Analysis of the target group of lactose-free functional foods for product development

The aim of this research was to assess the consumer habits of lactose sensitive persons in case of lactose-free products and their other shopping aspects for development of new, dairy-based lactose-free products. The research was based on face-to-face questionnaire survey, and those who declared to be lactose sensitive were analysed. Among them, only half of the women (49.3%) and one third of the men (34.6%) were medically proven lactose sensitive, so more than half of the respondents declared themselves affected on the basis of self-diagnosis. Our results show that reliably regular customers of lactose-free products are women and persons with medical diagnosis, high educational degree, and under the age of 30. The lactose-free consumer group prefers the following product features: lactose-free label; rich in calcium, vitamins, and fibre, and free of carbohydrate, sugar, and gluten. Only two-thirds of lactose sensitive customers (66.7%) consume lactose-free products regularly, so it can be assumed that the level of knowledge of this disease, its treatment, and the importance of lactose-free dairy products among these persons is insufficient. This could be solved with education, advertisement, and other information opportunities.

Integrated twin-screw wet granulation, continuous vibrational fluid drying and milling: A fully continuous powder to granule line

Highly homogeneous low-dose (50 μg) tablets were produced incorporating perfectly free-flowing granules prepared by a fully integrated Continuous Manufacturing (CM) line. The adopted CM equipment consisted of a Twin-Screw Wet Granulator (TSWG), a Continuous Fluid Bed Dryer (CFBD) and a Continuous Sieving (CS) unit. Throughout the experiments a pre-blend of lactose-monohydrate and corn starch was gravimetrically dosed with 1 kg/h into the TSWG, where they were successfully granulated with the drug containing water-based PVPK30 solution. The wet mass was subsequently dried in the CFBD on a vibratory conveyor belt and finally sieved in the milling unit. Granule production efficiency was maximized by determining the minimal Liquid-to-Solid (L/S) ratio (0.11). Design of Experiments (DoE) were carried out in order to evaluate the influence of the drying process parameters of the CFBD on the Loss-on-Drying (LOD) results. The manufactured granules were compressed into tablets by an industrial tablet rotary press with excellent API homogeneity (RSD < 3%). Significant scale-up was realized with the CM line by increasing the throughput rate to 10 kg/h. The manufactured granules yielded very similar results to the previous small-scale granulation runs. API homogeneity was demonstrated (RSD < 2%) with Blend Uniformity Analysis (BUA). The efficiency of TSWG granulation was compared to High-Shear Granulation (HSG) with the same L/S ratio. The final results have demonstrated that both the liquid distribution and more importantly API homogeneity was better in case of the TSWG granulation (RSD 1.3% vs. 4.5%).

Mid-Infrared Imaging Is Able to Characterize and Separate Cancer Cell Lines

Malignancies are still responsible for a large share of lethalities. Macroscopical evaluation of the surgical resection margins is uncertain. Big data based imaging approaches have emerged in the recent decade (mass spectrometry, two-photon microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy). Indocianine green labelled MS is the most common approach, however, label free mid-infrared imaging is more promising for future practical application. We aimed to identify and separate different transformed (A-375, HT-29) and non-transformed (CCD986SK) cell lines by a label-free infrared spectroscopy method. Our approach applied a novel set-up for label-free mid-infrared range classification method. Transflection spectroscopy was used on aluminium coated glass slides. Both whole range spectra (4000-648 cm^-1) and hypersensitive fingerprint regions (1800-648 cm^-1) were tested on the imaged areas of cell lines fixed in ethanol. Non-cell spectra were possible to be excluded based on mean transmission values being above 90%. Feasibility of a mean transmission based spectra filtering method with principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis was shown to separate cell lines representing different tissue types. Fingerprint region resulted the best separation of cell lines spectra with accuracy of 99.84% at 70-75 mean transmittance range. Our approach in vitro was able to separate unique cell lines representing different tissues of origin. Proper data handling and spectra processing are key steps to achieve the adaptation of this dye-free technique for intraoperative surgery. Further studies are urgently needed to test this novel, marker-free approach.

P11.45 Synergistic growth inhibition mediated by dual PI3K/mTOR pathway targeting and genetic or direct pharmacological AKT inhibition in human glioblastoma models

BACKGROUND

Molecular genetic aberrations in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway are common in human cancers including glioblastoma, yet, novel therapeutic approaches targeting this pathway in glioblastoma have had limited success to date.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Here we analyzed the molecular mechanisms determining sensitivity to PI3K/mTOR inhibition using gene silencing or pharmacological target inhibition, and effects on proliferation, and clonogenicity or spherogenicity as readouts, in an extended panel of human long-term glioma cell (LTC) lines and glioma-initiating cells (GIC).

