Efficacy of Pegylated Hyaluronic Acid Filler Enriched with Calcium Hydroxyapatite: A 24-Week Post-Market, Observational, Prospective, Open-Label, Single-Center Study.

Recently, thanks to the greater discovery of the mechanisms of facial aging, an alternative to invasive plastic surgery has found space with less invasive aesthetic procedures, also based on an increasingly pressing request. We are specifically referring to dermal filler injection into or under the skin which leads to immediate rejuvenation and aesthetic improvements. In this study, we wanted to analyze the results obtained through the use of NEAUVIA Organic Stimulate, particularly with regard to its effectiveness, which is a cross-linked polymeric hydrogel, containing stabilized sodium hyaluronate 26 mg/mL and calcium hydroxyapatite (1%), glycine and L-proline in buffer pyrogen-free water, in its main indication, namely, the temporary correction of congenital and acquired deficiencies of the soft tissues of the face by intradermal injection. Initially, 70 patients were enrolled, but 10 did not complete the study due to non-observance of the investigation rules, so they were excluded from the protocol. The collected data demonstrate an efficient mechanical effect of the pegylated polymeric acid matrix enriched with low concertation of calcium hydroxyapatite and in accordance with other evidence in vitro and in vivo, and the mechanical support of the interstitial connective space improves the homestays of the anatomical layer rebalancing the physiological activity of the dermis cells.

Evaluation of the Safety of Neauvia Stimulate Injectable Product in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases Based on Histopathological Examinations and Retrospective Analysis of Medical Records.

The aim of this study was to test the effect of hyaluronic acid cross-linked with polyethylene glycol containing micronized portions of calcium hydroxyapatite (Neauvia Stimulate) on both local tissue and systemic consequences, which are crucial from the perspective of long-term safety, in patients suffering from Hashimoto's disease. This most common autoimmune disease is a frequently mentioned contraindication to the use of fillers based on hyaluronic acid as well as biostimulants based on calcium hydroxyapatite. Broad-spectrum aspects of histopathology were analyzed to identify key features of inflammatory infiltration before the procedure and 5, 21, and 150 days after the procedure. A statistically significant effect on the reduction of the intensity of the inflammatory infiltration in the tissue in relation to the state before the procedure was demonstrated, combined with a reduction in the occurrence of both antigen-recognizing (CD4) and cytotoxic (CD8) T lymphocytes. With complete statistical certainty, it was demonstrated that the treatment with Neauvia Stimulate had no effect on the levels of these antibodies. All this corresponds with the risk analysis that showed no alarming symptoms during the time of observation. The choice of hyaluronic acid fillers cross-linked with polyethylene glycol should be considered justified and safe in the case of patients suffering from Hashimoto's disease.

HA PEGylated Filler in Association with an Infrared Energy Device for the Treatment of Facial Skin Aging: 150 Day Follow-Up Data Report.

BACKGROUND: The face is the area most exposed to the normal course of skin aging, both intrinsically and extrinsically. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cellular and clinical response of a therapeutic protocol aimed at countering facial skin aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty female patients with facial skin laxity and photodamage underwent combined therapy including mesotherapy using non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid with calcium hydroxyapatite and an infrared energy-based device treatment with subsequent implementation of PEG-cross-linked hyaluronic acid soft tissue fillers. To evaluate the benefits, patients underwent histological, immunological, and biomechanical evaluations before the treatment and at 21 and 150 days after the treatment. RESULTS: The histological results at 21 days and 150 days after the procedure showed an increase in the number of fibroblasts and angiogenesis. As for the immunological aspect, it was shown that the treatment has an immunomodulating action, avoiding the activation of CD4 and CD8 cells. Biomechanical data showed that, at 150 days after treatment, the average changes in skin elasticity increased by 72% and the skin hydration increased by 49%. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of an infrared energy-based device treatment with both non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and novel PEG-cross-linked hyaluronic acid leads to numerous positive cutaneous changes after histological, immunological, and biomechanical evaluations.

