[Pulmonary tuberculosis in youth treated at the Clinic of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis in 1990-1994]. / Zapadalnosc na gruzlice pluc miodych leczonych w klinice chorób pluc i gruzlicy w latach 1990-1994.

An analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis morbidity risk factors has been presented among patients treated in the Clinic during the period 1990-94. Among the morbidity risk factors, apart from the presence of concomitant diseases, the deterioration of the standard of living of the population and the low level of health education, observed even among people with higher education, was of prime importance, followed by a limited number of radiographic, catastral examinations.

[Difficulties with diagnosis of lung cancer]. / Trudnosci z rozpoznaniem raka pluc.

52 year old patient with pulmonary tuberculosis in the past, was admitted to hospital because of massive hemoptysis. The cause of hemoptysis was not find during routine examinations. TK of lungs revealed only cirrhosis and bronchiectases in upper right lobe. During thoracotomy lung cancer was recognised.

[Tuberculous meningitis--a diagnostic and treatment problem]. / Gruzlicze zapalenie opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych--problem diagnostyczny i leczniczy.

Tuberculous meningitis is one of the most serious form of tuberculosis. The delay in diagnosing of tuberculous meningitis results in high mortality. An early diagnosis allows to achieve successful effects of treatment.

[Exposure to organic dust and microorganisms as a factor affecting respiratory function of workers of purebred horse farms]. / Narazenie na pyl organiczny i drobnoustroje jako czynnik wplywajacy na stan ukladu oddechowego pracowników stadniny koni.

In two farms of purebred horses, microbiological studies of the air and medical examination of the workers were performed. The concentration of microorganisms in the air were within the range 29.2-336.0 cfu x 10(3)/m3. The respirable fraction in most cases was between 30-60% of the total count. The levels of dust and endotoxin were low except for one sampling point where the concentration of endotoxin was as high as 3.44 g/m3. As many as 16 workers out of the total of 31 examined reported occurrence of work-related symptoms. However, the results of physical examination and of lung function tests were within normal range. A high proportion of workers showed a positive skin response to Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (51.6%) and the presence of precipitins to Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (32.3%). No significant relationship could be found between the presence of symptoms and positive allergological reactions. Total medical results indicate the probability of the occurrence of Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome in high proportion of the workers.

[Microflora of the air in sawmills as a potential occupational hazard: concentration and composition of microflora and immunologic reactivity of workers to microbial aeroallergens]. / Mikroflora powietrza tartaków jako potencjalny czynnik zagrozenia zawodowego: stezenie i sklad mikroflory oraz immunologiczna reaktywnosc pracowników na aeroalergeny drobnoustrojowe.

Microbiologial studies of the air and allergological examinations of the workers were performed in two sawmills processing deciduous wood (mainly oak) and in one sawmill processing coniferous wood (mainly pine). The concentration of microorganisms in the air was of the order 10(3)-10(4) cfu/m3. The most common organisms were corynebacteria (Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Microbacterium), spore-forming bacilli (Bacillus), Gram-negative bacteria (rahnella) and filamentous fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium). The workers responded to the extract of pine dust with much higher frequency than to the extract of oak dust. The workers processing pine were often sensitized to Rahnella while those processing oak were commonly sensitized to Penicillium. Precipitin reactions were rare and occurred only with the antigen of Rahnella.

[Microflora of the in furniture factors as a potential occupational hazard: concentration and composition of microflora and immunologic reactivity of workers to microbial aeroallergens]. / Mikroflora powietrza fabryk mebli jako potencjalny czynnik zagrozenia zawodowego: stezenie i skiad mikroflory oraz immunologiczna reaktywnosc pracowników na aeroalergeny drobnoustrojowe.

Microbiologial studies of the air were performed in two furniture factories. The concentration of microorganisms in the air was low, being of the order 10(3) cfu/m3. The most common organisms were corynebacteria (Arthrobacter, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Microbacterium) and fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Rhodotorula rubra). Some of the species found in this environment possess known allergenic properties. Allergological examinations of the workers with environmental aeroallergens have been performed in three departments of one factory. The highest frequency of positive skin reactions were observed among the workers of the varnishing department which may be due to synergistic effects of chemical pollutants. The incidence of precipitin reactions was low among all workers.

