How did COVID-19 pandemic impact on healthy behaviours among Polish professionally active physiotherapists aged 20-50?

BACKGROUND: Due to the introduction of a number of changes to the health care system and the work nature of medical staff, theCOVID-19 pandemic still pose a public health challenge. The objective of the study was to characterize the health behaviours of Polish professionally active physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The study included 104 Polish licensed and professionally active physiotherapists in whom health behaviours were assessed using an original questionnaire contained, among others, questions from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), available via social media platforms. RESULTS: Among the physiotherapists, 34% worked directly with COVID-19 patients and 49% with those who had survived COVID-19. There were no statistically significant differences in most of the rates of physical activity undertaken by the physiotherapists surveyed (P > 0.05). Men were more likely to report taking up movement-related physical activity than women (P > 0.05). However, they spent more time sitting or lying down on a typical day (P > 0.05). The average time spent on the above-mentioned physical activities was also higher among the male participants than in the group of women (P > 0.05). There was an increase in the proportion of physiotherapists working over 40 h per week, from 29% before the pandemic to 38% during the pandemic. Statistically significant differences were observed for the products constituting the basison which of the diet of the examined physiotherapists was based (P < 0.05). The majority of the respondents reported no problems with falling asleep (p > 0.05). Stress related to the risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as concerns about the health of loved ones were more common and severe in the group of female subjects (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the health behaviours in some physiotherapists changed. Further studies are required to assess whether physiotherapists' health behaviours returned to baseline levels or slightly improved compared to the initial results. Also, it is necessary to introduce health-promoting initiatives that would focus on physiotherapists, support their positive health behaviours and provide special recommendations helping them to maintain health during a pandemic.

Depressive Disorders, Cognitive and Physical Function of Older People in Early Dementia Detection.

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with cognitive decline, leading to cognitive and physical impairments, which are risk factors for loss of independence and dementia development. Early diagnosis is beneficial for both, the patient and their family, to avoid long-term consequences. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of depressive disorders and their influence on cognitive and physical function of older people in early dementia detection. METHODS: There were 852 patients, aged at least 60 years, from the Central Teaching Hospital. The study was conducted between September 2022 and June 2023. The qualified participants were examined using four tools: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Schulman's Clock-Drawing Test. RESULTS: Over one-third had depressive disorders. A relationship with p < 0.05 was observed between GDS and IADL: r = -0.61. A relationship with p > 0.05 was observed between GDS and TUG: r = -024. A relationship with p < 0.05 was observed between GDS and CDT: r = 0.74. CONCLUSIONS: The first signs of depressive disorders in older people may be considered an indication for further diagnosis of dementia.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of α-Lipoic Acid on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Kidney.

α-Lipoic acid (α-LA) is a naturally occurring organosulfur component. Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, such as kidney and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and aging. Kidneys are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress and damage. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of α-LA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress parameters in rat kidneys. The experimental rats were divided into four groups: I-control (0.9% NaCl i.v.); II-α-LA (60 mg/kg b.w. i.v.); III-LPS (30 mg/kg b.w. i.v.); and IV-LPS + LA (30 mg/kg b.w. i.v. and 60 mg/kg b.w. i.v., respectively). In kidney homogenates the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sulfhydryl groups (-SH), total protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (tGSH), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulphide (GSSG) and the GSH/GSSG ratio were determined. In addition, the levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured to assess inflammation and was estimated kidney oedema. Studies have shown that α-LA administered after LPS administration attenuated kidney oedema and significantly decreased TBARS, H2O2, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in rat kidneys. α-LA also resulted in increase -SH group, total protein, and SOD levels and ameliorated the GSH redox status when compared to the LPS group. The results suggest that α-LA plays an important role against LPS-induced oxidative stress in kidney tissue as well as downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The Effect of Herbal Supplements on Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Herbal supplements rich in phenolic compounds are evidenced to have a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, they are suggested to be included in diets for people with hypertension (HT). HT is a global health problem and is estimated to affect billions of people until the end of 2025. For this reason, every possible and effective solution preventing HT should be considered. The aim was to perform an updated meta-analysis and review of recently published studies to evaluate the effect of selected herbal supplements on blood pressure reduction. We searched the PubMed database with specified selection criteria, analysing the RCT studies from 2011 to 2021. A total of 31 studies were included in the analysis, and the meta-analysis was conducted on the data from 16 of them. The general effect size of all the supplements via placebo was d = 1.45, p < 0.05 for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and d = 0.31, p < 0.05 for diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The meta-analysis and review of the literature demonstrated that herbal supplements, such as resveratrol, cherry juice, beetroot juice, bergamot extracts, barberry, and pycnogenol, can be effective in blood pressure reduction and cardiovascular prevention, but attention should be paid to their appropriate dosage due to the possibility of side effects from the digestive system.

