The Enhancing Effect of Plants Growth Biostimulants in Garlic Cultivation on the Chemical Composition and Level of Bioactive Compounds in the Garlic Leaves, Stems and Bulbs

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of biostimulants enhancing plant growth and development, i.e. organic stimulator based on metal sulphates, Bacillus subtilis, humic acids, on the chemical composition and level of bioactive compounds in garlic leaves, stems, and bulbs. The study was conducted in three growing seasons on the ‘Ornak’ winter garlic cultivar. The propagating material was treated in solutions of the biostimulants and after emergence the plants were sprayed with the products three times. The most valuable edible organ proved to be the leaves, which contained the most protein, fat, and mineral components expressed as ash, were the richest source of fibre, vitamin C, and polyphenols, and also had the highest antioxidant activity among the organs tested. The nutritional value of the stems was comparable to that of the bulbs, and the level of polyphenols and antioxidant activity were even higher. The use of the growth and development biostimulants influenced the chemical composition of the garlic, but the effect was modified by the course of weather in different years of the research and also depended on edible organ. On average for years and organs all biostimulants increased the level of protein, minerals expressed as ash and enhanced antioxidant activity, whereas decreased the level of total carbohydrates

Sterility of Miscanthus × giganteus results from hybrid incompatibility

Miscanthus ×giganteus Greef et Deu. (Poaceae), a hybrid of Miscanthus sinensis and M. sacchariflorus native to Japan, is an ornamental and a highly lignocellulosic bioenergy crop, cultivated in the European Union as an alternative source of energy. This grass reproduces exclusively vegetatively, by rhizomes or via expensive in vitro micropropagation. The present study was aimed at finding the barriers that prevent sexual seed production, based on detailed embryological analyses of the whole generative cycle, including microsporogenesis, pollen viability, megasporogenesis, female gametophyte development, and embryo and endosperm formation. Sterility of M. ×giganteus results from abnormal development of both male and female gametophytes. Disturbed microsporogenesis (laggard chromosomes, univalents, micronuclei) was further highlighted by low pollen staining. The frequency of stainable pollen ranged from 13.9% to 55.3% depending on the pollen staining test, and no pollen germination was observed either in vitro or in planta. The wide range of pollen sizes (25.5-47.6 μm) clearly indicated unbalanced pollen grain cytology, which evidently affected pollen germination. Only 9.7% of the ovules developed normally. No zygotes nor embryos were found in any analyzed ovules. Sexual reproduction of M. ×giganteus is severely hampered by its allotriploid (2n=3x=57) nature. Hybrid sterility, a strong postzygotic barrier, prevents sexual reproduction and, therefore, seed formation in this taxon

The influence of extensive, ambulatory, non-pharmacological treatment of obesity on blood pressure in 24-hour blood pressure monitoring

