A spotless skin is a rarity. Both women and men have different problems related to the complexion. One of the most common problems is acne, which affects an increasing number of people of all ages. Seborrhea skin areas rich in sebaceous glands, the formation of comedones, inflammation, and scars are characteristic for this disease. The aim of the study was to discuss the causes of acne vulgaris, methods of treatment, and proper care of the skin affected by this problem.
INTRODUCTION Studies on many populations have shown that the length of the second finger (2D) compared to the fourth (4D), expressed as the finger length ratio (2D:4D), might be characteristic for sexual dimorphism. It was also found that the values of 2D:4D differ significantly between examined populations. It is thought that the value of 2D:4D is determined in early foetal life under the influence of genetic factors and the strong influence of sex hormones. It has been proven that the values of 2D:4D are related to, for instance, sexual orientation, and artistic and sporting ability. Recently, increasing interest in the clinical signifi- cance of finger length ratio in the diagnosis of somatic and mental disorders has been observed. For example, it was found that values of 2D:4D in individuals suffering from congenital adrenal hyperplasia or autism were significantly lower compared to healthy subjects. The aim of the study was to determine sexual dimor- phism in finger length ratio among representatives of the Polish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group comprised 115 people (57 females and 58 males). Anthropometric meas- urements were taken from the second and fourth finger of the right and left hands - from the point of dactylion (da) to pseudophalangion (pph) using analogue callipers. We calculated the significance of differences in 2D:4D between males and females separately for the right and left hands. RESULTS In both hands mean 2D:4D values were lower in males than in females. The difference in the right hand reached the statistical significance level with p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS Among the subjects from the examined population the 2D:4D ratio shows trends characteristic for sexual dimorphism.
Glioblastoma multiforme is a particularly malignant form of primary brain tumor. This cancer represents 12-15% of all brain tumors. Despite advances in neurosurgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the average survival rate is only from 12.1 to 14.6 months. Glioblastoma multiforme is characterized by its diverse histological and cellular features. Like other malignant tumours, it is formed in a multi-stage process of somatic cell transformations, accumulating several genetic disorders. The last decade was a period of particular interest in stem cells. These cells have so far been identified in a variety of primary tumours in the brain. They are probably responsible for the recurrence and progression of cancer. Given the current state of knowledge, it is likely that modifications to the previously used morphological classification of tumours of the CNS will be made by the WHO, as well as the extension of its molecular criteria. In particular, such strategies are awaited for Glioblastoma multiforme--the most malignant primary tumor of the central nervous system, with so far very poor prognosis.
The article describes attitudes to disability and physically disabled people, taking into account the aspect of ethical and social location, what physically disabled meant in societies, and ways to solve the problems of disability. The article is based on studies of disability and historical sources. Christ's attitude shown in the Gospels changed the traditional cultures of the ancient treatment of disability in terms of it being seen as a penalty of the divine. The development of Christianity caused a gradual expansion of the ideas of charity, at the same time stepping up care and material support to all those physically disabled in need. Care of the disabled is based mostly on charity. Church activities supported, by the structure of the State and private individuals, was of paramount importance. Medieval society felt responsible for disabled people.
The vitality of dental pulp is essential for long-term tooth survival. The aim of vital pulp therapy is to preserve vital, healthy pulp tissue. This therapy's foundation is the elimination of bacteria from the dentin-pulp complex. The treatment option depends on the cause and extent of mineralised tooth tissue destruction. The outcome of such treatment is determined by accurate assessment of the pulp's status and the dentist's ability to predict the success of the therapy. The aim of this review is to facilitate the dentist in making a proper decision referring to vital pulp therapy in permanent teeth, and to provide an overview of new approaches in such treatment.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of systemic diseases characterized by necrotizing inflammation of small and medium size vessels, without immunologic deposits, and with the presence of specific serum antibodies. Recent genetic and cohort studies should improve the comprehension of the pathogenesis of AAV, the stratification of patients into homogenous groups, and lead to therapeutic implications. Immunosuppressive therapy of AAV includes two major periods: induction of remission and maintenance therapy. Therapy should be chosen individually, not only depending on the stage and severity of the disease, but also on genetic and some prognostic factors. Previous randomized trials and clinical observations show some possible limitations of treatment with cyclophosphamide and steroids. Rytuximab seems to be a good alternative in those patients in induction therapy as well as in maintenance therapy.
