Interactions between classic psychedelics and serotonergic antidepressants: Effects on the acute psychedelic subjective experience, well-being and depressive symptoms from a prospective survey study.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence for the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. However, it is still uncertain how these drugs interact with serotonergic antidepressants (serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs)). OBJECTIVE: This study explores the interaction between psychedelics and SRIs in terms of therapeutic effects. The objective is to compare acute psychedelic effects and subsequent changes in well-being and depressive symptoms among 'SRI -' individuals (not on psychiatric medication) and 'SRI +' individuals (undergoing SRI treatment). METHODS: Using prospective survey data, the study employs multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and linear mixed effect models to analyse subjective differences and changes in well-being and depressive symptoms pre- and post-psychedelic experiences. RESULTS: Results indicate that 'SRI -' participants experience significantly more intense subjective effects compared to 'SRI +' participants (F = 3.200, p = 0.016) in MANCOVA analysis. Further analysis reveals 'SRI -' individuals report stronger mystical (18.2% higher, p = 0.048), challenging (50.9% higher, p = 0.001) and emotional breakthrough experiences (31.9% higher, p = 0.02) than 'SRI +' individuals. No differences are observed in drug-induced visual effects (p = 0.19). Both groups exhibited similar improvements in well-being and depressive symptoms after the psychedelic experience. CONCLUSION: Individuals presumed to be on serotonergic antidepressants during psychedelic use display reduced subjective effects but similar antidepressant effects compared to those not undergoing SRI treatment. Further controlled research is needed to comprehend the interplay between serotonergic antidepressants and psychedelics, illuminating potential therapeutic benefits and limitations in clinical contexts.

Predictors and Risk Factors of Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review.

Objective: To systematically review the literature to identify and categorize the predictors and risk factors for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).Data Sources: Online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and APA PsycNet) and relevant conference sources were searched from inception up to January 24, 2022. The following keywords were used: treatment-resistant depression, depressive disorder, predictors, risk, and biomarkers.Study Selection: All studies that included a definition of TRD were included. A total of 1,686 abstracts were screened, and 57 studies were included in the final data synthesis.Data Extraction: Data were extracted using a data extraction form developed for this study.Results: The most frequently reported mental predictors/risk factors were greater symptom severity (9 studies), suicidality (8 studies), and recurrent depression (6 studies). Cardiovascular disease (4 studies), pain (3 studies), and thyroid dysfunction (3 studies) were the most common physical predictors/risk factors, while younger age (7 studies) and female gender (6 studies) were the most common demographic predictors/risk factors. Higher levels of neuroticism appeared twice in the literature. Several articles reported on genetic, biological, and imaging variables, but results were too heterogenous to identify common predictors/risk factors.Conclusions: TRD is a complex disorder with many contributing factors that need to be identified and addressed earlier in the disease course to prevent its development or facilitate better treatment outcomes. Future work should focus on replicating the key predictors/risk factors identified in this review.

Psilocybin therapy for treatment resistant depression: prediction of clinical outcome by natural language processing.

RATIONALE: Therapeutic administration of psychedelics has shown significant potential in historical accounts and recent clinical trials in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. A recent randomized double-blind phase-IIb study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of COMP360, COMPASS Pathways' proprietary synthetic formulation of psilocybin, in participants with treatment-resistant depression. OBJECTIVE: While the phase-IIb results are promising, the treatment works for a portion of the population and early prediction of outcome is a key objective as it would allow early identification of those likely to require alternative treatment. METHODS: Transcripts were made from audio recordings of the psychological support session between participant and therapist 1 day post COMP360 administration. A zero-shot machine learning classifier based on the BART large language model was used to compute two-dimensional sentiment (valence and arousal) for the participant and therapist from the transcript. These scores, combined with the Emotional Breakthrough Index (EBI) and treatment arm were used to predict treatment outcome as measured by MADRS scores. (Code and data are available at https://github.com/compasspathways/Sentiment2D .) RESULTS: Two multinomial logistic regression models were fit to predict responder status at week 3 and through week 12. Cross-validation of these models resulted in 85% and 88% accuracy and AUC values of 88% and 85%. CONCLUSIONS: A machine learning algorithm using NLP and EBI accurately predicts long-term patient response, allowing rapid prognostication of personalized response to psilocybin treatment and insight into therapeutic model optimization. Further research is required to understand if language data from earlier stages in the therapeutic process hold similar predictive power.

