Hypoxia and collagen deposition in the kidneys infected with Acanthamoeba sp.

Acanthamoeba spp. are facultative, opportunistic pathogens that are found in diverse environments. In the hosts, they lead to multi-organ disease.

The influence of plant extracts on viability of ST3 and ST7 subtypes of Blastocystis sp.

Blastocystis sp. is one of the most frequently detected protozoa during stool specimen examination. In the last decade, the studies about the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis sp.

Pulmonary Hypertension and Hypothyroidism-Still an Important Clinical Coincidence in Paediatric Population, an Endocrinologist's Point of View.

There is limited data on hypotheses linking autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) and hypothyroidism with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Moreover, the prevalence of this coincidence, as well as the possible common pathogenic mechanisms, are even less explicit in paediatric population. We present a review of recently published articles regarding relatively large cohorts of children with PH, coming from paediatric PH registries, aiming to clarify the coincidence of PH and AITD, especially hypothyroidism, and discuss its possible mutual impact.

[Protein glycosylation in bacterial and viral infections].

Glycosylated proteins play a key role in the various stages of bacterial and viral invasions. Glycosylation is a common process across all domains of life. Initially, this process was attributed only to eukaryotic organisms, in which the synthesis takes place in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus.

Species and Culturable Microorganism Co-Infestations in Patients with Blepharitis.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of spp. and bacterial infection in patients with blepharitis and also to investigate the relationship between culturable microorganisms and spp. in this study.

Macroelement and Microelement Levels in the Urine in Experimental Acanthamoebiasis.

Free-living amoebas can impact the excretion of macroelements and microelements in urine. The aim of the present study was to examine the concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), as well as microelements such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr), in the urine during acanthamoebiasis while considering the host's immunological status. This is the first study to show an increase in urinary excretion of Ca, Mn, Cu, Fe, Na, and Cr, along with a decreased excretion of K, in immunocompetent mice 16 days post sp.

The Immunological Changes in the Skin of BALC/c Mice with Disseminated Acanthamoebiasis.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are involved in the recognition of numerous pathogens, including spp. Thanks to this, it is possible for immune cells to recognize microorganisms and trigger the body's innate immune response. The stimulation of TLRs also leads to the activation of specific immunity.

Iron, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium, Mercury, and Bone Tissue.

The paper presents the current understanding on the effects of five metals on bone tissue, namely iron, zinc, copper, cadmium, and mercury. Iron, zinc, and copper contribute significantly to human and animal metabolism when present in sufficient amounts, but their excess or shortage increases the risk of developing bone disorders. In contrast, cadmium and mercury serve no physiological purpose and their long-term accumulation damages the osteoarticular system.

Red fox as a potential bioindicator of metal contamination in a European environment.

In times of widespread environmental pollution with heavy metals of anthropogenic origin and the increasing dynamics of this process, it is justified to collect as much data as possible on the concentration of metals in terrestial mammals from unpolluted areas. The purpose of this research was to present the concentration of essential (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc), probably essential (nickel, vanadium) and non-esential element (cadmium, lead, silver, strontium, and tin) in the liver, kidneys, muscles and brain of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) inhabiting north-western Poland. We revealed that the concentration of all metals, apart from Ni, was different between studied tissues.

Neurotrophic Factors in Experimental Cerebral Acanthamoebiasis.

To date, no studies have addressed the role of neurotrophins (NTs) in spp. infections in the brain. Thus, to clarify the role of NTs in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus during experimental acanthamoebiasis in relation to the host immune status, the purpose of this study was to determine whether spp.

Concentrations of PGE and TXB in the Eyes of Mice with Disseminated Acanthamoebiasis.

Previous studies have shown that spp. may invade the eyes by migrating along the optic nerve to the eyes from the brain. This study aimed to confirm the presence of inflammation in the eyes of mice with disseminated acanthamoebiasis by examining prostaglandin E (PGE) and thromboxane B (TXB) concentrations in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice intranasally inoculated with spp.

Selected Metal Concentration in Maternal and Cord Blood.

Essential and non-essential elements deficiencies may lead to various birth complications. The aim of this paper was to determine calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in maternal blood and cord blood. Whole blood and cord blood samples collected from pregnant women (n = 136) were analyzed for the concentration of the elements by spectrophotometric atomic absorption in inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP-OES).

Prevalence, subtypes and risk factors of Blastocystis spp. infection among pre- and perimenopausal women.

Background: Blastocystis spp. are considered pathogenic or commensal organisms, although the majority of researchers suggest that these are neglected pathogens. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp.

The Effects of Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Fluoride, and Lead on Bone Tissue.

Bones are metabolically active organs. Their reconstruction is crucial for the proper functioning of the skeletal system during bone growth and remodeling, fracture healing, and maintaining calcium-phosphorus homeostasis. The bone metabolism and tissue properties are influenced by trace elements that may act either indirectly through the regulation of macromineral metabolism, or directly by affecting osteoblast and osteoclast proliferation or activity, or through becoming part of the bone mineral matrix.

Immunopathogenicity of spp. in the Brain and Lungs.

Free-living amoebas, including spp., are widely distributed in soil, water, and air. They are capable of causing granulomatous amebic encephalitis, pneumonia, keratitis, and disseminated acanthamoebiasis.

The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the kidneys and heart of mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp.

Background: Acanthamoeba spp. are cosmopolitan protozoans that cause infections in the brain, as well as extracerebral infections in the cornea, lungs and skin. Little is known about the mechanisms of the immunological response to these parasites in organs which are not their main biotope.

Impact of Varied Factors on Iron, Nickel, Molybdenum and Vanadium Concentrations in the Knee Joint.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of iron, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium in the knee joint. We also examined the relationships between the concentrations of these metals in the knee joint and the influence of varied factors on the concentration of Fe, Ni, Mo, and V. The study of these trace elements is important, because these elements are used alone and in combination in diet supplements, and they are components of biomaterials implanted in medicine.

Long-term outcome in patients after treatment for Cushing's disease in childhood.

Introduction: Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare cause of hypercortisolemia presenting a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Data on pituitary function in long-term follow-up after CD treatment in childhood is limited.

Aim: Long-term assessment of patients of the Children's Memorial Health Institute (CMHI) after CD treatment in childhood.

Expression of Toll-Like Receptors (TLR2 and TLR4) in the Eyes of Mice with Disseminated Acanthamoebiasis.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in the innate immune response to numerous pathogens, including spp. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the eyes of mice following intranasal infection with spp. in relation to the host's immunological status.

Concentration of Selected Elements in the Infrapatellar Fat Pad of Patients with a History of Total Knee Arthroplasty.

In the period of long development, the human body adapted to specific concentrations of trace elements. Any changes in the trace element content manifesting in a deficiency or excess of metals in the human body may impair the functioning of the skeletal and articular system and of the organs, and may also predispose the body to the development of diseases, i.e.