RESULTS

Glioma cells, including GIC in particular, were universally sensitive to growth inhibition induced by PQR309, a novel, dual pan-PI3K/mTOR antagonist in vitro. Cells exhibited profound growth arrest, but little apoptotic or necrotic cell death as confirmed by electron microscopy; yet, there was evidence of senescence. In vivo studies confirmed the anti-glioma activity of PQR309 in the orthotopic LN-229 glioma model. Cell lines with high basal levels of phosphorylated (active) AKT, low levels of phosphorylated (inactive) protein translation repressor eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E-binding protein 1 (p4E-BP1), and high levels of Ser9-phosphorylated (inactive) glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (pGSK3ß) were more sensitive to PQR309. Accordingly, the activity of PQR309 was synergistically enhanced by AKT gene silencing or direct pharmacological AKT inhibition.

CONCLUSION

These data justify to explore combined targeted therapy approaches in glioblastoma that aim at down-regulating AKT function to enhance the therapeutic potential of dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors.

Application of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as a protective agent against magnesium stearate induced crystallization of amorphous itraconazole

Itraconazole is a fungicide drug which has low bioavailability due to its poor water solubility. Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) is a tool that has the potential to greatly increase the dissolution rate and extent of compounds. In this work, the dissolution of tablets containing the ASD of itraconazole with either hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (PVPVA) was compared in order to find a formulation which can prevent the drug from the precipitation caused by magnesium stearate. Formulations containing the PVPVA-based ASD with HPMC included in various forms could reach 90% dissolution in 2 h, while HPMC-based ASDs could release 100% of the drug. However, HPMC-based ASD had remarkably poor grindability and low bulk density, which limited its processability and applicability. The latter issue could be resolved by roller compacting the ASD, which significantly increases the bulk density and the flowability of the powder blends used for tableting. This roller compaction step might be a base for the industrial application of HPMC-based, electrospun ASDs.

Investigation of Deteriorated Dissolution of Amorphous Itraconazole: Description of Incompatibility with Magnesium Stearate and Possible Solutions

Disadvantageous crystallization phenomenon of amorphous itraconazole (ITR) occurring in the course of dissolution process was investigated in this work. A perfectly amorphous form (solid dispersion) of the drug was generated by the electroblowing method (with vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer), and the obtained fibers were formulated into tablets. Incomplete dissolution of the tablets was noticed under the circumstances of the standard dissolution test, after which a precipitated material could be filtered. The filtrate consisted of ITR and stearic acid since no magnesium content was detectable in it. In parallel with dissolution, ITR forms an insoluble associate, stabilized by hydrogen bonding, with stearic acid deriving from magnesium stearate. This is why dissolution curves do not have the plateaus at 100%. Two ways are viable to tackle this issue: change the lubricant (with sodium stearyl fumarate >95% dissolution can be accomplished) or alter the polymer in the solid dispersion to a type being able to form hydrogen bonds with ITR (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose). This work draws attention to one possible phenomenon that can lead to a deterioration of originally good dissolution of an amorphous solid dispersion.

Identification of a novel HLA-B allele, HLA-B*08:177, in a Hungarian patient and her HLA identical sibling

The newly detected HLA-B*08:177 differs from HLA-B*08:01:01:01 by 1 single nucleotide substitution at position 365 of exon 3.

Cloning, Expression and Biochemical Characterization of Endomannanases from Thermobifida Species Isolated from Different Niches

Thermobifidas are thermotolerant, compost inhabiting actinomycetes which have complex polysaccharide hydrolyzing enzyme systems. The best characterized enzymes of these hydrolases are cellulases from T. fusca, while other important enzymes especially hemicellulases are not deeply explored. To fill this gap we cloned and investigated endomannanases from those reference strains of the Thermobifida genus, which have published data on other hydrolases (T. fusca TM51, T. alba CECT3323, T. cellulosilytica TB100^T and T. halotolerans YIM90462^T). Our phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA and endomannanase sequences revealed that T. alba CECT3323 is miss-classified; it belongs to the T. fusca species. The cloned and investigated endomannanases belong to the family of glycosyl hydrolases 5 (GH5), their size is around 50 kDa and they are modular enzymes. Their catalytic domains are extended by a C-terminal carbohydrate binding module (CBM) of type 2 with a 23–25 residues long interdomain linker region consisting of Pro, Thr and Glu/Asp rich repetitive tetrapeptide motifs. Their polypeptide chains exhibit high homology, interdomain sequence, which don’t show homology to each other, but all of them are built up from 3–6 times repeated tetrapeptide motifs) (PTDP-Tc, TEEP-Tf, DPGT-Th). All of the heterologously expressed Man5A enzymes exhibited activity only on mannan. The pH optima of Man5A enzymes from T. halotolerans, T. cellulosilytica and T. fusca are slightly different (7.0, 7.5 and 8.0, respectively) while their temperature optima span within the range of 70–75°C. The three endomannanases exhibited very similar kinetic performances on LBG-mannan substrate: 0.9–1.7mM of K_M and 80–120 1/sec of turnover number. We detected great variability in heat stability at 70°C, which was influenced by the presence of Ca²⁺. The investigated endomannanases might be important subjects for studying the structure/function relation behind the heat stability and for industrial applications to hemicellulose degradation.

[Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid - a Retrospective Study]

INTRODUCTION

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is rare, severe, sight threatening autoimmune disease of the conjunctiva, which affects elderly patients, more often women.

