Factors of work environment hazardous for health in opinions of employees working underground in the 'Bogdanka' coal mine.

INTRODUCTION: Employees performing work underground in coal mines are exposed to the effect of many hazardous factors in their work environment which negatively affect their health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to recognize the opinions of employes working underground in one of the coal mines concerning the occurrence of factors hazardous for health in their work environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 700 persons working underground in the 'Bogdanka' coal mine in Leczna (Eastern Poland). The study was carried out using a questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed using software STATISTICA v. 7.1. RESULTS: The vast majority of respondents (approximately 80%) reported that noise and dustiness at their workplace create risk for their health. More than a half of them mentioned that the microclimate in the mine threatens their health (high humidity and high temperature), and a half of respondents indicated vibration and poor lighting. The greatest differences of opinions concerning the effect of hazardous factors on health of persons employed in the mine were observed in the sub-groups distinguished according to the work position. Health risk at a workplace was most often identified by those employed as miners. CONCLUSIONS: Among actions reducing the negative effect of the work environment on health is the introduction of new, safer technologies of coal mining. Also, the human factor is very important for work safety in mining, including the proper preparation of employees who undertake work in a mine. It is recommended that new, more effective educational programmes are implemented in the area of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at workplaces.

Divergent Response to Cannabinoid Receptor Stimulation in High and Low Stress-Induced Analgesia Mouse Lines Is Associated with Differential G-Protein Activation.

Bidirectional selection of mice for high (HA) and low (LA) swim stress-induced analgesia (SSIA) is associated with a divergent response to opioids. In the current study, we investigated whether the genetic divergence in opioid system activity between HA and LA mice also affects cannabinoid sensitivity. Additionally, we also investigated whether the endocannabinoid system mediates SSIA in these lines. Numerous reports support the existence of pharmacological and molecular interactions between the opioid and cannabinoid systems along the pain pathways, as both systems utilize the same G-protein subtype for signal transduction. Mice from both lines were treated with a non-selective CB1/CB2 agonist, WIN55,212-2 and their behavior was evaluated according to the tetrad paradigm assessing antinociception, catalepsy, hypothermia and locomotor activity. Surprisingly, the engagement of CB1 receptors in SSIA was not confirmed. G-protein activation was studied in different brain regions and the spinal cord in the [35S]GTPγS assay. It was shown that WIN55,212-2 produced more potent antinociception in HA than in LA mice. Also, HA mice displayed stronger cannabinoid-induced catalepsy in the bar test. However, LA mice were more sensitive to the hypothermic effect of WIN55,212-2. The intensity of behavioral responses to WIN55,212-2 was correlated with increased G-protein activation in the periaqueductal gray matter, frontal cortex, striatum and thalamus in HA mice. A weak response to WIN55,212-2 in LA mice could depend on impaired CB2 receptor signaling. In conclusion, differences in both opioid and cannabinoid sensitivity between HA and LA mice could stem from alterations in intracellular second messenger mechanisms involving G-protein activation.

Bidirectional selection for high and low stress-induced analgesia affects G-protein activity.

Mice selected for high (HA) and low (LA) swim stress-induced analgesia (SSIA) are a unique model for studying the genetic background of this phenomenon. HA and LA miceshow substantial differences in the magnitude of the antinociceptive response to stress and when treated with exogenous opioids. However, the direct cause underplaying this distinctive feature has not yet been identified. The current study was designed to investigate the possibility that disturbances in G-protein signaling could explain the divergent response to opioid agonists. Supraspinal and spinal opioid sensitivity was assessed in vivo with intraperitoneal morphine and subsequent thermal stimulus exposure. The level of opioid receptor-mediated G-protein activation was investigated by means of DAMGO and morphine-stimulated [35S]GTPγS assay in the brain and spinal cord homogenates from HA and LA mice. Morphine (3-249 µmol/kg, i.p) was over 6 - and 3 - times more potent in HA than LA mice in the hot plate and tail-flick assays, respectively. Additionally, HA mice showed elevated ß - endorphin levels in the brain. Enhanced efficacy of agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was detected in opioid receptor-rich limbic regions of HA mice like the hypothalamus and hippocampus. Increased G-protein activity also emerged in the thalamus, periaqueductal gray matter and prefrontal cortex. In conclusion, the magnitude of the antinociceptive response to opioids in HA and LA mice is correlated with alterations in G-protein activation in brain regions responsible for integration and descending modulation of nociceptive information as well as at sites governing the emotional response to stressful stimuli.