Determination of Selected Texture Features on a Single-Layer Grinding Wheel Active Surface for Tracking Their Changes as a Result of Wear.

Measurements of the active surface microgeometry of the grinding wheel by contact and optical methods are commonly used to obtain a cloud of points representing the surface of the examined tool. Parameters that can be determined on the basis of the above-mentioned measurements can be universal parameters, which are commonly used to assess the geometric structure of a surface or parameters taking into account specific properties of the grinding wheel active surface (GWAS) structure. This article proposes a methodology for determining the average level of binder, which allows the definition the cut-off level required to separate from the measurement data: (i) the areas representing grains, (ii) the areas of gumming up of the grinding wheel, and (iii) deep cavities in approximately the same places on the investigated grinding wheel, regardless of the degree of its wear. This, in turn, allows one to track changes in characteristic parameters computed from measurements of texture in the above-mentioned areas due to different GWAS wear processes. The research was based on the analysis of data obtained from measurements of single-layer grinding wheels using the replica technique. The adopted measurement methodology enables measurement of approximately the same (94% coverage) areas of the GWAS at four stages of grinding wheel operation. Errors that were computed related to the determination of the volume of abrasive on the GWAS at various stages of wear using the developed methodology were lower, on average, by 48% compared to the automatic recognition of islands made with a commercial software.

Birth body length, birth body weight and birth head circumference in neonates born in a single centre between 2011 and 2016.

OBJECTIVES: Access to updated and accurate standards for local populations is important for the interpretation of body measurements in neonates and may have an impact on the doctor's recommendations for monitoring early childhood development. STUDY AIM: to present individual mean values for the most prevalent body measurements (i.e. birth body length (BBL), birth body weight (BBW) and birth head circumference (BHC)) in neonates and compare them to the duration of pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The measurements (BBL, BBW and BHC) were collected and analyzed from over 27,000 neonates born in a single center. All women with single pregnancies with gestation ranging from 33 to 42 weeks were included in the study. RESULTS: Mean values and statistically significant standard deviation values from population standards of BBL, BBW, and BHC were evaluated for neonates that were born between the 33rd and 42nd week of gestation. Analysis was conducted for the lower limit (10th percentile), average (50th percentile) and upper limit (90th percentile). CONCLUSIONS: This was the first time in Polish literature when population standards were presented for three body meas-urements of neonates. With the size of the cohort, these standards can be successfully implemented into routine clinical practice, especially for screening children with body size deficits.

[Neurofeedback therapy influence on clinical status and some EEG parameters in children with primary generalized epilepsy]. / Wplyw terapii neurofeedback na stan kliniczny i wybrane parametry zapisu EEG u dzieci chorych na padaczke z napadami pierwotnie uogólnionymi.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacological treatment of epilepsy in some patients is ineffective and alternative methods of treatment are need. These include neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback, NF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and neurophysiological effectiveness of NF in children with epilepsy with primary generalized seizures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved a group of 63 children with primary generalized seizures, aged 6-16 years, including 39 girls and 24 boys. As the efficacy of pharmacotherapy was not satisfactory for them, they have been referred to Neuromedica Institute in Krakow for NF treatment. The evaluation of preliminary clinical and neurophysiological parameters was performed. Individual NF therapy protocols were elaborated and trainings were conducted for 0.5-4 years. Individual therapy protocols were prepared by biofeedback specialist and trainings were conducted by biofeedback therapists. The same specialist also made a comparison of selected elements of the EEG in children before and after NF therapy. RESULTS: The children enrolled into the study were diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 6 months to the age of 16 years Tonic-clonic seizures and absence seizures were the most often seizure types in the examined group. Seizures occurred in 19 children every day. In 33/63 children clinical manifestation of seizures and EEG pattern when taken together allow the specific epilepsy syndrome diagnosis in 7 cases. In 27 children two or more antiepileptic drugs were used, and in 36 monotherapy was used. NF therapy had a significant impact on the clinical condition of the children, causing subsidence of seizures in most of them. In 23/63 children antiepileptic treatment was withdrawn and in 15 reduction of treatment was achieved. The impact of the NF therapy on the EEG parameters was beneficial, both in terms of the background activity and other parameters. Paroxysmal EEG pattern subsided in the vast majority of children (63 to 16) including a continuous paroxysmal activity from 12 to 4, interrupted from 51 to 12 and generalized from 63 to 21, with reduced susceptibility to photostimulation from 31 to 18 and hyperventilation from 39 to 17. CONCLUSIONS: In half of children with primary generalized epilepsy with a characteristic EEG pattern specific epilepsy syndrome was diagnosed. In half of children subsidence of epileptic graphoelements in EEG was observed after NF therapy. In % of children paroxysmal bioelectric pattern subsided and sensitivity of EEG to hyperventilation and photostimulation decreased significantly. NF therapy had a positive impact on all the parameters of background bioelectrical activity. In 1/3 of children treated with NF pharmacotherapy of epilepsy was discontinued and in 1/4 reduced.

