Biotransformation and toxicity effect of monoanthraquinone dyes during Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930 cultures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate of possibility of biotransformation and toxicity effect of monoanthraquinone dyes in cultures of Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930. Phenolic compounds, free radicals, phytotoxicity (Lepidium sativum L.), ecotoxicity (Vibrio fischeri) and cytotoxicity effect were evaluated to determine the toxicity of anthraquinone dyes before and after the treatment with B. adusta CCBAS 930. More than 80% of ABBB and AB129 was removed by biodegradation (decolorization) and biosorption, but biodegradation using oxidoreductases was the main dye removing mechanism. Secondary products toxic to plants and bacteria were formed in B. adusta strain CCBAS 930 cultures, despite efficient decolorization. ABBB and AB129 metabolites increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human fibroblasts, but did not increase LDH release, did not affect the resazurine reduction assay and did not change caspase-9 or caspase-3 activity.

Influence of putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine or spermine on the formation of N-nitrosamine in heated cured pork meat.

The influence of biogenic amines (i.e. putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine and spermine) on the N-nitrosamine formation in heated cured lean meat was studied in the presence or absence of sodium nitrite and at different meat processing temperatures. Experimental evidence was produced using gas chromatography with thermal energy analysis detection (GC-TEA). Concentration of N-nitrosamines was modelled as a function of the temperature and the nitrite concentration for two situations, i.e. presence or absence of added biogenic amines to the meat. The significance of the influence of the changing parameters was evaluated by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). It was found that higher processing temperatures and higher added amounts of sodium nitrite increase the yields of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP). Spermidine and putrescine amplify the formation of NDMA, but spermine and cadeverine do not influence the formation of this N-nitrosamine. Spermidine and cadeverine cause a significant increase of NPIP. Beside N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) in some rare cases, no other volatile N-nitrosamines are detected.

Role of proline and hydroxyproline in N-nitrosamine formation during heating in cured meat.

N-Nitrosamines are formed in a multi-step reaction of nitrite with free amino acids and amines in the meat products. The aim of this study was to determine the role of proline and hydroxyproline in N-nitrosamines formation during heating of cured meat. A lean meat model was used with different nitrite concentrations (0, 120, and 480mg/kg), and addition of proline and hydroxyproline (1000mg/kg), followed by heating at different temperatures. Volatile nitrosamines were analyzed with GC-TEA. The nitrosamine content never exceeded 10µg/kg and stayed 120°C.

Application of thin-layer chromatography to investigate oscillatory instability of the selected profen enantiomers in dichloromethane.

The usefulness of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) as an efficient measuring technique in the studies of oscillatory trans-enantiomerization of profens from the S to the R configuration (and vice versa) during their storage as 70% ethanol solutions is demonstrated in the literature. S-(+)-ibuprofen, S-(+)-naproxen, and S,R-(+/-)-2-phenylpropionic acid are utilized as the test profens. It is proven possible to show oscillatory instability with the racemic S,R-(+/-)-2-phenylpropionic acid also. Correctness of the TLC assessment is successfully confirmed by means of polarimetry. Upon these preliminary results, it is concluded that the most probable mechanism might embrace the keto-enol tautomerism because of a convenient migration of the proton from one moiety of the profen molecule to another in an aqueous medium. To indirectly verify this hypothesis, profens are stored in dichloromethane, deliberately hampering their ability to dissociate and to re-structure. It is obvious though that the (much less pronounced) electrolytic dissociation can occur in the non-aqueous media as well. It is shown that the non-aqueous solvent considerably suppresses, although they do not completely eradicate, the oscillatory trans-enantiomerization of profens. In view of these findings, the reports which claim a predominant therapeutic potential of the respective S-profens become less convincing and certainly need reconsideration.

Adsorption/partition model of liquid chromatography for chemically bonded stationary phases of the aliphatic cyano, reversed-phase C8 and reversed-phase C18 types.

A novel approach was introduced to modeling solute retention in the liquid chromatography systems, employing silica-based aliphatic chemically bonded stationary phases of the cyano, reversed-phase C8 and reversed-phase C18 types, and the mixed binary eluents most frequently used in the reversed-phase and normal-phase chromatography modes (i.e. using the methanol-water and the 2-propanol-n-hexane liquid mixtures, respectively). This approach takes notice of the mixed (adsorption/partition) mechanism of solute retention, in which both, the adsorptive and the dispersive forces contribute to the overall energetics of this process. Performance of our new model was compared with that of the widely recognized and on a routine basis applied Schoenmakers approach, and it was found out that both models perform with a practically equal and outstanding accuracy.

