RISK FACTORS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATION IN LONG-TERM TREATED CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS

Background: The attitudes of schizophrenic patients toward medications directly impact the treatment compliance. Although noncompliance represents a serious concern in long-term schizophrenia treatment, a detailed information on the factors that impair compliance is still limited. The present study aims to assess the factors related to noncompliance with antipsychotics agents, in longterm treated chronic paranoid schizophrenia patients. Subjects and methods: Two groups of such patients (total number n=162) were analyzed and compared: 1). patients with symptomatic remission on haloperidol (n=32), clozapine (n=40) or olanzapine (n=45), and 2). drug resistant patients (n=45). The mean duration of the disease was 19.3 years. Results: Altogether, in our patient sample, a better drug attitude was found in the olanzapine and clozapine groups. Our findings have also revealed that worse attitude toward antipsychotics correlated with an earlier onset of schizophrenia, younger patient age, shorter duration of the disease, higher burden of symptoms, treatment with a typical antipsychotics, and higher severity of akathisia. Conclusion: Our results suggest that detecting factors that influence the patient’s attitude toward medications might be helpful for designing targeted educational strategies in chronic schizophrenia patients (particularly those with the high risk of noncompliance), and further trials are warranted to explore this topic

RISK FACTORS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATION IN LONG-TERM TREATED CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS

Background: The attitudes of schizophrenic patients toward medications directly impact the treatment compliance. Although noncompliance represents a serious concern in long-term schizophrenia treatment, a detailed information on the factors that impair compliance is still limited. The present study aims to assess the factors related to noncompliance with antipsychotics agents, in longterm treated chronic paranoid schizophrenia patients. Subjects and methods: Two groups of such patients (total number n=162) were analyzed and compared: 1). patients with symptomatic remission on haloperidol (n=32), clozapine (n=40) or olanzapine (n=45), and 2). drug resistant patients (n=45). The mean duration of the disease was 19.3 years. Results: Altogether, in our patient sample, a better drug attitude was found in the olanzapine and clozapine groups. Our findings have also revealed that worse attitude toward antipsychotics correlated with an earlier onset of schizophrenia, younger patient age, shorter duration of the disease, higher burden of symptoms, treatment with a typical antipsychotics, and higher severity of akathisia. Conclusion: Our results suggest that detecting factors that influence the patient’s attitude toward medications might be helpful for designing targeted educational strategies in chronic schizophrenia patients (particularly those with the high risk of noncompliance), and further trials are warranted to explore this topic

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MOTEK CAREN SYSTEM IN BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH ANXIETY DISORDERS

Background: Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is becoming a more and more popular treatment method for patients suffering from anxiety disorders. One of the VRET methods, wchich could be used for this group of patients is MOTEK CAREN system, however, so far no studies have been published on its implementation in psychiatric disorders. Subject and methods: Presented here is a case of a 45 year old woman suffering from anxiety disorders, who underwent a series of four subsequent trainings with the use of MOTEK CAREN system repeted once a week. Data from the system were collected on the work of muscles, joints, reactions of the ground, etc. Blood pressure, pulse and salivary cortisol level were measured before and after each training. The level of state and trait anxiety was each time measured with the STAI inventory. Results: The changes of the values of heart rate, blood pressure and salivary cortisol suggest that all trainings we stressful events for the patients, as they were not observed in the control session. But the gradual decrease in the levels of salivary cortisol and axiety as state after subsequent trainings may be signs of a gradual adaptation of the patient to the stressful situation. A lower cadence during the trainings compared to the control session was observed, however the speed of the cadence increased with each session. Conclusions: Ttrainings with the MOTEK CAREN system can be promising in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Of course in order to draw more evidence based conclusions this observations must be confirmed on a larger sample of patients

