Role of diet in primary and secondary prevention of periodontitis and non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases. Part II.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Both periodontitis and non-specific bowel diseases (IBD) are complex chronic diseases, and the elements connecting them are the dysregulated microbiota and abnormal immune response of the host. In turn, in the etiology of these diseases, the common environmental risk factor is improper mode of nutrition. The aim of the study is to review nutritional interventions and effective nutritional protocols applied in periodontitis and IBD. The result of the review will be identification of dietary recommendations exerting a beneficial effect on the reduction of the risk of development and alleviation of the severity of both diseases. At the same time, non-recommended dietary choices will be indicated. REVIEW METHODS: A review of literature was carried out using the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Publications were analyzed by a non-systematic literature review aimed at making a brief synthesis of the collected information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Diets recommended to patients with both periodontitis and IBD included the Mediterranean diet, DASH diet and vegetarian diet; excluding veganism, raw foodism and fruitarianism. For patients with IBD, special dietary recommendations were elaborated on the recommendations of the International Organization for Research into Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IOIBD), and specific diets, i.e. specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), and Groningen anti-inflammatory diet (GrAID). In the process of treatment of oral and intestinal dysbiosis, probiotic therapy is beneficial in both diseases, specified as the Western diet. Non-conventional diets are not recommended. SUMMARY: Diet therapy for inflammatory periodontal diseases and IBD requires extensive individualization; nevertheless, a universal principle is avoidance of highly processed food, and implementation of easily digestible meals based on natural, ecological products. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in primary prevention of both diseases analyzed, whereas in secondary prevention, diet therapy is a valuable supplementation of pharmacotherapy.

Relationship between periodontal diseases and non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases - an overview. Part I.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: An increasing number of studies indicate that the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract are interconnected and that there is a potential causal link between non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and oral diseases. Therefore, following the example of the brain-gut axis, the concept of the gum-gut axis has now been put forward. The aim of the review is to assess the literature confirming the existence of the recently proposed gum-gut axis and the resulting relationships between non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases and oral diseases, especially periodontal diseases. REVIEW METHODS: The review sums-up information concerning the relationship between periodontal diseases and non-specific bowel diseases. A literature review was carried out by searching databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Previously, it was presumed that oral microflora and intestinal microflora remain separate. because it was considered that salivary microbes are killed by stomach and bile acids during translocation through the gastrointestinal tract. Presently, it has been confirmed that oral microorganisms have been found in the faeces of even healthy people. The comparison of oral and intestinal microbiomes of adults does not show full convergence; but pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum may act as the microbial bridge between periodontitis and IBD. SUMMARY: Dysbiosis of oral microflora may disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system, in this way increasing the development of periodontitis which, in turn, increases the risk of IBD and other complex systemic pathological processes. The gum-gut axis plays a crucial role in these associations. Additional studies are necessary to specify the role of nutritional intervention concerning oral and intestinal microbiome for precise health management.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines among Obstetrician-Gynaecologists.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The article assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Obstetrician-Gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) in Israel regarding COVID-19, its impact on fertility, pregnancy and childbirth, and their positions on COVID-19 vaccines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional anonymous survey was employed, and the data analyzed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 172 OB/GYN participants aged 44.9 years, primarily female (59.7%), mostly attending physicians (60.4%), had a mean knowledge score of 75.62%, with 81.1% having sufficient knowledge about general COVID-19 information, 11.9% having specific knowledge about pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, and 40.3% having knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination. Notably, only 27% of participants correctly identified the increased risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women with COVID-19. Nevertheless, all OB/GYN participants recommended the COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. The majority (65.1%) recommended vaccination across all trimesters, while a smaller percentage recommended it only in the second (25%) or third (6%) trimesters, and very few in the first trimester (4%). The study found that attitudes towards vaccination were influenced by workplace, role, religion, religious observance, and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a good level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccines which contributed to OB/GYNs' recommendations to their patients. These findings can be valuable for designing future COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

