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Radioterapia zajmuje szczególne miejsce w leczeniu nowotworów regionu głowy i szyi. Radykalne leczenie promieniowaniem jonizującym wiąże się z wystąpieniem odczynu popromiennego. Najczęstszymi powikłaniami są: zaburzenia mowy i połykania, suchość w jamie ustnej i konieczność zmiany diety. Celem artykułu jest omówienie patogenezy, czynników ryzyka i profilaktyki odczynu popromiennego w diagnozie i terapii logopedycznej. Ćwiczenia logopedyczne, stymulacja twarzy, pielęgnacja skóry i wzbogacona dieta wpływają na zmniejszenie skutków ubocznych radioterapii.

Odontomas are the benign tumors, which are usually discovered by chance in radiographic images taken because of anomalies such as delayed eruption of teeth or malocclusion. Case study shows the course of diagnosis of an asymptomatic odontoma in youth, followed by a failure in teeth development.

У статті розглянуто результати дослідження працездатності жінок у віці 20–50 років, які регулярно займаються фітнесом, а також вплив харчування на стан їхнього організму.

This article aims at the presentation of podocyturia, a reliable marker of kidney diseases, that is increasingly applied to kidney diseases diagnosis, also in veterinary medicine. Podocytes are highly specialized epithelial cells of the visceral glomerular capsule. They are essential in selective plasma filtration and the formation of primary urine. The presence of an increased number of podocytes in the urine, podocyturia, may be used as a diagnostic tool for early diagnosis of renal corpuscles injury (glomerulopathy). This study presents methods for determining podocytes in urine for diagnostic purposes. The detection of podocyturia is possible due to the detection of proteins associated with podocytes, such as nephrin, podocalyxin, synaptopodin, Wilms tumor protein, glomerular epithelial protein 1, alpha actinin-4 and podocin. According to the current literature, canine podocin can be successfully detected using a commercial ELISA test (MyBioSource, San Diego, California USA). The podocin to creatinine ratio in urine (UPoC), is a reliable marker of the degree of glomerular injury that takes also into account the degree of urine concentration. Podocyturia has been demonstrated to precede proteinuria, showing that the clinical management of proteinuria cannot be considered an early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the meaning of life, human fate and self-discovery. Based on texts by Gombrowicz and Nietzsche, the author describes two distinct theoretical positions, which she describes as chaotic babble and amor fati. The conclusion outlines the complimentary character of these two concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High ammonia nitrogen load of coke plant wastewater provided an opportunity to use the Anammox (ANaerobic AMmonium OXidation) process for its biological treatment. Biodiversity and variability of microorganisms in rotating biological contactor (RBC) biofi lm treating synthetic coke wastewater was analyzed in the eight-month experiment with the main focus on the Anammox bacteria. Using PCR-DGGE (polymerase chain reaction - denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) it was shown that the RBC biofi lm was populated by Anammox bacteria. Possibly, an unknown environmental factor (probably nitrate(III) build-up) caused signifi cant decrease in Anammox bacteria number, leading to a qualitative change in the total bacterial community structure at the same time. However, despite qualitative changes the bacterial biodiversity level remained relatively constant during the course of the experiment. On the basis of the obtained results it may be assumed that TAQ polymerases amplify part of DNA material from the RBC in a non-specifi c manner and this material is not separated properly in denaturing gradient. Use of other type of polymerase (e.g. proofreading) and/or change of DGGE gradient is presumed necessary as a solution to this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a member of the IL-1 cytokin family. It is expressed by various cells and tissues, mainly epithelial and endothelial cells. It is a cytokine with dual function. It may act both as a traditional cytokine and as intracellular nuclear factor, functioning as transcription regulator. Its biological effect via interaction with membrane-bound ST2 receptor and IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) is associated with the induction of Th2-type immune response and IL-5 and IL-13 synthesis. IL-33 has a strong immunoregulatory properties. Depending on the type of activated cells, microenvironment, and costimulatory factors, IL-33 can act either as a pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine. Recent