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.     

Modified algorithm in treatment of patients with chronic low back pain with neuroradiological diagnostic techniques]

The most difficult in proper qualification of the patient with chronic low back pain for an operative treatment is determination of the chance for satisfactory result. The diversity of the pain eliciting structure in the spine influence the decision. In the paper we have analyzed patient where the operative treatment was considered. In 149 patients divided in two groups the (not being previously operated on the spine--group 1 and after spine surgery--group 2) the neuroradiological procedures were performed (sacral epidural block, facet injections, root injections of the lumbar spine). As the result of this procedure in 108 patients (72%) surgical intervention at that time was abandoned. Conclusion. In our opinion the neuroradiological diagnostic procedures should be mandatory in back pain management of the patient were operative treatment is considered. We present the modified algorithm in diagnostic procedure preceding the operation.     

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.     

Comparison of the sphygmooscillographic method with the direct and auscultatory methods of measuring blood pressure

Objective. The objective of this study was to compare blood pressure (BP) measured by the sphygmooscillographic method with that measured by the direct and auscultatory methods.Methods. In 15 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, blood pressure was measured by the sphygmooscillographic and direct methods simultaneously on the same upper extremity. In another group of 86 children and 11 adults, blood pressure was measured by the sphygmooscillographic and auscultatory methods simultaneously, with one cuff. For the sphygmooscillographic measurement, we used sphygmomanometer-S, which measures blood pressure on the basis of the amplitude height (oscillometric) and the morphology (sphygmographic) of pulse waves recorded by a transducer placed in the cuff.Results. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured by the sphygmooscillographic method were both 2 mm Hg higher than those from the direct method; the mean blood pressure was 0.6 mm Hg higher. These differences were not significant. Compared with the auscultatory method, sphygmooscillographic systolic values were higher by 7 mm Hg, while diastolic values were lower by 9 mm Hg. These differences were significant.Conclusions. Blood pressure measurements obtained by the sphygmooscillographic method correlate well with the direct method for measuring blood pressure in children and adults; but, they do not correlate well with the auscultatory method.     

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.