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Biomedical subjects

J Zalewski

Publications and source records attributed to J Zalewski.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of exposure to tobacco smoke in pregnancies complicted by oligohydramnios and premature rupture of the membranes. II. Activity of brush border enzymes in human amniotic fluid.

The aim of the present study was to assess the activity of membrane enzymes: alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and trehalase in amniotic fluid of women who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy complicated by idiopathic oligohydramnios or premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). The enzyme activity was measured between 22 and 31 (group A) and between 32 and 39 (group B) weeks of gestation. In the women of group A with idiopathic oligohydramnios, AAP activity was five times higher than in PROM women. AAP activity was declining with the progression of gestation, and in the B group women with oligohydramnios, it was over eight times lower than in group A. A threefold increase in GGT activity was found in women of group A with oligohydramnios as compared to women of group A with PROM. No statistically significant differences in trehalase activity were found in amniotic fluid of women with oligohydramnios and PROM, AAP, GGT and trehalase activity in women with idiopathic oligohydramnios correlated with the cadmium ion concentration, and AAP and GGT activity with the lead ion concentration in amniotic fluid which confirms toxical properties of these heavy metals present in cigarette smoke. It has already been confirmed that measurements of the brush border enzyme activity in amniotic fluid are very useful in prenatal diagnosis and detection of the placenta disorders.

Adult↗

[Estimation of HPV infection presence in cytological smears in a group of asymptomatic women].

Papanicolau (Pap) smear is the most important screening method in gynaecological oncology. According to EUROGIN and WHO statements it is suggested to perform additionally molecular detection of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most important risk factor of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to estimate the HPV infection prevalence in healthy, asymptomatic women. Pap smears from 255 women were investigated according to The Bethesda Terminology. HPV DNA was detected by PCR method. We were able to detect high "oncogenic risk" HPV types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 52b, 58 and "low oncogenic risk"--HPV6 and 11. We found only 15 cases (5.9%) of HPV DNA presence. Most of them were HPV16--in 5 patients (33.3%) and HPV58--in 3 (20%). HPV detection could be very useful supplement to Pap smears. It allows selecting the patients with high risk of cervical cancer many years before clinical manifestation of the disease.

Adolescent↗

[Ultrasonographic assessment of cervical length and measurement of fetal fibronectin level in cervical secretion of pregnant women in prophylaxis of premature deliveries].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the assessment of cervical length and and measurement of fetal fibronectin level in cervical secretion of pregnant women in prophylaxis of premature deliveries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 78 pregnant women hospitalized in Department of Fertility and Obstetrics, University School of Medicine Wrocław. They were divided into III groups: Group I-13 pregnant women who had premature delivery and the time between examination and delivery was no longer than 24 hours. Group II-20 women who had premature delivery, and the time between examination and delivery was longer than 24 hours. Group III-pregnant who delivered at term (control group). Between the 25th and the 34th week of pregnancy presence of fetal fibronectin in cervical secretion and ultrasonographic assessment of cervical length were done. RESULTS: Significantly higher percentage of women with presence of fibronectin in cervical secretion and significantly shorter length of cervical length was stated in 13 pregnant women who delivered prematurely, between the 28th and 35th week of pregnancy comparing with other groups. In group II pregnant women delivered between the 28th and 35th week of pregnancy, and the time between examination and delivery was from 3 days to 4 weeks. In this group in 75% examined women fibronectin was present in cervical secretion. Significant was that cervical length in 14 of this group of women (70%) was no longer than 20 mm and in the rest was between 20-30 mm, moreover in no cases was longer than 30 mm. In group III only in 7% women presence of fibronectin in cervical secretion was stated and only in two cases (4%) cervical length was shorter than 20 mm, both of them delivered in 38th week of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Examination of fetal fibronectin in cervical secretion allows precisely estimate the risk of premature delivery. 2. Cervical length shorter then 20 mm collerates with the presence of fetal fibronectin in cervical secretion and with increased risk of premature delivery.

Case-Control Studies↗

[The importance of fibronectin in amniotic fluid in anticipation of premature labor].

We analysed 86 pregnant women where we estimated the fibronectin level in specimens of amniotic fluid. During carrying out the experiment we noted that fibronectin is present in amniotic fluid and can be identified in a quantity mode. We have proved dependence between fibronectin level in amniotic fluid and the period of time from collecting the sample, up to the delivery. Fibronectin level in amniotic fluid doesn't depend on pregnancy duration, preterm rupture of amniotic membranes.

Adult↗

[The course of pregnancy, delivery and puerperium in women with varices and thrombophlebitis of lower extremities, after application of low molecular weight heparins].

