Postpartum depression : bipolar or unipolar? Analysis of 434 Polish postpartum women

Objective: To assess the prevalence of soft bipolar features in a sample of women with postpartum depressive symptoms, as well as to compare the sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of subjects with bipolar or unipolar postpartum depressive symptomatology. Methods: Four hundred and thirty-four participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), while the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was used to screen for bipolarity features. Results: Of the 434 participants, 66 (15.2%) scored ≥ 13 points on the EPDS, thus fulfilling the screening criteria, and 103 scored ≥ 7 points on the MDQ. In comparison with non-depressed subjects, the women who scored positively on the EPDS were significantly more likely to exhibit symptoms of bipolar spectrum disorders (38 vs. 21%; chi-square test, p = 0.015). Women with bipolar PPD symptomatology were significantly younger than those exhibiting unipolar PPD symptoms (31.0±4.8 years vs. 28.5±4.1 years; t-test, p = 0.03). The groups did not differ in terms of obstetric characteristics. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that patients with PPD symptomatology may be more likely to exhibit soft bipolarity features as compared with non-depressed women

Tobacco smoking in Poland in the years from 2003 to 2014 : multi-centre National Population Health Examination Survey (WOBASZ)

The reduction of tobacco smoking remains a challenge for public health. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use in the adult population of Poles in the years from 2003 to 2014. Furthermore, changes in the smoking addiction, the declared reasons for smoking, as well as readiness and motivation to stop smoking were assessed. Based on data from the Polish studies WOBASZ and WOBASZ II, the analysis included 14 576 participants from the first study (6906 men and 7670 women) and 5696 participants from the second study (2578 men and 3118 women), aged between 20 and 74 years. According to the WOBASZ II study, 30% of men and 21% of women in Poland smoked, the rates being 9% and 4% lower for men and women, respectively, in comparison with the WOBASZ study (P <0.001). The average number of cigarettes smoked daily per smoker significantly decreased during the follow‑up period among men (from 17.9 to 15.8 cigarettes per day) and women (from 13.7 to 12.1 cigarettes per day). The percentage of men who never smoked increased from 29.8% to 36.1% (P <0.0001), while the proportion of women who never smoked did not change. However, the percentage of those expressing unwillingness to quit smoking nearly doubled in WOBASZ II in comparison with WOBASZ. Although the smoking rates in Poland have declined over the past decade, smoking remains prevalent among men and women. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize tobacco control in Poland, including fiscal policy, counseling and tobacco addiction treatment, as well as promotional and educational activities, with a special emphasis on the female population

The Role of dietary supplements in the treatment of asthma - a narrative review

Introduction: Asthma is a common inflammatory disease of airway affecting both adults and children. In a large number of cases asthma remains poorly controlled. There is a need to find an additional therapeutic demeanour alleviating symptoms and lowering the risk complications in a long-term. Recently, increasing number of studies has been examining dietary supplements in regards to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-remodelling properties and their use in asthmatic patients. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to collect and analyse current literature regarding influence of different dietary supplements on the course of asthma in both adults and children.  Methods and Materials: Extensive research was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, with the primary focus on literature from the past 5 years. Firstly, potential dietary supplements affecting course of asthma were collected. The names of the substances were juxtaposed with term “Asthma” to gather data regarding their effect on occurrence and control of asthma and potential mechanisms responsible for it. Additionally, references from selected articles were included in the analysis. Results: Dietary supplements show promising results in decreasing asthma symptoms and lowering inflammation of airway. However, our study revealed that in current state of knowledge there is a deficit of studies performed on humans, especially large-scale, prospective studies that assess the efficacy of different doses of dietary supplements. Thus, further research of dietary supplements in asthma is needed, especially large-scale randomised controlled trials

The impact of obesity on dementia

IntroductionDementia is a syndrome characterized by a gradual deterioration of cognitive functions, including memory, thinking, orientation, attention span, perception, judgment, and language abilities. Obesity influences its development. Materials and methodsThe following review of studies is based on recent scientific articles available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases.The most searched phrases included: "dementia", "obesity", "midlife",and "the relationship between obesity and the risk of dementia". ResultsLiterature review indicates the existence of a relationship between midlife obesity and later dementia. It has also been pointed out that the forecasts for the onset of obesity and dementia are alarmingly rising world wide.It is estimated that by the year 2050, we can expect a threefold increase in dementia cases.ConclusionThe results of the cited studies indicate that further research into the occurrence of obesity and its later association with dementia is necessary. Midlife obesity likely plays a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of dementia

Novel therapies of treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer when BCG therapy turns out to be insufficient

Introduction: Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. There are two forms of bladder cancer: non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer. A common treatment method for non- muscle invasive bladder cancer is intravesical BCG (Mycobaterium bovis) therapy after radical tumor resection. It is estimated that half of patients will have an insufficient response to BCG treatment. Patients using this type of therapy also report side effects more and more often. Aim of the study: The aim of this article is to discuss the latest discoveries in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer when BCG therapy is insufficient. Material and Methods: The paper was created based on the PubMed and Scholar database. The literature was reviewed using the key words: „bladder cancer”; „BCG”; „treatment”; „side effects”; „novel therapies”. Results: The research shows that novel therapies are effective and safe compared to the use of BCG. In such patients, atezolizumab, metformin or intravesical magnesium sulfate infusions may be used as an alternative. An innovative solution is the use of HIVEC - heated chemotherapy administered intravesically. There are also drugs that potentiate the action of BCG, making the therapy more effective. These include: sasanlimab and rapamycin. Due to the side effects experienced by patients, the use of intravesical BCG is often replaced with intravesical infusions of chemotherapy drugs. Conclusion: The research shows that novel therapies are effective compared to the use of BCG. Unfortunately, more research is needed to standardize the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among Polish adults 75 years and older during 2007–2014

