Inverted and horizontal impacted third molars in an Early Modern skull from Wroclaw, Poland: a case report.

BACKGROUND: An impacted tooth is one of the most commonly occurring dental anomalies, although some types of impaction (i.e. inverted angulation) may be considered rare finding. There are many hypotheses regarding impaction aetiology. One of the most popular hypotheses suggested that this condition may result from insufficient space in retromolar space, other: improper angulation of tooth bud, malposition of the tooth germ or hereditary factors, insufficient interproximal attrition, ectopy or dysfunction of genes necessary for proper tooth eruption. This study aims to present the odontological and paleopathological assessment of the impacted molars observed within the skull excavated from an early modern cemetery in Wroclaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The skull used in the study was complete and in a good state of preservation. It belonged to an adult individual whose body was buried at the former Salvator Cemetery (currently Czysty Square). The individual's dentition was almost completely lost antemortem. Only second molars preserved within the maxillae (bilaterally) and the mandible was almost edentulous as well. The morphometric traits have been taken according to standards established by R. Martin. Macroscopic observations were supported by X-rays and computed tomography imaging. RESULTS: The age at death was estimated at 20-35 years. Comparison of the metric characteristics of skull with the reference material reveals that it is much smaller than the average female skull from this series. Morphometric indices calculated for both splanchocranium and neurocranium allow defining the skull and jaw as short, which could be an important factor involved in the teeth impaction. CONCLUSIONS: Atypical impaction of the third molars could result from small size of skull and could have significantly deteriorated the quality of life of the individual.

Analysis of Interactions Between Components of Selected Solution for Organ Perfusion and Preservation.

BACKGROUND: In the literature there is a great deal of information about the activity of liquid preservatives and the solutions used to modify them; however, there is no information about the possibility of interactions between them during multiorgan retrieval. The aim of the study was to analyze the possibility of reactions between the components of Biolasol and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK). Biolasol is the first Polish liquid preservative intended for rinsing kidneys, livers, and pancreases by simple hypothermia. HTK is a cardioplegic fluid used in organ preservation of hearts, livers, kidneys, pancreases, and lungs. METHODS: Biolasol and HTK solution were used for the tests. The preservatives were mixed together at 1:1, 0.25:0.75, and 0.75:0.25 ratios. The volume of mixtures to be analyzed was 500 mL. The prepared systems were stored in a refrigerator (4°C) protecting against light. The systems were subjected to physicochemical analysis involving pH, density, viscosity, buffer capacity, osmolarity, and absorbance measurements as well as visual and microscopic assessment at time intervals: immediately after mixing (t = 0) and after 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. RESULTS: The analysis suggests that interactions between solution components can occur and have a positive effect on storage time and effectiveness of organ rinsing. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Biolasol and HTK in multiorgan retrieval is safe.

The value of the new scoring system for predicting neoplastic pericarditis in the patients with large pericardial effusion.

PURPOSE: Early recognition of neoplastic pericarditis (npe) is crucial for the planning of subsequent therapy. The aim of the present study was to construct the scoring system assessing the probability of npe, in the patients requiring pericardial fluid (pf) drainage due to large pericardial effusion. METHODS: One hundred forty-six patients, 74 males and 72 females, entered the study. Npe based on positive pf cytology and/or pericardial biopsy specimen was recognised in 66 patients, non-npe in 80. Original scoring system was constructed based on parameters with the highest diagnostic value: mediastinal lymphadenopathy on chest CT scan, increased concentration of tumour markers (cytokeratin 19 fragments-Cyfra 21-1 and carcinoembryonic antigen-CEA) in pf, bloody character of pf, signs of imminent cardiac tamponade on echocardiography and tachycardia exceeding 90 beats/min on ECG. Each parameter was scored with positive or negative points depending on the positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV). RESULTS: The area under curve (AUC) for the scoring system was 0.926 (95%CI 0.852-0.963) and it was higher than AUC for Cyfra 21-1 0.789 (95%CI 0.684-0.893) or CEA 0.758 (95%CI 0.652-0.864). The score optimally discriminating between npe and non-npe was 0 points (sensitivity 0.84, specificity 0.91, PPV 0.9, NPV 0.85). CONCLUSION: Despite chest CT and tumour marker evaluation in pericardial fluid were good discriminators between npe and non-npe, the applied scoring system further improved the predicting of neoplastic disease in the studied population.

Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in pigs' kidneys early after autotransplantation procedure.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to evaluate mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2) and 4 (TLR4) and the adaptor protein myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88) in pigs' kidneys 14 and 30 days after autotransplantation. METHODS: The research was conducted on 12 animals that underwent left renal transplantation procedure with further standardized rinsing with Biolasol solution and 24 hours' storage in 4°C; subsequently the kidneys were implanted in the right retroperitoneal space after right-side nephrectomy. Six randomly chosen animals (group I) were under observation for 14 days, the other 6 (group II) for 30 days. After these observation periods, the animals were killed and 4-g samples were collected from the renal cortex and medulla. RESULTS: Expression of mRNA in homogenates of collected samples were determined with the use of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Obtained results in both groups, presented in relation to GAPDH, were compared with the use of Mann-Whitney U test. Stable graft function was observed in all animals from the 2nd day after the procedure. TLR2 in group I reached the mean value of 3.64 and was statistically significantly higher than in group II (2.19). Inverse proportion was observed in case of mRNA for TLR4: group II presented 2 times higher value than group I (0.25 vs 0.11). Similarly, significant difference was observed in MyD88 (group I, 0.067; group II, 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: At 14 days after autotransplantation of a pig kidney, mRNA expression for TLR2 is dominant; later, expression increases for TLR4 and MyD88.

The effect of HTK solution modification by addition of thyrotropin and corticotropin on biochemical indices reflecting ischemic damage to porcine kidney.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of perfusion with HTK (histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate, Custodiol®, Dr. Franz Kohler Chemie, Germany) solution, modified by the addition of porcine thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and corticotropin (ACTH), on selected biochemical parameters of porcine renal damage within 24 and 48 hours after the onset of cold ischemia time. METHODS: Each study group consisted of 10 adult pigs. During harvesting the kidneys were rinsed with Ringer solution (group 1), HTK (group 2), HTK-TSH (1 µg/dL) or HTK-ACTH (1 µg/dL) in groups 3 and 4. The solutions were cooled to 4°C-6°C. Within 30 minutes of the first perfusion, the discharged fluid was clear and the kidneys cooled to 4°C. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase, asparagine and alanine aminotransferases, lactates, total protein, potassium, calcium, and pH were determined in the perfusate. After 24 and 48 hours the rinsing procedure and the above-mentioned tests were repeated. Differences between the means of 2 independent samples were tested with a nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: As the result of hormone addition, in both time intervals it was possible to observe considerably lower protein concentrations (g/L) in perfusates compared with HTK solution, without an addition. At 24 hours, we measured following values: 36 ± 4, 8 ± 3 and 6 ± 1 versus 48 hours, 34 ± 1, 2 ± 1, and 4 ± 1 in groups 2, 3, and 4. A similar pattern was observed with LDH (U/L) at 48 hours: 662 ± 89, 374 ± 151, and 386 ± 111, respectively. Lactate concentrations (mmol/L) were then significantly higher: 1.4 ± 0.3 in the TSH group and 1.2 ± 0.5 in the ACTH group as opposed to 0.2 ± 0.1 in unmodified HTK group. CONCLUSION: We observed the possibility of cytoprotective actions of TSH and ACTH addition to the perfusion fluid during cold ischemia, positive effects that were especially visible upon prolonged 48-hour storage.

Hepatoprotective effect of prolactin and cysteine contained in perfusion and preservation solutions on porcine liver stored in simple hypothermia.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to determine the results of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solutions modified by the addition of the antioxidant cysteine (Cys), and of prolactin (PRL) on storage of isolated porcine livers. METHODS: We measured in the media of isolated livers stored for 24 hours in HTK (control group) or modified HTK+Cys (0.3 mmol/L)+PRL (3 IU/L study group) the amounts of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactic acid as well as Ca (II), Mg (II), Na (I) and K (I) ions during a 30-minute perfusion after 24 hours of storage. RESULTS: All tested markers were released more slowly into HTK+Cys+PRL with less release of K(I) and Mg(II) and greater of Na(I) and Ca(II) ions. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of the Cys and PRL to HTK positively affected 24-hour storage of isolated livers.

