Search

Approximately 30% of a woman's life is spent in the postmenopausal period. This is when steroid hormone deficiency is often accompanied by mineral homeostasis perturbations and deficiencies that could be related to the intensity of any clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess how serum Mg and Zn levels in postmenopausal women correlate with climacteric symptoms, body mass index (BMI), and the time interval since the final menstruation. The study involved 171 healthy, postmenopausal women, who had had their final menstruation at least one year prior to the study and who did not use menopausal hormone therapy. Both hypomagnesaemia and hypozincaemia were detected in the postmenopausal women involved in this study. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences between serum Mg levels, depending on the time interval since the final menstruation (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in serum Mg and Zn levels between women as regards the severity of the climacteric symptoms or BMI (p>0.05). In conclusion, serum Mg and Zn concentrations in postmenopausal women, not using MHT, were low. The average serum Mg levels decreased considerably with the time since the final menstruation. No correlation between BMI and worsening of climacteric symptoms and serum Mg and Zn concentrations in postmenopausal women, not using MHT was found.

Drug addiction is a complex problem which leads to many somatic, psychic and social diseases. It is accompanied by the disturbed metabolism of various macro and micronutrients. The aim of this study was to assess serum magnesium concentration in drug-addicted patients and analyze whether Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and methadone treatment affect the level of serum magnesium in these patients. The examination was conducted in a group of 83 people - patients of Szczecin-Zdroje Psychiatric Hospital (Poland). They were 21 to 49 years old, and the mean age was 32 +/- 7 years. The control group consisted of 81 healthy individuals. Flame atomic-absorption spectrometry method was used to determine the magnesium concentration. The total serum magnesium concentration was calculated for the whole patient group, subgroups of women and men, a subgroup of people infected with HIV, and a subgroup receiving methadone substitution treatment. How magnesium behaves depending on age and addiction period, was checked. The mean concentration of magnesium in blood serum of the patients examined was 0.57 mmol/L, which was significantly lower than in the control group. In the subgroup of men it was 0.57 mmol/L, and in the subgroup of women - 0.55 mmol/L; the differences were not statistically significant. In the patient group nobody had the appropriate magnesium concentration in blood serum. No significant correlation was found between the magnesium concentration, age of the patients and addiction period. In the subgroup of seropositive people the mean concentration of magnesium was 0.55 mmol/L, and in the subgroup of non-infected patients - 0.58 mmol/L; the difference was not statistically significant. The mean concentration of magnesium in the subgroup treated with methadone was 0.59 mmol/L, and in the subgroup not involved in this type of therapy - 0.55 mmol/L; it was not a statistically significant difference.

Unlabelled: The analysis from the early 1990s showed the iodine deficiency and endemic goitre in whole country. These studies contributed to introduce in 1997 the obligatory model of iodization the table salt. The risk connected with iodine deficiency causes that the monitoring of iodine balance became a very important thing. One of the most important indicators is thyreoglobulin serum concentration. Aim of the study was determination of thyreoglobulin serum concentration as an assessment the efficacy of current model of iodine prophylaxis in random selected group of children and adolescents in Szczecin region., Material and Methods: The study was undertaken in the years 2003-2004. In random selected group of children and adolescents in Szczecin region. The patients administered vitamins or minerals enriched with iodine were excluded from a study. The study included 151 persons aged 9 to 16 years, 80 boys (53%) and 71 girls (47%). Radioimmunometric and radioimmunological methods were used for the determination of thyreoglobulin (Tg) and thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FTJ concentrations. Iodine excretion with urine was determined on the basis of catalytic Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. Collected data were then analyzed using sophisticated computer-based statistic program., Results: In whole study group mean Tg concentration was 11.97 +/- 7.57 ng/ml. In 69 persons (45%) they were normal, in 82 (55%) were increased: 67 (44%) of them has insignificant increase (low iodine deficiency) and in 15 (11%) were in a range 20-40 ng/ml, what is connected with a mean iodine deficiency. In whole study group mean FT4 concentration was 15.59 +/- 4.72 pmol/l. In a group with normal thyreoglobulin concentrations mean FT4 was 17.69 +/- 4.53 pmol/l and was significantly higher than in a group with insignificant and mean Tg increase and were 15.36 +/- 4.43 pmol/l and 13.72 +/- 4.63 pmol/l, respectively. Mean TSH concentration was 2.23 +/- 0.9 microU/ml and mean iodine concentration was 87.2 +/- 37.5 microg/l. Between TSH serum concentrations and ioduria were no significant differences between the groups. There was significant correlation between thyreoglobulin concentration and FT4 (r(s) = -0.24) and thyrotropin (r(s) = 0.21). No correlation was found between concentration of these hormones and ioduria. Similarly, there was no correlation between thyreoglobulin concentration and iodine urinary excretion., Conclusions: Thyreoglobulin serum concentrations evaluated during the study revealed iodine deficiency in Szczecin region. Correlations between thyreoglobulin concentrations, free thyroxine and thyrotropin make a Tg determination to be more helpful indicator of iodine balance than ioduria.

