Significant association of DRD2 and ANKK1 genes with rural heroin dependence and relapse in men.

INTRODUCTION: Substance abuse significantly influences human health and may induce problems with social functioning worldwide. Numerous genetic and environmental risk factors, as well as their interactions, accelerate the development of drug addiction. Etiologically, the dopaminergic mesocorticolimbic reward pathways are related to psychoactive substance addiction, and the reward properties of heroin are connected with changes in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is a haplotypic analysis of subjects addicted to polysubstance. However, with the knowledge that this is not a homogenous subgroup, it was decided to separate and analyze homogenous subgroups of subjects in order to find specific haplotypic variants among them. The subjects in the subgroups were addicted to heroin, and subjects with more than two relapses in the past two years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 301 polysubstance addicted rural male subjects. From this group, 2 homogenous subgroups of subjects were isolated and additionally analyzed: (1) a group of heroin addicted subjects (n=61), and (2) a group of heroin-addicted subjects with at least two relapses in the last two years (n=21). The group consisting of all polysubstance addicted rural subjects and both homogenous subgroups were analyzed against a control group of non-addicted subjects (n=300), matching gender and age. Five polymorphisms in the DRD2/ANKK1 region were analyzed: rs1076560, rs1800498, rs1079597, rs6276 in the DRD2 gene, and rs1800497 in the ANKK1 gene. RESULTS: A statistically significant haplotype association was found in analysis of the heroin addicted subjects, compared to controls, and two possible trends - when comparing the whole group of addicted subjects to controls, and in relapse subgroups, compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained showed that haplotypes indicate a part of the biological component of addiction.

Blood Group and Incidence of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic respiratory diseases are determined by genetic predisposition, and environmental and socioeconomic variables. One genetic factor underlying susceptibility to such diseases can be the ABO blood group system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that there would be a relationship between the blood group and risk of developing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We reviewed medical history files of patients with the diagnosis of COPD or asthma, including those suffering from a cancerous disease accompanied by asthma or COPD, hospitalized from January 2016 to July 2017. The study involved 248 adult patients (85 women and 163 men; median age 65, range 20-95 years) with COPD (177; 71.4%) and asthma (71; 28.6%) with a known blood type. We found that the most frequent was blood type A (97; 39.1%) and the least blood type AB (26; 8.0%). The distribution of individual blood types in asthma was not different from that in COPD patients. Significant differences were found between the distribution of O and pooled non-O blood types (A, B, and AB); the pooled category was more frequent in both asthma and COPD patients. We conclude that the blood type is not a prognostic differentiating between the occurrence of asthma or COPD, although both are less common in people with blood type O. Further investigation is required to set the predisposing role of the ABO antigens for chronic respiratory diseases.

The Influence of Cigarette Smoke Exposure on the Copper Concentration in the Serum Depending on the Use of Menopausal Hormone Therapy.

This study evaluated the effect of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on serum concentration of copper in postmenopausal women depending on passive or active exposure to tobacco smoke or lack thereof. The study included healthy postmenopausal women aged 42-69 years, who used (n = 76) or did not use (n = 76) MHT. Salivary cotinine and serum copper concentrations were determined in all the study subjects. Salivary cotinine exceeded 14 ng/ml in 14 women from the MHT group (18.5%) and in 16 controls (21.1%). Up to 41 (27%) study subjects had serum copper above the upper normal limit (1.17 mg/l). No correlation was found between salivary cotinine and serum copper in women with cotinine concentrations <14 ng/ml, and these two parameters correlated weakly in subjects with cotinine >14 ng/ml. Salivary concentration of cotinine increased with serum copper level in the MHT group, but not in the controls; smokers using MHT presented with significantly higher serum copper than nonsmokers. These findings imply that MHT does not affect serum concentration of copper in women who are not exposed to tobacco smoke. However, MHT seems to contribute to unfavorable increase in serum copper in passive and active smokers.

The Environmental Domain of Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases.

