Perception of the psychosocial working conditions in a group of nurses working in hospitals and primary health care

Introduction: In the nurses group, it is required to have great psychosocial skills, guaranteeing the high quality of professional services. Purpose: To assess the psychosocial working conditions of nurses, depending on their place of employment. Material and methods: The study involved 570 randomly selected nurses. It was based on a diagnostic survey using a standardised questionnaire of Psychosocial Working Conditions (PWC). Results: Correlation factors between the overall and average level of satisfaction with the work were quite high – exceed 0.30 and even 0.40. The greater was the need for change, the lower was the job satisfaction. High sense of self-control at work, social support, or wellbeing was linked with better ratings. Psychophysical requirements were assessed as the worst, and the least frequent were the additional requirements resulting from the conflict nature of the job and overload. Nurses from voivodeship hospitals rated their work lower in the category of intellectual demands, and nurses from the Primary Health Care - in the category of requirements resulting from the conflict nature of the job and overload. Behavioural control and the need for change were different for PHC and the other two hospitals. Psychological wellbeing in district hospitals was worse than in the other two types of medical institutions. Conclusions: The larger was the sense of work control, or sense of social support, the higher was the job satisfaction. The higher the level of requirements and the need for change, the lower was the satisfaction of the assessed aspects of work. There were clear differences in the assessment of the psychosocial working conditions of nurses from hospitals and nurses from PHC.

Health-related behaviour self-assessment of children living in a children's home; study based on own research realised in the Podlaskie Province

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to diagnose the health-related behaviour of children brought up in children's homes, to compare the obtained results with those obtained from a group of peers brought up in their own families.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group included 180 children living in children's homes in the Podlaskie Province and in a control group composed of children brought up in their own families and living in the same places where the children's homes are located. A questionnaire of the Health Behaviour Scale, composed of 40 statements determining health-related issues was used.

RESULTS

Self-assessment of health-related behaviour in the studied youth depended on age, for which a statistical significance was shown for: health self-assessment (p = 0.011), categories of stressful situations (p = 0.047), physical activity (p = 0.028) and social support (p = 0.001); gender, for which a statistical significance was shown for the categories of usage of stimulants (p = 0.000) and place of living, in which the factor "place" was significant (p = 0.000) for all categories; and education, where p = 0.000 for the following categories: stressful situations, using stimulants, physical activity, social support and health self-assessment. Relationships between the categories of health-related behaviour were much stronger in the assessments of the children brought up in children's homes were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The self-assessment of health-related behaviour of the studied youth depended on age, gender, place of living and education. Relationships between the categories of health-related behaviour were much stronger in assessments of the children brought up in children's homes as compared to controls.

Comparative analysis of quality of life women in menopause period in Poland, Greece and Belorussia using MRS Scale. Preliminary report

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was the assessment of climacteric symptoms, the activity and quality of life of women in menopausal period from Poland, Greece and Belorussia using a Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted among women in age after 45 years, from Poland (55), Belorussia (50) and Greece (85). MRS was obtained from the Professor Heinemann from Center of Epidemiology and Health Studies in Berlin. The scoring scheme is simple, i.e. the score increases point by point with increasing severity of subjectively perceived symptoms in each of the 11 items (severity 0--no complaints, 4 scoring points--severe). The respondent provides her personal perception by checking one of 5 possible boxes of "severity" for each of the items.

RESULTS

Mild and no complaints in similar degree were reported by all women from these three countries. We found significant (p < 0.001) differences between severe complaints reported by Greek women compared with complaints respondents from Belorussia and Poland. Moderate complaints were reported more frequently by women from Poland (32.56%) and Belorussia (34%) compared with women from Greece (28.55%). Severe complaints were noted more rarely in 1.6% Greek women compared with 2.6% Belorussian and 3% Polish respondents. No significant differences between no complainants, mild, moderate, marked and severe between women from Belorussia, Poland and Greece.

CONCLUSIONS

Generally we did not observe significant differences between reported complaints by women from Belorussia, Poland and Greece.

