The effect of shrubs admixture in pine forest stands on soil bacterial and fungal communities and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of persistent toxic pollutants. The species composition of the stand is important in shaping the quality of soil organic matter and, consequently, the PAH content. The main purpose of the research was to determine the role of shrubs in shaping PAH accumulation in forest soils. The study covered the soils of the pine stands of the Rybnik Forest District, which experiences some of the highest deposition of industrial emissions in Europe. Pine stands with admixture of shrubs (alder buckthorn Frangula alnus and European hazelnut Coryllus avellana) growing in the same soil conditions were selected for the study. Samples for analyses were collected from the organic horizon (O) (from a depth of 0-7 cm) and humus mineral horizon (A) (from a depth of 7-15 cm). The organic C and total N concentrations, pH, alkaline cation content, soil enzyme activity and PAH content were determined. Additionally, the taxonomic composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities was determined. The highest activity of enzymes was noted in soils under influence of shrubs. The enzymatic activity was positively correlated with the content of total N, organic C, pH H2O and KCl and negatively with the C/N ratio. The highest PAH content was recorded in the soils of pine stands without the admixture of shrubs. Our research indicates the importance of shrubs in shaping the properties of surface horizons of forest soil and, consequently on the accumulation of PAHs. Shrubs stimulate biochemical activity of soils which results in lower PAHs accumulation by providing more easily decomposable organic matter.

The effects of kangaroo mother care and music listening on physiological parameters, oxygen saturation, crying, awake state and sleep in infants in NICU

OBJECTIVE

Kangaroo mother care and musical stimulation are recommended nursing interventions in the NICU. However, there is little research on the combination of kangaroo care with musical stimulation and their relationship with the health condition of infants. The aim of the study was to compare the parameters of the physiological state and behavior of infants during kangaroo mother care as well as kangaroo mother care and musical stimulation.

STUDY DESIGN

The study included 100 infants, with corrected gestational ages of 35 weeks, with an average body weight of 2704 g. During kangaroo care the child was supported by their parent, then musical stimulation was added to kangaroo care. Measurements were made in an incubator after the 1st and the 15th minute of each intervention.

RESULTS

Neonatal parameters differed in the incubator and during each intervention. During kangaroo care and kangaroo care and musical stimulation, heart rate (p < .0001), respiration rate (p < .0001), crying (p < .0001) and awake state (p < .0001) decreased, oxygen saturation levels (p < .0001) and the number of children who fell asleep (p < .0001) increased. During kangaroo care and musical stimulation significantly fewer children were awake (p = .0003) and more fell asleep (p < .0001) than after kangaroo care alone (p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that kangaroo care and kangaroo care and musical stimulation can be used to stabilize the physiological functions of infants. Kangaroo care and musical stimulation can be one of the most effective nursing interventions in the neonatal intensive care unit for the care of infants.

Screening for Detection of the Risk of Perinatal Mental Disorders among Women in Poland

The aim of the study was to assess the severity of depressive symptoms, to analyze risk factors for perinatal mental disorders and to assess dispositional optimism. A total of 106 women from Poland were included in the study at 37-week pregnant and 6 weeks after giving birth. It was demonstrated that the main predictors of perinatal mental disorders were the variables: mental health disorders before pregnancy, subjectively reported decreased mood in pregnancy, the lack of social (instrumental) support and the tendency to pessimism. The results of the study suggest how important it is to introduce clinical practice in Poland to screen for early detection of the risk of depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression.

The effect of music on the cardiac activity of a fetus in a cardiotocographic examination

BACKGROUND

Music therapy as an adjunct to treatment is rarely used in perinatology and obstetrics, despite the proven therapeutic effect. Auditory stimulation through music positively impacts the health of adults and infants, its special role being observed in the development of prematurely born neonates. It is equally interesting how music impacts fetuses.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess the parameters of fetuses through cardiotocographic recording in women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy while listening to Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty" and "Swan Lake".

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted in 2015 at Dr. Jan Biziel 2nd University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, on 48 women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The cardiotocographic parameters of the fetus were examined by means of a Sonicaid Team Standard Oxford apparatus (Huntleigh Healthcare, Cardiff, United Kingdom).

RESULTS

Significant changes were observed in the number of uterine contractions, accelerations, episodes of higher variability, and fetal movements after listening to the music.

CONCLUSIONS

Listening to classical music can serve as a successful method of prophylaxis against premature deliveries, indicated by the lower number of uterine contractions, and in stimulating fetal movement in the case of a non-reactive non-stress test (NST). Music therapy, as a therapeutic method which is inexpensive and soothing, should be used more frequently in obstetrics wards, indicated by pathological pregnancies, isolation from the natural environment, and distress resulting from diagnostics and from being in an unfamiliar environment.

