Layer-by-layer assembly of poly-l-lysine/hyaluronic acid protein reservoirs on poly(glycerol sebacate) surfaces.

The modification of biomaterial surfaces has become increasingly relevant in the context of ongoing advancements in tissue engineering applications and the development of tissue-mimicking polymer materials. In this study, we investigated the layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of polyelectrolyte multilayer protein reservoirs consisting of poly-l-lysine (PLL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on the hydrophobic surface of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) elastomer. Using the methods of isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance, we systematically investigated the interactions between the polyelectrolytes and evaluated the deposition process in real time, providing insight into the phenomena associated with film assembly. PLL/HA LbL films deposited on PGS showed an exceptional ability to incorporate bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) compared to other growth factors tested, thus highlighting the potential of PLL/HA LbL films for osteoregenerative applications. The concentration of HA solution used for film assembly did not affect the thickness and topography of the (PLL/HA)10 films, but had a notable impact on the hydrophilicity of the PGS surface and the BMP-2 release kinetics. The release kinetics were successfully described using the Weibull model and hyperbolic tangent function, underscoring the potential of these less frequently used models to compare the protein release from LbL protein reservoirs.

The level of kinesiophobia in breast cancer women undergoing surgical treatment.

Introduction: Lifestyle-associated factors like physical activity (PA) play an important role in cancer prevention and oncology treatment outcomes. The aim of the study is to investigate the level of kinesiophobia (fear of movement) in breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing surgical treatment depending on socio-demographic variables, lifestyle before cancer diagnosis, stage and type of BC and comorbidities. Methods: We interviewed 285 women (132 patients from Greater Poland Cancer Center - age: 55.7 ± 12.4; BMI: 26.7 ± 4.7 and 153 healthy women from control group - age: 49.0 ± 15.7; BMI: 25.7 ± 4.0) using Polish adaptation of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). Results: Research results show that women with BC suffer from kinesiophobia (>37 points) signi!cantly. Approximately 3/4 of the surveyed women with BC did not know the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations regarding the weekly dose of PA for healthy people and for people with cancer. Before cancer diagnosis more than a half of women (60%) performed PA in accordance with WHO recommendations. 7% less women performed PA during oncology treatment. Almost a half of patients are not physically active during cancer treatment and 1/5 of the respondents declared that they do not know yet if they will be physically active after oncology treatment. The level of kinesiophobia in BC women with comorbidities was the same as in the group of BC women without comorbidities. However, the highest levels of fear of movement have been observed among women with BC suffering also from osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes. In general, higher levels of kinesiophobia were reported among women in less advanced stages of the disease. There were no differences in the level of kinesiophobia depending on the type of BC (hormonally dependent luminal cancers vs. other types). The level of kinesiophobia did not differ between women who were physically active before BC diagnosis and women who were not. In terms of socio- demographic variables, we found one direct association between the level of kinesiophobia (pain) with age - the greater age, the higher level of pain kinesiophobia. Discussion: Research on fear of movement in female oncology requires further research (including also chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy) and in order to effectively eliminate hypokinetic attitudes at every stage of cancer treatment.

Layer-by-Layer Surface Modification of Alendronate-Loaded Polyester Microparticles-Enabling Protein Immobilization.

The highly inert surface of polyester micro- and nano- drug carriers is a challenging substrate for further modification. The presence of surface moieties suitable for macromolecule coupling is crucial in the development of targeted drug delivery systems. Among available methods of surface activation, those based on adsorption of charged macromolecules may be carried out in mild conditions. In this work, alendronate-loaded microcores of three polyesters: poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLA-co-PCL) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were coated with three polyelectrolyte shells composed of chitosan/heparin (CHIT/HEP), polyallylamine/heparin (PAH/HEP), and polyethyleneimine/heparin (PEI/HEP) via the layer-by-layer method. Subsequently, the feasibility of model protein immobilization on obtained shells was assessed. Electrokinetic potential measurements confirmed the possibility of deposition of all investigated coating variants, and a positive correlation between initial core ζ potential and intensity of charge alterations after deposition of subsequent layers was identified. PEI/HEP assembly was stable in physiological-like conditions, while PAH/HEP multilayers disassembled in presence of phosphate ions, and CHIT/HEP shell showed limited stability in pH 7.4. Fluorescence assays of fluorescein tagged lysozyme surface coupled via ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride/N-Hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) click reaction with all shell variants indicated satisfying reaction efficiency. Poly-ε-caprolactone cores coated with CHIT/HEP tetralayer were selected as suitable for model IgG surface immobilization. Antibodies immobilized on the shell surface exhibited a moderate degree of affinity to fluorescent IgG binding protein.