The literature lacks reports on the role played by the Environmental domain of quality of life (QoL) in care for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Such information has a high potential for implementation in modern medicine based on a 'tailor-made' holistic healthcare model. The purpose of this study was to determine the components that shape the Environmental domain of QoL in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The study group consisted of 305 adult patients (median age 65 years) with at least one chronic respiratory disease. The greatest contribution to a high value of QoL in the Environmental domain among patients with chronic respiratory diseases was made by the coexistence of high QoL levels in other domains and in satisfaction with QoL. Programs for preventing a decline in QoL in the Environmental domain should include patients with low scores for the above variables as well as those with a low level of education, those who have not shown an improvement in their psychological well-being in the past 12 months, those with a low level of positive mental attitudes or healthy eating habits, a low Camberwell index, and low levels of overall pro-health behavior.

Quality of Care for Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Data for Accreditation Plan in Primary Healthcare.

There are scarce reports in the literature on factors affecting the assessment of the quality of care for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Such information is relevant in the accreditation process on implementing the healthcare. The study group consisted of 133 adult patients with chronic respiratory diseases and 125 adult patients with chronic non-respiratory diseases. In the present study, the level of satisfaction from healthcare provided by the primary healthcare unit, disease acceptance, quality of life, health behaviors, and met needs were examined, as well as associations between variables with the use of correspondence analysis. The results are that in patients with chronic respiratory diseases an increase in satisfaction depends on the improvement of well-being in the mental sphere. The lack of problems with obtaining a referral to a specialist and a higher level of fulfilled needs also have a positive effect. Additionally, low levels of satisfaction should be expected in those patients with chronic respiratory diseases who wait for an appointment in front of the office for a long time, report problems with obtaining a referral to additional tests, present a low level of health behaviors, and have a low index of benefits.

Application of Tensegrity Massage to Relive Complications After Mastectomy--Case Report.

PURPOSE: The case study was to determine the effectiveness of tensegrity massage in a patient after mastectomy. DESIGN: Tensegrity massage was performed in a 50-year-old woman after mastectomy. The purpose of the massage was to normalize the tension of musculo-ligamento-fascial system in the chest, shoulder girdle, and back. METHODS: The patient was subjected to a series of six massage sessions, 45 minutes each, twice a week. FINDINGS: The applied massage therapy contributed to the reduction of the postoperative scar tenderness and painfulness, to the relaxation of the muscular tone within the shoulder girdle, and to the improvement of the patient's general feeling. CONCLUSIONS: Tensegrity massage is an effective therapy in the elimination of pain and abnormal tissue tension induced by extensive scarring after mastectomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presented massage procedure had a positive effect immediately after the therapy and after 1-month follow-up.

Effects of substances on serum zinc levels in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Demographic facts and forecasts about lengthening life expectancy motivate to systematize the knowledge of health problems experienced by women at the age of 50 and older. It refers to the whole health policy including health economics. Longer female life spans cause that an increasing number of women suffer from health problems associated with the perimenopausal period, and become health care recipients. Also a shift of retirement age is the reason to take interdisciplinary actions for women's health and quality of life. This study describes a decline in the levels of many bioelements in hair, urine and blood serum, which progresses with age. It not only correlates with a decrease in the synthesis and secretion of estrogen, but also environmental pollution, unhealthy lifestyle and the use of substances. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between serum zinc levels in postmenopausal women and such variables as the use of substances (cigarettes, alcohol) and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Material and method: The study was conducted among 152 healthy women being 1-16 years after menopause. The women were divided into study group (MHT users) and control group (MHT non-users). A sub-division criterion was the use of substances (cigarettes, alcohol). Serum zinc levels were determined in all women. Results: The use of substances significantly contributed to the lowering of serum zinc levels in postmenopausal women. MHT users had statistically higher average zinc levels in blood serum, which referred both to smokers and consumers of alcohol and those who did not use these substances. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The use-of substances (cigarettes, alcohol) contributes to the lowering of zinc levels in blood serum. (2) MHT positively affects serum zinc levels in postmenopausal women regardless of whether they use substances (cigarettes, alcohol) or not.