Nursing problems of patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease connective tissue and one of the most common collagen diseases. There are several clinical types of scleroderma which differ in their course, possible complications and prognosis. The most characteristic form SSc is limited and diffuse systemic sclerosis. The SSc is characterized by the progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, leading to their failure, morphology and blood vessels disorders.

PURPOSE

The aim of our work is to identify the main health problems of patients suffering from systemic sclerosis depending on its clinical form: limited systemic sclerosis (ISSc) and diffuse systemic sclerosis (dSSc); to determine the influence of disease duration on symptom intensification in patients with LSSc and dSSc.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 63 patients with systemic sclerosis diagnosed according to the criteria of the American Rheumatism Association (ARA), 47 of whom had limited systemic sclerosis (ISSc) (74.6%) and 16--diffuse systemic sclerosis (dSSc) (25.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The key thing in the complex therapy is to recognize the individual care problems of the patient, to assess his ability to cope with the disease in daily life and to plan care, support, education and help of other professionals. The main aim of individual nursing care is to alleviate ailments, prevent infections, observe life-threatening conditions and to educate the patient as regards self-care and self-observation.

Indoor air studies of fungi contamination at the Neonatal Department and Intensive Care Unit an Palliative Care in Kavala Hospital in Greece

PURPOSE

The assessment of the indoor air and walls contamination of fungi at the Kavala Hospital in Greece was made.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was carried out at the Neonatal Department and Intensive Care Unit and Palliative Care in Kavala Hospital (Greece). Materials for the tests were: the air samples (in front of the building and the selected rooms) and swabs from the walls. The air pollution was determined using SAS SUPER 100 (Pbi International). The microbial flora from walls was assessed using the Count-Tact applicator and the plate Count-Tact (BioMerieux). Fungi were identified using standard microbial procedures. Classification of isolated fungi was made with an accordance to the current procedures. Humidity and temperature were evaluated by a termohigrometr.

RESULTS

The following fungal pathogens isolated from air were Candida albicans, non-Candida albicans, Penicillium species Acremonium, Rhodotorula species, and Aspergillus species. Candida albicans and Penicillium species were dominated fungi in the air of Neonatal Department and Intensive Care Unit. Mean number of fungi colonies isolated from air in the Neonatal Department was significantly (p < 0.001) higher compared to Intensive Care Unit. No significant correlations between CFU of fungi in air and temperature in both Departments were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The main fungal pathogen isolated from the air samples was Candida albicans. No significant differences between number of fungal colonies temperature and humidity of air were found. Further investigations on isolation of the fungal pathogenes from the air samples of operating rooms are needed.

In vitro antifungal activity of 2,5 disubstituted amino-oksometyloso-arylo-thiadiazole derivatives

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was the determination of antifungal activity of new of 2,5 disubstituted amino-oksometyloso-arylo-thiadiazole (AOAT) derivatives against Candida albicans, non-Candida albicans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The determination of antifungal activity AOATs against 20 Candida albicans, 18 non-Candida albicans was performed. Isolates were from different ontocenoses of patients were used for tests. AOATs were synthesized at Department of Chemistry University of Agriculture in Lublin.

RESULTS

The mean MIC of AOATs against Candida albicans strains was 141.625 (37.5-200) mg/L on Sabouraud's medium (SB). The mean MIC of AOATs against non-Candida albicans strains was 153.3 (50-200) mg/L.

CONCLUSION

It seems that AOATs exert potent antifungal activity against the yeast-like fungi strains in vitro.

Quality of life self-assessment of children living in a children's home, based on own research conducted in the Podlaskie Province

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to diagnose the quality of life (QoL) of children brought up in children's homes, to compare findings with results for peers living in complete families.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the Stage I was to determine the usefulness of tools for QoL evaluation in a group of 120 children from children's homes in the Podlaskie Province and in a group of 120 children belonging to a control group, brought up in their own families, in the same places where the children's homes were located. Selected research tools were used in Stage II, and the study was carried out in a group of 180 children in the same children's homes and a control group. We used the following survey questionnaires: the standardised CHQ-CF87 survey, standardised KINDL survey and Children's Survey based on WHOQOL-BREF.

