Broad immunophenotyping of the murine brain tumor microenvironment.

Here we present a 14-color flow cytometry panel for the evaluation of 13 myeloid and lymphoid populations within murine glioblastoma samples. Reagents, processing protocols, and downstream analyses were thoroughly validated and optimized to resolve the following populations: T cells (CD4, CD8, CD3), B cells (B220), NK cells (NK1.1), neutrophils (Ly6G), classical and non-classical monocytes (Ly6c, CD43), macrophages (F4/80, CD11b), microglia (CD45-lo, CD11b), and dendritic cells (DCs) (CD11c, MHC class II). In addition, this panel leaves Alexa Fluor 488/FITC open for the inclusion of fluorescent reporters or congenic marker staining.

The effect of green tea on the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in the liver of rats during chronic ethanol consumption.

PURPOSE: Alterations in the redox state during chronic ethanol consumption are associated with the oxidation of ethanol via alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Among various antioxidants present in food, strong antioxidative effects have been attributed to polyphenols of green tea. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of green tea consumption during chronic ethanol intake on the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase in the liver of rats during maturation and aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activity of ALDH was measured in the livers of rats aged 2 (young), 12 (adult) and 24 months (old). The rats were fed with a control liquid Lieber DeCarli diet, control liquid diet containing green tea (3 g/l), ethanol liquid diet (with increasing ethanol dose from 2.3% to 7%) and ethanol liquid diet containing green tea. RESULTS: Chronic ethanol consumption significantly increased the liver ALDH activity in young and adult rats but decreased this activity in old animals. The drinking of green tea did not alter ALDH activity in ethanol-consuming rats. Drinking green tea alone significantly increased ALDH activity in young and adult rats but did not alter this activity in old rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that green tea administered during chronic ethanol consumption does not prevent the changes in the hepatic ALDH activity in the rats at each age.

Interaction of amphetamine and its N-alkyl-substituted derivatives with micro- and mesoporous adsorbents in polar liquids.

The process of concentrating amphetamine (1-phenyl-2-propanamine, C6H5CH2CH(NH2)CH3) and its N-alkyl substituted derivatives C6H5CH2CH(NHR)CH3 and C6H5CH2CH(N(CH3)R)CH3 (R=(CH2)(n)CH3 at n=0, 1, 2, and 3) from diluted aqueous solution was investigated using six adsorbents having different textures and chemical compositions. Three chemically modified carbon adsorbents prepared from plum stones and routinely used SPE cartridges packed with graphitized adsorbents such as Hypercarb and Envicarb and polymeric LiChrolut EN were applied. Recovery rates of amphetamines increase nearly linearly with growing free energy of solvation due to better adsorption of amphetamines with larger side groups from polar solution. Reduction of a carbon surface leads to a decrease in the recovery rate. Its minimal values are observed for the adsorption of amphetamines on graphitized carbons due to both lower adsorption and worse desorption (elution) in comparison with those for activated carbons.

Structural characteristics of modified activated carbons and adsorption of explosives.

Several series of activated carbons prepared by catalytic and noncatalytic gasification and subsequent deposition of pyrocarbon by pyrolysis of methylene chloride or n-amyl alcohol were studied by FTIR, chromatography, and adsorption methods using nitrogen and probe organics (explosives). The relationships between the textural characteristics of carbon samples and the recovery rates (eta) of explosives on solid-phase extraction (SPE) using different solvents for their elution after adsorption were analyzed using experimental and quantum chemical calculation results. The eta values for nitrate esters, cyclic nitroamines, and nitroaromatics only partially correlate with different adsorbent parameters (characterizing microporosity, mesoporosity, pore size distributions, etc.), polarity of eluting solvents, or characteristics of probe molecules, since there are many factors strongly affecting the recovery rates. Some of the synthesized carbons provide higher eta values than those for such commercial adsorbents as Hypercarb and Envicarb.

Structural and adsorptive properties of activated carbons prepared by carbonization and activation of resins.