School age children with HIV/AIDS: possible discrimination and attitudes against / Criancas em idade escolar com HIV/AIDS: possivel discriminacao e atitudes contrarias / Ninos en edad escolar con HIV/AIDS: posible discriminacion y actitudes en contra

Survey-based study what purpose was to analyse respondents’ opinions about contacts with HIV/AIDS-affected people. It was performed using a paper-pencil method during visits of respondents at primary care centres and on-line through a link to the questionnaire distributed among patients of primary care physicians. The study involved 302 respondents, 80% of whom were women; the average age was 34.48 years. The majority of respondents did not know anyone with HIV/AIDS (89.6%). About 83.3% claimed that they would not decrease contacts with HIV/AIDS-affected people. According to 64.1% of respondents, children with HIV/AIDS should go to kindergarten/public or non-public school. We selected a group of respondents, who previously were not but now are inclined to limit such contacts. These respondents can be a potential target group for HIV/AIDS educational programmes. Most respondents think that there is insufficient information about the HIV/AIDS in the mass media.

Inquérito cujo objetivo foi analisar as opiniões de entrevistados sobre contatos com pessoas afetadas por HIV/aids. Um questionário impresso foi aplicado as usuários durante suas visitas a centros de cuidados primários e também disponibilizado online, por meio de um link informado aos pacientes. Envolveu 302 entrevistados, 80% dos quais eram mulheres, com idade média foi de 34,48 anos. A maioria (89,6%) não conhecia alguém com HIV/aids e 83,3% alegaram que não diminuiriam os contatos com pessoas afetadas. De acordo com 64,1% dos entrevistados, crianças com HIV/aids deveriam frequentar o ensino básico em escola pública ou privada. Foi identificado um grupo de entrevistados que inicialmente não estavam inclinados a limitar esses contatos, mas que haviam mudado de ideia. Esse pode ser um público-alvo em potencial para programas educacionais do HIV/aids. A maioria dos entrevistados considerou que não há informação suficiente sobre HIV/aids nos meios de comunicação.

Investigación cuyo objetivo fue analizar las opiniones de los entrevistados sobre contactos con personas afectadas por el VIH/SIDA. Fue aplicado un cuestionario en papel a los usuarios, durante sus visitas a los centros de atención primaria y también vía internet, por medio de un link informativo a los pacientes. Participaron 302 entrevistados, el 80% de los cuales eran mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 34,48 años. La mayoría no conocía a nadie con VIH/SIDA (89,6%) y alrededor del 83,3% afirmó que no disminuirían los contactos con personas afectadas por el VIH/SIDA. De acuerdo con el 64,1% de los entrevistados, los niños con VIH/SIDA deberían ir a la escuela pública o privada. Fue identificado un grupo de entrevistados, que inicialmente no estaban inclinados a limitar esos contactos, pero luego mudaron de idea. Ellos pueden ser un grupo objetivo potencial para los programas educativos de VIH/SIDA. La mayoría de los entrevistados piensa que no hay suficiente información sobre el VIH/SIDA en los principales medios de comunicación.

Effect of menopausal hormone therapy on the levels of magnesium, zinc, lead and cadmium in post-menopausal women.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The level of trace elements is extremely important for the maintenance of normal functioning of the human body. The risk of disturbance of their balance increases especially dynamically during the period of menopause. The objective of the study was the effect of MHT on the levels of bioelements (Mg and Zn) in blood plasma, and toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the whole blood in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered 323 women at postmenopausal age from the population of the West Pomeranian Region, in whom the levels of Mg, Zn, Pb and Cd were determined. The women were divided into two groups: study and control. The study group were 152 women who used menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The control group were 171 women who did not use MHT, and had had their final menstrual period at least one year prior to inclusion in the study. The mean age of the women examined was 56±5. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of the bioelements Mg, Zn were observed in women who used MHT, compared to the control group (p<0.05). The concentration of Pb in whole blood was significantly lower in the study than the control group: 16.09±7.33 µg/l and 20.18±9.01 µg/l, respectively. An elevated level of Cd in whole blood was found in both groups of women: 0.9±1.03 µg/l and 0.8±1.1 µg/l, respectively. It was noted that women who used MHT more frequently declared the presence of climacteric symptoms (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Higher levels of Mg and Zn were found in blood plasma of women who used MHT. 2) The mean concentration of Cd in the blood of women in both groups was similar. 3) In women who use MHT the level of Pb in whole blood was lower, compared to the rest of the women.