OBJECTIVES: Estimation of the long term prophylactic or therapeutic application of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on the platelets count, and incidence bleedings during pregnancy, delivery and puerperium in the women with varices of lower extremities and past thrombophlebitis of lower extremities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 5212 pregnant, women in labour and in puerperium divided into 4 groups.; 142 women with varices and thrombophlebitis of lower extremities (group I); 10 with past thrombophlebitis of lower extremities (group II); 15 with thrombophlebitis in current pregnancy; 5045 without vascular complications (group IV--control). In group I during pregnancy compression therapy was applied (stockings) and low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) in course of puerperium. In group II during the 1st trimester of pregnancy and in labour the same heparin doses were administered, while the doses were increased in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. In group III, when thrombophlebitis was stated non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and LMWH were administered. In all cases treated with heparin both number of platelets and incidents of bleedings from genitourinary tract were observed. Presence of embolic complications was also noted. RESULTS: No cases of decrease platelets number or bleedings from genitourinary tract were observed in group I-III during administering of LMWH. In women in group II where prophylactic with LMWH was applied no incidences of recurrent thrombophlebitis during pregnancy and puerperium were observed. In group I-III all newborns were born in good condition and no complications were observed. Average blood loss during both labour and cesarean section, among women in group I-III was not significantly different comparing with control group. No incidences of pulmonary artery embolism or decrease number of platelets were observed. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The long term prophylactic or therapeutical administration of LMWH in the women with varices of lower extremities or thrombophlebitis has no influence on the platelets count and incidence of bleedings from genitourinary tract during pregnancy or increase of blood loss during labour and puerperium. 2. In the women with past thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities after application of LMWH during pregnancy there were no recurrence observed.

Adult↗

[Comparison of vaginal misoprostol and oxytocin for labor induction in post-term pregnancy].

OBJECTIVES: To compare labour induction intervals between vaginal misoprostol and intravenous oxytocin as well as side effects of induction in post term pregnancies with intact membranes. METHODS: One hundred women were retrospectively selected to two groups treated with vaginal misoprostol 50 micrograms every 12 hours as needed to maximum 150 micrograms and treated with intravenous oxytocin. The primary outcome measure was time from induction to vaginal delivery. Statistical analysis was performed by t-Student test. RESULTS: Maternal age, parity, gestation were similar. There was a statistically important difference in labour induction intervals between the two groups. The mean time +/- SD to vaginal delivery in misoprostol group was 20.6 +/- 15.2 hours compared with 11.23 +/- 7.4 hours with oxytocin (p = 0.0396). Induction of labour failed in 12% and 32% in misoprostol and oxytocin treated group. Pethidine consumption in oxytocin treated group was higher (41 mg vs 89 mg, p = 0.04). Episodes of vomiting were more frequent in misoprostol treated group (22% vs 6%). There were no episodes of uterine hyperstimulation in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oxytocin stimulation resulted in a shorter induction to delivery interval. In misoprostol group induction failed in only 12% whereas in oxytocin group in 32%. There were no serious side effects in both groups. In misoprostol treated group patients required less analgetics then in oxytocin treated group.

Adult↗

[Sialic acid of glycoconjugates in amniotic fluid].

OBJECTIVES: Sialic acid is a negatively charged monosaccharide attached to non-reducing end of N- and O-linked carbohydrate chains of glycoconjugates. The claimed biological functions of sialic acid include its participation in cell to cell recognition and interaction as well as affecting the function of receptors by providing binding sites for ligand. Increased sialic acid concentration have been observed in several diseases e.g. malignancies, diabetes, inflammatory disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and alcoholism. DESIGN: The aim of the present work was to determine if the amount of sialic acid attached to glycoconjugates of amniotic fluid changes during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sialic acid content in 47 samples of amniotic fluid derived from pregnant women with gestational age between 13 and 42 was studied by sialic acid specific lectins immunosorbent assay. The patient samples were divided into seven groups. RESULTS: Time dependent changes in the degree of sialylation of glycoconjugates in amniotic fluid during pregnancy, particularly in advanced pregnancy were observed. Moreover, the highest sialic acid content on glycoconjugates in pregnancies complicated by premature rupture of membranes and is prolonged pregnancy were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: Sialic acid content determination in amniotic fluid could be a potentially useful marker of inflammation process of amniochorion during pregnancy.

Adult↗

Compositional analysis of tubers from insect and virus resistant potato plants.

Genetically modified potato plants that are resistant to the Colorado potato beetle, plus either the potato leaf roll virus or potato virus Y, have recently been commercialized. As part of the safety assessment for plants produced by modern biotechnology, the composition of the food/feed must be compared to that of the food/feed produced by an equivalent plant variety from a conventional source. The composition of important nutritional and antinutritional factors in tubers produced by virus- and insect-resistant potato plants were compared to tubers produced by conventional potato plants. Key nutritional, quality, and antinutritional components measured were total solids, vitamin C, dextrose, sucrose, soluble protein, and glycoalkaloids. Proximate analyses included fat, ash, calories, total protein, and crude fiber. Minor nutrients measured were vitamin B6, niacin, copper, magnesium, potassium, and amino acids. The results from these analyses confirm that tubers produced by insect- and virus-protected varieties are substantially equivalent to tubers produced by conventional potato varieties.

