Ocena ultrasonograficzna tętnic domózgowych

Ultrasonografia tętnic domózgowych ma obecnie ustabilizowane znaczenie. W diagnostyce chorób układu sercowo-naczyniowego interpretacja wyników badania może stanowić o podjęciu istotnej decyzji terapeutycznej. W pracy przedstawiono zasadnicze informacje związane z oceną zarówno struktury tętnic, jak i charakteru przepływu krwi

Probiotička aktivnost kvasca Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii u sprečavanju patogenih bakterija

Infectious diarrhoea is associated with a modification of the intestinal microflora and colonization of pathogenic bacteria. Tests were performed for seven probiotic yeast strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, designated for the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea. To check their possible effectiveness against diarrhoea of different etiologies, the activity against a variety of human pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria was investigated in vitro. In mixed cultures with S. cerevisiae var. boulardii, a statistically significant reduction was observed in the number of cells of Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, by even 55.9 % in the case of L. monocytogenes compared with bacterial monocultures. The influence of yeasts was mostly associated with the shortening of the bacterial lag phase duration, more rapid achievement of the maximum growth rates, and a decrease by 4.4–57.1 % (L. monocytogenes, P. aeruginosa), or an increase by 1.4–70.6 % (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella Typhimurium) in the exponential growth rates. Another issue included in the research was the ability of S. cerevisiae var. boulardii to bind pathogenic bacteria to its cell surface. Yeasts have shown binding capacity of E. coli, S. Typhimurium and additionally of S. aureus, Campylobacter jejuni and E. faecalis. However, no adhesion of L. monocytogenes and P. aeruginosa to the yeast cell wall was noted. The probiotic activity of S. cerevisiae var. boulardii against human pathogens is related to a decrease in the number of viable and active cells of bacteria and the binding capacity of yeasts. These processes may limit bacterial invasiveness and prevent bacterial adherence and translocation in the human intestines.Promjene u crijevnoj mikroflori uzrokuju naseljavanje patogenih bakterija i infektivni proljev. Ispitano je sedam probiotičkih sojeva kvasca Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii radi prevencije i liječenja proljeva. Istražena je in vitro aktivnost tih sojeva u sprečavanju različitih patogenih i oportunističkih bakterija da bi se utvrdila njihova učinkovitost pri liječenju različitih uzroka proljeva. U miješanim kulturama kvasca S. cerevisiae var. boulardii, za razliku od monokultura, opaženo je statistički značajno smanjenje broja bakterija Listeria monocytogenes (i to čak za 55,9 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa i Staphylococcus aureus. Prisutnost kvasaca prije svega skraćuje fazu mirovanja bakterija (lag faza), zatim ubrzava postizanje maksimuma rasta, te smanjuje stopu eksponencijalnog rasta za 4,4-57,1 % (L. monocytogenes, P. aeruginosa) ili ju povećava za 1,4-70,6 % (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella Typhimurium). Osim toga, ispitana je sposobnost vezivanja patogenih bakterija na površinu stanica kvasca S. cerevisiae var. boulardii. Kvasci su uspješno vezali bakterije E. coli, S. Typhimurium, S. aureus, Campylobacter jejuni i E. faecalis, ali ne i L. monocytogenes i P. aeruginosa. Probiotičkom aktivnošću kvasca S. cerevisiae var. boulardii smanjuje se broj živih i aktivnih stanica patogenih bakterija koje su se vezale na stanice kvasca. Ti procesi ograničavaju invazivnost bakterija i sprečavaju njihovo vezanje za stijenke crijeva

The effect of thyme and tea tree oils on morphology and metabolism of Candida albicans

