Is the Genetic Background of Co-Stimulatory CD28/CTLA-4 Pathway the Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer?

The impairment of immunological surveillance caused by aberrant T cell activation can lead to an inadequate anti-tumor response. Therefore, deregulation in co-stimulatory pathway might be associated with cancer susceptibility. Here we undertook a prospective study to investigate whether genetic variations in gene encoding molecule CD28 and CTLA-4 playing pivotal role in regulating adoptive immune response can influence susceptibility to prostate cancer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CTLA-4 and CD28 genes were genotyped in 301 prostate cancer (PCa) patients and 301 controls. The distributions of the genotypes and haplotypes in the CTLA-4/CD28 SNPs were similar in both studied groups. However, the overrepresentation of carriers of CTLA-4c.49A>G[A] allele and carriers of CTLA-4g.319C>T[T] allele in PCa as compared to controls was observed (p = 0.082 and p = 0.13, respectively). The risk of disease was higher (OR 1.78) for carriers of both susceptibility alleles as compared to carriers of protective genotypes (p = 0.03). The CTLA-4c.49A>G and CTLA-4g.319C>T SNPs might be considered as low risk susceptibility locus for PCa.

Renal artery entrapment - anatomical risk factors rating.

BACKGROUND: Cases of renal artery entrapment (RAE) by extrinsic compression have been infrequently reported in the literature. We aimed to describe RAE and elucidate anatomical factors that may be related to renal artery stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and four patients' computed tomography scans made for various reasons in Radiology Department from 2011 to 2015 were retrospectively analysed and 7 cases of RAE were found. Authors studied the level of origin of renal arteries vs. coeliac trunk (CT), superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vertebrae. Diameter of renal arteries, distance between main left renal artery (LRA) and right renal artery (RRA) as well as renal arterial patterns were also investigated. RESULTS: The origin of main renal arteries off the aorta was between the upper margin of L1 and lower margin of L2 vertebra, with the predominant lower 1/3 of L1 vertebra and L1 intervertebral disc. However, in patients with highest range of stenosis of renal artery the origin was most commonly located at the level of Th12 intervertebral disc and upper part of L1. Statistically significant relationships were proven between range of stenosis and level of origin of stenotic renal artery vs. vertebrae (Pearson's correlation coefficient: -0.393, p < 0.01), distance between main LRA and RRA (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.398, p < 0.0001), renal artery-CT distance (Pearson's correlation coefficient: -0.263, p < 0.0001), renal artery-SMA distance (Pearson's correlation coefficient: -0.149, p < 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of RAE allowed finding anatomical factors of renal artery stenosis and classifying them regarding to their importance. Relationship of renal artery origin vs. vertebrae and distance between main LRA and RRA were proven the most important. However, distances between higher originated renal artery and CT, higher originated renal artery and SMA should also be taken into consideration.

Absorption, fluorescence and second harmonic generation in Cr³âº-doped BiB3O6 glasses.

Synthesis, spectral properties and photoinduced nonlinear optical effects of chromium-doped BiB3O6 glass are studied in the present paper. Absorption, excitation and time resolved luminescence spectra are presented and luminescence decay behavior is discussed. Detailed analysis of the obtained spectra (assignment of the most prominent spectral features in terms of the corresponding Cr(3+) energy levels, crystal field strength Dq, Racah parameters B and C) was performed. A weak photostimulated second harmonic generation signal was found to increase drastically due to poling by proton implantation in the investigated sample.

Saturated-absorption spectroscopy revisited: atomic transitions in strong magnetic fields (>20 mT) with a micrometer-thin cell.

The existence of crossover resonances makes saturated-absorption (SA) spectra very complicated when external magnetic field B is applied. It is demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that the use of micrometric-thin cells (MTCs, L≈40 µm) allows application of SA for quantitative studies of frequency splitting and shifts of the Rb atomic transitions in a wide range of external magnetic fields, from 0.2 up to 6 kG (20-600 mT). We compare the SA spectra obtained with the MTC with those obtained with other techniques and present applications for optical magnetometry with micrometer spatial resolution and a broadly tunable optical frequency lock.

Dicyanobenzene and dicyanopyrazine derived X-shaped charge-transfer chromophores: comparative and structure-property relationship study.

A series of novel X-shaped push-pull compounds based on benzene-1,2-dicarbonitrile has been designed, synthesized and further investigated by X-ray analysis, electrochemistry, absorption and emission spectra, SHG experiment and quantum-chemical calculations. The obtained data were compared with those for isolobal 5,6-disubstituted pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitriles. Structure-property relationships were elucidated. The extension, composition and planarization of the π-linker used as well as the electron-withdrawing ability of both dicyano-substituted acceptor units affect the linear and nonlinear properties of the target charge-transfer chromophores most significantly.

Linear and nonlinear optical susceptibilities and the hyperpolarizability of borate LiBaB9O15 single-crystal: theory and experiment.

