Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

Publications of Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

• C-methacetin breath test reproducibility study reveals persistent CYP1A2 stimulation on repeat examinations.

  Authors: Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Anna Nita, Krzysztof Jonderko, Magdalena Kamińska, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  World journal of gastroenterology : WJG. 12/2011; 17(45):4979-86.

  To find the most reproducible quantitative parameter of a standard (13)C-methacetin breath test ((13)C-MBT). Twenty healthy volunteers (10 female, 10 male) underwent the (13)C-MBT after intake of 75To find the most reproducible quantitative parameter of a standard (13)C-methacetin breath test ((13)C-MBT). Twenty healthy volunteers (10 female, 10 male) underwent the (13)C-MBT after intake of 75 mg (13)C-methacetin p.o. on three occasions. Short- and medium-term reproducibility was assessed with paired examinations taken at an interval of 2 and 18 d (medians), respectively. The reproducibility of the 1-h cumulative (13)C recovery (AUC(0-60)), characterized by a coefficient of variation of 10%, appeared to be considerably better than the reproducibility of the maximum momentary (13)C recovery or the time of reaching it. Remarkably, as opposed to the short gap between consecutive examinations, the capacity of the liver to handle (13)C-methacetin increased slightly but statistically significantly when a repeat dose was administered after two to three weeks. Regarding the AUC(0-60), the magnitude of this fixed bias amounted to 7.5%. Neither the time gap between the repeat examinations nor the gender of the subjects affected the (13)C-MBT reproducibility. (13)C-MBT is most reproducibly quantified by the cumulative (13)C recovery, but the exactitude thereof may be modestly affected by persistent stimulation of CYP1A2 on repeat examinations.

• Assessment of serum visfatin levels in girls with anorexia nervosa.

  Authors: Katarzyna Ziora, Joanna Oświęcimska, Elżbieta Swiętochowska, Dariusz Ziora, Małgorzata Stojewska, Andrzej Suwała, Zofia Ostrowska, Piotr Gorczyca, Ewa Klimacka-Nawrot, Witold Lukas, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Clinical endocrinology. 07/2011; 76(4):514-519.

  Objective  Visfatin (VISF) is a recently described peptide regulating the process of adipocyte differentiation. Only one pilot study of VISF expression in the fat tissue and its circulatingObjective  Visfatin (VISF) is a recently described peptide regulating the process of adipocyte differentiation. Only one pilot study of VISF expression in the fat tissue and its circulating concentrations in a small group of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) have been published, yet. Design and patients  Cross-sectional assessment of VISF serum concentrations in 195 girls aged 11-18·9 years with AN (n = 87), eating disorders not otherwise specified (NOS; n = 17), simple obesity (OB; n = 30), and healthy controls (H; n = 61). Measurements  Blood samples were collected during the fasting state between 7:00 am-8:30 am. VISF serum concentrations were determined using enzyme immunoassay. Comparisons of VISF levels between groups were performed. Results  Mean serum VISF concentrations in girls with AN and NOS were significantly lower than those in the H and OB groups. Serum VISF concentrations were higher in the OB than in the H groups. When were calculated per body mass index (BMI), VISF concentrations were significantly lower in the AN, NOS, and OB groups than in healthy controls. Among participants with a normal BMI, serum VISF concentrations correlated positively with BMI (r = 0·27; P < 0·05). In the OB group, a significant, negative correlation between BMI and VISF levels (r = -0·38; P = 0·04) was observed. Conclusions  Compared with healthy girls, serum VISF concentrations are decreased in girls with AN. Conversely, obese girls have elevated VISF levels. When calculated per BMI (VISF/BMI), the results in AN and OB groups were lower than in healthy participants.

• [Influence of a high-carbohydrate meal on taste perception].

  Authors: Wanda Suchecka, Ewa Klimacka-Nawrot, Andrzej Gałazka, Magdalena Hartman, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2011; 64(2):84-90.

