Lead contents in liver and kidney of inhabitants of the city of Bia?ystok and vicinity]

The material comprised liver and kidney samples collected from inhabitants of the city of Bia?ystok and of its vicinity during anatomopathological examination at the Department of Pathological Anatomy, Medical Academy in Bia?ystok. In age groups: 2 days-8 years, 29-65 years, 66-84 years, the mean liver lead content was 0.220, 0.211 and 0.233 mg/kg, respectively. The mean kidney lead content amounted to 0.272, 0.038 and 0.125 mg/kg, respectively. When compared with the literature data for subjects not exposed to lead, the present results have to be regarded as low. The newborn displayed a higher kidney lead level than adults. In contrast to adults, in the newborn the content of lead in the kidney exceeded that in the liver. Adults showing a higher lead level in the liver than in the kidney exhibited a correlation between Pb level in the liver and kidney (r = 0.671).     

Calcium content in the whole-day food rations of primary school children in Bialystok and vicinity

Randomly selected 354 primary school pupils aged 9 and 14 from Bia?ystok and its vicinity gave a 24-hour feeding history. Calcium diet content was evaluated in the children. The values obtained were referred to the recommended standard of Ca intake according to age and sex. It was found that Ca supply in daily food rations of children in Bia?ystok and suburbs is most insufficient, and the 9-year-old children's place of living had a significant effect on the calcium content in diets.     

Microbiological quality of indoor air at the School of Building and Environmental Engineering at Białystok University of Technology

The investigation of microbiological rate of indoor air pollution on Faculty of Building and Environmental Engineering at Bia?ystok University of Technology were made by sedimentation method in accordance with Polish standards (PN-89/Z-04111/01,02,03). Six series of measurements were carried out from autumn 2002 to spring 2003. The results show bad microbiological quality of indoor air on Faculty of Building and Environmental Engineering at Bia?ystok University of Technology. It was found that the number of Staphylococcus, Actinomycetales as well as the total count of bacteria were too high and broke the Polish regulations of the clear air. Because of the students' and other workers' safety, monitoring of microbiological pollution of the indoor air must be done and existing emergency to improve the quality of the air must be lead.     

Content of selected bioelements in complete daily food rations of students at the Bialystok Medical Academy

The aim of the study was to evaluate calcium and iron content in a daily food ration of students of Bia?ystok Medical Academy. The analysis was correlated with the consumption of product groups being the main source of these bioelements in the diet (milk, meat and their products). The study involved 492 students (66% women and 34% men) aged 19-25 years. Quantitative analysis was carried out using the 24-hour recall method. Calcium and iron content in the diet were estimated according to Kunachowicz et al. The results were compared with the standards accepted by the Institute of Food and Nutrition in Warsaw, for people with moderate physical activity. The mean calcium content in the diet of female students was 582.9 mg, while in the diet of male students 802.2 mg. Daily diet calcium content covered 53% and 73% of the safe norm in women and men respectively, the recommended norm being 49% and 67%. Calcium content in a daily food ration of the Bia?ystok Medical Academy students was too low, which was caused by insufficient intake of milk and its products. Mean iron intake in a daily food ration of female students was 10.1 mg/day and of male students 15 mg/day. The difference was statistically significant. Iron supply in men, s diet covered the recommended norm in 100%, while the safe norm in 136.4%. In women iron in diet covered the safe norm in 72.1% and the recommended norm in 56.1%. Differences in iron content in a daily food ration of the students examined are associated with differentiated consumption of meat and its products (high intake was noted in men studying at Bia?ystok Medical Academy).     

