Secretory immunoglobulin A concentration in non-stimulated and stimulated saliva in relation to the status of smoking.

Introduction: Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is a dominant immunoglobulin in the saliva. It is the first line of defense against microorganisms. Aim of the study: Analysis of secretory immunoglobulin A concentration in non-stimulated and stimulated saliva. Assessment of sIgA concentration in relation to the status of cigarette smoking of the investigated. Material and Methods: Survey and biochemical studies of saliva were conducted in the group of 109 people (smokers and non-smokers) aged 20-54. The smokers smoked from 5 to more than 20 cigarettes daily. The investigation material was nonstimulated and stimulated saliva collected from patients on the same day between 9.30 and 11.30 a.m, 1.5-2h after meal. Directly after non-stimulated and stimulated saliva collection Salivette tubes were placed in the ice container with the temperature of 4oC, then centrifuged at the temperature of 4oC for 12 minutes at 3000 r/min. The obtained supernatant was stored at the temperature of -75ºC until the assays were performed. sIgA concentration was determined using sIgA ELISA Kit (Immunodiagnostik AG, Germany). Statistical analysis was conducted with the use of Mann ­ Whitney test. While investigating the influence of age on the studied parameters Spearman correlation coefficient and its significance were used. Statistically significant test values were those of p<0.05. Results: In non-stimulated saliva sIgA concentration was significantly higher compared to stimulated saliva (Z = 4.00, p<0.001). No significant differences were stated in sIgA concentration in non-stimulated saliva between smokers and non-smokers (Z = 0.26, p>0.05). No essential differences were stated in sIgA concentration in stimulated saliva between non-smokers and smokers (Z = 0.23, p>0.05). Essential differences were stated between the groups. In men sIgA concentration in stimulated saliva was significantly higher compared to women (Z = 2.25, p<0.05). Conclusions: sIgA concentration in non-stimulated saliva is significantly higher in comparison to stimulated saliva. The status of cigarette smoking does not influence the essential differences in sIgA concentration in nonstimulated and stimulated saliva. In men sIgA concentration in stimulated saliva is significantly higher in comparison to women.

[Frequency of oral health examinations in the group of people aged 20-54 years considering the status of cigarette smoking]. / Czestosc badan stanu zdrowia jamy ustnej w grupie osób w wieku 20-54 lata z uwzglednieniem statusu palenia papierosów.

BACKGROUND: Regular examinations of oral health allow dentists clinical assessment of the state of dentition and oral soft tissues in patients, early diagnosis and treatment of the diagnosed disease entity, identification of risk factors of oral diseases as well as prophylaxis and pro-health education. Aim of the study was analysis of the frequency of oral health examination in the group of people in aged 20-54 with considering sociodemographic data and the status of cigarette smoking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sociomedical examinations were conducted in the group of 124 people in the age of 20-54. In order to assess the status of cigarette smoking cotinine concentration in non-stimulated saliva was assayed with the use of Cotinine test (Calbiotech, USA). Statistic analysis of the obtained results was performed with the use of Chi2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Test values considered to be statistically significant were those of p<0.05. RESULTS: 32.76% smokers and 9.09% non-smokers had their dental appointment less frequently than once a year to have their oral health examined, whereas regular dental check-ups every six months were declared by 43.10% and 56.06% and once a year 24.14% and 34.85% respectively. In the group of smokers no correlation was stated between the frequency of their dental check-ups and their age (H=1.12, p>0.05), sex (chi2=0.09, p>0.05) and place of residence (chi2=1.66, p>0.05). In the group of non-smokers no correlations were stated between the age (H=4.39, p>0.05), sex (chi2=1.01, p>0.05), place of residence (chi2=2.40, p>0.05) and the frequency of oral health check-ups. Non smokers have their dental check-ups every six months essentially more frequently than smokers (chi2 = 10.80, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Age, sex, place of residence do not influence the frequency of oral health examinations among people in the aged 20-54. Non smokers have their dental check-ups every six months essentially more frequently than smokers.

Teeth whitening versus the influence of extrinsic factors on teeth stains.

