Biomedical subjects

M Kowalska

Publications and source records attributed to M Kowalska.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Clinical significance of serum cytokine measurements in untreated colorectal cancer patients: soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type I--an independent prognostic factor.

The aim of this study was to exploit the potential clinical use of circulating cytokine measurements in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The levels of cytokines and cytokine receptors were assessed by ELISA in the sera of 50 healthy volunteers and 157 patients with previously untreated CRC and then related to clinicopathological features and prognosis. All tumors were verified histologically as colorectal adenocarcinomas and staged according to TNM classification. The levels of circulating interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) significantly increased with the clinical stage of CRC, and the levels of IL-6, soluble tumor necrosis factor (sTNF) receptor type I (RI), soluble interleukin 2 receptor alpha and TNFalpha with tumor grade, while IL-6, IL-8, M-CSF, IL-1ra and sTNF RI levels significantly rose with bowel wall invasion. None of the cytokine or soluble cytokine receptor levels were influenced by age, gender and colon versus rectum localization. sTNF RI, IL-8, IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor measurements demonstrated the highest diagnostic sensitivity. sTNF RI was found elevated in the greatest percentage of all CRC patients, in the greatest proportion of stage I patients and presented the best diagnostic sensitivity. In addition, the sTNF RI level strongly correlated with tumor grade and invasion and proved to be an independent prognostic factor.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Formalin hindpaw injection induces changes in the [3H]prazosin binding to alpha1-adrenoceptors in specific regions of the mouse brain and spinal cord.

Involvement of the alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes in early and late phases of formalin pain was investigated by quantitative in vitro autoradiography in the spinal cord and brain structures of CD-1 mice. Total alpha1-adrenoceptors binding (including all alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes) was assessed with [3H]prazosin; alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor was assessed with [3H]prazosin in the presence of 10 nM WB4101 to mask remaining alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes. Early after formalin injection the alpha1-adrenoceptors (mainly alpha1B receptor) binding was reduced in the contralateral hind limb area of the somatosensory cortex and in the secondary motor cortex. A reduction occurred also in the ipsilateral laminae I-III of the spinal cord (both alpha1B- and non-alpha1B-adrenoceptors). Lately an increase of alpha1-adrenoceptors binding (mostly subtypes other than alpha1B) appeared in discrete amygdaloid and thalamic nuclei. These results provide the first description of changes at the level of central alpha1-adrenoceptors' binding during the formalin-induced pain in mice. Their distribution suggests that they may have a functional meaning.

Amygdala↗

PubMed2005

Measurement of the spin and magnetic moment of 31Mg: evidence for a strongly deformed intruder ground state.

Unambiguous values of the spin and magnetic moment of 31Mg are obtained by combining the results of a hyperfine-structure measurement and a beta-NMR measurement, both performed with an optically polarized ion beam. With a measured nuclear g factor and spin I=1/2, the magnetic moment mu(31Mg)=-0.88355(15)mu(N) is deduced. A revised level scheme of 31Mg (Z=12, N=19) with ground state spin/parity I(pi)=1/2(+) is presented, revealing the coexistence of 1p-1h and 2p-2h intruder states below 500 keV. Advanced shell-model calculations and the Nilsson model suggest that the I(pi)=1/2(+) ground state is a strongly prolate deformed intruder state. This result plays a key role for the understanding of nuclear structure changes due to the disappearance of the N=20 shell gap in neutron-rich nuclei.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Cytokines and endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal expression of cytokines is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 63 women with various stages of endometriosis preoperative levels of cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, BVEGF, b-FGF, of TNF RI and TNF RII were analysed employing ELISA tests (R&D kits). RESULTS: In the sera of endometriosis patients significantly augmented levels of IL-6 and of b-FGF were detected as well as a trend for elevated IL-8 levels. CONCLUSION: Elevated serum levels of cytokines may show poor correspondence to the localized pathological process. Endometriosis would find a stricter reflection in cytokine levels in fluids or tissues of the pelvis minor.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Risk factors for asthma in school children--results of a seven-year follow-up.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cumulative incidence of physician-diagnosed asthma over the period of 7 years, and to determine its host and environmental risk factors in children aged 7-9 years at the beginning of follow-up. The incidence of the disease was determined from answers to respiratory questionnaire on two occasions (in 1993 and 2000) in a group of 663 children aged 14-16 years in 2000. The data on host and environmental factors obtained in 1993 were used to explore predictors of asthma, by means of relative risks and the results of logistic regression analysis. The cumulative incidence of asthma (3.9%) appeared to relate to using coal for cooking/heating (RR = 2.78) and parental smoking (RR = 1.21), in addition to known effects of parental asthma (RR = 5.54), history of atopic eczema (RR = 4.66) or allergic conjunctivitis (RR = 4.11). Although the cumulative incidence of asthma increased from 2.0% in non-smoking families to 4.2% in one-parent-smoking families and 5.4% in two-parent-smoking families the results of multivariate analysis confirmed only the effects of parental asthma (logOR = 4.59), atopy (logOR = 3.88) and using coal for cooking (logOR = 3.33). The effect of exposure to parental smoking was not statistically significant (logOR = 2.33). The findings, in addition to well known host-related factors, suggest the role of environmental exposures (indoor air quality) in childhood asthma and support a challenging hypothesis concerning protective effect of measles infection--the study revealed no incidence of asthma in a group of 38 children who acquired measles before the follow-up started.

