Determination of benzene, toluene and xylene concentration in humid air using differential ion mobility spectrometry and partial least squares regression.

Benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX compounds) are chemicals of greatest concern due to their impact on humans and the environment. In many cases, quantitative information about each of these compounds is required. Continuous, fast-response analysis, performed on site would be desired for this purpose. Several methods have been developed to detect and quantify these compounds in this way. Methods vary considerably in sensitivity, accuracy, ease of use and cost-effectiveness. The aim of this work is to show that differential ion mobility spectrometry (DMS) may be applied for determining concentration of BTX compounds in humid air. We demonstrate, this goal is achievable by applying multivariate analysis of the measurement data using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The approach was tested at low concentrations of these compounds in the range of 5-20 ppm and for air humidity in a range 0-12 g/kg. These conditions correspond to the foreseeable application of the developed approach in occupational health and safety measurements. The average concentration assessment error was about 1 ppm for each: benzene, toluene and xylene. We also successfully determined water vapor content in air. The error achieved was 0.2 g/kg. The obtained results are very promising regarding further development of DMS technique as well as its application.

Influence of the filler on thermal properties of porous VP-TRIM copolymers.

In this paper, the synthesis and characterization of thermal properties of porous copolymers 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate are presented. They were obtained by suspension polymerization as a pure polymers or composite materials with different inorganic fillers. The influence of the type of filler on the textural and thermal properties was investigated in details. It was found that the value of the porous surface area of composites is much lower than in the case of pure copolymers. Thermal properties of the obtained materials were investigated by the means of thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry.

Representativeness of shorter measurement sessions in long-term indoor air monitoring.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) considerably influences health, comfort and the overall performance of people who spend most of their lives in confined spaces. For this reason, there is a strong need to develop methods for IAQ assessment. The fundamental issue in the quantitative determination of IAQ is the duration of measurements. Its inadequate choice may result in providing incorrect information and this potentially leads to wrong conclusions. The most complete information may be acquired through long-term monitoring. However it is typically perceived as impractical due to time and cost load. The aim of this study was to determine whether long-term monitoring can be adequately represented by a shorter measurement session. There were considered three measurable quantities: temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration. They are commonly recognized as indicatives for IAQ and may be readily monitored. Scaled Kullback-Leibler divergence, also called relative entropy, was applied as a measure of data representativeness. We considered long-term monitoring in a range from 1 to 9 months. Based on our work, the representative data on CO2 concentration may be acquired while performing measurements during 20% of time dedicated to long-term monitoring. In the case of temperature and relative humidity the respective time demand was 50% of long-term monitoring. From our results, in indoor air monitoring strategies, there could be considered shorter measurement sessions, while still collecting data which are representative for long-term monitoring.

Method of gas mixtures discrimination based on sensor array, temporal response and data driven approach.

This work presents a method of gas mixtures discrimination. The principal concept of the method is to apply measurement data provided by a combination of sensors at single time point of their temporal response as input of the discrimination models. The pattern data combinations are selected for classes of target gases based on the criterion of 100% efficient discrimination. Combinations of sensors and time points, which provide pattern data combinations in course or repeated measurements, are encoded in the form of addresses. The designer of sensor system is responsible for their selection and they are included in the software of the final instrument. The study of the method involved the discrimination of gas mixtures composed of air and single chemical: hexane, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and toluene. Two sensor arrays were utilized. Each consisted of six TGS sensors of the same type. The dynamic operation of sensors was employed. As an example the stop-flow mode was chosen. The work provides the evidence of the existence of sensor combinations and time points, which are successful in discrimination of studied classes of target gases. The persistence of addresses was discussed considering the ability of sensor array to recognize analytes, variability of repeated measurement results, number of repeated measurements and a twin sets of sensors. Altogether, the validity of the method was demonstrated.

The increased plasma C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery are associated with the interleukin-6-174G > C gene polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: The interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter -174G/C polymorphism (rs1800795) is associated with enhanced systemic inflammatory response to injury. However, data on the effect of this polymorphism on inflammatory markers in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) are inconsistent. The aim of our study was to investigate whether -174G/C IL-6 polymorphism affects plasma IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in patients undergoing CABG. METHODS: A total of 179 consecutive white patients (77% men, aged 65 +/- 8.6 standard deviation [SD] y) scheduled for elective isolated CABG were studied. Pre- and postoperative CRP and IL-6 levels were analysed in relation to the 174G/C IL-6 polymorphism determined by using TaqMan single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping technique. RESULTS: The genotype distribution was as follows: GG -46 (26%), GC -93 (52%) and CC -40 (22%). The C allele carriers had higher baseline CRP (4.1 +/- 0.35 versus 2.4 +/- 0.59 mg/L, P = 0.02) and IL-6 levels (3.0 +/- 0.17 versus 2.2 +/- 0.3 pg/mL, P = 0.02) than GG patients. Five to seven days after CABG, CRP levels rose by 54% (P = 0.03), and IL-6 levels tended to be higher (P = 0.07) in -174C allele carriers than the non-carriers. There were no associations between -174G/C IL-6 polymorphism and any demographic-, clinical- or procedure-related variables as well as major adverse cardiovascular events. Multivariate regression analysis, including sex, age, body mass index, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, hypertension diabetes, identified CG + CC genotype as the only independent predictor of preoperative CRP and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the -174C allele determines to some extent higher plasma CRP and IL-6 concentrations pre- and postoperatively in CABG patients.

