Biomedical subjects

M Wierzbicka

Publications and source records attributed to M Wierzbicka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Comparison of ninhydrin method of detecting amine compounds with other methods of halitosis detection.

OBJECTIVES: Halitosis is a result of overactivity of Gram-negative bacteria for which protein amino acids are the major source of energy. Therefore, statistical correlation between concentrations of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) and low-molecular-weight amines should be expected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients suffering from halitosis and 40 healthy volunteers aged 20-62 years (average 39.7) participated in the study. In all subjects low-molecular-weight amines were evaluated by the ninhydrin method. Patients with halitosis were randomized into treatment groups. Zinc tablets, tablets and mouthwash containing chlorhexidine or lyophilized lactic acid-forming bacteria were used. RESULTS: Analysis showed that the level of amines was highest in subjects with halitosis (0.39, s.d. +/- 0.06, P < 0.001) and correlated significantly with results of VSC measurement and organoleptic scores (P < 0.001). Reduction of amine levels after treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Three months following treatment the amine levels began to increase (0.37, s.d. +/- 0.05). The amine levels in healthy controls were lower (0.29, s.d. +/- 0.07) and remained at a stable level. CONCLUSION: The salivary amine levels significantly correlated with VSC levels and organoleptic scores. Therefore, the ninhydrin method of detecting salivary amines may be an alternative or additional method of diagnosing halitosis. This method may also be used to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Subjective patients' opinion and evaluation of halitosis using halimeter and organoleptic scores.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of interest in fetor ex ore among respondents, patients of the Department of Conservative Dentistry in Warsaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was completed by 295 patients, 202 females and 93 males aged 18-74 years (average 38.73 years). Each person was also examined for organoleptic score and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) by Halimeter. Halitosis was diagnosed if the average level of VSC was > or =125 ppb and the organoleptic measurement using a 0-5 point scale was > or =2. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test. RESULTS: Incidence of halitosis was greatest in age ranges 25-34 years (29.68%) and 45-54 years (24.52%). Sixty-eight (43.87%) persons with diagnosed halitosis frequently reported having a problem with bad breath and only 5.81% persons with halitosis did not notice this problem (P < 0.001). Among 54 healthy persons three (5.56%) reported having a problem with halitosis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant correlation was found between clinical organoleptic diagnosis of halitosis and VSC level by halimeter. Subjective patients' opinion correlated well with objective evaluation of halitosis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Second primary tumors (SPT) of head and neck: distinguishing of "true" SPT from micrometastasis by LOH analysis of selected chromosome regions.

The reason of treatment failures in head and neck tumors is often connected with the appearance of second primary tumors (SPT). Three mechanisms of SPT development of clonal or non clonal secondary tumors were described: 1. via micrometastases (clonal); 2. from a common carcinogenic field - Second Field Tumors (SFT - partially clonal); 3. via independent events (from different carcinogenic fields - "true" SPT - not clonal). Assessing the clonality of diagnosed tumors carries important clinical implications including chemoprevention, radiotherapy and general patient management. In this study a set of 12 microsatellite markers was used to find similarities and/or differences in allelic imbalance patterns between 22 pairs of tumors (the first tumor designate as index and SPT). The aim of the study was to identify a potential clonal origin and progression within given pairs of tumors. The results indicate that within the tumors diagnosed by clinical examination as SPT at least two mechanisms mentioned above should be taken into account as 6/23 (26%) were clonally unrelated ("true" SPT) and 3/23 (13%) carried clonal genetic changes (formation by micrometastasis or SFT). In 14/23 (61%) cases the results were insufficient or ambiguous to determine the clonality status. The final results indicate the complexity of carcinogenesis in these tumors and thus stress that clinical diagnosis of second primary tumors should be considered carefully.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Adaptation of Biscutella laevigata L, a metal hyperaccumulator, to growth on a zinc-lead waste heap in southern Poland. I: Differences between waste-heap and mountain populations.