Impact of Moderate Individually Tailored Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Fatigue on Functional, Cognitive, Emotional State, and Postural Stability.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease, with fatigue syndrome as one of the main symptoms. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that moderate physical activity (MPA) may have a beneficial effect on postural stability, balance, and clinical parameters. The research group consisted of 137 randomized patients hospitalized at the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz. Finally, 76 patients were qualified who were divided into two groups-high fatigue (HF) and low fatigue (LF). Participants were assessed twice: before and after a 4-week MPA program using: the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and stabilometric platform tests were performed. Results obtained after the 4-week MPA program showed a positive effect of the MPA with differences between LF and HF groups. The MPA was more effective in MS patients with LF in cognitive functions, functional status, and postural stability but among HF patients in an emotional state, especially in MS patients below 65 years, although in total, both groups benefited from the MPA.

Sleep Quality and Performance in Professional Athletes Fasting during the Month of Ramadan.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining physical performance during Ramadan Diurnal Fasting (RDF) is a challenge for professional athletes. The literature shows that sleep disturbances experienced by athletes during RDF are associated with reduced physical performance. The effect of sleep quality on physical performance, and the effect of work status on physical performance during RDF among athletes, besides engaging in trainings, have been little investigated. This study aims to evaluate the effect of RDF on the physical performance of professional athletes taking into consideration their sleep quality and work status. METHODS: Professional medium-distance male runners (n = 32) participated in our study in the summer of 2019. Data about socio-demographics, training characteristics, sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index: PSQI), physical performance (Cooper Test; Harvard step test) were collected before and during Ramadan. Student's-test and Welch and Wilcoxon tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Both quality of sleep and physical performance of athletes deteriorated during Ramadan. People with better quality of sleep had better physical fitness/performance both before and during RDF. Athletes who worked beside trainings achieved worse physical fitness test results and had worse quality of sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Policies aimed to improve physical performance in RDF should consider the quality of sleep and the work status of athletes.

The Effectiveness of Active Rehabilitation Camp on Physical Performance of Disabled People Moving in Wheelchairs.

(1) Background: Regular participation in physical activity (PA) prevents many medical complications and improves the physical fitness of people with spinal cord injury, and in turn improves the functional independence, psychosocial status and quality of life. The goal of Active Rehabilitation Camps (ARCs) is to use various forms of PA in order for the participants to obtain the greatest efficiency and independence in everyday life. (2) Purpose: To evaluate the improvement in physical performance of people with chronic spinal cord disabilities moving in wheelchairs taking part in the Active Rehabilitation Camp depending on (a) sex, (b) type of disability, (c) the level of injury and (d) the type of wheelchair. (3) Methods: The study included 42 wheelchair users: 28 men and 14 women aged 18-65 years (34.7 ± 14.9 years) taking part in the Active Rehabilitation Camp. Finally, the study involved 27 paraplegics, 9 tetraplegics and 6 individuals with myelomeningocele. The participants took part in four fitness tests: (1) sprint test (SP)-individual time to cover a distance of 15 m in the wheelchair; (2) slalom test (SL)-time to ride between four cones front and back; (3) basketball ball throw at a distance (BT), (4) zig-zag test (ZZ)-riding continuously for 6 min on the designated track. The tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the ACR. Active wheelchairs were used by 32 participants, and 10 participants used the classic wheelchairs. (4) Results: Paraplegics achieved the best average results in all the tests and the best improvement in physical performance in comparison to individuals with myelomeningocele and tetraplegics. People in active wheelchairs achieved a statistically significant improvement in the results of SL and ZZ (p < 0.001). People with injury above Th-9 level of the spinal cord achieved a statistically significant improvement in the results of SP (p < 0.01), SL and ZZ (p < 0.01). People with injury below Th6 achieved a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in SP, SL and ZZ. (5) Conclusions: Regular PA during the Active Rehabilitation Camp improves the physical performance of disabled people in wheelchairs, but the scale of improvement of physical performance fitness depends on the type of wheelchair used and the level and the type of injury.

Mental and Physical Health Problems as Conditions of Ex-Prisoner Re-Entry.