The effect of HTK solution modification by addition of prolactin on biochemical indices reflecting ischaemic damage to porcine kidney.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of perfusion with HTK solution, modified by the addition of prolactin (PRI), on selected biochemical parameters of porcine renal damage within 24 and 48 hours after the onset of cold ischemia time. METHODS: Each study group consisted of 10 adult pigs. During harvesting the kidneys were rinsed with Ringer's solution (group 1), HTK (group 2), and HTK+PRL in a dose of 0.2 mg/dL, 0.02 mg/dL, and 0.01 mg/dL in groups 3, 4 and 5, respectively. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase, asparagine (AST) and alanine aminotransferases, lactates, total protein, potassium and calcium were determined in the perfusate. After 24 and 48 hours the rinsing procedure and the abovementioned tests were repeated. RESULTS: After 24 hours of storage, in 4 groups, significantly lower levels of LDH (U/L) were recorded compared with HTK solution alone, namely 235 ± 93 versus 271 ± 125 (perfusion minute, 0), and 55 ± 21 versus 125 ± 94 (30th minute). Similar behavior pattern was presented by AST (U/L) and potassium (mmol/L), and the results were 31 ± 8 versus 35 ± 12 and 16 ± 10 versus 29 ± 14, and 12 ± 3 versus 16 ± 3 and 10 ± 1 versus 13 ± 1, respectively. The changes described above were not observed in the 48th hour of reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Our study results indicate the possibility of cytoprotective action of PRL after adding it to the fluid perfusing kidneys during cold ischemia. This effect, observed after 24 hours of storage, was to a considerable extent dose dependent. In our experiment the effect was pronounced only at 0.02 mg/dL supply of PRL.

Diagnostic utility of CYFRA 21-1 and CEA assays in pericardial fluid for the recognition of neoplastic pericarditis.

A positive cytology result in pericardial fluid is the gold standard for recognition of malignant pericardial effusion. Unfortunately, in 30-50% of patients with malignant pericardial effusion cytological examination of the pericardial fluid is negative. Tumor marker assessment in pericardial fluid may help to recognize malignant pericardial effusion. The aim of our study was to estimate the value of CYFRA 21-1 and CEA measurement in pericardial fluid for the recognition of malignant pericardial effusion. To our knowledge this is the first study on CYFRA 21-1 assessment in pericardial effusion. The examined group consisted of 50 patients with malignant pericardial effusion and 34 patients with non-malignant pericardial effusion. Median CEA concentrations in malignant pericardial effusion and non-malignant pericardial effusion were 80 ng/mL (0-317) and 0.5 ng/mL (0-18.4), respectively (p<0.001). Median CYFRA 21-1 concentrations in malignant pericardial effusion and non-malignant pericardial effusion were 260 ng/mL (5.3-10080) and 22.4 ng/mL (1.87-317.6), respectively (p<0.001). The optimal cutoff value for CYFRA 21-1 in pericardial effusion was 100 ng/mL. CYFRA 21-1 >100 ng/mL or CEA >5 ng/mL were found in 14/15 patients with malignant pericardial effusion and negative pericardial fluid cytology. We therefore strongly recommend the use of CYFRA 21-1 and/or CEA in addition to pericardial fluid cytology for the recognition of malignant pericardial effusion.

Diagnostic utility of CYFRA 21-1 and CEA assays in pericardial fluid for the recognition of neoplastic pericarditis.

