cells Cultured Primary In Vitro Are Involved in Ontological Groups Representing Physiological Processes of Porcine Oocytes.

Changes that occur within oviducts after fertilization are dependent on post-ovulation events, including oocyte-oviduct interactions. Although general processes are well-defined, the molecular basis are poorly understood. Recently, new marker genes involved in 'cell development', 'cell growth', 'cell differentiation' and 'cell maturation' processes have been identified in porcine oocytes. The aim of the study was to assess the expression profile of genes in primary in vitro cultured oviductal epithelial cells (OECs), clustered in Gene Ontology groups which enveloped markers also identified in porcine oocytes. OECs (from 45 gilts) were surgically removed and cultured in vitro for ≤ 30 days, and then subjected to molecular analyses. The transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of cells cultured during 7, 15 and 30 days were investigated. Additionally, morphological/histochemical analyzes were performed. The results of genes expression profiles were validated after using RT-qPCR. The results showed a significant upregulation of UNC45B, NOX4, VLDLR, ITGB3, FMOD, SGCE, COL1A2, LOX, LIPG, THY1 and downregulation of SERPINB2, CD274, TXNIP, CELA1, DDX60, CRABP2, SLC5A1, IDO1, ANPEP, FST. Detailed knowledge of the molecular pathways occurring in the OECs and the gametes that contact them may contribute both to developments of basic science of physiology, and new possibilities in advanced biotechnology of assisted reproduction.

Carfentanil - from an animal anesthetic to a deadly illicit drug.

The use of novel synthetic opioids as recreational drugs has become a public health concern as they are implicated in numerous fatal intoxications across the world. Synthetic opioids have played a major role in the United States opioid crisis and may contribute to a similar opioid epidemic in Europe. The most prominent group of designer opioids consists of fentanyl and its analogues. At present, carfentanil is the most dangerous fentanyl derivative. It was recently detected as an adulterant to other illicit drugs and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, contributing to life-threatening hospital admissions and fatalities. Toxic exposure to carfentanil typically occurs through injection, insufflation or inhalation. Carfentanil produces similar pharmacotoxicological effects to other opioids. However, due to its extraordinary potency, reversing carfentanil-induced severe and recurring respiratory depression requires administration of multiple or higher than standard doses of naloxone. Toxicological reports indicate that carfentanil use is strongly connected to polydrug use. Detection of carfentanil requires specific and sensitive analytical methods that are not commonly available in hospitals. Since abuse of carfentanil is an emerging problem, particularly in the United States, there is an urgent need to develop new techniques for rapid determination of intoxication evoked by this drug as well as new treatment regimens for effective overdose maintenance. This review presents current knowledge on pharmacological activity of carfentanil, prevalence and patterns of use, and analytical methods of its detection. Special emphasis is given to carfentanil-related non-fatal and lethal overdose cases.

Mediating Effect of Emotional and Social Competences on Interrelations Between Gender, Age and the Broad Autism Phenotype.

The study aimed to identify the mediating role of emotional intelligence and social competences in the relationship between gender and broad autism phenotype (BAP) as well as between age and BAP. It comprised 85 parents of children with ASD. They completed the questionnaires of Autism-Spectrum Quotient, social competences, and emotional intelligence. The results revealed that emotional intelligence in general and its two dimensions: the ability to accept and express emotions and to empathize are important mediators of the relationship between gender and BAP. Also, social competences in general and two of their dimensions: the effectiveness of behavior in intimate situations and in social situations were significant mediators. The relationship between age and BAP could not be confirmed.

Expression of Selected Connexin and Aquaporin Genes and Real-Time Proliferation of Porcine Endometrial Luminal Epithelial Cells in Primary Culture Model.