Biscutella laevigata is an herbal member of the Brasicacae family and a typical mountain species. It has recently been identified as a hyperaccumulator of lead, cadmium and thallium. Its northern reach runs through Poland, where it is found only in the west Tatra Mountains and on calamine waste heaps in the vicinity of Olkusz (Cracow--Silesian Highland). The peculiar distribution of this species in Poland prompted us to undertake studies to identify the traits that allow this typically mountain species to grow so robustly on industrial waste heaps near zinc and lead smelters in the vicinity of Olkusz. Populations of B. laevigata from waste heaps and the Tatra Mountains were compared both under field (natural) conditions and during cultivation of successive generations under laboratory conditions. It was found that the mountain and waste-heap populations of B. laevigata differed significantly. The plants in the mountain population had thicker leaves covered with cutin and a small number of hairs, whereas the plants from the waste-heap population had thin leaves covered with numerous hairs. The difference in leaf thickness between the two populations (0.15 mm on average) was due to increased dimensions of palisade mesophyl cells whereas the number of cells in their leaves remained similar. These traits were hereditary. This indicates that two geographically distant populations of plants followed two different evolutionary paths to adapt to xerothermic conditions. Moreover, it was shown that the waste-heap population of B. laevigata is more tolerant to heavy metals (lead, zinc and cadmium). In the presence of both zinc and lead, growth of the waste-heap plants was stimulated, while under the same conditions, growth of the mountain population was inhibited lower than 50%. This adaptation facilitates the growth of this population on industrial waste heaps. Our studies show that B. laevigata is a valuable species very well-suited for use in the recultivation of areas containing high levels of heavy metals--the waste-heap population of this species is particularly valuable.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2004

Highly toxic thallium in plants from the vicinity of Olkusz (Poland).

Thallium is a highly toxic metal that plays no role in the metabolism of plants or animals. Recent studies using small mammals and bird feathers as bioindicators demonstrated for the first time that animals from the vicinity of the Bolesław metal works near Olkusz (southern Poland) had large amounts of thallium in their tissues. Because of concern over these reports, four plant species (Plantago lanceolata, Biscutella laevigata, Dianthus carthusianorum, Silene vulgaris) growing wildly in the same area on a 100-year-old calamine waste heap, as well as the waste heap soil, were examined. The average concentration of thallium in the waste heap soil was 43 mgTl/kg dry wt, with the highest value 78 mg Tl/kg dry wt. P. lanceolata accumulated extremely large amounts of thallium (average, 65 mg Tl/kg dry wt; maximum 321 mg Tl/kg dry wt in roots). S. vulgaris and D. carthusianorum accumulated much less (averages, 10 and 6.5 mg Tl/kg dry wt, respectively). On the other hand, B. leavigata accumulated negligible amounts of thallium in its tissues. The concentration of thallium in plants (shoots, roots) from the calamine waste heap was 100-1000 times the level normally found in plants (0.05 mg Tl/kg dry wt). Possible sources of thallium are discussed and the urgent need for large-scale studies on thallium contamination of soils and vegetation in Poland, especially its southern regions, which are the most industrialized, is pointed out.

Environmental Monitoring↗

PubMed2002

Epstein-Barr virus and human papillomavirus infections and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are known to exhibit oncogenic potential. Target cells for both viruses include oropharyngeal elements. The present study investigated whether EBV or HPV infection are associated with palatine tonsil carcinoma (PTC) and/or tongue carcinoma (TC). The study included 28 adult patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, including 14 patients with PTC and 14 patients with TC. The control group included 20 healthy adult volunteers. Sera of all patients and controls were tested for IgG anti-EA antibodies, IgG anti-VCA antibodies, and IgG anti-EBNA antibodies. DNA extracted from the tumors was tested for the presence of EBV DNA and HPV DNA using PCR-ELISA. In parallel, the presence of EBV DNA was tested in the peripheral blood in all healthy individuals and patients. In addition, attempts were made to detect HPV 16 and HPV 18 using other PCR amplification techniques. Serum anti-EBV antibodies were detected in 24 patients (12 patients with PTC and 12 patients with TC). The frequency of detection of the antibodies did not significantly differ between the groups of patients and the control individuals. Most positive patients and controls demonstrated a serological pattern typical for past EBV infection. EBV DNA was identified in 12 cases of PTC and in 12 cases of TC (altogether 86% cases). In 10 PTC patients, 8 TC patients, and only 2 healthy individuals EBV DNA was detected in peripheral blood. HPV DNA was detected in only 3 cases (1 sample of PTC and 2 samples of TC). These results suggest that the etiopathogenesis of oropharyngeal cancers may be associated with EBV infection much more frequently than with HPV infection.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Invasive aspergillosis in autopsy material of patients treated at the Institute of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases during the years 1993-2000].