RESULTS

Significant relationship between the quality of life self-assessment and the place of being brought up for all categories of quality of life was found. A relationship was indicated between the QoL self-assessment and the place of living, age, gender, and physical condition. The charges of a children's home assessed their QoL as significantly lower compared to children living in normal families, mostly in the following categories: health, physical domain and psychological domain, social relations and the ability to function in everyday life. In KINDL survey, strong relationships were found between assessments of QoL categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant relation between QoL self-assessment and where children were brought up was found. Positive relationship between QoL self-assessment and the place of living, age, gender, and children's physical condition was found.

Relations occurring between health-related behaviour categories and quality of life made by children brought up in a children's home, in the Podlaskie Province

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to determine relations between health-related behaviour categories and quality of life (QoL) categories made by children brought up in a children's home and to compare the results obtained with the results for a group of peers brought up by their own families.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed on a group of 180 children living in children's homes located in Białystok, Krasne, Supraśl, Lomza, Nowa Pawłówka; and on a control group of children living with their own families in the same places where children's homes were located. The diagnostic survey method with the Health Behaviour Scale questionnaire, composed of 40 statements defining various behaviours connected with health, and the Children's Questionnaire, based on The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) was used.

RESULTS

Strong correlations between assessments of the Health Behaviour Scale categories and assessments of quality of life categories were found in the group of children living in children's homes, mostly in respect to the relation between health self-assessment and physical activity r = 0.77, mental activity r = 0.74 and environment r = 0.72, and between the physical domain and eating habits r = 0.70, and physical activity and the physical domain r = 0.69. The determination coefficient R2 for the study group had high values for three QoL categories: physical domain 71.5%, mental domain 69.7% and environment 70.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Correlations between Health Behaviour Scale categories and QoL categories were found in the group of children living in children's homes compared to children living with their own families. The relationships for health self-assessment and the physical and mental domains and the environment, and for the physical domain and eating habits and physical activity were found.

Analysis of the incidence of fungal pathogens in air of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology of Medical University in Wrocław

PURPOSE

Analysis of incidence of fungal pathogens in air of Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology of Medical University in Wrocław.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Materials for the tests were: the air samples in front of the building, corridors, library, lecture hall, and mycological laboratory. The air pollution was determined using SAS SUPER 100. Humidity and temperature were evaluated by a termohigrometr. Classification of the isolated fungi was made with an accordance to the current procedures.

RESULTS

From the air was isolated: in library 69 colonies (mean CFU 138 +/- 41.5), from the bookstands--25 colonies (mean CFU-125 +/- 63.6), lecture hall--119 colonies (mean CFU-380 +/- 98.8), mason room--52 colonies (mean CFU-104 +/- 21.9), mycological laboratory--154 colonies (mean CFU-513 +/- 155.3). Temperature in the tested rooms ranged from 24.5 degrees C (mason room) to 26.1 degrees C (library), humidity ranged from 40.1%-53.1%. Temperature outside of the building was 23.6 degrees C, and humidity 51.6%. Moulds Peniciullium citricum and Aspergillus niger and the yeasts Candida albicans were isolated more frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

The highest number of fungi colonies were isolated from the air sampled at the lecture hall and mycological laboratory. Moulds were the most common airborne fungi. Temperature and huimidity in the tested rooms are good conditions for the development of fungi.

A study to ascertain the patients' satisfaction of the quality of hospital care in Greece compared with the patients' satisfaction in Poland

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the satisfaction of elderly patients, of the hospital care's quality, based on the literature evidence on results of a qualitative research and on a previous developed conceptual frame.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We developed the Elderly Patient Satisfaction Scale (EPSS) by using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research. In this study participated 320 elderly patients from Greece (182 male, 138 female) and 240 patients (136 male, 104 female) from Poland (mean age 74.16 +/- 6.14 years). Most of elderly patients were married. Inclusion criteria were: elderly patients over 65 years old, being able to be interviewed, hospitalized for at least three days and not to be suffering from severe mental disease.

