THE KNOWLEDGE ON LYME BORRELIOSIS AND OTHER TICK-BORNE DISEASES AMONG NURSING STUDENTS FROM POLAND AND SLOVAKIA

Tick-borne diseases are infectious diseases transmitted by the bites of infected ticks. The most common vector-borne disease in Europe is Lyme borreliosis (LB). The number of the reported cases of LB has been steadily increasing. For this reason, it is important to undertake educational activities in the field of tick-borne diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the level and scope of knowledge on tick-borne diseases among nursing students from Poland and Slovakia. The study sample consisted of 428 nursing students (192 students of the State School of Higher Education in Biała Podlaska, Poland and 236 students of the University in Presov, Slovakia). The knowledge of the surveyed students on tick-borne diseases is limited. Polish students demonstrated greater knowledge about LB, while students from Slovakia showed greater awareness of the threat posed by tick-borne encephalitis. Particularly worrying is the lack of knowledge on proper way of removal of a tick attached to the skin. Students recognize the need to broaden their knowledge on tick-borne diseases, which should be taken into consideration in realized studies curricula.

MONITORING VÝSKYTU PORÚCH OSOVÉHO ORGÁNU U ŠTUDENTOV DENTÁLNEJ HYGIENY

MONITORING THE OCCURRENCE OF THE AXIAL ORGAN DEFECTS IN DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS. Objective: The aim of the research was to evaluate changes in the curvature of the spine in the basic position in the sagittal and frontal plane in dental hygiene students using SpinalMouse, as well as comparing the quality of posture with a group of physiotherapy students. File: The surveyed sample consisted of 120 Presov University students, aged 21 to 34 years. Methods: Measurements were made using the SpinalMouse device. The percentage representation of changes in the basic shape of the spine in the sagittal and in the frontal plane in the various spine sections were calculated from the acquired data within the entire file. Results: The main problems were diagnosed in the frontal plane in the lumbar section of the spine. Pathological curvature without emphasis on the assessment of the curvature degree was found in more than 90% of the examined persons. Conclusion: The research highlights the negative changes in the parameters of the spinal shape in the examination sample of students. In order to prevent many health risks, attention should be paid to the method of teaching healthy habits within the work of dentists or dental hygienists

Impact of footwear fitting on foot shape in primary schoolgirls

The study aimed to analyze the footwear fitting and its impact on foot construction features in primary schoolgirls. Methods: The study group was comprised of 100 girls aged 9 years. The study relied on the CQ-ST podoscope and the Clevermess device for pertinent measurements. The data were analyzed based on the Mann–Whitney U-test, multiple regression analysis and simple regression. Results: Too short right footwear had 37% of the girls and the left – 38% of the girls, while too long shoes were worn respectively by: 14% of the girls and 15% of the girls. Too wide footwear in relation to the right foot width had 45% of the group and in relation to the left foot: 41% of the group. Too narrow right shoes had 23% of the group and the left – 32% of the group. Statistically significant influence of the excess of outdoor footwear width was found on the Clarke’s angle values ( p = 0.041), the fifth toe setting of the right foot ( p = 0.015) and Wejsflog index of the left foot ( p = 0.036). Conclusions: Most 9-year-old girls wear poorly fitted outdoor footwear. Appropriately selected footwear in terms of the width facilitates the formation of foot architecture, but wearing too wide footwear increases the risk of hollow feet and the varus deformity of the fifth toe

Can Frailty Be a Predictor of ICD Shock after the Implantation of a Cardioverter Defibrillator in Elderly Patients?

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of frailty among elderly patients who had an implanted cardioverter defibrillator, as well as the influence of frailty on the main endpoints during the follow-up. Methods: The study included 103 patients > 60 years of age (85M, aged 71.56–8.17 years). All of the patients had an implanted single or dual-chamber cardioverter-defibrillator. In the research, there was a 12-month follow-up. The occurrence of frailty syndrome was assessed using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator scale (TFI). Results: Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 75.73% of the patients that were included in the study. The mean values of the TFI were 6.55 ± 2.67, in the physical domain 4.06 ± 1.79, in the psychological domain 2.06 ± 1.10, and in the social domain 0.44 ± 0.55. During the follow-up period, 27.2% of patients had a defibrillator cardioverter electric shock, which occurred statistically more often in patients with diagnosed frailty syndrome (34.6%) compared to the robust patients (4%); p = 0.0062. In the logistic regression, frailty (OR: 1.203, 95% CI:1.0126–1.4298; p < 0.030) was an independent predictor of a defibrillator cardioverter electric shock. Similarly, in the logistic regression, frailty (OR: 1.3623, 95% CI:1.0290–1.8035; p = 0.019) was also an independent predictor for inadequate electric shocks. Conclusion: About three-quarters of the elderly patients that had qualified for ICD implantation were affected by frailty syndrome. In the frailty subgroup, adequate and inadequate shocks occurred more often compared to the robust patients