The single-crystal borate LiBaB9O15 was synthesized by a high-temperature solution reaction and structurally determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. It crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group R3c and features a three-dimensional ∞3[B9O15]3­ anionic framework, with infinite channels in which the Li+ and Ba2+ cations are located. The linear optical properties were investigated experimentally in terms of the absorption spectrum, which reveals an optical gap of 5.17 eV. In addition we have calculated the linear optical properties using state-of-the-art all-electron full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The nonlinear optical susceptibilities, namely, the second harmonic generation and the hyperpolarizability of the single-crystal borate LiBaB9O15 are calculated and evaluated at a static limit and at λ = 1064 nm. The calculation shows there exists three second-order nonlinear optical susceptiblities tensors components. We present measurements of the IR spectra in the range 500­2000 cm­1, and the second harmonic generation was performed using a Quantel 15 ns Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm.

IR laser induced spectra in novel crystals CdTe-CuInTe2.

The novel crystalline alloys CdTe-CuInTe2 were synthesized. The photoinduced spectral changes of the anharmonic phonon modes were explored by cw CO2 laser at power about 2 kW in the vicinity of the 1650 cm(-1) mode. The changes of the intensities for principal phonon modes were found. These modes were assigned both to harmonic as well as anharmonic modes. All the measurements are studied after the Ir illumination. The performed quantum chemical calculations with application of the norm-conserving pseudopotential method and Green functions allow to identify the origin of the content dependent anharmonic phonon modes. Some correlation between the intensities of the corresponding phonon modes at about 1600-1700 cm(-1) and the corresponding IR induced changes were found.

IR laser induced spectral kinetics of AgGaGe3Se8:Cu chalcogenide crystals.

The possibility to operate by optical spectra near the absorption edge gap was discovered for the AgGaGe3Se8:Cu semiconducting chalcogenide crystals under influence of microsecond CO2 laser with pulse energy 60 mJ operating at wavelength 10.6 µm. An occurrence of substantial photoinduced optical density was observed at wavelengths in the spectral range of 610-620 nm. Introducing of Cu ions leads to substantial spectral asymmetry in the observed spectra. The process achieves its maximum value after the 80-120 s of CO2 laser treatment and relaxes with almost irreversible changes after the same time. The contribution of thermo heating did not exceed 5-6%. Only the irreversible changes of the sample's surface topography were observed during the CO2 laser treatment, which do not influence the treatment. So the surface states do not play a principal role and the effect is prevailingly originated from the. The observed effect may be used for control of the CO2 laser power density.

Photoinduced spectra for magneto electric (1-x)BiFeO3-xCuFe2O4 nanocomposites.

In this work, we demonstrate possibility to use spectra of the parametrically tuned laser beam for operation by magnetoelectric properties of the (1-x)BiFeO(3-)(x)CuFe(2)O(4) (BFCI). The role of the photoexcited wavelength is crucial due to photoexcited phonons. It may indicate on a spectral sensitivity of the studied nanocomposites. We have studied spectral dependences of magneto-electric constant versus the magnetic field frequency for different sizes of the nanoparticles with and without the nanosecond laser pulses illumination and we have shown an occurrence of principal spectral shifts in the corresponding magneto-electric maxima. Additionally we have explored relative changes of dielectric permittivity and coercivity versus different photoinducing wavelengths. The performed experiments unambiguously show that the external laser treatment will lead to substantial shift of corresponding dielectric and magnetic parameters in the studied nanocomposites. It is principally the finding of clear spectral dependences for the mentioned dielectric and magnetic parameters. One can see their sensitivity to the photoinduced wavelength which reflects the photoexcitations of different part of wavelengths. One can see the spectral shift up to 100 nm for the two principal spectral maxima with respect to the dielectric and magnetic changes which may indicate on the two principally different contributions to the effects observed.

Optical operation by chromophores featuring 4,5-dicyanoimidazole embedded within poly(methyl methacrylate) matrices.

We have studied photoinduced absorption, birefringence, and optical second-harmonic generation in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films doped by organic chromophores featuring 4,5-dicyanoimidazole in the weight content equal to 5%. The chromophores indicated as IM1-IM6 were synthesized from 2-bromo-1-methylimidazole-4,5-dicarbonitrile by either nucleophilic substitution or Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. The samples were obtained as films of several micrometers thickness by the spin-coating method on a quartz substrate. Measurements of the optically induced birefringence were done by the Senarmont method at wavelength 1150 nm, and photoinduced absorption was studied in the spectral range 250-700 nm under optical treatment by 300 mW cw 532 nm laser. Photoinduced optical effects were studied by bicolor 1064 and 532 nm coherent laser pulses. The maximal changes were observed for the ratio between fundamental and writing beam intensities equal to about 7:1. To interpret the observed experimental measurements, theoretical simulations of photoinduced optical properties were performed by quantum chemical computational methods.