Sensor array data profiling for gas identification.

The paper presents a new method of qualitative identification of gas. It is based on a dynamic response of sensor array with the emphasis on the processing of discrete measurement data. The information needed for identification of test samples is obtained in course of profiling the data from calibration measurements. This operation consists of the following steps: classification of data sets, selection of representative data sets, parameterization of classifiers associated with representative data sets and determination of data records. In our work Discriminant Function Analysis was used for data classification. The information saved in data record describes: the sequential number of discrete measurement, combination of gas sensors in this measurement which are best for classification of calibration samples, and the parameters of associated classifier. They are identifiers of gas class. The procedure of data record determination itself is time consuming. However this operation will be performed only at the stage of the development of the measurement instrument and when its malfunction is diagnosed. The routine use of the instrument will be restricted to gas identification task, which only utilizes the results of profiling. The identification of unknown gas is performed on the base of data records and measurement data obtained for this gas. Data records guide the preparation of data sets, separately for each class of gases. These data sets are used as input of the discriminant functions which have parameter values also indicated by data records. It was shown in the present contribution, that the qualitative identification of nine test gas samples (vapors of ethanol, acetic acid and ethyl acetate in air) with our method was very accurate and fast.

Discrimination of coatings on wooden materials using the gas sensor system.

The applicability of sensor system for the discrimination of sources of indoor pollution was investigated. As examples of indoor pollution sources, paint and lacquer coatings were considered. Commercially available preparations: Akrylux, Doamlux, Bejca and White Scandinavian were selected for headspace measurements using TGS sensor array. Following issues were investigated: (1) discrimination between water- and solvent-based coatings, (2) discrimination between one component coatings, and (3) discrimination between one component and two component coatings. Following data analysis methods were used: principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and probabilistic neural network (PNN). Results showed that coatings could be discriminated successfully, provided the surface covered was solid wood (0-1.8% error). The interference of fibreboard volatiles in sensor measurements of coatings was most likely encountered. It could have significantly impaired discrimination of coatings on fibreboard (2.8-5.6% error) as compared to wood. Worst results were obtained for the discrimination of coatings on unknown material(12.5-28.7% error).

[Surgical treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome]. / Operacyjne leczenie zespolu policystycznych jajników.

This analysis includes 67 cases of diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome, which were treated by surgical procedure (ovarian wedge resection). Subjects to assessment were: efficacy of treatment by mean of menstrual cycle regulation and influence of wedge resection on patients hormonal profile.

[Repeated amenorrhea after body weight loss. Efficacy of treatment of estrogen and gestagen depending on the body mass index]. / Ocena skutecznosci leczenia wtórnego braku miesiaczki po odchudzaniu estrogenami i gestagenami w aspekcie zmiany indeksu masy ciala.

The aim of the study was to evaluate end effect of different doses of estradiol and BMI changes by the time of therapy and BMI changes before therapy. We found that most important is to increase body mass to have regular cycles and there is no difference from statistical point of view to use different doses of estradiol (constant v. step down protocol). We used different progestogenic agents: medroksyprogesteron and dydrogesteron.

[Primary amenorrhea in patient with persistent communicating hydrocephalus]. / Pierwotny brak miesiaczki u pacjentki z przewleklym wodoglowiem komunikujacym.

We report a case of primary amenorrhea caused by persistent communicating hydrocephalus. Patient referred to our outpatient clinic because of primary amenorrhea. With the use of computer tomography diagnosis of hydrocephalus was established. After treatment: implantation of ventriculo-peritoneal valvue spontaneous regular menses occurred.

[Assessment of the bone mass density in young women with secondary amenorrhea]. / Ocena gestosci kosci u mlodych kobiet z wtórnym brakiem miesiaczki.

Analisys of results of bone mass density among 120 patients of Gynecological Endocrinology Clinic AM Poznan was presented. Endocrinological background of lowered bone mass density was viewed.

[Efficiency evaluation of radiotherapy of recurrences after surgery in head and neck cancer]. / Ocena skutecznosci radioterapii wznów po leczeniu operacyjnym nowotworów regionu glowy i szyi.

An analysis of 200 consecutive patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer treated after surgery with radiation at the Centre of Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute in Gliwice was performed. At the beginning of radiotherapy recurrences were found in 67 (33.5%) patients. Recurrences were diagnosed at the primary site exclusively in 30 patients, in lymph nodes only in 21 patients, in both localizations in 14 patients, and in 2 patients in the tracheostomy. Conventional 60Co radiation treatment to the mean total dose of 62.5 Gy was applied. Three year disease-free survival probability was 22% for patients with recurrences comparing to 54% for patients with no relapse. In the group of patients with recurrences better prognosis was found for patients with preoperatively early stages, and with early recurrences, located in the primary tumour site, which completely responded to radiotherapy. High rate of recurrences after surgery for head and neck cancer and low probability of recurrence control with radiotherapy indicate the necessity of more careful qualification for surgical treatment.

