Frequency and levels of regulated and emerging mycotoxins in silage in Poland.

In this study, 120 silage samples collected in 2015 from farms in Poland were analysed by a multimycotoxin method based on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The study included toxins which are regulated within the European Union (aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, T-2/HT-2 toxins, ochratoxin A and zearalenone) and non-regulated mycotoxins (enniatins, beauvericin, 8-ketotrichothecenes, sterigmatocystin, zearalenone derivatives). All silage samples were positive for at least one mycotoxin, and 61% of samples contained five or more mycotoxins simultaneously. The most frequently detected toxins were deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenone, enniatins and beauvericin, although the levels of these toxins were relatively low. The mean concentration of deoxynivalenol and zearalenon was 406 and 80.6 µg/kg, respectively, and two toxins were positive-correlated. This is the first study that provides information about emerging mycotoxins contaminating silage in Poland.

Antibiotics in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in Poland. Is there any improvement?

WHAT IS KNOWN: Acute upper respiratory tract infections are among the most frequent reasons for encounters in primary health care. Relevant data about antibiotics use in respiratory tract infections in Poland are scarce. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of use and choice of antibiotics in empirical first-line treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in adults in eastern Poland. METHODS: An analysis of the medical records of 4047 adult patients from 47 health centres in Lublin region (eastern Poland) within the period of 1 year (1 September 2005 to 31 August 2006). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In 1267 patient visits, the reasons for encounter were classified by physicians as acute infections of the upper respiratory tract. Most frequently diagnosed were acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis, acute upper respiratory infections of multiple and unspecified sites and the common cold. Overall, antibiotics were used as empirical first-line therapy in 78·7% of cases. Amoxicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, macrolide and doxycycline were most commonly prescribed. Physician's specialty was not associated with antibiotic use. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: There is still considerable overuse of antibiotics in primary care patients with respiratory tract infections in Poland. Campaigns aiming at changing prescribing behaviour of primary care physicians and informing the public should be undertaken.

Heligmosomoides polygyrus: decreased apoptosis in fast responder FVB mice during infection.

Primary infection with Heligmosomoides polygyrus in some strains of mice is chronic although fast responder mouse strains eliminate the parasite in a short period of time. The reason for the differences is unknown. In this study apoptosis, proliferation, IL-2 and IL-6 production of mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and spleen cells in vitro from fast (FVB) and slow (C57Bl/6) responder mice were compared during H. polygyrus infection. FVB cells showed decreased apoptosis, more proliferation and more cytokine production than cells from C57Bl/6 mice during infection. At the beginning of infection in C57Bl/6 mice the apoptosis of CD4(+) but not CD8(+) cells significantly increased in MLN and spleen cell cultures. Apoptosis, when the first immune signal is given by infective larvae, might play an important role in the modulation of the response in slow responder mice.

Vaccine potential of inclusion bodies containing cysteine proteinase of Fasciola hepatica in calves and lambs experimentally challenged with metacercariae of the fluke.

Despite intensive research efforts, progress in the development of effective anti-Fasciola hepatica vaccine has not been satisfactory. However, it has been found that cysteine proteinases of F. hepatica are very important candidates for a vaccine antigen because of their role in fluke biology and in the host-parasite relationship. In our previous experiments we found that recombinant cysteine proteinase which we have cloned from adult F. hepatica (CPFhW) can protect rats against the liver fluke infection when administered intramuscularly or when given intranasally in the form of cDNA. In the present experiments we aimed to evaluate the protectivity of the mucosal vaccination in calves and lambs with inclusion bodies containing recombinant CPFhW using different vaccination doses and various sites of antigen delivery. Female calves vaccinated intranasally with two doses of 300 microg of the recombinant CPFhW showed 54.2% protection against the subsequent challenge of 400 metacercariae (mc). Flukes which developed in vaccinated calves showed a reduction of reproductive potential. Male Corriedale lambs vaccinated at the age of 4 months demanded three doses of the antigen to gain 56.5% of protection to a challenge with 250 mc of F. hepatica. Vaccinated animals showed significantly lower blood eosinophil counts. No correlation was found between serum and mucosal IgG or IgA reacting with F. hepatica ES antigens and the protection level.