Wstęp Otyłość jest jednym z głównych czynników zwiększających częstość schorzeń układu sercowo-naczyniowego i śmiertelność. Aby ograniczyć wystąpienie powikłań tej choroby, wystarczy obniżyć masę ciała o 5-10%. Podstawą jej leczenia są działania niefarmakologiczne: dieta i aktywność fizyczna. W prezentowanym badaniu oceniano wpływ takiego leczenia na parametry antropometryczne, profil dobowy ciśnienia tętniczego oraz na insulinemię, insulinooporność i leptynemię. Materiał i metody Badaną grupę stanowiły 43 osoby (30 kobiet i 13 mężczyzn) w wieku średnio 36 ± 7,7 roku; BMI 36 ± 4,9 kg/m2, uczestniczące w edukacji dietetycznej i zajęciach ruchowych, to znaczy objęte 3-miesięcznym programem zajęć z dietetyczkami (dieta z ograniczeniem 400–600 kcal/d. odpowiednio do zapotrzebowania dla danej masy ciała), rehabilitantem (2 x tygodniu 60 minut ćwiczeń na sali gimnastycznej, 1 x 45 minut na basenie) oraz lekarzem. Grupę kontrolną stanowiło 17 osób (12 kobiet i 5 mężczyzn) w wieku średnio 33 ± 7,57 roku z BMI 36 ± 4,9 kg/m2, które nie wyrażały chęci uczestnictwa w opisanym programie i deklarowały ograniczenie kaloryczne i zwiększenie aktywności fizycznej we własnym zakresie. U pacjentów wykonano pomiary antropometryczne. Wykonano również pomiar ciśnienia tętniczego metodą 24-godzinnego ABPM, a także oznaczenia hormonalne - insuliny, leptyny - oraz obliczono insulinooporność według wskaźnika HOMA. Wszystkie oznaczenia wykonano na początku programu i po roku jego trwania. Dodatkowo badaną grupę oceniano po 3 miesiącach. Wyniki Wyjściowo grupa badana i grupa kontrolna charakteryzowały się prawidłowymi wartościami ciśnienia tętniczego i nie różniły się parametrami ciśnienia ocenianego w ABPM. W badanej grupie po 3 miesiącach kontrolowanego programu leczenia stwierdzono nieznaczne, ale istotne obniżenie nocnego SBP i DBP, a następnie ich wzrost do wartości wyjściowych po rocznej obserwacji. Ponadto, po 3 miesiącach aktywnego leczenia w grupie badanej istotnie obniżyły się stężenia insuliny, leptyny i wartości wskaźnika insulinooporności, natomiast po kolejnych 9 miesiącach obserwacji parametry te znamiennie wzrosły w porównaniu z aktywnym okresem leczenia do wartości porównywalnych z wyjściowymi. Stwierdzono korzystny wpływ okresu aktywnego leczenia na rozkład cechy dippers/non-dippers. Wykazano dodatnie korelacje w grupie badanej między wyjściowym stężeniem insuliny a SBP oraz między leptyną a częstością akcji serca. Wnioski 1. Kompleksowy, ambulatoryjny, niefarmakologiczny program redukcji masy ciała u otyłych osób z prawidłowymi wartościami ciśnienia tętniczego nie wpływa na wartości ciśnienia tętniczego, może jednak prowadzić do poprawy profilu dobowego ciśnienia i zamiany cechy non-dippers na korzystną dippers. 2. Powrót stężenia leptyny i insuliny do wartości wyjściowych po 9 miesiącach od zakończenia aktywnego leczenia może być niekorzystnym czynnikiem prognostycznym dla utrzymania zredukowanej masy ciała oraz korzystnego profilu ciśnieniowego i wskazuje na konieczność cyklicznego powtarzania kontrolowanego programu w leczonych grupach chorych.Background Obesity is one of main factors increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Loosing 5 to 10% of body weight leads to decreased frequency of complications related to obesity. A principle of obesity management is non-pharmacological treatment: diet and physical exercise. In this study we evaluated an influence of such a treatment on anthropometric parameters, ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure values, insulin resistance and plasma insulin and leptin levels. Material and methods The study group consisted of 43 individuals (30 women and 13 men) of average age 36 ± 7.7 years and body mass index (BMI): 36 ± 4.9 kg/m2, participating in dietary education (3-months dietary education course with dieticians and the diet limited to 400–600 kcal/day depending on a body mass), physical exercise programme (60 minutes of physical exercise at a gym hall twice a week and 45 minutes of swimming once a week) and medical control. The control group consisted of 17 individuals (12 women and 5 men), of average age 33 ± 7.57 years with BMI 36 ± 4.9 kg/m2, not willing to take part in the programme, but declaring dietary restrictions and increased physical activity on their own. In all patients anthropometric parameters were estimated as well as measurements of 24-hours ambulatory blood pressure values (ABPM), hormonal levels (plasma insulin, leptin) and insulin resistance with use of HOMA index. All measurements were performed at baseline and after one year. The study group was additionally evaluated after 3 months of the treatment. Results At the baseline the study group and control group were normotensive and there were no differences in ABPM values. After 3 months of the study, in the study group slight but significant decrease in night-time systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed and then increase of these parameters up to the baseline values after one year observation. Also plasma insulin and leptin levels as well as insulin resistance decreased in the study group after 3 months of the active treatment and after next 9 months of observation the parameters returned to the baseline values. The active period of treatment had a beneficial influence on dippers/non-dippers parameter in the study group. There were positive correlations between plasma insulin levels at baseline and systolic blood pressure and between plasma leptin levels and heart rate. Conclusions 1. A complex, ambulatory, non-pharmacological management of obesity in obese, normotensive individuals does not influence blood pressure values but it may lead to improvement in a diurnal blood pressure profile and change from non-dipper to dipper. 2. The return of plasma leptin and insulin to baseline levels after 9 months from the end of the active treatment period may be an unfavourable prognostic factor for maintaining a reduced body weight and a good blood pressure profile. It indicates a need for a cyclic repetition of the controlled programme in the patients concerned

Poly(lysine) Dendrimers Form Complexes with siRNA and Provide Its Effcient Uptake by Myeloid Cells: Model Studies for Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Delivery

