Biomedical subjects

A Malinowski

Publications and source records attributed to A Malinowski.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Localization and interaction effects in strongly underdoped La2-xSrxCuO4.

The in-plane magnetoresistance (MR) in La(2-x)SrxCuO4 films with 0.03< x <0.05 has been studied in the temperature range 1.6 to 100 K, and in magnetic fields up to 14 T, parallel and perpendicular to the CuO2 planes. The behavior of the MR is consistent with a predominant influence of interaction effects at high temperatures, switching gradually to a regime dominated by spin scattering at low T. Weak localization effects are absent. A positive orbital MR appears close to the boundary between the antiferromagnetic and the spin-glass phase, suggesting the onset of Maki-Thompson superconducting fluctuations deep inside the insulating phase.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Precession and motional slowing of spin evolution in a high mobility two-dimensional electron gas.

Optical spin-dynamic measurements in a high-mobility n-doped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well show oscillatory evolution at 1.8 K consistent with a quasi-collision-free D'yakonov-Perel'-Kachorovskii regime. Above 5 K evolution becomes exponential as expected for collision-dominated spin dynamics. Momentum scattering times extracted from Hall mobility and Monte Carlo simulation of spin polarization agree at 1.8 K but diverge at higher temperatures, indicating the importance of electron-electron scattering and an intrinsic upper limit for the spin-relaxation rate.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

[Recurrent spontaneous abortion of alloimmunologic etiology--diagnosis and immunotherapy].

Alloimmunologic mechanisms have been implicated in a number of heretofore unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) and various forms of immunotherapy have been introduced to treat couples suffering from this condition. The treatment most widely used has been immunization using allogenic leukocytes from the partner. This immunotherapy is offered by many medical centers in the USA and elsewhere, although its efficacy remains controversial. Published trials and meta-analyses of published and unpublished studies have yielded conflicting results (success rate 57%-87%). The multicenter study performed under the auspices of the American Society of Reproductive Immunology concluded that contradictory results of investigations could be caused by the heterogeneity of study groups. Because of controversy about the efficacy of allogeneic leukocytes immunization for treatment of RSA, intravenous immunoglobulin as an alternative treatment have been sought. Small number of randomized, controlled trials of IVIG for treatment of RSA have been published. Although these results show that IVIG is effective in the treatment of RSA (live birth rate of 61-85%), it still is not clear what the ideal dosage is, and how frequently and how long IVIG therapy should be given.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed2001

[The influence of paternal lymphocytes immunization on percentage of peripheral blood CD16+/CD56+ cells in women with primary recurrent spontaneous abortion].

OBJECTIVES: Paternal lymphocytes immunization has been proposed for several years as an efficient treatment for unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (RSA), however precise mechanism that underline the benefits of this immunotherapy is still unclear. DESIGN: The aim was to study the influence of paternal lymphocytes immunization on percentage of peripheral blood NK cells (CD16+/CD56+) in women with primary RSA of unknown etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 patients with history of 3-5 (mean 3.3 +/- 0.7) consecutive primary RSA of unknown etiology were selected for the study. Immunotherapy with paternal lymphocytes, isolated from 100 ml of peripheral blood, was performed twice prior conception with a 4-week interval. The percentage of NK cells (CD16+/CD56+) was estimated using standard flow-cytometric immunofluorescent techniques for whole blood with one-step monoclonal anti-CD16/CD56 antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed with Wilcoxon test and the p value less than 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: It was found that paternal lymphocytes immunization significantly decreases the percentage of NK cells in peripheral blood in women with RSA (23.9 +/- 8.5 vs. 16.2 +/- 7.0; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The data of the present studies suggest that paternal lymphocytes immunization modulate immunity in women with primary unexplained RSA significantly decreasing the percentage of NK cells (CD16+/CD56+) in peripheral blood.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed2001

[Parameters of peripheral whole blood neutrophil activity in women with pregnancy induced hypertension].