Open-ended questions in surveys of patients' satisfaction with family doctors

OBJECTIVE: To compare replies to open-ended and closed questions about patient satisfaction with family doctors. METHODS: Two centres of primary health care in Bia?ystok in northeast Poland were chosen. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 1000 people (500 from each centre) aged 18 years and over, randomly selected from the practices. Possible responses to the one closed question were: very good, good, bad, very bad or difficult to say. Replies to two open-ended questions were categorized as positive, neutral, negative or ambivalent. RESULTS: The response rate was 57.9%. There were some discrepancies between the closed-question response and the open-ended question replies. Some of those who replied good or very good to the closed question expressed negative views in response to the two open-ended questions (14.0% and 12.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Answers to open-ended questions add value to a patient satisfaction survey by providing information that answers to closed questions may not elicite.     

Active immunization against tick-born encephalitis (TBE) among border guards (1993-2002)

Our experiences concerning of the vaccination program, started in 1993 and still continued, against tick-borne encephalitis in servicemen of Polish Border Guard are presented. In 1993-FSME IMMUN inject vaccine against TBE has been applied: 50 Border Guard servicemen from Bia?ystok region were vaccinated. In 1994 another group of 1035 officers from 5 Border Guard Squadrons in endemic regions was vaccinated. From 1996 also was vaccinate Border Guard servicemen working with tracing dog. During the period 1993-2001 years 6846 persons were vaccinated. Only one case of mild Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) was noted (transient headache). Two TBE vaccines were used: "FSME IMMUN" Baxter and "Encepur" Chiron/Behring vaccines. There have been recognized any case of TBE among the vaccinating Border Guard Officers. Nevertheless (in a contemporary epidemiological situation of TBE in Poland) almost all the Border Guard servicemen are endangered with the o/m infection. In this condition active immunization program is in progress.     

Evaluation of protein, fat and carbohydrate contents in daily dietary allowance of overweight and obese students from the Medical Academy in Bia?ystok]

The major causes of primary obesity include dietary errors (e.g. high-fat, high-energy diets) and low physical activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the quantitative evaluation of daily dietary allowances of students with overweight and obesity in the Medical Academy of Bia?ystok. Questionnaire investigations were conducted in the years 1997-1999 and included 1050 students (701 women and 349 men). Basing on BMI overweight was revealed in 22 women (3.14%) and 82 men (23.5%). Obesity was found in only 2 women (0.3%) and 4 men (1.2%). The 24-hour dietary history of the preceding day was the method used for quantitative analysis. Low physical activity and low-energy food intake (below the recommended safe norm) were the characteristic features found in the majority of students with overweight or obesity. Their daily dietary allowances showed high protein content (above the safe norm in 75% of women and 87.2% of men) and low content of carbohydrates (below the safe norm in over 70% of those examined). Fat content above the safe norm was found in approximately 55% of men with overweight and obesity, the rest consumed low-fat foods. The incidence of overweight or obesity was higher in young men than women studying in the Medical Academy of Bia?ystok. In some of them, this may be caused by a disturbed proportion in the consumption of the major food components (protein, fat, carbohydrates).     

Meningitis and encephalitis in 1998

In 1998--3,024 cases of meningitis and 581 cases of encephalitis were reported. It was 1,436 cases less then in 1997. A significant decrease of enteroviral meningitidis was observed and strains of ECHO30 was not dominant, it was Cox B5. Among bacterial factors the most common was N. meningitidis. 131 sporadic cases of meningitis caused by this bacteria were reported with serotype B dominating (96%). There were 103 cases of bacterial meningitis caused by S. pneumoniae and 101 cases caused by H. influenzae b among those with confirmed diagnosis. There were 208 cases of tick-borne encephalitis, diagnosed mainly in endemic areas of Bia?ystok and Suwa?ki voivodeships.     

Hair vanadium content and nutritional status of students of the Medical University of Białystok

The aim of the study was to determine the vanadium content in the hair of students of the Medical University of Bia?ystok and to find out whether its level in the organism measured basing on its hair content correlates with the nutritional status. The study involved 134, 127 and 125 students in the years 2000-2003, respectively. Hair vanadium content was determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method with atomization in a graphite cuvette (ET AAS) on a Hitachi Z-5000 apparatus. The nutritional status was evaluated based on the body mass index BMI. Higher vanadium content was detected in the hair of female students compared to male students. Negative correlation was noted between vanadium content in the hair of female students and their nutritional status.     