Unlabelled: The aim of the work was quality of life depending on sex and age. The study included 79 persons, at age 25-70 after first stroke. Examination was provided in home conditions in 3, 6, 12 month after stroke. For evaluation of quality of life used was the London Handicap Scale questionnaire. In the present study quality of life people in the first year after stroke is increasing systematically. Women and younger people have higher adaptation skills for new life situation., Conclusion: quality of life is better in the second part of the first year after stroke.

The basic functions of bioelements in biological systems is widely known. Depletion of bioelements and excess of toxic elements lead to impairment of metabolism in the living organism. The existence of magnesium deficiencies in the adult and pediatric populations may cause increased accumulation of toxic metals including lead and cadmium. Prevention of adverse effects of toxic metals may include supplementation with some bioelements and vitamins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of magnesium supplementation on concentrations of chosen bioelements and toxic metals in hair in the adult human population. The research was performed on 124 individuals (53 males and 71 females aged 19-72 years), inhabitants of the city of Szczecin. The concentrations of magnesium, zinc, copper, lead and cadmium were studied in hair. Measurements were performed using the inversion volt-amperometry method with application of an EDD-Tribo PC ETP volt-amperometer. Finally, the supplementation study enrolled 65 individuals with an increased concentration of lead. The studied individuals were divided into two groups: one treated group that enrolled 50 patients who were supplemented with magnesium and the control group that enrolled 15 persons receiving placebo. Finally, supplementation was completed by 32 individuals from the treated group and 10 individuals from the control group. Supplementation was performed using Slow-Mag-B6 preparation at the total daily dose of five tablets divided into 2-3 doses. One tablet contains 535 mg of magnesium chloride i.e. 64 mg of magnesium ions (5.26 mEgMg2) and 5 mg of vitamin B6. Supplementation was performed for a period of 3 months. The remaining individuals did not complete the supplementation due to various reasons; however, none of them resulted from the poor tolerance of the preparation or its adverse events. The results achieved underwent statistical analysis. The results of the study revealed a positive influence of supplementation on concentrations of magnesium and copper in the human body. Supplementation with magnesium caused a statistically significant decrease in concentrations of lead and cadmium. The above mentioned results indicate a positive influence of magnesium supplementation on the decrease of lead and cadmium hair content in the individuals studied.

We examined 83 mothers from Szczecin (north-west part of Poland) and their 83 neonates. Concentrations of total and ionized magnesium in maternal and cord serum, as well as total magnesium in hair were determined. Higher levels of total magnesium were noted in neonates (cord serum, hair) than mothers. A positive correlation was ascertained between total magnesium in maternal and cord serum. Magnesium in maternal hair correlated negatively with ionized magnesium in cord serum. Male neonates demonstrated higher levels of magnesium in cord blood and hair than females. There was no effect of maternal age, education level, or number of past pregnancies on the concentration of magnesium in mothers or neonates.

The aim of this study was to assess the hair copper concentration in a population of healthy children, teenagers, and adults living in a specific region of Poland. For this purpose, 840 healthy individuals aged 1-50 yr living in Szczecin, Poland were selected for the study. They were divided into subgroups according to age and sex and the hair was analyzed for copper using a standard atomic absorption spectrometric technique. The level of copper was highest for the group including 11-15 yr old. In the other subgroups, the concentration of copper was lower than the values considered normal, suggesting the possibility of endemic copper deficiency in the inhabitants of this region.

