Plasma concentration of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) is ranked as one of the endothelial dysfunction markers and factors predicting diseases of the cardiovascular system. The main objective of this study was to assess the serum concentration of sICAM-1 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to verify correlations between serum sICAM-1 levels and selected anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal indices. The study assessed 57 women with PCOS (mean age 28.2 +/- 6.4 years). That group was further divided into two subgroups: the first with body mass index (BMI) < or =25 kg/m2 (21 women of mean age 27.4 +/- 7.0 years) and the second with BMI >25 kg/m2 (36 women of mean age 28.6 +/- 6.0 years). In the control group there were 22 healthy women (mean age of 31.6 +/- 8.5 years). That group again was divided accordingly to BMI into two subgroups: the first with BMI <25 kg/m2 (ten women, mean age 30.2 +/- 8.4 years) and the second with BMI > 25 kg/m2 (12 women, mean age 31.7 +/- 8.7 years). The results demonstrated statistically significantly higher mean concentrations of sICAM-1 in women with PCOS as compared to healthy individuals from the whole control group and also from the control subgroup of women with BMI >25 kg/m2. There was no statistically significant difference in sICAM-1 concentration between the PCOS group and the control subgroup with BMI < or =25 kg/m2 In conclusion, higher concentrations of sICAM-1 in women with PCOS may confirm the presence of a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases in this group. Further studies are therefore necessary to identify both the factors that are responsible for the increase in sICAM-1 concentration and the clinical usefulness of routine sICAM-1 measurement in females with PCOS.

Adrenal cortex function in asthmatic patients following the discontinuation of chronic therapy with systemic glucocorticosteroids.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the time it takes for adrenal cortex function in asthmatic patients to return to normal after discontinuation of chronic therapy with systemic glucocorticosteroids (GCs) and to assess the relationship between the duration of the disease, chronic therapy, and the return of the normal adrenal cortex functioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 58 asthmatic patients and 31 healthy volunteers (aged 20-69 years). Adrenal cortex function was evaluated with the Synacthen short test, and determining serum and urinary free cortisol levels after 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 21 months following the discontinuation of systemic therapy with GCs. RESULTS: A decreased adrenal reserve was observed 1 month after withdrawal of GCs in 50% of the chronically treated patients. Adrenal cortex function returned to normal in 55% of patients within 6 months, in 24% within 12 months, and in 14% within 15 months of discontinuation of systemic GCs administration. A significant positive correlation between the time taken for return to normal adrenal cortex function and duration of the disease and of GCs therapy was found. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of adrenal failure may develop in about 50% of asthmatic patients. In the majority of patients treated long term with systemic GCs, adrenal cortex function returns to normal within 6 months following discontinuation of GCs. The time of such return depends on the duration of the disease and of therapy with systemic GCs.

[Evaluation of quality of life in patients with advanced colorectal cancer treated with topotecan]. / Ocena jakosci zycia chorych z zaawansowanym rakiem jelita grubego leczonych topotekanem.

UNLABELLED: During last years a few new directions appeared in therapy of advanced colorectal cancer. Topotecan, a camptothecin analog, seems to be one of the promising novel drug in these cases. Its unique mechanism of action is connected with inhibition of the nuclear enzyme topoizomerase I. Assessing therapeutic effects of new cytotoxic drugs we should consider their impact on survival time and quality of life as well. The aim of our study was the attempt to assess the quality of life of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (IV stage in TNM scale), treated by topotecan. Clinical trial was performed in the group of 10 patients. Topotecan was administered intravenously at 1.5 mg/m2/day for 5 days and repeated every 21 days. Quality of life assessment was performed at special time points using Rotterdam Symptom Checklist. We observed improvement in quality of life in six out ten patients having advanced colorectal cancer. Two patients did not show any change in quality of life and two patients with progression of disease demonstrated lower quality of life during topotecan treatment. CONCLUSION: Topotecan has a positive influence on quality of life of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Further study are needed to confirm this observation.

[The influence of early childhood experiences on depression among medical students. Preliminary study]. / Wplyw negatywnych doswiadczen z okresu dziecinstwa na wystepowanie depresji u studentów medycyny--doniesienie wstepne.

The aim of this study was an attempt to estimate depression prevalence in medical students. Simultaneously we tried to asses the impact of early negative experiences on the level of depression in that population. We examined 92 third year medical students of the Silesian Academy of Medicine (54 women and 38 men) at the age from 20 to 24. Frequency and intensification of depression were assessed by using Beck Depression Inventory. Early experiences including negative and positive ones were estimated with the use of a self prepared repertory test called "biographical path", based on Personal Construct Theory of George Kelly. The obtained results indicated that 25% of examined students had depression symptoms. These students were exposed more frequently to early negative experiences than students without depression. In childhood depressive students were under pressure of their environment to score successes. If they did not realise these expectations they were exposed to discontent and frustration of their parents. Depressive students came less frequently into contact with other people and acquired independence later than non depressive students.

[Beautiful literature and audiovisual media provide a change to stimulate human creativity]. / Literatura piekna i srodki audiowizualne szansa na pobudzenie ludzkiej kreatywnosci.

The aim of this study was the attempt to determine which films and books had an influence on the mental resources of medical students. We used a special form, created in accordance with the group thinking theory called "brain storm on a paper". We examined 111 six year medical students taking part in the workshops. Each group of students consists of 9-12 persons. It was impossible to describe and analyze in that paper all novels which made the impression on the examined students. The obtained outcomes indicated that the progress of young people mentality was limited by simple and traditional ground basis. That basis was consisted of obligatory set books and actually popular films. There were only a few items which were to teach an optimism or to promote an active and creative attitude to the life. In our opinion that findings should be very important to every person who cares for a mental condition of young people.