PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Bednarek

Publications and source records attributed to M Bednarek.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Phthalic esters in the indoor environment--test chamber studies on PVC-coated wallcoverings.

Phthalic acid esters are important additives in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products. Since PVC plastisoles for the production of wallcoverings contain about 30% phthalic acid esters, it is a crucial question whether these products can contribute to the pollution of the indoor environment. In this study, the emission of several technically relevant phthalates from PVC-coated wallcoverings were measured in emission test chambers under standard room conditions. During a 14-day test period, both the chamber air concentrations and the condensation on a cooled plate (fogging) were determined. In the chamber air, maximum concentrations of 5.1 micrograms/m3 for di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), 2.08 micrograms/m3 for di-pentylphthalate (DPP) and 0.94 microgram/m3 for di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) were found. After 14 days of exposure, up to 60.4 micrograms DEHP and 17.7 micrograms DPP could be quantified on the cooled plates of the fogging apparatus. The amounts of DBP and DIBP were significantly lower. A simple exposure calculation indicated no specific risk of an increased phthalate exposure in rooms with PVC wallcoverings.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2001

Early detection of COPD in a high-risk population using spirometric screening.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of mass spirometry use for the detection of airflow obstruction in a high-risk population. DESIGN: Free spirometry was offered to smokers who were > 39 years of age with a smoking history of > 10 pack-years. Action was preceded by the dissemination of information on the causes and symptoms of COPD in the local mass media. SETTING: Pulmonary outpatient clinics in 12 large cities of Poland. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven thousand twenty-seven subjects with the following characteristics were screened: mean (+/- SD) age, 51.8 +/- 12.5 years; men, 57%; current or ex-smokers, 80%; and mean smoking history, 26.1 +/- 16.8 pack-years. INTERVENTIONS: Smoking history, simple spirometry (FVC and FEV(1)), and an antismoking advice. RESULTS: Spirometric signs of airway obstruction were found in 24.3% of the subjects who were screened. Of those subjects, mild obstruction was found in 9.5%, moderate obstruction was found in 9.6%, and severe obstruction was found in 5.2%. In smokers aged > or = 40 years who had a smoking history of > 10 pack-years, airway obstruction was found in 30.6%. Airway obstruction was present in 8.3% of smokers < 40 years of age who had a smoking history of < 10 pack-years. Of the 2,200 subjects who had never smoked in their lives, airway obstruction was found in 14.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Mass spirometry in high-risk groups is an effective and easy method for the early detection of COPD.

Female↗
PubMed2001

[Snoring and excessive daytime somnolence and risk of cardiovascular diseases].

Snoring and excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) are very common in middle-age adults. The goal of the investigation was to assess links between those symptoms and risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The population studied included 1186 inhabitants of Warsaw (mean age 52 years), participants of the international multicentre study of cardiovascular disease MONICA II, who completed the sleep disordered breathing (SDB) questionnaire. Snoring was reported by 78% of males (48% habitual and 30% occasional) and 59% of females (27% habitual and 32% occasional). Every fourth (26.8%) subject declared observed apnoeas, in 9.2% apnoeas were observed every night. EDS was declared by 28.7% of studied sample. The results of the questionnaire were compared to the results of MONICA study. Snorers had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure (133.2 +/- 23/84.6 +/- 13 mm Hg) compared to non-snorers (126.4 +/- 22/80.4 +/- +/- 12 mm Hg) (p < 0.0001). The high total serum cholesterol (> or = 200 mg%) and triglycerides (> or = 200 mg%) concentration, and also obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) were more prevalent in snorers. Subjects reporting apnoeas more often had coronary artery disease (p < 0.001) or history of stroke (p = 0.002) compared to non-apnoeics. There was no relationship between EDS and risk of cardiovascular disorders, and also between diabetes and SDB. In conclusion, snoring was strongly associated with hyperlipidaemia, obesity or hypertension, well known risk factors for development of cardiovascular disorders. Reported apnoeas were related to risk of coronary artery disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Clinical value of polymesam recording in diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. Can we replace polysomnography with polymesam?].

