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Biomedical subjects

S Jankowski

Publications and source records attributed to S Jankowski.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

The sensitivity of escherichia coli strains with K1 surface antigen and rods without this antigen to the bactericidal effect of serum.

The susceptibility of Escherichia coli strains with K1 surface antigen (K1+) and rods without this antigen (K1-) to the bactericidal action of normal bovine serum and human normal cord serum was determined. Seventy E. coli strains (35 K1+ and 35 K1-) were isolated from urine obtained from children with urinary tract infections. The strains investigated showed variable sensitivity to the bactericidal action of the sera. E. coli K1+ strains were characterized by lower sensitivity to bactericidal effect of the sera in comparison with K1- rods. The role of the particular mechanisms of complement activation in the process of killing of the E. coli strains was also determined.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Etiological factors of urinary tract infections in children].

Etiological factors of urinary tract infection in children have been studied. The Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Enterococcus sp. and Enterobacter sp. were the most often isolated bacteria from infant and baby urine. In this age group of patients uromycoses were also affirmed. From the urine of older children (1-18 years old) mainly Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., Proteus sp. and Morganella morganii have been raised. Uropathogens' occurrence was analysed by a statistical method in the relation to age and sex of the children. The girls in the age of 1 to 18 years were more open than boys to urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli and less open to infections caused by Morganella morganii and Enterococcus sp.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition attenuates levodopa toxicity in mesencephalic dopamine neurons.

Inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; EC 2.1.1.6) is a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, nothing is known about the effects of COMT inhibition on levodopa (L-dopa)-induced toxicity in dopamine (DA) neurons. Therefore we evaluated the effects of the selective COMT inhibitors Ro 41-0960, OR-486, and tolcapone alone and in combination with L-dopa in primary mesencephalic cultures from rat. Neither COMT inhibitor affected the growth of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (THir) cells with concentrations up to 10 microM when studied alone. However, Ro 41-0960 reduced the L-dopa-induced THir cell loss after 24 h in a dose-dependent manner, shifting the TD(50) value from 21 microM in the absence to 71 microM in the presence of 1 microM Ro 41-0960 (P <.01) without affecting survival of non-DA neurons. OR-486 and the clinically used COMT inhibitor tolcapone showed similar effects. In contrast, toxicity induced by D-dopa was not altered by COMT inhibitors. Furthermore, the primary metabolite of L-dopa formed by COMT, 3-O-methyldopa, and the methyl group donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine used by COMT did not alter THir neuron survival and L-dopa-induced toxicity, respectively, with concentrations up to 100 microM. These data demonstrate that COMT inhibition attenuates L-dopa toxicity toward DA neurons in vitro, but probably not by preventing 3-O-methyldopa production or cellular S-adenosyl-L-methionine depletion.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Nonspecific adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus strains to solid surfaces].

Autoagregating strains of bacteria are characterised by high surface hydrophobicity, which determines their ability to adhesion. An assessment was done of non-specific adhesion to solid surfaces of S. aureus strains isolated from blood, pus and nasopharynx of hospitalised people. The method used made possible differentiation of strains, which were studied, on the basis of their surface characteristics. Their properties decide about the abilities of strains to the colonisation of host tissues and at the same time they influence their potential virulence. In the study attention was also paid to the participation of surface proteins in the processes of adhesion cells to glass surfaces.

Bacterial Adhesion↗
PubMed2000

[Infectivity and resistance to antibiotics of uropathogenic gram-negative rods].

The nature of bacterial isolates from children with clinically suspected urinary tract infections (UTI) was studied. The susceptibility of urinary pathogens to selected antibiotics was determined. The results clearly show that E. coli was identified as the main causative agent of UTI children (67% of isolates). The second commonest pathogen was P. mirabilis (10%). Over half E. coli isolates were resistant to amino-penicilins but almost all isolates (over 80%) were sensitive to antimicrobial agents combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors. We found significantly high percentage (32.5%) of ESBL strains among K. pneumoniae isolates.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Changes in ionized calcium concentrations and acid-base status during abdominal aortic vascular surgery.

