Pharmacists' Perceptions of Physician-Pharmacist Collaboration-A 2022 Cross-Sectional Survey in Poland

Patient-centered care requires close collaboration among multiple healthcare professionals, including physician-pharmacist collaboration (especially as a part of pharmaceutical care). This study aimed to assess pharmacists' perceptions of physician-pharmacist collaboration as well as to identify factors associated with the willingness to provide pharmaceutical care services in Poland. This questionnaire-based survey was carried out in 2022 among community pharmacists from one of the largest franchise chain pharmacy networks in Poland. Completed questionnaires were received from 635 community pharmacists (response rate of 47.9%). Almost all the pharmacists agreed with the statement that there is a need for physician-pharmacist collaboration (98.2%), and 94.8% declared that pharmacists can help physicians in patient care and pharmacotherapy. Most pharmacists (80%) believed that physicians were not aware of the competencies of pharmacists resulting from Polish law. Patient education (89.9%), detection of polypharmacy (88%), and detection of interactions between drugs and dietary supplements (85.7%) were the most common tasks in the field of pharmaceutical care that can be provided by a pharmacist. Females were more likely (p < 0.05) to declare the need for physician-pharmacist collaboration. Age and location of the pharmacy were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with pharmacists' attitudes toward physician-pharmacist collaboration.

National HPV Vaccination Program in Poland-Public Awareness, Sources of Knowledge, and Willingness to Vaccinate Children against HPV

Since 1 June 2023, a nationwide HPV vaccination program was implemented in Poland. This study aimed to identify factors associated with public awareness of the national HPV vaccination program among adults in Poland and willingness to vaccinate children against HPV. This cross-sectional study was carried out between 14 and 17 July 2023 among 1056 adults in Poland. A self-prepared questionnaire was used. Among the respondents, 51.3% had heard about the free HPV vaccination program. The major source of knowledge on the national HPV vaccination program was TV (62%). Only 31.9% of respondents correctly indicated girls and boys aged 12 and 13 as the HPV-vaccination-eligible population. Willingness to vaccinate children against HPV was declared by 63.3% of respondents. Female gender (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.11-1.81; p < 0.01), age 35-64 years (p < 0.05), having higher education (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.11-1.84; p < 0.01), and living in cities with more than 500,000 residents (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.01-2.28; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with higher odds to hear about the national HPV vaccination program. Age 50 years and over (p < 0.05), having higher education (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.09-1.88; p < 0.05), living in cities with more than 500,000 residents (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.14-2.83; p < 0.05), and no children under 18 in the home (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.01-1.89; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with willingness to vaccinate children against HPV.

Robert Tigerstedt and the Discovery of Renin

The year 2022 marks the 125th anniversary of the discovery of the first element of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The importance of this event on the further development of nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology left us compelled to reminisce about it and its main author, Robert Tigerstedt (1853-1923), who was one of Scandinavia's most famous scientists. He studied medicine at the University of Helsinki, Finland. His doctoral dissertation On the Mechanical Stimulation of the Nervous System and 10 other original publications made him famous among the neurophysiological community. From 1881, he worked in the Physiology Department at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, where he created a modern laboratory and became a professor at age 33 years. After meeting Carl Ludwig in Leipzig, he became interested in central blood circulation. In 1886, with Per Bergman, he started a series meticulously performed experiments with extracts of the rabbit kidney cortex, which, when injected into other rabbits, increased their blood pressure. The hypothetical responsible substance was called renin. The results were presented at the International Congress of Medicine in Moscow in 1887. Forty years later, Harry Goldblatt confirmed Tigerstedt's theory that "the substance which comes from kidneys increases the blood pressure." After he returned to Finland in 1901, Tigerstedt headed the Physiology Institute in Helsinki. His further activities included scientific work, teaching, and socially oriented issues like healthy nutrition and conditions in prison camps. He was also interested in the history of medicine and was a member of the Nobel Committee. His Textbook of Human Physiology was published in numerous editions in many languages. He also authored the renowned Textbook of Physiological Methodology and Physiology of Circulation. Tigerstedt published over 200 scientific papers and was an honorary doctor at many universities. He was known for his strong personality, critical judgment, idealism, humor, and warm heart.