Animals↗

[Activity of N-b-D-acetylglucosaminidase molecular forms in amniotic fluid of tobacco smoking pregnant women with oligohydramnios or premature rupture of the membrane complications].

OBJECTIVES: Morphological lesions in placenta and changed metal distribution through placenta, which were observed in pregnancy exposed to tobacco smoke, could cause alternations in lysosomal enzymes secretion to amniotic fluid. DESIGN: Assessment of total activity and molecular forms of N-beta-D-acetylglucosaminidase in amniotic fluid in pregnancy with oligohydramnios or PROM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials for studies were amniotic fluids collected from pregnancy with oligohydramnios and from pregnancy with PROM. Determination of N-beta-D-acetylglucosaminidase activity was performed with use of sodium salt of 3-crezolosulfthaleinyl-N-beta-D-acetylglucosamide as a substrate (test Boehringer, Niemcy). Creatinine was determined by kinetic method (test of Analco-GBG firm). Protein was determine by Bredford method. NAG-B was assessed after previous thermal NAG-A inactivation in 56 degrees C, for 2 hours and the difference between activity of total form and termostabile form of NAG were assessed. The microsomal and cytosol fractions were separated by ultracentrifugation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The statistically significant growth of NAG activity in amniotic fluid in pregnant with oligohydramnios was observed. The cytosol form took over 90% of whole activity. The activity of NAG microsomal fraction was lower in amniotic fluid in women with PROM diagnosis. The positive coleration between NAG-A activity and the Pb level was observed in this group of women as well. In the second group of women with oligohydramnios, the positive coleration between NAG and Cd level, NAG-A and level, NAG-B and Pb level were demonstrated. Obtained results show on damage of placental and foetal membranes cell structure. It could be caused by metal ions cumulation and releasing of molecular N-beta-D-acetylglucosaminase form to amniotic fluid.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

[Useful of cerebral placental ratio in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth retardation and it correlation with perinatal outcome].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to asses usefulness of cerebro-placental ratio in the estimation of the intrauterine fetal well being in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth retardation and prediction of perinatal outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated 22 pregnant women between 28th and 40th week of pregnancy with IUGR detected by ultrasound examination. 19 pregnant women between 28th and 41st week of pregnancy was control group. We measured parameters blood flow in umbilical arteries and in middle cerebral arteries in both groups. We calculated cerebro placental ratios(CPR, CPP). We divided pregnant women with IUGR int 2 groups depending on correct (CPR, CPP > 1.08) or incorrect (CPR, CPP < 1.08). In both groups we analyzed perinatal outcome. RESULTS: In group pregnancies complicated with IUGR cerebro-placental ratios (CPR and CPP) were statistically significant lower than in control group. (for CPR p < 0.015 and for CPP p < 0.033). Sensitivity of cerebro placental ratio in screening small gestational age fetuses was 59% and specificity 89%. Sensitivity of cerebro placental ratio in predicting adverse perinatal outcome was 85% and specificity was 82%. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant decrease of cerebro-placental ratios is observed in pregnancies complicated wit IUGR. Cerebro placental ratio is very useful tool for prediction of adverse perinatal outcome.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

[Levels of Cd, Pb in blood and Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb in amniotic fluid of tobacco smoking women during pregnancy complicated oligohydramnios or premature rupture of membranes].

OBJECTIVES: The ingredients of tobacco smoke have the impact on uterine blood vessels. They caused vascular insufficiency of placenta during development of gestation and changes in placental tissue and fetal membranes. It manifest changeable metal permeability and others symptoms. DESIGN: Assessment of metal contents in blood and amniotic fluid in pregnancies with oligohydramnios and PROM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials for studies were blood and amniotic fluid of 30 pregnancies. All of them had made amino-punction between 20 and 38 week of pregnancy before procedure of amniotic fluid supplementation. 15 patients had diagnosed oligohydramnios and the next 15 women had diagnosed premature rupture of membranes. Metals were determined by method of electrothermal atomical absorbic spectrophotometry (ET-ASA). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Twice lower concentration of Zn and Cd and ten times lower concentration of Pb in amniotic fluids in examined women than women in normal pregnancy were observed. The women, with oligohydramnios in earlier period of gestation, smoked many more cigarettes and cotinine++ and Cd. were much higher. Both these facts had relevance with each other certainly. The stillborns were many more in this group. The different distribution of Cd, Pb, Zn in pregnant women with PROM and oligohydramnios, comparing with women in normal pregnancy was demonstrated. It is probable to be effect of placental tissue and fetal membranes disfunction.