Abdominal aortic surgery may produce significant haemodynamic instability (from a combination of factors: hypovolaemia, acid-base disturbances, vasoactive metabolite release from ischaemic tissues and hypocalcaemia). Calcium is often given after aortic unclamping to attenuate this instability. We studied 20 patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic surgery and observed a triphasic change in ionized calcium concentrations and acid-base status. Initially, during the cross-clamp period (when patients were cardiovascularly stable), ionized calcium concentrations decreased significantly (mean 1.06 (SD 0.08) to 0.91 (0.13) mmol litre-1; P < 0.01), while a significant metabolic acidosis developed (pH 7.38 (0.05) to 7.30 (0.05); P < 0.05). Second, release of the aortic cross-clamp resulted in further acidosis (pH 7.27 (0.05) (P < 0.05) mixed respiratory and metabolic) with a decrease in mean arterial pressure, with no change in ionized calcium concentrations. The third phase was associated with spontaneous restoration of acid-base status and ionized calcium concentrations to normal over 2 h. There was no correlation between units of blood given, volume of blood lost, fluid volume given or duration of aortic cross-clamping and degree of ionized hypocalcaemia. We conclude that ionized hypocalcaemia occurred during the cross-clamp period of aortic surgery, was unrelated to the volume of blood given and did not appear to be responsible for the changes in arterial pressure during surgery.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed1998

The susceptibility of gram-negative rods and their adaptive forms resistant to colistine to the bactericidal action of sera.

The susceptibility of Escherichia coli K1, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium strains and their adaptative forms resistant to colistine (Colr forms) was compared with respect to their sensitivity to the bactericidal action of normal cord serum and normal bovine serum. It has been shown that the Colr forms are more susceptible to sera as compared to initial strains. The increase of sensitivity of the Colr forms is connected with structural changes within bacterial cell wall which is the target for complement as well as for colistine.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Blood interleukin 10 levels parallel the severity of septic shock.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between interleukin (IL) 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), IL-1, and IL-6 levels in patients with septic shock and relate these cytokine levels to the development of organ failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 11 patients with septic shock of recent onset, blood was sampled for determinations of TNF, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10. The degree of organ failure was scored for four organ systems (respiratory, hepatic, renal, hematologic) in the first 48 hours of the study. RESULTS: The APACHE II score was 21 +/- 4. Three patients died. IL-10 levels were directly correlated with TNF levels (r = 0.73, P < .05) and IL-6 levels (r = 0.67, P < .05); and inversely correlated with total C3 (r = -0.73, P < .05) and CH50 (r = -0.68, P < .05). Both IL-10 and TNF levels were correlated to the organ failure score (r = 0.75 and r = 0.68, both P < .01). Six patients with high IL-10 levels (> 60 pg/mL) had lower C3 (37 +/- 11 v 62 +/- 10 mg/dL) and CH50 (32 +/- 7 v 68 +/- 19%), and higher organ failure scores (5.7 +/- 0.8 v 3.8 +/- 1.3) than those with low IL-10 levels (all P < .05). CONCLUSION: Although IL-10 has an inhibitory effect on the production of cytokines, it is released together with TNF and IL-6 in patients with septic shock. IL-10 blood levels are directly related to the severity of inflammation and the development of organ failure in septic shock.

APACHE↗
PubMed1997

[Hydrophobic properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains].

Hydrophobic properties are considered as a factor enhancing the adhesion of bacteria to tissue cells. The strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTI), from feces and soil were investigated. It shows that over 50% strains isolated from UTI had hydrophobic cell surface. Most of all strain investigated (67.9%) is characterized by hydrophobicity what probably favours their pathogenicity.

Feces↗
PubMed1996

Influence of ozone on the susceptibility of Escherichia coli K1 to the bactericidal action of serum.

The susceptibility to the bactericidal action of normal bovine serum of twenty two Escherichia coli K1 strains, isolated from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections, was determined. Only four strains were resistant. Ozonization of bacterial suspensions enhanced the sensitivity of the strains to the action of both normal serum and a serum in which the alternative pathway of complement activation was thermally blocked.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Social support networks of confidants to people with AIDS.

AIDS has a devastating impact on the social support networks of those most closely involved with the person with AIDS (PWA). This qualitative study of the social support networks of confidants to PWAs reports the findings of intensive, semistructured interviews with 11 confidants. Numerous changes were observed in the confidants' supportive resources, network structure, and functioning. Implications for social work practice are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

