Journal of Health Study and Medicine Feed

Conservative Management of Nonsynostotic Plagiocephaly in Infants: A Literature Review with Focus on Osteopathic and Manual Therapy

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundNonsynostotic plagiocephaly is one of the most common cranial deformities observed in infants. The condition is characterized by unilateral flattening of the occipital region of the skull resulting from prolonged external mechanical pressure. In recent decades, the prevalence of positional plagiocephaly has increased significantly, largely due to the introduction of supine sleeping recommendations following the “Back to Sleep” campaign aimed at reducing sudden infant death syndrome.ObjectiveThe aim of this literature review was to evaluate conservative therapeutic approaches used in infants with nonsynostotic plagiocephaly, with particular emphasis on osteopathic and manual therapy, and to analyze their influence on cranial symmetry, cervical mobility, and motor development.Materials and MethodsA narrative literature review was conducted using PRISMA-informed screening principles. The PubMed database was searched using a broad exploratory strategy to identify studies related to plagiocephaly and cranial asymmetry in infants. Studies evaluating conservative therapeutic interventions in infants with positional plagiocephaly were screened for eligibility according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsA total of 5620 publications were initially identified. After screening procedures and application of inclusion criteria, 21 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. The analyzed literature suggests that conservative therapeutic interventions may improve cranial symmetry and functional outcomes in infants with positional plagiocephaly. In particular, osteopathic and manual therapies demonstrated potential benefits in improving cranial asymmetry, cervical mobility, and motor development.ConclusionsConservative therapeutic approaches appear to be important in the management of nonsynostotic plagiocephaly. Osteopathic and manual therapy may represent safe and potentially effective components of multidisciplinary treatment; however, further randomized controlled trials are required to establish standardized treatment protocols and evaluate long-term outcomes.

The Use of Individualized Analytical Tools in the Management of the Specialized Oncology Treatment Center SOLO I

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monitoring the contract with the National Health Fund (NFZ) in healthcare providers is a process of ongoing managerial control aimed at confirming whether the NFZ agreement is being implemented in accordance with its terms, and whether the provision of health services by the provider is financially and organizationally optimal. Revenue analysis from the NFZ in healthcare providers requires specialized IT tools that enable the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of financial and medical data, transforming them into concrete managerial information. Individualized analytical and reporting tools are primarily used for the ongoing monitoring of NFZ contract implementation, especially for revenue analysis by departments, service scopes, Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs), contracted products, as well as for determining the profitability of medical procedures or identifying services not settled or rejected from settlement by the NFZ. They allow for the early detection of irregularities and provide the opportunity for immediate implementation of appropriate managerial decisions to qualitatively regulate the situation.

Does a Healthy Diet Have a Protective Effect on the Development of Depression? – A Review Article

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundDepressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders all over the world experienced by 3.8% of the world’s population, including 5% of adults and 5.7% of adults over 60 years old. Depression can be characterized by various symptoms like depressed mode, loss of interest, weight loss or gain, feeling worthless, or excessive guilt. Studies show that depression risk factors may be lowered by following a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, consumption of fish and vegetables, vitamin D3, probiotics, or antioxidants.ObjectivesThe purpose of this paper was to summarize known factors with protective effect on the development of depression and possible intervention in daily habits of patients who are suffering from the disorder.Material and MethodsThe conclusions of the article were formulated by analysing the available literature mostly from 2019–2024 in PubMed and Google Scholar database. The articles were selected based on the following search criteria in various combinations: “depression”, “diet”, “antioxidants”, “gut microbiota”, “Mediterranean diet”, “omega -3”, “vitamin D”. 120 articles were considered, where 40 references were chosen and 80 rejected. The selection of articles was conducted according to the subject of the review paper and appropriate search criteria.ResultsIn controlled studies, patients with diagnosed major depressive disorder were reported to have low levels of bacteria representing intestinal gut microbiota, vitamin D3, and omega -3 acids. Following the Mediterranean diet, full of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil as a main source of dietary fats, patients were reported to have reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. A correlation was shown between the imbalance of oxidative stress and the antioxidant defence and depressive disorders.ConclusionsThe findings suggest a strong connection between healthy lifestyle, dietary intervention and development of a depressive disorder.

