Effectiveness of E-Beam Radiation against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and Wild Yeast and Their Influence on Wine Quality.

The simplest way to eliminate microorganisms in the must/wine is through sulfuration, as it allows the introduction of pure yeast varieties into the must, which guarantees a high-quality wine. However, sulfur is an allergen, and an increasing number of people are developing allergies to it. Therefore, alternative methods for microbiological stabilization of must and wine are being sought. Consequently, the aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of ionizing radiation in eliminating microorganisms in must. The sensitivity of wine yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. cerevisiae var. bayanus, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and wild yeasts to ionizing radiation was com-pared. The effects of these yeasts on wine chemistry and quality were also determined. Ionizing radiation eliminates yeast in wine. A dose of 2.5 kGy reduced the amount of yeast by more than 90% without reducing the quality of the wine. However, higher doses of radiation worsened the organoleptic properties of the wine. The breed of yeast used has a very strong influence on the quality of the wine. It is justifiable to use commercial yeast breeds to obtain standard-quality wine. The use of special strains, e.g., B. bruxellensis, is also justified when aiming to obtain a unique product during vinification. This wine was reminiscent of wine produced with wild yeast.. The wine fermented with wild yeast had a very poor chemical composition, which negatively affected its taste and aroma. The high content of 2-methylbutanol and 3-methylbutanol caused the wine to have a nail polish remover smell.

Brachytherapy or enucleation in ring melanoma patients: which is better? Preliminary results of the authors' own experiences.

PURPOSE: A retrospective evaluation of effectiveness of brachytherapy or enucleation in treatment of rare form of uveal melanoma: ring melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis comprised 49 patients treated from 2000 to 2019 for ring melanoma involving ciliary body. In 15 patients, primary treatment consisted of brachytherapy (106Ru or 125I), whereas in 34 patients, eyeballs were enucleated. The evaluation concerned differences between analyzed groups relating to the clinical and histopathological features as well as overall survival, cancer-specific overall survival, and disease-free survival. RESULTS: No significant differences between the analyzed groups were found with regards to clinical and histopathological features, apart from intra-ocular pressure (increased in the enucleation group). Kaplan-Meier analysis did not reveal any significant differences between the group treated with enucleation and the group undergoing brachytherapy, both with regards to overall survival (p = 0.325) and cancer-specific overall survival (p = 0.477). A significant difference was observed in disease-free survival (p = 0.009), which was significantly shorter in the group undergoing brachytherapy. In the analysis of parameters of the applied brachytherapy, no significant differences between patients with and without local recurrence were found. Mean observation period was 350.8 weeks (range, 24-996 weeks, SD = 231.6). A local recurrence occurred in 11 (22.4%) patients, including 3 (6.1%) in enucleation and 8 (16.3%) after brachytherapy groups. Metastasis developed in 11 (22.4%) cases after a mean follow-up of 133 weeks (33.25 months), range 3-655 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary observations may suggest that brachytherapy in this rare form of uveal melanoma, such as ring melanoma involving the ciliary body, may be taken into consideration as a useful alternative to enucleation. However, the confirmation of such an approach requires a larger patients' group to be gathered, and also a longer follow-up period. This is especially important in patients with a good baseline visual acuity in the affected eye, or when the neoplasm is present in the remaining eye with vision.

Choroidal metastases of thymic carcinoma in ultrasonographic imaging and optical coherence tomography.

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

Analysis of local recurrence causes in uveal melanoma patients treated with 125I brachytherapy - a single institution study.

PURPOSE: To perform a retrospective analysis of factors which might affect the occurrence of a relapse of uveal melanoma after 125I brachytherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis concerned 343 patients treated in the years 2001-2012. The effect on local recurrence of such factors as patient's sex, age, tumour size, shape, pigmentation, location, presence of orange pigment or petechiae on tumour surface, retinal detachment, and blood or dispersed pigment in vitreous body were studied. Additional analysis concerned physical properties of brachytherapy (total dose, irradiation dose applied to tumour apex and base and irradiation time). Two groups of patients were distinguished: with and without a relapse. The diagnostic criterion for the relapse was growth of the tumour base or height by 0.5 mm. RESULTS: Local recurrence of the uveal melanoma was observed in 29 patients (8.5%). Recurrences occurred with significantly higher frequency (p < 0.001), when the anterior tumour edge involved the ciliary body. Patients' survival in relation to the moment the occurrence of the relapse was statistically significant for application time (p = 0.004) and tumour pigmentation (p = 0.010). The deaths of patients with a local relapse were most rare when brachytherapy lasted from 72 to 95.9 hours and most frequent in cases of brownish tumour pigmentation. Patient sex, tumour shape and size, presence of orange pigment, retinal detachment, petechiae and bleeding to vitreous body as well as the dose of irradiation to tumour top and base did not have any significant effect on relapse occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of uveal melanomas with 125I applicators allows for a high rate of positive local results. Nonetheless, the recurrence probability always exists. The involvement of the ciliary body could influence this. The survival depending on the time of relapse could be statistically significant for application time and dark-brown tumour pigmentation.

