The use of Hericium erinaceus and Trametes versicolor extracts in supportive treatment in oncology

Substances available in nature with potential therapeutic effects are the subject of research that raises tremendous hopes for new challenges in medicine. Fungi are the most common organisms in the ecosystem and the most interesting in this respect. This review discusses two species of edible fungi, used for centuries in Eastern natural medicine, with the best-documented effect – Hericium erinaceus (He) and Trametes versicolor (Tv). The results of in vivo and in vitro studies conducted on mice and human cell lines demonstrate immunomodulatory, potentially, anticancer, antiinflammatory and neuroregenerative effects of substances isolated from these fungi. The substances contained in the extracts of He and Tv seem to have immunomodulatory effects that may support chemotherapy. The use of these extracts is justified stronger than the other supportive treatments based on supplements

Treatment of chronic pain in oncology: cooperation between the oncologist and psychooncologist

The aim of this work is to present the problem of chronic pain in neoplastic disease as a situation requiring diagnosis and interdisciplinary treatment. The phenomenon of chronic pain, its types, and causes are discussed. A discussion was held on appropriate scales for measuring pain intensity. Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy were primarily presented among the discussed treatment methods, and issues related to other methods of interactions related to the treatment of patients with chronic pain in the course of neoplastic disease were discussed. The key aspect of the article is to draw attention to the implementation of multi-specialist treatment of chronic pain, including personalised solutions and the accommodation of the most favourable form of therapy and the methods of its implementation.Celem pracy jest przedstawienie holistycznego modelu diagnostyki i leczenia bólu przewlekłego w chorobie nowotworowej. Omówiono zjawisko bólu przewlekłego, jego rodzaje oraz przyczyny. Specyfikę tematyki uzupełniono o dyskusję nad metodologią oceny natężenia bólu. Wśród metod leczenia zaprezentowano przede wszystkim farmakoterapię i psychoterapię oraz przedstawiono zagadnienia wymagające postępowania interdyscyplinarnego. Kluczowym aspektem artykułu jest zwrócenie uwagi na konieczność wdrożenia wielopłaszczyznowego sposobu leczenia bólu przewlekłego z uwzględnieniem rozwiązań spersonalizowanych oraz dostosowania optymalnej terapii do możliwości jej realizacji

EMPATHY AMONG PHYSICIANS, MEDICAL STUDENTS AND CANDIDATES

Background: Empathy is one of the crucial personality traits for all medical professionals, including physicians. The importance of empathy in doctor-patient relationship cannot be overestimated, as it is beneficial for both sides. Regrettably, there is evidence for the decline in this trait over the course of medical studies. Subjects and methods: The participants were 509 voluntary respondents: medical school candidates (16,1%), medical students (65%), medical trainees (9.8%), residents (6.3%) and specialists (2.8%). The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) was administered to them, which is a self-report tool measuring empathy. Results: Gender difference in the IRI score was especially prominent – the mean score for female respondents was 59.83 points, while in men it was 51.16 point (p<0.001). The level of empathy did not differ significantly in the sub-groups divided with regards to the stage of their medical career. However, the total IRI score in women was the highest in the group of doctors, while in postgraduated males it was the lowest. Age of the respondents correlated positively with the perspective taking sub-scale and negatively with the fantasy and personal distress sub-scales. Conclusions: Empathy is a trait that is rarely being enhanced in medical students during their education. While empathy is crucial for the development of a satisfactory doctor-patient relationship, there is an urgent need to adopt educational programs aimed at reinforcing empathy in medical students

"CLAW YOUR WAY" - MACHIAVELLIANISM AMONG THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY

Background: Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by emotional detachment and tendency to manipulate others to achieve one\u27s own goal. It is presumed that people high in Machiavellianism would more likely choose business-related occupations, whereas low Machiavellians would prefer helping professions, therefore medical professionals are expected to be low-Machs. Subjects and methods: This is a questionnaire study on 509 respondents: medical school candidates (16.1%), medical students (65%), medical trainees (9.8%), residents (6.3%) and specialists (2.8%) aimed at assessing the level of Machiavellianism, as measured with Mach-IV score, a self-report questionnaire. Results: The overall mean Mach-IV score was 59.24±6.07. The highest mean Mach-IV score, 61.80±6.94, was found in the group of medical school candidates. The lowest mean Mach-IV score, 57.61±7.88, was reported in the group of registered specialists. Male gender was found to be positively correlated with the mean Mach-IV score, which in women was 58.97±6.08 and in men it was 60.16±6.01. There was a negative correlation between the mean Mach-IV score and the age of post-graduate participants. When we divided all participants into subgroups of "low Machs" (<60 points) and " high Machs" (≥60 points), we found that both subgroups were similarly numerous - 49.5% and 50.5%, accordingly. The highest representation of "high Machs" was found in the subgroup of medical studies candidates (65.85%), then in the students (47.73%) and in the group of post-graduates (45.16%). Gender differences remained statistically significant - 47.33% of women and 60.18% of men were "high Machs". Conclusions: Machiavellianism level among medical candidates, students and doctors is relatively high, however is gradually decreasing with the progress of career

