Extraction and preconcentration of compounds from the l-tyrosine metabolic pathway prior to their micellar electrokinetic chromatography separation.

The prominent biological effects of adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) as well as the clinical importance of their metabolites (such as dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), methoxy­4-hydroxyphenyl glycol (MHPG), dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), metanephrine (M), normetanephrine (NM), vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), homovanillic acid (HVA)) have forced researchers to evaluate new analytical methodologies for their isolation and preconcentration from biological samples. For this reason, the three most popular extraction techniques (dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), solid-phase extraction (SPE), solid-phase microextraction (SPME)) were tested. Micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) - a mode of capillary electrophoresis - with a diode array detector (DAD) was applied to assess the extraction efficiency. Next, the enrichment factor (EF) of each applied method was calculated in respect to standard mixtures of the analytes at the same concentration levels. The EF results of seven selected metabolites of biogenic amines (BAs) from urine after sample preparation procedures based on twenty-five different protocols (one DLLME, thirteen SPE and eleven SPME) were calculated and compared using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The SPE as well as SPME procedures were proved to be the most effective approaches for the simultaneous extraction of the chosen compounds. Moreover, an ionic liquid (IL) - 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide - added to methanol in SPME additionally could successfully improve the extraction efficiency. It was also confirmed that the HCA approach could be considered a supportive tool in the selection of a suitable sample preparation procedure for that group of endogenous substances.

Prevalence of dental erosion among 18-year-old adolescents in the borderland districts of Lviv (Ukraine) and Lublin (Poland).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Recent epidemiological studies have shown an association between dental erosion occurrence and changes in lifestyle and dietary habits in both developed and developing countries, and now affects different regions of the world. Furthermore, in current literature, studies have shown that the prevalence of erosive tooth wear has increased particularly among the younger population. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear among 18-year-old adolescents in the districts of Lviv (Ukraine) and Lublin (Poland). MATERIAL AND METHODS: College students (254 subjects) aged 18, living in the Lviv and Lublin districts were examined. Erosive lesions presented in the teeth were assessed on the basis of the BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination) index. RESULTS: Among the 137 patients living in the Lublin district, 70 were females and 67 were males, while in the Lviv district, 60 women and 57 men were examined. In both districts, the following numbers of rural patients were examined: 66 in Lublin district and 56 in Lviv district; for urban inhabitants, the numbers were 71 in Lublin and 61 in Lviv. Analysing the BEWE values, it was noted that higher BEWE values, and resulting from them significant differences were observed in both male and female groups living in Lublin, compared with Lviv inhabitants. Based on clinical examination and statistical analysis, the occurrence of lesions of an erosive character in at least one sextant were observed in 59.85% of patients from Lublin district, and in 42.74% of patients from Lviv district. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the conducted study in the Polish and Ukrainian groups of 18-year-old adolescents living on the borderland, it can be stated that dental erosion is a problem noticeable in both groups of cohorts, but with higher prevalence in the Lublin district.

Number of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in saliva versus the status of cigarette smoking, considering duration of smoking and number of cigarettes smoked daily.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: A large number of colonies of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus (LB) cariogenic bacteria in the saliva show a high risk of dental caries development. Cotinine is a biomarker of exposure to the tobacco smoke. The aim of the study was assessment of the number of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in the saliva of non-smokers and smokers considering the duration of smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked daily. The number of SM and LB was analysed in relation to the frequency of oral health check-ups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigated group comprised 124 people aged 20-54. 58 (46.8%) reported cigarette smoking; 66 (53.2%) reported they had never smoked cigarettes and had never attempted to smoke. Cotinine concentration in the saliva was assayed using the Cotinine test (Calbiotech), and the number of SM and LB with the use of the CRT bacteria test (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein). Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi2 and Mann-Whitney tests. Test values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: No essential correlation was stated between the number of SM and LB and the status of smoking, the number of cigarettes smoked daily and duration of cigarette smoking. Smokers who reported having dental check-ups at least once a year significantly more frequently had a small number of LB stated in relation to people who had dental check-ups to control their oral health less frequently than once a year. CONCLUSIONS: The number of SM and LB in saliva does not depend on the smoking status, the number of cigarettes smoked daily and duration of smoking.

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.

Stimulated and non-stimulated saliva as biological material in the assessment of cotinine concentration.