Leigh syndrome in individuals bearing m.9185T>C MTATP6 variant. Is hyperventilation a factor which starts its development?

Leigh syndrome (LS), subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy is caused by various genetic defects, including m.9185T>C MTATP6 variant. Mechanism of LS development remains unknown. We report on the acid-base status of three patients with m.9185T>C related LS. At the onset, it showed respiratory alkalosis, reflecting excessive respiration effort (hyperventilation with low pCO2). In patient 1, the deterioration occurred in temporal relation to passive oxygen therapy. To the contrary, on the recovery, she demonstrated a relatively low respiratory drive, suggesting that a "hypoventilation" might be beneficial for m.9185T>C carriers. As long as circumstances of the development of LS have not been fully explained, we recommend to counteract hyperventilation and carefully dose oxygen in patients with m.9185T>C related LS.

Dietary habits among persons hired on shift work.

INTRODUCTION: Shift-work determinates irregular nutrition habits. The quality as well as the quantity of meals consumed by shift-workers can significantly affects their health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary habits of people performing shift work in the Bogdanka mine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the Bogdanka mine in Leczna. The questionnaire, which was designed by the author of this dissertation, was conducted among 700 shift-workers, working underground. The results were subjected to statistical analysis based on STATISTICA v. 7.1 (StatSoft, Poland) software. RESULTS: Nearly half of respondents reported regular consumption of meals (40.0%) Interviewees admitted having warm meals during the day (81.4%). The most frequently consumed meal during the day was the hot one (50.9%), three meals and more were consumed the least frequently (8.1%). Almost half of respondents considered their eating habits as inappropriate (46.3%). Among those, nearly half (68.2%) stated that shift - work is the reason for their nutrition habits. More than half of respondents (66.0%) admitted that shift work hampers regular consumption of meals. CONCLUSIONS: Shift work makes nourishment and regular consumption difficult. It contributes to the limited amount of warm meals eaten during the day. In order to maintain preventive health care and the improvement of quality of life, shift workers should be provided with an easier access to meals (including warm one) at specified times of the day.

The factor harmful to the quality of human life--shift-work.

UNLABELLED: The system of human activity, which is established by genetics and regulated by outer and inner factors, is associated with many characteristics which maintain the body in the best condition and ensure appropriate life quality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate of life quality among male shift-workers. METHODS: Research based on a self-devised questionnaire, conducted among 700 shift-workers, followed by statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS: Nearly a half of respondents (43.00%) reported that shift-work influences the quality of their family life. Remarkably, such an opinion was often stated by people with children (46.01%) p<0.05, the divorced (58.22%), married people (44.74%) and bachelors (25.33%), respectively. Fathers usually indicated lack of contact with their family as well as irregular consumption of meals (66.91%). Almost every third respondent noted that their shift type of work negatively influence their sexual life (31.14%). CONCLUSIONS: It was shown that shift-work negatively influences the respondents' life quality in the form of deterioration of the quality of family life; the respondents, regardless of marital status, age and having children, most often complained about the lack of contact with the family and irregular eating with them; negative influence on sexual life, which was the case in one-third of respondents. In order to encourage healthy behaviour and increase the quality of life of people performing shift-work, training and programmes should be introduced. These would help shift- workers to adjust their work time to their family and social life.