OBJECTIVES: Pregnancy induced hypertension is believed to be a state of neutrophil overactivity, however all previous studies were done on isolated cells. DESIGN: To study neutrophil activity in whole blood of PIH women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Neutrophil activity was estimated without isolation, in peripheral whole blood of 23 PIH women and 26 normal pregnant controls. The chemiluminescence test was performed without any stimulation and upon stimulation of neutrophils with fMLP, OZ and PMA, before and after pre-activation with TNF-alpha. The results were corrected according to the haemoglobin concentration and (%) of neutrophils. The percentage of whole blood neutrophils indicating expression of selectins CD18, CD11b, integrin CD62L and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of these molecules were studied on flow-cytometry. RESULTS: The study revealed that neutrophil chemiluminescence was not significantly higher in PIH women and after correction coefficient used it was even lower in PIH patients. TNF-alpha preactivation had no influence on chemiluminescence results. Expression of CD11b expressed as MFI value was significantly increased while that of CD62L, expressed as (%) of positive cells and MFI value--decreased in PIH patients. CONCLUSIONS: Changes of neutrophil CD11b and CD62 expression indicate increased activity of these cells in PIH women, however low production of reactive oxygen species estimated by corrected chemiluminescence test especially after TNF-alpha pre-activation, indicates that this form of their reactivity is rather "exhausted" during PIH.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Decidual lymphocyte subsets in pregnant women].

OBJECTIVES: Materno-foetal immunological reactions in decidua are probably one of the most important elements in pathogenesis of preeclampsia. DESIGN: To compare lymphocyte subsets isolated from decidua of preeclamptic pregnant women with lymphocyte subsets isolated from healthy pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preeclampsia (PE) was defined according to USA National Health Institute criteria. The study group consisted of 21 women with PE and 11 women with physiological pregnancy. All pregnancies were finished with elective cesarean sections. Exclusion criteria were: uterine contractions, infection, chorinamnionitis, diabetes mellitus and therapy with steroids less than 7 days before blood sampling. Decidual tissue was obtained by curettage of the uterine cavity. The fragments of decidua were separated from clotted blood and placed in sterile tubes with 5 ml of isotonic solution (PBS). Then the decidual tissue was mechanically fragmented, homogenized and rinsed in PBS. Routine immunofluorescent marking techniques with monoclonal antibodies were performed. Analysis was done with FACSCalibur flow-cytometer with 488 nm argon laser using CellQuest programme. The following lymphocyte subsets were estimated: CD3, CD19, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD29, CD8/CD28, CD4/CD45RA, CD4/CD45RO, CD56/CD16, CD69. The results were described as percentage of lymphocytes positive for above surface molecules. Statistical analysis was performed using t-Student and U-Mann-Whitney tests. The work was sponsored by KBN 4 P05E 118 15 grant. RESULTS: Decidua of pregnant PE women contains significantly increased percentage of CD3-/ CD56 + 16+, CD8+/CD28+ cells and decreased percentage of CD3+, CD19+, CD4+/CD29+ and CD4+/CD45RA+ compared to decidua of healthy pregnant controls. CONCLUSIONS: These changes suggest that deficiency of suppressor activity as well as aberrant immunoregulation exists in decidual tissue of PE women.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[The place of laparoscopy in gynecological practice--useful technique for diagnostic and treatment of infertility and endometriosis].

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate indications for laparoscopy performed in Department of Gynecological Surgery of Polish Mother's Memorial Research Institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have analyzed hospital charts of 342 patients who had been treated with laparoscopy in 1991-1999. RESULTS: During last years a progressive frequency in performing laparoscopic procedures has been noted (4.7% of all surgical treatment in 1991-93, 6.4% in 1994-96, 16.3% in 1997-99, and 25.2% in 1999). An increased percentage of operative laparoscopic procedures has also been observed (11.9% in 1991-93 vs 59.8% in 1994-96 vs 86.9% in 1997-99). The major indication for performing laparoscopy was: infertility (145--42.4%), endometriosis (90--26.4%) and benign ovarian tumors. Most of laparoscopic operations were performed due to benign pathological changes found in adnexa (218--68.6%). Laparoscopy has been recently introduced in surgical treatment of uterine myoma (enucleation, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy-LAVH) and diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma. Complications were found in 19 (5.5%) cases: 11 cases (3.2%) intraoperative and 8 (2.3%) cases postoperative. Bleeding from abdominal wall vessels was the most often intraoperative complications, whereas an infection was the most common postoperative one. Because of complications laparoscopy turned into laparotomy in four cases. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is a safe and useful technique for treatment some gynecological pathology (especially infertility and endometriosis) with a small number of complications.

Endometriosis↗

PubMed2001

[Serum cytokines in patients with ovarian cancer and benign ovarian cysts].

