Value of diagnostic methods in diagnosis of the disc disease.

Background. Injury of the intravertebral disc after precise clinical evaluation should be confirmed by different radiographic methods. Although diagnostic methods have recently progressed, there are still problems with proper diagnosis concerning the level of pain provocation.
The aim of this study was a comparison of clinical signs of disc prolapse with different radiographic methods and intraoperative findings.
Material and methods. 180 histories of patient treated in the Orthopaedic Clinic of Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education between 1994-2002 were analysed. The most frequent was Lasegue's sign and spine movement limitation. All patients underwent lumbar spine x-ray in order to eliminate bone pathologies of vertebrae. Before making - of operative treatment a decision of magnetic resonance imaging or computer topography were always done. Radiculography was performed only in cases of multilevel disc hernitation and when clinical signs were not obvious.
Conclusions.
1.Clinical examination and first of all different intensity of pain (over 4 degrees in VAS scale) and radiographic imaging were followed by MRI or CT in order to confirm the diagnosis.
2.CT allowed to precise a diagnosis in the case of diagnostic uncertainty among patients with long history of back pain.
3.Compatibility of x-ray (narrowing of vertebral space) with intraoperative findings was 80%. Compatibility of MRI was 96%, and computer tomography 94%.

Activation of translation in pituitary gonadotrope cells by gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

The neuropeptide GnRH is a central regulator of mammalian reproductive function produced by a dispersed population of hypothalamic neurosecretory neurons. The principal action of GnRH is to regulate release of the gonadotropins, LH and FSH, by the gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary. Using a cultured cell model of mouse pituitary gonadotrope cells, alphaT3-1 cells, we present evidence that GnRH stimulation of alphaT3-1 cells results in an increase in cap-dependent mRNA translation. GnRH receptor activation results in increased protein synthesis through a regulator of mRNA translation initiation, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein, known as 4EBP or PHAS (protein, heat, and acid stable). Although the GnRH receptor is a member of the rhodopsin-like family of G protein-linked receptors, we show that activation of translation proceeds through a signaling pathway previously described for receptor tyrosine kinases. Stimulation of translation by GnRH is protein kinase C and Ras dependent and sensitive to rapamycin. Furthermore, GnRH may also regulate the cell cycle in alphaT3-1 cells. The activation of a signaling pathway that regulates both protein synthesis and cell cycle suggests that GnRH may have a significant role in the maintenance of the pituitary gonadotrope population in addition to directing the release of gonadotropins.

Rapid, high fidelity analysis of simple sequence repeats on an electronically active DNA microchip.

We describe a method for the discrimination of short tandem repeat (STR) alleles based on active microarray hybridization. An essential factor in this method is electronic hybridization of the target DNA, at high stringency, in <5 min. High stringency is critical to avoid slippage of hybrids along repeat tracts at allele-specific test sites in the array. These conditions are attainable only with hybridization kinetics realized by electronic concentration of DNA. A sandwich hybrid is assembled, in which proper base stacking of juxtaposed terminal nucleotides results in a thermodynamically favored complex. The increased stability of this complex relative to non-stacked termini and/or base pair mismatches is used to determine the identification of STR alleles. This method is capable of simultaneous and precise identification of alleles containing different numbers of repeats, as well as mutations within these repeats. Given the throughput capabilities of microarrays our system has the potential to enhance the use of microsatellites in forensic criminology, diagnostics and genetic mapping.

[Supra-acetabular cysts of the hip: results of surgical treatment]. / Nadpanewkowe torbiele stawu biodrowego--wyniki leczenia operacyjnego.

Results of surgical treatment for supraacetabular cystic changes in 8 middle-aged females are presented. Complete excision and filling the defect with iliac autografts has been performed, histological examination of the change followed in all cases. No inflammatory, systemic or neoplasmatic changes were identified. Good results were achieved and hip osteoarthritis delayed. Surgery proved useful in treatment for supraacetabular cystic changes in the hip.

Rapid determination of single base mismatch mutations in DNA hybrids by direct electric field control.

We have demonstrated that controlled electric fields can be used to regulate transport, concentration, hybridization, and denaturation of single- and double-stranded oligonucleotides. Discrimination among oligonucleotide hybrids with widely varying binding strengths may be attained by simple adjustment of the electric field strength. When this approach is used, electric field denaturation control allows single base pair mismatch discrimination to be carried out rapidly (<15 sec) and with high resolution. Electric field denaturation takes place at temperatures well below the melting point of the hybrids, and it may constitute a novel mechanism of DNA denaturation.

