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Biomedical subjects

S Kowalik

Publications and source records attributed to S Kowalik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Detection of Trypanosoma congolense antibodies with indirect ELISAs using antigen-precoated microtitre plates.

The study reports the performance of four indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for antibody (AB) detection using microtitre plates which were precoated with native or heat/detergent denatured antigens (AGs) from Trypanosoma congolense (T.c.) and T. vivax (T.v.), and stored for between 1 to 206 days at +37 degrees C. Bovine serum samples were obtained by sequential bleeding of 3-months old T.c.-infected bulls and their uninfected cohorts, as well as by a single bleeding of uninfected adult cattle. The first day of AB detection, and observations on samples after this (defined as estimated ELISA sensitivity), depended on the cut-off value in the specific ELISAs. Cut-off values from pre- and early post-infection samples of individual animals demonstrated a seroconversion in all ELISAs on average after 10-15 days post-infection (dpi). The AB detection was delayed in the T.c. native and denatured AG-based ELISAs using cut-off points from uninfected cohort cattle (16.5 dpi, 19.3 dpi) and the adult cattle population (22.1 dpi, 25.0 dpi). The T.v. AG-based ELISAs however lacked crossreactiviy to T.c. ABs. The estimated sensitivity of each T.c. AG-based ELISA was above 96% throughout, but significantly lower for the T.c. native AG-based ELISA (91.1%) when the adult cattle derived cut-off point was used (p<0.01). The sensitivity of the phase contrast buffy coat technique was similar to the T.c. AG-based ELISAs, but significantly lower when the T.c. denatured AG-based ELISA was used at the adult cattle derived cut-off point (p<0.05). The implications of the results and future research aspects on ELISAs to detect trypanosomal ABs and AGs are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Intracellular calcium and pH conditions of cultured cells infected with Eimeria bovis or E. separata.

Loading of Eimeria bovis-infected Vero cells with membrane-permeant acetoxymethyl esters (AM-esters) of ion-sensitive dyes provided us with a noninvasive method for investigation of the permeability of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) and simultaneous measurement of Ca2+ and H+ concentrations in different compartments of the infected cells. The distribution patterns of the cleaved membrane-impermeant dyes argue against the existence of nonselective pores in the PVM. There is also no indication of a parasitophorous duct connecting the vacuolar space with extracellular media. The pH inside the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) was lower than that in the cytoplasm of the host cell or the parasite, whereas the [Ca2+] in these compartments did not differ significantly. In HT29 cells infected with E. separata for 24 h the Ca2+ response to extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was significantly reduced, indicating influences on the host cell's intracellular signaling.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1999

Eimeria separata: method for the excystation of sporozoites.

A method is described for the excystation and collection of infective sporozoites of Eimeria separata. The procedure uses conditions that resemble the in vivo environment. The first treatment of the oocysts in a 0.4% pepsin/HCl solution alters the oocyst wall, which becomes thinner. The second treatment in a 0.4% trypsin/0.75% taurocholate solution breaks the oocyst wall and sporocysts are released. A third incubation of the oocyst-sporocyst mixture in trypsin-free medium with 0.75% taurocholate and an additive of MgCl2 followed by a final incubation in RPMI medium supplemented with 1% fetal calf serum yields a sporozoite excystation rate of up to 90%.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Progressive catatonia.

We present the case of a young man with a diagnosis of a childhood-onset pervasive developmental disorder who developed a progressive neurologic deterioration with persistent catatonia and right hemiparesis. On his initial evaluation approximately three years after the onset of mutism, he manifested right hemiparesis and catalepsy. Two years later, although catalepsy had subsided, motor function had deteriorated so that he could not use his hands to feed or dress himself. Oral-facialbuccal dyskinesia manifested by blepharospasm and grimacing were present constantly during waking hours. Quantitative electroencephalography demonstrated markedly decreased amplitude, a finding associated with catatonia. Left sural nerve biopsy indicated large axon cylinder degeneration. Left deltoid biopsy demonstrated perimysial fibrosis and type II fiber predominance. Although magnetic resonance imaging of the head without contrast was normal, positron emission tomography indicated hypometabolism of the right cerebral and the right cerebellar hemispheres. The patient continues to deteriorate despite a course of 25 electroconvulsive treatments. He continues to manifest criteria for catatonia including motoric immobility, mutism, and peculiarities of voluntary movement such as prominent grimacing. We suspect an inherited neurodegenerative disorder. Since catatonia is a treatable condition frequently associated with medical and neurological diseases, examination for the features of catatonia must be included in the assessment of patients with progressive brain degeneration. This report is an attempt to clarify the traits of a serious variant of progressive brain degeneration.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1999

[Mechanisms smoothing deglutition disorders after oral cancer surgery].

Compensatory treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia includes postural changes and reducing the risk of aspiration. Some of compensatory maneuvers are introduced spontaneously by the ill at first weeks after oral cavity tumour resection. On the basis of roentgenotelevision examination of deglutition in 82 patients we detected mechanisms with intention to minimize swallowing disturbances. Variability of their occurrence and differences in their efficiency should be emphasized, as well as essential synchronization of laryngeal closure with emptying of pharynx and opening upper oesophageal sphincter for swallowing efficiency. The valuation of compensatory maneuvers introduced spontaneously by the ill was defined as an important part of swallowing rehabilitation.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Persistent QEEG abnormality in crack cocaine users at 6 months of drug abstinence.