The Idea of Amateur Sports as a Form of Therapy Among People with Depression and other Mental Disorders – Articles Review

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundPhysical activity and its impact on people’s physical and mental health is widely discussed over the last decades. Mental health concerns encompass psychiatric diseases and issues related to mental and social well-being, including adjustment difficulties, anxiety, depression, coping mechanisms, and behavioral problems. Physical activity can take different forms and fulfill various needs of the individuals that extend beyond the physical benefits. The idea of amateur sports as a form of therapy among people with depression and other mental disorders has the potential to be a valuable addition to psycho- and pharmacotherapy.ObjectivesThis paper aims to gather the ideas and conclusions that could be found in existing literature and summarize them in the form of a review. This form provides an opportunity to acquire a clearer view of the topic as well as advocates for taking a more long-term view on the idea.Material and methodsLiterature review using databases such as: PubMed, PMC, Google Scholar, and Scopus for relevant documents.ResultsThere are various kinds of activities, which can differ according to the preferences and limitations of the participants. To the current state of knowledge, popular team activities seem to be the most effective form of this kind of treatment. Findings in the literature agreeably encourage patients to engage in mind-body exercises to improve their mental health.ConclusionsAlthough this approach is interesting, it suffers from the lack of big, structured trials that would define which disciplines are the most efficient in improving patients’ mental state. Any form of activity is better than none but various limitations reduce the potential for generalization of findings and weaken the validity of the evidence. Further research in this field is needed to establish which kind of activities suit individuals best, considering their diagnosis and limitations.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Comprehensive Physiotherapy in Relieving Pain in Patients With Heel Spurs

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundThe use of various therapeutic procedures in relieving pain in patients with heel spurs is an issue that appears in modern rehabilitation with increasing frequency.ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the effectiveness of physical procedures, kinesitherapy, and kinesiology taping in relieving pain in the treatment of changes caused by heel spurs.Material and methodsThe study group consisted of 100 patients undergoing rehabilitation with treatments such as physical therapy, kinesitherapy, and kinesiology taping. The effectiveness was assessed using the up&go test and the VAS scale, as well as an original survey questionnaire.ResultsOur studies have shown that most effective were ultrasound (39%), individual exercises (33%), and shock waves (30%). The consequence of comprehensive rehabilitation was an improvement in walking on a hard surface in 47% of the respondents and a reduction in foot pain after high activity during the day in 46.7% of the respondents.ConclusionsOur research has shown that selecting the right set of physiotherapy treatments can significantly reduce pain caused by heel spurs. Comprehensive rehabilitation must take into account the type and phase of the disease. Therefore, further analyses of the analgesic effect have been proposed, which can create the foundation for personalized pain relief therapy, defining guidelines for the treatment of heel spurs.

Disease Acceptation and Health -Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) in Physical and Mental Sphere of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (Relapsing Remitting Type) Compared to a Healthy Control Group – Case -Control Study