Nephrology Before Nephrology in Poland

It was in the 1950s that nephrology crystallized as an independent specialty out of internal medicine. However, references to modern nephrology appeared in the works of doctors much earlier. Some researchers consider Hippocrates to be the father of clinical nephrology, while John Merrill is widely regarded as a specialty founder of modern nephrology. The situation is similar in Poland, where early references to urinary tract diseases appeared in medieval works of Polish authors. Poland's first clinic of nephrology, established in Wrocław in 1958, was managed by Zdzisław Wiktor. During the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association and International Association for the History of Nephology congresses, Polish authors presented precursors of nephrology, including Thomas of Wrocław, Simon Sirenius, Samuel Goldflam, Józef Dietl, Jędrzej Śniadecki, Marceli Landsberg, and Witold and Tadeusz Orłowski. This article focuses on late 19th and early 20th century giants who contributed to the development of nephrology in Poland. The period discussed covers memorable milestones in the history of Poland, ranging from the long-term Russian, Prussian, and Austro-Hungarian annexation through World War 1, after which the country regained its independence, to World War 2. These scientists represented clinical medicine and basic sciences, such as pathologic anatomy, physiology, and physiologic chemistry, and came from 3 different regions of Poland. Professor Tadeusz Browicz was associated with the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Professor Anastazy Landau worked in Warsaw, and Stefan Dąbrowski represented the University of Poznań. Although based on the cooperation with European universities, their works were published in Polish, preventing them from gaining wide recognition in the European medical community of the time. Therefore, presenting their achievements to a wider group of historians after such a long time seems justified.

Factors associated with the use of public eHealth services in Poland - a 2022 nationwide cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Poland is an example of a European country that has made significant progress in digitizing healthcare during the last 5 years. There is limited data on the use of eHealth services by different socio-economic groups in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic The aim of the study was to characterize public attitudes towards the use of e-Health services in Poland, as well as to identify factors associated with the use of e-Health services among adults in Poland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A questionnaire-based survey was carried out during 9-12 September 2022. A computer-assisted web interview methodology was used. A nationwide random quota sample of 1,092 adult Poles was selected. Questions on the use of 6 different public eHealth services in Poland and soci-economic characteristics were addressed.

RESULTS

Two-thirds of participants (67.1%) had received an e-prescription in the last 12 months. More than half of the participants used the Internet Patient Account (58.2%) or the patient.gov.pl website (54.9%). One-third of the participants had teleconsultation with a doctor (34.4%), and approximately one-quarter of participants had received electronic sick leave (26.9%) or used electronic information about treatment dates (26.7%). Of the ten different socio-economic factors analyzed in this study, educational level, and place of residence (p<0.05) were the most important factors associated with the use of public eHealth services among adults in Poland.

CONCLUSIONS

Living in rural areas or small cities is associated with a lower level of public eHealth services utilization. A relatively high interest in health education through eHealth methods was observed.

An Online Questionnaire-Based Survey of 1076 Individuals in Poland to Identify the Prevalence of Ophthalmic Symptoms in Autumn 2022

BACKGROUND Vision health affects functioning in society, and the ability to learn and work. Ophthalmic symptoms may be caused by eye diseases, but also by environmental or lifestyle factors. This online questionnaire-based survey aimed to identify the prevalence of ophthalmic symptoms in 1076 individuals in Poland, as well as to identify factors associated with the presence of ophthalmic symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS An online questionnaire-based survey was carried out in December 2022 on a representative sample of 1076 adult Poles. Non-probability quota sampling was used. Respondents were asked about the presence of 16 different eye symptoms and vision problems in the last 30 days. The presence of ophthalmic symptoms was self-declared. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS package version 28. RESULTS More than half of the respondents (57.8%) had at least 1 ophthalmic symptom in the last 30 days. Burning and stinging eyes (21.6%) and dry eyes (18.9%) were the most common ophthalmic symptoms declared by the respondents. Moreover, 21.3% of respondents reported vision deterioration in the last 30 days. Out of 10 different factors analyzed in this study, female gender, living in rural areas or small cities (below 100 000 inhabitants), living with at least 1 other person, having low economic status, having chronic diseases, and wearing spectacles/contact lenses were significantly associated (P.