Luminal epithelial cells are the first embryonic-maternal contact site undergoing very specific changes associated with reproductive processes. Cells prepare for embryo development by increasing their volume, with the help of aquaporins that provide a transcellular path of rapid water movement during the secretion and absorption of fluids, as well as connexins enabling the flow of inorganic ions and small molecules. In this work, we have examined how AQPs and Cx's behave in luminal epithelium primary cell culture. Cells obtained from porcine specimen during slaughter were primarily in vitro cultured for 7 days. Their proliferation patterns were then analyzed using RTCA, with the expression of genes of interest evaluated with the use of immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR. The results of these changes of gene of interest expression were analyzed on each of the seven days of the porcine luminal primary cell culture. Our study showed that the significant changes were noted in the case of Cx43, whose level of protein expression and distribution increases after 120 hours of culture, when the cells enter the lag phase, and maintains an upward trend until the end of the culture. We noted an increase in AQP4, AQP7, AQP8, and AQP11 levels throughout the entire culture period, while the largest differences in expression were found in AQP3, AQP4, and AQP10. The obtained results could become a point of reference for further in vivo and clinical research. Experiments conducted with these proteins showed that they influence the endometrial fluid content during the oestrous cycle and participate in the process of angiogenesis, which intensifies during endometrial development.

Rise in antifibrotic and decrease in profibrotic microRNA protect the heart against fibrosis during pregnancy: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Physiological pregnancy is associated with volume overload. Unlike cardiac pathologies linked with volume overload, such as mitral or aortic regurgitation, pregnancy is thought to be unrelated to fibrosis of the heart. However, changes in the cardiac extracellular matrix during pregnancy remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the expression of 11 microRNAs associated with cardiac fibrosis (miR-21, miR-26a, miR-26b-5p, miR-29b-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-101a, miR-146a, miR-208a, miR-223 and miR-328) during pregnancy and to compare them with a healthy control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six women in singleton pregnancy (30-36 weeks) and 6 non-pregnant women as a control group were included in the study. Each woman underwent an echocardiographic examination, and had blood pressure on both arms measured and a blood sample taken. MicroRNAs expression was analyzed using Custom TaqMan® Array MicroRNA Cards (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, USA). RESULTS: Median age of the pregnant women was 34 years (range 25-39 years) and of the control group 32 years (range 29-43 years). Median week of pregnancy was 34 years (range 31-36 years). Most of the examined microRNAs had a lower expression in the pregnancy group (fold change 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: In the 3rd trimester of physiological pregnancy, there is a 244% increase in expression of miR-101a and a decrease by 73% in expression of miR-328. Both of these changes can protect against fibrosis during volume overload occurring in physiological pregnancy.

Expression of genes associated with BMP signaling pathway in porcine oocytes before and after IVM - a microarray approach.

BACKGROUND: The full maturational capability of mammalian oocytes is accompanied by nuclear and cytoplasmic modifications, which are associated with proliferation and differentiation of surrounding cumulus cells. These events are regulated on molecular level by the expression of target genes involved in signal transduction pathways crucial for folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Transforming growth factor beta signaling includes several molecules that are involved in the regulation of oogenesis and embryo growth, including bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). However, the BMP-related gene expression profile in oocytes at different maturational stages requires further investigation. METHODS: Oocytes were isolated from pubertal crossbred Landrace gilts follicles, selected with a use of BCB staining test and analyzed before and after in vitro maturation. Gene expression profiles were examined using an Affymetrix microarray approach and validated by RT-qPCR. Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) software was used for the extraction of the genes belonging to a BMP-signaling pathway ontology group. RESULTS: The assay revealed 12,258 different transcripts in porcine oocytes, among which 379 genes were down-regulated and 40 were up-regulated. The DAVID database indicated a "BMP signaling pathway" ontology group, which was significantly regulated in both groups of oocytes. We discovered five up-regulated genes in oocytes before versus after in vitro maturation (IVM): chordin-like 1 (CHRDL1), follistatin (FST), transforming growth factor-beta receptor-type III (TGFßR3), decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4), and inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1). CONCLUSIONS: Increased expression of CHRDL1, FST, TGFßR3, SMAD4, and ID1 transcripts before IVM suggested a subordinate role of the BMP signaling pathway in porcine oocyte maturational competence. Conversely, it is postulated that these genes are involved in early stages of folliculogenesis and oogenesis regulation in pigs, since in oocytes before IVM increased expression was observed.

Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus isolated from wildlife: Identification, molecular characterization and evaluation of resistance profiles with focus on a methicillin-resistant strain.