DEPRESSION, SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND ANXIETY IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSING-REMITTING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A LONGITUDINAL COHORT OBSERVATION

Background: Depression, sleep disturbances and anxiety may affect almost half of the population of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and they are major determinants of poor quality of life in young adults. The aim of our study was to assess their incidence in patients with MS in Poland, and whether they change during longitudinal observation in routine clinical practice. Subjects and methods: We included 53 consecutive patients with relapsing-remitting form of MS in this prospective study, who were treated in our department. All patients were examined at the entry to the study and after at least three or more years after study start with 4 standardized questionnaires and clinical scales that were validated in Polish patients: Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The data from the two time-points were compared. Results: At the entry to the study daytime sleepiness, nighttime insomnia, depression episodes and anxiety were observed in 11.3%, 13.2%, 11.3% and 28.3% of patients, respectively. At the end of the study higher proportion of patients reported any form of drowsiness, depression, insomnia or anxiety, however, the differences were not statistically significant. Except for anxiety, higher proportion of patients reported definite disorders, with the rise from 3.8% to 13.2% having depression and rise from 9.4% to 15.1% having insomnia. Moderate or pathological drowsiness was not reported initially, but it was reported in 5% and 2.5% patients, respectively, at the study end. Conclusions: The incidence of sleep and mood disturbances in polish patients with MS is quite high, and it is comparable to other studies in patients with MS. Possible mood changes or sleep disturbances in individual patients should be routinely monitored by clinicians

EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF DEPRESSION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM POLAND, PORTUGAL AND GERMANY

Background: Depression is a serious illness affecting health, family and professional life of many people of all sectors of society. It also concerns students, regardless of their geographical location. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a proper tool to brief check of the level of depression because it has high correlation with depression. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the level of depression among medical students from Poland, Portugal and Germany. Subjects and methods: Students from different countries were asked to fill in an electronic form containing the BDI. The form was created separately for each country, using official translation of the BDI, approved by the competent psychiatric association. Google Drive software was used for the electronic form, and Stat soft Statistica v10 software for statistical analysis. Results: There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in terms of average score of the BDI and of the proportion of the scores more than 10 points of medical and technology students among kinds of studies and countries. The average score of the BDI of medical students: Poland: 13.76±9.99 points; Germany: 8.49±7.64 points; Portugal: 7.37±7.67 points. The average score of the BDI of technology students: Poland: 12.42±9.66 points; Germany: 10.51±8.49 points; Portugal: 9.25±8.97 points. The proportion of the scores more than 10 points of medical students: Poland 56.32% (285/506) Germany 34.92% (154/441) Portugal 26.03% (82/315). The proportion of the scores more than 10 points of technology students: Poland 55.01% (368/669) Germany 43.82% (156/356) Portugal 37.57% (136/362). Conclusions: The highest depression score among medical and technology students according the BDI was found in Poland. A proper monitoring of depression is required, as well as rapid and appropriate help for those who suffer from it

Leczenie bólu przewlekłego w onkologii — współpraca onkologa z psychoonkologiem

Celem pracy jest przedstawienie holistycznego modelu diagnostyki i leczenia bólu przewlekłego w chorobie nowotworowej. Omówiono zjawisko, rodzaje i przyczyny bólu przewlekłego oraz uzupełniono temat o dyskusję nad metodami klasyfikowania bólu. Wśród metod leczenia zaprezentowano przede wszystkim farmakoterapię i psychoterapię oraz przedstawiono zagadnienia wymagające postępowania interdyscyplinarnego. Kluczowym aspektem artykułu jest zwrócenie uwagi na konieczność wdrożenia wielopłaszczyznowego leczenia chorych z bólem przewlekłym z uwzględnieniem rozwiązań spersonalizowanych oraz dostosowania optymalnej terapii do możliwości jej realizacji

EVALUATION OF THE UTILITY OF LIEBOWITZ SOCIAL ANXIETY SCALE AND BARRATT IMPULSIVENESS SCALE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SOCIAL ANXIETY, IMPULSIVITY AND DEPRESSION