Biocenosis of BAC(F)s used for groundwater treatment.

The studies on the biocenosis of biologically active carbon filters (BAC(F)) used in treatment of Miocene water revealed the presence of protozoa of the group of flagellates and ciliates (Glaucoma sp., Opercularia sp.), saprophytic bacteria, phase I and II nitrifying bacteria, Fe(II) and Mn(II) oxidizing bacteria of the family Siderocapsaceae, Leptothrix ochracea and Pedomicrobium sp., as well as microscopic fungi. The stratification of biofilter colonisation by these microorganisms was found to be similar to that occurring in biofilters applied in sewage treatment. A hypothetical model of microbiological transformations in BAC(F)s, brought about by various physiological groups of microorganisms, is presented. It is shown that ozone pre-treatment of water dosed to the biofilter reduces the number of saprophytic bacteria and moulds in its upper layer, as well as Fe(II) oxidizing bacteria of the family Siderocapsaceae across the full section of the biofilter; it does not, however, influence the abundance of nitrifying phase I and II autotrophic bacteria and Mn(II) oxidizing bacteria of the family Siderocapsaceae. The abundance of microorganisms in the biofilter outflow is increased in comparison with that in untreated water; they do not, however, create a health hazard for human beings.

[Results of a randomized prospective trial comparing postoperative abdominopelvic radiotherapy with postoperative chemotherapy in early ovarian cancer]. / Résultats d'un essai prospectif randomisé comparant une radiothérapie abdominopelvienne postopératoire et une chimiothérapie postopératoire dans les cancers de l'ovaire précoces.

PURPOSE: In a prospective randomized trial, our aim was to evaluate and compare the tolerance and efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of early ovarian cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 1996, 150 patients with ovarian cancer stage IA, IB grades G2-3, and all patients classified IC and IIA, who did not have evidence of residual disease after surgery, were randomized to two treatment branches: radiotherapy or chemotherapy (CH). In the radiotherapy branch (76 patients), a whole abdomen irradiation of 30 Gy in 24 fractions over 5 weeks, with a pelvic boost to 50 Gy, was delivered. In the chemotherapy branch (74 patients), there were six series of polychemotherapy separated with 3-weeks interval. In each series patients received association of cisplatin (50 mg/m2, d1), adriamycin (50 mg/m2, d1) and cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m2, d1). RESULTS: The tolerance of the treatment was good and comparable in both groups. In the radiotherapy branch, three late grade G3 intestinal complications were observed (three bowel obstructions, which required surgery in two cases). The actuarial survival rate without evidence of disease was 81% at 5 years for both groups. In our series we found that histological grade had the strongest influence on survival prognosis; it was the only significant factor in a multivariate analysis. Patients with grade G3 tumors had the worst survival. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy administered to our patients with early ovarian cancer gave approximately identical results.

[Radiotherapy for stage III, inoperable, asymptomatic small cell lung cancer. Final results of a prospective randomized study (240 patients)]. / Radiothérapie du cancer bronchique non à petites cellules de stade III, inopérable, asymptomatique. Résultats définitifs d'un essai prospectif randomisé (240 patients).

PURPOSE: To report the results of a prospective randomized study concerning the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of stage III, unresectable, asymptomatic non-small cell lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 1996, 240 patients with stage III, unresectable, asymptomatic non-small cell lung cancer were enrolled in this study, and sequentially randomized to one of the three treatment arms: conventional irradiation, hypofractionated irradiation and control group. In the conventional irradiation arm (79 patients), a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions in five weeks was delivered to the primary tumor and the mediastinum. In the hypofractionated irradiation arm (81 patients), there were two courses of irradiation separated by an interval of four weeks. In each series, patients received 20 Gy in five fractions in five days, in the same treatment volume as the conventional irradiation group. In the control group arm, 80 patients initially did not receive radiotherapy and were only observed. Delayed palliative hypofractionated irradiation (20-25 Gy in four to five fractions in four to five days) was given to the primary tumor when major symptoms developed. RESULTS: The two-year actuarial survival rates for patients in the conventional irradiation, hypofractionated irradiation and control group arms were 18%, 6% and 0%, with a median survival time of 12 months, nine months and six months respectively. The differences between survival rates were statistically significant at the 0.05 level. CONCLUSION: Although irradiation provides good palliation, the results are disappointing. The comparison of conventional and hypofractionated irradiation shows an advantage for conventional schedules.