studies indicate various protective effect of IL-33/ST2 sygnaling in atherosclerosis, obesity, disorders in glucose homeostasis and in heart diseases. The paper presents current state of knowledge about the structure and biological function of IL-33 and its receptor ST2, with particular emphasis on its role in pathophysiology of cardiovascular system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction. Colonoscopy is now widely accepted as a gold standard for detection of pre-malignant lesions, mainly adenomatous polyps. Their removal reduces the risk for colorectal cancer in patients with adenomatous polyps. Aim. This study aimed at evaluating the efficiency and safety of colonoscopic polypectomies which were performed between 2001 and 2007. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the course and results of polypectomies which were performed during 2970 colonoscopies on patients admitted to hospital with symptoms of colorectal pathology. Results and discussion. Total colonoscopy, i.e. with caecal intubation, was performed in 2602 (91%) cases. Colonoscopic polypectomies were performed during 628 (21.5%) examinations. Single polyps were found in 346 (55.1%) cases and multiple polyps in 282 (44.9%). The total number of removed polyps amounted to 901. Out of that number 690 (76.5%) were adenomas and 173 (23.5%) presented features of the so-called advanced pathology. In 26 (2.8%) cases, the detected adenomas coexisted with colorectal cancer and were removed preoperatively. Post-polypectomy bleeding occurred in 15 (2.3%) cases but only 2 patients required surgical treatment because of the inability to stop the bleeding by an endoscopic procedure. Moreover, out of 268 rectal polyps, 19 (7%) unpedunculated polyps were removed surgically (18 of them by trans-anal excision). Conclusions. The effectiveness of this method was high. Polyps were detected and removed in the course of more than 20% of colonoscopic examinations. Polypectomies were relatively complications-free, although in 2 (0.28%) cases surgical treatment was necessary to stop post-polypectomy bleeding due to the inability to stop the bleeding from the polyp stalk endoscopically. Some rectal polyps (7%) had to be removed surgically. Preoperative endoscopic clearance of large bowel po lyps, coexisting with neoplastic tumours, facilitated the adjustment of the resection margin in the subsequent colorectal cancer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The alimentary tract is colonized very frequently by opportunistic fungi of various systematic and ecophysiological groups, particularly yeasts-like fungi and yeasts. It is not only the reservoir of potential human pathogens but also the path of mycotic invasion and dissemination in many cases leading to fungemia. Aim of study: The study aimed at the detailed taxonomic analysis of fungi isolated from the endoscopic materials and determined in routine tests as yeasts-like fungi. Material and methods: The research material consisted of fungi isolated from the alimentary tract (swabs and specimens) of 45 patients referred to the Endoscopy Laboratory at the Municipal Hospital in Olsztyn. The procedures applied were consistent with the generally accepted diagnostic process applied in mycology laboratories. Specialist keys were used for taxonomic analyses. Results: In total, 70 isolates of fungi belonging to 22 species were obtained, among which as many as 9 species (21% of positive results) had not been previously recorded in Polish gastroenterological literature. Those were: Candida brumptii, Candida dubliniensis, Candida lactis-condensi, Candida pelliculosa, Metchnikovia pulcherrima, Rhodosporidium diobovatum, Saccharomycopsis capsularis, Trichosporon capitatum and Trichosporon fermentans. Conclusions: The taxonomic spectrum of fungi populated the alimentary tract clearly expands - 21% of the fungal community were species new to that ontocenosis. Considering biology and adaptation capacity of fungi, interactions with bacteria and increasing number of iatrogenic factors predisposing for fungal infections, standards of mycological analyses of endoscopic materials should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of intracolonoscopic polypectomies performed at the Division of Endoscopy of the Department of Surgery at the Municipal Hospital in Olsztyn between 2001 and 2007. Materials and methods. Results of 628 intracolonoscopic polypectomies, selected from the data base of 2970 colonoscopies performed within a 7-year period. Results and discussion. The analysis of the data concerning the course of colonoscopies and pathomorphological examinations of the colon polyps allowed to draw the following conclusions: A large number of complete colonoscopies (9 