Przegla̧d lekarski
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The concentrations of albumin, IgG, transferrin, retinol binding protein (RBP), alpha-1-microglobulin (alpha-1-m) and beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2-m) were determined in urine of 83 males 21 to 60 years old (Mean = 41.2 +/- SD = 10.7) with a history of occupational exposure to metallic mercury vapours from 7 months to 37 years (Mean=16.3 +/- 10.9) and in 30 males without this exposure by using the nephelometry (Behring's antibodies, references and controls). The weighted mean of mercury concentrations in air was from 0.028 to 0.037 mg m(-3). The urinary level of mercury was determined by using the atomic absorption spectrometer Coleman Mercury Analyzer Mas-50, Perkin-Elmer USA, in alpha=253.7nm. ⋯ Values of "r" between mercury urine concentration and albumine (r=0.46), IgG (r=0.46) and transferrin (r=0.42) were highest in group of workers exposed to mercury vapours from 10 to 20 years. Albumin, transferrin and IgG urine concentrations, as well as alpha-1-m and beta-2-m urine concentrations were statistically significantly higher in the group of workers with > 150 microg Hg/dM3 urine concentration. In conclusion, determination of urine proteins, as a markers of early subclinical renal damage may be useful in monitoring occupational exposure to mercury vapours, especially in the group of workers with higher values of urine mercury concentrations.
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On 27 June 1994 a Japanese terrorist group, Aum Shinrikyo, released sarin in Matsumoto. Some 600 people were exposed: 58 were admitted to six hospitals and all recovered: seven casualties living close to the sarin release died outside hospital. This release followed an earlier attempt by Aum Shinrikyo to use sarin to kill the head of a religious sect perceived as a threat. ⋯ Over 5000 "casualties" sought medical attention of whom 984 were moderately poisoned and 54 were severely poisoned; 12 died. Despite some initial difficulties, Japanese emergency units and local hospitals were able to respond reasonably rapidly. Analysis of the events reveals a number of important lessons for authorities as well as physicians to consider when preparing for such incidents.
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Surgical treatment for Rathke cleft cysts--Intrasellar and suprasellar cysts are often lesions observed in the neuroradiological examinations. The majority of them (craniopharyngioma, cystic pituitary adenoma) are histologically neoplasmic. The others originate from the remnants of the embryonic diverticulum which arise from the roof of the stomodeum. ⋯ Histological examination confirmed Rathke cleft cyst. There were no serious complications in our group. Follow-up examination comprises periodic endocrinological and radiological investigations.
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Treatment of prostate cancer is a challenge for both urologists and radiation oncologists. Currently two radical methods of treatment are recommended i.e. radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy. Hormonal therapy is mainly indicated for treatment of patients with metastases, but lately has become popular in combination with radical radiotherapy. ⋯ This study showed that 2 years of adjuvant hormonal therapy produced significant prolongation of the 5-year overall survival by 80% in comparison to 69% for patients treated without adjuvant hormonal therapy. Despite these few trials, lacking is still data and the following crucial questions are waiting for answers in the near future: What is the optimal timing of hormonal therapy? Which patients will obtain the greatest benefits due to combined strategy? How does long lasting hormonal therapy influence on patient's quality of life? Future trials (RTOG 9413 and RTOG 9901) will give some answers to the mentioned above questions. Currently we can conclude that in the group of patients with high risk of relapse, hormonal therapy with radiotherapy improve results of treatment.