Tom 28 (2015): Zeszyt 1 (March 2015)

The redox cycle triggered by one electron reduction of doxorubicin and tirapazamine - both anticancer agents - leads to superoxide production. This superoxide production itself removes one iron atom from the [4Fe-4S] cluster, being an active center of aconitase. In addition, the incurred changes in cell redox equilibrium may affect lipid metabolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate a concomitant effect of both drugs on hepatic aconitase activity and triglycerides level. In our study, doxorubicin (1.8 mg/kg b.w.) was administered intraperitoneal (i.p.) six times, once a week, within male Wistar rats, to achieve a cumulative dose of 10.8 mg/kg b.w. Two hours before every doxorubicin administration, tirapazamine in the dose of either 5 or 10 mg/kg b.w. was also i.p. injected. A week after withdrawing drug administration, the liver was taken for biochemical analysis. Therein, an increase in aconitase activity and a decrease in triglycerides level was seen in all groups exposed to doxorubicin. Our work demonstrated that tirapazamine administration had no influence on both tested parameters, but its higher dose rate normalized aconitase activity affected by doxorubicin.

Purpose. To define how extensive is the use of the vignettes method for quality of life assessment.

Methods. An internet search of different databases was performed to identify and enumerate the publications involving studies in which the vignettes method is employed in relation to quality of life assessment (QoL). PubMed-Medline and Cochrane were scrutinized for publications based on the same search criteria.

Results. Our search found that 6 Cochrane and 105 Medline publications, as well as 28 articles were published between 2011-2014. However, only 7 match the objective of the search.

Conclusion. The rating of vignettes is a promising additional technique to measure changes in QoL and utilities, however, it is not very often employed by the researchers. It can be considered for use as supplementary method to standard QoL measurement methods.

Infections caused by non-albicans Candida spp. are an important medical problem in people from risk groups, e.g. hematooncological patients. The aim of this paper was to analyse the in vitro activity of micafungin against 30 clinical isolates of non-albicans Candida spp. (C. glabrata, C. famata, C. tropicalis, C. inconspicua, C. lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei) by way of the E-test procedure, allowing determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Data presented in this paper indicate that most of the studied clinical isolates - 27 (90%) showed sensitivity to micafungin, with MIC values ranging from 0.004 to 2 mg/l, while 3 (10%) isolates, including 2 isolates of C. tropicalis and 1 isolate of C. famata, were resistant to micafungin, with MIC values > 32 mg/l. The MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values of micafungin, defined as MIC inhibited growth of 50% or 90% of the isolates studied, were 0.008 mg/l or 2 mg/l, respectively. In the case of C. glabrata isolates, MICs ranged from 0.004 to 0.016 mg/l, while MIC₅₀ was 0.004 mg/l and MIC₉₀ - 0.008 mg/l. Our data confirm the utility of micafungin for the therapy of the infections caused by non-albicans Candida spp., especially C. glabrata.

Recent findings have demonstrated the impaired functions of neutrophils of patients with chronic renal failure. The purpose of our research was to study oxidative modified proteins, as well as the histone spectrum in neutrophils drawn from patients with chronic kidney disease, and to estimate the ability of neutrophils to form spontaneous neutrophil extracellular traps. In this work, we have assumed that metabolic alteration in neutrophils may develop at early stages of chronic kidney disease. Materials and methods: Neutrophils obtained from patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease and degrees of chronic renal failure were used. As control, blood samples obtained from 32 healthy individuals was employed. In the examined neutrophils, advanced oxidation protein products, protein reactive carbonyl derivatives, as well as nucleosomal histones were detected. The ability of neutrophils to form spontaneous neutrophil extracellular traps was estimated. Our results have demonstrated an increase of nucleosomal histones in neutrophils of all patients with chronic kidney disease. Moreover, our work fixes the rate of growth of intracellular advanced oxidation protein products and the decreasing of protein reactive carbonyl derivatives in neutrophils from patients with chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, we demonstrate the presence of the neutrophils with altered oxidative status and the decomposition of the histone spectrum in the circulation of patients with chronic kidney disease.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition of multiple origins. It is characterised by a range of behaviour patterns, in addition to disturbed social and emotional functioning. Of note, early therapy is conducive to better treatment results. A few recently discussed therapies have a particularly positive impact on children with ASD. Corbett et al. [2] proposed Sense Theatre. This involves instilling appropriate behaviours and communication patterns into the afflicted individual through acting. Role-playing and other similar techniques also offer an opportunity for children with ASD to improve their areas of empathy and social cooperation. With regard to bio-feedback-related techniques, Friedrich et al. [3] was noted for developing the Brain-computer method, a system of game interface connected to an external device. The method targets the mirror neuron system (MNS) in order to enhance cognitive, emotional and behavioural functions through neurofeedback. An approach put forward by Solomon et al. [10] is called ‘Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters (PLAY) Project Home Consultation’. Herein, volunteers visit patients’ homes on a regular basis to engage the children in play and games, after which they discuss with parents, the issues that came up. The PLAY reduces guardians’ stress levels and improves children’s skills. A pharmacological method is that of administering sulphoraphane [9], which reduces damaging effects. As others claim [8,1,7], other dietary approaches prove efficient as well. In summation, an early intervention and the employment of a multimodal treatment approach can be of importance for enhancing the life of ASD-affected children.