RESULTS

There was no correlation among age and global patients' satisfaction. Men in both of groups were expressed greater satisfaction with perceived quality of doctor care than women. Age positively correlated with question who estimate the satisfaction with the time that doctor spends for medical history taking. Patient's education correlated with question (satisfaction with availability of nurses night). Patient's depression found that affects the quality of hospital care and the satisfaction. Elderly patients were most satisfied with the technical care ability of nurse. The time period of hospital stay is correlated negatively with patient's global satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference between the patients from Greece and Poland in majority of dimensions: the satisfaction of elderly patients, of the hospital care's quality was noted.

Quality of life and its relationship to the degree of illness acceptance in patients with diabetes and peripheral diabetic neuropathy

PURPOSE

Assessment of quality of life, especially from the psychological point of view, is likely to be strongly influenced by the degree of acceptance of one's own illness and the resultant negative emotional reactions associated with the illness itself. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between quality of life and the degree of acceptance of illness in diabetic patients with and without peripheral diabetic neuropathy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

59 patients with diabetes were included in the study; they consisted of patients both with and without peripheral diabetic neuropathy. The degree of acceptance of illness was assessed using the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and quality of life (HRQOL - health-related quality of life) was measured using the SF-36v2.

RESULTS

Quality of life in people with diabetes was reduced and related to their levels of illness acceptance. Factors affecting illness acceptance in patients with peripheral diabetic neuropathy included feelings of being a burden to their family and friends (p < or = 0.05) and the belief that people in their company are made anxious by the patient's illness (p < or = 0.05). These patients also defined their health status as being worse than that of diabetic patients without additional disease complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality of life and illness acceptance were found to be strongly related. In general, patients with chronic peripheral diabetic neuropathy express lower degrees of acceptance of their illness than diabetic patients without peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Their subjective assessment of health status is also significantly worse than that of diabetic patients without neuropathy.

Exposure the doctors to aggression in the workplace

PURPOSE

To evaluate the frequency, source and type of aggression towards doctors, depending on their place of work and position.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted among 501 doctors from the area of Podlaskie Province. To evaluate the level and type of aggression towards doctors in their workplace we used a questionnaire prepared for the needs of this study by modifying the questionnaire "The frequency and consequences of exposing nurses to workplace aggression", which had been drafted by the Institute of Labour Medicine in Lódź. The results were analysed with the application of the chi-square and the Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

The most common form of aggression was voice raising, which happened to 80% of doctors employed in inpatient medical centres and 91% doctors from outpatient centres. More than a half of the subjects have heard threats from their patients. Verbal aggression from doctors' superiors happened most often in surgery wards (48%), neurology wards (40%), admission rooms (33%). The causes of aggression most often quoted by doctors include: staff shortages (9%), stress--tiredness (9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Workplace aggression towards doctors may be inflicted both by patients and colleagues. The aggression in the medical environment can take on different forms and create a threat in the workplace. Doctors working in hospital wards (psychiatry, surgery, neurology) are the ones who are the most exposed to aggression.

Variations of enzymatic activity and biotypes of the yeast like fungi strains isolated from cancer patients

PURPOSE

Determination of the enzymatic activity and enzymatic biotypes variations of the yeast like fungi strains isolated from cancer patients with oral candidiasis during last 5 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We evaluated enzymatic activity of 92 Candida albicans strains isolated from oral ontocenosis from cancer patients with candidiasis symptoms in 1999 and 2003. The enzymatic activity of the strains tested was assessed by the API ZYM (bioMerieux) method. Biotypes of the strains were determined according to Williamson's or Kurnatowska's and Kurnatowski's classifications.