  Taste sensitivity varies greatly in individuals and depends on many external and metabolic conditions. The studied group consisted of healthy, non-smoking 41 women and 40 men, aged 19-29. TheTaste sensitivity varies greatly in individuals and depends on many external and metabolic conditions. The studied group consisted of healthy, non-smoking 41 women and 40 men, aged 19-29. The volunteers were examined in fasting state and after a high-carbohydrate meal. Taste sensitivity to sweet, salty and sour as well as hedonic response to taste were examined by means of gustometry examination recommended by Polski Komitet Normalizacyjny (Polish Committee for Standardization). It has been shown that in women the meal did not influence the intensity of sweet taste perception of saccharose solutions or the hedonic response to taste, whereas in men it caused a statistically significant decrease in the intensity of taste perception and in the hedonic response to the sweet taste of suprathreshold saccharose solutions. The meal did not influence the salty taste perception in a statistically significant way, neither in men nor in women. After the meal, the women perceived the sour taste with more intensity than in fasting state, whereas in men such influence was not observed. 1. The consumption of a high-carbohydrate meal influences the sweet and sour taste perception and the effect is sex-dependent: - in men, both the taste sensitivity to saccharose and the hedonic response to sweet taste were decreased, whereas in women such influence was not observed; - in women, the taste sensitivity to citric acid increased and the hedonic response to sour taste decreased, whereas in men such influence was not observed. 2. There is negative correlation between the intensity of taste perception and the hedonic response to the sweet taste both in men and in women after a high-carbohydrate meal, whereas in fasting state such correlation was not observed.

• [The influence of prophylaxis on dentition of 8-year-old children. II. Results of prophylaxis].

  Authors: Urszula Kalińska, Magdalena Hartman, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2010; 63(4):306-15.

  This article presents evaluation of prophylactic measures, preventing the development of caries in children. The study involved 50 pupils from a primary school in Zywiec in which is conducted aThis article presents evaluation of prophylactic measures, preventing the development of caries in children. The study involved 50 pupils from a primary school in Zywiec in which is conducted a prophylactic programme by a local government "Prevention of caries in children and youth"--group P, and 51 pupils from village schools in which no such program--control group K. Prophylactic activities involved, among others, oral cavity checkup, instruction concerning hygiene, promotion of oral cavity health, sealing of I permanent molar teeth. Children's dentition was evaluated by means of frequency caries index, VI tooth sealing index, DMF/dmf (decayed, missing, filling for milk and permanent teeth) and SCI (significant caries index). Sealing index of VI teeth was higher in group P than in group K (p < 0.001), whereas DMF index of VI teeth were lower in group P than in group K (p < 0.001). Frequency caries index, DMF and SCI index for permanent teeth, were lower in group P than in group K (p < 0.001). Children subjected to anticaries prophylaxis had healthier and better protected teeth in comparison with controls.

• Taste disturbances during therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

  Authors: Ewa Klimacka-Nawrot, Joanna Musialik, Wanda Suchecka, Michał Petelenz, Magdalena Hartman, Paweł Lichtański, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2010; 63(4):289-99.

  The effectiveness of current standard therapy of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin is unsatisfactory and associated with a variety of side effects. In addition toThe effectiveness of current standard therapy of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin is unsatisfactory and associated with a variety of side effects. In addition to common side effects, appetite disorders and weight loss are universal problems that lead to decreased quality of life. The causes of appetite disorders are not known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of pegylated interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin therapy on taste sensitivity, hedonic perception of taste sensations, and food preferences. Nineteen chronic hepatitis C patients infected with genotype 1 HCV participated in the study. All patients received combined therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin in adequate doses. The study included gustatory tests (taste recognition threshold and taste intensity with hedonic perception) using a gustometric method and an evaluation of the pleasure derived from eating. All examinations were performed before therapy and during the thirteenth week of therapy. After 12 weeks of therapy, patient sensitivity to salty and sweet was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and bitter was described as being more unpleasant than before the therapy (p < 0.05). Also, the therapy decreased appetite without significant changes in patients' food preferences. We found multidirectional taste disturbances during treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The results may be useful in determining the role of taste in the development of appetite disorders in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.