Electric field directed nucleic acid hybridization on microchips.

Selection and adjustment of proper physical parameters enables rapid DNA transport, site selective concentration, and accelerated hybridization reactions to be carried out on active microelectronic arrays. These physical parameters include DC current, voltage, solution conductivity and buffer species. Generally, at any given current and voltage level, the transport or mobility of DNA is inversely proportional to electrolyte or buffer conductivity. However, only a subset of buffer species produce both rapid transport, site specific concentration and accelerated hybridization. These buffers include zwitterionic and low conductivity species such as: d- and l-histidine; 1- and 3-methylhistidines; carnosine; imidazole; pyridine; and collidine. In contrast, buffers such as glycine, beta-alanine and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) produce rapid transport and site selective concentration but do not facilitate hybridization. Our results suggest that the ability of these buffers (histidine, etc.) to facilitate hybridization appears linked to their ability to provide electric field concentration of DNA; to buffer acidic conditions present at the anode; and in this process acquire a net positive charge which then shields or diminishes repulsion between the DNA strands, thus promoting hybridization.

[Our clinical experience with the diagnosis and treatment of Kummell-Verneuille disease]. / Nasze doswiadczenia kliniczne w rozpoznawa-niu i leczeniu choroby Kümmell-Verneuille'a.

Pathology and clinical symptoms in 10 patients with Kümmell-Verneuille disease treated in CMKP Orthopaedic Department are presented. Special attention is given to the course of the disease, natural history of vertebral body necrosis and serious neurological complications. Every phase of the disease is radiographically documented. The preferred treatment, both in early and late phase, is posterior fusion embracing adjacent vertebrae. In neurologically complicated cases anterior spinal decompression and perivertebral fusion is recommended.

[Degenerative spondylolisthesis]. / Kregozmyk zwyrodnieniowy.

Results of surgical treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis in 31 patients are presented. Disabling lumbar and radicular pain not responding to conservative treatment was the indication for surgery in all cases. Twenty-six patients underwent neural decompression and segmental fusion; in 5 patients with no radicular symptoms fusion alone has been performed. In 15 patients with partially preserved intervertebral disc the fusion embraced the pedicle and processus transversus, in other 15 with damaged disc posterior fusion was done and in one case intervertebral fusion was performed. In 7 cases of posterior fusion a wire loop was used for internal stabilization of vertebrae. There were 28 good and fair results (91%) and in 3 patients no improvement was attained. The authors conclude surgical treatment according to the indications presented in this paper is the most beneficial mode of treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Interference with endogenous ras function inhibits cellular responses to wounding.

Wounding of tissue induces cellular responses that ultimately result in wound repair. Studies in tissue culture model systems indicate that these responses include induction of AP-1 regulated genes, cell migration and mitogenesis which are also characteristic of cellular responses to growth factors. Investigations have identified cellular ras proteins as critical components of growth factor-stimulated signal transduction pathways, however their role in the wounding response is less clear. Investigation of the potential involvement of c-Ras in this process utilized quiescent living bovine corneal endothelium cells (BCE) which were microinjected with ras dominant interfering mutant protein (N17) and subsequently stimulated by mechanical wounding. Analysis of these cells demonstrated that microinjection of dominant-interfering ras protein, but not control proteins, inhibited the wounding response as evidenced by diminished Fos expression, lack of cell migration and a block in DNA synthesis.

Directed expression of an oncogene to the olfactory neuronal lineage in transgenic mice.

The mammalian olfactory system provides a useful model to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the development of the nervous system. The olfactory neuroepithelium undergoes continual turnover in the adult animal, resulting in a neural tissue containing cells at various stages of neurogenesis. We have generated a transgenic mouse line to examine the effects of directed expression of an oncogene within the olfactory neuronal lineage. A hybrid oncogene was constructed utilizing the regulatory elements for the olfactory marker protein gene to direct the olfactory neuronal-specific expression of simian virus 40 T-antigen, a potent oncogene. The resulting transgenic mouse line expressed T-antigen only in olfactory neurons. Ten-month-old transgenic mice displayed significant hypoplasia of the neuronal elements in the olfactory neuroepithelium. The transgenic mice developed neuroblastomas of olfactory neuronal origin at a low frequency. Distinct clonal lines were derived from the primary culture of the tumor. GAP-43, a growth-associated neuronal marker, was expressed by some of the cell lines. One of the cell lines, 2.2, appeared to be responsive to neurotrophic effects from the presumptive target tissue, the olfactory bulb.