The aim of this paper is an analysis of clinical documentation and results of autopsy of 21 patients (pts) who died of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in the Institute of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases in years 1993-2000 and the assessment of predisposing factors for IA. In 17 pts IA was the main and in other 4 only an accessory cause of death. All pts were treated with corticosteroids and/or cytostatic drugs--because of lung cancer (11 pts), cancer in other site (2 pts), haematologic disorders (2 pts), Wegener's granulomatosis (1 pt), polymyositis (1 pt), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (1 pt) and other diseases (3 pts). In 15 out of 21 pts granulocytopenia was revealed (from 0.008 x 10(9)/L to 0.82 x 10(9)/L) on an average one month before death. In 15 pts IA was limited to the lungs, in 6 others there were also fungal lesions in brain, kidneys, liver, spleen and heart. Pts with disseminated form of IA had significantly lower granulocyte count and were treated with higher doses of corticosteroids than others. Immunosuppressive drugs and granulocytopenia can be regarded as predisposing factors. Fatal course of IA depended also on the late diagnosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Psychological aspects of treatment of patients with head and neck cancer].

One of the basic components that describe treatment success in contemporary oncology is patients' quality of life (QL) depending on specificity of the disease, treatment method, side effect of treatment, the medical prognosis and patient expectations. In reality, the QL is determined by the difference between patients' expectations and the actual health condition. The bigger the difference, the worse the evaluation of QL. Solving the crises, stress situation and starting life in a new way are strictly connected with the reshaping of personality and formation of adequate skills. It means it is necessary to create a new "picture of oneself", "self image" appropriate to the actual health condition and find the optimum way of activating personality protecting system (defence mechanisms). This task is not easy to realise; it is often necessary to introduce the psychotherapy to make it work. The main aim of defence mechanisms is the reduction of fear and other negative emotions, typical for oncological patients. However, the immature and poor defence system of "ego" can, at the same time, protect the personality unity and result in harmful behaviours. But when the "new self image" is made real, the newly learnt personality defence mechanisms are more mature, the patient becomes able to fight with the disease, is able to face the reality, which constitutes the main factor in the increase of QL assessment. To estimate the influence of psychotherapy on QL of head and neck cancer patients we have planned the introduction of psychological intervention (meetings of therapeutic groups).

Defense Mechanisms↗

PubMed2001

[A rare case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the larynx].

One case of rare laryngeal tumor--adenoid cystic carcinoma in 58 year old woman was reported in this paper. Authors wanted to drew attention to few complaints and only slight dysphagia in comparison to local extensiveness of the neoplasm. Diagnostic difficulties were underline. Epidemiology, clinical course and therapy were demonstrated in laryngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

[The role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in carcinogenesis of palatine tonsil carcinoma (PTC)].