Dietary acrylamide exposure in chosen population of South Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Acrylamide is used for wide range of industry purposes and it is produced in food during heating process. Foods with high acrylamide concentration include French fries, chips, bread crust, cereal, different baked goods. The electrophilic nature of acrylamide allows to interact with biological molecules. It is easily absorbed via the ingestion, inhalation or through the skin. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of dietary exposure to acrylamide in chosen population with respect to different age groups in South Poland and assessment of health risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Food consumption survey was conducted among 3 southern provinces in Poland. Studies involved 1470 participants. A semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used. Consumption data of individuals were calculated into µg/kg(bw)/day. Statistics was calculated for both whole group and different age groups. MOE values were calculated. RESULTS: Average acrylamide intake was 0.85 ± 0.82 µg(acrylamide)/kg(bw) per day and calculated 95th percentile was 1.70 µg(acrylamide)/kg(bw)/day. In general total dietary exposure decreased with age from 1.51 µg(acrylamide)/kg(bw)/day for the youngest group (6-12 years old) to 0.67 µg(acrylamide)/kg(bw)/day for the oldest one (42-60 years old). The main contributor of acrylamide in diet in all age groups are bakery products. The MOE values calculated for average acrylamide exposure in diet was 212 and 365 for BMDL10 0.18 and 0.31 mg/kg(bw)/day. CONCLUSIONS: Young population consume the highest amount of acrylamide thus any efforts should be done to rise their nutritional knowledge and to decrease intake of high acrylamide products (crisps and French fries). The need for promotion of knowledge how to decrease acrylamide level especially in home-made food regardless of age is necessary.

Principles of social security and health insurance for farmers in Poland and Germany--a comparative assessment.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: As landowners occupied with agricultural production comprise a sizeable part of the populations in mid- and western European countries, it seemed reasonable to assess the organization of health care systems concerning farmers and their families in Poland and Germany. Both countries have similar geographical conditions and rural environments. It so happens that in Poland the principles of the system of agricultural insurance (KRUS) is based on the experiences of Germany and France. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Basically, both in Poland and Germany, the agricultural health insurance companies provide the same insurance cover as other health insurance companies. In both countries, under certain conditions, in the case of illness, the insured farmers receive instead of sickness benefit operational assistance and home help. In spite of the similarities that characterize both administrations, many particular differences are to be noted, e.g. the farmers' social insurance in Poland is subject to only one ministry, in contrast to Germany where two ministries are responsible for farmers' social insurance. In Poland, KRUS is a monopolistic organization, whereas in Germany, nine similar independent structures fulfil the task of a health insurance company. Needless to say, many more funds are available for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation in Germany than in Poland, due to obvious differences in the overall national income.

Health behavior among patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus as reported from a regional diabetic outpatient department.

The cost of management of diabetes mellitus in Poland, which has become a very common disease recently, is estimated at over 1 milliard zloty a year. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the effectiveness of prevention and treatment of DM and its complications both by using improved methods and the promotion of positive health behaviours such as physical activity, rational diet, and reduction of harmful ones such as smoking, in diabetic patients. The aim of the study was to assess positive and negative health behaviours and the presence of diabetes mellitus complications in type 1 and 2 DM patients of provincial diabetic outpatient department. The study included 53 DM patients who reported to diabetic outpatient department in Biala Podlaska. The participants filled in a questionnaire consisting of some questions applying to the type of DM and a way of treatment, frequency of plasma glucose measurement, medical check-ups, DM complications, coexistent diseases, family history of DM and health behaviours (physical activity, appropriate diet, smoking etc.). The results allowed to draw the following conclusions: 1. the majority of diabetic patients of the studied population lead a fairly healthy life-style: they are physically active, use a suitable diabetic diet, do not smoke, regularly control weight, plasma glucose concentration and blood pressure, declare systematical ophthalmologist control and they take special care about their feet; 2. type 1 diabetic patients are more careful about DM management than type 2 diabetic subjects.