AIM

To evaluate the success rate of stabilisation of ocular findings in patients with OCP.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients from Centre of Conjunctival and Corneal Diseases at Department of Ophthalmology, General University Hospital and 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University in Prague in 1992-2013 was performed. Frequency of OCP clinical stages, visual acuity (VA), disease activity and ocular complications of referred patients were monitored. Moreover, type of immunosuppressive (IS) therapy, the number of relapses of the disease and progress of OCP clinical stages were evaluated. Especially, we evaluated effects and side effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MM) therapy. In addition to that, type and frequency of ocular surgery that was carried out to the patients before and after the referral were recorded. Furthermore, we evaluated percentage of patients with mucous membranous pemphigoid (MMP). Also, the positive yield of diagnostic methods was assessed.

RESULTS

The OCP was diagnosed and monitored in 51 patients (21 men and 30 women) during 21 years, the average age on the day of diagnosis was 68,4 years, the average period of observation was 57 months. 55 % of eyes were referred to our department at clinical stage 3, 27 % at stage 4. VA was maintained in 76 % of eyes, improved in 5 % of eyes and in 19 % of eyes deteriorated. Activity of OCP was detected during the first examination in 96 % of patients, the most common complications at that time was corneal ulcer or perforation. Patients were treated by immunosuppressive therapy, most often in combination: corticosteroids (47 patients), azathioprine (28 patients), cyclophosphamide (25 patients), MM (16 patients), sulphasalazine (5 patients), dapsone (5 patients). We ascertained relapses in 40 % of patients. The progression to the next stage of OCP were found in 7 eyes (6,9 %) and 95 eyes (93,1 %) remained stable. Activity of disease was well controlled in 11 patients out of 16 (69 %) by MM, IS therapy of remain 5 patients (31 %) had to be changed. Side effects of MM such as lymphopenia were present in 1 patient. Before OCP was diagnosed, patients underwent cataract surgery with the intraocular lens implantation, cryoepilation of eyelashes and eyelid plastic surgery, especially entropion. The most common indicated surgery in our clinic was amniotic membrane transplantation and retro position of muscular cutaneous leaf. 31 % of patients were diagnosed with MMP. Positive results of conjunctival biopsy were detected in 48 % from 42 examined samples and 22 % from 32 examined samples had positive results of indirect immunofluorescence (anti-desmosoms).

CONCLUSION

OCP diagnosis is established on the basis of patient´s ophthalmic history and clinical findings. Positive results of direct and indirect immunofluorescence support the diagnosis. Activity of the disease and progression of OCP is effectively suppressed by systemic immunosuppressive therapy (for example MM), mainly if started at early stage of the disease.

KEY WORDS

ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, immunosuppressive therapy, direct and indirect immunofluorescence, mycophenolate mofetil.

A comparative study of the physical development and motor performance of mentally non-handicapped children and children with intellectual and development disabilities

Several studies state that there might be a difference in the physical development and the motor performance of the mentally non-handicapped children and those with intellectual and development disabilities. The aim of our research was to compare the two groups from these aspects. The study included the assessment of the physical development and motor performance of altogether 225 primary school pupils (mentally non-handicapped and with intellectual and development disabilities) aged 8-11. The following indicators of physical development and build were examined: body height, body weight and body mass index (BMI), musculoskeletal plasticity index, biceps and triceps skinfold thickness. The motor tests included: 20 m dash, standing long jump, medicine-ball throwing, six minutes continuous running, obstacle race-test and a match test. We also examined the children's chronological (decimal) and morphological age. Data were analysed with SPSS programme. The differences between the averages were calculated with ANOVA and Fisher's LSD tests. The results show that the children with intellectual and development disabilities are in general less developed physically than non-handicapped children of the same age and sex. It is also concluded that in most motor tests the children with intellectual and development disabilities fall behind the non-handicapped ones.

Identification of autonomic neuronal chains innervating gingiva and lip

The major goals of this present study were 1) to further clarify which parasympathetic ganglion sends postganglionic fibers to the lower gingiva and lip that may be involved in the inflammatory processes besides the local factors; 2) to separately examine the central pathways regulating sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation; and 3) to examine the distribution of central premotor neurons on both sides. A retrogradely transported green fluorescent protein conjugated pseudorabies virus was injected into the lower gingiva and lip of intact and sympathectomized adult female rats. Some animals received virus in the adrenal medulla which receive only preganglionic sympathetic fibers to separately clarify the sympathetic nature of premotor neurons. After 72-120h of survival and perfusion, the corresponding thoracic part of the spinal cord, brainstem, hypothalamus, cervical, otic, submandibular and trigeminal ganglia were harvested. Frozen sections were investigated under a confocal microscope. Green fluorescence indicated the presence of the virus. The postganglionic sympathetic neurons related to both organs are located in the three cervical ganglia, the preganglionic neurons in the lateral horn of the spinal cord on ipsilateral side; premotor neurons were found in the ventrolateral medulla, locus ceruleus, gigantocellular and paraventricular nucleus and perifornical region in nearly the same number on both sides. The parasympathetic postganglionic neurons related to the gingiva are present in the otic and related to the lip are present in the otic and submandibular ganglia and the preganglionic neurons are in the salivatory nuclei. Third order neurons were found in the gigantocellular reticular and hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei and perifornical area.

