Microbial transformation of azacarbazoles. I. N-methylation of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-carbolines by Kitasatosporia setae strain

Microbial transformation of selected azacarbazoles, compounds noted for their activity as antitumor agents, conducted with Kitasatosporia setae strain resulted in N-methylation of pyridine nucleus of alpha-, beta- and gamma-carboline molecule. Formed quaternized intermediates were converted in alkaline conditions into corresponding iso-carbolines. The structure of the final products, alpha-, beta- and gamma-iso-carbolines have been established on the basis of spectral data and confirmed by chemical synthesis.     

Applying the posterior fasciocutaneous thigh flap in bed sores treatment]

The paper presents the possibilities of applying the posterior thigh flap in the treatment of ischial pressure sores. Between 2000 and 2004 the flap was used in three cases treated in the Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department of the Medical Universtity in Bialystok. The indications, contraindications, operative technique and advantages of the posterior thigh flap are described. In all three cases the ischial bed sores healed well without recurrences. The posterior fasciocutaneous pedicled flap is a good method of treatment for not too extensive bed sores in the ischial region.This flap can be applied in recurrences found after primary bed sore treatment with another method. However the fasciocutaneous flap has a limited range of transposition as compared with cutaneous flaps.     

Violence at the workplace--a questionnaire survey of nurses.

BACKGROUND: In the health sector, anywhere in the world nurses are one of the most exposed groups to violence. However, it is not obvious that psychiatric nurses (PNs) are more exposed to aggression and burnout. OBJECTIVES: To determine the nature and effects of aggressive acts towards nursing staff in psychiatric and other medical services in Poland. METHODS: Various questionnaires (Stress at Work Scale, General Health Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Work Satisfaction Scale), were distributed among psychiatric (N=78) and non-psychiatric nurses (N-PNs) (N=335). A 92.6% response rate was achieved. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between PNs and non-psychiatric counterparts with respect to their experiences of violence. The most frequently reported incident was verbal abuse, followed by threats and physical assault. Patients were significantly more frequent perpetrators in psychiatric wards than in others. The level of intra-staff aggression did not significantly vary between groups, neither did the level of work satisfaction and absenteeism. CONCLUSION: The frequency of violent acts and stress related to them point out the strong need for the development of preventive programs to address the issue of violence at work.     

Synthesis and anticonvulsant properties of some arylsuccinate methylpyridylimides

In reaction of alpha-phenyl, alpha-p-chlorophenyl and alpha-m-chlorophenylsuccinic acid with various aminopyridines, N-pyridyl-substituted succinimides (compounds 1-14) were obtained. These compounds were investigated for their CNS activity. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 displayed anticonvulsant properties in the maximum electroshock test. Compounds 5 and 6 were also active in the pentetrazole test.     

Exchange transfusion in children with blastic hyperleukocytosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

In 10 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (mean leucocyte count 452 x 10(9)/l) 17 exchange transfusions were done for rapid reduction of this count. The control group comprised 11 children with similar values of white blood cell counts (mean 324 x 10(9)/l) treated initially with small, increasing doses of corticosteroids. In contrast to acute myeloid leukaemia the results do not support the usefulness of exchange transfusions in children with hyperleukocytosis during ALL.     

Synthesis and local anesthetic and circulatory actions of aminoesters and hydroxyamine monoterpene derivatives.

Esters of N,N-diethylaminoacetic acid and hydroxyamines, obtained from structurally different natural monoterpenes, were pharmacologically examined. It was proved that salts of the obtained compounds had local anesthetic properties in infiltration anesthesia, compounds 9, 6 and 8 having been more potent than lidocaine. Compounds 7-9 slightly increased the arrhythmogenic dose, and compound 12 - the lethal dose of strophanthin. All the examined compounds transiently decreased the arterial blood pressure and displayed a cardiopressive activity.     

Uroflowmetry in diagnosis of urinary stress incontinence in women]

The authors' aim was to evaluate the range of uroflowmetry in diagnostics of stress urinary incontinence (sui) in women. The examinations were carried out in 59 women with sui, aged from 35 to 45 years (group I). The control group consisted of 20 asymptomatic women (group II). To evaluate volumes of urine voided during micturition in a unit of time a urological flowmeter UF-1 (produced by COTM, Bia?ystok) was used. Numeric data of flow were analysed, as well as registered curves of flow were ascribed to one of the following flow patterns: normal, multi-peak or interrupted. The conducted studies revealed statistically significant differences in flow values in group I, compared to group II. A more frequent incidence of multi-peak and interrupted flow patterns was found in women with sui, which could be related to a neurogenic component in etiology of the disease.