Biomedical subjects

J Dutkiewicz

Publications and source records attributed to J Dutkiewicz.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Occupational biohazards in agricultural dusts from India.

Sixteen samples of settled dusts deposited during handling of various granular plant materials (green gram, red gram, amaranth, rice, pearl millet, sorghum, wheat, maize) in small food storing and processing facilities (godowns) were collected in the region of Aurangabad (Southern India). The samples were examined by the dilution plating method for the concentration and species composition of Gram-positive mesophilic bacteria, Gram-negative mesophilic bacteria, thermophilic actinomycetes and fungi. They were also examined by Limulus test for the concentration of bacterial endotoxin. The total concentration of microorganisms (bacteria + fungi) in examined samples varied within a wide range of 1.4 x 10(5) - 8.45 x 10(8) cfu/g (median 8.36 x 10(6) cfu/g). On average, the most common were Gram-positive bacteria (87.84% of all isolates) followed by Gram-negative bacteria (11.12%). Less common were fungi (1.24%) and thermophilic actinomycetes (0.01%). Among isolated bacteria and fungi, there were many species known as causative agents of allergic alveolitis, asthma and organic dust toxic syndrome. The concentration of bacterial endotoxin in the examined samples ranged between 12.5 - 62500 microg/g (median 781.25 microg/g), being particularly large in the samples of dust from maize (6250 microg/g and 62500 microg/g) and pearl millet (6250 microg/g and 12500 microg/g). The results of the present work indicate that the agricultural dusts from India represent a potential hazard for the workers because of high concentrations of allergenic microorganisms and bacterial endotoxin. The particular risk is associated with handing of maize and pearl millet. Further studies on this subject with the use of aerobiological methods are highly desirable

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

PubMed2000

Lyme borreliosis and multiple sclerosis: any connection? A seroepidemic study.

A total of 769 adult neurological patients hospitalised in clinics and hospitals situated in the Lublin region (eastern Poland) were examined during the years 1997-2000 with ELISA test for the presence of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato antibodies. A statististically significant (p=0.0422) relationship was found between the clinically confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and the positive serologic reaction with Borrelia antigen. Ten out 26 patients with multiple sclerosis (38.5%) showed positive serologic reaction to Borrelia, whereas among the total number of examined neurological patients the frequency of positive findings was twice as low (19.4%). The result suggests that multiple sclerosis may be often associated with Borrelia infection

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Detection of specific IgE as a screening tool for cow and swine breeders' occupational allergic dermatoses.

The study aimed at assessing whether detection of IgE specific to cow and swine allergens can be used as a screening tool for farmers' occupational eczema. Serum samples were taken from 51 farmers. The farmers were questioned about work-related skin symptoms using a nurse-administered questionnaire, verified by a dermatologist. Sera of 29 cow breeders were tested for IgE antibodies specific to cow dander and bovine serum albumin. Sera of 22 swine breeders were tested for IgE specific to swine epithelium, swine serum albumin, and swine urine proteins. Among cow breeders, IgE specific to cow dander was found in one farmer. Among swine breeders, IgE specific to swine epithelium was found also in one subject. On first examination, the cow breeder complained of slight itching of the conjunctivae while working in a cow barn and had no other allergic symptoms. One year later, however, he noticed episodes of hand eczema after contact with cows. In the IgE-positive swine breeder, only mild stationary psoriasis, and no work-related symptoms were found. Among the remaining 28 IgE-negative cow breeders, 11 complained of skin symptoms, but these were not related to working with cows; among 21 IgE-negative swine breeders, 7 subjects had skin diseases, none of which were related to working with swine. We conclude that detection of animal antigen-specific IgE may be an useful screening tool, although an exact assessment of sensitivity and specificity of the method in a larger population of exposed farmers will be required.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Application of the classic Limulus test and the quantitative kinetic chromogenic LAL method for evaluation of endotoxin concentration in indoor air.

The classic (gel-clot procedure) Limulus test (CLT) and the quantitative kinetic chromogenic LAL method (KQCL) used for the evaluation of bacterial endotoxin concentration in the indoor air of dwellings were compared. The scientific procedure included analyses of 40 air samples supplemented by the analysis of 20 sample duplicates (selected at random) which were taken during the fall season from 10 flats located in 3 towns of the Upper Silesian region (southern Poland). The particulate aerosol probes were sampled by Harvard impactor and Casella sampler. The same samples were analyzed in the Netherlands using the quantitative kinetic chromogenic LAL method, and in Poland using the classic Limulus test. Comparison of both methods revealed that the quantitative kinetic chromogenic LAL method was more precise, with better reproducibility (the coefficient of variation between analyses of the main probe and its duplicate was over two times smaller in the KQCL method than in the CLT method), fully automated in the phase of analysis and data reading, and faster and more effective than the classic Limulus test. Nevertheless, on the basis of the obtained results, the usefulness of the classic Limulus method for assessment of the degree of pollution of indoor air with bacterial endotoxin seems to be confirmed as in the majority of examined samples (21 out 40) the results obtained by both methods were of the same order of magnitude, and in the remaining 19 samples did exceed one order of magnitude. Thus, the data received by means of the classic Limulus test may be regarded as acceptable.

