AtMYB41 acts as a dual-function transcription factor that regulates the formation of lipids in an organ- and development-dependent manner

The plant cuticle controls non-stomatal water loss and can serve as a barrier against biotic agents, whereas the heteropolymer suberin and its associated waxes are deposited constitutively at specific cell wall locations. While several transcription factors controlling cuticle formation have been identified, those involved in the transcriptional regulation of suberin biosynthesis remain poorly characterized. The major goal of this study was to further analyse the function of the R2R3-Myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factor AtMYB41 in formation of the cuticle, suberin, and suberin-associated waxes throughout plant development. For functional analysis, the organ-specific expression pattern of AtMYB41 was analysed and Atmyb41ge alleles were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. These were investigated for root growth and water permeability upon stress. In addition, the fatty acid, wax, cutin, and suberin monomer composition of different organs was evaluated by gas chromatography. The characterization of Atmyb41ge mutants revealed that AtMYB41 negatively regulates the production of cuticular lipids and fatty acid biosynthesis in leaves and seeds, respectively. Remarkably, biochemical analyses indicate that AtMYB41 also positively regulates the formation of cuticular waxes in stems of Arabidopsis thaliana. Overall, these results suggest that the AtMYB41 acts as a negative regulator of cuticle and fatty acid biosynthesis in leaves and seeds, respectively, but also as a positive regulator of wax production in A. thaliana stems.

Wound-induced triacylglycerol biosynthesis is jasmonoy-l-isoleucin and abscisic acid independent

Triacylglycerol (TAG) plays a significant role during plant stress - it maintains lipid homeostasis. Upon wounding plants accumulate TAG, likely as a storage form of fatty acids (FAs) that originate from damaged membranes. This study asked if this process depends on the two phytohormones jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile) and abscisic acid (ABA), which are involved in wound signalling. To analyse regulation of wound-induced TAG accumulation, we used mutants deficient in JA-Ile, with reduced ABA and the myb96 mutant, which is deficient in an ABA-dependent transcription factor. The expression of genes involved in TAG biosynthesis, and TAG content after wounding were analysed via LC-MS and GC-FID, plastidial lipid content in all mentioned mutant lines was also determined. The localization of newly synthesized TAG was investigated using lipid droplet staining. TAG accumulation upon wounding was confirmed as well as the fact that the newly synthesized TAG are mostly composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nevertheless, all tested mutant lines were able to accumulate TAG similar to the WT. We observed differences in reduction of plastidial lipids - in WT plants this was higher than in mutant lines. Newly synthesized TAGs were stored in lipid droplets at and around the wounded area. Our results show that TAG accumulation upon wounding is not dependent on JA-Ile or ABA. The newly synthesized TAG species are composed of unsaturated fatty acids of membrane origin, and most likely serves as a transient energy store.

A novel hybrid nanofibrous strategy to target progenitor cells for cost-effective in situ angiogenesis

Ti-doped calcium phosphate ormoglasses combined with biodegradable PLA promote an efficient and low-cost angiogenesis by the generation of high Ca²⁺concentrated interfaces that induce a high yield of tubulogenesis, with the gain in interface–cell interaction and instructivity.

Towards 4th generation biomaterials: a covalent hybrid polymer-ormoglass architecture

Hybrid materials are being extensively investigated with the aim of mimicking the ECM microenvironment to develop effective solutions for bone tissue engineering. However, the common drawbacks of a hybrid material are the lack of interactions between the scaffold's constituents and the masking of its bioactive phase. Conventional hybrids often degrade in a non-homogeneous manner and the biological response is far from optimal. We have developed a novel material with strong interactions between constituents. The bioactive phase is directly exposed on its surface mimicking the structure of the ECM of bone. Here, polylactic acid electrospun fibers have been successfully and reproducibly coated with a bioactive organically modified glass (ormoglass, Si-Ca-P2 system) covalently. In comparison with the pure polymeric mats, the fibers obtained showed improved hydrophilicity and mechanical properties, bioactive ion release, exhibited a nanoroughness and enabled good cell adhesion and spreading after just one day of culture (rMSCs and rEPCs). The fibers were coated with different ormoglass compositions to tailor their surface properties (roughness, stiffness, and morphology) by modifying the experimental parameters. Knowing that cells modulate their behavior according to the exposed physical and chemical signals, the development of this instructive material is a valuable advance in the design of functional regenerative biomaterials.