The aim of the study was molecular analysis of coagulase-positive isolates of Staphylococcus bacteria obtained from wild animals and evaluation of their resistance to antimicrobial agents. A total of 76 rectal swabs were taken from wild animals. The species of the Staphylococcus isolates was determined by MALDI TOF MS, susceptibility to antimicrobials was evaluated by phenotypic and molecular methods, epidemiological analysis (ADSRRS-fingerprinting) was also carried out. MRSA isolate was typed by MLST and spa-typing. The animals tested, were carriers (n=38) of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (S. aureus, S. pseudintermedius and S. delphini B). Analyzed isolates were resistant to 1 or 2 antimicrobials, which was confirmed by the presence of genes (blaZ, ermA, ermB, msrA, tetK and tetM). A multi-drug resistant and methicillin-resistant isolate of S. aureus was obtained as well (MRSA, ST8, t1635, PVL-positive and ACME-negative). The ADSRRS-fingerprinting method enabled interspecific and intraspecific differentiation of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus isolates, revealing a certain degree of correlation between the species of the isolate, and the degree of similarity between the isolates. The presence of resistance genes in 13% (5/38) of the isolates obtained from wild animals, including one methicillin-resistant isolate, is relatively small in comparison to the degree of colonization by resistant strains in humans, livestock or pets. Nevertheless, due to the possibility of contact between wild animals, domestic animals and humans, transmission of resistant strains is possible, as suggested by our isolation of a MRSA strain typed as ST8 and specific spa type t1635, which had previously been isolated exclusively from humans.

Expression and cellular distribution of zona pellucida glycoproteins in canine oocytes before and after in vitro maturation.

This study was aimed at investigating zona pellucida glycoproteins (ZP) ZP2, ZP3 mRNA expression as well as ZP3, ZP4 (ZPB) protein distribution before and after in vitro maturation (IVM) in canine oocytes. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from 27 anoestrous mongrel bitches and matured for 72 h in TCM199 medium. The canine COCs were analysed before and after IVM. Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR), both groups of oocytes were analysed for detection of ZP2 and ZP3 mRNA profiles as well as using confocal microscopic analysis for observation of ZP3 and ZP4 protein distribution. In post-IVM canine oocytes an increase in transcript content of ZP2 and ZP3 genes as well as a decrease in ZP3 and ZP4 protein levels were observed when compared with pre-IVM oocytes. Moreover, the ZP4 protein before IVM was significantly distributed in the peripheral area of cytoplasm, whereas after IVM it was localized rather than in the entire cytoplasm. In contrast, the ZP3 protein was found both before and after IVM was distributed in the peripheral area of the cytoplasm. In conclusion, we suggest that the expression of ZP2 and ZP3 genes is associated with the maturation stage of canine oocytes, as higher mRNAs levels were found after IVM. However, a decreased expression of ZP3 and ZP4 proteins after IVM suggests maturation-dependent down-regulation of these protein translations, which may result in disturbed fertilization.

[Evaluation of selected parameters of specific immunity in children with osteosarcoma at various stages of antitumour treatment].

UNLABELLED: Typical cells of specific immunity are lymphocytes. T cells may specifically recognize antigens using T Cell Receptors (TCRs). Antigen presentation by specialized cells is a necessary element of specific immunity. It leads to initiating an immune response. After antigen dependent activation T cells transform to memory and effector lymphocytes. Cells engaged directly in destruction of the tumour are CD8+cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CD4+ lymphocytes, Tγδ lymphocytes, NK, NKT cells and indirectly B lymphocytes. One of the main methods of osteosarcoma treatment in children is chemotherapy. The goal is to destroy the cancer cells by putting them in a state of apoptosis. All of the medications used as chemotherapy carry the risk of short-term and long-term problems including leukopenia, immune disorders such as immunodeficiency. THE AIM OF STUDY: was evaluation by flow cytometry selected elements of specific cellular immunity in children with osteosarcoma at various stages of antitumour treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on the group of 44 children with osteosarcoma, aged from 6 to 20 years (average 14.9 years; median 15.0 years). T and B lymphocytes and subpopulations: CD4+, CD8+, CD3+?HLA-DR+, CD3+γδ; NK, NKT cells were analyzed in peripheral blood with use of flow cytometry method with monoclonal antibodies. Examinations were performed before the therapy - in diagnostic period (examination I), after the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (examination II), 10-14 days after the surgery (examination III), 5 months after the surgery (after adjuvant chemotherapy, examination IV). RESULTS: The number of T and B lymphocytes was decreasing after each stage of cytostatic therapy, with the biggest differences for CD19+ cells (medians: I examination - 205.0; II exam. - 62.0; IV exam. - 24.0 cells/mL); in single cases the number of cells decreased even under 10/mL (norm 200-500 cells/mL). CONCLUSIONS: 1. In children and youth with osteosarcoma antineoplastic treatment contributes to the suppression of the immune system, decreasing definitely the number and percentage of B lymphocytes, T helper lymphocytes and NK cells. 2. Decreased number of CD3+, CD4+, CD19+ and NK lymphocytes during chemotherapy may contribute to the progression of neoplastic disease in the future, after treatment. 3. Evaluation of immunologic status in patients with osteosarcoma may be helpful in monitoring of antineoplastic therapy effectiveness, may prevent the formation of unfavourable clinical changes and may be the basis for correction of the cytostatic agents' administration.