Assessment of renal dysfunction improves troponin-based short-term prognosis in patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVE: Current risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) includes assessment of clinical status, right ventricular overload and plasma troponin concentrations. As impaired renal function is one of the important predictors of mortality in cardiovascular diseases, we hypothesized that it is an independent early mortality marker in APE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In prospective cohort study, we observed 220 consecutive patients (86M/134F, 64 +/- 18 years) with APE proven by spiral computed tomography (CT). On admission, echocardiography was performed and blood samples were collected for troponin and creatinine assays. RESULTS: The calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) differed significantly between 81 pts with low-, 131 pts with moderate- and 8 pts with high-risk APE [71 (19-181) vs. 55 (9-153) vs. 41 (14-68) mL min(-1); respectively P < 0.0001]. Twenty-three patients died during the 30-day observation. Importantly, GFR was lower in non-survivors than in survivors [35 (9-92) vs. 63 (14-181) mL min(-1), P < 0.0001]. The area under the curve (AUC) of the GFR receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve for predicting mortality was 0.760 (95% CI: 0.698-0.815). In multivariable analysis, independent mortality predictors were GFR, troponin, heart rate and history of chronic heart failure. In normotensive patients, the GFR and cardiac troponins (cTn) ROC curves for prediction of mortality showed no difference (AUC 0.789 and 0.781, respectively). However, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed an additive prognostic value of renal dysfunction. Thus, troponin-positive patients with a GFR < or = 35 mL mn(-1) showed 48% 30-day mortality, whereas troponin-positive patients with a GFR > 35 mL mn(-1) had 11% mortality, and troponin-negative patients with a GFR > 35 mL mn(-1) had good prognosis, P < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Impaired kidney function, present in 47% of APE patients, is related to all-cause mortality. In initially normotensive patients, a GFR < 35 mL min(-1) predicts 30-day mortality. Moreover, GFR assessment can improve troponin-based risk stratification of APE.

Estimation of mating-compatibility of the wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis L. Crantz) by observing pollen tube germination.

Cross-compatibility and self-compatibility in trees of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz were evaluated. Degree of mating-compatibility between three trees was determined by means of fluorescence microscope. Self-compatibility evaluated on the basis of the pollen tube germination index showed that one tree is fully self-incompatible and the other two are self-compatible. Observations of pollen tube germination showed full cross-compatibility between trees under investigation.

[Doppler color ultrasonography in the evaluation of orbital and eyeball vessels]. / Kolorowa ultrasonografia dopplerowska w diagnostyce naczyn galki ocznej i oczodolu.

31 persons without any changes in visual system and 16 patients with vascular lesions were examined using Doppler colour ultrasonography. This method allowed to identify and evaluate the blood flow in central retinal artery, ophthalmic artery and in ciliary arteries. The authors described a typical picture of normal eyeball and orbita as well as the blood flow observed with Doppler pulsation wave. It was found that normal orbital veins were difficult to observe. The pathological changes of the blood flow in carotid artery occlusion, in arterial-cavernous shunt and in retrobulbar neuritis were also described. The authors indicate a great diagnostic usefulness of the method.

Familial combined hyperlipidaemia linked to the apolipoprotein AI-CII-AIV gene cluster on chromosome 11q23-q24.

Familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCHL) is a common inherited disorder of lipid metabolism with a prevalence of 0.5-2.0% (refs 1, 2). It is estimated to cause 10% of premature coronary heart disease. The underlying metabolic and genetic defects in FCHL have not been identified, but a population study has suggested an association between FCHL and an XmnI restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) within the apolipoprotein AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster. Here we confirm this association and show that it results from linkage disequilibrium between FCHL and the 6.6-kilobase (kb) allele of the XmnI RFLP. Subsequent analysis in seven FCHL families, ascertained through a proband carrying the 6.6 kb XmnI allele, demonstrated linkage to the AI-CIII-AIV cluster on 11q23-q24, zeta = 6.86 with no recombinants. This assignment will facilitate the identification of the mutation that causes hyperlipidaemia in these families.

Relationship between plasma cholesterol and coronary artery disease in Asians.

Cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured in 150 male survivors of first myocardial infarction and in 115 age and ethnic matched healthy controls. The total cholesterol concentration was higher in whites than in respective Asian groups and higher in patients than in controls (P less than 0.001). The ratio of cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was significantly higher in patients (P less than 0.001) and in both ethnic groups was a powerful independent predictor of cases. In Asians, the extent of coronary atheroma assessed by arteriography 2-12 weeks after infarction correlated independently with the total cholesterol concentration (P = 0.03). Thus, in Asian men, the lower level of total cholesterol compared to whites may be misleading. In Asian men the extent of atheroma correlated with the total cholesterol concentration and the relative risk of infarction increased with the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol. At a given level of cholesterol different ethnic groups may be at differing levels of cardiac risk and the cholesterol ratio may be a more appropriate means of inter-ethnic comparison.