Slower nicotine metabolism among postmenopausal Polish smokers.

Background: A non-invasive phenotypic indicator of the rate of nicotine metabolism is nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) defined as a ratio of two major metabolites of nicotine - trans-3'-hydroxycotinine/cotinine. The rate of nicotine metabolism has important clinical implications for the likelihood of successful quitting with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). We conducted a study to measure NMR among Polish smokers.

Nicotine emissions from electronic cigarettes: Individual and interactive effects of propylene glycol to vegetable glycerin composition and device power output.

Introduction: The power output of e-cigarettes varies considerably, as does the composition of liquids used with these products. Most e-cigarette liquids contain two primary solvents: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). The primary aim of this study was to examine the extent to which PG and VG composition and device power interact with each other to influence e-cigarette nicotine emissions.

The Effect of a Short-Term Exposure to Lead on the Levels of Essential Metal Ions, Selected Proteins Related to Them, and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Humans.

The present study was designed to explore the possible influence of subacute exposure to lead on the levels of selected essential metals, selected proteins related to them, and oxidative stress parameters in occupationally exposed workers. The study population included 36 males occupationally exposed to lead for 36 to 44 days. Their blood lead level at the beginning of the study was 10.

Removal of veterinary antibiotics from wastewater by electrocoagulation.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of veterinary antibiotic removal from wastewater using an electrocoagulation method. The removal efficiency of ampicillin, doxycycline, sulfathiazole and tylosin; the antibiotic degradation degree after electrolysis; and the toxicity and qualitative composition of antibiotic solutions after electrocoagulation were determined in the experiments. HPLC-QTOF was used for quantitative and qualitative determination.

Correlations between iron content in knee joint tissues and chosen indices of peripheral blood morphology.

Background: Iron as a cofactor of enzymes takes part in the synthesis of the bone matrix. Severe deficiency of iron reduces the strength and mineral density of bones, whereas its excess may increase oxidative stress. In this context, it is essential to determine the iron content in knee joint tissues.

Platinum, palladium, rhodium, molybdenum and strontium in blood of urban women in nine countries.

Background: There is little reliable information on human exposure to the metals platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh), despite their use in enormous quantities in catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems.

Objectives: To evaluate blood concentrations of Pt (B-Pt), Pd (B-Pd) and Rh (B-Rh) in women from six European and three non-European countries, and to identify potentially influential factors. In addition, molybdenum (Mo) and strontium (Sr) were analysed.

Compensatory Puffing With Lower Nicotine Concentration E-liquids Increases Carbonyl Exposure in E-cigarette Aerosols.

Introduction: Article 20 of the European Tobacco Products Directive (EU-TPD) specifies that e-liquids should not contain nicotine in excess of 20 mg/mL, thus many vapers may be compelled to switch to lower concentrations and in so doing, may engage in more intensive puffing. This study aimed to establish whether more intensive puffing produces higher levels of carbonyl compounds in e-cigarette aerosols.

Methods: Using the HPLC-UV diode array method, four carbonyl compounds (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, and acrolein) were measured in liquids and aerosols from nicotine solutions of 24 and 6 mg/mL.

Poisoning deaths in Poland: Types and frequencies reported in Łódź, Kraków, Sosnowiec, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Poznań during 2009-2013.

Objectives: The aim of this study has been to assess the characteristics of acute poisoning deaths in Poland over a period of time 2009-2013.

Material And Methods: The analysis was based on the data obtained from the patient records stored in toxicology departments in 6 cities - Łódź, Kraków, Sosnowiec, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Poznań. Toxicological analyses were routinely performed in blood and/or urine.

Serum estradiol concentration, estradiol-to-progesterone ratio and sputum IL-5 and IL-8 concentrations are increased in luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in perimenstrual asthma patients.

The results of the research on perimenstrual asthma (PMA) pathophysiology are inconsistent, and the role of sex hormones remains inconclusive. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of serum sex steroid (and other) hormones concentrations on lower airway inflammation of PMA patients. Thirty-three women of childbearing age diagnosed as: PMA (n = 13), non-PMA asthmatics (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) were prospectively followed for 12 weeks over 2 consecutive menstrual cycles.

[Ultraviolet exposure from indoor tanning devices as a potential source of health risks: Basic knowledge of the proper use of these devices for practical users, physicians and solarium staff].

Bearing in mind the adverse health effects of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in solarium, especially the risk of carcinogenesis, there is a need to adopt legal regulations by relevant Polish authorities. They should set out the principles for indoor tanning studios operation, supervision and service of the technical parameters of tanning devices and training programs to provide the staff with professional knowledge and other aspects of safety in these facilities. The mechanism of the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on the human body, scale of overexposure, resulting from excessive sunbathing are described.

