Care Coordination Between Family Physicians and Palliative Care Physicians for Patients With Cancer: Results of a Quality Improvement Initiative.

PURPOSE: At our institution's cancer palliative care (PC) clinic, new referrals from oncologists were scheduled for consultation and ongoing follow-up by PC physicians without input from the patients' family physicians (FPs). FPs reported that they felt out of the loop. We implemented a quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed at systematically facilitating care coordination between FPs and PC physicians. METHODS: A coordination toolkit was sent from the PC physician to the FP whenever the PC physician received a consultation request from an oncologist. The toolkit included an introduction to the PC physician team; an opportunity for the FP to choose how best to collaborate with PC physicians to meet the patient's PC needs; and contact information for access to 24/7 PC physician support. Responses from FPs regarding their preferred level of engagement with PC determined further care planning in the clinic. We measured feasibility, response rate, and qualitative surveys of FPs about the usefulness of the intervention. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen new consultations were eligible for a standardized letter over the 6-month implementation period. Feasibility for sending the toolkit was 90.0% and response rate for collaborative care preference from FPs was 86.0%, with median response time of 3-4 days. 78.9% of FPs indicated they would prefer ongoing consultative care by the PC physician, while 18.6% indicated that PC physician consultation was not needed, or that the FP would provide primary PC after a one-time PC physician consultation. CONCLUSION: We successfully implemented a QI initiative to improve care coordination between FPs and PC physicians for patients with cancer. The coordination toolkit can protect the patient-FP primary PC relationship and optimize specialist PC resource utilization for complex patients.

Could vitamin D concentration be a marker of a long hospital stay in older adults patients?

Background and aims: Vitamin D plays a pleiotropic role in the human body. Some studies have suggested that hypovitaminosis D may serve as a marker of comorbidity severity and length of hospital stay. Hospitalized older adults patients with a higher comorbidity burden tend to have lower vitamin D status, which negatively impacts the length of their hospital stay. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a significant risk factor for a prolonged hospital stay. This study aimed to investigate the link between vitamin D status and prolonged hospital stays, focusing on geriatric patients, and to assess the variation in hospitalization duration among geriatric patients with different vitamin D statuses. Methods: The study sample comprised of 422 patients aged over 60 years admitted to the geriatric department. Blood samples were collected in the morning on the day of admission. According to the diagnostic threshold defining serum 25(OH)D concentration approved for Central Europe, patients were divided into two groups (deficiency group and suboptimal group). Patients were divided into two groups based on hospitalization duration: the first, "shorter hospitalization," included stays up to 11 days, whereas the second, "longer hospitalization," encompassed stays of 12 days and above. Results: In total, 242 Caucasian patients, primarily women (172 women and 70 men), were recruited in the study. Patients with vitamin D deficiency had extended hospital stays compared with those with vitamin D levels below 49.92 nmol/L: 10.0 (8.00-13.00) days vs. 9.00 (8.00-11.00) days, P = 0.044. Hospitalization length (in days) had a negative correlation with vitamin D blood status (nmol/L) (P = 0.0005; R = -0.2243). ROC analysis indicated that patients with vitamin D levels below 31.2 nmol/L had a 47% higher chance of extended hospitalization, whereas those with levels above 31.2 nmol/L had a 77% higher chance of avoiding it. A significant majority of patients with suboptimal 25(OH)D levels experienced shorter hospital stays (≤11 days) than those with vitamin D deficiency (64.6%), P = 0.045. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that lower serum levels of 25(OH)D in hospitalized patients within the geriatric department are linked to extended hospital stays. Vitamin D holds potential as a predictor of hospitalization duration in geriatric patients. Nonetheless, further research is imperative to account for additional factors affecting health status and hospitalization duration in older adults individuals.

Analysis of public food procurement in relation to dairy products and their quality criteria.

Introduction: Public procurement of food is key to ensuring proper nutrition with high-quality products in public institutions such as schools and kindergartens. However, it should not be considered a mandatory expenditure from public finances but rather an investment in health promotion. Materials and methods: A total of 1,126 public procurement orders processed by schools and kindergartens in Poland during the period from November 2022 to March 2023 were analyzed. Ultimately, 197 public procurement orders meeting the inclusion criteria were considered for analysis. Based on these orders, 2,753 food products classified as dairy and its derivatives were extracted. The ordered quantities of individual products were analyzed, as well as their descriptions (quality characteristics). Results: Criteria related to composition were most commonly described, the most common criterion was the fat content and the absence of preservatives. On the second places were organoleptic characteristics, where taste and consistency expectations were most frequently specified. Sustainable public procurement criteria were the least frequently mentioned and were treated as highly marginal. Conclusion: Introducing minimum standards for the descriptions of dairy products in terms of organoleptic characteristics, composition features, and sustainability criteria will improve the quality of dairy products supplied to public institutions, particularly schools and kindergartens.

