Impact of nutrition on the condition of the oral mucosa and periodontium: A narrative review.

Diet and eating habits significantly affect health and quality of life. Various diets and food eliminations can lead to nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition. This article discusses the relationship between nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, and the condition of the periodontium and oral mucosa. An analysis of PubMed materials was conducted to assess the impact of nutrition on the condition of the oral mucosa and periodontium. We also considered dietary habits such as vegetarianism, the ketogenic diet, the Paleo diet, the Mediterranean diet, the Western diet, and intermittent fasting. Vitamin deficiencies, both watersoluble and fat-soluble, as well as macroand microelements, can manifest in the oral cavity, among others, as gingivitis and bleeding, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, enamel hypomineralization, cheilitis, angular cheilitis, halitosis, glossitis, lingual papillae atrophy, and stomatitis. Malnutrition does not cause periodontal disease, but it increases the risk of its occurrence and accelerates disease progression. Inadequate nutrition, combined with other predisposing factors, may contribute to an increased risk of oral cancer and the development of leukoplakia.

Clinical significance of Left-Sided Gallbladder for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hepatectomy.

A left-sided gallbladder (LSG) represents a rare anatomical variation defined by the location of the gallbladder to the left side of the liver falciform and round ligaments, which is often not discovered until surgery. The reported prevalence of this ectopia ranges from 0.2% to 1.1%, however, those values may be underestimated. It is mostly an asymptomatic condition, thus not causing the patient any harm, and being few reported cases in the current literature. Based on clinical presentation and standard diagnostic procedures, LSG can remain undetected and represent accidental intraoperative finding. The attempts to explain the cause of this anomaly have been different, but the numerous variations described do not allow a clear definition of its origin. Although this debate is still open, it is of considerable importance to know that LSG is frequently associated with alterations of both the portal branches and the intrahepatic biliary tree. The association of these anomalies, therefore, represents an important risk of complications in cases when surgical treatment is necessary. In this context, our literature review aimed to summarize possible anatomical anomalies coexisting with LSG and discuss the clinical significance of the LSG, when the patient requires cholecystectomy or hepatectomy.

Safety assessment of chronic hepatitis C treatment using h-FABP and 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring.

Every year, 3-4 million people become infected with HCV, most of them are asymptomatic. In more than 20-30 years from infection, it leads to 10-20% of patients with cirrhosis, followed by hepatocellular carcinoma. Cardiological complications of the antiviral treatment are relatively rare, but force us to take additional diagnostic or discontinuation of therapy. AIM: The aim of study was to assess the cardiovascular safety of chronic hepatitis C treatment of genotype 1 in a triple regimen containing pegylated interferon-α in combination with ribavirin and boceprevir based on analysis of 24-hour ECG Holer monitoring, as well as changes in the concentration of cardiac fraction of fatty acid binding proteins (h-FABP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 14 hepatitis C patients and 15 healthy people were included. The participants had an ambulatory 24-hour ECG-Holter recording at home condition and the determined level of h-FABP at baseline, after 4 and 12-16 weeks of treatment and 2 weeks after the end of therapy. The HRV parameters, AC/DC and QTc was calculated. RESULTS: At baseline there were no statistically significant differences in the HRV parameters, DC/AC, and QTc-interval. Absolute DC/AC values, HRV parameters: SDNN-ix, rMSDD, TP, HF, VLF and ULF were significantly lower in the treated group. LF/HF ratio was higher in this group (p=0.047). These changes persisted during the follow-up and disappeared after treatment. QTc was the shortest in the 4th week and withdrew during further follow-up. H-FABP levels did not differ statistically significantly between any subsequent determinations. CONCLUSIONS: At baseline there were no statistically significant differences in the HRV parameters, DC/AC, and QTc-interval. Absolute DC/AC values, HRV parameters: SDNN-ix, rMSDD, TP, HF, VLF and ULF were significantly lower in the treated group. LF/HF ratio was higher in this group (p=0.047). These changes persisted during the follow-up and disappeared after treatment. QTc was the shortest in the 4th week and withdrew during further follow-up. H-FABP levels did not differ statistically significantly between any subsequent determinations.