UNLABELLED: Polymesam (PM) recordings was performed in 320 patients admitted to Sleep Laboratory with suspicion of OSA. OSA was diagnosed in 179 of them (55.9%), group (PM-Ch). These patients were obese (BMI--34.3 +/- 6.7 kg/m2) and had moderately-severe OSA (RDI--41.5 +/- 19.9 and ODI--43.7 +/- 21.5). They suffered from excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS = 12.2 +/- 5.5). PM was negative in 141 person (44.1%), (PM-Z). Subjects PM-Z had significantly lower BMI and rarely suffered from excessive daytime sleepiness. In 38 subjects PM-Z a full PSG was performed. In 12 PSG confirmed OSA (AHI--31.6 +/- 19.9). Both studies (PM and PSG) were negative in 26 subjects. In 10 obese subjects PM-Ch full PSG confirmed diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: PM recording can replace full PSG in majority of patients suspected of OSA. Patients with typical symptoms of OSA and negative PM require PSG.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Ten years experience of the sleep laboratory at the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease in Warsaw].

Between 1991-2000 2052 patients (81% men and 19% women) were referred to our Sleep Laboratory because of OSA suspision. In 1194 (58%) subjects (88% men and 12% women) diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA, AHI > 10) was confirmed. In 430 of them (36%) mild OSA (AHI 11-25), in 243 (20%) moderate OSA (AHI 26-40), and in 521 (44%) severe OSA (AHI > 40) was diagnosed. Epworth sleepiness scale score in those groups was 10.4, 10.5 and 13.0 points respectively. 908 (76%) of patients with OSA were submitted to nCPAP treatment. Effective CPAP pressure ranged from 5 to 20 milibars, mean 8.4 mbars. In 21 patients upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) was diagnosed. Central sleep apnoea, most frequently of Cheyne-Stokes respiration type was diagnosed in 13 patients. The most common diseases accompanying OSA were: systemic hypertension (46%), coronary heart disease (29%), diabetes (12%), and COPD (9%). Majority of OSA patients (61%) were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), 32% were over weight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2). Only 7% had normal body weight (BMI 20-25 kg/m2). Long-term (more than one year) compliance to treatment was found in 70% of patients prescribed CPAP.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Acromegaly and sleep apnoea syndrome--case report].

We studied 65-year old, obese man suspected of obstructive sleep apnoea. He gave a history of loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. We confirmed sleep apnoea syndrome during limited polysomnography with Polymesam (RDI--45/h, ODI--47/h). Patient had mainly obstructive episodes, however central and mixed apnoeas constituted about 1/3 of all episodes. During hospitalization we observed exacerbation of coronary artery disease and diagnosed diabetes. Patient's coarsened facial features, macroglossia and large hands led us to suspect acromegaly. Brain MR study revealed small pituitary adenoma. Plasma GH and IGF-1 concentrations were increased. Active acromegaly was diagnosed and was proposed a surgical treatment but he refused. Symptoms of sleep apnoea relieved after CPAP treatment. After one year patient's condition remained stable.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed2000

[Early detection of COPD by high risk population spirometric screening].

UNLABELLED: COPD is the most frequent chronic lung disease in Poland. The disease is however under-diagnosed, especially at the early stages. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of spirometric screening for COPD in middle aged smokers. Informations on causes and symptoms of COPD were disseminated in mass media in 14 large cities. Subject aged over 39 and with smoking history of > 10 packyears were invited for a free spirometry in local chest clinic. However, everyone attending had the spirometry performed. Spirometry was performed according to ATS recommendations. Airway obstruction (AO) was diagnosed when FEV1/FVC < 85% of N and categorised as mild (FEV1 > 70% of N), moderate (FEV1 50-69% of N) or severe (FEV1 < 50% of N). Spirometry was accompanied by an antismoking advice. RESULTS: 12.781 subjects were screened (mean age 52 +/- 12 years, 57% males). In 8.269 subjects who complied with inclusion criteria AO was diagnosed in 29.8% (mild in 10.9%, moderate in 12% and severe in 6.9%). In smokers < 40 years of age and a history of < 10 packyears AO was found in 8.8% (mild in 6.0%, moderate in 1.8% and severe in 1.0%). CONCLUSION: Mass spirometry is an effective and easy method for early detection of COPD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Comparison of automatic (AUTO-CPAP)and "manual" CPAP pressure titration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea].

UNLABELLED: Auto-CPAP gives an opportunity to decrease costs of evaluating patient with OSA, replacing manual titration of pressure during PSG. The aim of this study was to compare automatic (auto-CPAP) and manual CPAP pressure titration in patients with OSA. We studied 50 obese patients (BMI--35 +/- 6 kg/m2), mean age 52.4 +/- 9.4 years with severe OSA, mean: AHI--62.9 +/- 22.1, mean overnight SaO2--89.1 +/- 3.7%, T90--54.4 +/- 29.6%. Two polysomnographies were performed: first when patient slept with CPAP and pressure was titrated manually by a technician and second on auto-CPAP device. Both methods had similar efficacy in reduction of AHI (< 10/h) and hypoxaemia, despite lower pressure established during auto-CPAP mode preventing apnoeas and hypopnoes during 90% of sleep time (8.2 +/- 1.7 cm H2O) compared to manual CPAP titration (9.2 +/- 1.7 cm H2O) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Auto-CPAP seems to be a reliable alternative to manual titration of the therapeutic pressure in patients with OSA. This may help to cut a waiting list for PSG of patients suspected of OSA.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Obstructive sleep apnea and risk factors for coronary artery disease].

