Angiogenic activity of sera from extrinsic allergic alveolitis patients in relation to clinical, radiological, and functional pulmonary changes.

Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) caused by inhaled organic environmental allergens can progress to a fibrotic end-stage lung disease. Neovascularization plays an important role in pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sera from EAA patients on the angiogenic capability of normal peripheral human mononuclear cells (MNC) in relation to the clinical, radiological, and functional changes. The study population consisted of 30 EAA patients and 16 healthy volunteers. Routine pulmonary function tests were undertaken using ERS standards. As an angiogenic test, leukocyte-induced angiogenesis assay according to Sidky and Auerbach was used. Compared with sera from healthy volunteers, sera from our EAA patients significantly stimulated angiogenesis (P < 0.001). However, sera from healthy donors also stimulated angiogenesis compared to PBS (P < 0.001). No correlation was found between serum angiogenic activity and clinical symptoms manifested by evaluated patients. A decrease in DLco and in lung compliance in EAA patients was observed but no significant correlation between pulmonary functional tests and serum angiogenic activity measured by the number of microvessels or an angiogenesis index was found. However, the proangiogenic effect of sera from EAA patients differed depending on the stage of the disease and was stronger in patients with fibrotic changes. The present study suggests that angiogenesis plays a role in the pathogenesis of EAA. It could be possible that the increase in the angiogenic activity of sera from EAA patients depends on the phase of the disease.

[Vaccination against influenza in medical staff of Warsaw university hospitals and in students of Warsaw Medical University]. / Szczepienia przeciwko grypie personelu medycznego warszawskich szpitali klinicznych i studentów warszawskiego uniwersytetu medycznego.

BACKGROUND: According to CDC recommendations, medical staff should be vaccinated against influenza each year. The objective of this work was to establish the percentage of medical personnel and students vaccinated against influenza in two Warsaw university hospitals and Warsaw Medical University, to evaluate their level of awareness about the importance of vaccination and to identify reasons for not taking vaccines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted in the population of 166 physicians, 104 nurses and 254 students. RESULTS: Only 22.3% of physicians, 10.6% of nurses and 13.4% of students regularly take vaccines against influenza. Free of charge vaccination was offered to 19% of physicians, 15% of nurses and 6% of students. Awareness of the need for influenza vaccination and willingness to take free-of-charge vaccination were declared by 42% of nurses. Physicians justified their decisions not to undergo vaccination by no need to vaccinate, laziness and lack of time, nurses by no need to vaccinate and costs, and students by costs and laziness. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of medical staff of Warsaw university hospitals who regularly take vaccines against influenza is low. In view of the reluctance to take influenza vaccines observed in the study population, there is an urgent need to intensify educational efforts to increase awareness of the importance to be vaccinated.

[Neuraminidase inhibitors in prophylaxis and treatment of influenza]. / Inhibitory neuraminidazy w profilaktyce i leczeniu grypy.

Influenza is an acute infectious disease which may cause spectacular health, social and economic effects. Influenza may be prevented and treated in a sufficient way. The paper presents general rules of usage of current antiviral drugs--neuraminidase inhibitors--in prophylaxis and treatment of seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza. The paper describes mechanism of action of neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir), their main pharmacokinetic features, dosing and side effects. There was emphasized the necessity of the early introduction of treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors (36-48 hours after first symptoms) and the short duration of treatment (5 days). It is also discussed the role of neuraminidase inhibitors in the clinical management of avian influenza (H5N1) and their role in fighting with a pandemic disease.