EQ-5D-Derived Health State Utility Values in Hematologic Malignancies: A Catalog of 796 Utilities Based on a Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a systematic review of health state utility values (HSUVs) obtained using the EQ-5D questionnaire for patients with hematologic malignancies. METHODS: The following databases were searched up to September 2018: MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and the EQ-5D publications database on the EuroQol website. Additional references were extracted from reviewed articles. Only studies presenting EQ-Index results were incorporated. In view of the heterogeneity across the included publications, we limited ourselves to a narrative synthesis of original HSUVs found. RESULTS: Fifty-nine studies (described in 63 articles) met the inclusion criteria. Data from 21 635 respondents provided 796 HSUV estimates for hematologic malignancy patients. EQ-Index scores ranged from -0.025 to 0.980. The most represented area was multiple myeloma (4 studies, 11 112 patients, and 249 HSUVs). In clinical areas such as chronic myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, we described over 50 health utilities in each. In contrast, we identified only 13 HSUVs (based on 4 studies and the data of 166 patients) for Hodgkin lymphoma. Areas without EQ-5D-based health utilities comprised: polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis, essential thrombocythemia, mastocytosis, myeloid sarcoma, chronic myelomonocytic, eosinophilic leukemia, and neutrophilic leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide range of HSUVs available for hematologic cancer patients with different indications. The review provides a catalog of utility values for use in cost-effectiveness models for hematologic malignancies.

Effect of Bathing in a 0.1% Aqueous Solution of Ethacridine Lactate on Selected Physiological Parameters of Cornu Aspersum Müller Edible Snails.

INTRODUCTION: The prohibition of antibiotic use in edible snails obligates breeders to treat bacterial infections by different means, of which a common one is a bath in Gram-positive- and partially Gram-negative-bactericidal ethacridine lactate solution. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of bathing Cornu aspersum Müller snails in a 0.1% aqueous solution of ethacridine lactate on selected physiological parameters of haemolymph. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 80 snails, divided into two equal groups (study and control). The study group was subjected to bathing in ethacridine lactate and the control group to bathing in tap water. Both groups were treated daily for seven days. The number of haemocytes in the haemolymph, the activity of alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferases, and the concentration of urea were determined. RESULTS: In the study group, after exposure to ethacridine lactate solution an increase in ALT activity, changes in the De Ritis ratio, an increase in the amount of haemocytes, and a decrease in body weight were found. No such changes were detected in the control group snails or in animals after the first bath. CONCLUSION: Multiple applications of a 0.1% ethacridine lactate bath may adversely affect Cornu aspersum Müller snails.

[Addiction among patients hospitalized due to peripheral vessels disorders]. / Uzaleznienia u osób hospitalizowanych ze schorzeniami naczyn obwodowych.

The study covered 160 patients - 80 females and 80 males, hospitalised due to arterial and venous vessels disorders. The objective of the study was an attempt to evaluate selected behaviours, such as tobacco smoking, consumption of alcohol and coffee among people with diseases of peripheral vessels. The research tool was a questionnaire form. Participation in the study was voluntary and patients were selected at random. The study showed that 60% of respondents suffered from peripheral vessels disorders, 67.5% of females had venous vessels disorders, and 87.5% of males - arterial vessels disorders. In the total population examined 69.38% of respondents consumed alcohol, 47.5% were current smokers, and 56.88% consumed coffee. The style of life of the people examined may result in the development of peripheral vessel disorders.

[Tobacco smoking among adolescents-self-reported psycho-somatic health]. / Palenie tytoniu wsród mlodziezy w samoocenie psychosomatycznej.

Studies of self-reported psychosomatic health among non-smokers and current smokers were conducted among students aged 19-20 by means of a standardised questionnaire form concerning people actively and passively smoking. The analysis covered the number and type of cigarettes, time of exposure to tobacco smoke, as well as health effects in active and passive smokers. Tobacco smokers constituted 22% of the total number of the population examined, whereas passive smokers - 78%. Females constituted 56.3% of current smokers, and 78.7% of those passively exposed to tobacco smoke. The majority of respondents experienced health effects. Considering self-reported psycho-somatic health, 82.8% of respondents who were passive smokers mentioned irritation by tobacco smoke, the majority of them suffered headaches and burning sensation of the eyes. As many as 96.1% of non-smokers considered smoking as harmful for health. Health effects reported by current smokers concerned headaches, dyspnea, dry cough and general malaise (depression, low mood, anxiety). 70% of the respondents would like to discontinue cigarettes smoking.

