Dielectric properties of the non-glycated and in vitro methylglyoxal-glycated cornea of the rabbit eye

The dielectric properties of the non-glycated and in vitro methylglyoxal-glycated cornea of the rabbit eye were tested in the frequency range of 200 Hz to 100 kHz of the electric field and at temperatures of 25 to 140 °C. The denaturation temperature (T_d) for the non-glycated cornea and the non-enzymatically glycated cornea are approximately 45 and 55 °C, respectively. The mechanism of proton conduction up to T_d in a glycated cornea requires more energy, i.e. more than twice the activation energy (ΔH) than in non-glycated tissue. The dielectric spectra for both examined tissues showed the same characteristic frequency of about 7 kHz assigned to the orientation relaxation time of the polar side groups inside the corneal stroma. These results may be useful in the surgical treatment of the cornea using conductive keratoplasty and in tissue engineering for clinical applications to regenerate this tissue. The medical use of these physico-biological techniques is important because the human cornea protects all eye tissues from various environmental factors.

Dielectric response to thermal denaturation of lenses in healthy and diabetic rabbits

The relative permittivity and conductivity of healthy and alloxane-induced diabetic rabbits lenses were measured over a frequency range of 500 Hz to 100 kHz in an electric field and at temperatures from 25 to 150 °C. The dielectric spectra for both tissues showed two separate relaxations with a characteristic frequency of around 4 and 25 kHz assigned to the cortical and nuclear zones, respectively. These two dispersions are due to the interfacial polarization at the surface of the α-crystallin molecules. The denaturation temperature for the non-diabetic lens and the diabetic lens is approximately 70 and 80 °C, respectively. Moreover, the relative permittivity and conductivity values are higher in the diabetic lens than in the non-diabetic tissue at the same temperature and frequency. Our dielectric studies provide a better understanding of the thermal stability of crystallin-water complexes in normal and diseased human lenses.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2012-2017: Device-associated module

BACKGROUND

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2012 to December 2017 in 523 intensive care units (ICUs) in 45 countries from Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

METHODS

During the 6-year study period, prospective data from 532,483 ICU patients hospitalized in 242 hospitals, for an aggregate of 2,197,304 patient days, were collected through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied.

RESULTS

Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled central line-associated bloodstream infection rate was higher (5.05 vs 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days); the ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was also higher (14.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days,), as well as the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (5.1 vs 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days). From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance, such as of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to piperacillin-tazobactam (33.0% vs 18.3%), were also higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a significant trend toward the reduction in INICC ICUs, DA-HAI rates are still much higher compared with CDC-NHSN's ICUs representing the developed world. It is INICC's main goal to provide basic and cost-effective resources, through the INICC Surveillance Online System to tackle the burden of DA-HAIs effectively.

Is eye lens dosimetry needed in nuclear medicine?

INTRODUCTION

The exact level of exposure experienced by nuclear medicine personnel, whose work often requires performing manual procedures involving radioactive isotopes, is associated with the form of radiation source used. The variety of radionuclides and medical procedures, and the yearly increase in the number of patients, as well as the change of the individual dose limit for the lens of the eye from a value of 150 mSv yr^-1 to 20 mSv yr^-1, mean that issues of eye lens routine dosimetry become interesting from the radiation protection point of view.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents an analysis of the exposure of the eye lenses of nuclear medicine department personnel, as well as those of personnel in the facilities that produce radiopharmaceuticals for the purpose of diagnosis by positron emission tomography, from the viewpoint of the advisability of routine eye lens exposure monitoring, taking into account changes in the dose limit for the lens of the eye.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The paper considers the two most commonly used radionuclides for diagnostic purposes ^99mTc, ¹⁸F, and-for therapeutic purposes-¹³¹I. Dose measurements were made using thermoluminescent detectors.

RESULTS

The estimated exposure analysis identifies the cases when the maximum annual value of the personal dose equivalent, in terms of Hp(3), exceeds threefold the new limit value (20 mSv yr^-1).

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that Hp(3) doses be routinely monitored in the group of radiopharmacists who label pharmaceuticals with the radionuclide ^99mTc and in chemists working in ¹⁸F-FDG quality control departments in production units, where this is carried out manually.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium report, data summary of 50 countries for 2010-2015: Device-associated module

BACKGROUND

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2010-December 2015 in 703 intensive care units (ICUs) in Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

METHODS

During the 6-year study period, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI), we collected prospective data from 861,284 patients hospitalized in INICC hospital ICUs for an aggregate of 3,506,562 days.

RESULTS

Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the INICC medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection, 4.1 per 1,000 central line-days, was nearly 5-fold higher than the 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days reported from comparable US ICUs, the overall rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was also higher, 13.1 versus 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days, as was the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, 5.07 versus 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days. From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance of Pseudomonas isolates to amikacin (29.87% vs 10%) and to imipenem (44.3% vs 26.1%), and of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to ceftazidime (73.2% vs 28.8%) and to imipenem (43.27% vs 12.8%) were also higher in the INICC ICUs compared with CDC-NHSN ICUs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although DA-HAIs in INICC ICU patients continue to be higher than the rates reported in CDC-NSHN ICUs representing the developed world, we have observed a significant trend toward the reduction of DA-HAI rates in INICC ICUs as shown in each international report. It is INICC's main goal to continue facilitating education, training, and basic and cost-effective tools and resources, such as standardized forms and an online platform, to tackle this problem effectively and systematically.

