The effect of weather variables on the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) spring migration phenology

The influence of weather variables on bird migration is widely recognised as birds have been found to adjust their migration phenology under the influence of weather conditions. This is of particular interest in relation to global climate change. We investigated the long-term (1961–2000) first arrival dates (FAD) of White Storks at their breeding grounds in Lithuania and their relationship with local and regional weather variables. The return of White Storks to their breeding grounds was advanced by almost 5 days during the study period. We found that the arrival time was most strongly influenced by temperature conditions along the migration route in south-eastern Europe as well as at breeding grounds, as warmer temperatures in these areas resulted in earlier arrival of birds. Interestingly, the return of White Storks was closely associated with the onset of the 3°C thermal season – the date when the mean daily air temperature permanently exceeds 3°C. However, in very warm years birds did not return to their breeding grounds as early as would have been expected from temperature alone, suggesting that other factors limit the further advancement of FADs. We suggest that local weather conditions, particularly the air temperature during the final stages of the spring migration, have a more pronounced effect on the arrival dates of White Storks at their breeding grounds than regional climatic phenomena (North Atlantic Oscillation or Indian Ocean Dipole)

Association of alpha-1 antitrypsin level and lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction/Objective. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a well established inherited risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, alpha-1 antitrypsin level may result in different lung function reduction. The aim of our study was to evaluate possible associations of alpha-1 antitrypsin level and lung function in COPD patients with different alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotypes. Methods. Serum alpha-1 antitrypsin concentration from patients (n = 1,167) with COPD, defined according to the GOLD criteria, were analyzed by nephelometry, and alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotype was determined by means of isoelectric-focusing. Results. In COPD patients without alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (MM), a significant negative association of lung function (FEV1) with serum alpha-1 antitrypsin (r = -0.511; p < 0.05) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations (r = -0.583; p < 0.05) was detected; moreover, the level of alpha-1 antitrypsin positively correlated with CRP concentration (r = 0.667; p < 0.05). Conclusions. In patients without alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, detected negative association of alpha-1 antitrypsin level with FEV1 and positive association with the CRP level defined the importance of alpha-1 antitrypsin for lung function in COPD patients

The impact of Ureaplasma infections on pregnancy complications

The aim of this study was to assess if ureaplasmas are associated with pregnancy complications and diseases in newborns. Pregnant women with complaints and threatening signs of preterm delivery were included. A sample, taken from the endocervical canal and from the surface of the cervical portion, was sent to the local microbiology laboratory for DNA detection of seven pathogens: Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis. The Pearson Chi-Square test was used to determine the difference in unpaired categorical data. A two-sided p value &lt;0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. In all, 50 pregnant women with complaints and threatening signs of preterm delivery were included. Premature rupture of uterine membranes was found in 23 (46%) of the patients and 38 women (76%) had preterm delivery. Ureaplasma infections were associated with a premature rupture of membranes (p &lt; 0.004), the placental inflammation (p &lt; 0.025), a newborn respiratory distress syndrome (p &lt; 0.019). Ureaplasmas could have affected the preterm leakage of fetal amniotic fluid and are associated with the placental inflammation and a newborn respiratory distress syndrome

Diagnostic imaging and biochemical findings of rare inherited X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in a child

Introduction. Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare genetic disease, caused by mutations in ABCD1 gene located on the X chromosome (X-ALD), underdiagnosed worldwide. Case Outline. We present a clinical case of a six-year-old boy with childhood cerebral X-ALD. Magnetic resonance imaging of the patient’s brain showed bilateral lesions similar to ALD in parietal-occipital lobes of the brain. Plasma very long chain fatty acids determination test showed an elevated level of C26 and C26/C22 ratio which confirmed the diagnosis of X-ALD. Conclusion. The key point of this clinical case report is to draw attention of physicians to the earliest possible recognition of X-ALD patterns, because an effective treatment can only be established for earlystage cerebral ALD

Association between <i>AHR</i> Expression and Immune Dysregulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Insights from Comprehensive Immune Profiling of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), has an immune suppressive environment that allows tumour cells to evade the immune system. The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that can be activated by certain exo/endo ligands, including kynurenine (KYN) and other tryptophan metabolites. Once activated, AHR regulates the expression of various genes involved in immune responses and inflammation. Previous studies have shown that AHR activation in PDAC can have both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic effects, depending on the context. It can promote tumour growth and immune evasion by suppressing anti-tumour immune responses or induce anti-tumour effects by enhancing immune cell function. In this study involving 30 PDAC patients and 30 healthy individuals, peripheral blood samples were analysed. PDAC patients were categorized into Low (12 patients) and High/Medium (18 patients) AHR groups based on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The Low AHR group showed distinct immune characteristics, including increased levels of immune-suppressive proteins such as PDL1, as well as alterations in lymphocyte and monocyte subtypes. Functional assays demonstrated changes in phagocytosis, nitric oxide production, and the expression of cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10. These findings indicate that AHR’s expression level has a crucial role in immune dysregulation in PDAC and could be a potential target for early diagnostics and personalised therapeutics