The article focuses on a less-discussed issue of social marginalization of people leaving penitentiaries, which is the prevalence of multifaceted health problems experienced by people in this category. It includes poor health status, resulting from, among others, poor housing conditions, harmful or risky lifestyle, and lack of access to medical services. Data from the District Inspectorate of the Prison Service in Lodz, Poland on the health conditions of inmates was accessed. These data were supplemented by qualitative research conducted in 21 juvenile detention centers and 8 prisons across the country, conducting direct observations and In-Depth Interviews (IDI). A total of 198 IDIs were conducted with incarcerated (72) and released (30) juvenile offenders, and incarcerated (68) and released (28) adult offenders. These were complemented by IDIs with experts (50) and Focus Group Interviews (FGIs; 8) with male and female inmates in 4 Polish prisons. The study revealed that mental and physical health is a serious obstacle to social reintegration of ex-prisoners. It is rarely addressed by state institutions. There are strong associations between neglect of health issues in the prison population and increasing social exclusion after leaving prison. As Poland has a restrictive penal policy, former prisoners remain a group with social stigma and little support.

Physical Activity as a Predictor of the Level of Stress and Quality of Sleep during COVID-19 Lockdown.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic and the government restrictions significantly disturbed the daily functioning of people, thereby influencing healthy behaviors, such as physical activity-the core indicator of well-being. This study evaluates the associations between physical activity (PA), the level of stress and quality of sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. METHODS: An online survey was distributed during the governmental lockdown in April 2020 and included measures for assessing physical activity, stress and sleep. The surveyed participants included all adults aged 18 years and over. The final data were collected from the 1959 respondents using: International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). FINDINGS: Almost half of the respondents indicated a low level of PA, performing only 60 min of PA daily. Most of the participants reported a moderate or high level of stress (57% and 29%, respectively) and 64% of them reported poor quality of sleep. People with low levels of stress performed on average 85.1 min/day of walking (WPA), 40.9 min/day of moderate PA (MPA) or 52.6 min/day of vigorous PA (VPA). People with good quality of sleep performed 82.9 min/day of WPA, 43.6 min/day MPA and 40.5 min/day VPA. INTERPRETATION: The results from the study indicate that the volume of daily PA may be a predictor of the level of stress and sleep quality in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. To retain a low level of stress and good quality of sleep, a lifestyle that allows to achieve a moderate level of physical activity should be maintained. The optimal daily dose of PA is at least 70 min per day, involving different intensities.

Frequency and Characteristics of Injuries and Rehabilitation Procedures in Rugby Players in Poland and France.

Objectives: Rugby is sport with a high risk of injury. Repeated changes in exercise intensity and the high training intensity may cause to overuse injuries and long-term disability. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of injuries during trainings and forms of rehabilitation procedures performed after their occurrence among elite and sub-elite rugby players. Methods: The data was obtained from 60 professional rugby males from France and Poland. Data were collected using paper-based recording form. It was a specially designed questionnaire which concerned specific details of the injury, including body location, type of injury, treatment and number of days off lost from playing rugby and on forms of rehabilitation procedures performed after their occurrence among elite and sub-elite rugby players. Results: During the study period, the overall incidence rate for injury suggested a 1.04 times more often injury occurrence (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.08; 2.00) among Polish players compared with French players; however, the distribution of injuries varied by country. The training injury incidence (TII) and incidence proportion (IP) were also higher in Poland than in France (p < 0.05) with the sprain as the most frequent type of injury in all rugby players. France was 7.8 times (IRR = 7.88, 95% CI: 1.29; 3.21) more likely to sustain a fracture than Poland, which much often experienced less serious injuries (bruise, rapture of muscle and ligament) (IRR = 3.02, 95% CI: 2.06; 3.98). Polish players were provided with various forms of physiotherapy while Franch players often worked with a physiotherapist with a therapeutic method (p < 0.005). Poland and France reported experiencing side effects after an injury and the most frequent was pain. In their opinions, the reasons influencing the effectiveness of rehabilitation are too quick return to the game and too short time of rehabilitation. Conclusions: The competitive level of the rugby player influences not only the frequency and type of injury occurrence, but also access to the different forms of rehabilitation. Nonetheless, the side effects occurring after injury and the causes of ineffective rehabilitation are still similar. Further studies are needed to gather significant data to accurately formulate future injury prevention protocols or recommend modifications to game laws or competition formats, aiming at players' welfare.

The Influence of a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program in a Community Health Setting for Patients with Chronic Mental Disorders.