1%), i.e. with caecal intubation, was performed. Single polyps were diagnosed in 346 cases, and multiple polyps in 282 cases. In total, 901 polyps were diagnosed. Pathologists diagnosed 690 adenomas in the examined material, including 46 of a high level of dysplasia. The remaining 209 polyps were not adenomatous, but in 12 non-adenomic polyps dysplasia was also found. In two patients who underwent polypectomy (polyps over 2cm with invasive neoplasm), resection surgeries were performed. In 25 cases, polyps coexisting with neoplastic tumours were removed before scheduled surgical procedures. In 13 cases, post-polypectomy bleeding was controlled by an endoscopic technique, and in 2 cases surgically. In 1 case emergency laparotomy was required due to the perforation of the intestine. Among 259 rectum polyps - in 19 cases, i.e. in 7.3%, a trans-anal surgery was necessary. Conclusions. Colonoscopic polypectomy is a relatively safe procedure. However, 3 patients (0.47%) developed complications which required emergency surgical interventions. Effectiveness of endoscopic polypectomy was high, which was testified by the number of the removed adenomas and a limited number (7.3%) of rectum polyps which required surgery. Preoperative "cleansing" of the large intestine from polyps coexisting with neoplastic tumours makes it possible to limit the range of the resection only to the localization of the tumour and its stage of advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of the native urine sediment in the differential of glomerular disease needs no further comments. However the question arises whether it could be useful to develop a more specific diagnostic approach to identify the origin of renal epithelial cells that can be detected in the urine sediments as well. Especially the detection of podocytes in the urine could be a valuable non-invasive method to get information about the disease activity or disease type and could be used as a follow up. So far there are only a few studies that analyzed the clinicaI relevance of renal epithelial cells in the urine. This review summarizes the available information on marker proteins that have been successfully used in the diagnostic of podocytes in the urine. Furthermore it shows possible diagnostic usefulness of epithelial urinary cells assessment and future research directions.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is multifactorial disease with unknown ethiology. Among the theories on the pathogenesis of AAA are some ge. netic factors, infections, disorders in connective tissue (collagenosis), arteriosclerosis, inflammation, incorrect immune response (autoimmunity). It was discovered that crucial for AAA development is intense inflammatory reaction combined with high proteolytic activity. Recent evidence confirmed the association between osteopontin (OPN) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels and cardiovascular diseases and arterio. sclerosis. The aim of this work was assessment of plasma levels of OPN and OPG in the group of the patients with AAA and correlation of results with clinical parameters, "classical" risk factors for development of AAA, arteriosclerosis and morbidity. The reference group consist of the patients with Leriche Syndrome (LS). The OPG level was assessed in plasma and OPN levels were assessed in plasma and urine. Plasma OPG levels were higher in AAA group than in LS group (difference not statistically significant, p = 0.0549). It was statistically significant positive correlation between plasma OPN levels and CRP levels in the groups of AAA and LS patients. It was not any association between plasma OPG and OPN levels and abdominal aortic diameter. Plasma OPG levels correlated positively with the existence of coronary artery disease in AAA patients. Insignificant, but higher levels of this protein were found also in a group of AAA patient with myocardial infarction. In LS group we found statistically significant positive association between plasma OPG levels and patient with stroke. However, in AAA patients with incidence of stroke, we found higher plasma levels of OPN. Interestingly, there was not any association between OPN levels in the urine and clinical parameters, risk factors and morbidity, including kidney diseases. inflammatory role of OPN and depicts better reflection of inflammatory reaction of OPN than OPG in both group of patients. Plasma OPG levels in AAA patients are more associated with coronary artery disease than with peripheral artery disease, what is characteristic for LS patients. Lack of association of urine OPN levels with above mentioned parameters suggest minor importance of this urine protein in clinical condition evaluation of patients with AAA and advanced arteriosclerosis.

