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One of the key feature of prions is the ability to be stable in two alternative conformations. Besides the intensively studied mammalian prions, there are also prion proteins present in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Research in this field has lead to opposite hypotheses that explain the sense of presence of [PSI+] prion in yeast cells. Some authors postulate e of role of the prions in the evolution of S. cerevisiae, whereas other investigators point out the negative influence of these particles upon the yeast physiology. In recent years, yeast prions are used for anti-prion drug screening, because of common features with mammalian prions. This work presents the most intensively studied fields of the research carried out on [PSI+] prion in yeast.

Fractions of plasma proteins were marked in 135 alcohol dependent men. The increase in the level of beta globulins was found in 58%, a fall in the level of gamma globulins was found in 52% and in 26% of patients a fall in the level of albumin was recorded. Patients with a shorter period of dependence more frequently showed a lowering of the concentration of gamma globulin (59% of cases). Persons with a greater pathological pattern of dependence, however, showed an increase in the level of beta globulin (65% of cases). The joint use of beta globulin and gamma globulin as markers of alcohol abuse allowed for the detection of irregularities in the range of at least one of the above mentioned markers in 84% of the patients. The joint use of albumin, beta globulin and gamma globulin showed irregularities in at least one of these three tests in 90% of the patients. The authors conclude that marking the changes in the fraction of plasma proteins may be used as a biochemical marker of alcohol abuse.

The effect of TFX-Polfa administered alone or with three antibiotics on the survival time in mice infected with E.coli and S.aureus was estimated. TFX has been administered 48, 24, 2 hours before and 24, 48 and 72 hours after infection, in doses of 10 mg/kg of body weight. Ciprobay has been administered 2 hours after infection, and every 24 hours during the experiment in dose of 15, 7.5 and 3.75 mg/kg of body weight. Amikin has been used in doses of 7.5, 3.75 and 1.87 mg/kg of body weight, Cefobid in doses of 30, 15 and 7.5 mg/kg of body weight. The antibiotics have been administered 2 hours after infection and every 12 hours to the end of experiment. Animals have been observed 10 days after infection. The positive effect of TFX on the survival time in mice infected with E.coli has been observed, but this preparation has given a little effect on the tested parameter in mice infected with S.aureus. Best antibacterial effect of Ciprobay and Amikin has been observed after administration of clinical doses. However, simultaneous therapy with TFX and tested antibiotics resulted in various (positive and negative) effects on the survival time during 10 days of observation.

Presented are the results of experimental investigations evaluating the influence of perfluoroalcane on the ocular tissue in rabbits. The examined animals were divided into 2 groups. The rabbits from the first one received the compound into the anterior chamber of the right eye, the rabbits from the 2-nd group to the vitreous of the right eye. The left eye was the control one. Evaluated was the degree of absorption of the compound from the anterior chamber and vitreous, its influence on the anterior segment, transparency of the lens and intraocular pressure. An ERG was performed before the application of the compound and after 7, 14 and 49 days; subsequently the eyes were excised and a histopathological examination was performed in a light microscope.

Effects of different concentrations of Emulgol EN-BIO C/88 oil on rabbit skin were studied. Experiments were carried out to examine oil irritancy to the skin and the inner surface of the ear skin subjected to a 24-hour closed exposure and repeated open exposure for 10 days, respectively. The data obtained have shown that 5 and 10 per cent emulsions of Emulgol EN-BIO C/88 produce mild skin irritation, while a 50 per cent emulsion and concentrate cause irritation of moderate degree. This means that the irritating potential of Emulgol depends on its concentration in oil-water emulsion. It is concluded that EN-BIO C/88 oil should be used in a 5 per cent concentration in industry.

The Ca2+ concentration in rats serum after intragastrically fenarimol administration (doses 1/40, 1/20 and 1/10 LD50) during 5 days was investigated. The significant decrease of Ca2+ concentration in serum after 3 and 5 days of fenarimol administration was observed.

In the research 4 compounds: Iodofenphos, Propetamphos, Dioxacarb and Permethrin and two commercial insecticides: Pibutoks Super (Permethrin) and Safrotin 10 WP (Propetamphos) were used to control anophelini females. The chemicals were tested in the laboratory on mosquitoes caught in the nature and the contact method was employed. Propetamphos and Permethrin at concentrations 0.05% and 0.1%, after 2 hours of 1 hour exposure reduced the mosquitoes in 96% and 99.9% respectively. Iodofenphos and Dioxacarb, even at concentration 0.1%, after 24 hours of 1 hour exposure caused barely 78.3% and 83.9% mortality of these insects. Both insecticides tested, in the 7 days period after the spraying, caused more than 97% reduction of the Anopheles population in the cow-sheds.

The studies were carried out in a pig farm and in a dairy cattle farm in South Poland. Thuridan was applied as 0.3% suspension in 3 replications in 7 days interval. The efficacy of Thuridan was established using fly--catchers which were hung on the same places--once before and three times after Thuridan was used. In the animal houses 86% less flies were found.

The effect of three aryl and heteroaryl dichlorobenzoylurea compounds as insect chitin inhibitors on sanitary important insects were investigated. These compounds were given insects: larvae and adults flies (Musca domestica) and cockroaches (Blattella germanica) with food. The best results on flies were after exposition to AG-6 and on cockroaches to AG-5. AG-6 complete inhibited metamorphosis after exposition of larvae and after exposition of adults in generation F1. No mature cockroaches from larvae exposed to AG-5, no hatching from cocoons lied by treated adults were observed.

