Mentalizing abilities mediate the impact of the basic social perception on negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia

Social cognitive deficits are currently considered as one of the main predictors of clinical symptoms and functional outcome in patients with schizophrenia. Multiple studies have suggested that a two-factor solution (low-level vs. high-level) best describes the structure of social cognitive processes in patients. While higher-order processes have been repeatedly linked to negative symptoms, no such association was found for lower-level processes. Thus, the aim of the current study is to examine whether the association between basic social perception processes and symptoms in patients with schizophrenia is mediated by mentalizing abilities. One hundred thirty-nine patients have completed basic social perception (Communicative Interactions Database task CID-12) and mentalizing (Reading the Mind in the Eyes task) tasks. In line with our hypothesis, we have observed full mediation of the effects of basic social perception abilities on negative symptoms via mentalizing abilities in patients. This effect suggests that, similarly as in the case of positive symptoms, a hierarchical nature of social cognitive processes should be considered while investigating negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Modification of Surface Properties of Colloidal Suspensions of NixOy-SiO2 Mixed Oxides with Different Ni Contents by the Adsorption Layers of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)

The adsorption and electrokinetic properties of hybrid silica materials composed of nickel and silicon oxides (NixOy-SiO2), characterized by different contents of nickel oxide (from 0.5 to 3 mmol/g SiO2), were examined. These solids were also modified by poly(vinyl alcohol) to change their surface characteristics. The polymer is non-toxic and very well soluble in water. Due to incomplete hydrolysis of the polymer acetate groups, its macromolecules become negatively charged. The limited range of studied pH (6–10) resulted from high solubility of nickel oxide at more acidic pH values. The spectrophotometric, surface charge and electrophoretic measurements indicated that PVA exhibits higher adsorption affinity for the surfaces of mixed oxide with a larger content of nickel in its structure. Moreover, the presence of polymeric layers on the solid surface influences considerably the structure of electrical double layer formed at the mixed oxide-aqueous solution interface.

Anionic polyacrylamide influence on the lead(II) ion accumulation in soil - the study on montmorillonite

PURPOSE

Polymeric substances, as soil conditioners, limit the erosion process as well as improve the soil structure. The same macromolecular compounds may influence the heavy metal accumulation in soil environment. The main aim of this study was investigation of anionic polyacrylamide (AN PAM) effect on the lead(II) ion sorption on the montmorillonite surface. The effects of Pb(II) ion concentration, sequence of heavy metal and anionic polymer addition into the system as well as anionic group content in the PAM macromolecules were also studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed on montmorillonite (clay mineral). Two types of polymers were used: AN PAM 5% and AN PAM 30% containing 5% and 30% of carboxylic groups, respectively. The adsorbed amounts of Pb(II) ions or AN PAM on the solid were determined spectrophotometrically. Electrokinetic properties of the examined systems were established using potentiometric titration and microelectrophoresis method. The montmorillonite aggregation without and with selected substances was described based on the sedimentation study.

RESULTS

At pH 5 the Pb(II) adsorbed amount on montmorillonite equaled 0.05 mg/m² (for the initial concentration 10 ppm). Anionic polyacrylamide increased this value significantly (it was 0.11 mg/m² with AN PAM 5% and 0.11 mg/m² with AN PAM 30%). The lead(II) ions presence causes a slight increase of the anionic PAM adsorption on the montmorillonite surface. For example, for the initial polymer concentration 100 ppm, the AN PAM 5% adsorbed amount without Pb(II) equaled 0.49 mg/m², whereas with Pb(II) - 0.57 mg/m². What is more, anionic polyacrylamide and lead(II) ions affected electrokinetic properties and stability of the montmorillonite suspension.

CONCLUSIONS

Anionic polyacrylamide makes the Pb(II) accumulation on the montmorillonite surface larger and, as a consequence, reduces the Pb(II) availability to organisms. Therefore, this macromolecular compound can certainly be used to remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals.

