Antibiotic sensitivity of environmental Legionella pneumophila strains isolated in Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds and hot springs. Legionella infection occurs through the inhalation of water-air aerosol generated, for example, by showers or hot tubs. The most common species responsible for infection is Legionella pneumophila, which can cause Pontiac fever, and Legionnaires' disease, as well as a rare extrapulmonary form. The aim of the study's is to assess the susceptibility of Legionella pneumophila bacteria isolated from water systems of public buildings in Poland to antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of Legionellosis pneumonia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 100 L. pneumophila strains isolated from public buildings, such as hospitals and water recreation facilities, were used for the study. The drug sensitivity of the following antibiotics was determined: erythromycin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, rifampicin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline. Mean MIC50 and MIC90 values were read using accepted standards. RESULTS: The highest mean MIC value was obtained for tetracycline 6,130+/-0,353 µg/ml (with a range from 1,500 µg/ml to 16,000 µg/ml. In contrast, the lowest MIC was recorded with rifampicin: 0.020+/-0.037 µg/ml (with a range from 0.016 µg/ml to 0.380 µg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: The lowest biocidal concentration was found for levofloxacin, the highest for tetracycline. The highest MIC50 and MIC90 values were found for tetracycline and the lowest for rifampicin. The highest biocidal values were found for azithromycin and the lowest for tetracycline.

[Latent tuberculosis infection in the Polish prison staff]. / Utajone zakazenie gruzlica u polskich funkcjonariuszy sluzby wieziennej.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by acid-fast mycobacteria from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex group. The disease spreads when people with pulmonary tuberculosis excrete bacteria when they cough, sneeze, laugh or speak. Prisons are often called reservoirs of patients with tuberculosis, posing a great threat to their staff. Longer working hours in prison and penitentiary facilities aid latent contamination among the prison staff. So far, there have been few works discussing latent tuberculosis infection issues among the prisoners and prison staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 84 employees of penitentiary facilities located in the Lublin Voivodship were examined using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test which was approved for use in 2005 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an aid in the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The material for the research included blood samples collected using the QFT-GIT. RESULTS: Positive test results of latent tuberculosis infections were found in 16.6% of officers. The highest percentage with positive results of tuberculosis infections was found among the surveyed single women aged 36-57, working in penitentiary facilities. There have been no statistically significant differences between the position of officers and the risk factors increasing the chance of the latent tuberculosis infection. Work experience and contact with inmates were found to have an impact on tuberculosis infection. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results partially confirm other authors' observations concerning the influence of the risk factors of latent tuberculosis infections in prisons. Work experience and contact with inmates have an impact on tuberculosis infections among the prison staff in the Lublin Voivodeship. Med Pr. 2021;72(4):415-22.

Perinatal mortality in urban and rural areas in Poland in 2002-2012.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the level and trends of perinatal mortality by mother's place of residence (urban vs rural area) in Poland in 2002-2012. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was based on the data of the Central Statistical Office on the number of live births, infant deaths (0-6 days) and stillbirths by mother's place of residence (urban vs rural area), reported in 2002-2012 in 16 provinces and Poland in general. Joinpoint model was used to analyze perinatal mortality rate trends over time and average annual percent change (APC). Urban/rural ratio was employed to demonstrate the differences in perinatal mortality between urban and rural areas. RESULTS: In the period analyzed, perinatal mortality in Poland decreased by 3.4% (p<0.05) and 2.7% (p<0.05) per year in urban and rural areas, respectively. Having considered urban areas, perinatal mortality rate was decreasing at the fastest pace in the following provinces: Pomorskie (APC) = -6.6%, p<0.05), Warminsko-Mazurskie (APC) = -5.4%, p<0.05), Lubuskie i Swietokrzyskie (APC = -4.5%, p<0.05) while for rural areas - Dolnoslaskie (APC = -4.3%, p<0.05), Wielkopolskie, Zachodniopomorskie (APC = -3.7%, p<0.05) and Slaskie (APC = -3.2%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the study period, a decrease in perinatal mortality was reported in Poland, both in urban and rural areas. The level of perinatal mortality rate as well as the pace of these changes differed between provinces.

Effect of heavy metal cations on the activity of cathepsin D (in vitro study).

