Assessment of morphological changes degree on the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joints on the historical skeleton material.

BACKGROUND: The aging process in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) is related, more or less, with degenerative processes. Despite the rich literature on morphology and anatomy and the functioning of the components of the TMJs, there is much less research studies on the anatomy and diseases of these joints on historical populations. The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency and intensity of morphological and dysfunctional changes within the TMJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research material included skeleton material from three chronologically and geographically diverse archaeological series located in Poland in the cities: Strzelce Krajenskie (n = 86), Santok (n = 86) and Wroclaw ('Kuronia' collection) (n = 70). The examination of the skeletal material was based on the macroscopic analysis of the articular surfaces of the TMJ. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The difference in the frequency of degenerative changes observed on the articular surfaces of the TMJs between the examined skeletal series from selected cities was insignificant (Santok: 81.4%, Strzelce Krajenskie: 72.1%, 'Kuronia': 68.6%). However, the obtained results showed a difference in the intensity of changes in the TMJ between individuals representing the early medieval population from Santok and individuals from the beginning of the 20th century collection 'Kuronia'.

Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Self-Reported Prevalence of Allergic Diseases Among Female University Students.

Until recently, most studies report an increasing prevalence of allergy and asthma. The research suggests that the increase may have to do with changes in lifestyle and living conditions. This study seeks to determine the prevalence and changes in allergic diseases in relation to socioeconomic status (SES) 6 years apart. The research material consisted of data collected in two cross-sectional surveys conducted among university female students in 2009 and 2015 (respectively, 702 and 1305 subjects). The surveys evaluated the incidence of allergic conditions and socio-economic status. The occurrence of allergy was determined on the basis of answers to the questions whether the allergy and specific allergens were defined on the basis of medical work-up. The prevalence of allergic diseases increased from 14.0% to 22.3% over a 6-year period. In both cohorts, allergic diseases were more prevalent among females with high SES than with low SES. In 2009, significant differences were noted in relation to urbanization of the place of living and the number of siblings. In 2015, all socioeconomics factors significantly bore on the prevalence of allergy.

ß2-adrenergic receptor gene polymorphism and response to bronchodilating treatment evaluated by spirometry.

ß2-adrenergic receptors re abundantly expressed in airways, which explains the role of ß2 agonists, the strongest bronchodilators, in treatment of bronchial constriction. There may be a relation between ß2ADR gene polymorphism and the response to treatment with ß2 agonists. In the present study we attempted to study these relationship in vivo, estimating spirometric values before and after the use of salbutamol in reference to variant of ß2ADR gene polymorphisms. The study involved 148 healthy male volunteers. After the examination of the gene polymorphism of the ß2-adrenergic receptor (ß2-ADR) at nucleotide positions 46 and 79 (g.46 and g.79) we performed spirometry testing in all subjects. The pulmonary function was checked twice a day; before and 15 min after the administration of salbutamol. All subjects had normal basic values of spirometry. The use of salbutamol significantly increased spirometric values in all groups determined by ß2ADR gene polymorphisms. Analysis of the spirometric values in individual groups showed a significant increase only in peak expiratory flow (g.46AA and g.79CC). The results of this study give an insight into a possibly important mechanism of the response to treatment with ß2-agonists.

Cigarette smoking among students and the influence of legal regulations on passive smoking.

Research suggests that reducing the degree of nicotine addiction in the population cannot be achieved only by prevention programs. Legislative measures are necessary to be taken by the state. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of tobacco abuse in three groups of students. It also assesses the influence of ban on smoking in public places on passive contact of students with tobacco. A customized survey made up of open and closed questions was conducted among 102 students of electrical faculty, 109 medical students, and 71 students of animal husbandry faculty. The results showed that significantly more women from the electrical faculty smoked. Among the students of animal husbandry, men smoke significantly more cigarettes than women. Women studying animal husbandry start smoking significantly earlier (by about 2 years) than women from other faculties. They are also significantly less likely to smoke cigarettes at school and at home. According to the study, the Polish law to ban smoking in public places, in force since the 15th of November 2010, did not make students quit smoking, although the rate of smoking students decreased. Students did not observe restrictions on smoking in their environment. The study indicates a positive influence of the anti-nicotine legislation on passive smoking, just after 3 months from its introduction.

Lung function: occupational exposure to wood dust.

OBJECTIVES: Occupational exposure to wood dust has been shown to cause several respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, sino-nasal adenocarcinoma, and impairment of lung function. The aim of the study was to estimate lung function (in the woodworking industry) among workers employed by wood processing, who run the risk of being expose to wood dust. METHODS: The study concerns a group of 70 workers aged 24- 55. All the workers underwent general and laryngological examination. A group of 20 workers, working at the positions where dustiness exceeded TLV (threshold limit value) took X-ray of the chest and spirometry. The following parameters were measured: VC, IC, ERV, TV, BF, FEV(1), FVC, PEF, MEF(25-75), FEV(1)%FVC, FEV(1)%VC. The data are presented as means +/- SD and the authors applied references values according to ERS guidelines. RESULTS: The results show that there was no decline in FEV(1) (3.7 +/- 0.7) and FVC (4.5 +/- 0.8). Normal lung function was defined as FEV(1)/VC ratio > or =0.7. None of the tested workers had obstructive pattern in spirometry. The mean FEV(1)%VC was 77.1 +/- 10.2. These results suggest that wood dust exposure might not lead to significant pulmonary damage. CONCLUSIONS: These data do not corroborate that wood dust plays significant role in lung function impairment. Future studies of respiratory health among workers exposed to wood dust are needed.