Molecular studies on ancient M. tuberculosis and M. leprae: methods of pathogen and host DNA analysis

Humans have evolved alongside infectious diseases for millennia. Despite the efforts to reduce their incidence, infectious diseases still pose a tremendous threat to the world population. Fast development of molecular techniques and increasing risk of new epidemics have resulted in several studies that look to the past in order to investigate the origin and evolution of infectious diseases. Tuberculosis and leprosy have become frequent targets of such studies, owing to the persistence of their molecular biomarkers in ancient material and the characteristic skeletal lesions each disease may cause. This review examines the molecular methods used to screen for the presence of M. tuberculosis and M. leprae ancient DNA (aDNA) and their differentiation in ancient human remains. Examples of recent studies, mainly from Europe, that employ the newest techniques of molecular analysis are also described. Moreover, we present a specific approach based on assessing the likely immunological profile of historic populations, in order to further elucidate the influence of M. tuberculosis and M. leprae on historical human populations.

Frequency of P2RX7 A1513C and TLR2 -196 to -174 ins/del in healthy Polish individuals

Polymorphisms within genes coding innate immune response proteins are involved in genetic susceptibility to various conditions. We investigated the frequency of P2RX7 A1513C and TLR2 -196 to -174 ins/del polymorphisms in healthy Polish population. Frequency of minor alleles was relatively similar to the pattern presented by Caucasian populations while it differed significantly when compared to non-European populations, which could be a result of variable selection pressure put upon studied alleles or hindered gene flow between populations.

TiO2 nanotube composite layers as delivery system for ZnO and Ag nanoparticles - an unexpected overdose effect decreasing their antibacterial efficacy

Enhancement of biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of implant materials is potentially beneficial for their practical value. Therefore, the use of metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles as antimicrobial coatings components which induce minimized antibacterial resistance receives currently particular attention. In this work, TiO2 nanotubes layers loaded with ZnO and Ag nanoparticles were designed for biomedical coatings and delivery systems and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. TiO2 nanotubes themselves exhibited considerable and diameter-dependent antibacterial activity against planktonic Staphylococcus epidermidis cells but favored bacterial adhesion. Loading of nanotubes with moderate amount of ZnO nanoparticles significantly diminished S. epidermidis cell adhesion and viability just after 1.5h contact with modified surfaces. However, an increase of loaded ZnO amount unexpectedly altered the structure of nanoparticle-nanolayer, caused partial closure of nanotube interior and significantly reduced ZnO solubility and antibacterial efficacy. Co-deposition of Ag nanoparticles enhanced the antibacterial properties of synthesized coatings. However, the increase of ZnO quantity on Ag nanoparticles co-deposited surfaces favored the adhesion of bacterial cells. Thus, ZnO/Ag/TiO2 nanotube composite layers may be promising delivery systems for combating post-operative infections in hard tissue replacement procedures. However, the amount of loaded antibacterial agents must be carefully balanced to avoid the overdose and reduced efficacy.

Search for lepton flavour violation in the eμ continuum with the ATLAS detector in [Formula: see text]pp collisions at the LHC

This paper presents a search for the t-channel exchange of an R-parity violating scalar top quark ([Formula: see text]) in the e±μ∓ continuum using 2.1 fb-1 of data collected by the ATLAS detector in [Formula: see text]pp collisions at the Large Hadron Collider. Data are found to be consistent with the expectation from the Standard Model backgrounds. Limits on R-parity-violating couplings at 95 % C.L. are calculated as a function of the scalar top mass ([Formula: see text]). The upper limits on the production cross section for pp→eμX, through the t-channel exchange of a scalar top quark, ranges from 170 fb for [Formula: see text] to 30 fb for [Formula: see text].