A new form of neurotherapy for a patient with anxiety disorder and anomic aphasia after neurosurgery for a ruptured brain aneurysm post-COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new, neuromarker-based form of neurotherapy for a patient with anxiety disorders and anomic aphasia after a neurosurgical operation for a ruptured brain aneurysm of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA), detected after COVID-19. CASE REPORT: A 78-year-old right-handed patient, not previously treated for any chronic diseases except stage II hypertension, contracted COVID-19, confirmed by real time RT- PCR. He was treated on an outpatient basis. Two months later, he developed an unusually severe headache and disorientation. A ruptured brain aneurysm of the left MCA was diagnosed. The patient underwent a neurosurgical operation - clipping- very well, with no neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders, except for mild aphasia and occasional anxiety attacks. Four weeks after surgery, anxiety disorder and mild aphasia worsened. High levels of anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale, and mild anomic aphasia in the Boston Naming Test (BNT) was found. A functional neuromarker of anxiety in comparision to a normative database (Human Brain Index, HBI) was detected. The patient was offered a new, neuromarker-based form of neurotherapy, which proved effective in reducing the disorders. The patient improved in social communication and is gradually returning to social activities. CONCLUSION: In patients with anxiety disorders, anomic aphasia and related difficulties in social functioning after aSAH, especially after COVID-19, multidimensional diagnosis and therapy, preferably based on functional neuromarkers, is needed. HBI methodology can be successfully used in the neurodiagnosis and implementation of individualized neurotherapy for such patients.

Assessment of the Quality of Life of Women after Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture with Consideration of Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Selected Factors Concerning the State of Health.

Introduction: Fractures of the vertebral bodies are a frequent complication of osteoporosis, hospitalization, decline in physical fitness and, in consequence, deterioration in the quality of life. Objective: The aim of the study was assessment of the quality of life according to the QUALEFFO-41 questionnaire in patients who had undergone fractures of the vertebral bodies, and presentation of the relationships between the quality of life, socio-demographic characteristics, and selected factors concerning the state of health. Materials and Method: The study included 243 women with osteoporotic vertebral fractures, and was conducted in the Outpatient Departments for the Treatment of Osteoporosis in the city of Lublin (eastern Poland). For the purposes of the study, the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QUALEFFO-41) and the author's questionnaire were employed, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, t-Student test, and Tukey test were used, along with analysis of variance (ANOVA). The level of statistical significance was set at α = 0.05. Results: The quality of life of woman with vertebral compression fractures remains on a mediocre level. Significant relationships were observed between the respondents' quality of life and certain socio-demographic characteristics, duration of the disease, and complaints related with osteoporosis. Conclusions: It is important to implement appropriate therapy and provide comprehensive, holistic care to women after fractures.

Social and economic benefits of secondary prevention of arterial hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial blood pressure is one of the main vital signs reflecting body functions and, at the same time, the most important functional parameter of the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure is the major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was assessment of the frequency of occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors, with particular consideration of arterial blood pressure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 509 volunteers from Lublin in eastern Poland who participated in the prophylactic programme entitled 'White Sunday'. Standard measurements of blood pressure were performed using a TM-Z dial pressure gauge. The level of arterial blood pressure and socio-demographic parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Hypertension was more frequently observed in the group of males than females. The age group especially vulnerable to abnormal blood pressure values were those aged 51-60. Isolated hypertension significantly more often occurred in the group of respondents who mentioned hypertension in an interview, compared to those who reported its absence. Among 367 persons who, in preliminary interview, did not declare hypertension, 60 cases of isolated arterial hypertension were noted (16.3%). From among respondents who declared absence of hypertension in an interview, the largest age group diagnosed with isolated arterial hypertension were those aged 61-70 (17.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial hypertension is a civilisation disease which may be effectively prevented, simultaneously reducing the risk of premature death due to cardiovascular events, as well as reducing social and economic costs. International health organizations recommend the implementation of social screening programmes in order to diagnose high blood pressure and the promotion of routine measurements of arterial blood pressure.

Health properties of Yerba Mate.

INTRODUCTION: Yerba Mate, also called Paraguay tea, is obtained from the dried leaves (approximately 95%) and stems (about 5%) of the evergreen shrub-tree Ilex paraguariensis. Each year, the consumption of yerba mate becomes increasingly popular in North America and Europe. The fashion for Paraguay tea has also reached Poland. During the period 2012 - 2018, as much as an 8-fold increase has been observed in the import of this raw material to our country. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is analysis of the present state of knowledge concerning the health effects of Yerba Mate, based on selected scientific literature. DICUSSION: The consumption of yerba mate may exert a beneficial effect on human health and its consumption is recommended in the treatment of obesity and while practicing sports. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that a very high consumption of the tea, especially when very hot, may increase the risk of occurrence of cancer, which has not been unequivocally confirmed by scientific studies to-date. CONCLUSIONS: It has been confirmed that this beverage shows a number of beneficial health effects, including: a protective effect on liver cells, stimulation of the central nervous system, anti-inflammatory effect, as well as a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