[Cytologic and histopathologic examinations of polyps and mucosa in chronic allergic and nonallergic rhinitis]. / Badania cytologiczne i histopatologiczne polipów i blony sluzowej w przewleklych alergicznych i niealergicznych niezytach nosa.

We evaluated cytograms and tissue sections of nasal polyps and mucosa of 30 patients with chronic allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. We compared them with cytograms and biopsies of 20 asymptomatic persons. We noticed a presence of neutrophils in cytograms and in biopsies of patients with allergic rhinitis and with nonallergic eosinophilic rhinitis. We observed the metaplasia of endothelium in allergic rhinitis, aspirin intolerance and in control group. The obtained data create integral view of alterations on the surface and inside of mucosa. Their analysis permits for correct classification and treatment of rhinitis.

[Phenotype of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage and peripheral blood with different clinical presentations of sarcoidosis]. / Fenotyp limfocytów z plukania oskrzelowo-pecherzykowego i krwi obwodowej w róznych postaciach klinicznych sarkoidozy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the bronchoalveolar cell counts, the phenotypic characteristics of bronchoalveolar lavage and peripheral lymphocytes and the clinical manifestation of sarcoidosis. 24 patients with sarcoidosis of the lung were examined. Patients were divided into groups based on the presence and the type of clinical symptoms (patients with symptoms of Löfgren syndrome, with constitutional and respiratory symptoms and symptomless patients). The lymphocyte subtypes were analysed using the panel of monoclonal antibodies Simultest IMK Plus with the flow cytometry (Orto Cytoron Absolute). The highest ratio CD4/CD8 in BALF was found in patients with symptoms of Löfgren Syndrome (mean 11.4), the lowest in symptomless patients (mean 4.5). The bronchoalveolar cell count and the percentages of phenotypes of peripheral blood lymphocytes did not differ significantly between the groups of patients. The bronchoalveolar lavage performed in patients with sarcoidosis indicates various intensity of alveolitis dependent on the clinical manifestation.

[Blood platelets as one hemostatic indicator in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Plytki krwi jako jeden z wykladników hemostazy u chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

Phospholipids forming blood platelets membrane are substrates for oxidative phosphorylation in electric and chemical activation of these cells. Beneficial effect of corticosteroids on the course of asthma is connected with inhibition of phospholipase A2. This enzyme is responsible for the generation of allergic reaction membrane mediators like leukotrienes, prostaglandins and other lipoxygenase products. Three groups of asthmatic patients were observed: I group--patients with mild asthma, II group--patients with moderate asthma, III group--patients with severe, corticosteroid-dependent bronchial asthma. Changes of platelets membrane phospholipids structure in these groups of asthmatic patients were analyzed. There were significant differences in membrane phospholipids structure between II and III group of patients and control subjects (p < 0.01).

[Effect of beta 2-adrenergic agonists on neurotoxic action of aminophyllines]. / Wplyw agonistów beta 2-adrenergicznych na neurotoksyczne dzialanie aminofiliny.

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate whether the beta 2-adrenergic agonists affect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of aminophylline-induced seizures. Adult male Albino Swiss mice were treated i.p. with salbutamol, fenoterol or terbutaline and 30 min. later they received i.p.aminophylline. During 90 min. observation clonic and tonic seizures and also mortality of mice were registered. Moreover the influence of beta 2-adrenomimetics on electroshock-induced seizure threshold (CS 50) and on plasma aminophylline concentration was estimated. It was found that pretreatment with salbutamol, fenoterol and terbutaline decreased the ED 50 (for clonic and tonic seizures) and LD 50 of aminophylline. Fenoterol decreased but terbutaline increased the CS 50 in mice. Only terbutaline elevated significantly the plasma concentration of aminophylline. The data indicate that concomitant treatment with beta 2-adrenergic agonists together with aminophylline increase the risk of aminophylline-induced seizures. Thus plasma monitoring of aminophylline concentration could be used in all patients treated simultaneously with beta-2-adrenergic agonists and aminophylline.

[Bacterial endotoxins produced by Alcaligenes faecalis and Erwinia herbicola as potential occupational hazards for agricultural workers]. / Endotoksyny bakteryjne Alcaligenes faecalis i Erwinia herbicola czynnikami narazenia zawodowego w rolnictwie.

