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Ewa Jassem

Publications and source records attributed to Ewa Jassem.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Prisoners' attitudes towards cigarette smoking and smoking cessation: a questionnaire study in Poland.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade Poland has successfully carried out effective anti-tobacco campaigns and introduced tobacco control legislation. This comprehensive strategy has focused on the general population and has led to a considerable decrease in tobacco consumption. Prisoners constitute a relatively small part of the entire Polish population and smoking habits in this group have been given little attention. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking in Polish male prisoners, factors determining smoking in this group, prisoners' attitudes towards smoking cessation, and to evaluate prisoners' perception of different anti-tobacco measures. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire including personal, demographic and smoking data was distributed among 944 male inmates. Of these, 907 men aged between 17 and 62 years (mean 32.3 years) met the inclusion criteria of the study. For the comparison of proportions, a chi-square test was used with continuity correction whenever appropriate. RESULTS: In the entire group, 81% of the subjects were smokers, 12% - ex-smokers, and 7% - never smokers. Current smokers had significantly lower education level than non-smokers (p < 0.0001) and ever-smokers more frequently abused other psychoactive substances than never smokers (p < 0.0001). Stress was reported as an important factor in prompting smoking (77%). Forty-nine percent of daily smokers were aware of the adverse health consequences of smoking. The majority of smokers (75%) had attempted to quit smoking in the past. Forty percent of smoking prisoners considered an award for abstaining from cigarettes as the best means to limit the prevalence of smoking in prisons. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cigarette smoking among Polish prisoners is high. However, a majority of smokers attempt to quit, and they should be encouraged and supported. Efforts to reduce cigarette smoking in prisons need to take into consideration the specific factors influencing smoking habits in prisons.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Increased risk of non-small cell lung cancer and frequency of somatic TP53 gene mutations in Pro72 carriers of TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism.

The aim of this study was to assess whether the TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Additionally, in NSCLC patients, we investigated a potential association between this polymorphism and somatic TP53 gene mutations in tumour cells. The study group included 240 NSCLC patients who underwent curative pulmonary resection. The control group (576 healthy subjects) was matched for sex and cigarette smoking. TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism was determined by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. Tumours from 157 NSCLC patients were analysed for mutation in TP53 exons 5-8 by single strand conformation polymorphism, followed by sequencing of samples with different band pattern. Tumours from the remaining 83 patients were subjected to a direct sequencing of TP53 exons 5-8. The proportion of Pro homo/heterozygotes versus Arg homozygotes was significantly higher in NSCLC patients (54%) than in controls (46%, p = 0.034). The crude odds ratio for NSCLC development in Pro72 allele carriers was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.03-1.88). When adjusted for sex, age and smoking status in the multivariate logistic regression model, odds ratio for NSCLC development was 1.28 (95% CI: 0.91-1.80). Somatic TP53 mutations were found in 62 out of 240 NSCLC patients (26%), more frequently in Pro carriers (31%) than in Arg homozygotes (20%, p = 0.06). These results indicate that the TP53 codon 72 Pro allele may increase the risk of NSCLC. Additionally, the correlation between Pro72 and somatic TP53 mutations suggests that Pro72 allele carriers may be predisposed to tumour development along a p53 associated form of NSCLC, a finding that warrants further investigations.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2005

Pregranulomatous phase of sarcoidosis: immunohistochemical diagnosis.