[Retinitis pigmentosa mimicking uveitis. A case report]

PURPOSE

To describe a case report of a 23-year-old patient with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) misdiagnosed as uveitis.

METHODS

A comprehensive eye examination including automated visual field assessment, contrast sensitivity, colour vision discrimination, ultrasound examination (US), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and full-field electroretinography (ERG) was performed in a patient diagnosed elsewhere as having intermediate uveitis because of the observation of a cellular reaction in the anterior chamber, bilateral cystoid macular oedema and suspected left optic disc swelling.

RESULTS

The patient reported nyctalopia. The best corrected visual acuity in both eyes was 6/12. Concentric visual field constriction was detected bilaterally (less than 25 degrees in the right eye and 15 degrees in the left eye). Fundus examination revealed a few pigment clumps and cystoid macular edema in both eyes confirmed by SD-OCT. Contrast sensitivity was decreased to 1,20 in the right and 0,9 in the left. No colour vision disturbance was present. The B scan ultrasound showed left optic disc drusen. Rod ERG responses were bilaterally not detectable and cone ERGs were abnormally reduced. Based on the examination results, a diagnosis of nonsyndromic RP was made.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should be aware of various manifestations of RP, including mild inflammation, to avoid possible confusin with uveitis.

Short-term prophylaxis in hereditary angioedema due to deficiency of the C1-inhibitor--a long-term survey

BACKGROUND

Hereditary angioedema is a potentially life-threatening disorder, because edema occurring in the mucosa of the upper airways can lead to suffocation. The management of HAE consists of avoiding the triggering factors, prophylaxis, and the acute treatment of edematous episodes. Medical procedures can also provoke edematous attacks, and therefore, short-term prophylaxis (STP) is recommended before such interventions. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of STP administered before medical procedures.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis before and a prospective survey after establishing the diagnosis in a group of 137 (60 males, 77 females; 20 pediatric and 117 adult) patients with HAE. Both were implemented using questionnaires, patient diaries and hospital charts focusing on medical interventions provoking edematous attack, and the medicinal products (C1-INH concentrate, tranexamic acid, and danazol) administered for STP.

RESULTS

Comparing surgical interventions performed without pre-event STP (in 39/89 patients before HAE was diagnosed), or after STP (in 3/55 cases after diagnosis), we found a significant (P < 0.0001, Fisher's exact test) reduction in the number of edematous episodes. Evaluating the efficacy of the drugs administered for STP revealed that C1-INH concentrate (Berinert(®) , CSL Behring, Marburg, Germany) was significantly (P = 0.0096, Fisher's exact test) superior to orally administered drugs in reducing the instances of postprocedural edema. None of the medicinal products caused adverse events potentially related to STP.

CONCLUSIONS

STP reduces the number of postprocedural edematous episodes. C1-INH concentrate is safe and effective for prophylaxis. When this agent is not available, danazol is a potential alternative for prophylaxis before elective medical interventions.

Statistic and genetic parameters of 205-day weaning weight of beef calves

Abstract. The aim of the study was to do genetic evaluation of the 205-day weaning weight of pure bred herds of different beef cattle breeds kept in Hungary and supply results for genetic programmes of different breeds. Population genetic analysis was performed on data from 42695 purebred beef calves from seven breeds born from 1981 to 2005 in Hungary. Animal model was used for the estimations. Sire, herd, age of dam at calving, birth year, season of birth and sex of calf had significant effects on 205-day calf weaning weight for each breed. Significant breed differences and breed overlaps were found. Direct heritability value estimates were 0.18 to 0.61, the maternal heritability values from 0.07 to 0.38, and the total heritability values were between 0.09 and 0.35. The direct-maternal genetic correlations were high and negative for all the breeds varying from −0.63 to −0.88.

Inverse association between trans isomeric and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnant women and their newborns: data from three European countries

BACKGROUND

trans unsaturated fatty acids are thought to interfere with essential fatty acid metabolism. To extend our knowledge of this phenomenon, we investigated the relationship between trans isomeric and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in mothers during pregnancy and in their infants at birth.

METHODS

Fatty acid composition of erythrocyte phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was determined in Spanish (n = 120), German (n = 78) and Hungarian (n = 43) women at the 20th and 30th week of gestation, at delivery and in their newborns.