Dielectric study of interaction of water with normal and osteoarthritis femoral condyle cartilage

The main goal of this paper is the in vitro study of healthy and osteoarthritis (OA) human cartilage using the dielectric spectroscopy in the alpha-dispersion region of the electric field and in the temperatures from 25 to 140°C. The activation energy of conductivity needed to break the bonds formed by water in the extracellular matrix takes the average values of 61kJ/mol and 44kJ/mol for the control and OA cartilages, respectively. At 28°C, the small difference appears in the permittivity decrement between the control and OA cartilages, while the conductivity increment is about 2 times higher for the control tissue than that for the OA tissue. At 75°C, the conductivity increment for both of these samples is 8 times higher than their respective permittivity decrement. In addition, at 140°C the values of these both parameters for the OA tissue decrease by 8 times as compared to those recorded for the control sample. The relaxation frequency of about 10kHz is similar for both of these samples. The knowledge on dielectric properties of healthy and OA cartilage may prove relevant to tissue engineering focused on the repair of cartilage lesions via the layered structure designing.

Higher-order rocking filters induced mechanically in fibers with different birefringence dispersion

We studied the transmission characteristics of higher-order rocking filters induced mechanically in birefringent microstructured fibers and standard elliptical core fibers with varying spectral dependence of phase modal birefringence. We demonstrated the effect of birefringence dispersion on polarization mode coupling induced by a point-like force. We also investigated the spectral dependence of the resonance depth and force-induced resonance wavelength shift in mechanical rocking filters. The observed phenomena were explained by a numerical model linking the spectral dependence of the polarization mode coupling coefficient with the dispersion of intrinsic fiber birefringence and applied force.

Dielectric properties of hypothermic rat artery

The temperature and frequency dependencies of the dielectric parameters for the rat artery are used to analyse effects of hypothermia on this tissue. Measurements were performed over the frequency range 500 Hz to 100 kHz and at temperatures from 19 to 60°C. The artery samples contained about 12% water by mass at room temperature at a relative humidity of 70%. The frequency dependencies of the loss tangent for the control, mild hypothermic and moderate hypothermic artery exhibit two peaks at 2 kHz and 35 kHz in the α-dispersion region. The results were discussed in terms of the distribution of relaxation frequencies and the activation energy for the conduction and polarization mechanisms particularly in the elastin-water and collagen-water systems. The knowledge about dielectric behavior of the hypothermic rat artery in vitro is important due to clinical application of local and systemic hypothermia.

Hand exposure of nuclear medicine workers during administration of radioiodine

(131)I has been widely used in nuclear medicine for many years, particularly in the form of iodide for the diagnosis and therapy of thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases. Manual dispensing of radioiodine-based radiopharmaceuticals results in potentially significant radiation doses to the hands of nuclear medicine personnel performing this task. This article reports the results of thermoluminescent dosemeter-based measurement of radiation doses at various points on the hands of personnel dispensing radioiodine radiopharmaceuticals.

Diabetes mellitus effect on rat corneal dielectric properties

In the course of the study, we carried out a dielectric examination to determine the effect of diabetes mellitus on the rat corneal function. Measurements were performed over the frequency range of 500 Hz-100 kHz in air and at the temperatures from 25 to 150°C. The frequency dependencies of the loss tangent for the healthy and the diabetic cornea exhibit two peaks at 2 kHz and 16 kHz in the α-dispersion region. The amplitude of these both peaks is smaller for the diabetic cornea than that for the healthy one. The temperature dependencies of the loss tangent for the healthy and the diabetic cornea reveal β-relaxation in the range of 30-70°C and 50-90°C, respectively. The present study exhibits that the dielectric spectroscopy is useful in detection of the effect of diabetes mellitus on the corneal molecular behavior.

Implications of the alpha dispersion for studies on interaction of tobacco smoke--corneal tissue

In this work, we have carried out a dielectric study to determine the effect of tobacco smoke on the rat corneal function. Measurements were performed over the frequency range of 500 Hz-100 kHz in air and at the temperature of 35°C. The frequency dependencies of the loss tangent for both healthy and smoky cornea exhibit two peaks with different width occurring as a narrow at 2 kHz and a broad at around 16 kHz. The distribution parameter α at 2 kHz has a value of about 0.3, which increases to 0.6 at 16 kHz. The magnitude of the permittivity decrement at 2 and 16 kHz is about two and four times higher, respectively, for the smoky cornea than that for the healthy one. These dielectric studies indicate that the present method is useful in detection of the effect of tobacco smoke exposure on the corneal behavior.

Supplementation with L-arginine does not influence arterial blood pressure in healthy people: a randomized, double blind, trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

It cannot be excluded that supplementation with L-arginine, by improving function of endothelium and hypotensive effect, can be advantegeous in prevention of cardiovascular diseases in healthy people. However, reports about hypotensive effect of L-arginine in healthy people are unclear. Moreover, no research including ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) has been conducted so far. Therefore, the aim of our study was to show if 4-week supplementation of healthy people with L-arginine influences blood pressure measured with ABPM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was carried out on 19 healthy people randomized to 6 g/24-hour, 12 g/24-hours of L-arginine or placebo. ABPM was carried out 4 times: before randomization, after 2 and 4 weeks of supplementation and 2 weeks after finishing supplementation.