Members of Candida species cause significant problems in medicine and in many industrial branches also. In order to prevent from Candida sp. development, essential oils are more and more frequently applied as natural, non-toxic, non-pollutive and biodegradable agents with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The aim of the research was to determine changes in morphology and metabolic properties of Candida albicans in the presence of thyme and tea tree oils. Changes of enzymatic activity of isolates were observed in the presence of both tested essential oils, and they were primarily associated with loss or decrease of activity of all enzymes detected for control. Furthermore, only for 3 out of 11 isolates additional activity of N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, α-mannosidase, α-fucosidase and trypsin was detected. Vivid changes in biochemical profiles were found after treatment with tea tree oil and they were related to loss of ability to assimilate d-xylose, d-sorbitol and d-trehalose. The main differences in morphology of isolates compared to the control strain concerned formation of pseudohyphae structures. Both examined essential oils caused changes in cell and colony morphology, as well as in the metabolism of Candida albicans. However, the extent of differences depends on the type and concentration of an essential oil. The most important finding is the broad spectrum of changes in yeast enzymatic profiles induced by thyme and tea tree oils. It can be supposed that these changes, together with loss of ability to assimilate saccharides could significantly impact Candida albicans pathogenicity

The Trends and Prospects of Winemaking in Poland

Viticulture and winery origins in Poland date to the tenth century, but their tradition has been reborn in the last ten years, resulting in a development of small vineyards producing excellent wines not only for the local market. Due to the cold climate, usually short summers with moderate and low temperatures, the grapes are characterized by lower sugar content and higher acidity compared to those grown in the south of Europe. According to the European Union regulations, Poland was classified as the coldest wine-growing region (A) and officially acknowledged as a wine-producing country. The grapevine cultivars adopted to the harsh climatic conditions give the Polish grape wines some unique sensory features. The most popular varieties of grapes for the production of red wine are Regent, Rondo, Pinot Noir, Maréchal Foch, Cabernet Cortis, Tryumf Alzacji, Cascade and Dornfelder. For white wine production, Solaris, Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Pinot Gris, Johanniter, Jutrzenka, Hibernal, Aurora, Bianka, Traminer, Jutrzenka and Siberia are mostly used in Poland. This chapter presents Polish grape winery with its specificity and prospects for the future. The traditional products of Polish fermentation industry, fruit wines and meads, are also mentioned

C-reactive protein is not related to ambulatory blood pressure or target organ damage in treated hypertensives

Background Publication of the JUPITER trial has renewed the interest in the use of CRP in cardiovascular risk prediction. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between CRP, ambulatory blood pressure and target organ damage in a cohort of treated hypertensive males without overt cardiovascular disease.Materials and methods The studied group consisted of 299 male hypertensive patients. Patients were stratified into low (≤ 2 mg/L), intermediate (2–5 mg/L), and high (> 5 mg/L) CRP groups. We measured ambulatory blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, left ventricular function and structure, carotid intima media thickness and ankle-brachial index.Results Twenty-six percent of the patients had CRP in the range of 2 to 5 mg/L, and 12% had CRP levels exceeding 5 mg/L. Ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate were not different across the three groups. Patients with high CRP had lower HDL cholesterol levels and higher plasma fibrinogen levels. Carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, carotid intima media thickness and ankle-brachial index were not different across the three groups. Echocardiographic data were also not related to the CRP level.Conclusions1. Elevated levels of CRP are frequently observed among treated patients with hypertension.2. CRP elevation is associated with higher fibrinogen and glucose levels, and lower HDL cholesterol independently of obesity and smoking status.3. Elevated CRP levels are not related to ambulatory blood pressure profile or target organ damage severity.4. Our findings are consistent with the concept that CRP measurement is of limited value in cardiovascular assessment.Background Publication of the JUPITER trial has renewed the interest in the use of CRP in cardiovascular risk prediction. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between CRP, ambulatory blood pressure and target organ damage in a cohort of treated hypertensive males without overt cardiovascular disease.Materials and methods The studied group consisted of 299 male hypertensive patients. Patients were stratified into low (≤ 2 mg/L), intermediate (2–5 mg/L), and high (> 5 mg/L) CRP groups. We measured ambulatory blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, left ventricular function and structure, carotid intima media thickness and ankle-brachial index.Results Twenty-six percent of the patients had CRP in the range of 2 to 5 mg/L, and 12% had CRP levels exceeding 5 mg/L. Ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate were not different across the three groups. Patients with high CRP had lower HDL cholesterol levels and higher plasma fibrinogen levels. Carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, carotid intima media thickness and ankle-brachial index were not different across the three groups. Echocardiographic data were also not related to the CRP level.Conclusions1. Elevated levels of CRP are frequently observed among treated patients with hypertension.2. CRP elevation is associated with higher fibrinogen and glucose levels, and lower HDL cholesterol independently of obesity and smoking status.3. Elevated CRP levels are not related to ambulatory blood pressure profile or target organ damage severity.4. Our findings are consistent with the concept that CRP measurement is of limited value in cardiovascular assessment