The immune response of rats to vaccination with the cDNA or protein forms of the cysteine proteinase of Fasciola hepatica.

Our previous experiments have shown that intramuscular injection of Sprague-Dawley rats with a pcDNA 3.1 vector carrying cDNA encoding for a cysteine proteinase (CP) of F. hepatica may induce a high level of protection against subsequent infection with F. hepatica metacercariae (mc). The aim of the present study is to compare the immune response of Sprague-Dawley rats vaccinated intranasally with plasmid containing cDNA of CP of the fluke and intramuscularly or intraperitoneally with the recombinated enzyme protein to challenge with fluke metacercariae. In addition, protection following intranasal DNA vaccination was evaluated. Two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment rats were vaccinated twice with 50microg of cDNA containing plasmid or with 100microg protein of recombinated CP. Three weeks after the second vaccination rats were challenged orally with 25 mc. On days 0, 21, 42 and 63 after the challenge blood samples were collected for the evaluation of white blood cell, eosinophil and specific antibody responses. During the second experiment groups of five male and female rats were vaccinated twice intranasally with CPcDNA then challenged with 30 mc and dissected 5 weeks later. Results obtained in the experiments suggested that intranasal immunisation of rats with CPcDNA seems to favour a Th2 regulated antibody response. Intramuscular or intraperitoneal injections of CP protein stimulate both Th1 and Th2-dependent antibodies. Mean worm burdens found in rats vaccinated intranasally 5 or 10 weeks after the challenge were reduced by 61-75% in comparison with the challenge controls which suggests that intranasal vaccination with CPcDNA may protect hosts against F. hepatica infection.

Blood leukocyte responses in rats vaccinated with cDNA encoding glutathioinie-S-transferase of Fasciola hepatica.

Changes in blood leucocyte levels were investigated in Spraque-Dowley rats vaccinated with cDNA or protein of glutathione S-transferase (GST) of F. hepatica and subsequently challenged with metacercariae of the liver fluke. The analysis of the leucocyte responses measured in vaccinated rats suggests that the form of antigen used for vaccination influenced dynamics of white blood cell response to the fluke infection. The most clear differences were observed in neutrophil and eosinophil levels. The weakest reaction of these cells to the challenge infection was observed in rats vaccinated twice with cDNA. In contrast, in rats which received the first antigen dose as cDNA and the second vaccination with GST protein, both neutrophil and eosinophil responses were much higher, especially at 5 and 9 WAI.

Biological indicators for the assessment of human exposure to organophosphorous compounds.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the present study is to review selected biological effects of organophosphorous compounds used as pesticides and to discuss their significance in terms of occupational exposure. The results of a long-term study of the red cells and plasma ChE in group of workers engaged in the production of pesticides are also presented. Cholinesterase activity in plasma and red blood cells was determined spectrophotometrically by the Ellman modified method. Occupational exposure to pesticides was analysed by the Durham and Wolf method. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Cholinesterase activity in blood serum of the workers employed at the production of organophosphorous compounds is statistically significantly lower, compared to the control group and the lower accepted standard limit. 2. Cholinesterase activity in plasma seems to be a more sensitive indicator of exposure, compared to the activity of enzyme contained in erythrocytes after a long-lasting exposure to low levels of organophosphorous compounds. 3. Changes in cholinesterase activity according to the level of exposure show a better correlation if the exposure is expressed in % of the toxic dose/day than in mg/day. Toxicological properties of organophosphorous compounds are of the great importance for this correlation.

[Effect of the tetracyclic antidepressants pyrazidol and inkazan on the adrenergic nerve transmission in the rat vas deferens]. / Vliianie tetratsiklicheskikh antidepressantov pirazidola i inkazana na adrenergicheskuiu neiroperedachu vas deferans krysy.