Stress Experience, Depression and Neck Disability in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder-Myofascial Pain with Referral.

The etiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is firmly anchored in the biopsychosocial model in which a special role is attributed to the stress, depression, somatic symptoms, and anxiety. The aim of the study was to assess the level of stress, depression and neck disability in patients with temporomandibular disorder-myofascial pain with referral. The study group enrolled 50 people (37 women and 13 men) with complete natural dentition. All the patients underwent a clinical examination according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and were diagnosed as individuals with myofascial pain with referral. The questionnaires were associated with stress, depression, and neck disability; Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Beck Depression Inventory(BDI), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were evaluated. Of the individuals evaluated, 78% showed elevated levels of stress, and the average value of the PSS-10 in the study group was 18 points (Me = 17). Furthermore, 30% of the subjects presented depressive symptoms, with the average value of BDI was 8.94 points (Me = 8), and 82% of the subjects showed neck disability. The multiple linear regression model revealed that BDI and NDI allowed explanations for the 53% differentiation of PSS-10. In conclusion, stress, depression, and neck disability coexist with temporomandibular disorder-myofascial pain with referral.

Removal of Zinc from Concentrated Galvanic Wastewater by Sodium Trithiocarbonate: Process Optimization and Toxicity Assessment.

In the present research, the removal of zinc from concentrated galvanic wastewater (pH 3.1, conductivity 20.31 mS/cm, salinity, 10.16 g/L, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 2900 mg O2/L, Total Organic Carbon (TOC) 985 mg/L, zinc (Zn) 1534 mg/L and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 70 mg/L) by combination of lime (Ca(OH)2) and sodium trithiocarbonate (Na2CS3) as precipitation agents is studied. Central Composite Design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied for modelling and optimizing the designed wastewater treatment process. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the experimental verification of the model confirmed the consistency of the experimental and estimated data calculated from the model (R2 = 0.9173, R2adj. = 0.8622). The use of Ca(OH)2 and Na2CS3 in the optimal condition calculated from the model (pH = 10.75 ± 0.10, V Na2CS3 dose 0.043 mL/L and time = 5 min) resulted in a decrease in the concentration of Zn in treated wastewater by 99.99%. Other physicochemical parameters of wastewater also improved. Simultaneously, the application of Ca(OH)2 and Na2CS3 reduced the inhibition of activated sludge dehydrogenase from total inhibition (for raw wastewater) to -70% (for treated wastewater). Under the same conditions the phytotoxicity tests revealed that the seed germination index for the raw and treated wastewater increased from 10% to 50% and from 90% to 100% for white mustard (Sinapis alba) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), respectively. The parameters of root and shoot growth showed a statistically significant improvement. Treated wastewater (1:10) showed a stimulating effect (shoot growth) compared to the control sample (GI = -116.7 and -57.9 for S. alba and L. sativum L., respectively). Thus, the use of Na2CS3 is a viable option for the treatment of concentrated galvanic wastewater containing zinc.

Erythromycin Scavenging from Aqueous Solutions by Zeolitic Materials Derived from Fly Ash.

Erythromycin (EA) is an antibiotic whose concentration in water and wastewater has been reported to be above the standard levels. Since the methods used so far to remove EA from aquatic environments have not been effective, the development of effective methods for EA removal is necessary. In the present study, fly ash (FA)-based zeolite materials, which have not been investigated as EA sorbents before, were used. The possibilities of managing waste FA and using its transformation products for EA sorption were presented. The efficiency of EA removal from experimental solutions and real wastewater was evaluated. In addition, the sorbents' mineral composition, chemical composition, and physicochemical properties and the effects of adsorbent mass, contact time, initial EA concentration, and pH on EA removal were analyzed. The EA was removed within the first 2 min of the reaction with an efficiency of 99% from experimental solutions and 94% from real wastewater. The maximum adsorption capacities were 314.7 mg g-1 for the fly ash-based synthetic zeolite (NaP1_FA) and 363.0 mg g-1 for the carbon-zeolite composite (NaP1_C). A fivefold regeneration of the NaP1_FA and NaP1_C showed no significant loss of adsorption efficiency. These findings indicate that zeolitic materials effectively remove EA and can be further investigated for removing other pharmaceuticals from water and wastewater.