[Clinical and neurophysiological data of neurofeedback therapy in children with ADHD]. / Wyniki kliniczne i neurofizjologiczne terapii neurofeedback u dzieci z zespolem ADHD.

INTRODUCTION: ADHD occurs in 3% of school-age children (and in 70% of them in adulthood) and represents an important medical and social problem. It is characterized by attention deficits, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Neurofeedback therapy (EEG biofeedback, NF) is carried out based on the analysis of EEG. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of NF therapy on clinical status and parameters of the EEG in ADHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the years 2007-2014, 287 children (191 boys), aged 6-17 years were included into the study. Some children with ADHD had other coexisting disorders like: tics, dyslexia, emotional or behavior disorders. Visual analysis of EEG was made and 7 selected parameters of bioelectrical activity were assessed. EEG tracing before and after NF therapy were compared. NF therapy lasted from 9 months to 3 years (mean 1.5 years). 60-240 NF training sessions were performed with the use of NF device, video-games and 16-channel Elmiko devices. Statistical analysis of the results was made. RESULTS: Children with ADHD additionally presented low self-esteem, anxiety and sleep disorders. The baseline theta/beta ratio in children with ADHD and ADHD with cooccurring dyslexia was >4.0 and in children with ADHD and coexisting tics 3.0-3.8, with coexisting behavioral disorders 3.7-4.0 and emotional disorders 3.3-3.7. After therapy, this ratio decreased significantly in all groups, but most significantly in ADHD and ADHD with dyslexia group. In the group with dyslexia theta and alpha activity in the left fronto-temporo-parietal region (the speech centers) has been increased. In children with ADHD and behavior disorders right-sided paroxysmal changes in the form of slow and sharp waves in the temporo-centro-parietal regions were found. In emotionally disturbed children increased fast beta activity in the right hemisphere (anxiety, fear) was observed. Initially NF therapy reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity of children, subsequently improvement of attention was observed and eventually reduction of emotional and behavior disturbances was noticed. Noticeable improvement in the self-esteem was observed as well. The therapy had a positive impact on the spatial organization of EEG in each group. It proved to be particularly useful in children with ADHD and dyslexia. CONCLUSIONS: Neurofeedback therapy is a valuable tool with beneficial impact on children with ADHD and accompanying disorders. Characteristics of brain bioelectric activity provides a reliable basis to establish individual EEG bio-feedback protocols of therapy in children and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. In the last 4 years the number of children with ADHD and cooccurring tics who applied for neurofeedback therapy has increased significantly.

[Neurofeedback therapy influence on clinical status and some EEG parameters in children with localized epilepsy]. / Wplyw terapii neurofeedback na stan kliniczny i wybrane parametry zapisu EEG u dzieci chorych na padaczke z napadami czesciowymi.