Medical devices early assessment methods: systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to get an overview of current theory and practice in early assessments of medical devices, and to identify aims and uses of early assessment methods used in practice. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted in September 2013, using computerized databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus), and references list search. Selected articles were categorized based on their type, objective, and main target audience. The methods used in the application studies were extracted and mapped throughout the early stages of development and for their particular aims. RESULTS: Of 1,961 articles identified, eighty-three studies passed the inclusion criteria, and thirty were included by searching reference lists. There were thirty-one theoretical papers, and eighty-two application papers included. Most studies investigated potential applications/possible improvement of medical devices, developed early assessment framework or included stakeholder perspective in early development stages. Among multiple qualitative and quantitative methods identified, only few were used more than once. The methods aim to inform strategic considerations (e.g., literature review), economic evaluation (e.g., cost-effectiveness analysis), and clinical effectiveness (e.g., clinical trials). Medical devices were often in the prototype product development stage, and the results were usually aimed at informing manufacturers. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed converging aims yet widely diverging methods for early assessment during medical device development. For early assessment to become an integral part of activities in the development of medical devices, methods need to be clarified and standardized, and the aims and value of assessment itself must be demonstrated to the main stakeholders for assuring effective and efficient medical device development.

[Evaluation of selected parameters of cellular immunity in children with osteosarcoma at diagnosis]. / Ocena stanu immunologicznego dzieci I mlodzinezy z miesakiem kosciopochodnym w momencie rozpoznania choroby.

UNLABELLED: The causes of osteosarcoma (OS) and effector mechanisms of the immune response against OS and other neoplastic diseases remain unknown. According to current knowledge, the major role is attributed to cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK, NKT and Taä lymphocytes, which are engaged directly in the destruction of the tumour cells. Helper T lymphocytes (CD4+) and indirectly B lymphocytes are of special importance. There is sparse data on the state and efficiency of the immune system in children with neoplastic disease, with bone tumours in particular. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was the evaluation of selected elements of cellular immunity in children with osteosarcoma at the time of diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on a group of 44 children with osteosarcoma, aged from 6 to 20 years (median 15.0 years). The control group consisted of 22 children of the same age (median 14.5 years) without the diagnosis of neoplastic disease and active inflammatory state. T lymphocytes with their subpopulations, activated T lymphocytes (CD3+/HLA-DR+), B lymphocytes, NK and NKT cells were analyzed in peripheral blood using the flow cytometry method. Examinations were performed before the therapy - in the diagnostic period. RESULTS: A lower number of peripheral blood lymphocyte population in children with osteosarcoma at diagnosis, compared to the control group was observed. The differences concerned T lymphocytes CD3+(1609.0 vs 3038.0 kom/µl, p<0.001) CD4+(598.0 vs 1071.0 kom/l; p<0.001) and their cytotoxic subpopulation CD8+ (386.0 vs. 866.0 cells/µL; p<0.001), activated T lymphocytes CD3+/HLA-DR+(39.0 vs. 81.0 cells/µL; p<0.025), B lymphocytes CD19+(205.0 vs. 381.0 cells/µL; p<0.025) and NK cells (161.0 vs. 339.0 cells/µL; p<0.005). The number and percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes in children and youth with osteosarcoma at diagnosis is over 50% lower compared to the patients without neoplastic disease. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The general analysis of peripheral blood without differentiating lymphocyte subpopulations is insufficient to determine disturbances which are forming in the immune system of patients developing the neoplastic disease. 2. The course of the neoplastic disease (osteosarcoma) in patients of developmental age is very diverse, and associated with individual biological variation. 3. The evaluation of the immunologic status in patients with osteosarcoma may have prognostic meaning for the further course of the disease, may prevent the formation of unfavourable clinical changes, and be the basis for correcting the administration of cytostatic agents.