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) affects the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) of patients. Constantly changing living and functioning conditions and patient expectations force continuous monitoring of HR-QoL.Objective or hypothesisThe main aim of the study was to analyze HR -QoL among MS patients (MS), compared to a control group of healthy people (HG). Another aim was indication of the spheres in the SF -36 that were assessed the worst by patients.MethodsThe study was conducted in a group of 78 patients with MS and on 106 healthy individuals (HG). The SF -36 questionnaire was used to assess QoL. The analysis used Kruskal Wallis test, U -Mann Whitney’s test, student’s t-test, ANOVA, and a correlation coefficient.ResultsThe biggest significant differences in the average level of HR -QoL between MS and HG were noted in the physical functioning. Men in this area, both with MS (34.4±22.9) and in HG (97.6±4.7), indicated a higher HR -QoL compared to women (29.7±24.4; 95.5±13.5, respectively). The analysis of the impact of disease symptoms on HR -QoL indicated a significant influence of fatigue and visual impairment on MCS, PCS, and ILQ. Motor coordination disorders and decreased well-being significantly reduced the HR -QoL in MCS. Sexual dysfunction significantly reduces HR -QoL in PCS (p=0.002) and ILQ (p=0.008). Motor coordination disorders significantly worsened HR -QoL in ILQ (p=0.040).ConclusionsThe greatest difference in HR -QoL between MS and HG was noted in the case of physical functioning. Including aspects aimed at minimizing chronic fatigue and improving visual function in the treatment strategy and rehabilitation program for patients will improve the quality of life of these patients, increase satisfaction with treatment, and maintain an appropriate level of compliance with pharmacotherapy.

Impact of Binge Eating Disorder on Patient’s Quality of Life – A Review

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundBinge eating disorder (BED) is currently the most common form of an eating disorder. BED is characterized by the consumption of large amounts of food in a short period of time, in a manner not controlled by the sick person. Its etiology is not fully known, but it is assumed that the development of the disorder results from psychological, social, and biological factors.ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to systematize information about BED and raise awareness among the public and health professionals about the issue.Material and methodsThis paper is based on a comprehensive review of scientific research conducted worldwide. Our conclusions are informed by the latest reports that explore various aspects of the daily lives of patients with BED.ResultsBED is classified into varying degrees of severity, depending on the number of bouts of eating per week. The gold standard for diagnosis is a structured psychological assessment. BED often co-exists with overweight and obesity, increasing the risk of somatic and psychosocial complications. Dietary education is the basis of therapy, and psychotherapy is the first line of treatment. Pharmacotherapy, which includes lisdexamfetamine and antidepressant, antiepileptic, psychostimulant, and anti-obesity drugs, is an important support. Forming proper eating habits is key in BED prevention.ConclusionsThe multifaceted nature of BED, which affects many aspects of patients’ lives, reduces their quality of life. Increasing social awareness, health education, and countering the stigma on those affected by this disorder are also key.

Evidence-Based Practice: Knowledge and Attitudes of Psychiatric Nurses

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundEvidence-based practice (EBP) is an approach to clinical care that involves solving problems through the conscious use of the best available scientific evidence combined with nurses’ knowledge and patients’ values and preferences.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of psychiatric nurses regarding EBP.Material and methodsThe study was conducted using a self-designed survey and the Evidence-Based Practice Profile (EBP2) questionnaire. The study included 53 nurses from one psychiatric ward.ResultsThe highest mean values were observed in Subdomain I (55.0±7.9 points), Subdomain III (48.8±11.7 points), and Subdomain VI (54.8±7.3 points). The highest mean value was recorded in Subdomain I, with an average of 55.0±7.9 points. Among 25% of the participants, no more than 48 points were observed, while among 75% of the participants, no more than 63 points were observed. The minimum value in Subdomain I was 41, and the maximum value was 68 points. The lowest values were observed in Subdomain II (22.5±4.2 points) and Subdomain IV (21.2±7.1 points). In Subdomain II, no more than 25% of the participants scored 20 points, and no more than 75% scored 25.0 points. The score values in this subdomain ranged from 14.0 to 33.0 points. In Subdomain IV, no more than 25% of the participants scored 16.0 points, and no more than 75% scored 26.0 points.ConclusionsIn the examined group, the participants attributed the highest validity to statements related to the significance of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in expanding their own competencies (I) and other aspects related to EBP (VI).The lowest validity of statements in the examined group was observed in relation to attitudes towards selected aspects of EBP in the nursing profession (II) and the frequency of utilizing EBP in the daily clinical practice of nurses (IV).

