Peatland Microbial Communities as Indicators of the Extreme Atmospheric Dust Deposition.

We investigated a peat profile from the Izery Mountains, located within the so-called Black Triangle, the border area of Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany. This peatland suffered from an extreme atmospheric pollution during the last 50 years, which created an exceptional natural experiment to examine the impact of pollution on peatland microbes. Testate amoebae (TA), Centropyxis aerophila and Phryganella acropodia, were distinguished as a proxy of atmospheric pollution caused by extensive brown coal combustion. We recorded a decline of mixotrophic TA and development of agglutinated taxa as a response for the extreme concentration of Al (30 g kg-1) and Cu (96 mg kg-1) as well as the extreme amount of fly ash particles determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, which were used by TA for shell construction. Titanium (5.9 %), aluminum (4.7 %), and chromium (4.2 %) significantly explained the highest percentage of the variance in TA data. Elements such as Al, Ti, Cr, Ni, and Cu were highly correlated (r > 0.7, p < 0.01) with pseudostome position/body size ratio and pseudostome position. Changes in the community structure, functional diversity, and mechanisms of shell construction were recognized as the indicators of dust pollution. We strengthen the importance of the TA as the bioindicators of the recent atmospheric pollution.

[Molecular basis of carcinogenesis in lung cancer induced by cigarette smoking]. / Molekularne podstawy indukcji raka pluca pod wplywem palenia tytoniu.

An association between cigarette smoking and lung cancer carcinogenesis is reviewed. It is highly possible, that "individual susceptibility" for tumor development exists and is related to polymorphic variants of genes encoding for enzymes, which are employed in metabolism of xenobiotic substances. The gathering of highly reactive molecules due to modified metabolic processes results in DNA adducts forming and increased tendency for mutations. Group of genes, responsible for proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and DNA damage repair are frequently altered.

[Tuberculous peritonitis as still probable cause of ascites]. / Gruzlicze zapalenie otrzewnej nadal mozliwa przyczyna wodobrzusza.

A 38-year-old man was admitted to hospital because of ascites, fever, weakness, abdominal pain. Chest x-ray revealed old post-tuberculous opacities in the left subclavicular region and fluid in left pleural cave. Cirrhosis of the liver and malignant disease were suspected. Treatment with antibiotics and evacuation of pleural fluid caused short-lasting improvement. After 6 weeks of diagnostic procedures parenchymal infiltrations in left lung were confirmed. In sputum tuberculous bacilli were found. Tuberculous peritonitis was confirmed histopathologically. Antituberculous treatment was successful.

The prevalence of cigarette smoking among school pupils staying at summer camps.

SETTING: The prevalence of cigarette smoking in Poland is one of the highest in Europe. OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of smoking among Polish pupils during a school year and the summer holidays. DESIGN: A questionnaire including personal and demographic data and information on smoking behaviour was distributed among 598 school pupils: 357 girls and 241 boys aged 8-19 years, with a mean age of 14.4. RESULTS: Among the entire group of school pupils, 18.6% were cigarette smokers. Half of the smokers smoked occasionally and the remainder smoked every day; of these, 9.9% smoked more than 10 cigarettes daily. The frequency of smoking among these teenagers increased with age. The average age of smoking initiation was 13 years for boys and 15 years for girls. The majority smoked more during the summer holidays than during the school year. The most frequently reported reasons for increasing cigarette smoking during the summer holidays were: feeling more free, having more money to spend, the influence of new friends, and smoking to pass the time when they felt bored. CONCLUSION: Young people in this study still started smoking early, most frequently between the ages of 13 and 15. High rates of daily smokers among teenagers were observed. In some groups of teenagers the summer holidays may be a time of increased cigarette smoking.

[Measuring of the level of IGG antibodies against mycobacterial A60 antigen in the differential diagnosis of lung tumors]. / Oznaczanie stezenia przeciwcial IgG przeciw antygenowi A60 mykobakterii w diagnostyce róznicowej guza pluca.

In some cases it is difficult to define an etiology of lung tumour in the other way than thoracotomy. In these diagnostic difficulties patients with tuberculous tumour are also involved. The aim of the present study was to define if A60-ELISA test, a new valuable tool in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, might be useful in the differential diagnosing of lung tumours. The levels of IgG antibodies against A60 antigen of mycobacteria was measured with the use of the ELISA test. 228 persons were enrolled into the study: 58 healthy controls (Group I), 26 nonmalignant and nontuberculous patients (Group II), 56 patients with the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis bacteriologically confirmed (Group III), 54 pulmonary tuberculosis patients culture negative (Group IV), 16 patients with lung tumour, without histologic diagnosis before thoracotomy (Group V) and 18 patients with defined diagnosis of lung cancer (Group VI). By using 200 U/ml as a cut-off point the test was positive in: 2/58 subjects from Group I, 2/26 from Group II, 44/56 from Group III, 31/54 from Group IV, 3/16 from Group V and 0/18 from Group VI. In three patients from group V having positive result of A60-ELISA test pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed when the thoracotomy was performed. We conclude that the new, simple, noninvasive and inexpensive A60-ELISA test migt be the useful tool in the differential diagnosing of lung tumours because of its good sensitivity and specificity in pulmonary tuberculosis. We also consider that in lung tumour patients with the positive result of this test the prophylactic antituberculosis treatment have to be ordered before planned thoracotomy.

[Mycoplasma pneumonia in own clinical material]. / Mykoplazmowe zapalenie pluc we wlasnym materiale klinicznym.

UNLABELLED: The majority of community acquired pneumonia patients are treated by family doctors, most frequently in empiric way, what delays the treatment when a choice of antibiotic is not proper. In this case the resistance to the antibiotics of the bacteria can occurred and there is more often the necessity of patient admission to the hospital. The aim of the study was to analyse retrospectively the treatment of mycoplasmal pneumonia patients. The material consisted of consecutive 27 patients (17 females and 10 males; average age 31.9 yrs.) treated in the Pneumonology Department of Medical University of Gdansk in the period from 1995 to 1997 year because of mycoplasmal pneumonia. The etiologic diagnosis was defined first of all on the base of serologic test, measuring the complement-fixing antibodies, beside clinical data. The retrospective analysis revealed that all patients had been admitted to the hospital after previous not effective anti-bacterial or anti-viral treatment as out-patient. At the admission no patients had the temperature exceeding 38 degrees C, myalgia and headache occurred in 44% and 40.7% of patients respectively, splenomegaly was reported in 4 patients. In chest roentgenograms pulmonary infiltrations were observed in all patients, most frequently unilaterally (68% of pts.), in 29% of patients complicated by pleural effusion. The titers of complement-fixing antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen ranged from 1:245 to 1:2000. In the treatment most frequently (70.3% of cases) doxycycline in monotherapy was used. Eight patients were treated with doxycycline together with erythromycine. In 33.3% patients the antimycoplasmal treatment was ordered only on the base of clinical data. The period of hospitalisation ranged from 18 to 34 days, on an average 24 days. CONCLUSION: In case of mild community acquired pneumonias with not defined ethiology, if the initial antibacterial or antiviral treatment is not effective, tetracyclines or/and erythromycine should be ordered without the necessity to confirm the diagnosis of mycoplasamal pneumoniae with the serological test.

[Humoral immune response against A60 antigen from tuberculosis expectoration and the clinical and radiologic state of patients with with pulmonary tuberculosis]. / Odpowiedz humoralna ukladu immunologicznego przeciw antygenowi A60 w zaleznosci od pratkowania oraz obrazu klinicznego i radiologicznego u chorych na gruzlice pluc.

Serological tests available for diagnosis of tuberculosis can provide the valuable informations about host immune response to the mycobacterial infection. The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between clinical, radiological and bacteriological state of pulmonary tuberculosis patients and the serum concentration of IgG antibodies against A60 antigen of Mycobacterium bovis BCG. 110 active pulmonary tuberculosis patients--56 culture positive and 54 culture negative--were involved into the study. In all patients serum level of IgG ati-A60 antibodies was measured with the use of A60-ELISA test. We found that bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis is associated with higher serum level of anti-A60 antibodies. Our study also showed the significantly higher levels of anti-A60 IgG in patients with cavitary and more progressive forms of this disease. We conclude that the greater antigenic challenge in progressive forms of pulmonary tuberculosis stimulates more expressed antibody response.

[Analysis of motivation for cigarette smoking by teenagers based on a questionnaire distributed among school pupils staying in summer camps]. / Analiza motywacji palenia papierosów przez mlodziez szkolna na podstawie ankiety przeprowadzonej wsród uczestników kolonii i obozów letnich.

Cigarette smoking by teenagers is conditioned by many factors with psychosocial ones among them. The aim of our study was to define the reasons for cigarette smoking by juveniles in Poland nowadays. The analysis was performed on the basis of questionnaire given to 598 school pupils resting in the summer camps in the Tricity of three neighbouring towns of Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia. The study group included 357 females and 241 males, with an age of 8-19 years, on average 14.4. Out of the hole group 111 (18.6%) were smokers. This subgroup, 58 boys and 53 girls (age: 12-19 yrs.; on average 15.4), answered to several questions concerning cigarette smoking. Among remaining 487 non-smokers the prevalence of cigarette smoking among their parents was only assessed. As the main reason for smoking the majority (69.4%) of smokers reported the stress reduction. Pleasure was another frequently reported (29.7%) reason for cigarette smoking. Peers smoking was an important reason for cigarette smoking for 28.8% of school pupils. We found that the example of smoking parents significantly influenced the prevalence of smoking cigarettes among teenagers. The majority (73.9%) of smoking pupils knew the cigarette were harmful. Obtained results show the multiplicity of reasons for cigarette smoking by juveniles resulting mainly from psychosocial factors. There is a great necessity of antismoking programs for school pupils adjusted to specificity of psychology of adolescence as well as the exemplary role of adults creating a life style without cigarette.

[Perspectives for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis]. / Perspektywy leczenia sródmiazszowego wlóknienia pluc.

Conventional therapy of fibrogenic lung diseases, based mainly on the use of glucocorticoids or immunosuppressive, cytotoxic agents, does not usually protect before progression of disease and accumulation of the excess connective tissue in lungs. This article is a review of potential new therapies in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Novel therapies emerged from the use of animal models of pulmonary fibrosis and recent advances in the cellular and molecular biology of inflammatory reaction involve the use of substances directed against the action of pathogenic agents: growth factors, cytokines or oxidants. Thus, future therapeutic strategies will be aimed at more selective and effective methods of controlling the key elements of pulmonary fibrosis.

[A case of eosinophilic granuloma localized in the bronchial wall]. / Przypadek ziarniniaka kwasochlonnego zlokalizowanego w scianie oskrzela.

A case of eosinophilic granuloma of the lung in a 24 years old male is presented. The initial manifestations were hemoptysis and cough. During hospitalization the bronchoscopy was performed, which revealed granuloma in the right bronchus. Computer tomography showed tumour in the right bronchus, without pulmonary changes characteristic for histiocytosis X. The granuloma was removed by bronchoscopy, but control examination performed after three months showed the residue. Once again residual tumor was removed by bronchoscopy and oral steroids were ordered. Unfortunately the next local residue was observed and the residual tumour was finally removed by thoracotomy. Now patient is free of symptoms.

[Evaluation of the correlation between the level of IgG antibodies against mycobacterial A60-antigen and tuberculin reactivity in persons without a history of tuberculosis and in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients]. / Ocena zaleznosci pomiedzy stezeniem przeciwcial IgG przeciw antygenowi A60 mykobakterii a odczynem tuberkulinowym u osób bez wywiadu chorobowego w kierunku gruzlicy oraz chorych na czynna gruzlice pluc.

A measurement of antimycobacterial antibodies levels provides important informations about infection with tubercle bacilli and the development of tuberculosis. A tuberculin test as a manifestation of cellular immunity, has lost in diagnostic value. The aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between the level of IgG antibodies against A60 antigen of Mycobacterium bovis BCG and tuberculin reactivity. 213 persons were involved into the study: 104 subjects without history of tuberculosis in the past (Group I) and 109 active pulmonary tuberculosis patients (Group II)--56 culture positive patients and 53 culture negative patients. In all subjects the A60-ELISA test with the use of Immune kit was performed. All subjects were also tuberculin tested by the Mantoux technique using 2 units of tuberculin Rt23. We found that the levels of anti-60 antibodies in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis were significantly higher than in controls (median value 43 U/ml and 237.5 U/ml respectively; p = 0.0001). We observed 47.1% and 74.3% tuberculin positive subjects in Group I and Group II respectively. We did not find relationship between the level of IgG anti-A60 antibodies and tuberculin reactivity in tuberculin-positive and tuberculin-negative subjects both in controls and active pulmonary tuberculosis patients. We conclude: 1. There is no correlation between A60-ELISA results and tuberculin reaction status. 2. The serological test can better than tuberculin test differentiate subjects with non-active tuberculous infection from active disease.

[The influence of passive smoking on the respiratory tract]. / Wplyw biernego palenia papierosów na uklad oddechowy.

The harmful effects of passive smoking are well known and proved. A cause-and-effect relationship between involuntary inhalation of cigarette smoke and increased number of various respiratory diseases either in children or in adults is now clearly established. Many publications indicate that the respiratory consequences of passive smoking in humans may include nonmalignant disease in addition to lung cancer. It has been observed that children exposed to cigarette smoke have more frequently asthma and other wheezing diseases. An influence of the passive smoking on the pulmonary function tests has been also widely examined. A functional disorders especially of bronchioles have been detected. Since adverse effects of passive smoking on human health are proved there is a necessity to enable life in the environment free from cigarette smoke.

[N-terminal peptide of type III procollagen in serum and bronchoalveolar fluid as a marker of collagen metabolism in chronic interstitial lung diseases]. / N-terminalny peptyd prokolagenu typu III w surowicy i popluczynach oskrzelowo-pecherzykowych jako marker metabolizmu kolagenu w przewleklych chorobach sródmiazszowych pluc.

Altered metabolism of collagen and its excessive deposition in the matrix of the connective tissue is a hallmark of chronic interstitial lung diseases. Since fibrosis frequently determines the course and prognosis of these diseases, a noninvasive test for assessment of pulmonary fibrosis would be very helpful. For instance, biochemical parameters which are correlated with collagen metabolism may be very helpful to monitor fibrosis. Type III procollagen N-terminal peptide (PIIIP), a peptide released during the conversion of type III procollagen to type III collagen is considered a potential marker of fibroblast activity in a variety of pulmonary and extrapulmonary diseases. In recent years an assay for the PIIIP has been used to assess collagen turnover both in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with numerous chronic interstitial lung diseases. It is a review of recent studies on the value of determination of type III procollagen aminopeptide in serum and bronchoalveolar fluid in chronic interstitial lung diseases. On the basis of these reports the value of PIIIP as a marker of fibrosis in this group of lung diseases still remains controversial. The investigations on this subject are continued.

[A case of coexisting allergic aspergillosis of the lungs with branchial candidiasis]. / Przypadek wspólistnienia alergicznej postaci aspergillozy pluc z kandydiaza oskrzeli.

A case is presented of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in a 36-year-old man. This disease was accompanied by bronchial candidiasis as the complication after longterm antibiotic therapy administered before the diagnosis was established. Diagnostic difficulties and outstanding effects of combined antifungal and corticoid treatment are described.

[Diagnostic difficulties in genitourinary tract tuberculosis in a 28-year old woman]. / Trudnosci diagnostyczne gruzlicy narzadu rodnego u 28-letniej kobiety.

The diagnostic difficulties are presented in a case of genitourinary tract tuberculosis in a 28-year-old woman. Sarcoid granulation tissue without the features of caseous necrosis which was found during histopathological examination of the tissues taken from the patient during laparotomy, suggested genitourinary tract sarcoidosis. The whole clinical picture together with the history data and laboratory investigations, and, in the first place, positive culture of the secretion from enterocutaneous fistula for Mycobacterium tuberculosis made possible the diagnosis of genitourinary tract tuberculosis. Antituberculous treatment was instituted, obtaining a significant improvement of the general and local condition.

[Diagnostic difficulties in pleural mesothelioma]. / Trudnosci diagnostyczne w miedzybloniaku oplucnej.

The analysis is reported of 29 case records of patients admitted in the last 25 years to the Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis, Medical Academy in Gdansk with suspected pleural malignant mesothelioma. In 16 cases the diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination, and in 13 cases the diagnosis of mesothelioma was based on the whole clinical picture and cytological examination of pleural effusion. The most frequent symptoms included dyspnoea, pain, progressing weakness. In most cases signs of increasing effusion volume and sometimes also of pleural thickening were found on medical and radiological examination. The mean survival time was 5 months. The results of treatment were not satisfactory.