Exploring the Heart-Mind Connection: Unraveling the Shared Pathways between Depression and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Civilization diseases are defined as non-communicable diseases that affect a large part of the population. Examples of such diseases are depression and cardiovascular disease. Importantly, the World Health Organization warns against an increase in both of these. This narrative review aims to summarize the available information on measurable risk factors for CVD and depression based on the existing literature. The paper reviews the epidemiology and main risk factors for the coexistence of depression and cardiovascular disease. The authors emphasize that there is evidence of a link between depression and cardiovascular disease. Here, we highlight common risk factors for depression and cardiovascular disease, including obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity, as well as the importance of the prevention and treatment of CVD in preventing depression and other mental disorders. Conversely, effective treatment of CVD can also help prevent depression and improve mental health outcomes. It seems advisable to introduce screening tests for depression in patients treated for cardiac reasons. Importantly, in patients treated for mood disorders, it is worth controlling CVD risk factors, for example, by checking blood pressure and pulse during routine visits. It is also worth paying attention to the mental condition of patients with CVD. This study underlines the importance of interdisciplinary co-operation.

Metabolic Deregulations in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) contributes to endocrine and metabolic complications for women worldwide. The aim of this study was to establish the usefulness of new anthropometric indices and atherogenic indices in the evaluation of metabolic disorders, in particular, glucose and insulin abnormalities in the profiles of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In the study, a total of 49 women with PCOS aged between 18 and 39 years were recruited. All patients were tested for fasting glucose and insulin, lipid parameters, oral-glucose administration, and biochemical parameters. All of them underwent anthropometric measurements, such as BMI (body mass index), WHR (waist-to-hip ratio), WHtR (waist-to-height ratio), BAI (body adiposity index), VAI (visceral adiposity index), LAP (lipid accumulation product), BRI (body roundness index), ABSI (A body shape index), AIP (atherogenic risk of plasma), AC (atherogenic coefficient), Castelli risk index-I, Castelli risk index-II and (LCI) lipoprotein combine index, TG/HDL-C ratio, METS-IR (The metabolic score of insulin resistance), triglyceride glucose index (TyG index), triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI index) and triglyceride glucose-waist circumference index (TyG-WC index) were calculated. The analyzed anthropometric measurements/indices and atherogenic indices demonstrated significant correlations in PCOS women. T A strong relationship was found between fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glucose after 60 min, HOMA-IR index in the patients with PCOS. There was no significant relationship between HbA1c and other analyzed parameters and indices. Most of the analyzed anthropometric and atherogenic indices may be useful tools in evaluating metabolic disorders, and, in particular, glucose and insulin abnormalities in PCOS women.

Pharmacogenetics and Schizophrenia-Can Genomics Improve the Treatment with Second-Generation Antipsychotics?

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder of multifactorial origin, in which both genetic and environmental factors have an impact on its onset, course, and outcome. Large variability in response and tolerability of medication among individuals makes it difficult to predict the efficacy of a chosen therapeutic method and create universal and precise guidelines for treatment. Pharmacogenetic research allows for the identification of genetic polymorphisms associated with response to a chosen antipsychotic, thus allowing for a more effective and personal approach to treatment. This review focuses on three frequently prescribed second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), risperidone, olanzapine, and aripiprazole, and aims to analyze the current state and future perspectives in research dedicated to identifying genetic factors associated with antipsychotic response. Multiple alleles of genes involved in pharmacokinetics (particularly isoenzymes of cytochrome P450), as well as variants of genes involved in dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate neurotransmission, have already been identified as ones of significant impact on antipsychotic response. It must, however, be noted that although currently obtained results are promising, trials with bigger study groups and unified protocols are crucial for standardizing methods and determining objective antipsychotic response status.