The disruption of the cellular pathways of protein biosynthesis through the mechanism of RNA interference has been recognized as a tool of great diagnostic and therapeutic significance. However, in order to fully exploit the potential of this phenomenon, efficient and safe carriers capable of overcoming extra-and intracellular barriers and delivering siRNA to the target cells are needed. Recently, attention has focused on the possibility of the application of multifunctional nanoparticles, dendrimers, as potential delivery devices for siRNA. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the formation of dendriplexes using novel poly(lysine) dendrimers (containing lysine and arginine or histidine residues in their structure), and to verify the hypothesis that the use of these polymers may allow an efficient method of siRNA transfer into the cells in vitro to be obtained. The fluorescence polarization studies, as well as zeta potential and hydrodynamic diameter measurements were used to characterize the dendrimer:siRNA complexes. The cytotoxicity of dendrimers and dendriplexes was evaluated with the resazurin-based assay. Using the flow cytometry technique, the efficiency of siRNA transport to the myeloid cells was determined. This approach allowed us to determine the properties and optimal molar ratios of dendrimer:siRNA complexes, as well as to demonstrate that poly(lysine) dendrimers may serve as efficient carriers of genetic material, being much more effective than the commercially available transfection agent Lipofectamine 2000. This outcome provides the basis for further research on the application of poly(lysine) dendrimers as carriers for nucleic acids in the field of gene therapy. © 2020 by the authors

Nowotwory u kobiet w ciąży

Poniższe wytyczne są oparte na wynikach badań klinicznych bez losowego doboru chorych (niemożliwe do przeprowadzenia za względów etycznych) oraz na doświadczeniach klinicznych i, głównie, opiniach ekspertów (kategoria jakości dowodów naukowych: III–V; poziom rekomendacji: A–C). Zdaniem autorów i redaktorów opracowanie zawiera najbardziej uzasadnione zasady postępowania diagnostyczno-terapeutycznego przygotowane z uwzględnieniem wartości naukowych dowodów i kategorii rekomendacji. Zasady postępowania powinny być zawsze interpretowane w kontekście indywidualnej sytuacji klinicznej. Zalecenia nie zawsze odpowiadają bieżącym zasadom refundacji, które obowiązują w Polsce. W przypadku wątpliwości należy ustalić obecne możliwości refundowania poszczególnych procedur

Ocena pobrania z dietą wybranych składników mineralnych przez młodzież w wieku 13-15 lat w zależności od płci oraz miejsca zamieszkania

Absorption of minerals compound by the investigated population aged 13-15 depending on gender and place of residenceIntroduction.The life period between 11-19 years of age is defined as the adolescence (phase), which is a period of intense growth and development, during which the organism ultimately heads for achieving a biological, psychological and social maturity. During this period, proper nutrition is an essential factor in the harmonious development of the young organism and to achieve a high health potential.The aim.The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption of minerals compound by the investigated population depending on gender and place of residence.Material and methods.The evaluation was performed by 24 hours diet recall in randomly selected schools in Krakow and Skawina area. The content of mineral compounds (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu) consumed by the subjects was assessed by the use of the "Dieta 2.0" software.Results. It were discovered a numerous irregularities in consumption of selected minerals, including significant calcium deficiency, and also the excess of sodium in the diet. Calcium deficiency combined the excess of phosphorus can adversely affect the achievement of the peak bone mass and increase the risk of osteoporosis in later stages of life. Also demonstrated high sodium and low potassium intakes could contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease

The tolerance of proton radiotherapy — preliminary results

Introduction. Because the specific proton beam dose distribution (i.e. the so-called ’Bragg curve’), proton radiotherapy ensures that the high-dose region is precisely confined to the target volume while minimizing the dose delivered to healthy tissues/critical organs surrounding the tumour or to those lying in the path of the proton beam. This method has been used for patients in Kraków since November 2016. Aim. To report the early tolerance outcomes to proton radiotherapy in patients completing their treatment just before the end of August 2017. Materials and methods. Study subjects were 47 patients who had completed their treatment before the end of August 2017 with a mean age of 41.6 years (range: 16–76, median: 40). The most frequent diagnoses were skull base tumours (22 pts. — 46.8%) and brain G1 or G2 gliomas (17 pts. — 36.2%), whereas the most frequent histological types were chordomas (17 pts. — 36.2%). Proton radiotherapy was administered by pencil beam scanning and consisted of using the intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) technique. The total dose given per cancer type averaged as follows: (i) 70 and 74 Gy(RBE), for respectively chodrosarcomas and chordomas, (ii) 54 Gy(RBE) for brain gliomas and (iii) 70 Gy(RBE) for paranasal sinuses tumours. Early tolerance was prospectively evaluated and measured according to the CTCAE scale, version 4.03. Results. In all, 91 side effects (SE) were recorded in 44 patients. The intensity of SEs were as following: 62 SEs (68.1%) were of grade 1 intensity, 21 SEs (23.1%) were of grade 2 and 8 SEs (8.8%) were of grade 3. The most frequently developed SEs were skin reactions (29 pts. — 61.7%) or oral/pharyngeal mucositis (20 pts. — 42.6%). Because the patient follow-up period was short, presented results only describes the early tolerance to this therapy. Our findings of mild intensities for the most early side effects, at (grades 1 or 2) are consistent with other published studies

