External and internal quality traits of eggs from different ornamental chicken breeds.

This study analyzed the internal and external quality traits of eggs derived from hens of different breeds, including Silkie, Sultan, Cochin Bantam, Brahma and White Leghorn. The highest mean weight was noted for eggs originating from the White Leghorns breed, and the lowest was for eggs from the Cochin Bantams. Simultaneously, both a positive correlation between the egg weight and the percentage of albumen (r = 0.876) and a negative correlation between egg weight and the percentage of yolk (r = - 0.842) were found. The eggshell composition varied significantly in mean phosphorus amount, whereas the calcium content did not differ significantly. Despite this, eggshell strength varied significantly between breeds. Regarding cholesterol and fatty acid levels, the highest amount of cholesterol was noted in the Cochin Bantam breed, and the lowest was in the White Leghorn, although Leghorn was the breed characterized by the highest saturated fatty acid levels, and Cochin Bantam was the lowest. Regarding the polyunsaturated fatty acids (which have been proven to positively influence the cardiovascular system), the highest levels were obtained by Leghorn eggs, and the lowest were obtained by Silkie eggs. In conclusion, the study indicates that ornamental chicken breeds are a source of high-quality products, which could be attractive to consumers, additionally supporting traditional farming and animal genetic resources.

Time-dependent cytokines changes in ultra-rush wasp venom immunotherapy.

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) represents a potential therapeutic approach for the management of venom allergies, aiming to modify the immune response to venom allergens and enhance its precision. Previous studies have demonstrated that VIT induces a shift in T helper cell responses from Th2 to Th1, characterized by the production of IL-2 and interferon-gamma by CD4+ and CD8+ cells. In order to explore long-term pathways following VIT treatment and verify potential new outcomes, the serum concentrations of 30 cytokines were assessed in a cohort of 61 patients (18 control, 43 study group) exhibiting hypersensitivity to wasp venom. Cytokine levels were measured at 0, 2, 6, and 24 weeks after the initiation phase of VIT in the study group. The present study found no significant alterations in the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood following VIT. However, a noteworthy finding was the substantial increase in the concentration of IL-12, a cytokine capable of promoting the differentiation of Th0 cells into Th1 cells. This observation supports the involvement of the Th1 pathway in the desensitization process induced by VIT. Additionally, the study revealed a significant rise in the levels of IL-9 and TGF-ß after VIT. These cytokines may play a role in the generation of inducible regulatory T (Treg) cells, indicating their potential importance in the immune response to venom allergens and the desensitization process associated with VIT. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to comprehend the underlying mechanisms driving the VIT process comprehensively.

Activation of the olfactory system in response to male odors in female prepubertal mice.

Exposure to male odors during the prepubertal period accelerates puberty, a phenomenon known as the Vandenbergh effect. This experiment identifies the parts of the olfactory pathway that respond to male odors in prepubertal female mice. Female mice were kept in a room free of adult male odors from birth until odor exposure. At post-natal day 21, 24 or 28, (ages representing time points early, intermediate, and late in the prepubertal period) mice were exposed to clean bedding, soiled bedding from castrated males, or soiled bedding from intact males. Each group was exposed to odor in separate rooms to prevent cross contamination. Ninety minutes after odor exposure, mice were sacrificed, the brains removed and prepared for c-Fos immunohistochemistry. The numbers of neurons expressing c-Fos were counted in a defined area of the following nuclei: AOB mitral layer, AOB granular layer, MOB, MEPV, MEPD, Aco, BNST, MPOA, and VMH. There was a significant effect of age on c-Fos-expression in the MEPV, MEPD, Aco, MPOA, BNST and piriform cortex. There was a significant effect of odor on c-Fos-expression in the MEPV, MEPD, Aco, MPOA, and VMH, showing that these areas are differentially sensitive to intact male odors vs. clean bedding and that these brain areas may be responsible for communicating odor information that drives puberty acceleration.

Aromatase knockout mice show normal steroid-induced activation of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurones and luteinising hormone surges with a reduced population of kisspeptin neurones in the rostral hypothalamus.