Characteristic features of choroidal tumors in Deep Range Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography. / [Cechy charakterystyczne guzów wewnatrzgalkowych w optycznej koherentnej tomografii (DRI-OCT)].

Presentation of literature review and own experience in imaging of characteristic features of choroidal tumors in Deep Range Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography.

Imaging choroidal osteoma with the Deep Range Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography ­ a case report. / Kostniak naczyniówki w badaniu Deep Range Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography ­ prezentacja przypadku.

Choroidal osteoma is a rare, benign tumor which primarily affects young females, occurring at the posterior pole of the eye. Differential diagnosis, based on ophthalmoscopy, ocular ultrasound and modern techniques such as Deep Range Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography, should include amelanotic choroidal melanoma or metastatic tumors. This case report outlines the features of choroidal osteoma imaged using the Deep Range Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography, namely its lamellar and spongy bone structure, sclero-choroidal junction, tumour transparency, parallel horizontal and vertical canals communicating the lesions, as well as the presence of calcified and decalcified regions.

[Diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by the Structured Clinical Interview SCID-I]. / Diagnoza pourazowego zaburzenia stresowego (PTSD) za pomoca ustrukturalizowanego wywiadu klinicznego SCID-I.

OBJECTIVES: Valid and reliable diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder is important for clinical practice, scientific research and forensic settings. The aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Polish version of SCID-I F Module for the diagnosis of PTSD. METHODS: Five hundred twenty six motor vehicle accident survivors participated in the study. Clinical diagnosis was based on SCID-I-PTSD interview. Participants filled out a set of self-report inventories concerning PTSD symptoms (PDS), depression (BDI-II), anxiety (STAI) and posttraumatic cognitions (PTCI). RESULTS: The interview assessment showed high reliability and both convergent and discriminative validity. SCID-I-PTSD interview proved to be more specific than PDS inventory. Interview items show good psychometric properties (except an item C3) and no differential item functioning for sex. Latent structure analysis of PTSD symptoms were nonconclusive. CONCLUSIONS: A part of Module F of the SCID-I, a structured clinical interview for the assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder is a valid and reliable psychometric tool useful for the diagnosis of PTSD.

[A case of familial pupillary iris pigment epithelium cysts]. / Przypadek rodzinnego wystepowania zrenicznych cyst nablonka barwnikowego teczówki.

Iris cysts are rare lesions. In some cases, they may mimic melanoma and cause diagnostic difficulties. Through imaging tests such as ultrasound biomicroscopy we can evaluate the structure changes and determine the location for easy diagnosis. Iris cysts often require only observation. In some cases specialist treatment is necessary. One of the methods is transpupillary cystotomy perform using the Nd:YAG laser. The paper presents the case of familial pupillary cysts of the iris pigment epithelium in a father and a daughter.

[Bilateral choroidal osteoma--a case report]. / Obustronny kostniak naczyniówki--opis przypadku.

Choroidal osteoma is a an extremely rare (especially located bilaterally), benign, intraocular tumor, the type of choristoma. It occurs between 2-3 decades of life, women are particularly vulnerable. The main complication in 1/3 cases is a subretinal neovascularization which may cause bleeding. The gradually progressive decalcification develops within the tumour over time, which causes atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch's membrane deformity. The article presents a case of a 26-year-old woman with bilateral choroidal osteoma complicated by subretinal hemorrhage; the diagnosis was based on clinical examination (biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy) as well as specialised tests including: ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography.

[Analysis of risk factors of choroidal melanoma extraocular extension]. / Analiza czynników ryzyka powstania nacieków zewnatrzgalkowych czerniaka blony naczyniowej.

PURPOSE: To report the risk factors for extraocular extension of uveal melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 1144 enucleated eyes with ciliary body or/and choroidal melanoma. RESULTS: Extraocular extension or intrascleral invasion was found in 170 patients (14.86%), the nodular extraocular extension in 71 (6.20%). Extraocular extension was more common in older patients (> 50), large and medium size tumors, located close to the optic disc and mixed type.

[Choroidal melanoma--routes of extraocular extension]. / Analiza dróg naciekania zewnatrzgalkowego czerniaka blony naczyniowej.

PURPOSE: To report the routs of extraocular extension of uveal melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 170 enucleated eyes with uveal melanoma and deep intrascleral tumor invasion and/or nodular extrascleral extension. RESULTS: The routes of passages by sclera were natural channels: ciliary arteries, ciliary nerves, optic nerve, vortex veins, aqueous channels and intrascleral melanoma invasion.