Each generation of Blattella germanica were treated with a dose of 0.42 microgram permethrin per VI instar larva. The fecundity varied from 8.21 to 33.66 for I instar larvae per female. Reproduction was significantly lower than that evaluated for untreated insects in third and fourth generations, but significantly higher in the fifth generation. Mortality among insects treated with permethrin, with the exception of the fourth generation only, was higher than among untreated cockroaches. In the third, fourth and fifth generations, the biotic potential was significantly lower in groups of treated insects than in untreated ones. The length of the developmental period of B. germanica treated with permethrin, measured during 7 generations, showed no significant changes in comparison with the control groups.

The study aimed at investigating an effect of propranolol on lidocaine pharmacokinetic parameters, especially elimination rate and total clearance rate. The study was carried out in 8 rabbits with cross-over technique. The animals were examined twice. Sequence of therapy was established randomly. Some group of the animals were given propranolol and lidocaine first while the remaining animals were given lidocaine alone. Sequence of drugs administration was changed after one week. Propranolol was given in a single dose of 0.05 mg/kg b.w. intravenously. Lidocaine was injected in a single dose of 3 mg/kg b.w. during 5 minutes i.v. after a 30-minute interval. All drugs were injected into ear vein. Blood for assays was collected 8 times within 6 hours after lidocaine administration. TDx system manufactured by Abbott was used for drug concentration assay with immunofluorescence polarization method. One-compartment open model was used for calculations. The results were analysed with Student t-test for pairs. Significant decrease in AUC, marked decrease in distribution volume and total body clearance following lidocaine and propranolol were noted. The study has shown that there is interaction between propranolol and lidocaine leading to a decrease in total body lidocaine clearance.

In the trichological studies on the model of Wistar rats aged 4-5 weeks intraperitoneal vinblastine in doses of 0.008-0.030 mg/100 g of body weight caused initially mixed (dystrophic-telogenic) hair loss. After higher doses and longer drug administration the mechanism of hair loss was transformed to dystrophic. In both forms of hair loss signs of advanced diffuse alopecia were found.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the protective effect of etyl ether of apovincaminic acid (Cavinton) against the ototoxic effect of sisomycin in the experimental condition. The first group of guinea pigs were given 14 days sisomycin. The second sisomycin and cavinton. The third was the control group. Hearing acuity was tested by the shivering audiometry. The spiral ganglion function was tested by the microphonic potentials and the integrity of cochlea was diagnosed by scanning microscopy. The results pointed out the ototoxicity of sisomycin. There were the deterioration of hearing acuity, lowering of microphonic potentials and degenerative changes in spiral ganglion. The damages were lowered by use of cavinton before the administration of sisomycin.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of D-penicillamine (cuprenil), encorton and both drugs in combination on fibrotic processes in the rat liver damaged by chronic use of CCl4. The studies comprised 80 white Wistar rats divided into 8 experimental groups. Group I receiving every day oral methylocellulose for 12 weeks was a control group. In group II the rats were given only CCl4 for 12 weeks. In the remaining experimental groups beside CCl4 the animals received drugs in various doses and for various periods. At 12 weeks all animals were killed and post-mortem studies were performed. The liver sections for histopathological studies were fixed in 10% buffered formaline. Paraffin specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosine. Colour reactions to collagen fibers were performed by using Heidenhein's method and to reticuline fibers by Gomori's method. In the assessment of the severity of fatty degeneration, inflammatory infiltrates and fibrosis the 3-point scale was used, ranging from + for minor changes, ++ for moderate changes, for severe changes, and 0 for no changes. Morphological analysis of the liver showed that chronic administration of CCl4 produced an experimental model of cirrhosis of the liver in rats. Concomitant use of CCl4 and cuprenil revealed its inhibiting action on the fibrotic process in the rats' liver. Inhibition of fibrosis varied and was related to the dose and time of its action. The most optimal was a low dose, 10 mg kg of body weight, whereas a double dose used during the experiment appeared less favourable. Similarly less effective action was exhibited after encorton. After combined use of both drugs the inhibitory effect was negligible. In addition hepatotoxic effects were found manifested by marked fatty degeneration of hepatocytes.

The 50% antitrichomonal concentration of 7 examined ethers (T. vaginalis strain N. 1/86, Roiron medium, safranine staining, 30 min.) was estimated by means of dose-response curve. The minimal mycostatic concentration (Candida albicans L-45, Geotrichum candidum; 3% Sabouraud agar, 37 degrees C, 24 hr) was calculated with the aid of regression equation. All examined ethers show in vitro a marked antitrichomonal effect comparable with activity of ornidazole or phenol. Mycostatic activity of new compounds is many times higher than activity of phenol, but considerably lower than that of clotrimazole. The strongest complex antitrichomonal and mycostatic effect-comparable to ornidazole or clotrimazole - shows the new derivative N,N-diethylaminoethyl oxime of 1-tioflavone (compound II), which is fairly toxic for mammal.

The results of the experiments with 2-cyanoacrylate n-butyl adhesive used in arterial reconstruction at dog's were presented. The operations were performed on 56 carotid or femoral arteries of 14 dogs. Longitudinal 5-6 mm long arterial incisions and transversal incisions of the half of the circumference were treated with tissue adhesive only. Transsected arteries were anastomosed both with sutures and tissue adhesive applying the invagination method or end-to-end anastomosis. For 32 arteries with partial injury normal patency was stated, both in early and subsequent period after the operation in 32 cases. Partial occlusion was observed in 5 cases only. When the investigation method was applied to arterial anastomosis, the occlusion appeared in all 14 cases. For 10 arteries anastomosed by the end-to-end method, partial or complete occlusion appeared in 3 cases. The investigations prove that in slight arterial injuries the application of sutures and tissue adhesive, and in some cases exclusively adhesives, ensures the sufficient tightness and patency, and simplifies the surgical technique.