[Simulator sickness in the aircraft training of military and civil pilots of various types of aircraft]. / Choroba symulatorowa w szkoleniu pilotów wojskowych i cywilnych róznych typów statków powietrznych.

BACKGROUND: With the rise in popularity and availability of simulators for the aircraft training of pilots, numerous side effects of that technology have been noted among their users. The symptoms of simulator sickness are similar to the symptoms of motion sickness. Dizziness, nausea, as well as spatial disorientation and a limited capacity for concentration may be observed. However, those symptoms depend on individual user's predispositions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of the research was to assess the probability of occurrence of simulator sickness during exercises in virtual reality, and its impact on the effectiveness of training. Thirty two military and 16 civilian pilots of various types of aircraft took part in the research. For the subjective assessment of the psychophysical condition of the pilots, a questionnaire based on Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was used. RESULTS: Four main factors that are associated with the prevalence of simulator sickness have been identified, i.e., age, a variety of missions, a type of aircraft and susceptibility to motion sickness. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the individual characteristics of each person, determining the risk of occurrence of simulator sickness seems to be difficult. However, there are some factors that increase the probability of getting sick, including cold, medications, lack of sleep and general fatigue. The lack of knowledge about simulator sickness among aircraft pilots appears rather alarming. When access to virtual reality is so wide, the possible ways of expanding the knowledge in this area should be considered, especially in order to obtain better results in simulator sessions. Med Pr. 2019;70(3):317-25.

[The effect of high-frequency current and ultrasonic wave on selected parameters of fat tissue]. / Wplyw pradu wielkiej czestotliwosci i fali ultradzwiekowej na wybrane parametry gospodarki tluszczowej.

UNLABELLED: Obesity and struggle with its consequences, also aesthetic type resulted in the growing development of methods of body shaping, contouring shapes, increasing skin firmness and skin tightening. The reason is the increasing in recent years, public demand, especially in developed countries. Development of aesthetic dermatology is driven by the search for therapeutic options with minimal invasiveness, enabling the reduction of excess body fat, to obtain a slim figure and reduce the laxity of the skin without the need for surgery. Current high frequency sound wave is an alternative method of treatment for patients with less severe defects. The continuous development of new technologies in the future will improve treatments for increasing the effectiveness and consistency of the results, while maintaining a favorable profile of the associated side effects. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the behavior of the selected parameters of fat tissue in patients undergoing fat reduction BTL Exilis device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a 50-member group of women who are patients of the Specialist Clinic Al-Med in Kolobrzeg. Test was performed twice blood biochemical parameters before the first day of treatment and ten days after the fourth treatment. RESULTS: The results showed no statistical significance of the blood biochemical parameters in all subjects such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and the activity of enzymes AST and ALT. CONCLUSIONS: No changes in biochemical parameters of lipid organism in the group of patients indicate the safety of therapy carried out by means of a device emitting high-frequency power and ultrasound. The treatment was evaluated by respondents as effective.

[Comparison of the effect of laser and magnetic therapy for pain level and the range of motion of the spine of people with osteoarthritis lower back]. / Porównanie wplywu laseroterapii i magnetoterapii na poziom bólu oraz zakres ruchomosci kregoslupa osób z choroba zwyrodnieniowa dolnego odcinka kregoslupa.