[Ultrasound techniques in diagnosis of extrabulbar extension of uveal melanoma]. / Zastosowanie ultrasonografii w diagnostyce zewnatrzgalkowych nacieków czerniaka blony naczyniowej.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of ultrasound examination in detection of extraocular extension of uveal melanoma. METHODS: A retrospective study of 170 enucleated eyes with ciliary body or/and choroidal melanoma and deep intrascleral tumor invasion with extrascleral extension. RESULTS: The extrascleral extension was detectable before enucleation in 31 eyes (18.24%), and tumor sizes varied from 1.5 to 15 mm. Ultrabiomicroscopy used for the anterior tumor assesment, shows the routes of extrascleral extension of uveal melanoma. uveal melanoma, extraocular extension, ultrasonography.

[The content of some nutrients and potentially harmful components in edible potatoes purchased in the retail network]. / Zawartosc niektórych skladnikow odzywczych i potencjalnie szkodliwych w ziemniakach jadalnych pochodzacych z sieci handlowej.

BACKGROUND: For majority of Polish people potatoes are indispensable component of daily diet. Boiled or steamed potatoes are considered as food meeting the requirements of right nourishment. They are a source of nutrient components, however, potatoes may contain undesirable compounds. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was evaluation of dry matter and some nutritients (starch, vitamin C) and potentially toxic (nitrates (V), reducing sugars) constituents in edible potatoes purchased in a retail network in Szczecin in spring and autumn seasons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The estimation included 25 samples of different potatoes cultivars. Studies were conducted in autumn (October 2008 and 2009) and in spring (March 2009 and 2010). In the samples the content of the following constituents was determined: dry matter (by drying to constant matter), starch (Evers's method), vitamin C (Tillmans's method), reducing sugars (Luff-Schoorl's method) and nitrates (V) (by method with the use of phenol-disulphanic acid). RESULTS: It was stated that there were significant differences between the samples regarding the content of the tested constituents. Concentration of dry matter and starch ranged 14.50-21.23% and 9.25-15.05%, respectively. In potato tubers, which were under the researches in autumn and spring, mean contents of these constituents were nearly the same. Mean concentrations of vitamin C were almost two times lower in potatoes bought in spring (8.47 and 7.77 mg x 100 g(-1)) than in autumn (15.61 and 14.80 mg x 100 g(-1)). The content of reducing sugars exceeded the recommended highest level (0.5%) in the majority of the tested samples. Accumulation of these constituents occurred especially in potatoes available in markets in spring (mean 1.69 and 1.25%). Only in a few samples the content of nitrates (V) was higher than 200 mg NO3-/kg f. m. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of potatoes samples was characterized by a low content of dry matter (< 20%), very low (< 13%) or low (13.0-14.4%) content of starch and low concentration of nitrates (V). Potatoes available in markets in spring contained little vitamin C but a lot of reducing sugars. Due to the possibility of toxic acrylamide formation they should be fried occasionally.

[Evaluation of microbiological quality of seasoning purchased in the retail network]. / Ocena mikrobiologicznej jakosci mieszanek przyprawowych pochodzacych z sieci handlowej.

The estimation of microbiological quality of seasoning purchased in the retail network was the aim of this work. The study included five kinds of seasoning manufactured by four Polish companies. Microbiological analysis of the material included: total count of mesophilic aerobic bacteria and their spores, count of yeast and moulds and occurrence of coliforms bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella sp. and S. aureus. The results showed that the total count of mesophilic aerobic bacteria was high (10(5) -10(6) cfu x g(-1)) in the most of estimated spices and bacteria occurred mainly as spores. The low titre of coliform reduced down to 10(-2)-10(-3), occurrence of E. coli it was stated in 20% of samples of spices. However no pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella sp., S. aureus) was detected. Contamination of seasoning by yeasts and moulds was low in majority of samples and only in two samples the count of moulds was higher than 10(3) cfu x g(-1) and not answered requirements. Moulds were mainly represented by Aspergillus sp. (A. glaucus, A. niger, A. flavus) and than by Penicillium sp. and Rhizopus sp. Microbiological quality of seasoning was differentiated in dependence on the manufacturer.

[Ring melanoma]. / Czerniak okreziny blony naczyniowej galki ocznej.

PURPOSE: To describe five cases of ring melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 5 patients diagnosed with ring melanoma in Department of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology in Krakow between 2001-2007. The preliminary diagnosis was based on a clinical examination and ultrasound biomicroscopy and in 3 cases open biopsy was performed. RESULTS: Ring melanoma in 5 patients at the age between 48-73 were recognized. Four patients were using glaucoma medications. All patients were qualified for enucleation CONCLUSION: Ring melanoma is rare wariant of uveal melanoma. It often masquerades as unilateral glaucoma, and can be difficult to recognize.