Histopathological confirmation of clinical suspicion of sarcoidosis is based on the finding of non-caseating granulomas in biopsy material, usually in prescalene lymph nodes or in transbronchial lung biopsies. Lymph node reactive sinus histiocytosis (RSH) seen in relation to various inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases can mimic the pregranulomatous phase of sarcoidosis (PSH). Differentiation of sinus histiocytosis based on histopathological features alone is limited. The purpose of this study is immunohistochemical determination of lymph node cellular response in granulomatous sarcoidosis, the PSH and RSH using a immunohistochemistry employing a panel of antibodies. Patient groups under study each contained 25 patients and included: those with clinical picture of sarcoidosis and non-caseating granulomatous lymphadenitis; those with confirmed sarcoidosis and with sinus histiocytosis without granuloma formation in lymph nodes; and finally, those without sarcoidosis and with "reactive" sinus histiocytosis in lymph nodes. Lymph node biopsy tissue was fixed in buffered formaldehyde, routinely processed to paraffin wax blocks, cut into 4-microm-thick sections, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically labelled using a triple-layer APAAP protocol with purified polyclonal antibodies directed against SP 70 and SP90 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and monoclonal antibodies against CD22, CD4, CD8, CD56, and CD68. Intensity of immunolabelling was assessed semiquantitatively by two independent observers. An increased CD4:CD8 ratio, moderate increase of immunolabelling for CD68 and slight decrease in immunolabelling for CD20, CD56, and SP90 was indicative of PSH when compared with RSH. The most notable difference between the studied groups was a difference in immunoreactivity to SP70 and CD4 antibodies. Lymph nodes with pregranulomatous sinus histiocytosis labelled with both antibodies. This profile of immunolabelling can be used in the differentiation of this condition from reactive sinusoidal lesions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Prognostic value of cyclin D1 overexpression in correlation with pRb and p53 status in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cyclin D1 overexpression (considered separately or jointly with previously assessed p53 and pRb statuses) on survival in a group of 111 surgically treated non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC). METHODS: Cyclin D1 accumulation was assessed immunohistochemically, with the use of monoclonal antibody (DCS-6, DakoCytomation) and the alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) technique. RESULTS: Overexpression of cyclin D1 was found in 55 samples (49%), whereas the altered phenotypes cyclin D1+/p53+ or cyclin D1+/pRb- were found in 23 (22%) and 9 samples (9%), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed for different cut-off values and the only significant differences were found if samples with some expression of each protein were considered positive. There was no relationship between cyclin D1 overexpression and major clinicopathological factors, including p53 expression; however, there was a direct correlation between cyclin D1 and pRb protein expression (p=0.007). Cyclin D1 accumulation did not influence patients' survival. Of all possible cyclin D1/p53, cyclin D1/pRb and cyclin D1/p53/pRb phenotypes, patients with cyclin D1-/p53+ phenotype had shortened overall survival compared to other patients (p=0.027, HR=1.8). In the multivariate analysis, the only variable associated with shortened overall and disease-free survival was the stage of disease (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the lack of prognostic value of cyclin D1 overexpression in NSCLC patients.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2005

Absence of prognostic significance of p21(WAF1/CIP1) protein expression in non-small cell lung cancer.

Prognostic value of p21WAF1/CIP1 expression in non-small-cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC) remains unclear. In this study the authors investigated the clinical significance of p21WAF1/CIP1 expression in a group of 117 NSCLC patients, who underwent curative pulmonary resection. Expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 protein was assessed immunohistochemically and samples showing>5% of positive tumor cells were considered positive. Seventy-six samples (65%) showed positive nuclear p21WAF1/CIP1 protein expression. There was no relationship between the expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 protein and major clinico-pathological factors, and neither there was an impact of p21WAF1/CIP1 protein expression on disease-free and overall survival. p21WAF1/CIP1 protein occurrence was not correlated with previously determined p53 protein expression and there was also no relationship between all possible p21WAF1/CIP1/p53 phenotypes and survival. In uni- and multivariate analysis only stage of disease was independent prognostic factors. These results suggest the lack of prognostic relevance of p21WAF1/CIP1 expression (analyzed separately or jointly with p53 protein) in surgically treated NSCLC patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

[Serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in patients with perennial rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, allergic to house dust mites].