Postgraduate Education for Nurses and Midwives on the Example of National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundPostgraduate education and in-service training for nurses and midwives is an important element of the professional development for these groups of healthcare providers crucial to the quality and availability of health-care. Postgraduate education and in-service training for nurses and midwives are provided by authorized organizations that meet the requirements set forth in the Ordinance of the Minister of Health.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the educational level of postgraduate education for nurses and midwives in years 2013–2023.Material and methodsThe nursing and midwifery staff employees of the National Medical Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration (PIM MSWiA), formerly the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration in Warsaw, were grouped into inpatient treatment (including subordinate outpatient clinics) vs outpatient treatment categories. The analyzed data spanned the period between January 2013 and August 2023.ResultsIn 2013, only 10 nurses with specialization worked within the outpatient setting as compared to 129 nurses without specialization. By August 2023, the number of nurses and midwives with specialization increased by a factor of five. Regarding the inpatient healthcare group, the number of nurses and midwives without specialization, amounting to 1,043 in 2013, was reduced by half by August 2023. The largest increase in the number of specializations was observed in years 2018–2019 (119 specializations in inpatient treatment and 9 in outpatient treatment).ConclusionsThe achieved trend of improving the staff competencies is fully satisfactory, and the direction should be followed by the Institute’s management in the future.

Supplements for Enhancing the Quality of Sleep: A Review

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundIt has been observed that nowadays sleep problems are affecting an increasing number of people. Researchers from around the world are trying to find a substance that would significantly improve the lives of people struggling with sleep disorders, while being widely available and free of side effects.ObjectivesThe purpose of this article was to summarize the benefits of using sleep supplements to improve sleep quality.Material and methodsThe conclusions of the article were formulated by analyzing the available literature from 2017–2024 (PubMed database). For the purpose of this paper, studies on supplements with a relatively safe use profile for any individual compared to prescription drugs were selected.ResultsPoor sleep quality significantly affects mental and physical health, is a risk factor for many diseases, worsens their prognosis, and impairs a person’s efficiency during the day. Among the supplements used to improve the quality of nocturnal rest are melatonin, whose positive effects are found in patients who are older, herbal preparations such as valerian, saffron, cannabinoids, ashwagandha, Melissa officinalis, and L-theanine, which appears to be the best supplement for people suffering from mental disorders, including depression and anxiety. In addition, vitamin D and probiotics are being investigated.ConclusionsCurrently, there is no supplement that significantly improves the quality of sleep for every patient who has difficulty resting at night. In the coming years, there may be new reports of a substance that would be efficient and safe.

The current use of the regenerative properties of platelet-rich-plasma in different medical conditions with particular emphasis on gynecology and obstetrics

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) is a concentrate of plasma containing high levels of platelets and different growth factors, involved in various cellular and regenerative processes, i.a. wound healing and tissue regeneration. Currently, due to its regenerative properties, PRP is widely used in different medical conditions. This paper summarizes knowledge about types of PRP, its preparation and current possibilities of PRP treatment in many fields of medicine with a particular emphasis on gynecology and obstetrics.

Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Patient’s Quality of Life – A Review

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Background: Nowadays, the need to increase patients’ quality of life in terms of their mental and physical health is increasingly being discussed. The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease continues to rise, and it is associated with the creation of many difficulties for these patients that interfere with their daily lives.Objectives: The purpose of this work was to summarize challenges that patients with inflammatory bowel disease have to deal with on a daily basis, and to assess the impact of these problems on their quality of life.Material and methods: This paper was written based on a review of the knowledge contained in scientific studies conducted around the world. We have drawn conclusions guided by recent reports that address various aspects of daily life of IBD patients.Results: Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by persistent and recurrent symptoms mainly from the gastrointestinal tract, but also from other organs. This leads to deterioration of patients’ mental health and can be a risk factor for psychological disorders. Changes in the body and the treatment used make it difficult for patients to function on a daily basis. All the issues raised are reflected in the assessment of the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Conclusions: The multifaceted nature of inflammatory bowel disease, which affects many aspects of patients’ lives, reduces their quality of life.

