Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM
-
Ann Agric Environ Med · Jan 2013
Do inflammatory factors play a significant role in etiopathogenesis of endometrial cysts? Part 1.
Endometriosis is an estrogen-related chronic condition which consists in the implantation and growth of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. It has an immune and inflammatory background, and to-date the precise etiopathogenesis of endometrial cysts has not been unequivocally defined. The objective of the study was evaluation of the indicators of the inflammatory state, including RANTES and the levels of C-reactive protein, leukocytes, fibrinogen and iron in the blood serum of patients with endometrial cysts (n=48) and benign ovarian tumours of mature teratoma type (n=38). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test. The p values p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. ⋯ Statistically significant differences were observed in the levels of WBC, fibrynogen and CA-125 in blood serum. Therefore, the role of the inflammatory factor in the etiopathogenesis of endometrial cysts still remains unexplained, and the presented study may emerge as pioneer investigations in the area of etiology of endometriosis.
-
Ann Agric Environ Med · Jan 2013
Altered tissue electrical properties in women with breast cancer--preliminary observations.
In the United States, breast cancer (BC) is the most common non-skin cancer. In Poland, it is estimated that the number of new breast cancer cases affects about 13,500 women each year. There are many methods for nutritional status assessment. One of them is bioimpedance analysis (BIA). Direct bioimpedance measures (resistance, reactance, phase angle (PA)) determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) detectf changes in tissue electrical properties. The study was conducted to investigate whether there are any tissue electrical differences in patients with breast cancer. ⋯ Pre-surgical patients diagnosed with BC have altered tissue electrical properties. Further observations of a larger patient group would be valuable to calculate survival, validate the prognostic significance of PA, and monitor nutritional and therapeutic interventions in this patient population.
-
Ann Agric Environ Med · Jan 2013
Professional communication competences of paramedics--practical and educational perspectives.
Dissonance between the high 'technical' competences of medical professionals, including paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMT), and the relatively low level of patient satisfaction with care received, is a phenomenon observed in many countries. Many studies show that it occurs in the case of an inadequate interpersonal communication between medical professionals and patients. The primary goal of the presented research was evaluation of the level (study of the state) of communication competences of paramedics, and determination of the factors on which this level depends. An additional goal was analysis of the needs and educational possibilities within the existing models of education in the area of interpersonal communication provided by higher medical education institutions. ⋯ Methods of evaluating communication competences are useful in constructing group and individual programmes focused on specific communication competences, rather than on general communication skills.
-
Ann Agric Environ Med · Jan 2013
Clinical approach to visceral pain in irritable bowel syndrome - pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment.
Visceral pain has been defined as a pain resulting from activation of pain receptors localized in mucous membrane, serous membrane, and smooth muscles of hollow organs. The great majority of these organs are innervated by parasympathetic and sympathetic outflows. Afferent nerve fibres are involved in conduction of both acute and persistent pain and hyperalgesia. ⋯ For example, the complex therapy of pain and other manifestations associated with irritable bowel syndrome include psychotherapy/behavioural therapy, bulk-forming agents, probiotics, laxatives, antidiarrheals, antibacterial agents, antispasmodics, and antidepressants. The current knowledge about the pathogenesis of visceral pain gives a rationale for the development of new, more efficacious drugs with a positive benefit/risk ratio. Unfortunately, experience gained so far with the use of some agents affecting serotoninergic transmission in the gastrointestinal tract have shown a serious danger associated with their administration for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
-
Ann Agric Environ Med · Jan 2013
Selected aspects of a professional doctor-patient communication--education and practice.
In the work of a physician, not only knowledge, and professional skills (technical/hard) are important, but also psychosocial skills (relational/soft). ⋯ The education of students of medicine should cover selected classes within the scope of professional communication competences. These classes should be based on the systemically designed training of skills. The patterning by students of the relations attitudes observed in practising physicians is insufficient. It is necessary to apply a methodical evaluation of communication competences, diagnosing educational needs of occupationally active physicians in this respect. This allows the preparation of courses in accordance with the needs in the area of professional communication competences.