A positive cytology result in pericardial fluid is the gold standard for recognition of malignant pericardial effusion. Unfortunately, in 30-50% of patients with malignant pericardial effusion cytological examination of the pericardial fluid is negative. Tumor marker assessment in pericardial fluid may help to recognize malignant pericardial effusion. The aim of our study was to estimate the value of CYFRA 21-1 and CEA measurement in pericardial fluid for the recognition of malignant pericardial effusion. To our knowledge this is the first study on CYFRA 21-1 assessment in pericardial effusion. The examined group consisted of 50 patients with malignant pericardial effusion and 34 patients with non-malignant pericardial effusion. Median CEA concentrations in malignant pericardial effusion and non-malignant pericardial effusion were 80 ng/mL (0-317) and 0.5 ng/mL (0-18.4), respectively (p<0.001). Median CYFRA 21-1 concentrations in malignant pericardial effusion and non-malignant pericardial effusion were 260 ng/mL (5.3-10080) and 22.4 ng/mL (1.87-317.6), respectively (p<0.001). The optimal cutoff value for CYFRA 21-1 in pericardial effusion was 100 ng/mL. CYFRA 21-1 >100 ng/mL or CEA >5 ng/mL were found in 14/15 patients with malignant pericardial effusion and negative pericardial fluid cytology. We therefore strongly recommend the use of CYFRA 21-1 and/or CEA in addition to pericardial fluid cytology for the recognition of malignant pericardial effusion. (Int J Biol Markers 2005; 20: 43-49).

Antibiotic resistance in Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains isolated in Poland from 1998 to 1999.

A total of 326 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains representing 29 serotypes, isolated from human stool specimens during 1998-1999 in sanitary-epidemiological units in Poland were tested for antibiotic susceptibility by a standard disk diffusion method. The antibiotics used were ampicillin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, streptomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, furazolidone, cotrimoxazole, sulphonamides and trimethoprim. In addition, 201 strains belonging to the five most commonly isolated serotypes (S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Hadar, S. Infantis and S. Virchow) also had minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined for amoxycillin/clavulanic acid. Selected strains were screened for production of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). There were 49.4% of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains resistant to two or more antibiotics, with the highest prevalence of multiple resistant strains among serotypes Typhimurium, Hadar and Virchow. Resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, nalidixic acid, furazolidone and sulphonamides occurred most frequently. Over 93% of S. Virchow strains were resistant to furazolidone. No strains resistant to ciprofloxacin by disk-diffusion method were detected but 31.3% of isolates of the 201 strains representing the five most common serotypes had reduced ciprofloxacin susceptibility (MICs ranging 0.125-0.5 mg/l). One strain (S. Mbandaka) was resistant to cefotaxime and produced ESBL.

[Multidrug resistance to antibacterial drugs of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains isolated in Poland in the 1998-1999 period]. / Wieloopornosc na leki przeciwbakteryjne paleczek Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica izolowanych w Polsce w latach 1998-2000.

A total of 510 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains representing 56 serotypes, isolated from human stool specimens during 1998-2000 in sanitary-epidemiological units in Poland were tested for their susceptibility by a standard disk diffusion method for: ampicillin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, streptomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, furazolidone, cotrimoxazole, sulfonamides and trimethoprim. For 201 of the investigated strains, belonging to 5 most common isolated serotypes (S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Hadar, S. Infantis and S. Virchow) the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for the aforementioned antibiotics, as well as for amoxicillin with clavulanian were determined. Selected strains were screened for production extended spectrum b-lactamases (ESBLs). It was observed that 42.9% of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains were resistant to 2 or more antibiotics, with the highest prevalence of MDR strains among serotypes Typhimurium, Hadar and Virchow. Resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, nalidixic acid, furazolidone and sulphonamides was observed most frequently. Over 93% of S. Virchow strains were resistant to furazolidone. No strains resistant to ciprofloxacin were detected according to the NCCLS guidelines, but 31.3% of isolates exhibiting reduced ciprofloxacin susceptibility (MICs ranging between 0.125 and 0.5 mg/l). Two strains S. Mbandaka and Salmonella group D (variant motility--) were resistant to cefotaxime and probably produced ESBL.

[Phage types, plasmid profiles and chromosomal restriction profiles of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. enteritidis (S. enteritidis) isolated in Poland in 1999-2000]. / Typy fagowe oraz profile plazmidowego i chromosomalnego DNA szczepów Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) izolowanych w Polsce w latach 1999-2000.