Air Microbiology↗

PubMed1999

Allergic alveolitis due to herb dust exposure.

We report an episode of allergic alveolitis in a female farmer due to massive exposure to organic dust contaminated with microorganisms during threshing of herbs (thyme). The patient's medical history, the results of exposure test, inhalation challenge, and bronchoalveolar lavage suggested the diagnosis of allergic alveolitis

Aerosols↗

PubMed1999

Studies on swallowing in patients operated by subtotal laryngectomy.

A series of 39 patients with problems of deglutition after total laryngectomy was studied by X-ray screening and manometry. The importance of the retropulsive movement of the tongue on the quality of deglutition has been demonstrated, as has the function of the superior oesophageal constrictor, the effect of a reduced relaxation time, and of the force of suction in reducing its quality.

Deglutition Disorders↗

PubMed1998

Allergic alveolitis among agricultural workers in eastern Poland: a study of twenty cases.

The aim of this study was to identify the specific agents which caused extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) in the selected group of 20 agricultural workers from eastern Poland. The microbiological analysis of the samples of plant materials or dusts reported by the patients as causing symptoms has been carried out, followed by allergological tests (inhalation challenge, agar-gel precipitation test, inhibition of leukocyte migration, skin test) with extrinsic microbial antigens. It was found that the causative agents of allergic alveolitis in the examined group of patients were mesophilic, non-branching bacteria associated with grain dust, mostly Pantoea agglomerans (synonyms: Erwinia herbicola, Enterobacter agglomerans) and Arthrobacter globiformis (each in eight cases). The remaining agents were Alcaligenes faecalis (in two cases), and Brevibacterium linens and Staphylococcus epidermidis (in one case each). On the basis of the clinical picture, the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and allergological tests, the diagnosis of the chronic form of the disease was stated in 14 patients and an acute form - in 6 patients. EAA patients demonstrated in the BAL fluid a typical lymphocytic alveolitis both in terms of percentage and absolute number of lymphocytes. Also, the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils were significantly higher in EAA patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Effects of exposure to grain dust in Polish farmers: work-related symptoms and immunologic response to microbial antigens associated with dust.

Medical examinations were performed in a group of 76 Polish farmers heavily exposed to grain dust during harvesting and threshing, and in a group of 63 healthy urban dwellers not exposed to organic dusts (controls). The examinations included: interview concerning the occurrence of respiratory disorders and work-related symptoms, physical examination, lung function tests, and allergological tests comprising skin prick test with 4 microbial antigens associated with grain dust and agar-gel precipitation test with 12 microbial antigens. As many as 34 farmers (44.7%) reported the occurrence of work-related symptoms during harvesting and threshing. The most common was dry cough reported by 20 individuals (26.3%). Dyspnoea was reported by 15 farmers (19.7%), tiredness by 12 (15.7%), chest tightness by 8 (10.5%), plugging of nose and hoarseness by 5 each (6. 5%). No control subjects reported these work-related symptoms. The mean spirometric values in the examined group of farmers were within the normal range, but a significant post-shift decrease of these values was observed after work with grain. The farmers showed a frequency of the positive early skin reactions to environmental allergens in the range of 10.8 - 45.5%, and a frequency of positive precipitin reactions in range of 3.9 - 40.8%. The control group responded to the majority of allergens with a significantly lower frequency of positive results compared to the farmers. The obtained results showed a high response of grain farmers to inhalant microbial allergens and indicate a potential risk of occupational respiratory diseases (such as allergic alveolitis, asthma, Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome) among this population

Adult↗

PubMed1997

The widened retrolabyrinthe approach: a new concept in acoustic neuroma surgery.

For many years, the retrolabyrinthine approach has been limited to functional surgery of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). As a result of the increased surgical exposure, particularly the opening of the internal auditory meatus (IAM), the widened retrolabyrinthine technique permits tumor excision from both the CPA and the IAM, regardless of the histological nature of the tumor. The authors have treated 60 acoustic neuromas of varying sizes via this approach (6% intrameatal tumors; 30% > 25 mm in diameter). The postoperative mortality rate was 0%. The risk of fistula formation was 3.3%, and 3.3% of the patients suffered from postoperative meningitis. The results for facial nerve function were equivalent to those obtained previously via a widened translabyrinthine approach and those in a series treated via a suboccipital approach (80% with Grades I and II, 15% with Grade III, and 5% with Grades V and VI). One patient (1.7%) required a secondary hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis and had attained a Grade IV result 6 months later. Postoperatively 21.7% of these patients maintained socially useful hearing and 20% had mediocre hearing. Socially useful hearing was preserved in 50% of a subgroup of 20 patients who had both good preoperative hearing and a tumor that involved less than half of the IAM regardless of its volume. Additionally, 15% had mediocre hearing that could be improved with hearing aids. Because of its efficacy in preserving hearing, the authors favor the retrolabyrinthine over the occipital approach, with the latter being considered less subtle and more aggressive.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Hypoglosso-facial anastomosis: results and technical development towards end-to-side anastomosis with rerouting of the intra-temporal facial nerve (modified May technique)].