Laboratory animals (guinea pigs and rabbits) were exposed to the inhalation of aerosolized endotoxins derived from the cell mass of Alcaligenes faecalis and Erwinia herbicola, the Gram-negative bacteria commonly occurring in organic dusts. Single 1 hour-lasting exposure caused the significant increase in the number of free lung cell, mostly lymphocytes, compared to the control group exposed to saline (P < 0.001). Prolonged exposure to tested endotoxins (Fifteen 1 hour-lasting exposures every second day) caused both specific and non specific immunological changes: enhanced inhibition of leukocyte migration production of precipitins, and activation of alveolar macrophages, wes assessed by greater antibacterial activity and increased interleukin I (IL-I) production. The results indicate that the endotoxins of examined bacteria represent a potential risk of inflammatory lung reaction and respiratory disease for agricultural workers inhaling organic dusts contaminated with these organisms.

[Use of arterial embolization in treatment of pulmonary hemorrhage]. / Zastosowanie embolizacji tetnic w leczeniu krwotoków plucnych.

Embolization of bronchial and systemic arteries is a method of choice in treatment of pulmonary hemorrhages in patients with existing contraindications to surgical therapy. Embolization was carried out in 57 patients with pulmonary hemorrhages in the course of pulmonary tuberculosis, mycetomas, bronchiectases, malignancy, vessel malformations and post-traumatic changes. In all patients it terminated hemorrhages. During the 5 year follow-up period recurrencies were seen in 14% of the patients warranting additional embolization.

[Pathogenic action of Erwinia herbicola. I. In vitro investigations]. / Patogenne dzialanie paleczki Erwinia herbicola. I. Badania in vitro.

The effects of antigen and endotoxin of Erwinia herbicola on physiological status of alveolar macrophages were studied in vitro. The studies comprised determination of the cytotoxicity of antigens + and their effects on superoxide anion and interleukin-1 (IL-1) generation by alveolar macrophages. It was found that tested agents were cytotoxic for alveolar macrophages in large concentrations (from 1000 micrograms/ml. In lower concentrations (1-10 micrograms/ml) they stimulated the activity of alveolar macrophages, causing significant increase in superoxide anion(O2) and IL-1 generation. Superoxide anion and IL-1 production may be of importance in pathogenesis of organic dust-induced lung diseases and our results indicate that agents associated with these diseases induced their production.

[Pathogenic action of Erwinia herbicola. II. In vivo investigations]. / Patogenne dzialanie paleczki Erwinia herbicola. II. Badania in vivo.

The pulmonary response of guinea pigs to inhalation of antigen and endotoxin of Erwinia herbicola was investigated. Pulmonary parameters monitored in this study were breathing rate, cellular differential counts from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, superoxide anion and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production by alveolar macrophages. Both agents caused an increase in breathing rate; an influx of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and red blood cells to the lung; and an enhancement of secretion of superoxide anions and IL-1 by pulmonary macrophages. The results indicate significant role of extrinsic bacilli Erwinia herbicola in respiratory pathology and show new mechanisms of their action.

[Significance of exposure tests in diagnosis of occupational asthma]. / Znaczenie testów ekspozycyjnych w rozpoznawaniu astmy zawodowej.

Twenty-eight patients aged from 32 to 60 years, including 18 female and 10 male, were examined because of bronchial asthma suspicion. They were employed in different professions, but more of them worked as baker or nurse. An occupation time was from 11 to 32 years, but first symptoms of bronchial asthma were noticed after 7-28 (mean 14 yrs.) years of work. At all patients the exposure test (inhalatory challenge) with some substances selected by disease history was performed. This above mentioned substances were mechanically polluted in air to simulate an occupational circumstances. The exposure was persisted from 5 to 30 minutes, according to observed disease symptoms. Spirometric tests were performed in 2 and 30 minutes after exposure, but in baker group also in 4 and 8 hours. At 26 patients a decrease higher than 20% of starting values of FEV1 was determined. In most cases there were immediate reactions, and at baker group--dual reactions. At two examined subjects no response of bronchial tree was observed but only burning of mucosa and cutaneous pruritus. For this reason at this group a diagnose of allergy to examined substances was established. Other ones 26 patients were diagnosed as occupational bronchial asthma.