Fetuin-A and Its Association with Anthropometric, Atherogenic, and Biochemical Parameters and Indices among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) contributes to metabolic and endocrine complications for women of reproductive age. We set out to assess the relationship between fetuin-A and anthropometric parameters, anthropometric indices, body composition, and atherogenic indices, as well as carbohydrate and lipid profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: The study included 49 women with PCOS, aged between 18 and 39 years. All patients were tested for fetuin-A, fasting glucose and insulin, and lipid parameters, after oral-glucose administration were done. All of them underwent anthropometric measurements and body composition analyses such as BMI (Body Mass Index), WHR (Waist to Hip Ratio), WHtR (Waist to Height Ratio), BAI (Body Adiposity Index), VAI (Visceral Adiposity Index), LAP (Lipid Accumulation Product), BRI (Body Roundness Index), ABSI (A Body Shape Index), ABSI z-core (ABSI with added mortality risk in correlation with age and gender), AIP (Atherogenic Risk of Plasma), AC (Atherogenic Coefficient), Castelli risk index-I, and Castelli risk index-II. RESULTS: Obesity was diagnosed in 18 patients (36.7%) based on BMI index and 7 patients (14.3%) based on BAI index. Significantly increased risk of metabolic complications was observed among 26 patients (53.1%) based on waist circumferences. Based on VAI index, risk of metabolic disease was observed among 17 women (34.7%). Dyslipidemia such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and mixed hyperlipidemia was detected among 14 patients (28.6%), and insulin resistance was observed among 29 (59.2%). There was a positive correlation between fetuin-A and total cholesterol (r = 0.30, p = 0.0034). There was no statistically significant correlation between fetuin-A and all of the anthropometric measurements and anthropometric indices, atherogenic indices, and other biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: Fetuin-A correlates with hypercholesterolemia. It is necessary to conduct further research regarding the relationship between fetuin-A concentrations and body composition, anthropometric indices, and metabolic disorders in women with PCOS. Surprisingly, the effects of concentration of fetuin-A and anthropometric indices (BAI, VAI, LAP, ABSI, ABSI z-core) in woman with PCOS have not been closely examined. Future studies that take these variables into account will need to be undertaken. More information on the relationship between fetuin-A concentrations and anthropometric indices would aid us in establishing a greater degree of accuracy on this matter.

Influence of Farming System and Forecrops of Spring Wheat on Protein Content in the Grain and the Physicochemical Properties of Unsonicated and Sonicated Gluten.

The potential for enhancing the spring wheat protein content by different cultivation strategies was explored. The influence of ultrasound on the surface and rheological properties of wheat-gluten was also studied. Spring wheat was cultivated over the period of 2018-2020 using two farming systems (conventional and organic) and five forecrops (sugar beet, spring barley, red clover, winter wheat, or oat). The obtained gluten was sonicated using the ultrasonic scrubber. For all organically grown wheat, the protein content was higher than for the conventional one. There was no correlation between the rheological properties of gluten and the protein content in the grain. Gluten derived from organically grown wheat was more elastic than those derived from the conventional one. Sonication enhanced the elasticity of gluten. The sonication effect was influenced by the forecrops. The most elastic gluten after sonication was found for organic barley and sugar beet. The lowest values of tan (delta) were noted for conventional wheat and conventional oat. Cultivation in the monoculture gave gluten with a smaller susceptibility to increase elasticity after sonic treatment. Sonication promoted the cross-linking of protein molecules and induced a more hydrophobic character, which was confirmed by an increment in contact angles (CAs). Most of the organically grown wheat samples showed a lower CA than the conventional ones, which indicated a less hydrophobic character. The gluten surface became rougher with the sonication, regardless of the farming system and applied forecrops. Sonication treatment of gluten proteins rearranged the intermolecular linkages, especially disulfide and hydrophobic bonds, leading to changes in their surface morphology.

Curcumin in Metabolic Health and Disease.

In recent years, epidemiological studies have suggested that metabolic disorders are nutritionally dependent. A healthy diet that is rich in polyphenols may be beneficial in the treatment of metabolic diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and, in particular, atherosclerosis. Curcumin is a polyphenol found in turmeric and has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, and antidiabetic properties, among others. This review summarizes the influence of supplementation with curcumin on metabolic parameters in selected metabolic disorders.

Microbiota and Its Impact on the Immune System in COVID-19-A Narrative Review.