We studied the effect of heavy metal cations: Fe²âº, Cu²âº, Zn²âº, Cd²âº, Hg²âº, Pb²âº on the activity of cathepsin D in human aorta homogenate and blood serum. The concentration of cations was 1 mmol/l. Hemoglobin was the cathepsin D substrate. The activity of cathepsin D was determined at pH 3.5. Only Hg²âº cations inhibit the activity of cathepsin D. Cations Hg²âº damage lysosomes and release cathepsin D from these organelles.

[The estimation of intake of selected and permissible preservatives used in food industry among people from Podlaskie voivodeship]. / Oszacowanie pobrania przez ludnosc województwa podlaskiego wybranych dozwolonych substancji konserwujacych stosowanych w przemysle spozywczym.

The work aimed at estimating intake of food containing permissible preservatives. The data was comprised of food samples from 14 poviats of Podlaskie voivodeship taken to detect presence of preservatives (sodium nitrate, nitrite, benzoic acid and its salt, sorbic acid and its salt). The samples were collected between 2004 and 2007 by food inspection agency. Data concerning consumption of food provided results for an average consumption of some foodstuffs in households in which consumption of given foodstuff has been recorded by Polish Central Statistical Office, whereas data concerning consumption of soft drinks was provided by the report from March, 2008 (soft drinks market in Poland). It was stated that an average intake of the considered preservatives with an average diet is not a threat to people. Taking into account the fact data concerning consumption of foodstuffs in households is limited, it is advised to create databases comprising consumption of foodstuffs which would help in more precise evaluation of the intake.

[Selected nourishment habits depending on physical activity of 14-16 year-old teenagers in the north-eastern Poland on the example of Sokolski district]. / Wybrane zachowania zywieniowe w zaleznosci od aktywnosci fizycznej mlodziezy w wieku 14-16 lat w Pólnocno--Wschodniej Polsce na przykladzie Powiatu Sokólskiego.

The aim of the survey was the evaluation of specific nourishment habits among 14-16 year-old teenagers of a different physical activity in the north-eastern Poland on the example of Sokolski district. The 14-16-year teenagers from secondary school, in Sokolski district (368 boys and 368 girls) were examined. They were chosen at random. The researches were carried out from November to December in 2006-2007 school year by the method of a diagnostic poll with the aid of the anonymous questionnaire. The low percentage of teenagers who declared the proper nourishment habits was stated, and it was observed that the more physically active teenagers were the more of them declared rational nourishment habits within the scope of analyzed nourishment habits.

[Nutritional value of meals in the diets of women with normal and excessive body weight]. / Wartosc odzywcza posilków w dietach kobiet o prawidlowej i nadmiernej masie ciala.

The study objective was to assess the number and type of the consumed meals during the day and to make a comparison between their energetic and nutritional value in the diets of women with normal and excessive body weight. A questionnaire study was conducted in a group of 346 women aged 18-79 years (mean 41.1 +/- 13.1 years). Normal body weight was noted in 145 women (42%), whereas overweight or obesity in 201 women (58%). The study questionnaire contained questions concerning eating habits, e.g., the number of routinely consumed meals and snacks between them. A 24 h dietary recall was taken of the day preceding the examination in order to perform a quantitative evaluation of daily food rations. Taking into consideration the division into meals, the evaluation referred to the energetic value and the content of basic dietary nutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) as well as cholesterol and cellulose, using the computer program Diet 2.0 designed in the Institute of Food and Feeding in Warsaw In the two compared groups, a three-meal model predominated and the afternoon snack was most frequently missed. As many as 56% of women with normal body weight and 71% of women with excessive body weight admitted irregular eating between meals. The proportion in energy delivery from the respective meals was disturbed and nutritional abnormalities were found, especially in overweight and obese women.

[Quantitative assessment of daily food rations of obese persons]. / Ocena ilosciowa calodziennych racji pokarmowych osób otylych.

The aim of the study was to assess the energetic and nutritional values of diets in obese subjects (BMT > or = 30 kg/m2). A total of 261 patients of the Obesity Treatment Centre (201 women - BMI = 32.9 +/- 6.2 kg/m2 and 60 men-BMI = 33.4 +/- 5.3 kg/m2) were enrolled in the study. The mean age of women was 45.8 +/- 12.2 years, men 48.8 +/- 13.5 years. Daily food rations were performed using the 24h dietary recall referring to the day preceding the examination. Although the rations were shown to have a satisfactory energetic value they were improperly balanced with respect to protein and fat. Food rations of the study patients were characterized by excessive intake of animal protein, total fat, saturated fatty acids and dietary cholesterol, especially in men. Insufficient intakes of vegetable protein, total carbohydrates and dietary fibre were noted in the study patients of both sexes.