Mechanics of the Society Mythologen

Połączenie wiedzy z dziedziny medycyny i fizyki kwantowej stworzyło elegancki i spójny model zjawiska świadomości zwany modelem Orch. OR. Zgodnie z tym modelem mózg działa jak żywa maszyna kwantowa, oparta na kompleksach mikrotubul. Zjawiska kwantowe w mikrotubulach umożliwiają doświadczanie qualiów w rzeczywistości Plancka. Qualia mają analogie w innych, omówionych w artykule teoriach współczesnej nauki. Odnoszą się do pól energetycznych — atraktorów, organizujących spostrzeganie, emocje i intelekt. W artykule przedstawiono implikacje społeczne dziedziczenia pól atraktorowych i ich wpływu na świadomość społeczną.The fusion of knowledge from the fields of medicine and quantum physics formed the elegant and consistent model of phenomenon of consciousness, called Orch. OR model. According to this model the brain works as a live quantum machine, based on complexes of microtubules. Quantum phenomena in microtubules allow experiencing qualia in the Planck’s reality. Qualia have analogies in another theories of contemporary science, described in the article. Qualia relate to energetic fields — atractors, which organize the perception, emotions and the intellect. The article presents society implications of inheritance of atractor fields and their influence on society consciousness

ANALYSIS OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHZIOPHRENIA, IN COMPARISON WITH A HEALTHY CONTROL - CASE STUDY

Introduction: Deficits in area of communication, crucial for maintaining proper social bonds, may have a prominent adverse impact on quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Social exclusion, lack of employment and deterioration of family life, may be consequences of aggravated social competencies, caused by inability to properly exhibit and interpret facial expressions. Although this phenomenon is known since first clinical descriptions of schizophrenia, lack of proper methodology limited our knowledge in this area. Aim of our study was to compare facial expressivity of the patient with schizophrenia, and the healthy individual. Methods: 47-years old patient suffering from schizophrenia, and 36-years old healthy individual were invited to participate in our study. They underwent the examination in Human Facial Modelling Lab in Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology in Bytom (Silesia, Katowice). Both participants were presented with two video materials, first one contained different facial expressions, which they had to imitate. Second one a part of comedy show, during which spontaneous reactions were recorded. Acquisition of facial expressions was conducted with marker-based technology of modelling. Obtained data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results and conclusions: An overall facial expression intensity, expressed as an average value of distances traveled by markers during shifts from neutral position was higher in case of a healthy participant during both part of the study. The difference was especially visible in case of an upper half of the face. Utilization of marker-based methods in analysis of human facial expressions seem to be reliable and remarkably accurate

ANALYSIS OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHZIOPHRENIA, IN COMPARISON WITH A HEALTHY CONTROL - CASE STUDY

Introduction: Deficits in area of communication, crucial for maintaining proper social bonds, may have a prominent adverse impact on quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Social exclusion, lack of employment and deterioration of family life, may be consequences of aggravated social competencies, caused by inability to properly exhibit and interpret facial expressions. Although this phenomenon is known since first clinical descriptions of schizophrenia, lack of proper methodology limited our knowledge in this area. Aim of our study was to compare facial expressivity of the patient with schizophrenia, and the healthy individual. Methods: 47-years old patient suffering from schizophrenia, and 36-years old healthy individual were invited to participate in our study. They underwent the examination in Human Facial Modelling Lab in Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology in Bytom (Silesia, Katowice). Both participants were presented with two video materials, first one contained different facial expressions, which they had to imitate. Second one a part of comedy show, during which spontaneous reactions were recorded. Acquisition of facial expressions was conducted with marker-based technology of modelling. Obtained data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results and conclusions: An overall facial expression intensity, expressed as an average value of distances traveled by markers during shifts from neutral position was higher in case of a healthy participant during both part of the study. The difference was especially visible in case of an upper half of the face. Utilization of marker-based methods in analysis of human facial expressions seem to be reliable and remarkably accurate

Compulsive buying — new therapeutic challenge

Kompulsywne zakupy z powodu dużej częstości występowania w społeczeństwie zasługują na większą uwagę psychiatrii. Kompulsywne kupowanie jest kandydatem na kolejne uzależnienie czynnościowe. Problem ten jest badany od wielu lat, ciągle jednak wiele pytań pozostaje bez odpowiedzi. Autorzy przedstawiają charakterystykę tego zaburzenia oraz przegląd metod leczenia.Due to its high population prevalence the compulsive buying deserves more attention from psychiatrists. Compulsive buying is the candidate for another functional dependence. This problem is studied for many years, but still remains a lot of unanswered questions. The authors present the characteristics of this disorder and an overview of studied methods of treatment

