Study of the effect of DNA polymorphisms in the mannose-binding lectin gene (MBL2) on disease severity in Slovak cystic fibrosis patients.

Lung infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF). Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key factor in innate immunity. We therefore investigated whether MBL2 gene variants are associated with pulmonary function or susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia infection in Slovak patients affected with CF.

Immunity profile in breast cancer patients.

Objectives: Despite the multifactorial pathogenesis of malignant transformation, it is assumed that deficiency in some immune mechanisms plays a considerable role in its development.

Background: Chronically activated immune cells exert tumour-promoting effects directly by influencing the proliferation and survival of neoplastic cells, as well as by indirect modulation of neoplastic microenvironments in favour of tumour progression.

Patients And Methods: We refer to results of two separate investigations that aim to monitor the immune functions in patients with breast cancer.

In vitro activity of tylosin and its derivatives against Ureaplasma urealyticum.

Antimicrobial activity of tylosin (CAS 1401-69-0) and five other 16-membered macrolides biosynthesized by Streptomyces fradiae (lactenocin, desmycosin, macrosin (CAS 11049-15-3), relomycin (CAS 1404-48-4) and 5-O-mycaminosyl tylonolide) against Ureaplasma urealyticum was studied. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) showed 5-O-mycaminosyl tylonolide, tylosin and descomysin. Absence of the aldehyde group in the structure of relomycin resulted in loss of the antimicrobial activity.

[Personal experience with culture and isolation of urogenital mycoplasmas].

The authors describe the basic technique of cultivation and isolation of urogenital mycoplasmas, focused on their detection. They describe methods of collection of samples, principles of cultivation, dilution of samples and their sub-passage recommended to ensure a higher detection rate.