L-arginine decreases heat shock protein 70 (marker of environmental stress) expression in kidney cells of rat fetuses during apoptosis--Late effect of Adriamycin action.

Both Adriamycin and nitric oxide (NO) cause apoptosis acting through or as free radicals inciting oxidative stress in the cell. However, in some tissues the anti-apoptotic action of NO was described, thereby the impact of NO on cell apoptosis is not finally recognized. In this study, a trial of the evaluation of exogenous NO (L-arginine) impact on apoptosis induced by Adriamycin in fetal kidney cells was undertaken. For this reason, the expression of Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP 70), environmental stress marker, as a sensitive biomarker of oxidative stress induced in fetal kidney cells with Adriamycin given to mothers prior to pregnancy was studied using immunohistochemical method. The expression of HSP 70 in fetal kidney cells, whose mothers received apart from Adriamycin, L-arginine (as NO substrate) was also evaluated. The results of the study pointed to the fact that the exogenous NO (L-arginine) could be helpful in inhibition of intensified apoptosis in fetal cells as a late effect of Adriamycin action.

[Addiction among patients hospitalized due to peripheral vessels disorders]. / Uzaleznienia u osób hospitalizowanych ze schorzeniami naczyn obwodowych.

The study covered 160 patients - 80 females and 80 males, hospitalised due to arterial and venous vessels disorders. The objective of the study was an attempt to evaluate selected behaviours, such as tobacco smoking, consumption of alcohol and coffee among people with diseases of peripheral vessels. The research tool was a questionnaire form. Participation in the study was voluntary and patients were selected at random. The study showed that 60% of respondents suffered from peripheral vessels disorders, 67.5% of females had venous vessels disorders, and 87.5% of males - arterial vessels disorders. In the total population examined 69.38% of respondents consumed alcohol, 47.5% were current smokers, and 56.88% consumed coffee. The style of life of the people examined may result in the development of peripheral vessel disorders.

[Tobacco smoking among adolescents-self-reported psycho-somatic health]. / Palenie tytoniu wsród mlodziezy w samoocenie psychosomatycznej.

Studies of self-reported psychosomatic health among non-smokers and current smokers were conducted among students aged 19-20 by means of a standardised questionnaire form concerning people actively and passively smoking. The analysis covered the number and type of cigarettes, time of exposure to tobacco smoke, as well as health effects in active and passive smokers. Tobacco smokers constituted 22% of the total number of the population examined, whereas passive smokers - 78%. Females constituted 56.3% of current smokers, and 78.7% of those passively exposed to tobacco smoke. The majority of respondents experienced health effects. Considering self-reported psycho-somatic health, 82.8% of respondents who were passive smokers mentioned irritation by tobacco smoke, the majority of them suffered headaches and burning sensation of the eyes. As many as 96.1% of non-smokers considered smoking as harmful for health. Health effects reported by current smokers concerned headaches, dyspnea, dry cough and general malaise (depression, low mood, anxiety). 70% of the respondents would like to discontinue cigarettes smoking.

[Addictions in young people with different backgrounds]. / Uzaleznienia wystepujace wsród mlodziezy z róznych srodowisk.

The research, carried out among young people of selected groups from different environments estimated the occurrence of addictions, the degree of danger of nicotine addiction, alcoholism and pharmacomania. A questionnaire of the interview standardized into smokers and non-smokers was used among students. Evaluation of addiction to alcohol, drugs and nicotine among young people treated at the Toxicology Ward was done on the basis of clinical material of toxemias. Addiction to psychoactive substances among students amounts to on average of 30%. Most of the smokers would like to drop the habit. Frequency of addictions among young people hospitalized in the clinic is much higher in comparison with the group occupationally passive or working, especially in big cities. Acute toxemias among addicts, especially in the group of alcohols, drugs and psychotropic drugs were quite serious. Toxic coma accompanying toxemia is a danger to health and life.

Hazard estimation for the chosen work stands in metallurgical industry.

The research has been carried out on the chosen work stands of various strenuousness level in metallurgical industry. Microclimate conditions were estimated, together with noise exposure, dust density and the exposure to the chosen chemical agents, among others carbon monoxide, nitric oxides, manganese and iron. The analysis of the resulting figures showed exceeding of the binding quotas of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) indicator for some stands, leading sometimes to thermal discomfort. The exposure to noise exceeded NDN coefficient for equal sound levels. Dust density on the stands did not exceed binding quotas. The concentration of chemical agents did not exceed the norms, except for single exceeding of manganese, and does not constitute toxicity hazard.

Mercurialism in the material of the Regional Centre of Acute Poisonings of the Institute of Rural Medicine in Lublin.

Against the background of clinical symptoms of mercury poisonings a case of suicidal poisoning which had favourable course and prognosis was presented. The impact of toxic renal damage and different CNS symptoms was emphasised.