Polish Adaptation of the Modified Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia for Fatigue (TSK-F) and the Revision of the Tampa Scale in Terms of Pain for Cancer Patients.

The aim of this study was to create a Polish adaptation of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia considering fatigue, and to verify the usefulness of the scale in the context of pain in cancer patients. The study was conducted at the Breast Cancer Unit, operating at the Greater Poland Cancer Centre, and at the Poznan Centre for Specialist Medical Services in Poznan. After considering the exclusion criteria, 100 people qualified for the interviews for the final study: 50 breast cancer patients and 50 healthy respondents (without cancer). Statistical analysis of the CFA score showed that the chi-square test was not significant (χ2 = 10.243, p = 0.332), indicating an acceptable fit of items across scales. The reliability of the internal consistency of the scales was tested by examining the Cronbach's alpha scores for each question/statement. The mean values for this indicator were 0.74 for the pain-related scale and 0.84 for the fatigue-related scale. Construct validity was confirmed for the scales; AVE for the pain-related scale was 0.64 and for the fatigue-related scale was 0.68. The results suggest the validity of examining kinesiophobia in the context of pain- and fatigue-related mobility anxiety among breast cancer patients in Poland, and that the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia can be adapted for different dimensions of the condition. Both versions of the scale demonstrated adequately prepared parametric constructs, and all correlations showed a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05). The use of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia in oncology patient studies in Poland may ultimately improve rehabilitation programs and enable the development of strategies to assist patients in supporting treatment to reduce movement anxiety.

Quaternized Chitosan/Heparin Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films for Protein Delivery.

Layer-by-layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte coatings are intensively studied as reservoirs of bioactive proteins for modulating interactions between biomaterial surfaces and cells. Mild conditions for the incorporation of growth factors into delivery systems are required to maintain protein bioactivity. Here, we present LbL films composed of water-soluble N-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl] chitosan chloride (HTCC), heparin (Hep), and tannic acid (TA) fabricated under physiological conditions with the ability to release heparin-binding proteins. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that the films formed on an anchoring HTCC/TA bilayer, with TA serving as a physical crosslinker, were more stable during their assembly, leading to increased film thickness and increased protein release. X-ray reflectivity measurements confirmed intermixing of the deposited layers. Protein release also increased when the proteins were present as an integral part of the Hep layers rather than as individual protein layers. The 4-week release pattern depended on the protein type; VEGF, CXCL12, and TGF-ß1 exhibited a typical high initial release, whereas FGF-2 was sustainably released over 4 weeks. Notably, the films were nontoxic, and the released proteins retained their bioactivity, as demonstrated by the intensive chemotaxis of T-lymphocytes in response to the released CXCL12. Therefore, the proposed LbL films are promising biomaterial coating candidates for stimulating cellular responses.

Single-Use System Integrity III: Gas Flow Rate through Laser-Drilled Microchannels in Polymeric Film Material.