The study was done in 57 psychoactive drug addicts (18 females and 39 males) who entered a methadone maintenance program in Szczecin. The age of participants ranged from 21 to 49 years (mean 32.14 years) and the mean duration of drug abuse as determined during history-taking was 11.6 years. Some of the patients became addicted at the age of just 11 years. The objectives of this work were: a) to apply segmental analysis of hair for studying psychoactive agents and their derivatives in drug abusers during the acute intoxication phase and maintenance therapy; b) to determine if narcotics found in hair matched with findings during history-taking; c) to check the relevance of toxicological tests for psychoactive drug content in hair for monitoring abstinence in maintenance programs. The material consisted of hair sampled from 57 patients who were visited the Outpatient Department for Drug Abusers of the Regional Mental Care Center in Szczecin (Poland). Opioids (morphine, codeine, 6-mono-acetyl-morphine, methadone) were determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS-ITD) and a Varian 3400 gas chromatography (USA) coupled to a mass spectrometer (Magnum ionic trapping system, Finnigan Mat, USA). Amphetamines (EP, MK, MA, AMP, MDA, MDMA, MDEA) were analyzed with a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) system (LC/MS HP-1100, Hewlett-Packard, USA), equipped with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) chamber and dedicated software. Statistical analysis of the results was done. The following conclusions were drawn: toxicological examination of narcotic content in hair is a useful method for studying the history of drug addiction during the period of time equivalent, to the length of hair. Psychoactive substances detected in hair were in most cases consistent with the history of drug abuse. Analysis of psychoactive substances in hair may be applied for identification of addicting drugs and for abstinence control in therapeutic and rehabilitation programs.

The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of lead and cadmium in blood of 83 pregnant women from Szczecin and in umbilical cord blood of their newborns. Mean concentration of lead in women was 2.56 micrograms/dl and in umbilical cord blood was 2.01 micrograms/dl. The mean concentration of cadmium in women was 0.056 microgram/dl and umbilical cord blood was 0.21 microgram/dl. A positive correlation was noted between lead concentration in maternal and umbilical cord blood (r = 0.59). The similar correlation between cadmium concentration in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood was observed. The transplacental gradient for lead was 78.52%, and for cadmium--37.5% respectively.

Hair analysis offers the possibility of revealing an individual's recent history of drug exposure beginning at sampling day and dating back over a period of weeks or months. This feature of hair analysis can be applied in clinical setting for monitoring drug use by addicted patients being rehabilitated. The aim of this study was to apply determination of major opiates and amphetamines in hair to confirm medical interview made by a physician in detoxification and methadone treatment patients. These assays used gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for opiates and liquid chromatography coupled to atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (LC/MS-APCI) for amphetamines. Most unconfirmed interview data were in the group of detoxification patients. Four methadone patients were negative for opiates.

46 children, aged 2-6 years, with decreased magnesium concentrations in hair, were studied. Magnesium supplementation consisted of Asmag preparation for 3 months and multivitamin Multi-tabs preparation (containing magnesium, but without calcium) for the following 4 months. Control studies were performed again after 7 months of treatment, i.e. 12 months after the initial measurements (the same season of the year--early spring). The results proved increases of both magnesium (from 7.74 microg/g dry mass to 11.03 microg/g dry mass) and calcium (from 159.82 mg/g dry mass to 191.60 mg/g dry mass) concentrations in hair. Increased magnesium concentrations were observed in 40 studied children (86.95 per cent). Post supplementation magnesium deficiency was found in 22 children (47.83 per cent), and four children (8.70 per cent) showed further worsening of hypomagnesemia. Increased calcium concentrations were found in 42 children (91.30 per cent), while decreased Ca levels were found in 4 children (8.70 percent). The achieved results indicate a positive influence of that form of compensation of magnesium deficiency, and suggest the need of individual selection of doses and period of Mg supplementation. The initial level of hypomagnesemia, presence of factors that might inhibit intestinal absorption, accompanying diseases that might cause decrease in magnesium concentration and other factors that might influence the total body magnesium concentration should be taken into account while designing the supplementation therapy.