UNLABELLED: Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) is released from activated eosinophils during the inflammation process. THE AIM: of the study was to evaluate levels of ECP in serum of patients with perennial rhinitis (with and without asthma) and atopic dermatitis allergic to Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Further it was designed to compare ECP levels in patients treated with allergen-specific immunotherapy (IT) and in patients treated symptomatically. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 94 patients allergic to house dust mite: 42 patients with perennial rhinitis not treated with IT, 24 patients with perennial rhinitis and/or asthma treated with IT and 28 patients with atopic dermatitis. In the control group were 21 healthy volunteers. In the group treated with IT questionare of efficacy and safety was performed. RESULTS: The serum level of ECP was measured using immunofluorometric assay. In the group with perennial rhinitis treated with IT mean level of ECP was 6,5 ug/l, whereas in the group not treated with IT--15,78 microg/l (p=<0.05). In patients with atopic dermatitis ECP level was the highest--23,04 microg/l +/- 4,98 and was significantly different than in the group of healthy volunteers-- 7,2 microg/l +/- 1,1 (p=0,0048). CONCLUSIONS: Serum ECP concentration may be prognostic factor in specific immunotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Systemic mastocytosis].

Mastocytosis is group of rare disorders characterized by abnormal mast cells growth. Pathology of the disease is unknown, mechanisms involved in mast cells delineation and growth are considered to play an important role. Unusual and broad spectrum of symptoms therefore requires cooperation of different specialists. The aim of the study was to assess diagnostic and therapeutic methods used in the Gdansk Mastocytosis Centre. 14 patients were studied (9 adults and 5 children). Bone marrow biopsy was performed in order to assess the stage of disease. Pathological, cytological, cytofotometry and genetic examination (C-KIT mutation) of the bone marrow were performed. Patients suffereing from food allergy and wasp venom anaphylaxis were diagnosed with skin prick tests and sIgE. All subjects suffered from urticaria pigmenthosa and anaphylaxis. Indolent mastocytosis was diagnosed in six subjects. Patients were treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, cromones and immunotherapy with a marked reduction of symptoms. The experience of Gdansk Mastocytosis Centre indicates that mastocytosis is a rare and difficult to diagnose disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Side effects of specific immunotherapy in patients with hymenoptera venom allergy].

The aim of this study was to estimate safety of specific immunotherapy to insects' venom. The frequency of side effects was compared in two groups of patients: subjects with hypersensitivity to insects' venom only and patients with allergy to other allergens. In the examined group of 32 patients with Hymenoptera venoms allergy skin prick tests with common aeroallergens were performed in 30 subjects. In 18 patients (60%) at least one test was positive. In 23 patients (71.9%) immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venom was connected with side effects observed just after administration of vaccine. They were mainly local reactions (itching, redness and oedema). In 6 patients late reactions were observed. No correlation has been found between frequency of side effects of immunotherapy and positive results of skin prick tests. However systemic reactions were revealed only in the group of patients with at least one positive result of skin prick tests.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Analysis of prognostic value of TP53 gene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer].

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and prognostic value of TP53 gene somatic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer. The study group included 240 NSCLC patients who underwent pulmonary resection at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk. Tumour samples were evaluated for the presence of TP53 gene mutations in exons 5-8. In 157 cases SSCP method was used as a screening followed by sequencing of positive samples. In the remaining 83 patients mutations were analysed by direct sequencing. A total of 76 mutations (32%) were found, of those a missense type was dominant (67%), followed by silent and null type mutations (14% and 10%, respectively). There was no correlation between mutations and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, histological subtype, differentiation, tumour size, lymph node metastases, pTNM stage and smoking status. A multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that tumour differentiation and pTNM stage were independent prognostic factors, whereas TP53 gene mutations were not. The results of this study indicate that TP53 gene mutations in NSCLC patients are not correlated with clinical characteristics and have no impact on survival.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