UNLABELLED: The aim of our study was to evaluate serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) as tumor markers--study based on the data about tumor cytokines production and tumor-host interactions. METHODS: We investigated 48 women: 17 with ovarian cancer untreated before, 16 with benign ovarian cysts and 15 healthy controls. Venous blood for cytokines determinations were obtained before operations and during routine screening tests. Titers of cytokines were measured by means of ELISA technique. RESULTS: In the control group the upper limit of normal IL-6 titers (95th percentile) was 5.5 pg/ml; the mean IL-8 concentration was 9.6 +/- 15.1 pg/ml and the upper limit of normal was 37 pg/ml; serum TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were not detectable. In patients with benign ovarian cysts the levels of all investigated cytokines didn't differ significantly from healthy controls. Women with ovarian cancer had significantly higher serum IL-8 levels (mean: 290.5 +/- 351 pg/ml) than healthy controls or women with benign ovarian cysts; 88% of them had IL-8 titers above the normal. The IL-6 titers in ovarian cancer were also higher but didn't reach statistical significance, 53% of them had IL-8 titers above the normal. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma levels in ovarian cancer were similar to patients with benign ovarian cysts. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-8 levels in patients with ovarian cancer were significantly higher when compared to healthy controls and benign ovarian cysts and in almost 90% of ovarian cancers the titers of IL-8 were increased. Additionally, 53% of women with ovarian cancer had elevated serum IL-6 levels.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed2001

[Analysis of urinary tract injury during gynecological surgery performed with preoperative ureter catheterization or intraoperative ureter control].

DESIGN: To analyze urinary tract injuries during gynecological surgery performed with preoperative ureter catheterization or intraoperative ureter control. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 1986 chosen gynecological operations performed between 1990-1998 in Dept. of Gynecological Surgery Polish Mother's Health Center Institute. RESULTS: The overall frequency of urinary injuries was 2.15%. It was less during gynecological surgery performed with ureter catheterization compared to intraoperative ureter control only (ureter: 0.30% vs. 0.55%, p = 0.22; urinary bladder: 0.40% vs. 0.90%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: 1/ urinary injury was twice as frequent during ureter control than during ureter catheterization, 2/ urinary injury was the most frequent complication during hysterectomy with adnexa, 3/ the results of our analysis should be treated as a vote "for" ureter catheterization before gynecological surgery.

Female↗

PubMed2001

[Colposuspension during abdominal hysterectomy--own modification].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of own modification of colposuspension using the musculofascial flap during abdominal hysterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 57 patients operated on uterine and/or vaginal prolapse; 45 of them had also others pelvic gynecological disorders. Prolapsed or lowered vaginal walls were corrected by colposuspension or cervical suspension using musculofascial flap (made of the rectus abdominis muscle sheet and pyramidal muscle). The flap was sharply separated from the anterior wall of rectus abdominis muscle sheet going up from pyramidal muscle to umbilical region where it ended. Its end was sutured to vaginal vault and uterosacral ligaments. This gave a flattening of rectovaginal pouch and shortage of rectovaginal distance. RESULTS: The incidence of usual complaints as: hypogastric pain, uterine/vaginal prolapse feeling and vaginal dryness was significantly decreased after the operation. The quality of sexual functions was also improved. The incidence of urine incontinence and polyuria didn't change after the operation. CONCLUSION: The own modification of colposuspension during abdominal hysterectomy is an effective method of treatment in cases of uterine/vaginal prolapse with other pelvic gynecological disorders.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMed2000

Metallic nonsuperconducting phase and D-wave superconductivity in Zn-substituted La1.85Sr0.15CuO4

Measurements of the resistivity, magnetoresistance, and penetration depth were made on films of La1.85Sr0.15CuO4, with up to 12 at. % of Zn substituted for the Cu. The results show that the quadratic temperature dependence of the inverse square of the penetration depth, indicative of d-wave superconductivity, is not affected by doping. The suppression of superconductivity leads to a metallic nonsuperconducting phase, as expected for a pairing mechanism related to spin fluctuations. The metal-insulator transition occurs in the vicinity of k(F)l approximately 1, and appears to be disorder driven, with the carrier concentration unaffected by doping.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Anthropological characteristics of a case of microcephaly.

The article describes a male [correction of female] skull from the contempoary cementary of Pestkovo, Bulgaria, with morphological traits of microcephaly (skull capacity--907 cm3). The skull was characterised by means of measurements with reference to 60 skulls of contemporary Bulgarians. Thus the normalised data and values of natural Perkal's indices were obtained. Obtained data indicate morphological differences of skull with microcephaly compared with the normal ones. In general, the analysed skull is of a smaller size although the values of its height (porion-bregma), total facial height (nasiongnathion) and palatial length (orale-staphylion) are bigger than in the control group.

Bulgaria↗

PubMed2000

[Clinical consequences of antiphospholipid antibodies in obstetrics and gynecology].