Comparison of the content of antioxidant vitamins in the diets of primary school children from Bialystok and its vicinity

A 24-hour history was taken in a group of 169 children aged 9 and 14 years, randomly chosen from two primary schools in Bia?ystok, and 186 children at the same age from three village primary schools. The results were compared to the recommended dietary allowances adequate to age and sex, and subjected to statistical analysis. The mean content of the respective vitamins in the diets of children living in town is higher than their mean content in the diets of village children. In many cases the results are statistically significant. The correction coefficient, allowing estimation of vitamin loss due to food processing was used to analyse the realisation of the vitamin dietary allowances in diet. The realisation of the recommended dietary allowances for the respective vitamins (in %) in the diets of 9- and 14-year old schoolchildren living in suburban areas is considerably lower compared to that noted in town.     

Detection of HCV infection among clients of an anonymous testing center for HIV infection

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection among clients of the centre of anonymous testing for HIV infection. Two hundred and eleven clients of anonymous testing centre for HIV infection in Bia?ystok were additionally tested for anti-HCV antibodies and the relationship between HCV infection and risk factors was analysed Main observations: Anti-HCV were detected in 6/211 individuals (2,4%). Increased risk of HCV infection was observed among intravenous drug users, unemployed, residents of other woiewodships (administrative regions), and in those who had been tested for HIV infection in the past. Centres for anonymous testing for HIV infection is also a feasible place for screening for HCV infection. It is reasonable to limit testing for HCV to patients with risk factors     

Chlorinated hydrocarbon residues in the livers of the population of Bia?ystok and its environs

In the livers of 34 subjects living in Bia?ystok and environs the residues of chlorinated hydrocarbons were determined. The mean values of alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, DDE, DDD, DDT and sigma DDT were respectively 16, 60, 81, 1090, 94, 177 and 1361 mcg/kg of fat, and 0.5, 3.2, 3.3, 48, 5.0, 7.1 and 60 mcg/kg of tissue. The content of DDE and sigma DDT in liver fat was similar to that found previously in perirenal fat. In relation to perirenal fat the content of DDT in liver fat was lower and that of DDD was higher. This was due, probably, to metabolic changes taking place in the liver. The relationship between beta-HCH and gamma-HCH in the liver was different from that in fatty tissue in which the level of Indian was lower than that of the beta-isomer.     

Activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in serum of patients with chronic borrelia arthritis

To estimate activities of lisosomal exoglycosidases in serum of patients with chronic borrelia arthritis. Study group consisted of 18 patients aged 18-72 years (x=46) hospitalized in Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections of Medical Academy in Bia?ystok with diagnosis of chronic arthritis in course of borreliosis. Control consisted of 20 healthy volunteers (health services employees) aged 25-65 years (x=45), with no detectable anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in serum. In all borreliosis patients serum activity of: N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (HEX), beta-galactosidase and alpha-mannosidase was measured before and after 4 weeks of doxycycline treatment. Results were analyzed with Statistica 6.0 software. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. HEX activity was significantly increased in serum of Lyme arthritis patients before treatment compared to controls. It decreased after 4-week treatment, remaining insignificantly higher than in controls. b-galactosidase and a-mannosidase activities in serum of Lyme arthritis patients were insignificantly higher than in controls and fell after treatment to the levels observed in control group. N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (HEX) is sensitive enzymatic marker of Lyme arthritis. It may be used to monitor course of the disease and its efficiency of treatment.     