• Gastric myoelectrical activity in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

  Authors: Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Beata Krusiec-Świdergoł, Krzysztof Jonderko, Joanna Musialik, Maciej Gonciarz, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska, Zbigniew Gonciarz

  Journal of gastroenterology. 04/2009;

  OBJECTIVE: To examine gastric myoelectrical activity in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 11 female PBC patients (average age 53.4 years, rangeOBJECTIVE: To examine gastric myoelectrical activity in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 11 female PBC patients (average age 53.4 years, range 43-70) and two aged-matched control groups: 11 (53.4 years, range 37-78) healthy women, and 10 female patients with chronic hepatitis C, CHC (53.9 years, range 35-66), who were examined prior to administration of an antiviral therapy. Every subject underwent an electrogastrographic recording comprising a 30-min interdigestive and a 120-min postprandial period. RESULTS: Abnormal electrogastrograms, containing prolonged epochs of tachygastria in the postprandial phase were found in 2 out of 11 (18.2%) patients having both stage IV of the Scheuer's PBC classification, as well as in 1 patient out of 10 (10%) with CHC at stage F2 according to the METAVIR fibrosis score. CONCLUSION: Electrogastrographic abnormalities do not seem to be pathognomonic for the PBC as a disease, but rather would be considered an unspecific sequel of a morbid liver affection.

• [The prophylaxis and the state of dentition of 8-year-old children. I. Body of knowledge in the field of children's oral hygiene and health habits].

  Authors: Urszula Kalińska, Magdalena Hartman, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2009; 62(4):226-34.

  Evaluation of prophylactic measures, preventing the development of caries in children. The study involved 50 pupils from a primary school in Zywiec in which is conducted a prophylactic programme by aEvaluation of prophylactic measures, preventing the development of caries in children. The study involved 50 pupils from a primary school in Zywiec in which is conducted a prophylactic programme by a local government "Prevention of caries in children and youth"--group P, and 51 pupils from village schools in which no such program--control group K. Prophylactic activities involved, among others, oral cavity checkup, instruction concerning hygiene, promotion of oral cavity health, sealing of I permanent molar teeth. In order to compare the effectiveness of prophylactic measures, all children answered the questions evaluating their knowledge and health awareness in terms of hygienic and nutritional habits and described their feelings during an appointment in dental surgery. Group P children gave more correct answers to the question "When should you clean your teeth?" (p < 0.001) and "What do you associate the following words with: hairs, teeth, handle, scrubbing?" (p < 0.05) in comparison with group K children. Positive associations connected with the appointment in dental surgery were more frequent in group P than in K (p < 0.05). Children subjected to anticaries prophylaxis had a greater knowledge concerning oral cavity hygiene, more frequently had positive feelings about appointments in dental surgery.

• Unreliability of breath methane as a candidate indicator of functional bowel disorders.

  Authors: Krzysztof Jonderko, Agata Gabriel-Jaśniok, Małgorzata Szymszal, Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Gut and liver. 12/2008; 2(3):180-5.

  The aim of this study was to examine the reproducibility of methane and hydrogen in exhaled air breath after a per-oral load of lactulose. Methane was present in the exhaled breath of 21 of 50The aim of this study was to examine the reproducibility of methane and hydrogen in exhaled air breath after a per-oral load of lactulose. Methane was present in the exhaled breath of 21 of 50 healthy subjects recruited by advertisement. Three methane breath tests were performed in 12 women (aged 23.6+/-0.5 years, mean+/-SEM) after they consumed 10 g of lactulose dissolved in 300 ml of water. Short- and medium-term reproducibilities were assessed by paired examinations taken 3 and 17 days (median) apart, respectively. High values of coefficients of variation for paired examinations (CV(p)) indicated a poor short-term reproducibility of parameters characterizing either the methane or hydrogen excretion in breath air: CV(p) values of the maximum net increments over baseline in methane (max CH(4_net)), and in hydrogen (max H(2_net)), were 34% and 41%, respectively. Moreover, the reproducibility consistently deteriorated with increasing time gap between repeat measurements (CV(p): 60% for max CH(4_net) and 64% for max H(2_net)). The low reproducibility of parameters characterizing quantitative methane breath excretion suggests that caution is necessary when judging the clinical usefulness of the methane breath test after a per-oral lactulose load for the purpose of diagnosing and classifying functional bowel disorders.