Youth’s Awareness about Skin Cancer, with Particular Emphasis on Melanoma

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Background: Cancer is a health problem both in Poland and around the world due to its incidence and potential mortality. Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor that originates from melanocytes. It is the most important risk associated with UV radiation. An important topic is the promotion of knowledge of it among young people from an early age to prevent skin lesions. Skin disease prevention should be discussed at subsequent stages of school education. Children and adolescents should be aware of the negative effects of UV radiation.Objectives: The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and use of protection by primary and secondary school students regarding the occurrence and prevention of skin cancer, with particular emphasis on melanoma.Material and methods: As many as 224 young people took part in the study. An original questionnaire was used, consisting of sociodemographic questions and questions checking young people’s knowledge about skin cancer risk factors and skin disease prevention. The survey was voluntary and anonymous. To check the statistical significance of the obtained results, the significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted.Results: Skin problems occurred in 38.84% (N = 87) of respondents. Most of the respondents (80.36%, N = 180) do not use solariums and are aware that solariums are the main factor causing melanoma (81.70%, N = 183). As many as 78.57% (N = 176) of respondents claim that skin disease prevention has never been discussed at school and most young people (60.27%, N = 135) do not know about dermatoscopic examination. Most students (70.54%, N = 158) expressed their desire to expand their knowledge about skin diseases and their prevention.Conclusions: Due to the limited knowledge of children and adolescents about skin cancers, including melanoma, as well as the common disregard among this group of preventive measures related to the broadly understood prevention of their development, further theoretical education and promotion of healthy behaviors that reduce the risk of the disease are necessary.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Students of the Medical University of Lodz Regarding Legal Aspects of Organ Transplantation in Poland. A Cross- sectional Study

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Background: Nowadays, the transplantation of organs, tissues, and cells is a popular medical technique, but it still raises conflicting opinions in society.Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the knowledge and attitudes of students of the Medical University of Lodz regarding legal aspects in the field of organ transplantation.Material and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024 as part of a bachelor’s thesis. The study involved 274 undergraduate and graduate students at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Medical University of Lodz. The anonymous survey consisted of two parts: the first part contained questions about general knowledge about the legal aspects of transplantation and attitudes toward transplantation, and the second part of the questionnaire included questions about socio-demographic data (gender, education, degree of studies, and place of residence).Results: The level of students’ knowledge in the field of transplantology is average. Almost all respondents (95%) stated that society needs knowledge about transplantation. About 70% of students would consent to having their organs harvested after death to save the lives of other people. A similarly high result (73%) concerns becoming a living donor for a loved one. The large majority (81%) of respondents supported harvesting organs from deceased persons and transplanting them to other people to save lives. A greater chance of having high knowledge about transplantation was observed among female students (OR = 4.32; p < 0.001) and students living in large cities (OR = 3.92; p < 0.01) and small towns (OR = 5.2; p < 0.01).Conclusions: There is a need to promote ideas and knowledge in the field of transplantology among students of medical universities as future healthcare workers.

The Role of Individualized Analytical Reports in Managing a Medical Entity

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

IntroductionIn the face of the increasing complexity of health care systems, growing competition and changing patient needs, modern health care facilities face the challenge of constantly improving management strategies and prac‑ tices. A key element of this process is the use of precise, adequate, and effective analytical tools.Purpose of the workpresenting the most important analytical instruments used in the practice of hospital management, their impact on financial efficiency and their importance for the decision-making process in the context of the medical sector.Material and methodsAnalytical tools used to improve the management pro‑ cess of a medical entity were analyzed in terms of their effectiveness.ResultsWhen examining the impact of analytical methods on the financial sit‑ uation of medical facilities, it is important to focus on financial aspects, mainly related to the balance of costs and revenues. Public utility facilities operating within structures such as independent public health care facilities or budgetary units do not aim to generate profit.Conclusions1. Hospital management must have tools that not only provide specific knowledge about the current situation, but also enable forecasting future trends and challenges.2. Operational efficiency, financial profitability, and quality of services pro‑ vided are just some of the areas where advanced analytical methods can bring significant benefits.3. The effectiveness of analytical tools is closely related to the ability to in‑ terpret and implement them in management practice.