Causes of accidents at work in the opinions of public sector forestry employees in Poland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was recognition of opinions of forestry employees concerning causes of accidents in forestry, and evaluation of which of the selected demographic characteristics of forestry employees are associated with their opinions concerning causes of occupational accidents. An attempt was also undertaken to answer the question whether there is any relationship between the opinions of forestry employees pertaining to the causes of accidents at work, and observance of the OSH principles concerning the use of protection measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey included 135 forestry employees and conducted by using an author-constructed questionnaire containing items which primarily concerning the causes of accidents at work and the protection measures applied. The opinions of forestry employees pertaining to the causes of accidents were analyzed according to independent variables, such as: workplace, period of employment, age, education level, and an index of the level of the respondents' concern about OSH (index of the use of personal protection measures by the respondents). The significance of differences between the subgroups selected according to the above-mentioned variables was assessed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Forestry employees most frequently indicated such causes of accidents as the lack of e use of protection equipment (63.7%), bravado and neglecting hazards (63%), as well as entering or staying in a danger zone during tree felling (56.3%). Nearly a half of the respondents (48.1%) mentioned as the cause of accidents the improper and self-willed behaviour of an employee. The respondents additionally mentioned being taken by surprise by an unexpected event (40%), and the inadequate state of machinery, equipment, and vehicles (36.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the study concerning the causes of accidents in forestry, it was found that the examined forestry employees show high awareness and knowledge concerning the causes of occupational accidents in forestry. The greatest differences in the way of perceiving the causes of accidents and hazards were observed according to the respondents' period of employment and age. In addition, a relationship was observed between indication by the respondents of specified causes of accidents, and the scope of their use of protection measures.

Factors of work environment hazardous for health in opinions of employees working underground in the 'Bogdanka' coal mine.

INTRODUCTION: Employees performing work underground in coal mines are exposed to the effect of many hazardous factors in their work environment which negatively affect their health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to recognize the opinions of employes working underground in one of the coal mines concerning the occurrence of factors hazardous for health in their work environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 700 persons working underground in the 'Bogdanka' coal mine in Leczna (Eastern Poland). The study was carried out using a questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed using software STATISTICA v. 7.1. RESULTS: The vast majority of respondents (approximately 80%) reported that noise and dustiness at their workplace create risk for their health. More than a half of them mentioned that the microclimate in the mine threatens their health (high humidity and high temperature), and a half of respondents indicated vibration and poor lighting. The greatest differences of opinions concerning the effect of hazardous factors on health of persons employed in the mine were observed in the sub-groups distinguished according to the work position. Health risk at a workplace was most often identified by those employed as miners. CONCLUSIONS: Among actions reducing the negative effect of the work environment on health is the introduction of new, safer technologies of coal mining. Also, the human factor is very important for work safety in mining, including the proper preparation of employees who undertake work in a mine. It is recommended that new, more effective educational programmes are implemented in the area of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at workplaces.

Occupational hazards in opinions of forestry employees in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Work in forestry has been and continues to be considered a very difficult and risky occupation, with constant exposure to certain factors which create risk for employees' health or even life. The objective of the study is recognition of the opinions of forestry workers concerning health risk, and to evaluate which of their selected demographic characteristics are connected with opinions concerning hazards at the workplace. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An author-constructed survey was conducted among 135 forestry employees, containing items concerning primarily hazards occurring at workplaces in forestry. Forestry employees' opinions pertaining to occupational hazards were analyzed from the aspect of independent variables, such as workplace, period of employment, age and education. The significance of the differences in the subgroups distinguished according to the above-mentioned variables, were assessed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: Forestry employees most often indicated risk related with cold (83.7%) and hot (77%) microclimate. A high percentage of respondents (74.1%) were aware of the presence of biological hazards and risk caused by the possibility of contact with wild animals (55.6%) at their workplace. In addition, a considerable part of workers reported that the source of risk at their workplace is noise (34.1%), especially dangerous machinery (26.7%), dust (18.5%), chemical substances (15.6%), and forced body position at work (14.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the study concerning work safety and occupational hygiene among forestry employees, it was found that they are aware of hazards which may occur at their workplaces. The greatest differences in the perception of hazards were observed according to the type of workplace and period of employment.

Assessment of musculoskeltal system pain complaints reported by forestry workers.