Bone Metabolism Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and in Patients After Kidney Transplantation

Chronic kidney disease adversely affects the structure and metabolism of bone tissue, which may be a result of disturbed biochemical processes in adipose tissue. Renal replacement therapy is a life-saving therapy but it does not restore all metabolic functions and sometimes even escalates some disturbances. The study included 126 subjects: 47 hemodialysis patients (HD), 56 patients after renal transplantation (Tx) and 23 healthy controls (K). Bone density at the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS), as well as body composition (adipose tissue content and lean body mass) were measured in each patient using the DXA method. In addition, serum concentrations of glucose, calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, FGF23, Klotho, osteocalcin, leptin, adiponectin and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were measured. We observed significantly higher concentrations of leptin, FGF23 and Klotho proteins in the HD patients (77.2±48.1 ng/ml, 54.7±12.4 pg/ml, 420.6±303.8 ng/ml, respectively) and the Tx group (33.2±26.5 ng/ml; 179.8±383.9 pg/ml; 585.4±565.7, respectively) compared to the control group (24.4±24.6 ng/ml, 43.3±37.3 pg/ml, 280.5±376.0 ng/ml). Significantly lower bone density at FN was observed in the HD and Tx patients in comparison to the controls and in the HD patients compared to the Tx group. There were no significant differences in body mass composition between the studied groups. The results of this study indicate that both hemodialysis and transplantation are associated with increased serum concentrations of leptin, FGF23 and Klotho proteins, as well as lower bone density at femoral neck.

The mechanism of anionic polyacrylamide adsorption on the montmorillonite surface in the presence of Cr(VI) ions

The anionic polyacrylamide AN PAM (with various contents of carboxyl groups) adsorption mechanism on the montmorillonite surface was examined. The effect of hazardous chromium(VI) ions addition was studied. The anionic polyacrylamide is a popular soil flocculant, commonly used to prevent erosion of arable soils. On the other hand, polymeric macromolecules can increase the accumulation of various toxic substances, such as heavy metal ions (among others Cr(VI) ions) in soil minerals. For this purpose the adsorption properties of soil mineral - montmorillonite in relation to mixed system containing AN PAM and Cr(VI) ions was investigated. The impact of solution pH, order of individual adsorbates addition, chromium(VI) ions concentration and anionic groups content in the polymeric macromolecules were determined. The montmorillonite was characterized using the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption method, XRF, FTIR and SEM techniques. In turn, the adsorption and electrokinetic properties of examined montmorillonite - AN PAM - Cr(VI) systems were examined by means of spectrophotometry, potentiometric titration and microelectrophoresis methods.

Nanostructure of Poly(Acrylic Acid) Adsorption Layer on the Surface of Activated Carbon Obtained from Residue After Supercritical Extraction of Hops

The nanostructure of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) adsorption layer on the surface of mesoporous-activated carbon HPA obtained by physical activation of residue after supercritical extraction of hops was characterized. This characterization has been done based on the analysis of determination of adsorbed polymer amount, surface charge density, and zeta potential of solid particles (without and in the PAA presence). The SEM, thermogravimetric, FTIR, and MS techniques have allowed one to examine the solid surface morphology and specify different kinds of HPA surface groups. The effects of solution pH, as well as polymer molecular weight and concentration, were studied. The obtained results indicated that the highest adsorption on the activated carbon surface was exhibited by PAA with lower molecular weight (i.e., 2000 Da) at pH 3. Under such conditions, polymeric adsorption layer is composed of nanosized PAA coils (slightly negatively charged) which are densely packed on the positive surface of HPA. Additionally, the adsorption of polymeric macromolecules into solid pores is possible.

The Influence of Surfactant (SDS) on the Adsorption Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Polyethylene Glycol in an Alumina/Solution System

The influence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) on the adsorption properties of non-ionic polymers, i.e. polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), at the Al2O3/solution interface was studied. Measurements for various molecular weights and for various amounts of functional groups on the polymer macromolecules were undertaken and the results obtained discussed in the light of these variations. Studies of the mutual interactions of the polymer–surfactant system in aqueous solution were helpful in explaining the equilibria involved in the Al2O3/polymer solution system in the presence of SDS. The thickness of the adsorption layer was determined by viscometric methods and the influence of the degree of hydrolysis of PVA on the structure of the adsorption layer demonstrated.