Salmonella Enteritidis strains are the most often isolated Salmonella serovars in Poland. In the present study, phage typing, plasmid profile analysis, and PFGE have been applied to characterize 140 Polish S. Enteritidis isolates originated from human cases of salmonellosis and from other sources. The typing phages of Ward and colleagues scheme were used to type a total of 140 S. Enteritidis strains coming from Poland. All 140 strains were typable and six different phage types were observed. A total of 125 (89%) of 140 isolates examined belonged to PT 4. The others PTs were represented by small amount of strains (PT1-2, PT6-6, PT7-1, PT8-4 and PT21-2 strains). Among all tested isolates six different plasmid profiles were observed. Of the 140 examined strains, 128 (91.4%) contained the 57 kb plasmid alone. After XbaI digestion four distinct pulse field chromosomal restriction profiles among studied S. Enteritidis were observed. XbaI and SpeI chromosomal restriction profiles of S. Enteritidis PT4 were identical with reference strain profiles. Our findings confirmed earlier suggestions that the increase of human salmonellosis cases in Poland was caused by S. Enteritidis PT4 and was due to consumption of contaminated food. This study confirmed the importance of using PFGE in combination with phage typing, plasmid typing and antibiotic resistance testing for studying the epidemiology of S. Enteritidis.

[Taxonomy of Citrobacter rods found in human specimens]. / Taksony paleczek z rodzaju Citrobacter wystepujace w próbkach materialu od ludzi.

The aim of this study was the identification of 181 Citrobacter strains on the basis of the recently proposed taxonomic changes of Brenner. All strains were isolated from diarrhoeic patients; 124 strains were originally sent for identification to Laboratory of Enterobacteriaceae DB NIH, 57 strains was isolated in Czech Republic. Citrobacter isolates were initially identified as C. koseri (3 strains), C. amalonaticus (1 strain) or as members of the C. freundii complex (177 strains). Additionally some biochemical tests were performed. The ability to grow in medium containing KCN, lysine decarboxylase production, lactose fermentation and PYR test were examined. Strains belonging to the C. freundii complex were identified to the species level by biochemical methods on the basis of the results of Brenner, who found some tests to be useful in separating Citrobacter species. These test included citrate and acetate utilization, arginine dihydrolase and ornithine decarboxylase activities, motility, urease production, esculin hydrolysis, and acid production from sucrose, dulcitol, melibiose, raffinose and salicin. On the basis of the criteria described above, 96.6% of the strains tested could be assigned to one of the recently named species of C. freundii complex. Using biochemical tests suggested by Brenner we were able to identify Citrobacter strains members of newly recognised species. A five-test system is proposed to identify the most frequently encountered species currently residing in the C. freundii complex.

[Differentiation of Citrobacter strains using electrophoretic protein patterns]. / Róznicowanie szczepów paleczek z rodzaju Citrobacter na podstawie elektroforetycznego profilu bialek komórkowych.

The aim of this study was checking of the usefulness of electrophoretic protein patterns in differentiation of Citrobacter strains. For analysis of whole-cell proteins 181 Citrobacter strains were prepared. Electrophoresis was performed in Mini Protean Duall Slab Cell (Bio-Rad) apparatus. Electrophoresis was carried out in 10% polyacrylamide gel according to the SDS-PAGE method of Laemmli. Whole-cell proteins of all tested Citrobacter strains gave after electrophoresis 12 to 20 bands. Patterns consisting of 12 to 20 fragments ranging in size from 70,000 to 14,000 and smaller, were not distinguishable. There were no significant differences between electrophorograms of Citrobacter strains belonging to the different species, useful for species differentiation. Identical protein band patterns were observed in the case of selected strains e.g. strains C. sedlakii studied in this study, coming from an outbreak, having the some phenotype.

[Differentiation of Citrobacter strains using chromosomal DNA restriction patterns]. / Róznicowanie szczepów paleczek z rodzaju Citrobacter na podstawie elektroforetycznego rozdzialu genomowego DNA.