P53 and K-ras mutations are frequent events in microscopically negative surgical margins from patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the current study was to determine whether tumor cells harboring P53 and K-ras mutations could be detected in histopathologically tumor-free surgical margins in patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma who underwent complete pulmonary resection. METHODS: In 118 consecutive patients, DNA obtained from primary tumors and from surgical margins was extracted for molecular analysis. A fragment of P53 gene encompassing exons 5-8 and codon 12 of the K-ras gene were amplified with the polymerase chain reaction technique and were assayed for the presence of mutations. RESULTS: P53 and K-ras mutations were found in 30% and 39% of primary tumors, respectively, and in 11 (9%) and 22 (18%) apparently tumor-free surgical margins, respectively. At least 1 of those mutations was found in surgical margins in 29 patients (25%), and both mutations were found in 2 patients (1.7%). P53 mutations in surgical margins accompanied mutations in primary tumors in 9 of 35 patients (26%), and K-ras mutations accompanied mutations in primary tumors in 20 of 46 patients (44%). Among patients with either mutation in primary tumors, the incidence of at least 1 mutation in surgical margins was 43% (28 of 65 patients). In four patients, mutations (two K-ras mutations and two P53 mutations) were found in surgical margins despite the absence of the corresponding mutations in primary tumors. The presence of mutations in primary tumors and in surgical margins was not related significantly to clinical characteristics or to patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: P53 and K-ras mutations are frequent events in surgical margins determined to be tumor free on light microscopy. The clinical relevance of these findings remains to be established.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

MDM2 gene amplification: a new independent factor of adverse prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The prognostic impact of MDM2 amplification in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of MDM2 amplification in surgically treated NSCLC patients. Molecular data were correlated with clinicopathological factors and evaluated for their prognostic value. The study group included 116 NSCLC patients who underwent pulmonary resection between 1996 and 1999. MDM2 amplification was assessed by real-time PCR using hybridization probe format on a LightCycler (Roche). The calculated ratio was a MDM2 value normalized to the amplification of the housekeeping gene phenylalaninhydroxylase (PAH). Survival curves were drawn according to the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the use of the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was based on Cox regression analysis. MDM2 amplification was found in 24 patients (21%). There was no relationship between MDM2 amplification and clinicopathological factors, such as sex, age and stage of disease, pT, pN, histology and tumor differentiation. Median disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with and without MDM2 amplification was 3 and 31 months, and 5-year DFS 24 and 33%, respectively (log-rank, P = 0.02). Likewise, median overall survival (OS) in patients with and without MDM2 amplification was 9 and 33 months, respectively, and 5-year OS 24 and 39%, respectively (log-rank, P = 0.01). The strong prognostic relevance of MDM2 amplification for both DFS and OS was confirmed in multivariate analysis (P < 0.01 for both comparisons). Our results suggest that MDM2 gene amplification analysis provides additional prognostic information in surgically treated NSCLC patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

Prognostic relevance of altered pRb and p53 protein expression in surgically treated non-small cell lung cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The prognostic value of pRb and p53 altered expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains debatable. We assessed the occurrence of altered pRb and p53 protein expression, and the prognostic value of these assays considered as separate and combined variables in operable NSCLC. The study group included 195 NSCLC consecutive patients from one institution who underwent curative pulmonary resection between 1994 and 1999. METHODS: Expression of pRb and p53 was assessed immunohistochemically with the use of monoclonal antibodies (LM95.1 and Pab 1801, Oncogene Science, respectively). RESULTS: A lack of pRb and abnormal p53 protein expression were found in 57 (29%) and 92 samples (47%), respectively, whereas both abnormalities (pRb-/p53+) occurred in 24 samples (12%). There was no relationship between altered pRb/p53 expression and major clinico-pathological characteristics, neither was there a significant difference in disease-free and overall survival between particular groups of patients with tumors carrying four possible pRb/p53 phenotypes. In uni- and multivariate analysis, the only variable associated with shortened disease-free and overall survival was stage of disease (p < 0.001) and degree of tumor differentiation (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that altered pRb and p53 expression does not provide prognostic information in operable NSCLC patients.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2004

[The prevalence of tobacco smoking among Polish Pallotins priests and seminarians of Seminary in Ołtarzew].