The transcription factor, Egr-1, is rapidly modulated in response to retinoic acid in P19 embryonal carcinoma cells.

The pluripotent murine embryonal carcinoma cell line, P19, differentiates along at least three main pathways under the inductive influence of retinoic acid (RA). The events most critical to the establishment of a particular differentiation pathway must occur early since P19 cells are committed to differentiation pathways after 30 min of exposure to RA (M. W. McBurney, personal communication and our unpublished results). We have, therefore, looked for genes that are induced (or repressed) within 30 min of RA addition and find that Egr-1 is one of these genes. Egr-1 is a transcription factor of the zinc-finger class and is known to transactivate genes after binding to specific oligonucleotide sequences. We describe here the extremely rapid and transient increase of Egr-1 transcript and protein levels in P19 cells after RA addition. Stable induction of Egr-1 transcripts occurred in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitors. Simultaneous addition of RA and cycloheximide did not result in an additive effect. The mechanism of induction with either drug appears to involve relief of a block to transcriptional elongation. The response was more rapid at high RA concentrations and this suggests that the Egr-1 transcription factor could play a role in initiation of differentiation pathways of P19 EC cells.

[A case of multiple cartilage exostosis of atypical localization]. / Przypadek mnogich wyrosli chrzestno-kostnych o nietypowej lokalizacji.

A case of multiple cartilage exostosis, originating from the transverse process of the second thoracic vertebra in a 16-year old female patient has been described. Because of the symptoms of compression of the brachial plexus and progressive growth, the tumor was surgically removed. The atypical, very rare localization of the tumor created some technical difficulties in planning of the operation. Computerized tomography was helpful in this case and determined the site of origin of the tumor. After surgical treatment, all symptoms subsided.

[Chondrosarcoma of the vertebral column L5--S1]. / Chondrosarcoma collumnae vertebralis L5--S1.

A case of chondrosarcoma of the spine in a 15-year-old female patient has been described. The tumor was localized within the body of S1 and it partially involved the left wing of the ilium. The radiological condition corresponded with the so-called "ivory vertebra". The symptoms of compression of the cauda equina took the lead. Surgical decompression of the cauda equina was performed and an attempt of resection of the tumor was undertaken but it failed because of extension of the process. The further course of the disease, in spite of radiotherapy, was exceptionally malignant and within several months, the process became generalized.

Biological activity of tobacco smoke and tobacco smoke-related chemicals.

Exposure to whole cigarette smoke from reference cigarettes results in the prompt (peak activity is 6 hrs), but fairly weak (similar to 2 fold), induction of murine pulmonary microsomal monooxygenase activity. This activity can be detected by using as substrates either benzo(a)pyrene or ethoxyresorufin, and can be inhibited by treatment with cycloheximide or actinomycin D. Unlike the induction of pulmonary monooxygenases following intratracheal administration of 3-methylcholanthrene, these cigarette smoke-induced increases were not unequivocally linked to the Ah locus. Whole smoke condensate and fractions derived from these condensates can; a) induce pulmonary monooxygenase activity, b) inhibit benzo(a)pyrene metabolism in vitro, c) be metabolized to forms mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA153, or TA98, d) transform C3H 10T1/2 cells in vitro, and e) enhance the carcinogenicity of benzo(a)pyrene in murine pulmonary tissue. A potentially important observation is that whereas hepatic tissue is capable of activating whole cigarette smoke condensate to mutagenic forms in vitro, murine pulmonary tissue does not seem capable of such activation. Although these pulmonary-derived tissue homogenates have significant AHH activity and can metabolize Aflatoxin B1, 2-aminofluorene and 7, 8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo(a)pyrene to mutagenic forms, these homogenates fail to activate both cigarette smoke condensate and the pro-mutagen, 6-aminochrysene. These results are discussed with reference to the concept that whole cigarette smoke may be both a potential "initiator" and "promotor" of lung cancer in mice, and that this latter property may be the most important in determining cancer risk.