This study investigated the gas flow mechanism through microchannels in a flexible single-use packaging system composed of multilayer plastic film. The relationship was studied between the gas flow rate and several parameters, which included the differential pressure as an external parameter and channel geometries as internal parameters. Based on the results of this study, empirical formulas were derived that show the different dependency of the parameters for each gas flow regime. It was found that these formulas are suitable for calculating the size of a leak in a defective product directly from the corresponding flow rate. The test samples used were 50 mm patches of an ethylene vinyl acetate multilayer film (300 µm and 360 µm thick) and a polyethylene multilayer film (400 µm thick). Artificial leaks in a range of sizes from 2 µm to 100 µm were laser drilled into the center of each patch. The patches were assembled in a filter holder to form a leak-tight seal and were mounted on the test setup. The test setup included the flow measurement device and the pressure controller that used compressed air to produce a certain differential pressure. Various differential pressures were applied to each test unit to cover the whole range of desired use-case conditions. To understand and interpret the effect of the physics and geometry of the microchannels on flow rate measurement, the microscopic investigations performed in our previous study were used. All measurements were carried out under laboratory temperature conditions of 20°C.

Recent Developments in Ion-Sensitive Systems for Pharmaceutical Applications.

Stimuli-responsive carriers of pharmaceutical agents have been extensively researched in recent decades due to the possibility of distinctively precise targeted drug delivery. One of the potentially beneficial strategies is based on the response of the medical device to changes in the ionic environment. Fluctuations in ionic strength and ionic composition associated with pathological processes may provide triggers sufficient to induce an advantageous carrier response. This review is focused on recent developments and novel strategies in the design of ion-responsive drug delivery systems. A variety of structures i.e., polymeric matrices, lipid carriers, nucleoside constructs, and metal-organic frameworks, were included in the scope of the summary. Recently proposed strategies aim to induce different pharmaceutically beneficial effects: localized drug release in the desired manner, mucoadhesive properties, increased residence time, or diagnostic signal emission. The current state of development of ion-sensitive drug delivery systems enabled the marketing of some responsive topical formulations. Concurrently, ongoing research is focused on more selective and complex systems for different administration routes. The potential benefits in therapeutic efficacy and safety associated with the employment of multi-responsive systems will prospectively result in further research and applicable solutions.

Selected Physicochemical and Pharmaceutical Properties of Poly-ε-caprolactone and Poly(d,l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) Conjugates of Lamivudine Synthesized via Ring-Opening Polymerization.

The modification of drug fate after administration may be achieved by the covalent coupling of active pharmaceutical ingredients with macromolecules. To prolong or delay the release, slowly degrading polymers such as polyesters may be applied for conjugation. The detachment of a covalently conjugated drug from the polymeric matrix relies mostly on the material degradation profile and barely on the weak interaction between the drug and macromolecules. In the present study, lamivudine was conjugated via ring-opening polymerization with poly-ε-caprolactone and poly(d,l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone). The influence of the reaction parameters on the course of the polymerization and physicochemical properties of obtained conjugates were investigated. Subsequently, selected reaction products were formulated into submicron particles, and drug release profiles in physiological-like conditions were investigated. The course of the reaction was monitored via gel permeation chromatography. The structure and physicochemical properties of products were evaluated via spectroscopic, calorimetric, and diffractometric methods. The profile of the drug release from particles prepared by the slow evaporation of conjugate solution from o/w emulsion was monitored with high-performance liquid chromatography. Both an elevated reaction temperature and higher catalyst concentration increased the polymerization rate and simultaneously promoted the side reactions, resulting in a broad molecular weight distribution of products in the range from 1.30 to 2.15. The physicochemical properties of conjugates obtained in different conditions varied and had a direct influence on the drug release. The release curve of lamivudine from particles based on low molecular weight conjugates achieved a plateau between 18.9 and 22.2 µg per mg of conjugate within a month. Drug detachment from particles composed of high molecular weight conjugates exhibited a distinct delay period preceded by a drug burst release at a maximal level of 13.3 µg per mg of conjugate. Conjugate chemical composition and the degree of crystallinity were also found to influence the release.

Influence of Solvent Evaporation Technique Parameters on Diameter of Submicron Lamivudine-Poly-ε-Caprolactone Conjugate Particles.