[Addictions in young people with different backgrounds]. / Uzaleznienia wystepujace wsród mlodziezy z róznych srodowisk.

The research, carried out among young people of selected groups from different environments estimated the occurrence of addictions, the degree of danger of nicotine addiction, alcoholism and pharmacomania. A questionnaire of the interview standardized into smokers and non-smokers was used among students. Evaluation of addiction to alcohol, drugs and nicotine among young people treated at the Toxicology Ward was done on the basis of clinical material of toxemias. Addiction to psychoactive substances among students amounts to on average of 30%. Most of the smokers would like to drop the habit. Frequency of addictions among young people hospitalized in the clinic is much higher in comparison with the group occupationally passive or working, especially in big cities. Acute toxemias among addicts, especially in the group of alcohols, drugs and psychotropic drugs were quite serious. Toxic coma accompanying toxemia is a danger to health and life.

Occupational hazard evaluation of working population in a select automotive industrial plant.

The research was conducted in the selected vehicle industry plant. Work conditions were assessed on the assembly line by measuring chemical and physical factors. Exposure to noise in the investigated plant exceeded the values of permissible standards. The pollution on the posts did not exceed the standards except singular concentrations. While assessing the values of chemical factors concentration, no toxicological danger was revealed in the investigated population. The work conditions of the investigated plant did not create the danger of professional diseases.

Circulatory system diseases of select adult population from the rural area.

The research into the state of health of the examined rural population in the macroregion of Lublin was done in the years 1999-2002. The research included both sexes at the age of 31 to 61 and above, with special regard to circulatory heart diseases. The highest sick rate caused by circulatory system diseases was observed in the age group of 61 and above. The prevailing group of circulatory system diseases was hypertension disease followed by coronary disease. The sick rate was higher in women.

Hazard estimation for the chosen work stands in metallurgical industry.

The research has been carried out on the chosen work stands of various strenuousness level in metallurgical industry. Microclimate conditions were estimated, together with noise exposure, dust density and the exposure to the chosen chemical agents, among others carbon monoxide, nitric oxides, manganese and iron. The analysis of the resulting figures showed exceeding of the binding quotas of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) indicator for some stands, leading sometimes to thermal discomfort. The exposure to noise exceeded NDN coefficient for equal sound levels. Dust density on the stands did not exceed binding quotas. The concentration of chemical agents did not exceed the norms, except for single exceeding of manganese, and does not constitute toxicity hazard.

Analysis of occupational risk due to exposure to carcinogenic factors in the work environment of a chemical plant.

The evaluation of exposure to some carcinogenic chemicals and seemingly carcinogenic chemicals, e.g. mist of sulphuric acid, benzene, chromium (VI) and formaldehyde among employees of some departments of a chemical plant was carried out. The study was carried out in the years 1999--2002. The analysis of concentration of the studied substances revealed the highest risk of exposure in the Cyclohexanon Department and The Maintenance Services Department in Caprolactam department. No direct relationship between the exposure to the studied chemicals and the development of cancer in the working population was found.

Assessment of exposure to noise at various workplaces in a chemical plant.

The study was carried out on some workplaces in the departments of various degree of unfavourable working conditions in the chemical plant. The exposure to noise was evaluated and the incidence of occupational diseases and suspected occupational diseases was analyzed. In the studied period of time high values of intensity of noise were found at workplaces, very often exceeding the permissible hygienic standards. In the years 1997--1999 there were 4 cases of occupational damage to hearing, and within two last years no occupational damage to hearing was found.

[Assessment of health state in the selected population of rural environment in the aspect of environmental exposure to lead]. / Ocena stanu zdrowia wybranej populacji wiejskiej w aspekcie srodowiskowego narazenia na olów.

The research was conducted in the selected population of rural environment. Health state was assessed in the aspect of environmental exposure to lead. While analyzing obtained research results, the higher incidence of the disease was revealed among female population in comparison with male population and it was the highest in the age group above 60 years of age. The predominating group was the diseases of the circulatory system including chronic hypertensive disease and coronary heart disease, then dermatoses and the diseases of the osteo-articular system. The values of delta-amino-laevulinic acid were within the range of valid standards and no toxic risk of the investigated population was revealed.