RESULTS

At the 20th week of gestation, the sum of trans fatty acids in PE was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in Hungarian [0.73 (0.51), % wt/wt, median (IQR)] than in Spanish [1.42 (1.36)] and German [1.30 (1.21)] women. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) values in PE were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in Hungarian [5.65 (2.09)] than in Spanish [4.37 (2.60)] or German [4.39 (3.3.2)] women. The sum of trans fatty acids significantly inversely correlated to DHA in PCs in Spanish (r = -0.37, p < 0.001), German (n = -0.77, p < 0.001) and Hungarian (r = -0.35, p < 0.05) women, and in PEs in Spanish (r = -0.67, p < 0.001) and German (r = -0.71, p < 0.001), but not in Hungarian (r = -0.02) women. Significant inverse correlations were seen between trans fatty acids and DHA in PEs at the 30th week of gestation (n = 241, r = -0.52, p < 0.001), at delivery (n = 241, r = -0.40, p < 0.001) and in cord lipids (n = 218, r = -0.28, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Because humans cannot synthesize trans isomeric fatty acids, the data obtained in the present study support the concept that high maternal trans isomeric fatty acid intake may interfere with the availability of LCPUFA both for the mother and the fetus.

Granular cell tumour of the breast: case series and review of the literature

Granular cell tumours (GCTs) are uncommon rare neoplasms that may occur in any part of the body. Approximately 5-8% of granular cell tumours occur within the breast. Although nearly always benign in behaviour, granular cell tumours of the breast can often mimic breast malignancies both clinically and on the basis of imaging techniques. This article reports five cases of benign granular cell tumours appearing in the breast, mimicking a malignant breast lesion. In addition to reporting the cases, the relevant literature was reviewed.

From the food economy research to the consumer sciences

Socio-economic analyses appeared among the research subjects of the Central Food Research Institute for the first time in 1982 with reference to the institutional reorganization. In addition to the earlier issues supported by economic calculations, activities of the unit involved in food economics had been more and more featured by turning to topics serving for quality products manufacture (implementation of quality management systems, labelling, the population’s food consumption etc.), as well as by joining the research work of the associated departments making their activities more complex. Also the socioeconomic regime change in 1989 made substantial impact on the activities performed at the unit. For the time being, consumer scientific studies provide main direction of the research with special regard to consumer perception of food safety risks and food safety risk communication.Possibilities for dynamic development in the pioneered way seem to be sure with reflection to healthy nutrition as well as environmental and ethical issues.

Salmonellosis outbreak in connection with the Formula One race, August 2007 in Hungary

An outbreak of acute gastroenteritis affecting 31 people occurred between 3 and 5 August 2007 during the Formula One race that took place at the Hungaroring in Mogyoród, Hungary. The venue has a capacity of around 200,000 spectators.

Low contribution of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipids in diabetic young adults

Hypoinsulinemia characteristic to type 1 diabetes may theoretically inhibit the conversion of essential fatty acids to their longer-chain metabolites. Fatty acids were determined in plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipids in young diabetic adults (n=34) and in age-matched healthy controls (n=36). Values of linoleic acid (56.01 [5.02] versus 51.05 [7.32], % by wt, median [range from the first to the third quartile], P<0.00l) and arachidonic acid (AA) (11.17 [2.98] versus 9.69 [1.95] P<0.001) were significantly higher in diabetic subjects than in controls. However, alpha-linolenic acid values did not differ, and docosahexaenoic acid (0.43 [0.12] versus 0.57 [0.29], P<0.01) values were significantly lower in diabetic than in control subjects. Significant inverse correlations were found between AA and hemoglobin A(1c) values in the phospholipid (r=-0.40, P<0.05) and sterol ester (r=-0.40, P<0.05) fractions. The data obtained in the present study suggest that the availability of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid may be reduced in young diabetic adults.

Curli expression of enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli

One hundred and four enterotoxin producing Escherichia coli strains of wide geographical origin were tested for the expression of curli fimbriae by transmission electronmicroscopy and by ELISA using curli-specific antibodies, as well as for the presence of curli-specific gene sequences by PCR. All isolates, irrespective of the production of the fimbriae, carried sequences specific for the structure (csgA) and for one of the regulator genes (crl) of curli expression, respectively. Curli fimbriae were detected in 56 strains (53.8 %). Thirty-six strains expressed curli only when growing at 30 degrees C, 4 isolates were weakly curliated at 37 degrees C only, while on 16 strains curli was observed at both temperatures. On isolates carrying curli at both temperatures the expression of the fimbria was significantly stronger at 30 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. Curli proficiency significantly, but not completely, correlated with the binding of the Congo Red dye. The expression of curli did not confer epithelial cell invasiveness to ETEC strains but, once expressed at 30 degrees C, it facilitated the adherence of the bacteria to plastic surfaces. Curli present in more than half of the ETEC strains and expressed preferentially at low temperatures could be a factor facilitating the environmental survival of this food- and water-borne pathogen.

