Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine最新文献

Introduction and objective: The medical records were examined of 222 patients of the Osteoporosis Treatment Clinic at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Łódź, Poland. The influence was analyzed of 27 clinical risk factors on the occurrence of low-energetic fractures in this population. The aim of the research was to find possible dependencies between different risk factors, and the actual fractures that were recorded in the database.

Material and methods: For each risk factor and for each category (e.g., patients with diabetes and patients without diabetes), the percentage was computed of patients who had incidents osteoporotic fractures, and the percentage of those without fractures. Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-squared test were used to find statistically significant risk factors.

Results: Statistically significant risk factors were found: age, chronic kidney disease, T-scores of the femoral neck and T-score of the lumbar spine, serum phosphate levels, FRAX-BMD, FRAX-BMI, and the type of diet.

Conclusions: Some observations concerning the influence of individual risk factors on the occurrence of fractures are consistent with those presented in the literature. However, it was also noticed that the patients with hyperthyroidism, rheumatic diseases, diabetes, cancer or gastrointestinal diseases, had a smaller percentage of fractures than the patients who did not have these diseases. This may be explained by the small number of those having these diseases, or by the fact that they had already received appropriate treatment.

Introduction and objective: Job burnout is a phenomenon that results from unmanaged chronic workplace stress, which is directly related to the stressful nature or workplace, as well as experiencing chronic emotional strain and is characterized by high emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and low professional efficacy. Emergency Medical Teams are just such a workplace. Paramedics functioning in a state of prolonged, permanent stress begin to lose motivation to continue their work with their previous commitment. The purpose of this study is to answer the question of whether the paramedics surveyed feel professionally burned out, and how stress affects the performance of professional activities and health behaviour.

Material and methods: The study was conducted from May 2019 to September 2019 among 238 (223 males and 15 females) paramedics of the outgoing Emergency Medical Service from the Mazovian province. The study used standardized tools in the form of questionnaires: Link Burnout Questionnaire - LBQ and Health Behavior Inventory Questionnaire - IZZ.

Results: The study showed high levels of psychophysical exhaustion in our sample of paramedics.

Conclusions: The problem of professional burnout among paramedics requires wider recognition as well as the development of preventive measures to minimize its negative effects. It is necessary to consider the education of paramedics on the subject in question, as well as extending increased psychological support to this professional group.

Introduction: Anaplasma phagocytophilum are tick-borne bacteria affecting both human and animal health. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in questing I. ricinus ticks collected in Lublin Province, eastern Poland.

Material and methods: Ticks were collected by the flagging method. Total DNA from ticks was extracted by boiling in ammonium hydroxide. Detection of A. phagocytophilum was performed by amplifying a fragment of the 16S rDNA gene.

Results: Overall, 626 I. ricinus ticks were tested for the presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA. The prevalence of the pathogenic bacteria was 1.28%. The occurrence of A. phagocytophilum among adults was 1.8%, whereas none of the collected I. ricinus nymphs were infected.

Conclusions: The study revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum in I. ricinus in eastern Poland, which constitutes a potential health risk for residents, tourists, forestry, and agricultural workers.

Introduction and objective: The article formulates the following theses and conclusion: (1) the development processes of precision medicine and precision public health (PPH) are correlated; (2) the development of public health genomics depends not only on an increasingly complete exploration of the principles of the human genome, but also on a fundamentally better investigation of how broad environmental factors can alter gene expression or structure; (3) a necessary condition for the development of both precision medicine and precision public health is the collection of increasingly broader and more complete information about pro- and anti-health factors; (4) the above necessary condition is only possible in a situation of strong authoritarianism with regard to taking health-promoting measures. It is likely that in the near future public health will be shaped by health-promoting authoritarianism.

Brief description of the state of knowledge: There are two main problems in the development of precise public health (PPH). The first, is maintaining the right proportions between actions based on the genomic data, and actions determined by better understanding of the effect of environmental factors. The second, is the necessity to subject individuals and populations to increasingly closer pro-health surveillance, which must be increasingly more effective, forcing specific health-promoting behaviours on individual and social scales.