The influence of occupational chronic lead exposure on the levels of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and selected factors that influence angiogenesis. The study population was divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 56 male workers chronically exposed to lead.

Molecular Aggregation in Binary Mixtures of Pyrrolidine, N-Methylpyrrolidine, Piperidine, and N-Methylpiperidine with Water: Thermodynamic, SANS, and Theoretical Studies.

Piperidine and N-methylpiperidine hydrates aggregate in liquid aqueous solutions due to hydrogen bonds between hydration water molecules. No such effects occur in the mixtures of the amines with methanol, that supports the idea of active role of water solvent in the aggregation. However, the question of contributions in thermodynamic functions due to specific interactions, van der Waals forces, and the size and shape of the molecules remains open.

[Guidelines for the use of the International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses of the International Labour Office (ILO): Substantial changes in the currrent edition].

The International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses is the scheme worked out by the International Labour Office in Geneva (ILO), to register radiographic chest abnormalities in a well-ordered, reproducible and comparable way. It is used for diagnosing abnormalities caused by dust exposure. Guidelines for the use of the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses contain detailed information and recommendations on how to use the classification, as well as how the chest X-ray examination should be performed and recorded.

Effect of occupational exposure to lead on new risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: The cardiovascular effects of lead are caused primarily through an effect on blood pressure but are not just limited to an increased risk of hypertension. The aim of our study was to determine to what extent chronic exposure to lead affects new risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development, such as biomarkers of inflammation (C reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen) and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (homocysteine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and L-homoarginine).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 231 male volunteers, aged 20-60 years, working for at least 2 years in jobs with exposure to lead during the mining and processing of lead-zinc ores.

The analysis of QT interval and repolarization morphology of the heart in chronic exposure to lead.

There are no common recommendations regarding electrocardiographic monitoring in occupationally exposed workers. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate whether exposure to lead results in an increase of selected electrocardiography (ECG) pathologies, such as QT interval prolongation and repolarization disorders, in occupationally exposed workers. The study group included 180 workers occupationally exposed to lead compounds.

The analysis of blood lead levels changeability over the 5-year observation in workers occupationally exposed to lead.

The aim of the present study was to compare a group of workers with stable lead levels with a group of workers with fluctuating lead levels in terms of selected hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters. The examined group included male workers occupationally exposed to lead. Blood lead (PbB) levels were measured every 3 months during the 5-year observation.

Does the recent intensification of nationalistic and xenophobic attitudes in Eastern European countries adversely affect public mental health?

Background: The authors postulate that the recent intensification of the nationalist and xenophobic attitude in Poland and other Eastern European countries is detrimental to public mental health. The xenophobic attitude is accompanied by a higher incidence of anxiety and depression, disputes due to the polarization of opinions, a sense of embarrassment and a sense of contradictions with so-called Christian values, unfavorable demographic predictions and reduced life satisfaction.

Discussion: The authors attempt to describe the sequence of adverse events that led to the intensification of xenophobia and characterize the current state of public mental health in European countries.

E-cigarette puffing patterns associated with high and low nicotine e-liquid strength: effects on toxicant and carcinogen exposure.

Background: Contrary to intuition, use of lower strength nicotine e-liquids might not offer reduced health risk if compensatory puffing behaviour occurs. Compensatory puffing (e.g.

[Thermal load at workstations in the underground coal mining: Results of research carried out in 6 coal mines].

Background: Statistics shows that almost half of Polish extraction in underground mines takes place at workstations where temperature exceeds 28°C. The number of employees working in such conditions is gradually increasing, therefore, the problem of safety and health protection is still growing.

Material And Methods: In the present study we assessed the heat load of employees at different workstations in the mining industry, taking into account current thermal conditions and work costs.

Cat (Fel d 1) and dog (Can f 1) allergen levels in cars, dwellings and schools.

Pets are an important source of indoor allergens. The aim of the study was to compare cat and dog allergen levels in cars, schools and homes. The study was carried out in 17 cars, 14 classrooms and 19 dwellings located in the highly industrialized and urbanized region of Poland.

Oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress in lead-exposed workers.

There are many discrepancies among the results of studies on the genotoxicity of lead. The aim of the study was to explore lead-induced DNA damage, including oxidative damage, in relation to oxidative stress intensity parameters and the antioxidant defense system in human leukocytes. The study population consisted of 100 male workers exposed to lead.

Cytokines related to three major types of cell-mediated immunity in short- and long-term exposures to lead compounds.

Many investigators have posited on the significant influence of lead on the immune system function. However, available data on this topic are not conclusive. Therefore, a study was undertaken to examine associations between lead exposure and levels of cytokines related to the T-helper (T)-1, T2, and T17 types of immune response in humans.