Cigarette smoking and cerebral microvasculature in patients with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study

Introduction. A decrease in vasomotor reactivity reserve (VMRr) or an increase in pulsatility index (PI) are the early signs of cerebral microangiopathy in type 1 diabetes. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for microvascular complications of type 1 diabetes, but cigarette smokers are routinely excluded from studies on VMRr or PI in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and there is no evidence of any significant impact of smoking on these variables in T1DM. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of cigarette smoking on VMRr and PI in these patients. Methods. VMRr and PI of the middle cerebral artery were measured with Transcranial Doppler in 79 patients with T1DM (median age 33.0 years, range 20–51, 44% males) without a history of cerebrovascular events, coronary heart disease or carotid stenosis. The relationship between cigarette smoking (n = 20, mean pack-years 9.4 ± 6.1) and VMRr, PI, concomitant risk factors, medications and the presence of systemic microvascular complications were analysed. Results. Smokers and non-smokers did not differ in terms of their clinical characteristics, with an exception of higher circadian insulin demand in smokers (60 ± 12.9 v. 49.2 ± 14.2 units; p = 0.004). A correlation between pack-years and PI (r = 0.6, p = 0.004), but not with VMRr, was found in smokers. However, no significant differences between smokers and non-smokers were found regarding either VMRr (mean 85.9 ± 20% v. 84.1 ± 20.1%; p = 0.74) or PI (median 0.85, range 0.61–1.09 v. 0.88, range 0.48–1.52; p = 0.2). Conclusions. We did not prove any significant impact of smoking on VMRr in T1DM patients, but the association between pack-years and PI may indicate the negative impact of intensive cigarette smoking on the cerebral microvasculature in type 1 diabetes.

Level of knowledge on diabetic foot syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients

WSTĘP. Skuteczne leczenie zespołu stopy cukrzycowej (ZSC) ma na celu nie tylko usuwanie doraźnych objawów choroby, ale również właściwe umotywowanie chorego do uzyskania poprawy stylu życia oraz podniesienia jego wiedzy na temat schorzenia, jakim jest ZSC. Dlatego tak ważnym elementem procesu leczenia jest edukacja zdrowotna. Celem pracy była ocena poziomu wiedzy na temat ZSC u chorych na cukrzycę w mieście i na wsi. MATERIAŁ I METODY. Badaniem objęto 60 pacjentów z rozpoznaną cukrzycą typu 2, których edukowano w dziedzinie zapobiegania ZSC. Narzędzie badawcze stanowiła opracowana przez autorkę ankieta, która pozwoliła zebrać od chorych na cukrzycę dane społeczno-demograficzne oraz informacje na temat poziomu wiedzy chorych o tym schorzeniu, stosowania zasad pielęgnacji stóp w cukrzycy i właściwej edukacji w ZSC. WYNIKI I WNIOSKI. Poziom wiedzy chorych na temat prewencji ZSC jest niewystarczający i nie różni się istotnie pomiędzy mieszkańcami wsi i miasta (odpowiednio 75 i 71%), mimo że wśród ankietowanych w mieście istotnie więcej osób ma dostęp do poradni cukrzycowej, prowadzącej również gabinet stopy cukrzycowej. (Diabet. Prakt. 2010; 11, 4: 109-117)INTRODUCTION. Effective treatment of diabetic foot syndrome should include not only medical intervention but also education and motivation of patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of knowledge on diabetic foot syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients living in the urban and rural areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The studied group consisted of 60 type 2 diabetic patients, who have already been educated on diabetic foot syndrome prevention. The original questionnaire evaluating knowledge, proper care and education in diabetic foot together with social and demographic data was used in the study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS. Patients living in the urban and rural area know and use the rules of proper diabetic foot care only in 71% and 75% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the levels of knowledge of patients living in the urban and rural areas. Among the patients living in urban areas more persons have access to diabetic outpatient care with diabetic foot room. The level of knowledge of studied group is insufficient. The knowledge of patients does not go together with a proper care. (Diabet. Prakt. 2010; 11, 4: 109-117