Administration of an antibody to E-selectin in patients with septic shock.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of a murine monoclonal antibody to E-selectin in patients with newly developed septic shock. DESIGN: Open-label, prospective, phase II pilot study with escalating doses of the antibody. SETTING: Intensive care unit of a 900-bed university hospital. PATIENTS: Nine patients who survived the first 24 hrs of septic shock. INTERVENTIONS: In addition to standard therapy, an intravenous bolus of a murine monoclonal antibody to E-selectin, CY1787, was given at doses of 0.1 mg/kg (n = 3), 0.33 mg/kg (n = 3), and 1.0 mg/kg (n = 3). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: CY1787 was well tolerated in all patients. Signs of shock resolved in all patients, and organ failure entirely reversed in eight patients. All patients survived the 28-day follow-up. Administration of CY1787 was associated with an early and brisk increase in PaO2/FIO2 ratio (p < .001), from 146 +/- 38 mm Hg (19.5 +/- 5.1 kPa) to 205 +/- 45 mm Hg (27.3 +/- 6.0 kPa) after 2 hrs, and 250 +/- 58 mm Hg (33.3 +/- 7.7 kPa) after 12 hrs. A dose-related effect of CY1787 was suggested by an earlier weaning from catecholamine therapy and a faster resolution of organ failure in the high-dose group. Development of antimouse antibodies was documented in eight patients. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study indicates that this antibody to E-selectin appears to be safe and may represent a promising form of therapy in septic shock.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The sensitivity of Hafnia alvei strains to the bactericidal effect of serum.

Most Hafnia alvei strains are sensitive to the bactericidal action of normal bovine serum (NBS) as well as to a serum in which the alternative pathway of complement activation has been thermally blocked. Introduction of polysaccharides (PS) to NBS lowers the bactericidal effect. In a serum in which the alternative pathway of complement activation is blocked, PS completely cancels the bacterial effect.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

The mechanism of bactericidal action of normal human serum against Salmonella rods.

Forty Salmonella strains sensitive to the bactericidal action of serum were investigated. All these strains were susceptible to complement activated by the classical pathway though in part (60%) of these strains the presence of lysozyme was necessary for killing. S. typhimurium rods were susceptible to only one mechanism of the action of bactericidal factors. On the contrary, S. enteritidis strains were sensitive to three various mechanisms of bactericidal action of serum. Next eight forms of Salmonella typhimurium LT2 differing with respect to the structure of LPS were studied. Original strain was a smooth, form S, and remaining strains were various rough (R) forms such as Ra, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd1, Rd2, Re. The S form was susceptible only to the complete human serum what means that all bactericidal factors of serum were needed for killing. Ra form was susceptible to two independent bactericidal mechanisms: complement (C) activated by the alternative pathway in the presence of lysozyme and C activated simultaneously by both bactericidal C pathways without the participation of lysozyme (al, ac). The next form, Rb1, besides the mechanism mentioned above was also susceptible to C activated by the classical pathway in the presence of lysozyme (al, ac, cl). Other forms (Rb2, Rc, Rd1, Rd2, Re) were susceptible to three mechanisms (al, ac, cl) as well as to C activated by the classical pathway without lysozyme (c). The mechanism (c) was weakly efficient against forms Rb2 and Rc and somewhat more efficient against Rd1 and Rd2 and the most efficient against Re.

Blood Bactericidal Activity↗
PubMed1995

Correction of hypocalcaemia in the critically ill: what is the haemodynamic benefit?

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of hypocalcaemia is known to be elevated in critically ill patients, but the expected benefit from calcium repletion in hypocalcaemic patients has not been well defined. The objective of the present study was therefore prospective determination of the cardiovascular response to calcium administration in critically ill patients with hypocalcaemia. PATIENTS: A total of 17 patients found to have ionized hypocalcaemia (Ca2+ < 1.05 mmol/l) from a group of 32 patients who were invasively monitored as part of their ICU management. INTERVENTION: Slow intravenous injection of 1 g of calcium chloride. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Calcium administration was followed by an increase in mean arterial pressure from 77 +/- 8 to 90 +/- 12 mmHg (P < 0.01). There was no significant change in cardiac filling pressures or heart rate. Cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance increased slightly but not significantly (from 2.67 +/- 0.92 to 2.81 +/- 1.25 1/min.m2 and from 2133 +/- 647 to 2378 +/- 817 dynes.s.cm-5 m-2, respectively). Left ventricular stroke work index increased from 23 +/- 8 to 32 +/- 13 g.m/m2 (P < 0.01). These changes were maintained for 60 min. CONCLUSIONS: The correction of hypocalcaemia can result in a significant increase in arterial pressure that can persist for at least 1 h. Despite an associated improvement in left ventricular function, cardiac index and oxygen delivery do not increase significantly.

Aged↗