Four activated carbons (S1-S4) possessing different structural characteristics were prepared by carbonization of commercial resins (used for ion exchange) and subsequent activation. Their textural parameters were determined on the basis of nitrogen adsorption-desorption at 77.4 K, analyzed by applying several local and overall adsorption isotherm equations. The nature of carbon surface functionalities was analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. The GC and solid-phase extraction (SPE) techniques were applied to study the influence of the texture of carbonaceous materials on their adsorptive properties. The adsorption efficiency of synthesized carbons with respect to alkylhalides used as probe compounds in the GC measurements varied over a range from 28% (C(2)H(3)Cl(3)/S2) to 85% (CHBr(3)/S1) depending on the type of adsorbates and adsorbents. The concentrating efficiency of these carbons in SPE of explosive materials changed over a larger range from 12% (trinitroglycerin/S4) and 13% (trinitrotoluene/S2) up to 100% (octogen/S1). Active carbon prepared using Zerolite 225x8 as a precursor demonstrated better results than other carbons in two types of adsorption with average values of the efficiency of 75.4% for explosives and 60.8% for alkylhalides.

Influence of organics on the structure of water adsorbed on activated carbons.

The influence of organics on the structure of water adsorbed on activated carbons was studied using adsorption of nitrogen, benzene, and water, and by (1)H NMR spectroscopy with freezing out of bulk water with the presence of benzene-d(6) or chloroform-d. It was found that interactions of water with the activated carbon surface depend on both structural characteristics (contributions of micro- and mesopores, pore size distributions) of adsorbents and chemical properties (changed by oxidation or reduction) of the adsorbents. Moreover, the interfacial behavior of water is affected by water-insoluble organics such as benzene and chloroform. Changes in the Gibbs free energy of water adsorbed on carbons exposed to air, water, chloroform-d, or benzene-d(6) are related to textural properties of adsorbents and the degree of their oxidation. Since chloroform-d and benzene-d(6) are strongly adsorbed on activated carbons and immiscible with water they replace a significant portion of adsorbed water in micropores, on the walls of mesopores, and in the transport pores of carbons causing changes in the Gibbs free energy and other characteristics of water.

Relationship between Structural Characteristics of Activated Carbons and Their Concentrating Efficiency with Respect to Nitroorganics.

The relationships between structural properties of activated microporous, micro-mesoporous, mesoporous, and graphitized carbons determined on the basis of nitrogen adsorption at 77.4 K and the efficiency of concentrating (solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique) several nitroorganic compounds from polar solvents were investigated. Microporosity, mesoporosity, fractality, and other characteristics of adsorbents were analyzed to evaluate the dependence of the effectiveness of the SPE technique with respect to nitrate esters, cyclic nitroamines, and nitroaromatics on the origin and texture of carbons. The values of the free energy of solvation and dipole moment of nitroorganic compounds in polar liquids computed with the SM5.42/PM3 method with consideration of geometry relaxation in solution were utilized to elucidate features of their concentration of carbon adsorbents. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

A strategic approach to the rehabilitation of patients with cervical SCI.

