Value of D-dimer and HDL cholesterol concentrations in predicting the occurrence of acute pulmonary embolism.

UNLABELLED: Pulmonary embolism (PE) usually is a clinical manifestation of venous thromboembolism. The lack of simple and safe laboratory test to confirm or exclude PE is a problem that slows down the diagnosis. AIM: The aim of the study was the assessment the usefulness of D-dimer and HDL cholesterol concentration in predicting the occurrence of acute pulmonary embolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 86 patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured by catalase HDL-C and LDLC assay. The D-dimer level was assessed using immunoenzymatic method with high sensitivity test (VIDAS D-Dimer Exclusion). Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed using contrast-enhanced multidetector computer tomography (16-row GE Light Speed Pro and 64-row Toshiba Aquilion Systems). RESULTS: In all patients with PE, higher D-dimer concentration was found. Odds ratio (OR) calculated for the D-dimer indicates that the concentration of D-dimer ≥859,5 ng/ml increases the risk of PE 612 times, compared with those with levels below 859,5 ng/ml. HDL cholesterol level in patients with PE was significantly lower compared with the control group (p < 0,05). Odds ratio (OR) calculated for the HDL cholesterol indicates that the risk of PE in subjects with the concentration of HDL-C ≤44 mg/dl is 26,89 times higher, compared with individuals with HDL-C >44 mg/dl. CONCLUSIONS: According the studies, increase D-dimer and decrease HDL levels are an independent risk factors for occurrence of acute pulmonary embolism.

Anxiety associated with parachute jumping as the cause of blood red-ox balance impairment. / Lek zwiazany ze skokami spadochronowymi przyczyna zaburzen równowagi red-ox.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of anxiety associated with parachute jumps on selected redox balance parameters in regular soldiers from airborne forces. The study allows estimating whether the paratroopers exposed to high level of mental stress are simultaneously under severe oxidative stress. METHODS: The investigations were carried out on 46 professional soldiers from airborne forces divided into groups depending on the number of performed parachute jumps. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained under fasting conditions three times for the determination of selected parameters of red-ox balance: on an ordinary working day, on the day when the jump was performed and on the day after the jump. The time of the performed determinations was to reflect the initial balance of the organism, the state at the moment of stress and its effect on the organism. RESULTS: Our investigations showed lack of differences in characteristics of the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) in response to mental stress depending on the experience of the investigated group in parachuting. Decrease in GSH-Px activity was demonstrated in response to mental stress in all the investigated groups. The TBARS level was higher in more experienced parachutists. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of changes in selected redox balance parameters may be useful for monitoring anxiety associated with parachute jumps.

Estimation of cell membrane properties and erythrocyte red-ox balance in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with occurrence of the many cardiovascular risk factors such as atherogenic dyslipidemia, visceral fat distribution, arterial hypertension and pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory status. In our study the effect of disorders that appear in MS on red-ox balance and erythrocyte cell membrane properties were estimated. The study comprised 50 patients with diagnosed MS and in 25 healthy subjects. Content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity were estimated in red blood cells. Moreover, conformation status of membrane proteins, membrane fluidity and osmotic fragility were evaluated. MS was found to manifest: (1) the increase of the concentration of TBARS in erythrocytes with no statistically significant differences in antioxidant enzymes activity, (2) disorders in the structure of erythrocyte cytoskeleton proteins, (3) the increase in membrane lipids fluidity at the depth of 5th and 12th carbon atom of fatty acid hydrocarbon chain and significantly decreased fluidity at the depth of 16th carbon atom, (4) increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility.

[Anxiety associated with parachute jumping]. / Lek zwiazany ze skokami spadochronowymi.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to estimate an influence of parachute jumps on anxiety among professional soldiers from air-borne forces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigation was carried out on 46 professional soldiers from 16 Air-Borne Battalion, patients of outpatient department of 4495 Military Unit, men at 20 to 45 age, healthy--admitted to parachute jumping in air-borne forces. They were divided on groups according to a knowledge and an experience in parachuting. In order to estimate the level of nervous tension and mental stress, personal questionnaires in accordance with STAI were carried out on free day, day of parachute jump and 24h after jump. RESULTS: The results show the influence of parachute jumps on the parameters of psychological stress.