Changes in fMRI BOLD response to increasing and decreasing task difficulty during auditory perception of temporal order

We have discovered changes in brain activation during difficult and easy milliseconds timing. Structures engaged in difficult and easier auditory temporal-order judgment were identified in 17 young healthy listeners presented with paired-white-noises of different durations. Within each pair, a short (10 ms) and a long (50 ms) noise was separated by a silent gap of 10, 60 or 160 ms, corresponding to three levels of task difficulty, i.e. difficult, moderate and easy conditions, respectively. A block design paradigm was applied. In temporal-order judgment task subjects were required to define the order of noises within each pair, i.e. short-long or long-short. In the control task they only detected the presentation of the stimulus pair. A multiple regression with 'task difficulty' as a regressor ('difficult', 'moderate', 'easy') showed dynamic changes in neural activity. Increasing activations accompanying increased task difficulty were found in both bilateral inferior parietal lobuli and inferior frontal gyri, thus, in classic regions related to attentional and working memory processes. Conversely, decreased task difficulty was accompanied by increasing involvement of more specific timing areas, namely bilateral medial frontal gyri and left cerebellum. These findings strongly suggest engagement of different neural networks in difficult or easier timing and indicate a framework for understanding timing representation in the brain.

Microstructure investigations of dental composite samples prepared by focused ion beam technique

In this study, microstructures of dental composites were observed using high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR STEM). Samples for these observations were prepared by focused ion beam system. Two kinds of dental composites were investigated: (1) polymer-ceramic composite containing nano-sized ceramic fillers and (2) ceramic-polymer composite based on the nano-structured yttrium stabilized zirconia. The first composite is a popular material for dental fillings whereas the second is used for the fabrication of fixed partial dentures. The results are discussed in terms of the evaluation of fabrication process of the composites.

Towards electrophysiological correlates of auditory perception of temporal order

Recent studies have postulated that the temporal order (TO) of two successive events can be correctly identified if they are separated by an inter-stimulus interval (ISI) of at least 30 ms duration. Using Auditory Evoked Potentials, we tested 21 students for the cortical activation associated with TO detection of two successively presented tones in either 'easy' (ISI=60 ms) or 'difficult' (ISI=10 ms) conditions. The amplitude of P2 component was related to difficulty of TO perception and was significantly higher in 'difficult' than 'easy' condition. Moreover, in 'difficult' condition the correlation analyses revealed a negative association at both Fz and Cz electrodes between P2 amplitudes and the correctness level. Correct responses in this condition were accompanied by lower P2 amplitudes than the incorrect ones.

Morphology and chemical characterization of Ti surfaces modified for biomedical applications

The aim of the present work is to characterize in detail the chemical composition and morphology of titanium surfaces subjected to various environments. Modifications consisted of exposure of Ti to acidic, alkaline or polymer solutions. Such modifications result in chemical and/or morphological changes in the Ti surface. Special attention has been given to identifying the factors influencing cell adhesion and growth. SEM examinations provided morphological characterization of the Ti samples. Surface analytical techniques such as AES or XPS combined with Ar(+) ion sputtering allowed examination of the chemical properties of the Ti surface after chemical pretreatments and investigating the chemical composition of the Ti oxide layer. Raman spectroscopy investigations allowed determination of the crystalline phases of the Ti-oxide layers and characterization of the dextran-modified surface. The results show large differences in the morphology of Ti pretreated with different procedures whereas only minor differences in the chemistry of the surfaces were found. High-resolution Auger investigations have revealed that all the chemical modifications of Ti surfaces resulted in the formation of a titanium oxide layer. XPS confirmed that TiO(2) is the main component of the chemically modified Ti surface. The Raman spectroscopy investigations showed that the titanium surface with a dextran coating is rich in hydroxyl groups. All the surfaces investigated exhibit a hydrophilic character. The possible influence of various surface features on surface biocompatibility is discussed.

