Annales Academiae Medicae Stetinensis最新文献

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: Tension pneumothorax is a directly criti- cal illness condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of tension pneumothorax treatment in trauma patients.

Material and methods: We assessed the results of treat- ment of 22 patients hospitalized for trauma in 2000-2010, in whom at the time of admission tension pneumothorax symptoms were found. This constituted 18% of trauma patients who at the time of admission to the hospital, during the initial examination, were diagnosed with pneumothorax. In the study group there were 17 men and 5 women. The patients' ages ranged from 21 to 85 years (mean 48.8). In 19 cases tension pneumothorax was associated with polytrauma. Traffic accidents were the cause of most cases. Injury to one or both lungs was observed in 16 patients. Typical paradoxi- cal breathing occurred in 2 patients. The number of frac- tured ribs averaged 6.3 per patient. In each of the patients, immediately on admission, after diagnosis based on clini- cal symptoms, tension pneumothorax decompression was performed by pleural drainage. Lung decompression and improvement of the clinical condition of the patient were obtained in a few minutes after pleural drainage. Then, fur- ther diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were continued. Full time of hospitalization due to polytrauma injury was on average 58.6 days. Two patients died during treatment for polytrauma. Pneumothorax was not the cause of death in either of the patients.

Conclusion: In summary, the therapeutic standard ordering of tension pneumothorax decompression, directly on admission to the hospital, allows the patient to survive in spite of the grave nature of the injury.

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.

Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is a cosmopolitan pro- tozoa which parasitizes the human large intestine. This parasite had been considered to be commensal of the large intestine for a long time, because even an intense invasion may be asymptomatic. However, this species is now being regarded as a parasitic organism. In this paper the latest data concerning the epidemiology, diagnostics and treatment of B. hominis invasion have been cited and discussed.

3-Hydroxy-3-Methyl-Glutharyl-Coenzyme A reduct- ase inhibitors, known as statins, form a group of chemical compounds that are characterized by the ability to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Statins have proved their efficacy as potent drugs in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. It has also been shown that the thera- peutic effects of statins go beyond reduction of cholesterol level. These properties, which are separate from the influ- ence on cholesterol synthesis, are sometimes called the pleio- tropic effect. This effect comprises immunomodulation, an anti-inflammatory effect, and endothelial function recovery.

The article presents the results of studies on potential risks associated with the abuse of vitamin supplements which until recently had been considered not only highly effica- cious, but also completely safe. Particular consideration is given to vitamins A, E, D and C. The necessity to control the intake of vitamin supplements and even to strictly super- vise the supply to high risk patients is highlighted.