Abiotic Determinants of the Historical Buildings Biodeterioration in the Former Auschwitz II – Birkenau Concentration and Extermination Camp

The paper presents the results of a study conducted at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oświecim on the occurrence of biodeterioration. Visual assessment of the buildings revealed signs of deterioration of the buildings in the form of dampness, bulging and crumbling plaster, and wood fiber splitting. The external surfaces, and especially the concrete strips and ground immediately adjoining the buildings, were colonized by bryophytes, lichens, and algae. These organisms developed most intensively close to the ground on the northern sides of the buildings. Inside the buildings, molds and bacteria were not found to develop actively, while algae and wood-decaying fungi occurred locally. The factors conducive to biological corrosion in the studied buildings were excessive dampness of structural partitions close to the ground and a relative air humidity of above 70%, which was connected to ineffective moisture insulation. The influence of temperature was smaller, as it mostly affected the quantitative composition of the microorganisms and the qualitative composition of the algae. Also the impact of light was not very strong, but it was conducive to algae growth

Analysis of in-hospital course and treatment outcomes in patients with diabetic foot syndrome in the Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Medical University of Gdansk in the 2008 year

WSTĘP. Celem niniejszej pracy była ocena profilu mikrobiologicznego, przebiegu oraz wyników leczenia pacjentów hospitalizowanych w Klinice Nadciśnienia Tętniczego i Diabetologii Gdańskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w 2008 roku. MATERIAŁ I METODY. Na podstawie dokumentacji przeprowadzono retrospektywną analizę charakteru i lokalizacji owrzodzeń stóp, przebiegu oraz efektów leczenia, jak również oceniono dostępne wyniki badań mikrobiologicznych w celu określenia profilu mikrobiologicznego zakażeń stóp u pacjentów hospitalizowanych w Klinice. WYNIKI. Hospitalizowano łącznie 51 chorych na cukrzycę z owrzodzeniami stóp powikłanymi infekcjami o różnym stopniu zaawansowania — u ponad połowy z nich występowało zapalenie kości. U chorych z rozpoznanym osteitis stężenie OB wynosiło średnio 96 mm Hg. Większość owrzodzeń lokalizowało się w obrębie palców lub przodostopia. W analizowanej grupie wykonano łącznie 28 amputacji, z czego 21 (41%) u pacjentów z rozpoznanym zapaleniem kości. U 6 chorych (13%) stan zapalny kości leczono zachowawczo. Głównym patogenem infekcji, również tych z towarzyszącym zapaleniem, był gronkowiec złocisty, ale w większości przypadków w badanym materiale stwierdzano obecność kilku różnych rodzajów bakterii. WNIOSKI. Najczęstszą przyczynę hospitalizacji chorych z zespołem stopy cukrzycowej stanowią infekcje w stopniu 3. oraz 4. w klasyfikacji PTD z towarzyszącym zapaleniem kości i/lub niedokrwieniem kończyny. Wartość OB stanowi ważny wskaźnik istnienia zapalenia kości. Zapalenie kości oraz niedokrwienie kończyny bez możliwości rewaskularyzacji są istotnymi czynnikami ryzyka amputacji (Diabet. Prakt. 2010; 11, 6: 204–209).Foot ulcers in patients with diabetes remain a significant health and economical problem. In many cases ulcers can be treated on outpatient basis however patients with severe infection and some of them with moderate infection require admission. We have conducted retrospective analysis of hospitalisation and treatment outcomes in 51 patients admitted to the Department of Hypertension and Diabetology of Medical University in Gdańsk in the year 2008. Most of the subjects were characterized by poor diabetic control and presence of many complications. In most analysed cases infection was classified as stage 3 and 4 according to Polish Diabetic Association classification system. In the study population 28 amputations were performed, 21 (78%) in patients with confirmed osteomielitis. In the group of subjects with osteomielitis mean ESR was 96 mm/h. The main pathogen revealed in microbiological studies was Staph. Aureus, however in majority of patients the infection was polymicrobial and the flora included anaerobes. (Diabet. Prakt. 2010; 11, 6: 204–209