Intraspecific variation between the ITS sequences of Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina from different host species in south-western Poland.

Some parasitic nematodes can inhabit different definitive hosts, which raises the question of the intraspecific variability of the nematode genotype affecting their preferences to choose particular species as hosts. Additionally, the issue of a possible intraspecific DNA microheterogeneity in specimens from different parts of the world seems to be interesting, especially from the evolutionary point of view. The problem was analysed in three related species - Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina - specimens originating from Central Europe (Poland). Using specific primers for species identification, internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1 and ITS-2 regions were amplified and then sequenced. The sequences obtained were compared with sequences previously described for specimens originating from other geographical locations. No differences in nucleotide sequences were established in T. canis isolated from two different hosts (dogs and foxes). A comparison of ITS sequences of T. canis from Poland with sequences deposited in GenBank showed that the scope of intraspecific variability of the species did not exceed 0.4%, while in T. cati the differences did not exceed 2%. Significant differences were found in T. leonina, where ITS-1 differed by 3% and ITS-2 by as much as 7.4% in specimens collected from foxes in Poland and dogs in Australia. Such scope of differences in the nucleotide sequence seems to exceed the intraspecific variation of the species.

Analysis of quality of life of women in menopause period in Poland, Greece, Belarus and Belgium using MRS Scale. A multicenter study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the climacteric symptoms, the activity and quality of life of women in the menopausal period from Poland, Greece, Belarus and Belgium using a Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among women over 40 years of age, from Poland (241), Belorussia (119), Greece (100), and Belgium (79). For the purpose of this research, the Polish, Russian, Belgian and Greek versions of the MRS were used. The MRS Scoring scheme is simple, i.e. the score increases point by point with the increasing severity of subjectively perceived symptoms for each of the 11 items (severity 0-no complaints, 4 scoring points-severe). The respondent provides her perception by checking one of 5 possible boxes of "severity" for each of the items. RESULTS: Mild or no complaints were reported to a similar extent by all women from these four countries. The intensity of the psychological symptoms was similar for the studied countries and did not differ significantly (P = 0.1531). Similar results we found in the somatic symptoms among the studied groups (P = 0.1421). A significant difference in the urogenital and sexual symptoms between Belgian and Belorussian women (P<0.001) was found. The frequency of menopausal symptoms was found to be significantly (P = 0.0381) higher among Belgian women in comparison to Belorussian ones. CONCLUSIONS: We found some differences between the menopausal complaints reported by women from Belgium, Belarus, Greece and Poland. Belgian women exhibited a more impaired quality of life due to a higher rate and severity of urogenital and sexual symptoms.

Developmental age, physical fitness and Toxocara seroprevalence amongst lower-secondary students living in rural areas contaminated with Toxocara eggs.

Scarce and inconclusive information on general biological impact of Toxocara invasion on paratenic hosts, and people in particular, has led us to undertake a comprehensive study of the problem. The study has been conducted in a rural environment, which is considered a toxocarosis risk factor. In total 200 soil samples have been screened for Toxocara eggs by flotation, of which 14.5% were positive. Backyards close to households were most heavily contaminated with infectious eggs--21.7% of positive samples. ELISA serological tests performed on 242 lower-secondary students found 14.5% of the studied population to be definitely positive--16.5% of boys and 12.8% of girls, respectively. The odds of being infected with Toxocara were 2 times (CI: 1.15-3.85) more likely for individuals who owned a cat than those who did not own a cat. Strong significant correlation between seropositivity and the presence of a dog in a household was found with boys. The level of developmental age was significantly higher in seropositive than in seronegative students. No significant correlation has been observed between the motor abilities and seropositivity of students. Seropositive boys had significantly lower end-of-year grades than their seronegative counterparts.

Utilizing a polymerase chain reaction method for the detection of Toxocara canis and T. cati eggs in soil.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique has been used for the differentiation of T. canis and T. cati eggs isolated from soil and previously identified from microscopical observations. The method, using specific primers for the identification of the two Toxocara species, was assessed in both the field and laboratory. Successful results were obtained when only a single or large numbers of eggs were recovered from 40 g soil samples. The method is sensitive, allows analysis of material independent of the stage of egg development and can be adapted for the recovery of other species of parasites from soil.