C4 photosynthesis includes several anatomical and biochemical modifications that allow plants to concentrate CO2 at the site of Rubisco. The photorespiratory pathway is repressed in C4 plants, since the rates of photosynthesis and biomass production are increased. This is an adaptation to high light intensities, high temperatures and dryness. C4 plants contain two distinct types of photosynthetic cells, mesophyll and bundle sheath. The processes of assimilation and reduction of CO2 are separated spatiality and catayzed by two different enzymes. Only the bundle sheath chloroplasts perform the reactions of the Calvin-Benson cycle with the help of the Rubisco enzyme present exclusively in this cell type. The primary CO2 fixation occurs in mesophyll cells through the action of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase. The light-dependent reactions of the photosynthesis occur exclusively in the latter cell type. These differences in photochemistry lead to distinct redox profiles in both types of cells. C4 plants are divided into three biochemical subtypes on the basis of differences in the mechanisms of decarboxylation of the C4 acids. C4 plants will provide the main source of food for humans and animals in the nearest decade.

Atherosclerosis is chronic, inflammatory disease. In artery inflammation main role play cells of the immune system, including lymphocytes and macrophages. This circle of the cells modulating atherogenesis enclose also mast cells. Activated mast cell degranulate and release many types of mediators, including cytokines, chemokins, growth factors, vasoactive substances and proteolytic enzymes. This mediators can modulate inflammatory reaction in artery wall directly, by releasing proinflammatory cytokines or indirectly, influencing the activity of the other cells of the immune system, taking a part in the process of atherogenesis. Due to the ability of secretion and activation of proteolytic enzymes (chymase, tryptase, metalloproteinases), mast cells are prone to degrade various components of pericellular and extracellular matrices, including collagen, main protein of the fibrous cap of atherosclerotic plaque, rendering to plaque destabilization, increasing the onset of the atherothrombotic complications. Mast cell proteases can also modulate proliferation and apoptosis of the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the artery wall. In spite of the fact, that most of the studies about mast cells are performed ex vivo on human tissues or cell cultures and rodents, this findings lead to recognize mechanisms by which mast cell can intervene in atherogenesis process. Moreover, there are some trials of using some of the mast cell mediators in differentiation of cardiovascular diseases and prediction the clinical condition of the patients.

Background: In this paper the exposure assessment to airborne biohazards (organic dust, microorganisms, endotoxins and ((1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans) as well as to ammonia and hydrogen sulfide among CAFO (swine farms) workers is presented., Materials and Methods: Occupational exposure assessment was carried out on 30 swine farms. Personal dosimetry was carried out among 90 swine farm workers to assess the exposure to organic dust, endotoxins and glucans. Concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide were measured using Draeger pipes. Endotoxins were assayed with the LAL test in a kinetic, chromogenic version and ((1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans with the Glucatell test in a kinetic version., Results: Concentrations of inhalable dust ranged from 0.16 to 37.2 mg/m3, with AM = 3.65 mg/m3, whereas AM for respirable fraction was 0.39 mg/m3 with the range from zero to 4.28 mg/m3. Mean concentration of culturable bacteria was 4.79 x 10 (5) jtk/m3, and fungi concentration was ten times lower - 1.55 x 10(4) jtk/m3. Exposure to endotoxins with high degree of differentiation ranged from 95 to 147 885 EU/m3 in inhalable and from 5.5 to 18 708 EU/m3 in respirable fractions. Glucan concentrations ranged from 6 to > 5200 ng/m3 in unhalable and from 1 to 800 ng/m3 in respirable fraction. Ammonia concentrations in the workplace air ranged from 1.78 mg/m3 (2.50 ppm) to 30.1 mg/m3 (42.4 ppm). Hydrogen sulfide did not exceed the level of 4.1 mg/m3., Conclusion: Work conditions found in CAFOs may induce adverse effects on workers' respiratory system and should be considered as an important harmful agent. The protection of workers respiratory airways should be recommended.