Awareness of Common Eye Diseases and Their Risk Factors-A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey among Adults in Poland

Public knowledge and awareness of eye diseases may influence individuals' behaviors toward the use of eye care services and prevention methods. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of common eye diseases and their risk factors among adults in Poland as well as to identify factors associated with knowledge of eye diseases. This nationwide cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out in December 2022 on a representative sample of 1076 adults in Poland. Most of the respondents had heard of cataracts (83.6%), glaucoma (80.7%), conjunctivitis (74.3%), and hordeolum (73.8%). Awareness of dry eye syndrome was declared by 50% of respondents, and 40% were aware of retinal detachment. Among the respondents, 32.3% had heard of AMD, and 16.4% had heard of diabetic retinopathy. A lack of awareness of glaucoma was declared by 38.1% of respondents, and 54.3% declared a lack of awareness of risk factors for AMD. Gender, age, and the presence of chronic diseases were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with awareness of common eye diseases and risk factors for glaucoma and AMD. This study demonstrated a low level of awareness of common eye diseases among adults in Poland. Personalized communication on eye diseases is needed.

Use of the Internet for Health Purposes-A National Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey among Adults in Poland

The Internet is one of the most popular information sources. This study aimed to assess the public attitudes towards the use of the Internet for health purposes as well as to identify factors associated with the use of the Internet for health purposes among adults in Poland. A web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out between 9 and 12 September 2022 on a nationwide random-quota sample of 1092 adults in Poland. The study questionnaire included 10 questions on Internet use for health purposes. The most common reason for the use of the Internet for health purposes was searching for information on drugs and their effects (69.9%). Almost two-thirds of participants used the Internet for searching for health information (64.9%), for doctors/medical services (63.4%), or for medical facilities (65.3%). Over half of the participants used the Internet for checking online reviews of doctors (55.2%) and 43.5% of the participants ordered drugs or dietary supplements online. Out of 9 different socioeconomic factors analyzed in this study, having higher education, being female, as well as living in cities from 100,000 to 499,999 residents were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with the use of the Internet for health purposes. This study confirmed a high level of adoption of medical Internet in Poland.

P1156TWO YEAR FOLLOW UP QUALITY INDICATORS COMPLIANCE IN A LARGE INTERNATIONAL PERITONEAL DIALYSIS INSTITUTION

Background and Aims

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) practice is not universally homogeneous, best clinical practices are not completely understood as reference values are often obtained from small sized populations and/or frequently based on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or hemodialysis data.

To evaluate two years of follow up of compliance with PD-related quality indicators (QIs) following definition of new targets in an international PD network.

Method

All English and Spanish language CKD and PD guidelines were reviewed. Twelve Qis were considered being of significant relevance and targets for these QIs were defined (see table). Retrospective data analysis.

Results

Achievement of QI targets for years 2017-2018 is shown in table. Variability among countries not shown.

Conclusion

There was a significant increase in QIs achievement in 2018 vs. 2017. ≥75% of patients met the target for the following variables: total weekly Kt/Vurea, 24 h fluid removal, mean arterial blood pressure and serum albumin. Peritonitis rates are clearly over International objectives and were improving. Due to the lack of referral source data, these series may help to understand PD practice and outcomes in a global setting.

P1853FIVE YEARS PROSPECTIVE, OBSERVATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF DECISION-MAKING TOOLS FOR CHOICE OF RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY MODALITY

Background and Aims

Decision-Making Tools (DMTs) are still not widely used but are considered the Gold Standard to ensure patients are well informed to choose renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality.

To analyze the impact of a structured modality information program (via DMTs) on RRT modality choice and start.

Method

All 2014-2017 predialysis patients (pts) with CKD G4-G5 and those starting unplanned dialysis without a prior information process underwent a DMTs process for RRT choice and were followed up to Dec.31st, 2018. DMTs included values evaluation, RRT information with different tools, staff deliberation support and patient modality choice. Results shown as percentage of pts who reached a certain stage over the total number of pts under evaluation.