Antiphospholipid antibodies have been reported to be associated with many common clinical settings. Many gynaecologists and obstetricians have suggested their role in the pathogenesis of infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), ectopic pregnancy, intrauterine growth retardation (IURG), intrauterine foetus decay, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), preterm rupture of the membranes (PROM) and preterm labour and premature detachment of the placenta and oligohydramnios and abnormalities of the foetus. Based on our trials and many papers it can be assumed that regular treatment, initiated as early as possible, with using acetylsalicylic acid, heparin, prednisone and IgG allows to prevent diseases above-mentioned.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

PubMed2000

[The role of cytokines in Th1/Th2 balance in pregnant women with transient hypertension].

OBJECTIVES: There is growing evidence that Th1/Th2 imbalance in cytokine network may play role in immunopathology of preeclampsia (PE). Normal pregnancy is "Th2 phenomenon" while PE is believed to be caused by Th1-shift. There is few data concerning Th1/Th2 imbalance in transient hypertension of pregnancy (TH). DESIGN: The aim of this study was to check the hypothesis that changes in IFN-gamma and IL-2 (Th1 cytokines) levels are accompanied with deficit in TGF-beta (anti-Th1 cytokine) production in TH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 10 pregnant women with TH diagnosed between 30-37 week of gestation (mean age 27.0 +/- 3.0 years, mean gestational age 33.5 +/- 3.0 weeks) and 10 women with uncomplicated pregnancy (mean age 26.0 +/- 3.5 years, mean gestational age 35.5 +/- 1.5 weeks). All women were primigravidae matched according to gestational age and race. They had no diabetes mellitus and renal diseases prior to pregnancy neither had any features of them during the study. They had no hypertension before pregnancy. Exclusion criteria were: uterine contractions, infection and therapy with steroids before blood sampling. TH was defined according to USA National Health Institute criteria. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were cultured for 72 hours in standard 1640 RPMI medium enriched with 20% FCS, L-glutamine, antibiotics (Sigma) and mitogen phytohemaglutynine (PHA) (Sigma). Cytokine levels were estimated in culture supernatants by using standard ELISA kits according to the indications of the producer (R&D). Statistical analysis was performed with Student-T test. RESULTS: In TH group the levels of IL-2 were higher compared with control group but the differences did not reach statistical significance (4.5 vs. 1.56 pg/ml, t = -1.00, p < 0.1). The same referred to IFN-gamma levels (754.0 vs. 771.0 pg/ml, t = -0.04, NS). However, TGF-beta levels were significantly lower in TH group compared with control group (2459.2 vs. 4156.4 pg/ml, t = -1.47, p < 0.05). Conclusion is that there is a significant deficit of TGF-beta production in peripheral blood lymphocytes of women with TH studied "in vitro". This may contribute to Th1-shift seen in TH similarly to PE.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[The role of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations in differentiation between preeclampsia and transient hypertension].

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is the most frequent complication of pregnancy after 24th week of gestation, occurring in 8% of pregnancies and being the main cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. It is classified as preeclampsia (PE) or transient hypertension (TH). According to some statements PE and TH are distinct syndromes of different pathogenesis. There are even opinions emphasizing that in most cases TH is in fact undiagnosed chronic hypertension. The role of immunological system in pathogenesis of PE is well known but the hypothesis that immunological events are engaged in pathogenesis of chronic hypertension has not been proved so far. Assuming that TH is closer in its pathogenesis to chronic hypertension than to PE it would be possible to differentiate between TH and PE using some immunological tests. If PE and TH are the same, the differences would be insignificant. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to check the hypothesis that peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets analysis is an useful tool in differentiation between PE and TH and confirmation of their distinct origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study groups consisted of 19 pregnant women with PE (mean age 25.5 +/- 2.5 years, mean gestational age 32.5 +/- 2.5 weeks, 84.2% primiparae) and 14 pregnant women with TH (mean age 27.0 +/- 3.0 years, mean gestational age 33.5 +/- 3.0 weeks, 100% primiparae) diagnosed between 30-37 week of gestation. All women were matched according to gestational age and race. They had no renal diseases or chronic hypertension prior to pregnancy neither had any features of them during the study. Exclusion criteria were: uterine contractions, infection and therapy with steroids before blood sampling. PE and TH were defined according to USA National Health Institute criteria. Peripheral blood was obtained by venipuncture. Standard immunofluorescent marking techniques for whole blood with one-step monoclonal antibodies were performed. Lymphocyte subsets (CD19+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3-/CD16+/CD56+, CD3+/CD16+/CD56+, CD8+/CD28+, CD4+/CD45RA+, CD4+/CD45RO+, CD3+/CD69+) analysis was done with flow-cytometer FACSCalibur with 488 nm argon laser. The lymphocyte cells region was chosen with LeucoGATE and analysis performed with SimulSET v.3.1 programme. Statistical analysis was based on Student T test. RESULTS: The differences in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets composition between PE and TH were insignificant. CONCLUSION: Is that on the basis of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets analysis PE and TH despite different clinical symptoms seem to have common pathogenesis. However there is possibility that changes observed in peripheral blood are not significantly different in PE and TH because of their low importance for immunopathogenesis.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Comparison of platelet activation and procoagulant activity of blood cells in healthy pregnant women and EPH-gestosis patients].