INTRODUCTION:Functional disorders of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in the contemporary population are considered by World Health Organization to be the third most frequent dental disease after caries and periodontitis. It is thought to affect 84% of the adult population. In patients aged 65 years and older these disorders become more severe and may affect up to 100% of this age group.MATERIAL AND METHOD:We examined 150 patients aged 35-70 years (mean age 46.5 years). All patients were diagnosed in 2006-2010 at the Department of Dental Prosthetics of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin due to suspected more or less advanced functional disorders of the stomatognathic system, particularly TMJ. The severity of the disorders was identified using the Helkimo index.RESULTS:Functional disorders of the TMJ and mild sleep apnoea were diagnosed in 112 patients. Findings from the study indicated that the severity of sleep apnoea was positively correlated with the duration and severity of TMD.CONCLUSION:Most patients did not link the symptoms of sleep apnoea with dysfunctions of the stomatognathic system.
INTRODUCTION:The objective of the study was the analysis of the indications for, and assessment of the outcomes of secondary interventions after primary repair of injuries within the upper limb in the authors' institution--Department of General and Hand Surgery of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (a tertiary care unit).MATERIAL AND METHODS:Answers on questionnaires (including DASH) mailed to 33 patients were the subject of the analysis. The group consisted of 27 men and 6 women, mean age 36 years, in whom secondary interventions were performed at a mean of 8 months after primary surgery.RESULTS:Injuries were grouped in five categories: tendon lacerations, hand or finger amputations, nerve sections, complex tissue injuries, and isolated finger fractures. The most common cause of secondary intervention was incomplete finger movement and lack of opposition of the thumb. The most common operations included tenolysis, arthrolysis and opponensplasty. The outcomes of secondary surgery from patients' perspective were overall good: 13 (39%) patients reported significant improvement, 16 (48%) moderate, and only 4 (13%) patients had no benefit. Twenty-five patients regained full, or almost full hand function (DASH scores 2-39), and 8 (24%) had moderately to severely impaired function (DASH 40-80). Twenty-eight patients returned to work.CONCLUSIONS:Primary repair of upper limb injuries (even severe) in the tertiary institution was adequate, and secondary interventions rarely necessary. The most common indication was incomplete finger movement caused by ineffective postoperative mobilization. The important role of rehabilitation for the final outcome of the treatment of hand injuries was emphasized.
The article describes attitudes to disability and physically disabled people, taking into account the aspect of ethical and social location, what physically disabled meant in societies, and ways to solve the problems of disability. The article is based on studies of disability and historical sources. Christ's attitude shown in the Gospels changed the traditional cultures of the ancient treatment of disability in terms of it being seen as a penalty of the divine. The development of Christianity caused a gradual expansion of the ideas of charity, at the same time stepping up care and material support to all those physically disabled in need. Care of the disabled is based mostly on charity. Church activities supported, by the structure of the State and private individuals, was of paramount importance. Medieval society felt responsible for disabled people.
INTRODUCTION:Studies on many populations have shown that the length of the second finger (2D) compared to the fourth (4D), expressed as the finger length ratio (2D:4D), might be characteristic for sexual dimorphism. It was also found that the values of 2D:4D differ significantly between examined populations. It is thought that the value of 2D:4D is determined in early foetal life under the influence of genetic factors and the strong influence of sex hormones. It has been proven that the values of 2D:4D are related to, for instance, sexual orientation, and artistic and sporting ability. Recently, increasing interest in the clinical signifi- cance of finger length ratio in the diagnosis of somatic and mental disorders has been observed. For example, it was found that values of 2D:4D in individuals suffering from congenital adrenal hyperplasia or autism were significantly lower compared to healthy subjects. The aim of the study was to determine sexual dimor- phism in finger length ratio among representatives of the Polish population.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study group comprised 115 people (57 females and 58 males). Anthropometric meas- urements were taken from the second and fourth finger of the right and left hands - from the point of dactylion (da) to pseudophalangion (pph) using analogue callipers. We calculated the significance of differences in 2D:4D between males and females separately for the right and left hands.RESULTS:In both hands mean 2D:4D values were lower in males than in females. The difference in the right hand reached the statistical significance level with p < 0.05.CONCLUSIONS:Among the subjects from the examined population the 2D:4D ratio shows trends characteristic for sexual dimorphism.