UNLABELLED: Increased expression of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine is an onerous task, which reduces the efficiency of the activity and life of many populations. It is the most common cause of medical visits. In 95% of cases the cause of complaints is a destructive process in the course of degenerative intervertebral disc called a lumbar disc herniation. Protrusion of the nucleus pulposus causes severe pain and impaired muscle tone, often more chronic and difficult to master. Successful treatment of lumbar disc herniation constitutes a serious interdisciplinary problem. It is important to properly planned and carried out physiotherapy. Based on the number of non-invasive methods, to reduce muscle tension, mute pain and alleviation of inflammation. It is the treatment safe, effective, and at the same time, which is their big advantage, readily available and cheap. It is worth noting that not every method has the same efficiency. The question that the methods are effective in relieving pain and helping to effectively increase the range of motion led to a comparison of two methods - Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and pulsating magnetic field therapy. AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of LLLT and pulsating magnetic field therapy in combating pain and increase range of motion of the spine of people with degenerative spine disease of the lower back. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 patients with diagnose lumbar disc herniation whit no nerve roots symptoms. Patients were divided into two Groups: A and B. Group A of 60 patients were subjected to laser therapy (λ=820nm, P=400mW, Ed=6-12 J/cm²) and the second Group B of 60 patients too, to pulsating magnetic fields procedures (5mT, 30 Hz, 15 minutes). Every patient before rehabilitation started and right after it has finished has undergone examination. Subjective pain assessment was carried out using a modified Laitinen questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale of Pain intensity. Spine mobility was evaluated whit the Schober test and the Fingertip-to-floor-test. The obtained results were subjects to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Research shows that both low energy laser and pulsating magnetic field physical attributes are effective methods for the treatment of pain and restricted mobility of the spine caused by disc herniation. Careful analysis emphasizes greater efficiency laser for pain. In contrast, a statistically greater improvement in global mobility of the spine, as well as flexion and extension of the lumbar recorded in group B, where the applied pulsating magnetic field. CONCLUSIONS: Both laser and magnet therapy reduces pain and improves mobility of the spine of people with degenerative spine disease of the lower back. Comparison of the effectiveness of both methods showed a greater analgesic effect of laser treatment, and greater mobility of the spine was observed under the influence of pulsating magnetic field therapy.

[The effect of high-frequency current and ultrasonic wave on selected indicators of body weight]. / Wplyw pradu wielkiej czestotliwosci i fali ultradzwiekowej na wybrane wskazniki masy ciala.

UNLABELLED: Effective change the appearance of the body through available both invasive and non-invasive methods such as treatment has been documented in numerous clinical trials. Liposuction and lipoplasty are currently the most widely used methods of reducing fat deposits. Technological advances made has become increasingly popular use of invasive procedures using energy fields and high-frequency ultrasonic wave. It is now one of the most effective and safe methods of treatment, based on the principle of mechanical and thermal stimulation of the physiological processes leading to the reduction of locally accumulated fat. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the behavior of selected parameters of body weight in patients undergoing fat reduction BTL Exilis device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IThe study included a 50-group of women who are patients of the Specialist Outpatient Clinic Al-Med in Kolobrzeg. Taken twice the measurement of body weight, waist circumference and thickness measurement of skinfolds before the first treatment, and after a series of treatments. Treatment consisted of 4 sessions while maintaining the 10-day interval between treatments. RESULTS: In the study a statistically significant reduction in the studied parameters such as actual body weight, waist circumference, fat mass and thickness of the skinfolds were showed. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of treatment with the energy field of highfrequency ultrasonic wave in a reduction in the size of fat body mass and improving the contour shape. Willingness to continue participation examined in this type of surgery proves positive reception of therapy and its effectiveness.

[Oxidative-reductive balance in patients after acute coronary syndrome that undergo cardiac rehabilitation]. / Ocena równowagi oksydacyjno-redukcyjnej krwi u chorych po ostrych zespolach wiencowych poddanych rehabilitacji kardiologicznej.

UNLABELLED: Cardiac rehabilitation is essential part of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treatment. Controlled physical activity (both aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities) is the most important part of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). There is a close relationship between regular physical exercise and secondary prevention in patients after ACS. However, influence of physical activity on antioxidative protection mechanisms and free radical reactions is not yet fully known. The aim of study was to evaluate CR effects (the second phase) on oxidative-reductive balance in patients after ACS hospitalised for CR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study comprised 50 patients (32 male, 18 female), aged 42-75 years (56.42 +/- 8.34) after ACS treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), that subsequently underwent the second phase of CR. Interval cycloergometer training was performed five times a week (in total 15 training sessions). In addition to interval training, patients underwent individual breathing exercises, relaxation exercises, isometric exercises of particular muscle groups and general rehabilitation twice a day. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level in erythrocytes, total antioxidant status (TAS) of plasma, superoxide dysmutase-1 (SOD-1), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in erythrocytes were determined before and after CR programme. Statistical analysis of physical activity influence on oxidative-reductive balance was performed by Wilcoxon matched pairs test. P < 0.05 was acknowledged as statistically significant. RESULTS: After rehabilitation programme in patients after ACS following significant results were found: increase in SOD-1 activity compared to baseline values (3624.22 +/- 1003.38 U/gHb vs 3086.71 +/- 683.14 U/gHb; p = 0.007), increase in GSH-Px activity compared to baseline values (41.27+/- 13.87 U/gHb vs. 38.02 +/- 13.98 U/gHb; p = 0.006), decrease in CAT activity compared to baseline values (17.30 +/- 4.87 U/gHb vs. 19.64 +/- 4.36 U/gHb; p = 0.001), increase in TAS level compared to baseline values (2.00 +/- 0.75 mM/L vs. 1.66 +/- 0.71 mM/L; p = 0.003), increase in TBARS level compared to baseline values (0.21 +/- 0.05 microM/gHb vs. 0.19 +/- 0.03 microM/gHb; p = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of antioxidative protection in patients after ACS was observed after cardiac rehabilitatiom programme. Increase in SOD-1 and GSH-Px activity in erythrocytes and TAS plasma level was found. Increase of TBARS level in erythrocytes in patients after ACS and subsequent cardiac rehabilitation is associated with intensification of free-radical chain reaction related to physical activity.