Adsorption of Polyelectrolytes at the Manganese Oxide(IV)–Polymer Solution Interface: Structure of Adsorbed Layers

The influence of the molecular weight of polyelectrolytes on their adsorption and on the structure of the adsorbed layers at the manganese oxide(IV)–polymer solution interface was determined. Polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were applied as ionic polymers.

An explanation was proposed for the observed changes in surface charge and zeta potential of the solid in the presence of these polymers. The thickness of the adsorption layer of PAA and PAM was determined and the free energies of adsorption of these polymers on the MnO2 surface were calculated from the zeta potential measurements.

Study of the Adsorption Mechanism and the Structure of Adsorbed Layers of Polyelectrolytes at the Metal Oxide/Solution Interface

The influence of the molecular weight of polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) as well as of inorganic contaminants on the ZrO2 surface on the adsorption and electrokinetic properties of the metal oxide/polyelectrolyte solution interface were studied for ZrO2 and Fe2O3 solid particles.

The calculated concentrations of the various surface groups on ZrO2 and Fe2O3 enabled an investigation of the possible mechanism for the bonding of the studied polyelectrolytes with the surfaces of both oxides. PAA and PAM macromolecules bond with the solid surface mainly via the –OH groups of the oxides, which may interact with the carboxy groups of polyelectrolytes through hydrogen bridging.

A comparison of the change in values of the diffuse layer charge with the surface charge enabled the principal factors responsible for the changes in the zeta potential of the oxides, e.g. pH, polymer molecular weight and concentration of the polymer solutions, to be evaluated. From such zeta potential values, it was possible to determine the free energies of adsorption of PAA and PAM on the surfaces of both oxides.

The thicknesses of adsorbed polymer layers on Fe2O3 and ZrO2 were calculated on the basis of measurements of their suspension viscosities in the absence and presence of adsorbed polymer. It was shown that the thickness of the adsorption layer increased with increasing polymer molecular weight, pH and concentration of the polymer solution.

Because the experimental determination of the number and the length of trains, loops and tails in such polyelectrolytes was not possible, the participation of such segments of polymer structure at the interface was computed using the Scheutjens–Fleer model of polymer adsorption. The polymer adsorption expressed as the number of equivalent monolayers was calculated and compared with the experimental data.

The impact of ICAM1 and VCAM1 gene polymorphisms on chronic allograft nephropathy and transplanted kidney function

ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 adhesion molecules play important roles in the immune response and emergence of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). The several polymorphisms of ICAM1 and VCAM1 genes are associated with changes in molecular expression therefore affecting allograft function and immune responses after kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of polymorphisms in ICAM1 and VCAM1 genes on biopsy-proven CAN and renal allograft function. The 270 Caucasian renal transplant recipients (166 men and 104 women) were genotyped for the rs5498 ICAM1 and rs1041163 and rs3170794 VCAM1 gene polymorphisms using real-time polymerase chain reaction. There was no correlation between polymorphisms and CAN. Creatinine concentrations in the first month after transplantation differed between the rs5498 ICAM1 genotypes (P = .095), being higher for GG carriers (AA + AG vs GG, P =.07) albeit not with statistical significance. Creatinine concentrations at 12, 24, and 36 months after transplantation differed significantly among rs5498 ICAM1 genotypes (P = .0046, P =.016, and P = .02) and were higher among GG carriers (AA + AG vs GG, P = .001, P = .004, and P = .006). Rs5498 ICAM1 GG genotype and receipient male gender were independent factors associated with higher creatinine concentrations. These results suggest that the rs5498 ICAM1 GG genotype may be associated with long-term allograft function.