Asthma↗

PubMed2001

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity in vitro of new derivatives of 3-aminopyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine. Part 1. Reaction of 3-aminopyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine with 1,3-, 1,4-diketones and alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones.

The synthesis of several new pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, pyrido[2',3':3,4]-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine and imidazo[1',2':1,5]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives is described. The obtained compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity in vitro. One of them, 4-phenyl-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-beta-styrylo)pyrido- [2',3':3,4]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (9), revealed cytotoxic properties against the cells of all three human cancer cell lines applied. Another one, 2,4-dimethyl-pyrido[2',3':3,4]pyrazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine (2), revealed weak cytotoxic activity only against the cells of human bladder cancer cell line HCV29T. All other compounds tested did not reveal any cytotoxic activity.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Reasons for magnesium deficiency in children with coeliac disease].

UNLABELLED: Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is often noted in patients with coeliac disease (CD). The aim of the study was the analysis of the reasons of this deficiency in children with CD, diagnosed according to ESPGAN criteria. MATERIAL: The study was performed on 41 patients aged 6-18 years adhering to strict gluten-free diet GFD(+) for mean 11 years, with normal small intestine mucosa, and IgAEmA(-), and on 32 patients aged 5-17 years on gluten containing diet, with classical CD, silent CD or after gluten challenge--GFD(-). In this group the villous atrophy of the small intestine and IgAEmA(+) were observed. In 18 of these patients Mg deficiency was found using Mg-loading test (30 mmol/1.73 m2). METHODS: The following parameters were analysed: type of the disease, observance of gluten-free diet, sex, and living place. Mg, Ca, Na, protein, fat, and dietary fiber intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaire method, and steatorrhea using faecal fat excretion (g/24 h). RESULTS: The frequency of Mg deficiency was similar in both sexes, occasionally in children from small towns (4.5%), and more often in children from big cities (31.5%), and village (34.4%). Dietary Mg intake below RDA was observed in 23% of children from GFD(+) group, in 19% from GFD(-) one, and in 17.6% in children with Mg deficiency. Insufficient Mg intake was found in 18.2% of children from small towns, in 17.6% from big cities, and in 12.5% from villages; Ca in 36.6%, 58.8%, and 59.3%, and protein in 18.2%, 35.3%, and in 34.4% respectively. In all groups of children high intake of fat and Na was observed. Dietary fiber intake was within the recommended values. All children with classical CD had increased fat excretion (mean 25.9 g/24 h), in other patients it was within normal values [GFD(+) mean 1.95 g/24 h, in GFD(-) without diarrhoea 1.7 g/24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium deficiency in children with CD depends on the form of the disease, adhering to GFD, diarrhoea with steatorrhea, and/or low Mg intake with the diet.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Predictors of persistence of remission of the respiratory symptoms in school children].