[Evaluation of selected cytokines in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma at diagnosis - preliminary report]. / Ocena stezenia wybranych cytokin u dzieci i mlodziezy z miesakiem kosciopochodnym w momencie rozpoznania choroby - doniesienie wstepne.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumour, mainly affecting children in the first and second decade of life. Causes of the disease are still unknown and reaction of the immune system on its development is very individual. Particular emphasis must be placed on the role of cytokines in the immunoregulatory and coordinating function and tumour cell disruption. Knowledge about cytokines concentration in serum, regarding mechanisms of oncogenesis, may have prognostic significance for the further course of OS in children. The aim of study was evaluation of IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IFN-gamma, and TNF-a concentrations in children with osteosarcoma at diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on the group of44 children with osteosarcoma, aged from 6 to 20 years (average 14.9 years; median 15.0 years). 22 children ofthesame age (median 14.5years) without neoplastic disease and active inflammatory state formed the control group. Investigations were performed before the therapy. The inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma, upper or lower limbs tumour localization, patients who were not treated by chemo- or radiotherapy before biopsy patients' age at diagnosis was 6-20 years. Concentrations of selected cytokines were analyzed in peripheral blood with using ELISA method with 99.8% sensitivity and 99,5% specificity. RESULTS: In children with osteosarcoma, at diagnosis the following concentration of peripheral blood cytokines (medians) was observed: IL-2 10.7 pg/ml (min-max: 0.0-894.0); IFN-gamma 1,3 pg/ml (min-max: 0.2-147); TNF-alpha 28.3 pg/ml (min-max: 0.0-188.8); IL-4 2.0 pg/ml (min-max: 0.0-32.0); IL-8 13.5 pg/ml (min-max: 0.0-2154.0). A large scatter among individual children results was found. Analysis of cytokines concentration showed significant statistical differences between patients with OS and the control group in case of IL-4 (p=0.005) and IL-8 (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results of studies obtained at diagnosis did not give a specific answer about the prognosis and further course of OS disease in patients in the developmental age. Big differences in cytokines concentration in children and youth with OS might be associated with individual biological variation and individual reaction to the development of neoplastic disease and further studies in this direction are needed - before the start of cytostatic therapy and in therapy monitoring.

Differential diagnosis of behavioral variant of fronto-temporal dementia (bvFTD).

BACKGROUND: The aim of the paper is the differential diagnosis of various types of Fronto-Temporal Dementia (FTD), with the focus on its behavioural variant (bvFTD). MATERIAL/METHOD: Screening was done in order to assess the depth of dementia with the short version of MMSE, while evaluation of various variants of FTD was performed with the use of such neuropsychological tests as Newcomb and Chicago Fluency Tests, Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III), Western Aphasia Battery (WAB-R), and the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Behaviour was evaluated with a Polish version of the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBInv). The inventory consists of 24 questions which enable an evaluation of social behaviour disorders. The study included 112 patients--68 men and 46 women treated in the Reintegrative-Training Centre of the Foundation for Persons with Brain Dysfunctions in Kraków and in the Clinic for Developmental Psychiatry, Psychotic Disorders and Old Age Psychiatry, of the Medical University at Gdansk, who were suffering from various types of dementia. RESULTS: It was found that FTD patients scored the highest, while the VAD patients scored somewhat lower in the FBInv. At the same time the scores obtained by PPA patients were higher in comparison to the control groups, but not as high as in the case of patients with FTD. In the process of the neurotherapy of FTD patients we found a reduction of the behavioral disturbances, despite the progression of the illness. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in the present study confirmed the diagnostic value of FBInv in the differential diagnosis of various types of FTD and in the evaluation of neurotherapy efficacy.

