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Biomedical subjects

A Szczurowicz

Publications and source records attributed to A Szczurowicz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

[The value of skin densitometry in diagnosis of decreased bone mass in the spine of women during the period around and post-menopause].

OBJECTIVE: In peri- and postmenopausal women, the association of skin thickness with bone mass is well described, and a low skin thickness is a useful predictor of osteoporosis. In this study the association between skin thickness and bone mass of lumbar spine in peri- and postmenopausal women was assessed; and the potential for skin thickness as a screening test for osteoporosis evaluated. DESIGN/METHODS: Skin thickness was measured at the arm by ultrasonography (probe 22 MHz). Bone mass was measured at lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. One hundred and three peri- and postmenopausal women were studied. RESULT: Successive decrease of skin thickness going along with the loss of lumbar spine bone mass was found. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in skin thickness between group of females with normal bone mass and group with osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound skin measurement is a very simple method which can be used in the diagnostics of osteoporosis of the lumbar spine in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2001

[Co-existence of reduced femur neck density and reduced skin thickness].

OBJECTIVE: In peri- and postmenopausal women, the association of skin thickness with bone mass is well described, and a low skin thickness is a useful predictor of osteoporosis. In this study the association between skin thickness and bone mass of femoral neck in peri- and postmenopausal women was assessed; and the potential for skin thickness as a screening test for osteoporosis evaluated. DESIGN/METHODS: Skin thickness was measured at the arm by ultrasonography (probe 22 MHz). Bone mass was measured at the neck of femur by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. One hundred and three peri- and postmenopausal women were studied. RESULT: Successive decrease of skin thickness going along with the loss of femoral neck bone mass was found. There was a statistically significant difference in skin thickness between group of females with normal bone mass and group with osteopenia (p < 0.05) and osteoporosis (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound skin measurement is a very simple method which can be used in the diagnostics of osteopenia and osteoporosis of the neck of femur in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1997

Galanin, galantide and galanin (1-14)-[alpha-aminobutyric acid8]-scyliorhinin-I: structure dependent effects on the rat isolated gastric fundus.

The study was undertaken using selected pharmacodynamic parameters to describe the effects of porcine galanin(1-29)-NH2; porcine galanin fragments; galantide; porcine galanin(1-14)-[alpha-aminobutyric acid8]scyliorhinin-I and the analogues of the latter peptides on rat isolated gastric fundus muscle. All tested peptides, apart from galanin(16-29)-NH2 evoked reproducible concentration-dependent contractions with significantly decreased activities in comparison to the potency of the native galanin(1-29)-NH2 molecule. The order of the contractile ability in the group of galanin(1-29)-NH2 short fragments was as follows: [lysine14]galanin(1-15)-NH2 > galanin(1-15)-OH > galanin(1-15)-NH2 > [glycine5] galanin(1-15)-NH2 > galanin(2-15)-NH2 > [glycine5,lysine14]galanin(1-15)-NH2. Aside from [lysine14]galanin(1-15)-NH2 which had a lower efficacy, none of the peptides showed significant changes in this respect in comparison to the intact galanin(1-29)-NH2 molecule. The concentration-response curves of the tested peptides were to the right and their slopes besides from: galanin(1-15)-OH; galanin(2-15)-NH2; [glycine5]galanin(1-15)-NH2 remained not significantly different from galanin(1-29)-NH2. Hill's coefficient for galanin(1-29)-NH2 is 1.03 indicating an interaction of one galanin(1-29)-NH2 molecule with one receptor, fulfilling criteria of classical receptor theory. For galanin fragments Hill's coefficients are < 1 implying that the rules of classical theory may not apply. Galantide and analogues exhibited a subsequent decrease in potency: [cycloleucine4] galantide > galantide > [homoserine6]galantide > [phenylalnine(4fluor)17] galantide. Galanin(1-14)-[alpha-aminobutyric acid8]-scyliorhinin-I and its analogues contracted the gastric fundus with a decline in strength: galanin(1-13)-[norleucine10]-scyliorhinin-I(3-10) > galanin(1-13)-[phenylalanine(4fluor)7]-scyliorhinin-I > galanin(1-14)-[alpha-aminobutyric acid8]-scyliorhinin-I > galanin(1-13)-[alpha-aminobutyric acid8, norleucine10]-scyliorhinin-I(3-10). They all displayed a greater efficacy than galanin(1-29)-NH2, and the concentration-response curves were slightly to the right, almost parallel to that of galanin(1-29)-NH2. Slopes of the curves were not significantly different from galanin(1-29)-NH2. Hill's coefficient for the galantide, [cycloleucine4]galantide; [homoserine6]galantide; [phenylalanine(4fluor)17]galantide and galanin(1-13)-[phenylalanine(4fluor)7]-scyliorhinin-I are < 1. Hill's coefficients for galanin(1-13)-[norleucine10]-scyliorhinin-I(3-10); galanin(1-14)-[alpha-aminobutyric acid8]-scyliorhinin-I; galanin(1-14)-[alpha-aminobutyric acid8, norleucine10]-scyliorhinin-I(3-10) are > 1. A Hill's coefficient markedly different from 1 might indicate that an activation of more than one type of receptors, negative or positive receptor cooperativity or multiple-step agonist-receptor reaction.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Contractile action of galanin analogues on rat isolated gastric fundus strips is modified by tachyphylaxis to substance P.