The microbiota is of interest for the development of a therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to its impact on the host immune system. Proven communications of the gut microbiota with the pulmonary microbiota (gut-lung axis) and the pathway of neural connections between the gut and brain (gut-brain axis) may be important in the face of the pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 was shown to affect almost all organs because of the presence of a host receptor known as angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The ACE2 receptor is mainly present in the brush border of intestinal enterocytes, ciliary cells, and type II alveolar epithelial cells in the lungs. The transport function of ACE2 has been linked to the ecology of gut microbes in the digestive tract, suggesting that COVID-19 may be related to the gut microbiota. The severity of COVID-19 may be associated with a number of comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and/or old age; therefore, attention is also paid to multiple morbidities and the modulation of microbiota through comorbidities and medications. This paper reviews the research in the context of the state of the intestinal microbiota and its impact on the cells of the immune system during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Diet, Probiotics and Their Impact on the Gut Microbiota during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with diverse clinical manifestations, immune dysfunction, and gut microbiota alterations. The nutritional and biochemical quality of one's diet can influence the intestinal microbiota, which may play a role in the defense mechanisms against potential pathogens, by promoting a wide variety of immune-host interactions. In the COVID-19 pandemic, besides the development of pharmacological therapies, a healthy balanced diet, rich with food-derived antioxidants, may be a useful strategy. Many studies demonstrated that vitamins and probiotic therapies have positive effects on the treatment and prevention of oxidative stress and inflammation in COVID-19. The ecology of the gut microbiota in the digestive tract has been linked to the transport function of the host receptor known as angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), suggesting that COVID-19 may be related to the gut microbiota. The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and its receptor (ACE2), play central roles in modulating the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In addition, ACE2 has functions that act independently of the RAS. ACE2 is the receptor for the SARS coronavirus, and ACE2 is essential for the expression of neutral amino acid transporters in the gut. In this context, ACE2 modulates innate immunity and influences the composition of the gut microbiota. Malnutrition is one of the leading underlying causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and, including comorbidities, may be a major cause of worse outcomes and higher mortality among COVID-19 patients. This paper reviews the research on dietary components, with particular emphasis on vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotic therapies, and their impacts on the intestinal microbiota's diversity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Visceral Adiposity in Relation to Body Adiposity and Nutritional Status in Elderly Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

Introduction: The accumulation of visceral abdominal tissue (VAT) seems to be a hallmark feature of abdominal obesity and substantially contributes to metabolic abnormalities. There are numerous factors that make the body-mass index (BMI) a suboptimal measure of adiposity. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) may be considered a simple surrogate marker of visceral adipose tissue dysfunction. However, the evidence comparing general to visceral adiposity in CAD is scarce. Therefore, we have set out to investigate visceral adiposity in relation to general adiposity in patients with stable CAD. Material and methods: A total of 204 patients with stable CAD hospitalized in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Geriatrics entered the study. Based on the VAI-defined adipose tissue dysfunction (ATD) types, the study population (N = 204) was divided into four groups: (1) no ATD (N = 66), (2) mild ATD (N = 50), (3) moderate ATD (N = 48), and (4) severe ATD (N = 40). Nutritional status was assessed using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score. Results: Patients with moderate and severe ATD were the youngest (median 67 years), yet their metabolic age was the oldest (median 80 and 84 years, respectively). CONUT scores were similar across all four study groups. The VAI had only a modest positive correlation with BMI (r = 0.59 p < 0.01) and body adiposity index (BAI) (r = 0.40 p < 0.01). There was no correlation between VAI and CONUT scores. There was high variability in the distribution of BMI-defined weight categories across all four types of ATD. A total of 75% of patients with normal nutritional status had some form of ATD, and one-third of patients with moderate or severe malnutrition did not have any ATD (p = 0.008). In contrast, 55-60% of patients with mild, moderate, or severe ATD had normal nutritional status (p = 0.008). ROC analysis demonstrated that BMI and BAI have poor predictive value in determining no ATD. Both BMI (AUC 0.78 p < 0.0001) and BAI (AUC 0.66 p = 0.003) had strong predictive value for determining severe ATD (the difference between AUC 0.12 being p = 0.0002). However, BMI predicted mild ATD and severe ATD better than BAI. Conclusions: ATD and malnutrition were common in patients with CAD. Notably, this study has shown a high rate of misclassification of visceral ATD via BMI and BAI. In addition, we demonstrated that the majority of patients with normal nutritional status had some form of ATD and as much as one-third of patients with moderate or severe malnutrition did not have any ATD. These findings have important clinical ramifications for everyday practice regarding the line between health and disease in the context of malnutrition in terms of body composition and visceral ATD, which are significant for developing an accurate definition of the standards for the intensity of clinical interventions.

Curcumin and Its Potential Impact on Microbiota.