Effect of PACAP on LH release studied by cell immunoblot assay depends on the gender, on the time of day and in female rats on the day of the estrous cycle

We have previously demonstrated that pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) can be released from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells and when added to the medium in physiological concentration it releases LH from individual gonadotropes. In the present work, we studied whether the release of PACAP and the responsiveness of LH cells to PACAP depend on the gender, on the time of day when the animals were sacrificed, and in females on the stage of the estrous cycle. Anterior pituitary cells were cultured on nitrocellulose membrane. We found that the number of PACAP releasing cells was higher in proestrous than in diestrous female or in male rats and their number was always higher in the evening than at the other times. The effect of PACAP on LH cells was stimulatory in the morning of proestrus and diestrus. In proestrous rats, PACAP did not influence LH release in the afternoon or the evening, but in diestrous rats it decreased it in the afternoon and the evening. In males, there was a decrease of LH due to PACAP treatment at 10 and 20 h; however, PACAP did not influence LH at 16 h. It was concluded that in vivo PACAP might be involved in the circadian and episodic release of LH at pituitary level.

Cell immunoblot assay study demonstrating the release of PACAP from individual anterior pituitary cells of rats and the effect of PACAP on LH release

The presence of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) was previously demonstrated in the anterior pituitary by radioimmunoassay, immunohistochemistry, and reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). With the use of cell immunoblot assay (CIBA), when the pituitary cells were cultured on nitrocellulose membrane, the release of PACAP by individual anterior pituitary cells was observed. The released peptide, trapped by the nitrocellulose membrane forming a blot around the cells, was demonstrated by immunocytochemistry. Double labeling revealed that a part of PACAP-immunoreactive cells can release LH as well. With the use of sandwich enzyme immunoassay (S-EIA), it was found that the concentration of PACAP in the anterior pituitaries is 10(-10) M. In cell culture in a similar concentration, PACAP stimulated the LH release from female gonadotropes, but did not influence it from male ones. The stimulated release of LH was indicated by the enhancement in the diameter of LH blots compared to the untreated control cultures. We concluded that PACAP may be released from the anterior pituitary cells in a concentration which would be able to influence LH release not only in vitro but under in vivo conditions as well. The effect of PACAP on LH release was different in female and male pituitary cultures.

Partial protection by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors from nitroxyl-induced cytotoxity in thymocytes

Nitroxyl (NO(-)/HNO), has been proposed to be one of the NO(*)-derived cytotoxic species. Although the biological effect of nitroxyl is largely unknown, it has been reported to cause DNA breakage and cytotoxicity. We have therefore investigated whether NO(-)/HNO-induced DNA single-strand breakage activates the nuclear nick sensor enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and whether PARP activation affects the mode of NO(-)/HNO- induced cell death. NO(-)/HNO generated from Angeli's salt (AS, sodium trioxodinitrate) (0-300 microM) induced DNA single-strand breakage, PARP activation, and a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in murine thymocytes. AS-induced cell death was also accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased secondary superoxide production. The cytotoxicity of AS, as measured by propidium iodide uptake, was abolished by electron acceptors potassium ferricyanide, TEMPOL, the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, and by PARP inhibitors 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) and PJ-34. The cytoprotective effect of 3-AB was paralleled by increased output of AS-induced apoptotic parameters such as phosphatidylserine exposure, caspase activation, and DNA fragmentation. No significant increase in tyrosine nitration could be observed in AS-treated thymocytes as opposed to peroxynitrite-treated cells, indicating that tyrosine nitration is not likely to contribute to NO(-)/HNO-induced cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrate that NO(-)/HNO-induced PARP activation shifts the default apoptotic cell death toward necrosis in thymocytes. However, as total PARP inhibition resulted only in 30% cytoprotection, PARP-independent mechanisms dominate NO(-)/HNO-induced cytotoxicity in thymocytes.

[Nipple transposition on superomedial pedicle in reduction mammoplasties]

BACKGROUND

Transposing the nipple-areola complex is a challenge at reduction mammaplasties, particularly when the distance between the sites is big and great amount of breast tissue has to be removed. Many techniques are used, all have to fulfill the following conditions: the blood supply and sensation of the nipple have to be preserved and closure must be tension-free.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how the superomedial pedicle for nipple transposition fulfills the above requirements.

METHOD

Fifteen reduction mammaplasties performed in this way (resection weight: 435 g/breast), postoperative patient examinations with emphasis on sensation.

RESULTS

Nipple viability was good without necrosis, retaining sensation was also good with no loss of sensation.

CONCLUSION

The technique is safe, giving good cosmetic results.

Anti-inflammatory effects of a novel, potent inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Oxygen- and nitrogen-derived free radicals and oxidants play an important role in the pathogenesis of various forms of inflammation. Recent work emphasizes the importance of oxidant-induced DNA strand breakage and activation of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. We have recently demonstrated the efficacy of PJ34, a novel, potent phenanthridinone derivative PARP inhibitor, in rodent models of diabetic vascular dysfunction and stroke. Here we tested the efficacy of PARP inhibition in various models of local inflammation in rodents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PJ34 (at doses of 0.03-30 mg/kg) was tested in rats and mice subjected to standard models of inflammation, with relevant parameters of inflammation measured using standard methods.