Microstructure evolution in age-hardenable aluminium alloy during processing by hydrostatic extrusion

In the present work, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the microstructural evolution occurring during the hydrostatic extrusion of an age-hardenable aluminium alloy. It was shown that processing by hydrostatic extrusion leads to grain refinement to 95 nm in equivalent diameter. Hydrostatic extrusion also influences the geometrical parameters of two different types of particle: intermetallic inclusions and precipitates. The intermetallic inclusions slightly decrease in mean equivalent diameter, but their size remains at the micrometre level. The precipitates are fragmented to nanoscale spherical particles, and their evolution delays the process of grain refinement.

Physical rehabilitation and risk of atherosclerosis after successful kidney transplantation

Regular physical activity is usually associated with significant health benefits, but therapeutic exercise is seldom routine in renal transplant recipients. We report a randomized clinical trial of exercise training after renal transplantation. Sixty-nine patients were randomly recruited on the first or second day after kidney transplantation into two groups: exercise intervention (PT) and standard care (CT) as controls. The exercise training program consisted of tailored exercises to be performed under a physiotherapist's supervision for 15 to 30 minutes every second hospital day. At that time, biochemical markers of graft function were assessed including specific tests for atherosclerosis. Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to determine differences between the two groups. We found an inverse correlation between total homocysteine as well as interleukin-18 (IL:18) levels and muscle strength of the upper limbs (r = -.78, P < .0001). There was a positive correlation between muscle strength and improved graft function in the PT group versus CT groups (r = .05; P < .05). Hyperhomocysteinemia and high IL-18 expression in renal allograft recipients may be independent markers of early atherosclerosis development.

Determination of the CCR2-64I/CCR5-59653T haplotype linkage disequilibrium in a sample of Polish population

It has been reported that different polymorphisms in the regulatory regions of CCR5 and in the CCR2 gene of the chemokine receptors are associated with AIDS. We decided to determine the congruence between CCR5-59653T and CCR2-64I alleles in a group of 281 persons. Frequencies of combined CCR5-59653T and CCR2-64I haplotypes were examined in a group of 281 persons. Among 281 individuals 26 (9.3%) and 24 (8.5%) respectively were carriers of the CCR5-59653T and the CCR2-64I alleles. We also found that 24 persons (8.5%) were carriers of combined CCR2-64I/CCR5-59653T allele. The calculation of the congruence revealed that 92.0% of individuals exhibited the same genotype for both CCR2-64I and CCR5-59653T polymorphisms. Our results confirm that linkage between CCR5-59653T and CCR2-64I alleles is not absolute.

Decreased density of the CCR5 receptor on the surface of CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages is associated with the CCR5-59653T transition in the promoter region

We compared the density of the CCR5 receptor on the surface of CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages of the homozygote (CCR5-59653C) and the heterozygote (CCR5-59653T), bearing CCR2-64V alleles. Flow cytometric analysis revealed lower density of the CCR5 receptor on the surface of CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages of the heterozygote than in the same cells of the homozygote. Our observation might explain slower replication of HIV and the delay in progression to AIDS in the individuals bearing CCR5-59653T transition.

The application of immobilized biocatalyzers to intensify the ethanol fermentation of lactose

Ethanol fermentation of lactose mash by biocatalyzers immobilized in sodium alginate was studied in order to improve the process productivity and economy. The fermentation effectiveness of S.cerevisiae co-immobilized with a p-galactosidase and the directly lactose- fermenting immobilized yeast: K. fragilis and C. pseudotropicalis were compared The application of the immobilized K. fragilis produced desirable results and even after its 9th (18 days) fermentation, the immobilized yeast provided the stable high fermentation level (on average about 6 ralvol of ethano/) while maintaining its activity. Such lactose-mash fermentation was greater than in conventional method (by free cells). In addition, the application of s. cerevisiae co-immobilized with p-galactosidase produced somewhat greater ferm levels than the conventional method, however, the system stability deteriorated after 6 days of fermentation.