RESULTS

It was found that 4 weeks of supplementation of healthy people with L-arginine (6 or 12 g/24-hour) led to nonsignificant decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure; the decrease was greater during night.

CONCLUSION

These findings showed that supplementation with L-arginine is not necessarily advantageous in healthy people.

Impaired nucleotide excision repair pathway as a possible factor in pathogenesis of head and neck cancer

Tobacco smoking is one of the major risk factors in pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Many of the chemical compounds present in tobacco are well-known carcinogens which form adducts with DNA. Cells remove these adducts mainly by the nucleotide excision repair pathway (NER). NER also eliminates a broad spectrum of pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and photo-products (6-4PP) induced by UV-radiation or DNA cross-links after cisplatin anti-cancer treatment. In this study DNA damage and repair was examined in peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from 20 HNSCC patients and 20 healthy controls as well as HTB-43 larynx and SSC-25 tongue cancer cell lines. DNA repair kinetics in the examined cells after cisplatin or UV-radiation treatment were investigated using alkaline comet assay during 240min of post-treatment incubation. MTT assay was used to analyse cell viability and the Annexin V-FITC kit specific for kinase-3 was employed to determine apoptosis after treating the cells with UV-radiation at dose range from 0.5 to 60J/m(2). NER capability was assessed in vitro with cell extracts by the use of a bacterial plasmid irradiated with UV-light as a substrate for the repair. The results show that lymphocytes from HNSCC patients and HTB-43 or SSC-25 cancer cells were more sensitive to genotoxic treatment with UV-radiation and displayed impaired DNA repair. Also evidenced was a higher rate of apoptosis induction after UV-radiation treatment of lymphocytes from the HNSCC patients and the HTB-43 cancer cells than after treatment of those from healthy donors. Finally, our results showed that there was a significant decrease in NER capacity in HTB-43 or SSC-25 cancer cells as well as in peripheral blood lymphocytes of HNSCC patients compared to controls. In conclusion, we suggest that the impaired NER pathway might be a critical factor in pathogenesis of head and neck cancer.

Intermodal interferometer for strain and temperature sensing fabricated in birefringent boron doped microstructured fiber

We present a compact in-line fiber interferometric sensor fabricated in a boron doped two-mode highly birefringent microstructured fiber using a CO(2) laser. The intermodal interference arises at the fiber output due to coupling between the fundamental and the first order modes occurring at two fiber tapers distant by a few millimeters. The visibility of intermodal interference fringes is modulated by a polarimetric differential signal and varies in response to measurand changes. The proposed interferometer was tested for measurements of the strain and temperature, respectively, in the range of 20-700 °C and 0-17 mstrain. The sensitivity coefficients corresponding to fringe displacement and contrast variations are equal respectively for strain -2.51 nm/mstrain and -0.0256 1/mstrain and for temperature 16.7 pm/°C and 5.74×10(-5) 1/°C. This allows for simultaneous measurements of the two parameters by interrogation of the visibility and the displacement of interference fringes.

Polymorphisms of the DNA repair genes XRCC1 and ERCC4 are not associated with smoking- and drinking-dependent larynx cancer in a Polish population

BACKGROUND

Tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking generate oxidative DNA damage and may contribute to larynx carcinogenesis. The X-ray repair cross complementing 1 (XRCC1) and excision repair cross-complementing rodent repair deficiency, complementation group 4 (ERCC4(XPF)) genes are important components of DNA excision repair systems, which repair DNA damage induced by various factors, including tobacco smoking and alcohol.

AIM

To investigate the association between the genotypes of the XRCC1-Arg399Gln (rs25487) and ERCC4-Arg415Gln (rs1800067) polymorphisms and smoking- and drinking-related larynx cancer in a Polish population.

METHODS

The polymorphisms were determined by PCR-RFLP method in 253 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and 253 sex- and age-matched controls.

RESULTS

We did not find any association between the investigated polymorphisms and larynx carcinoma, dependent on either smoking or drinking status. No association was found between these polymorphisms and larynx cancer grade, stage or age at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that Arg399Gln polymorphism of XRCC1 gene and Arg415Gln polymorphism of ERCC4 gene may not be associated with smoking- and drinking-related larynx cancer in Polish population.

DNA double strand breaks repair and apoptosis induction in peripheral blood lymphocytes of head and neck cancer patients

AIM

To evaluate the generation and repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) as a critical factors that define the efficiency of radiation therapy of cancer patients.

METHODS

Peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from 18 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and 18 healthy donors were studied. The efficiency of DSBs repair after genotoxic treatment with hydrogen peroxide and gamma-radiation were examined by neutral comet assay. MTT assay was used for cell viability analysis and Annexin V-FITC kit specific for kinase-3 was employed to determine apoptosis.