The effect of new tetracyclic antidepressants pyrazidol and inkazan on adrenergic neurotransmission in the isolated rat vas deferens was studied by examining vas deferens contractions in response to the transmural electric stimulation of the postganglionic sympathetic nerves and addition of noradrenaline (NA) or BaCl2. Pyrazidol and inkazan were found to be capable to increase vas deferens contractions in response to transmural electric stimulation or addition of NA. When given in high concentrations, these antidepressants inhibit the adrenergic neurotransmission since inkazan possesses low sympatholytic activity and pyrazidol exhibits certain alpha-adrenolytic effect.

[Effect of neuroleptics on spontaneous and evoked noradrenaline release from brain nerve endings of rats]. / Vliianie neiroleptikov na spontannoe i vyzvannoe vysvobozhdenie noradrenalina iz nervnykh okonchanii mozga krysy.

Spectrofluorometric determination of the noradrenaline content in the non-purified fraction of the rat's brain stem synaptosomes and radioisotope method resulted in finding that carbidine is capable to release noradrenaline from the nerve endings. Azabutyron, droperidol and fluphenazine had no noticeable effect on this process. The release of noradrenaline with carbidine depends upon the presence of Ca2+ ions in the medium. This neuroleptic is also capable of intensifying the release of the mediator provoked by the potassium depolarization of the nerve endings.

[Effect of nonachlazine on the processes of uptake and release of nordrenaline]. / Vliianie nonakhlazina na protsessy zakhvata i vysvobozhdeniia noradrenalina.

Nonachlazine (2 micrometer) blocked significantly the uptake 1 of endogenic noradrenaline in the myocardial tissues and in adrenergic neurons of vas deferens. The uptake II, as well as the intensity and dynamics of the noradrenaline release were not affected by nonachlazine. These processes resulted in an increase of free noradrenaline concentrations in the synaptic space. The latter seems to be a result of the mediator's passage into the nerve fibers (through axonal membranes) and into the granule, this being due to the nonachlazine-induced block. It is suggested that the metabolic and functional nonachlazine effects are related to the beta-adrenergic receptors stimulation, mediated through the agency of noradrenaline.

[Influence of carbidine on the noradrenaline level in the adrenergic nerve fibers in the peripheral tissues]. / Vliianie karbidina na soderzhanie noradrenalina v adrenergicheskikh nervnykh voloknakh perifericheskikh tkanei

By employing fluorescent histochemistry and spectrofluorimetry the influence of an original psychotropic substance -- carbidine on the level, localization and accumulation of the adrenergic mediator in Vas deferens, dura mater and the kidney capsule was studied "in vivo" and "in vitro". Carbidine was shown to capable of liberating the adrenergic mediator from the sympathetic nerve fibres of the peripheral tissues without affecting the capture and accumulation of exogenous norepinephrine by adrenergic nerve fibres.

[Adrenergic component in the mechanism of action of sodium oxybutyrate]. / Adrenergicheskii komponent v mekhanizme deistviia oksibutirata natriia

The influence of sodium oxybutyrate on the adrenergic neurotransmitter content in the nerve fibers and the synaptic vesicles and the uptake of exogenous noradrenaline (NA) by the sympathetic nerves of rat Vas deferens was studied by spectrofluorimetry, fluorescent-histochemistry and cytochemical electron microscopy. Sodium oxybutirate failed to influence the stores of the adrenergic mediator, but was capable of blocking the uptake and accumulation of the exogenous NA.

[Effect of aminazine, tryptazine and droperidol on the uptake and accumulation of exogenous noradrenaline]. / O vliianii aminazina, triftazina i droperidola na zakhvat i nakoplenie ékzogennogo noradrenalina

Spectrofluorometry, fluorescent histochemistry and cytochemical electron microscopy were employed in studying the capacity of the neuroleptics trifluoroperazine, chlorpromazine and droperidol to bar the capture and accumulation of exogenous norepinephrine (NE) in the tissue, of adrenergic nerve fibers and synaptic vessels of an isolated Vas deferens of the rat. Trifluoroperazine and droperidol were found to be devoid of the property to inhibit the capture and accumulation of NE in the tissue, nerve fibers and in the synaptic vesicles. Chlorpromazine blocked the accumulation of the neurotransmitter, when the mediator was added in a concentration of 1 gamma/ml and failed to produce an inhibitory effect, when NE was used in a greated concentration (30 gamma/ml). It is concluded that all the studied neuroleptics do not hinder the neurotransmitter gaining access into synaptic vesicles, when it is accumulated in the axoplasma.