Emissions of harmful agents, inherent in the intensive production of pigs, create an important problem concerning the protection of workers' health. Concentration of many animals on relatively small areas contributes to high air contaminations inside swine confinement buildings. They are mostly induced by bioaerosols, such as organic dust, microorganisms, endotoxins, glucans and irritant gases. In view of the health care and safety of people employed in animal farming, it is crucial to conduct research involving a comprehensive evaluation of exposure to occupational hazards, indicating their level determinants and increasing the scientific information on dose-response relations. This article presents the review of the literature on the process of pig farming in Poland, including legislation, occupational hygiene and potential risk for the health of animal-handling workers.

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the occupational exposure to mesophilic microorganisms associated with commercial processing of compost for mushroom production., Materials and Methods: The air samples for microbiological analysis were collected directly on Petri dishes with Malt Extract Agar medium using Burkard Air Sampler. The quantitative and qualitative identification of mesophilic bacteria and mesophilic fungi were performed using the standard microbiological procedures., Results: Considerable variation in exposure to bioaerosols within the sectors of compost production were observed. The highest level of mesophilic bacteria in the air (4.17 x 10(4) cfu/m3) was measured during the mixing of raw materials with water and loading of the final compost piles to the pasteurization tunnels (3.54 x 10(4) cfu/m3). The highest concentration of mesophilic fungi was found in the air samples collected during the manual unrolling of straw (1.62 x 10(4) cfu/m3) and dosing of mycelium to the compost (1.15 x 10(4) cfu/m3). Among 33 identified bacteria and fungi species, Pasteurella sp, Proteus mirabilis, Streptomyces sp, Corynebacterium sp and Aspergillusfumigatus create the potential risk for health of exposed workers., Conclusions: The presence of microorganisms found in the air creats the potential risk for human health, therefore the use of personal equipment, protecting the respiratory tract and skin of exposed workers is strongly recommended.

Introduction: Symptoms of precocious puberty (PP) in children always arouse anxiety in their parents. Many children with PP are being hospitalized for the detailed diagnostic work-up. The aim of our study was to analyze the frequency of the variants of PP in children referred to our department., Material: Retrospective analysis of 119 children (103 girls and 16 boys) referred for hospitalization in the years 2003-2005 due to signs of precocious puberty was performed., Results: Premature thelarche, benign variant of puberty, was diagnosed in 62 (53%) girls, in the mean age of 3.39 (+/- 2.33) years. Their mean height was within 0.7 +/- 1.1 SD. Premature pubarche was diagnosed 30 (25%) children--22 girls and 8 boys in the mean age was 7.24 (+/- 0.81) years. Their mean height was 1.3 +/- 1.0 SD and was significantly higher than normal (p < 0.0001). Premature menarche was diagnosed in 8 (7%) girls in the mean age 4.81 +/-2.26 years. Mean height in this group was normal for age (0.9+/-0.8 SD). PP was diagnosed in 19 (16%) children (11 girls and 8 boys) in the mean age 5.91 +/- 1.63 years. Mean height in this group was 1.6 +/- 0.7 SD, and was significantly higher than the mean for age (p<0.0005). GnRH-dependent type was present in 15 children, diagnosed as idiopathic in 9 girls and 1 boy. In 5 children (4 boys and 1 girl) pathology of central nervous system was found. In 4 children GnRH-independent precocious puberty was diagnosed--in 3 caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia and in 1 boy by tumour of testis (leydigioma)., Conclusions: Girls with precocious thelarche without growth acceleration present the benign variant of puberty and need clinical follow up only. Boys with clinical signs of precocious puberty should be carefully evaluated to rule out the organic cause.

Immunoglobulin class A is the main protein of the mucosal immune system. The daily production of this isotype exceeds the synthesis of all other classes of immunoglobulins. Because the mucosal surface area of the human organism is about 400 m2, the role of IgA in the defense of this surfaces from harmful agents from the external environment is extremely essential. Any changes connected with a lack or an overproduction of this immunoglobulin can manifest as different clinical diseases. In this paper some selected issues on the heterogeneity of the IgA are presented, its structure and significance for the human organism, the formation of IgA immunity during ontogenesis on one hand and antigenic stimulation on the other, as well as disorders connected with abnormal synthesis or structure of these molecules.

