Germline MSH2 and MLH1 mutational spectrum in HNPCC families from Poland and the Baltic States.

Peer reviewe

Systematic review with meta-analysis of the epidemiological evidence relating smoking to COPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Smoking is a known cause of the outcomes COPD, chronic bronchitis (CB) and emphysema, but no previous systematic review exists. We summarize evidence for various smoking indices.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Based on MEDLINE searches and other sources we obtained papers published to 2006 describing epidemiological studies relating incidence or prevalence of these outcomes to smoking. Studies in children or adolescents, or in populations at high respiratory disease risk or with co-existing diseases were excluded. Study-specific data were extracted on design, exposures and outcomes considered, and confounder adjustment. For each outcome RRs/ORs and 95% CIs were extracted for ever, current and ex smoking and various dose response indices, and meta-analyses and meta-regressions conducted to determine how relationships were modified by various study and RR characteristics.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 218 studies identified, 133 provide data for COPD, 101 for CB and 28 for emphysema. RR estimates are markedly heterogeneous. Based on random-effects meta-analyses of most-adjusted RR/ORs, estimates are elevated for ever smoking (COPD 2.89, CI 2.63-3.17, n = 129 RRs; CB 2.69, 2.50-2.90, n = 114; emphysema 4.51, 3.38-6.02, n = 28), current smoking (COPD 3.51, 3.08-3.99; CB 3.41, 3.13-3.72; emphysema 4.87, 2.83-8.41) and ex smoking (COPD 2.35, 2.11-2.63; CB 1.63, 1.50-1.78; emphysema 3.52, 2.51-4.94). For COPD, RRs are higher for males, for studies conducted in North America, for cigarette smoking rather than any product smoking, and where the unexposed base is never smoking any product, and are markedly lower when asthma is included in the COPD definition. Variations by sex, continent, smoking product and unexposed group are in the same direction for CB, but less clearly demonstrated. For all outcomes RRs are higher when based on mortality, and for COPD are markedly lower when based on lung function. For all outcomes, risk increases with amount smoked and pack-years. Limited data show risk decreases with increasing starting age for COPD and CB and with increasing quitting duration for COPD. No clear relationship is seen with duration of smoking.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results confirm and quantify the causal relationships with smoking.</p

Air pollution and respiratory health of children: the PEACE panel study in Katowice, Poland.

This study was carried out within the framework of the multicentre Pollution Effects on Asthmatic Children in Europe (PEACE) project. Two panels of mildly asthmatic children were studied. Seventy two children living in the Upper Silesia (the largest Polish industrial agglomeration) and 73 children in the control panel were followed up during two winter months in 1994. Ambient concentration of particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM10) black smoke, SO2 and NO2 were measured and peak respiratory flows and respiratory symptoms were recorded on a daily basis. There were no substantial differences in exposure to air pollution and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms between the urban and the control panels. No severe smog episodes were observed. No consistent association between daily changes of air pollution levels and daily variations of peak expiratory flows or respiratory symptoms prevalence and incidence was found. In conclusion, no clear effect of air pollution on respiratory health could be observed

The influence of seismic velocity distribution on the depth imaging of the sub-Zechstein horizons in areas affected by salt tectonics: a case study of NW Poland

Lateral changes in the thickness of strata and petrophysical parameters within the Zechstein succession (salt pillows and domes) can cause many problems in seismic exploration of the aeolian Rotliegend formations, which are prospective for hydrocarbons. An assessment of the influence of halokinesis on the seismic imaging of the sub-Zechstein strata in NW Poland (Obrzycko–Szamotuły area, to the SW of the Mid-Polish Swell) utilised time-to-depth conversion with different, seismic-geological models. Various, seismic velocities were used in models for the Zechstein and the Mesozoic successions, namely velocities, dependent on the thickness of particular rock successions, on their depths, and velocities, determined from seismic inversion. The results show opposite reflection patterns for the seismic section imaged in the time and depth domains. The synclinal arrangement of the strata boundaries in the depth model is represented by convex-upwards reflection events on the seismic section. The pull-up of reflection events, associated with the sub-Zechstein strata, observed on the seismic sections, is mainly a result of both the greater thickness of the Zechstein salt within the salt structures (pillows, diapirs) and the increase in velocity contrast between the salt body and the Mesozoic strata

Application of 2-D forward seismic modelling for impro- ved imaging of sub-salt Rotliegend strata in Polish Basin

Forward seismic modelling can aid seismic studies of the pre-Zechstein strata in areas of developed salt tectonics, such as the Obrzycko–Szamotuły region, NW Polish Basin. The results not only can be used for seismic interpretation, but also can support the planning of survey methodology and the workflow of seismic data processing. This paper presents the results of modelling that was carried out, before the acquisition of the regional-scale, seismic line Obrzycko-1–Zabartowo-1–Zabartowo-2 (Górecki, 2010). An interpreted, seismic transect was used to build a basic, seismic-geological model. The modelling was based on seismic ray theory. The zero-offset mo- delling (theoretical wave field) for different geometries of salt structures showed that an increase in salt thickness resulted in a pull-up of reflection events, related to the sub-salt horizons. The incorporation of faults and salt overhangs into a model significantly complicated the seismic wave field. The results of offset modelling, pre- sented in this paper as seismic ray tracing and common-shot gathers, proved that (1) the seismic response of the Rotliegend (Permian) formations can be recorded, despite the presence of the overlying salt pillows and diapirs, if offsets several kilometres long are used, and (2) the complex configuration of seismic reflectors (diapirs with salt overhangs, faults) gives rise to complicated, seismic ray paths that may cause difficulties in common-depth-point stacking and therefore decrease the quality of the seismic records