Results

2012 pts (mean age 61 y.) from 48 clinics (cl.) in Poland (PL, 19 cl., 980 pts), Romania (RO, 12 cl., 351 pts), Hungary (HU, 10 cl., 341 pts), Germany (DE, 6 cl., 292 pts) and Argentina (AR, 1 cl., 48 pts) underwent DMTs. Staff considered PD contraindicated in 29% of pts, hence optimal candidates for HD/PD were 1408 pts. (mean age 60y. and 46% prone for a home therapy). Early referral (≥3 m. in clinic before DMT started): 51%. Aids used included written information (97% of pts), DVD in 27% and HD/PD utility visits in 49%. Relatives’ participation in the process was 82%. Most pts (91%) considered the program useful whilst 64% of staff felt that this program was better than the prior one. PD choice (35%) varied among countries: 15% (RO), 30% (PL), 36% (HU), 62% (DE) and 98% (AR). For pts who had started dialysis by study closure (n=948), PD as chronic RRT was 31% (9% after an unplanned HD start); 13% (RO), 27% (PL), 34% (HU), 54% (GE) and 83% (AR).

Conclusion

Use of DMTs at the time of RRT modality choice complies with patient empowerment and decision sharing (patients-relatives-staff). PD choice and take-on varied among countries. Most patients who chose PD were chronically ascribed to PD representing at least one third of the suitable patients for both dialysis modalities.

SO009MORTALITY AND HOSPITALIZATION IN A LARGE INTERNATIONAL PERITONEAL DIALYSIS INSTITUTION DURING 2018

Background and Aims

With the exception of some national registries, data referred to mortality or hospitalization within a single large international peritoneal dialysis (PD) institution are seldom reported.

To study all-cause mortality, transplantation rate, hospitalizations and peritonitis rates in our large PD program during 2018.

Method

Observational, prospective registry in 8 countries. The following variables were tracked: crude mortality rate and causes, hospitalization variables (nº of hospitalization days per patient; nº of hospitalization episodes per patient; nº of days per hospitalization episode; causes of hospitalization), peritonitis rate (episodes/year at risk and patient months at risk to a peritonitis episode) and transplantation rate.

Results

By the end of December 2018, 1207 pt. were treated (11 countries) but only 8 countries submitted data. Evaluated population as “patients treated at risk during the year”: AR (319.5), RO (173.5), DE (137), HU (103), PL (97), UR (69.5), CL (27), KZ (7). Crude mortality rate was 13.1%, same if first 90 days on therapy were excluded. Lowest mortality was seen in HU (9.9%) and highest in DE (19.3%). Causes of death: cardiac 32%, all type infections 22% [Sepsis 78%, PD related 11% (as 0.7% of total mortality), pulmonary 3.7%, others 7.4%], vascular 10%, gastrointestinal 3.3%, unknown 10.7% (highest in DE, 23%), other known causes 21.5%. Hospitalization rates: 0.55 episodes/per patient-year and 7.6 days of hospitalization per patient-year. Nº of days per hospitalization episode was 13.7. Causes of hospitalization: PD related 38%, cardiovascular 17%, non-PD infection sepsis 10.7% (higher in LA, 16.6%), vascular access 2.1%, unknown 4.5%, others 23.3%. Global peritonitis rate was 0.18 episodes/pt-year at risk (1 episode every 66 m.). However, large differences were seen among countries. Transplantation rate was 6.5% (much higher in UR). PD was withdrawal in 35% of pt. Country specific data have been evaluated but are not shown here.

Conclusion

The use of a common registry in our institution increases quality and allows homogeneous comparisons across countries that if promptly addressed may increase patients’ outcomes. Our series may bring light into the PD community as one of the ever largest tracked in a single institution.

2420Effects of a selective small-molecule formyl peptide receptor 2 agonist on post myocardial inflammation and left ventricular structure-function relationships

Background/Introduction

Dysregulated inflammation following myocardial infarction (MI) can lead to maladaptive infarct healing, myocardial damage and heart failure. Formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) plays an important role in the ligand-dependent regulation of inflammation resolution. Stimulation of resolution via FPR2 activation is hypothesized to preserve left ventricular (LV) structure-function relationships thereby preventing pathological cardiac remodeling, and heart failure.