The superior thoracic aperture is a place particularly vulnerable to the occurrence of tissue conflict and the development of a number of neurovascular changes carrying a risk of upper limb dysfunction. The triggering factor in this case is the pressure on the nerve vascular elements brought about by too large muscles of the chest and neck, clavicle fracture and dislocation of the upper ribs, anomalies in the form of ribs, in the neck, or by apex of the lung tumors. Each anatomical anomaly may be a cause of a number of lesions and lead to the development of the disease. Due to the nature of the oppressed structures, there are two basic groups: neurogenic and vascular. The most common variant giving clinical symptoms is neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. In this, the compression ratio, the brachial plexus, and for this reason, the vascular surface of the upper limb dysfunction is often overlooked. However, the vascular variant, and especially arterial sub-variant, is very dangerous because it can give complications even in the form of aneurysms, and even upper limb ischemia. The aim of the study is to present the most common changes in the thoracic outlet causing functional disorders of the upper limb.

World-wide, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an important clinical problem. In such, the most frequently isolated uropathogen is Escherichia coli. In the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs, e.g. cystitis, the widely used antibiotics are nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin trometamol or ciprofloxacin, while the treatment of pyelonephritis requires the usage of antibiotics with a broader spectrum of activity, such as cephalosporins of the 3rd and 4th generation, aminoglycosides or even carbapenems. The aim of this study was to assess the susceptibility to aminoglycosides (such as amikacin, gentamicin, netilmicin and tobramycin) of E. coli isolated from UTIs in adult community patients living in Lubelszczyzna. We found that all of the 86 strains of E. coli encountered were susceptible to amikacin. Moreover, the prevalence of susceptibility to tobramycin, gentamicin or netilmicin among the tested strains was found to be 89,5%, 90,7% or 94,2%, respectively. The data obtained in the present study shows the high susceptibility to aminoglycosides of E. coli isolated from the community-acquired UTIS in adults. These data, together with that derived from current literature, indicate that aminoglycosides, when employed in combination therapy with other antibiotics, may still be very useful group of antibacterial agents in the treatment of UTI’s in Poland.

Recently, several studies have been undertaken so as to develop more effective therapeutic approaches towards eradicating Helicobacter pylori. Among these is phytotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity in vitro of the plant extracts obtained from common herbs cultivated in the Lubelszczyzna region against the reference strain H. pylori ATCC 43504. Among these are thyme herbs, chamomile flowers, peppermint leaves and coneflower herbs. Herein, it was found that the MIC values of the assayed extracts were as follows: the extracts from coneflower herbs showed anti-H. pylori activity with MIC = 31.3-125 μg/ml; the extracts from chamomile flowers demonstrated MIC = 31.3-62.5 μg/ ml; the extracts from peppermint leaves had MIC = 15.6-250 μg/ml; and the extracts from thyme herbs revealed MIC = 15.6-62.5 μg/ml, depending on the solvent used. The most active were the extracts obtained with ethyl acetate or ethanol alcohol absolute 99.8%. These showing MIC within the range of 15.6-62.5 μg/ml, while the lowest activity was observed in case of the extract obtained with 70% aqueous ethanol. This last showing MIC within the range of 62.5-250 μg/ml. The MIC values of essential oil components were 15.6 μg/ml for bisabolol and menthol or 31.3 μg/ml for thymol. The obtained data indicate that the assayed herbs possessed promising anti-H. pylori bioactivity.

Fosfomycin is an old antibiotic with a unique chemical structure and with broadspectrum activity against numerous bacterial pathogens, both Gram-positive and Gramnegative, including resistant and multi-resistant strains. This antibiotic was accepted into clinical practice in the early 1970s. Its use, however, has been limited for several years for treating mainly lower uncomplicated urinary tract infections (in the form of fosfomycin trometamol taken orally). Nowadays, many clinicians and scientists are looking at this antibacterial drug for its employment in the treatment of severe infections caused by multi-resistant bacteria. Fosfomycin as an intravenous formulation (fosfomycin disodium) achieves clinically relevant concentrations in the serum and the cerebrospinal fluid, in kidney, bladder wall, prostate, lungs, bone and heart valves tissues, as well as in inflamed tissues and abscess fluid. The available clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of intravenous fosfomycin for the management of severe infections caused by multiresistant pathogens.