RESULTS

Lymphocytes from HNSCC patients were sensitive to genotoxic treatment and displayed impaired DSBs repair. Finally, as a consequence of this finding we have evidenced higher rate of apoptosis induction after gamma-radiation treatment of lymphocytes from HNSCC patients than those from healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

DSBs repair and increased apoptosis in cells of patients with head and neck cancer is relevant for efficient therapy of HNSCC.

Nonlinear control of soliton pulse delay with asymmetric dual-core photonic crystal fibers

Dual-core photonic crystal fiber nonlinear couplers permit the achievement of distortion-free power-controlled delay of picosecond pulses. The stable control of pulse time delay is achievable by means of resonance soliton solutions.

Polymorphisms of the DNA base excision repair gene MUTYH in head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) comprise about 6% of all malignant neoplasms. The major risk factors of -HNSCC are smoking and alcohol consumption. Genetic polymorphisms of DNA repair enzymes may lead to genetic instability and carcinogenesis. MUTYH gene encodes a DNA glycosylase that can initiate the base excision repair (BER) pathway and prevent G:C > T:A transversion by excising adenine mispaired with 8-hydroxyguanine produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

AIM

to perform a case-control study to test the association between polymorphism in the MUTYH gene: Tyr165Cys and head and neck cancer risk progression.

METHODS

Genotypes were determined in DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes of 193 patients (among them 97 subjects with precancerous hyperplastic laryngeal lesions and 96 subjects with head and neck cancer) and 140 age, sex and ethnic-matched cancer-free controls by tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR (T-ARMS-PCR).

RESULTS

We found an association between head and neck cancer risk and the Tyr165Tyr variant of the MUTYH gene (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.19-3.97). For Tyr165Tyr genotype we also observed positive correlation with cancer progression assessed by tumor size (OR 4.56; 95% CI 1.60-12.95). We did not observe any correlation between Tyr165Cys polymorphism of MUTYH gene and precancerous hyperplastic laryngeal lesions risk.

CONCLUSION

The Tyr165Tyr polymorphic variant of the MUTYH gene may be associated with head and neck cancer in Polish population.

Hand exposure to ionising radiation of nuclear medicine workers

The specific nature of work in nuclear medicine departments involves the use of isotopes and handling procedures, which contribute to the considerable value of an equivalent dose received, in particular, by the fingertips. Standard nuclear medicine department uses ring dosemeters placed usually at the base of the middle finger. The main aim of the study was to find out whether a relationship exists between the doses recorded by thermoluminescent detectors placed at various locations on the radiopharmacists' hands and the doses recorded by the ring detectors, and to determine the character of that relationship. The correction factor represents a correction value to be used to calculate the doses which might be received by locations on the hand from the dose recorded by the ring dosemeter. The dose recorded by the ring dosemeter is on the average five times lower than that received by the fingertips of thumb, index and middle fingers.

Experimental investigations of bending loss oscillations in large mode area photonic crystal fibers

We demonstrate experimentally that bending loss in large mode area photonic crystal fibers oscillates with wavelength. To do so we carried out loss measurements for different fiber bend radii and for different angular orientations. These results confirm the oscillatory behavior of bending loss vs. wavelength as predicted recently by numerical analysis [J. Olszewski et al., Opt. Express 13, 6015 (2005)]. We also found good agreement between our measurement results and our simulations relying on a finite element method with perfectly matched layers and an equivalent index model.

Sentinel node biopsy in patients with breast cancer—evaluation of exposureto radiation of medical staff

AIM

To measure the absorbed doses of radiation to hands of medical staff performing sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 2004, during sentinel node biopsies in 13 breast cancer patients (T1/T2N0). Sentinel nodes were identified with the use of combined radiotracer/blue dye technique (lymphoscintigraphy--99mTc on albumin carrier, surgery after 24 h; blue dye; intraoperative detection of gamma radiation). Highly sensitive thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) made of LiF were used to assess the absorbed doses of radiation during the procedure. During lymphoscintigraphy and during surgical procedure a total of 57 TLDs was placed on different parts of hands of medical staff.

RESULTS

Maximal dose recorded during lymphoscintigraphy by TLDs placed on the hands of the physician injecting the radiotracer was 164 microSv. Mean recorded doses were higher for non-dominant hand, especially for distal parts of the index finger, third finger and thumb. During the surgical procedure, TLDs placed on the hands of medical staff recorded much lower doses of radiation than during lymphoscintigraphy. The highest dose was recorded by TLD placed on the pulp of the dominant hand index finger (22 microSv) of the operating surgeon. Mean doses recorded by TLDs placed on the hands of the operating surgeon ranged from 2 to 8 microSv. The absorbed dose of radiation to hands of the scrub nurse was similar to that absorbed to hands of the operating surgeon.

CONCLUSION

The maximum recorded dose during sentinel node biopsy in this study was 2200 times smaller than current 1-year dose limit.