Vanadium content in the hair and chosen lipid indices in the blood serum of students of the Bialystok Medical Academy

It was examined whether the vanadium content in the organism estimated on the basis of its concentration in the hair of students of the Bia?ystok Medical Academy was related to lipid metabolism evaluated using blood lipidograms. Total cholesterol, HDL and LDL-cholesterol fractions, and triglycerides were determined by the reflectrometric method, using a Reflotron apparatus, Roche. Vanadium concentration in the hair was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with a Hitachi Z-5000 apparatus, following sample incineration and dissolution in a 1 M solution of spectrally pure HNO3. The results were verified basing on the reference material (hair). The mean vanadium content in the hair of women was 0.032 microgram/g of hair, being higher than its concentration in the hair of men-0.019 microgram/g of hair. The difference was statistically significant. Lipid concentration in the blood serum of the subjects examined showed no statistically significant differences according to gender. Lipid indices were, however, markedly higher in women.     

Exposure to toxocariasis and tularemia among workers at Białowieza National Park

Everyday contact of the workers of Bia?owieza sanctuary with animals may create a risk of infection by microorganisms attacking animals. The reported study was undertaken for carrying out an epidemiological analysis of tularemia and toxocarosis in this group of workers. Tularaemia infection was not found in then. In 12% of these workers antibodies to Toxocara canis were found, and fire workers had articular borreliosis. Antibodies to taxocara were disclosed in 10% of the Bia?owieza population not employed in the sanctuary and 30% of the population of the village Kruklanka in the Pisz Forests. The workers of the Bia?owieza Sanctuary are not exposed to Toxocara canis infection more than the remaining population of Bia?owieza and the population in the Kruklanka village in a region far from Bia?owieza.     

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases in Białostocki and Podlaski regions in years 1993-2002

TBE virus remains one of major etiologic agents of encephalitis in Poland. In the beginning of 90-ties great increase of TBE cases was observed. In the years 1993-2002 there were TBE 1966 cases reported in Poland, while in bia?ostockie/podlaskie voivodeship there were 871 cases. In years 1993 and 1996 111 TBE cases annually were reported in this region. The highest TBE incidence in this region was registered in years 1993 and 1996 - 15.9 and the lowest in 2001 - 3.4. In analyzed period of time mean TBE incidence in Poland varied from 0.69 to 0.26. TBE cases from bia?ostockie voivodeship from years 1993-1998 stated 43% of all cases in Poland and from podlaskie voivodeship from years 1999-2002 states 46% of all.     

Aquatic fungi and straminipilous organisms in lakes of the Augustowska Primeval Forest,Poland

We analyzed species composition of aquatic fungi and straminipilous organisms in six lakes located within the Augustowska Primeval Forest, Poland. Mycological observations conducted in the spring and autumn seasons together with hydrochemical analysis in the 2010–2012 revealed the presence of 44 species (10 aquatic fungi and 34 straminipilous organisms). Among the taxa detected, there were some potential pathogens of economically valuable fish species and spawn, including Achlya americana, Ac. polyandra, Saprolegnia ferax and S. parasitica. Some of the species were crustacean pathogens, such as Lagenidium giganteum, Myzocytium microsporum and M. zoophthorum. There were also some common human pathogens Aspergillus niger and Candida tropicalis. Some species, such as Achlya klebsiana, Ac. prolifera, Nowakowskiella elegans, N. macrospora, Pythium debaryanum, Py. inflatum, Rhizophlyctis rosea and Saprolegnia litoralis were common phytosaprobionts. The largest number of species of fungi and straminipilous organisms was identified in Lake Sajenek (22), the fewest in Lake Bia?e (12). The quantitative composition and qualitative differentiation of mycobiota were influenced by the content of biogenic compounds and the amount of organic substance. The elevated levels of these parameters (Lake Sajenek) stimulated the growth of fungi and straminipilous organisms, whereas very low concentrations of biogenic compounds and a small amount of organic matter (Lake Bia?e) had an inhibitory effect. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted to determine the correlations between the number of fungal and straminipilous species and the hydrochemical parameters, i.e. water temperature, the level of nitrogen compounds (nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen), calcium carbohydrate, magnesium carbohydrate, water oxidizability and the content of dry residue, dissolved substances and suspension.     