• A systematic study of a neutral meal suitable for subjects undergoing 13CO2 breath tests.

  Authors: Krzysztof Jonderko, Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Magdalena Kamińska, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. 11/2008; 14(10):CR543-6.

  BACKGROUND: Some 13CO2 breath tests require prolonged breath sampling. The study aimed to validate a meal which could be served to subjects without interference with the measured breath 13CO2BACKGROUND: Some 13CO2 breath tests require prolonged breath sampling. The study aimed to validate a meal which could be served to subjects without interference with the measured breath 13CO2 profile. MATERIAL/METHODS: Eight healthy volunteers were examined on three separate days. On two occasions they took equicaloric meals of 320 kcal composed of foodstuffs known to be poor in 13CO: cooked rice (R) or a wheat bread sandwich with butter and ham (S). On the control day they fasted. Samples of expiratory air were taken every 15 min for 6 hours. The 13CO2 concentration in the samples was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis involved repeated measures analysis of variance (RANOVA). RESULTS: The intra-subject variability of breath 13CO2 concentration was remarkably low on the three study days, as reflected by mean coefficients of variation (CV) of 0.90+/-0.32%, 0.79+/-0.19%, and 0.80+/-0.34% for the control, meal S, and meal R days, respectively (RANOVA: F2;14=0.296, p=0.75). RANOVA indicated a strong effect of a meal on inter-subject variability of breath 13CO2 concentration (F2;46=390.62 p<0.000001). Post hoc comparisons revealed a mean CV of 1.64+/-0.37% on the control day, 3.62+/-0.18% after ingestion of S, and 3.81+/-0.24% after meal R (both p=0.000128 vs. the control). Nevertheless, with neither test meal did RANOVA disclose at any time a statistically significant deviation in breath 13CO2 concentration from the basal fasted value. CONCLUSIONS: Both the test meals fulfilled the requirement of neutrality as concerns a null effect on the breath 13CO2 profile.

• [Measurement of the orocaecal transit time after an oral lactulose load--does the fasting breath hydrogen concentration affect the feasibility of the test?]

  Authors: Jonderko Krzysztof, Agata Janikowska, Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Iwona Kotuła, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2008; 61(4-6):107-12.

  The study evaluated the influence of a fasted hydrogen breath concentration on the feasibility of an ambulatory measurement of the orocaecal transit time (OCTT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-twoThe study evaluated the influence of a fasted hydrogen breath concentration on the feasibility of an ambulatory measurement of the orocaecal transit time (OCTT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two healthy subjects (36 women, 6 men, aged 27.0 +/- 8.5 year) consecutively reporting themselves for an OCTT measurement were included. Breath hydrogen concentrations were measured in the fasted state and at 10-min intervals for maximally up to 5 h after intake of a liquid 260-kcal test meal containing 10 g lactulose. RESULTS: Fasting breath H2 concentrations of < or = 20 ppm or > 20 ppm were found in 30 (71.4%) and 12 (28.6%) subjects, respectively. Determination of the OCTT at all 4 cut-off thresholds (5, 10, 15 and 20 ppm) was possible in 39 (92.9%) subjects. This group comprised all the subjects exhibiting a high (> 20 ppm) breath hydrogen concentration. In one subject the OCTT was determined for either the 5 or the 10 ppm threshold, in another subject for 5 ppm only, whereas in one volunteer no increase in the breath hydrogen occurred. CONCLUSION: Suggested by the literature data qualification criterion, defined as fasted breath hydrogen concentration < or = 20 ppm, does not determine the feasibility of the measurement of OCTT by means of a hydrogen breath test after an oral lactulose load.

• 13C-alpha-Ketoisocaproic acid breath test revisited: an in-depth reproducibility study advocates an extended breath sampling period.