Purpose: To examine (a) the amount of health-related behavior, (b) the level of generalized optimism, (c) the belief about patients' abilities to cope with difficult situations and obstacles and (d) the subjective sense of social exclusion at baseline and at follow-up among patients with chronic mental health issues participating in a psychosocial rehabilitation program in a community mental health setting. Materials and Methods: This prospective study involved 52 participants aged 18-43 years and diagnosed with mental illness who participated in a 6-month psychosocial rehabilitation program, organized within a special community setting. Different questionnaires were used: the Health-Related Behavior Questionnaire, the Revised Life Orientation Test, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Personal Competence Scale and a self-made questionnaire concerning social exclusion problems. Results: Statistical analysis of the questionnaire results taken at the beginning and end of the six-month course, running from November 2015 to May 2016, revealed significant increases in health-related behavior (p = 0.006) and general self-efficacy (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Psychosocial rehabilitation programs offered by community mental health settings might serve as an easy, accessible strategy to deal with different interpersonal and intrapersonal problems and as a potential way to improve health behavior. Further research is required to evaluate other psychosocial rehabilitation programs in different community mental health settings in Lodz Voivodeship, Poland.

Working Mode and Physical Activity as Factors Determining Stress and Sleep Quality during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Poland.

The coronavirus pandemic and related government restrictions have a significant impact on peoples' everyday functioning and working, which influences their physical and mental health. The aim of the study was to examine the associations between stress and sleep quality of people of different working modes: working in the workplace (WP), working remotely (RW), and nonworking (NW) in relation to their physical activity (PA) during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Poland. It was an online survey performed during governmental lockdown in April 2020. The data were collected form 1959 adults using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The conducted analysis included t-Student test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mediation analysis (MANOVA). A moderate level of stress was reported in 57% of participants, and 34% of them reported a high stress level. Poor sleep quality was reported in 64% of participants. Total PA performed daily was, on average, 184.8 ± 170.5 min/day for WP, 120.6 ± 124.4 min/day for RW, and 124.6 ± 114.7 min/day for NW (p < 0.001). There was a relationship observed between the stress and sleep quality vs. PA habit and working mode, with p < 0.05. Being physically active can be beneficial to perceive less stress and sleep disturbances influencing sleep quality, especially in remotely or nonworking people. Planning future pandemic restrictions, the policymakers should be aware of the appropriate guidelines of work planning and PA recommendations for people of different working modes.

The Relationship between Cognitive Dysfunction and Postural Stability in Multiple Sclerosis.

Background and Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), most commonly characterized by balance dysfunction, fatigue syndrome and cognitive impairment. The goal of our study was to determine the association between cognitive functions and static posture control. Materials and Methods: The research group consisted of 76 randomized MS patients (ICDG 35.0) hospitalized at the Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic of the Medical University of Lodz. This group was divided into three subgroups according to the cognitive assessment based on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for patients over 65 years of age and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) under the age of 65. Fatigue syndrome was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and postural stability using a stabilometric platform. Results: The men demonstrated poorer stabilometric platform measurements than the women. Statistically significant differences were observed between patients without dysfunction and severe cognitive impairment. The results of the stabilometric platform were found to correlate with body mass index in all three groups of patients (Spearman's test). Conclusions: Body mass index and cognition have impact on postural stability in MS patients with moderate disability and fatigue syndrome.

Increased Accessibility to Primary Healthcare Due to Nurse Prescribing of Medicines.

Since January 2016, nurses and midwives in Poland have had the right, with some restrictions, to prescribe medicines. Consequently, Polish patients received the same opportunity as in other countries worldwide: easier access to certain health services, i.e., medical prescribing. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of structural changes which increased the nurses' competences on the accessibility to prescription visits for patients receiving primary healthcare on the example of Medical and Diagnostic Centre (MDC), and to discuss the general trend of legal changes in nursing profession regulations. We performed a detailed analysis of the data on the MDC patient population in Siedlce who received at least one prescription written by a general practitioner and/or a nurse/midwife in the years 2017-2019.The largest number of prescription visits made by nurses concerned patients aged 50-70 years, as this age range includes the largest number of patients with chronic diseases who need continued pharmacological treatment originally administered by doctors. An increasing tendency for prescription visits made by nurses was recorded, with a simultaneous downward trend in the same type of visits undertaken by doctors at MDC. Nurses' involvement in prescribing medications as a continued pharmacotherapy during holiday seasons results in patients having continuous access to medication. An upward trend was also observed in the number of medications prescribed by nurses per patient. Structural changes in the legal regulations of the nursing profession improve patients' access to prescription visits under primary healthcare. Further research is recommended to evaluate the dynamics of these trends and the impact of newly introduced nursing competences on the accessibility of prescription visits for patients.