We recently reported that female aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice show deficits in sexual behaviour and a decreased population of kisspeptin-immunoreactive neurones in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V), resurrecting the question of whether oestradiol actively contributes to female-typical sexual differentiation. To further address this question, we assessed the capacity of ArKO mice to generate a steroid-induced luteinising hormone (LH) surge. Adult, gonadectomised wild-type (WT) and ArKO mice were given silastic oestradiol implants s.c. and, 1 week later, received s.c. injections of either oestradiol benzoate (EB) followed by progesterone, EB alone, or no additional steroids to activate gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones and generate an LH surge. Treatment with EB and progesterone induced significant Fos/GnRH double-labelling and, consequently, an LH surge in female WT and in ArKO mice of both sexes but not in male WT mice. ArKO mice of both sexes had fewer cells expressing Kiss-1 mRNA in the RP3V compared to female WT mice but had more Kiss-1 mRNA-expressing cells compared to WT males, reflecting an incomplete sexual differentiation of this system. To determine the number of cells expressing kisspeptin, the same experimental design was repeated in Experiment 2 with the addition of groups of WT and ArKO mice that were given EB + progesterone and sacrificed 2 h before the expected LH surge. No differences were observed in the number of kisspeptin-immunoreactive cells 2 h before and at the time of the LH surge. The finding that ArKO mice of both sexes have a competent LH surge system suggests that oestradiol has predominantly defeminising actions on the GnRH/LH surge system in males and that the steroid-induced LH surge can occur in females even with a greatly reduced population of kisspeptin neurones in the RP3V.

Mesenteric infusion of a volatile fatty acid prevents body weight loss and transiently restores luteinising hormone pulse frequency in ovariectomised, food-restricted ewes.

Pulsatile luteinising hormone (LH) secretion is suppressed by food restriction and rapidly restored by return to ad lib. feeding concomitant with an increase in the oxidation of free fatty acids, although there is no increase in plasma leptin concentrations or body fat content in ovariectomised ewes. The ingestion of food may stimulate LH secretion by increasing availability of oxidisable metabolic substrates. Ruminal digestion is characterised by the production of volatile fatty acids and, of these, propionate is the major gluconeogenic substrate, and both glucose and propionate are oxidisable in a variety of tissues. To examine whether increases in mesenteric propionate concentrations are sufficient for restoration of pulsatile LH secretion during a period of food restriction, adult, food-restricted, hypogonadotrophic, ovariectomised ewes received mesenteric vein infusions of 5 µmol/min/kg body weight (BW) propionate or saline, whereas normal weight, ad lib.-fed ewes received mesenteric infusions of saline for 10 days. Blood samples were taken every 10 min for 5 h before the start of the 10-day infusion period, and continued throughout the first 5 h of infusion on the afternoon of day 1, and in the morning on days 2, 7 and 10. Propionate-infused, food-restricted and ad lib.-fed, saline-infused ewes showed a significantly higher LH pulse frequency compared to that of food-restricted-saline-infused ewes on postinfusion days 1 and 2 but not on days 7 and 10, and only the saline-infused, food-restricted group lost a significant amount of body weight. These results indicate that the reproductive system can respond acutely to infusion of metabolic fuels such as propionate, although a sustained recovery of pulsatile LH secretion requires more than an increase in this single metabolic substrate.

Negative calcium score and the presence of obstructive coronary lesions in patients with intermediate CAD probability.

We intended to estimate how the zero coronary artery calcium (CAC) score in symptomatic patients with intermediate probability of coronary artery disease predicts the absence of obstructive non-calcified coronary plaques (NCAPs). CAC scoring and coronary arteries were evaluated by means of 64-multislice CT coronary angiography (CCTA). In 166 subject with CAC=0, Non-obstructive NCAPs (less than 50%) were found in 17 patients (10.2%), while significant stenosis were diagnosed in 3 (2%). In the female insignificant stenoses were more frequent (12%) than in men (6%), however, all 3 cases with significant stenosis were male. In our study, where CCTA has been used as diagnostic method for CAD diagnosing, the prevalence of non-calcified plaques in CAC=0 subjects is relatively high. Our study confirms a relatively low incidence of significant coronary stenosis in this subset of CAD-suspected subjects.

Changes in insulin, glucose and ketone bodies, but not leptin or body fat content precede restoration of luteinising hormone secretion in ewes.