Analiza pokretljivosti kralježnice i držanja tijela kod zubnih liječnika i zubnih higijeničara u Slovačkoj

Aims and objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of changes in the axial organ among dentists and dental hygienists as well as to compare the monitored parameters with a group of dental hygiene students. Background. The work of dentists or dental hygienists requires prolonged standing in non-ergonomic positions. This has a negative impact on their health. Current prevention programs seem to be ineffective. This paper deals with the biomechanical analysis and assessment of the health risk factors of dentists and dental hygienists. Methods. In order to evaluate possible risks, postural parameters were detected among 54 dentists and dental hygienists and 75 dental hygiene students by means of the SpinalMouse®. Changes in the basic shape of the spine position in the sagittal and frontal plane and mobility in the sagittal plane were monitored. Results. The results show an increased incidence of changes in axial organ among dentists and dental hygienists, which indicates a decreased quality of body control in young persons. Relevance for clinical practice. The study suggests that changes in the axial organ represent a significant burden for the dental profession.Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi pojavu promjena u aksijalnom organu kod zubnih liječnika i zubnih higijeničara te istodobno usporediti praćene parametre s onima u skupini studenata dentalne higijene. Posao zubnih liječnika i zubnih higijeničara zahtjeva da se nalaze duže vrijeme u neergonomičnim položajima, što je razlog nastanka zdravstvenih problema kod ovih zanimanja. Istodobno preventivni programi čine se neučinkovitima. U radu su prikazani rezultati biomehaničke analize promjena aksijalnoga organa kod 54 zubna liječnika i dentalna higijeničara te 75 studenata dentalne higijene. Biomehanička analiza provedena je korištenjem uređaja SpinalMouse. Utvrđene su promjene oblika kralježnice u aksijalnom položaju u sagitalnoji i frontalnoj ravnini te mobilnosti kralježnice u sagitalnoj ravnini. Rezultati ukazuju na učestalu pojavu promjena u aksijalnom organu kod zubnih liječnika i dentalnih higijeničara, te istodobno na smanjeni kvalitet posture kod mladih osoba. Promjene u aksijalnom organu ukazuju na značajno zdravstveno opterećenje ove struke te se razmatraju rizični faktori koji utječu na zdravlje zubnih liječnika i higijeničara

Wpływ aktywności fizycznej na funkcje płuc u pacjentów z lejkowatą klatką piersiową

Background. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the level of physical activity on pulmonary function in patients with pectus excavatum. Material and methods. This study included 47 patients diagnosed with pectus excavatum, with a median age of 19 years (min. 17 years, max. 26 years). The degree of deformity was evaluated clinically by anthropometric measurement. Spirometry was used for the evaluation of pulmonary function. The demographic, clinical data, and experience of patients with sporting activity were examined using a questionnaire. The self-reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF) was used to determine physical activity levels. Results. With higher physical activity, there was statistically significant higher inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) (rho=0.628), forced vital capacity (FVCex) (rho=0.455), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (rho=0.356). A statistically significant relationship was observed between deformity rate and spirometric parameters for FEV1 (p=0.011), maximal expiratory flow rate of 75% FVC (MEF75) (p<0.0001), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (p<0.0001). Conclusions. Respiratory functions of patients with chest deformity are positively influenced by physical activity.Wprowadzenie. Celem badania było ustalenie wpływu poziomu aktywności fizycznej na funkcje płuc u pacjentów z lejkowatą klatką piersiową. Materiał i metody. W badaniu wzięło udział 47 pacjentów ze zdiagnozowaną lejkowatą klatką piersiową. Średnia wieku wynosiła 19 lat (minimum 17, maksimum 26 lat). Stopień deformacji został określony klinicznie za pomocą pomiaru antropometrycznego. Do określenia funkcji płuc zastosowano spirometrię. Dane demograficzne, kliniczne oraz związane z aktywnością sportową pacjentów zostały zebrane w postaci ankiety, natomiast w celu ocenienia poziomu aktywności fizycznej wykorzystano skrócony Międzynarodowy Kwestionariusz Aktywności Fizycznej (IPAQ-SF) wypełniony przez pacjentów. Wyniki. Wraz ze wzrostem aktywności fizycznej pacjentów zaobserwowano statystycznie istotny wzrost wdechowej pojemności życiowej (IVC) (rho=0,628), natężonej objętości wydechowej (FVCex) (rho=0,455) i objętości wydechowej pierwszosekundowej (FEV1) (rho=0,356). Zaobserwowany związek pomiędzy stopniem deformacji i parametrami spirometrycznymi okazał się statystycznie istotny dla zmiennych: FEV1 ( p= 0.011), maksymalnego przepływu wydechowego o 75% FVC (MEF75) (p<0,0001) i szczytowego przepływu wydechowego (PEF) (p<0,0001). Wnioski. Aktywność fizyczna ma pozytywny wpływ na funkcje oddechowe pacjentów z deformacją klatki piersiowej