Determination and Removal of Selected Pharmaceuticals and Total Organic Carbon from Surface Water by Aluminum Chlorohydrate Coagulant.

In the present research, the removal of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and erythromycin (ERY), fluoxetine (FLX), amoxicillin (AMO), colistin (COL), ethynylestradiol (EE), and diclofenac (DIC) from surface water by coagulation is studied. The concentration of selected pharmaceuticals in 24 surface water samples originating from some rivers located in Lesser Poland Voivodeship and Silesia Voivodeship, Poland, was determined. The removal of TOC and pharmaceuticals was carried out using the application of Design of Experiments (DOE), Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and by addition of aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) as a coagulant. The study found that the concentration ranges of ERY, FLX, AMO, COL, EE, and DIC in analyzed water samples were 7.58−412.32, 1.21−72.52, 1.22−68.55, 1.28−32.01, 5.36−45.56, 2.20−182.22 ng/L, respectively. In some cases, concentrations lower than 1 ng/L were determined. In optimal conditions of coagulation process of spiked surface water (pH = 6.5 ± 0.1, ACH dose = 0.35 mL/L, Time = 30 min; R2 = 0.8799, R2adj = 0.7998), the concentration of TOC, ERY, FLX, AMO, COL, EE, and DIC was decreased by 88.7, 36.4, 24.7, 29.0, 25.5, 35.4, 30.4%, respectively. Simultaneously, turbidity, color, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (Total N), and Ammonium-Nitrogen (N-NH4) were decreased by 96.2%, >98.0%, 97.8%, 70.0%, 88.7%, 37.5%, respectively. These findings suggest that ACH may be an optional reagent to remove studied pharmaceuticals from contaminated water.

A New Approach to the Determination of Silicon in Zinc, Lead-Bearing Materials and in Waste Using the ICP-OES Method.

This work describes the implementation of the ICP-OES silicon determination method for zinc and lead-bearing materials and waste at the Mining and Metallurgical Works ZGH "Boleslaw". The proposed method was validated. On the basis of linearity tests, it was found that the course of the calibration curve is linear up to a silicon concentration of 100 mg/L, with the determined working range being 0.10-50%. Precision tests, on the basis of which the repeatability was checked, were carried out for nine types of real samples: zinc sulfides, zinc oxides, zinc-lead ore, lead sulfide and zinc-bearing waste. Real samples and six certified reference materials were tested using the ICP-OES radial position. The identified interferences of molybdenum, chromium and vanadium did not statistically significantly affect the measurement results.

Psychedelic experience dose-dependently modulated by cannabis: results of a prospective online survey.

RATIONALE: Classic psychedelics are currently being studied as novel treatments for a range of psychiatric disorders. However, research on how psychedelics interact with other psychoactive substances remains scarce. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to explore the subjective effects of psychedelics when used alongside cannabis. METHODS: Participants (n = 321) completed a set of online surveys at 2 time points: 7 days before, and 1 day after a planned experience with a serotonergic psychedelic. The collected data included demographics, environmental factors (so-called setting) and five validated questionnaires: Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), visual subscales of Altered States of Consciousness Questionnaire (ASC-Vis), Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI) and Emotional Breakthrough Inventory (EBI). Participants were grouped according to whether they had reported using no cannabis (n = 195) or low (n = 53), medium (n = 45) or high (n = 28) dose, directly concomitant with the psychedelic. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and contrasts was used to analyse differences in subjective effects between groups while controlling for potential confounding contextual 'setting' variables. RESULTS: The simultaneous use of cannabis together with classic serotonergic psychedelics was associated with more intense psychedelic experience across a range of measures: a linear relationship was found between dose and MEQ, ASC-Vis and EDI scores, while a quadratic relationship was found for CEQ scores. No relationship was found between the dose of cannabis and the EBI. CONCLUSIONS: Results imply a possible interaction between the cannabis and psychedelic on acute subjective experiences; however, design limitations hamper our ability to draw firm inferences on directions of causality and the clinical implications of any such interactions.