Comparative assessment of aluminum and lead concentrations in serum and tissue bioptates in patients with laryngeal papilloma or cancer

A comparative assessment of toxic element concentrations in serum and tissue bioptates in patients with laryngeal papilloma or cancer was performed. Examinations were conducted in 60 patients (40 men and 20 women) aged 20-88 years (average 59 +/- 05). Patients were divided into 3 groups; 20 patients with laryngeal papilloma were in group I, 20 with laryngeal cancer were in group II, and 20 with deviated nasal septums were included as a control group (III). Diagnosis of laryngeal papilloma (removed by direct microlaryngoscopy--Kleinsasser method) and laryngeal cancer (removed by the Rethi method) was histopatologically confirmed in patients from groups I and II, respectively. Patients in the control group received functional surgery to repair deviated nasal septums. Serum and tissue samples were obtained from all patients before surgery. Aluminum and lead concentrations were analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) using a Spectroflame M spectrometer. The considerable rise of aluminum and lead concentration in tissue bioptates and aluminum in serum in groups I and II in comparison to the control group suggests that these elements may play a significant part in the aetiology and development of precancerous lesions and laryngeal cancers. Measuring toxic chemical element concentrations in tissue bioptates can be useful in the diagnosis and estimation of development of precancerous lesions of the larynx as well as laryngeal cancer. Toxic elements concentration may play a significant role in carcinogenesis and may determine trends in cancer aetiology.

Qualitative and quantitative studies in electron microscopy on influence of experimental ischemia of the vertebral arteries on the outer hair cells function in guinea pigs

Histological studies were performed in 20 guinea pigs, both sexes, weighing 250-300 g and divided into two groups: I--control (anaesthetized animals without surgery), II--examined (in anaesthetized animals through an incision of the skin and muscles of the neck), the left or right vertebral artery was exposed and a vascular clip was inserted into the foramen of the transverse process of the 2-nd cervical vertebra. 50 days after this procedure, the guinea pigs were again anaesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of 35% solution of chloral hydrate, then vascular and cochlear perfusion with 3.6% solution of glutaraldehyde was performed. Simultaneously, by means of micropreparation, samples of cochlea were made for electron studies by means of electron microscope (Philips EM 300). In qualitative histopathologic examinations in guinea pigs of II group, the ischemia changes of the outer hair cells were greater in the side of irritation of the vertebral artery than at the opposite side. At the receptor side of these cells, under the membrane, there are multilamellar outgrowths in the shape of cisterns, partly expanded. The relative volume of external compartment of mitochondria in control group is as follows respectively: 0.15 +/- 0.0% at the right side and 0.15 +/- 0.08% at the left side, and in II group, respectively: 0.22 +/- 0.06% at the side of irritation and 0.19 +/- 0.07% at the opposite side. The obtained data in electron microscopy, both qualitative and quantitative pointed at ischemia changes of outer hair cells in guinea pigs after prolonged irritation of periarterial plexus of vertebral artery.

Distribution of equivalent doses to skin of the hands of nuclear medicine personnel

During direct contact with radiation sources, for example in nuclear medicine departments, the skin of the hands of workers is the area most exposed to radiation. Measurements with finger dosemeters containing thermoluminescent detectors showed that doses received may reach values as high as 100 mSv y(-1). The specific nature of work performed with isotopes contributes to the considerable differences in the value of an equivalent dose received by the metacarpus, wrist and fingertips. The annual equivalent doses to which fingertips are exposed may exceed the annual dose limit of 500 mSv.

[Therapeutic efficacy assessment of cefuroxime axetil in short 4 day course of empirical antibiotic therapy in patients with bacterial infections of upper respiratory tract and otitis media]

There were examined 261 patients aged 18-62 ambulatory treated and divided into five groups: I--65 patients with acute maxillary sinusitis, II--43 patients with exacerbation of chronic maxillary sinusitis, III--40 patients with angina, IV--61 patients with acute otitis media and V--52 patients with exacerbation of chronic otitis media. Cefuroxime axetil have applied 2 times a day in 500 mg oral dose by 4 days. The therapeutic efficacy of cefuroxime axetil was assessed on the basis: fever chart and self assessment chart of showed symptoms which were assessed from 0 to 4.4 days course antibiotic therapy showed that the total receding of illness symptoms stated in 90.8% patients with acute maxillary sinusitis, in 69.8% patients with exacerbation of chronic maxillary sinusitis, in 62.5% patients with angina, in 91.8% patients with acute otitis media and receding of acute symptoms of exacerbation with chronic otitis media--a ear pain in 88.5% patients and a ear leakage in 44.2% patients. The obtained results stated that the 4 days course of cefuroxime axetil can be sufficient and efficacy in treatment of acute bacterial infections of maxillary sinuses and ear media.

[Histopathological verifications clinical indications in the inferior turbinoplasty]

Surgical treatment in cases of disturbances of nasal patency caused changes in the nasal inferior turbinates are controversial. The authors performed the microscopic (light microscope) and morphometric examinations of mucous membrane of the nasal inferior turbinates obtained after inferior turbinoplasty in patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis and compensation hypertrophy of nasal inferior turbinate accompanied of nasal deviation septum. Analysing of morphologic changes in mucous membrane of the nasal inferior turbinates verified of clinic indications to inferior turbinoplasty.