Purpose

We evaluated a selective 4-phenylpyrrolidinone FPR2 agonist in rodent MI models by assessing the impact on LV and infarct scar remodeling and cardiac function.

Methods

The FPR2 agonist was evaluated in phagocytosis, chemotaxis and cytokine response assays. In vivo, following permanent occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, C57BL/6 mice or Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with the FPR2 agonist or vehicle; PO gavage, QD. Treatment began 24 hours after occlusion (0.3 and 3 mg/kg) and continued for three days to assess early inflammation or four weeks to evaluate LV and infarct structure and function. Rats subjected to permanent MI were treated 48 hours after occlusion (0.01, 0.1. 1, 10 mg/kg) for six weeks to assess structure-function relationships. A parallel study in rats evaluated compound treatment (0.01, 0.1. 1, 10 mg/kg) following 60 minutes occlusion and reperfusion of the LAD artery.

Results

The FPR2 agonist enhanced cellular phagocytosis and chemotaxis, and stimulated IL-10 and MCP-1 gene expression in isolated human whole blood. In mice, FPR2 agonist treatment improved survival post MI, reduced LV chamber area and infarct size (26% and 55% vs. vehicle, respectively, P<0.05) and preserved infarct wall thickness (59% vs. vehicle, P<0.05). Treatment increased macrophage arginase 1 levels three days post-MI in the infarct border zone and CD206 levels in the whole heart, indicating a shift towards a pro-resolution phenotype. In rats, FPR2 agonist treatment preserved infarct wall thickness (maximal at 10 mg/kg, 96% vs. vehicle, P<0.05) and increased LV ejection fraction at all doses (+9% vs. vehicle, P<0.05). Following occlusion and reperfusion of the LAD artery, treatment preserved viable myocardium across the infarct wall at multiple doses (25–41%, P<0.05) resulting in increased ejection fraction (14% and 19% vs vehicle at 0.01 and 1 mg/kg, respectively, P<0.05).

Conclusion(s)

Improvements in cardiac structure-function versus vehicle treated animals support the concept that agonism of FPR2 improves post-MI wound healing, limiting adverse post-MI LV remodeling, thereby preserving cardiac function. These preclinical results suggest targeting FPR2 may present an innovative approach towards development of effective drug therapies to prevent heart failure post-MI.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Genome-wide co-localization of active EGFR and downstream ERK pathway kinases mirrors mitogen-inducible RNA polymerase 2 genomic occupancy

Genome-wide mechanisms that coordinate expression of subsets of functionally related genes are largely unknown. Recent studies show that receptor tyrosine kinases and components of signal transduction cascades including the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), once thought to act predominantly in the vicinity of plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm, can be recruited to chromatin encompassing transcribed genes. Genome-wide distribution of these transducers and their relationship to transcribing RNA polymerase II (Pol2) could provide new insights about co-regulation of functionally related gene subsets. Chromatin immunoprecipitations (ChIP) followed by deep sequencing, ChIP-Seq, revealed that genome-wide binding of epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR and ERK pathway components at EGF-responsive genes was highly correlated with characteristic mitogen-induced Pol2-profile. Endosomes play a role in intracellular trafficking of proteins including their nuclear import. Immunofluorescence revealed that EGF-activated EGFR, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 co-localize on endosomes. Perturbation of endosome internalization process, through the depletion of AP2M1 protein, resulted in decreased number of the EGFR containing endosomes and inhibition of Pol2, EGFR/ERK recruitment to EGR1 gene. Thus, mitogen-induced co-recruitment of EGFR/ERK components to subsets of genes, a kinase module possibly pre-assembled on endosome to synchronize their nuclear import, could coordinate genome-wide transcriptional events to ensure effective cell proliferation.

