Biomedical subjects

J Sikora

Publications and source records attributed to J Sikora.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

[Ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetal congenital abnormalities].

Retrospective analysis of ultrasonographic examinations in 81 women who delivered newborns with congenital malformations was performed. Totally 147 anatomical defects in 83 newborns were found. 85 of 147 abnormalities (57.8%) were detected prenatally, most commonly (79.6%) in the third-trimester. All cases of coverings defects, as well as, all cases of anencephaly were diagnosed with ultrasonography. Malformations of urinary tract in 94.4%, central nervous system in 82.9%, osteoarticular system in 30%, heart defects in 27.8% and face abnormalities in 21.4% were already sonographically visualized before birth.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Arrhythmias in perinatal period and neonatal outcome--analysis of own experiences].

OBJECTIVE: The paper presents review of different kinds of fetal arrhythmias, diagnosed in our centres. DESIGN: The aim of our study was to analyse results of echocardiographic examinations of 141 fetuses with diagnosed arrhythmias referred for fetal cardiac examination in years VI. 1996-V. 2001 and neonatal outcome. RESULTS: Premature contractions were recognised in 113 (80%) fetuses, tachyarrhythmias in 7 (5%) cases and complete atrioventricular block in 5 (4%). Heart defects were diagnosed in three cases. Three fetuses developed congestive heart failure (2x SVT, 1x HLHS + block a-v III*). From all group 6 newborns died. CONCLUSION: In case of fetal arrhythmias echocardiography should be widely applied in order to evaluate the kind of arrhythmia, sufficiency of circulation and coexistence of heart defects or functional abnormalities with arrhythmia in fetal circulation.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Pregnancy and delivery in women with thrombocytopenia].

Maternal immune thrombocytopenia is a frequent finding in pregnancy and is most commonly asymptomatic and clinically benign. 8 pregnant women with thrombocytopenia between January 1995 and December 2000, in Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Katowice-Ligota, were evaluated. 7 patients had idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura and one (31 years old) had cirrhosis, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes. 6 cases was steroid-treated with initial platelet count 4,000 per cubic millimeter to 115,000 per cubic millimeter after treatment. Alloimmune thrombocytopenia is a serious fetal disorder, resulting from platelet-antigen incompatibility between the mother and fetus. Among all newborns only one had thrombocytopenia, platelet count 45,000 per cubic millimeter, without neonatal intracranial hemorrhage. 6 women had cesarean section and 2 patients delivered naturally.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Subchronic in vivo effects of a high static magnetic field (9.4 T) in rats.

The potential adverse biologic effects of sub chronic (cumulatively 10 weeks) exposure to a high magnetic field (9.4 T) were evaluated in young adult male and female Fischer rats as well as in their progeny. Biologic end points in adult rats included changes in daily clinical observations; spatial memory tests; weekly heart rates, body weights, food and water consumption, and the feed efficiency ratio; terminal hematologic, blood biochemical and urinary parameter changes; gross pathologic findings; and major organ weights. In offspring, biologic end points included the gestation period, number of live births, number of pups, ratio of male to female pups/litter; postnatal time period of eye opening; birth and weekly body weights, behavioral changes, central nervous system responses, as well as hematologic, blood biochemistry, and urinary parameter changes; and gross pathologic findings. Findings from this study showed that there were no adverse biologic effects in male and female adult rats or their progeny that could be attributed to 10-week exposure to a 9.4-T static magnetic field.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2000

Effect of Baypamun on blood leucocytes in normal and dexamathasone treated goats.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Baypamun on selected lymphocyte subpopulations and granulocyte phagocytic activity mediated by lectin-like receptors in goats of normal immune status and in goats experimentally immunosuppressed with dexamethasone. Eighteen goats in total were used. Blood samples were collected 24 h before immunomodulation and 5 and 10 days after immunomodulation. Animals in group I were immunostimulated with Baypamun for 2 days and immunosuppressed with Dexafort for the next 2 days. Animals in group II received Dexafort first and then Baypamun. The number of leucocytes in total and in subpopulations was determined by flow cytometry. Application of Baypamun before (group I) or after (group II) immunosuppression caused significant (P < 0.001) and lasting changes in the percentage of CD2+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Significant but transient changes were observed in CD19+ (B) and WC1-N2+ (null) cells. Results show that application of Baypamun to modulate non-specific defence is advisable following immunosuppression (group I). When Baypamun was applied after immunosuppression (group II), although there was no reaction during the initial phase, an increase in the activity of cells responsible for non-specific immunity was noticeable after 10 days.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2000

