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Biomedical subjects

Marcin Szymański

Publications and source records attributed to Marcin Szymański.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

CD40 stimulation induces differentiation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells into dendritic cells.

UNLABELLED: Despite the very high percentage of long-term remissions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children, some of them suffer from recurrence of the disease. New treatment modalities, e.g. effective geno- and immunotherapy are needed. The use of neoplasmatic cells to present tumor antigens is one of the approaches in cancer vaccines. ALL cells lack the expression of costimulatory molecules and are poor antigen presenting cells (APCs) for T-cell activation. CD40/40L interaction stimulates B-cells to proliferate, differentiate, upregulate costimulatory molecules and increase antigen presentation. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that ALL cells can be turned into professional APCs by CD40L activation. Children with B-cell precursor ALL were enrolled into the study. Mononuclear cells from bone marrow or peripheral blood were stimulated with CD40L and interleukin 4. RESULTS: 1) after culture we noted upregulation of all assessed costimulatory, adhesion and activatory molecules i.e. CD1a, CD11c, CD40, CD54, CD80, CD83, CD86, CD123, HLA class I and II; 2) CD40L activated ALL cells induced proliferation of allogeneic T-cells (measured by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation). These results confirm the possibility of enhancing the immunogenicity of ALL cells with the CD40L system and indicate that this approach can be used in immunotherapeutic trials.

Antigen-Presenting Cells↗

Immunohistochemical demonstration of multiple HPV types in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of human papillomaviruses (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 51, 52, 56 and 58 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma specimens using immunohistochemical reactions and to correlate the presence of HPV with the clinical and pathological characteristics of these patients. Tissue samples were collected from 40 patients with primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and from 33 subjects with non-neoplastic laryngeal lesions or laryngeal nodules, which served as a control group. Human papilloma virus was detected in 6 (15%) of the 40 patients. Five (83.4%) of six patients with HPV positive tumors had G2 (moderately differentiated), one patient (16.6%) had G3 (poorly differentiated), and no patient with HPV positive tumor had a G1 (well-differentiated) tumor. Four (66.6%) of the six HPV positive tumors were in the supraglottic region, one (16.6%) tumor was located in the glottis, and one (16.6%) HPV positive tumor was in the subglotic region. Five (83.4%) of six HPV positive tumors were T3-T4, and one was T2. Three of six HPV positive patients had no clinically evident cervical lymph nodes (N0), and three of the HPV positive patients were N1 or N2. Human papillomavirus was not detected in any of the samples from the control group. The presence of HPV infection in 15% of the cases may suggest a possible role in the etiology of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. However, no significant correlation between HPV incidence and histological grading and clinical staging could be demonstrated.

Adult↗

[Speech rehabilitation using Provox voice prosthesis].

The first voice prosthesis was described in 1972 by Mozolewski. Eight years later Blom and Singer constructed the first commercial prosthesis. In 1988 another prosthesis was presented as Provox system prosthesis. The aim of the study was to describe the technique of tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and to present two years results of the technique performed in 21 patients. Primary TEP with immediate implantation of the Provox 2 prosthesis was applied in 16 (76%) patients. In five patients (24%) secondary TEP was performed. All the patient with primary TEP had cricopharyngeal myotomy. In 7 patients the vocal prosthesis was exchanged. In five because of leakage through the valve and in two patients the vocal prosthesis was extruded. Leakage around the prosthesis occurred in two patients with secondary TEP. The mean device-related lifetime was 216 days and ranged from 30 to 540 days. In non-radiated patients the lifetime of the prosthesis was 255 days and in patients after radiotherapy the lifetime was 150 days. In all the patients the prosthetic voice was more similar to normal voice than in patients with esophageal speech. The implantation of the voice prosthesis is a simple method of restoring of a good quality voice enabling communication.

Adult↗

[Effect of CO2 laser on prostheses used in middle ear surgery].

The use of CO2 laser is advocated in primary and revision stapes surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of CO2 laser on stapes prostheses. CO2 laser was applied on several types of stapes prostheses and PORPs, with power settings suggested by the manufacturer (continuous wave, 2 W and 6 W; 0,05 s). Application of the laser on stainless steel or titanium prosthesis did not exert any effect on the structure of the prosthesis. The use of the laser on the Teflon piston caused superficial burning with power 2 W, and melting and holes in the piston with power settings at 6W. Similar plastipore prostheses were melting. Hydroxyapatite PORP shattered after application of the laser energy. Teflon and hydroxyapatite prostheses are easily damaged by the laser energy, therefore applying a laser on them should be avoided. CO2 laser can be used on stainless steel and titanium prostheses without risk of damaging them. However the possibility of transmission of heat to the vestibule has to be taken into consideration.

Carbon Dioxide↗

[The use of tracheostomy T-tube in the treatment of tracheal stenosis].