UNLABELLED: Neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback, NF) is one of the methods of non-pharmacological instrumental therapy. In the treatment of epilepsy it is considered as a complementary method, reducing the number of seizures. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NF on the incidence of clinical attacks and bioelectrical activity of the brain in children with epilepsy with partial seizures and secondarily generalized seizures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved a group of 78 children with partial seizures, additionally 30 of them had second-ry generalized seizures. There were 35 girls and 43 boys ranging in age from 5 to 17.5 years. They were treated with NF in the Neuromedica Institute in Krakow, in the period 2005-2015. Treatment time ranged from 6 months to 3 years. We have evaluated the incidence of seizures before and after NF therapy. Visual analysis of EEG recordings with assessment of background activity, location of focal changes, presence of paroxysmal pattern and epileptic graphoelements. RESULTS: In 41/78 children seizures occurred 1-2 times a month, in 19/78 every day and 9 children were diagnosed with epileptic syndrome. During NF therapy 52/78 children experienced resolution of clinical seizures. NF therapy was ineffective in only one child. In 18 child withdrawal of antiepileptic treatment was achieved and in 22 reduction of drug doses. Epileptic graphoelements occurred in 46/78 children before treatment and in 21/78 children after treatment. Before NF therapy irregular bio-electrical activity was found in 51 children versus 27 children with regular bioelectric activity and in 27 children versus 51 children after the therapy. The amplitude of this activity returned to normal in 19 children, and in 29 children the frequency of background activity. Particularly surprising was to restore synchrony and symmetry of EEG pattern in 44 children (11 children before NF treatment to 55 children after the treatment). Even more significant effect of NF therapy was observed in EEG patterns, abolition of paroxysmal pattern and reduction of continuous, localized and generalized changes. NF therapy also advantageously reduced the number of localized changes and decreased sensitivity of EEG pattern to hyperventilation and photostimulation. CONCLUSIONS: During NF therapy in almost all children with epileptic partial seizures and secondarily generalized seizures resolution or reduction of clinical seizures was observed. In nearly 1/4 of children withdrawal of antiepileptic treatment was achieved and in higher number reduction of pharmacotherapy. All parameters of the background EEG bioelectric activity in these children have improved, especially synchrony and symmetry of EEG pattern and paroxysmal changes subsided.

[Types of biofeedback]. / Rodzaje biofeedbacku.

The author presented 9 types of biofeedback witch are usefull in medical practice. He explained neurophysiological circuits involved in this process. He presented technical basis of the different types of biofeedback and pathological fields of its supplementation.

[Fertility-conserving therapy in cervical cancer patients]. / Leczenie oszczedzajace plodnosc u chorych na raka szyjlk macicy.

Treatment of the cervical cancer patients, especially young women, is a very important clinical problem. This is related to the standard treatment methods, used in this malignancy and the treatment complications. In most patients, the oncological treatment, be it surgery or radiotherapy results in gonadal dysfunction with unavoidable loss of the ability to procreate. As cervical cancer affects mostly young women, fertility preserving treatment remains a considerable challenge. Due to the fact that the recent decade has brought significant progress in the diagnosis of prognostically important features characterizing the tumor biology their precise determination enables specialists to detect a subpopulation of patients with malignancies, who do not require the total resection of the uterus and ovaries. Currently in such cases, fertility-sparing surgery is considered in every young woman with early cervical cancer who wishes to preserve the reproductive function. The aim of the paper is to revive the current opinions concerning fertility sparing treatment options in gynecological malignancies.