Rehabilitation of a patient with aphasia due to severe traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: There has been little attention given to traumatic aphasia in recent neuropsychological literature. It is difficult to justify this relative neglect, however, since speech and language disturbances subsequent to traumatic brain injury (TBI) causa serious therapeutic difficulties. Hence the problems encountered by our patient, K.P., who had a severe TBI, are described in the present study. CASE REPORT: K.P. suffered from traumatic aphasia and executive dysfunction. These difficulties made her dependent upon others and unable to function by herself in many situations of everyday living. Very little progress was made in ordinary rehabilitation. Improvements in cognitive functioning were observed only after a novel staged program of rehabilitation, based on the microgenetic theory of brain function, had been implemented. CONCLUSIONS: After the last phase of rehabilitation K.P. became more self-dependent in social situations. The need for a deeper analysis of the patient's problems in both a personal and social context is stressed in order to adapt therapeutic procedures heuristically, consistent with a process-based approach.

The autistic mind: a case study.

BACKGROUND: Despite years of intensive research, there is much about autism that remains theoretically and practically difficult to understand. There are presently three main theories: (1) defect of theory of mind, (2) executive dysfunction, and (3) lack of central coherence, i.e. an inability to integrate sensation and behavior into complex and sensible wholes. CASE REPORT: The patient, Damian S, born 1993, was diagnosed in early childhood with profound autism. He has been closely observed longitudinally by the first author, who is his therapist. Despite the absence of noticeable improvement in standard psychometric tests, he has shown considerable clinical progress. However, he continues to have difficulty in making and maintaining contact with others: he converses spontaneously only with his father and his teacher, and interacts with other persons (including his mother) only in the presence of one of these two persons. However, he has learned to use a computer to communicate. Samples of dialogue are provided to help illuminate how he thinks. CONCLUSIONS: Despite his profound autism, Damian displays awareness of and concern for the thoughts and feelings of others. He is also able to solve problems. On the basis of this and other observations, the authors suggest that the "central coherence" theory better explains the available observations and data.

[Contribution of indicators of sensitized T lymphocytes in the diagnosis of IgE independent and IgE dependent cow's allergy in children]. / Udzial wskazników uczulenia limfocytów T w diagnostyce alergii IgE niezaleznej i IgE zaleznej na bialka mleka krowiego u dzieci.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy is an abnormal response of the immunological system, especially of mucosal immunological system on antigens supplied per os. There are very complicated and still unexplained immunological mechanisms, which lead to hypersensitivity reaction. Most often food hypersensitivity is identified as the effect of atopy, which is connected with humoral response (specific IgE antibody). On the other hand cell immunological response are less investigated, however they can be very important, especially as a significant factor to initiate pathological allergic processes. AIM: To investigate, the usefulness of flow cytometry for estimation of specific sensitization of subpopulation of lymphocytes on food allergens in the allergy diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The investigations were performed on 60 children from 6 months to 5 years old: 20 children with CM A IgE dependent, 20 with CM A IgE independent and 20 healthy children. IgE total, sIgE, IgG, IgA, IgM, basic immunological panel, CD 23, CD25, CD26, CD30, CD69, PCNA were measured. RESULTS: We noticed decrease of expression of CD4+CD30+ between I and II examination (p=0.029), between I and III (p=0.009); decrease of expression of CD8+CD26+ between I and III test (p=0.038); decrease of expression of CD19+CD23+ between I and II examination (p=0.012) in I type of hypersensitivity. We observed a decrease of expression of CD4+CD25+ between I and III examine (p=0.026) and decrease of expression of CD4+ CD26+ between I and III examination (p=0.036) in IV type of hypersensitivity. Expression of CD69 was decreased after diet in IgE dependent allergy. Values of expression of PCNA are similar in I and IV type of hypersensitivity in children with CM A. Decrease of expression of PCNA in II examination was observed in both cases. Reintroduced allergen caused increase of expression of PCNA in both types of allergy (p=0.048 and p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Our recent research confirms changes of the expression of T lymphocytes activation markers. It is connected with in vivo stimulation to allergen or with allergen elimination. The study of expression of activation markers using flow cytometry in food allergy in children can be helpful in observation of the dynamic progress process, but it cannot be used as a single diagnosis test.