The size of active pharmaceutical ingredient carrier is one of the key properties considered during design of submicron drug delivery systems. Particle diameter may determine drug biodistribution, cellular uptake, and elimination path. Solvent evaporation technique is a flexible method of particle preparation, in which various macromolecules and drugs may be employed. Parameters of emulsion obtained as first step of particle preparation are crucial in terms of particle size, drug loading, and morphology. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of emulsion preparation parameters on diameter of resulting particles. Impact of surfactant type and concentration, homogenization time, homogenization rate, phase ratio, and conjugate concentration were evaluated. Model drug lamivudine was covalently bound to polymer and applied in solvent evaporation method in order to overcome issues related to drug loading and provide method-independent incorporation. Synthesized drug-polymer conjugate and obtained particles were evaluated via dynamic light scattering, chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, and spectroscopic methods. Covalent bonding between drug and polymeric chain was confirmed, estimated drug content per milligram of conjugate was 19 µg. Among employed colloid stabilizer, poly(vinyl alcohol) was proven to be most effective. Homogenization rate and surfactant concentration were identified as crucial parameters in terms of particle diameter control.

Microparticles of Lamivudine-Poly-ε-Caprolactone Conjugate for Drug Delivery via Internalization by Macrophages.

The past decade may be considered as revolutionary in the research field focused on the physiological function of macrophages. Unknown subtypes of these cells involved in pathological mechanisms were described recently, and they are considered as potential drug delivery targets. The innate ability to internalize foreign bodies exhibited by macrophages can be employed as a therapeutic strategy. The efficiency of this uptake depends on the size, shape and surface physiochemical properties of the phagocyted objects. Here, we propose a method of preparation and preliminary evaluation of drug-polymer conjugate-based microspheres for macrophage targeted drug delivery. The aim of the study was to identify crucial uptake-enhancing parameters for solid, surface modified particles. A model drug molecule-lamivudine-was conjugated with poly-ε-caprolactone via ring opening polymerization. The conjugate was utilized in a solvent evaporation method technique to form solid particles. Interactions between particles and a model rat alveolar cell line were evaluated by flow cytometry. The polymerization product was characterized by a molecular weight of 3.8 kDa. The surface of the obtained solid drug-loaded cores of a hydrodynamic diameter equal to 2.4 µm was modified with biocompatible polyelectrolytes via a layer-by-layer assembly method. Differences in the internalization efficiency of four particle batches by the model RAW 264.7 cell line suggest that particle diameter and surface hydrophobicity are the most influential parameters in terms of phagocytic uptake.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE SELECTED CATALYSTS AND MICROWAVE RADIATION ON THE COURSE OF OBTAINING POLY-e-CAPROLACTONE AS A BIODEGRADABLE CARRIER OF MEDICINAL SUBSTANCES.

The ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone catalyzed by organic acids had been studied. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize a process for obtaining poly-ε-caprolactone of high purity intend- ed for use as a drug carrier, with consideration of the impct of the monomer-catalyst ratio on the product parameters, the temperature impact and the impact of the type of catalyst on the product properties. The studies also aim to determine the possible positive effect of microwave radiation on the course of the reaction. The structures of the synthesized compounds were proven by 'H NMR spectroscopy. The average molecular weight of the obtained polymer particles was estimated based on the relations of the 'H NMR signal integrations. In the reaction catalyzed by citric acid the product was characterized by a substantially higher molecular weight compared to the analogous reaction using another type of catalysts. Higher average molecular weights were obtained by conducting the reactions under microwave radiation.

METHODS FOR OBTAINING POLY-ε-CAPROLACTONE FOR PRODUCING MICRO- AND NANOSCALE DRUG CARRIERS.

Poly-ε-caprolactone due to favorable properties including biocompatibiity, miscibility and controlled degradation is promising material for long term drug-delivery devices preparation, especially in blend with other polymers. Commercially available polymer is synthesized without considering this way of utilization, and may contain potentially toxic residues of compounds used during polymerization process. Therefore, we attempt to summarize in this work available methods for synthesis of poly-ε-caprolactone using nontoxic reactants. The product properties important for polymer drug delivery system such as number average molecular weight and polydyspersity index (PDI) were included. Also we present known methods for purification of the polymer from catalyst residues, and other methods that may improve process of polymerization catalyzed by less active compounds.