Background. This article presents an evaluation of the strategic approach to managing rehabilitation for patients with high spinal cord injuries. The strategic approach is founded on the assumption that particular rehabilitation procedures should be applied in accordance with a strategic plan, which is developed in terms of the overarching goal of rehabilitation, understood as enabling the appropriate mechanism of adaptation and compensation. Consistent pursuit of this goal, instead of merely reacting to successive crises and problem situations as they arise, enables the patient to achieve greater independence, and thus a better quality of life. In order to adjust the strategic plan to the individual needs of the patient, it is developed in a series of steps: 1) comprehensive analysis of the patient's current status and situation; 2) establishment by negotiation of a target situation (overarching goal); 3) selection of subordinate goals leading systematically to the realization of the overarching goal; 4) establishment of a schedule for the realization of subordinate goals; 5) regular monitoring of goal performance and performobility.
Material and methods. The effectiveness of the strategic approach was evaluated in a clinical experiment involving 68 patients wit tetraplegia, who underwent surgery subsequent to spinal cord injury (SCI) at the level of the cervical vertebrae (C2-C7), and were treated in the centers represented by the authors. The patients were divided by matching for age and sex into two groups: a control group (K) of 34 patients whose rehabilitation was conducted without reference to a strategic plan, and an experimental group (E)of 34 patients who had such a plan. The methods used to measure the outcomes obtained by the patients in rehabilitation included clinical observation, the Polish version of the standard Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and a Self-Evaluating Scale of Progress in Rehabilitation. The patients were tested twice, once before beginning rehabilitation, and again 6 months later.
Analysis of results. In both group similar progress was recorded in certain parameters of the FIM scale, which points up the effectiveness of the therapeutic procedures used in comprehensive rehabilitation; in group E, however, much greaterprogress was noted in terms of functional independence and psycho-social functioning. The patients from group E were much more content with the results they had achieved in rehabilitation.
Conclusions. The results reported here justify the assertion that the strategic approach to the rehabilitation of patients with high cervical SCI makes the most of the benefits provided by the procedures applied, without the necessity to make fundamental changes in procedures or employ additional personel, acquire new equipment, etc. The strategic approach helps the patient attain better results in becoming independent, and gives grounds for greater satisfaction with the results obtained in rehabilitation, which in run increases motivation to take an active part in exercises and other procerdures. It also assures the patient the basic right to make fundamentally important decisions in the course of his own treatment, which is consistent with the Patient Bill of Rights and the requirements of 21st-century medicine.

[The Polish Paderewski Hospital in Edinburgh]. / Szpital im. Ignacego Paderewskiego w Edynburgu.

On 22 March 1941 the Polish School of Medicine was established at the University of Edinburgh for soldier students in the Polish Forces. Six months later the Polish Paderewski Hospital was opened at the Western General Hospital in a building offered by the Edinburgh City Council. It was meant for Polish soldiers and civilians for the time of war. The moving force behind these events was Professor Jurasz, the organiser and dean of the Polish School of Medicine. He was made the superintendant of the Paderewski Hospital. The hospital was also a teaching hospital for the Polish students. The Hospital was very well equipped thanks to the financial aid coming from the Paderewski Fund in New York. The peak activity of the hospital was in 1944/45 with the invasion of Europe and still more after the end of the war when tens of thousands of Polish soldiers arrived from Italy and the Middle East to Gr. Britain for demobilisation. The hospital was closed down at the end of 1947. It had been planned that a new Medical School would be set up in Poland after the war, based on the Polish School of Medicine in Edinburgh and the Paderewski Hospital. The post-war political changes in Eastern Europe with enforced communism in Poland prevented the realisation of these plans.

[Polish historical collection at the University of Edinburgh]. / Polskie Zbiory Historyczne na Uniwersytecie w Edynburgu.

The Polish School of Medicine, a joint Scottish-Polish academic enterprise, established in 1941 at the University of Edinburgh for soldiers-students in the Polish Forces, ceased its activity in 1949, four years after the end of the war. Owing to the stalinist terror in occupied Poland most of the 227 graduates remained in the West. There was a deep feeling of gratitude towards the University on the part of the graduates of the Polish School. The 25th anniversary of the School in 1966 was an opportunity to convoke in Edinburgh a world reunion of the graduates. At the academic ceremony two gold medals were presented to the University. The warm reception extended by the University, prompted the resolution to hold quinquennial world reunions in Edinburgh. Since then world reunions were held in Edinburgh every 5 years with meetings with the University authorities and presentation of gifts. By 1980 the number of gifts accumulated to such extent that the seminar room in the Erskine Medical Library was selected for the permanent display of the gifts; this served to intensify the collection of exhibits. Gifts were chosen to remind of certain events in the Polish history of medicine, especially items reflecting Polish links with Scotland. The highest achievement in the Scottish-Polish links, was of course the creation of the Polish School of Medicine. The official opening of the Historical Collection took place in June 1986 on the occasion of a world reunion on the 45th anniversary of the School. It was marked by the unveiling of a memorial plaque. On this ocasion another venture was also initiated: the opening of the Polish School of Medicine Memorial Fund at the University of Edinburgh. It was funded by the graduates to provide scholarship for young doctors from Poland. Another venture was the creation of the "Professor Antoni Jurasz lectureship" for Edinburgh professors to lecture in Medical Academies in Poland. The Historical Collection of the Polish School of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh is a permanent memorial to the magnanimity of the University left by the graduates. It is at the same time a windowshow of a 300 years old Scottish-Polish history of medicine.