The aim of the study was evaluation of the use of tracheostomy T-tube in patients with tracheal stenosis. The advantages of closed T-tube over open tracheotomy are: 1/ normal breathing through the nose, 2/ normal speech without necessity to close the tube with a finger, 3/ no spitting during cough. Silicone tracheostomy T-tube was used in 12 patients with tracheal stenosis. The stenosis resulted in 7 patients from prolonged intubation, in 4 patients from defective tracheostomy and in one patient from failure of tracheal resection. In all the patients rigid tracheoscopy and/or flexible bronchoscopy revealed the length of the stenosis and the distance from vocal cords. T-tube was placed under local anesthesia. The patients used to wear closed T-tube from 1-12 years. The tube was exchanged every 2-4 years. The only adverse effect was recurrent granulation around tracheostomy in two patients. 7 of 12 patients were decannulated with good result in 3 months - 5 years follow up. In two decannulated patients stenosis recurred. One patient was retracheostomized and in another patient stenosis was resected with end to end anastomosis. Three patients were not decannulated. Tracheostomy T-tube can be used temporary in patients with tracheal stenosis before planned stenosis resection or as a sole treatment with good chances for successful decannulation. When stenosis resection is not possible, T-tube can be placed for long time.

Adult↗

[The prevalence of E6/E7 HPV type 16 in laryngeal cancer and in normal mucosa].

Many authors suggest that HPV infection can play a great role in development of benign and malignant tumours of upper respiratory tract in human. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of E6/E7 HPV-16 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and normal laryngeal mucosa, and to analyse their correlation with sex, lymph node status, primary tumor stage, localization, and histological differentiation. HPV 16 DNA presence was analysed using PCR technique in 72 samples of laryngeal carcinoma and in samples of 50 normal mucosa. Human papillomavirus was detected in 26 (36.1%) of the 72 patients. There was no statistically significant correlation HPV positivity and clinicopathological features of the analysed group. In 5 (10%) of 50 samples of normal mucosal. HPV 16 presence in normal mucosa and in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma was detected in 3 patients. Our observations suggest that HPV16 can play a role in pathogenesis of laryngeal cancer.

Adult↗

[Giant osteoma of the ethmoid and frontal sinuses].

The authors present a case of a huge osteoma of the ethmoid and frontal sinuses. An operative technique enabling radical removal without fragmentation of the tumor with preservation of the bony margins of the fronto-orbital region was presented.

Adult↗

Reconstruction of the hypopharynx with U-shaped pectoralis major myocutaneous flap after total pharyngo-laryngectomy.

Resection of the whole circumference of the pharynx and esophagus is usually reconstructed with gastric pull-up, jejunum free graft or free forearm flap. The aim of this study was to assess the use of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap for closure of total pharyngeal defect. In 11 patients with hypopharynx and larynx cancer, total pharyngo-laryngectomy and excision of the cervical part of the esophagus and neck dissections were performed; the defects were closed with pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps. The skin island was sutured to prevertebral muscles, forming a letter U shape. Good healing was obtained in six patients, and five patients developed fistula that closed spontaneously within 3-4 weeks. The use of U-shaped pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, suturing it to prevertebral muscles, gives good functional results, and it is a simple and time-saving second choice method of reconstruction of the pharynx after total pharyngo-laryngectomy.

Aged↗

Noise induced hearing loss in dance music disc jockeys and an examination of sound levels in nightclubs.

Noise exposure, hearing loss and associated otological symptoms have been studied in a group of 23 disc jockeys using a questionnaire and pure tone audiometry. The level of noise exposure in the venues where they work has also been studied using Ametek Mk-3 audio dosimeters. Three members of the study group showed clear evidence of noise-induced hearing loss on audiometry, 70 per cent reported temporary threshold shift after sessions and 74 per cent reported tinnitus. Sound levels of up to 108 dB(A) were recorded in the nightclubs. The average level for a typical session was 96 dB(A) which is above the level at which the provision of ear protection is mandatory for employers in industry. It can be concluded that DJs are at substantial risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss and noise exposure in nightclubs frequently exceeds safe levels.

Adult↗

[Renal cell carcinoma metastases to nose and paranasal sinuses presenting as recurrent epistaxis].

Distant metastases in head and neck region are very uncommon. Nasal bleeding was the first symptom in a patient with metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. Nasal tumour biopsy revealed renal carcinoma to be the primary lesion. Initially the patient refused surgery and nephrectomy was performed 8 months later. MR scans demonstrated diffuse intracranial invasion which made complete removal impossible. Potential routes of renal carcinoma spread are presented. Renal cell carcinoma should be considered in the diagnosis of nose and paranasal tumours. Epistaxis can be the first symptom of renal carcinoma metastasis to the nose and paranasal sinuses.

Aged↗

[Movements of the ossicular chain during changes in static pressure].

