Results of surgical treatment of cervical esophageal diverticula.

On the basis of 20 years' experience, the authors present the immediate and long-term results of operative treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Comparison of two methods of surgery - diverticulopexia (in 21 patients) and excision (in 16), both associated with upper esophageal sphincter myotomy - shows good immediate and longterm results (from 1 to 19 years), with disappearance of symptoms (dysphagia) in all patients. There was no perioperative mortality. Postoperative complications were most commonly of pulmonary origin and were observed in a third of patients in both groups. In two patients from the group treated with excision, a leak from the suture line occurred, which healed spontaneously. These two patients had transient dysphagia in the postoperative period. On the basis of this analysis, the authors conclude that diverticulopexia is a safer surgical procedure than excision, giving less complications and a very good long-term functional result.

Conjugative multiple-antibiotic resistance plasmids in Escherichia coli isolated from environmental waters contaminated by human faecal wastes.

AIMS: To better understand the involvement of faecal contamination in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes, we investigated the genetic supports of resistances in nine multi-resistant Escherichia coli strains originating from human faecal contamination, and isolated from three different aquatic environments used for producing drinking water. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven strains harboured at least one large plasmid that we have characterized (size, antibiotic resistance patterns, incompatibility group, capacity of autotransfer, presence of integron). Most of these plasmids were conjugative and carried numerous resistances. One of the plasmids studied, belonging to the IncP incompatibility group, was able to transfer by conjugation to Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aeromonas sp. Only two of the plasmids we studied carried class 1 and/or 2 integron(s). CONCLUSIONS: Conjugative plasmids isolated from multi-resistant E. coli strains explained most of the resistances of their host strains and probably contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes coming from human faecal contamination. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results highlight the key role played by plasmids in the multi-resistance phenotype of faecal bacteria and the diversity of these genetic structures. Contaminated water, especially accidentally contaminated drinking water, could be a path back to humans for these plasmids.

Health-related quality of life, optimism, and coping strategies in persons suffering from localized scleroderma.

The clinical course of localized scleroderma may consist of bodily deformations, and bodily functions may also be affected. Additionally, the secondary lesions, such as discoloration, contractures, and atrophy, are unlikely to regress. The aforementioned symptoms and functional disturbances may decrease one's quality of life (QoL). Although much has been mentioned in the medical literature regarding QoL in persons suffering from dermatologic diseases, no data specifically describing patients with localized scleroderma exist. The aim of the study was to explore QoL in localized scleroderma patients and to examine their coping strategies in regard to optimism and QoL. The study included 41 patients with localized scleroderma. QoL was evaluated using the SKINDEX questionnaire, and levels of dispositional optimism were assessed using the Life Orientation Test-Revised. In addition, individual coping strategy was determined using the Mini-MAC scale and physical condition was assessed using the Localized Scleroderma Severity Index. The mean QoL score amounted to 51.10 points, with mean scores for individual components as follows: symptoms = 13.49 points, emotions = 21.29 points, and functioning = 16.32 points. A relationship was detected between QoL and the level of dispositional optimism as well as with coping strategies known as anxious preoccupation and helplessness-hopelessness. Higher levels of optimism predicted a higher general QoL. In turn, greater intensity of anxious preoccupied and helpless-hopeless behaviors predicted a lower QoL. Based on these results, it may be stated that localized scleroderma patients have a relatively high QoL, which is accompanied by optimism as well as a lower frequency of behaviors typical of emotion-focused coping strategies.

Comparison of beta-galactosidase production by two inducible promoters in Myxococcus xanthus.

The inducibility of two promoter systems, one heterologous and one homologous, has been assessed in the Gram-negative bacterium Myxococcus xanthus. The heterologous system involved the hybrid tac promoter and the presence of lacIq, the lac repressor from Escherichia coli. This system is inducible in its natural host with isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The homologous promoter system involves the light-inducible carQRS promoter, which is normally involved in the expression of the regulators of the light-inducible light-protective carotenoid synthesis regulon in M. xanthus. In each case, promoter activity and strength was assayed using the E. coli gene lacZ. In our constructs, which were present in a single copy in the M. xanthus chromosome, the carQRS promoter yielded at least a 47-fold increase in beta-galactosidase production upon light induction, whilst IPTG increased by 8-fold the amount of enzyme produced under the control of the ptac-lacIq system. Regulation by the latter was significantly higher than that obtained with the unmodified lacZ promoter.