The improvement of teeth colour is the effect of using whitening toothpastes, professional removal of dental deposits, pulpless teeth and vital teeth whitening. The aim of the study was evaluation of various methods of teeth whitening in relation to sex and age of the investigated as well as the extrinsic factors causing teeth stains such as cigarette smoking, consumption of coffee and tea. Questionnaire survey was conducted in the group of 204 patients, reporting for a dental treatment at the Chair and Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics of the Medical University of Lublin as well as private dental practice in Lublin. Questionnaire survey was elaborated for the needs of the planned investigation and included questions concerning, among others, socio-demographic data of the investigated, methods of teeth whitening, cigarette smoking, consumption of coffee and tea. Statistic analysis was performed with the use of descriptive statistics, Chi2 test, Mann-Whitney test. The values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically essential. Women used whitening toothpastes more frequently in comparison with men (χ2 = 7.96, p < 0.01). People who declared drinking at least one coffee cup used whitening toothpastes more frequently in comparison with the people drinking coffee occasionally and those who didn't drink it (χ2 = 9.99, p < χ0.05).

[Television and Internet as sources of women knowledge of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks impact on health]. / Telewizja i internet jako zródla wiedzy kobiet o wplywie palenia papierosów, spozywania alkoholu i napojów energetyzujacych na stan zdrowia.

INTRODUCTION: Accessibility of the Internet allows obtaining information on different areas of life, including the impact of smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks on health. Environmental exposure to tobacco smoke and active smoking are a serious risk for women's health, especially for women in reproductive age and children at any time in their lives. Alcohol is a risk factor for the development of general diseases, and consumed by pregnant women has a toxic effect on the body of women and a child in the prenatal period. Due to the increased consumption of energy drinks containing among others nervous system stimulants and carbohydrates, their consumption should be a conscious choice of the consumers. Knowledge of the health risks resulting from the lifestyle can be a decisive factor for the implementation of health behaviour. The aim of the study was to determine the sources from which men and women acquire information concerning the effects of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks on health. The respondents interest in the above mentioned subjects was also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey study was carried out in a group of 160 persons (114 women and 46 men), aged 19-60 years, randomly selected from the patients presenting to the Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics of the Medical University of Lublin. An author's questionnaire was prepared for this research. The data were analyzed statistically with the use of Pearson's X2 test. Statistically significant test values were those with p<0.05. RESULTS: The internet was a source of information about the impact of smoking cigarettes on health for 52.63% women and 56.52% men, about the alcohol effect on health for 57.02% women and 45.65% men, while about energy drinks for 61.40 % of women and 47.83% men. Differences between sex of the respondents and indicated source of information were not statistically significant. Obtaining information from television programmes on the impact of smoking on health reported 70.18% of women and 63.04% of men, about alcohol consumption - 66.67% women and 58.70% men respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation between sex of the respondents and obtaining information concerning cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Women showed significantly more frequently TV programmes as a source of information about energy drinks (61.40%) compared to males (43.48%) (X2 = 4.28, p <0.05). Interest in the subject of the impact of smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks on health was not dependent on sex of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Most women acquire knowledge about the effects of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks on health from TV programmes, although the internet is an increasingly important source of information in this respect.

[Oral hygiene in pregnant women versus cigarette smoking]. / Higiena jamy ustnej u kobiet w ciazzy a palenie papierosów.

Proper oral hygiene is an essential element of dental caries prophylaxis and periodontitis. The aim of the study was evaluation of the oral health state and the state of periodontal in pregnant women in relation to the status of cigarette smoking. Survey and clinical studies were conducted in the group of 100 women--80% pregnant women and 20% in the first week of puerperium remaining at the gynaecological and obstetric hospital wards in Lublin and its region. The mean age of the investigated was 27.94. Study results revealed no correlation between the frequency of pregnant women tooth-brushing and the status of cigarette smoking or non-smoking. The average oral hygiene evaluated on the basis of API index was stated essentially more frequently in the group of non-smoking women (50%) in comparison with the smoking women (24.14%),, whereas improper oral hygiene was stated essentially more frequently in the group of smoking women (31.03%) in comparison with non-smokers (11.29%) (chi = 7.82, p < 0.05). No correlation was stated between the state of periodontal in smoking and non-smoking pregnant women.