Background: The aim of the study was to quantitatively and qualitatively identify moulds occurring in the air of selected office rooms., Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the wintertime inside four office rooms with moisture trace and one control room. To assess mycological contamination of the air, triple samples were directly collected on Petri dishes (Malt Extract Agar medium) using a Burkard air sampler. Qualitative evaluation of moulds was based on the microscopic view and morphological features of colonies., Results: Total number of moulds determined in the air of office rooms did not exceed the level of 4 x 10(2) cfu/m3. The highest concentration of moulds (3.44 x 10(2) cfu/m3) was found in the room that was also used as an archive. It was over tenfold higher than in the control room (0.33 x 10(2) cfu/m3). The qualitative analysis of moulds showed the presence of 15 species. Some of them, including Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus ochraceus, Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp. and Alternaria spp., are recognized as potential health hazards to workers due to the production of mycotoxins and allergic reactions., Conclusions: The archive was the only room, where concentration of moulds slightly exceeded the reference value. To protect the health of workers who perform their duties in this place, the documents, which are an ideal place of mould growth, should be moved to a separate room. Respiratory complaints reported by workers could be associated with concentrations and species of moulds found in the office rooms under study.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the microbiological air quality at the selected municipal waste landfills., Materials and Methods: The study was conducted during the summer at two municipal landfills. Air samples were collected on agar plates. The evaluation was based on the concentration levels of airborne bacteria and fungi and the identification of isolated strains., Results: The total number of bacteria and fungi did not exceed the level of 10(3) cfu/m3. The highest concentrations of bacteria in air were observed during unloading, disposing and compacting of municipal wastes (landfill 1 - 6,1 x 10(3) cfu/ml, landfill 2 - 5,4 x 10(2) cfu/m3). The highest concentrations of fungi in air were observed at filled up parts of the landfills (landfill 1 - 4,8 x 10(2) cfu/m3, landfill 2 - 1,2 x 10(3) cfu/m3). The qualitative analysis of the air samples indicated the presence of 21 bacterial and fungi. Among of them bacteria Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus mirabilis and fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans are classified as harmful biological agents., Conclusions: The total number of bacteria and fungi in air samples collected at the selected municipal waste landfills did not exceed the reference values. The concentration levels of bioaerosols are diversified according to the size of the landfill, the total number of accumulated wastes and the level of area usage. It is suggested using by municipal waste workers personal protective equipment, especially for respiratory airways and skin and also keeping the rules of individual hygiene.

Background: The purpose of the study was to evaluate exposure to bioaerosols among sewer workers., Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the summertime, based on the standard PN-EN 13098. Air samples were collected on gelatine filters at three stationary sites: inside the sewer, next to the sewer manhole during under pressure cleaning and at effluent discharge point. In collected samples the qualitative and quantitative analysis of bacteria and fungi were performed., Results: Bacteria and fungi concentrations were at low levels. The highest concentration of bacteria (about 5.0 x 10(2) cfu/m3) was found inside the sewer and of fungi (about 1.0 x 10(2) cfu/m3) at effluent discharge point. Among all determined microorganisms Gram-positive bacteria were predominated, especially Staphylococcus lentus. Others bacteria there were also found, like rod-shaped of the genus Bacillus and Enterococcus faecalis. The diversification of Gram-negative bacteria was small. Among fungi there were determined representatives of two genera Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp., including species Aspergillus fumigatus., Conclusions: According to the law in force among all determined microorganisms only bacteria Enterococcus faecalis (Enterococcus spp.) and mould Aspergillus fumigatus are classified as harmful biological agents (occupational risk group 2). It is suggested using by employees personal protective equipment, especially for respiratory airways and skin protection and also keeping the rules of individual hygiene.

