Biomedical subjects

P Zalewski

Publications and source records attributed to P Zalewski.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Quality-of-life benefits and evidence of antitumour activity for patients with brain metastases treated with gefitinib.

Brain metastases are a common complication of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of brain metastases has not been clearly defined. Emerging case reports of patients with recurrent NSCLC treated as part of the Expanded Access Programme reveal that gefitinib ("Iressa", ZD1839) has clinical activity in some patients with brain metastases. Here, we describe a number of case studies documenting the response of patients with brain metastases to treatment with gefitinib. Many of these patients had quality-of-life benefits with improvement of neurological and systemic symptoms; some had a partial response of their brain metastases and even complete responses have been seen in a few patients. One case report also describes a durable long-term response with concurrent treatment with gefitinib and radiotherapy. Such results call for larger trials designed to evaluate and define the role of gefitinib in the treatment of brain metastases in NSCLC patients, either as a single agent or in combination with radiation therapy.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2001

Study of 222Rn concentrations in drinking water in the north-eastern hydroregions of Poland.

This paper presents the results of radon concentration measurements in the drinking water from the municipal water supply system and private wells located in the north-eastern part of Poland. The measurements were carried out on 643 samples using a liquid scintillation method. The mean value was found to be 5262 Bq m-3 with a maximum of 38347 Bq m-3. The samples were obtained from different water-bearing levels, i.e. surface water, deep borehole water and well water and have respective mean values of 3398, 5178 and 6155 Bq m-3. In 57 water samples, a guideline maximum level of 11,000 Bq m-3 was found to be exceeded. The observed radon concentration in water can contribute to a 2% increase in indoor radon concentration.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed2001

Tinnitus suppression by electrical promontory stimulation (EPS) in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: Almost 10-15% of the population suffer from chronic tinnitus. There are clinical indications that a 'pathological sound' may be induced by any level of the auditory pathways. Theraupeutical difficulties and many hypotheses about tinnitus and places from which they originate might indicate various methods of treatment. Electrostimulation tinnitus suppression was achieved by many authors from 22 (Graham, Hazell) to 87% (Portman). The aim of our study was to define the usefulness of electrostimulation in treatment of persistent noise induced cochlear lesion tinnitus (group I - 43 men) and compare the results with the non noise induced tinnitus group II (68 patients). METHODS: Otolaryngological and audiological examination of the patients was made before and after electrostimulation, and at 90 days. The stimulation system consisted of a prototype tinnitus suppressor, the active platino-iridium needle electrode and silver surface electrode located on the forehead. Transtympanal electrical stimulation was performed using positive polarity direct current. Parameters of electrical impulse were individually different and depended on tinnitus parameters and patients sensation. The current levels ranged from 20 to 600 microA and frequency ranged from 60 to 10000 Hz. Average time of EPS was 60 s. RESULTS: The control examination 90 days after stimulation in group I showed subjective improvement in 18 (41.9%) patients, 22 (51.2%) did not notice any change and tinnitus deteriorated in 3 (6.9%) of the patients. In the comparative group II improvement was occurred in 34 (50%) persons including 2 (17.6%) in whom tinnitus was abolished, in 30 (44.1%) tinnitus was unchanged and 4 (0.6%) became worse. In both groups our method did not have a destructive influence on hearing. Electrical stimulation to relieve tinnitus has been used for nearly 200 years, but it is unclear how electrical stimulation works to suppress tinnitus. CONCLUSION: In our opinion electrical stimulation by using positive DC changes the spontaneous activity of cochlear nerve fibres. According to our results it is suggested that the mechanism of beneficial effects is due to increased microcirculation in part of the auditory pathways. Poorer results in patients with noise induced tinnitus could be explained by greater damage of the cochlea outer hair cells. In our opinion EPS could be a method of treatment for persistent tinnitus in cases which fail to respond to other methods.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Indoor radon concentrations in Poland as determined in short-term (two-day) measurements.