The reproductive system, including pulsatile luteinising hormone (LH) secretion, is inhibited by deficits in energy availability and restored by energy surfeits. Plasma LH, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, glucose, ketone body, and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were measured in ovariectomised, food-restricted ewes before and after return to ad libitum feeding to determine the factors that change in time to account for the restoration of pulsatile LH secretion. At 07.00 h, blood was sampled every 10 min for 5 h from ovariectomised, hypogonadotrophic, chronically food-restricted and ad libitum-fed ewes (Fed). At 12.00 h, four of the food-restricted sheep were given ad libitum access to food (Re-Fed), while three ewes continued to be food restricted (Restricted). Sampling continued for 5 h and resumed again on the mornings of days 2, 4, and 9. A pulse of LH was seen within 1 h of re-feeding in all Re-Fed ewes, and interpulse interval (IPI) was significantly shorter in Re-Fed compared to Restricted ewes and longer than in Fed ewes during the period after re-feeding. Re-Fed LH IPI was not restored to that of Fed ewes until sometime between days 4 and 9. The first pulse occurred within minutes, whereas restoration of IPI occurred after 4-8 days. Prior to the initial LH pulses seen in Re-Fed ewes, plasma ketone bodies first fell and then rose to levels significantly above those in Restricted ewes. Significant changes in circulating insulin, ghrelin, glucose, and total ketone body concentrations, daily food intake and lean body mass preceded restoration of Re-Fed LH IPI some time between days 4 and 9, but there were no significant changes in adiposity or circulating leptin concentrations, consistent with the hypothesis that LH pulses are reinitiated by changes in the availability of oxidisable metabolic fuels and possibly insulin, but not leptin concentrations.

Metabolic signals, hormones and neuropeptides involved in control of energy balance and reproductive success in hamsters.

In the 'postgenome era', most research on the neuroendocrine control of energy homeostasis has focused on hormonal and neuropeptide control of food intake (i.e. the amount of food eaten) in rats and mice. The amount of food consumed is influenced by both the motivation to procure food and the consummatory act of ingestion. In some species, the rate of food intake remains relatively constant, while survival is maintained via changes in food procurement, external storage and internal expenditure. For example, in hamsters, metabolic signals, peripheral hormones and central neuropeptides influence hunger motivation, food hoarding and changes in energy expenditure without necessarily influencing the amount of food ingested. A similar suite of metabolic signals, hormones and neuropeptides is involved in optimizing reproductive success under fluctuating energetic conditions. Reproductive processes are inhibited or delayed when energy expenditure outstrips energy intake and mobilization from storage. Estrous cyclicity in Syrian hamsters is sensitive to the availability of oxidizable glucose, but the presence of central glucose alone is not sufficient for normal estrous cycles. Food deprivation-induced anestrus does not depend upon food deprivation-induced increases in concentrations of adrenal hormones such as glucocorticoids. If hormones such as insulin and leptin play a role, they might do so by modulating the availability of glucose detected at extra-hypothalamic sites, instead of or in addition to direct effects on the mechanisms that control gonadotropin releasing hormone secretion. Despite our ability to measure and manipulate gene transcription, understanding of fuel homeostasis requires examination of indirect effects of hormones and neuropeptides on peripheral metabolism, attention to the motivational as well as consummatory aspects of ingestion, and the study of behaviour in a natural or seminatural context.

Physiological responses to weight-loss intervention in inactive obese African-American and Caucasian women.

BACKGROUND: The physiological responses of inactive obese premenopausal African-American and Caucasian women to the identical exercise training and behavior modification program were compared. METHODS: Inactive obese (96.1+/- 2.9 kg, BMI=34.8 +/- 0.7 kg/m2, % body fat=46.0 +/- 0.8; mean +/- SEM) premenopausal (36 +/- 2 yrs) African-American (n=10) and Caucasian (n=19) women were included. Resting metabolic rate (RMR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and maximal aerobic power (VO2max) were measured by indirect calorimetry, and body composition by plethysmography. Resting and maximal heart rates, blood glucose and lipids, and blood pressure were also measured. Treatment consisted of a 13-week diet and exercise behavior modification program. Group mean comparisons were made with a Student's "t"-test or an ANCOVA, which controlled for individual differences in body mass and lean body mass (LBM). Significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Initially, the groups were not significantly different in height, mass, BMI, age, % body fat, fat mass, LBM, girth measurements, RMR, RER, VO2max, blood pressure, or cholesterol profile. The number of weeks completed, number of exercise sessions completed, total minutes of exercise for the entire intervention, average minutes of daily exercise, and total estimated exercise energy expenditure were all similar between groups. Furthermore, both groups reported similar dietary compliance. Both groups reduced body mass, BMI, LBM, girth measurements, and increased VO2max (mlO2 x kg-1 x min-1) significantly and similarly. CONCLUSIONS: African-American and Caucasian women respond the same physiologically to weight loss intervention. The higher prevalence in obesity for African-American women is not due to a different physiological response to diet and exercise.