INTRODUCTION: According to the European Occupational Diseases Statistics (EODS-2005) diseases related with musculoskeletal disorders occupy the first position on the obligatory list of occupational diseases. These disorders most frequently occur in the agriculture-hunting-forestry sector in such countries as: Finland, Holland, Germany, France and Spain (data: EU-OSHA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a selected group of males - 414 forestry workers, employees of the State Forests, aged 25-65, mean age 48. The control group were 119 office workers aged 23-64, mean age 45.8. The basic research instrument was a questionnaire designed by specialists concerning pain complaints occurring in 7 areas of the motor system: neck, arms, upper and lower back, hips, knees and feet. RESULTS: The results of the survey showed that in the selected group of forestry workers, among 7 investigated areas of the motor system, the most frequently reported pain complaints involved the lower part of the spine (272 persons, 65.7% of the total number of respondents). In the control group such pain complaints occurred in 55.5% (66) of office workers (p = 0.04). Forestry workers most often described this pain as permanent, radiating to the leg, or as an acute pain. According to the frequency of reporting pain, the area of the knees was placed on the second position (214 foresters; 51.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The work of a forester which consist, among other things, in relocation on foot or by vehicle over long distances along an uneven terrain and in various weather conditions, is a risk factor of the occurrence of musculosceletal disorders concerning the low back and knees.

Dissatisfaction with work as a risk factor of musculoskeletal complaints among foresters in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Researchers indicate an important relationship between the level of job satisfaction and the state of health of the employees. Some elements of work related with its character, organization, and interpersonal relationships may evoke strong stress, manifested by, among others, an increased musculoskeletal tension which, in turn, may lead to permanent dysfunction of this system. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was analysis of the relationship between the level of job satisfaction and occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among employees of the State Forests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research material was collected using two instruments: the modified Nordic Questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal disorders, and a questionnaire concerning job satisfaction. The study was conducted in a group of 396 employees of the State Forests from 8 regions of Poland. RESULTS: The results of analysis confirmed a significant relationship between job satisfaction and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The lower the level of job satisfaction, the more frequent the experiencing of musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Low level of job satisfaction is a risk factor for the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Shaping of work conditions, which are the source of job satisfaction, should be considered as one of the main elements of prevention of musculoskeletal complaints.

Levels of renalase and advanced oxidation protein products with regard to catecholamines in haemodialysed patients.

INTRODUCTION: The main mediators of the sympathetic nervous system in the effectors part are catecholamines (CA). An increased sympathetic nerve activity observed in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is due to a raised level of CA in plasma. Renalase is a protein secreted by the kidneys, composed of 342 amino acids, which is able to metabolize the circulating CA and possibly play an important role in the regulation of sympathetic tone and blood pressure. Also, oxidative stress, defined as a disruption of the equilibrium between the generation of oxidants, is a crucial factor in the development of the inflammatory syndrome associated with CKD. The advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) represent exquisite markers of phagocyte-derived oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the concentration of renalase and explore the associations between AOPP with regards to CA in haemodialysis (HD) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 50 residents of the municipality and neighbouring villages in the province of Lublin, central-eastern Poland. RESULTS: In the studied patients, it was found that an average concentration of renalase was 44.8 ± 6.5 µg/mL, whereas of AOPP plasma levels - 57.5 ± 21.5 µmol/L. The results demonstrated the correlation between levels of renalase and AOPP in the HD patients. Indeed, elevated levels of renalase and AOPP in HD may be due to the presence of uremic toxins in blood. The concentration of urea affects the plasma concentrations of AOPP and renalase causing a direct relationship between renalase and AOPP. However, there is no clear relationship between renalase and circulating catecholamines in HD patients.

Readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms according to their knowledge and emotional attitude towards GMOs.

INTRODUCTION: Agriculture based on genetically modified organisms plays an increasingly important role in feeding the world population, which is evidenced by a considerable growth in the size of land under genetically modified crops (GM). Uncertainty and controversy around GM products are mainly due to the lack of accurate and reliable information, and lack of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications, and the effect of GM food on the human organism, and consequently, a negative emotional attitude towards what is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the presented study was to discover to what extent knowledge and the emotional attitude of adolescents towards genetically modified organisms is related with acceptance of growing genetically modified plants or breeding GM animals on own farm or allotment garden, and the purchase and consumption of GM food, as well as the use of GMOs in medicine. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire designed by the author, which covered a group of 500 adolescents completing secondary school on the level of maturity examination. The collected material was subjected to statistical analysis. Research hypotheses were verified using chi-square test (χ 2 ), t-Student test, and stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: Stepwise regression analysis showed that the readiness of adolescents to use genetically modified organisms as food or for the production of pharmaceuticals, the production of GM plants or animals on own farm, depends on an emotional-evaluative attitude towards GMOs, and the level of knowledge concerning the essence of genetic modifications.