5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor affinity and functional profile of some N-[3-(4-aryl-1-piperazinyl)propyl] derivatives of indolin-2(1H)-one, quinolin-2(1 H)-one and isoquinolin-1(2H)-one. Part 30: Structure-activity relationship studies of CNS agents.

A series of new 1-aryl-4-propylpiperazines containing the modified terminal amide fragment 9, 15-19, 21, 23 and 25 were synthesized and their 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor affinities were determined. All the compound were highly potent 5-HT1A receptor ligands with a diverse 5-HT2A receptor affinity. It was found that the 5-HT2A receptor affinity depends on the dipole moment and lipophilicity of amide moiety. Compound 9b was found to be a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist and a weak 5-HT1A receptor agonist.

Synthesis and pharmacological properties of some new 3-(2-N,N-dialkylaminoethyl)-pyrido [2,3-d]-pyrymidin-4-ones.

The following new derivatives of pyrido [2,3-d]-pyrimidin-4(3H)-one were synthesized: 3-(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl), 3-(2-N-pyrolidynylethyl), 3-(2-piperidinylethyl) and 3-(2-N-morpholidinylethyl). Their chemical structures were confirmed by MS, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopic data. Newly synthesized compounds were investigated pharmacologically for their central properties in mice and rats. It was shown that compound [III] showed anxiolytic action in the four-plate test and two compounds produced analgesic effects in mice.

[Radioisotopic diagnostic examination as a factor responsible for the Polish population exposure to ionizing radiation]. / Diagnostyczne badania radioizotopowe jako czynnik narazenia Polskiej populacji na promieniowanie jonizujace (raport wstepny).

For the general population, in vivo radioisotopic radiological examinations are the second, after x-ray diagnostics, artificial source of ionizing radiation used for medical purposes. The 1981 survey was the first review of the radioisotopic examinations in Poland and revealed that 80,000 examinations are performed annually (2 examinations per 1,000 population on average). It was also found that 131 I was the most common isotope used during thyroid examinations very frequently performed at that time. According to the 1996 data published by the National Consultant on Nuclear Medicine, "In Poland there are 36 centers of nuclear medicine within the network of public health care services. Every year about 130,000 radioisotopic examinations are performed." In order to estimate real exposure of the Polish population resulting from radioisotopic diagnostic examinations it is necessary to gather detailed data on the age structure of patients, as well as on the type and activity of radiopharmaceutical be administered. The paper presents the preliminary results of the follow-up study on radioisotopic examinations in Poland carried out by the Department of Radiological Protection, Nofer Institute of Medicine, Lódz. The data have been collected according to the adopted schedule, taking account of the organ (system) examined, the type of administered radiopharmaceutical, the kind and activity of radioactive isotopes used to mark radiopharmaceutics, age and sex of examined patient. By the end of December 2000 the data on radioisotopic examinations performed in 12 centers of nuclear medicine (Warsaw--7; Kielce--2; Gdansk, Lódz and Zgierz--one center in each city) had been collected. Thus far almost 40,000 radioisotopic examinations have been registered. According to the above mentioned procedure it was possible to collect data on all examinations performed in 1998. In addition, general numbers of examinations performed in the centers visited in 1999 were registered; the 2000 data are now being completed. It was finally established that the thyroid and musculoskeletal examinations constitute about 50% of the total number of examinations, which is in agreement with the data applying to the countries classified as those with the first level of health care. However, while an average effective dose per examination in those countries accounts for about 4 mSv, in the Polish centers the analogues indicator, estimated on the basis of the results collected thus far, is about 9 mSv, of this number, over 7 mSv is contributed by thyroid examinations with the use of iodine (131I). The obtained result is a strong stimulus to supplement and complete the data already gathered and to carry out a thorough analysis of radioisotopic examination in view of patients' exposure. Such an analysis would provide the subject matter arguments for the optimization of radiological protection in nuclear medicine in Poland.

[Breast cancer in women under the age of 35]. / Rak sutka u kobiet do 35 roku zycia.

A retrospective analysis of a group of 102 women younger than 36 years is reported. All patients were treated initially only surgically by Halsted or Patey mastectomy. Disease-free 10-year survival was noted in 39.2% of the patients. The effectiveness of the treatment proved to be the same in the group of women under and over the age 35. For all patients with breast cancer, despite their age, identical prognostic factors were observed.

[Infections with hepatitis B, C and delta viruses in patients with AIDS]. / Zakazenie wirusami hepatitis B, C oraz delta u osób zakazonych HIV.

