Ocena składników diety kobiet ciężarnych jako czynnik predykcyjny porodu przedwczesnego i dziecka z niską masą urodzeniow

Objective: The diet of pregnant women is an important factor in the development of the fetus. In our study, we wanted to determine the diet of women who gave birth to healthy children at term (AGA), preterm (PTB) and small for gestational age neonates (SGA). Based on the analysis of dietary components we wanted predict the likelihood of giving birth AGA, PTB and SGA. Methods: The content of components in the women’s diets were estimated based on the dietary questionnaire. The large number of variables analyzed in the diet was reduced using factor analysis. Next, the prediction of prematurity and SGA based on previously selected factors was analyzed. For this purpose, two independent methods were used: discriminant function analysis and ROC analysis. Results: Factor analysis resulted in nine factors containing at least one variable of the factor load being greater than 0.7. Analysis of variance only showed differences between the AGA and preterm groups. The study of discriminant function showed that three factors significantly affect the discriminative power to classify cases into AGA and preterm groups. ROC analysis confirmed diagnostic usefulness factor 1 (fatty acids) in classifying cases into AGA and preterm groups. Conclusion: Based on the analysis of dietary components of women one can predict the likelihood of giving birth to a healthy child at term and prematurely. For AGA the predicting factor is a higher content of short and medium chain fatty acids in a woman’s diet.Wstęp: Dieta kobiet ciężarnych jest ważnym czynnikiem wpływającym na rozwój płodu. Celem niniejszych badań było określenie prawdopodobieństwa urodzenia zdrowego dziecka o czasie (AGA), przed czasem (PTB) oraz urodzenia dziecka z niską masą urodzeniową (SGA) na podstawie analizy diety kobiet ciężarnych. Metody: Zawartość składników diety oceniano na podstawie kwestionariusza żywieniowego przygotowanego przez Instytut Żywności i Żywienia w Warszawie. Dużą liczbę analizowanych w diecie zmiennych zredukowano stosując analizę czynnikową, dzięki czemu wyłoniono czynniki najbardziej reprezentatywne, stosowane w dalszej części badań. Następnie, przeprowadzono analizę prognozy urodzenia dzieci AGA, PTB oraz SGA na podstawie wyłonionych czynników diety. W tym celu zastosowano dwie niezależne metody: analizę funkcji dyskryminacyjnej oraz analizę ROC. Wyniki: Analiza czynnikowa wyłoniła 9 czynników zawierających przynajmniej jedną zmienną o wartości ładunku czynnikowego FL>0.7. Analiza wariancji wykazała zróżnicowanie jedynie pomiędzy grupą AGA i PTB. Badanie funkcji dyskryminacyjnej dla 9 czynników wykazało, że trzy czynniki istotnie wpływają na moc dyskryminacyjną, klasyfikując przypadki do grupy AGA i PTB. Analiza ROC arbitralnie wybranego czynnika 1 potwierdziła jego przydatność diagnostyczną w klasyfikowaniu przypadków do grupy AGA i PTB. Wnioski: Na podstawie analizy składników diety kobiet ciężarnych, można prognozować prawdopodobieństwo urodzenia dziecka zdrowego o czasie oraz przed czasem. Czynnikiem prognostycznym AGA jest większa zawartość kwasów krótko- i średniołańcuchowych w diecie kobiet

Składniki diety kobiet ciężarnych oraz kwasy tłuszczowe mleka pierwotnego: analiza czynnikowa

Wstęp: Zmiana składników w mleku kobiet karmiących jest rezultatem zmian w metabolizmie gruczołów piersiowych, funkcjonowaniu łożyska oraz diecie kobiet ciężarnych. Liczne czynniki modulują skład kwasów tłuszczowych, będących jednym z najważniejszych komponentów mleka kobiecego. W naszych badaniach chcieliśmy określić wzajemne relacje pomiędzy składnikami diety a kwasami tłuszczowymi mleka pierwotnego kobiet, które urodziły dzieci o czasie, przed czasem oraz urodziły dzieci małe w stosunku do wieku ciążowego. Materiały i metody: Do badań zakwalifikowano 95 kobiet, które urodziły zdrowe dzieci o czasie (AGA) (grupa A),przed czasem (grupa B) oraz dzieci małe w stosunku do wieku ciążowego (SGA) (grupa C). Jakość i ilość składników diety matek była określana za pomocą kwestionariusza żywieniowego. Skład kwasów tłuszczowych mleka pierwotnego określono techniką chromatografii gazowej sprzężonej z detektorem mas. Wyniki badań składników diety oraz kwasów tłuszczowych mleka poddano analizie czynnikowej. Wyniki: W grupie A otrzymano 10 korelacji (5 pozytywnych i 5 negatywnych) pomiędzy składnikami diety a kwasami tłuszczowymi mleka matek (współczynnik korelacji kształtował się na poziomie 0,285 – 0,366). W grupie B wszystkie otrzymane korelacje miały znak ujemny oraz charakteryzowały się większą wartością współczynnika korelacji (0.354 – 0.500). Największą liczbę korelujących ze sobą związków wykryto w grupie C. W grupie tej obserwowano także najwyższe wartości współczynników korelacji (0,537 – 0,800). Wnioski: Natura korelacji pomiędzy badanymi zmiennymi w grupie A, B i C jest inna dla każdej z badanych grup.Introduction: The variation in the nutrients contained in the milk is the result of changes to the breast metabolism, placenta metabolism and the diet of pregnant women. Various factors influence fatty acid composition which are one of the major components of woman’s breast milk. In our research, we wanted to determine the relationship between the components of the diet of and the transitional milk fatty acid composition mothers who delivered healthy full-term babies, preterm and small for gestational age neonates. Materials and methods: The study group comprised of 95 healthy women who were divided into three subgroups: mothers of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates (group A); mothers of preterm neonates (group B); and mothers who gave birth to small for gestational age (SGA) babies (Group C). The women’s elements diet and the content of biochemical components were estimated based on the dietary questionnaire. The FAs in the mother’s milk were analyzed using GCMS chromatography. The results of the studies of the dietary components and fatty acids of the milk underwent factor analysis. Results: In group A, 10 correlations (5 positive and 5 negative) were found between the components of the mother’s diet and the FAs in the milk (correlation varying from 0.285 - 0.366). In group B, only negative correlations were observed and these had higher absolute correlation values (0.354-0.500). The most correlations between dietary components and FAs in the milk were found in group C (0.537 - 0.800). Conclusion: Nature of the correlations between the variables examined in groups A, B and C are different

