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Biomedical subjects

E Mróz

Publications and source records attributed to E Mróz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Virulence factors and in vitro adherence of Enterococcus strains to urinary catheters.

The ability to adhere in vitro to urinary catheters and the presence of enterococcal virulence factors was determined in 30 Enterococcus urinary isolates (12 E. faecalis, 12 E. faecium, 3 E. casseliflavus, 3 E. gallinarum). Silicone, siliconized latex and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were examined by sonication quantitative culture technique and scanning electron microscope. As compared to E. faecalis and E. faecium, E. casseliflavus and E. gallinarum displayed lower adhesion to all synthetic materials. All the tests performed showed higher adherence of all tested strains to siliconized latex and silicone than to PVC. Biofilmforming ability was observed in 5 E. faecalis but in none of the remaining strains. The gene coding enterococcal surface protein (Esp) was detected in 7 E. faecalis and 6 E. faecium strains. Gelatinase was found in 1 E. faecalis, 2 E. faecium and hemolysins were found in 6 E. faecalis and 1 E. faecium strains. All E. casseliflavus and E. gallinarum strainswere negative for these traits. Hydrophobic type of cell surface (measured by its affinity for n-hexadecane) was shown in a few isolates. Bacterial adherence was not significantly associated with the above pathogenic factors.

Bacterial Adhesion↗
PubMed2001

[Validity study on the certification and coding of underlying causes of death for the mortality statistic].

The study was designed to assess the differences in the quality of certification and coding practices of underlying causes of death, which the mortality statistics is based upon. The mains focus of the study was the problem of proper selection of the underlying cause of death in various diseases. In the analysis the potential impact of medical experience of the physicians and the hospitalization of patients before the death have been taken in consideration. There were 479 death certificates chosen randomly out of all certificates filled in by 240 medical doctors in 1999 in Krakow. For each death certificate the available clinical case histories for deceased persons have been collected in order that a team of medical experts could formulate their independent opinion about the underlying cause of death. From comparisons of the underlying causes of death from the death certificates with those of experts, the indices of agreement have been calculated. The best overall agreement has been found for the neoplasmatic diseases (83.1%) and the lowest for the chest diseases (30.7%). For cardiovascular diseases the overall agreement was 65.5%, however in coronary heart disease it reached 74.0% and in cerebrovascular diseases 78.7%. Generally, the better agreement has been demonstrated if the additional information about the coexistent diseases or direct causes of the death has been mentioned in the death certificates as well. The longer period of hospitalization of subjects before death was related significantly with the higher agreement indices.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Sensitization to common airborne allergens in school children with bronchial asthma].

The main purpose of the paper was to assess the prevalence of atopy in the population of preadolescent children in Krakow on the basis of allergic skin testing to airborne allergens and to look into the relationship between atopy and chronic asthma-like respiratory symptoms. The field study was carried out in 1998 among 311 children being the subgroup of the cohort of 1044 children included in the 3-year follow-up in Krakow. The health assessment accounted for the standardised interviews and skin prick testing to 11 common airborne allergens. In the total, the positive allergic reaction at least to only one allergen was found in 32.5% children, and it was more prevalent in boys than in girls (40.4% vs 28.1%). Allergy only to indoor allergens was present in 9.7% children, allergy only to outdoor allergens in 9.7%, and allergy both to outdoor and indoor allergens was confirmed in 13% persons. Most frequently, allergy was established to house mites: Dermatophagoides pter. (16.2%), Dermatophagoides farinae (12.0%) and to cat dander (11.4%). Asthma-like symptoms occurred in 11.0% of children and asthma diagnosed by physician in 7.8% of the sample under the study. The results of this study proved that the prevalence of asthma was about twice so high in boys than in girls. The risk of asthma-like symptoms and/or asthma diagnosed by physician increased significantly with the number of positive allergic tests to airborne allergens (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.11-1.52) and atopy in mother (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.03-3.37).

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2000

[Population based studies on the incidence of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function in children from Krakow].