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, in contrast to adipose tissue-derived stromal cells, efficiently improve heart function in murine model of myocardial infarction

Cell therapies are extensively tested to restore heart function after myocardial infarction (MI). Survival of any cell type after intracardiac administration, however, may be limited due to unfavorable conditions of damaged tissue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) overexpressing either the proangiogenic SDF-1α or anti-inflammatory heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a murine model of MI. ADSCs and hiPSCs were transduced with lentiviral vectors encoding luciferase (Luc), GFP and either HO-1 or SDF-1α. hiPSCs were then differentiated to hiPSC-CMs using small molecules modulating the WNT pathway. Genetically modified ADSCs were firstly administered via intracardiac injection after MI induction in Nude mice. Next, ADSCs-Luc-GFP and genetically modified hiPSC-CMs were injected into the hearts of the more receptive NOD/SCID strain to compare the therapeutic effect of both cell types. Ultrasonography, performed on days 7, 14, 28 and 42, revealed a significant decrease of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in all MI-induced groups. No improvement of LVEF was observed in ADSC-treated Nude and NOD/SCID mice. In contrast, administration of hiPSC-CMs resulted in a substantial increase of LVEF, occurring between 28 and 42 days after MI, and decreased fibrosis, regardless of genetic modification. Importantly, bioluminescence analysis, as well as immunofluorescent staining, confirmed the presence of hiPSC-CMs in murine tissue. Interestingly, the luminescence signal was strongest in hearts treated with hiPSC-CMs overexpressing HO-1. Performed experiments demonstrate that hiPSC-CMs, unlike ADSCs, are effective in improving heart function after MI. Additionally, long-term evaluation of heart function seems to be crucial for proper assessment of the effect of cell administration

The biological-chemical properties of tall wheat grass (Agropyron elongatum (Host., Beauv.) in terms of potential use as biomass for energy production

Przedmiot niniejszych badań stanowi materiał hodowlany nowo zaaklimatyzowanego w Radzikowie perzu wydłużonego pochodzącego z Azji. Badania prowadzono w Radzikowie w latach 2009–2011, polowe w dwóch doświadczeniach — w jednym nad właściwościami biologicznymi i anatomicznymi (zwłaszcza pędów generatywnych), a w drugim nad agrotechniką (głównie nawożenie i sposoby siewu). Analizy chemiczne i anatomiczne wykonane w laboratorium dwóch Katedr (Katedra Nauk o Drewnie i Katedra Łąkarstwa i Krajobrazu Przyrodniczego) Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczego w Poznaniu. Stwierdzono iż perz wydłużony różni się znacznie w stosunku do gatunków rodzimej polskiej flory traw wieloma cechami biologicznymi i morfologicznymi, a także anatomicznymi i składem chemicznym. Niektóre z tych cech wyraźnie predysponują perz wydłużony do jego uprawy i wykorzystania na cele fitoenergetyczne, a szczególnie do uzyskiwania energii cieplnej przez spalanie. Realność wykorzystania tej rośliny jako fitoenergetycznej zapewnia wysoki plon biomasy dobrej jakości i nasion.The subject of our studies was newly introduced and acclimatized grass species of Asian origin — tall wheatgrass. Two experiments were conducted in Radzików during 2009–2011. One for determination of morphological and anatomical properties, especially in generative phase, and second for agrotechnical requirements, i.e. sowing quantity and fertilization. Chemical analyses were performed in two Departments of Life Sciences University in Poznań. It was concluded that tall wheatgrass is quite different form our native grass species considering all measured biological and chemical properties. Some of mentioned differences predispose tall wheat grass to biomass energy production. It is therefore possible to expect relatively high and good quality yields of seed for reproduction and biomass for energy production