Attitudes of medical staff in delivering women's opinion.

PURPOSE: The growing competitiveness between various health centres in the scope of offered medical services is accompanied by growth of patients' expectations concerning the quality of the abovementioned services. That is why knowledge of the patients' needs and expectations concerning medical services may significantly contribute to the improvement in the quality of the services to be rendered. The aim of the study was to analyse the evaluation of attitudes of medical staff by delivering women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Self-invented questionnaire was used in order to examine the patients for the purposes of present research. The obtained results were subject to statistical analysis by means of chi-square test for uniformity. A 5% inference error risk was assumed and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: It has been proved that that largest percentage of delivering women was referred to as "Ms". 93.33% of the interviewed delivering women obtained complete information from the medical staff. However, no significant interrelation between the information the delivering women obtained from the medical staff and their age. Level of education and place of residence was proved. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the delivering women with a university degree evaluated the medical staff's attitude as positive more frequently than the women with primary or secondary level of education. The research indicates that in contacts with the delivering women and when informing the delivering women. The delivery block medical staff must pay particular attention to the women without higher education.

[Assessment of lipid peroxidation intensification in normal and preeclamptic placentas]. / Ocena nasilenia nadtleniania lipidów w lozyskach kobiet z ciazy prawidlowej i powiklanej przez preeklampsje.

OBJECTIVE: Free radical induced lipid peroxidation (LP) in the placenta has been suggested as a possible pathogenetic factor of preeclampsia (PE). DESIGN: The aim of the study was to assess LP intensification by the measurement of lipid peroxidation products (LPP) content in placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigations comprised placentas obtained immediately after delivery from 24 normal pregnancies [group K], 26 pregnancies complicated by severe PE without intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) [group PE] and 23 pregnancies complicated by severe PE and IUGR [group PEI]. LPP content was measured by the quantitative determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS) amounts in studied placentas. Used TBA test was calibrated with malondialdehyde (MDA) and results were expressed as MDA equivalent in nmol/mg protein. Comparative analysis was performed using U Mann-Whitney and median tests. RESULTS: Mean placental level of LPP (MLPP) in the group PE-2.45 +/- 0.39 (M +/- SD) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) as compared to MLPP in the group K (1.58 +/- 0.24). MLPP in the PEI group (2.81 +/- 0.65) was higher (p < 0.001) than MLPP in the group K as well as MLPP in the group PE but statistical significance of the latter difference was lower (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The intensification of LP in placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe PE is IUGR dependent and higher than in placentas from normal pregnancies. Obtained results may indicate that higher degree of LP intensification in preeclamptic placentas may be involved in PE pathogenesis.

[Catalase activity in normal and preeclamptic placentas]. / Aktywnosc katalazy w lozyskach z ciazy prawidlowej i powiklanej preeklampsja.

OBJECTIVE: The decrease of placental catalase (CAT) activity may lead to an increase of placental amounts of reactive oxygen species and can contribute to preeclampsia pathogenesis. DESIGN: The aim of the study was to determine CAT activity in placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies (with and without intrauterine growth restriction--IUGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigations comprised placentas obtained immediately after delivery from 22 normal pregnancies (group K), 26 pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia-PE without IUGR (group PE) and 23 pregnancies complicated by severe PE and IUGR (group PEI). The activity of CAT was determined using a spectrophotometric method and expressed as IU/mg protein. Comparative analysis was performed using U Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Mean activity of CAT (MCAT) in the PEI group--0.38 +/- 0.14 (M +/- SD), was significantly lower (p < 0.001) as compared to MCAT in the group K (0.55 +/- 0.16). MCAT in the PE group (0.48 +/- 0.14) was lower than MCAT in the group K, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). MCAT in the group PEI was significantly lower (p = 0.026) as compared to MCAT in the PE group. CONCLUSIONS: The activity of CAT is decreased in placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe PE and IUGR. Obtained results may indicate that the decrease of placental CAT activity may be involved in pathogenesis of IUGR in preeclamptic pregnancies.