The influence of experimental Yersinia enterocolitica infection on the pregnancy course in sows--preliminary studies. III. Histopathological lesions

The aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomo- and histopathological lesions in internal organs of sows and their stillborn piglets after experimental Y. enterocolitica infection in different phases of pregnancy. Twelve pregnant sows were divided into 4 groups, infected per os on 33 (n = 3), 54 (n = 3) and 89 (n = 3) day of pregnancy with the pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strain isolated from the aborted swine fetus, and uninfected control group. Histopathological examinations of internal organs and intestine samples of stillborn piglets, slaughtered sows and samples of placentas were performed. Anatomo- and histopathological lesions were the most intense in the group of sows infected in the final phase of pregnancy, where the highest number of stillborn piglets was also found. Lesions of internal organs in stillborn piglets suggested a severe generalized bacterial infection. Although the analysis of experimental Y. enterocolitica infection of pregnant sows revealed that the most intense clinical, anatomopathological and histopathological abnormalities were recorded in the group of animals infected in the final phase of pregnancy. Infection in the first phase of pregnancy could have had an influence on the formation of the granulomatous inflammation. Differences in anatomopathological lesions between infected and control animals suggest that the period of pregnancy in which the infection appears could have had an influence on the course of yersiniosis in pigs.

Influence of low doses of deoxynivalenol on histopathology of selected organs of pigs

Deoxynivalenol is one of mycotoxins that are most frequently determined in animal feed manufactured in Poland. The examination of histopathological lesions concomitant with deoxynivalenol intoxication is difficult because of the common, often synergistic, reaction of this mycotoxin with other toxins, such as zearalenone or ochratoxin A, which has a strong nephrotoxic activity. The possibility of estimating histopathological lesions in the course of intoxication with pure toxin at various doses is therefore of interest. Dosages used in this experiment relate to clinical cases observed in feeding the animals with whole ration feed obtained by processing feedingstuffs contaminated with Fusarium moulds. However, concerning the fact of one-shot administration of clinically pure toxin, the main question was if it was a sufficient dose to cause changes in the histopathological picture of gastrointestinal tract organs. The experiment was carried out on 12 nursery pigs of mixed breed (Polish White Large x Polish White Ear-pendent) with an average body weigh of 35 kg. The experimental nursery pigs were divided into 3 groups: group I (n=4)--control; group II (n=4)--DON administered at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg b.w.; group III (n=4)--DON administered at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg b.w. After slaughter of the animals, macroscopic examination was performed and segments of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, liver and mesenteric lymph nodes were sampled and assigned for histopathological examination. The results obtained equate to the clinically observed signs in swine production involving some nutrient metabolism disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract in the course of deoxynivalenol mycotoxicosis. Histopathological examination of segments of the duodenum, the jejunum, the ileum, the liver and the lymph nodes indicate that the regressive lesions are more expressed in the experimental group treated with the highest concentration of deoxynivalenol.

Impact of Presence of HBs Antigen and Anti-Hepatitis C Virus and Anti-Cytomegalovirus Antibodies on Transplanted Kidney Survival

INTRODUCTION

Infections are one of the most common complications after organ transplantation. Viral infections such as hepatitis type B (HBV) and C (HCV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are among the most serious ones. A high frequency of HBV and HCV infections has been recognized in kidney recipients. Viral infections play a special role in graft recipients because of clinical symptoms influencing graft function and recipient survival. Immunosuppressive treatment to decrease immunological reactions after organ transplantation may increase the risk of viral infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the presence of HBs antigen and HCV and CMV antibodies on patient and graft survivals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred one enrolled kidney transplantation patients (96 women and 105 men) were treated with the same immunosuppressive regimen. Age, sex, and viral state (HBs antigen, anti-HCV and anti-CMV antibodies) were evaluated in every patient. Statistical analysis was performed with the Gompertz model, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard tests.

RESULTS

The presence of HBs antigen was detected in 161 patients (20.4%), HCV antibodies in 61 recipients (30.3%); and CMV antibodies in 12 patients (5.9%). Eighty-seven recipients (43.4%) were seronegative. Average recipient age was 38.5 years.

CONCLUSION

Time of graft function was independent of the presence of HBs antigen or HCV or CMV antibodies.