[Fifty years of the Polish School of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh (1941-1991)]. / Piecdziesiat lat Polskiego Wydzialu Lekarskiego w Edynburgu 1941-1991.

The Polish School of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh started in 1941 on the initiative of the University. It was destined for soldier-students in the Polish Forces in Great Britain. This academic institution, unique in the history of universities, was a joint Scottish-Polish enterprise. An Agreement was concluded between the Polish Government in London and the University of Edinburgh. The School was an independent Polish academic institution and, at the same time, an integral part of the University of Edinburgh. The students matriculated at the University. The University provided all the laboratory and clinical facilities necessary for teaching. Due to a lack of Polish professors for some chairs a few of them were held by Scottish professors. Attached to them were Polish lecturers but the examinations were then held in English. The diploma, originally valid only in Poland, became recognised in Great Britain following an Act of Parliament in 1947. There were 337 students, a number of them women. 227 obtained the degree M.B., Ch.B. The war ended in 1945. The School continued up till 1949. Poland was not free. The Nazi occupation of Poland was replaced by Soviet domination which was to last for over 40 years. Only 22 of the graduates returned home, about 100 settled in G. Britain, another 100 dispersed world wide. The "magnanimous gesture" of the University of Edinburgh was thereafter remembered with gratitude by the members of the Polish School. In 1961, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the School, the first reunion of the graduates was organised in Birmingham for those settled in Gr. Britain. The success of the reunion prompted decision on organising annual "English" gatherings of the Polish graduates in Gr. Britain. The first world reunion of the graduates took place in Edinburgh in 1966, attracting a large number of participants on this occasion of the 25th anniversary of the School. That immensely successful anniversary of the Polish School which was celebrated by the University, influenced the participants to organise regular quinquennial world reunions in Edinburgh. A later, particularly memorable event, was the world reunion in 1976 on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Medical Faculty of the University; it was celebrated jointly, as it coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Polish School. The 45th anniversary of the School in 1986 was marked by the opening of the "Polish School of Medicine Historical Collection" in the Polish Room of the Erskine Medical Library of the University of Edinburgh. Also a Polish School of Medicine Memorial Fund, founded on contributions from the graduates, was inaugurated at the University of Edinburgh to provide scholarships for research workers from Poland. Another venture was the "Professor Antoni Jurasz Lectureship" for professors of the Edinburgh Medical Faculty to promote contact with Medical Schools in Poland by delivering lectures. An ardent desire was expressed by the original organisers of the School to continue into the future the academic links in medicine between the University and Poland. Political and ideological factors which devided the post-war Europe did not favor such a fulfillment of this plan. The members of the School who remained in the West, maintained links with the University and prepared funds to put the plans of co-operation into action. With the end of the political division of Europe the future of a productive Scottish-Polish collaboration can be viewed with hope and confidence.

[Scottish professors in the Polish School of Medicine in Edinburgh]. / Profesorowie szkoccy na Polskim Wydziale Lekarskim w Edynburgu.