Differences in Perceived Occupational Stress by Demographic Characteristics, of European Emergency Medical Services Personnel during the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic-An International Study

Objectives: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought commercial, social, and economic consequences in every country that has experienced substantial SARS-CoV-2 infection rates. The complete change in the environment that took place due to the outbreak of the pandemic can lead to stressful situations, especially among healthcare personnel. Material and methods: The research were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic between the 27 March 2020 and the 20 April 2020. The research included 1984 employees of emergency medical systems in seven European countries. An internet-based questionnaire format was adopted for the study (ΩMc-Donald > 0.7). Results: The highest level of stress was experienced by personnel in the United Kingdom M = 4.03, and the lowest by Norwegian employees M = 2.89. High levels of stress were also experienced by nurses from Spain and Poland. Women actively working in the healthcare system during the pandemic experienced higher stress levels than men. Conclusions: Women working in European emergency medical systems are more vulnerable to work-related stress, while carrying out emergency medical procedures during the pandemic. Differences in the level of stress experienced while carrying out duties in pre-hospital conditions were only found among Spanish emergency medical system personnel

State participation in international petroleum agreements

International petroleum arrangements are the result of interplay of states, often represented by their national companies, and private oil entities, within the oil industry. While the former are interested in economic development of their petroleum resources, the latter offer financial and technical capacities to serve this purpose. Management of resources requires advanced technology and investments, which may be challenging for states who, therefore, seek assistance from professionals. This cooperation takes its legal form through international petroleum agreements. The thesis intends to identify legal mechanisms used by states to improve their legal position in the framework of international legal arrangements concluded with oil and gas companies for the exploitation of their national resources . The question will be raised on how state’s interests and strategies materialize in petroleum agreements. The cornerstone of state participation in petroleum arrangements is its own strategy for management of resources. The process of policy-making is of high relevance, as it forms the background for future contracts. Thorough evaluation of objectives and priorities at this stage fosters state’s position in relations with companies. Therefore, the first part of the paper deals with elements of state’s strategies towards petroleum development, as they have direct impact on the choice of petroleum legislation, type of an agreement or concrete provisions. Furthermore, the most crucial aspects of state’s petroleum development will be analyzed in light of international law. Secondly, the paper deals with the different types of standard petroleum contracts, currently used in the oil industry. The petroleum arrangements are the implementation and realization of state’s objectives. Thus, the assessment of state’s legal position in four most common models of petroleum arrangements is presented, with emphasis on evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of these solutions from the state perspective. Finally, the analysis of concrete contractual and legislative provisions is made, with special focus on those provisions which particularly foster state’s legal position. The concrete legal mechanisms presented are common to all kinds of petroleum arrangements, and may be implemented through different legal forms, like petroleum legislation or contract provisions. In order to give a broader overview of various forms of implementation of these mechanisms, comparative case study of two different systems is provided: the Norwegian concessionary system and the Timor Production Sharing Model Contract

The ins and outs of maternal-fetal fatty acid metabolism

Fatty acids (FAs) are one the most essential substances in intrauterine human growth. They are involved in a number of energetic and metabolic processes, including the growth of cell membranes, the retina and the nervous system. Fatty acid deficiency and disruptions in the maternal-placental fetal metabolism of FAs lead to malnutrition of the fetus, hypotrophy and preterm birth. What is more, metabolic diseases and cardiovascular conditions may appear later in life. Meeting a fetus' need for FAs is dependent on maternal diet and on the efficiency of the placenta in transporting FAs to fetal circulation. "Essential fatty acids" are among the most important FAs during the intrauterine growth period. These are α-linolenic acid, which is a precursor of the n-3 series, linoleic acid, which is a precursor of the n-6 series and their derivatives, represented by docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid. The latest studies have shown that medium-chain fatty acids also play a significant role in maternal-fetal metabolism. These FAs have significant effect on the transformation of the precursors into DHA, which may contribute to a relatively stable supply of DHA - even in pregnant women whose diet is low in FAs. The review discusses the problem of fatty acid metabolism at the intersection between a pregnant woman and her child with reference to physiological pregnancy, giving birth to a healthy child, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth and giving birth to a small for gestational age child