[Resting heart rate in subjects with carbohydrate disorders]. / Spoczynkowa czynnosc serca u osób z zaburzeniami gospodarki weglowodanowej.

UNLABELLED: Large epidemiological studies conducted during last 25 years confirmed the importance of resting heart rate as an independent risk factor for total and cardiovascular mortality in females and males, both in overall population and in subjects with cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the resting heart rate (HR) in subjects with carbohydrate disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 112 subjects with carbohydrate disorders (54 females and 58 males), aged 30-78 (57.4 +/- 9.6) years. Carbohydrate disorders were diagnosed according to the Polish Diabetes Association criteria from 2007 (group I). 56 subjects had impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 36 - impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 20 - type 2 diabetes. Comparative group comprised 30 subjects without cardiovascular diseases and carbohydrate disorders (15 females and 15 males), aged 29-64 (52.7 +/- 8.8) years (group II). The fasting serum glucose level was evaluated using an enzymatic method, Kone Pro biochemical analyzer and bioMérieux Glucose RTU kit. In subjects with fasting glucose level > or = 100 mg/dl, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Additionally, in all subjects resting heart rate (HR) was measured, after 10-minute rest, at a room temperature of about 20 degrees C. The measurements were made threefold, every 5 minutes and mean value was assessed. RESULTS: In subjects with carbohydrate disorders HR was significantly higher than in comparative group (82.79 +/- 12.1 vs 69.9 +/- 9.56/min; p < 0.05). In group of subjects with carbohydrate disorders in comparison to comparative group, resting heart rate < 60/min occurred in 1.79 vs 13.33%, in intervals: 60-70/min in 14.29 vs 50%. 71-80/min in 33.93 vs 23.33%, 81-90/min in 25% vs 13.33%, and above 90/min in 25% of studied group (p < 0.05). On the basis of ROC curve analysis and odds ratio (OR) it was shown that HR > or = 72.5/min is an independent risk factor for carbohydrate disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Resting heart rate > or = 72.5/min is an independent risk factor for carbohydrate disorders and increases its risk more than ninefold.

[Estimation of pulse pressure in subjects with carbohydrate disorders]. / Ocena cisnienia tetna u osób z zaburzeniami gospodarki weglowodanowej.

UNLABELLED: Carbohydrate disorders are important and independent risk factor for cardiovascular system diseases. Increased values of pulse pressure are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications and total mortality. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pulse pressure in subjects with carbohydrate disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 112 subjects with carbohydrate disorders (54 females and 58 males), aged 30-78 (57.4 +/- 9.6) years. Carbohydrate disorders were diagnosed according to the Polish Diabetes Association criteria from 2007 (group 1). 56 subjects had impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 36--impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 20--type 2 diabetes. Comparative group comprised 30 subjects without cardiovascular diseases and carbohydrate disorders (15 females and 15 males), aged 29-64 (52.7,4 +/- 8.8) years (group II). The fasting serum glucose level was evaluated using an enzymatic method, Kone-Pro biochemical analyzer and bioMérieux Glucose RTU kit. In subjects with fasting glucose level > or = 100 mg/dl, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. In all subjects 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring with oscillometric method, using boso-TM-2430PL system (Bosch+Sohn, Germany). Pulse pressure (pp) was evaluated as a mean difference between the systolic and diastolic pressure. RESULTS: In subjects with carbohydrate disorders the mean value of pp was 56.79 +/- 16.28 mmHg and it was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in comparative group (49.0 +/- 11.1 mmHg). Increased value of pp (> 63 mmHg) was found significantly more often in group with carbohydrate disorders (46% vs 10%) (p < 0.05). On the basis of ROC curve analysis and OR (odds ratio) it was shown that pp > or = 52.5 mmHg results in a threefold increased risk of carbohydrate disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Increased values of pulse pressure are found significantly more often in subjects with carbohydrate disorders. The risk of carbohydrate disorders increases threefold in subjects with pp > or = 52.5 mmHg.

[Heart rate recovery after exercise in subjects undergoing cardiologic rehabilitation]. / Szybkosc normalizacji czestosci rytmu serca po wysilku u osób poddanych rehabilitacjti kardiologicznej.

