INFLUENCE OF SELECTED FACTORS ON DEVELOPMENT THE STUDENTS\u27 OF THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES FACULTIES BIOETHICAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL STUDIES

Background: Although it may help to widen our knowledge, conducting experiments with use of animals, is very controversial, especially since the most recent technology enables us to significantly avoid their use. Currently, the European directives require researchers to reduce the using of animals in scientific experiments, but some studies suggest awareness of the problem is still insufficient. Thanks to examining students’ attitude towards conducting scientific experiments on animals the authors wanted to discover and mark the most significant factors that might have impact on moulding students‘ opinions. Subjects and methods: 217 subjects participated in the study. They were students of the Faculty of Medicine at the Silesian Medical University in Katowice and students of the Biology & Biotechnology Faculty at the University of Silesia. A proprietary questionnaire sent via the Internet was used. The authors created specific ratios and numeral 5-grade Likert-type scale showing the behavioural, cognitive and affective component of the respondents’ attitudes on the issue being studied. It contained among other things the questions such as granting animals personality, consciousness, and the right to life. The method used allowed the investigators to show the general trends of all the studied responses and therefore the compilation of results. Results: The study showed that the attitude of respondents on studied subject undergoes some changes related to gender. Furthermore, the results did not depend with statistical significance on previous experience in conducting such experiments, religious belief of respondent, his or her parents type and level of education. It also showed the that students had little knowledge about current animal protection law and alternative methods to animal research. Conclusions: The results show the complexity and multiplicity of factors influencing the attitudes of bioethics and point to the need to deepen our knowledge in the studied area

SOCIAL ATTITUDE TOWARDS MENTALLY ILL IN COMPARISON TO EXPERTS’ OPINIONS

Background: In modern psychiatry, deinstitutionalization of mentally ill became an essential part of improving state of being of those affected. Integration in community, despite obvious benefits, led to increase in social distance and rejection towards mentally ill. Social stigma affects different life domains of those afflicted, and therefore it is crucial to introduce methods to deal with it. Our objective was to assess and compare psychiatrists’ and public attitudes and beliefs about mentally ill people. Materials and methods: Comparison of two samples, one including 107 psychiatrists and second including 708 individuals of the general population. Obtained outcomes were collated with similar studies available in literature. Outcomes: The psychiatrists’ attitude was more positive in comparison to the general population. Both groups agree that programs raising public awareness are important, and should be intensified. 41% of general population and 13% of respondents from experts’ group think of negative associations with mentally ill. Conclusions: Conception of utilizing mental health experts as the opinion leaders should be carefully thought through. Although awareness of social distance and stigma improved both among psychiatrists and general population since 2005 (Wciorka & Wciorka 2006, Lauber 2004), still there are areas that needs enhancement. Fear present in both groups, probably caused by inter allia image of mental illness in news reports (Angermeyer 2001), is one of such areas

Systematic Review of Literature on Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Within the Oxytocin and Vasopressin Receptor Genes in the Development of Social Cognition Dysfunctions in Individuals Suffering From Autism Spectrum Disorder

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is found in virtually all population groups regardless of ethnic or socioeconomic backgrounds. Among others, dominant symptoms of autism persistent throughout its course of development include, inter alia, qualitative disorders of social communication and social interactions. Numerous studies have been performed on animal models as well as groups of healthy individuals to assess the potential role of oxytocinergic and vasopresynergic systems in normal social functioning. These studies have also discussed their potential participation in the development of social cognition dysfunctions in the course of ASD. This literature review aimed to identify studies examining single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor genes and their differential effects on social cognitive dysfunction in the development of ASD.Methods: A systematic review of literature published within the last 10 years and accessible in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and APA PsycNET databases was conducted by each author separately. Inclusion criteria required that articles should 1) be published between January 2008 and August 2018; 2) be published in English or Polish; 3) be located in periodical publications; 4) focus on the role of polymorphisms within oxytocin and vasopressin receptor genes in autistic population; 5) provide a clear presentation of the applied methodology; and 6) apply proper methodology.Results: From the 491 studies qualified to the initial abstract analysis, 15 met the six inclusion criteria and were included in the full-text review.Conclusions: The analysis of available literature seems to indicate that there is an association between social cognition dysfunctions in the course of autism and selected alleles of polymorphisms within the OXT receptor AVP 1A receptor genes. However, previous studies neither specify the nature of this association in an unequivocal way nor select genotypes that are the basis for this association