Curcumin is one of the most frequently researched herbal substances; however, it has been reported to have a poor bioavailability and fast metabolism, which has led to doubts about its effectiveness. Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and has demonstrated favorable health effects. Nevertheless, well-reported in vivo pharmacological activities of curcumin are limited by its poor solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic profile. The bidirectional interactions between curcumin and gut microbiota play key roles in understanding the ambiguity between the bioavailability and biological activity of curcumin, including its wider health impact.

Discordance between Body-Mass Index and Body Adiposity Index in the Classification of Weight Status of Elderly Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Body-mass index (BMI) is a popular method implemented to define weight status. However, describing obesity by BMI may result in inaccurate assessment of adiposity. The Body Adiposity Index (BAI) is intended to be a directly validated method of estimating body fat percentage. We set out to compare body weight status assessment by BMI and BAI in a cohort of elderly patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: A total of 169 patients with stable CAD were enrolled in an out-patient cardiology clinic. The National Research Council (US) Committee on Diet and Health classification was used for individuals older than 65 years as underweight BMI < 24 kg/m2, normal weight BMI 24-29 kg/m2, overweight BMI 29-35 kg/m2, and obesity BMI > 35 kg/m2. In case of BAI, we used sex- and age-specific classification of weight status. In addition, body fat was estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BImpA). RESULTS: Only 72 out of 169 patients (42.6%) had concordant classification of weight status by both BMI and BAI. The majority of the patients had their weight status either underestimated or overestimated. There were strong positive correlations between BMI and BImpA (FAT%) (R = 0.78 p < 0.001); BAI and BImpA (FAT%) (R = 0.79 p < 0.001); and BMI and BAI (R = 0.67 p < 0.001). BMI tended to overestimate the rate of underweight, normal weight or overweight, meanwhile underestimating the rate of obesity. Third, BMI exhibited an average positive bias of 14.4% compared to the reference method (BImpA), whereas BAI exhibited an average negative bias of -8.3% compared to the reference method (BImpA). Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of discordance in assessing weight status by BMI and BAI: BImpA (FAT%) odds ratio (OR) 1.29, total body water (%) OR 1.61, fat mass index OR 2.62, and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score OR 1.25. CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial rate of misclassification of weight status between BMI and BAI. These findings have significant implications for clinical practice as the boundary between health and disease in malnutrition is crucial to accurately define criteria for intervention. Perhaps BMI cut-offs for classifying weight status in the elderly should be revisited.

Lack of Seasonal Variations in Vitamin D Concentrations among Hospitalized Elderly Patients.

BACKGROUND: Generally, most vitamin D in the human body (90-95%) is produced in the skin during exposure to sunlight. The effectiveness of this process depends on several biological and physical factors, e.g., age or latitude. Skin synthesis of vitamin D among elderly people is reduced. The aim of the study was to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] seasonal variations in elderly patients hospitalized at the geriatric department. Methods. The study was carried out on 242 patients aged 60 years or older hospitalized at the geriatric department. The study group was categorized by four seasons as well as month. Results. The median (interquartile range) 25(OH)D concentration among all patients (n = 242) was 33.95 (26.96-45.18) nmol/L. There was no statistical significance in the median serum 25(OH)D concentration with regard to each of the four seasons: in the spring 32.95 (25.96-43.68) nmol/L, in the summer 38.69 (27.46-50.67) nmol/L, in the autumn 33.45 (27.08-44.18) nmol/L, in the winter 34.57 (23.46-43.93) nmol/L, (p = 0.48). Conclusion. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in all geriatric patients, irrespective of the season. The results of the study indicate no significant differences in median vitamin D concentration among the hospitalized patients across all four seasons. Even in the summer months, in our climate, it is fairly difficult for an elderly person to produce an adequate amount of vitamin D through the skin. Therefore, proper vitamin D supplementation is recommended and should be implemented in the elderly irrespective of the season.

Novel Primer Sets for Rapid Detection of Zymoseptoria tritici in Wheat.

Zymoseptoria tritici is a fungal pathogen causing losses in wheat yields. Here, we present new primer sets for species-specific identification of this microorganism in wheat leaf samples using conventional PCR. Primer sets were validated in silico using tools available in genetic databases. Furthermore, in vitro tests were also carried out on 190 common wheat samples with visual symptoms of Septoria tritici blotch (STB) collected in Poland in three growing seasons (2015, 2016, 2017). The designed primer sets showed full hybridization to the available genetic resources deposited in the NCBI GenBank database, and their high specificity and sensitivity were demonstrated on wheat leaf samples and selected fungal strains.