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor receptors in lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of two angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR), in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in relation to tumor stage (TN0, TN1, TN2) and in association with the expression of p53 protein, a potential suppressor of tumor angiogenesis. STUDY DESIGN: The immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of VEGF and FGFR was examined in paraffin sections of 56 NSCLC in relation to the presence of lymph node metastases and p53 expression. Nodal status of NSCLC determined: 27 tumors, N0; 16, N1; and 13, N2 stage. Semiquantitative analysis with a score corresponding to IHC staining intensity and percentage of positive cells was used. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi 2 test. RESULTS: A significant association was noted between VEGF and FGFR expression in NSCLC. No relation was found between VEGF, FGFR expression and lymph node metastasis or p53 expression. CONCLUSION: We assume that VEGF and FGFR act in a synergistic manner in NSCLC and that their expression is not related to lymph node metastases. Angiogenesis is a very complex phenomenon and heterogeneous within tumors. Also, it is affected by microenviromental factors.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed2000

[Usefulness of the pulse oximetry in diagnosis of fetal distress during labor].

We report the computer control system of simultaneous monitoring of cardiotocography and pulse oximetry during labour. Five of twenty five patients have abnormal CTG results with oxygen saturation over 30%. In the three subjects severe late decelerations were related with decrease of saturation to 20%. Mean SaO2 measurements ranged from 62% at the early stage of labour to 45% in the second stage. We conclude that fetal pulse oximetry plays important complementary role among methods of intrapartum monitoring and it will be used in every case with suspicious or pathological CTGm.

Cardiotocography↗

PubMed2000

[A rare mediastinal neoplasm in the form of a hemangioma].

Hemangiomas of the mediastinum are rare tumors. They represent fewer than 0.5% of the mediastinal tumors. Because of their rarity, the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors is difficult. We present a case of venous hemangioma of the mediastinum in a young woman. Despite of routine examination applied in mediastinal tumors the appropriate diagnosis was not done by the accessible methods.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Use of temporal vena cava filter in a patient with a high risk of perioperative pulmonary embolism].

Intraluminal caval filter placement can be applied in order to prevent pulmonary embolism. When surgery has to be performed in the patient with proximal deep venous thrombosis anticoagulant therapy should be reduced and filter placement is indicated. Temporary filter appears an interesting option, as it can be removed shortly after surgical intervention, when contraindications to anticoagulation no longer exist. However, obligatory removal of a temporary device in case of suspected filter or vena cava thrombosis emerges as a new clinical problem. We present a ease of 20 year old woman with proximal deep venous thrombosis and high risk of pulmonary embolism in whom temporary vena caval filter with heparin infusion were chosen as a method of perioperative pulmonary embolism prevention.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Flow cytometry analysis of milk and peripheral blood cells from goats during lactation.

Cells from goat's milk and peripheral blood taken during the lactation period were analysed by flow cytometry. The investigated cells were populations of leucocytes, lymphocyte subpopulations (T, T-helper, T-cytotoxic, B, WC1-N2) and all MHC class II positive cells. Labelling of cells was performed on whole blood and milk cell suspensions. Statistically significant differences were found between percentages of B and WC1-N2 lymphocytes and MHC II positive cells from peripheral blood during the lactation period and all of examined milk cells during the same time.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Use of a geographic information system to determine appropriate means of trauma patient transport.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a geographic information system (GIS) and historical transport data can be used to create a map that identifies locations (zones) from which either ambulance or helicopter transport will result in shorter out-of-hospital times. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional review of a trauma registry was conducted in a two-county region served by a single trauma center. Data were gathered for all patients transported directly to the trauma center between 1993 and 1996. Incident locations and times from first 911 contact until arrival at the trauma center (out-of-hospital time) were extracted. A GIS was used to create a reference map with all incident locations plotted and given z-coordinates corresponding to out-of-hospital time. Two contour surfaces were interpolated: one for all helicopter transports and one for all ground transports. Areas where the helicopter surface was lower than the ambulance surface were designated air zones since helicopter transport resulted in shorter out-of-hospital times. The remaining area was designated a ground zone since ambulance transport resulted in shorter out-of-hospital times. The mean out-of-hospital times were calculated for each mode of transport in both zones and were compared using a two-tailed t-test. RESULTS: An air zone was identified beginning between 5 and 16 miles from the trauma center. Mean (+/-SD) out-of-hospital time from the air zone was 50 +/- 9 minutes for helicopter transport (n = 54) and 63 +/- 14 minutes for ambulance transport (n = 140). The difference between the means was 13 minutes (p < 0.000001; 95% CI = 8.95 to 17.05). Mean out-of-hospital time from the ground zone was 68 +/-16 minutes for helicopter transport (n = 122) and 32 +/- 14 minutes for ambulance transport (n = 2,047). The difference between the means was 36 minutes (p < 0.000001; 95% CI = 33.59 to 38.41). CONCLUSIONS: A GIS and historical transport data can be used to create a map identifying locations from which either helicopter or ambulance transport will minimize out-of-hospital time. Inappropriate choice of transport mode is associated with increased out-of-hospital time.