Changes in lipid and apolipoprotein levels in response to 8-week cardiac rehabilitation in men with coronary artery disease.

Concentrations of selected lipoproteins are currently useful cardiovascular risk assessment indicators, especially in monitoring lipid-lowering therapy. AIM: The aim was to evaluate the influence of 8-week mid-term CR on apolipoproteins: A-I, B, E and VLDL in CAD patients in relation to conventional lipid profile and prior coronary intervention: PCI or CABG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 93 male patients admitted to CR after PCI or CABG. At baseline and after CR, conventional lipid profile parameters and VLDL concentrations were evaluated. Apolipoproteins: A-I, B, E were also determined. Basic anthropometric indicators and measurements of hemodynamic and exercise tolerance at rest and peak workload in exercise testing (HR, sBP, dBP, DP, W) were measured. RESULTS: After CR, depending on revasculazation intervention, no changes in HDL-C, LDL-C, TG and VLDL values were observed (p>0.05). Reduction in apoA-I was noted in PCI group (p=0.0254). No statistically significant changes in apoB and apoE were found in groups. Significant increase in apo B/apo A-I index was observed only in PCI group (p=0.0329). PCI and CABG patients did not differ in hemodynamic and exercise tolerance parameters, except sBP in rest and dBP at peak workload in exercise testing (p=0.014 and p=0.031). Regardless on type of intervention, there was observed statistically significant increase in Wpeak (p=0,0000 in both groups) and DPpeak (p=0.0000 in PCI-patients and p=0.0003 in CABGpatients) after CR. CONCLUSIONS: CR has various effects on lipid concentrations. Indicators of conventional lipid profile and selected apolipoproteins are not optimal parameters allowing assessment of effectiveness of CR program in such a short time, this role is well fullfilled by the hemodynamic and physical exercise indices. Apo B/apo A-I ratio value suggests an increasing risk of IHD complications, especially in post- PCI group. CR program requires intensification of lipid-reducing therapy and education on lifestyle modification.

Physical activity of future health care professionals: adherence to current recommendations.

BACKGROUND: When assessing physical activity (PA), particular attention should be paid to medical university students who are taught to be health care professionals (HCPs) responsible for maintaining health in humans. However, different studies have shown that HCPs exhibit the same unhealthy behaviors as the general population. This study analyzed PA among medical university students of different faculties and their adherence to current PA recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 216 medical university students of physiotherapy, dietetics and pharmacy, including males (N = 44) and females (N = 172), the mean age of 22.3±1.8 years, were collected. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire in its long form (IPAQ-LF) was used to assess and classify PA behaviors. The results were analyzed in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations regarding PA. RESULTS: Over 60% of all the students were classified as active during all-day activity. However, while analyzing PA in different domains, the same shares of all the students were still insufficiently active during leisure time, and so they did not meet the recommendation of >75 min/week of vigorous PA, >150 min/week of moderate PA or an equivalent combination. All the students self-reported PA mainly in the work and transport domains. Generally, physiotherapy students were the most active and performed PA with higher intensity. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a low level of leisure time PA among the students, and no habit of regular PA. Some changes in medical education should be suggested to include physical education as a long-term subject in medical school curricula. Future research is needed to investigate the exercise barriers that students perceive, which can guide future interventions aimed at improving their PA, and thereby impact on the quality of health care which they will provide. Med Pr. 2020;71(5):539-49.

[Workload and coping with stress and the health status of emergency medical staff in the context of work-life balance]. / Obciazenie praca i radzenie sobie ze stresem a stan zdrowia pracowników systemu panstwowego ratownictwa medycznego w kontekscie work­life balance.

BACKGROUND: Emergency medical staff (EMS) are a professional group at a high risk of burnout and an imbalance between work and private life, the so-called work-life balance (WLB). This affects their mental state and physical health. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the number of hours of work and the state of health as well as coping with the stress among emergency medical staff, as factors conditioning the maintenance of WLB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 129 people employed in the medical emergency sector. The study was conducted as a diagnostic survey using tools such as: the Mini-COPE Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress, a specially designed questionnaire regarding the work schedule, and sociodemographic data. RESULTS: The examined people were able to manage stress in an active way, and they most often rated their health as good. Most of the respondents also received family support, and both men and women declared it. However, only about half of the respondents declared their satisfaction with the income earned. The correlation between the number of hours and age was r = -0.156 (p = 0.077), and that between the number of hours and physical health r = -0.12 (p = 0.171). CONCLUSIONS: Generally, EMS are able to cope with stress and are satisfied with the support they receive from their families. However, the number of on-call times at work has a negative impact on their health status, which, together with a lack of satisfaction with the financial situation, may contribute to disturbed WLB. Further research on the WLB phenomenon, along with monitoring the number of working hours of people employed in emergency medicine, are recommended. Med Pr. 2020;71(5):587-93.