The Effect of Pelvic Floor Sonography Biofeedback on Pelvic Floor Muscle Contractions

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundProper functioning of the pelvic floor muscles is an important element of the urogynecological therapy. There are different methods available to teach women pelvic floor muscles contractions (PFMC), but there is still no consensus in which situations they should be used in the clinical practice.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of pelvic floor ultra-sound performed introitally with transvaginal probe (PFS-TV) for teaching PFMC. An additional aim was to check whether the avulsion of the puborectalis muscle as well as the grade of muscle contractility have an influence on the learning process.Material and methodsThe analysis was carried out on the basis of 116 patients aged between 27 and 84 years (average age 59). Levator contraction strength was assessed during palpation, using the Modified Oxford Grading (MOS) before and after teaching PFMCs. PFS-TV was used to evaluate urethral mobility (UM) parameters and to teach PFMC (ultrasound biofeedback). Levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma was identified at tomographic ultrasound (TUI) during 4D assessment.ResultsTeaching PFMC using ultrasound biofeedback (PFS-TV) resulted in an improvement of all urethral mobility parameters, positive effect on UM was observed in women with different grades of MOS. In women without avulsion and with avulsion, there was an improvement observed in UM parameters on a comparable level.ConclusionsPFS-TV can be useful in teaching PFMC. Avulsion and MOS grade seemed to have no influence on the learning effect of PFMC when ultrasound biofeedback was used. Evaluating UM during pelvic floor sonography using three ultrasound parameters (H, D, and vector) can yield more comprehensive information than one parameter H.

The Evaluation of the Effect of Suburethral Transobturator Sling on the Urethra Using Ultrasound Examination

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundDespite the use of suburethral tapes for many years, the mechanism of their action and the reasons for their failures have not been thoroughly understood.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the TOT tape on changes in urethral mobility depending on its location. Additionally, the urethral funneling was evaluated.Material and methods57 patients with SUI symptoms had TOT implanted. Ultrasound examinations were performed before and 3–6 months after surgery, among others, urethral length, suburethral tape location, bladder neck mobility, and urethral funneling were evaluated.Results77.2% of patients were cured, while 22.8% were not cured. After tape insertion, a reduction in bladder neck mobility parameters was observed in the group of patients with preoperative hypermobile urethras, regardless of the therapeutic outcome. The average distance of the tape from the hypoechoic area of the urethra was smaller in cured patients, while the relative tape position did not differ significantly between cured and not cured women. Before surgery, all patients had a long urethral funneling. Postoperatively, all non‑cured patients had a long funneling, while in cured patients, no long urethral funneling was observed.ConclusionsThe TOT suburethral tape reduced urethral mobility to a similar extent in cured and not cured women. The effect on UM was noticeable in patients with preoperative hypermobile urethrae. The obtained TOT tape locations did not affect the degree of UM reduction. Patients in whom the TOT tape was located closer to the hypoechoic zone of the urethra had a greater chance of effective elimination of SUI symptoms. It was confirmed that the assessment of the urethral funneling during PFS ‑TV may be useful for confirming SUI and for assessing the effects of SUI treatment after suburethral tape implantation.

Analysis of Weight Gain in Pregnant Women in the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic – Is It A Significant Problem?