The evolution of the respiratory symptoms in school children hampers the interpretation of epidemiologic findings concerning potential risk factors. It is thus important to identify prognostic factors that predict symptoms' persistence or remission. A seven-year follow-up of 663 children showed that half of them experience the remission of cough, chest wheeze and attacks of dyspnea. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the persistence of cough is more likely to occur in children with a history of spastic bronchitis (logOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.3-7.1) and the presence of coal-stove in kitchen (logOR = 3.1: 95% CI: 1.4-6.9). The probability of persistence of wheeze depends on history of bronchitis (logOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.4-11.4), history of parental asthma(logOR = 4.8; 95% CI: 1.1-25.2) and diagnosis of pollen sensitivity (logOR = 3.9; 95% CI = 1.2-12.9). On the other hand the persistence of attack of dyspnea was associated with a shortness of breath on exertion(logOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 1.5-16.8). The results of the study confirm an important role of medical history in the assessment of prognosis of the respiratory health status in children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Assesment of the selected T and B lymphocyte subsets in children with newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus].

The study was performed in 39 children with newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The %age number of CD19+, CD5+/CD20+ B lymphocytes and CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/DR+, CD8+/DR+ T lymphocytes subpopulations were investigated in the peripheral blood. Marked, statistically significant increase (p<0.0001) in CD5+ B lymphocytes was revealed in 77% of patients as compared to the healthy control. The elevated number of CD5+ B lymphocytes correlated with presence of activated lymphocytes T (CD4+/DR+ and CD8+/DR+). The total number of CD19+, CCD3+, CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes was on comparable level in both groups.

English Abstract↗

PubMed2001

[Use of intratympanic gentamycin for the treatment of Meniere's disease].

The ablation treatment of Meniere's disease by intratympanic streptomycin applications was first reported by Schuknecht in 1957. Streptomycin and gentamycin are the most frequent aminoglycosides used for the Meniere's disease treatment. Gentamycin is responsible for the damage of vestibular dark cells causing the impairment of endolymph production. This method gives the possibility for the control of the vertigo with a potential hearing preservation. Fifteen patients with unilateral Meniere's disease who had not responded to conventional therapy, were treated by intratympanic gentamycin injections. The hearing status and the caloric test were staged before and after treatment according to the AAO-HNS guidelines. Overall results after minimum 1 year follow-up in this group were as shown below: complete vertigo control--5 patients, substantial vertigo control--8 patients, complete relief of tinnitus--10, relief of aural fullness--12 patients, hearing loss--none. According to presented results, intratympanic injections of gentamycin is the useful alternative to the surgery. This method should be consider in every patient with the unilateral Meniere's disease, who had not responded to the conventional treatment.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Spectrally resolved fluorescence imaging of human colonic adenomas.

Native fluorescence (autofluorescence) of human tissues can be a valuable source of diagnostic information for detecting premalignant and malignant lesions in the human body. Digital imaging of autofluorescence may be useful for localization of such lesions during endoscopic examinations. Tissue fluorescence of 31 adenomatous polyps obtained from 16 patients has been excited in vitro using the 325 nm line of a He-Cd laser. Digital images of the autofluorescence are recorded in six spectral bands. This study provides new data about the spatial distributions of autofluorescence intensities emitted in different spectral bands by colonic adenomatous lesions and normal colonic mucosa. Areas characterized by autofluorescence intensity lower than in normal mucosa are found for a majority of the polyps under study. The observed patterns of spatial distribution differ for the different spectral bands and for different polypoid lesions. No inverse correlation is found between the emission intensity and the thickness of colonic mucosa. The results indicate the spectral bands most useful for diagnostic applications and demonstrate the complexity of the optical processes involved in shaping both the spectra and intensities of the autofluorescence.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1999

Detection of colonic malignant lesions by digital imaging of UV laser-induced autofluorescence.

The objective of our study was to investigate whether digital imaging of autofluorescence could be applied in the detection of colonic malignancies. Autofluorescence was excited with a 325 nm line from a He-Cd laser. Images were recorded in vitro in six spectral bands. The material for study was 50 resected specimens for which images of 64 areas were recorded. The main result is the observation that for a majority of malignant and premalignant lesions the intensity of autofluorescence was lower than for the corresponding normal mucosa in all of the spectral bands selected for imaging. The spectral bands centered around 440 nm and 475 nm seem to be most promising in terms of possible future clinical applications.

Colonic Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

[Alice Hamilton (1869-1970): a pioneer of occupational medicine and public health].