UNLABELLED: Research indicates that slow heart rate recovery 1-2 minutes after exercise is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality, sudden mortality as well. It is hardly related to myocardial ischemia; most of all, it is related to impaired activities of the parasympathetic system. The purpose of this study was to assess HRR in subjects after a surgical treatment (percutaneous coronary intervention - PCI) of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), undergoing cardiologic rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 58 subjects, 42 men and 16 women aged 49-68 (56.8 +/- 7.6) after ACS treated with PCI undergoing cardiologic rehabilitation (stage 2)--group I. The comparative group comprised 34 subjects, 25 men and 9 women aged 46-61 (55.5 +/- 8.9 lat) who were clinically healthy and who underwent a single sub-maximal exercise test--group II. In subjects undergoing rehabilitation, an exercise test was performed twice --before and after stage 2 of rehabilitation. HRR was defined as a difference between the peak heart rate and those after the 1st (HRR1) and 2nd (HRR) minute of recovery. RESULTS: After stationary rehabilitation as a part of stage 2 of cardiologic rehabilitation, HRR2 was 26.3 +/- 10.6/min and was 40.8/min +/- 13.8/min; both these values were not significantly different from values observed in healthy subjects (p > 0.05). Significant increase in HRR1 and HRR2 was observed after the completion of stage 2 of cardiologic rehabilitation in ill subjects (p < 0.05) as compared to initial values. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects after ACS treated with PCI, it is observed that HRR changes back to normal values observed in healthy subjects as a result of underwent cardiologic rehabilitation. HRR should become an important factor in assessing effectiveness of conducted cardiologic rehabilitation.

Elements of oxidation/reduction balance in experimental hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the decreased level of thyroid hormones on selected parameters of the oxidation/reduction balance by assessing the activity of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); the level of antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E); and the concentration of compounds reacting with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Investigations involved 20 Belgian giant rabbits of both sexes. Hypothyroidism was induced by intragastric administration of thiamizole. Before this was done, blood was collected from the ear marginal vein (control group) and then the animals received thiamizole through an intragastric tube at a dose of 2 mg/kg b.w. for 21 days. Blood was collected again (the experimental group) and the following determinations were performed: - in blood serum, the thyroid hormones T3, T4 and TSH; - vitamin A, C and E blood serum concentrations; - in erythrocytes, the concentration of compounds reacting with TBARS, SOD and GSH-Px. RESULTS: A 21-day exposure of rabbits to thiamazole (2 mg/kg b.w./24 h) resulted in a statistically significant decrease of TBARS, a decrease of SOD and GPH-Px activity and in a statistically insignificant decrease in the level of vitamins A, C and E. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothyroidism decreases the level of erythrocytes oxidation/reduction balance by diminishing oxidative lipids damage and by decreasing the activity of antioxidative enzymes, but not by changes in the level of antioxidant vitamins.

[Vascular complications in patients with metabolic syndrome]. / Powiklania naczyniowe u chorych na zespól metaboliczny.

UNLABELLED: All risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) are responsible for endothelial dysfunction what accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. It causes increased cardiovascular risk and development of cardiovascular complications in these subjects. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of vascular complications in subjects with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised of 108 patients with metabolic syndrome (36 males and 72 females), aged 46-67 (57+/-8.5) years. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria from 2005. Ischaemic heart disease was diagnosed according to the coronarography or patient care documentation. The assessment of nephrological complications was conducted with use of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated by using the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equation. The occurrence of brain strokes and diabetic foot was estimated basing on medical history and documentation. Vascular complications in the bottom of the eye were assessed with ophtalmoscopic examination and fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: The frequency of vascular complications in subjects with MS was: vascular complications in the bottom of the eye - 72.7% (symptoms of vascular angiopathy without retinopathy - 41.2%, retinopathy - 31.5%), ischaemic heart disease - 54.9%, eGFR < 90 m/min. - 38.9%, diabetic foot - 5.55%. brain stroke - 3.7%. Ischaemic heart disease was present in all subjects with MS qualified to the second and higher class of retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MS, ischaemic heart disease was the most common macroangiopathic complication, with increasing in the frequency together with retinopathy intensification. Changes in the bottom of the eye were the most common microangiopathic complications. Early identification and treatment of metabolic syndrome may have important value in prophylaxis and delay of vascular complications.

[Plasma nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with metabolic syndrome and co-existing vascular complications]. / Stezenie tlenku azotu i naczyniowo-sródblonkowego czynnika wzrostu w osoczu chorych na zespól metaboliczny ze wspólistniejacymi powiklaniami naczyniowymi.

UNLABELLED: Subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) are especially exposed to co-existing several cardiovascular risk factors. It's aggregated action leads to the endothelial damage. Tissue hipoxaemia increases VEGF synthesis. NO may also play the crucial role in VEGF synthesis The balance between factors increasing and decreasing VEGF synthesis has special importance in development of vascular complications. The aim of the study was to estimate plasma nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with metabolic syndrome and vascular complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in two groups of patients. I Group--54 patients with metabolic syndrome (diagnosed according to the IDF criteria from 2005) and macro- and microvascular complications, aged 46-67 (58 +/- 6.7) years. II Group--20 healthy subjects, aged 40-61 (51 +/- 5.1) years. Plasma levels of NO and VEGF were determined in all participants. RESULTS: Plasma level of nitric oxide in subjects with metabolic syndrome and vascular complications was 6.48 +/- 1.5 micromol/l and in healthy participants 10.08 +/- 1.09 micromol/l (p < 0.05). Plasma level of vascular endothelial growth factor in subjects with metabolic syndrome and vascular complications was 193.45 +/- 131.0 pg/ml and in healthy participants 71.09 +/- 14.49 pg/ml (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial dysfunction seems to be the substantial factor responsible for the vascular complications in subjects with metabolic syndrome, which manifests in increased plasma level of VEGF and decreased plasma level of NO.

Antibacterial activity of thyme and lavender essential oils.

Strong antiseptic activity of essential oils has been known for a long time. The antibacterial activity of oils was tested against clinical bacterial strains of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia and Pseudomonas genera. The agar diffusion method was used for microbial growth inhibition at various concentrations of the oils from T. vulgaris and L. angustifolia. Susceptibility testing to antibiotics and chemotherapeutics was carried out using disc-diffusion method. 120 strains of bacteria isolated from patients with infections of oral cavity, respiratory, genitourinary tracts and from hospital environment were investigated. The results of experiments showed that the oil from T. vulgaris exhibited extremely strong activity against all of the clinical strains. Thyme oil demonstrated a good efficacy against antibiotics resistant strains of the tested bacteria. Lavender oil has been less activity against clinical strains of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Escherichia genus. The worst results have been observed against all strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

[Poisoning with selected mushrooms with neurotropic and hallucinogenic effect]. / Zatrucia wybranymi grzybami o dzialaniu neurotropowym i halucynogennym.

Picking mushrooms, especially in summer and autumn, is still very popular in Poland. Despite raising awareness of poisonous mushrooms in the Polish society, year after year hospitals treat many patients diagnosed with poisoning with the most common toxic species of mushroom found in our country. Furthermore, growing interest in hallucinogenic mushrooms among young people has become a serious medical problem of our time. Websites make it incredibly easy for people to obtain information on the morphology and appearance of mushrooms with psychoactive properties, which leads inexperienced pickers to misidentification, resulting frequently in a fatal outcome. The article explores the subject of poisoning with the most common mushrooms with neurotropic effects, these are: Amanita muscaria, Amanita pantherina, Inocybe rubescens, Clitocybe dealbata, Clitocybe rivulosa and Psilocybe semilanceata. Toxins found in these species show symptoms that affect the central nervous system, parasympathetic system as well as the gastro-intestinal system. The effects of poisoning in the mushroom species mentioned above are mild in general, liver and kidney damage occur rarely, but the symptoms depend on both the dosage of the consumed toxins and individual susceptibility. In most cases the treatment is of symptomatic nature. There is no specific treatment. Medical procedures mainly involve induced gastrolavage--stomach pumping (providing that the patient is conscious), prescription of active carbon as well as replacement of lost body fluids and electrolytes. If the muscarinic symptoms prevail it is generally advised to dose atropine. Patients showing the signs of hyperactivity receive tranquilizers or narcoleptics to eliminate psychotic symptoms.