The epidemiologic study has been carried out in the sample of 1048 schoolchildren at the age of 11 years in order to assess the impact of various chronic respiratory symptoms on lung function. The symptoms included chronic dry cough, chronic phlegm, attacks of cough at nights, breathlessness, wheezing independent from respiratory infections or colds, attacks of wheezing at nights, and attacks of dyspnea with wheezing. Lung function was measured by the following spirometric indices: FEV1/FVC%, FEV1, FEF25-75% and PEFR. Multiple regression analysis showed strong statistical inverse relationship between FEV1/FVC% and FEF25-75% and attacks of wheezing at night and attacks of dyspnea with wheezing or asthma diagnosed by physician. The separate analysis performed in the subsample of children without asthma and asthmatic symptoms (attacks of wheezing at night and attacks of dyspnea with wheezing) found out that only chronic dry cough was related significantly to the lower values of FEV1 and PEFR in the children.

Child↗
PubMed1999

The adverse effect of low levels of ambient air pollutants on lung function growth in preadolescent children.

The main purpose of our study was to assess the effect of low concentrations of ambient air pollution on lung function growth in preadolescent children. We accounted for height velocity over the follow-up period and also for other possible confounders such as baseline anthropometric and physiologic characteristics of children. In addition to outdoor air pollution, we considered the possible effects of social class and exposure to indoor pollutants such as gas stove fumes or environmental tobacco smoke. The cohort prospective study was carried out in 1,001 preadolescent children from two areas of Krakow, Poland, that differed in ambient air pollutants. In the city center (higher pollution area), the mean annual level [+/- standard deviation (SD)] of suspended particulate matter was 52.6 +/- 53.98 microg/m(3) and that of SO(2) was 43.87 +/- 32.69 microg/m(3); the corresponding values in the control area were 33.23 +/- 35.99 microg/m(3) and 31.77 +/- 21.93 microg/m(3). Mean lung function growth rate adjusted to height velocity and lung function level at the study entry was significantly lower in boys and girls living in the more polluted areas. Also, the proportion of children with the slower lung function growth (SLFG) was higher in the children from the more polluted area of the city. The analysis completed in the group of children after the exclusion of asthmatic subjects and those with asthmalike symptoms confirmed that, in boys, odds ratios (ORs) for SLFG [forced vital capacity (FVC)] and air pollution after adjustment to baseline FVC, height, and growth rate was significant [OR = 2.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25-3. 69)]. The analysis also confirmed that for SLFG(FEV(1)) the OR was 1. 90 (CI, 1.12-3.25). The corresponding OR values in girls were insignificant (OR = 1.50; CI, 0.84-2.68 and OR = 1.39; CI, 0.78-2. 44). The association between ambient pollutants and poorer gain of pulmonary volumes in children living in more polluted areas suggests that air pollution in the residence area may be a part of the causal chain of reactions leading to retardation in pulmonary function growth during the preadolescent years.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1998

[Occurrence of allergy in school-age children and their parents in relation to atmospheric air pollution. Prospective study in Cracow].

The main purpose of the study was to estimate unknown frequency of allergy in children and in their parents in Krakow and to check the hypothesis that allergy may be related to environmental urban factors. The three-year prospective study was carried out in two areas of the city with contrast air pollution levels and covered 1129 children. The occurrence of allergy in children was based on information from the parents that the disease had been diagnosed by a physician. Data on atopy in parents were supported by the information from parents that atopy-related diseases had been diagnosed by a physician. The prevalence of allergy in boys was much higher than in girls (28.1% vs 17.6%) but the inverse was observed in parents--more frequently it occurred in mothers (17.8%) than in fathers (12.9%). Among parents the prevalence and incidence of atopy was not related to air pollution levels in the place of residence. However, the prevalence odds ratio for allergy in children after accounting for potential confounders (parental atopy, environmental tobacco smoke, social class and household characteristics), was significantly higher among those who lived in streets with higher traffic (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.0-1.9) or in vicinity of local industrial emission sources (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.2-2.4) but it was not related to communal air pollutants (SO2/particulate matter). The similar analysis performed for new cases of allergy in children diagnosed over the three year period confirmed the conclusions gained from the prevalence data.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Allergy and lung function in school children].