The Prevalence and Overlaps of Temporomandibular Disorders in Patients with Myofascial Pain with Referral-A Pilot Study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the temporomandibular joint, the prevalence of single and multiple diagnosis and potential sided domination of temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with temporomandibular disorder-myofascial pain with referral. The study group enrolled 50 people-37 females and 13 males between 18 and 25 years old with an average age of 23.36 ± 2.14. The patients underwent joint vibration analysis. Sixty seven percent of all examined tem-poromandibular joints were classified as group I according to Mark Piper's classification. Class IIIA appeared in 17% of joints. Eight percent of temporomandibular joints were classified as class IVA. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder with respect to gender (p = 0.838639). The relatively high prevalence of multiple diagnoses proved the overlapping nature of muscle and intraarticular disorders. Twenty eight percent of the subjects suffered from a combination of myofascial pain with referral and bilateral temporoman-dibular dysfunction. In 62% of the patients a lack of intraarticular disorders was reported. The suggestion that there exists sided domination in the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders has not been confirmed. Due to the small sample size, such differences cannot be excluded. Fur-ther research is needed.

A Review on the Application of Zeolites and Mesoporous Silica Materials in the Removal of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Antibiotics from Water.

Zeolites and mesoporous silica materials are effective adsorbents that can be useful for the removal of various pharmaceuticals including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics from low-quality water. This paper summarizes the properties and basic characteristics of zeolites and mesoporous silica materials and reviews the recent studies on the efficacy of the adsorption of selected non-steroidal medicinal products and antibiotics by these adsorbents to assess the potential opportunities and challenges of using them in water treatment. It was found that the adsorption capacity of sorbents with high silica content is related to their surface hydrophobicity (hydrophilicity) and structural features, such as micropore volume and pore size, as well as the properties of the studied medicinal products. This review can be of help to scientists to develop an effective strategy for reducing the amount of these two groups of pharmaceuticals in wastewater.

Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain Syndrome-Aetiology and Biopsychosocial Modulation. A Narrative Review.

This review elaborates on the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of temporomandibular (TMD) myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) regulated by psychosocial factors. MPS impairs functioning in society due to the accompanying pain. Directed and self-directed biopsychosocial profile modulation may be beneficial in the treatment of MPS. Moreover, nutrition is also a considerable part of musculoskeletal system health. A fruit and vegetable diet contributes to a reduction in chronic pain intensity because of its anti-inflammatory influence. Cannabidiol (CBD) oils may also be used in the treatment as they reduce stress and anxiety. A promising alternative treatment may be craniosacral therapy which uses gentle fascia palpation techniques to decrease sympathetic arousal by regulating body rhythms and release fascial restrictions between the cranium and sacrum. MPS is affected by the combined action of the limbic, autonomic, endocrine, somatic, nociceptive, and immune systems. Therefore, the treatment of MPS should be deliberated holistically as it is a complex disorder.

Comparative Evaluation of Occlusion before and after Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder-Myofascial Pain with Referral.

The aim of the study was to evaluate occlusal parameters in patients with myofascial pain with referral before and after soft tissue mobilization. The study group consisted of 50 people (37 females and 13 males, average age 23.36 ± 2.14 years) diagnosed with myofascial pain with referral. All patients underwent triplicate soft tissue mobilization. Occlusal parameters were evaluated six times, before and after each treatment, using T-scan III. A decreasing tendency of the occlusion time was observed after the first, second, and third therapy. After the third treatment, the mean occlusion time in the entire study group was 0.119 s. The 1st soft tissue mobilization shortened both right and left disclusion times to 0.181 s and 0.185 s, respectively. After the third treatment, these parameters amounted to 0.159 s and 0.165 s, respectively. The Friedman test for the entire study group indicated that soft tissue mobilization altered the occlusion time and both disclusion times (p < 0.05). In conclusion, soft tissue mobilization affects biotensegrity of the masticatory system, thus modifying occlusal parameters. The occlusion time and both disclusion times cannot be considered as cofactors of the existing temporomandibular disorders-myofascial pain with referral.