Type of Referral, Dialysis Start and Choice of Renal Replacement Therapy Modality in an International Integrated Care Setting

INTRODUCTION

Integrated Care Settings (ICS) provide a holistic approach to the transition from chronic kidney disease into renal replacement therapy (RRT), offering at least both types of dialysis.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze which factors determine type of referral, modality provision and dialysis start on final RRT in ICS clinics.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 626 patients starting dialysis in 25 ICS clinics in Poland, Hungary and Romania during 2012. Scheduled initiation of dialysis with a permanent access was considered as planned RRT start.

RESULTS

Modality information (80% of patients) and renal education (87%) were more frequent (p<0.001) in Planned (P) than in Non-Planned (NP) start. Median time from information to dialysis start was 2 months. 89% of patients started on hemodialysis, 49% were referred late to ICS (<3 months from referral to RRT) and 58% were NP start. Late referral, non-vascular renal etiology, worse clinical status, shorter time from information to RRT and less peritoneal dialysis (PD) were associated with NP start (p<0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, P start (p≤0.05) was associated with early referral, eGFR >8.2 ml/min, >2 months between information and RRT initiation and with vascular etiology after adjustment for age and gender. "Optimal care," defined as ICS follow-up >12 months plus modality information and P start, occurred in 23%.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the high rate of late referrals, information and education were widely provided. However, NP start was high and related to late referral and may explain the low frequency of PD.

Great figures of Polish Nephrology - Participants of the Warsaw Uprising 1944

In 1944, during the World War II, many doctors and many medical students participated in the Warsaw Uprising. This group also comprised future nephrologists, professors of medicine, founders of Polish nephrology, dialysis and transplantology centers. We presented 3 of great polish nephrologists who participated in medical services in the Warsaw Uprising: Zygmunt Hanicki, Andrzej Manitius and Tadeusz Orłowski.

Herbal treatment of the urinary system diseases based on 16(th) and 17(th) century herbals in Poland

The medicinal use of herbs is a principal achievement of human ingenuity. The most renowned doctors of antiquity: Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Theophrastus, Pliny the Elder and Galen mentioned herbs in their works. The first printed herbal was published in Mainz in 1485. Outstanding scientists e.g. Otto Brunfels, Hieronymus Bock, Leonard Fuchs and Andreo Mattiola published herbals in the 16th century. Polish doctors also contributed to the development of herbal treatment. The first work: Of Herbs and their Potency by Stefan Falimirz, published in 1534, triggered other publications in the 16th century, the age of herbals. In 1542, Hieronymus Spiczynski published a herbal: Of Local and Overseas Herbs and their Potency. Then, in 1568, Marcin Siennik published his: Herbal, which is the Description of Local and Overseas Herbs, their Potency and Application. In 1595, Marcin of Urzedow published: The Polish Herbal, the Books of Herbs. Completed in mid-16th century, it was only published 22 years after his death. The last work discussed is Herbal Known in Latin as published in 1613 by Simon Syrenius a graduate of Ingolstadt and Padua universities and lecturer at the Academy of Krakow. The work was Europes most complete elaboration on herbal treatment. The herbs described in the herbals worked as diuretics, demulcents, analgesics, relaxants and preventives of kidney stones. Published in Polish, they are still to be found in Poland. All the works presented herein are held by the Library of the Seminary of Wloclawek, and the Ossolinski National Institute in Wroclaw.

Professor Boles aw Rutkowski's 70th birthday Laudatio

On 5 December 2014 Professor Bolesław Rutkowski, the outstanding Polish nephrologist, doctor and researcher, renowned organizer, our teacher, colleague and friend, will celebrate his 70th birthday. We would like to take this opportunity to present to you his life and his scientific achievements.

Chemometric methods for studying the relationships between trace elements in laryngeal cancer and healthy tissues

A quick and reliable method for the evaluation and classification of two types of tissues is presented. Several chemometric methods were applied to evaluate multivariate data of the tissue samples with respect to the content of trace elements. The content of Pb, Al, Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni and Co was determined in samples of healthy and cancerous tissue obtained from 26 patients. Determination was done at milligram/kilogram level with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. Contents of trace metals in studied tissues are not normally distributed; however, normal distribution was confirmed for log values. There is a statistically significant difference in the content of Zn, Cd, Cu and Al (p<0.01) and Ni and Co (p<0.05) when healthy tissue is compared to cancerous one. Correlation between contents of trace elements for studied tissues was positive; the highest was found between Zn and Cu. A chemometric methodology seems to be a promising tool for classifications of the tissue samples.