The aim of this study was checking of the usefulness of chromosomal DNA restriction patterns in differentiation of Citrobacter strains. Molecular characterization of total 56 isolates of Citrobacter from Poland and Czech Republic, was performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis after digestion of chromosomal DNA with restriction endonuclease Xba I (5'-TCTAGA-3'). Chromosomal DNA of all tested Citrobacter strains gave after electrophoresis 12 to 21 bands and patterns consisting of 12 to 21 fragments ranging in size from 790 kb to 48.5 kb and smaller, which where not distinguishable. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns were useful for comparing Citrobacter strains. Identical restriction patterns generated by PFGE were observed in the case of selected strains e.g. strains C. sedlakii studied in this study, coming from an outbreak, having the some phenotype. In addition, PFGE patterns can be used to evaluate the clonal relatedness among bacterial isolates. PFGE can be helpful for assessing genetic relatedness among strains epidemiologicaly unrelated e.g. C. werkmanii strains tested in this study. The sum of DNA fragments after Xba I digestion indicates the genome size of Citrobacter strains. This suggests that PFGE should be useful for epidemiological investigations of Citrobacter strains.

[Characteristics of E.coli O157 strains isolated in Poland from clinical material and food samples]. / Charakterystyka szczepów E. coli O157 izolowanych w Polsce z próbek materialu klinicznego i z zywnosci.

E. coli belonging to the O157 serological group are among the organisms isolated most frequently out of all the so called entero-hemorrhagic E. coli strains (EHEC). Since several years they have been isolated also in Poland. The purpose of the present study was determination on selected phenotypic and genotypic properties of E. coli O157 strains isolated in our country from clinical material samples and from food. The serotype of the strains was determined, together with the following properties regarded as pathogenicity markers of verotoxic E. coli strains such as absence of beta-glucuronidase activity and sorbitol fermentation ability, as well as production of verotoxins SLT I and/or SLT II and entero-hemolysin. Besides that, by the PCR method the fragments of the genes coding for verotoxins, intimin and enterohaemolysin were amplified. The products of PCR were analysed by the restriction enzyme analysis (RFLP). All verotoxic E. coli O157 strains isolated in Poland were analysed by the pulsed field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA (PFGE). The studied group comprised E. coli O157 strains, among them 40 strains were isolated from human faeces and 5 from food. The remaining strains were the reference E. coli O157:H7 EDL 933 and G 5244 strains and strains from NIH collection. The obtained results showed that the tested strains were a very varying population. 21 of them (all isolated from food, 11 from faeces and 5 reference strains) belonged to serotype O157:H7, five were not peritrichous O157:NM and the remaining ones had other ciliary antigen than H7. All strains isolated from food, reference strains and only 3 O157:NM strains isolated from humans were verotoxic. The strains from food and two reference strains produced only SLT II, 2 of 3 strains isolated from humans and one reference strain also produced only SLT II and the other produced both verotoxins. Apart from these 13 verotoxic strains all remaining strains caused sorbitol fermentation.

[Characteristics of Yersinia strains from clinical material and from other sources. I. Selected biochemical properties]. / Charakterystyka szczepów z rodzaju Yersinia pochodzacych z materialu klinicznego i innych zródel. I. Wybrane wlasciwosci biochemiczne.