Episiotomy and perineal tear risk factors in a group of 4493 women

Episiotomy belongs to the most frequent procedures carried out during delivery. Performing episiotomy should be reduced as there is scientific evidence indicating that it can cause pain, sexual problems, and serious, long-term health consequences. The aim of the researchers is to identify factors associated with episiotomy and the perineal tear. Analyses were performed using a model of a logistic regression. The study involved 4493 women. The episiotomy risk was related to: a birth weight exceeding 3500 grams, an instrumental delivery by means of forceps or vacuum extraction. The decrease of episiotomy rate increased the rate of perineal tear of first and second degree. The study has shown that episiotomy protects women from third- and fourth-degree perineal tear.

Analysis of Chosen Variables Psychological Determining the Occurrence of Mood Disorders After Childbirth

BACKGROUND

Psychological factors are one of many that contribute to the increased risk of a psychiatric disorder's occurrence after childbirth.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work was to determine the relation between psychological variables, such as sense of self-efficacy and dispositional optimism, and the risk of mood disorder's occurrence in women after childbirth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred eighty five women, who gave birth in the University Hospital no. 2 in Bydgoszcz, took part in the study. To measure the risk occurrence of mood disorder symptoms after childbirth the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS) was used. Obtaining a score of 12 or more points out of 30 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was an indicator of mood disorders. To study psychological variables the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) were used.

RESULTS

Twenty three point two percent of women obtained 12 or more points in the EDPS scale. The average result in GSES scale for all women who took part in the study was 30.80 and indicated a high estimation of women's own capabilities in dealing with new situations. Obtained results indicated a surprisingly small group of women with low estimation of their own capabilities (n = 15). However, negative correlation between EDPS and GSES parameters, on a statistically significant level (p < 0.0001) was found (r = 0.27). In the course of analysis of the results concerning optimism-pessimism dimension rated with LOT-R, the average result was calculated to be 15.6. In the same group, 61 women showed pessimistic tendencies, and 23 (34.8%) suffered from mood disorders. Scores obtained in EDPS negatively correlated with the results in LOT-R (r = -0.43) and are statistically significant (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the first week after childbirth, one-fourth of women are in danger of the occurrence of mood disorders. There is a negative correlation between the sense of self-efficacy and dispositional optimism and risk of occurrence of mood disorders after childbirth.

Endoparasites of lizards (Lacertilia) from captive breeding and trade networks

Parasitic infections are widespread among exotic lizards and cause serious problems in both private captive breeding and trade networks. Among 168 lizards obtained from captive breeding (Zoological Garden in Wrocław and private owners) and trade (pet shops and wholesale) the total prevalence of endoparasites was 42.35 %. We detected species of Protozoa, Cestoda, Trematoda - Digenea and Nematoda as well as pseudoparasites. The prevalence of endoparasites was higher in the reptiles obtained from captive breeding (59.5 %) than in those from trade network, however the parasite species spectrum was wider in the animals form pet shops and wholesales.

Life satisfaction and social support received by women in the perinatal period

BACKGROUND

Birth of a baby has a big impact on women's lives. The presence and help of loved ones favours wellbeing, health, coping with difficult situations. The aim of this study was to determine whether women's satisfaction with life changes during pregnancy and after delivery, and to identify correlates of life satisfaction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Life satisfaction was measured using The Satisfaction with Life Scale - SWLS and received social support was assessed using the Berlin Social Support Scales - BSSS. The study was conducted in the third trimester of pregnancy and during the postpartum period, before discharge from the hospital. The research sample included a total of 199 women in the third trimester of pregnancy and 188 of initially participating women, who had physiological births or caesarean sections.

RESULTS

The results clearly show a significant increase in life satisfaction in the postpartum period (p < 0.0001). An important correlate of life satisfaction in the third trimester of pregnancy is social support received (p < 0.0001). During pregnancy such a correlate is emotional support received, and in the postnatal period- instrumental support received. An increase in instrumental support received (p = 0.031) and informational (p = 0.013) has been observed in the postpartum period.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of life satisfaction and received social support seem to be needed to gain a full picture of women's situation during birth, which will allow for planning and implementing maternity care appropriate to the needs of women.