Cognitive decline pursuant to atrial fibrillation

Introduction: The influence of atrial fibrillation on the development of cognitive deficits, which are subtle, yet burdensome for the patients, and are independent of hypertension and past strokes, has been widely discussed in literature. The aim of our study was to review the available publications concerning the pathogenesis and epidemiology of cognitive decline pursuant to atrial fibrillation. Methodology: A systematic review of literature published between January 2006 and December 2016 has been conducted, utilising PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar search engines. Thirty-two out of 633 Polish and English publications were ultimately covered by the study, along with 8 out of 16 reference included in the analysed papers. Results: The majority of authors agree that the link between atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline and occurrence of dementia is undisputable. The high risk for the occurrence of a stroke in the course of atrial fibrillation, which is twice the risk found in healthy persons, seems to be the most plausible explanation for the aforementioned correlation. However, in most studies the exclusion of patients with a history of stroke did not significantly affect the risk for cognitive decline. In some studies, a decrease in the volume of some central nervous system structures was also reported, especially affecting the hippocampus, yet the results remain equivocal. Some authors describe a link between decreased blood flow in the middle cerebral artery in elderly patients and the occurrence of cognitive impairment. This mechanism, however, was analysed in relatively small groups, with a high mean age of the included patients. The most recent studies focus on hypotheses concerning abnormalities in cytokine levels, although significant differences in the methodology utilised in those analyses have not permitted to identify their role in the process. Conclusions: Despite the apparently undisputable link between atrial fibrillation and cognitive decline, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Hence the need for further research in this area, aimed at determining the specific pathomechanism reliable for the association of these two phenomena.Wstęp: W literaturze można znaleźć liczne doniesienia opisujące wpływ migotania przedsionków na rozwój niezbyt nasilonych, lecz uciążliwych dla pacjenta zaburzeń poznawczych, niezależnych od ciśnienia tętniczego czy też przebytych udarów mózgu w przeszłości. Celem pracy był przegląd piśmiennictwa dotyczącego patomechanizmu i epidemiologii zaburzeń poznawczych w przebiegu migotania przedsionków. Metodologia: Przeprowadzono systematyczny przegląd publikacji z okresu od stycznia 2006 do grudnia 2016 roku związanych z tematyką pracy, wykorzystując bazy PubMed, Cochrane Library i Google Scholar. Uwzględniono 32 z 633 znalezionych polsko- i anglojęzycznych prac oraz 8 z 16 pozycji pochodzących z bibliografii analizowanych publikacji. Wyniki: Autorzy większości publikacji są zgodni, że związek pomiędzy migotaniem przedsionków a pogorszeniem zdolności poznawczych i wystąpieniem demencji jest niepodważalny. Wydaje się, że najprostszym mechanizmem ich powstawania są udary mózgu, których ryzyko w przebiegu migotania przedsionków jest dwukrotnie wyższe niż u osób zdrowych, lecz ich wykluczenie z grupy badanej u większości autorów nie wpływało w istotny sposób na uzyskane wyniki. W kilku badaniach wykazano zmniejszenie objętości poszczególnych struktur ośrodkowego układu nerwowego, zwłaszcza w obrębie hipokampa, jednakże wyniki są niejednoznaczne. Wykazywano również, że spadek przepływu w tętnicy środkowej mózgu u osób starszych był w istotny sposób powiązany z wystąpieniem zaburzeń poznawczych. Mechanizm ten był jednak badany w relatywnie małych grupach, o wysokiej średniej wieku. Najnowsze badania skupiają się także na hipotezach związanych z zaburzeniami w poziomach cytokin, lecz duże zróżnicowanie metod badania nie pozwoliło dotychczas jednoznacznie określić ich roli w tym procesie. Wnioski: Pomimo iż związek zaburzeń poznawczych i migotania przedsionków wydaje się niepodważalny, niejasne pozostają dokładne mechanizmy prowadzące do ich wystąpienia, co wskazuje na potrzebę dalszych badań w celu stworzenia wiarygodnego modelu ich rozwoju