[Influence of smoking on pregnency course and fetal development]. / Wplyw palenia tytoniu na przebieg ciazy i rozwój plodu.

Smoking is a significant factor which affects not only reproduction and the process of pregnancy but also the offspring. Endangering for tobacco smoke and nicotine either passive or active has an important influence for shortening the time of pregnancy, the weight of the newborn and the Placenta. The occurrence of complications connected with smoking is probably correlated with the amount of cigarettes smoked per day. The aim of the paper was to analyse the influence of passive and active smoking on the course of pregnancy. The study involved a group of 113 women who gave birth in Gynaecological and Obstetrics Clinical Hospital of the Karol's Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznan during the period from January to June 2011. Based on data gained from documentation and mothers three groups were separated: 22 women who were active smokers, 32 passive smokers and 59 women from control group who have never been smoking. There were analyzed selected obstetric data and term of pregnancy, condition and weight of newborn, blood pH and alkaline balance from umbilical vessels. In research there were no correlation between groups and/or results of researches of blood Ph, alkaline balance from umbilical vessels and the assessment of the newborn in Apgar score at 1, 3, 5 minute. In fact passive smoking women were younger (the average 27.84) than actively smoking woman (30.23) and non-smokers (30.25) (p = 0.03). The most of small as for their gestational age infants were in the group of active smoking women (14%). Non-smokers more often did have a miscarriage (84%) in the past than other groups (active smokers 60%, passive 33%) (p = 0.04). Smoking women usually come from countryside or small towns, they were not marriage and they had preterm delivery. In this group there was found the biggest percent of too small newborns for their gestational age--14%.

[Assessment of knowledge on conrraceptives and contraceptive method among high school students]. / Ocena wiedzy uczniów szkól srednich na temat dostepnych metod i sodków antykoncepcyjnych oraz ich skutecznosci.

Undertaking sexual intercourse by maturing youth has become a common phenomenon. The research shows that 27% of 17-18-year-olds and 42% of teenagers at the age of 14 and younger did not use any method of contraception during the sexual initiation. This is a very alarming phenomenon, and therefore, the author of the thesis attempted to assess the level of knowledge of high school students in the municipality of Wolsztyn on the available methods of contraception, contraceptives and their effectiveness. The study used a method of diagnostic survey. The research tool was a questionnaire containing 33 questions. Surveys were filled by 290 students (including 159 women and 131 men) of secondary schools in the municipality of Wolsztyn. The average age of the participants was 16.9 ± 1.0 years. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous. The respondents' knowledge on reproductive physiology was at the average level. 63.8% of the students know what the sexual cycle consists of, 72.8% were familiar with the concept of ovulation, but only 11% have information on how long the egg cell lives. The best known contraceptive is a condom. Young people consider hormonal and mechanical methods as the most effective contraceptives. According to the respondents natural methods are characterized by the minimum efficiency. The respondents mainly derived their knowledge from the Internet and from colleagues, only every third person has talked to their parents or the gynecologist. The knowledge of students about the methods and contraceptives is average; they received an average of 22.6 points out of 52 possible.

[Influence of smoking on pregnancy]. / Wplyw palenia tytoniu na przebieg i rozwój ciazy.