OBJECTIVES: Casual link of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and endemically manifesting nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been already well documented. Our study, conducted in Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, aimed at examining whether EBV infection occurs also in patients with another tumor, palatine tonsil malignant neoplasms. METHODS: The studies were performed on 20 patients, aged 32 to 80 years, in whom tonsil malignencies was diagnosed by histological methods. The treatment of choice was surgery. Sera of the patients was tested for EBV DNA (Sharp Signal System; Digene), IgM-anti-EBV antibodies (Behring), IgG-anti-EA antibodies (ETI-EA-G; Dia Sorin) and IgG-anti-VCA antibodies (ETI-VCA-G; Dia Sorin). RESULTS: Serological exponents of reactivated EBV infection (serum IgG-anti-EA and IgG-anti-VCA antibodies) were observed in 12 patients. In parallel, ten of the patients demonstrated EBV DNA. In the remaining 8 patients, three manifested past EBV infection (positive IgG-anti-VCA) and five probed to be EBV negative. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated, that tonsil malignancies may be associated with EBV infection.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMed2001

[The quality of life in head and neck cancer patients: description of randomized examination formula based on standardized questionnaires EORTC QLQ C-30, EORTC QTQ-H-N35 and Kiel Questionnaire].

The notion of quality of life (QL) was first introduced in the US in the 50-ies. This notion is much broader then health, it is a personal, subjective feeling of well-being that comes from actual, widely-meant life experiences. The QL is not a measurable value, however, it may be assessed by means of appropriate indices. In the contemporary holistic attitude to a patient, in modern oncology, QL has become a parameter of equal importance to other values characterizing the treatment success, as important as numbers describing e.g. mean survival, disease free survival, or neoplasm controlled survival. Head and neck neoplasms bring about deterioration of the basic functions of the organism such as: breathing, swallowing, speaking and senses: hearing, taste and smell. Application of treatment may intensify pain, dyspnea, hoarseness or cause any kind of discomfort. It influences directly the patients' family and social life. Comparison of QL of patients treated for larynx, tongue, tonsill, glands, and paranasal sinuses neoplasms depending on localisation of primary foci, advancement of the disease, the applied treatment and its radicality, age, sex, place of living (town/country), and educational level. Correlation between the subjectively assessed QL and the objectively evaluated condition of the patient is measured. In ENT Dept. K. Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences 46 patients were examined from May to September 2000. EORTC QLQ C-30, EORTC QLQ-Head and Neck and HAD scale were used. Kiel Questionnaire was introduced in September. The main reason for introducing it was the fact, that surgery is the method of choice in the treatment of head and neck malignancies in our Dept. The team composed of a psychologist and an ENT doctor has been working together on objective assessment of each patient. The QL assessment may be of practical importance when trying to improve the model of health care in cases of oncological patients. This knowledge enables us to learn how the accompanying side effects of therapy influence the QL of our patients, and how these problems may be overcome by proper education, advice, and support provided by the qualified staff. The authors are evaluating the QL in the period of 2, 6 months and 1 year after surgery in patients not supported psychologically. Our goal, in the future, is to introduce the psychological treatment, i.e. repetitive meetings in small groups, conducted by a psychologist. We have contacted 4 major ENT centers in Poland in order to coordinate the research on detailed assessment of QL in Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Poland. The results will be presented in the further publications.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMed2001

[Contribution to etiology of otitis media with effusion].

BACKGROUND: Otitis media with effusion is characterized by gathering and retaining of effusion within the tympanic cavity and the structures of the mastoid bone. The aim of this study was to explain the role of immunological reaction in pathogenesis and development of this disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The studied group comprised 6 patients aged between 7 and 14 years. The effusion present within the tympanic cavity was aspired and then the agarare gel immunoelectrophoresis was performed. After 24 hours the precipitation stripes of the IgA and IgG were analysed. Blood serum specimens were also collected in the studied group. After centifrugation, blood serum concentrations of IgA and IgG were evaluated. RESULTS: IgA and IgG were present in the effusion taken from the tympanic cavity in all examined cases. The level of IgA was higher in older individuals.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Usefulness of questionnaire EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC QLQ H&N C-35 in assessment of quality of life before surgical treatment in patients with head and neck cancer].

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (Qob) has become an important issue in head and neck cancer. Nowadays the explanation of factors predicting quality of life after surgical treatment has important role and implications for patient's management. METHODS: We analyzed which pretreatment parameters and factors predicted QoL after surgery of 46 patients with larynx cancer. The patients completed the EORTC Core Questionnaire, the Head and Neck Module. RESULTS: The QLQ H&N35 Core Questionnaire demonstrated acceptable reliability. The instrument was sensitive to the effect of patients' disagreement of quality of life state. Scores were significant associated with total quality of life score. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the sensitivity and applicability of Core Questionnaire. The use of this disease-specific measure to assess quality of life among patients with advanced larynx cancer.