Basic parameters of the thermal regime of rivers in the Vistula river catchment

Seasonal and multi-annual variability of river water temperature has been analysed based on data from 24 gauge stations of the IMGW network. It has been characterised by means of several values of the thermal regime parameters: mean annual, semi-annual (November-April, May-October) and amplitude. The variability of water temperature in the catchment and in the stream network has been estimated. Measurement data included seven stations at the Vistula river. On the background of natural variability, rivers or their segments have been distinguished where water temperature is impacted by anthropopressure

HPA Axis in the Pathomechanism of Depression and Schizophrenia: New Therapeutic Strategies Based on Its Participation

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is involved in the pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Increased HPA axis activity can be observed during chronic stress, which plays a key role in the pathophysiology of depression. Overactivity of the HPA axis occurs in major depressive disorder (MDD), leading to cognitive dysfunction and reduced mood. There is also a correlation between the HPA axis activation and gut microbiota, which has a significant impact on the development of MDD. It is believed that the gut microbiota can influence the HPA axis function through the activity of cytokines, prostaglandins, or bacterial antigens of various microbial species. The activity of the HPA axis in schizophrenia varies and depends mainly on the severity of the disease. This review summarizes the involvement of the HPA axis in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, focusing on major depression and schizophrenia, and highlights a possible correlation between these conditions. Although many effective antidepressants are available, a large proportion of patients do not respond to initial treatment. This review also discusses new therapeutic strategies that affect the HPA axis, such as glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonists, vasopressin V1B receptor antagonists and non-psychoactive CB1 receptor agonists in depression and/or schizophrenia

Predictors of stress among emergency medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced emergency services to implement new standards of practice around the world. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of many clinical situations has placed emergency service personnel in direct danger of contracting the disease. This work uses a validated survey developed for the study to assess the predictors of stress that paramedics, nurses and doctors experience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.Material and MethodsThe study group included 955 medical staff, and the level of significance adopted for statistical analysis was p = 0.05. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the qualitative variables divided into groups. The selection of tests was carried out based on the distribution of variables, verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. In order to determine the predictors that caused the feelings of stress, it was necessary to use the linear regression model.ResultsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, stress among emergency medical personnel has increased considerably due to new factors that did not previously exist. The predictors of stress in the professional environment include the fear of contracting COVID-19, a decrease in the level of safety while conducting emergency medical procedures, and the marginalization of treatment for patients not suffering from COVID-19. Additional socio-demographic factors that increase stress among emergency medical personnel are being female and working in the nursing profession. Appropriate training, the supply of personal protective equipment and opinions on the preparedness of the system to deal with the outbreak of the pandemic did not affect the level of stress among health service personnel.ConclusionsThe factors that can be considered to act as predictors of occupational stress include the fear of contracting COVID-19, a decrease in the level of safety and security while conducting emergency medical procedures, and the marginalization of patients not suffering from COVID-19

Surface structure changes of pathological placenta tissue observed using scanning electron microscopy - a pilot study

Structural changes within the placenta are observed in the course of pathological pregnancy. The aim of the study was to perform initial assessment of morphological features of placenta. The analysis was conducted by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Samples of placenta of women who delivered neonates appropriate for gestational age were characterized by a homogenous surface texture with natural corrugation. The surface of IUGR placenta from the group of mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension was definitely heterogeneous - noticeable swelling of tissue surface was observed. Samples from LGA group also demonstrated a number of surface bulges and heterogeneities which were, nonetheless, characterized by a certain repeatability

Neuropeptide B and Vaspin as New Biomarkers in Anorexia Nervosa

Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the levels of neuropeptide B (NPB), neuropeptide W (NPW), vaspin (VAS), and the total antioxidant status (TAS) in the blood, as well as nutritional status of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Materials and Methods. The study covered a cohort of 76 female teenagers, including 46 females with extreme AN and 30 healthy peers (CONTR) aged 12-17. Results. AN persons were characterized by higher (in comparison to CONTR) NPB and VAS concentrations and lower values of TAS levels, body weight, and anthropometric values. Positive correlations between NPB and VAS levels were noted in the AN group (R=0.33; p<0.001) as well as between concentrations of NPW and VAS in the same group (R=0.49; p<0.001). Furthermore, positive correlations existed between NPB and NPW concentrations across the whole studied population (AN+CONTR; R=0.75; p<0.000001), AN (R=0.73; p<0.000001) and CONTR (R=0.90; p<0.0005). Conclusions. In detailed diagnostics of AN it is worth considering testing NPB and VAS levels