Improvement of beta-galactosidase immobilization and its application to ethanol fermentation of lactose

To intensify ethanol fermentation of lactose, a co-immobilized biocatalyzer was used. It consisted of yeast cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae co-immobilized with beta-galactosidase preparation from A. oryzae. The experiment was focused on the improvement of biocatalyzer operational stability. An increase in the concentration of a carrier (2% calcium alginate) did not improve the effectiveness of binding beta-galactosidase. However, its initial cross-linking with glutaraldehyde and its co-immobilization with distillery industrial yeast produced a stable biocatalyzer able to ferment mash from permeate (12% lactose) with an average efficiency of 6.5% v/v of alcohol during 10 experimental series (30 days).

The characteristics of fermentation abilities of K. fragilis immobilized on Siran

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the suitability of Siran, a highly porous mineral carrier, to immobilization of Kluyveromyces fragilis--directly lactose-fermenting yeast. The ethanol concentration in the post-fermentation mash was 4.7-5.8% v/v and was less advantageous than in previous experiments with calcium alginate (on average 6.04% v/v in 9 sequential fermentations). The introduction of another yeast strain to the experiment--S. cerevisiae--enhanced the efficiency of the lactose mash fermentation. The ethanol concentration in the mash in sequential series of the process increased on average to 6.14% v/v.

The effect of high molecular weight dextran sulfate on the production of interleukin-8 in monocyte cell culture

It has been demonstrated that high molecular weight dextran sulfate (HMDS) is involved in the activation of immune cells. We have shown that HMDS increases the concentration of interleukin (IL)-8 in the medium of monocyte cell culture, in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas under the same conditions, low molecular weight dextran sulfate (LMDS) does not exhibit any effect on IL-8 biosynthesis. The effect of HMDS on IL-8 production is additive to that of IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNFalpha). Flow cytometric analysis revealed the biosynthesis of IL-8 in monocytes incubated in the presence of the HMDS. We hereby postulate that HMDS induces IL-8 biosynthesis in monocyte cell culture.

[Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated in two different Warsaw hospitals]

S. aureus strains isolated in the same period from different specimens obtained from patients of two different hospitals were compared. The significant differences were observed in the frequency of resistance determinants between strains of these hospitals. The most important was the difference in the prevalence of MRSA. In the first hospital the percentage of MRSA was 40% whereas in the second one only 20%. The resistance to the other antibiotics was also compared, and independently from the compared group: MRSA, MSSA or all, the prevalence of resistance determinants was higher in the first hospital than in the second. Although the frequencies of MRSA in both investigated hospitals were relatively high comparing to the other European countries and in the first hospital even alarming, isolated MRSA strains are less resistant to other antibiotics than MRSA in other countries.

Dynamics and critical behavior of the q model

The q model, a random walk model rich in behavior and applications, is investigated. We introduce and motivate the q model via its application proposed by Coppersmith et al. to the flow of stress through granular matter at rest. For a special value of its parameters the q model has a critical point that we analyze. To characterize the critical point we imagine that a uniform load has been applied to the top of the granular medium and we study the evolution with depth of fluctuations in the distribution of load. Close to the critical point explicit calculation reveals that the evolution of load exhibits scaling behavior analogous to thermodynamic critical phenomena. The critical behavior is remarkably tractable: the harvest of analytic results includes scaling functions that describe the evolution of the variance of the load distribution close to the critical point and of the entire load distribution right at the critical point, values of the associated critical exponents, and determination of the upper critical dimension. These results are of intrinsic interest as a tractable example of a random critical point. Of the many applications of the q model, the critical behavior is particularly relevant to network models of river basins, as we briefly discuss. Finally we discuss circumstances under which quantum network models that describe the surface electronic states of a quantum Hall multilayer can be mapped onto the classical q model. For mesoscopic multilayers of finite circumference the mapping fails; instead a mapping to a ferromagnetic supersymmetric spin chain has proved fruitful. We discuss aspects of the superspin mapping and give an elementary derivation of it making use of operator rather than functional methods.