[Tumor necrosis factor alpha and its soluble receptors in serum of patients with coronary artery disease]. / Czynnik martwicy nowotworów alpha i rozpuszczalne formy jego receptorów w surowicy u chorych na chorobe wiencowa.

TNF-alpha as a pleiotropic, proinflammatory cytokine seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). TNF-alpha is binding to two cell surface receptors and its serum activity is modified by soluble forms of these receptors: sTNF-R I and sTNF-R II. The aim of this study was to assess serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, sTNF-R I and sTNF-R II in patients (pts) with CAD. We examined serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, sTNF-R I and sTNF-R II by ELISA in: 45 pts with stable exertional angina (group I); 32 pts with unstable angina (group II) within 6, 24, and 48 h after the chest pain; and 23 pts before and 6, 24, and 48 h after PTCA (group III). The control group (group C) consisted of 20 healthy subjects. We evaluated: clinical state of patients and results of some diagnostic examinations (lipids, ECG, echocardiography, coronary angiography). Mean serum concentrations of TNF-alpha were significantly higher in pts ith CAD (group I: 18.25 +/- 5.5 pg/ml; group II: 17.24 +/- 4.0 pg/ml; group III: 18.70 +/- 0.6 pg/ml; p < 0.001) than in healthy pts (8.31 +/- 1.4 pg/ml). In turn mean serum concentrations of sTNF-R I were significantly higher both in group I (1399.6 +/- 536.3 pg/ml; p < 0.05) and III (1544.0 +/- 391.4 pg/ml; p < 0.01) than in control group (1093.9 +/- 456.9 pg/ml). There were not differences in mean serum concentrations of sTNF-R II. We found no differences between mean serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, sTNF-R I and sTNF-R II either after the chest pain (group II); or before and after PTCA (group III). In group I mean TNF-alpha correlated with serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.412 and r = -0.424; p < 0.01); sTNF-R I correlated with LDL-cholesterol (r = -0.309; p < 0.05); and sTNF-R II correlated with total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.311 and r = 0.316; p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of TNF-alpha are increased in patients with CAD, but this does not reflect the clinical state of patients. In pts with stable angina these increased levels of TNF-alpha may be accompanied with higher concentrations of sTNF-R I--it seems to be the compensatory mechanism in long-term atherosclerosis. Lipid disturbances may influence the cytokines metabolism in pts with CAD.

[Left and right ventricular function in acromegalic patients]. / Ocena czynnosci skurczowej i rozkurczowej komór serca u chorych z akromegalia.

Recent studies have proved close relations between cardiovascular and endocrinic systems. This relation has been observed in acromegaly, the disease connected with unrestrained secretion of growth hormone. The aim of the study was to assess Holter monitoring and echocardiography of acromegalic patients. The study group consisted of 28 acromegalic patients, including 15 patients with hypertension, was considered. As control groups we examined 20 patients with essential hypertension and 20 normotensive healthy subjects: All subjects underwent twenty-four hour Holter recordings, complete M-mode, two-dimentional and spectral Doppler echocardiography. Ventricular premature complexes occurred in 65% of acromegalic patients. Frequency and severity of ectopic beats were significantly increased compared to control groups. Left ventricular ejection fraction was considered to be normal, although significant decreased compared to healthy subjects. Left ventricular mass was above normal value in acromegalic patients--no significant difference was found between hypertensive and normotensive acromegalics. Doppler examination has shown the abnormalities of left and right ventricular filling in 89% of acromegalics. We have observed the correlations between left and right ventricular filling indices and the duration of the disease, and left ventricular mass. Left ventricular hypertrophy frequently occurs in acromegalic patients and this is not simply secondary to systemic hypertension. The prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias in acromegalic patients seems to be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Doppler examination suggests impaired left and right diastolic filling in patients with acromegaly.

Both atenolol and propranolol blunt the fibrinolytic response to exercise but not resting fibrinolytic potential.

This randomized, double-blind trial found that tissue plasminogen activator activity increased and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity decreased significantly more with exercise during placebo treatment than during treatment with beta blockade. These results suggest that beta blockade blunts the fibrinolytic response to maximal exercise.

