New Record of Macrofungi for the Mycobiota of the Cieszyn Municipality (Polish Western Carpathians) Including New Species to Poland

In this paper, we present the results of mycological research carried out between 2015 and 2018 in the Cieszyn township, in the Silesian Foothills (Outer Western Carpathians). The list of 417 species of macrofungi from the Cieszyn area reported in our previous study, has been expanded further by the addition of 37 taxa found in the current study. Among these, the following deserve special attention: fungi that are new to Poland’s mycobiota (six species: Bryoscyphus dicrani, Discina martinii, Elaphomyces aculeatus, Tuber brumale, T. foetidum, and Russula cerea), taxa subject to legal protection (four species: Disciotis venosa, Grifola frondosa, Mitrophora semilibera, and Sparassis brevipes), as well as fungi that are rare in Poland, included in national or regional red lists, and in the registers of rare and endangered species (24 species including Amanita echinocephala, Arrhenia retiruga, A. spathulata, Catinella olivacea, Elaphomyces maculatus, Hygrophorus discoxanthus, Ophiocordyceps entomorrhiza, Pluteus diettrichii, Tuber aestivum, and T. fulgens). This paper presents the distribution and location of 32 species of fungi along with a short description and illustration of the macro- and micromorphological features of select species and their habitats

Callistosporium pinicola (Basidiomycota), a fungus species new to Poland

Basidiomata of Callistosporium pinicola were collected in years 2012–2013, on strongly decayed fallen trunks of Picea abies and Abies alba on two remote sites, localized in North-eastern and southern Poland. These localities represent the first records of this fungus in Poland. A full description and illustration of C. pinicola based on Polish specimens are provided and the distinguishing features and delimitation of the species are briefly discussed. The ecology of C. pinicola, its general distribution and threat are also presented. As all specimens of C. pinicola were collected only in recent years we suggest that this species is increasing its distribution in Poland. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that, because of its cryptic nature, C. pinicola has been much overlooked in the past

Morphological aspect of voice disturbances of aged persons coexisting hypopharynx cancer.

The voice quality in prebysphonia is conditioned by morphological changes in the vocal folds mucosa. The studies including light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed changes within the basal membrane epithelium and the stroma of the vocal folds mucosa. Age-related changes in thickness of the epithelium and direction of the basal membrane, increased number of collagenous fibres (C) and fibroblasts and chronic inflammatory process in the stroma were found. Vacuolated and keratinised epithelial cells, enlarged extracellular spaces and numerous blood vessels confirm the edematous form of prebysphonia. Thinned epithelium with signs of hyalinization, inflammatory infiltrations in the stroma with numerous collagenous fibres and small number of blood vessels indicate atrophy of the vocal folds mucosa. Edematous and atrophic changes in the vocal folds mucosa are most frequently reported form of prebysphonia

Increased expression of gap junction protein--connexin 32 in lymph node metastases of human ductal breast cancer.

Gap junctions are specialized cell membrane channels composed of connexins (Cxs), which mediate the direct passage of small molecules between adjacent cells. They are involved in the regulation of cell cycle, cell signaling and differentiation as well as probably invasion and metastasis. Up to now, Cx32 status in human breast cancer has not been studied. Consequently, the aim of the present study was the evaluation of the expression of connexin 32 (Cx32) in primary breast tumors (PTs) and matched-paired metastases to lymph nodes (MLNs) in correlation with selected clinicopathological features. Tissue samples from 79 women were examined by immunohistochemistry, using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique for Cx32. Cytoplasmic expression of Cx32 was detected in 31 of 79 breast cancers (39.2%). Both epithelial and myoepithelial cells of normal ducts adjacent to the tumor did not express Cx32. Increased expression of studied Cx was observed in metastases to lymph nodes relative to primary tumors. Additionally, Cx32-negative primary tumors developed Cx32-positive metastases. Statistical comparisons of Cx32 expression in the matched pairs indicate that this protein significantly increased in lymph node metastases compared to primary tumors (