Myocardial perfusion SPECT with dipyridamole stress test in cardiac syndrome X

Cardiac syndrome X defines patients with typical anginal chest pain, a positive exercise ECG stress test and angiographically normal coronary arteries. AIM of this study was to evaluate the role of myocardial perfusion SPECT with dipyridamole stress in the diagnosis of cardiac syndrome X.

PATIENTS, METHODS

68 patients with syndrome X aged 32 to 60 years were subjected to myocardial imaging using (99m)Tc-MIBI according to the two-days protocol: at rest and after dipyridamole infusion. Semiquantitative evaluation of the images was based on the assessment of (99m)Tc-MIBI uptake in 17 myocardial segments using a 5-points scale (0 point -- normal uptake, 4 points -- no uptake). Scores obtained in each segment were summed up, constituting the summed rest score (SRS) and summed stress score (SSS).

RESULTS

Mean SRS was 7.9 +/- 4.8 and mean SSS was 7.2 +/- 4.4 (non-significant difference). Individual comparison of SRS and SSS values revealed three patterns of scintigraphic images: 1) in 25 patients (36.8%), a paradoxical improvement of perfusion at stress images was found, 2) in 23 patients (33.8%), the myocardial perfusion deteriorated after dipyridamole, 3) in 20 patients (29.4%), no significant change of the myocardial perfusion between rest and stress images occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

In cardiac syndrome X, myocardial SPECT with dipyridamole stress shows different patterns of myocardial perfusion that reflects heterogeneity of this pathology.

Ambulatory electrocardiographic evaluation of the heart in patients treated by megachemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation

The aim of the study was evaluation of the frequency of conduction defects and cardiac arrhythmias before and one month (once a week) after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). It was evaluated by 24-hour electrocardiography based on the Holter's method. There were 50 patients (mean age 29.0 years) examined who were treated with megachemotherapy based on BuCy2, BuCy4 (busulphan and cyclophosphamide), BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) and dexaBEAM (dexa-dexamethason) programs before BMT. No heart conduction defects occurred. The mean heart rate increased after BMT. Tachycardia (> 100/min) was observed in 92.5-98.1% of patients and bradycardia (< 60/min) in 41.6-68.0% patients. In 6% of patients bradycardia below 40/min occurred. The heart rate was increased in patients who previously used anthracycline antibiotics, had anaemia or fever, and in patients after autologous BMT (p < 0.05). The complex ventricular extrasystoles were detected in 20% of patients before megachemotherapy. They were more frequently observed in patients with hypokalemia (p < 0.05). After therapy these extrasystoles were observed in a total of 24% patients. There was a statistically significant correlation between this kind of extrasystole and age. The extrasystoles developed mainly in young men. In 10% they occurred de novo and also mainly in men. The heart failure (III degrees, IV degrees according to NYHA) occurred in 14% of patients and death caused by heart (or multiorgan) damage in 18%. Older patients and those who had higher mean heart rate during the first month after BMT were dying more frequently (p < 0.05).

The effects of dipyridamole stress test on plasma levels of soluble adhesion molecules intracellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin and L-selectin in patients with ischemic heart disease and patients with syndrome X

BACKGROUND

Adhesion of activated leukocytes to the endothelium as a result of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion has been shown to be involved in the development of tissue injury. Leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium occurs via adhesion molecules expressed on the surface of both cell types. Upon cell activation these proteins may be released into the circulation and measured in a soluble form.

AIM

To verify whether the dipyridamole stress test, performed in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and in patients with syndrome X, modifies plasma levels of the soluble adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), E-selectin and L-selectin.

METHODS

Plasma levels of the soluble endothelial adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin, as well as of the soluble leukocyte adhesion molecule L-selectin, were measured in venous blood samples taken before and 7 min after administration of dipyridamole in patients with IHD, patients with syndrome X and healthy individuals. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated using single photon emission tomography. The plasma levels of soluble VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin and L-selectin were all measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

After infusion of dipyridamole, plasma levels of ICAM-1 increased significantly in patients with IHD, whereas they remained unchanged in patients with syndrome X and in the control group. In patients with IHD, the initial plasma levels of VCAM-1, E-selectin and L-selectin, before administration of dipyridamole, were higher than those observed in patients with syndrome X and than those in the control group. Plasma levels of soluble VCAM-1, E-selectin and L-selectin decreased significantly in patients with IHD following the dipyridamole stress test, whereas they remained unchanged in patients with syndrome X, and in the control group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with IHD, administration of dipyridamole induces myocardial ischemia resulting in modification of plasma levels of the soluble adhesion molecules.