RESULTS

PJ34 treatment (s.c, i.p. and i.v.) dose-dependently suppressed neutrophil infiltration and nitric oxide (but not KC and IL-1beta) production in peritonitis. In a model of systemic endotoxemia, PJ34 pretreatment significantly reduced plasma levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and nitrite/nitrate (breakdown products of nitric oxide) production. PJ34 treatment (oral gavage) induced a significant suppression of the inflammatory response in dextran sulfate colitis, multiple low dose streptozotocin diabetes and cyclophosphamide-accelerated autoimmune diabetes in the non-obese diabetic mice, and reduced the degree of mononuclear cell infiltration into the iris in an endotoxin-induced uveitis model. Delaying the start of PJ34 administration in the colitis model conferred significant protective effects, while in the arthritis model the post-treatment paradigm lacked protective effects.

CONCLUSIONS

PJ34 provides significant, dose-dependent, anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of local inflammation models. Some of its actions are maintained in the post-treatment regimen and/or after discontinuation of treatment. We conclude that PARP inhibition offers a powerful means for reducing the severity of various forms of local inflammatory responses.

Activation of caspase-3 protease during the process of ursolic acid and its derivative-induced apoptosis

The apoptosis-inducing effect of the triterpene saponins, namely, ursolic acid and its natural derivative, methyl-ursolate beta-D-glucoside on A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells was studied. The cells treated with 5-50 microg/ml of ursolic acid resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell number, due to an increase of apoptotic cells as evidenced by MTT assay together with morphological changes. The highest dose (50 microg/ml) of ursolic acid resulted in approximately 90% inhibition in tumor cell growth after 96 hours of treatment and 60% of apoptosis after 48 hours. To the contrary, when the same treatment was carried out with methyl-ursolate beta-D-glucoside, after 96 hours of treatment the percentage of cell growth inhibition was found to be only 30% at the dose of 50 microg/ml and the value of apoptosis did not exceed 10%. Similarly to these results, ursolic acid effectively induced proteolytic activation of caspase-3 protease in a dose-dependent manner while its derivative showed only weak activity in this enzyme assay. The addition of DEVD-CHO prior to ursolic acid and methyl-ursolate beta-D-glucoside treatment effectively prevented the loss of triterpenes-induced viability. In summary, the triterpene saponins investigated contain an apoptotic-inducing activity in A431 cells and in the case of ursolic acid it is associated with proteolytic activation of caspase-3 and/or other similar caspases. Our results also indicated that methylation of COOH-28 together with the glycosylation of C3 of ursolic acid have a strong impact on its antitumor activity.

[Retrospective evaluation of surgically treated cases of non-palpable breast tumor]

Between 10.01.1997 and 09.30.1999 authors performed operations on 78 patients who had nonpalpable breast tumors. If mammography was considered abnormal during breast screening program patients were recalled. Besides clinical investigation complimentary mammograms were performed. After sonogram, and if needed, aspiration biopsy cytology (ABC) if necessary core biopsy (CB) was the next investigation. 79 operations were performed on 78 patients (one was patient had synchronous breast tumor). The mean age of the patients was 56.3 years. If the radiological investigations (R4-R5) and/or the ABC (C4-C5) or CB suggested malignancy operation was performed. Mammography suggested malignancy in 60.75% of the patients, it was suggested by ABC in 30.18%, and by CB in 55.5%. The nonpalpable tumor, suspected to be malignant was marked with a wire loop and was excised under anesthesia along with the affected breast sector. The excision and tissue-border around the tumor was checked by specimen mammography performed during the narcosis. No cryohistology was performed. After the specimen mammography, the wound was closed. The final histology of the operations showed malignancy in 40.5%. In their retrospective study the authors evaluated the complete sensitivity and the positive predictive value (PPV) of the preoperative investigations regarding the final histology. They analyse the value of preoperative mammogram, the ABC and CB in malignant and in benign cases. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment is expected to improve significantly the survival of patients with breast cancer. Reduction in the number of unnecessary operations can be expected from increasing the accuracy of radiological and cytological investigations and the adequate usage of core biopsy.

Peroxynitrite production, DNA breakage, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation in a mouse model of oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity

Peroxynitrite-induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory conditions. Here we have investigated whether peroxynitrite and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase may play a role in the pathophysiology of the elicitation phase of contact hypersensitivity. We have detected nitrotyrosine, DNA breakage, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation in the epidermis of mice in an oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity model. As tyrosine nitration is mostly mediated by peroxynitrite, a nitric-oxide-derived cytotoxic oxidant capable of causing DNA breakage, we have applied peroxynitrite directly on mouse skin and showed poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation in keratinocytes and in some scattered dermal cells. We have also investigated the cellular effects of peroxynitrite in HaCaT cells, a human keratinocyte cell line. We found that peroxynitrite inhibited cell proliferation and at higher concentrations also caused cytotoxicity. Peroxynitrite activates poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in HaCaT cells and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation contributes to peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity, as indicated by the cytoprotective effect of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide. The cytoprotective effect of 3-aminobenzamide cannot be attributed to inhibition of apoptosis, as apoptotic parameters (caspase activation and DNA fragmentation) were not reduced in the presence of 3-aminobenzamide in peroxynitrite-treated cells. Moreover, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition by 3-aminobenzamide dose-dependently reduced interferon-induced intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression as well as interleukin-1beta-induced interleukin-8 expression. Our results indicate that peroxynitrite and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase regulate keratinocyte function and death in contact hypersensitivity.