The effects of static pressure on the movements of the ossicles have been a neglected aspect of reconstruction of the ossicular chain. The pattern and the magnitude of the movement of the intact ossicular chain during changes in static pressure described. Displacement of the handle of the malleus was also measured in three points after removing of the incus. Experiments were carried out on 7 fresh human temporal bones. Digital photographs were taken during incremental changes of static pressure from -500 to +500 daPa. Digital videos were recorded to analyse the pattern of the movement. Minimal displacement of the handle of the malleus for negative pressure was 108 microm for -100 daPa and 200 microm for -500 daPa. Maximal displacement for negative pressure was 209 microm for -100 daPa and 439 microm for -500 daPa. Minimal displacement for positive pressure was 82 microm for 100 daPa and 150 microm for 500 daPa. Maximal displacement for positive pressure was 126 microm for 100 daPa and 237 microm for 500 daPa. Malleus displacements were greater for negative pressure changes than positive pressure (p<0.01). When 500 daPa was applied medial displacement of the middle of the handle of the malleus was smaller for 30 microm and the displacement of the region of lateral process of the malleus was smaller for 94 microm than the displacement of the umbo of the drum. The lateral to medial movement of the malleus during changes in static pressure is converted into a predominantly superior to inferior movement of the incus.

Atmospheric Pressure↗

Monocytes in children with leukemias and lymphomas -- down-regulation of HLA and costimulatory molecules.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the function of monocytes in children with leukemias and lymphomas based on the expression of critical costimulatory, activatory and adhesion molecules (CD80, CD86, HLA-DR and CD54 = ICAM-1), estimated with tricolor flow cytometry. In comparison to the control group we found a lower percentage of monocytes with costimulatory molecules (CD80 before and CD86 after lipopolysaccharide stimulation) at the time of diagnosis and of monocytes with HLA-DR molecules after remission induction. We also noted a lower percentage of monocytes with HLA-DR expression in the group with severe or therapy resistant infections. The results of our investigation suggest some defect in costimulation and antigen presentation in lymphoproliferative diseases in children.

Adolescent↗

[Cat-scratch disease of the parotid gland].

Cat-scratch disease is a mild disease associated with regional lymph node enlargement. We present a case of cat-scratch disease of the parotid gland in 10-year-old girl. She presented with painful parotid mass, after unsuccessful treatment with antibiotics. Computed tomography showed tumour like lesions in parotid gland. Subtotal parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation was performed as neoplastic disease was suspected. Histopathology examination of the sample revealed typical changes for cat-scratch disease. History of continuous contacts with cats was confirmed by the parents. Cat-scratch disease should be taken into account in differential diagnosis of parotid masses, especially in children.

Cat-Scratch Disease↗

Effect of stapedectomy on subjective tinnitus.

A series of 149 patients, who had tinnitus associated with otosclerosis, and who underwent stapedectomy by a single operator were questioned about their tinnitus one to 19 years after surgery. Of these, 73 per cent reported that their tinnitus had ceased following surgery, 17 per cent that it had improved and only 10 per cent that it was unchanged. No pre-operative audiometric or patient data were associated with a favourable outcome in terms of tinnitus improvement. Patients who had poor hearing outcomes reported abolition of their tinnitus, suggesting that this was due to the improvement in the fluid mechanics of the cochlea resulting from stapedectomy. The tinnitus status was unrelated to the length of follow-up time.

Female↗

[Glasgow Benefit Plot for evaluation of stapedectomy result].

In a group of 153 patients, the result of unilateral stapedectomy was evaluated using Glasgow Benefit Plot. Pure tone average at frequencies 0.5; 1; 2; and 3 kHz of operated and non-operated ear were used to distribute patients to pre- and post-operative groups. In 26 (79%) of 33 patients with unilateral hearing loss, bilateral normal hearing was achieved. Thirty one (46%) of 68 patients with asymmetric bilateral hearing loss and 37 (71%) of 52 patients with symmetric bilateral hearing loss had unilateral normal hearing after the operation. Twenty (29%) patients of the group III had bilateral symmetrical hearing loss after surgery. Stapedectomy was less beneficial for 17 (25%) of 68 patients with asymmetric hearing bilateral loss and 15 (29%) 52 of patients with symmetric bilateral hearing loss, who still had asymmetric hearing loss after the operation. Evaluation of hearing tests using the Glasgow Benefit Plot enables to evaluate patient's hearing disability and to predict possible benefit from surgery for individual cases.

Adolescent↗

[Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma images with intracranial extension].

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a benign, highly vascular, nasopharyngeal tumour. It causes the erosion of bony structures of the skull base and extends into nose, paranasal sinuses, pterygo-pallatine fossa and infratemporal fossa. In some patients intracranial invasion is present. Authors presented three cases of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with intracranial extension treated in their centre. The clinical details of these cases and discuss the problems related to the diagnosis and management of this pathology were described.

Adolescent↗