[The beta-hCG subunit, CA 125 and CA 19-9 antigen in the women with non-trophoblastic malignancy of genital tract]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was preoperative estimation of serum level glicoprotein--CA 125, CA 19-9 and beta-hCG in ovarian tumors and comparison obtained values in groups divided according to postoperative pathologic examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In every patients with ovarian tumors before surgery the level above mentioned antigens was evaluated and compared in following groups: malignant, non-malignant and controls. In control group cut-off values was estimated.

RESULTS

The levels of all investigated glycoproteins were significantly higher in malignant group comparing to benign and controls. The test differentiating non-malignant from malignant tumors was accepted as positive if at least one from markers level was elevated. Specificity of the test was 70%, sensitivity--94%, positive prognostic value--74%, negative prognostic value--94%. In the selected subgroups from non-malignant tumors the serum level of all glycoproteins was surprisingly high.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative estimation of CA 125, CA 19-9 and beta-hCG subunit in ovarian tumors permits--at negative result--with probability 93% to qualify tumor as non-malignant and sensitivity of test is 94%.

Identification of the Yc1 glutathione S-transferase mRNA as the overexpressed species in a nitrogen mustard-resistant rat mammary carcinoma cell line

Glutathione transferase (GSTs) have been shown to be overexpressed in a number of tumor cell lines selected for resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and have been implicated in some studies of clinical specimens. In tumor cell lines selected for resistance to chemicals that alkylate DNA, the isoform most frequently overexpressed is GST-Yc, a member of the alpha class GSTs. To date, two variations of the cDNA designated Yc1 with subtle differences have been described, and Yc2 is shown to be clearly distinct. Transfection of a Yc1 cDNA constitutively expressed in rat liver into rat mammary cancer cells confers resistance to alkylators, however, to a lesser extent than is observed in the cells selected for resistance. It has therefore been widely suggested that the GST that is overexpressed in selected resistant cells represents a distinct and novel isoform. We have previously described a rat mammary carcinoma cell line (MLNr) that is resistant to alkylating agents, and overexpresses a GST with characteristics similar to GST-Yc1 and not Yc2. It has many features common to the several other GST-Yc overexpressing alkylator resistant cell lines. We have cloned the specific Yc cDNA overexpressed in MLNr and analyzed it in detail and found that it is identical to one of the previously reported Yc1 cDNAs, suggesting that there is no additional Yc gene specifically induced by nitrogen mustards. Another hypothesis to explain the difference in the level of resistance in selected versus GST-Yc transfected cells is the lack of concurrent increased glutathione (GSH) in the transfectants, which is a common feature in the selected resistant cells. Experiments in which we modulated GSH levels suggest that this is not likely. These studies add to our speculation that other mechanisms may be involved in alkylator resistance.

[The beta-hCG subunit, CA 125 and CA 19-9 antigen in the women with non-trophoblastic malignancy of genital tract. Endometrial cancer]

OBJECTIVES

There are few conflicting reports in regards of markers appearing in the patients with endometrial cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels: CA 125 antigen, CA 19-9 antigen and beta-hCG subunit in this group of patients and comparing obtained results with normal controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In both groups--with endometrial cancer (n = 43)- and controls-(n = 214)--CA125 antigen, CA 19-9 antigen and beta-hCG subunit the serum level were determined two = site of immunometric method. The differences of the means, correlations, specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and efficiency were calculated.

RESULTS

The women with endometrial cancer exhibited the significantly higher level of all antigens. The positive correlation between CA 125 serum level and staging and grading and between beta-hCG subunit and endometrial cancer staging was found. The positive test had: specificity--62%, sensitivity--93%, positive predictive value--66%, negative predictive value--92% and efficiency--92.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

In the women with endometrial cancer appears non-specific antigens characteristic for the müllerian duct derivatives tissue, exhibiting Lewis blood group antigen and involving in membrane cell structures in normal and cancer cells. The level of these antigens correlates with grading and staging of the neoplasms.