System for personal dosimetry in interventional radiology

The progress made in radiological image processing and transmission is being widely applied in new branches of medicine. The increasing use of interventional radiology in research and clinical practice means that new groups of workers are being exposed to radiation and need to be covered by a system of radiation protection. Interventional radiology requires the operator and assisting personnel to remain close to the patient; typically these procedures require placement of the hands within the radiation field. A system of hand dose monitoring was introduced in Poland in 2000. This system uses ring badges with TL dosemeters. The measurements conducted so far characteristically show an asymmetric right-sided distribution of monthly doses. As expected, operators and their assistants are the most exposed groups of medical personnel. Average hand doses may be very dependent on the type of procedure, personal skills and quality of equipment. The hand doses of these personnel are significant from a radiological protection point of view.

Hand exposure in nuclear medicine workers

As a result of the gamma radiation emitted by radioactive elements (e.g. 99mTc and 131I) used in nuclear medicine laboratories for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, nuclear medicine workers are exposed to whole-body doses. These doses arc usually measured by using individual film dosemeters. Lead or lead glass shields used during the handling of radioisotopes minimise the whole-body doses received. Nevertheless, part of the job has to be performed manually, hence the hands are more exposed to radiation. This paper presents the results of measuring the equivalent dose to the hands of workers employed in five selected nuclear medicine laboratories where technetium and iodine radioisotopes are in common use. Sixty workers, including physicians, nurses, radiopharmacists and technicians, were included in the study. Doses were measured at 1 month intervals. The study indicated that, in some instances, the danger of radiation dose to the hand may be significant. Monthly doses exceeded 50 mSv, which may suggest that an annual dose may be higher than 500 mSv.

Efficient and predictable recovery of viruses from water by small scale ultrafiltration systems

Current methods to concentrate viruses from large volumes of water are prone to inconsistent results and are costly and complex procedurally. Ultrafiltration can utilize size exclusion rather than adsorption and (or) elution to concentrate viruses and, therefore, may offer greater flexibility in developing methods that can provide more consistent recoveries among different viruses and widely varying water conditions. Two small scale ultrafiltration systems (hollow fiber and tangential flow) were tested with a virus suspended in 2 L of reagent grade, tap, ground, or surface water. Three model viruses were used (bacteriophages PP7 and T1 and poliovirus) to compare and characterize the recovery of viruses with the two ultrafiltration systems. Pretreatment of the ultrafilters with blocking agents and the use of elution agents can serve to prevent viral adsorption to the filter surface or to elute bound virus and keep viral agents suspended in the retentate. The use of a blocking and elution step concentrated viruses (>60% recovery) from widely varying water qualities, including surface water, such that a single method can be used to efficiently concentrate viruses from all of the water types tested. Both ultrafiltration systems appear to be able to efficiently recover viruses; however, the hollow fiber systems provided slightly better results in the 2-L volumes tested.

Efficient and predictable recovery of viruses from water by small scale ultrafiltration systems

Current methods to concentrate viruses from large volumes of water are prone to inconsistent results and are costly and complex procedurally. Ultrafiltration can utilize size exclusion rather than adsorption and (or) elution to concentrate viruses and, therefore, may offer greater flexibility in developing methods that can provide more consistent recoveries among different viruses and widely varying water conditions. Two small scale ultrafiltration systems (hollow fiber and tangential flow) were tested with a virus suspended in 2 L of reagent grade, tap, ground, or surface water. Three model viruses were used (bacteriophages PP7 and T1 and poliovirus) to compare and characterize the recovery of viruses with the two ultrafiltration systems. Pretreatment of the ultrafilters with blocking agents and the use of elution agents can serve to prevent viral adsorption to the filter surface or to elute bound virus and keep viral agents suspended in the retentate. The use of a blocking and elution step concentrated viruses (>60% recovery) from widely varying water qualities, including surface water, such that a single method can be used to efficiently concentrate viruses from all of the water types tested. Both ultrafiltration systems appear to be able to efficiently recover viruses; however, the hollow fiber systems provided slightly better results in the 2-L volumes tested.Key words: ultrafiltration, waterborne virus, poliovirus, enterovirus.

Histopathological verification of clinical indications to partial inferior turbinectomy

Surgical treatment in cases where disturbances of the nasal patency causes changes in the nasal inferior turbinates is controversial. The authors performed light- and electron microscopy and morphometric examinations of the mucous membrane of the nasal inferior turbinates obtained after partial inferior turbinectomy in patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis and compensation hypertrophy of the nasal inferior turbinate accompanied by nasal deviation of the septum. In specimens obtained from patients with vasomotor rhinitis, a small number of glands and fibrosis of the lamina propria was observed. In specimens obtained from perennial allergic rhinitis patients, plenty of glands and large oedema was observed. In the group with compensatory hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate, normal glands and fibred areas around the vessels were observed. The largest histopathological changes of degeneration and hypertrophy of the nasal mucosa were observed in vasomotor rhinitis patients. Histopathological examination of nasal mucosa slides confirmed the usefulness of a partial inferior turbinectomy, but only in vasomotor rhinitis patients.

Alpha spectrometry for measuring activity of glass-embedded 210PO isotope

Measurements of exposure to radon are performed using numerous research methods which register either temporary or periodic radon concentrations. At the end of the 1990s reports on the possibility of defining past exposure to radon on the basis of measurement of the contents of 210Pb embedded in surface layer of glass were published. The registration of alpha particles emitted with glass was made using the spectrometric system. Use of the system for alpha spectroscopy leads finally to a significant lowering of the bottom threshold of detection and limits the influence of the negative background on the examined glass.