The major objective of this study was to examine the persistence of abnormal quantitative EEG (qEEG) measures over a six month time interval in subjects in strictly supervised drug free residential treatment for crack cocaine dependence. Seventeen subjects were assessed with qEEG at five to 10 days, one month and six months following their last use of cocaine. No significant changes were noted over time in abnormal qEEG measures, which included deficits of absolute and relative power in the delta band and increased relative alpha power. The persistence of qEEG abnormality in crack cocaine withdrawal suggests a persistent neurobiologic alteration resulting from chronic cocaine exposure. The specificity of the qEEG findings is discussed, and an interpretation is suggested with reference to the hypothesis of neural sensitization in cocaine dependence.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Pedicled parietal bone grafts in the facial reconstruction surgery].

Between years 1996 and 1997, pedunculated parietal bone graft for facial reconstruction after tumor excision was used in 8 patients. The defects comprised one side of maxilla with the orbit bottom, zygomatic bone and the orbit bottom, mandibular ramus, and the whole mandible: in 4, 1, 2, and 1 patient respectively. The reconstruction was done directly after tumor excision in 6 patients and later on in the other 2. The grafts were of full thickness in 6 and of outer table in 2. Functional and cosmetic effects were considered satisfactory in 6 patients. The whole mandible reconstruction ended up with a failure due to infection and tumor recurrence.

Facial Bones↗
PubMed1996

Quantitative electroencephalographic characteristics of crack cocaine dependence.

This study replicates preliminary findings reporting a quantitative electroencephalographic (QEEG) profile of crack cocaine dependence in abstinence. All subjects (n = 52) met criteria for DMS-III-R cocaine dependence (in the form of crack), and were residing in a drug-free therapeutic community. Baseline QEEG evaluations were conducted at intake (5-10 days after last use of crack, and at follow-up (1 month after last reported use). Previous findings of significant excess of relative alpha power and deficit of absolute and relative delta and theta power were replicated in this expanded group. Abnormalities were greater in anterior than posterior regions, and disturbances in interhemispheric relationships were also observed. Further, QEEG showed little change in the interval between the first and second evaluations. This QEEG profile may reflect persistent alterations in neurotransmission as a possible consequence of chronic cocaine exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[The evaluation of radiotherapy in the treatment of epidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity].

An effect of radiotherapy, in 442 patient presented with epidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity was studied. No significant prolongation of life-span was observed in patients subjected to radiotherapy both prior and after surgical procedure. Reoccurrence of carcinoma was less likely and appeared later in patients treated with radiotherapy than in patients subjected only to surgery.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1996

[Prognostic value of metastases to lymph nodes of the neck planoepithelial carcinoma of the oral cavity].

On the basis of 442 cases that had been subjected to a resection the neck's lymphatic system, we concluded, that metastases of the planoepithelial cancers into neck lymph nodes occurred in No-15.7%, N1-30.6%, N2-60%, N3-75.4%. The radical neck dissection on the tumor side, as well as on the opposite side helped to achieve the most better treatment results than after resection of the lymph nodous suprahyioidei only. The confirm metastases of the cancer into lymph nodous was observed in 18.3%. The surgery was the best way to treat it; 30% of the patients, who were treated in this way lived for a next 5 years.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1996

[Craniomaxillofacial fibrous dysplasias].

Thirty cranio-maxillofacial fibrous dysplasia patients were treated. There were 21 patients with monostotic and 9 patients with multiple lesions both jaws and bones of the skull. Most of the patients were under forty years of age. The lesions caused facial asymmetry in all patients, in two of them was visual disturbances and orbital dystopia, in one patient was hearing loss. The lesions were evaluated histologically that enabled appropriate diagnosis. The principles of surgical treatment were based on the zones of involvement. Treatment was aimed at correcting functional problems and achieving facial aesthetics. Conservative facial aesthetics. Conservative shaving was made in two patients. Radical excision of the dysplastic bone was made in lower parts of the face. In cases of the mandible and maxilla has been made reconstruction with free bone transplants. Tumors of the base of the skull were excised less radically and reconstruction has been made with alloplastic implants. No recurrence or invasion of the fibrous dysplasia into the grafted bone was seen.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The value of prognostic factors in prostatic cancer.

Several prognostic parameters of prostatic carcinoma needed to help guide treatment in individual patients are discussed. Tumour volume, nodal and bone metastases, grading, prostate-specific antigen and DNA ploidy have been correlated with prognosis. Recent studies have analysed tumour volume in detail. However, currently there is no single prognostic factor which can predict tumour aggressiveness on an individual patient basis to rationalize decisions. Multivariate analyses are therefore in progress to determine independent prognostic variables.

Humans↗
PubMed1994

Clomipramine ameliorates adventitious movements and compulsions in prepubertal boys with autistic disorder and severe mental retardation.

In an open, nonblind clinical trial, clomipramine reduced adventitious movements and compulsions in five previously medicated prepubertal boys with autistic disorder and severe mental retardation. Poorly adapted rating scales, interrater variability, subject heterogeneity, different treatment histories, and environmental stresses confounded the assessment of treatment effects.

Autistic Disorder↗
PubMed1990

[Solcoseryl--dental adherent paste in the treatment of acute radiation-induced inflammation of oral mucosa, gingivae and tongue].

On the basis of a study carried out in three teaching departments of maxillofacial surgery the effect was analysed of Solcoseryl dental adherent paste and Linomag in the treatment of acute radiation-induced stomatitis. Both drugs were effective but Solcoseryl was superior to the other drug since it accelerated healing by about 50% and formed a protecting dressing on the inflamed mucosa.

Actihaemyl↗