Summary: PPH in full can only exist in conditions of complete information concerning health determinants of an individual, and each distinguished group of individuals, as well as fully pro-health organization of individual and social life, i.e. in conditions of full individual and social medicalization. However, such a full medicalization cannot be achieved in any way other than authoritarian.

Introduction and objective: Multiple studies showed that patients with a severe course of COVID-19 may develop cardiovascular complications. Assessment of the incidence of myocardial injury in young, physically fit male patients with no comorbidities, and asymptomatic/mild course of the disease who recovered from COVID-19.

Material and methods: A prospective, single-center, observational cohort study of 75 young (median[IQR] age 22 years) physically fit male patients, without comorbidities and smoking who recently recovered from COVID-19. Results were compared with a control group of age-matched, physically fit men with no comorbidities who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.

Results: 19(25%) patients had possible COVID-19 related myocardial injury[PCRMI] on cardiovascular magnetic resonance [CMR] including definitive myocarditis (n=1;1.3%) and possible myocarditis (n=3;4%). Other abnormalities: mildly decreased (<50%) left ventricular(LV) ejection fraction (n=4;5%), increased LV end-diastolic volume index (n=8;11%) and LV mass index (n=9;12%). Patients with PCRMI had higher NT-pro-BNP level (29 vs 20pg/mL respectively, P=0.02) and lower LV ejection fraction (55% vs 59% respectively, P=0.03). PCRMI was demonstrated in 3(27%) volunteers from the control group based on the presence of LGE (2/18%) and decreased LV ejection fraction (1/9%). No volunteer from the control group was diagnosed with definitive or possible myocarditis.

Conclusions: PCRMI was a frequent finding in young, asymptomatic, physically-fit patients sans comorbidities relatively late after recovery from COVID-19. Whereas no definitive or possible myocarditis was found in the control group, LGE was relatively frequent suggesting that our findings might not be COVID-19 specific. This warrants a need for further investigation into the long-term cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19.

Introduction and objective: Medicinal plants have a long and significant history of being used for their healing properties. One famous example is Commiphora, which is mostly found in the southern part of Arabia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a water-based extract obtained from two different varieties of myrrh in suppressing the proliferation of Candida spp. at different concentrations.

Material and methods: The inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract of two different varieties of myrrh, commonly used in traditional medicine, was assessed against five pathogenic yeasts using the diffusion technique. Mass spectrum was used to analyze myrrh's chemical composition for antimicrobial effects.

Results: The aqueous extract of both tested species of myrrh (Commiphora myrrha and Commiphora molmol) showed inhibitory effects on all tested isolates. During the chemical examination of myrrh, it was noted that the material included 12 components known for their antimicrobial properties. The essential oil derived from two varieties of myrrh showed the most significant effects on Candida tropicalis (ATCC 66029), Candida guilliermondii (ATCC 6260), Candida laurentii (ATCC 18803), Candida neoformans (ATCC 66031), and Candida albicans (ATCC 14053). Analysis of chemical composition of the myrrh revealed 19 known components, of which 12 compounds have been proven by research to suppress the growth of microorganisms.

Conclusions: C. myrrha and C. molmol aqueous extracts exhibit a promising antifungal effect against common Candida infections. The aqueous extracts present a variety of antimicrobial compounds; however, further research is necessary to elucidate the specific mechanisms of action of these compounds, and to evaluate their efficacy, toxicity and safety before considering their clinical application.

Introduction and objective: Senior Clubs are the most commonly available and, in most cases, free form of activation of older people. The aim of their functioning is improvement in the quality of life of seniors through education and activation. By using research tools to assess the needs of seniors it is possible to determine the direction of intervention related with an effective therapeutic, educational and activation procedures. An individual approach to seniors seems to be the key to knowing their real needs, which significantly determine the quality of life, and may also help limit the escalation of gerontophobia occurring in the society. Research was conducted among participants in Senior Clubs and Universities of the Third Age. The aim of the study was verification of the needs, expectations, and potential barriers faced by seniors at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Material and methods: The basic tool used in the study was an author-constructed, anonymous questionnaire including items from the standardized European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47). Participation in the survey was voluntary, and the selection criterion was participation in meetings of senior organisations located in the Lublin Province of eastern Poland.

