Emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance in Escherichia coli isolates at the department of clinical hematology.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dependence of Escherichia coli resistance to fluoroquinolones on their use in the outpatients and inpatients in the Hradec Kralove region of the Czech Republic. Data on inpatient fluoroquinolones use were obtained from the database of the Charles University Teaching Hospital Pharmacy and expressed as defined daily dose per 100 beds - days (DBD). Data on outpatient prescriptions were obtained from the database of the General Health Insurance Company and expressed in defined daily doses per 1000 clients per day (DID).

Pharmacological potential of endothelin receptors agonists and antagonists.

Endothelins are potent predominantly vasoconstricting agents that act as local autocrine and paracrine mediators. Endothelin-1 is the most potent and sustained vasoconstrictor and pressor substance yet identified. Abnormalities of the endothelin system occur in a range of diseases associated with vasoconstriction, vasospasm, and vascular hypertrophy.

Botulism and bioterrorism: how serious is this problem?

Botulism is a potentially lethal disease caused by one of seven homologous neurotoxic proteins usually produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. This neuromuscular disorder occurs through an exquisite series of molecular events, ultimately ending with the arrest of acetylcholine release and hence, flaccid paralysis. There are three types of botulism: food, wound, and infant botulism.

Endothelins and sarafotoxins: peptides of similar structure and different function.

Endothelins are endogenous vasoactive peptides that are considered among the most potent vasoconstrictor substances known. In addition to their vascular effects, endothelins and their receptors have been shown to be present in many organs and share plenty physiological and pathophysiological functions. Sarafotoxins are natural substances from the venom of snakes genus Atractaspis, structurally and pharmacologically near to endothelins.

Prevention of infectious complications in immunocompromised patients. Part II: Selective decontamination.

The method of selective decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract represents a new possibility of protection of immunocompromised patients against infectious complications with frequent lethal issue. The method is based on employment of such antibiotics and chemotherapeutical drugs that eliminate the aerobic gram-negative microflora and yeasts preserving the anaerobic portion of the bowel microflora that is responsible for the so-called colonization resistance of the intestinal tract. Such a treatment provides patients with more resistance against infection and there is no need for strict reverse isolation.

Performic acid toxicity studies on stabilized HEp-2 cells.

Since performic acid is used as a potent disinfectant, chemical sterilant and/or skin antiseptics, information related to its toxicity for living tissues was needed to evaluate the degree of its biotolerance and compare it to that of peracetic acid. In tests on cultured HEp-2 cells distinct cytotoxic effects occurred after treatments with 0.05% and higher concentrations.

Disinfecting properties of performic acid against bacteriophage phi X 174 as a model of small envelope--free viruses.

Performic acid HCOOH (PFA) is a wide-spectrum disinfectant. It inactivates viruses, bacteria and bacterial spores, mycobacteria as well as microscopic fungi. Its main drawback is its instability, which makes it a logical necessity that it is to be prepared prior to use from its components HCOOH and H2O2.

Clinical use of reverse isolation in a protected environment.

The therapeutic method of reverse isolation in patients using an aseptic environment in the Life Island or Laminar Air Flow Unit apparatus systems is described on the basis of data from the literature and the authors' experience. A historical summary of views on treatment in an aseptic environment is followed by a description of the method of work with the system of reverse isolation, including important technical, operational and other data. The main indications for treatment are given and the authors' experience with the reverse isolation of 36 patients suffering from blood diseases who were treated in this way over the past four years is evaluated.

[The antiviral activity of performic acid (author's transl)].

Under the experimental conditions chosen by the authors, it was demonstrated that the antiviral activity of performic acid against Coxsackie virus B 1 is greater than that of peracetic acid.

[The use of sterile nursing in hematology].

By means of own experiences gathered in the treatment of 18 patients in Life Island the problems and limits of this therapy method are represented. Microbiological findings are described in detail and commented. Sterile care is an essential part of an effective therapy of haemoblastoses, malignant lymphoma, and some solid tumours, particularly in the aplastic phase.

[Reverse isolation of patients with blood diseases in a near germ-free environment].

On the basis of literary data and own experiences the therapeutic method of the reversed isolation of the patients in the aseptic milieu is discussed. After introduction and historical review the working method with the system of reversed isolation (Life Island, Laminar Air Flow Unit) with the clinical results and perspective of a further use in practice is described. Own experiences confirm the literary data in the fact that the reversed isolation is unambiguously successful in the decrease of the number of infections in the immunologically weakened persons.

[Phagocytosis and intracellular proliferation of Nocardia asteroides (strain Weipheld) in cell structures in vitro. 2. Peritoneal macrophages of guinea-pigs (author's transl)].

The study deals with the phagocytosis of Nocardia asteroides (strain Weipheld) and the subsequent intracellular proliferation in peritoneal macrophage cells. Normal, two-stage-immunized and long-term cortison-treated guinea-pig (28 mg cortison / kg weight / day during 30 days) macrophages were used. Further, the cytotoxic effect of Nocardia upon the cells in the peritoneal washing liquid in vitro and the influence of the normal, immune and antimacrophage serum upon the phagocytosis and the intracellular proliferation were studied.