Background: Often mental disorders are serious problems concerning psychological well-being. They require comprehensive and specialized psychiatric and psychological help, but there are no public methods of controlling your mental state. The aim of study was the evaluation of the utility of Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale in the diagnosis of social anxiety, impulsivity and depression. Subjects and methods: The study included 85 persons. The study group had 34 patients treated in an open ward of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. The control group included 51 persons without mental disorders. Three self-rating questionnaires were used: Beck Depression Inventory, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Statistica v10 Statsoft software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The analyzed groups had significant differences in terms of Beck Scale (U Mann-Whitney test p=0.000001). Average score in study group: 22.94±12.50; in control group: 7.15±6.44. Groups had significant differences in terms of Liebowitz Scale (U test Mann-Whitney test, p=0.000164). Average score in the study group: 60.41± 30.30; in control group: 35.01±23.94. Groups had significant differences in terms of Barratt Scale (t-student test p=0.000601). Average in study group: 66.35±9,49; in control group: 59.54±7.87. Significant positive correlation was observed between the results of Beck Scale and Liebowitz Scale (r=0.64465). Correlation was not observed between the results of the Liebowitz and Barrat (r=0.12091 and Beck and Barrat (r=0.21482). Conclusions: The intensity of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale is directly proportional to the severity of depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory. The degree of impulsivity by Barrat Impulsiveness Scale does not correlate with the level of depression according to Beck Depression Inventory. The analyzed scales are relevant in the diagnosis of mental disorders

Changes of ponto-cerebellar angle and temporal bone piramid in the course of neuro-cutaneous diseases

Celem niniejszej pracy jest zwrócenie uwagi na występowanie zmian w obrębie kąta mostowo-móżdżkowego ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem nerwiaków nerwu słuchowego z innymi objawami spotykanymi w fakomatozach. Fakomatozy, zwane także chorobami nerwowo-skórnymi lub neurodermatozami, są genetycznie uwarunkowanymi chorobami, w których obserwuje się liczne nowotwory wielu narządów, w tym szczególnie często nerwiaki bądź nerwiakowłókniaki. W związku z tym istnieje możliwość zetknięcia się z tą grupą chorób również przez lekarzy otolaryngologów, przy okazji diagnostyki zmian zlokalizowanych w kątach mostowo-móżdżkowych. Do najczęstszych fakomatoz należą: choroba von Recklinghausena (nerwiakowłókniakowatość), zespół Sturge’a-Webera, zespół von Hippla-Lindaua, zespół Klippla-Trénaunaya.The aim of this study is to draw attention to the occurrence of changes within ponto-cerebellar angle with the emphasis neurinomas of auditory nerve with other symptoms commonly found in facomatoses. Facomatoses otherwise known as neuro-cutaneous diseases are genetically conditioned diseases in which multiple tumors observed in many organs, especially the often neurinomas or neurofibromas. Therefore, there is a possibility of contact with this group of diseases of the ENT doctors on the occasion of diagnostic changes are located in the ponto-cerebellar angle. The most common facomatoses are: Von Recklinghausen’s disease (neurofibromatosis), Sturge-Weber’s syndrome, von Hipple-Lindau’s syndrome, Klippl-Trénaunay’s syndrome

CA125 as a Marker of Heart Failure in the Older Women: A Population-Based Analysis

(1) Background: Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is a glycoprotein that is expressed by tissue derived from coelomic epithelium in the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium. It has been shown that CA125 concentrations are correlated with NT-proBNP in older people with congestive heart failure (HF). We conducted a study on the association between concentrations of CA125 and NT-proBNP in a population-based cohort of older Polish women. (2) Methods: The current research is sub-study of a large, cross-sectional research project (PolSenior). The study group consisted of 1565 Caucasian women aged 65&ndash;102 years. To assess the relationship between CA125 and other variables a stepwise backward multivariate normal and skew-t regression analyses were performed. (3) Results: The median of CA125 concentration was 13.0 U/mL and values over the upper normal range limit (35 U/mL) were observed in 5.1% (n = 79) of the study cohort. The concentration of CA125 was positively related to age, hospitalization for HF and history of atrial fibrillation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, levels of NT-proBNP, IL-6, hs-CRP and triglycerides. We found in the multivariate analyses, that increased CA125 levels were independently associated with log10 (IL-6) (&beta; = 11.022), history of hospitalization for HF (&beta; = 4.619), log10 (NT-proBNP) (&beta; = 4.416) and age (&beta; = 3.93 for 10 years). (4) Conclusions: Despite the association between CA125 and NT-proBNP, the usefulness of CA125 for the detection of HF in older women is limited by factors such as inflammatory status and age