The authors report their experience with 31 hypoglosso-facial anastomoses mainly carried out after removal of tumours of the cerebello-pontine angle, 26 were available for evaluation: at 18 months there were 5 of grade II, 19 of grade IV and 2 of grade V. Only one patient was dissatisfied with the result. 24 of the patients had received their hypoglosso-facial anastomosis using the clinical technique of Korte. In 3 cases the operation was by the technique of May. The authors suggest a variation of May's technique: it was carried out on the last 4 patients. It consists of a hemi-hypoglosso-facial anastomosis with rerouting of the mastoid portion of the facial nerve, without using a nerve graft. The aim of this technique is to reduce the sequelae of hemi-lingual atrophy and paralysis (which gives trouble with articulation, mastication and deglutition). The authors' experience confirms that these sequelae are greatly reduced, if not abolished. The functional results in terms of facial movements were satisfactory and consistant: 43.7% were quantified--with 3 of grade II and one of grade IV on the House Brackmann scale.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Microflora and acarofauna of bed dust from homes in Upper Silesia, Poland.

BACKGROUND: Pyroglyphid mites are considered a major cause of house dust allergy. The occurrence and possible pathogenic role of other biologic components of house dust, in particular bacteria, has received less attention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine bacteria present in the samples of house dust from beds, in comparison to fungi and mites recovery. METHODS: Samples of bed dust were collected from 40 homes in Upper Silesia (Poland). Of these, 19 came from the homes of people with asthma caused by house dust and 21 from the homes of people without allergy. The concentrations of bacteria, fungi, mites, and endotoxin and species composition of microflora and acarofauna were determined. RESULTS: The overall mean concentrations of mesophilic bacteria, thermophilic bacteria and fungi, including yeasts, were, respectively, 1.6 x 10(6), 1.7 x 10(3), and 1.6 x 10(4) CFU/g. Samples contained an average of 8.4 mites/g and the ten samples assayed for bacterial endotoxin averaged 80.4 ng/mg. A total of 55 species of bacteria, 40 of fungi and 13 of mites were found. Gram-positive cocci (mostly Staphylococcus spp.) were the predominant mesophilic bacteria, followed by corynebacteria and Bacillus spp. Thermophilic bacteria were represented only by actinomycetes, with Thermoactinomyces vulgaris predominant. The most numerous fungi were Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. followed by yeasts. The most abundant mites were Dermatophagoides spp. which formed > 85% of the total count. There were no significant differences between the homes of allergic and nonallergic people in the concentrations of total bacteria, fungi, and mites. Bacillus, Aspergillus and total filamentous fungi (molds), but not yeasts, were significantly more numerous in the homes of people with asthma caused by house dust. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that some species of bacteria and filamentous fungi should be considered potential causes of house dust allergy.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

[Bacteriology of the nose and sinuses].

The authors, on the basis of 140 cases, analyze the bacterial flora of essentially chronic rhino-sinusitis observed in hospital consultations at the Pellegrin Hospital, the referral centre of the Aquitaine region. Samples taken in the operating theatre from 100 cases, by aspiration and mucosal biopsy, were studied in aerobic and anaerobic media. The results marked by the scarcity of sterile samples and of anaerobic germs, evidence the predominance of an aerobic flora, with in particular Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic Streptococci. No significant difference was recorded between the bacteriology of acute sinusitis as against chronic sinusitis. The flora of sinusitis appear to depend more on the age factor than on the pathogenic type. Branhamella catharralis is present only in patients under 30. The enterobacteria appear in the adult 30-50 year-old age group and, as from the age of 50, are combined by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which account for 18% of the strains. These two types of germs then appear to be predominant over the Staphylococci and the Haemophilus.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Exposure to organic dust and microorganisms as a factor affecting respiratory function of workers of purebred horse farms].

