Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha and their soluble receptors in Bence-Jones nephropathy. Possible role in pathogenesis andthe importance in the determination of prognosis in renal insufficiency

BACKGROUND: Bence-Jones nephropathy, the most serious form of which is renal failure, is one of the frequent complications in multiple myeloma (MM). Precise pathogenetic mechanism of renal injury remains unclear. Experimental study points to the possible role of some cytokines in the development of this type of nephropathy. We have investigated the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour nekrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and their soluble receptors in patients with plasmocytoma. METHODS AND RESULTS: The group comprised 49 patients with plasmocytoma, mostly with MM. Significantly higher levels of IL-6 were found in patients with irreversible renal insufficiency and/or failure (group A-median 13.3 pg/ml, range 3.6-33.3) comparing patients with reversible impairment (group B-median 3.1-range 1.8-38.4) (p < 0.01) and those with normal renal functions (group C-median 2.3-range 0.97-7.41) (p < 0.01). Significant difference was also found between the groups B and C (p < 0.05). Analysis of variance with the use of various factors showed that the correlation between IL-6 and prognosis of renal disease was stronger (p < 0.001) than the correlation between cytokine levels and the clinical phase of MM (p < 0.05). The difference of IL-6 levels between various clinical stages of MM was not significant. The levels of sIL-6R were significantly increased in patients with both reversible and irreversible renal insufficiency comparing the group with unaffected renal functions (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively). TNF-alpha levels did not differ between all 3 groups of patients, however, significantly increased values of sTNF-R II were observed in group A vs B and group B vs C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude, that some cytokines, especially IL-6/sIL-6R, could play an important role in development of renal insufficiency in MM or other monoclonal gammapathies. We suggest that IL-6 levels could be predictive factor for renal insufficiency recovery.     

Novel Hybrid Polymer Composites Based on Anthraquinone and Eco-Friendly Dyes with Potential for Use in Intelligent Packaging Materials

This study aimed to present the influence of bio-based and anthraquinone dyes and their combinations on the optical properties of ethylene-propylene (EPM) composites after thermo-oxidative and climatic aging. Therefore, the chosen polymer was filled with a natural, plant-origin flavonoid—quercetin, and with two commercial anthraquinone dyes (C.I. Solvent Yellow 163 and C.I. Solvent Red 207). The manufactured polymer composites were subjected to accelerated aging tests: weathering and thermo-oxidation, respectively. Examination of the materials’ properties indicated that the combination of synthetic and natural dyes can result in better resistance to oxidizing agents and higher thermal stability of ethylene-propylene products. Moreover, color change of quercetin-containing samples due to exposure to simulated atmospheric conditions could be a promising solution for use as aging indicators in intelligent packaging materials that will inform about the ongoing degradation process. Another interesting finding is that these samples exhibited good fungistatic activity against Candida albicans yeast and Aspergillus niger mold. Overall, this novel solution based on hybrid polymer composites containing natural and commercial dyes is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials used in the plastic packaging industry with better and more desirable properties.     

Medical crisis intervention with children and adolescents with chronic pain.

A specific application of medical crisis counseling (Pollin 1994, 1995)—a time-limited, clinical intervention for individuals with a chronic illness—is presented for work with children and adolescents who are experiencing chronic pain. Particular emphasis is placed on the meaning patients make of their illness experience and the role of explanatory models of chronic pain in shaping the psychosocial experience of patients. An integrated biological and psychosocial approach to understanding and treating pain is emphasized. A conceptual framework and set of strategies for treating chronic pain and addressing the common fears and concerns that arise for patients are described. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A hospital-based digital computer system for research and clinical applications

A computer system is described that has been designed for use in both a research and a clinical environment. The system utilizes a small computer (PDP/8) capable of being used autonomously, but also able to function as a satellite of a larger, more fully equipped machine (IBM 1800). Such a system has the advantage of making available to the inexperienced user a small relatively simple to use machine, while at the same time providing access to a more sophisticated system when the need arises. The low cost of the satellite computer makes it possible for each investigator to have his own computer (eliminating scheduling problems) and makes it economically feasible to commit a computer to a single, routine clinical task.     

Does nutrition influence the propagation of neoplasms?]

In the last years, questions concerning the relationship between nutrition and the occurrence of neoplasms have been studied more intensively. The author discusses the possible involvement of water as a potential carrier of certain cylic hydrocarbons and radionuclides, and of nutrition per se. He treats problems related to, inter alia, bulk materials, polyethenoid fatty acids, the increase in fat consumption, trace elements, vitamins and the importance of the intestinal flora.