[Conservative treatment of patients with borderline ovarian tumors]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to characterise group of patients with borderline tumours undergoing surgical treatment.

DESIGN

The analysis included 83 patients with ovarian tumours of borderline malignancy at stage Ia, operated in the Gynaecological Department of Medical University of Gdańsk between 1978-1997. The study takes into account comparison of: age of patients, type of surgery, tumour pathology, post surgical treatment. Furthermore, long term follow up was assessed.

RESULTS

In the group of 83 patients with stage Ia 37 ware treated with conservative surgery, 46 underwent radical treatment. Postsurgical chemical treatment was not applied. Three patients had to be reoperated because of neoplasm disease recurrence. 8 patients were died from reasons not connected with main disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative surgery is proper treatment for young women with borderline ovary tumours in stage Ia. For older, perimenopausal women TAH with BSO without additional chemotherapy is suggested.

[The case of giant pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland with the malignancy features]

The aim of the study was showed the case of patient aged 41 years, treated in the Otolaryngology Department of Military Medical Academy because of giant pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland with the malignancy features. After performed of the BAC of tumour, the CT of neck and the scintigraphy of salivary glands the patient qualified for operation. The tumour resected with capsule and the superficial lobe of the left parotid gland, conservating of function of the facial nerve. The histopathologic examination proved the mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the pleomorphic adenoma didn't infiltrate of capsule. After oncologic consultation the patient had not of complementary radiotherapy, because the operation was radical and the carcinoma had a low radiosensitivity. The above mentioned case confirms of the reports, that the pleomorphic adenoma can undergo of malignancy changes, however the gigantic tumour doesn't write off possibility of operating success.

[Clinical and immunohistoenzymatic investigations in patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis]

The aim of our study was evaluation of the results of clinical examination in patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis and assessment of number of blood vessels, nerve fibres and mast cells on the basis of immunohistoenzymatic examination. There were 42 patients examined aged from 18 to 50 and divided into three groups: I--16 patients with vasomotor rhinitis and II--14 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and III--12 patients (control) with nasal septum deviation. On the basis of the patient's history data, clinical otorhinolaryngologic examination and active anterior rhinomanometry the patients were qualified to bilateral inferior turbinectomy. The nasal mucosa removed during surgery underwent immunohistoenzymatic examination using the monoclonal antibody against the tryptase of mast cells (MCT company, DAKO), the endothelin of blood vessels (EC - DAKO) and the neurospecific enolase (NSE - DAKO). In examined groups of patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis and control group similar escalation of clinical symptoms expressed by means of points index were stated. In immunohistoenzymatic studies the differences in mean number of blood vessels and nerve fibres between examined groups were not statistically significant, however statistically significant difference concerned higher number of mast cells patients with vasomotor rhinitis in comparison to perennial allergic rhinitis.

[Evaluation of oxygen free radical generation and antioxidative enzymatic activity in blood of patients with carcinoma of the larynx (preliminary report)]

The aim of the study were the evaluation of generation of oxygen free radical and antioxidative enzymatic activity in blood of patients with carcinoma of larynx (7 persons, aged 48-68) in comparison with healthy persons (15, aged 21-28). The superoxide anion generation of blood granulocytes described by the rate of the reducted cytochrom C at rest and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan according to Bellavite et al. were measured. The enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase in blood (method of Misra and Fridovich), catalase (method of Beers and Sizer) and malonyl dialdehyde (method of Placer et al.). The obtained data pointed at the growth of generation of oxygen free radical in blood (at rest and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan) of patients with carcinoma of larynx in comparison with the healthy ones. At the same patients with carcinoma of larynx observed at significant reduction of antioxidative enzymatic activity against the oxygen species generation in blood and significant growth of peroxidation lipids and disturbances of function of cells the human body.

Tinnitus suppression by electrical promontory stimulation (EPS) in patients with sensorineural hearing loss

OBJECTIVE

Almost 10-15% of the population suffer from chronic tinnitus. There are clinical indications that a 'pathological sound' may be induced by any level of the auditory pathways. Theraupeutical difficulties and many hypotheses about tinnitus and places from which they originate might indicate various methods of treatment. Electrostimulation tinnitus suppression was achieved by many authors from 22 (Graham, Hazell) to 87% (Portman). The aim of our study was to define the usefulness of electrostimulation in treatment of persistent noise induced cochlear lesion tinnitus (group I - 43 men) and compare the results with the non noise induced tinnitus group II (68 patients).

METHODS

Otolaryngological and audiological examination of the patients was made before and after electrostimulation, and at 90 days. The stimulation system consisted of a prototype tinnitus suppressor, the active platino-iridium needle electrode and silver surface electrode located on the forehead. Transtympanal electrical stimulation was performed using positive polarity direct current. Parameters of electrical impulse were individually different and depended on tinnitus parameters and patients sensation. The current levels ranged from 20 to 600 microA and frequency ranged from 60 to 10000 Hz. Average time of EPS was 60 s.