EVALUATION OF THE CORTISOL CONCENTRATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Introduction: The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) plays a pivotal role in response to a range of external and internal factors often described as a “stress”. Growing evidence in a literature, suggest various dysregulations of HPAA, in course of numerous mental disorders. Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder seem to have elevated basal cortisol secretion, what might be caused by the diminution of glucocorticoid receptors’ amount. It was of the interest if the cortisol concentrations in patients with diagnosed schizophrenia who underwent treatment, differs from healthy individuals. Materials and methods: Two groups of participants were included into the study. First group (study) consisted of 10 patients with diagnosed schizophrenia and control group which included 38 healthy individuals. Study was divided into two stages, first one (pilot) included only control group, and utilized cortisol concentrations measurement from saliva, blood and 24h urine sample. Second part (main study) involved both groups although focused on a salivary cortisol concentrations. Results: A mean salivary cortisol concentration in patients with schizophrenia who underwent treatment was significantly lower in comparison with healthy individuals. Conclusions: Obtained results indicate that patients who underwent a treatment, and does not present notable clinical signs of schizophrenia may have moderately lowered levels of salivary cortisol. This may be a reflection of relenting psychotic symptoms as well as a direct effect of atypical antipsychotic drugs on a HPA axis activity

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE LEVELS OF WORK ENGAGEMENT IN PHYSICIANS FROM POLAND, SERBIA AND BULGARIA

Introduction: Lowered work engagement and burnout are a growing problem in recent years, especially among physicians. Cynicism, lack of energy and decreased efficacy may lead to the occurrence of severe depression. These phenomena influence almost every aspect of affected person’s life, both professional and extraprofessional, and decrease its quality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of family life and other factors on levels of work engagement and risk of depression. Materials and methods: Our study was conducted on a group of 417 physicians from Poland, Serbia and Bulgaria using a paper questionnaire. The collected data was subjected to statistical analyses using Statsoft Statistica v. 10.0 software. Results: There was no significant correlation between work engagement and sex or age. The highest score on work engagement was in Serbia (m=4.41; Mann-Whitney’s U test with p<0.05). The highest score of BDI was in Bulgaria (m=14.73; Mann-Whitney’s U test with p<0.05). There was no significant correlation exceeding r=0.5 between UWES and SWING scales. WHI+/WHI- ratio correlates significantly with a BDI scale (Spearman’s r=-0.49; p<0.05). Conclusions: Family life of physicians seem to have minor or even no influence on their work engagement and risk of burnout. The negative influence of work on family life may increase the risk of depression, and that effect is not susceptible to either positive or negative interactions of family life with work. The country with the lowest expenditure on a healthcare have also the lowest levels of work engagement

Assessment of the usefulness of ultrasound screening in fetal ovarian cysts

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of ultrasound in management and prognosis in fetal ovarian cysts. Material and methods: The study included 38 fetuses with cyst in abdominal cavity, who, between 1995 and 2006, underwent an ultrasound examination in our unit at the Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital in Lodz , The Department for Diagnosis and Prevention of Birth Defects. Results: In all 38 fetuses with cyst in abdominal cavity we have diagnosed 27 (74%) cases of ovarian cyst. In 14 (74%) fetuses cysts regressed spontaneously, including all cysts ≤40mm (n=7). In 3 cases with cysts &gt;40mm needle aspiration has been successfully performed, without any further complications. Surgical neonatal treatment has been performed in 5 cases in prenatal cysts &gt;40mm without prenatal aspiration. In 3 cases cysts &gt;40mm regressed spontaneously. Ovarian cysts in 22 (81%) cases were an isolated malformation; in 5 (19%) cases other malformations were present. Conclusions: 1. Fetal ovarian cysts ≤40mm required only ultrasound assessment and, in majority of cases, revealed the tendency to spontaneous regression. 2. Cysts &gt;40mm in maximal diameter have signaled complications more often and required surgical procedure after birth. 3. In utero, aspiration of fetal ovarian cyst &gt;40mm may lead to cyst regression, making the surgery after birth unnecessary

Fetal echocardiography in fetal ovarian cysts

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of fetuses with ovarian cysts in relation to fetal echocardiography. Material and methods: In the Department for Diagnosis and Prophylaxis of Birth Defects at the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital in Lodz fetal echocardiography was performed in 21 fetuses with ovarian cysts between the years 1995-2006. Outcomes: In 18 out of 21 (86%) fetuses we have found normal heart anatomy (NHA) and in 3 fetuses congenital heart defect (CHD). In 7 out of 18 (39%) fetuses with NHA there were functional anomalies, including 5 fetuses with hypertrophy. Four neonates with hypertrophy required surgical procedures after the delivery. Prenatal hypertrophy was not observed in case of only one neonate which was operated after the delivery. Conclusions: 1. Fetal echocardiography studies were very often abnormal in fetus with ovarian cysts (mainly as functional anomalies). 2. Functional anomalies detected in fetal echocardiography more often resulted in surgical procedures after the birth, whereas normal heart study was more often connected with spontaneous regression of ovarian cyst (p=0,0265)