[DNA adducts level in normal and preeclamptic placentas]. / Poziom adduktów DNA w lozyskach kobiet z ciazy prawidlowej i powiklanej przez preeklampsje.

OBJECTIVE: An increase in lipid peroxidation intensification in preeclamptic placentas leads to an increased level of lipid peroxidation products and increased reactive oxygen species activity which can be associated with increased activation of chemicals to electrophilic species that bind covalently to DNA and form adducts. DESIGN: The aim of the study was the determination of DNA adducts (A-DNA) in placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigations comprised placentas obtained immediately after delivery from 21 normal pregnancies [group K], 24 pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia-PE without intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR [group PE] and 21 pregnancies complicated by severe PE and IUGR [group PEI]. DNA adducts were determined using nuclease P1 digestion enhancement version of the 32P-postlabeling method. The results were expressed in numbers of DNA adducts per 10(8) nucleotides. Comparative analysis was performed using ANO-VA and median tests. RESULTS: Mean level of A-DNA (MA-DNA) in the group PE--1.39 +/- 1.21 (M +/- SD) was similar (p = 0.57) to MA-DNA in group K (1.16 +/- 1.03). However MA-DNA in the PEI group (1.93 +/- 1.28) was significantly higher (p = 0.045) than MA-DNA in the group K as well as MA-DNA in the group PE (p = 0.025). MA-DNA level in all studied preeclamptic placentas (groups PE + PEI) was 1.65 +/- 1.26 and was similar (p = 0.152) to revealed in group K. CONCLUSIONS: The level of DNA adducts in placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia and IUGR is higher than in placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia without IUGR and higher than in placentas from normal pregnancies.

[Glutathione peroxidase activity in normal and preeclamptic placentas]. / Aktywnosc peroksydazy glutationowej w lozyskach z ciazy prawidlowej i powiklanej preeklampsja.

OBJECTIVE: The decrease of placental glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity may lead to exacerbation of lipid peroxidation in preeclamptic placentas. DESIGN: The aim of the study was the determination of GSH-Px activity in placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies (with and without intrauterine growth retardation-IUGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigations comprised placentas obtained immediately after delivery from 24 normal pregnancies (group K), 26 pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia-PE (group PE) and 23 pregnancies complicated by severe PE and IUGR (group PEI). The activity of GSH-Px was determined using a spectrophotometric method and expressed as IU/g protein. Comparative analysis was performed using u Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Mean activity of GSH-Px (MGSH-Px) in the PEI group--5.38 +/- 1.59 (M +/- SD), was significantly lower (p < 0.001) as compared to MGSH-Px in the group K (7.22 +/- 1.21). MGSH-Px in the PE group (6.47 +/- 1.31) was lower than MGSH-Px in the group K, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). MGSH-Px in the group PEI was significantly lower (p = 0.023) as compared to MGSH-Px in the PE group. CONCLUSIONS: The activity of GSH-Px is decreased in placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe PE and IUGR. Received results may indicate that the decrease of placental GSH-Px activity may be involved in pathogenesis of IUGR in preeclamptic pregnancies.

Superoxide dismutase activity in normal and preeclamptic placentas.

OBJECTIVES: A deficiency in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in preeclamptic placentas can lead to an excess of superoxide radicals and may be responsible for the development and the severity of preeclampsia (PE). DESIGN: Our studies were undertaken in order to determine placental SOD activity and to investigate their association with the development and the severity of PE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activity of SOD was determined using a spectrophotometric method in 22 placentas from normal term pregnancies (group K), 24 placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe PE (group PE), and 21 placentas from pregnancies complicated by severe PE and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) (group PEI). RESULTS: Mean activity of SOD (MSOD) in 45 preeclamptic placentas 3.89 +/- 1.32 (M +/- SD) was significantly lower (P = 0.008) as compared to MSOD in the group K (6.75 +/- 1.96). MSOD in the PEI group (3.5 +/- 1.29) was significantly lower (P = 0.03) as compared to MSOD in the group K. MSOD in the PE group (4.23 +/- 1.25) was lower than MSOD in the group K, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.11). MSOD in the group PEI was lower as compared to MSOD in the PE group, however this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: The studies revealed decreased SOD activity in preeclamptic placentas in comparison to normal placentas.