OBJECTIVES: EPH-gestosis is one of the most frequent complications of pregnancy, labour and puerperium. Despite its unknown ethiology, many authors suggest a vital role played by platelets as an ethiopathogenic factor. The aim of this study was to observe the level of platelets activation in EPH-gestosis subjects. STUDY DESIGN: Platelets activation level has been observed in 16 EPH-gestosis third semester pregnant women and 14 normotensive third semester pregnant controls. Platelets double-labeled with monoclonal antibodies and a flow cytometer have been used in assessment of platelet activation level. Anti-P-selectin (GMP 140- Granule Membrane Protein) has been used as a marker of the platelet released reaction. Fibrinogen, D-dimers, antithrombin and thrombin-antithrombin complexes levels have been analyzed. RESULTS: An increased platelet activation (p < 0.005) as well as the increased level of thrombin-antithrombin (p < 0.005) in pregnant EPH-gestosis women comparing to control group, has been observed in the study. CONCLUSIONS: A state of hypercoaguability and enhanced platelet activation in pregnant EPH-gestosis women have been observed.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Effect of maternal labor and mode of delivery on function of neonatal cord blood neutrophils].

There are data to suggest that the method of delivery modifies the immunological balance of newborn infants. In this study, an effect of maternal labor and mode of delivery on the neutrophil activity was evaluated in healthy full-term neonates. Neutrophils were obtained from cord blood of two group neonates: 14 vaginally delivered and 12 delivered by elective cesarean section without preceding labor. Neutrophil functions were studied by measuring the chemotaxis, chemiluminescence and phagocytosis activity and by investigating the expression of phagocyte receptors CD11b on neutrophils using receptor-specificMoAbs and immunofluorescence flow cytometry. Infants born by elective cesarean section had significantly higher chemiluminescence activity, chemotaxis and higher expression of CD11b receptors than those delivered vaginally. We suggest that physiological changes associated with stress during labor could explain these differences observed in neutrophil functions.

Cesarean Section↗

PubMed2000

[The influence of paternal lymphocyte immunization on the balance of Th1/Th2 type reactivity in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion].

OBJECTIVES: Paternal lymphocyte immunization has been proposed as an efficient treatment for unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), however precise mechanism that underlie the benefits of this immunotherapy are still unclear. It was proposed that successful pregnancy is reminiscent of T helper 2 (Th2)--dominant situation but unsuccessful pregnancy is a Th1-type situation. The aim of the study was the evaluation of influence of paternal lymphocyte immunization on the balance of Th1/Th2--type reactivity in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 8 patients with a history of 3 or more consecutive primary spontaneous abortions of unknown etiology and no positive autoimmune factors were selected for the study. Immunization with paternal lymphocytes, obtained from 100 ml of peripheral blood, was performed twice prior conception with a 4-week interval. The following immunological parameters were studied: peripheral blood T lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3, CD4, CD8) and secretion of the Th1-type cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma), Th2-type cytokines (IL-6) and TGF-beta 1 by phytohaemaglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes. Evaluation of immunity parameters were performed before and 2 weeks after immunotherapy. RESULTS: It was found that paternal lymphocytes immunization significantly increase the percentage of CD4 T lymphocytes (37.11 +/- 7.65 vs. 41.38 +/- 5.57, p = 0.007). Immunotherapy also leads to a significant enhancement in Th2-type cytokines (IL-6) secretion (22,677 +/- 17,907 mg/ml vs. 44,550 +/- 15,907 mg/ml, p = 0.008) and a significant decreasing in Th1-type cytokines (IL-2) secretion (6.50 +/- 5.98 mg/ml vs. 0.00 +/- 0.00 mg/ml, p = 0.0179). CONCLUSIONS: The data of the present studies suggest that paternal lymphocytes immunization modulate of immunity in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Our studies indicate a shift in the balance fo cytokine profiles away from Th1-type reactivity to a Th2-type reactivity after immunotherapy.

Abortion, Habitual↗