[Psychosexual functioning of women after breast cancer therapy]. / Funkcjonowanie psychoseksualne kobiet po leczeniu raka sutka.

AIM: The study was to assess psychosexual functioning of women after breast cancer treatment, since this problem is very rarely discussed in Polish professional literature. METHODS: Our study involved 103 women after breast cancer treatment. The questionnaire was based on the Likert scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the authors' own questions. RESULTS: Some 52% of respondents were operated in 2002-2008; 93% had a radical mastectomy or a breast-sparing operation without reconstruction. About 71% accepted themselves before falling ill, and 65% regarded themselves as pretty. After surgery 57% felt attractive as sexual partners, 48.5% found it difficult to look at themselves naked, and 37.9% were embarrassed in their partners' presence. Some 26.21% of the women had a very good and 42.71% had a satisfactory sexual life before the disease. Following surgery, 54% did not notice any changes in their partners' behaviour, 14% avoided intimate situations, and 11% have not had sexual intercourse since the operation. CONCLUSIONS: In the relationships where sex was important, the quality of sexual intercourse improved. A factor which contributes to successful sexual life of a woman is her acceptance of her body and her feeling of attractiveness.

[Alcohol intake and tobacco smoking among students of medical schools]. / Spozycie alkoholu i palenie tytoniu wsród studentów wyzszych uczelni medycznych.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To determine the level of alcohol intake (including risky drinking) and tobacco smoking among students of higher medical schools, as well as the level of students' knowledge about epidemiology and consequences of alcohol abuse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2010-2012 and involved 1054 students of medical school. The majority of the participants were female (82.3%). Average age of respondents was 25.13 years (SD = 6.64, median = 24). The questionnaire was to determine the students' knowledge of alcohol abuse, short version of AUDIT and questions about tobacco smoking. RESULTS: The average 100% alcohol intake in Poland was correctly identified by 32.0% (318) of students. The alcohol level in blood which indicates the state after alcohol intake was correctly determined by 57.2% (571) of respondents. Tobacco was the choice of 13.8% (138) of students as the main health risk factor and cause of premature deaths in Europe, alcohol was chosen by 17.8% (177). Cirrhosis was recognized correctly by 52% of students (521) as the most frequent disease caused by alcohol in European men. Regarding the question about the biochemical indicators helpful in diagnostics of alcohol abuse only 27.6% (275) indicated correctly: MCV and GGT. In short version of AUDIT 32.2% (238) of women gained 4 points and above, 56.2% (91) of men gained 5 points and above. Among women: 3.5% (28) have 14 and above standardized portions of an alcoholic drinks during week. Among men: 6.5% (11) have 28 and above standardized portions of an alcoholic drinks during week. Non-smokers represent 20.6% (205) of respondents. A majority (39.4%, 82) indicate they smoke not more than 5 cigarettes per day. The students first began smoking in secondary (21.7%, 45) and high school (45.9%, 95). Smokers statistically significantly more often (p<0.001) drink alcohol. More than four times higher percentage of smokers (10.0% vs 2.3% non-smokers) drink in a day when they drink 10 or more standardized portions of an alcoholic drink (p<0.001). Those who drink at least once a month drink 6 standardized portions of an alcoholic drink statistically significantly more often (p<0.001)were smokers (21.8% vs 10.8% non-smokers). Smokers were more than four times more likely (13.4%) than non-smokers (3.2%) to drink 6 standardized portions of an alcoholic drink once a week. During the majority of weekdays, 6 standardized portions of an alcoholic drink were taken by 2.48% (5) of smokers (vs 0% non-smokers). CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of students in medical schools drink riskily. Especially the risky drinking was observed among smoking students. The level of knowledge gained by respondents about alcohol abuse is still insufficient. Programs that promote avoiding tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse are necessary among children during the first years of education (in primary school and earlier).