Wiedza studentów pielęgniarstwa w zakresie dróg transmisji i profilaktyki zakażeń Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus u kobiet w okresie ciąży

Background. The knowledge about the prevention of infections with TORCH pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus and Cytomegalovirus, combined with the proper involvement in health educator’s work may affect the creation of the correct attitudes and health promoting habits. Study objective - the evaluation of knowledge of nursing students of the State School of Higher Education in Biała Podlaska (Poland) and the University of Prešov (Slovakia) about the transmission routes and prevention of infections caused by T. gondii, Rubella virus and CMV in women during pregnancy. Material and methods. The study group included 158 nursing students from the State School of Higher Education in Biała Podlaska, and 240 students from the University of Prešov. An original questionnaire was used; it contained closed questions regarding the specific TORCH pathogens. Results. Correct answers to the question regarding the route of infection with T. gondii were provided by 43.5% of respondents from both universities; 42.5% knew the route of foetal infection with T. gondii, whereas 79.9% knew the methods to diagnose toxoplasmosis. Respondents knew consequences of infections caused by Rubella virus to the foetus (79.4%). Students of the State School of Higher Education (90.5%) and students of the University of Prešov (44.6%) were aware of the importance of rubella vaccination as a method of prevention of infection with Rubella virus. Conclusions. Nursing students are familiar with the methods used in the diagnostics of toxoplasmosis and the consequences for the foetus resulting from infections with Rubella virus. However, the awareness regarding the transmission routes of T. gondii and prevention of infections caused by Rubella virus and CMV was insufficient.Wprowadzenie. Wiedza w zakresie profilaktyki zakażeń patogenami grupy TORCH, w tym Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, połączona z właściwym zaangażowaniem w pracę edukatora zdrowia może wpłynąć na kreowanie prawidłowych postaw i nawyków zdrowotnych. Cel badań – ocena wiedzy studentów kierunku pielęgniarstwo kształcących się w Państwowej Szkole Wyższej w Białej Podlaskiej (Polska) oraz Uniwersytecie Preszowskim (Słowacja) na temat dróg transmisji i profilaktyki zakażeń powodowanych przez T. gondii, Rubella virus, CMV u kobiet w okresie ciąży. Materiał i metody. Grupa badawcza obejmowała studentów pielęgniarstwa: 158 osób z PSW w Białej Podlaskiej i 240 studentów z Uniwersytetu Preszowskiego. Wykorzystano autorski kwestionariusz ankiety zawierający pytania zamknięte dotyczące wybranych patogenów grupy TORCH. Wyniki. Poprawnie na pytanie o drogi zakażenia T. gonidii odpowiedziało 43.5% badanych studentów obu uczelni, 42.5% zna drogę, na której dochodzi do zakażenia płodu T. gonidii, a 79.9% zna metody diagnostyki toksoplazmozy. Ankietowani znają konsekwencje zakażeń Rubella virus dla płodu (79.4%). Znaczenie szczepienia przeciwko różyczce jako metody profilaktyki zakażeń Rubella virus świadomi są studenci z PSW (90.5%) i Uniwersytetu Preszowskiego (44.6%). Wnioski. Studenci pielęgniarstwa znają metody stosowane w diagnostyce toksoplazmozy oraz konsekwencje dla płodu wynikające z zakażenia Rubella virus, jednak świadomość dotycząca dróg transmisji T. gondii, profilaktyki zakażeń Rubella virus i CMV jest niewystarczająca