[Assessment of selected vitamins content in daily food rations of obese patients]. / Ocena zawartosci wybranych witamin w calodziennej racji pokarmowej pacjentów otylych.

The study objective was to evaluate the content of chosen vitamins soluble in fats (A, E) and in water (B1, B2 B6, B12, C, niacin, folic acid) in daily food rations of obese subjects, who are not on a reducing diet (201 obese women - BMI = 32.9 +/- 6.2 kg/ m2 and 60 men - BMI = 33.4 +/- 5.3 kg/m2). The mean age was 45.8 +/- 12.2 years for women and 48 +/- 13.5 years for men. Dietary habits were assessed using the 24 h dietary recall method. Computer program DIETA2 was used to evaluate the vitamin content in daily food rations. Vitamin intake was compared with safe levels for subjects with low physical activity. Low intake were observed in the consumption of vitamin B1 in women and B2 in men. Daily food rations of patients with excessive body mass (both women and men) met safe level daily requirements for vitamin E, niacin, folic acid, riboflavin (women), vitamin B6 (men). High intakes of vitamin A, B12, and C were noted both among obese women and men.

[Assessment of realization of a reducing diet by obese women during treatment of excessive body mass]. / Ocena diety redukujacej stosowanej przez otyle kobiety w trakcie leczenia nadmiernej masy ciala.

The study objective was to evaluate the realization of the reducing diet recommended in the treatment of overweight or obesity (1500 kcal) with regard to the caloric value and the content of basic nutrients, vitamins and bioelements. The study was conducted on a group of 48 women. Daily food rations were evaluated based on a week's dietary register. Results were averaged in each patient and compared to the norms worked out by the Institute of Food and Feeding in Warsaw for subjects with low physical activity. The mean energetic value of the diets was found to meet the requirements. Approximately 50% of the obese women consumed high-protein, low-fat and low-carbohydrate food rations. The analysis of vitamin content in daily food rations showed insufficient intake of vitamin E (in 89.6% of women), thiamin (83.3%), riboflavin (93.7%), niacin (60.4%), vitamin B6 (87.5%), folic acid (89.6%) and vitamin C (72.9%). Vitamin A intake was higher than the recommended norm in 47.9% of women. The lowest realization was noted in the case of potassium (64.6% of rations below the norm), calcium (100% below the norm), magnesium (64.6% below the norm). However, dietary sodium and phosphate content in most obese women exceeded the norms. The intake was too low in the case of iron (in 91.7%), zinc (in 97.9%) and copper (in 100%). It seems that long-term compliance with such a diet requires additional individual supplementation.

[Health behaviour of students attending secondary school in the Sokolski district. Part I physical activity and sedentary activity]. / Zachowania zdrowotne mlodziezy szkól ponadgimnazjalnych w powiecie sokólskim. Cz. I. Aktywnosc fizyczna i zajecia sedenteryjne.

The purpose of this research was to determine the level of physical activity, and free time spent in the sitting position by secondary school students in the sokolski district. The research was conducted on 796 students who were in the 17 to 19 age range. It was carried out in March and April of the 2005-2006 school year using the diagnostic poll method. The students filled out an anonymous questionnaire (modified in 2001, part of an international research regarding youth's health behavior). The results showed not enough physical activities, a lot of sedentary activities. There was a great disproportion between these two types of activities.

[Dietary habits as an environmental factor of overweight and obesity]. / Sposób zywienia jako jeden z czynników srodowiskowych nadwagi i otylosci.

The study objective was to assess chosen environmental factors contributing to body weight increase, with special regard to dietary habits. The questionnaire survey involved 68 women and 42 men. Based on BMI, the subjects were divided into those with normal body weight, with overweight and obesity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Weight at the age of 18 was found to be most correlated with the current body weight. Other major factors included the time of life when overweight began, alcohol consumption and earlier smoking. The dietary factors analysed: such as having something additional to eat, type of eaten snacks, night eating, no control of the caloricity value of meals in the current study may have a significant effect on the occurrence of overweight and obesity.

[Health behaviour of students attending secondary school in the sokolski district. Part II. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcoholic beverages]. / Zachowania zdrowotne mlodziezy szkól ponadgimnazjalnych w powiecie sokólskim. Cz. II. palenie papierosów i picie napojów alkoholowych.

