ROLE OF THE ALKALINE FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DENTAL CARIES

Subject. This article analyzes existing theories about the prevalence and causes of dental caries, which is considered as a civilization disease. The crucial role of endogenous factors in the risk of caries, including a pulp and dental fluid, is noted. Data are given that acids do not actively participate in the process of demineralization, which is confirmed by numerous theoretical and hypothetical points. The role of some materials produced by dental industry based on this “pseudo-acidogenic” theory and used in the treatment of caries, as well as the false and negative consequences created by them in general, is analyzed, and adequate parallels are carried out. The purpose of the study was the theoretical justification of the key role of acetylcholine (the cholinomimetic mediator located on the Toms fibers) in the occurrence of dental caries. Methodology. Russian and foreign research works due to the etiology, prevalence and pathogenesis of dental caries were studied, and a comparative theoretical analysis of the available data on this issue was carried out. Results. Based on the results of numerous studies cited in the available literature and our studies, we performed an analysis of theoretical principles and substantiated the data that the process of demineralization occurring in dental caries cannot be caused by acids. Therefore, the only and decisive factor in the origin of the demineralization process is the occurrence of the process because of alkaline substances. Conclusions. Based on the studied references, we present the data that the most current theories of the etiopathogenesis of caries are imperfect in terms of solving the problem, which, in our opinion, requires further study of the process both of acetylcholine and the enzyme acetylcholinesterase inhibition in the local form and inside dental hard tissues.

The analysis of the level and trends of potential years of life lost due to diabetes in Poland in the years 2002-2013

<b>Introduction:</b> The industrial and socio-economic development is the direct cause of changes in major health threats in highly developed societies. Diabetes is a civilization disease and it depends on the impaired action of insulin. Together with its complications, it is a significant cause of deaths all over the world. <br/><b>Purpose:</b> To assess the level and trends of potential years of life lost (PYLL) due to diabetes in Poland in the years 2002-2013. For specific purposes, it is necessary to assess the PYLL level and the dynamics of PYLL rates due to diabetes and comparison with all causes of death. <br/><b>Materials and Methods:</b> The research material consists of data from generally available databases from the Polish Statistical Office. Potentially lost years of life were calculated using the method proposed by J-M Romeder. Premature deaths have been defined as deaths occurring before the age of 70. Trends in PYLL coefficients were generated by the computer program Joinpoint Regression Programme. <br/><b>Results:</b> The results of the conducted analysis unambiguously indicate the increase in the PYLL ratio due to diabetes was observed in both the general population and the male population. The higher rate of PYLL growth and its much higher level in the male population, compared to the female population, point out to the fact that men die much younger because of diabetes. The dynamics of the PYLL coefficient trends connected with all causes of death indicate the reduction of premature mortality.

Assessing the epigenetic risks of assisted reproductive technologies: a way forward

Since the birth of the first baby conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF), assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been constantly evolving to accomodate needs of a growing number of infertile couples. Rapidly developing ART procedures are directly applied for human infertility treatment without prior long-term safety evaluation. Although the majority of ART babies are healthy at birth, a comprehensive assessment of the long-term risks associated with ART is still lacking. An increased risk of epigenetic errors has been associated with the use of ART, which may contribute to the onset of civilization disease later in adolescence/adulthood and/or in subsequent generations. Therefore, our investigations should not focus on (or be limited to) the occurrence of a few very rare imprinting disorders in ART children, which might be associated with parental age and/or the use of ART, but on the possibly increased disease susceptibilities later in life and their potential transmission to the subsequent generations. Retrospective studies do not offer exhaustive information on long-term consequences of ART. Animal models are useful tools to study long-term effects including transgenerational ones and the epigenetic risk of a given ART procedure, which could then be translated to the human context. The final goal is the establishment of common guidelines for assessing the epigenetic risk of ART in humans, which will contribute to two key objectives of the Horizon2020 programme, i.e. to improve our understanding of the causes and mechanisms underlying health and disease, and to improve our ability to monitor health and prevent/manage disease.

Wpływ statusu społeczno-ekonomicznego na częstość występowania alergii

ABSTRACTIntroduction: More than 30% of the population suffer from allergic disorders, making it a civilization disease. Allergies are conditioned not only by genetic factors but also by environmental factors such as socio-economic status (SES).The aim of study was to analyse the relationship batween the frequency of allergies and SES.Materials and methods: 700 female students from the University of Łódź, Jagiellonian University and University of Physical Education in Cracow took part in the study. Students answered questions about the occurrence of allergies and specific allergens. Socio-economic status was defined by the place of residence before studies, number of siblings and education level of parents.Results: In the studied group the occurrence of allergies was 29.71%. Women living in urban areas before studies suffered from allergies twice as often as those who had lived in rural areas. Children with siblings had allergies less often than only children. A higher level of education of parents was connected with more frequent allergic reactions, but the difference was not statistically significant. Generally, people with alower SES suffered less often from allergic reactions.Conclusions: People with higher socio-economic status more often suffered from allergic reactions.

People with diabetes at work – real threats and myths

Diabetes is a metabolic disease with complex and varied etiology characterized by chronic elevated level of glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all cases of the disease. Diabetes is a civilization disease, affecting a person younger and younger, and therefore with an increase in the number of new cases of the disease increase not only costs of the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and its complications, but also the costs resulting from premature cessation of employment and unemployment, which affects people suffering from diabetes. Diabetics often have trouble with finding the appropriate job and those who work are afraid of losing their jobs because of the false belief about their frequent absenteeism and lower productivity. Performance of work by a diabetic is recommended and beneficial, and only a few professions are not recommended for them. To employee with diabetes can safely work, you must create it with adequate working conditions and education in diabetes must apply to all - not only the patient but also his family, friends and co-workers.

MMA syndrome in swine

The so-called swine civilization disease, also known as the MMA syndrome, implies good housing conditions and primarily a good diet. It occurs in highly productive swine breeds, and it does not occur in primitive breeds or in free-range swine production. Coprostasis which is present because of a subatantial diet occurs just before delivery of piglets. As a result of the altered conditions resulting from the appearance of coprostasis, the normal saprophytic microflora becomes pathogenic causing toxemia and bacteriemia which lead to puerperal diseases known as the metritis-mastitis-agalactia (MMA) syndrome. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis), the uterus (metritis), and reduced and suspended milk secretion (agalactia). The most recent data in literature indicate the complex etiology of this disease which involves infection with coliform bacteria, stress and hormonal disbalance.