Influence of urbanization level and Gross Domestic Product on the prevalence of adolescent obesity in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is considered as a major disease of twenty-first century civilization. Its occurrence in Poland and worldwide has been increasing steadily for many years. Several factors play an important role in the development of overweight and obesity. In addition to the genetic factors and those associated with diseases of the endocrine system and nervous system, the rapidly growing number of obese people is due to improper nutrition. OBJECTIVES: In this paper, authors attempt to justify the prevalence of obesity in Poland among the population of adolescent and young adults aged 15 - 29 years of age, depending on the urbanization level and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of voivodeships. METHODS: Voivodeships, as an entity of regional autonomy, were divided into two groups according to urbanization level and GDP per capita. From the total population of each voivodeship population, groups of overweight and obese people aged 15-29 were selected. The population group aged 15-29 was divided into male and female subgroups. Each subgroup was compared in the different voivodeships, depending on the urbanization level and GDP per capita. RESULTS: The study shows that there is a strong linear relationship between the prevalence of obesity and GDP per capita of each examined region. During the study, the correlation between the level of prevalence of obesity and urbanization level produced a negative result. CONCLUSION: The high level of regional economic development in the economic transformation states has a significant impact on the increase in the percentage of people with overweight and obesity in the population aged 15-29. Gender and place of residence (urban or rural areas) did not show significant correlation with the occurrence of overweight and obesity in the study group of the population.

Problems of health education in rural areas in Poland.

Health promotion is aimed at the reduction of the differences in society's access to factors determining the frequency of occurrence of pro-health behaviours. This means the construction of health resources and increase in the level of egalitarianism in access to these resources. Health education carried out on a high level in rural schools provides actual possibilities for gaining these resources. Many examples of educational practices confirm that the establishment of health conditioning and health behaviours of schoolchildren, and the diagnosis of rural school on the background of the specificity of the community in which it functions. These are a basis for the construction of effective educational programmes, and not analysis of the differences between urban and rural children and adolescents. In Poland, the performance of health education in rural schools encounters many problems associated both with the lack of infrastructure for health promotion, insufficient perception of the importance of health education at school by the educational authorities, underestimation of primary health care, low activity of the local governments, and lack of qualified rural health promoters. Current health education in Polish rural schools deepens inequalities in access to health, and postpones the moment of providing equal opportunities for rural and urban schoolchildren with access to the resources which condition the maintenance or even an enhancement of health. The objective of the study is to present selected problems in the performance of health education in a Polish rural school in the light of international trends, experiences and discussions related with an optimum form of health promotion in the environment of rural a school and the community.

Nutrition-related health behaviours and prevalence of overweight and obesity among Polish children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: An adequate mode of nutrition is among the most important environmental factors affecting the development of Man and maintenance of a good health status. An improper selection of nutrients and irregular consumption of meals may lead to overweight and obesity. OBJECTIVE: The characteristics of health behaviours of the examined population of schoolchildren, with consideration of nutrition and body weight disorders. A comparison of the opinions of schoolchildren and their parents concerning health behaviours. Development of guidelines for educational programmes carried out in the place of residence of the population of schoolchildren and their parents. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The survey covered a randomised group of schoolchildren attending elementary and secondary schools in the Kalisz Province and province of the city of Kalisz. The study was conducted in May and June 2009, in a randomly selected representative group of 1,100 boys and girls from classes V and VI of elementary schools, and 1,100 secondary school adolescents aged 16-19 and their parents. The studies of schoolchildren attending elementary and secondary schools were compared with the all-Polish studies of junior high school adolescents in the school year 2006-2007. RESULTS: The respondents most often consumed 3-4 meals; however, as many as 26% of junior high school adolescents and 27% of secondary school adolescents admitted that they consume only one meal daily. The schoolchildren show inadequate nutritional habits concerning an insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish, in favour of high calorific meals and sweet snacks and drinks. Parents improperly assess the body weight of their children and perceive them as slimmer, which is not confirmed by the BMI value for age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic monitoring and analysis of changes in the health behaviours of adolescents should be a basis for planning health education and promotion programmes. Educational programmes concerning various aspects of health should be implemented in an organized and complementary way, directed not only at schools, but also at entire families and local communities. Knowledge, beliefs, skills and attitudes towards health acquired during the period of adolescence decide about life style in adulthood.

