Development of a novel, high-affinity ssDNA trypsin inhibitor

Inhibitors of serine proteases are not only extremely useful in the basic research but are also applied extensively in clinical settings. Using Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) approach we developed a family of novel, single-stranded DNA aptamers capable of specific trypsin inhibition. Our most potent candidate (T24) and its short version (T59) were thoroughly characterised in terms of efficacy. T24 and T59 efficiently inhibited bovine trypsin with Ki of 176 nM and 475 nM, respectively. Interestingly, in contrast to the majority of known trypsin inhibitors, the selected aptamers have superior specificity and did not interact with porcine trypsin or any human proteases tested. These included plasmin and thrombin characterised by trypsin-like substrate specificity. Our results demonstrate that SELEX may be successfully employed in the development of potent and specific DNA based protease inhibitors.publishedVersio

A Remotely Controlled Integrated Weapon Platform Developed on the Basis of Long-Term Experience and Competence

For two decades, AREX Sp. z o.o. (Gdynia, Poland), belonging to WB Group (Warsaw, Poland), has been dealing with special-purpose production, in particular mechatronics, and its solutions are used in electromechanical accessories for 155 mm KRAB gun-howitzers and 120 mm RAK self-propelled wheeled gun-mortars. The operations of WB Group on international markets has given a boost to its further development. The solutions of the remotely controlled weapon platform presented in this paper can be adapted to weapons with ammunition fed from the left or right side, owing to the self-diagnostics and verification system as well as the modular design. The intention of the designers was to create functional and intuitive equipment that allows the operator to focus on firing operations. The remotely controlled weapon platform is also equipped with covering capacity, such as smoke grenades, and is also electrically operated, can be operated manually in emergencies, is intended for installation on various combat vehicles and is remotely controlled by the operator remaining inside the vehicle compartment, which ensures full armoured protection against enemy direct fire. Remote control is based on two operating components a fire control unit and a control grip. Additionally the system is capable of remote weapon loading, weapon cocking, and firing. Tracking and remote controlling capabilities of the integrated weapon platform ensure high probability of hitting stationary and moving targets during the first round, and the platform can be operated manually as required

The surgical treatment of rectal cancer in Poland. The findings of a multi-center observational study by the Polish Society of Surgical Oncology (PSSO-01)

Introduction. PSSO-01, a Polish prospective multi-center project on rectal cancer, started in 2016 with participation on a voluntary basis. This study evaluates the early outcome of the surgical treatment of rectal cancer in Poland according to hospital volume. Material and methods. The dataset derives from 17 clinical centers registered in the PSSO-01 study. From 2016 to 2020, the data of 1,607 patients were collected. Taking into account the number of patients enrolled in the study, the centers were divided into three categories: high volume, medium volume, and low volume. Nominal variables were compared between different categories of centers using the chi-square test. The STROBE guidelines were used to guarantee the reporting of this observational study. Results. More patients with metastatic disease were operated on in the low volume centers (p = 0.020). Neoadjuvant treatment was used in 35%, 52%, and 66% of patients operated on in low, medium, and high volume centers respectively (p < 0.001). Laparoscopic resection in medium volume centers was performed more often than in other centers (p < 0.001). The total rate of postoperative complications related to high, medium, and low centers was 22%, 26%, 18% (p = 0.044). One year following surgery, a stoma was present in 63% of patients. A defunctioning stoma following anterior resection was reversed in only 55% of patients. Anastomotic leakage was the main reason for a non-reversal diverting stoma. Conclusions. The representation of low volume centers in the PSSO-01 study was understated. However, the outcomes may show the actual situation of surgical treatment of rectal cancer in high and medium volume centers in Poland

Ethidium bromide-stained polyacrylamide gel showing polymerase chain reaction products derived from gene rearrangements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and T-cell large granular lymphocyte (T-LGL) proliferations

Polyclonal expansion of T-LGLs in patient 10. Lane 1: gene rearrangement–negative, polyclonal smear (tube A); lane 2: gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear (tube B); lane 3: gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear (tube C); lane 4: standard 50 base pairs (bp); lane 5: gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear (tube A); lane 6: gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear (tube B); and lane 7: gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear. Monoclonal expansion in polyclonal background in patient 7. Lane 1: gene rearrangement: monoclonal product 180 bp (i) in tube A; lane 2: gene rearrangement: monoclonal product 210 bp (ii) in polyclonal background (tube B); lane 3: gene rearrangement: monoclonal product 160 bp (iii); lane 4: (tube A) gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear; lane 5: standard 50 bp; lane 6: (tube B) gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear; and lane 7: (tube C) gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear. Monoclonal gene rearrangements in patient 1 with T-LGL leukemia. Lane 1: gene rearrangement-negative (tube A); lane 2: gene rearrangement-positive, monoclonal product 250 bp (iv) in tube B; lane 3: (tube C): gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear; lane 4: standard 50 bp; lane 5: gene rearrangement-positive, monoclonal product 230 bp (v) in tube A; lane 6: gene rearrangement-positive, monoclonal product 180 bp (vi) in tube B; and lane 7: gene rearrangement-negative, polyclonal smear. TCR, T-cell receptor.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Characteristics of T-cell large granular lymphocyte proliferations associated with neutropenia and inflammatory arthropathy"</p><p>http://arthritis-research.com/content/10/3/R55</p><p>Arthritis Research & Therapy 2008;10(3):R55-R55.</p><p>Published online 12 May 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2483444.</p><p></p

Histopathological features of bone marrow in patients with arthritis and T-cell large granular lymphocyte (T-LGL) lymphocytosis

Patient 1 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and T-LGL leukemia. Staining for CD57 demonstrates intrasinusoidal linear arrays and interstitial clusters of T cells (EnVision stain, ×100). Granzyme B highlights cytotoxic granules in these cells (EnVision stain, ×200). Patient 10 with polyclonal T-LGL lymphocytosis. Staining for CD8 shows dispersed T cells (EnVision stain, ×200). Patient 9 with unclassified arthritis, T-LGL leukemia, and and gene rearrangements. CD3 staining shows interstitial and nodular infiltration of T cells (EnVision stain, ×100). Patient 9. The lymphoid nodule contains few CD20B cells (EnVision stain, ×200). Patient 7 with RA and T-LGL leukemia. A decreased count of granulocytic precursors (myeloperoxydase) is shown (EnVision stain, ×200). IGKV, immunoglobulin kappa variable; IGLV, immunoglobulin lambda variable<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Characteristics of T-cell large granular lymphocyte proliferations associated with neutropenia and inflammatory arthropathy"</p><p>http://arthritis-research.com/content/10/3/R55</p><p>Arthritis Research & Therapy 2008;10(3):R55-R55.</p><p>Published online 12 May 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2483444.</p><p></p