STUDY AIM: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is strongly associated with obesity, especially abdominal obesity. Obesity in turn is a well-known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between OSA severity and CAD risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 73 subjects (mean age +/- SE, 46.7 +/- 1 years) referred to a sleep laboratory. Subjects were either: 1. obese with OSA (O-OSA group n = 35; body mass index, BMI ł 30 kg/m2; apnoea/hypopnoea index, AHI > 35), 2. non-obese with OSA (BO-OSA group n = 14; BMI < 27 kg/m2; AHI > 35), or 3. obese without OSA (O-Z group n = 24; BMI ł 30 kg/m2; AHI < 5). All subjects underwent full overnight polysomnography. Blood samples were taken from all subject, for fasting levels of insulin (INS), glucose (GLU), total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and uric acid (UA). RESULTS: O-OSA had significantly higher INS and UA levels (p < 0.05) compared to BO-OSA and O-Z. GLU and lipid levels were comparable in the studied groups. GLU level correlated (p < 0.05) negatively to minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation (SAT-MIN) and positively to neck circumference. TG and UA levels were correlated (p < 0.05) positively to AHI and negatively to SAT-MIN. UA level was also positively correlated (p < 0.05) to BMI, waist/hip circumference ratio (WHR), and INS level. INS level correlated (p < 0.05) positively to AHI, T90, WHR and UA, and negatively to SAT-MIN and mean oxyhemoglobin saturation. After adjusting for the influence of OSA and obesity (multiple regression analysis), we found independent negative correlations (p < 0.05) between: GLU level and SAT-MIN, UA level and SAT-MIN, and INS level and SAT-MIN. An independent, positive correlation (p < 0.05) was found between TG level and AHI. CONCLUSIONS: Results of our study suggest that OSA increases the risk of coronary artery disease by increasing plasma levels of glucose, triglyceride and insulin, independent of obesity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[The effect of CPAP treatment on excessive daytime somnolence in patients with obstructive sleep apnea].

The study was undertaken to investigate whether a CPAP therapy improves symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). In seventy six patients (66 M and 10 F) with AHI = 50 +/- 3.3, BMI = 34 +/- 0.9 kg/m2 and mean age = 50.4 +/- 1 years OSA was diagnosed using standard polysomnography. EDS was assessed using Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Each patient was examined two or three times, before, after 1 and/or 2-15 months of CPAP treatment. Significant reduction of EDS within 1 month of CPAP therapy was found. Mean ESS was reduced from 14.3 +/- 0.9 to 7.0 +/- 0.7 after 1 month therapy (p < 0.001). Continuation of treatment had no further effect on decrease of symptoms of daytime sleepiness. There was a correlation between percent of sleep spent with CPAP and improvement in ESS.

Circadian Rhythm↗
PubMed1999

[Early, targeted population based screening for COPD. Preliminary study].

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in Poland, unfortunately diagnosed not early enough. The aim of the study was to establish prevalence of COPD in chronic smokers. Therefore, using daily press and TV, smokers with at least 10 year history of smoking, over 40 years of age, were invited for a free spirometry. 263 subjects (177 M and 86 F) mean age 54 +/- 0.6 years were examined. Most of them (97.7%) were smokers with a history of 32.2 +/- 0.9 pack-years, 6 persons (2.3%) were passive smokers. 110 persons (41.8%) presented bronchial obstruction, the remaining (58.2%) had normal spirometric values. Following recommendations of the Polish Society of Physio-pneumonology bronchial obstruction was classified as mild in 25.1%,- moderate in 12.1% and severe in 4.6% subjects. Majority of examined subjects presented with COPD symptoms, cough (62.7%), expectoration (68.8%) and dyspnoea (50.2%). The presence of those symptoms did not differ among groups with different severity of bronchial obstruction. However, there were significant differences in age (p < 0.05) and years of smoking habit (p < 0.01). The great efficacy of targeted screening for COPD (40%) should be an incentive to perform routine spirometric examination in smokers with more than 20 years of smoking history.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Structure and conformation of the calcium complex of cyclo(Ala-Leu-Pro-Gly)2 in two crystal forms.