There is a lack of studies evaluating the prevalence of smoking habit among Polish priests. Due to difficulties in receiving permission from catholic authorities to perform questionnaire study we attempted to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking among priests from one religious congregation. The aim of the study was also to analyze factors influencing smoking habits in this group. The anonymous questionnaire was sent to all Polish Pallotins and students of Pallotin Seminary in Ołtarzew. Only one fourth of them--138 subjects in the age from 20 to 92 yrs (mean age 37.7 yrs)--answered the questionnaire. Among them were 72 priests aged 27-92 yrs. (mean age 50.7 yrs) and 66 students in the age 20-41 yrs (mean age 23.7 yrs.). The rate of current smokers among priests was 13.9%, including 11.1% of daily smokers and 2.8% occasional smokers. The rates of daily and occasional smokers among Seminary students were 4.5% and 6.1%, respectively. Cigarette smoking in the past was reported by 26,4% of priests--8.3% of them had smoked daily, remaining subjects had smoked occasionally. Most of responders considered the fifth commandment of the Decalogue as sufficient reason for abstaining from cigarette smoking. The majority of current smokers attempted to stop smoking, mainly because of wholesome reasons. Near a half of smoking priests and over three fourth of smoking students felt embarrassed to smoke in company of laymen. Every tenth priest and every third student hide his smoking habit from other priests. The study showed low prevalence of cigarette smoking in priests, what resulted mainly from religious reasons.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Usefulness of exercise test and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) measurement in diagnosis and management of bronchial asthma].

The purpose of this manuscript is to define the benefit of exercise test and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) measurement in adult patients with bronchial asthma. Seventy-seven patients--forty-seven from examined group (21 women, 26 men) and thirty patients from control group (8 women, 22 men) participated in this study. Exercise tests (ET) were performed in all subjects in the beginning of the study (ET1) then repeated two months later (ET2) only to the examined group. Patients exercised on a bicycle ergometer for 8-10 minutes to increase the hart rate to submaximal level. Spirometry were performed before and after the study and 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes later. Symptoms of asthma after exercise and forced expiratory flow in one second (FEV1) decrease more then 15% of predicted value confirmed the diagnosis (positive test result). Thirty patients (74.4%) from examined group had positive results in ET1 and twelve (25.5%)--negative. Four patients (10%) were positive in ET2 and thirty-six (90%)--negative. deltaFEV1 decrease in ET2 was (-14.78%), in ET2 (-4.45%) p < 0.0001. There were twenty-nine (96.6%) negative results in control group, only one (3.4%) positive, p < 0.001. During the study no side effects were observed. The comparison of deltaPIF decrease in ET1 (-11.94%) and ET2 (-7.39%) shows significant difference p < 0.05. PIF decrease was not statistically different between control and study group. Results of the study suggest that exercise tests are safe and easy method of diagnosis and management of asthma. PIF measurement seems to be non-useful in diagnosis of bronchial asthma. It must be confirmed in further studies.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Results of treatment for chronic pleural empyema].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to assess the results of the treatment in 97 patients with chronic pleural empyema treated in the department of thoracic surgery between 1988 and 1997. The majority of patients were between 30 and 50 years old. Most of the group were men and more than a half had a concomitant disease, which may predispose to empyema development. Nevertheless all the empyemas were in the chronic phase 1/3 of patients were successfully treated only with closed chest tube drainage and the remaining group with lung decortication. The Gram-negative bacterial flora dominated in the culture from empyema sac. Spirometric values and blood gas analysis showed significant reduction of lung function before the treatment. We found the relation between an early institution of closed tube drainage and the shorter stay at the hospital. Moreover in a significant proportion of patients pleural drainage was a sufficient way of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Drainage of the empyema should be performed at early phase of the disease. It should be recommended that pleural drainage precede the surgical management of empyema. Delate of surgical intervention is the main cause of the high mortality rate in empyema following esophageal perforation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Chemotherapy of advanced non-small cell lung cancer with the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin].

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of a combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Twenty-five patients were included (13--IIIB, and 12--IV stage). Gemcitabine--1000 mg/m2 was given intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15, and cisplatin--100 mg/m2 on day 2. In 13 patients partial remission was obtained, in 8--stabilisation, and in 4--progression. Median survival was 12 months (range: 1.5-32 months). Mean time to progression was 6 months. Toxicity was tolerable and included mainly thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and anemia. In 11 patients pain relief was obtained. Furthermore cough, dyspnoea and hemoptysis disappeared in a proportion of patients. These results indicate the efficacy of the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, and its acceptable toxicity.

Adult↗