Serum Gamma Glutamyltransferase Is Associated with 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status in Elderly Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: No previous study has investigated the association between gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and vitamin D in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the cross-sectional associations between vitamin D status as assessed by serum 25(OH)D and GGT. METHODS: 169 patients were enrolled. Study population was divided into three groups: 1: 25(OH)D < 10 ng/mL (n = 59); 2: 25(OH)D 10-20 ng/mL (n = 82), and 3: 25(OH)D > 20 ng/mL (n = 28). Based on a cut-off GGT value identified in ROC analysis, we also divided the study population to compare the following groups: GGT ≤19 (n = 66) and GGT >19 (n = 103). RESULTS: GGT activity was the highest in vitamin D severely deficient patients and the lowest in vitamin D insufficient patients. GGT was inversely correlated with 25(OH)D concentrations (R = -0.23; p = 0.002). The receiver operating characteristics curve identified the discrimination threshold of GGT of >19 U/L in predicting vitamin D deficiency. Higher leukocyte and neutrophil counts and lower 25(OH)D concentration were found in patients with GGT > 19 U/L. CONCLUSIONS: We identified an interaction between declining 25(OH)D levels and rising GGT levels with increasing age, which resulted in an unfavorable 25(OH)D-to-GGT ratio in stable CAD patients. These results suggest that these changes might further contribute to a high cardiovascular risk in the elderly.

Molecular identification and chromosomal localization of new powdery mildew resistance gene Pm11 in oat.

The appropriate selection of various traits in valuable plants is very important for modern plant breeding. Effective resistance to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, is an example of such a trait in oats. Marker-assisted selection is an important tool that reduces the time and cost of selection. The aims of the present study were the identification of dominant DArTseq markers associated with a new resistance gene, annotated as Pm11 and derived from Avena sterilis genotype CN113536, and the subsequent conversion of these markers into a PCR-based assay. Among the obtained 30,620 silicoDArT markers, 202 markers were highly associated with resistance in the analysed population. Of these, 71 were selected for potential conversion: 42 specific to resistant and 29 to susceptible individuals. Finally, 40 silicoDArT markers were suitable for primer design. From this pool, five markers, 3 for resistant and 2 for susceptible plants, were selected for product amplification in the expected groups. The developed method, based on 2 selection markers, provides certain identification of resistant and susceptible homozygotes. Also, the use of these markers allowed the determination of heterozygotes in the analysed population. Selected silicoDArT markers were also used for chromosomal localization of new resistance genes. Five out of 71 segregating silicoDArT markers for the Pm11 gene were found on the available consensus genetic map of oat. Five markers were placed on linkage groups corresponding to Mrg12 on the Avena sativa consensus map.

Antioxidative system response of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) seedlings to Cd exposure.

The use of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), along with other tree species, for the afforestation of heavy metal contaminated lands is an attractive prospect. Little, however, is known of Q. robur tolerance and its antioxidative system response to heavy metal exposure. The main objective of the study was to determine the cadmium-induced changes in antioxidative system of pedunculate oak in an attempt to identify molecular mechanisms underlying Cd tolerance. This may be of great importance in respect of using Q. robur for phytoremediation purposes. As the response of the antioxidative system to heavy metal contamination can vary within species, the research was conducted on oak seedlings from two different regions of origin. Differences in antioxidative system response of seedlings derived from tested regions of origin were noticed both at the transcript and enzyme activity levels. The obtained results indicate that ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11) and superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) play a first barrier role in oak seedlings response to the oxidative stress caused by Cd exposure. Catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) is involved in reducing the negative effects of prolonged Cd treatment.

Using intervarietal substitution lines for the identification of wheat chromosomes involved in early responses to water-deficit stress.

Water deficit induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, which in turn inhibits plant growth and development. High concentrations of ROS disrupt the osmotic balance in plant cells and alter membrane integrity. Chromosomes carrying structural or regulatory genes must be detected to better understand plant response mechanisms to stress. The aim of our study was to identify Triticum aestivum L. chromosomes involved in early responses to short-term water-deficit stress (1, 3 and 6 h). In the present study, intervarietal substitution lines of drought-tolerant 'Saratovskaya 29' and sensitive 'Janetzkis Probat' wheat cultivars were examined. We studied the biochemical plant response system and conducted an analysis of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activities, levels of lipid peroxidation and changes in relative water content. Our results determined that the first reaction was a significant increase in guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity. However, the strongest impact on plant responses was found for catalase (CAT), which caused a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Our findings indicate that chromosomes 5A, 4B, 6B and 7D are associated with early responses to short-term osmotic stress in wheat.