The aim of the present work was to obtain a pattern of 222Rn concentration distributions in typical buildings in Poland. In the investigations, the environmental passive detectors of the PICO-RAD type were used. The study encompassed buildings that were typical for Poland. The distribution of airborne 222Rn concentrations indoors is of a log-normal type. A total 1171 detectors were measured. Measurements were made in 319 basements, the remaining 852 measurements were carried out in the inhabited part of the houses. The radon concentrations in the basements in Bq x m(-3) ranged from 6 to 1300 with the arithmetic mean AM = 60, geometric mean GM = 30 and median M = 28, whereas those in the inhabited parts of the house (above the ground level) were: AM = 25, GM = 17 and M = 16 with the highest record value of 420.

Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗

PubMed2001

[Evaluation of oxygen free radical generation and antioxidative enzymatic activity in blood of patients with carcinoma of the larynx (preliminary report)].

The aim of the study were the evaluation of generation of oxygen free radical and antioxidative enzymatic activity in blood of patients with carcinoma of larynx (7 persons, aged 48-68) in comparison with healthy persons (15, aged 21-28). The superoxide anion generation of blood granulocytes described by the rate of the reducted cytochrom C at rest and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan according to Bellavite et al. were measured. The enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase in blood (method of Misra and Fridovich), catalase (method of Beers and Sizer) and malonyl dialdehyde (method of Placer et al.). The obtained data pointed at the growth of generation of oxygen free radical in blood (at rest and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan) of patients with carcinoma of larynx in comparison with the healthy ones. At the same patients with carcinoma of larynx observed at significant reduction of antioxidative enzymatic activity against the oxygen species generation in blood and significant growth of peroxidation lipids and disturbances of function of cells the human body.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Tumors of external ear canal. Case reports].

The authors described two rare cases of tumors of the external auditory meatus. All patients were male 40 and 51 years old. The tumors were removed via external auditory canal approach and extraauricle approach with successful.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Histopathological verification of clinical indications to partial inferior turbinectomy.

Surgical treatment in cases where disturbances of the nasal patency causes changes in the nasal inferior turbinates is controversial. The authors performed light- and electron microscopy and morphometric examinations of the mucous membrane of the nasal inferior turbinates obtained after partial inferior turbinectomy in patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis and compensation hypertrophy of the nasal inferior turbinate accompanied by nasal deviation of the septum. In specimens obtained from patients with vasomotor rhinitis, a small number of glands and fibrosis of the lamina propria was observed. In specimens obtained from perennial allergic rhinitis patients, plenty of glands and large oedema was observed. In the group with compensatory hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate, normal glands and fibred areas around the vessels were observed. The largest histopathological changes of degeneration and hypertrophy of the nasal mucosa were observed in vasomotor rhinitis patients. Histopathological examination of nasal mucosa slides confirmed the usefulness of a partial inferior turbinectomy, but only in vasomotor rhinitis patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Histopathological verifications clinical indications in the inferior turbinoplasty].

Surgical treatment in cases of disturbances of nasal patency caused changes in the nasal inferior turbinates are controversial. The authors performed the microscopic (light microscope) and morphometric examinations of mucous membrane of the nasal inferior turbinates obtained after inferior turbinoplasty in patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis and compensation hypertrophy of nasal inferior turbinate accompanied of nasal deviation septum. Analysing of morphologic changes in mucous membrane of the nasal inferior turbinates verified of clinic indications to inferior turbinoplasty.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2001

[Clinical and immunohistoenzymatic investigations in patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis].