In two farms of purebred horses, microbiological studies of the air and medical examination of the workers were performed. The concentration of microorganisms in the air were within the range 29.2-336.0 cfu x 10(3)/m3. The respirable fraction in most cases was between 30-60% of the total count. The levels of dust and endotoxin were low except for one sampling point where the concentration of endotoxin was as high as 3.44 g/m3. As many as 16 workers out of the total of 31 examined reported occurrence of work-related symptoms. However, the results of physical examination and of lung function tests were within normal range. A high proportion of workers showed a positive skin response to Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (51.6%) and the presence of precipitins to Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (32.3%). No significant relationship could be found between the presence of symptoms and positive allergological reactions. Total medical results indicate the probability of the occurrence of Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome in high proportion of the workers.

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus↗

PubMed1996

[Microflora of the air in sawmills as a potential occupational hazard: concentration and composition of microflora and immunologic reactivity of workers to microbial aeroallergens].

Microbiologial studies of the air and allergological examinations of the workers were performed in two sawmills processing deciduous wood (mainly oak) and in one sawmill processing coniferous wood (mainly pine). The concentration of microorganisms in the air was of the order 10(3)-10(4) cfu/m3. The most common organisms were corynebacteria (Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Microbacterium), spore-forming bacilli (Bacillus), Gram-negative bacteria (rahnella) and filamentous fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium). The workers responded to the extract of pine dust with much higher frequency than to the extract of oak dust. The workers processing pine were often sensitized to Rahnella while those processing oak were commonly sensitized to Penicillium. Precipitin reactions were rare and occurred only with the antigen of Rahnella.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[The effect of wood dust on the respiratory system. Medical examination of furniture factory workers].

The medical-environmental questionnaire, physical examination and pre-shift and post-shift spirometry have been performed in 48 furniture factory workers. The workers showed the work-related symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, general malaise, skin symptoms, eye symptoms, rhinitis. No relationship was found between the spirometry values and the frequency of the symptoms. The exposed workers showed a significant post-shift reduction of the FVC, FEV1, FEV1%VC and PEF (p < 0.001). The higher drops of the spirometric parameters occurred in younger workers. The presented data show that processing of wood may be associated with the work-related respiratory symptoms and diseases in exposed workers.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Microflora of the in furniture factors as a potential occupational hazard: concentration and composition of microflora and immunologic reactivity of workers to microbial aeroallergens].

Microbiologial studies of the air were performed in two furniture factories. The concentration of microorganisms in the air was low, being of the order 10(3) cfu/m3. The most common organisms were corynebacteria (Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Microbacterium) and fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Rhodotorula rubra). Some of the species found in this environment possess known allergenic properties. Allergological examinations of the workers with environmental aeroallergens have been performed in three departments of one factory. The highest frequency of positive skin reactions were observed among the workers of the varnishing department which may be due to synergistic effects of chemical pollutants. The incidence of precipitin reactions was low among all workers.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Bacterial endotoxins produced by Alcaligenes faecalis and Erwinia herbicola as potential occupational hazards for agricultural workers].

Laboratory animals (guinea pigs and rabbits) were exposed to the inhalation of aerosolized endotoxins derived from the cell mass of Alcaligenes faecalis and Erwinia herbicola, the Gram-negative bacteria commonly occurring in organic dusts. Single 1 hour-lasting exposure caused the significant increase in the number of free lung cell, mostly lymphocytes, compared to the control group exposed to saline (P < 0.001). Prolonged exposure to tested endotoxins (Fifteen 1 hour-lasting exposures every second day) caused both specific and non specific immunological changes: enhanced inhibition of leukocyte migration production of precipitins, and activation of alveolar macrophages, wes assessed by greater antibacterial activity and increased interleukin I (IL-I) production. The results indicate that the endotoxins of examined bacteria represent a potential risk of inflammatory lung reaction and respiratory disease for agricultural workers inhaling organic dusts contaminated with these organisms.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1995

Chemotaxis of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils in response to microbial products derived from organic dust.

The inhalation of organic dust has been implicated to cause a large number of occupational lung diseases. A common event in these diseases is an inflammatory reaction affecting airway and alveolar tissue that is characterized by the recruitment of different types of inflammatory cells. Mechanisms of chemotaxis of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and neutrophils (PMNs) in response to microbial products derived from organic dust were studied. Seven agents known to be etiological agents causing respiratory symptoms (extract and endotoxin of Enterobacter agglomerans, extracts from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Aspergillus fumigatus, thermophilic protease, and two preparations of glucans) were used for experiments. These agents were evaluated for their ability to directly attract AMs and PMNs and to stimulate alveolar macrophages to release chemotactic factors for other AMs and PMNs. The microbial products were able to attract both AMs and PMNs directly in a dose-dependent manner and the exposure of cultured AMs to most agents were stimulatory for production of chemotactic activity for AMs and PMNs. The generation and release of this activity by AMs may provide a mechanism for the initiation and amplification of inflammatory reactions in the lung after inhalation of organic dust. Results of these in vitro studies may be relevant to the pathogenesis of alveolitis in organic dust-induced lung diseases.

Air Microbiology↗