The purpose of the study was the determination of biochemical features of strains belonging to Yersinia genus isolated from clinical material and other sources, and an assessment of the usefulness of certain biochemical tests for the detection of potentially pathogenic Yersinia strains. In all, 110 strains were studied, including 48 from the archives of the National Institute of Hygiene, 38 isolated from food of animal or plant origin, and 24 isolated from blood and faeces of patients. On the ground of the biochemical features the isolated strains were recognized as belonging to 5 species: Y. enterocolitica(83 strains), Y. pseudotuberculosis(12 strains), Y. frederiksenii(7 strains), Y. kristensenii(2 strains) and Y. intermedia(4 strains). Two strains differed in their features from the typical species reveale as yet in Yersinia genus. All strains isolated from clinical material were recognized as Y. enterocolitica, while those isolated from food included also Y. frederiksenii, Y. intermedia and Y. kristensenii. The isolated strains grew well on CIN medium forming characteristic violet-pink colonies with irregular outlines after 24-48 hours of incubation at 25 degrees C or 37 degrees C. The potential pathogenicity was assessed on the basis of the presence of autoagglutination (AA) and absent ability of breaking down of salicin, aesculin and pyrazinamide. Only two strains of Y. enterocolitica 03 isolated from faeces and 5 strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis from the archives had AA ability. Low frequency of AA was explained with possible loss of plasmids conveying virulence as a result of multiple passages of the strains, and the fact that many of them were present in the R phase. All strains of Y. enterocolitica 03 and both Y. enterocolitica 09 strains from the archives could be assumed to be potentially pathogenic for man and animals, while no strain isolated from food showed the set of features which could suggest its possible pathogenicity.

[Evaluation of antibacterial and antitoxic activity of normal human immunoglobulin for intravenous use (IVIG)]. / Ocena antybakteryjnej i antytoksycznej aktywnosci ludzkiej normalnej immunoglobuliny do stosowania dozylnego (IVIG).

In the present study, human immunoglobulins for intravenous use (IVIG), were tested for contents of diphtheria antibodies, antistreptolysin O, antistaphylolysin and antibody level of endotoxin of B. pertussis, enterobacterial common antigen and group B Streptococci. It was shown that all examined immunoglobulin preparation contained antibodies against all tested antigens. Our investigation revealed differences between IVIG preparations and IVIG lots. Basing on these results, we know that the biological activity of Bioglobulin is the same as biological activity of other IVIG preparations produced by foreign manufactures.

[Comparative evaluation of latex reagents of Wellcolex Color Salmonella and Latex Salmonella used for detection and identification of Salmonella rods]. / Porównawcza ocena zestawów lateksowych Wellcolex Colour Salmonella i Lateks Salmonella sluzacych do wykrywania i identyfikacji somatycznych antygenów paleczek z rodzaju Salmonella.

The aim of this study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the Wellcolex Colour Salmonella (WCS) set produced by Murex with the Latex Salmonella (LS) set developed by the Polish company Biomex and commonly used in sanitary and epidemiological stations. An attempt is also made to determine the possible usefulness of the WCS test in routine diagnostic of salmonellosis and of S. typhi carrier. The sensitivity and specificity of latex reagents of both sets were determined basing on reactions with the suspensions of 17 selected Salmonella strains representing the A-E and G serological groups and with Salmonella O antigen preparations obtained using the Boivin method. Both reagents from the WCS set were found to detect Salmonella bacteria in a suspension having a minimal density of 7.5-60 x 10(7) cfu/ml while both the polyvalent reagent B-E and monovalent reagents from the LS set still reacted with suspensions of 0.47-15 x 10(7) cfu/ml density. Comparison of the sensitivity of both tests basing on reactions with Salmonella O antigen specimens from the B to E groups revealed that the latex reagents from the two sets detected antigens from the C2 and C3 groups and the E group in concentrations of 1 microgram/ml and 0.5 microgram/ml respectively. In the case of antigen specimens from group B, group C and group D, the LS test detecting these antigens in concentrations of 0.25-1 microgram/ml turned out to be four to eight times more sensitive in reaction with a polyvalent agent and two to eight times more sensitive in reaction with monovalent reagents than the WCS set. The evaluated latex reagents from the WCS set and LS set reacted specifically with both cell suspensions and Salmonella antigen preparations. Also, the applicability of the two latex sets to detect and identify Salmonella antigens in liquid and mixed bacterial cultures of these germs in selenite broth was compared. A positive result of the WCS test was obtained in 41% of Salmonella culture samples whereas Salmonella antigens were found in all the studied culture samples when the polyvalent reagent B-E from the LS set was used and in 97.5% of the samples when monovalent reagents were used. The study showed that in spite of the comparable specificity of the WCS test with respect to the LS set produced in Poland, the latex reagents from the WCS set turned out to be of little use in detecting and identifying Salmonella antigens in mixed bacterial cultures in selenite broth.