The purpose of this research was the evaluation of the use of cigarettes and alcohol among secondary school students in the sokolski district. Information about the sample, date and method of research was presented in the first part of the study. This part analyses answers to questions concerning: alcohol and smoking initiation, and the frequency of smoking, drinking and being under the influence of alcohol (intoxication). The research showed that 44.09% of the students in the 17 to 19 age range tried smoking cigarettes. 52.42% of them smoke somehow frequently, 26.49% smoke daily. 80.4% of students declared to have experimented with alcohol. 17.34% of students were under the influence of alcohol (intoxication) at least once during their lifetime. The most frequently consumed alcoholic beverage was beer.

[Nitrates (V) in drinking water as factor of a health risk for people in Podlaskie Voivodship]. / Azotany (V) w wodzie do picia jako czynnik ryzyka zdrowotnego ludnosci województwa podlaskiego.

The aim of this article was to evaluate of a health danger and to estimate the risk due to the presence of nitrates (V) in drinking water used by people in Podlaskie Voivodship. For research I used water specimens taken in 14 poviats (smaller administration districts) in Podlaskie Voivodship as part of drinking water quality monitoring in the years 2001-2003. Evaluation of danger of nitrates (V) taken in with drinking water by the population of Podlaskie Voivodship was carried out by comparing ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) with value of EDI (Evaluated Daily Intake) and TMDI (Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake) Risk was estimated by calculating safety margin between ADI and EDI. On the basis of the obtained results it was stated that on the territory of Podlaskie Voivodship 1.79% of urban population and 4.86% of rural population, was taking in nitrates (V) with water supplied by waterworks in doses below the safety margin. Nitrates (V) from drinking water in doses below the safety margin were taken in by population of 10 poviats, with the highest percentage of the population noted in the poviats of: Grajewo (10.97%), Augustów (10.77%) and Sejny (10.43%). Among the urban population the highest percentage noted in the Poviat of Augustów (9.46%), and among the rural population--in the Poviat of Grajewo (22.46%). The highest percentage of the population (69.97%) in Podlaskie Voivodship consumed nitrates (V) with drinking water supplied by waterworks in the range of the safety margin from 1 to 10, including 78.86% of urban population and 53.3% of rural population. It seems useful to continue the environmental research on the exposure of Podlaskie Voivodship inhabitants to nitrates by correlating the risk expressed by the safety margin with cancer epidemiology.

[Chosen dietary habits in a cohort of students of the Medical University of Bialystok in the years 2000-2003]. / Wybrane nawyki zywieniowe kohorty studentów Akademii Medycznej w Bialymstoku w latach 2000-2003.

The aim of the study was to estimate chosen dietary habits of a cohort of students in the years 2000-2003. The frequency of the intake of chosen groups of food products, the number of meals and snacks between meals were considered. The highest percentage of both male and female students involved in the questionnaire investigations in the study period consumed three meals a day. The number of students having snacks between meals (every third person) did not change during that period. However, the decrease was observed in drinking by students one glass of milk a day. In the years 2000-2003, the reduction in the frequency of consumption of whole-grain breads and cereals in female students and its increase in male students was noted. The number of men consuming meat and its products was increased. More than half of the students of both sexes consumed fish once a week and this tendency was maintained for the whole study period. An increase was noted in the percentage of female students consuming vegetable salads and in the percentage of male students eating fruit.

[Hair vanadium content and nutritional status of students of the Medical University of Bialystok]. / Zawartosc wanadu we wlosach a stan odzywienia studentów Akademii Medycznej w Bialymstoku.

The aim of the study was to determine the vanadium content in the hair of students of the Medical University of Bialystok and to find out whether its level in the organism measured basing on its hair content correlates with the nutritional status. The study involved 134, 127 and 125 students in the years 2000-2003, respectively. Hair vanadium content was determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method with atomization in a graphite cuvette (ET AAS) on a Hitachi Z-5000 apparatus. The nutritional status was evaluated based on the body mass index BMI. Higher vanadium content was detected in the hair of female students compared to male students. Negative correlation was noted between vanadium content in the hair of female students and their nutritional status.

[Risk factors for cholecystolithiasis in obesity and at normal weight]. / Czynniki ryzyka kamicy zólciowej u osób otylych i z nalezna masa ciala.