  Authors: Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Krzysztof Jonderko, Magdalena Kamińska, Monika Bielecka, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Digestive diseases and sciences. 01/2008; 52(12):3481-7.

  In this study we sought for a quantitative parameter which would offer the best reproducibility of a standard (13)C-alpha-ketoisocaproic acid ((13)C-KICA) breath test. On 3 separate days 14 healthyIn this study we sought for a quantitative parameter which would offer the best reproducibility of a standard (13)C-alpha-ketoisocaproic acid ((13)C-KICA) breath test. On 3 separate days 14 healthy volunteers (7 females, 7 males) took orally 1 mg/kg body mass (13)C-KICA and 20 mg/kg body mass L-leucine. Samples of expiratory air for (13)CO(2) measurement with the use of isotope ratio mass spectrometry were collected every 5 min during the first hour and then at 70, 80, 90, 105, 120, 150, 180, 240, 300, 360, 540, 720, and 1440 min. Short-term reproducibility assessment involved paired examinations taken 3.5 days apart; paired examinations separated by 22 days (median) served for the medium-term reproducibility assessment. T(max), the time to reach the maximum momentary (13)C recovery (D(max)), showed an unsatisfactory reproducibility, and the D(max) displayed a fairly good reproducibility, whereas the cumulative (13)C recovery calculated for a time span within the range 0-90 and 0-120 min exhibited the best reproducibility. In no case did the medium-term reproducibility prove any worse than the short-term one. Taking into account its reproducibility, the cumulative (13)C recovery appears to be the most reliable parameter of the (13)C-KICA breath test.

• [Application of electrogastrography in pediatrics. Part I. Definition of normal ranges of parameters of an electrogastrogram in Polish children]

  Authors: Leszek Strój, Beata Krusiec-Swidergoł, Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Krzysztof Jonderko, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 02/2007; 60(11-12):517-24.

  The study was designed to determine normative values of an electrogastrogram in healthy children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surface electrogastrograms were taken in the interdigestive state and afterThe study was designed to determine normative values of an electrogastrogram in healthy children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surface electrogastrograms were taken in the interdigestive state and after meal stimulation in 292 non-obese children in whom Helicobacter pylori infection was excluded with the use of a 13C-urea breath test. The cohort comprised the following subgroups: age 6-9 years--114 children (57 girls and 57 boys), age 10-11 years--88 children (44 girls and 44 boys), age 12-15 years--90 children (45 girls and 45 boys). Yoghurt was chosen as a test meal: 150 g (142 kcal) was given to children aged < or = 11 years, whereas children older than 11 years received 300 g (284 kcal). RESULTS: Similarly to formerly published studies the parameters describing quantitatively the gastric myoelectrical activity exhibited considerable between-subject variability. A slight but statistically significant decrease in the dominant frequency was found with increasing age of the children. The subgroup of girls aged 12-15 years had statistically lower postprandial rise in the dominant power when compared to any of the other five subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained imply a necessity of considering peculiarities related to age and gender when an electrogastrogram is performed in children. Taking into account the disclosed substantial between-subject variability of the electrogastrographic parameters in children caution is recommended while interpreting a result of an electrogastrographic examination.

• [Application of electrogastrography in pediatrics. Part II. The incidence of disturbed gastric myoelectrical activity in children suffering from recurrent abdominal pain]

  Authors: Iwona Maliszewska, Beata Krusiec-Swidergoł, Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Krzysztof Jonderko, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 02/2007; 60(11-12):525-30.