Allergic rhinitis - an epidemiological, economical and social problem of the XXI century

Nieżyt nosa może być spowodowany przez różnorodne czynniki alergiczne i niealergiczne. Powstaje również w wyniku ich jednoczesnego oddziaływania na błonę śluzową nosa. Alergiczny nieżyt nosa występuje u około 10-25% populacji ludzkiej, co powoduje, że jest uznawany za najczęstszą alergiczną chorobę świata. Spośród dzieci z alergicznym nieżytem nosa aż 30% choruje na sezonowy nieżyt nosa, a tylko u 10% stwierdza się postać całoroczną nieżytu. W Polsce, w grupie badanej przez Bręborowicza i wsp., alergiczny nieżyt nosa obserwowano u 16,7 % dzieci w wieku 6-7 lat, natomiast w badaniach Emeryka i wsp. całoroczny nieżyt występował u 3,6%, a sezonowy u 6,2% dzieci w wieku 8-15 lat. Alergiczny nieżyt nosa - podobnie do innych chorób - powoduje określone koszty bezpośrednie, pośrednie i ukryte. W 2002 roku w Stanach Zjednoczonych koszty bezpośrednie wynosiły około 4,195 miliarda dolarów, a koszty pośrednie osiągnęły wartość około 665 milionów dolarów, co w sumie dawało kwotę 4,863 miliarda dolarów. Alergiczny nieżyt nosa często występuje z licznymi chorobami układu oddechowego, co istotnie zwiększa koszty leczenia ponoszone przez chorego oraz straty finansowe państwa. Rzutuje także niekorzystnie na sytuację społeczną chorych, istotnie pogarszając jakość życia pacjentów i ich rodzin. Alergiczny nieżyt nosa nie stanowi zagrożenia dla życia, jest jednak schorzeniem zdecydowanie pogarszającym jego jakość i dlatego powinien być traktowany bardzo poważnie nie tylko przez chorych, ale też przez lekarzy, od których zależy wczesne wykrycie i rozpoczęcie zalecanego postępowania terapeutycznego.Exposure of nasal mucosa to various allergic and/or non-allergic stimuli might result in rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis affects 10-25% of population making it the most prevalent allergic disorder. Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis affect up to 30% and 10% of pediatric population, respectively. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis varies between studies: in Poland, Breborowicz et al. reported allergic rhinitis in 16.7% of children aged 6-7, whereas Emeryk et al. observed perennial allergic rhinitis in 3.6% and seasonal allergic rhinitis in 6.2% of 8-15 year olds. Allergic rhinitis similarly to other diseases results in direct, indirect and hidden costs. In the USA (2002) direct costs were estimated at $4.195 billions and indirect at$665 millions (total of $4.863 billions). Allergic rhinitis co-exists with multiple respiratory conditions, significantly increasing treatment costs incurred by patients’ and places additional burden on public finances. It also has a detrimental effect on patients’ and their families’ quality of life. Allergic rhinitis - although non-life threatening - significantly worsens quality of daily life and as such should be perceived as a serious medical condition not only by patients but also by medical professionals who are in position to diagnose it and implement appropriate therapeutic interventions

Expression of connexin 26 in endometrial adenocarcinoma--analysis of correlations with some anatomoclinical features.

Alterations of gap junctional intercellular communication appear to play a role in the development and progression of cancer. Gap junction channel is composed of two connexons - hexameric units formed of transmembrane proteins called connexins (Cxs). The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression and localization of Cx26 in 73 cases of endometrial cancers and to estimate the relationships between expression of this protein and selected anatomoclinical features. The control group consisted of 20 sections of normal endometrium in various menstrual cycle phases, obtained from premenopausal women. In the normal endometrium punctate, membrane-associated immunoreactivity for Cx26 was observed. 54 of 73 endometrial cancers showed Cx26 expression, but 46/54 (85%) immunopositive sections revealed cytoplasmic localization for Cx26 with granular or occasionally diffuse immunostaining pattern. In addition, part of Cx26-positive tumours showed mixed: cytoplasmic and membranous staining pattern and focally also nuclear or perinuclear immunostaining was present. In 21/54 (39%) of Cx26-positive cases weak staining pattern was seen, however in 33/54 (61%) cancers strong reaction was noted. We did not find relationship between Cx26 expression and patients' age, histological type of cancer and histological grade, nevertheless we observed positive association between Cx26 expression and tumour size (p=0.037). In conclusion, our results suggest that transformed malignant cells continue to produce Cx26, which are probably not assembled into functional gap junction channels, but could still play other roles in endometrial cancer cells