In order to measure the effect of allergy on the lung function among schoolchildren a cross-sectional study has been performed in 1048 children of 10-11 year age who attended the grammar schools in Krakow. The lung function was assessed by the following spirometric indices: VC, FVC, FEV0.5, FEV0.75, FEV1, FEF25-75%, FEF0.2-1.2, PEFR while the data on allergy diagnosed clinically by physician was obtained by self-administered questionnaires from the parents of children. For those of the children who had the allergic skin test performed a search in medical records has been carried out. The frequency of allergy diagnosed clinically (without skin tests) was higher in boys (22.3%) than in girls (18.4%) and the same differences have been found for allergy confirmed by skin testing (15.7% vs. 9.3%). Except for VC and FVC, all adjusted mean values of spirometric indices were significantly lower in allergic than in non-allergic group of children. Regression coefficient of spirometric indices were related inversely with the presence of allergy. The greatest effects of allergy (without skin tests) have been observed on PEFR (-180 ml), FEF0.2-1.2 (-171 ml), FEF25-75% (-121 ml) and for FEV0.75 (-69 ml) and FEV1 (-68 ml). The smallest differences were found for VC and FVC. The additional series of analysis done in the subgroup of children without attacks of dyspnea with wheezing or wheezing independent from colds or respiratory infections confirmed the results obtained in the total study sample. The prevalence of obstructive syndrome, defined as FEV1/FVC < 80%, was 4.5% in the total sample, however, only 2.9% in non-allergic children, 7.2% in children in whom allergy was diagnosed by physicians and 8.5% among those children among whom allergy was diagnosed by allergic skin tests.

Catchment Area, Health↗
PubMed1998

[Chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function in children related to air pollution in the residential areas].

The main purpose of the paper was to answer the question whether the various respiratory symptoms are related to type of air pollution in the residential areas and to which extent the worse lung function in children could have been explained by the air pollutants. Cross-sectional field study has been carried out in 1048 children aged 11 years attending grammar schools in Krakow. The results of the study provided the evidence that the current level of communal air pollutants (SPM and SO2) is not related to an excessive risk of respiratory symptoms in children, provided it is not combined with other sources of air pollution such as heavy traffic or local low point industrial emission. The risk of obstructive ventilation disorders (FEV1/FVC% 85) was significantly higher in children from the residential areas with higher air pollution (RR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.19-2.47).

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1997

[Atmospheric air pollution as a factor potentiating the risk of asthma in school children. Epidemiologic studies in Krakow].

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren in relation to residency in areas with higher urban air pollution in Krakow. The material consisted of 1129 children aged 9 years among whom health survey based on standardized interviews with parents, together with anthropometry and spirometry has been carried out in 1995. In the asthmatic children allergy diagnosed by doctor was 4 times more prevalent (83.3% vs 20.2%) and asthma or allergy was twofold more prevalent in their biologic parents (42.6% vs 29.3%). The children with asthma resided more frequently in the city areas with the higher air pollution level (62.5% vs 46.2%). Mean spirometric values of FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75% I PEFR did not differ across the groups, however, FEV1/FVC% was significantly higher in nonasthmatic than in asthmatic groups (corresponding values in boys 90.9% vs 88.7%, in girls 92.7% vs 89.8%). After accounting for potential confounders (child's gender, education level of parents, environmental tobacco smoke, cigarette smoking of mothers in pregnancy and household standard) it was estimated from the multiple logistic regression that the separate effect of air pollution category was relatively small (OR = 2.27; 95%, CI = 1.11-3.93) in comparison with that of allergy (20.5; 95% CI = 9.40-44.7), however, combined effect of both risk factors on the occurrence of asthma in children was multiplicative.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1997

[Respiratory system reactions in children with allergies exposed to air pollution at home. Epidemiologic studies in Cracow].