Smiling, Yawning, Jaw Functional Limitations and Oral Behaviors With Respect to General Health Status in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorder-Myofascial Pain With Referral.

Background: The temporomandibular joint is the one of the most important joints in the human body. It enables numerous orofacial functions such as mastication, swallowing, breathing, speech, emotional communication, and facial expressions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of jaw functional limitations and oral behaviors with respect to general health status in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders-myofascial pain with referral. Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 50 individuals (37 females and 13 males) with complete natural dentition. The average age was 23.36 years with ± 0.30 as a standard error. All subjects underwent clinical examination and were diagnosed with myofascial pain with referral according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. The survey was conducted in connection with the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-8 (JFLS-8), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 (JFLS-20), Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC). Results: The most common functional problems in the entire study group were chewing tough food and yawning. In terms of gender, statistically significant differences were noted for chewing tough food and smiling (p = 0.015451; p = 0.035978, respectively). With respect to Bonferroni correction and Benjamini-Hochberg procedure, the observed differences were not statistically significant. There were no statistically considerable differences in mastication, mandibular mobility, verbal and emotional communication, or global limitations (p > 0.05). Over half (56%) of the respondents had depression of varying severity. Somatic symptoms of different severity were found in 78% of the patients, and 44% of the respondents declared anxiety disorders. The score of the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC = 27.18) highlighted a high tendency for developing craniomandibular disorders. Conclusion: Patients with myofascial pain with referral, demonstrated a disturbed biopsychosocial profile. The restrictions in yawning and smiling as well as limitations in mastication, mobility, verbal and emotional communication, and global limitations appear to be significant predictors of craniomandibular dysfunction. Depression, stress, and somatic disorders are important factors predisposing patients to the occurrence of myofascial pain with referral. The progression of oral behaviors may indicate the role of somatosensory amplification.

The role of soft tissue mobilization in reducing orofacial and general complaints in a patient with Kimmerle anomaly and temporomandibular joint disorder: A case report.

Background: Kimmerle anomaly belongs to the anatomic varieties of the first cervical vertebra. The clinical pattern is dominated by vascular- and neurogenic-type headaches, dizziness, decreased postural muscle tension, and vegetative symptoms. Clinical Presentation: A 37-year-old woman who suffered from headache and pain in the left temporomandibular joint underwent clinical examination, electromyography of masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint vibration analysis, cone beam computed tomography, and soft tissue mobilization. Radiologic examination revealed Kimmerle anomaly on the right side of the atlas. Clinical Relevance: Myofascial release decreased the tension within anatomic structures projected to the vertebral artery groove. Better movements of the cervical spine and fewer headaches were noted. Increased cervical and masseter muscle tension were considered the main cause of the ailments. The proprioceptive system of the cervical spine was accepted as a reason for persistent headaches. Soft tissue mobilization revealed positive healing effect in the patient with temporomandibular joint disorder and Kimmerle anomaly. Abbreviations: C1: First cervical vertebra; DC/TMD: Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD); BDI: Beck Depression Inventory; PSS: Perceived Stress Scale; NDI: Neck Disability Index; BioEMG: Surface electromyography; sEMG: Surface electromyography; ICC: Intraclass correlation coefficient; T-Scan® III: computer evaluation of dental occlusion; JVA: Joint Vibration Analysis; CBCT: Cone Beam Computed Tomography; TO: Occlusion time; the time from the first contact of the teeth to the maximum intercuspidation; reference value in patient with natural teeth <0.2 s; TDL: Disclusion time to the left; the time from the maximum intercuspidation to obtain complete lack of the teeth contact in lateral movement to the left; reference value in patient with natural teeth <0.4 s; TDR: Disclusion time to the right; the time from the maximum intercuspidation to obtain complete lack of the teeth contact in lateral movement to the right; reference value in patient with natural teeth <0.4 s; NHP: Natural head position; µSv: micro-Sievert; kV: kilovolt; mA: miliampere; cm: centimeter; µm: micrometer; s: second; Hz: Hertz; C1-C2: Segment of atlas and axis; AOD: Atlantooccipital dislocation; RV: Reference value; TrP: Trigger point; VAS: Visual Analog Scale; CN V: Cranial nerve V, trigeminal nerve; OC-C1: Occiput and first vertebra junction.