[A pharmacologic analysis of several adrenomimetic effects of serotonin]. / Farmakologicheskii analiz nekotorykh adrenomimeticheskikh éffektov serotonina

Contractions of the isolated rat vas deferens in response to the addition of serotonin could be explained by the release of catecholamines from the nerve endings. As shown by the use of D-, M- and T-antagonists of serotonin (LSD-25, indocarb, typindole), symatholytic--bretilium, alpha-adrenolytic--droperidol and imipramine, this effect was not associated with the direct activation of serotonin- and adrenoreactive receptors.

[Effect of carbidine on the content and storage of adrenergic neurotransmitter in the synaptic vesicles]. / Vliianie karbidina na soderzhanie i deponirovanie adrenergicheskogo neiroperedatchika v sinapticheskikh puzyr'kakh

The influence of carbidine, an original psychotropic drug, on the adrenergic neurotransmitter content and storage in the sympathetic nerves was studied with the use of cytochemical electron microscopy. The influence of carbidine on the uptake of the exogenous noradrenaline (NA) in the synaptic vesicles was also studied. Carbidine was found to be capable to decreasing the NA storage in the synaptic vesicles and failed to block the accumulation of the exogenous NA in the synaptic vesicles.

[Influence of nonakhlazin on adrenergic neurotransmission in the vas deferens of rats]. / Vliianie nonakhlazina na adrenergicheskuiu neiroperedachu v Vas deferens krysy

The effect of a new antianginal drug--nonachlazine on the adrenergic neurotransmission in the isolated rat vas deferens was studied by examining the vas deferens contractions in response to the transmural electric stimulation of the postganglionic sympathetic nerves and addition of noradrenaline (NA) or BaCl2. After the nonachlazine treatment the NA content in the vas deferens was also studied by the spectrofluorometric method. Besides, the effect of the drug on the uptake of the exogenous NA was investigated. Nonachlazine was found to possess some sympatholytic and spasmolytic effect and could block the uptake of the exogenous NA greatly.

[Ability of adrenergic nerves to accumulate exogenous noradrenaline under some pharmacological influences]. / Sposobnost' adrenergicheskikh nervov nakaplivat' ékzogennyi noradrenalin pri nekotorykh farmakologicheskikh vozdeistviiakh

By employing spectrofluorometry and quantitative fluorescent histochemistry the norepinephrine (NE) content in the tissue and in the adrenergic nerves of Vas deferens of the rat after depletion of the transmitter's reserves with tyramine and their subsequent replenishment through incubation of the tissue with exogenous NE was measured. The object of investigations was also the influence of antidepressants (phthoracizine and imipramine) and of the cholinolytic spasmolytin (diphacyl) on processes of the NE accumulation. Phthoracizine, impramine and spasmolytin were found to capable of inhibiting accumulation of the exogenous NE in the tissue and in the adrenergic nerves of Vas deferens, provided the mediator is present in the extraneuronal medium in a concentration of 0.5 gamma/ml. When the neurotransmitter was introduced into the medium in higher concentrations (10 gamma/ml) the antidepressents and cholinolytic did not produce the said effect. A correlation of spectrofluorometric and quantitative fluorescent-histochemical findings was observed in cases when the tissue contained less than 50% (i.e. less than 9 gamma/ml) of the total NE reserves.

[Effect of carbidine on the process of adrenergic neurotransmission]. / Vliianie karbidina na protsess adrenergicheskoi neiroperedachi

Methods of physiological analysis were applied to a study of the effect of an original psychotropic agent--carbidine--on the process of adrenergic neurotransmission on a model of an isolated rat Vas deferens. The noradrenaline (NA) content was determined in the same ductus spectrofluorimetrically; the capacity of the neuroleptic to block the consumption of the exogenous NA by the tissue was also investigated. Carbidine proved to possess an adrenomimetic effect caused by it capacity to release NA, leading to a reduction of endogenous neuromediator stores.