Aircraft↗

PubMed1999

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in HLA+ and HLA- laryngeal cancer--quantitative approach.

In search of factors governing the accumulation of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), frozen sections from fresh surgical specimens of laryngeal carcinoma (n = 36) were tested by alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) immunohistochemistry for monomorphic determinants of HLA class I and class II expression on tumor cells and for the distribution of lymphoid cells bearing CD differentiation antigens. Cell subsets were quantitated in two tumor compartments, tumor mass and tumor stroma, by computer-assisted image analysis. In a portion of examined samples lymphoid cell suspension was isolated from cancerous tissues and assessed by flow cytometry. It has been found that T cells, localized mostly in tumor stroma, were predominant cell population in the tumor microenvironment. Their ability to penetrate tumor mass but not tumor stroma, by CD8+ T cells in particular, but also by natural killer (NK) cells, was associated with HLA class I antigen expression on tumor cells. In flow cytometric analysis activated T lymphocytes (CD3+DR+) were abundant in HLA+ tumors as compared to HLA- ones. In 4 year follow up of 20 patients the mortality was higher in HLA- group but the data were not statistically significant. These results show that HLA class I expression on tumor cells favor penetration of cytotoxic lymphoid cells into tumor mass, at least in the laryngeal cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Intravascular ultrasound].

An intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a new cardiological diagnostic technique which provides detailed cross-sectional images of the vessel wall, allows to investigate lumen, as well as structure of the coronary artery. This imaging technique has the unique potential to provide an image of atherosclerotic plaque, characterizes its composition, and severity of stenosis. "Soft" plaque, dense fibrous "hard" plaque, calcification and thrombosis have all been identified using IVUS. Intravascular ultrasound imaging has become a method for supporting interventional decision making by selecting patients who are to undergo Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty, Stent placement, Directional Coronary Atherectomy or Laser Angioplasty. Quality of measurements should allow more widespread use to guide interventional techniques. A series of IVUS imagings could assess the influence of plaque composition on mechanism of immediate lumen enlargement after revascularization. With utilization of IVUS guidance and high pressure balloon inflation--stent implantation could now be performed "optimally" and safely without anticoagulation. This original diagnostic tool is becoming a clinically useful adjunct to angiography in the assessment coronary arteries of heart transplant recipient and patients with higher risk of restenosis.

Humans↗

PubMed1999

Lung carcinoids. Tumor angiogenesis in relation to clinicopathologic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of carcinoid angiogenesis for the presence of lymph node metastases, histologic subtype and tumor size. STUDY DESIGN: The study group consisted of 72 resected primary lung carcinoids, 57 typical and 15 atypical. TNM staging was performed. The histologic criteria for carcinoids was based on the Flieder classification. Angiogenesis, expressed as tumor microvessel density, was estimated in sections stained with CD34 antibody, according to Weidner's method. RESULTS: The size of carcinoids was related to the histologic type: the average tumor diameter of typical carcinoids was significantly smaller than the average diameter of atypical carcinoids (P = .003, U = 207, Z = -3.023). Atypical carcinoids represented a more aggressive form of tumors than typical carcinoids; patients with typical carcinoids developed lymph node metastases less frequently (10% vs. 33%) as compared to patients with atypical carcinoids; the difference was statistically significant (P = .032). Tumor angiogenesis failed to distinguish the histologic type of carcinoids and did not indicate the presence or absence of regional lymph node metastases; neither did pTN stage or tumor size. CONCLUSION: Angiogenesis is not a determining factor of the metastatic potential of pulmonary carcinoids.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Correlation between DNA content, expression of Ki-67 antigen of tumor cells and immunophenotype of lymphocytes from malignant pleural effusions.

Malignant cells isolated from 26 malignant pleural effusions, collected from patients bearing metastatic carcinoma, were examined using flow cytometry. Expression of Ki-67 antigen, DNA ploidy, S phase fraction, DNA index of tumor cells and the percentage of aneuploid cell populations were determined. Lymphoid cells from the same malignant effusions and from 10 nonmalignant ones were examined using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) versus several CD antigens. While the percentages of T cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and B cells (CD19+) did not differ significantly in malignant versus nonmalignant effusions, those of CD56+ lymphocytes were found to be significantly depressed in malignant diploid and malignant aneuploid effusions as compared to benign ones. Expression of IL-2 receptors on lymphocytes, demonstrated by anti-CD25 mAb, was significantly higher in malignant diploid and malignant aneuploid effusions as compared with nonmalignant ones. An increase in the percentage of Ki-67-positive malignant cells was significantly correlated with the decrease of NK cells. S phase fraction, DNA index and the percentage of aneuploid populations did not correlate with the picture of lymphoid cells from pleural effusion. On the other hand, the percentage of Ki-67-positive tumor cells in pleural effusions was inversely proportional to the patients' survival time, although it was not statistically significant. Our data suggest that the poor prognosis of cancer characterized by the presence of an aneuploid cell population of malignant cells and the high percentage of proliferating cells in pleural effusions can be linked to the depression of NK cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1998

Expression of Fas and Fas ligand and apoptosis in tumor-associated lymphocytes and in tumor cells from malignant pleural effusions.