Tadeusz Reichstein: from description of coffee aroma to discoveries of cortisone and aldosterone

Tadeusz Reichstein was born in Wloclawek (Poland) into a Polish-Jewish family. His family emigrated to Switzerland, and he was educated in the Technical University of Zurich, becoming an engineer of chemistry. Thus he started his scientific career, firstly in Zurich and later in Basel. In his very busy life, he developed a method of vitamin C synthesis enabling industrial production of this important compound. Later, Reichstein isolated and synthesized such important adrenocortical hormones as cortisone, desoxycorticosterone and aldosterone. He received several awards but the most important was a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1950). Reichstein spent the last years of his life in his own botanical garden and laboratory working on fern cytogenetics and the relations between different species of this archaic plant. Despite extraordinary and still valuable scientific achievements, he was always a very modest man with a humanistic attitude.

Do low-molecular-weight heparins influence the healing process in colon anastomosis?

Anastomosis leakage is one of the most serious complications of colorectal surgery. A role for extracellular matrix remodelling in the healing process of the colon wall has been recently postulated. Changes in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in the intestinal wall occurring prior to elective resection and primary anastomosis appear to be responsible for dehiscence leading to anastomosis. Thrombophylaxis using low-molecular-weight heparins is routinely administered to all patients during the perioperative period. However, adverse antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects such as limitation of bioavailability of growth factors and angiogenesis inhibition have been characterized in various cell types as a result of heparin administration. It is also likely that relationships exist between extracellular matrix homeostasis and the coagulation/fibrinolysis system. We hypothesize that subcutaneous administration of LMWHs (low-molecular-weight heparins) may influence matrix metalloproteinase activity in the colon wall and increase the risk of postoperative leakage.

Editing of hnRNP K protein mRNA in colorectal adenocarcinoma and surrounding mucosa

The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) protein is an RNA-binding protein involved in many processes that compose gene expression. K protein is upregulated in the malignant processes and has been shown to modulate the expression of genes involved in mitogenic responses and tumorigenesis. To explore the possibility that there are alternative isoforms of K protein expressed in colon cancer, we amplified and sequenced K protein mRNA that was isolated from colorectal cancers as well as from normal tissues surrounding the tumours. Sequencing revealed a single G-to-A base substitution at position 274 that was found in tumours and surrounding mucosa, but not in individuals that had no colorectal tumour. This substitution most likely reflects an RNA editing event because it was not found in the corresponding genomic DNAs. Sequencing of RNA from normal colonic mucosa of patients with prior resection of colorectal cancer revealed only the wild-type K protein transcript, indicating that G274A isoform is tumour related. To our knowledge, this is the first example of an RNA editing event in cancer and its surrounding tissue, a finding that may offer a new diagnostic and treatment marker.

Functional categories of TP53 mutation in colorectal cancer: results of an International Collaborative Study

BACKGROUND

Loss of TP53 function through gene mutation is a critical event in the development and progression of many tumour types including colorectal cancer (CRC). In vitro studies have found considerable heterogeneity amongst different TP53 mutants in terms of their transactivating abilities. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether TP53 mutations classified as functionally inactive (< or=20% of wildtype transactivation ability) had different prognostic and predictive values in CRC compared with mutations that retained significant activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TP53 mutations within a large, international database of CRC (n = 3583) were classified according to functional status for transactivation.

RESULTS

Inactive TP53 mutations were found in 29% of all CRCs and were more frequent in rectal (32%) than proximal colon (22%) tumours (P < 0.001). Higher frequencies of inactive TP53 mutations were also seen in advanced stage tumours (P = 0.0003) and in tumours with the poor prognostic features of vascular (P = 0.006) and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.002). Inactive TP53 mutations were associated with significantly worse outcome only in patients with Dukes' stage D tumours (RR = 1.71, 95%CI 1.25-2.33, P < 0.001). Patients with Dukes' C stage tumours appeared to gain a survival benefit from 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regardless of TP53 functional status for transactivation ability.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutations that inactivate the transactivational ability of TP53 are more frequent in advanced CRC and are associated with worse prognosis in this stage of disease.