The purpose of the paper was to check the hypothesis whether the domestic air quality together with level of outdoor air pollution increases the risk of allergy and whether allergy determines the occurrence of respiratory symptoms. The results of the study have shown that chronic cough was related mainly to allergy, however, chronic phlegm was linked with air quality. Wheezing independent from respiratory infections was associated in the strongest way with allergy (RR = 7.7; 4.7-12.7) and much weaker related to air quality score (RR = 1.3; 1.1-1.5). The occurrence of attacks of breathlessness was confirmed only in allergic children. Allergic rhinitis, similarly to wheezing, was related stronger to allergy (RR = 3.3; 2.5-4.4) than to air quality score (RR = 1; 1.0-1.2). Pulmonary volumes (FVC, FEV1) were not associated with air quality score, but the lower indices of FEV1/FVC and FEF25 - 75% were observed in those who were exposed to poor air quality. The results are in favor of the hypothesis, that air pollutants bring about spasm of smaller airways and it is independent from respiratory symptoms.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1997

[Cigarette smoking by mothers during pregnancy and pulmonary function of their school age children].

The paper examines the relation of maternal smoking during pregnancy and lung function of 1029 schoolchildren aged 9 years. Children from Cracow whose mothers had smoked during pregnancy had significantly lower lung function than the children whose mothers had not smoked in this period. On average, spirometric data of FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75% and PEFR were 1.1%, 4.7%, and 3.2% lower respectively, in those children whose mothers had smoked during pregnancy. The effect was statistically significant after accounting for potential confounders such as current smoking habit of parents. The results provide a new support for the hypothesis that deficit in lung function among children is associated with maternal smoking in pregnancy. The strongest effects were found to involve the function of small airways.

Asthma↗
PubMed1996

[Variability of respiratory system reactions to air pollutants. Epidemiologic study of children in Cracow].

The main purpose of the study was to corroborate the hypothesis that the history of allergic skin reactions is the marker of individual susceptibility of respiratory tract to air pollutants in children. The study has been carried out in two contrast areas of the city regarding the air pollution level. In the dirty area the annual daily mean concentrations of particulate matter was 51.5-74.5 micrograms/m3 and sulfur dioxide 58.4-73.8 micrograms/m3; in the cleaner part of the city the corresponding concentrations were 31.7 and 36.1 micrograms/m3. The medical examination of 171 children covered standardized interviews with mothers and spirometric measurements. The results obtained showed that despite the marked decline in air pollution level, the current level of common air pollutants in the city is hazardous to the health of inhabitants. The children with history of allergic skin reactions have been affected much stronger by the higher level of air pollutants than other children. Beside the higher frequency of chronic cough or phlegm, wheezing or shortness of breath, they had significantly poorer lung function measured by FEVI/FVC index.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1996

[Influence of vapours of paint and toxic dusts on mucous membranes of the upper airways in paint and varnish factory workers].

Macroscopic, cytologic and bacteriologic conditions of mucous membranes of the upper airways in workers (n = 146) of the Polifarb Factory, Wrocław, exposed to dusts and solvent vapours used in the paint and varnish production was estimated. In 89% of the workers, pathologic changes in throat mucous membranes were observed. Three types of macroscopic changes were distinguished. In workers with the shortest period of employment, laryngeal oedema congestion alteration was diagnosed, and atrophic changes with medium intensity were observed in workers employed for a long period. It was found that cytologic changes in the nose mucous membrane depended on the duration of exposure. Inflammation cytograms appeared during the first period of exposure to the substances discussed. The longer period of exposure, the more clear features of metaplasia squamous epithelium. The composition of the nose and throat bacterial flora changed according to the length of employment. An increased growth of G(-) genera Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, Escherichia and Candida fungi was found in workers with long period of employment.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Prospective epidemiologic study on respiratory diseases in children in Cracow. Pilot study].