Happiness as a treatment goal.

Happiness is a concept reflecting general satisfaction with one's life and with oneself, not necessarily congruent with objective indicators. A most important ingredient is a positive self-image, depending, in turn, on positive perception of self as compared to one's peers and to the expectations of important figures in one's life. This requires understanding of personal strengths and constructive acceptance of limitations. Helping individuals develop subjective self-satisfaction should be the goal in any treatment program, achieved through direct therapeutic interventions as well as environmental supports (e.g., provision of opportunities for success). It is essential that service providers differentiate between their own values, goals, and administrative requirements and the individual's personal preferences and wishes.

[The QT interval dispersion and ventricular late potential in obese women]. / Ocena dyspersji odstepu QT i wystepowania póznych potencjalów komorowych u kobiet z otyloscia prosta.

UNLABELLED: Obesity is known to be a risk factor of cardiac death, that is associated first of all with cardiac arrhythmias. Increased QT dispersion (QTd) and ventricular late potentials (LP) are measurable indices of ventricular arrhythmias risk. The aim of this study is to asses QTd and LP in women with obesity. 62 obese women (mean BMI 36.7 kg/m2) and 15 apparently healthy subjects (mean BMI 24.5 kg/m2) were included in our study. QTd and correlated QT interval dispersion (QTdc) were calculated from 12-lead ECG. LVM were assessed from echocardiograms. LP were obtained by signal averaging of surface electrocardiograms. RESULTS: QTd, QTdc, LVM were significantly higher in patients. We found LP in six cases and higher QTdc in this subgroup. According to our research, increased QTd in obese women seems to be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and increased QTd is significantly higher in subjects with LP.

Summary of the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Mental Retardation and Comorbid Mental Disorders. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

This summary provides an overview of the assessment and treatment recommendations contained in the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children, Adolescents, and Adults With Mental Retardation and Comorbid Mental Disorders. The parameters were written to aid clinicians in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with symptoms of mental retardation (MR) and comorbid mental disorders. MR is a heterogeneous condition defined by significantly subaverage intellectual and adaptive functioning and onset before age 18 years. With an approach underscored by principles of normalization and the availability of appropriate education and habilitation, persons with MR generally live, are educated, and work in the community. Mental disorders occur more commonly in persons with MR than in the general population. However, the disorders themselves are essentially the same. Clinical presentations can be modified by poor language skills and by life circumstances, so a diagnosis might hinge more heavily on observable behavioral symptoms. The diagnostic assessment considers and synthesizes the biological, psychological, and psychosocial context of mental disorders. Comprehensive treatment integrating various approaches, including family counseling, pharmacological, educational, habilitative, and milieu interventions is the rule.

Hemostatic responses to maximal exercise in oral contraceptive users.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of exercise on markers of fibrinolysis and coagulation in users and nonusers of oral contraceptives. STUDY DESIGN: Fourteen oral contraceptive users and 14 nonusers performed a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after the completion of the test. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis with values considered significant at P =.05. RESULTS: Acute maximal exercise resulted in significant increases in tissue plasminogen activator activity in both groups. There was a trend toward a smaller increase in tissue plasminogen activator activity in oral contraceptive users, but the difference between groups was not statistically significant. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 activity was reduced with exercise in both groups but with a significantly greater decrease observed in the nonusers (P <.0001). Prothrombin fragment 1+2 was significantly higher (P <.0001) in the oral contraceptive group but did not change with exercise. Epinephrine levels before and after exercise were similar between the 2 groups, but postexercise norepinephrine concentrations were significantly lower (P =.026) in the oral contraceptive users. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that oral contraceptive use blunts the fibrinolytic response to exercise. This, together with increased coagulation activation in oral contraceptive users, may alter the hemostatic balance during exercise.

Changes in self-efficacy and decisional balance for exercise among obese women in a weight management program.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in eating and exercise self-efficacy and decisional balance for exercise in an obese population enrolled in a multi-disciplinary weight management program. RESEARCH METHOD AND PROCEDURES: Thirty-two obese women were assessed at entry and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Participants showed 15% mean weight loss after 12 weeks of treatment. Mean minutes of self-reported exercise increased by 229%. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in self-efficacy for both eating and exercise and health parameters but not in decisional balance for exercise adoption. DISCUSSION: These results may have implications for the practitioner in that self-efficacy changes occur during successful weight loss, but decisional balance for exercise may not change until individuals enter maintenance. These results imply that practitioners may be advised to shift from confidence building to relapse prevention early on in treatment, and that focusing on strengthening the pros of exercise and reducing the cons of exercise may need to remain constant during treatment.