The CD95 (APO-1/Fas)-Fas ligand (FasL) system is an important mediator of antitumor T cell cytotoxicity. The aim of the current study was to assess its significance in human cancer. Malignant effusions were selected as an environment allowing direct cell-to-cell contact in a fluid phase. Malignant pleural effusions collected from 23 patients with metastatic carcinoma of the bronchus, ovary, stomach or breast were examined by means of flow cytometry. The expression ofFas and FasL, probed with the appropriate antibodies, apoptosis of tumor cells and the characteristics of tumor-associated lymphocytes (TAL) were determined by TUNEL reaction in malignant and nonmalignant (control) effusions. All malignant cells had partially or completely lost the expression of CD95 and expressed an elevated level of FasL. In contrast, TAL obtained from malignant pleural effusions demonstrated a marked decrease in the expression of surface FasL and an increase in surface-bound Fas. The percentage of apoptotic malignant cells was significantly decreased, as compared to TAL and lymphocytes from nonmalignant pleural effusions. There were also differences in the expression of Fas and FasL among mononuclear cells from malignant and nonmalignant pleural effusions. The ability of TAL from malignant pleural effusions to induce apoptosis of K562 cells was diminished, as compared to peripheral blood lymphocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that tumor cells in the microenvironment of malignant pleural effusions can evade immune attack by downregulation of the CD95 receptor and by killing lymphocytes through the expression of FasL. These results confirm earlier reports which showed that lymphocytes from a tumor microenvironment appear to have a depressed cytotoxic action.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed1998

A comparison of brief and ultrabrief pulse stimuli in unilateral ECT.

A double-blind, randomized, comparative study of the therapeutic efficacy and side effects of unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) given with two different stimulus types was carried out in the Kuffner Sanatorium, Horni Berkovice, Czech Republic. Brief or ultrabrief pulse stimuli were used in 48 hospitalized patients, ages 17-61 years, diagnosed with either schizophrenia (n = 42) or major depression (n = 6). All patients received eight unilateral treatments each. Their clinical state and presence of cognitive impairment were evaluated with a battery of tests and rating scales before ECT, after the last ECT, and 1 month later. Patients were markedly improved after the course of ECT, and the improvement was maintained 1 month later. There were no significant differences in the extent of improvement between the groups treated with brief- and ultrabrief-pulse stimuli. No deleterious effects on cognitive functions and memory were detected. In fact, there was a trend toward improvement in memory and other cognitive functions after ECT in both groups, with no significant difference between them. The two stimulus waveforms studied (brief and ultrabrief pulse) thus appear to be equally effective and free of deleterious effects on memory and cognition. The response in schizophrenic patients was remarkable and deserving of further study.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Immunohistochemical evaluation of tumour angiogenesis in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of lung.

Experimental studies revealed that growth and expansion of solid tumours depend on angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is very important factor for neoplastic metastasis. The presence of the metastasis is an ominous prognostic factor for many tumours, also for lung cancer. Studies of tumour microvessel density in resected non-small lung cancers have not given convincing data about value of angiogenesis. Only few reports regarded the association with angiogenesis in different histological types in lung carcinoma. Samples of 35 adenocarcinomas and 41 squamous cell resected, primary lung carcinomas were studied. Paraffin sections of tumours were stained immunohistochemically by antibody against endothelial marker CD34. Angiogenesis intensity was measured in the areas of the most active fields of tumour neovascularization. Microvessel density (MD) was higher in adenocarcinoma comparing to squamous cell cancer, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0,095). The groups of various stage of extension of disease in each histological type were compared-MD correlated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0,003) in the adenocarcinoma, whilst in squamous cell can cer differences between various groups of nodal involvement were not statistically significant (p = 0,53 and p = 0,22 respectively). Our results suggest that more intensive angiogenesis in adenocarcinoma could be more important factor for metastasis of adenocarcinoma than for squamous tumours. In the latter group angiogenesis may be more important for growth of squamous cell cancers, while the spread of squamous tumours may depend on other mechanisms.

Adenocarcinoma↗