Acyl-CoA: lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase from diatom P. Tricornutum efficiently remodels phosphatidylcholine containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.

This study presents characterisation of diatom's PtLPCAT1 (acyl-CoA: lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase) activity in phospholipid remodelling. In this research microsomal fractions of yeast Δale1 mutant overexpressing PtLPCAT1 were used as a source of the tested enzyme. In the assays evaluating remodelling of different phospholipids by PtLPCAT1 not modified microsomal fractions of the tested yeast were used.

Two plastidial lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases differentially mediate the biosynthesis of membrane lipids and triacylglycerols in Phaeodactylum tricornutum.

Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases (LPAATs) catalyze the formation of phosphatidic acid (PA), a central metabolite in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms for glycerolipid biosynthesis. Phaeodactylum tricornutum contains at least two plastid-localized LPAATs (ptATS2a and ptATS2b), but their roles in lipid synthesis remain unknown. Both ptATS2a and ptATS2b could complement the high temperature sensitivity of the bacterial plsC mutant deficient in LPAAT.

A Study of Physicochemical Properties of Stockpile and Ponded Coal Ash.

The article describes chemical and also selected physical properties of ponded high temperature fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA) from a Mělník lignite power plant located in the Czech Republic. The research was carried out on samples obtained from drills with a depth of up to 54 m and the age of the samples retrieved from the lowest layers of the stockpile dating back to 1960. At the same time, a comparison was made with fresh fly ash and fresh bottom ash obtained from the identical power plant.

[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in inhabitants of Zabrze].

In 2001 a modified MRC questionnaire and spirometry were performed in the inhabitants of Zabrze (Poland). Two hundred and thirty-nine men and 320 women aged 19-69 years were studied. Forty percent of men and 23% of women were smokers.

[Value of electrocardiography in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism].

Diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism is difficult. The aim of the study was analysis of electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and analysis of correlations between electrocardiographic changes and pulmonary angiography and pulmonary artery pressure. ECG in 22 patients aged 47 +/- 13 years old (9 women and 13 men) with confirmed pulmonary embolism and without pre-existing cardiorespiratory diseases were analyzed.

[Concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled air in patients with sarcoidosis--pilot study].

Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) concentration measurement may allow for noninvasive estimation of severity of airways inflammation in asthma and other airways diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate usefulness of eNO concentration measurements in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Study group consisted of 22 patients with sarcoidosis (8 women, 14 men aged 26-46).

[The effect of bronchofiberoscopy on selected markers of circulatory system function].

Bronchofiberoscopy is one of the basic diagnostic tools in pulmonary care. It is therefore of interest to assess the effects of this procedure on circulatory system as well as the risk of possible cardiovascular complications. The study included 56 patients for whom bronchoscopy was a planned diagnostic procedure (9 patients had additionally BAL).

[Selection of bronchoscope type for removal of foreign bodies from the lower respiratory tract based on personal experience].

32 patients, in whom bronchoscopy was performed due to the removal of foreign body from the lower respiratory tract were described. Age of the patients clinical symptoms and a time lapse between aspiration and removal of foreign body from the lover respiratory tract and localization of foreign body in the particular bronchus were analysed. We conclude, that rigid bronchoscopy is still more useful and safe method of foreign body removing from the lower respiratory tract.

[Effects of long term oxygen therapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. II. Effect of oxygen therapy on function of heart ventricles].

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of chronic home oxygen therapy on cardiac function in patients with idiopathic interstitial lung fibrosis. Ten patients (Group A) received standard pharmacological treatment (prednisone 10-15 mg/day) and supplementary home oxygen therapy (mean 16.4 h/day) for the period of 4 years.

[Effects of long term oxygen therapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. I. Effect on the course of the primary disease and on pulmonary circulation].

The study was performed in 18 patients (15 F and 3-M) aged 35-57 yers (mean 46 +/- 7) diagnosed as idiopathic lung fibrosis. Ten patients (group A) recived standard treatment (prednisone 10-15 mg/day) and supplementary home oxygen therapy (mean 16.4 h/day) for a period of 4 years.

[Effect of salbutamol inhalation on small airways function in patients with sarcoidosis].

The effect of Salbutamol (Polfa) inhalation on small airway function was studied in 20 patients with stage II sarcoidosis and 8 healthy volunteers. MEFV values and dynamic compliance were assessed. A significant statistical increase of FEV1, MEF50, Cdyn20 and Cdyn60 were seen only in healthy volunteers.

[Verapamil and nifedipine limit hemodynamic changes in pulmonary circulation in rats with hypoxia].

The effect of hypobaric hypoxia on right ventricular pressure, right ventricular mass and hematocrit was assessed in Wistar rats divided into 4 groups. Group I comprised 20 control animals, kept in normal conditions. Groups II, III and IV consisted of 34-40 rats each at the beginning of the experiment.