In 1941, on the initiative of the University of Edinburgh, a Polish School of Medicine was founded at that University for soldier-students in the Polish Forces in Gr. Britain. It was a joint Scottish-Polish academic enterprise, unique in the history of universities. The Polish school of Medicine became an integral part of the University. As only 7 Polish professors were available (apart from associate professors and senior lecturers), a number insufficient to start a Medical School, a similar number of Scottish professors filled the vacant Polish chairs. Such an arrangement had been agreed by the organisers of the School and was included in the Agreement, negotiated between the University of Edinburgh and the Polish Government in London. According to the agreement the Scottish professors were proposed by the University authorities. A special invitation was sent to them by the Polish Government in London. The Scottish professors of the Polish School of Medicine were: Lt col. F.A.E. Crew honorary professor of the Polish School. L.S.P. Davidson (medicine), A.M. Drennan (pathology), D.M. Dunlop (co-examiner to prof. L.S.P. Davidson), R. W. Johnstone (obstetrics/gynaecology), T.J. Mackie (bacteriology), G.F. Marrion (chemistry/biochemistry), C. McNeil (paediatrics) and Sydney Smith (forensic medicine). Replacement due to retirement: R.J. Kellar, R.W.B. Ellis, Sir James Learmonth. Polish lecturers were attached to all the Scottish professors who held the Polish chairs. Thus the instruction in the above-mentioned subjects was given in Polish but the examination was conducted in English by the Scottish professors. But in some subject, both the instruction and the examination, were in English. The students had to learn English quickly as the language was essential for their reading of English textbooks and dealing with Scottish patients in the wards. A typical picture at that time in the wards of the Royal Infirmary was of a group of Scottish students being instructed by their professor at patient's bedside, and at another bed, a group of Polish soldier-students in battledress, being taught in Polish by their lecturer. The co-operation worked very well indeed. Seemingly impossible things can be successfully accomplished in exceptional circumstances for instance in warfare. A total of 227 students obtained the diploma M.B., Ch.B. It was valid only in Poland. By an Act of Parliament the diploma was made valid also in Gr. Britain. The diploma was in two versions: a Latin text of the diploma of the University of Edinburgh, and a Polish text of the Polish universities. In recognition of the invaluable help extended by the University of Edinburgh to Polish science and learning, a bronze plaque was unveiled in 1949 in the Quadrangle of the Medical Faculty.

[Teaching department of the Polish Paderewski Hospital in Edinburgh]. / Studium Lekarskie przy Szpitalu im. I. Paderewskiego w Edynburgu.

An agreement was concluded on 24.02.1941 between the University of Edinburgh and the Polish Government in Exile in London that brought into being the Polish School of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. The School was intended for soldier-students in the Polish Forces in Gr. Britain. This agreement was meant for the time of war. With the end of the war a number of medical student-soldiers liberated from the German prisoner of war camps, applied to the Polish Medical School at the University of Edinburgh. In accord with the agreement the University discontinued the official admission of new students to the Polish School in Edinburgh. The students, numbering 37, who could not be admitted as regular students, were given facilities by Professor Jurasz, the Dean of the Polish School, to carry on their studies at the Polish Paderewski Hospital in Edinburgh (at the Western General Hospital). Thus there came into being two Schools: one regular, authorized Polish School of Medicine within the University, and the other, an unofficial School at the Paderewski Hospital, undertaking the teaching of students but with no power to grant a medical qualification. The teachers attached to the official Polish Medical School in Edinburg co-operated in the instruction of the students of the unofficial School. Nearly 20 of the 4th and 5th year students finished their courses and passed their examinations. Each of them was given a certificate that he had concluded his medical studies and had passed all the examinations which were necessary in Poland to obtain a medical diploma. A number of those who obtained the certificate applied to the Conjoint Examining Board in London and succeeded in obtaining the diploma L.R.C.P. London and M.R.C.S. England, and the licence to practice from the General Medical Council. A few third year students studied and obtained the degree at the Universities of England, Ireland and Canada; and some returned to Poland. A few settled in the U.S.A. and in South America. The unofficial School was active for two years.

Occurrence of goitre in relation to iodine deficiency in school children in Lódz City, the Lódz metropolitan area and in Piotrków, Sieradz, Plock, Wloclawek, Radom and Skierniewice Voivodships (Lódz coordinating center).

This paper presents the results of studies performed within the Applied Project of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and of the Committee for Scientific Research: "Studies on Iodine Deficiency in Poland", including the school children in Lódz City and seven voivodships of the Central Poland. According to the results, the analyzed regions can be regarded as areas of goitrous endemia of a moderate degree (the goitre was found in 32.7% of examined population); the same regions can also be classified among the regions of mild iodine deficiency (the mean iodide concentration in urine was 64.0 micrograms/l). The obtained results prove the to-date's iodine prophylaxis to be not entirely efficient in the areas of interest, demanding an effective model of iodine complementation in diet to be designed.