Crystal structures of two different forms of the calcium perchlorate complex of cyclo(Ala-Leu-Pro-Gly)2 have been determined and refined using X-ray crystallographic techniques. Orthorhombic form: C32H52N8O8.Ca(ClO4)2.7H2O.2CH3OH, space group C222(1), a = 14.366, b = 18.653, c = 19.824 A, Z = 4, R = 0.068 for 2208 observed reflections. Monoclinic form: C32H52N8O8.Ca(ClO4)2.4H2O, space group C2, a = 21.096, b = 10.182, c = 11.256 A, beta = 103.33 degrees, Z = 2, R = 0.075 for 2165 observed reflections. The cyclic peptide molecule in both the structures has the form of a twofold symmetric, slightly elongated bowl. Type II' beta-turns, involving Gly and Ala at the corners, exist at the two ends of the molecule. The interior of the molecule is substantially hydrophilic, and the external surface of the bowl is largely hydrophobic. The calcium ion is located at the centre of the mouth of the bowl-like molecule. In both crystal forms, four peptide carbonyl oxygens from the cyclic peptide and two solvent oxygens coordinate to the metal ion. The mode of complexation may be described as incomplete encapsulation as, for example, in the case of metal complexes of antamanide. In the crystal structures the complex ions are held together by hydrogen bonds involving perchlorate ions and water molecules. The molecular structure observed in the crystals is entirely consistent with the results of solution studies, which also indicate the conformation of the cyclic peptide in the complex to be similar to that of the uncomplexed molecule.

Calcium↗
PubMed1992

Conformational and ion binding properties of a cyclic octapeptide, cyclo (Ala-Leu-Pro-Gly)2.

The conformation and ion-binding characteristics of a cyclic octapeptide, cyclo (Ala-Leu-Pro-Gly)2, in a liphophilic solvent, acetonitrile, have been studied using CD and nmr spectroscopy. The peptide binds preferentially to divalent cations such as calcium, magnesium, and barium. The conformations of the free cyclic peptide and its calcium complex are very similar with well-defined beta- and gamma-turns. The cyclic peptide readily forms equimolar and possibly 2:1 (peptide:cation) complexes with divalent cations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

[Lovastatin in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia].

The results of 12 weeks treatment of primary hyperlipidemias with Lovastatin are presented. This drug belonging to a new generation of hypercholesterolemic drugs inhibits the endogenous synthesis of cholesterol by means of inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase. The sample consisted of 30 men aged 28-68 years: in 17 of them heterozygotic familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) was diagnosed and in 13--primary non familial hypercholesterolemia (NFH). After 12 weeks of treatment in both groups a significant reduction of total serum cholesterol concentration was observed--(-28%) and--(-32%) as well as LDL-cholesterol concentration (in both groups about -37%) and apo B concentration--(-32%) and -34%. Only in one patients with NFH a significant reduction of VLDL-cholesterol (-29%) and or triglycerides (-15%) concentrations was observed. In this group also a 9% increase of HLD-cholesterol, mainly HDL-2 concentration, was found. Side effects were observed in 6 patients--in 4 of them a minor increase of ALAT, AsPAT or CPK activities (less than 3 times above norm were observed) without any symptoms and with a spontaneous normalization with no need to stop treatment, and in 2 of them abdominal pains not causing drug treatment cessation.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Energetics of Ehrlich ascites mitochondria: membrane potential of isolated mitochondria and mitochondria within digitonin-permeabilized cells.

Ehrlich ascites tumour cells were treated with digitonin so that they became permeable for low-molecular-weight compounds but, at certain concentrations of digitonin, retained most of their cytoplasmic proteins. Respiration of mitochondria with exogenous substrates and their membrane potential could thus be measured in situ by means of oxygen electrode and tetraphenylphosphonium-sensitive electrode, respectively. The results were compared with data from similar measurements on mitochondria isolated from such digitonin-permeabilized cells. Isolated mitochondria and mitochondria in situ oxidized succinate at similar rates and developed membrane potential of comparable magnitude. Both preparations also exhibited an identical nonlinear relationship between resting state respiration (titrated with a respiratory inhibitor) and the membrane potential. In the cells permeabilized with low concentrations of digitonin (i.e., retaining most of cytoplasmic proteins) and suspended in medium containing NaCl and other major anions and cations at concentrations close to those in mammalian plasma, anaerobiosis did not produce a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, which was collapsed only after a subsequent addition of oligomycin. In this medium, glucose had little effect on either respiration or the membrane potential.

Animals↗