[Evaluation of iron balance in healthy pregnant women and their newborns]. / Badanie gospodarki zelazem u kobiet w przebiegu ciazy niepowiklanej oraz we krwi pepowinowej ich dzieci.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the iron status markers in normal healthy pregnancy as well as the influence of maternal diet on iron concentration in their newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal prospective study was conducted in a sample of 69 healthy non-smoking pregnant women under prenatal care of The Institute of Mother and Child. Blood samples were collected in the first, second and third trimesters and from the umbilical vein. Concentrations of ferritin and transferrin were assessed using turbidimetric technique, the concentration of iron--with ferrozine colorimetric method. Pentra 120 analyzer was used to define hematological parameters. Maternal diet was assessed by means of a weekly questionnaire, processed with computer software Dietetyk 2. RESULTS: Hematological parameters in the analyzed blood were normal. The average hematocrit values in the first trimester of pregnancy was 36.7%, in the second--34.92%, in the third--35.95%. The concentration of hemoglobin was 27.82 g/dl, 28.55 g/dl, 27.27 g/dl in the respective trimesters of pregnancy. In the umbilical blood it was 25.84 g/dl (5.2% less than in the maternal blood). The number of erythrocytes was the highest in the first (4.16 mln/mm3), and the lowest in the second trimester (3.92 mln/mm3). The average concentration of iron was the highest in the first trimester--99.61 microg/dl. In the second and third trimester it decreased by 25% and 2% respectively. The concentration was 76.34% higher in the umbilical blood than in maternal blood at the time of labor. The concentration of ferritin in the first trimester was 43.96 microg/l, in the second and the third trimester it was lower by 46% and 29% respectively. It was 126.4 microg/l in the umbilical blood (fourfold higher than in maternal blood). The concentration of transferrin was 321.01 mg/dl in the first trimester and it increased in consecutive trimesters by 36.14% and 5.12%; it was 219.92 mg/dl in the umbilical blood--48% of the concentration of transferrin in the maternal blood at the time of labor. The analysis of an average daily food ration revealed that the supply of iron was 80% of the recommended dose in the first half and only 41% of the recommended dose in the second half of the pregnancy. Fat consumption was 99% and 95% of the recommended dose, respectively. There was a 30%-decrease in the protein and carbohydrates consumption in comparison with the recommended dose in the second half of the pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of normal hematological parameters, we observed insufficient supply of iron in the diet of pregnant women, which was demonstrated by a decreased level of ferritin. It should be reason enough to issue dietary recommendations and guidelines for pregnant women in each stage of pregnancy.

Ochratoxin a in maternal and foetal blood and in maternal milk.

Ochratoxin A (OA) levels were measured in blood serum of mothers foetuses and in mothers' milk. The mean concentration of OA in maternal serum was 1.14 ng/ml and in umbilical cord blood serum it was 1.96 ng/ml. The mean ratio of OA concentrations in maternal and foetal blood serum was 1.96. In maternal milk OA was found in 5 out of 13 studied samples. The mean intake of OA with mother's milk was not exceeding the tolerable daily intake for adults, nevertheless it was near 60% of TDI. The OA concentration ratio in maternal blood serum versus that in milk was 0.0058 on average. These results confirm the correlation between OA concentration maternal and foetal blood serum, and between OA concentration in maternal serum and milk.

[The evolution of epidemiology and clinical characteristics of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma in Poland from 1991 to 2001]. / Ewolucja obrazu epidemiologicznego i klinicznego raka krtani i krtaniowej czesci gardla w Polsce w latach 1991-2001.

On the base of retrospective analysis of 12,888 cases of carcinoma of larynx and hypopharynx, diagnosed in 19 ENT Departments in Poland from 1991 to 2001, the assessment of basic epidemiological data, including the localization of tumor and stage of local and clinical advancement of the disease at the time of diagnosis has been conducted. In analyzed period of 11 years the trends to change of the mentioned above parameters has been examined. The significant increase of female patients in this period was observed, with average proportion M:F = 8:1. The glottis localization of carcinoma dominated (47.6%), followed by supraglottis (40.8%) and pyriform fossa (7.8%), with significant increase of pyriform fossa tumors in the analyzed period of 11 years. In the majority of cases the carcinoma of larynx and hypopharynx was diagnosed in the advanced stage (T3 + T4) of local disease, with the highest percentage in localization within the pyriform fossa (81.0%), and the lowest percentage in glottis tumors (45.6%). The regional lymph nodes metastases has been diagnosed in 46.7% of the analyzed group, with the highest percentage in tumors localized in pyriform fossa (82.9%), and the lowest percentage in tumors of glottis localization (33.1%). In the 11 years time the significant drop down of N0 cases and tendency to increase of N2 and N3 in the supraglottis localization of tumor. The distant metastases in the analyzed group at the time of diagnosis has been registered in 2.0%, with the highest percentage in posterior pharyngeal wall (7.6%) and pyriform fossa (7.4%). The authors postulate the renewal of prospective study on epidemiology, clinical characteristics and treatment results of larynx and hypopharynx carcinoma in Poland.

