Structure and Miocene evolution of the Gdów tectonic "embayment" (Polish Carpathian Foredeep) : a new model based on reinterpreted seismic data

Analysis of previously available stratigraphic data coupled with the re-interpretation of seismic profiles calibrated by boreholes has allowed the construction of a new tectonic model of evolution of the Gdów "embayment" - a tectonic re-entrant located along the Carpathian front east of Kraków (southern Poland). This model shows that the main phase of localized fault-controlled subsidence took place in the Early Badenian and was associated with deposition of the locally overthickened Skawina Formation. Also, deposition of evaporites of the Wieliczka Formation seems to have been tectonically controlled by local basement faulting. Supra-evaporitic siliciclastic deposits have developed as a result of overall north-directed sediment progradation from the eroded Carpathian belt towards the Carpathian Foredeep. During the final stages of development of the Carpathian fold-and-thrust wedge the previously subsiding Gdów "embayment" area was uplifted and basement faults were reactivated either as reverse faults or as low angle thrust faults. Along the leading edge of this inverted structure a triangle zone developed, with backthrusting along the evaporitic level. As a result, overthickened evaporites, formed in local tectonically-controlled depressions within the area of the Gdów "embayment" area have been strongly folded and internally deformed

Prevalence of dermatophytes in interdigital spaces in HIV patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), both are related to higher prevalence of mycoses, especially oral candidosis, but also superficial mycoses. Fungal infections of the skin and its appendages are the most frequent dermatological complications in HIV patients and clinical manifestations of those infections are often atypical and more severe than in immunocompetent individuals. The purpose of the study was evaluation of the presence of dermatophytes in foot interdigital spaces in HIV patients in relation with various factors concerning the patient. The population under study were patients at the Infectious Diseases Clinic. The research comprised filling in questionnaires, physical examinations, evaluation of immunological status, and mycological examination of swabs from interdigital spaces. Out of the 120 HIV infected patients under study, foot skin lesions were observed in 40 cases (33.3%) while dermatophytes were isolated from 12 patients (10%). Trichophyton mentagrophytes was isolated from 7 patients (5.8%), and Trichophyton rubrum from 6 (5.0%); both of the species were isolated from 1 patient. The prevalence of dermatophytes did not depend on the patient’s sex, sexual orientation, CD4 cells count, HCV co-infection, antiretroviral therapy nor clinical manifestations on the feet. The prevalence of dermatophytes in foot interdigital spaces in HIV patients amounted to 10% (similarly as in imunocompetent individuals) and did not depend significantly on any of the factors tested. It appears that contact with the fungi is the main factor responsible for infection

Lyme disease : review

Lyme disease is a multi-organ animal-borne disease, caused by spirochetes of Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), which typically affect the skin, nervous system, musculoskeletal system and heart. A history of confirmed exposure to tick bites, typical signs and symptoms of Lyme borreliosis and positive tests for anti-Bb antibodies, are the basis of a diagnosis. A two-step diagnosis is necessary: the first step is based on a high sensitivity ELISA test with positive results confirmed by a more specific Western blot assay. Antibiotic therapy is curative in most cases, but some patients develop chronic symptoms, which do not respond to antibiotics. The aim of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of the symptoms, clinical diagnosis and treatment of Lyme borreliosis

Decreased expression of the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) gene in peripheral blood in patients with mild or moderate clostridioides difficile infection

Cytokines are mediators of inflammation induced in the course of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) is a cytokine playing an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the HMGB1 gene expression in the course of CDI. We have performed a prospective case-control study- including 55 adult patients, among them 27 with CDI, who were hospitalized from October 2018 to February 2020 and 28 healthy volunteers. We assessed: a complete blood count with differential leukocyte count, blood creatinine, albumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Then, the expression of the HMGB1 gene was evaluated using quantitative Real-Time PCR. Patients with CDI were found to have a significant increase in white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil count, and CRP levels, they also exhibited decreased levels of albumin compared with controls. The HMGB1 gene expression was significantly lower among patients with CDI compared with the control group and significantly, inversely correlated with CRP level in blood. In conclusion, we have observed a decreased expression of the HMGB1 gene in peripheral blood of patients with mild or moderate CDI, which hypothetically could reflect their diminished capability to fight the pathogen