RESULTS

In 1999 Candida albicans 17 of 19 tested isolates had hydrolytic activity hydrolases and 87% of strains were assigned according to Wiliamson's. Only 8.7% of strains were classified according to Kurnatowska's and Kurnatowski's, but 4.3% strains according to Krajewska-Kułak et al. In 2003, 18 of 19 strains had hydrolytic activity and 93.5% of strains were classified according to Wiliamson's, but 4.3% according to Kurnatowska's and Kurnatowski's and 2.2% according to Krajewska-Kułak et al.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of present study indicate that most of tested strains were classified into Wiliamson's system. Our findings suggest that other Candida biotypes should be determined according to their different enzymatic activity and susceptibilities.

The attitude of nurses for the enhancement of palliative care in Greece

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to estimate the attitude and knowledge of nurses for the development of palliative care in Greece.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A certain questionnaire with closed questions was developed and was use as research method to collect all the necessary data to support or question the hypotheses. Eighty one nurses participated in this study. The data collected was analysed using the SPSS software.

RESULTS

Of the 81 nurses questioned 22 (27.16%) were men and 59 (72.84%) were women. The average was 37.19 +/- 9.16 years of the working Experience was 14.83 +/- 9.02 years in different units, 34.3%. Answered that the palliative care must be specialty, 43.2% specialization and 23.5% course.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of nurses believe that if they had working experience in different units this won't give them the capacity to deal with patients who suffer from advanced disease.

The importance of the health education in life quality improvement in patients with psoriasis

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the psoriatic patient knowledge of the disease on the quality of life.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was carried out in 149 patients with psoriasis. All patients answered on anonymous questionnaire, in according to Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI).

RESULTS

Almost 43% patients could not show any factor which provoked their disease, 31.5% could not tell any recommendations for cure and care of the psoriatic lesions and 32.2% patients could not point out any methods to avoid psoriatic lesions spread. Almost 60% of the group admitted that their quality of life fell because of the disease. At the same time, patients who did not have enough information concerning the disease had lower quality of life index.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of the disease knowledge in the patients with psoriasis influences their quality of live. Therefore it is indicated for the patiens and their families to be involved in the proper educational program.

In vitro antifungal activity of N-3-(1,2,4-dithiazole-5-thione)-beta-resorcylcarbothioamide

The aim of the study was the determination of antifungal activity of N-3-(1,2,4-dithiazole-5-thione)-beta-resorcylcarbothioamide (DTRTA) against Candida albicans, non-Candida albicans, dermatophytes and molds and evaluation of the enzymatic activity C. albicans strains. We used reference strains C. albicans 10231 ATCC, 200 of C. albicans strains, 7 of non-C. albicans, 12 dermatophytes strains and 20 molds strains isolated from different ontocenoses from patients. DTRTA was synthesized at Department of Chemistry University of Agriculture in Lublin was used to tests. The mean MIC of DTRTA against C. albicans strains isolated from patients was 22.01 mg/L, for reference C. albicans 10231 ATCC-- 12.5 mg/L on Sabouraud's medium (SB). The mean MIC of isolates from patients was 17.8 mg/L, and reference strains--6.25 mg/L on YNB medium, respectively. The MICs of DTRTA against 7 non-C. albicans was 33 mg/L on SB and 18.2 mg/L on YNB. The MICs of DTRTA against dermatophytes ranged from 3 to 50mg/L. The MICs of DTRTA against molds were 25 mg/L and 100 mg/L, respectively. C. albicans strains had the enzymatic activity of 16 among 19 hydrolases, after exposure to DTRTA, 15 among 19 enzymes, respectively. Non-C. albicans isolates had the enzymatic activity of 13 among 19 hydrolases, after exposure to DTRTA, 11 among 19 enzymes, respectively. This findings indicate hat DTRTA exerts a potent antifungal activity against the yeast-like fungi strains, dermatophytes and molds in vitro and.