Polimorfizm w genie N-acetylotransferazy 2 u chorych na raka płuca. Doniesienie wstępne

Introduction: Individual’s risk of developing lung cancer depends not only on exposure to tobacco smoke, but also on the activity of enzymes involved in the activation or deactivation of carcinogens. Arylamine N-acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.5) is an enzyme involved in biotransformation of xenobiotics, mainly aromatic and heterocyclic amines and hydrazines. The different acetylation phenotypes within a population are derived from mutations in the NAT 2 gene. These mutations influence the activity (specifically resulting in high or low activity) of the NAT enzyme. Some authors have demonstrated lung cancer predisposing role of slow acetylator phenotype, whereas other reported increased lung cancer risk for fast acetylators or neutral effect of the NAT2 polymorphism. The aim of this preliminary report was to determine the NAT2 gene polymorphism in patients with lung cancer. Material and methods: 39 patients with inoperable lung cancer (29 — NSCLC and 10 — SCLC), median age 59 years (42– –72) entered the study. Acetylation genotype was determined in the genomic DNA using an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. We investigated four genetic mutations, C481T, G590A, A803G i G857A, of the gene NAT2. Results: There were 10 different NAT2 genotypes among the 39 patients. Fourteen patients with a NAT2*2 4/4, *4/5, *4/6 and *4/7 were classified as fast acetylators; and 25 patients with a NAT2*5/5, *5/6, *5/7, *6/6, *6/7 or *7/7 genotype were classified as slow acetylators. Among the 10 patients with SCLC — 4 were fast acetylators, and among 29 patients with NSCLC dominated slow acetylation type found in 19 patients (genotypes NAT2 *5/5 and NAT2 *5/6). Conclusions: Among patients with small cell lung cancer, there was no predominance of genotype of acetylation, whereas among patients with non-small cell lung cancer predominated NAT2*5/5 and NAT2*5/6 genotypes (slow acetylators).Wstęp: Indywidualne ryzyko zachorowania na raka płuca zależy nie tylko od ekspozycji na dym tytoniowy, ale również od aktywności enzymów biorących udział w aktywacji lub deaktywacji substancji rakotwórczych. Arylamino N-acetylotransferazy (EC 2.3.1.5) są enzymami biorącymi udział w biotransformacji ksenobiotyków, amin aromatycznych i heterocyklicznych oraz hydrazyn. Zaobserwowane różnice w aktywności enzymu i szybkości metabolizowania substancji zależnych od N-acetylotransferazy 2 (NAT2) powiązano z polimorfizmem genu kodującego ten enzym. Niektórzy autorzy wskazują na wolny typ acetylacji, jako predysponujący do wystąpienia raka płuca, podczas gdy inni wykazują brak wpływu polimorfizmu NAT2 lub większe ryzyko raka płuca wśród szybkich acetylatorów. Celem pilotażowego badania była ocena polimorfizmu genu NAT2 umożliwiającego określenie typu acetylacji u chorych na raka płuca. Materiały i metody: Badaną grupę stanowiło 39 chorych na nieoperacyjnego raka płuca (29 — rak niedrobnokomórkowy, 10 — rak drobnokomórkowy), mediana wieku wynosiła 59 lat (42–72 lata). Do badania pobierano 5 ml krwi. Genotyp NAT2 został określony na podstawie identyfikacji czterech mutacji, C481T, G590A, A803G i G857A. Wyniki: W przebadanej grupie 39 chorych zidentyfikowano występowanie 10 różnych genotypów NAT2. Czternastu chorych z genotypami NAT2 *4/4, *4/5, *4/6 i *4/7 zostało sklasyfikowanych jako szybcy acetylatorzy a 25 z genotypami NAT2 *5/ 5, *5/6, *5/7, *6/6, *6/7 lub *7/7 jako wolni acetylatorzy. Wśród 10 chorych na DRP — 4 chorych to szybcy acetylatorzy, zaś wśród 29 chorych na NDRP dominował wolny typ acetylacji stwierdzony u 19 chorych (genotypy NAT2*5/5 i NAT2*5/6). Wnioski: Wśród chorych na drobnokomórkowego raka płuca nie stwierdzono dominacji określonego genotypu acetylacji, natomiast wśród chorych na niedrobnokomórkowego raka płuca przeważali pacjenci z genotypami NAT2*5/5 i NAT2*5/6 (wolni acetylatorzy)