INTRODUCTION: A biomarker of the exposure to the tobacco smoke is cotinine - a nicotine metabolite with a half-life about 16 hours. Analysis of cotinine concentration in biological material allows objective assessment of the cigarette smoking status and environmental exposure to the tobacco smoke. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was evaluation of the influence of method of saliva collection: stimulated or non-stimulated one by chewing a paraffin cube on cotinine concentration in the saliva as well as the analysis of the obtained cotinine values depending on the status of cigarette smoking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Survey with the use of authorial survey questionnaire and biochemical survey of saliva were conducted among 115 people aged 20-50 who reported for treatment at the Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics of the Medical University of Lublin. In the examined group 66 people declared cigarette smoking, 49 reported they had never smoked cigarettes and had never tried to smoke. Cotinine concentration in the saliva was assayed with the use of Cotinine test (Calbiotech). Obtained study results were submitted to statistical analysis using Ch2 test. Statistically essential test values were those of p<0.05. While investigating the influence of age on the examined parameters Spearman correlation coefficient and the test of its relevance were employed. RESULTS: Mean cotinine concentra- tion in non-stimulated saliva in smokers was 310.36 ng/ml, in stimulated saliva 305.61 ng/ml. No statistically essential differences were stated between stimulated and non-stimulated saliva (Z=0.36, p>0.05). Cotinine concentration in non-stimulated and in stimulated saliva was increasing with age of the investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Cotinine concentration in both in stimulated and non-stimulated saliva obtains similar values. Cotinine concentration both in stimulated and non-stimulated saliva increases with age of the investigated.

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).

[Cotinine concentration in the saliva in relation to oral hygiene procedures]. / Stezenie kotyniny w slinie w relacji do przeprowadzania zabiegów higienicznych w jamie ustnej.

Cotinine is a biomarker of the exposure to the tobacco smoke, nicotine metabolite with half-life in the saliva which is 17 hours. Assessment of cotinine concentration enables among others verification of the questionnaire data as well as evaluation of both smokers and non-smokers exposure to the tobacco smoke. Practicing proper oral hygiene procedures is an essential factor of the prophylaxis of dental caries and periodontal diseases which influence general health state. The removal of dental calculus is achieved by proper teeth brushing and the use of additional oral aids. The aim of the study was evaluation of cotinine concentration in non-stimulated saliva in order to verify questionnaire data (smoker/non-smoker) and analysis of practicing oral hygiene procedures in relation to the status of cigarette smoking. Questionnaire and biochemical studies were conducted in the group of 116 people aged 20-54. In questionnaire survey 53 people (45.69%) confirmed cigarette smoking, 63 (54.31%) declared they had never smoked and never tried to smoke. Non-stimulated saliva was collected between 9(30) and 11(30), 1,5-2 hours after meal. Cotinine concentration was assayed with the use of Cotinine ELISA (Calbiotech, USA). Obtained study results were submitted to statistic analysis with the use of Chi2. Statistically essential test values were those with p<0,05. In the study group the mean value of cotinine concentration was 155.76 ng/ml. Brushing teeth once a day or less frequently was reported by 26.92% smokers and 4.76% non-smokers, brushing teeth at least twice a day was reported subsequently by 73.08% and 95.24% participants. Non-smokers in comparison with smokers considerably more frequently brushed their teeth, at least twice a day (XZ=11.11, p<0.001). Smokers used a toothbrush with medium hardness bristle (X2=6.05, p<0.05) as well as toothpicks to maintain hygiene of interdental spaces and teeth contact surfaces (X2=21.34, p<0.001) whereas they used dental floss less frequently (X2=10.64, p<0.01). Smokers more fre. quently brushed their teeth improperly (X2=1 3.41, p<0.001). Smokers in comparison with non-smokers did not practice proper oral hygiene which is an essential risk factor of the oral health. It is crucial for dental surgeons to conduct oral hygiene instructions in smokers as well as realization of health threats resulting from cigarette smoking.

[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.

[Selected risk factors for diseases of hard tooth tissues in tobacco smokers--preliminary study]. / Wybrane czynniki ryzyka chorób zmineralizowanych tkanek zebów u osób palacych tyton--badanie wstepne.

The etiology of the diseases of hard tooth tissues is multifactorial. Important risk factors for caries development are i.a. high count of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus (LB), dietary habits connected with improper diet composition and frequency of meals consumption as well as low salivary buffer capacity. The aim of the study was the assessment of MS and LB counts in saliva of smokers and evaluation of buffering capacity of stimulated saliva in smokers in relation to risk factors of the diseases of hard tooth tissues. Survey and clinical studies involved 42 patients aged 20-53 years. MS colonies count in saliva of smokers and non-smokers did not differ significantly, similarly to LB count. In smokers buffering capacity of saliva was significantly lower comparing with the non-smokers group. 50% of smokers and 80% of non-smokers presented for dental check-ups every six months. In the smokers group teeth hypersensitivity on stimuli declared 36,36% of the cases. Obtained results indicate the necessity of carrying out studies concerning caries risk factors in a larger group of smokers.