[Histocompatibility antigens in pregnant women with preeclampsia and in their husbands]. / Antygeny ukladu zgodnosci tkankowej ciezarnych z preeklampsja oraz ich mezów.

OBJECTIVES: Several pedigree and epidemiological studies have suggested that preeclampsia (PE) has an immunogenetic basis. Therefore, we have attempted to disclose a possible association between antigens of the HLA system (HLA-A, B and C) and development of PE. DESIGN AND METHODS: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were typed for HLA-A, B and C antigens by the two-stage microlymphocytotoxic test in 32 pregnant women with PE and in their husbands from south-east Poland. As a control population 411 healthy unrelated inhabitants of south-east Poland were studied. The obtained individual HLA antigens frequencies were compared with these in control individuals using Chi-square test and relative risk (RR) was computed as described by Svejgaard (1974). RESULTS: The frequency of B13 antigen occurrence was significantly higher in the women group with PE as compared to that in general population, and revealed significant association with the development of PE (0.02 < p < 0.05; RR = 2.733), while the frequency of Cw4 antigen was significantly lower (0.02 < p < 0.05; RR = 0.283). The frequency of B22 antigen occurrence in husbands group was significantly higher as compared with that in general population and this difference achieved very high statistical significance and strong association with the development of PE (p < 0.001; RR = 9.452). CONCLUSIONS: Results of our study point to the genetic transmission of susceptibility to PE. Typing for these antigens could be a potentially useful prenatal test for predicting which couples are at risk for PE.

[Usefulness of clinical evaluation for the level of CA-125 antigen and ultrasonographic color Doppler examination in diagnosis of ovarian tumor]. / Przydatnosc kliniczna oceny poziomu antygenu CA-125 i badania ultrasonograficznego z kolorowym Dopplerem w diagnostyce raka jajnika.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the predictive value of serum CA-125 levels and transvaginal ultrasound with color Doppler flow mapping (RI) in patients with benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The retrospective analysis included 78 women in whom 92 tumors were detected. Eleven patients had ovarian carcinoma (a total of 16 tumors). Predictive values were compared for tumor morphology, lowest resistive index (RI) < 0.40 and CA-125 > 35 IU/ml. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values in differentiating malignancy were highest for RI (94%, 87% 87% and 94%, respectively). Morphological criteria or CA-125 levels alone had lower predictive accuracy. Combining of the correctly identified all of the malignancies. It is concluded that preoperative transvaginal ultrasound with color Doppler flow mapping is valuable tool in the assessment of adnexal tumors and can be of assistance in prediction of ovarian cancer.

[Natural cytotoxicity of CD16+ lymphocytes in women with selected states of pregnancy pathology]. / Naturalna cytotoksycznosc limfocytów CD16+ u kobiet w wybranych stanach patologii ciazy.

The natural cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes CD16+ (NK) was studied in healthy nonpregnant and pregnant women and in patients with threatened spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery and preeclampsia. We have shown no differences in the proportion of NK cells between all studied patients and controls. The possibility of previous contact with embryonic antigens was excluded since no differences were noted between cytotoxic activity of NK cells obtained from multiparous women and those who never gave a birth. The natural cytotoxic activity of NK cells from patients with threatened abortion or preterm delivery was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.01) than from cells of healthy pregnant women. However in preeclamptic patients activity of NK cells was very low as comparing to pregnant women and more than three lower than in nonpregnant ones. This indicates that though the amount of NK cells does not different between normal and pathological pregnancies, there is marked difference in their biological activity.