Dr. Alice Hamilton (1869-1970) was the mother of occupational health a pioneer in public health in the United States. She worked as a doctor in Hull House, the first settlement house, and she was an advocate of the birth-control movement. She led pioneering studies of occupational head, mercury, carbon monoxide poisoning and many other chemical intoxications of workers. She was an assistant professor of industrial medicine at the Harvard Medical School (1919-1935). During the years 1924-1930 she worked for the Health Organization of the League of Nations. From 1943 she acted as a vice-president of the American Health Association. Alice Hamilton was an expert in the field of occupational lead poisoning.

History, 19th Century↗

PubMed1998

[The application of lead in pharmacotherapy in time past and today].

The review of literature shows that lead and its compounds accompany man from the beginning of mankind to present days. In the evolution of the therapeutic use of lead we can discern the periods of a fascination for its compounds, e.g. the antique, especially in Rome, and the galenic period up to the XVIII century. The development of chemistry, toxicology and pharmacology at the breach of XVIII and XIX century led to a limitation of lead use in the therapy. It must be emphasized that it never came to a resignation. It remains still an element of the traditional pharmacotherapy in many cultures, e.g. of Hindus, Westafricans and Mexicans.

Drug Therapy↗

PubMed1997

Preliminary comparison of behavioral and biochemical effects of chronic transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive shock in the rat.

To confirm the assumption that repetitive rapid-rate transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) induces the functional and structural changes analogous to those which are evoked during electroconvulsive shock (ECS), we compared now the effects of treatments with TMS and ECS on the behavioral responses in rats. We also tested the reactivity of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) generating system in cerebral cortical slices. TMS similarly to ECS shortened the immobility time in the forced swimming test and produced a depression of responsiveness of the noradrenaline-stimulated cyclic AMP generating system, although the significance of the latter effect was borderline. In contrast to ECT, TMS produced no such immediate behavioral effects as analgesia and depression of the early phase of locomotor activity. The data suggest that TMS produces in rats some responses that are regarded as predictive for antidepressant activity, similar to those produced by ECS, but less adverse effects.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Does Ca2+ channel blockade modulate the antidepressant-induced changes in mechanisms of adrenergic transduction?

We investigated how the L-type calcium channel blockade (CCB) with nifedipine affects the cyclic AMP responses to noradrenaline or isoproterenol in cerebral cortical slices from rats receiving antidepressant treatments that induce (electroconvulsive shock, imipramine) or do not induce (amitriptyline) beta-downregulation. To assess the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in receptor crosstalk under CCB conditions, the cyclic AMP responses were tested also in the presence of a PKC activator, TPA. CCB alone induced no changes, but modulated the action of those antidepressants that down regulate the beta-adrenergic system. Chronic ECS and imipramine treatments were differently affected. ECS, under conditions of CCB, down regulated the response to isoproterenol in the presence of TPA, while imipramine ceased to block the TPA-potentiation of cyclic AMP responses. Thus, CCB affects the processes related to the antidepressant-induced changes on the crosstalk between alpha1- and beta-adrenergic receptors, depending on the specific properties of the antidepressant.

Adrenergic Agents↗

PubMed1995

[Evaluation of serum cortisol concentration in neonates with infections complicated by acute respiratory failure].

In 84 newborns with acute respiratory failure serum cortisol and its changes were evaluated in relation to the cause of the disease, maturity of the neonate and severity of the respiratory insufficiency. Thirty-nine out of the 84 newborns were born prematurely, 51 were suffering from pneumonia, 23 had sepsis. In all the neonates, serum cortisol concentrations were measured three times: on admission, on the fourth day of treatment and during convalescence. During the acute stage of the disease serum cortisol was raised in all newborns, irrespective of their maturity. The level of cortisol declined to normal values during convalescence.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1994

Preparation of membrane-immobilised enzymes for phenol decomposition.

A method for the preparation of membranes with immobilised enzymes for the biological degradation of phenols is described. In the first stage, an enzymatic fraction from bacterial strains has been isolated. The enzyme membranes were obtained by ultrafiltration of protein solution through a membrane support made of non-cellulose polymers. All enzymes were adsorbed onto the membrane surface. The enzyme membranes were found to degrade 70-80% of the phenol during single dead-end ultrafiltration at a pressure of 1 x 10(5)-3 x 10(5) Pa. The retention coefficient of the ultrafiltration process also amounted to 70-80%.

Adsorption↗