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

BackgroundObesity is a multifactorial disease, difficult to treat, associated with strong social stigma. For many patients, the use of a traditional reduced‑calorie diet and physical activity is ineffective or results in only short‑term weight loss.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess changes in body weight at the time of diagnosis of pregnancy and in the 36th week of pregnancy in a group of patients in National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Warsaw (PIM MSWiA).Material and methods40 pregnant women under the care of a general prac‑ titioner in Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic in PIM MSWiA were included into the retrospective study. The body weight of women at the time of diagnosis of pregnancy and in the 36th week of pregnancy was analyzed.ResultsThe average age of the analyzed women was 32.9+/‑5.05 years. For 80% of the women, it was the first pregnancy. Baseline body mass index (BMI) was 21.67+/‑2.03 kg/m². The average body weight before pregnancy was 61.7+/‑7.67 kg, and at 36 weeks of gestation, it was 73.48+/‑7.64 kg. The mean weight gain at 36 weeks of gestation was 11.97+/‑3.99 kg. Two patients who were overweight in the early stages of pregnancy gained weight of 2 and 11 kg, respectively. Only three women with normal weight before pregnancy gained more than 18 kg during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in three women, whose pre ‑pregnancy body weight was 62, 53, 67 kg and BMI was 22.23, 18.55 and 22.12 kg/m², respectively.ConclusionsIn primary health care in PIM MSWiA, the majority of pregnant women are of normal weight and achieve normal weight gain during pregnancy. Education in the field of proper lifestyle should be an essential element of patient care especially in primary health care.

The Use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Biodentine in Furcal Perforations Sealing – A Review Article

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Pulp cavity perforation is defined as pathological connection between root canal system and external surface of the tooth. This iatrogenic pulp chamber injury may have serious implications on the success of root canal treatment. The sealing of perforation is crucial for good prognosis of the treated tooth. The ideal material for sealing perforations in the pulp cavity should be characterized by a good adhesion, lack of sensitivity to tissue fluids, volume stability, radiopacity on radiographs and excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility. To date the most well -known bioceramic material to is mineral trioxide aggregate. Due to over thirty years of its application in endodontics, it is called the „gold standard” for perforation repair. Recently, many new bioceramic materials have been developed and introduced to dentistry and endodontics, showing promising clinical results. One of the materials successfully used for pulp chamber floor perforation repair is Biodentine. According to the manufacturers, Biodentine has a much shorter setting time compared to other bioceramic cements, and also has better mechanical properties and is easier to use. The aim of the article is to analyse the available research and compare the properties of those bioceramic materials in a perforation sealing procedure. Based on the analysis of the current literature, it can be concluded that mineral trioxide aggregate is still the most proven and tested material among bioceramic materials, but Biodentine is a good alternative as it is relatively easy to manipulate but also has predictable clinical results.

The Use of Probiotic Preparations in Caries Prevention and Treatment

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The article delves into the potential of probiotics and synbiotics as alternative approaches to preventing and treating dental caries. Probiotics are live, nonpathogenic microorganisms combined with non living substances (prebiotics) that support their growth and activity. Probiotics, including strains of Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, secrete various compounds, such as antimicrobial substances, bacteriocins, and enzymes, which help combat cariogenic bacteria. Research suggests that early administration of probiotics can establish a stable oral ecosystem and decrease the risk of dental caries.Synbiotics, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, offer a synergistic approach to promoting oral health. Prebiotics like glucomannan hydrolysate, arabinose, xylose, and xylitol support the growth of beneficial bacteria while hindering the proliferation of cariogenic strains. The use of synbiotics, particularly in children, has shown promise in reducing the incidence of dental caries.Overall, this review highlights the growing interest in probiotics and synbiotics as potential solutions to addressing the complex issue of dental caries. These alternative methods offer the potential to rebalance the oral microbiota and reduce the prevalence of this widespread oral health problem. Nonetheless, further research is needed to confirm their efficacy and long term effects in preventing and treating dental caries.