[Beeswax pessary in conservative treatment of uterine prolapse]. / Hysterofor woskowy w zachowawczym leczeniu wypadania macicy.

The own method of uterine prolapse treatment with the use of beeswax pessary is presented. The described method is applied in cases where general health conditions do not allow to perform the surgery. The study revealed that the beeswax is a good material to make a vaginal pessary. It's great plasticity allows individual modelling in compliance with anatomical conditions of treated patient. That provides the proper stability of uterine position. The risk of possible urinary stress incontinence due to uterine reposition is also diminished.

[Endometriosis in clinical materials from the years 1981-1990]. / Endometrioza w materiale klinicznym w latach 1981-1990.

In the group of 213 women with diagnosed endometriosis, after the histological analysis of the samples obtained during surgical procedure the following factors have been determined: the character and frequency of complaints, prevalence of the disease depending on the age of patients, it's localisation, coexistence with the neoplasms of the genital tract, indications for the surgical treatment and it's type. Taking into account the difficulties in diagnosing endometriosis, it's occurrence in young women and the possibility of malignant transformation along with the coexistence with malignant neoplasms of genital tract, we are convinced that the surgical intervention should be undertaken in order to achieve the better cure rate as well as to improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

[An evaluation of agreement between cytologic, colposcopic and histologic results in neoplasms of the uterine neck]. / Ocena zgodnosci wyników badan cytologicznych, kolposkopowych i histologicznych w sródnablonkowej neoplazji szyjki macicy.

There was carried out a retrospective analysis of cytologic, and colposcopic examination results in a group of 748 women with diagnosed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) basing on histologic examinations of topical biopsy samples. In the CIN III group, in addition, results of preoperative histologic examinations were compared with those of postoperative histologic examinations. The examinations showed that a complex CIN diagnosis, including cytologic and colposcopic examination combined with taking topical biopsy samples achieves high accuracy and makes surgical conization a safe medical procedure in such cases. Histologic examination of the postoperative material determines further (follow-up) procedures.

[Personal observations concerning surgical treatment of urinary stress incontinence in women]. / Wlasne spostrzezenia dotyczace operacyjnego leczenia wysilkowego nietrzymania moczu u kobiet.

Own observations concerning surgical treatment of urinary stress incontinence based upon the clinical follow-up of 82 treated women are presented. Depending on the method of surgical treatment, patients with urinary stress incontinence have been divided into 3 groups: I group-(42 women), where retropubic colpo-uretero-pexy has been performed following the rules previously suggested by Tanagho, Sprogis et al., with 92.8% of positive result, II group-(34 women), where Mieszczerski or Fothergill type of surgery has been performed, with 88.2% of positive results, and III group-(6 women), where vaginal vault has been suspended to the musculo-fascial flap, with positive results in all treated patients. The obtained results suggest that in every case of urinary stress incontinence the conservative approach should be the primary strategy of treatment. Analysis of the results revealed that retropubic colpo-uretero-pexy was an effective surgical method of urinary stress incontinence treatment in women with no cystocele and with proper uterine statics. In patients with correct uterine statics but with coexisting cystocoele, even of a minor grade, retropubical kolpouretropexy should be joined with the surgery from a vaginal access.

[Amniotic fluid index during labor in women with EPH gestosis]. / Indeks plynu owodniowego u rodzacych z gestoza EPH.

Intrapartal cardiotocographic disturbances of fetal heart rate patterns, the way of delivery and the neonate state have been analyzed in the group of 61 women in labor with pregnancy complicated by EPH gestosis. The results have been compared with pre-labor values of amniotic fluid index (AFI) in that group. In the group of 30 women in labor with AFI < or = 5 cm the analysis revealed the higher prevalence of non stress test reactivity losses, severe variable decelerations, late decelerations, cesarean sections and lower birth weight in comparison with the group of 31 women in labor with AFI > 5 cm. The study revealed that pre-labor AFI value estimation is usefull in predicting possibilities of fetal compromise during labor in women with pregnancies complicated by EPH gestosis.