[Oral hygiene habits among tobacco-smoking and non-smoking students of the Medical University of Lublin--chosen aspects]. / Nawyki dotyczace higieny jamy ustnej wsród palacych tyton i niepalacych studentów Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Lublinie--wybrane aspekty.

Among several etiologic factors for dental caries and periodontal diseases we can find dental plaque that forms on the teeth surfaces and prosthetic appliances. Elimination of dental plaque by proper oral hygiene procedures is crucial in caries and periodontal disease prevention. The aim of the study was evaluation of tobacco smoking prevalence among dental students of the Medical University of Lublin and the comparative analysis of oral hygiene habits among smoking and nonsmoking students. A questionnaire survey was carried out among 112 students of the Medical University of Lublin during the second, third, fourth and fifth year of their studies. The students were 20-28 years of age. The questions concerned cigarettes smoking habit and the ways of maintaining oral hygiene. Respondents were divided into smoking and non-smoking group. Statistical analysis was carried out. Obtained results were sent to statistical analysis. Cigarette smoking was reported by 16.67% of surveyed students. No significant differences between smoking and non-smoking students were stated in frequency of brushing, changing the toothbrush, density of toothbrush filaments, using manual and power toothbrush, using whitening toothpastes and frequency of using dental floss and toothpicks. Statistically significant difference was noted in gum chewing habit--smoking students chewed the gum more frequently (83.33%) than non-smoking students (40%). Significant differences occurred also in frequency of professional removal of dental deposits. Calculus removal performed twice a year was reported by 50% of smoking students, comparing with 17.8% of nonsmoking students. 37.78% of nonsmoking students declared professional teeth cleaning performed more often than twice a year comparing with 11.11% of respondents from the smokers group (p < 0.05).

[State of dentition and the index of dental decay treatment in smokers and non-smokers]. / Stan uzebienia i wskaznik leczenia próchnicy u osób palacych papierosy i niepalacych.

The aim of the study was evaluation of the state of dentition and the efficiency of dental decay treatment in smokers and non-smokers as well as defining whether dentists and family doctors inform their patients about the negative influence of tobacco smoking on their health state. The studies were conducted among 64 people, 35 men (54.69%) and 29 women (45.31%). Cigarette smoking was reported by 26 people (40.63%). The mean age of nonsmokers was 37.87 and smokers 39.04%. In the smokers group the value of mean number D denoting the number of carious teeth was 6.23; the mean number M denoting the number of missing teeth had the value of 9.85, in non-smokers 4.66 and 6.29 respectively. In smokers the value of mean number F denoting the number of filled teeth was 4.46 and in non-smokers 7.39 (p< 0,01). The mean number DMF in smokers had the value of 20.54, in non-smokers 18.34. The state of dentition in smokers was distinguished by greater number of carious and missing teeth and smaller number of filled teeth. In non-smoking patients the efficiency of dental decay treatment was higher in comparison with the group of non-smoking people (p < 0.05). Dentists informed 35.94% of the surveyed about the harmfulness of cigarette smoking whereas family doctors informed 29.69% of them. It is necessary to conduct thorough studies to define the influence of cigarette smoking on oral health as well as to inform all patients about the negative influence of cigarette smoking on their health state.

Primary health care physicians' knowledge of prophylactics of drug abuse.

The purpose of the study was the evaluation of the assumptions of drug addiction prophylactics and its realization in the practice of primary health care physicians as well as determination of the possibilities of introducing changes in the training of physicians which would favour the increase and extension of knowledge in this field. The method applied in the study was a survey based on the questionnaire distributed among 410 primary health care physicians who attended up-dating courses on family medicine organized by the Institute of Rural Medicine in Lublin. The results were statistically analyzed with application of Excel Statistica Stargraf 6.0 software and the authors' own programmes. The results indicate that primary health care physician's basic and limited knowledge on drug abuse originates from university studies and it is limited to information concerning the reasons, mechanisms, medical effects and some methods of treatment. In the procedures created for the practice of primary health care physicians direct activities related to the drug abuse prophylactics are not considered but only a general health care in the region. However, indirectly the primary health care physicians and family physicians realize so called educational care in the region by cooperating with the nurses and midwives employed in the region or in so called practice of a family physician where educational packages are created, ie. prophylactics of addiction.