The guide of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment of glomerulonephritis

Na podstawie najnowszego piśmiennictwa przedstawiono zasady leczenia mykofenolanem mofetilu poszczególnych postaci kłębuszkowych zapaleń nerek u dzieci i dorosłych. Podkreślono, że w uzyskaniu korzystnego efektu terapeutycznego kluczowe znaczenia mają ocena histopatologiczna wycinka nerki i dostateczny, co najmniej 12-miesięczny, okres terapii.The presented principles of the mycophenolate mofetil treatment in the particular types of glomerulonephritis in children and adults are based on the current literature. It is emphasized that appropriate interpretation of the renal biopsy and sufficient duration of therapy (at least twelve months) are crucial for clinical efficacy of the drug

Meningitis, clinical presentation of tetanus.

Background. Tetanus is an acute disease caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. Tetanus immunization has been available since the late 1930s but sporadic cases still occur, usually in incompletely vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. Case Report. An elderly previously vaccinated female contracted tetanus following foot injury. Clinically she presented with meningitis causing diagnostic and therapeutic delays. Why Should Physician Be Aware of This? Even in developed countries the differential diagnosis of meningitis, especially in the elderly, should include tetanus. Treatment in intensive care unit is required. General population might benefit from vaccine boosters and education on this potentially fatal disease.Peer Reviewe

Stanowisko Zespołu Konsultanta Krajowego w dziedzinie Nefrologii dotyczące miejsca hemodiafiltracji w terapii nerkozastępczej

Hemodiafiltracja (HDF) jest techniką dializacyjną stanowiącą połączenie dyfuzji, podobnie jak w hemodializie (HD), oraz konwekcji, podobnie jak hemofiltracji. Zgodnie z dotychczasową praktyką kliniczną HDF powinna znaleźć zastosowanie zwłaszcza u pacjentów z: niestabilnością układu sercowo-naczyniowego z dominującymi objawami hipotensji śróddializacyjnej uniemożliwiającej stosowanie HD i w obecności przeciwwskazań do dializy otrzewnowej. Wykazano także jej dużą skuteczność u pacjentów ze źle regulowanym nadciśnieniem tętniczym objętościowo-zależnym oraz u chorych z oporną na inne metody leczenia hiperfosfatemią. Powinno się ją także stosować u kobiet dializowanych będących w ciąży, a także u osób w młodym wieku z przeciwwskazaniami do wykonania przeszczepu nerki. Według szczegółowych wyliczeń u około 10–15% pacjentów leczonych powtarzalnymi dializami powinno się stosować HDF. Tymczasem w naszym kraju pomimo rozpowszechnionych możliwości technicznych metoda ta znajduje zastosowanie jedynie u 0,4% dializowanych. Podstawową przeszkodą w szerszym zastosowaniu HDF są niewątpliwie wyższe o około 20% koszty w porównaniu z refundacją klasycznej HD. Biorąc jednak pod uwagę korzyści dla pacjentów, a także oszczędności wynikające chociażby ze zmniejszenia liczby hospitalizacji i znacznie mniejszego zapotrzebowania na leki stosowane w terapii powikłań (ESA, leki wiążące fosforany, antybiotyki itp.), istnieje pełne uzasadnienie, aby HDF znalazła miejsce w katalogu świadczeń zdrowotnych refundowanych przez państwo. Forum Nefrologiczne 2011, tom 4, nr 3, 272–27