UNLABELLED: Smoking is a significant factor which affects not only reproduction and the process of pregnancy but also the offspring. Endangering for tobacco smoke and nicotine either passive or active has an important influence for shortening the time of pregnancy, the weight of the newborn and the Placenta. The occurrence of complications connected with smoking is probably correlated with the amount of cigarettes smoked per day. TARGET: The target of the paper was to analyse the influence of passive and active smoking on the course of pregnancy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study involved a group of 113 women who gave birth in Gynaecological and Obstetrics Clinical Hospital of the Karol's Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznan during the period from January to June 2011. Based on data gained from documentation and mothers three groups were separated: 22 women who were active smokers, 32 passive smokers and 59 women from control group who have never been smoking. There were analyzed selected obstetric data and term of pregnancy, condition and weight of newborn, blood pH and alkaline balance from umbilical vessels. RESULTS: in research there were no correlation between groups and/ or results of researches of blood Ph, alkaline balance from umbilical vessels and the assessment of the newborn in Apgar score at 1, 3, 5 minute. In fact passive smoking women were younger (the average 27,84) than actively smoking woman (30,23) and non-smokers (30,25) (p=0,03). The most of small as for their gestational age infants were in the group of active smoking women (14%). Non-smokers more often did have a miscarriage (84%) in the past than other groups (active smokers 60%, passive 33%) (p=0,04). CONCLUSION: smoking women usually come from countryside or small towns, they were not marriage and they had preterm delivery. In this group there was found the biggest percent of too small newborns for their gestational age - 14%.

[Influence of dietary supplementation on newborn weight]. / Wplyw suplementacji diety na mase urodzeniowa noworodka.

The basic source of vitamins and microelements for an expectant mother should be a good arranged diet. The diet should mainly meets the demand for individual nutrient elements, evolves during a pregnancy and supplies with indispensable macro and microelements to mother and a growing up embryo. The usage of multivitamin supplements for expectant mothers ought to always consult with a physician responsible for an expectant mother. Dietary supplements ought to be good chose to individual needs so that it can in an optimal way aid the health of an expectant mother and the progress of baby. The specialist literature and my ones researches show that a supplementary diet with multivitamin supplements and preparations with a folic acid in pregnancy can affect the mass of a neonate and increaser it. One should considers the implementation of multivitamin supplements by women from a risk group of the disorder development of an embryo that means: women from a lower social and economic status, with lower education, young mothers, with an unhealthy diet, exposed to anemia, with too low body mass before conception and with bad habits and a lifestyle. It should be mentioned that not only complications as a result of too low body mass of a neonate but also too high body mass can redound to many irregularities and disorders during a pregnancy. To them we can include a higher rate of caesareans and an increase in a perinatal mortality of neonates. So that is way the decision of including a supplementary diet should be made very carefully and individually for every patient. Special attention should be emphasized on the necessity of a health education to the extent of a healthy diet and a weight gain of mother while a cyophoria. The aim of carried out researches was estimation the influence of supplementary diet on the body mass of a neonate. One hundred respondents were covered by the research - the patients of "Maternity and Gynaecology Ward" with the obstetric, perinatology and reproduction ward in the Voivodship Hospital in Poznan. My own researches show that the most important source of knowledge about a diet during a pregnancy is a gynaecologist, the Internet and families of surveyed women. Most of surveyed persons know that a diet has got an impact on a growing up embryo and they consider that a diet should be supplementary. It ought to be noticed that a higher educated woman often wanted to consult that decision with a doctor, who (in the opinion of surveyed women) is the most important person to make a choice of dietary supplement. It was noticed both side effects and positive effects of supplementary diet with multivitamin supplements. "Prenatal" and "Femibion Natal" were most often chosen preparations. The key issue of my thesis is the fact that taken a folic acid before getting pregnant and a regular supplementary diet with multivitamin supplements for pregnants increases the chance of a higher body mass of a neonate and the diet is supplementary faster in a pregnancy the body mass of a neonate is higher.

[Knowlege about breast feeding advantages among primiparas]. / Wiedza o zaletach karmienia naturalnego, wsród kobiet rodzacych pierwsze dziecko.