This study was undertaken to characterize the interaction of porcine galanin (Gal) and some of its analogues with their receptors on rat gastric fundus muscle strips. Gal, galantide (M15) and Gal(1-14)-[Abu8]SCY-I evoked concentration-dependent contractions of gastric smooth muscle strips. Reproducible effects were observed in concentrations of 1-300, 3-1000 and 100-3000 nM, respectively. Specific EC50 for the contractile effect equalled 13.70 and 187 nM. Hill's coefficient for Gal is 1.03 indicating an interaction of one Gal molecule with one receptor, fulfilling the criteria of classical receptor theory. For M15 and Gal(1-14)-[Abu8]SCY-I Hill's coefficients are different from 1, namely 0.73 and 1.56, pointing out that the principle of interaction of one drug molecule with one receptor may not apply. The contraction induced by 300 nM of Gal was not significantly modified by tachyphylaxis to substance P (SP). On the contrary the introduction of tachyphylaxis to SP decreased the contractile effects of M15 and Gal(1-14)-[Abu8]SCY-I by about 57.7 +/- 3% and 39.6 +/- 5%, respectively. The findings suggest that contractile actions of M15 and Gal(1-14)-[Abu8]SCY-I are probably not only due to their agonist activities at Gal receptors but may result from a subsequent stimulation of receptors for SP or release of endogenous SP.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Gravidic macromastia. A problem for the patient and for the doctor.

Gravidic macromastia is a condition characterized by an excessive and generalized enlargement of the breasts which occurs during pregnancy or shortly after pregnancy. It is a rare condition whose etiology is unknown. Most Authors describe it as a pathology which is influenced by a disturbed play of hormones of hypersensitivity of mammary tissue to normal hormone stimulation. A therapeutic approach is discussed with reference to the literature.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

GnRH analogs in treating uterine leiomyomata and endometriosis.

The results of hormonal examinations, measurements of dimensions of the uterus and leiomyomas, body weight, and also frequency of incurred climacteric signs in patients treated with Decapeptyl Depot 3.75 mg for three months are reported. Subjects consisted of 12 women, among whom nine were treated for leiomyomas and four for endometriosis (one patient also had leiomyomas). Based on examinations carried out, the biggest decrease of the uterus and leiomyomas was 13-17% observed just after two doses of analog, though after the end of treatment the dimensions of the uterus slowly increased. Therefore, 2-month therapy could be used successfully as preparation for further conservative surgical treatment. Significant increase of body weight in treated patients was not observed. In women with endometriosis pain symptoms in the hypogastric area and dyspareunia regressed during treatment and at the end were not observed. The disadvantages of therapy with Decapeptyl Depot 3.75 was the rapid occurrence of symptoms--climacteric signs, especially hot flashes--which were badly tolerated by patients. All these symptoms almost totally regressed one month after ending therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Management of breech delivery and its influence on the newborn].

Authors analyse the newborns general well-being after the breech delivery in the two-years periods in 1983-84 and 1993-94. During this period of time the routine delivery by the caesarean section in primiparas was introduced. The statistically significant improvement in the general state on newborns measured by the Apgar score was observed in primiparas. All other data were comparatively similar.

Apgar Score↗
PubMed1996

[Forceps delivery--obstetric indications and outcome].

Authors analysed 170 forceps delivery in comparison to the control group of normal vaginal delivery. We analysed mothers age, obstetrical history, gestational age and duration of labour as well as traumatization, loss of blood and hospitalisation time. Analysed concerned as well the newborns state in the Apgar score its delivery way and newborn injuries. The most frequent indication for the forceps delivery was the imminent foetal asphyxia. The second stage of delivery lasted significantly longer, the blood lost was greater and the hospitalisation prolonged. Newborns presented poorer after-delivery condition measured in the Apgar score.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Conjoined twins--diagnostic and therapeutic strategies].

The authors have analysed three cases of twin pregnancies complicated by the conjoined of the fetuses. Based on own experience and informations from the literature the general diagnostic and therapeutic strategy of dealing with this condition has been purposed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1996

[Non-obstetric indications for cesarean section from five years of material].

During the period 1990-94, in the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The Medical Academy of Gdańsk 13,079 deliveries took place including 1635 cesarean section, which makes 12.5%. In 282 women (17 percent of these) surgical procedures were performed due to a non-obstetrical indications, 122 pregnancies were complicated by maternal diabetes mellitus-these women were excluded from the present study. A constant percentage increase of cesarean sections was observed-by 1.45% every year, from 10.23% to 15.97%, but the percentage of non-obstetrical indications for operative delivery was stabilized to approximately 9.79%. The most frequent non-obstetrical indications for the cesarean section were pregnancies complicated by: hypertension-33.75%, ophtalmological-20.57%, uterine myomas-16%, women heart diseases-10%, pelvic pathology-8.75%, neurological disorders-8.12%. The indications for cesarean section did not have influence on gestational age.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMed1996

[Morphometric analysis of the human placenta in physiologic term pregnancy].