[The selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the patients with coronary heart disease: preliminary communication]. / Wybrane cytokiny pro- i antyzapalne w surowicy krwi chorych z choroba wiencowa--doniesienie wstepne.

Recent findings suggest that inflammation and cytokines regulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to assess serum concentrations of selected pro- (TNF alpha) and antiinflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in patients with coronary heart disease. We studied 29 patients with coronary heart disease: 14 with stable angina (group I) and 15 with unstable angina (group II). The control group (group K) consisted of 10 healthy subjects. Patients with inflammatory diseases, previous myocardial infarction (last 6 months) and with ECG abnormalities, that would invalidate ST-segment analysis, were excluded from examined groups. We evaluated: clinical state of patients and results of some diagnostic examinations (lipids, ECG, echocardiography, coronary angiography, concomitant diseases). In each patients serum levels of TNF alpha and IL-10 were measured according to the special protocol by ELISA. The mean serum concentrations of TNF alpha and IL-10 were significantly higher in group I (respectively: 18.75 +/- 11.7 pg/ml, 89.0 +/- 114.9 pg/ml) and II (14.21 +/- 5.9 pg/ml, 49.38 +/- 72.9 pg/ml) in comparison to the healthy subjects (9.41 +/- 1.7 pg/ml, 9.69 +/- 4.5 pg/ml). We found positive correlations between mean TNF alpha and IL-10 concentrations in group II (48 hours after last symptom) and between mean TNF alpha concentration and LVM (left ventricular mass), LVMI (left ventricular mass index) in group I. The concentrations of TNF alpha and IL-10 did not correlate with other clinical parameters. The results of our study suggest that serum concentrations of pro- (TNF alpha) and antiinflammatory (IL-10) cytokines may be increased in patients with stable and unstable angina. These increased concentrations do not reflect the clinical state of patients.

Practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with mental retardation and comorbid mental disorders. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Working Group on Quality Issues.

Mental retardation (MR) is a heterogeneous condition defined by significantly subaverage intellectual and adaptive functioning and onset before age 18 years. With an approach underscored by principles of normalization and the availability of appropriate education and habilitation, persons with MR generally live, are educated, and work in the community. Mental disorders occur more commonly in persons with MR than in the general population. However, the disorders themselves are essentially the same. Clinical presentations can be modified by poor language skills and by life circumstances, so a diagnosis might hinge more heavily on observable behavioral symptoms. The diagnostic assessment considers and synthesizes the biological, psychological, and psychosocial context of mental disorders. Comprehensive treatment integrating various approaches, including family counseling, pharmacological, educational, habilitative, and milieu interventions is the rule.

[QT interval dispersion and the type of obesity in women]. / Dyspersja odstepu QT a typ otylosci u kobiet.

UNLABELLED: The risk of sudden cardiac death is higher in patients with obesity, particularly in the upper body obesity. The most common cause of cardiac events are serious ventricular arrhythmias. Delayed cardiac repolarization leading to the prolongation of the QT interval is a well characterised precursor of arrhythmias. The QT interval dispersion reflects inhomogeneity of repolarization. The aim of this study was to assess QT interval dispersion (QTd) in obese women and to establish the relationship between obesity and QTd. 62 patients with obesity (group 1) and 15 apparently healthy women (group 2) were included in our study. Obese subjects were distinguished in accordance to the waist to hip ratio (WHR) into three subgroups: 1a--obese women with upper body obesity; 1b--obese women with WHR: 0.75-0.85; 1c--obese women with lower body obesity. A standard 12-lead ECG was performed in each subjects and QTd, QTdc (QT correlated interval dispersion), QTdR (QTd ratio) were calculated. The left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were obtained from echocardiograms. We found QTd, QTdc, QTdR and LVM, LVMI to be significantly higher in obese women as well as positive correlation between BMI and both LVM, LVMI. QTdR was significantly higher in subgroup 1a compared with subgroup 1c. CONCLUSIONS: 1) QT interval dispersion was increased in obese women compared with healthy subjects, 2) supposedly increased QTd was associated with the type of obesity.