Diaphragmatic hernia in Reference Hospital ICZMP – diagnostic problems and outcome

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze US/ECHO examinations in fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia (DH) diagnosed and treated in our institution from 1994-2006, and their follow-up. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of the data base from Department for Diagnoses & Prevention of Fetal Malformations, Research Institute of the Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital: 14 481 fetal echo/ultrasound examinations in 10 077 fetuses have been analyzed to retrieve 115 fetuses with DH. Results: The mean gestational age at the targeted US/ECHO examination was 30 wks. There were 8 terminations of pregnancies (at mean 21 wks), 6 intrauterine demises, 60 neonatal deaths after delivery (in 1-3rd day of postnatal life), 8 deaths after surgery, 19 neonates were discharged home and in 14 cases the follow-up could not be monitored. The most common anomalies accompanying DH have been central nervous system anomalies (20%), polyhydramnion (16%) and cong heart defects (10%). In this subgroup, there was 100% mortality. Isolated DH has been diagnosed in every third case. In this subgroup, 27 neonates had undergone surgery and the survival rate was 70%, however since 2004 there was not a single death on record. Conclusions: Late gestational age of US/ECHO examinations in our tertiary center suggests that DH has been relatively difficult to detect during ultrasound screening. DH and the other structural malformations have been a lethal disease in our series in 100%. Isolated DH was much less frequent and was present in every third case (29%), and in this group the survival rate was 70%, regardless of the way of the delivery (CS or Vaginal)

INFLUENCE OF SELECTED FACTORS ON DEVELOPMENT THE STUDENTS\u27 OF THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES FACULTIES BIOETHICAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL STUDIES

Background: Although it may help to widen our knowledge, conducting experiments with use of animals, is very controversial, especially since the most recent technology enables us to significantly avoid their use. Currently, the European directives require researchers to reduce the using of animals in scientific experiments, but some studies suggest awareness of the problem is still insufficient. Thanks to examining students’ attitude towards conducting scientific experiments on animals the authors wanted to discover and mark the most significant factors that might have impact on moulding students‘ opinions. Subjects and methods: 217 subjects participated in the study. They were students of the Faculty of Medicine at the Silesian Medical University in Katowice and students of the Biology & Biotechnology Faculty at the University of Silesia. A proprietary questionnaire sent via the Internet was used. The authors created specific ratios and numeral 5-grade Likert-type scale showing the behavioural, cognitive and affective component of the respondents’ attitudes on the issue being studied. It contained among other things the questions such as granting animals personality, consciousness, and the right to life. The method used allowed the investigators to show the general trends of all the studied responses and therefore the compilation of results. Results: The study showed that the attitude of respondents on studied subject undergoes some changes related to gender. Furthermore, the results did not depend with statistical significance on previous experience in conducting such experiments, religious belief of respondent, his or her parents type and level of education. It also showed the that students had little knowledge about current animal protection law and alternative methods to animal research. Conclusions: The results show the complexity and multiplicity of factors influencing the attitudes of bioethics and point to the need to deepen our knowledge in the studied area

Relationship of autistic traits and the severity of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to investigate the level of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic and to detect a possible correlation between the autistic traits and the level of fear and to learn about other factors that may affect the level of fear.MethodsThe study utilised a questionnaire and was conducted online in the period from 16.02.2021 to 11.06.2021. The test group consisted of 214 respondents with an average age of 23.78 years (95%CI: 22.48 – 25.08; max: 61, min: 14) from the general population. The study used The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire to assess the degree of autistic traits in the general population and The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, which was used to assess the level of fear of COVID-19.ResultsAmong the respondents, 9 people scored ≥32 on the AQ test and were considered to have a high degree of autistic traits. In multiple regression (R2 = 0.1, p&lt;0.0001), a positive relationship between the severity of fear of COVID-19 and the autistic traits (p=0.01) and age (p&lt;0.001) was obtained. Additionally, a second multiple regression (R2 = 0.1, p&lt;0.000001) including the subscales of AQ was performed and a positive relationship between the severity of fear of COVID-19 and the difficulties in attention switching (p=0.0004) and age (p=0.00001) was obtained.ConclusionPeople with higher autistic traits present greater fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. We suggest that it might be caused by cognitive stiffness and disorders in emotions regulation, according to the literature. The elderly also present higher levels of fear. The other variables did not affect the level of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic