Effects of White Mulberry (Morus alba) Heartwood Extract Against Reticulitermes flavipes (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae).

Heartwood extract from white mulberry (Morus alba L.) (Rosales: Moraceae) were investigated for antitermitic activity against Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) in laboratory experiments. An ethanol:toluene (2:1) solvent system was used to remove extract from heartwood shavings. A concentration-dependent feeding response and mortality were observed for termites exposed to a concentration series range of 1.25 to 10 mg/ml of extract based on their dry weight. Results showed that maximum termite mortality occurred at 10 mg/ml. Based on the concentration series data, LC50 was calculated at 1.71 mg/ml. In filter paper feeding and repellency assays, extract significantly decreased the total number of gut protozoa compared with untreated and solvent controls. After feeding on filter paper treated at 10 mg/ml for 2 wk, protozoan populations were reduced by >55%. In choice and no-choice tests with mulberry heartwood, greater wood loss from termite feeding was found on solvent extracted blocks compared with nonextracted. Complete (100%) mortality was observed after feeding on nonextracted blocks compared with extracted blocks. Heartwood extract from white mulberry imparted resistance to vacuum pressure treated, nondurable southern pine and cottonwood. At every concentration tested, 100% mortality was observed after feeding on extract-treated southern pine or cottonwood. GC-MS analysis of extract showed high levels of the phenol compound, resorcinol. Results indicated that heartwood extract from white mulberry have antitermitic properties and might be potentially valuable in the development of environmentally benign termiticides.

System of Monitoring Potential Deceased Organ Donations in Over 200 Hospitals in Poland Using a Web Tool: Implementation and Structure.

BACKGROUND: In 2010 the formation of the Polish Hospitals Network of Organ Donation Coordinators, originated by Poltransplant, began. One of the goals of this project is to report all deaths in hospital ICUs in which a coordinator is posted. The aim of this strategy is to monitor donation potential, following the recruitment process of potential donors and indicating stages of that process that may be improved to increase effective recruitment. Until the end of 2014 all data were forwarded to Poltransplant as Excel files, but since January 1, 2015, reporting and data collection have been are performed using web tool www.koordynator.net. AIMS: The aim of the paper is to present the essentials in functioning principles, structure, and usage of the www.koordynator.net system, its technical construction, and to display good practices (know-how) tested by 1 country, for countries such as Poland, that contend with organ insufficiency. METHODS: The application www.koordynator.net allows for remote addition of individual records with information about deceased patients in hospital ICUs, the forwarding of data about potential and actual organ donors, the generation of complete reports about deceased patients in each hospital monthly, and the introduction of historical data. SUMMARY: Introduction of a potential donation monitoring system in 209 hospitals with transplant coordinators increases the number of identified potential and effective actual donors due to self-assessment analysis. Eventually, the www.koordynator.net reporting system allowed for external evaluation by coordinators from other hospitals, regional coordinators, and Poltransplant. The system is a modern tool that improves and increases the quality system in the organ donation field (quality assurance program).

In vitro resistance development for RO-0335, a novel diphenylether nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are important components of current combination therapies for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, their low genetic barriers against resistance development, cross-resistance and serious side effects can compromise the benefits of the first generation compounds in this class (efavirenz and nevirapine). To study potential pathways leading to resistance against the novel diphenylether NNRTI, RO-0335, sequential passage experiments at low multiplicity of infection (MOI) were performed to solicit a stepwise selection of resistance mutations. Two pathways to loss of susceptibility to RO-0335 were observed, containing patterns of amino acid changes at either V106I/A plus F227C (with additional contributions from A98G, V108I, E138K, M230L and P236L) or V106I/Y188L (with a potential contribution from L100I, E138K and Y181C). Characterization of the observed mutations by site-directed mutagenesis in the isogenic HXB2D background demonstrated that a minimum of two or more mutations were required for significant loss of susceptibility, with the exception of Y188L, which requires a two-nucleotide change. Patterns containing F227C or quadruple mutations selected by RO-0335 showed a low relative fitness value when compared to wild-type HXB2D.

Yeasts associated with the infrabuccal pocket and colonies of the carpenter ant Camponotus vicinus.

After scanning electron microscopy indicated that the infrabuccal pockets of carpenter ants (Camponotus vicinus) contained numerous yeast-like cells, yeast associations were examined in six colonies of carpenter ants from two locations in Benton County in western Oregon. Samples from the infrabuccal-pocket contents and worker ant exoskeletons, interior galleries of each colony, and detritus and soil around the colonies were plated on yeast-extract/ malt-extract agar augmented with 1 M hydrochloric acid and incubated at 25 C. Yeasts were identified on the basis of morphological characteristics and physiological attributes with the BIOLOG(®) microbial identification system. Yeast populations from carpenter ant nest material and material surrounding the nest differed from those obtained from the infrabuccal pocket. Debaryomyces polymorphus was isolated more often from the infrabuccal pocket than from other material. This species has also been isolated from other ant species, but its role in colony nutrition is unknown.

[Ten years experience of the sleep laboratory at the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease in Warsaw]. / Dziesiec lat doswiadczen pracowni zaburzen oddychania w czasie snu w Instytucie Gruzlicy i Chorób pluc.

Between 1991-2000 2052 patients (81% men and 19% women) were referred to our Sleep Laboratory because of OSA suspision. In 1194 (58%) subjects (88% men and 12% women) diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA, AHI > 10) was confirmed. In 430 of them (36%) mild OSA (AHI 11-25), in 243 (20%) moderate OSA (AHI 26-40), and in 521 (44%) severe OSA (AHI > 40) was diagnosed. Epworth sleepiness scale score in those groups was 10.4, 10.5 and 13.0 points respectively. 908 (76%) of patients with OSA were submitted to nCPAP treatment. Effective CPAP pressure ranged from 5 to 20 milibars, mean 8.4 mbars. In 21 patients upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) was diagnosed. Central sleep apnoea, most frequently of Cheyne-Stokes respiration type was diagnosed in 13 patients. The most common diseases accompanying OSA were: systemic hypertension (46%), coronary heart disease (29%), diabetes (12%), and COPD (9%). Majority of OSA patients (61%) were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), 32% were over weight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2). Only 7% had normal body weight (BMI 20-25 kg/m2). Long-term (more than one year) compliance to treatment was found in 70% of patients prescribed CPAP.

The quality of sleep and periodic breathing in healthy subjects at an altitude of 3,200 m.

The medical risks of travel and stay at high altitude are well known. Many more people travel for recreation to lower but still significant altitudes. To investigate the quality of sleep and sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) at that altitude we performed full polysomnography in nine young volunteers at lowland (760 m above sea level) on the first and sixth night after ascent to 3,200 m. There have been few studies on such populations. The subjects were nonsmoking healthy males aged 20.3 +/- 3.5 years with normal spirometry and arterial blood gas measurements performed at low altitude. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the duration of stages and sleep quality between low altitude night and both nights at high altitude as assessed by percent of sleep spent in stage 1, 2, 3+4 NREM, and REM sleep, total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency; the number of arousals and awakenings doubled at high altitude. There was no periodic breathing (PB) during sleep, except in isolated central events of SRBD, at low altitude. PB appeared at altitude mostly during NREM sleep and its intensity remained stable throughout the study period. Individual variations of PB intensity were high, ranging from 0.1 to 24% of TST. There were also some episodes of obstructive apnea and hypopnea during sleep at high altitude (p < 0.001). Mean SaO2 was lower during the study nights at high altitude when compared with low altitude. There were some signs of ventilatory acclimatization as shown by a higher mean SaO2 during the sixth compared with the first night at altitude (p < 0.001). We conclude that the sleep quality at the altitude of 3,200 m remains satisfactory when compared to low altitude. There is high individual variability in intensity of PB at that altitude.

[Treatment outcome in tobacco dependence after nicotine replacement therapy and group therapy]. / Wyniki leczenia uzaleznienia od tytoniu za pomoca nikotynowej terapii zastepczej oraz terapii grupowej.

The deletorious health effects of smoking are generally known. In spite of that, great numbers of people still smoke tobacco in the whole world. It is primarily due to the addictive properties of nicotine. Cigarette smoking is also dependent on various social and psychologic factors making quitting very difficult. Among various treatment modalities for tobacco dependence we aimed to assess the efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) vs group therapy. 325 subjects smoking at least 15 cigarettes/day for more than 3 years were studied. They were allocated to group therapy (neurolinguistic programming) or NRT (gum or patch) at their will. Non-smoking was validated at each of follow-up visits, at 1 and 2 weeks 1, 3, 6, 12 months by measuring CO in expired air. All groups were matched in age, smoking history and nicotine dependence. The best quit rate was observed as a result of group therapy (41% at 1 year, p. < 0.001) as compared to nicotine patch (2%) and nicotine gum (9%).

[Pulmonary circulation at rest and during exercise in patients with obstructive sleep apnea before and after one year of treatment with CPAP]. / Krazenie plucne w spoczynku i podczas wysilku u chorych na obturacyjny bezdech senny przed i po rocznym leczeniu za pomoca CPAP.

We studied pulmonary haemodynamics in 19 male patients, mean age 45 +/- 5 years, suffering from severe OSA, mean apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) 68 +/- 17. Pulmonary haemodynamisc were studied using Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheter in the supine position at rest, and at the end of the 7th minute of steady-state exercise (40 W). Investigations were repeated after one year of treatment with nasal CPAP. At rest mean pulmonary artery pressure (PPA), pulmonary wedge pressure (PW) and cardiac output (CO) were normal, PPA = 16.6 +/- 5.7 mmHg, PW = 5.2 +/- 1.8 l/min. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was slightly elevated = 155 +/- 65 d.sec.cm-5. On exercise only PVR remained unchanged. After a year of treatment PPA changed to 15.8 +/- 4.0 mmHg (NS), Pw-7.5 +/- 3.1 mmHg (NS), CO-4.9 +/- 1.6 L/min (NS), PVR - 145 +/- 35 d.sec.cm-5 (NS). In two patients with resting hypertension PPA dropped from 33 mmHg to 25 mmHg and 28 mmHg to 18 mmHg respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant change in any of the studied variables after one year of the CPAP therapy.

[Evaluation of a Polish apparatus for creating continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP)]. / Ocena Polskiego aparatu do wytwarzania stalego dodatniego cisnienia w drogach oddechowych (nCPAP).

The aim of the study was to evaluate technical features of polish CPAP machine and to compare its parameters with two commonly used models of foreign origin. Physical signs, noise, produced flows and pressures were compared. POL-CPAP was bulkier and noisier than foreign models. Flows and pressures were not completely satisfactory. We conclude that POL-CPAP fulfill the criteria required from such type of equipment. However the evaluated device requires further improvement of technical parameters.

[Quality of sleep and periodic breathing during sleep in healthy persons at a height of 3200 meters]. / Jakosc snu oraz oddychanie okresowe podczas snu u ludzi zdrowych na wysokosci 3200 metrów.

In order to investigate quality of sleep and sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) at high altitude we performed full polysomnography in 9 young healthy volunteers at lowland (760 m above see level) and on the 1st and 6th night after the ascent to the altitude of 3200 m. The subjects were non-smoking males aged 20.3 +/- 3.5 years with normal spirometry and arterial blood gas measurements performed at low altitude. We found no statistical difference in sleep quality between low and both nights at high altitude as considered by % of stages 1, 2, 3 + 4 non-REM, and REM sleep, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and number of awakenings+arousals. There was no periodic breathing (PB) during sleep but some central events of SRBD at low altitude. PB appeared at high altitude mostly during non-REM sleep and remained stable throughout the study period. There were also some obstructive SRBD found during high altitude nights. Mean SaO2 was lower during both nights at high altitude when compared to low altitude (p < 0.00001). It was higher during the 6th than during the 1st night at altitude (p < 0.0001). Minimum SaO2 was comparable during low altitude and 6th night at altitude and was lower during the 1st altitude night (p < 0.02). We conclude that sleep quality at the altitude of 3200 m remains unchanged when compared to lowland. There is high individual variability in PB at altitude and its intensity is negligible.