Angiotensin-(1-7) receptor Mas agonist ameliorates progress of atherosclerosis in apoE-knockout mice

Our interest focused on an open question whether AT-(1-7), nonpeptide receptor agonist: AVE 0991, is able to ameliorate atherosclerosis. We used an apolipoprotein E (apoE) - knockout mice model of atherosclerosis. Experimental groups received the same diet as control, mixed with: AVE 0991 at a dose of 0.58 μmol/kg b.w./day, perindopril at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg b.w./day or with tiorphan at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg b.w./day. A-779 [(D-alanine)-angiotensin (1-7)] was given at a dose of 3.3 mg/kg b.w., 3 times a week i.p. Measured by "en face" method, the percentage of occupied by Sudan IV-stained surfaces were as follows: 14.2±1.9 % in control group, whereas in AVE 0991-treated as well as in perindopril-treated groups percentages were statistically significantly lower. In tiorphan group there was no change comparing to control group, whereas in A-779 group percentage was statistically significantly higher. "Cross-section" of aortic roots revealed also the difference in atherosclerotic lesions. The mean surfaces, occupied by oil red O-stained changes were: 91.213±8.123 μm(2) in control group, while in AVE 0991-treated as well as in perindopril-treated groups lesions were statistically significantly lower. In tiorphan group there was no change; however, in A-779 group lesions were statistically significantly higher. Measured by real time RT-PCR relative p22phox (submit of NADPH oxidase) expression was significantly decreased in AVE 0991-treated mice. As revealed by flow cytometry, the expression of co-stimulatory molecules: CD86, CD80 and CD40 on both dendritic cells (CD11c+) and macrophages (F4/80+) was reduced in AVE 0991-treated group, which correlated with decreased expression of CD69 activation marker on CD4+T cells. In our report we showed the beneficial effect of AVE 0991 on atherogenesis in gene-targeted mice

Angiotensin-(1-7) receptor Mas agonist ameliorates progress of atherosclerosis in apoE-knockout mice

Our interest focused on an open question whether AT-(1-7), nonpeptide receptor agonist: AVE 0991, is able to ameliorate atherosclerosis. We used an apolipoprotein E (apoE) - knockout mice model of atherosclerosis. Experimental groups received the same diet as control, mixed with: AVE 0991 at a dose of 0.58 μmol/kg b.w./day, perindopril at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg b.w./day or with tiorphan at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg b.w./day. A-779 [(D-alanine)-angiotensin (1-7)] was given at a dose of 3.3 mg/kg b.w., 3 times a week i.p. Measured by "en face" method, the percentage of occupied by Sudan IV-stained surfaces were as follows: 14.2±1.9 % in control group, whereas in AVE 0991-treated as well as in perindopril-treated groups percentages were statistically significantly lower. In tiorphan group there was no change comparing to control group, whereas in A-779 group percentage was statistically significantly higher. "Cross-section" of aortic roots revealed also the difference in atherosclerotic lesions. The mean surfaces, occupied by oil red O-stained changes were: 91.213±8.123 μm(2) in control group, while in AVE 0991-treated as well as in perindopril-treated groups lesions were statistically significantly lower. In tiorphan group there was no change; however, in A-779 group lesions were statistically significantly higher. Measured by real time RT-PCR relative p22phox (submit of NADPH oxidase) expression was significantly decreased in AVE 0991-treated mice. As revealed by flow cytometry, the expression of co-stimulatory molecules: CD86, CD80 and CD40 on both dendritic cells (CD11c+) and macrophages (F4/80+) was reduced in AVE 0991-treated group, which correlated with decreased expression of CD69 activation marker on CD4+T cells. In our report we showed the beneficial effect of AVE 0991 on atherogenesis in gene-targeted mice

A common variant of CDKN2A (p16) predisposes to breast cancer

Background: A common missense variant of the CDKN2A gene (A148T) predisposes to malignant melanoma in Poland. An association between malignant melanoma and breast cancer has been reported in several families with CDKN2A mutations, Objective: To determine whether this variant also predisposes to breast cancer. Methods: Genotyping was undertaken in 4209 cases of breast cancer, unselected for family history, from 18 hospitals throughout Poland and in 3000 controls. Results: The odds ratio (OR) associated with the CDKN2A allele for women diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50 was 1.5 (p = 0.002) and after age 50 it was 1.3 (p = 0.2). The effect was particularly strong for patients diagnosed at or before the age of 30 (OR = 3.8; p = 0.0002). Conclusions: CDKN2A appears to be a low penetrance breast cancer susceptibility gene in Poland. The association should be confirmed in other populations