The education of patients with rheumatoid arthritis--the knowledge and expectation of patients-the opinions of rheumatology nurses

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive, immunologically dependent, systemic diseases of connective tissue, leading to disability, cripplehood or even premature death. Helping to improve the quality of life of RA patients involves teaching them how to cope with disease-related problems of everyday life, with stress and with suffering. The aim of the presented work is to determine the following: the patients' level of knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis; their educational needs; the impact of the level of knowledge on the patients' pro-health behaviours; the knowledge of nurses and their ability to recognize patients' problems; the nurse's tasks in preparing an RA patient for self-care. The subject group consisted of patients with RA diagnosed according to The American Rheumatism Association criteria and nurses from rheumatology clinics and wards. The research method used was a survey questionnaire, which had been constructed for the purpose of the research. The research results indicate a great need of patients, especially those with early rheumatoid arthritis, for education, support and help in adaptation. At the same time, the nurses, even though they do not fully fulfil their educational role, declare a willingness to participate in organized forms of health education.

Assessment of risk for pressure ulcers using the Norton scale in nursing practice

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was risk assessment for the development of pressure ulcers and thus defining a group of patients considered to be at risk of developing pressure ulcers. It also helped to define the role of the nurse in the early assessment of the risk for developing pressure ulcers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Risk assessment for the development of pressure ulcers was carried out in 199 patients hospitalised in The District Hospital in Bielsk Podlaski. The research was carried out with patients admitted to The Departments of General Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Long-Term Care. Risk assessment for the development of pressure ulcers was performed with the aid of the Norton scale.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased risk for the development of pressure ulcers was found in more than half of the patients examined (53.8%). Pressure sores developed in 17.6% of the patients, women being at significantly greater risk. Risk assessment for the development of pressure ulcers with the aid of one of the recommended scales facilitates the early recognition of those patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Indoor air studies of fungi contamination of social welfare home in Czerewki in north-east part of Poland

PURPOSE

The contamination of the indoor environment with yeast-like fungi and moulds in social welfare home in Czerewki was evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The concentration of airborne fungi (in front of the building and in the corridors, patient rooms, study rooms, recreation rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, toilets) was determined using SAS-Super 100 (Pbi International). The fungal concentration on walls was assessed using the Count-Tact applicator and the plate Count-Tact irradiated (BioMerieux). Swabs were taken from the skin of the interdigital spaces of feet and hands, nails and the oral cavity of the residents. The fungi from the swabs were cultured on Sabouraud medium. Fungi were identified using standard microbial procedures.

RESULTS

Tests of air and walls revealed significant differences in mycological flora in depending on the place isolation (e.g. corridor, rooms, reading room, nurse, room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom) and season (summer, autumn, winter, spring). A significant increase in the fungi isolated from the air and walls in the social welfare home was found, depending on the season.

CONCLUSION

An increase in the fungi isolated from residents was found in relation to the season.

Tinea capitis favosa in Poland. Fallberichte. Tinea capitis favosa in Polen

Tinea capitis favosa is uncommon in Europe. We describe two patients who had local alopecia caused by Trichophyton schoenleinii. In the first case, we observed good clinical response after griseofulvin treatment and in the second case after topical application of ciclopirox cream.

N-heterocyclic derivatives of 2,4-dihydroxybenzcarbothioamide as antimycotic agents

N-heterocyclic derivatives of 2,4-dihydroxybenzcarbothioamide were synthesized from sulfinylbis(2,4-dihydroxybenzenethioyl) and commercially available heterocyclic amines. The composition and chemical structures were confirmed by IR, (1)H NMR, EI-MS, and elemental analysis. For the estimation of potential activity in vitro the MIC values against 15 strains of dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds were determined. The strongest fungistatic potency was found for N-5'-(3'-oxobenzfurylidyne)-2,4-dihydroxybenzcarbothioamide in relation to all tested dermatophyte strains with MIC = 0.48-0.98 microg/mL. On the basis of the spectroscopic data the influence of N-heterocyclic substitution on antimycotic activity is discussed.