[Effect of altitude on blood oxygenation during sleep in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Wplyw wysokosci na utlenowanie krwi w czasie snu u chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

The aim of our study was to investigate the severity of overnight arterial blood desaturations in patients with asthma at the altitude of 3200 meters above sea level. 12 asthmatics and 12 healthy controls were investigated. Three overnight pulsoximetries were performed in all subjects, one at the lowland and on the 1st and 5th night at the altitude. Mean SaO2 at the lowland was significantly lower in asthmatics than in the controls (p < 0.01). After the ascent to high altitude severe fall in mean SaO2 was noted in both groups (from 94.3% to 85.8% in asthmatics and from 97.1% to 88.7% in controls) (p < 0.001 for both groups). After few days of acclimatization mean SaO2 rose to 88.8% in asthmatics and to 91.3% in controls, but was still significantly lower than at the lowland (p < 0.001 for both groups). At the altitude differences in mean SaO2 between two groups were not statistically significant. We conclude that severity of overnight desaturations at high altitude do not vary between asthmatics with impaired respiratory function and healthy subjects.

[Obesity and hypoventilation syndrome; effects of weight loss and treatment with respiratory stimulants]. / Zespól otylosci i hipowentylacji; skutecznosc leczenia odchudzaniem i lekami pobudzajacymi oddychanie.

A 32-year-old, hypertensive, morbidly obese (BMI 49 kg/m2) woman was referred to us suspected of sleep-disordered breathing. Polycythaemia, right heart and respiratory failure, restrictive ventilatory impairment, decreased hypercapnic respiratory drive, high number of very short apneas mostly of central origin (698 vs 530 obstructive), and overnight hypoxaemia were found. The diagnosis of obesity-hypoventilation syndrome was established and the treatment with almitrine, aminophylline and low-calorie diet was started. After 6 months body weight decreased significantly (BMI 38 kg/m2). RBC, spirometry, blood gas analysis, overnight oximetry, hypercapnic respiratory drive and polysomnography showed results within normal limits. Causes, pathophysiology and possible treatment of obesity-hypoventilation syndrome are discussed.

[Clinical picture and outcome of conservative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea]. / Obraz kliniczny i wyniki leczenia zachowawczego obturacyjnego bezdechu sennego.

The aim of the study was to assess the clinical picture of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to investigate the long term effectiveness of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). 170 subjects were investigated with Mesam 4 screening device. Full polysomnography was performed in suspected patients confirming the diagnosis (AHI > 10) in 72 cases (69M, 3F), mean age 46.7 +/- 8.4 yrs, mean weight 110 +/- 19 kg. Snoring (100%) apneas (96%), excessive daytime sleepiness (98%) and nocturia (73%) were the most common symptoms. Application of CPAP therapy resulted in elimination of apneas, improvement in sleep architecture and in arterial blood oxygen saturation. Apnea index decreased from 63 +/- 22 to 4 +/- 4. First night compliance to CPAP was about 95%. OSA symptoms rapidly regressed. Follow-up examination was performed in 45 patients who used CPAP for more than 1 year. All subjects presented with improvement in quality of life, all but one were using CPAP almost every night (mean 6.6 +/- 0.9 night per week). The most common side effects of CPAP were uncomfortable nose mask (42%), throat dryness (27%) and eye irritation (24%) We concluded that CPAP treatment in OSA occurs to be effective, long term compliance is high, side effects are benign and mostly due to poorly fitting mask.

[Treatment of a patient with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome superimposed on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Wyleczenie chorego na obturacyjny bezdech senny towarzyszacy przewleklej obturacyjnej chorobie pluc.

History of a middle aged obese male, presenting with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is described. Provisionally patient was started on CPAP and long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy (LTOT). OSA was successfully treated by surgical repair of nasal patency and partial uvulectomy. There was also remarkable improvement in ventilatory indices after steroid therapy. There was no further need for CPAP and LTOT.

Patient peer orientation groups: an innovative approach.

Both clients and staff can benefit from a patient orientation program conducted at a state psychiatric facility by a psychologist and a registered nurse. The program cited by the authors utilized a group format to decrease the stress experienced by clients when transferred from a closed to an open ward, and to increase the social skills of clients residing on an open unit. Informal observation and verbal feedback from clients and staff indicated positive reactions to the program and noticeable behavior changes. Recommendations include replication of this program on a large scale with control group comparisons, formal assessment, and statistical analysis of the results.