Thirty placentas (after physiological deliveries of full term pregnancies) were morphometrically examined. Computer aided analysis of microscopic picture was used in those examinations. Measurements of terminal villi and epithelial plates were underwent. The efficiency of measuring methods was confirmed in morphometric examinations. The area of metabolic transport in placental plates was estimated to 1,222 m2. The results of measurements may constitute the basis for further examinations on morphology placenta.

Cell Count↗
PubMed1996

Desensitisation of substance P decreases the contractile effect of M15 and Gal (1-14)-(Abu 8) SCY-I on the rat gastric fundus.

Tachyphylaxis to SP decreased the effect of M15 and Gal(1-14)-[Abu8]SCY-I on gastric smooth muscles, without effect on the action of Gal. These findings support our initial hypothesis: the action of M15 and Gal(1-14)-[Abu8]SCY-I on the smooth muscles may not only be due to their agonist activity at Gal receptors, but may result from a subsequent stimulation of receptors for SP and perhaps for other tachykinins as well, however, a possibility that Gal analogues release endogenous SP can not be excluded. Further studies involving a tachykinin antagonist (spantide) are in progress at the moment. [1].

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Changes in levels of human placenta lactogen (hPL), progesterone, and estriol in blood serum and estrogens in urine during gestational diabetes mellitus].

The aim of the study was estimation of endocrinological function of placenta in pregnancy complicated by GDM. The study were performed on a group 13 women with GDM and 14 women in normal pregnancy. All women with GDM were treat by diet and intensive insulinotherapy with self monitoring levels of glucose. In women with GDM level of fructosamine and HbAlc were significant higher but in normal range. In 28, 36, 37, 38, 39 week of pregnancy were determined levels of hPL, oestriol and progesterone in serum and daily excretion of oestrogens in urine. From 36 week of pregnancy levels of hPL, oestriol and progesterone were significant lower in women with GDM. In 39 week of pregnancy level of hPL was 9.34 micrograms/ml vs. 12.71 micrograms/ml, p < 0.01, oestriol was 495.77 nmol/l vs. 681.14 nmol/l, p < 0.01 and progesterone was 25.12 ng/ml vs. 34.52 ng/ml, p < 0.01 respectively in women with GDM and in normal pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Carcinoid syndrome in a pregnant woman. Case report].

The carcinoid syndrome was discussed based on the reference materials. The aim of the work is to present the course of pregnancy ended by the delivery of a full-term healthy child by a 32-year-old multipara with the carcinoid syndrome diagnosed 3 years earlier.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Changes in levels of chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and its subunit alpha and beta in pregnancy complicated by diabetes (GDM)].

The aim of the study was estimation of endocrinological function of placenta in pregnancy complicated by GDM. The study were performed on a group 13 women with GDM and 14 women in normal pregnancy. All women with GDM were treat by diet and intensive insulinotherapy with self monitoring levels of glucose. In women with GDM level of fructosamine and HbAlc were significant higher but in normal range. In 28 and 36 week of pregnancy were determined levels of hCG, alpha hCG, beta hCG, in serum. Level of hCG in control group and in women with GDM were respectively 97.29 U/ml vs. 29.29 U/ml, p < 0.01 in 28 week of pregnancy and 77.23 U/ml vs. 37.93 U/ml, p < 0.05 in 36 week. Level of alpha hCG was lower and beta hCG was higher in group with GDM.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1995

[Complete heart block treated with electrotherapy in a 30-year-old pregnant women with Kearns-Sayre syndrome].

Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) is a form of mitochondrial myopathy in which specific clinical features, namely progressive external ophthalmoplegia, pigmentary retinal degeneration and onset before age 20 occur. It can also be associated with cardiac conduction defects, neurological and variety of endocrine and metabolic disorders. Recognition of mtDNA deletion as the genetic basis of KSS has confirmed the validity of clinical criteria. The purpose of the report is to describe a 30-year-old woman presenting typical clinical features of KSS. On muscle biopsy ragged red fibres and mitochondrial abnormalities on electron microscopy were seen. In spite of menstrual disturbances she became pregnant and delivered health child. In 30 week of pregnancy the VVI pacemaker was implanted because of syncope most probably related to paroxysmal complete heart block.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Evaluation of the course of pregnancy and the newborn state in women with bronchial asthma].

The course of pregnancy and the condition of newborn babies were studied in 18 women who suffer from severe bronchial asthma, intensified during the time of pregnancy, and 20 with a mild course of the same disease. The danger of intrauterine hypotrophia of the fetus was proved in women with the active bronchial asthma. Additional studies showed that the more serious the case was, the bigger decrease of the value of estrogen and placental lactogen was. Because of the possibility of sudden deterioration of a patient's condition, detailed assessment in necessary in all women with bronchial asthma.

Adolescent↗