Evaluation of Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder-Myofascial Pain with Referral.

The aim of the study was functional evaluation of soft tissue mobilization in patients with temporomandibular disorder-myofascial pain with referral. The study group consisted of 50 individuals-37 females and 13 males. The average age was 23.36 ± 2.14 years. All subjects were diagnosed with myofascial pain with referral (diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders). Soft tissue mobilization was applied three times. Electromyography of selected masticatory muscles was performed six times-before and after the treatment. After each mobilization, a decreasing tendency of muscular activity was observed in the entire study group. The Friedman test indicated that mobilization altered the activity of the right temporal muscle (p = 0.00010), both masseters (p = 0.0000), right sternocleidomastoid (p = 0.00251), left sternocleidomastoid (p = 0.00033), and right and left digastric muscles (p = 0.00045 and p = 0.00000, respectively). With respect to symmetry a statistically significant difference was noted in the case of the sternocleidomastoid muscles (p = 0.00729). In conclusion, soft tissue mobilization seems to be effective in the relaxation of masticatory muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorders. Our findings proved that soft tissue mobilization does not improve the symmetry and synergy of the masticatory muscles limited by dental occlusion.

Evaluation of the Cervical Physiotherapeutic Treatment Needs, Work Ergonomics, and Necessity for Physical Activity Among Students of Dentistry at a Medical University. A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: A lot of general dental practitioners suffer from job-related health problems. They are more prone to numerous different physical and psycho-emotional triggers that aggravate their working conditions. THE AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate cervical physiotherapeutic treatment needs, daily ergonomic habits and the necessity for physical activity among students of dentistry at a medical university. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 112 generally healthy dentistry students (73 women, 39 men) were enrolled for the study. The age range was 20-32, with an average of 22.88 ± 2.7. The study included subjects in their second to fifth year of studies. The survey was conducted with respect to the questionnaires about possible physiotherapeutic treatments, physical activities, imaging tests and diagnoses as well as statements regarding the respondents' knowledge and ergonomics habits. To estimate the association between the risk factor and neck disability as well as chronic pain, the Neck Disability Index, Perceived Stress Scale and the Graded Chronic Pain Scale were additionally applied. RESULTS: 35.71% of dentistry students had undergo physiotherapy in the preceding year. 26.79% of the respondents declared that they underwent rehabilitation on a regular basis. The most common reasons for treatment were complaints of the cervical (7.14%), lumbar (3.57%), and thoracic spine (1.79%) as well as a combination of these symptoms. 6.25% of the subjects had started rehabilitation due to muscle relaxation. 34.82% of the study participants did not do any physical activity. Females exercised more often than males (p = 0.02; 1-ß = 0.65). Therapeutic exercises contributed to the improvement of well-being of 56% of students. 64.29% of the respondents chose a sitting position during pre-clinical and clinical classes and 26.79% of the subjects worked in sitting and standing postures. CONCLUSION: 26.79% of dentistry students required periodic therapeutic rehabilitation. 34.82% of the respondents were advised to implement systematic physical activity. Due to professional conditions, dental students are exposed to an early cervical spine disorders. The main factor influencing an early onset of such dysfunctions is increased stress level. An average level of pro-health awareness may be the reason for elevated cost of rehabilitation among this group of patients.

A Pilot Study Evaluating the Prevalence of Cervical Spine Dysfunction Among Students of Dentistry at the Medical University.

