[The use of stem cells in some rheumatic diseases]. / Zastosowanie mezenchymalnych komórek macierzystych w wybranych chorobach reumatycznych.

Stem cells (SC) are characterized by the possibility of a potentially unlimited number of divisions, that are, its self-renewal and differentiation pot in all tissues of the body. The term "stem cells" was first used by the Russian histologist Alexander Maksimova in 1908 in relation to the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC - haematopoietic stem cells). SC, because of their ability to self-renewal and proliferation enormous potential, became the subject of numerous research around the world. These studies offer hope for improving the prognosis and optimization methods for the treatment of many types of diseases, including diseases of the developing autoimmune which include rheumatic diseases. Pain associated with the most common rheumatic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, cause temporary restriction of efficiency, frequent use of sick leave and abuse of painkillers. Rheumatic diseases often have young people in the labor force, have a chronic condition, and despite of the treatment over time lead to permanent disability and even premature death. Therapy with stem cells, can become an effective alternative to standard therapies used so far. The results of the first studies on the use of stem cells are promising and warrant further work on their application not only in rheumatic diseases.

High frequency ultrasonography: a complementary diagnostic method in evaluation of primary cutaneous melanoma.

AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of high frequency ultrasonography in the diagnosis of melanoma. METHODS: We examined 84 patients with suspicious melanocytic skin lesions, including 19 cases of melanoma. In vivo high-resolution ultrasonography (30 MHz) was performed prior to excision. RESULTS: In ultrasound scans early melanomas presented as flat oval or fusiform shaped structures and were clearly demarcated, while advanced melanomas were characterized by a roundish shape with less distinct borders. The ultrasonographic thickness of in situ melanomas ranged from 0.02 to 0.85 mm. In the case of invasive tumors, the mean thickness evaluated by high frequency ultrasonography was 10.7% higher compared to the Breslow Score (1.44±0.8 mm and 1.3±0.88 mm, respectively). In all melanomas of Breslow Score of 1 mm or more ultrasound also indicated a Breslow Score of 1 mm or more. CONCLUSION: High frequency ultrasound examination has limited value in differential diagnosis of melanoma, but it gives a clear picture of the size and depth of the tumor. The method should be used as a complementary method (after dermoscopy and, where applicable, reflectance confocal microscopy) in preoperative evaluation of the tumor. In some cases of locally advanced melanoma, ultrasound examination may allow to reduce the number of surgical procedures and favor the decision of a one-time surgical treatment (removal of primary tumor and sentinel lymph node biopsy at the same time).

Long-term cefuroxime axetil in subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. A report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a subset of lupus erythematosus characterized mainly by prominent photoaggravated cutaneous manifestations. Standard therapies for SCLE include topical or systemic steroids and antimalarial drugs. Both methods show limited efficacy in clearing cutaneous lesions and occasionally produce serious side effects. AIM: To assess the efficacy of cefuroxime axetil, an oral cephalosporin with antibacterial and immunosuppressive activity, in patients with SCLE. METHODS: Three patients with SCLE were treated with cefuroxime axetil at a daily dose of 500 mg for 30-60 days. RESULTS: In all patients complete clearing of skin lesions was achieved and no side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: We suggest that long-term cefuroxime axetil administration might be an alternative treatment for patients with SCLE skin lesions.

[Use of cefuroxime axetil in clinical practice]. / Zastosowanie aksetylu cefuroksymu w praktyce klinicznej.

This study summarizes the actual recommendations for cefuroxime axetil treatment in dermatology and general medicine. These include the well known clinical efficacies in therapy of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, genitourinary tract infections and skin and soft tissue infections, but also connective tissue diseases, such as morphea and SCLE. Though the immunomodulatory activity of the drug should be established by further controlled studies, there are some limited literature data, which show the modulatory effect of cefuroxime axetil on the lymphocyte proliferation and the production of selected cytokines.

[A case of frontal lobe syndrome of post-traumatic origin]. / Przypadek zespolu plata czolowego pochodzenia pourazowego.

The paper discusses the case of a patient who was subjected to forensic and psychiatric observation and was charged with appropriation of money to the detriment of the company she worked for by District Public Prosecutor's Office. History data indicate that she was employed in the said company over the period of 20 years as an accountant and until the disclosure of the crime she had had the company's full confidence. She enjoyed a fine reputation at the place of her residence as well. Several months before undertaking criminal actions she had sustained a head and chest injure as a result of a car accident. She was not subjected to hospitalisation then. Before she had not been penalized administratively or legally. She had not suffered from head injuries with a loss of consciousness. During forensic and psychiatric observation, psychiatric, psychological, neurological and electroencephalographic examinations were carried out, skull and chest plain films were taken and computerised tomography of head was conducted. Clinically it was diagnosed as a frontal organic brain damage syndrome complicated by depression. Experts' examinations were steered by psychopathological image, especially axial symptoms of defective function of the frontal lobe, i.e. lack of initiative and spontaneity, deficiency of higher emotions, decline of criticism and lowering of psychomotor drive. Although psychological examination showed that intelligence quotient and the results of 'organic tests' were within normal range, qualitative analysis of the structure of mental functions disclosed impairment of abstract thinking, especially using associative processes. Essential data were gathered from computerised tomography of head which demonstrated cortical atrophy of frontal and temporal lobes and pericentral gyri. However, neurological and electroencephalographic examinations and skull plain film did not bring any significant information.