Obesity is a known risk factor of cholecystolithiasis. The potential causes of increased incidence of cholecystolithiasis in people with obesity (overweight) and in those with normal body mass are considered. The study involved 100 patients with diagnosed cholecystolithiasis hospitalized in one of the randomly selected hospitals in Bialystok and its vicinity. The questionnaire technique was used to evaluate risk factors of cholecystolithiasis. It was found that women, irrespective of body mass, were 2.7 times more often hospitalized due to this ailment than men. Of the patients examined, 71% had overweight or obesity. Women with normal body mass suffered from cholecystolithiasis at the younger age than the obese or overweight ones. The comparison of risk factors of cholecystolithiasis between the obese (overweight) patients and those with normal body mass revealed a significantly more frequent familial incidence of type 2 diabetes and cholecystolithiasis. Patients with cholecystolithiasis, irrespective of body mass, were characterized by low intake of dark bread and wholemeal products, raw fruit and vegetables, and pulses. Obese women with cholecystolithiasis significantly more frequently consumed milk and yoghurt, meat and its products, lard, bacon and sweets than women with normal body mass. Obese men (with overweight) significantly more frequently consumed high-fat foods than the slim ones.

[Occurrence of fungal pathogens in the delivery rooms of a hospital obstetrics department]. / Analiza wystepowania patogenów grzybiczych w powietrzu sal oddzialu polozniczego.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the incidence of fungal pathogens in air of the operating rooms from one of the hospitals in Bialystok. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Investigations were conducted in selected rooms of obstetrics department. Material for mycological studies was air sampled at the entrance of hospital building, the entrance to operating room, hall and selected rooms of the department. Fungi were identified using the standard microbial procedures: The monitoring of airborne fungi pollution was done using SAS SUPER 100 (pbi international). Classification of the isolated fungi was done with an accordance to the current procedures. RESULTS: In the air of 16 rooms of obstetrics department different numbers of fungal colonies from 0 to 560 CFU/1000L of air were isolated. Fungi were not isolated from the air samples of preparing, septic, operating and family deliveries rooms. The highest number of fungi colonies were isolated at the entrance the hospital. The following fungal pathogens isolated from the air were: Candida albicans. non-Candida albicans, Penicillium species, Cladosporium species and Aspergillus species. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The different number of fungal colonies was found depending on type of the hospital room. 2. The highest number of fungal colonies was isolated from the air samples of patients rooms 3. No fungal colonies were isolated from the septic, operating and family deliveries rooms 4. The main fungal pathogen isolated from the air samples was Candida albicans.

[Identification of risk factors of obesity in premenopausal women]. / Identyfikacja czynników ryzyka wystapienia otylosci u kobiet przed menopauza.

UNLABELLED: Obesity is a chronic disease conditioned by genetic, endocrine and environmental factors. The aim of study was to determine the risk factors affecting the body mass in women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The questionnaire investigations involved 363 female volunteers aged 18-49. The questionnaire contained items referring to the environmental factors which might affect body mass (e.g. age, increase in body mass after the age of 18, number of child-births, body mass increase after child-birth, use of oral contraceptives, obesity in childhood, obesity in family, smoking and concomitant diseases). Statistica for Windows was used for analysis, with statistically significant differences at p<0.05. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Rapid body mass increments occurred in the young women who were overweight already in childhood. Another high risk group was constituted by women who reported considerable body mass increments during the first pregnancy. 39.9% of the examined women took contraceptive pills, however the application of oral contraception had no significant influence on the body mass increase. The body mass gain after the age of 18 was observed to positively correlate with age. CONCLUSION: Overweight in childhood or excessive body mass increment during pregnancy are risk factors of obesity in the later period of life.

[Obesity as a risk factor of breast carcinoma in woman]. / Otylosc jako czynnik ryzyka nowotworu sutka u kobiet.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between selected risk factors and the incidence of breast carcinoma in women living in the province of Podlasie, with special regard to obesity. The study involved 90 patients with breast carcinoma and 96 without the cancer. A questionnaire was used to evaluate risk factors of the disease. The mean age was 55 years in the carcinoma group and 53 years in the control group. Increased body mass was an essential risk factor of the cancer, which was statistically confirmed by multifactorial analysis. Statistically significant differences were also associated with family history of breast and other cancers, abortions, childlessness, early menarche and late menopause. Multidimensional regression analysis was performed with the application of the logistic model. Statistically significant factors included the history of cigarette smoking, abortions, overweight or obesity (high BMI index), family history of cancers (of the breast and other). The outcome of the multifactorial analysis allows for the assumption that the accumulation of these five factors in one patient increases the risk of breast carcinoma 9.45 times.