Intense acute phase response in ischemic patients

The aim of this study was to estimate the qualitative and quantitative changes of acute phase proteins in patients suffering from coronary heart disease. The study was carried out on 74 patients and 12 healthy volunteers. The patients were divided into three groups as follows: patients with myocardial infarction (n=37), Group I--without heart failure, Group II--with heart failure (II-III NYHA), Group III--patients with unstable angina pectoris (n=35); controls-healthy volunteers (n=12). The immunological measurements were performed at the beginning of hospitalisation (point 0), after 4, 8, 12 and 72 h, and after 6, 9 and 12 days of hospitalisation. The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) were measured using rocket immunoelectrophoresis according to Laurell. Glycosylation profiles of AGP and ACT were determined using crossed affinity immunoelectrophoresis with Con A as ligand according to Bøg-Hansen. Between Groups I and II statistically significant differences were observed for all investigated parameters. Highest concentration values were observed for Groups II and III; for Group II they appeared earlier than for Group III. The maximal values for reactivity coefficients (AGP-RC and ACT-RC) were observed earlier than the respective maximal values of concentrations. Continuous activation occurring in unstable angina leads to a more rapid increase in the concentrations of acute phase proteins and more marked alterations in their glycosylation profiles. In a way these patients seem to be 'primed' with constant stimulation, so that they respond dramatically to the stimulus of ischemia.

Binding of monoclonal antibodies to platelet glycoproteins Ib and IIb/IIIa in uremic patients

In this study, we have found a reduced binding of monoclonal antibodies (CD42b and CD41a) to glycoproteins Ib and IIb/IIIa of uremic platelets. Presumably, this was due to the altered structure of the sugary part of these glycoproteins. Change in the glycoprotein composition may have effected the disturbed adhesion and aggregation of uremic platelets.

The first 15 minutes of hemodialysis does not affect platelets

In the study, platelet count and volume, granulocyte number, binding of monoclonal antibodies to platelet glycoproteins Ib and IIb/IIIa were evaluated in hemodialyzed patients. Exclusively, the granulocyte count dropped significantly at 15 minutes after the initiation of dialysis as compared to predialysis samples. It seems that contemporary used cuprophane dialyzer membrane is more biocompatibile and does not have major impact on platelets.

Changes of acute phase proteins glycosylation profile as a possible prognostic marker in myocardial infarction

In 24 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction, the concentrations of C-reactive protein, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, as well as acid alpha 1-glycoprotein and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin glycosylation profiles were estimated. Blood samples were taken at admission, after 4, 8, 12 and 24 h, on 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days of hospitalization. All studied patients were divided into 2 groups: 12 patients without clinical or radiological symptoms of acute heart failure and 12 patients with acute heart failure. The results of all investigations were tested statistically to appraise significance of differences between the two investigated groups. At admission, as well as after 6 and 12 h, C-reactive protein concentration was significantly higher in patients who developed heart failure. Similarly, the glycosylation profile of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, reported as reactivity coefficient, was of good prognostic value from the first time-point on. Development of acute cardiac failure seemed to correlate more with the magnitude of inflammatory reaction (measured by changes in acute phase proteins) than with enzymatically estimated infarct size.

Metabolic control quality and free radical activity in diabetic patients

The role of oxidative/reductive balance derangement in the pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy has often been discussed in the last few years. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the influence of intensive insulin therapy on selected indicators of free radical production. The levels of plasma hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and serum malonyldialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in 15 patients with Type 1 and 15 with Type 2 diabetes before and after 2 weeks of intensive treatment. The initial H2O2 and MDA levels in all cases were significantly higher than in controls. After 2 weeks of treatment, the values for both estimated parameters were significantly lower; however, they were still higher than in the control group. Our results seem to confirm the previous suggestions concerning the relation between metabolic disturbances and oxidative stress in diabetic patients.

[Actions of new iminium compounds against bacteria and fungi. 30. 3-alkoxymethyl-1-hexyl-, 3-alkylthiomethyl-1-hexyl-, 3-alkoxymethyl-1-octyl- and 3-alkylthiomethyl-1-octylbenzimidazolium chlorides]

Syntheses and antimicrobial activity of the title compounds are described. They were obtained by reaction of 1-hexyl- or 1-octylbenzimidazol with chloromethylalkyl ether or chloromethylalkyl sulfide. The antibacterial properties were tested on 13 strains of bacteria and fungi. The best antibacterial activity was exhibited by chlorides with octylthiomethyl and decyloxymethyl groups.

Peroxide plasma level in patients with coronary heart disease as a possible indicator of ischemia during exercise test

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the possible changes in production of free oxygen species during myocardial ischemia in the course of exercise testing of ischemic coronary disease.