[Effects of 33% grapefruit extract on the growth of the yeast--like fungi, dermatopytes and moulds]

Grapefruit seed extract was discovered by Jacob Harich an american immunologist in 1980. Assessment of the influence of grapefruit extract on the yeast-like fungi strains--Candida albicans growth. Material used in this investigation was ATCC test Candida albicans strains no 10231, 200 of Candida albicans strains, 5 of Candida sp. strains isolated from patients with candidiasis symptoms from different ontocenosis and 12 of dermatophytes and moulds isolated from patients. The susceptibility of the Candida was determined by serial dilution method. It seems that 33% grapefruit extract exert a potent antifungal activity against the yeast like fungi strains and had low activity against dermatophytes and moulds. Further studies in vitro and in vivo on greater number of the yeast-like fungi strains and other fungi species are needed.

Ultrastructural changes of Candida albicans under influence of cyclosporin A

The aim of this study was the assessment of influence of cyclosporin A on ultrastructural changes of Candida albicans in vitro. Strains of Candida albicans isolated from woman with chronic vulvovaginitis were used. At the first part of experiment MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) of cyclosporin on Sabouraud medium was assessed. Control plates were also prepared. From plates with Candida albicans there was observed its visual growth, the yeasts were prepared for electron transmission microscopic examines. It was found that ultrastructural changes of Candida albicans cells in the presence of Cyclosporin A. In particular, the cell wall was thicker and deteriorated. The organelles were altered in varying degrees and autolysis was observed.

Effect of topical miconazole in plaque psoriasis

The aim of this study was the assessment of efficacy and tolerance of topical miconazole in plaque psoriasis. 9 patients aged 23-63 years with diagnosis of plaque psoriasis were enrolled. 2% miconazole cream was applied twice daily from 7 to 12 weeks (under occlusive dressing to obtain optimal penetration of the drug) in the plaque with a minimum diameter of 5 cm. In most patients clinical improvement of the topical miconazole treatment was observed.

In vitro synergistic activity of ketoconazole with valproic acid against Candida species

The susceptibility of 148 strains of Candida albicans and 20 strains of Candida species from patients was tested against ketoconazole (CAS 65277-42-1, KTZ), valproic acid (CAS 99-66-1, VPA) and the combination of KTZ and VPA, using Sabouraud's and YNB (yeast nitrogen base) media. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) with regard of C. albicans determined on diagnostic plates which contained Sabouraud's medium gave values of 49.84 +/- 5.83 mg/l (KTZ) and 202.97 +/- 17.70 mg/l (VPA), and on plates which contained YNB agar, values of 8.06 +/- 0.99 mg/l (KTZ) and 122.57 +/- 12.08 mg/l (VPA). The combination of KTZ and VPA in various ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) was found to exert synergistic effects against C. albicans on Sabouraud's medium and the mean values of the combinations were: 4.29 +/- 0.37, 5.29 +/- 0.37, 5.02 +/- 0.38 mg/l. These results were significantly different (p < 0.001) compared with KTZ. The findings indicate that VPA, an antiepileptic drug, increases the antifungal activity of KTZ against C. albicans and Candida species in vitro.

Preliminary study on the effect of the selected calmodulin antagonists on the skin

The aim of the study was to make a selection of the calmodulin antagonists, which could be useful in topical treatment of psoriasis. Four drugs were assessed: chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, miconazole and ketoconazole. They were applied on the skin of guinea pigs, twice a day for the period of two weeks. Biopsy specimens from these sites were being taken for light microscopy, histoenzymatic examination and for evaluation of the proliferation activity of the epidermis (the AgNOR stain, after Ploton). A decrease in reaction activities for lactate dehydrogenase and succinic dehydrogenase as well as in the proliferation activity of the epidermis, could suggest an inhibitory effect of chlorpromazine and miconazole on the cell cycle and keratinization process.