[Progynova in the hormonal treatment of women with secondary amenorrhea after simple weight loss]. / Ocena skutecznosci klinicznej preparatu Progynova w leczeniu wtórnego braku miesiaczki po odchudzaniu.

The estrogen-progestin treatment (Progynova + medroxyprogesterone acetate) were analyzed in group of 35 women after simple body weight loss. Women were between 16 and 20 years. We estimated hormonal profile (FSH, LH, E2) in those women. This estimation took place before treatment, after 3 months of treatment (Progynova 2 mg) and after subsequent 3 months (Progynova 1 mg). We observed significant increase of LH and estradiol concentrations after 3 months of therapy. Increase of LH and estradiol after 6 months was not significant. Increase of FSH after 3 and 6 months of therapy was not significant.

[Risks for atherosclerosis in post-menopausal women and in women with hormonal replacement therapy]. / Zagrozenie procesem miazdzycowym kobiet w okresie postmenopauzy i w trakcie zastepczej terapii hormonalnej.

The aim of our study was the evaluation of atherogenesis in postmenopausal women and after HRT in correlation with BMI, IGF-I and lipid profile. We have found unfavourable changes in lipid profile in positive correlation with BMI, after three months treatment we have found decrease in concentration of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol between women with proper BMI.

[Concentration of insulin-like growth factor I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 in postmenopausal period]. / Stezenie insulinopodobnego czynnika wzrostu pierwszego, IGFBP-1 i IGFBP-3 u kobiet w okresie postmenopauzalnym.

The aim of our study was to evaluate concentration of IGF I and binding proteins: IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 in postmenopausal period. We have found negative correlation between concentration of IGFBP-1 and BMI, especially after hormonal replacement therapy. 2 mg of 17 beta estradiol given orally.

[Prognostic factors in radiotherapy of supraglottic cancer]. / Czynniki prognostyczne w radioterapii raka górnego pietra krtani.

In 971 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of supraglottic larynx several clinical and physical prognostic factors were evaluated. There were 55% of patients with advanced primary tumours and 71% of patients with no regional neck metastases. All patients were irradiated radically using external megavoltage beam. The total dose was in range 60-70 Gy for 95% of patients. The 3-year local control rate and 3-year overall in whole group were 41% and 50% respectively. Clinical stage, haemoglobin level at the end of treatment, overall treatment time, sex and total dose were estimated as an independent and important prognostic factors for the outcome in radiotherapy of supraglottic larynx cancer.

[Pharmacologic treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome]. / Leczenie zachowawcze zespolu policystycznych jajników.

The study an evaluation of pharmacological treatment of PCOS with regard to inhibition in increase of hirsutism, regulation of the menstrual cycle, infertility and acne. During treatment the following pharmacological agents were used; sequential estrogen-progestagens, oral contraceptives, antiandrogens, clomiphene citrate and dexamethasone. The regular menstrual non-ovulating cycles were achieved in 82%, improvement of hirsutism in 73.8% and retreat in 92.9% fertility by 76.9% of patients after conservative treatment.

[Hormonal aspects of obesity]. / Hormonalne uwarunkowania otylosci.

Our article concerns the obesity, and its relationship with the menstrual disorders. This article also discusses contemporary opinions on the role of the hypothalamus, and peripheral hormonal glands in the pathophysiology of the obesity.

[Effect of Kliogest therapy on serum blood lipids in postmenopausal women]. / Wplyw terapii Kliogestem na lipidy osocza krwi u kobiet w okresie postmenopauzalnym.

Serum lipids (TG, chLDL, chHDL, TC), pituitary gonadotropins (FSH and LH) and 17 beta estradiol were examined in 28 healthy postmenopausal women (mean age 53) before and after treatment. They received continuously 17 beta estradiol in dosage 2 mg daily and 1 mg of norethisterone acetate daily during one year period. Patients were suffering from climacteric symptoms estimated by Green scale before our treatment. After one month of treatment Green scale score lowered from 29 to 7.7 points, after treatment -3.0. 17 beta estradiol rose from the concentrations below sensitivity of our laboratory tests (0.014 ng/ml), to the mean concentrations 0.092 ng/ml (SD = 0.1119, p < 0.01). There was fall in total cholesterol concentration from 240.3 mg% mean (SD = 32,208) to 195.03 mg% mean (SD = 44,6743, p < 0.01). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration decreased from 145.38 mg% mean (SD = 37,81) to 90.51 mg% mean (SD = 68,7097, p < 0.05). Triglicerydes decreased from 182 mg% mean (SD = 55,167) to 136.65 mg% mean (SD = 67,5366) (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.