Female↗

PubMed2000

[Results from the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer].

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma constitute 0.3% all malignancies in Poland. These tumors still pose a complex diagnostic problem. Intracranial structures and facial skeleton have not been accessible for X-ray imaging so far. Improvement o imaging techniques, fibroscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging allows for gathering new data which influence diagnostics and treatment planning in this difficult anatomical localization. Development of radiotherapy techniques allows for decreasing of radio-reaction and neighbouring structure damage. 188 patient were included in this series and divided into two subgroups: I--128 patients treated between 1980-1990 and II--60 patients between 1991-1995. The diagnostics and treatment methods differs in both subgroups. It was connected with new imaging techniques, therapeutic equipment as well as combination of radiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The authors present the latest diagnostic and therapeutic methods which are currently applied in ENT Dept. Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences and Wielkopolskie Centrum Onkologii with review of literature devoted to the progress in diagnostics, treatment planning and modern radiotherapy techniques.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

PubMed2000

[Second primary malignant tumor in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer].

Clinical analysis of 90 patients with malignant nasopharyngeal tumors treated in 1985-1996 was performed. The real frequency of second tumors, immunity to second malignant tumor, therapy and genetical factors were described. Second malignant nasopharyngeal tumors occur rarely than in other head and neck tumors (in our material approx. 4%). An attention should be paid to the young age of our patients, mean 46 years.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Desmoid tumor of parotid gland].

Desmoids are rare tumors originating from musculo-aponeurotic soft tissues. Their biologic features placed them between benign fibromas and malignant fibrosarcomas. The rare of parotid gland desmoid tumor is presented. The patient was treated surgically--the tumor was resected with the safety margins. Recurrence was not observed during 12 month follow up.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Reconstructive surgery in larynx cancer].

Subtotal laryngectomies with larynx reconstruction are an acceptable alternative to the total laryngectomy in T2, T3 larynx cancer treatment. One procedure resection and reconstruction allow for radical oncological treatment with simultaneous preservation of air passage continuity and the function of the neolarynx. In the years 1988-1997 in ENT Dept. of Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences 38 subtotal laryngectomies with larynx reconstruction were performed. They were: 34 supracricoid laryngectomies with cricohyoidopexy, 2 with epiglotohyoidopexy and 3 supraglotic laryngectomies with reconstruction. The basic criterion of the evaluation of such procedures effectiveness was their oncological radicality. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 9 years. Local relapse was observed in none of the cases, nodal relapse was started in 2 patients. Another aspect taken into consideration was the function of the neolarynx. In 3 cases two or three laser procedures were performed because of neolarynx lumen structure which were followed by T-dren plasty. In 10 patients temporary swallowing difficulties, especially liquids, were observed in the first three month. Gastrostomy was performed in one case. The authors discuss indications to this type of surgery, operation technique, oncological and functional results. Spirometry results and voice analyses after larynx resection and reconstruction in these patients are presented.

Follow-Up Studies↗

PubMed2000

[Practical significance of the 6 level neck classification in cancers of the aerodigestive tract].

Lymph node metastases are one of the main reasons of treatment failure in head and neck cancer. Thus, knowledge of lymphatic system anatomy and routs of spreading the metastases in particular primary tumor localisation is of great practical importance. Typical sites of neck metastases in larynx and tonsil cancer were presented. The neck lymphatic system classification according to American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery from 1991 was used. The most often site of metastases in larynx cancer was the II and III level, in tongue and floor of mouth cancer--level I and II and in nasopharynx malignancies--level II and V respectively. Knowledge of the neck regions with elevated risk of harbouring metastases was important not only during the surgery but as well before planning of the selective or elective radiotherapy.

Head and Neck Neoplasms↗