[The influence of laser therapy on selected functional parameters of patients with spondyloarthrosis of the lower section of the spine]. / Wplyw laseroterapii na wybrane parametry czynnosciowe u chorych ze zmianami zwyrodnieniowymi dolnego odcinka kregoslupa.

UNLABELLED: Spondyloarthrosis is a quickly growing disease in highly civilized communities. It is one of the most frequent causes for movement limitations and is listed as the main reason for the incapacitation for work among people of the working age. The following symptoms can be observed in patients with spondyloarthrosis: pain, limited spine mobility, increased muscle tone. Chronic pain and the associated limitation of movement underlie the quest for an effective therapy. Using laser therapy as part of physical therapy prompts research into the effectiveness of the measure in patients with spondyloarthrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy on spondyloarthrosis of the lumbar spine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 patients suffering from chronic low back pain, diagnosed with a lumbar disc herniation with no nerve root symptoms, received laser therapy (820 nm, 400 mW, 6-12 J/cm2. Every patient underwent examinations before and after rehabilitation. Subjective pain assessment was carried out using a modified Laitinen questionnaire and visual analogue scale of pain intensity. Spine mobility was evaluated using Schober's test and the fingertip-to-floor-test. The obtained results were subject to a statistical analysis. RESULTS: Laser therapy was effective in the therapy of lumbar disc herniation. The results of the analysis showed that the intensity and frequency of pain decreased, as well as the use of painkillers. A vast improvement in global spine mobility and lumbosacral flexion and extension could be observed, too. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a slight analgesic effect and a substantial increase in spine mobility through laser biostimulation.

Effect of methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta on oxidative stress in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: There is data in the literature indicating increased oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Erythropoiesisstimulating agents (ESAs), which are commonly used to treat anemia in patients with CKD, seem to have an antioxidant action, which could be a part of nephroprotection. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a long half-life ESA, methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (Mircera), on some markers of oxidative stress in predialysis patients with CKD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peripheral blood was collected from 28 predialysis CKD patients 2 times, before Mircera treatment and after achieving target hemoglobin (Hb), and 15 healthy subjects (control group). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activity in erythrocytes were measured according to commonly used methods as a function of the antioxidant defense system. To assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in erythrocytes and in plasma was measured according to a commonly used method. RESULTS: SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activity were similar, but plasma and erythrocyte MDA concentrations were significantly higher in CKD patients before ESA treatment in comparison to the control group. SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activity was significantly higher, but plasma and erythrocyte MDA concentrations were significantly lower, in CKD patients after ESA treatment in comparison to these patients before treatment. We did not find a significant correlation between Hb concentration and SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activity and plasma, as well as erythrocyte MDA concentrations. Analysis of all investigated groups showed a significant negative correlation between Hb concentration and plasma MDA concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that treatment of anemia with methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta may inhibit oxidative stress in predialysis patients with CKD by enhancing the antioxidant defense system and reducing ROS production.