[Poisonings with Amanita phalloides]. / Zatrucia muchomorem sromotnikowym (Amanita phalloides).

Amanita phalloides is the most dangerous, poisonous mushroom species in our climatic conditions. It is the cause of 90-95% of all deaths due to mushroom poisoning, a-Amanitin, a polymerase RNA II inhibitor, is mainly responsible for the Amanita phalloides toxic property. Inhibition of polymerase RNA II functioning in a transcription process is connected with inhibition biosynthesis of structural and enzymatic proteins in cells. A lethal dose of a-amanitin is 0.1 mg/kg b.w. for humans. One of the medical problems in Amanita phalloides poisonings is a relatively prolonged latency period (8-24 h) from mushroom ingestion, at the same time the cytotropic action of absorbed toxins is revealed. In severe cases, multi organ failure, renal and hepatitis failure can occur. Deaths in a-amanitin poising cases follows between 6-16 days after intoxication. Mortality in this group of patients is still high and amounts to approximately 20-30% in adults and exceeds 50% in children. If mushroom poisoning occurs, it is best treated with pharmacological agents, extracorporeal methods for toxin removal and liver transplantation. Recent high expectations concerning liver albumin dialysis (based on MARS) should support liver regeneration and will also help with possible liver transplantation. In a medical community it is generally believed that every suspected Amanita phalloides poisoning should be referred to a specialized health center.

[Characteristic of metabolic syndrome in subjects with or without cardiovascular diseases]. / Charakterystyka zespolu metabolicznego u osób bez chorób i z chorobami ukladu sercowo-naczynlowego.

UNLABELLED: Identification of risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) as a part of primary prophylaxis allows early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Secondary prophylaxis may lead to decreased number of complications and deaths resulting from cardiovascular diseases in subjects with MS. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the risk factors of MS and incidence of MS in subjects with or without cardiovascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were two groups of patients. I group--600 patients with primary prophylaxis, without cardiovascular diseases, aged 35-60 (49.57 +/- 8.5) and II group--231 patients with cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes), aged 27-69 (56.5 +/- 11.3). MS was diagnosed according to the IDF criteria from 2005. RESULTS: MS was diagnosed in 141 cases of 600 patients with primary prevention what gives 23.5% out of whole study group. In the I group the most common were: abdominal obesity (100%), hypertriglyceridemia (80.2%), hypertension (64.7%) and fasting hyperglycemia (55.2%). MS was diagnosed in 158 cases of 231 patients with cardiovascular disease what gives 68.4% out of whole study group. MS was the most frequent in patients with type 2 diabetes (90.32%), in patients with hypertension (71.58%) and the least common in patients with cardiovascular disease (59.05%). In the II group the most frequent were: abdominal obesity (100%), hypertension (89.24%), fasting hyperglycemia (75.32%). CONCLUSIONS: MS occurs more often in patients with cardiovascular diseases than in the total population. Cardiovascular diseases are connected with fasting hyperglycemia, systolic hypertension and high WHR.

Plasma total antioxidant activity in comparison with plasma NO and VEGF levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to estimate plasma antioxidant activity as well as plasma nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with metabolic syndrome compared with healthy participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients (24 women and 26 men, mean age 55.9 + 11.8 years) with metabolic syndrome were compared with 25 healthy participants (12 women and 13 men, mean age 54.2 + 12.8 years). Plasma total antioxidant activity and plasma levels of NO and VEGF were determined in all participants. RESULTS: In the patients with metabolic syndrome, plasma total antioxidant activity, nitric oxide, and vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly lower (P < .001) than that observed in healthy participants (3.2 + 1.6 vs 6.4 + 2.1 mM/L), (6.3 + 2.2 vs 9.8 + 2.7 muM/L), and 71.0 + 16.9 vs 137.5 + 12.6 pg/mL), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased plasma total antioxidant activity, NO, and VEGF levels in patients with metabolic syndrome reflect significant endothelial dysfunction. This suggests that oxidation-reduction balance disorders might play an important role in this process.