The frequency of breakfast and snack intake by pupils of primary schools in Biala Podlaska

The aim of this work was an attempt to assess the frequencies of breakfast and snack intake by schoolchildren and to identity its determinants. The study was carried out on spring in 2000, and included 2758 boys and girls aged 10-12 years, schoolchildren from nine primary schools in Bia?a Podlaska. It was found that more than 11% of schoolchildren had no breakfast at home, moreover 43% of boys and 53% of girls had no snack at school. The correlation between snack consumption at school and subjectively perceived living standard of their parents was significant in girls only (r = 0.26; p < or = 0.05).     

The evaluation of nutrition quality of adolescents living in residential schools at the province of Bia?ystok]

The aim of this study was an assessment of nutrition quality of adolescents living in boarding schools at the province of Bia?ystok. The investigations were carried out in the range of nutritional value and contamination level of lead, cadmium, mercury, copper and zinc in daily food rations given to young people. The nutrition quality was determined by calculating the energy and nutritional components during ten days (decade), using computer programme "Menu". Chemical analysis were made on individual meals, which create daily food ration per estimated day. All the studies (in 1997 and 1998 year) were done according to the methods referred in chapter on this article "Material and methods of research". It was found, (during two years study) that nutrition of young people in boarding schools devites from recommended dietary allowances. High products consumption from groups: "meat and its products", "butter" and "other fats", caused too high energy contribution taken from dietary fats of whole daily energy and high iron intake. The percent proportion from energy supplied from proteins was maintained in recommended value. The consumption deficit in groups "milk and dairy products", "vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin C reflected in the low percent of realization of the requirements for calcium and vitamin C. Exceedation of permissible tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of cadmium and mercury wasn't stated, (in 1997 year) while 26% of estimated in 1997 year, and 14% in 1998 diets were above PTWI for lead. Daily intake of copper and zinc was lower than maximal tolerable daily intake (MTDI). Some assessed (during 1997 and 1998 year) rations didn't cover the requirements for zinc, while in 81% estimated diets in 1997 and 76% in 1998, the recommended intake level of copper was exceeded. The contents of sodium chloride in daily food rations analyzed in 1997 year ranged from 13.8 g to 27.2 g and the highest source of dietary salt were dinner meals (6.9 g-13.2 g), analogous in current year--from 10.8 g to 38.3 g, with contents of salt in dinner meals--5.7 g to 14.4 g. The investigation from 1997 and 1998 year prove, that nutrition of adolescent in boarding schools isn't correct according to rational diet principles. There is the need of giving systematic training for people who are planing and realising nutrition in boarding schools, and taking up other activity mobilizing personnel for higher engagement in young people nutrition problem.     

Hepatitis C in Poland in 2002

The hepatitis C surveillance in Poland covers both acute and chronic presentation of hepatitis C. Chronic cases are registered only once, at the time of the first notification. In total, 1,987 cases were reported in Poland in 2002, out of which 84 (4.2%) persons were co-infected with HBV. The overall incidence, 5.2 per 100,000, was within the range observed during the preceding three years. As previously the incidence in the cities (6.8) was significantly higher than in rural areas (2.6), and males were more affected then females (incidence 6.1 and 4.3 per 100,000 respectively). Comparing the incidence across the regions, the rate ratio between the voivodeships with the highest and the lowest incidence (respectively 14.0 in ?wietokrzyskie and 1.5 in podkarpackie) was 9.5. The age distribution of cases was bimodal peaking in the age groups 50-54 years (incidence 7.9) and 20-24 years (incidence 7.0). Approximately 86.5% of cases were hospitalized. According to the preliminary national life statistics data in 2002 in Poland 91 persons died from acute or chronic hepatitis C.