Adult↗

Effects of exposure to tobacco smoke in pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios and premature rupture of the membranes. I. Concentration of Cd and Pb in blood and Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb in amniotic fluid.

To assess the exposure to tobacco smoke in pregnant women with oligohydramnios, idiopathic or caused by premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), cotinine concentrations were measured, using enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In women with idiopathic oligohydramnios (22-31 weeks of gestation), serum cotinine concentration was 1010 +/- 445 micrograms/L which provides evidence that women of this group were heavy smokers. In these women, significantly higher Cd concentrations in blood and amniotic fluid were found as compared to other pregnant women. A positive correlation between Cd concentrations in blood and amniotic fluid was observed (PROM r = 0.784; p < 0.001; idiopathic oligohydramnios r = 0.7118; p < 0.02). In oligohydramnios cases of both types, Cd concentration in amniotic fluid was over two times and Pb concentration ten times lower than blood concentrations of these metals, whereas amniotic fluid Zn concentration was two times lower than that found earlier in women with normal pregnancy. In the group of women with idiopathic oligohydramnios who were mostly exposed to tobacco smoke, a considerably larger number of still births and new-borns with CNS disorders than in PROM cases, were observed. Zn deficiency at increased exposure to Cd and Pb could play a significant role in etiology of these abnormalities. A positive correlation was found between Zn and Cu concentrations (r = 0.862; p < 0.05) in PROM cases which indicates regular transport of trace metals to the fetal ovum. The condition of infants born to this group of women was much better, and prematurity was the only complication of pregnancy.

Adult↗

[Amniocentesis and amniotic infusion: benefits and risks].

The introduction of the amnioinfusion technic in the treatment of chosen complications of pregnancy, requires an easy access to the amniotic cavity. Catheterisation of the amniotic cavity requires the skilled technic, and is not associated with the rise of the obstetrics complications.

Amniocentesis↗

[Evaluation of the usefulness and reference values for the amniotic fluid index in normal pregnancy between 30 and 42 weeks of gestation].

The four-quadrant sum of amniotic fluid pockets (amniotic fluid index) was studied prospectively in 130 normal pregnancies from 30 to 42 weeks. Statistical investigation were used to establish the mean, 95% confidence intervals and standard deviations for the AFI at each week of gestation. The AFI value decreased since 30 week, especially between 33 and 34 week and after 41 week. The AFI value < or = 5 represents oligohydramnios, the AFI value > or = 20 constitutes polyhydramnios.

Amniotic Fluid↗

[Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal weight in normal, single fetus pregnancies in the population of Wrocław].

The aim of this paper was the analysis of the clinical usefulness of the nomogram presented by Hansmann for the fetal weight prediction in normal, single fetus pregnancies of Wrocław population. The authors proved, that in the group of 36 pregnant women the least difference between fetal weight evaluated before birth and the birth weight of newborn was noted in the group of babies with birth weight 2000-4000 g. In the group with birth weight below 2000 g and over 4000 g respectively, the twice to octuple evaluation error is expected.

Birth Weight↗

[Ultrasonographic evaluation of growth in twin pregnancies in the population of Wrocław. I].

Authors have ultrasonographically evaluated and analysed appropriate parameters determining fetal growth in bigeminal pregnancies in the population of Wrocław. The following parameters were taking in consideration: biparietal head dimension (BPD), transversal chest dimension (THD) and thigh bone length (FL). After the comparative analysis of the average BPD, THD, and FL values in fetuses from 28-40th single fetus and bigeminal pregnancies authors revealed, that BPD and TDH values were significantly smaller in twins that single fetuses. No correlation was found in FL values in both groups. In the aim to obtain more accurate evaluation of intrauterine growth in twins. Authors proposed an application of special ultrasonographic BPD and THD parameters net-works, different from those applicable for primiparous pregnancies.

Anthropometry↗

[Ultrasonic evaluation of fetal growth of twins in the Wrocław population. II. Proposed percentile curves of ultrasonographic parameters].

Authors analyzed and evaluated biparietal head dimension (BPD), transversal chest dimension (THD) and femur length (FL) measured in the fetuses from 28 to 40th week in bigeminal pregnancies on the material of Wrocław population. Obtained results were presented as percentile curves of each parameter in succeeding weeks of pregnancy. In the face of findings in the 1st part of work (statistically lower parameters BPD and THD in twins in confrontation with fetuses in single fetus pregnancies and lack of correlations between FL dimensions), authors are of opinion that, for accurate evaluation of twins growth in examined population, in the period from 28 to 40 weeks of pregnancy, the application of ultrasonographical parameters net-work of BPD and THD parameters in necessary. Moreover, the authors are considering that the presented percentile BPD and THD curves may make a graphic image of twins intrauterine growth in the evaluated population.

Anthropometry↗