[Giant placental angioma with polyhydramnios, high level of alpha-fetoprotein and neonatal congenital lactic acidosis]

Placental tumors are rare in pregnancy. They cause nonspecific complications such as polyhydramnios, fetal anemia, fetal thrombocytopenia and cardiac decompensation with non-immunological hydrops fetalis. In the presented case a very large placental hemangioma was connected with polyhydramnios, premature delivery, fetal anemia and thrombocytopenia, maternal serum alpha fetoprotein elevation and congenital lactic acidosis. After delivery a severe state of the newborn was caused by oligovolemic shock. In the course of the disease the neonatal state steadily deteriorated mainly because of sepsis, cerebral hemorrhage and metabolic acidosis despite adequate therapy. The organic acids assessment in the blood serum of a newborn child showed a very strong signal of lactic acid and an increase in parahydroksyfenylolactic acid. Postmortal examination confirmed prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and cerebral hemorrhage. These symptoms probably resulted from the presence of a placental tumor of considerable size of 12 cm and congenital lactic acidosis, which to our knowledge, have not been described in the available literature until now. In conclusion it should be underlined, that there exists difficult to explain relationship between the presence of a placental haemangioma and severe metabolic changes resulting in high mortality and morbidity of the newborn.

[Beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, CA 125 antigen and CA 19-9 antigen with non-trophoblastic malignancy of genital tract. Vulval cancer]

Our investigations embraced the group of patients with vulval cancer before surgical treatment (n = 10). We measured in serum of blood the level of the total human chorionic gonadotrophin hCG, beta subunit of human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, CA 125 and CA 19-9 antigen. We ascertained significant elevation the beta subunit of hCG level in the group of women with neoplasms in comparison with control group (n = 96) and significant positive correlation between beta subunit level and degree of cancer cells maturity (r = 0.66, p < 0.05). We also ascertained strong positive correlation among beta subunit of hCG and CA 19-9 antigen level in the serum of the patients with vulval cancer (r = 0.55 and p < 0.05).

[Cathepsin D activity in amniotic fluid and serum during labor and puerperium in normal cases and those complicated by EPH-gestosis]

Cathepsin D activity during labour and puerperium in normal cases and those complicated by mild or moderate EPH-Gestosis was examined. Sera from maternal and umbilical cord blood, as well as the extraplacental blood and amniotic fluid were used for determinations. The gestational age of physiologic pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by EPH-Gestosis was 40 weeks. The first stage of labour was from 4 to 6 hours. The second stage of labour was over 10 minutes. In the group of women with mild and moderate EPH-Gestosis, the maternal serum activities on the third and fifth day of puerperium were significantly lower than in nonaffected subjects. In patients with moderate EPH-Gestosis, the activities in the maternal sera on the first day of puerperium, and in the umbilical blood were decreased when compared to controls. Uniformly, activities of the studied enzyme have been found to be lower in the umbilical cord blood sera than in the sera of the parturients. In cases of mild and moderate EPH-Gestosis the enzyme activity in the amniotic fluid was much lower than in controls, whereas in the extraplacental blood it was much higher.

[Assessment of the condition of the stomatognathic system in the students of the High Navy School in Szczecin. 1. Study before one-year cruise]

The authors carried out clinical examination of 227 students of the first year of the High Navy School in Szczecin. The aim was to assess the condition of the stomatognathic system at the beginning of the study and to compare the local conditions of the oral cavity after one year cruise in a ship. On the basis of the study it was found that most students had normal occlusion, bite with canine covering, and mixed. The mean DMF score was 10.84. Functional changes in the temporomandibular joints were disclosed in 9.1% and parafunctions in 40.08%. Teeth attrition was found in 36% of the students.

[State of periodontium in patients using partial removable dentures]

The authors have examined 63 patients whom 86 partial removable dentures: functionally unstable dentures and supported ones in all have been made. The state of paradontium basing on G-I gingival index and Pl-I plaque index has been estimated. It has been found that the state of paradontium in the group of supported dentures irrespective of the utilization life was better than in the group of functionally unstable dentures.