[Chewing gum as an additional agent in maintaining oral hygiene versus smoking status--preliminary study]. / Guma do zucia jako srodek dodatkowy w utrzymaniu higieny jamy ustnej a status palenia--badanie wstepne.

Nowadays chewing gum is widely used in different age groups, so complying with proper duration and frequency of chewing is an important factor influencing the state of masticatory system. The study involved 112 dental students of the Medical University of Lublin. Everyday use of chewing gum declared 47,32% of cases. Chewing time up to 10 minutes was stated in 23,08% of respondents, 11-20 minutes in 40,38% of interviewees. Among the examined students 17,3% smoked cigarettes. In smokers group 83,33% of questioned chewed the gum every day, while among non-smokers - 43,37%. Chewing time shorter than 10 minutes declared 22,22% of smokers and 23,26% of non-smokers, while chewing time between 11-20 minutes - 27,78% i 44,35% of smokers and non-smokers respectively. Obtained results indicate the need of carrying out further studies aimed at the nicotine influence on saliva parameters with respect to development of diseases of hard tooth tissues.

[Tobacco smoking-related attitudes of dental students of the Medical University of Lublin]. / Postawy studentów stomatologii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w lublinie wobec problemu palenia tytoniu.

Despite the growing consciousness of negative tobacco smoking consequences there is still a need of propagating healthy lifestyle among the society. Physicians and dentists as well as medical and dental students have a particular role in this process due to their daily contact with smokers. The aim of the study was evaluation of tobacco smoking prevalence among dental students of the Medical University of Lublin as well as recognizing their knowledge and attitudes regarding negative tobacco smoking consequences. The questionnaire survey was carried out among 112 dentistry students, tobacco smoking was reported in 16.07%. The students smoked most frequently 5-10 cigarettes per day for 4.3 years. 44.44% of students started smoking during their studies. The main reason of smoking was relaxation and pleasure or in respond to stressful situations. The half of the respondents made one or more attempts of quitting smoking with different results. The most often potential cause of smoking cessation was pregnancy. Almost 75% of students could not indicate any tobacco dependent disease or they could indicate only one - lung cancer.

[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.

[Concentration of calcium ions in the saliva and the value of the pH of the saliva in female and male smokers]. / Stezenie jonów wapnia w slinie oraz wartosc pH sliny u palacych papierosy kobiet i mezczyzn.

Dental decay is a pathological process of extrasomatic origin which leads to demineralization and proteolytic degradation of hard surfaces of a tooth susceptible to this disease. Saliva composition, including calcium ion concentration and its pH value, is of importance in the development of the carious process. Tobacco smoke contains toxic compounds which negatively influence oral health. The aim of the study was evaluation of the selected saliva components: protein concentration, Ca2+ concentration, pH value both in male and female smokers. The investigated group included 65 patients reporting for the treatment to the Department of Conservative Dentistry of Medical University in Lublin. In the investigated group male smokers constituted 15.38%, female smokers--20.00%, male nicotine abstinents 21.54% and female nicotine abstinent 43.08%. The study included both survey examinations of patients and biochemical examinations of the saliva. Mixed, non-stimulated saliva was used as a material for biochemical examinations. Ca2+ concentration and pH of the saliva were assayed with the use of Rapidlab 348 analyzer. Protein in the saliva was assayed with calorimetric method according to Lowry. Saliva was collected from smokers 10-120 minutes after smoking of several cigarettes. It was stated that Ca2+ and protein concentration as well as pH of the saliva were not correlated with sex and cigarette smoking or non-smoking.

[Cigarette smoking by the mothers of neonates and small children from Lublin area--survey studies]. / Palenie papierosów przez matki noworodków i dzieci mlodszych z regionu lubelskiego--badania ankietowe.

Cigarette smoking by women in the reproductive age is a threat to the health of a woman as well as a child, in every stage of its life. The investigated group included 189 women aged 19-39. The survey studies were conducted among 123 women staying at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Obstetric Pathology of the Medical University in Lublin as well as 66 women who reported for the treatment at the Department of Conservative Dentistry, having been mothers of at least one child. The questions included in the survey concerned cigarette smoking by the women in the reproductive age considering their dwelling place, education and reporting for their oral health control check-ups. Study results revealed, that from the among 189 women cigarette smoking was reported by 12.70% of the respondents including 20.83% with higher education, 70.83% with secondary education, 8.33% with elementary education. 87.50% smoking women lived in the city whereas 54.17% respondents had one child and 45.83% at least two children. In the group of smoking women 8.33% reported that they limited the number of cigarettes during the day in pregnancy and 29.17% continued cigarette smoking. In the group of nicotine abstainers 56.97% women had higher education, 42.42% secondary education, 0.61% elementary education. 75.76 % lived in the city while 64.24% women had one child, 3576% at least two children.