In the last ten years advances in analytical methods have enabled the determination of xenobiotics in alternative material such as sweat, saliva, and hair. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method and measure the concentration of the main opiates in serum saliva and hair of subjects from a detoxification and methadone treatment programme. The analytical strategy in the presented study, based on enzymoimmunoassay screening of opiates in urine and GC/MS confirmation, meets the needs of forensic and clinical toxicology. Blood and saliva samples from thirty seven patients and hair from twenty three with a history of intravenous opiate use were collected for analysis. The ranges of morphine in serum and saliva were 0-2081 and 0-208 ng/ml respectively; corresponding concentrations of codeine were 0-580 and 0-428 ng/ml respectively. The concentration of morphine, codeine and 6-MAM in hair of addicts ranged respectively from 0-32.4, 0-12.5 and 0-2.8 ng/mg. From the clinical toxicology point of view, hair analysis is supplementary to urine, serum or saliva determination, but in drug testing at the workplace it can play a crucial role.

A positive influence of magnesium in the prevention and treatment of hyperactivity in children is more and more frequently raised in the literature. The aim of our work was to estimate magnesium contents in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (ADHD). The investigations comprised 116 children (94 boys and 20 girls), aged 9-12 years, with recognized ADHD. In 68 out of 116 patients examined ADHD occurred with other coexisting disorders specific to the developmental age and in the remaining 48 patients it occurred together with disruptive behaviour. Magnesium levels have been determined in blood serum, red blood cells and in hair with the aid of atomic absorption spectroscopy. Magnesium deficiency was found in 95 per cent of those examined, most frequently in hair (77.6 per cent), in red blood cells (58.6 per cent) and in blood serum (33.6 per cent) of children with ADHD. The conclusion from the investigations is that magnesium deficiency in children with ADHD occurs more frequently than in healthy children. Analysis of the material indicated the correlation between levels of magnesium and the quotient of development to freedom from distractibility.

Children with ADHD are 'a group at risk' as far as their further emotional and social development and educational possibilities are concerned, and the consequences of the lack of an appropriate therapy appears to be serious. Some of these children do not respond to prevailing therapy methods. It is reported that dietetic factors can play a significant role in the etiology of ADHD syndrome, and magnesium deficiency can help in revealing hyperactivity in children. The aim of our work was to assess the influence of magnesium supplementation on hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. The examination comprised 50 hyperactive children, aged 7-12 years, who fulfilled DSM IV criteria for ADHD syndrome, with recognized deficiency of magnesium in the blood (blood serum and red blood cells) and in hair using atomic absorption spectroscopy. In the period of 6 months those examined regularly took magnesium preparations in a dose of about 200 mg/day. 30 of those examined with ADHD showed coexisting disorders specific to developmental age, and 20 of them showed disruptive behaviour. The control group consisted of 25 children with ADHD and magnesium deficiency, who were treated in a standard way, without magnesium preparations. 15 members of this group showed coexisting disorders specific for developmental age, and 10 members showed disruptive behaviour. Hyperactivity was assessed with the aid of psychometric scales: the Conners Rating Scale for Parents and Teachers, Wender's Scale of Behavior and the Quotient of Development to Freedom from Distractibility. In the group of children given 6 months of magnesium supplementation, independently of other mental disorders coexisting with hyperactivity, an increase in magnesium contents in hair and a significant decrease of hyperactivity of those examined has been achieved, compared to their clinical state before supplementation and compared to the control group which had not been treated with magnesium.

Hair calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron levels have been determined in 420 children and adolescents, aged between 5 and 18 years, and inhibiting Szczecin area. Levels of these bioelements have been assayed with atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mean magnesium and calcium levels in hair of children from Szczecin area are higher than those in other regions of the country. Magnesium, calcium and zinc levels have been the lowest in hair of children aged between 5 and 9 years, increased with the age, achieving the highest values in adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years. In a 5-year age groups, hair magnesium and calcium levels have been higher in girls than in boys.

A comparative analysis of single and recurrent infant morbidity according to type and course of delivery and to kind of drugs used was performed in this study. A total of 3676 infants born between 1983-1993 was examined. This group was divided into four groups according to date of delivery 1983-1984, 1985-1987, 1988-1990 and 1991-1993). A steady were in the number of spontaneous and cesearian deliveries was noticed. The number of forceps and vacuum extractor deliveries was significantly decreased. A higher morbidity was observed among infants from breech and vacuum deliveries and among those from families with numerous children. Upper respiratory tract infections and allergic dermatitis occurred most frequently. The greathy declining trend of usage for the use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract and urinary tract infections was observed. The use of two or more antibiotics per therapy was the most common in brachial and lung infections.