INTRODUCTION:The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between body concept and personality, and sociodemographic, physical and medical factors in der- matological patients with skin lesions localized in socially visible body areas.MATERIAL AND METHODS:The study was carried out in 160 dermatological patients (80 females and 80 males) aged 30-60 years (mean = 48.26; SD = 9.15) whose skin lesions were localized in the area of the face/head and/or hands. Body image was measured with the Body Image Questionnaire based on the Body Cathexis Scale of P.F. Secord and S.J. Jourard. The self concept was measured with the Adjective Check List of H.G. Gough and A.B. Heilbrun, and The Wheel Questionnaire of Ben Shalit.CONCLUSIONS:Body self image of dermatological patients was influenced mostly by personality traits.
PURPOSE:In this study we decided to answer the question of whether spending more time on reading and writing leads to higher prevalence of myopia. MATERIAL AND METHODS:A total of 70 people (140 eyes)--17 men and 53 women aged 18-29 years (mean 22.5 ± 2.8) were examined. A questionnaire concerning the amount of time spent each day on reading and writing, as well as ophthalmic examination involving: visual acuity, anterior segment and fundus examination, keratometry, autorefractometry and axial length of the eyeball measurement (using IOL Master) were carried out in all participants. The refractive errors were described as spherical equivalents (SE). Hyperopia was defined to be SE higher than +0.5 Dsph, and emmetropia to be higher than -0.5 and lower than +0.5 Dsph. Myopia was defined to be with a SE lower than -0.5 Dsph. High myopia was defined as SE lower than -8, medium myopia in the range between -8 and -4, and low myopia lower than -0.5 and higher than -4 Dsph. The obtained results were typed into an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed statistically using Statistica 10 software. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS:It was found that people with low myopia spent statistically more time on reading and writing than participants in the emmetropic group (5.8 ± 2.4 vs 4.1 ± 2.4 h/day, p = 0.003). A relationship between reading and writing and medium and high myopia and hyperopia was not observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:Near visual work leads to higher prevalence of low myopia.
INTRODUCTION:The aim of the study was to assess knowledge about rare diseases among citizens of Szczecin (Poland). MATERIAL AND METHODS:The study was performed by questioning 242 adult customers of Turzyn Shopping Centre in Szczecin (149 females and 93 males). The survey was conducted in the shopping mall on 23 February 2013 (control group) and during the celebration of Rare Disease Day and the 12th Polish Nationwide Cystic Fibrosis Week ("Dolina Mukolinków") on 2 March 2013 (research group). The research tool was a questionnaire devised by the authors and filled out by the writing authors interviewer's answers. RESULTS:In the study group more people knew about the existence of Rare Disease Day than in the control group (86.02% vs 57.72%, chi-square test χ2 > χ2(1); 0.001, p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between knowledge of when Rare Disease Day is celebrated. The definition of rare diseases compatible with the definition of the European Commission's Health and Consumer Protection was reported only in the control group by 4 people. Examples of rare diseases were reported by 74.19% of the respondents in the study group and by 65.10% in the control group (more than 130 diseases were mentioned altogether). Usually, respondents mentioned fewer examples than were asked about in the questionnaire. The aim of Rare Disease Day was accurately specified by 86.02% of persons in the study group and 87.92% in the control group. Rare Disease Day personally concerns 30.11% of respondents in the study group and 10.07% of persons in the control group (OR = 3.85, 95% CI 0.9-3.6, χ2 > χ2(1); 0.001, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:The respondents from the research group knew more about Rare Disease Day and defined the idea of it as closed in a significantly higher degree than the control group. There was no significant difference in the detailed knowledge about rare diseases in either group. This might indicate the need to educate society and patients, along with their families.
INTRODUCTION:Co-payment in the health sector operates in most healthcare systems in European countries. The aim of this study was knowledge of Polish citizens' opinions concerning healthcare services co-payment with respect to selected socio-demographic factors.MATERIAL AND METHODS:The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey of 636 respondents, representing residents of the West Pomeranian region, Poland.RESULTS:The majority of respondents did not accept co-payment for health services.CONCLUSIONS:Material situation and educational background impact on decisions concerning co-payment for hospital treatment.