UNLABELLED: Breastfeeding is the only way to nourish newborns and toddlers and it enables them to have an optimal health condition and growth. Both a child and a mother draw a lot of profits from breastfeeding. Woman's milk is perfectly balanced as far as quantity and quality is concerned. It has specific generic nourishment that ensures optimal psychological emotional and physical development of a child. Breastfeeding also protects infants from immunological problems and infections. Having the skills and knowledge about breastfeeding is the main factor that enables a smooth process of lactation. All the medical staff and midwives especially are obliged to promote breastfeeding and they should provide information as well as emotional and technical support for mums through the whole period of lactation. The aim of this thesis was to examine the level of knowledge about breastfeeding among first-time mothers. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The research was carried out from August till October 2011 in birthing rooms of Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic Hospital for Medical University by the name of K. Marcinkowskiego in Poznan and Obstetrician Wing in Provincial Complex Hospital in Leszno. 101 randomly chosen pregnant women in labor were questioned. An anonymous survey was used as an analytic tool. The survey was specifically created for this research and it contained 30 questions. Majority of responders (98%) declared a will for breastfeeding. Also majority of women (94%) knew that their milk contains all the needed ingredients for proper development of their young. According to the pregnant women in labor (98%) breastfeeding is a key element in establishing an emotional connection with the child. Most of the responders knew the influence of breastfeeding on child's health. Minority of the questioned women (14%) attended birthing courses. CONCLUSIONS: The responders were equipped in knowledge on various levels. It proves the necessity of sys- tematic and planned education for women. The system of lactation counseling should be an integral part of post-labor care in obstetrician clinics.

[Degree of labor pain depending on way of analgesia]. / Stopien odczuwania bólu porodowego w zaleznosci od stosowanych metod jego lagodzenia.

The aim of the present paper was to discuss how different pain management techniques influence the experiences of pain during labor. The techniques are described and the influence of each one is considered in relation to the pain relief and the progress of labor. The paper consists of a theoretical and research parts. Concluding the studies, the analysis is presented based on which it is shown that non-pharmacological methods have a very positive effect on the degree to which women experience the labor pain. What is more, those methods have a very welcome effect on the labor's progress. This is because being active and using different facilities serves the betterment of effectiveness of the effacement and dilation of cervix. Pharmacological methods as well decrease the experience of pain. They are even more effective in easing the pain, however, their influence of the labor progress is lesser sometimes even leading to the labor slowdown. The research was conducted among 100 random women after their labor in natural ways.

[Overactive bladder--diagnosis et treatment]. / Pecherz nadreaktywny--diagnostyka i leczenie.

Normal undisturbed voiding is a complex mechanism controlled by central nervous system, peripheral autonomic somatic, parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. The process of urination is depended on complex coordinated action of bladder and urethra, regulated by action of several neurotransmitters. This interdependent process may lead to various pathologies. One of it is over activity of detrusor muscle which etiology is multifactorial, diagnosis remains a challenge and therapy may be difficult. Multifactorial etiology of overactive bladder with urgency symptoms and urinary frequency with or without urinary incontinence may lead to difficult therapeutic situations. Combination of lifestyle, changes, pharmacological treatment and physiotherapy are all not fully satisfying. Epidemiological data are not completely clear and environmental influences seem to be important. The clinical problems of overactive bladder due to their substantial impact on women's health need further analysis which should improve prophylaxis, diagnosis and therapy.

[Socio-economic determinants of smoking during pregnancy and birth weight of newborns]. / Spoleczno-ekonomiczne uwarunkowania palenia tytoniu w czasie ciazy a urodzeniowa masa ciala noworodków.

In this survey, we have assessed a socio-economic status of pregnant women smoking during pregnancy and the impact of this status on birth weight of their newborns. The research, we have done on the group of 431 pregnant women. Smoking habit has been declared by 21.6% of women and passive exposure to tobacco smoke has been stated by 32.5% of respondents. We have observed a significant association between active and passive smoking and socio-economic status of respondents. The newborns of actively smoking mothers were lighter of about 216 g according to those ones of mothers who did not smoke and were not exposed to passive smoking, and were lighter than newborns of mothers who were not exposed to passive smoking of about 146 g. We have not observed any significant link between active and passive exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy, and a risk of delivering low weighted child. However, in case of newborns weighted above 2500 g., their mothers have not been smoking and have not been exposed to tobacco smoke significantly more often.