Background: The aim of this study was to assess changes in the prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension and its effectiveness between 2007 (WOBASZ Senior study) and 2013–2014 (WOBASZ II) in a sample of the Polish population over the age of 75 years. Methods: Sampling had three stages, stratified according to voivodeships, type of community, and gen­der. Finally, the WOBASZ II study included 467 persons (290 women and 177 men). For a comparison of the data, 1096 persons (538 women and 554 men) examined in the WOBASZ Senior study were used. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased from 153.0 ± 23.9 mmHg to 142.9 ± 22.3 mmHg and from 85.2 ± 11.9 mmHg to 78.4 ± 11.3 mmHg, respectively, from 2007 to 2014 (p &lt; 0.0001). Prevalence of hypertension among people included in WOBASZ studies slightly decreased from 83.8% to 77.9% (rate ratio [RR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–1.16) in men, and from 75.4% to 71.8% (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.8–1.09) in women. Hypertension awareness was improved from 59.2% to 72.9% (RR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.97–1.56) in men, and from 74,8% to 93% (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01–1.58) in women. The proportion of men and women, with implemented hypertension treatment, increased from 48.4% to 61.1% (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01–1.58), and from 63.2% to 82.0% (RR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1–1.53), respectively. The effectiveness of the treatment was improved over two-fold, there was an increase from 10.3% to 26.8% (RR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.81–3.89) in men, and from 13.8% to 33.5% in women (RR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.81–3.3). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension in Polish seniors remains high, but has decreased slightly in the perspective of the last 7 years. Although treatment and control has improved over the last decade, it remains below expectations. Efforts to improve the diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension in Polish seniors should be intensified

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - Its Antibacterial and Anticancer Activity

Introduction Ashwagandha, a traditional Indian plant, is gaining increasive attention from scientists worldwide due to its potential health benefits, especially in the context of its antibacterial and anticancer properties. Aim of the study The aim of this review was to discuss recent findings regarding the impact of Withania Somnifera on antibacterial effect and its potential applications in anticancer therapy. Materials and methods: The paper was created based on the Pubmed and Google Scholar database. The literature was reviewed using the keywards: ,,Ashwagandha”, ,,Withania Somnifera”, ,,antibacterial ”, ,,anticancer”, ,,side effects”, ,,breats cancer”. Results Studies have confirmed Withania Somnifera, exhibits significant anticacterial and anticancer effects. It inhibits the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Futhermore, it demonstrates anticancer activity, especially in breast cancer, by stimulating apoptosis, induction of cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells and increasing cell sensitivity to radiation. Conclusion Despite promising results, futher research on the benefits of Ashwagandha, particulary in the long term, is essential. There is growing need of more research of the potencial benefits of Ashwagandha in the treatment of various disorders including cancer and bacterial infections and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. The need for large randomized studies comparing long term clinical effectiveness is emphasize

Creatine - new hope in cancer treatment

Introduction Creatine, a supplement popular especially among athletes, is gaining increasive attention from scientists worldwide due to its potential health benefits, among other things, in the context of its anti-cancer application. Materials and methods The following review of studies is based on scientific articles from recent years available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included: "creatine", "creatine supplementation", "creatine in sports", "supplementation in sports", "creatine in cancer”. Results The literature review unequivocally demonstrates the beneficial impact of creatine supplementation on numerous health and athletic aspects. Creatine has been observed to have a positive effect on selected aspects of cancer treatment, such as reducing tumor mass, complementing the action of commonly used anticancer drugs, and slowing down the wasting associated with cancer diseases. Conclusion The promising results of the cited studies indicate that further research into creatine supplementation and its mechanisms of action is necessary. There is a need for further research on the positive impact of creatine supplementation in the treatment of cancer diseases. The significant potential of creatine supplementation may enable its inclusion in clinical practice in the future and the development of an effective therapeutic strategy based on it in the treatment of cancer diseases

The Role of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Treating Depression among Population Subgroups

Introduction Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, with its prevalence on the rise. The use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), primarily including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), in MDD is scientifically justified. But will every population subgroup benefit from such an approach? Aim of the study The aim of our study is to analyze, based on the latest scientific findings, the effects of MBIs within specific subgroups of patients suffering from depression, including adolescents, elderly patients, cancer patients, individuals experiencing postnatal and perinatal depression, and patients with chronic pain. Additionally, we sought to summarize the current knowledge regarding the structural and functional effects of MBIs on the human brain. Materials and methods We conducted a comprehensive search of scientific databases including PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant articles focusing on MBIs and their effects on treating depression within various subgroups. Additionally, we performed a review of literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar to summarize the current knowledge regarding the impact of MBIs on the human brain. Conclusions Across various subgroups MBIs show promise in reducing depressive symptoms, indicating their potential as adjunctive treatments or preventive measures. While longer intervention durations are associated with larger effects, further research is needed to establish a solid evidence base, particularly in older populations and cancer patients with different cancer types. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp