Periostin in Exhaled Breath Condensate and in Serum of Asthmatic Patients: Relationship to Upper and Lower Airway Disease

Aleksandra Wardzyńska,Joanna S. Makowska,Małgorzata Pawełczyk,Aleksandra Piechota-Polańczyk,Marcin Kurowski,Marek L. Kowalski 대한천식알레르기학회 2017 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.9 No.2

Purpose: Periostin is considered a biomarker for eosinophilic airway inflammation and have been associated with NSAID-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (NERD) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we aimed to evaluate periostin in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and in serum of patients with various asthma phenotypes. Methods: The study included 40 asthmatic patients (22 with NERD) and 17 healthy controls. All the procedures (questionnaire, spirometry, FeNO, nasal swabs, EBC collecting, and blood sampling) were performed on the same day. Periostin concentrations were measured using an ELISA kit. Results: Periostin was detected in EBC from 37 of 40 asthmatics and in 16 from 17 of controls. The concentration of periostin in EBC did not differ between the study groups and was not associated with NERD or asthma severity. However, the EBC periostin was significantly higher in asthmatics with CRS as compared to those without (3.1 vs 2 ng/mL, P=0.046). Patients with positive bacterial culture from nasal swabs had higher EBC periostin concentrations than those without (3.2 vs 2.1 ng/mL; P=0.046). The mean serum periostin level was higher in asthmatics with a 1-year history of exacerbation than in those without (3.2 vs 2.3 ng/mL, P=0.045). Asthmatics with skin manifestation of NSAIDs hypersensitivity had higher serum periostin levels as compared to those without (3.5 vs 2.3 ng/mL; P=0.03). Conclusions: EBC periostin levels seem to reflect intensity of upper airway disease in asthmatics, while serum levels of periostin are associated with asthma activity (exacerbations or FeNO) or NERD subphenotypes.

Dietary Beliefs and Behaviors Among Parents of Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Aleksandra Pituch-Zdanowska,Kinga Kowalska-Duplaga,El_zbieta Jarocka-Cyrta,Alicja Stawicka,Marcin Dziekiewicz,Aleksandra Banaszkiewicz 한국식품영양과학회 2019 Journal of medicinal food Vol.22 No.8

Diet is regarded as one of the important environmental factors triggering inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Many IBD patients avoid numerous types of foods in fear of disease exacerbation. The aim of the study was to investigate dietary beliefs and food avoidance among pediatric patients with IBD. This questionnaire-based study was conducted in three University-affiliated children's hospitals in Poland. Data were collected from parents of children who were diagnosed with IBD. A total of 155 parents of IBD patients participated in the survey: 104 (67.1%) had a child with Crohn's disease and 51 (32.9%) with ulcerative colitis. Parents of older children and those with longer disease duration predicted diet being considered one of the causative agents of IBD, and differences were statistically significant (P = .01 and P = .04, respectively). Also, patients with a shorter history of disease rarely shared food with other family members (P = .02). In total, 61.5% of patients avoided some kind of food in fear of disease flares. In the parent's opinion, the food the children liked but avoided included fried dishes, sweets (e.g., chocolate, cookies, cakes, candies, jellies), and fast food. Due to their dietary beliefs, parents of children with IBD commonly introduced dietary restrictions for their offspring. Frequent and unjustified food avoidance may influence not only nutritional status but also general well-being of pediatric patients. Our results underscore the urgent need for IBD patients and parents of ill children to receive reliable dietary advice based on strong scientific evidence.

Postoperative Radioiodine Treatment within 9 Months from Diagnosis Significantly Reduces the Risk of Relapse in Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Jolanta Krajewska,Michal Jarzab,Aleksandra Kukulska,Agnieszka Czarniecka,Jozef Roskosz,Zbigniew Puch,Zbigniew Wygoda,Ewa Paliczka-Cieslik,Aleksandra Kropinska,Aleksandra Krol,Daria Handkiewicz-Junak,B 대한핵의학회 2019 핵의학 분자영상 Vol.53 No.5

Purpose Although postoperative radioiodine (RAI) therapy has been used in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) for many years, there is still lack of data defining the timing of RAI administration. A retrospective analysis was carried out to answer the question whether the time of postoperative RAI treatment demonstrated any impact on long-term outcomes, particularly in low-risk DTC. Material The analyzed group involved 701 DTC patients staged pT1b-T4N0-N1M0, who underwent total thyroidectomy and postoperative RAI therapy. According to the time interval between DTC diagnosis and RAI administration, patients were allocated to one of three groups: up to 9 months (N = 150), between 9 and 24 months (N = 323), and > 24 months (N = 228). Median follow-up was 12.1 years (1.5–15.2). Results Based on an initial DTC advancement and postoperative stimulated thyroglobulin concentration patients were stratified as a low-, intermediate-, and high-risk group. Low-risk patients, who received RAI therapy up to 9 months, demonstrated significantly lower risk of relapse comparing to those, in whom RAI was administered between 9 and 24 months and after 24 months since DTC diagnosis: 0%, 5.5%, and 7.1%, respectively. Regarding intermediate- and high-risk groups, the differences in the timing of postoperative RAI treatment were not significant. Conclusion If postoperative RAI treatment is considered in low-risk DTC, any delay in RAI administration above 9 months since diagnosis may be related to poorer long-term outcomes.

Aqueous biphasic system formation using 1-alkyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide ionic liquids as new extractants

Aleksandra Dimitrijevic´,Nebojsˇa Zec,Nikola Zdolsˇek,Sanja Dozˇic,Aleksandar Tot,Slobodan Gadzˇuric,Milan Vranes,Tatjana Trtic´-Petrovic 한국공업화학회 2016 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.40 No.-

In this work three 1-alkyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide ionic liquids (alkyl = ethyl, hexyl and octyl) weresynthesized applying both, conventional and microwave assisted synthetic paths. The phase diagramsfor aqueous solutions of 1-alkyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide ionic liquids as novel extractantscombined with phosphate-based salts are reported and discussed in terms of aqueous biphasic system(ABS) formation. Merchuk equation was applied in order to correlate the experimental binodal data. Theliquid–liquid equilibrium data (tie-line compositions and tie-line length) were also experimentallydetermined by a gravimetric method. The influence of the alkyl chain length on ABS formation abilitywas investigated. It was found that ability to form ABS increases with the increase of the alkyl chainlength on the imidazolium cation. Also, it was found that ionic liquids with ethyl group in the N-3position better form ABS compared to those with methyl substituent. This was discussed in terms ofincreasing ionic liquid hydrophobicity and poor affinity for water. In order to better understand theimpact of the alkyl side chain of the imidazolium ion and the efficiency of ABS formation, computersimulations were performed using investigated ionic liquids with the ethyl group in the position N-3 ofthe cation and different alkyl substituents in the position N-1. Also, extraction of selected organic dyeswas performed to demonstrate application of studied ionic liquids as novel extractants.

Recent strategies of increasing metal tolerance and phytoremediation potential using genetic transformation of plants

Aleksandra Koźmińska,Alina Wiszniewska,Ewa Hanus‑Fajerska,Ewa Muszyńska 한국식물생명공학회 2018 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.12 No.1

Avoidance and reduction of soil contamination with heavy metals is one of the most serious global challenges. Nowadays, science offers us new opportunities of utilizing plants to extract toxic elements from the soil by means of phytoremediation. Plant abilities to uptake, translocate, and transform heavy metals, as well as to limit their toxicity, may be significantly enhanced via genetic engineering. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent strategies aimed at the improvement of plant phytoremediation potential using plant transformation and employing current achievements in nuclear and cytoplasmic genome transformation. Strategies for obtaining plants suitable for effective soil clean-up and tolerant to excessive concentrations of heavy metals are critically assessed. Promising directions in genetic manipulations, such as gene silencing and cis- and intragenesis, are also discussed. Moreover, the ways of overcoming disadvantages of phytoremediation using genetic transformation approachare proposed. The knowledge gathered here could be useful for designing new research aimed at biotechnological improvement of phytoremediation efficiency.

Homonimia polskich przyimków i przedrostków z perspektywy diachronicznej

Aleksandra Janowska 한국슬라브어학회 2018 슬라브어연구 Vol.23 No.1

One may assume a common origin of prepositions and verbal prefixes. The problems are associated with the relations among homonymous particles which have already become the subject of a quite voluminous literature, as far as their history and modernity are concerned. This study focuses on the doubling of these elements in syntactic structures such as przeszedł przez most ‘he went through the bridge’. The author suggests examining the relations in Polish from a slightly different perspective. The relations between particles are genetic i.e. being associated with their origin but one may also discuss the development of secondary relations. In the previous studies, greater attention is devoted to the duplication of a prefix by a preposition (dojść matki > dojść do matki ‘to reach [one’s] mother’. One of the problems which should be examined in a more comprehensive manner has to do with a reverse situation: the influence of the form of the preposition upon the form of the prefixed verb, cf. zaręczyć < ręczyć za ‘to vouch for’ +Acc.

Synthesis of DOT Use of Beam End Protection for Extending the Life of Bridges

Aleksandra Radli?ska,Leslie Myers McCarthy,James Matzke,Francis Nagel 한국콘크리트학회 2014 International Journal of Concrete Structures and M Vol.8 No.3

As the national transportation infrastructure ages and deteriorates, many existing bridges require frequent and costly maintenance and repairs. The objective of this work was to synthesize new and existing types of beam end coatings and treatments that have been proven to extend the life of new and existing concrete and steel bridge beams. A comprehensive literature review, along with online surveys and phone interviews of State department of transportations (DOTs) and coating manufacturers was conducted to gather information about existing and recently developed technologies. The study revealed that while many promising coatings and treatments are offered on the market, there is a lack of readily available laboratory results that would enable direct comparison of the available methods. This finding applies in terms of the coatings’ durability and the potential for extending the service life of existing bridges. Most of the interviewed State DOTs’ personnel assessed the products listed in respective DOT’s Qualified Products Lists as performing ‘well’. However, there was significant variability between states in the type of the products used. Among the agencies contacted, none was able to suggest the most promising or advanced products, either for concrete or steel bridge beam end treatments. This suggests that comprehensive laboratory evaluation would be necessary for selecting the best available beam end treatments and coatings.

LA REPRESENTACIÓN DEL OTRO EN EL CINE DOCUMENTAL MEXICANO

Aleksandra Jablonska Institute of Iberoamerican Studies Pusan Universit 2012 International Journal of Latin American Studies Vol.2 No.-

Resumen. En el ensayo se analizan tres documentales mexicanos realizados entre 2006 y 2008 y que tienen como protagonistas a otros de clase, de género y de edad, a la luz de la reflexión teórica que se ha desarrollado en Brasil sobre la posibilidad de convertir a los tradicionales objetos de filmación en sujetos. Aunque los documentales hechos en México buscan identificarse con sus protagonistas y denuncian las graves situaciones en que viven y mueren, de modo que contribuyen a la construcción de la memoria sobre los grupos oprimidos , la voz del cineasta es siempre la que se impone para comunicar al espectador una suerte de “verdad” sobre lo narrado. Abstract. The essay analyzes three Mexican documentaries made between 2006 and 2008 having as main characters the others of social classes, gender and age, through the theoretical reflection that has been develop in Brazil after the possibility of converting the traditional objects of shooting into subjects. Although the documentaries made in Mexico seek to identify themselves with their main characters and report the serious situations where they live and die –in a way that documentaries contribute to the construction of the repressed groups’ memory- the filmmaker’s voice is the one that imposes to communicate a kind of “truth” about the story.

Effect of Microdiversity and Macrodiversity on Average Bit Error Probability in Shadowed Fading Channels in the Presence of Interference

Aleksandra S. Panajotović,Mihajlo Č. Stefanović,Dragan Lj. Drača 한국전자통신연구원 2009 ETRI Journal Vol.31 No.5

The detrimental effect of short-term fading and shadowing can be mitigated using microdiversity and macrodiversity systems, respectively. In this paper, implementation of selection combining at both micro and macro levels to improve system performance is analyzed. An assessment of the performance of such a system is carried out by considering the desired signal as Rician fading with lognormal shadowing and cochannel interference signal as Rayleigh fading superimposed over lognormal shadowing. The proposed analysis is complemented by various performance evaluation results, including the effects on overall system performance of fading severity, shadowing spreads and branch correlation existing at the base station, and correlation between base stations.

Circulating MicroRNAs and T-Cell Cytokine Expression Are Associated With the Characteristics of Asthma Exacerbation

Aleksandra Wardzyńska,Małgorzata Pawełczyk,Joanna Rywaniak,Marcin Kurowski,Joanna S. Makowska,Marek L. Kowalski 대한천식알레르기학회 2020 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.12 No.1

Purpose: Immunological mechanisms underlying asthma exacerbation have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of various asthma exacerbation traits with selected serum microRNA (miRNA) expression and T-cell subpopulations. Methods: Twenty-one asthmatics were studied during asthma exacerbation (exacerbation visit [EV] and the follow-up visit [FV] at 6 weeks). At both visits, spirometry was performed, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured, and nasopharyngeal and blood samples were collected. In nasopharyngeal samples, respiratory viruses were assayed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and bacterial cultures were performed. Serum miRNAs were assayed with real-time PCR. T-cell surface markers, eosinophil progenitors and intracellular cytokines were assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Two-thirds of patients had moderate or severe exacerbation and the FV, overall improvement in asthma control was observed. The mean expression of serum miRNA-126a, miRNA-16 and miRNA-21 was significantly lower at the EV than at the FV. At EV, miRNA-29b correlated with FeNO (r = 0.44, P < 0.05), and 5 of 7 miRNA tested correlated with pulmonary function tests. The number of cluster of differentiation (CD)45+CD4+interleukin (IL)4+ cells was significantly higher at the EV than at the FV, and positive correlations of T-regulatory cells and eosinophil progenitors with asthma control was found. At the EV, serum miRNAs negatively correlated with the number of T cells expressing IL-4, IL-17, IL-22 and interferon gamma, while at the FV both positive and negative correlations with T-cell subsets were observed. No association of detected pathogen (viruses and bacteria) in nasopharyngeal fluid with clinical, functional and immunological parameters was found. Conclusions: Epigenetic dysregulation during asthma exacerbation could be related to respiratory function, airway inflammation and T-cell cytokine expression.