Comparison of selected prooxidant-antioxidant balance and bone metabolism indicators and BDNF levels between older women with different levels of physical activity

Abstract Background Given a lack of studies precisely indicating how many steps elderly people should take daily for their antioxidant defence, bone metabolism, and cognitive abilities to improve, our study set out to compare the selected antioxidant, prooxidant, bone turnover, and BDNF indicators between elderly women differing in physical activity (PA) measured by the daily number of steps. Methods The PA levels of 62 women aged 72.1 ± 5.4 years were assessed based on their daily number of steps and then were used to allocate the participants to three groups: group I (n = 18; <5,000 steps a day); group II (n = 22; from 5,000 to 9,999 steps a day); and group III (n = 22; ≥10,000 steps a day). Blood samples were collected from the participants in early morning hours and subjected to biochemical analysis for prooxidant-antioxidant balance indicators (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GSH, UA, MDA and TOS/TOC), bone metabolism indicators (Ca, 25-OH vitamin D, osteocalcin, CTX-I, and PTH), and BDNF levels. Results The groups were not statistically significantly different in the activity of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR, but their concentrations of GSH (H = 22.10, p < 0.001) and UA (H = 12.20, p = 0.002) proved to be significantly associated with the groups’ daily PA. The between-group differences in the concentrations of MDA and TOS/TOC were not significant, with both these indicators tending to take higher values in group I than in groups II and III. Significant differences between the groups were established for the concentrations of 25-OH vitamin D (H = 24.21, p < 0.001), osteocalcin (H = 7.88, p = 0.019), CTX-I (H = 12.91, p = 0.002), and BDNF (H = 14.47, p = 0.001), but not for Ca and PTH. Conclusions Significantly higher concentrations of GSH, slightly lower oxidative stress indicators, significantly higher BDNF levels, and moderately better bone turnover indicators and resorption markers in the group taking more than 5,000 steps a day suggest that this level of PA can promote successful aging. More research is, however, needed to confirm this finding

Distribution of Minimal and Maximal Values of the Location of the Centre of Pressure in the Frontal and Sagittal Planes in Healthy Boys and Boys with Mild Intellectual Disability Participating in 12-Week Equestrian Classes

Humans maintain balance in the vertical position through random movements that result from instability of the body supported in two points. These tracking movements are responsible for the motor activity focused on maintaining body balance. The role of the postural control system is to choose a strategy, that is, the behaviour as a response to stimuli and regaining the balance through coordinated activity of the muscles that stabilize the talocrural and hip joints that perform movements in the frontal and sagittal planes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of equestrian classes on postural balance in the frontal and sagittal balance in healthy boys aged 15 to 17 years and boys at the same age with mild intellectual disability. The study examined 100 randomized boys aged 15 to 17 years with mild intellectual disability and healthy boys. The study participants were divided into two groups: experimental group, who participated for 12 weeks in equestrian classes and the control group, with boys attending outdoor or indoor physical education classes. Before and after completion of the study, both experimental and control groups were diagnosed by means of Accu SwayPlus force plate. Maximum and minimum locations of the position of the centre of pressure (COP) with respect to the base of support on the platform were evaluated in the frontal and sagittal planes. The description of the parameters was based on the arithmetic mean, maximal and minimal value, scatter diagram and percentage distribution of values. Correlation of the parameters was also evaluated. Significant changes were found in the experimental groups after horse-riding classes, which pointed to the improvement in balance response, particularly in the sagittal plane, both in terms of minimal and maximal values. The character of these changes was similar: value of body sway in the sagittal plane was reduced and the higher percentage of minimal values was recorded for each parameter in both planes after the equestrian effect. Correlations were found between maximum position of the centre of pressure (COP) in the frontal plane and minimal and maximal position of the centre of pressure in the sagittal plane. All the significant changes and trends found for the experimental group which occurred after 12 weeks of equestrian classes suggest improved parameters of balance. The lack of changes in balance parameters in the control group shows that the equestrian classes help develop balance abilities in healthy boys aged 15 to 17 years and, to a lesser extent, in those with mild intellectual disability