Prevalence of contact allergy in children suffering from atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and in healthy controls.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders in children. There is only scarce literature data on the prevalence of contact allergy in children with atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of contact allergy among children with atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and in a population of healthy children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patch tests were performed in 104 children aged 1-20 years treated for atopic dermatitis in the Department of Dermatology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, and also in 2 control groups: 15 subjects with seborrhoeic dermatitis (15-20 years) and 36 healthy children (1-20 years). RESULTS: In children with atopic dermatitis, contact allergy was observed in 47/104 patients (45.2%). With regards to the 3 age subgroups, positive patch test results were detected in 30/43 in children aged 1-5 years (69.8%), 13/36 in children aged 6-14 years (36.1%) and in 4/25 adolescents 15-20 years of age (16%). The highest proportion of positive patch tests was detected in the youngest subgroup of healthy children. Comparative analysis revealed type IV hypersensitivity statistically significantly more frequent in children with atopic dermatitis than in the 2 control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The statistically significant positive results in the highest proportion of patch tests in the youngest age subpopulation of children with atopic dermatitis, and detection of contact allergy most commonly in the youngest subgroup of healthy children, may suggest nonspecifically positive results associated with the immaturity of the epidermal barrier during the first years of life. Concentrations of contact allergens included in current pediatric sets of patch tests seems to be too high and should be verified.

Socio-demographical and psychosocial determinants of anxiety symptoms in a population of pregnant women in the regions of central and eastern Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Until recently, depression and anxiety during pregnancy were a neglected medical problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression during pregnancy and identification of the socio-demographic and psychosocial factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was prospective and longitudinal, and the research group consisted of 314 adult pregnant women. To assess the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depression, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied. To assess the psychosocial variables the Rosenberg Self-Assessment Scale, Marital Communication Questionnaire and the Berlin Social Support Scale and authors' Socio-demographical questionnaire were used. To assess the normal distribution the Shapiro-Wilk test was used. For non-parametric tests the Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis ANOVA were used due to the distribution of the variables tested against the intergroup comparisons that deviate from the normal distribution. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Co-existence of anxiety and depression in different trimesters amounted relatively to 12.7% in the first trimester, 10.8% in the second trimester and 12.4% in the third trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms of anxiety were often experienced by unmarried women, non-working women, and those respondents who estimated their housing and financial situation as being worse. Those most susceptible to depressive symptoms were tested women with primary education and those who assessed as worse their financial and housing situation. Higher self-esteem, good communication in a relationship, satisfying social support was associated with a lower incidence of anxiety symptoms during pregnancy. Higher self-esteem, good communication in a relationship, and satisfying social support was associated with a lower incidence of anxiety symptoms during pregnancy.

Tobacco-related Foetal Origin of Adult Diseases Hypothesis--population studies in Poland.

Epidemiological studies in Poland show that tobacco smoking by adolescents at reproductive age is still frequently observed. This concerns both boys and girls. The study was based on all-Polish population studies of health behaviours of adolescents aged 14-24 (Youth Behavioural Polish Survey--YBPS) conducted in 2011, and the Pregnancy-related Assessment Monitoring Survey (PrAMS). More than 12% of pregnant women do not discontinue smoking in association with becoming pregnant and expose the foetus to tobacco smoke, despite being aware of the hazardous effect of smoking on the health of the mother and child. Smoking in pregnancy is mainly observed among mothers with a low education level and those aged under 23. According to the Baker's Foetal Origins of Adult Health and Diseases Hypothesis, exposure of the foetus to the components of tobacco smoke results in many perturbations in the form of a lower birth weight, prematurity, worse state of neonates after birth, and higher susceptibility to contacting civilization diseases at the age of adulthood. The results of studies confirm some observations. Polish studies clearly confirmed a lower birth weight of babies delivered by mothers who smoke; however, earlier termination of pregnancy and worse status of neonates after birth were not observed. According to the Baker's hypothesis, a lower birth weight of babies delivered by smoking mothers during the further life cycle exposes the offspring to the risk of contracting civilization diseases. The efforts undertaken by public health authorities should be biased towards education of the population at reproductive age about the hazardous effect of smoking on the health of the foetus and the offspring born. Women at reproductive age should be encouraged to discontinue smoking in association with the planning of pregnancy and in pregnancy.