  The study was devoted to determine the incidence of an abnormal gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) in children suffering from recurrent abdominal pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SurfaceThe study was devoted to determine the incidence of an abnormal gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) in children suffering from recurrent abdominal pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surface electrogastrograms were taken in the interdigestive state and after a meal stimulation in 187 children referred to the laboratory with the diagnosis of recurrent abdominal pain. The cohort comprised the following subgroups: age 6-11 years (33 boys and 36 girls), age 12-18 years (28 boys and 90 girls). Continuous variables characterizing quantitatively an electrogastrogram were recoded into categorical data sets, which were used further for construction of an arbitrary scale reflecting disturbances of an electrogastrographic recording: score 0--normal, score 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6 corresponding to a light, moderate, and severe disturbance of the GMA. RESULTS: Abnormal electrogastrograms were found in just over a half of the examined children (54.5%). Nevertheless, light abnormalities (score 1-2) were predominant--42.8% of the whole cohort. Moderate abnormalities were revealed in almost every eight patient (11.8%), whereas no case of severely disturbed GMA was disclosed. On the other hand as much as 45.5% children did not exhibit any abnormality of the electrogastrogram. No statistically significant differences were found when the frequency distributions of particular degrees of the GMA disturbance were compared among groups of different age and gender. CONCLUSION: A disclosure that an abnormal electrogastrogram is encountered in just over a half of the patients and the predominance of light disturbances within this group, implies that disturbed GMA is neither an inherent nor a pathognomonic pathological finding of the clinical picture of recurrent abdominal pain in children.

• The expenditures of retirees and pensioners on healthcare and drugs.

  Authors: Piotr Swistak, Marek Wikiński, Justyna Swistak, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 02/2007; 60(11-12):535-9.

  Aging of Polish society increases the demand for medical services and drugs. Alleviated consumption of medical services and drugs generates costs that are partially incurred by the state and byAging of Polish society increases the demand for medical services and drugs. Alleviated consumption of medical services and drugs generates costs that are partially incurred by the state and by citizens themselves. This paper shows the amount of expenditures on healthcare and drugs incurred by the households of retirees and pensioners, including their income status (ten decile income groups) in the period of 1993-2005. In these years differences in the level of available income among the households of retirees and pensioners slightly increased. Among the households of retirees and pensioners of all income groups both, the increase in real value of healthcare expenditures and the increase in the share of healthcare expenditures in total households' expenditures were reported. The highest value of this share was noticed in the income groups V-IX. During the research period, the drug expenditures were the largest part of healthcare expenditures and their share in healthcare expenditures was gradually increasing. The comparison of the years 2005 and 1998, which was the last year before the implementation of sickness funds system (i.e. Regional Health Insurance) showed the highest growth in healthcare expenditures among the households of income groups VI-X.

• [Gustometry usefulness for the evaluation of taste sense efficiency. Part I. The range of taste substances concentrations and the result of gustometry examination]

  Authors: Ewa Klimacka-Nawrot, Wanda Suchecka, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 02/2007; 60(9-10):409-14.

  There are various methods of taste substances application in gustometry examination. The Polish Committee of Standards (Polski Komitet Normalizacyjny--PKN) recommends the performance of sensitivityThere are various methods of taste substances application in gustometry examination. The Polish Committee of Standards (Polski Komitet Normalizacyjny--PKN) recommends the performance of sensitivity taste examinations with the use of method based on rinsing out the mouth with water solutions of taste substances (sip-and-spit method) at their growing concentrations. The aim of the present research was to assess the usefulness of taste substances dilutions, whose concentrations were consistent with guidelines of the PKN for the evaluation of the results of examination of sweet, salty and sour taste sensitivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 795 volunteers, i.e. 473 women and 322 men, aged 18-66, were the subject of study. RESULTS: The range of concentrations in sucrose solutions (0.34-12.00 g/l) as well as in sodium chloride solutions (0.16-2.00 g/l) were proper for examination in order to recognize taste threshold with the most volunteers. However, the use of concentrations in citric acid solutions (in the range 0.13-0.60 g/l) did not enable to investigate the taste sensitivity by reason of the large percentage of persons (85.2%) who correctly recognized the sour taste of the solution with the lowest citric acid concentration. The range of citric acid concentration (0.0036-0.2000 g/l) appeared to be more proper for examination of the sour taste sensitivity. CONCLUSION: The concentrations of sucrose and sodium chloride solutions recommended by PKN are proper for the examination of sweet and salty taste sensitivity with the use of sip-and-spit method however concentrations of citric acid solutions should be lower than recommended.

• Short- and medium-term reproducibility of gastric emptying of a solid meal determined by a low dose of 13C-octanoic acid and nondispersive isotope-selective infrared spectrometry.