The aim of our study was evaluation of the results of clinical examination in patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis and assessment of number of blood vessels, nerve fibres and mast cells on the basis of immunohistoenzymatic examination. There were 42 patients examined aged from 18 to 50 and divided into three groups: I--16 patients with vasomotor rhinitis and II--14 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and III--12 patients (control) with nasal septum deviation. On the basis of the patient's history data, clinical otorhinolaryngologic examination and active anterior rhinomanometry the patients were qualified to bilateral inferior turbinectomy. The nasal mucosa removed during surgery underwent immunohistoenzymatic examination using the monoclonal antibody against the tryptase of mast cells (MCT company, DAKO), the endothelin of blood vessels (EC - DAKO) and the neurospecific enolase (NSE - DAKO). In examined groups of patients with vasomotor and perennial allergic rhinitis and control group similar escalation of clinical symptoms expressed by means of points index were stated. In immunohistoenzymatic studies the differences in mean number of blood vessels and nerve fibres between examined groups were not statistically significant, however statistically significant difference concerned higher number of mast cells patients with vasomotor rhinitis in comparison to perennial allergic rhinitis.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Antioxidant enzymatic activity in blood of patients with chronic hypertrophy of the maxillary sinuses and larynx and the carcinoma of the larynx].

The aim of the work was the examinations of antioxidant enzymatic activity in blood of patients with chronic hypertrophic of maxillary sinusitis (15 patients) and laryngitis (10 patients), and carcinoma of larynx (7 patients) in comparison with healthy persons (15). The enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase in blood (method of Misra and Fridovich), katalase (method of Beers and Sizer) and malonyl dialdehyde (method of Placer) were evaluated. The obtained results pointed at significant reduction of antioxidant enzymatic activity against the oxygen species generation in blood of patients with chronic hypertrophic of maxillary sinusits and laryngitis and mainly with the carcinoma of larynx (in comparison with healthy persons). At the same patients observed the significant growth of peroxydation lipoid and disturbances of function of cells the human body.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Speech understanding in patients after stapedectomy (early results)].

The authors report a comparison the parameters of the speech audiometry (SRT, SDS) and the hearing level before and after stapedectomy in patients to and over 50 years of age. 87 patients (107 ears) with otosclerosis were undergoing stapedectomies on the local anaesthesia via a transcanal approach. Control examination was performed 21-30 days postoperatively on average. Average improvement of the hearing level for the speech frequency (PTA) was better in patients to 50 years of age (29.5 dB) than in group over 50 years of age (26.5 dB). Parameters of speech audiometry (SRT and SDS) post stapedectomy were better in patients over 50 years of age.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[The case of giant pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland with the malignancy features].

The aim of the study was showed the case of patient aged 41 years, treated in the Otolaryngology Department of Military Medical Academy because of giant pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland with the malignancy features. After performed of the BAC of tumour, the CT of neck and the scintigraphy of salivary glands the patient qualified for operation. The tumour resected with capsule and the superficial lobe of the left parotid gland, conservating of function of the facial nerve. The histopathologic examination proved the mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the pleomorphic adenoma didn't infiltrate of capsule. After oncologic consultation the patient had not of complementary radiotherapy, because the operation was radical and the carcinoma had a low radiosensitivity. The above mentioned case confirms of the reports, that the pleomorphic adenoma can undergo of malignancy changes, however the gigantic tumour doesn't write off possibility of operating success.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

PubMed2000

[Otoacoustic emission examinations in soldiers before and after shooting].

Firearms are a common source of impulse noise that may potentially damage hearing organ. The purpose of this study was evaluation of the click evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) before and after shooting and comparison with conventional pure tone audiometry. Standard pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, TEOAE and DPOAE were made before and 10-15 minutes after shooting. Ten male soldiers (20 ears) were exposed to impulse noise from automatic gunfire (15 single rounds of live ammunition). They did not use any earplugs. The reduction amplitude of the TEOAE after shooting was found especially for the frequency 3,4 kHz for the right ear and 1 and 2 kHz for the left ear. The DPOAE greatest reduction concerned frequency 2,5 and 4 kHz for the left ear. All our shooters were right-handed and probably the asymmetrical effect resulted from the shooting posture. Any differences existing between the audiometric threshold before and after shooting were not noticed. Clinical experience with OAE indicates that it may play a role as a screening method for the soldiers exposed to noise and as a tool for monitoring early changes in cochlea. Emissions seem to be more sensitive for monitoring early cochlear changes after shooting than pure tone audiometry.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Salivary gland tumor in authors' material].