A randomised comparison of treosulfan and carboplatin in patients with ovarian cancer: a study by the Scottish Gynaecological Cancer Trials Group (SGCTG)

The management of older and unfit women with advanced ovarian cancer requires post-operative chemotherapy but many of these patients are not suitable for high-dose cisplatin-based regimes. Carboplatin has been an easier alternative and can be given in the ambulatory setting. Historical data suggests that oral alkylating agents to be just effective with similar efficacy. In this study we have compared platinum-based carboplatin to the alkylating agent treosulfan in a population unfit to receive high-dose cisplatin. The trial randomised patients to either intravenous carboplatin or treosulfan as single agent. The trial was stopped prematurely after the interim analysis showed improved survival and response rates in the carboplatin arm. We conclude that carboplatin is a safe and effective drug in a population that is unfit for high-dose cisplatin. Treosulfan showed limited activity but may be considered along with other oral drugs in limited circumstances. With the exception of myelosuppression, toxicity was mild in both arms. Carboplatin remains the gold standard in this older and less fit group of patients.

Expression of pendrin in benign and malignant human thyroid tissues

The Pendred syndrome gene (PDS) encodes a transmembrane protein, pendrin, which is expressed in follicular thyroid cells and participates in the apical iodide transport. Pendrin expression has been studied in various thyroid neoplasms by means of immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot and RT–quantitative real-time PCR. The expression was related to the functional activity of the thyroid tissue. Follicular cells of normal, nodular goitre and Graves' disease tissues express pendrin at the apical pole of the thyrocytes. In follicular adenomas, pendrin was detected in cell membranes and cytoplasm simultaneously in 10 out of 15 cases. Pendrin protein was detected in 73.3 and 76.7% of the follicular (FTC) and papillary (PTC) thyroid carcinomas, respectively, where pendrin was solely localised inside the cytoplasm. An extensive intracellular immunostaining of pendrin was observed in six out of 11 (54.5%) of positive FTCs and 19 out of 23 (82%) of PTCs. Focal reactivity was detected in one follicular- and three papillary carcinomas, whereas pendrin protein was absent in three of 15 FTC and four of 30 PTC; mRNA of pendrin was detected in 92.4% of thyroid tumours. The relative mRNA expression of pendrin was lower in cancers than in normal thyroid tissues (P<0.001). The pendrin protein level was found to parallel its mRNA expression, which was not, however, related to the tumour size and tumour stage. In conclusion, pendrin is expressed in the majority of differentiated thyroid tumours with high individual variability but its targeting to the apical cell membrane is affected.

The ability of Azolla caroliniana to remove heavy metals (Hg(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI)) from municipal waste water

The aim of this paper was to investigate the capacity of a small water fern, Azolla caroliniana Willd. (Azollaceae), to purify waters polluted by Hg and Cr. Many plants are capable of accumulating heavy metals (called hyperaccumulators) and one of them is the water fern A. caroliniana. During 12 days of the experiment the fern was grown on the nutrient solution containing Hg2+, Cr3+ and CrO4(2-) ions, each in a concentration 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg dm(-3). The presence of these ions caused a 20-31% inhibition of A. caroliniana growth, the highest in the presence of Hg(II) ions, in comparison to the control. After day 12 of the experiment, metal contents the solution decreased to 0-0.25 mg dm(-3), and this decrease comprised between 74 (Cr3+ 1.0 mg dm(-3) treatment) and 100% (CrO4(2-) 0.1 mg dm(-3) treatment). The fern took a lesser quantity of the metals from 0.1 mg dm(-3) treatments compared to 0.5 and 1.0 mg dm(-3) treatments. In the A. caroliniana tissues the concentration of heavy metals under investigation ranged from 71 to 964 mg kg(-1) dm; the highest level being found for Cr(III) containing nutrient solution.