Factors influencing the maintenance of nicotine abstinence among the habitants of the region of Lódź and Kalisz in the years 1996-2003

The aim of the study was to determine the factors allowing non-smoking for the next 2 years after a 5-year period of non-smoking. A questionnaire study was performed in October 2003 among 449 of men and women chosen from among 1700 contest' 'Quit & Win' Competition participants, which was ending in 1996 2nd International Antinicotine Campaign "Quit & Win" in Poland in the region of Lódź and Kalisz. Chosen people were respondents, who during studies conducted in the years 1998 and 2001 stated that they were not smoking at all since their participation in the contest. Filled-in questionnaires were sent back by 296 people (65.9%). The analysis showed that the surveyed with elementary education more rarely than people with other level of education could preserve in non-smoking habit for the next 2 years after a 5-year period of non-smoking. Further maintenance of nicotine abstinence was not dependent on: age, sex, the place of living, the marital status and the source of income.

Application of the SAXS method and viscometry for determination of the thickness of adsorbed polymer layers at the ZrO2–polymer solution interface

The authors studied the influence of the molecular weight of polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM), solution pH and ionic strength, and the background electrolyte type on adsorption and the thickness of polyelectrolyte adsorption layers formed on ZrO(2) surface. Carboxyl groups distributed along PAA and PAM chains were shown to be responsible for their interface conformation, which directly influences the thickness of the adsorbed polyelectrolyte layers. Bonding of macromolecules with solid surface occurs through the hydrogen bridges of these groups. Two methods were applied to determine the PAA and PAM adsorption layer thickness on ZrO(2), i.e., SAXS (small angle X-ray scattering) and viscometry. Despite some limitations of the SAXS method resulting from the relationship between the size of solid pores, polymer molecular weight, and conformation of the adsorbed macromolecule, all obtained SAXS results were very close to those calculated from viscometry data.

Factors that impact on immediate graft function in patients after renal transplantation

Kidney transplantation has become therapy of choice for patients with end-stage renal failure. However, many factors may cause graft rejection or delayed graft function, both of which decrease the prognosis for graft survival. For transplantologists the most important endeavor is to eliminate factors responsible for shortening graft function and to find those predictive of immediate graft function. The aim of the study was to investigate which factors influence early graft function. We retrospectively reviewed 442 renal transplant patients performed between 1990 and 1995 in two Szezecin units. All patients received an identical immunosuppressive drug schedule. Three hundred twelve patients who displayed immediate graft function were included in the study group to analyze donor and recipient age and sex, etiology of ESRD, HLA compatibility AB0 and Rh compatibility cold ischemia time, warm ischemia time, antileukocytes antibodies (PRA), and period of dialysis therapy before transplantation. We observed statistical significance for HLA and AB0 compatibility, younger donor age, and shorter cold ischemia time as the most important factors predictive of early graft function and an improved prognosis for graft survival.

Impact of selected factors on early graft function in patients after renal transplantation

Transplantation is the best treatment for end-stage renal diseases. For transplantologists, it is most important to know the factors that worsen graft survival prognosis. The aim of the study was to investigate factors predictive of graft loss and shortened graft survival. We retrospectively reviewed 442 renal transplant patients between 1990 and 1995 in two Szczecin units, all of whom received a triple-drug immunosuppressive regimen. One hundred thirty patients showed graft disorders such as delayed graft function or primary nonfunction. The occurrence of these disorders was examined as a function of donor and recipient age and sex, cause of ESRD, HLA compatibility, ABO and Rh compatibility, cold ischemia time, warm ischemia time, antileukocyte antibody level (PRA), and period of dialysis therapy before transplantation. The study showed that a high maximal PRA level, incompatibility for ABO group, and a longer warm ischemia time increase the probability of early graft function disorders.