[Near total laryngectomy with internal vocal shunt by Pearson]. / Prawie calkowita laryngektomia z wewnetrzna przetoka glosowa metoda Pearsona.

First experience in near total laryngectomy with internal vocal shunt was shown. The applications and surgical technique of this method was described. The function of the vocal shunt in terms of swallowing, deglutition and phonation using endoscopic and radiological examination was presented. Based on previous papers the alternative methods of vocal surgical rehabilitation after laryngectomy was compared. We have emphasized advantage of this operation in selective cases of the laryngeal carcinoma and/or carcinoma of the piriformis sinus as well.

[The effect of vitamin-mineral supplementation on vitamins D, A (beta-carotene) and E concentration in blood of matched maternal-cord pairs]. / Wplyw suplementacji witaminowo-mineralnej na stezenie witamin D, A (beta-karoten) i E w krwi kobiet ciezarnych i krwi pqpowinowej ich dzieci.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Vibovitmama supplementation on status of fat soluble vitamins D, A (beta-carotene) and E in blood of pregnant women and in umbilical cord blood of their children. In group taking Vibovitmama serum concentration of vitamin D, was higher by 10% than in the placebo group was observed. However it was within the normal range and was not statistically significant. Supplementation affected vitamin D concentration in serum of cord blood. It was higher by 20% in the group taking vitamin preparation than in group taking placebo and was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Retinol and beta-carotene in plasma increased during pregnancy by 15% and 25% (p < 0.002) respectively in placebo and supplemented group. In umbilical cord blood in the group taking Vibovitmama, concentration of vitamin A was 1.52 micromol/L and of beta-carotene 1.86 micromol/L versus 1.45 micromol/L and 1.79 micro/L found in group of placebo. In plasma level, vitamin E was higher in late pregnancy than in the I trimester (by about 40%) and was not modified by vitamins supplementation. In erythrocytes the concentration of tocopherol increased by 18% in placebo and by 25% in group taking Vibovitmama. In the plasma of cord blood level of vitamin E was not modified by supplementation, whereas in red blood cells it was slightly increased (by 10%) but not statistically significant. Our results suggest that vitamin-mineral supplementation of pregnant women improved status of fat soluble vitamins in mothers and their children.

[The effect of vitamin-mineral supplementation on the level of MDA and activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in blood of matched maternal-cord pairs]. / Wplyw suplementacji witaminowo-mineralnej na poziom MDA oraz aktywnosc peroksydazy glutationowej i dysmutazy ponadtlenkowej w krwi kobiet ciezarnych i krwi pepowinowej ich dzieci.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of VIBOVITmama (Polfa Kutno S.A.) supplementation on lipid peroxidation (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in blood of pregnant women and in umbilical cord blood of their children. It is shown, that MDA concentration in plasma increased during pregnancy in both studied groups; however in vitamin-mineral C supplemented women it was lower (p < 0.05) than in placebo (p < 0.005). In erythrocytes MDA level was within the same range in both groups, but in women taking vibovit it was (in late pregnancy) lower by 10% than in trimester I. Activity of GPx in red blood cells decreased during pregnancy. In placebo the fall was two-fold more intensive (16%) than in the supplemented group (p < 0.005). Activity of erythrocytes SOD slightly increased (5%) in placebo, whereas in the group taking the formula it decreased (4%) but not statistically significant. MDA level in plasma of cord blood was not modified by supplementation, but in red blood cells was lowered by 20% (97.3 nmol/gHb-supplemented vs 116.3 nmol/gHb-placebo) which was observed. In erythrocytes of umbilical cord blood activity of GPx was higher in newborns of women taking vibovit (31.9 U/gHb) than in the control group (29.7 U/gHb), whereas activity of SOD was similar. Our result suggested that vitamin-mineral supplementation of pregnant women improved antioxidant status in mothers and their children. It seems that in order to prevent oxidative damage VIBOVITmama formula can be recommended as a supplement diet in pregnant women.