After introducing the main purpose of the project on the outdoor and indoor air quality and children's health in Cracow, the paper presents the results of the pilot study carried out in the higher polluted city area (suspended particulate matter: 51.5-74.5 micrograms/m3/year; SO2: 58.4-73.8 micrograms/m33/year) and in the less polluted area (suspended particulate matter: 31.7 micrograms/m3/year; SO2: 36.1 microgram/m3/year). The pilot study covered 171 children. There was an excess of chronic respiratory symptoms in children from the higher polluted area, but only the frequency of shortness of breath in boys and attacks of shortness of breath with wheezing in girls were significantly higher in those living in the polluted area. Spirometric indices were significantly lower in both boys and girls in the residence area with the higher air pollution level. The data on prevalence of respiratory diseases in the pilot study will be used to estimate the size of the sample needed in the other stages of the prospective study.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1994

[Susceptibility to roxithromycin of gram-positive cocci isolated from patients with lowered immunity].

The study involved 412 strains of Gram-positive cocci isolated from throat, sputum, urine and stool of patients prepared for bone marrow transplantation at Department of Hematology. Determination of drug susceptibility was performed by disc diffusion method applying discs with roxithromycin, erythromycin, lincomycin, clindamycin and augmentin. Among strains of S. aureus, S. epidermidis and Micrococcus susceptible strains comprised respectively 48, 48 and 45%; among group A, B, C and G streptococci respectively 92 and 52%. Among 108 strains of group D Streptococci only 24% were susceptible to roxithromycin. Comparison of susceptibility of tested strains to roxithromycin and other antibiotics revealed similar susceptibility of staphylococci and streptococci to roxithromycin and erythromycin, while among staphylococci higher percentage of strains and among streptococci lower percentage was susceptible to lincomycin than to roxithromycin.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1994

[Evaluation of kidney parenchyma infection during renal lithiasis].

In 39 patients with renal lithiasis bacteriological investigation of middle stream urine, renal pelvis, renal calculi and kidney parenchyma were performed. In nine of patients presence of bacteria in kidney parenchyma was observed. Infection of kidney parenchyma in six cases was accompanied by bacteriuria in samples from middle stream urine and from renal pelvis. In every case of kidney parenchyma infection, presence of bacteria in renal calculi was observed. In 30 patients with sterile renal parenchyma, bacteriuria was found in 17 cases from middle stream urine and from renal pelvis. In these cases kidney calculi were also infected. It was found that in case of kidney parenchyma infection renal calculi were also infected, but urine from middle stream and renal pelvis can be sterile.

Bacteriuria↗
PubMed1994

[Importance of ventilatory lung function for prediction of survival in elderly persons. Mortality cohort study in Cracow].

The objective of the study undertaken among elderly was to assess the strength and importance of biologic predictors of mortality (blood pressure, ventilatory lung function) in comparison with that of sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education), smoking habit, obesity and health self-assessment. The study covered a sample of elderly (698 males and 1211 females), inhabitants of Cracow city center who attended the mass screening x-ray clinic. The sample examined did not include patients of houses for elderly or geriatric wards. At the occasion of the x-ray examination an epidemiologic interview has been taken from each person and basic clinical measurements (anthropometry, blood pressure and ventilatory lung function) have been performed. Statistical analysis of relation between mortality over 5-year period and chosen predictors has been carried out with Cox proportional hazards model and PC BMDP programs. It was found that beside age FEV1 level is the strongest survival predictor among the elderly. Subjects who had better FEV1 by 500 ml showed significantly lower death risk, by 18% in males and 27% in females after allowing for age and height. The results obtained confirmed the expectation that ventilatory lung function is one of the strongest predictor of survival in elderly. In the sample studied the impact of education, smoking habit, obesity, health self-assessment on the mortality experience was not significant. The effect of hypertension appeared to be relevant only in the female group.

Aged↗