Background: Increased prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents results in more common metabolic complications characteristic for adults, particularly those with abdominal obesity. The objective of the study was to determine the relation between the fat tissue distribution and metabolic complications and to estimate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents., Material and Methods: We studied 64 children (42 girls and 22 boys) with simple obesity (BMI =97 pc) in the mean age 12.4+/-3.4 years. The fat tissue distribution was assessed on the basis of waist circumference, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio (WHR) and skinfold thickness (suprailiac, subscapular, biceps and triceps). In all children plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides were estimated. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were measured in fasting state and during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Fasting insulin to glucose ratio (FIGR) was calculated. Blood pressure was measured in triplicate., Results: In 33 (51.6%) of children dyslipidemia, in 10 (15.6%) hyperinsulinemia or impaired glucose tolerance and in 12 (18%) hypertension was diagnosed. The Metabolic syndrome was present in 9 (14%) children. The anthropometric predictor for the risk of metabolic complications was a greater waist circumference, while greater hip circumference decreased the risk., Conclusions: The metabolic complications characteristic of metabolic syndrome, previously diagnosed exclusively in adults, may occur also in obese children and adolescents. As in adults, abdominal obesity is the most relevant risk factor of the metabolic syndrome.

Immunoglobulin class A is the main protein of the mucosal immune system. The daily production of this isotype exceeds the synthesis of all other classes of immunoglobulins. Because the mucosal surface area of the human organism is about 400 m2, the role of IgA in the defense of this surfaces from harmful agents from the external environment is extremely essential. Any changes connected with a lack or an overproduction of this immunoglobulin can manifest as different clinical diseases. In this paper some selected issues on the heterogeneity of the IgA are presented, its structure and significance for the human organism, the formation of IgA immunity during ontogenesis on one hand and antigenic stimulation on the other, as well as disorders connected with abnormal synthesis or structure of these molecules.

Among numerous factors typical of occupations in agriculture, pesticides occupy a specific place. Their hazardous effects may be manifested among others by reproductive disorders. Therefore, it is very important to know what kind of pesticides is used in both agriculture and greenhouses. The aim of the study was to review the kinds and amounts of pesticides used in agriculture and greenhouses. The review was performed in the Kujawsko-pomorskie voivoship and on 14 horticulture farms. Their selection was based on the register of the Polish Horticulture Chamber. The pesticides were classified into two groups: those containing reproductive and/or developmental toxins (RD) and those acting as endocrine disrupters (ED). The majority of pesticides used in agriculture and horticulture belong to one of those groups. The results of the review suggest that the awareness of potential adverse effects of pesticides on fertility and pregnancy outcome should be increased among workers occupationally exposed to pesticides.

Characteristics of jobs and workers engaged in the collection and disposal of waste was based on a specially developed questionnaire. Five occupational groups were selected: domestic waste collectors, waste relading workers, waste composting workers, waste sorting workers, workers at landfill sites. In addition, five job posts were selected: heavy equipment operators, waste sites workers, waste loaders, waste sorters and waste truck drivers. The analysis of characteristics revealed that among job-related burdens reported by the workers the following were found most noxious: repugnant odour, high dust concentrations, required physical effort and changing atmospheric conditions. Nevertheless, the workers in question did not claim any occupation-related illnesses or symptoms. The majority of respondents assessed their health as good or very good.

Uncontrolled industrial waste sites are potential sources of unplanned release of hazardous substances into the environment. According to the reports of the State Inspectorate for Environment Protection (PIOS), 60% of hazardous waste sites registered in Poland create potential or real threat to public health and the environment. hazardous substances migrating off the site can spread and affect the environmental media: ground water, surface water, air, soil, biota. They can also enter the human body. As a result of research studies aimed at identifying the hazard and assessing health effects posed by hazardous waste sites in the United States, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has identified seven groups of health effects most common among populations living in the vicinity of waste sites. These are: birth defects, cancer, immune function disorders, kidney and liver dysfunction, lung and respiratory diseases and neurotoxic disorders. However, the evidence based on exposure-effect relationship is not generally very strong. Most of the studies lack sufficiently accurate exposure assessment.