[Effect of vitamin-mineral supplementation on the status of some microelements in pregnant women]. / Wplyw suplementacji preparatem witaminowo-mineralnym na status wybranych mikroelementów u kobiet ciezarnych.

We studied the effect of VIBOVITmama (Polfa Kutno S.A.) supplementation on the course of pregnancy duration, delivery and puerperium and also the status of zinc, copper and selenium in the blood of matched maternal-cord pairs. Healthy pregnant women (n=138) were divided by a double blinded trial into a test group taking vitamin and mineral supplementation containing 15 mg of zinc, 2 mg of copper and 20 microg of selenium and a control group taking placebo. Course of pregnancy, delivery and puerperium were analyzed, as well as concentration of bioelements in the blood serum of pregnant women in the I, II, and II trimester and in umbilical cord blood of their children. In the study group we noted fewer by 1.45% cases of pregnancy induced hypertension and a much higher rate of natural deliveries (75%) in comparison to the control group (53%). During pregnancy in the supplemented group a 1% increase of zinc serum concentration was found. In the control group zinc concentration decreased by 7% (p < 0.005). Insignificant differences in serum concentration of copper and selenium was observed between the study group and controls. In umbilical cord blood the differences in the concentration of the above microelements were also insignificant. The results allow for the statement that VIBOVITmama supplementation stabilizes the zinc, copper and selenium levels in blood of pregnant women without the risk of overdosing, especially with reference to selenium.

[Prevalence of group B streptococcal colonization in pregnant women and their newborns based on the results of examination of patients in the Obstetric and Gynecology Department of the National Research Institute of Mother and Child--a pilot study]. / Czestosc wystepowania kolonizacji paciorkowcami beta hemolizujacymi grupy B kobiet ciezarnych i noworodkow--okreslona na podstawie badan przeprowadzonych u pacjentek Polikliniki i Kliniki Poloznictwa i Ginekologii Instytutu Matki i Dziecka--badanie pilotazowe.

UNLABELLED: Group B streptococcus is a main cause of perinatal infections and neonatal sepsis. In Poland there is no epidemiological data of the prevalence group B streptococcal colonization in pregnant women and the risk for their newborns. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to define the prevalence of streptococcal B colonization in pregnant women and their newborns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pregnant women and their newborns from Obstetric and Gynecology Department of National Research Institute of Mother and Child were included to our study during 2001 and 2002 years. Cervical, vaginal and perianal swab were obtained. Women with positive cultures were treated with antibiotic during labor. The external swabs of their neonate were obtained. RESULTS: 1678 pregnant women took part in our study. The GBS (streptococcus agalactiae) colonization was found in 331 women. The prevalence of pregnant women group B streptococcal colonization in the study is 19.7%. 70 of 203 neonates form mothers with positive results of our screening, had the GBS colonization confirmed. The prevalence of confirmed streptococcal colonization in neonates was 34.5%. One newborn developed early onset neonatal sepsis, during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pregnant women group B streptococcal colonization about 20%. For the prevention of newborns intrapartum infections a major thing is the prevalence of the transmission risk to newborns from mothers with a GBS colonization and the appropriate intrapartum management.