  Authors: Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Magdalena Kamińska, Krzysztof Jonderko, Olga Setera, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  World journal of gastroenterology : WJG. 03/2006; 12(8):1243-8.

  AIM: To evaluate the reproducibility of a modified 13C breath test-based measurement of solid phase gastric emptying (GE) within the frames of a simple-repeated measure study protocol. METHODS:AIM: To evaluate the reproducibility of a modified 13C breath test-based measurement of solid phase gastric emptying (GE) within the frames of a simple-repeated measure study protocol. METHODS: Twelve healthy subjects (6 females and 6 males, mean age 24.9+/-0.7 years) were recruited to undergo three identical GE examinations. In six subjects the first two examinations were performed 2 d apart, and the third session was carried out at a median interval of 19.5 d (range 18-20 d) from the second one. In another six subjects the first two measurements were taken 20 d apart (median, range: 17-23 d), whereas the third session took place 2 d after the second one. Probes of expiratory air collected before and during six hours after intake of a solid meal (378 kcal) labelled with 75 microL (68 mg) 13C-octanoic acid, were measured for 13CO2 enrichment with the nondispersive isotope-selective infrared spectrometry NDIRS apparatus. RESULTS: Taking coefficients of variation for paired examinations into account, the short-term reproducibility of the GE measurement was slightly but not significantly better than the medium-term one: 7.7% and 11.2% for the lag phase (T-Lag), 7.3% and 10.9% for the gastric half emptying time (T1/2). The least differences in GE parameters detectable at P=0.05 level in the 12 paired examinations were 9.6 and 15.6 min for T-Lag, 11.6 and 19.7 min for T1/2 by a two-day or two to three-week time gap, respectively. CONCLUSION: The low-cost modification of the breath test involving a lower dose of 13C-octanoic acid and NDIRS, renders good short- and medium-term reproducibility, as well as sensitivity of the measurement of gastric emptying of solids.

• Feasibility of a breath test with a substrate of natural 13C-abundance and isotope-selective non-dispersive infrared spectrometry: a preliminary study.

  Authors: Krzysztof Jonderko, Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Danuta Syrkiewicz-Trepiak, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology. 09/2005; 20(8):1228-34.

  BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Isotope-selective non-dispersive infrared spectrometry (NDIRS) is a cheaper alternative to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). We checked on the efficiency of NDIRS toBACKGROUND AND AIMS: Isotope-selective non-dispersive infrared spectrometry (NDIRS) is a cheaper alternative to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). We checked on the efficiency of NDIRS to perform a breath test with naturally (13)C-enriched maize starch. METHODS: Fifty-six healthy volunteers were examined. After a basal fasted sample of their expiratory air was collected, the subjects ate a test breakfast of 50 g (CF50 group, n = 9) or 100 g (CF100 group, n = 47) cornflakes with 175 g yoghurt. For 6 h thereafter, exhaled air was collected every 30 min for the NDIRS measurement of (13)CO(2) concentration. RESULTS: The time-course of the curves of (13)CO(2) concentration resembled those obtained previously with IRMS. A dose-response to the amount of ingested cornflakes was observed--the maximum postprandial net increment in (13)CO(2) was statistically significantly higher in the CF100 than CF50 group: 4.78 +/- 0.13 versus 3.12 +/- 0.17 per thousand (P < 0.001), whereas the time needed to reach the maximum did not differ after the intake of 50 g (233 +/- 13 min) or 100 g (248 +/- 9 min) cornflakes. The 5-h area-under-the-curve of cumulative (13)CO(2) net recovery (AUC(60-360)) was statistically significantly greater after ingestion of 100 g compared to 50 g cornflakes (97.6 +/- 2.2 versus 61.7 +/- 2.2 micromol, P < 0.001) and it also exhibited a stable between-subject variability. CONCLUSION: The obtained proof of technical feasibility of a breath test with the use of naturally (13)C-enriched starch and NDIRS provides background for future research on the clinical usefulness of this method for a non-invasive assessment of the pancreatic exocrine function.