Variations in temperature of the donor kidney during cold ischemia time and subsequent assessment of reperfusion using the application of thermovision camera

Cold ischemia time (CIT) and graft reperfusion events are important nonimmunological factors that influence kidney graft function. The optimal temperature for the organs during CIT ranges from 4 degrees C to 8 degrees C. However, preservation of the designated temperature is usually not controlled during standard storage procedures. Aspects of initial graft reperfusion are usually assessed indirectly. Better evaluation of the effectiveness of the early blood supply may improve the surgical outcome. The aim of the study was to monitor the temperature during CIT in the kidney and surrounding area and subsequently to assess graft reperfusion using thermography. Temperature values of the area surrounding the kidney were registered during 8 organ procurements. We observed that the area surrounding the kidney displayed the optimal temperature range only during the first 5 minutes of CIT; later the temperature oscillated between 1 degrees C and 3.5 degrees C. The study proved that the temperature of the preservation fluid is frequently below prescribed. Analysis of the thermograms of 40 transplanted kidneys with the use of a thermovision camera ThermaCAM SC500 showed usefulness of this method to assess reperfusion and blood distribution in the transplanted kidney.

A potential double role of anti-Lewis X antibodies in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastroduodenal diseases

In this study, we found Lewis X (Le(x)) determinants on 68% of Helicobacter pylori isolates from patients with chronic gastroduodenal diseases. Anti-Le(x) IgG were detected more frequently in the sera from dyspeptic children and adults (45 and 46%), with or without proved (culture) H. pylori infection, than in the sera from healthy individuals (14% and 25%). In contrast, the prevalence of anti-Le(x) IgM was higher in the groups of healthy individuals than in the groups of dyspeptic patients. Moreover, anti-Le(x) monoclonal antibody of IgM class enhanced the uptake of Le(x)(+) but not Le(x)(-) H. pylori isolates by phagocytes. In the sera from some dyspeptic patients, we detected Le(x)-anti-Le(x) IgG immune complexes (Le(x) ICs). There was a great difference between children and adults as regards the presence of Le(x) ICs. The immune complexes were found in the sera from nine out of 29 (27%) H. pylori-infected and three out of eight (37%) uninfected adult dyspeptic patients. In comparison, Le(x)-anti-Le(x) IgG ICs were detected only for two out of 18 (11%) H. pylori-infected children. Le(x) ICs were not found in the sera from healthy individuals. Our results suggest that anti-Le(x) IgM may play a protective role in H. pylori infections. In contrast, anti-Le(x) IgG and particularly Le(x)-anti-Le(x) IgG ICs might contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic H. pylori infections.

A familial X/Y translocation: cytogenetic and molecular study

In this study we describe a 3-generation family carrying a (X;Y)(p22.3;q11.2) translocation in seven individuals of both sexes. Molecular analysis of the aberrant (X;Y)(p22.3;q11.2) chromosome was performed by FISH using X and Y-specific painting probes and also PCR amplification of the Y-specific sequences. Using these approaches it was demonstrated that the translocation resulted in a deletion of both X and Y pseudoautosomal regions. Moreover, using RBG banding it was shown that in all females the X-derivative chromosome was inactive in over 90% of mitoses. From the preliminary results obtained in this study we assumed that in this particular family the observed phenotype of the patients was caused by a deletion of the cluster of pseudoaotosomal genes responsible for the stature. More proximal loci, like STS or MRX49, were probably not deleted, since neither ichtyosis nor mental retardation was observed in this family.

Anti-Lewis X IgM and IgG in H. pylori infections in children and adults

A role of autoimmune processes in the pathology of Helicobacter pylori infections has been suggested. The Lewis determinants present in LPS molecule of H. pylori bacteria have been indicated as the cause of antigenic mimicry. In this study, the prevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies to Lewis X antigen in the sera from children and adults, with or without dyspepsia, infected or not infected with H. pylori, seropositive and seronegative for anti-H. pylori IgG were determined immuno-enzymatically (ELISA). Our results revealed that humans may produce anti-Lewis X antibodies, particularly of IgM class, in the absence of H. pylori infection or H. pylori independent dyspepsia. The production of such antibodies, by healthy children who had never been infected with H. pylori suggested that anti-Lewis X antibodies may occur naturally.