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination with being physiologically stressed often occurs in in the course of different pathologies. This situation may result in the alteration of digestive system functioning. The effect of stress brings about changes in the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), arginase, cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipid peroxidation, whereas the use of NSAIDs interrupts the multiple functions of the cell via the inhibition of prostaglandins (PGs) synthesis. Taking into account that NOS and COX-systems are connected in their regulation, the aim of the study was to determine the role played by NOS and lipid peroxidation under conditions of the combined action of NSAIDs and stress. In our study, male rats were used. The NSAIDs (naproxen - a non-selective COX inhibitor, celecoxib - a selective COX-2 blocker, and the compound 2A5DHT (which is the active substance of dual COX, and the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor, darbufelone) were all administered at a dose 10 mg/kg, prior to water restraint stress (WRS). WRS brought about an increase of inducible NOS (iNOS) activity in the intestinal mucosal and muscular membranes, as well as in the pancreas. Because of this, constitutive NOS izoform (cNOS) and arginase activities decreased. Moreover, the MDA concentration increased, indicating the development of oxidative stress. In our work, pretreatment with naproxen, as in the WRS model, engendered a decrease in iNOS activity. What is more, administration of Celecoxib did not change iNOS activity, as compared to WRS alone, and it showed a tendency to reduce lipid peroxidation. In addition, 2A5DHT prior WRS brought about a decrease of iNOS activity, with the subsequent rise of cNOS activity. Of note, MDA concentration decreased in all studied organs, indicating the reduction of lipid peroxidation under the action of the darbufelone active substance.

In this work, we describe the boundary percentile scope values of transversal characteristics of the dental arch of boys and girls of Podillia, with diagnosed orthognathic bite. The study group consists of individuals with different forms of head and face. Our findings are that, in girls, unlike boys, set differences exist in the transversal dimensions of the upper and lower jaw, both in the distribution of the shape of the head, and the type of face. In boys with different head shape, larger values of transversal size of dental arch are evidenced when contrasted with the corresponding groups of girls, regarding the maxilla in 46.7% of all cases and the mandible in 22.2% of all cases, as well as with different types of faces in 66.7% of cases regarding the maxilla and 55.6% in the mandible.

The objective of our work is to examine the influence of prolonged administration of an opioid, on the course of the reparative process of a multiple post-injection wound inflicted upon a white rat’s skin, doing so by way of using light microscopy. The studies were carried out on 24 mature white male rats, aged 4.5-7.5 months, with weights of 130-150 g. For histological examination, the skin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The preparations were studied and photographed at the magnification of ob.х8, ey.x15 and ob.x40, ey.x10. The «Aver Media» computer system was employed for micropreparations photography. The set levels of light microscopy reveal that the administration of an opioid for a 2 week period does not affect the reparative process of a multiple post-injection wound. Moreover, in most wound canals, the formation of a complete regenerate can be seen. However, after 4 weeks of nalbufin administration, the processes of wound healing slowed and were complicated by the formation of microabscesses. After 6 weeks of opioid administration, destructive changes in the skin were detected. These, in turn, led to the incomplete regenerate formation in the multiple postinjection wound. The experimental results, hence, show the negative effect of prolonged administration of opioid on the reparative processes in the skin.

We found differences in administrative-territorial distributions of dermatoglyphics with regard to somatic healthy men of I adulthood with low and moderate levels intensity of caries. However, separate dermatoglyphics complexes of men with low levels intensity of caries, typical for any region of Ukraine, were not found. The data obtained from the western and southern regions of the country is particularly interesting. This, we believe, is a manifestation of population-regional particularities of the gene pool of Ukrainian men that corresponds to markers of greater physical health than to markers of the progression of the course of caries that is of low intensity. The greatest number of differences by indicator dermatoglyphics is evidenced in men with a medium level intensity of caries. This is concentrated in territorial segments: west↔center↔south and north↔center↔south. Moreover, a great amount of differences are seen in territorial segments: center west↔center↔north and south↔center↔east, while the least difference, albeit still numerous, is noticeable in territorial segments: north↔center↔east. The obtained data are interpreted by us as a manifestation of predisposition to the course of caries of a medium level of affection which is based on differences in the structure of the gene pool of the Ukrainian male population.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) constitute a group of clinical problems involving the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. An etiological connection of TMD with psychological factors was proposed as early as the 1980’s. Indeed, the interdependence of psychological and health aspects in the patient’s treatment, place light upon the more important variables contributing to the various mental disorders that may accompany TMD. Current literature suggests a close relationship between TMD and selected psychological factors, such as personality traits, stress, depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing. Of note, anxiety-depressive disorders, somatisation and catastrophizing contribute to chronic TMD, mainly in the form of myofascial pain. Hence, knowledge of the influence of psychological factors affecting TMD, enables the identification of patients with an increased risk of chronic painful TMD.

The goal of the present article is to initiate a series of papers on Ludwik Fleck’s theories of medical cognition and their contribution to contemporary research on science. I would like, however, to begin with the last statement, in which he signaled, almost half a century ahead of time, the current issues concerning scientific discourse in the socio-cultural dimension.