Results: The study showed that the distance between the place of residence of seniors and the location of senior institutions was the factor determining participation in the classes. In addition, during the period of sanitary regime the seniors had increased difficulties with access to medical care and medical specialists.

Conclusions: Senior institutions and organizations should consider the needs of seniors and adjust their offer to the challenges resulting from the period of social isolation.

Introduction and objective: Local Government Units (LGUs) in Poland may develop health policy programs on different health conditions according to the rules and templates defined by the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System (AHTATS). This study aimed to analyze health policy programs on eye health implemented by LGUs in Poland between 2015 and 2023.

Material and methods: This is a retrospective analysis of data on health policy programs on eye health implemented by LGUs in Poland from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2023. Data were received from the public information and announcements published by the AHTATS. Full texts of health policy programs on eye health were with particular focus on the target population, type of intervention, timeline, budget, and characteristics of LGU.

Results: Between 2015 and 2023, a total of 1568 health policy programs were submitted to AHTATS by LGUs, of which only 41 (2.6%) programs addressed eye health. Health policy programs on eye health were prepared by 4 of 16 voivodeships, 2 of 314 poviats, and 30 of 2477 communes. Only 3 of 1464 (0.2%) of rural communes prepared health policy programs on eye health. Program duration varied from 24 to 72 months, whereas 53.7% of programs were planned for 36 months. Only 33 programs were rated positively by ATHATS and could be implemented. Most of the programs (85.4%; n=35) were targeted at primary school children and 78% (n=32) also included parents and caregivers. Out of 41 programs, 92.7% included secondary prevention interventions. Visual acuity test was the most common eye test (n=34; 82.9%) offered within the eye health programs implemented by LGUs.

Conclusions: This study revealed significant gaps in the implementation of health policy programs on eye health implemented by LGUs in Poland, especially in rural areas.

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), known as black oesophagus or Gurvit's syndrome, is an extremely rare clinical syndrome. Patients usually present with life-threatening symptoms of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (70-90% of cases), as in this case report. Diagnosis of AEN is confirmed based on oesophagogastroduodenoscopy which reveals diffuse or patchy circumferential black necrotic oesophageal mucosa. The presented patient had some comorbidities, such as poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, secondary to chronic pancreatitis, hypertension, after cholecystectomy, addiction to alcohol and tobacco, and taking a small spoon of baking soda three times a day for a few months because of heartburn. Despite the poor prognosis of AEN, with mortality about 32-35%, most patients present with endoscopic improvement in short time - from 7 days to 1 month. Fortunately, the patient did not to have any complications in the course of AEN, and the treatment was effective.

Introduction and objective: Snow cover serves as a unique indicator of environmental pollution in both urban and rural areas. As a seasonal cover, it accumulates various pollutants emitted into the atmosphere, thus providing insight into air pollution types and the relative contributions of different pollution sources. The aim of the study is to analyze the distribution of trace elements in snow cover to assess the anthropogenic influence on pollution levels, and better understand ecological threats.

Material and methods: The study was conducted in rural areas around the village of Wólka in the Lublin Province of eastern Poland, and in urban districts of the city of Lublin, capital of the Province. Samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry, the Enrichment Factor (EF), and ecological risk indices (RI), were calculated to evaluate the contamination and potential ecological risks posed by the metals.

Results: The findings indicate higher concentrations of metals like sodium and iron in urban areas, likely due to road salt use and industrial activity, respectively. Enrichment factors showed significant anthropogenic contributions, particularly for metals like sodium, zinc, and cadmium, which had EF values substantially above natural levels. The potential ecological risk assessment highlighted a considerable ecological threat in urban areas compared to rural settings, primarily due to higher concentrations of metals.

Conclusions: The variation in metal concentrations between urban and rural snow covers reflects the impact of human activities on local environments. Urban areas showed higher pollution levels, suggesting the need for targeted pollution control policies to mitigate the adverse ecological impacts. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and comprehensive risk assessments to effectively manage environmental pollution.