Evaluation of the LIM homeobox genes LHX6 and LHX8 as candidates for Tourette syndrome.

The etiology and pathophysiology of Tourette Syndrome (TS) remain poorly understood. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that a complex genetic background and the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit are involved. The role of Lhx6 and Lhx8 in the development of the striatal interneurons, prompted us to investigate them as novel candidate genes for TS. We performed a comparative study of the expression of Lhx6 and Lhx8 and investigated genetic association with TS using two samples of trios (TSGeneSEE and German sample - 222 families). We show that Lhx6 and Lhx8 expression in the forebrain is evolutionarily conserved, underlining their possible importance in TS-related pathophysiological pathways. Our tagging-single nucleotide polymorphism (tSNP)-based association analysis was negative for association with LHX8. However, we found positive association with LHX6 in the TSGeneSEE sample (corrected P-value = 0.006 for three-site haplotype around SNP rs3808901) but no association in the sample of German families. Interestingly, the SNP allele that was identified to be significantly associated in the TSGeneSEE dataset, showed an opposite trend of transmission in the German dataset. Our analysis of the correlation of the LHX6 region with individual ancestry within Europe, revealed the fact that this particular SNP demonstrates a high degree of population differentiation and is correlated with the North to South axis of European genetic variation. Our results indicate that further study of the LHX6 gene in relation to the TS phenotype is warranted and suggest the intriguing hypothesis that different genetic factors may contribute to the etiology of TS in different populations, even within Europe.

[Protein glycation--clinical and chemical aspects]. / Glikacja bialek--aspekty kliniczne i chemiczne.

Glucose as well as other reducing sugars react nonenzymatically with amino groups of free amino acids, peptides and proteins. Glycation reaction is responsible for forming inter- and intramolecular cross-links of proteins, known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In old people, patients with diabetes and chronic failure AGEs accumulate in the circulation and tissues, and play a significant role in pathogenesis of cardiovascular and other complications. Glycation reactions has been used for synthesis of artificial glycoconjugates.

[Viral respiratory infections in small children in the season in the season 1996-1997]. / Wystepowanie wirusowych zakazen dróg oddechowych u malych dzieci w sezonie 1996-1997.

Using the immunofluorescence method, the etiology of virus respiratory infection was assayed in children aged 0-2 years, hospitalized because of respiratory diseases in the epidemic season 1996-1997. Data obtained were compared with those from the preceding season (1995-1996), as well as, from the 10 preceding seasons (1985-1995). In the season under study, participation of respiratory viruses was a little higher in the infections to be hospitalized. As compared with the preceding season, and the preceding 10 seasons, infections with parainfluenza type 1 and 3 viruses were higher in statistically significant way. Compared with the preceding seasons, more viral respiratory infections were found in November 96, as well as, in January and February 97. The number of viral respiratory infections was increased among children aged 10-12 months.

[Breast feeding for prevention of viral acute respiratory diseases in infants]. / Karmienie naturalne w zapobieganiu wirusowym zakazeniom dróg oddechowych niemowlat.

The incidence of acute viral respiratory diseases (confirmed by immunofluorescence test) was compared in a group of 159 infants aged 0-9 months breast-fed at least once daily and in a group of 608 infants of similar age and hospitalization duration receiving only artificial food. The incidence was significantly lower in breast-fed infants (p = 0.00057), especially in the first trimester of life (p = 0.00039). This was valid of all RSV infections (p = 0.01854) and parainfluenza type 4 virus infections (p = 0.0846). The antibody level against parainfluenza type 1 and 3 (HI) and against RSV in IgA class (ELISA) was compared with that in mother's milk and serum. No significant correlation was found for parainfluenza type 1 antibodies (r = 0.159) and 3 (r = 0.025), while for RSV the correlation was positive and statistically significant though rather low (r = 0.234). No significant correlation was found between milk antibody levels and the incidence of acute viral respiratory infections. Breast-feeding showed a significant influence on the lower incidence of these infections, particularly in the first trimester of life. It seems that this was associated with a non-specific mechanism rather than with the milk levels of specific antibodies.

[Viral respiratory infections detected in small children in 1995-1996]. / Wirusowe zakazenia dróg oddechowych u malych dzieci w sezonie 1995-1996.

As in previous studies we used the fluorescent antibody technique to determine the aetiology of viral respiratory infections in small children who were hospitalized in the epidemic season 1995-96. Data obtained from this study were compared with the results from the previous season (1994-95) and with the results from preceding ten seasons (1985-95). No variation in aetiology of infections was found although a higher occurrence of adenoviruses was uncovered amongst the 1995-1996 group. The monthly rates of morbidity in this same group were highest in November and in April. Data from this season displayed the greatest incidence of morbidity among children from one to six months old. The importance of bread feeding as a measure of prevention against viral respiratory infections was confirmed.

[The incidence of virus respiratory infections in small children in the season 1994-95]. / Wystepowanie wirusowych zakazen dróg oddechowych u malych dzieci w sezonie 1994-1995.

As previously, by antibody fluorescent technique the etiology of viral respiratory infections was determinated in small children hospitalized because of respiratory disease in the epidemic season 1994-95. Data obtained were compared with the results from the preceding season. Among a total of 371 patients, virus infection was detected in 170 (45,8%). Data for the whole season did not distinctly differ from those obtained previously; however, some differences were found in the occurrence of the individual virus infections in consecutive months of the epidemic season. The second (spring) wave of RS virus infections in this season was lower and more extended in time than in the previous seasons. Highest incidence of adenoviruses was observed in July 1995. The incidence of parainfluenza type 4 virus was higher in the disease of small children. In the youngest (below 1 month) age group percent of virus infections was higher, as compared with data from the preceding season.