Thoracic core needle biopsy using ultrasound guidance

This article demonstrates the usefulness of ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsy in the diagnosis of thoracic lesions. Between January 1997 and June 2000, 45 US-guided core needle biopsies were performed in the department of radiology. This method was chosen in every case when the lesion abutted the chest wall. Conventional histologic examinations supplemented by immunohistochemical methods were performed. The location and size of the mass, the number of samplings, the needle size, the histologic results, and any complications were recorded. Twenty-two lesions reached the anterior, six reached the lateral, and 14 reached the posterior chest wall. Biopsies were performed on three masses from the supraclavicular region. The mean diameter was 4.5 cm and the number of passes was 1.8; 18-G, 16-G, and 14-G needles were used in 41, two, and two cases, respectively. In 43 of the 45 cases (95.68%), an exact histologic diagnosis could be provided. In two cases, only necrotic tissue was seen in the biopsy sample. No major complications occurred. Minor complications, including pain and collaptiform weakness, were documented in four patients. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of thoracic lesions is a safe, quick, and accurate method. For diagnosing thoracic lesions, a single sample with an 18-G biopsy needle is sufficient to achieve a final diagnosis when using appropriate histologic methods.

[Uterine artery embolization for the conservative management of leiomyoma]

Uterine leiomyoma, a benign, monoclonal tumor derived from a single myometrial cell, is one of the most frequent diseases in the female reproductive system. However, the factors involved in its initiation and growth remain poorly understood. Most commonly, it results in dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, urinary tract and neurological symptoms, and abdominal distension. Additionally, it may cause infertility, late miscarriage or other severe complications in pregnancy. The conventional treatment for fibroids has been hysterectomy. However, many women do not like to lose their uterus and potential fertility. Myomectomy and medical treatment with GnRH analogue are accepted as alternative organ-conserving methods with limited efficacy. Selective embolization of uterine arteries might therefore have a significant role in the management of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of uterine embolization as primary therapy in the management of myomas. Uterine arterial embolization was performed in 3 patients with symptomatic leiomyomas. The uterus and fibroids were objectively evaluated with ultrasound and MRI. The efficacy and safety convinced the authors that this promising technique is at present the only reasonable alternative method in organ-conserving therapy. It is less invasive than surgery, it can restore fertility, it is well tolerated and the recovery time is shorter than that following surgical procedures. This preliminary experience is sufficient to encourage gynecologists to introduce the method in Hungary.

Diabetic endothelial dysfunction: the role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation

Diabetic patients frequently suffer from retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and accelerated atherosclerosis. The loss of endothelial function precedes these vascular alterations. Here we report that activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. Destruction of islet cells with streptozotocin in mice induced hyperglycemia, intravascular oxidant production, DNA strand breakage, PARP activation and a selective loss of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Treatment with a novel potent PARP inhibitor, starting after the time of islet destruction, maintained normal vascular responsiveness, despite the persistence of severe hyperglycemia. Endothelial cells incubated in high glucose exhibited production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, consequent single-strand DNA breakage, PARP activation and associated metabolic and functional impairment. Basal and high-glucose-induced nuclear factor-kappaB activation were suppressed in the PARP-deficient cells. Our results indicate that PARP may be a novel drug target for the therapy of diabetic endothelial dysfunction.

Protection against hemorrhagic shock in mice genetically deficient in poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) and resuscitation leads to widespread production of oxidant species. Activation of the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) has been shown to contribute to cell necrosis and organ failure in various disease conditions associated with oxidative stress. We tested the hypothesis whether PARP activation plays a role in the multiple organ dysfunction complicating HS and resuscitation in a murine model of HS and resuscitation by using mice genetically deficient in PARP (PARP(-/-)) and their wild-type littermates (PARP(+/+)). Animals were bled to a mean blood pressure of 45 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133 Pa) and resuscitated after 45 min with isotonic saline (2x volume of shed blood). There was a massive activation of PARP, detected by poly(ADP-ribose) immunohistochemistry, which localized to the areas of the most severe intestinal injury, i.e., the necrotic epithelial cells at the tip of the intestinal villi, and colocalized with tyrosine nitration, an index of peroxynitrite generation. Intestinal PARP activation resulted in gut hyperpermeability, which developed in PARP(+/+) but not PARP(-/-) mice. PARP(-/-) mice were also protected from the rapid decrease in blood pressure after resuscitation and showed an increased survival time, as well as reduced lung neutrophil sequestration. The beneficial effects of PARP suppression were not related to a modulation of the NO pathway nor to a modulation of signaling through IL-6, which similarly increased in both PARP(+/+) and PARP(-/-) mice exposed to HS. We propose that PARP activation and associated cell injury (necrosis) plays a crucial role in the intestinal injury, cardiovascular failure, and multiple organ damage associated with resuscitated HS.