METHODS

Exercise testing was performed on 58 patients with suspected ischemic coronary disease. Plasma hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level was assayed according to Frew et al. (Anal Chim Acta 1983, 155:139-150) in venous blood samples obtained before the test, at submaximal and maximal work loads, and after 30 minutes of rest.

RESULTS

Hydrogen peroxide plasma level significantly increased (P < 0.001) at maximal work load in patients with positive exercise test results. Patients with negative exercise test results initially manifested a higher H2O2 level that dropped during maximal work load.

CONCLUSIONS

The rise in plasma H2O2 level during myocardial ischemia indicates that intensification of oxygen free radical production occurs. This may be the result of hypoxanthine conversion by xanthine oxidase, catecholamine auto-oxidation, polymorphonuclear neutrophil activation, and/or derangement within mitochondrial electron transfer. The noticed difference between patients with a positive exercise test and those diagnosed as without ischemia may be of clinical relevance.

[Effect of heparin on the interaction between platelets with collagen]

An effect of a standard heparin preparation on the interaction between blood platelets and collagen has been investigated. The experiments have shown, that the addition of heparin in the concentration of 0.3; 0.6 or 0.9 IU/mL did not change the interaction between blood platelets and collagen. Such interaction increased, when heparin concentration was 1,2 IU/mL, and remained unchanged despite the further increase in heparin concentration. The authors suggest that such a course of this interaction results from the stimulating action of heparin added in adequate concentration on protein release from platelet alpha granulations--which bound GP II b/III a complex with collagen.

[The effect of blood pressure changes during hemodialysis on left ventricular systolic function]

Echocardiographic study was performed in 31 uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) with no apparent heart failure, valvular heart disease, pericardial effusion or coronary artery disease. On the basis of blood pressure patients were classified into two groups: 1) patients with normal arterial pressure (group I) (n = 19), 2) patients with blood hypertension (group II) (n = 12). Cardiac function was assessed immediately before and after HD session. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (EDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (ESD) and ejection fraction (EF) were calculated. Body weight, heart rate and mean blood pressure (mBP) were also measured. A significant decrease of EDD was noted in both groups during HD but it was less evident in group II (p < 0.05). ESD decreased significantly in group II (p < 0.01) when it did not change in group I. EF increased significantly only in group II (p < 0.05). Blood pressure decreased during HD in both groups. A significant inverse linear association between EF and ESD was noted during HD in both groups (r = -0.685; p < 0.001) but was more evident in group II. There was no association between and EDD (r = 0.199; NS). Similar analysis shows that ESD was significantly with mBP (group II--r = 0.914; p < 0.001, group I--r = 0.565; p < 0.05). Such association were not found for EDD and RR. Only in group II the decrease in mBP was statistical significantly correlated with the increase in EF. The decrease in EDD during HD exists probably due to changes in intravascular volume.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Unusually large thrombus in the left cardiac ventricle in a patient with a history of anterior wall infarction]

The giant size thrombus like a swallow's nest in the left cardiac ventricle in the patient with a history of anterior infarction was reported. In the autopsy a significant narrowing of the left coronary artery and two critical narrowings of the anterior interventricular artery were revealed. The relation between the localization of the pathological changes in the coronary arteries and the thrombi occurring during cardiac infarction was discussed.

[Spastic paralysis of the lower extremities as the first symptom of acute myeloblastic leukemia]

A case of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) with spastic paralysis of the lower extremities caused by a tumor of the spinal cord as the first symptoms of the disease is presented. The tumor consisted of leukaemic cells. A diagnosis of AML type M2, according to FAB classification, was established. A complete remission was achieved after 2 courses of chemotherapy. Patient started to walk after intensive rehabilitation. After 14 months of complete remission, recurrence was observed despite an intensified therapy.

Dialyzable factors from uremic serum increase 125I-fibrinogen binding by normal blood platelets

The influence of uremic serum on 125I-fibrinogen binding by normal blood platelets after induction with adenosine diphosphate was evaluated. The study was performed on 12 hemodialyzed uremic patients. The control group included 12 healthy subjects. It has been demonstrated that the uremic serum from the patients before hemodialysis significantly augmented fibrinogen binding by normal blood platelets (33.8 +/- 11.8%) in comparison with control subjects (14.4 +/- 8.9%). After hemodialysis, fibrinogen binding was comparable with the control group (14.9 +/- 10.1%). Uremic toxins removable during hemodialysis are probably responsible for the potentiation of 125I-fibrinogen binding by platelets.