Results of long-term medical treatment of patients with arterial hypertension complicated by aortic dissection.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of the study was to analyse results of ambulatory treatment of patients with arterial hypertension complicated by aortic dissection. Twenty patients (19 men, one woman), aged between 39 and 72 years, underwent full physical examination. In all cases the diagnosis of aortic dissection was confirmed by at least two different imaging methods (ultrasonography, digital subtractional angiography, computer tomography or nuclear magnetic resonance). During follow-up (3-75 months, mean 34.3 months), physical examination was performed every 6-8 weeks, chest radiograph was taken once a year. All patients controlled their blood pressure (BP) at home. According to the mean number of in-home BP measurements per month all patients were divided into two groups: group I good (n = 10) and group II bad compliers (n = 10) (28 +/- 30 vs 3 +/- 2 in-home BP measurements a month). Ten patients (6 in group I, 4 in group II) underwent 24 h automatic BP measurement examination. Blood samples were collected for serum cholesterol and uric acid measurements. All patients suffered from arterial hypertension and in five cases at least one parent suffered from this disease. Only three of 20 have never smoked cigarettes. Elevated serum cholesterol was observed in 10 (50%) cases and elevated uric acid in six (30%). Proximal (type A) aortic dissection (DeBakey classification type I and II) was found in 13 patients, distal aortic dissection (type B) in seven patients. All patients were treated with beta-blockers. In 75% of 20 cases three or more hypotensive drugs were used simultaneously to control BP. In the group I lower values of mean of maximal SBP (160 +/- 10 vs 177 +/- 7 mm Hg, P < 0.05) and lower mean circadian heart rate (58.6 +/- 7.5 vs 80.9 +/- 7.9 beats/min, P < 0.005) were observed. The most frequent complaints were intermittent claudication, 9 (45%); angina pectoris 8 (40%), other chest pain, 4 (20%). During follow-up period (3-75 months, mean 34.3 months) five of 20 patients (25%) died (all had proximal, type A dissection) and 15 of 20 patients (75%) are still alive. All deaths in group II were sudden, whereas the only one in group I was because of chronic renal insufficiency. Mortality rate in the two groups were 10% (one of 10) vs 40% (four of 10), respectively, in groups I and II. IN CONCLUSION: patients who control their BP more often have the lower values as well as lower heart rate and therefore a better prognosis.

Cardiac chambers and their walls in cardiomyopathies as evaluated with CT.

Thirty-two patients with cardiomyopathy, 25 with hypertrophic and 7 with dilated form were examined by cardiac catheterisation, left ventriculography, selective coronary angiography and ungated cardiac computed tomography. Diffuse hypertrophy, localized hypertrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy were diagnosed and assessed quantitatively based on CT linear, surface and volumetric parameters of cardiac morphology. Absolute septal thickness and left ventricular mass measured in CT image are the most discriminative attributes.

[Left coronary artery-pulmonary artery fistula. Case report]. / Przetoka lewej tetnicy wiencowej do pnia tetnicy plucnej. Opis przypadku.

A case of a 45-year-old male with anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery fistula to the main pulmonary trunk is reported. The patient was admitted because of a retrosternal pain. ECG showed ST-elevation in leads V2-3. This was first episode of anginal symptoms. The authors suggest that the single episode of coronary pain may have been provoked by faintness (following alcohol consumption) in the mechanism of the steal syndrome or by coronary spasm. A fistula (on coronarography) was diagnosed (the coronary arteries showed no changes). The value of the shunt calculated via Flick's method was 1.1 l/min. Exercise test, 24-hour ECG recording as well as stress thallium scintigraphy did not reveal post-exertion ischemic changes. During a 17-month post hospitalization follow-up the patient reported no anginal symptoms. Because of the small shunt and asymptomatic follow-up no surgical treatment was recommended.

[Cor triatriatum with mitral incompetence--contribution to diagnosis and therapy]. / Serce trójprzedsionkowe z niedomykalnoscia zastawki dwudzielnej--przyczynek do diagnostyki i terapii.

Authors presented difficulties in diagnosis of the cor triatriatum with the mitral incompetence in 34 years old female patient. Diagnosis was based on two-dimensional and doppler echocardiographic examinations and then angiocardiographically proved. Therapy consisted in resection of the fibromuscular intraatrial septum and implantation of the St. Jude mitral prosthetic valve.

[Results of surgical treatment for Zenker's diverticula]. / Wyniki leczenia chirurgicznego uchylków Zenkera.

From 1976 to 1996, thirty nine patients were surgically treated for pharyngoesophageal diverticulum. The present study aimed to compare two methods of operative treatment of Zenker's diverticulum: excision (group I) and pexy, both of which were associated with upper esophageal sphincter myotomy. The main indication for surgery was dysphagia. The diagnosis of Zenker's diverticulum was based on clinical symptoms and the result of upper GI tract barium examination. In 75% of patients the diameter of diverticulum exceeded 2 cm. No patient died in the perioperative period. The main complications observed in the postoperative period were of pulmonary origin. In group I (excision) a leakage from the suture line occurred in 2 patients (12.5%). Time of follow-up ranged from 1 to 20 years (mean: 7 years). The comparison of both methods of treatment employed is in favour of diverticulopexy, being a safer and less complications-bearing method, although both of them give similar functional results.

[Arterial hypertension complicated by aortic dissection. Clinical analysis, results of conservative treatment]. / Nadcisnienie tetnicze powiklane tetniakiem rozwarstwiajacym aorty. Analiza kliniczna, wyniki leczenia zachowawczego.

Detailed analysis of 21 patients suffering from arterial hypertension complicated by aortic dissection, who were treated non-surgically was performed. Signs and symptoms of aortic dissection appeared the most frequently in the age between 50 and 69. In 14 (66.7%) cases proximal (type A) and in 7 (33.3%) distal (type B) dissection were diagnosed. During acute phase 15 patients complained of pain and 6 did not. Smoking and family history of arterial hypertension were the commonest risk factors in this group. Proximal dissection was more frequently connected with painful course of the dissection whereas distal with painless. Detailed analysis of clinical data and non-invasive treatment during acute phase (first 14 days since onset of pain) was performed. During ambulatory observation which lasted 3-75 month (mean 34.3 month) 5 (25%) patients died, 15 (75%) are still alive.