Introduction: Cervical pain affects most people at some stage, especially middle-aged. It is one of the symptoms of cervical spine dysfunction. The prevalence of neck pain varies and depends on the population studied. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of cervical spine dysfunction among dentistry students from a medical university. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 112 randomly chosen, generally healthy students (73 women and 39 men) of the faculty of medicine, division of dentistry at a medical university, aged 20-32, average 22.88 ± 2.7. The survey was based on a questionnaire about possible symptoms and disorders of the cervical spine in the 6 preceeding months. A bodychart was used to visualize ailments in relation to the scheme of human body, and a Graded Chronic Pain Scale was applied to assess levels of pain. Additionally, the Perceived Stress Scale and Neck Disability Index were evaluated. Results: With respect to the questionnaire about possible symptoms of cervical spine disorders in the 6 preceeding months, 22.32% of students declared headaches 2-3 times a week, and 45.53% 2-3 times a month. 42.85% of the participants reported difficulties with concentration, 56.25% showed attention issues, and 25% had problems with memory. Moreover, 9.82% of the subjects suffered from depression, and 27.67% declared mood disorders. The bodychart revealed the occurrence of pain within the cervical spine in 47.32% of the respondents. 31.25% of students declared discomfort in the suboccipital area. In 57.14% of people, low intensity of chronic pain without functional disorders was noted. A moderate level of stress was reported in 58.03% of students. Mild cervical spine disorders were found in 53.57% of cases. Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of symptoms of the cervical spine dysfunction, chronic pain, stress, and neck disability among young people may indicate that numerous spinal disorders identified in dentists result not only from their profession, in which spine is significantly overloaded, but also individual predispositions including biopsychosocial profile and the changing lifestyle habits of young people.

Evaluation of Orofacial and General Pain Location in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Disorder-Myofascial Pain With Referral.

Introduction: Pain is an emotional experience. As a subjective feeling, it is associated with pathophysiological processes occurring in the central nervous system, which in turn may negatively affect the psychophysical function, cognitive abilities, level of functioning and quality of life. The Aim: The aim of the study was to assess orofacial and general pain location in patients with temporomandibular joint disorder-myofascial pain with referral. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 50 randomly selected, generally healthy people with complete natural dentition (37 women and 13 men) at the age of 23.36 ± 2.14 years, referred to the Department of Prosthodontics of the Medical University. All patients underwent clinical examination according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (Axes I and II). The subjects were classified as people with myofascial pain with referral. The evaluation of severity of temporomandibular disorders was based on the Temporomandibular Disorder Pain Screener and the Graded Chronic Pain Scale. In order to assess orofacial and general pain location, a bodychart drawing of pain was used. Results: The study group indicated 40 different areas of the body affected by pain. 2-3 isolated pain locations were declared by a total of six subjects. One person identified 17 affected areas. Forty four people reported pain in at least four regions of the body. 70% of patients suffered from pain within the right masseter muscle. Pain of the left masseter muscle was noted in 68% of cases. Cervical ailments were reported by 56% of people. Pain of the left temporomandibular joint was observed in 68% of patients, and of the right one in 54%. Conclusion: The patients with myofascial pain with referral suffer from general ailments in different regions of the body. Only the frequency of pain in the right masseter muscle and right temporomandibular joint differed with respect to gender. The suggestion that the prevalence of pain in other areas of the body varies between men and women has not been confirmed. Due to a small sample size, such differences cannot be excluded. Further studies in this area are needed.

Relationship between depression and masticatory muscles function in a group of adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine association between depressive symptoms and the electrical activity of muscles in maximum voluntary clench in a group of young adults. METHODS: A total of 186 volunteers (Females = 98, Males = 88), with a mean age of 19 years, were recruited to the study. All participants took a questionnaire survey stating the level of depression (Beck's scale), clinical examination, and instrumental diagnostics (EMG). RESULTS: Symptoms of mild or medium depression were found in 35 of the subjects (18.82%). Average electric potentials of the masticatory muscles in maximal voluntary clench were significantly higher among the subjects with depression symptoms in comparison with subjects without those symptoms (85.96 ± 10.25 vs 78.97 ± 15.32, p < . 0.05). DISCUSSION: An increase in the electrical potentials of masseter muscles in maximal voluntary clench was found in the group with depression symptoms. The study should be continued to confirm this finding.