Estimation of cell membrane properties and erythrocyte red-ox balance in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with occurrence of the many cardiovascular risk factors such as atherogenic dyslipidemia, visceral fat distribution, arterial hypertension and pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory status. In our study the effect of disorders that appear in MS on red-ox balance and erythrocyte cell membrane properties were estimated. The study comprised 50 patients with diagnosed MS and in 25 healthy subjects. Content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity were estimated in red blood cells. Moreover, conformation status of membrane proteins, membrane fluidity and osmotic fragility were evaluated. MS was found to manifest: (1) the increase of the concentration of TBARS in erythrocytes with no statistically significant differences in antioxidant enzymes activity, (2) disorders in the structure of erythrocyte cytoskeleton proteins, (3) the increase in membrane lipids fluidity at the depth of 5th and 12th carbon atom of fatty acid hydrocarbon chain and significantly decreased fluidity at the depth of 16th carbon atom, (4) increased erythrocyte osmotic fragility.

Evaluation of oxidative stress markers in pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the leading cause of blindness in the industrial countries. It is reported that oxidative stress might be an important risk factor in the pathogenesis of POAG. Forty subjects including 20 patients with open-angle glaucoma (9 men and 12 women, mean age 61.8±12.1yr) and 20 controls without glaucoma symptoms (9 men and 12 women, mean age 58.1±17.7yr) were enrolled in our study. The main aim of the work was to evaluate oxidative stress markers in the pathogenesis of open-angle glaucoma. In our work the activity of antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) as well as the total antioxidant status (TAS) was estimated. An alkaline comet assay was used to measure DNA damage of strand breaks (SB), oxidized purines as glicosylo-formamido-glicosylase (Fpg) sites, and oxidized pirmidines as endonuclease III (Nth) sites. We measured endogenous as well as exogenous DNA damage after 10µM hydrogen peroxide treatment (H(2)O(2)). We did not observe any statistical changes of DNA strand break lesion in examined POAG patients according to healthy subjects (P>0.05). However, either endogenous (P<0.01) or exogenous (P<0.001) levels of oxidative DNA damage in POAG patients were found to be statistically higher than controls. A significant decrease of antioxidant enzymes: CAT (P<0.001), SOD (P<0.05), and GPX (P<0.001) and a non-statistical decrease of TAS status (P>0.05) in glaucoma patients according to controls were also indicated. In conclusion our data revealed that oxidative stress had a pathogenic role in primary open-angle glaucoma. Therefore, we suggested that the modulation of a pro-oxidant/antioxidant status might be a relevant target for glaucoma prevention and therapy.

Alterations in the erythrocyte plasma membranes in patients with alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis - preliminary results.

INTRODUCTION: Conformations of membrane proteins, membrane fluidity of erythrocytes in patients with AILC were studied with the use of electron paramagnetic resonance and spectrophotometric methods. The concentration of substances reacting with thiobarbituric acid was also determined. The aim of the study was to recognize the nature, level and causes of changes in the structure of erythrocytary membrane observed in erythrocytes of patients compared to erythrocytes from healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SPIN LABELS: MSL and ISL binding covalently to thiol groups of membrane cytoskeleton proteins were used to analyse modifications occurring in erythrocytary membrane proteins. Doxyl derivatives of fatty acids: 5-DS, 12-DS and 16-DS binding hydrophobically to erythrocytary membrane were used as spin labels for the analysis of erythrocyte membrane lipid fluidity. RESULTS: Modification of membrane cytoskeleton proteins and increase of membrane lipids fluidity were observed in erythrocytes of the investigated patients. An increase of the concentration of substances reacting with thiobarbituric acid was also confirmed in the erythrocytes of AILC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Observed disorders in the structure of erythrocyte cytoskeleton proteins in patients, which might developed as a consequence of oxidative stress may be conformation changes in the structure of proteins which affect membrane cytoskeleton. The differences in the structure of membrane proteins could be associated with an increase in membrane lipids fluidity. Increased fluidity of erythrocyte membrane may be a result of disorders in protein-lipid interaction or membrane lipid peroxidation activity.

[The influence of training on rehabilitation and keep-fit tables on the chosen parameters of body weight]. / Wplyw treningu na stolach rehabilitacyjno-rekondycyjnych na wybrane wskazniki masy ciala.