RESULTS

The control examination 90 days after stimulation in group I showed subjective improvement in 18 (41.9%) patients, 22 (51.2%) did not notice any change and tinnitus deteriorated in 3 (6.9%) of the patients. In the comparative group II improvement was occurred in 34 (50%) persons including 2 (17.6%) in whom tinnitus was abolished, in 30 (44.1%) tinnitus was unchanged and 4 (0.6%) became worse. In both groups our method did not have a destructive influence on hearing. Electrical stimulation to relieve tinnitus has been used for nearly 200 years, but it is unclear how electrical stimulation works to suppress tinnitus.

CONCLUSION

In our opinion electrical stimulation by using positive DC changes the spontaneous activity of cochlear nerve fibres. According to our results it is suggested that the mechanism of beneficial effects is due to increased microcirculation in part of the auditory pathways. Poorer results in patients with noise induced tinnitus could be explained by greater damage of the cochlea outer hair cells. In our opinion EPS could be a method of treatment for persistent tinnitus in cases which fail to respond to other methods.

[Analysis of premature twin pregnancies and deliveries]

Preterm labor is the most frequent complication of twin gestation. Between 1988-1998, 123 twin pregnancies complicated by preterm labor were observed. Complications during pregnancy, mode of delivery, neonatal outcomes, mortality and morbidity were presented. We compared our outcomes to data from current literature.

[Antioxidant enzymatic activity in blood of patients with chronic hypertrophy of the maxillary sinuses and larynx and the carcinoma of the larynx]

The aim of the work was the examinations of antioxidant enzymatic activity in blood of patients with chronic hypertrophic of maxillary sinusitis (15 patients) and laryngitis (10 patients), and carcinoma of larynx (7 patients) in comparison with healthy persons (15). The enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase in blood (method of Misra and Fridovich), katalase (method of Beers and Sizer) and malonyl dialdehyde (method of Placer) were evaluated. The obtained results pointed at significant reduction of antioxidant enzymatic activity against the oxygen species generation in blood of patients with chronic hypertrophic of maxillary sinusits and laryngitis and mainly with the carcinoma of larynx (in comparison with healthy persons). At the same patients observed the significant growth of peroxydation lipoid and disturbances of function of cells the human body.

[Speech understanding in patients after stapedectomy (early results)]

The authors report a comparison the parameters of the speech audiometry (SRT, SDS) and the hearing level before and after stapedectomy in patients to and over 50 years of age. 87 patients (107 ears) with otosclerosis were undergoing stapedectomies on the local anaesthesia via a transcanal approach. Control examination was performed 21-30 days postoperatively on average. Average improvement of the hearing level for the speech frequency (PTA) was better in patients to 50 years of age (29.5 dB) than in group over 50 years of age (26.5 dB). Parameters of speech audiometry (SRT and SDS) post stapedectomy were better in patients over 50 years of age.

Measurement of 210Po atoms content in glass as an indicator of long-term exposure to radon

Measurements of exposure to radon are performed using numerous research methods which register either temporary or periodic radon concentrations. The method presented below allows for the estimation of average radon concentration in the past. This is possible due to indirect measurement of the contents of 210Pb embedded in glass structure. The half-life of 210Pb is about 22 years. A number of exposures of window glass to radon have been carried out in laboratory conditions (radon chamber) and the obtained results were used to calculate the coefficient that renders it possible to define global indoor exposure to radon. The registration was made using a track detector CR-39, which records alpha particles resulting from the disintegration of 210Po, one of 222Rn decay products.

[Pregnancy and delivery after liver transplantation: case report]

We report a case of successful pregnancy in a 22-year-old primigravida who became pregnant 19 months after orthotopic liver transplantation for end-stage liver dysfunction caused by Wilson disease. The mother continued immunosuppressive therapy (tacrolimus) during the pregnancy. No complications were observed. Labour started spontaneously at 40th week's gestation. As a result the healthy male infant weighing 3900 g was born. Patient and the baby were discharged from hospital, both in good condition, on the fifth day after delivery.

[Problems of contraception in women with Wilson disease]

Because of the constant progress in medical therapy, the fertility status of patients with Wilson's disease may be preserved. Contraceptive counselling is, therefore, essential to these women. Some contraceptive methods can have a negative influence on hepatic function or hepatic insufficiency may reduce the efficacy of other contraceptives. Different contraceptive options for patients with Wilson's disease are described. Second generation intrauterine devices with copper and estrogen-containing oral contraceptives are contraindicated. Spermatocide and barrier contraceptives and progesterone-only preparations can be safely used.

[A comparison of clinical and surgical-pathologic staging of advanced vulvar cancer]

A surgico-pathological staging system introduced in 1988 by FIGO replaced previously used clinical classification of vulvar cancer extent. The aim of our study was to compare retrospectively the prognostic value of both of these staging systems (with the modification of surgical staging introduced in 1994) in the group of 123 vulvar cancer patients undergoing radical surgery including lymph node dissection in our institution. The comparison of both staging systems is presented in the table. Ninety patients (73%) have been assigned to the same stage in both systems, in 27 patients (22%) the use of surgical system resulted in upstaging, as compared to the clinical classification and 6 patients (5%) have been down-staged by the surgical system. In the analysis of prognostic value of both classifications the surgical staging system proved to have better discriminating power for prediction of survival in vulvar cancer patients.