• Does body posture affect the parameters of a cutaneous electrogastrogram?

  Authors: Krzysztof Jonderko, Anna Kasicka-Jonderko, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Journal of smooth muscle research = Nihon Heikatsukin Gakkai kikanshi. 07/2005; 41(3):133-40.

  In a study aimed to test the effect of body position on the parameters derived from surface electrogastrograms, 17 healthy volunteers (2M, 15F; median age 22.5 years) attended in random order twoIn a study aimed to test the effect of body position on the parameters derived from surface electrogastrograms, 17 healthy volunteers (2M, 15F; median age 22.5 years) attended in random order two examination sessions held on separate days. A 30-min recording of the interdigestive gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) was followed by a 90-min postprandial recording after intake of a 394 kcal mixed solid-liquid test meal. For the first examination the subject was examined in a recumbent position, whereas for the second examination a sitting position was maintained. The dominant frequency and relative time occupied by normogastria was negligibly affected by the posture of the subject during GMA recording. However, a decrease in the dominant power (DP) of the gastric slow waves was observed during both the interdigestive and the postprandial recording period in a sitting position compared to a recumbent position. Consequently, the fed to fasted state DP ratio remained unaffected by body posture during GMA recording. The results indicate that by carefully observing procedural guidelines, good quality electrogastrograms can be obtained with a sitting subject, enabling the provision of comparable parameters to those achieved from standard examination in a recumbent position.

• [Changes of drug reimbursement expenses incurred by National Health Fund in Silesian voivodeship in the period of 1999-2004]

  Authors: Piotr Swistak, Marek Dzielicki, Robert Janiec, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 02/2005; 58(9-10):495-9.

  The new healthcare financing system that was implemented in 1999 finished the existence of the budgetary financing system and made the switch to insurance system. Since the very beginning of the newThe new healthcare financing system that was implemented in 1999 finished the existence of the budgetary financing system and made the switch to insurance system. Since the very beginning of the new system expenses of drug reimbursement constituted a substantial part of healthcare services costs in all regions of Poland. Simultaneously, owing to the lack of possibility to control these costs, reimbursement expense was one of least predictable points of Sickness Funds budgets. Since 1999, in Silesian voivodeship, sales volume of reimbursed drugs increased as well as total financial burden of reimbursement. In the surveyed years an amount of money paid by insurer (sickness funds, National Health Fund) to one pack of reimbursed drug increased. Volume of consumed packs of drugs and real value of reimbursement per voivodeship citizen rose as well. In 2002 and 2003 patients' uncertainty regarding composition of new reimbursement lists promoted increase in drug sales, what in a consequence gave a substantial rise in reimbursement costs.

• [Relationship between sweetness liking, taste sensitivity and sweetening habits in adults]

  Authors: Ewa Klimacka-Nawrot, Wanda Suchecka, Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 02/2005; 58(3-4):174-9.

  The present work analyses the relationship between the sweetness liking and the age, gender, sweet taste sensitivity, hedonic response to low concentrations of the saccharose and the habit ofThe present work analyses the relationship between the sweetness liking and the age, gender, sweet taste sensitivity, hedonic response to low concentrations of the saccharose and the habit of sweetening in adults. 161 women and 114 men, aged 18-55, were the subject of this study. All individuals were healthy and non-smoking. In the study the volunteering subjects rated their individual sweetness liking by means of a scaling method with three categories: I like it very much, I like it moderately, I do not like it, and they quantified the amount of sugar they take with their tea or coffee. Also their date of birth, height and body mass were taken into consideration. The sweet taste sensitivity was marked with the use of the method correlating with PN-ISO 3972: 1998 norm, and the hedonic responses were analysed according to the three-point scale: pleasant, unpleasant, neutral. The findings suggest that the interrelation between the age and the sweetness liking in adults exists. No link between the gender, as well as hedonic response to low concentrations of saccharose and the degree of sweetness acceptance in adults was observed. The amount of sugar taken with tea or coffee was different in groups with different sweetness liking, however, the degree of the sweet taste sensitivity is not always a sufficient factor to determine the predicted sugar intake.