Deformation of the nasal septum in children, adolescents, and adults in Western Pomerania province of Poland.

OBJECTIVES: Nasal septum deformation (NSD) contributes to the occurrence of upper respiratory tract diseases in around 45-55% of Poland's population. The evaluation of frequency of occurrence and type of nasal septum deformation among randomly chosen representatives of the Szczecin and surrounding area population was the aim of this study. METHODS: NSD was assessed in 235 patients (123 male, 112 female) aged 5-60. Mladina's classification system was used for the evaluation. RESULTS: Deformations of nasal septum were found in 43% of the examined subjects. Type 3 of NSD dominated (12.4%), while types 2 and 1 were found in 10.3% and 4.2% of the subjects, respectively. 9.2% of the patients showed type 5 of deformation, while types 6, 4, and 7 were found in 1.3%, 3.2% and 2.7% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Straight nasal septum was found in females more often than in males, mostly on the left side. Associations between NSD, on one side, and age, sex, and traumas, on the other were found. NSD influenced the quality of respiration and frequency of upper respiratory tract diseases in the examined subjects.

Use of over-the-counter medications in prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are a fast developing branch of the pharmaceutical industry, in both Poland and rest of the world. The aim of the work was to evaluate the factors that influence the purchase and use of OTC medications in prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. The analysis involved 450 randomly chosen subjects, aged 19-80. The study was performed using a questionnaire which included a number of questions related to the characteristics of respondents such as: health, socio-demographic data, and factors influencing the purchase of OTC medications used in respiratory tract infections. The self-medication phenomenon in upper respiratory tract infections is significant in Poland and will continue to increase with support of many demographic and socio-economic factors. Despite certain health risks resulting from the inappropriate use of OTC medications, it should continue to be offered as a part of the pharmaceutical market.

Upper respiratory tract diseases in self-evaluation of health status of Polish students based on the SF-36 questionnaire.

People's health beliefs have remained under the influence of various factors. Our health is determined by physical and social environment, health behaviors, and lifestyle. The evaluation of frequency of upper respiratory tract diseases among Polish students was the aim of the study. Survey was conducted among 476 students of medicine and dentistry in the Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin and pedagogy students of the Zielona Góra University, Poland. SF 36 questionnaire with few additional questions concerning health and disease was used in the study. Students' participation in the research was voluntary and anonymous. More than 80% of medical students treat their upper respiratory infections by themselves. From all surveyed subjects only 48 (9.4%) of the students did not suffer from any illness during an academic year. Part of the students (39.7%) spends their leisure time in a passive way. Pedagogy students more often than medical ones spend their leisure time actively. Male medical students showed much lower values comparing to female medical students. Pedagogy students showed reversed situation. There was a high variability of general health components observed among female, but not male students. Frequent respiratory tract infections, lack of systematic physical activity, and low amount of sleep cause lower level of self evaluation in regard to health status among medical students.

Wood dust: an occupational hazard which increases the risk of respiratory disease.

The main source of emission of harmful dust in the work place comes from technological processes. European legislation aims to minimize the health risks from dangerous substances in the workplace. European Directives are transferred into national legislation. Such matters as risk assessment, technical measures, and exposure limits are regulated by the law. In Poland, manufacturing processes in which hardwood dust is discharged, are considered as carcinogenic. Numerous studies have shown that occupational exposure to wood dust is strongly associated with the development of cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (NSC), but data regarding the development of lung cancer are conflicting and inconclusive. In the study, the exposure to inhalable wood dust was assessed among wood-workers in mid-west Poland. The assessment of occupational exposure was made on the basis of measurements of the concentration of dust in the work place. This was defined by exposure rates to dust in reference to daily work time and by comparing that to the maximum acceptable concentration values of dust defined by the regulation by the Minister of Work and Social Policy. The health assessment of workers was made on the basis of periodical medical check-ups, whose range and frequency is defined by the regulation of the Minister of Health and Social Security. The study did not show effects of wood dust exposure on the of lung cancer.

Quality of life of patients with diseases of sinuses.

Contemporary studies provide proof of coincidence between diseases of upper and lower airways ("united airways disease"; "one-airway disease"). 184 patients from Szczecin with acute (AS) and chronic sinusitis (CS), aged between 18-78 years (mean age 45.7+/-14.7) were examined. The questionnaire used (SF-36; short form, 36 questions) allowed for a comparison of the quality of life of patients with sinuses' disease with healthy subjects. Patients from the groups studied indicated more restrictions of their daily life than did the subjects from a control group (CG). Among the CS patients the mean quality of life index was 75.5, among the AS patients--60.8 and among healthy subjects--51.8. The differences between the groups were significant at P<0.001. Our study indicate that sinusitis strongly influenced functioning of patients in all eight domains of life.