Preferred Medium of Receiving Diagnostic News Depending on Patients' Perception of Their Health Status (Healthy or Sick).

BACKGROUND: The study aims to gain insight into people's preferred medium of receiving diagnostic news depending on their perception of their health status (either sick or healthy). METHODS: Comprehensive research was carried out on two main groups of past and prospective patients, Polish respondents (N=72) and International respondents (N= 214), using a CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) technique. Respondents were asked in an online questionnaire about the past history of illness, whether they would like to receive their diagnostic news and preferred medium of receiving diagnostic news whether they perceive they are sick or healthy. RESULTS: Amongst the international group, majority of respondents (143 resp. - 73.71%) would generally like to receive their diagnostic news and 156 resp. (80.83%) would prefer to receive their bad diagnostic news (BDN) from medical specialist doctors as opposed to other technological and non-technological means. Meanwhile, in the polish group, 65 resp. (90.28%) would like to generally receive their diagnostic news and 66 resp. (91.67%) would prefer to receive their BDN from medical specialist doctors as opposed to other proposed means of obtaining BDN. CONCLUSION: The result of this study indicates that medical doctors, especially specialists, are still a preferred medium of receiving diagnostic news. However, a certain proportion of respondents will be open to technological medium in receiving their diagnostic news.

The time spent sitting does not always mean a low level of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: The problem of spending most of the day in a sitting position concerns all people, regardless of their age. Unfortunately, this trend is more and more often observed among young people. The aim of the study was to assess self-reported physical activity and time spent sitting among students of different fields of health related faculty. METHODS: The study group included 216 students (22.3 ± 1.8 years of age) of the Medical University of Lodz: physiotherapy students (n = 101), pharmacy students (n = 73), and dietetics students (n = 42). The time spent sitting and physical activity level were assessed based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long version. RESULTS: The time spent sitting among health related faculty students was on average more than 46 h a week (2781.8 ± 1238.5 MET-minutes/week). Regarding all the students the pharmacy students spent most time sitting (3086.0 ± 1032.1 MET-minutes/week), while the dietetics students spent the least (2215.7 ± 1230.1 MET-minutes/week). Taking into account the physical activity level almost 65% of all the students were in a high category (mainly physiotherapy students). Only 1.4% of all the surveyed students were classified as the low physical activity category. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences (P = 0.6880) between the time spent sitting and level of physical activity among all students. CONCLUSIONS: Students of medical universities spend too much hours on sitting, mostly 5-8 h a day. Despite this, they undertake various activities due to which their level of physical activity is moderate or even high. Therefore, it cannot be unequivocally stated that there is a relationship between the time spent sitting and physical activity level.

Computer-Aided Saturation Mutagenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana Ent-Copalyl Diphosphate Synthase.

Ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase controls the biosynthesis of gibberellin plant hormones, which in turn coordinate the expression of numerous enzymes. Some gibberellin-dependent genes encode enzymes coordinating the biosynthesis of tanshinones: diterpene derivatives with broad medical applications. New biotechnological approaches, such as metabolic engineering using naturally occurring or mutated enzymes, have been proposed to meet the growing demand for tanshinones which is currently met by the Chinese medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. These mutants may be prepared by directed evolution, saturation mutagenesis or rational enzyme design. In the presented paper, 15,257 non-synonymous variants of Arabidopsis thaliana ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase were obtained using the SNAP2 tool. The obtained forms were screened to isolate variants with potentially improved biological functions. A group of 455 mutants with potentially improved stability was isolated and subjected to further screening on the basis of ligand-substrate affinity, and both secondary structure and active site structure stability. Finally, a group of six single mutants was obtained, which were used to construct double mutants with potentially improved stability and ligand affinity. The potential influence of single mutations on protein stability and ligand affinity was evaluated by double mutant cycle analysis. Finally, the procedure was validated by in silico assessment of the experimentally verified enzyme mutants with reduced enzymatic activity.