UNLABELLED: More and more people in the world contend with overweight or obesity, and this phenomenon at the moment is being recognized as one of the most important problems of modern civilization observed in many developed countries. Change of the lifestyle connected with turning from the active life to the more sedentary one and bad eating habits led to the development of overweight and obesity at an alarmingly fast rate with the parallel development of interests directed on conducting the research and looking for the effective methods of fighting against the overweight and obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate some parameters of body weight among people being put on the healthy training on the rehabilitation and keep-fit tables Slender-Life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 50 patients treated in sanatorium were included into the observation. Double measurement of body weight and thickness of the skin and fat were performed during the first and last days of the fifteen day training on the formerly mentioned tables. RESULTS: The statistically important decrease of examined parameters including the real body weight, fat mass, the BMI indication and the thickness of the skin and fat folds was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The healthy training on the rehabilitation and keep-fit tables Slender-Life causes the increase of the body fat-free weight. The positive acceptation of the rehabilitation on tables Slender-Life proves it should be applied.

[The influence of exercises on rehabilitation and reconditioning tables on the selected parameters of fat and carbohydrate management]. / Wplyw treningu na stolach rehabilitacyjno-rekondycyjnych na wybrane parametry gospodarki tluszczowo-weglowodanowej.

UNLABELLED: The results of numerous studies have recently revealed that the motor activity are able to prolong the live of middle-aged and elderly human subjects preventing serious diseases and premature death. A regular physical activity decreases the number of fat cells and increases their vulnerability to insulin. Physical exercises regulate the metabolic disorders observed in obesity. The physical activity of persons with lipid disorders may induce some favorable changes and an increase the HDL of cholesterol fraction. The influence of physical activity on fat and carbohydrate changes was confirmed in some studies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the selected parameters of the fat and carbohydrate changes in subjects after 15 days health-related training performed on rehabilitation and reconditioning tables SLENDER-LIFE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 50 patients during health-resort therapy were examined on the first and last day of training for biochemical blood parameters. RESULTS: The examined biochemical parameters were reduced statistically significantly in all subjects, as follows: the total cholesterol concentration, the LDL value fraction of cholesterol, triglycerides, and the glucose concentration. CONCLUSIONS: It has been documented that the level of the HDL fraction of cholesterol and the basic energy index were increased in the examined subjects. The training on the rehabilitation and reconditioning tables has been confirmed by the subjects as useful and efficient.

[Estimation of selected parameters antioxidant barrier and lipid parameters in children with atherosclerosis risk factors]. / Ocena wybranych parametrów bariery antyoksydacyjnej i przemiany lipidowej u dzieci ze stwierdzonymi czynnikami ryzyka miazdzycy.

UNLABELLED: Atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes of mortality in developed countries. One of the many factors in its etiopathogenesis are reactive oxygen species (ROS), excess of which comes from disturbances of enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms of antioxidant barrier. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY was to estimate relations between the activity of chosen parameters antioxidant barrier and the lipid levels in children with atherosclerosis risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 48 children with atherosclerosis risk factors. The control group consisted of 25 healthy children. Total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C were determined by enzymatic method. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was estimated by Misra and Fridivich's method, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) with method proposed by Sedlak and Lindsay in modyfication Little and Brien and the activity o catalase (CAT) by Beer and Sizer's method. Malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) concentration was determined by Placer's method. RESULTS: Obesity, lipid disorders, and hypertension were the most frequent risk factors in the investigated children. Statistically significant higher concentration of TC, LDL-C, TG and lower HDL-C were observed in children with atherosclerosis risk factors. Activity of glutathion peroxidase was statistically significant higher in children with atherosclerosis risk factors (p < 0.001), activity of catalase was lower (p < 0.05). No significant differences in activity of superoxide dismutase and malonyl dialdehyde were observed in the investigated groups. CONCLUSION: Modificated activity of selected antioxidants in children with atherosclerosis risk factors could determine an index of antioxidant barrier and might potencially constitute the marker of early atherosclerotical risk development.

[Antioxidative defense and level of microelements in youth with hypertension]. / Status antyoksydacyjny a stezenie pierwiastków sladowych u mlodziezy z podwyzszonym cisnieniem tetniczym.