Effects of the combination of ketoconazole and calmodulin inhibitors against Candida albicans in vitro. Short communication

The susceptibility of 66 strains of Candida albicans from patients was tested against ketoconazole (Ktz), chlorpromazine (Chl) levomepromazine (Lev), haloperidol (Hal) and the combination of Ktz with these calmodulin inhibitors, using Sabouraud's broth. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for 66 strains of C. albicans were as follows: Chl 192 +/- 11.4 micrograms/ml, Lev 306 +/- 16.4 micrograms/ml, Hal 464 +/- 13.8 micrograms/ml compared with Ktz 34.46 +/- 3.9 micrograms/ml. The combination of Ktz and calmodulin inhibitors in various ratios (1:1,1:2,2:1) was found to exert synergistic effect and the mean values of the combinations were: Ktz+Chl 3.45 +/- 0.35, 3.78 + 0.36, 5.58 + 0.4 micrograms/ml; Ktz+Lev 10.8 +/- 2.19, 9.7 +/- 2.23, 10.5 + 2 micrograms/ml; Ktz+Hal 6.4 +/- 1.7, 6.8 +/- 1.6, 7.28 +/- 1.5 micrograms/ml. These results were significantly different (p < 0.001) from those of ketoconazole. These findings indicate that some calmodulin inhibitors increase the antifungal activity of Ktz against C. albicans in vitro.

Anticandidal activity of flunarizine

Susceptibility of 138 yeast-like strains from patients were tested against flunarizine (Flu), ketoconazole (Ktz), and the combination of Ktz with Flu, using Sabouraud dextrose broth. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC)s for 101 strains of C. albicans were: Flu 319+ 30.1 micrograms/ml, Ktz 27.9 + 9.1 micrograms/ml. The combination of Ktz and Flu in various ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) was found to exert a synergistic effect and the mean values of the following combinations were: Ktz+Flu 6.26 + 0.25, 4.8 + 0.27, 5.41 + 0.25 micrograms/ml. These results were significantly different (p < 0.001) when compared with ketoconazole alone. Our findings indicate that flunarizine (calcium channel blocker) increases the antifungal activity of Ktz against C. albicans in vitro.

Effects of the combination of ketoconazole and calcium channel antagonists against Candida albicans in vitro

Susceptibility of 66 strains of Candida albicans from patients were tested against ketoconazole (Ktz, CAS 65277-42-1), cinnarizine (Cin), verapamil (Ver), nifedipine (Nif), nimodipine (Nim) and the combination of Ktz with these calcium channel antagonists, using Sabouraud's broth. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined on diagnostic plates gave values of Ktz: 34.5 +/- 3.9 micrograms/ml, Cin 413 +/- 11.3 micrograms/ml, Ver 334 +/- 11.4 micrograms/ml, Nif 374 +/- 19.3 micrograms/ml and Nim 486 +/- 20 micrograms/ml. The combination of Ktz and calcium channel antagonists in various ratios (1 : 1, 1 : 2, 2 : 1) was found to exert synergistic effect and the mean values of the combinations were: Ktz+Cin 6.52 +/- 1.67, 6.4 +/- 1.71, 6.06 +/- 1.7 micrograms/ml: Ktz+Ver 11.13 +/- 2.13, 11.63 +/- 2.22, 10.6 +/- 2.1 micrograms/ml: Ktz+Nif 7.37 +/- 1.6, 7.7 +/- 1.57, 7.4 +/- 1.75 micrograms/ml: Ktz+Nim 10.1 +/- 2.28, 10.6 +/- 2.31, 9.91 +/- 2.21 micrograms/ml. These results were significantly different (p < 0.001) compared with ketoconazole. Our findings indicate that some calcium channel antagonists increase the antifungal activity of Ktz against C. albicans in vitro.

[Incidence and enzymatic properties of yeast-like fungi. Examination of workers of various departments of the District Meat-Processing Industry in Białystok]

In a group of 111 workers of the District Meat Processing Plant clinical examination of the skin and cultures for Candida organisms were performed. The proteolytic and lipolytic properties of these fungi were analysed. From the interdigital spaces of hands 42 strains were isolated, with the species Candida albicans accounting for 13.5% of the strains (15). Case history and the character of skin lesions on the hands and forearms suggested that they were caused by skin contact with meat and internal organs producing the so called "gut eczema" while Candida was secondary agent causing exacerbation of skin changes.