The aim of this study was to assess hair magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc levels in breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Our findings showed that concentration of the assayed macro- and trace elements, except copper, were higher in breast-fed children and declined with age, faster in formula-fed children. The frequent occurrence of magnesium deficiency indicates that pregnant women should receive magnesium supplementation.

The magnesium, zinc, copper, iron and calcium level of plasma, erythrocytes, urine and hair in 50 children aged from 4 to 13 years with hyperactivity, were examined by AAS. The average concentration of all trace elements was lower compared with the control group--healthy children from Szczecin. The highest deficit was noted in hair. Our results show that it is necessary to supplement trace elements in children with hyperactivity.

By the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy 135 children living in Szczecin were studied for the content of lead and cadmium in the hair. The obtained results were compared with the levels of other bioelements determined in the hair in the same children. The level of lead in the hair of the studied children was from 0.2 mcg/g to 9.5 mcg/g and was significantly lower than that reported by other authors, while the level of cadmium was not differing significantly. The highest lead concentration in the hair was found in five- and six-year-old children. In children in whom magnesium and zinc deficit was found, high level of lead was present in the hair.

The existence and position of kidneys and suprarenal glands as well as the occurrence of the renal arteries were examined in 347 human fetuses between 3 and 9 months of age. The studies on the course and division variability of the right and left renal arteries were performed in 220 fetuses. The investigations consisted in filling arteries with resin, X-raying and preparing. No absence of a kidney, suprarenal body and renal artery was disclosed. In 2 cases an abnormal position of the right kidney was stated. The renal arteries, both right and left, were most frequently running off from the aorta as single branches, the right one in 190 (86.4%) cases, the left in 152 (69%) cases. Two branches on the right side were recorded in 24 (10.9%) fetuses, and on the left side in 56 (25.5%) fetuses. Three renal branches were stated in 6 (2.7%) on the right side and in 12 (5.5%) fetuses on the left side. In 50.9% of cases the renal arteries were leaving the aorta symmetrically on the same level. In 32.7% the right renal artery was higher and in 2.7%, it was lower than the left one. The horizontal course from the aorta to the kidney hilus of the right renal artery was observed in 83 (37.7%) and of the left one in 99 (45%) of fetuses. In others the renal arteries were running less or more obliquely and downwards. The way, in which the right and left renal arteries are divided into branches, and also the departure places of renal suprarenal ramifications were so different that it is not possible to work out their classifications.

Wrist bones were studied in fetuses aged 9 to 24 weeks. In fetuses aged 9 weeks the primordia of all wrist bones are present. The joint cavities begins to form early in the 3rd month.

The blood serum of 420 children and young people between 5 and 18 years of age was examined to appoint the content of calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper in it. The examination was realized by AAS method. The calcium level was from 54.16 mg/l to 594.28 mg/l; an average was 148.66 +/- 64.61 mg/l. The magnesium level was from 7.78 mg/l to 66.26 mg/l; an average was 21.84 +/- 6.36 and was higher than data in literary output for children from other regions of Poland. The zinc level was from 0.19 mg/l to 2.94 mg/l, on an average 0.92 +/- 0.30 mg/l. The copper level was from 0.23 mg/l to 2.56 mg/l; average was 1.03 +/- 0.34 mg/l. The almost shortages in these bioelements were in children between 10 and 14, the least shortages were in children between 5 and 9. There were most of all children with high zinc level in blood serum in 10-14 years old group.

The authors analysed an incidence of performed exchange blood transfusions at the newborn babies ward prior to and after introduction of phototherapy into practice. This analysis included the causes of jaundice in newborn. The study included the causes of jaundice in newborn. The study involved 8,937 newborn babies delivered between 1981 and 1985. Prior to phototherapy (period between January, 1981 and July, 1980), 45 blood transfusions and 9 retransfusions were performed. During the period II (between July, 1983 and December, 1985), i.e. phototherapy, 30 blood transfusions and 1 retransfusion were effected despite of the higher number of delivered babies. The obtained results have shown favourable effect of the phototherapy in jaundice of perinatal period, especially in jaundice unconnected with blood Rh factor conflict and in premature babies. Phototherapy decreased the number of performed transfusions and retransfusions.