UNLABELLED: In recent years we observed increased interest of free radical processes accompanying varying physiological and pathological reactions. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY was an evaluation some of serum microelements (zinc, manganium, chromium, selenium) in serum and antioxidative defense in youth with hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The group of 88 youth aged 9-18 with normal blood pressure, prehypertension and hypertension was examined. Blood was taken to examine microelements content and antioxidative barrier activity. Microelements content was estimated with the method ICP-AES. Superoxide dismuthase activity in red blood cells was estimate with the method by Misra and Fridovich, glutatione peroxidase activity with the method by Sedlak and Lindsay in modification by Little and O'Brien and catalase activity with the method of Beers and Sizer. RESULTS: In subgroup with higher blood pressure we observed decreased tendency in enzymatic antioxidant activity (Cat, GSA-Px, SOD) in red blood cells and lowering levels of vitamins C and E in comparison to persons with normal blood pressure. Concentrations of estimated microelements drowed decreased levels in persons with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Results of our study suggest that disturbance in pro - and anti-oxidative balance observed in youth with first state of hypertension may play an important role in pathogenesis of hypertension.

[Pharmacological effects of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis]. / Dzialanie farmakologiczne flawonoidów z Tarczycy Bajkalskiej.

Scutellaria baicalensis is a plant widely used in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. Dry roots of Scutellaria baicalensis are used, especially as alcohol extracts. Flavonoids isolated from Radix Scutellariae have beneficial effects in hepatitis. Flavonoids derived from Scutellaria baicalensis produce antioxidative, antineoplastic, cardiomiocyte-protective activity. They inhibit agregation of platelets, permeability of capillary vessels, have antibacterial and anty-angiogenic effects.

[Bronchial asthma prevalence in children and youth with overweight]. / Czestosc wystepowania astmy oskrzelowej u dzieci i mlodziezy z nadmierna masa ciala.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Relationships between bronchial asthma prevalence in children and youth and selected nutritional indices together with fatty tissue distribution were analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised randomly chosen group of 126 children and youth living in the city of Lodz, between the ages from 9 to 17 years (74 boys, 52 girls) including 25 subjects with mild and 34 with moderate asthma. In all participants basic anthropometric and percentage evaluation of the fat content (FAT%) by means of a bioimpedance method were performed. A level of 85 centiles of the body mass index (BMI) determined on the basis of centile charts was regarded as a criterion for overweight. Fatty tissue distribution was assessed basing on the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). RESULTS: In girls with overweight or obesity (BMI > 85%) a statistically significant prevalence of asthma (71.4%; p < 0.01) with different intensity was observed, as compared to girls with a normal BMI (23.7%). Similar tendencies related to the WHR index and the total fat content (FAT%) were also notified. Asthma was found to occur more frequently in the group of girls with overweight or obesity as well as with abnormal (abdominal) distribution of fatty tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Results reveal significant relations between overweight and abnormal distribution of fatty tissue and asthma prevalence in girls. Such relationships did not appear in the group of boys. Obese children with bronchial asthma--mainly girls--more frequently require a careful approach towards the pharmacological control of asthma due to obesity-related complications e.g. hypertension.

[The heart rate variability analysis in youth and children with bronchial asthma]. / Analiza wybranych parametrów zmiennosci rytmu serca u mlodziezy i dzieci chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was analysis of the spectral parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) in children and youth with different intensity of bronchial asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the group of 107 children and adolescents, aged 10-17 years, comprising 58 healthy subjects and 49 with bronchial asthma (22 with mild and 27 with moderate asthma). Spectral HRV parameters at rest and under active orthostatic test conditions (5 min--supine position, 5 min--standing position) were analysed in two age subgroups: group A--children aged 10-13 years and group B--youth aged 14-17 years. RESULTS: In both subgroups at rest a growing tendency for high frequency components (HF) of HRV spectra was observed together with greater intensity of asthma. In the youth group with moderate asthma, the HF component (40.8 +/- 14.0 n.u.) at rest was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the age-matched control (30.8 +/- 10.7 n.u.). In all the groups examined assuming erect position resulted in a significant rise in LF/HF index, which was most pronounced in the groups with mild (p < 0.01) and moderate asthma (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed a significant association between the vagal activity in children and youth and frequency and intensity of bronchial asthma. A short-term HRV analysis can be utilised in the assessment of autonomic mechanism role in the development of bronchial asthma in children and youth.