[Uveal melanoma in patients with ocular or oculodermal melanocytosis]. / Czerniak blony naczyniowej u chorych z oczna lub oczno-skórna melanocytoza.

PURPOSE: To describe patients with ocular or oculodermal melanocytosis and uveal melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In Departament of Ophthalmology in Krakow 4 patients with ocular and 1 with oculodermal melanocytosis and uveal melanoma were diagnosed. RESULTS: In 4 patients with ocular melanocytosis and 1 with oculodermal melanocytosis the uveal melanoma was recognized and treated. Brachytherapy was used in 3 person, transcleral tumour resection in one case and in one enucleation was performed. During follow-up in two patients metastases to the liver were found. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ocular and oculodermal melanocytosis should be regularly controled ophthalmoscopically for the occurrence of uveal melanoma.

[Radiation optic neuropathy after the brachytherapy of the uveal melanoma]. / Neuropatia popromienna po brachyterapii czerniaka naczyniówki.

PURPOSE: The evaluate the frequency of radiation of the optic neuropathy (RON) and its influence on visual acuity in patients with choroidal melanoma treated by brachytherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 583 patients with choroidal melanoma, treated with ruthenium (106Ru) or iodine (125I) plaques in Ophthalmology Department of Jagiellonian University, between 1996 and 2004 year. The frequency of RON, its influence on loss of vision, according to a kind of the used isotope, tumor size and location were analyzed. Diagnosis of RON was established on the base of characteristic symptoms in the eye fundus. RESULTS: The frequency of RON was significantly higher in cases treated by 125I vs 106Ru (14% vs 8.2%, p = 0.0014), in cases of tumors located in the posterior pole (31.3%, p = 0.012), and in cases of tumor thickness 3-8 mm (27.5%, p = 0.033). In most of patients we observed major deterioration of visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: The radiation of the optic neuropathy was seen often after iodine BT, tumors located in the posterior pole of fundus, with thickness 3-8 mm.

[The analysis of I125 brachytherapy complications in cases of uveal melanoma]. / Analiza powiklan brachyterapii 125I w czerniakach naczyniówki.

PURPOSE: Analysis of type and frequency of complications after brachytherapy 1125 between 1-12 months after treatment and during the following controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 147 persons (76 men and 71 women) aged 23-86 years (mean 57 years), were treated in our clinic in 1998-2001. In 43% of the cases the thickness of the tumor was more than 8 mm and in 94% the maximum diameter was bigger than 8.1 mm. The irradiation dose was 80-120 Gy, mean 100 Gy. RESULTS: Regression and stabilization of the tumor was achieved in 84.3% of all cases. Complications of different type and intensity associated with brachytherapy I125 were observed in majority of the cases. The complications observed were: radiation retinopathy (52%), radiation maculopathy (33.6%), radiation optic neuropathy (25.3%), vitreous hemorrhage (8.8%), glaucoma (20.5%) and cataract (18.5%). CONCLUSIONS: 125I brachytherapy yields good results in cases of uveal melanoma, however it's associated with post radiation complications.

[Optic disc melanocytoma]. / Melanocytoma tarczy nerwu wzrokowego.

PURPOSE: Presentation of the cases of melanocytoma observed in the latest time in our clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present 2 cases - one in a 41 years old women S.M. and in a 77 years old women P.J. CONCLUSIONS: In case of melanocytoma there should be performed specialistic ancillary tests and the patients should be observed with photographic documentation.

[Air microflora of university cafeteria]. / Mikroflora powietrza w stolówce studenckiej.

The numbers of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and moulds were obtained by sedimentation method. The investigation included six areas, which have been separated on the ground of their function: 1. washing and peeling of potatoes and vegetables, 2. initial treatment of raw materials, 3. washing up of kitchen utensils, 4. cooking of meals, 5. serving of meals, 6. dining room. The samples of air were collected in 32 investigation points in the morning (8-8(30)) and in the afternoon (15-15(30)). Twelve series of measurements were carried out and in general 768 of air samples were tested. The results show that numbers of bacteria, moulds and yeasts were variable and received respectively 75-4550, 0-4565 and 0-290 cfu/m3. Analysis of variance proved that differences between mean number of microorganisms in the air were significant in dependence on the kind of place, time of a day and series of measurements. In the morning the highest microbiological contamination characterized the air of "washing and peeling" area. In the afternoon the number of all groups of microorganisms in the air of 1 and 2 areas was reduced. In the other places the amount of bacteria and yeasts increased, but mean number of moulds was reduced. Respectively 3% and almost 20% of air tested samples not answered for bacteria and fungi numbers recommended to kitchen areas. Filamentous fungi were represented mainly by Cladosporium sp. and Penicillium sp.