To analyse the prevalence of liver viral infections we tested sera of drug abusers HIV+ (23 persons), sera of drug abusers HIV--(30 persons) and sera of homosexuals HIV+ (18 persons). We looked for antigens delta and antibodies anti-HBcoreAg, anti-HCV, anti-HDV. Results showed the prevalence of HBV infections among drug abusers (in Warsaw) and lower prevalence of HBV infections among homosexuals. We did not find any HCV and HDV infection among tested homosexuals.

[The role of teleradiotherapy in treatment of thyroid cancer]. / Miejsce teleradioterapii w leczeniu raka tarczycy.

The role of teleradiotherapy in the treatment of patients with thyroid cancer is presented. The indications for external irradiation include patients with: primary inoperable disease or inoperable recurrence, microscopic or gross residual disease after surgery, high risk of local regional failure, and metastatic thyroid cancer, especially with skeletal, brain and mediastinal metastases.

[Synchronous bilateral carcinoma of the lung cured with surgery and radiotherapy]. / Synchroniczny obustronny rak pluca wyleczony chirurgicznie i napromienianiem.

A case of a primary synchronous bilateral lung cancer is presented. Tumor of the left lung was treated with lobectomy, tumor of the right lung with radiotherapy. Patient survived 5-years without evidence of disease recurrence.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer]. / Ocena skutecznosci pooperacyjnego napromieniania chorych na niedrobnokomórkowego raka pluca.

An analysis of 75 patients with non-small cell lung cancer that underwent post-surgical teleradiotherapy was carried out. The authors have shown it to be of little value in stage III B patients and in patients with metastases to regional lymph nodes and in whom the surgical procedure was not radical. 17.9% of stage III A patients were cured, 61.1% of stage II. Postsurgical radiotherapy was very efficient in patients without metastases to regional lymph nodes (61.5%--3 year survival).

[Is gender a prognostic factor in early stages of laryngeal cancer treated by radiotherapy?]. / Czy plec jest czynnikiem prognostycznym w niezaawansowanym raku krtani leczonym napromienianiem?

Six hundred and thirty patients with stage I and II glottic and supraglottic laryngeal cancer were treated with radiotherapy in Center of Oncology in Kraków between 1973 and 1989. The 5-year NED survival rates after the radiotherapy only were 79%, after the radiotherapy and surgery for reccurrences--87.1%. Gender is not a prognostic factor in early stage laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy.

[Extramedullary plasmocytoma of the larynx. Analysis of four cases]. / Odosobniony szpiczak mnogi krtani. Analiza czterech przypadków.

Four cases of solitary extramedullary plasmocytoma of the larynx (3 men, 1 women) treated with radiotherapy are presented. Laboratory and X-ray examinations showed no evidence of systemic plasmacytoma. One patient was treated with conventional X-ray therapy and 3 patients with telegammatherapy Co-60. All patients survived 10 years with no evidence of disease.

[Radiation therapy in glottic laryngeal carcinoma stage. I. Results and analysis of prognostic factors]. / Teleradioterapia raka glosni w I. zaawansowania. Wyniki leczenia I analiza czynników prognostycznych.

Two hundred and forty-five patients with stage I glottic laryngeal cancer were treated with radiotherapy in Center of Oncology in Kraków between 1973 and 1988. One hundred and fifty-five patients were irradiated with Co-60 unit, 90 patients with mixed photon-electron beam. The 5-year NED survival rates after the radiotherapy only were 85.3%, after the radiotherapy and surgery for recurrences--95.1%. The sex, age, local extension of primary tumor (T1a vs. T1b), location of the tumor on true vocal cord and involvement of anterior commissure were evaluated in a uni- and multivariate analysis of prognostic factors. For the end-point of 5-year NED survival no statistically significant relationship was found between results and analysis variables.

[The prognostic significance of impaired vocal cord motility in patients with stage II glottic cancer treated with radiotherapy]. / Prognostyczne znaczenie ograniczenia ruchomosci faldów glosowych u chorych na raka glosni w II stopniu zaawansowania leczonych napromienianiem.

Eighty-five patients with stage II glottic laryngeal cancer were treated with radiotherapy in Center of Oncology in Kraków between 1973 and 1989. Fifty-five patients were irradiated with 60Co unit, 30 with mixed photon--electron beam. The 5-year survival rates without evidence of disease after the radiotherapy only were 65.9%, after the radiotherapy and surgery for recurrences--76.5%. The sex, age, local extension of primay tumour and vocal cord mobility were evaluated in a uni- and multivariate analysis of prognostic factors. For the end-point of 5-year survival without evidence of disease no statistically significant relationship was found between results and analysis variables, especially between survival and impaired cord mobility.