INTRODUCTION:The midwife's profession has evolved across the ages to become--in the vast majority of countries, including Poland--an independent medical occupation. The aim of this thesis was to define how big is the social demand for perinatal servises given by midwifes among women from Zachodniopomorskie province and investigate the knowledge base of medical staff in Zachodniopomorskie province in regard to the midwife's rights and duties resulting from Polish law.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Research was carried out from 1.10.2009 to 30.06.2010. It included 115 active midwifes in the city of Szczecin and beyond it (Zachodniopomorskie province). Additionally, 40 doctors, 99 nurses and 1 master of physiotherapy took part in the survey (all of them based in Zachodniopomorskie province). Research was also conducted among 150 women from the same province. The survey was presented in the form of a questionnaire. Since the available literature did not include a standardized research tool which could be used to achieve appointed goals a new method was devised. Results were subjected to mathematical and statistical analysis.CONCLUSIONS:After the compilation of results presented in this paper the following conclusions were made: 1. Some of the medical personnel who participated in the survey do not perceive midwifes as independent medical practitioners. 2. Most midwifes are aware of their rights and obligations outlined in Polish legislation. In their opinion the lack of independence in their profession is caused by unclear clauses and paragraphs in Polish law. The women who participated in the survey showed an interest in services provided by midwifes. 3. They stated that there is a common need for this kind of service. There are grounds to intensify the promotion of midwifery as an independent occupation.
Aortitis is one of the manifestations of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and is included in its definition. There is a significantly increased risk of aortic aneurysm formation in GCA patients. In some GCA patients aortic aneurysm dissection is diagnosed only in autopsy. Monitoring of these patients, especially in long lasting disease, requires a doctor's awareness of the possibility of aneurysm formation and aortic aneurysm dissection. Based on the available reports it cannot be confirmed whether intensification of aortitis treatment in GCA prevents the development of aneurysms. This article presents an overview of the available literature and our own experience on a rational diagnosis of inflammation and aneurysms of the aorta in GCA, as well as the prospects for its prevention.
INTRODUCTION:Total or partial upper limb amputation significantly reduces ability of normal functioning in the society. Development of microsurgical skills enabled to replantation of the amputated limb (or part) and to regain its partial or sometimes full function.MATERIAL AND METHODS:The study analyses the causes of refusal of admission to 55 of 141 patients referred to the replantation service of the Department of General and Hand Surgery PUM, over the period 2012-2013.RESULTS:The causes of denied admission included: injury without compromise of blood supply to the limb (35%), distal amputations (27%), crush injuries (11%), single finger amputation (9%), severe damage of the amputated part (9%) and lower limb amputations (5%). The age of the patient had no significant influence on the decision to refuse admission. The distance between the referring hospital and the replantation centre was statistically significantly shorter in accepted cases (252 km vs 496 km, p < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Our outcomes show a variety of causes of refusal. of admission to patients with severe trauma and amputation of the hand. The main factors influencing decision making regarding admission or denial were associated with the actual danger to the survival of the involved limb, and estimation/calculation of the chance for limb saving.
Introduction: Caloric restriction is the only well‑documented nutritional intervention prolonging the life of mammals. This method modifies the lipid levels in blood, controlling obesity and delaying the onset of many medical conditions associated with metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of lipid profile in patients on Mediterranean or CRON (Caloric Restriction with Optimal Nutrition) diets, before and after six weeks of dieting.Material and methods: The following parameters were compared: total cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and BMI. Additionally, we measured the levels of insulin, HOMA score, and anthropometric parameters. The comparative analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between mild caloric restriction and blood lipid profile.Results from studies on patients who underwent six‑week dietetic intervention indicated statistically significant changes in biochemical parameters due to caloric restrictions. Such changes were not found in subjects following the Mediterranean diet. The greatest decrease in the blood level of triglycerides was found in subjects on the CRON diet, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and total lipid levels also decreased. No significant changes if biochemical parameters were found in patients on the Mediterranean diet.Conclusions: A comparative analysis of all parameters demonstrated that the use of mild caloric restrictions with ensured supply of all necessary nutrients seems to be the most effective solution for reducing fatty tissue.