The aim this work was to analyze the operated salivary gland tumors, taking into consideration the age and the sex of the patients. From 1980 to 1996 74 patients were operated including 40 women and 34 men, aged 21-78. Out of those 74 salivary gland tumors which were operated, conservative operation was carried out in 62 patients (85.2%) while in 11 patients (14.8%) it was radical operation. Most of the patients who underwent the operation were at the age between 31 and 60 (77.1%). In most cases--77.2% we had to do with mixed tumor of parotid gland and in 4% of submaxillary gland. Postsurgery complications in the from of complete facial paralysis were shown in 14.8% of the patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Zinnat in ambulatory treatment of acute pharyngitis and otitis media in adult patients].

The aim of this work was the assessment of therapeutic efficacy of antibiotic Zinnat (Cefuroksym Aksetyl) in ambulatory treatment of acute pharyngitis and otitis media in 20 adult patients, aged 21-36. The efficacy of Zinnat was assessed on the basis of the smear from the throat and external auditory meatus to examine the culture and antibiogram, fever chart and self-assessment chart of symptoms which were assessed from 0 to 4. It was shown that Zinnat is an effective antibiotic in ambulatory treatment of acute pharyngitis and otitis media. It shows a wide range of antibacterial effect comprising most often occurring pathogens bringing about acute pharyngitis and otitis media.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1997

[Treatment results of acoustic trauma].

20 patients aged from 18 to 42 treated in the past few years because of acoustic trauma. Together the investigations concerned 24 years. Therapeutic schema comprised intravenous infusion--Sermion (Nicergoline--amp. a 4 mg) or Cavinton (Vinpocetine--amp. a 10 mg) 1 amp.--twice a day for 10 days. The treatment of 60% of the patients started in the first week after the trauma occurred, of 20% in the second week and the remaining 20% later on after 15 days when the trauma took place. The obtained results of treatment both of improvement of hearing (79.2%) and tinnitus (66.6%), support the necessity of treatment of acoustic trauma independently from the time that passed after trauma had occurred. Better results of audiometric improvement of hearing (54.2%) and tinnitus disappearance (50%) were obtained in the patients whose treatment started in the first week after trauma. The improvement of hearing and tinnitus disappearance was more observed in patients after treatment by using Sermion than Cavinton.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

[A prognostic value of of stapedius reflex and accommodation coefficient in patients with Bell's palsy].

At 25 patients with Bell's palsy every 7 days stapedius reflex (SR), accommodation coefficient as well as improvement of mimical facial movements were examined. At 5 patients SR was noticed before treatment, at 13 after 14 days, at 4 after 21 and at 3 after 28 days since disease beginning. There was significant correlation between return SR and improvement of mimical facial movements, but there wasn't correlation between SR and accommodation coefficient.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

[Clinical evaluation of Olbas oil effect on nasal mucosa in acute rhinitis patients during common cold].

The aim of the study was the clinical evaluation of the effect of Olbas oil on nasal mucosa in patients with acute rhinitis during common cold. 15 patients with 2-3 days history of acute rhinitis during common cold, both sexes, in the age between 23-47 were investigated. All the examinations were done before using, after the first inhalation, and after 7 days of Olbas oil administration. The investigation before using Olbas oil was comprised of: history data, general and otorhinolaryngological examination with particular evaluation of nasal mucosa, anterior rhinomanometry, saccharin translocation time, olfactometry, microbiological cultures, histamine nasal provocation test. At the end, after 7 days of Olbas oil inhalation 3 times a day for 4 minutes 4 drops of Olbas oil applied into a handkerchief, all the test were done again, as at the beginning. The study showed a good of the effect of Olbas oil on nasal mucosa in patients with acute rhinitis during common cold.

Acute Disease↗