RESUMEN

Mental health problems are the leading cause of childhood disability worldwide, resulting in poor outcomes for children and young people that persist into adulthood. It is essential that those young people most at risk of developing mental health problems receive effective preventative interventions. Whilst there have been a number of systematic reviews which have examined the effectiveness of secondary prevention interventions for specific groups of children and young people, or to address identified mental health concerns, no review has engaged with the breadth of this literature. We conducted a systematic review of systematic reviews to map this complex field of secondary preventative interventions and identify effective interventions to prevent mental health problems in children and adolescents aged 3-17 years. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO. We searched five electronic databases from inception to February 2023. The certainty of the evidence was appraised using the AMSTAR 2. We included 49 unique systematic reviews each including between 2 and 249 (mean 34) unique studies; the majority of which were reviews which included only or mostly randomised controlled trials (70%). The reviews examined selective interventions (defined as interventions which are delivered to sub-group populations of young people at increased risk of mental health problems) (n = 22), indicated interventions (defined as interventions which target young people who are found to have pre-clinical symptoms) (n = 15) or a synthesis of both (n = 12). The certainty of the evidence in the reviews was rated as high, (n = 12) moderate (n = 5), low (n = 9) and critically low (n = 23). We found evidence to support both selective and indicated interventions in a range of populations and settings, with most of this evidence available for children and young people in their mid-years (6-10 years) and early adolescence (11-13 years). There was a large body of evidence suggesting that resilience enhancing, cognitive behaviour therapy-based and psychoeducational interventions for children who experience adversity, or those with subclinical externalising problems may offer promise. Early selective interventions for a subpopulation of children and young people who have experienced adversity which combines risk reduction and resilience enhancing approaches directed at children and their families may be effective at reducing mental health problems.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The plethora of emerging two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit wide potential application in novel technologies and advanced devices. However, their stability in environmental conditions could be an issue, affecting their application possibilities and posing health risks. Moreover, their decomposed leftovers can also induce a negative influence on human health. In particular, transition metal carbides commonly referred to as MXenes are susceptible to environmental oxidation being decomposed toward transition metal oxides and carbide-derived carbon. In this study we focused on the oxidation-state-related in vitro cytotoxicity of delaminated V2CTz onto immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) and malignant melanoma (A375) human cell lines. Due to the fact, that the V2CTx MXenes are least stable from all known obtained MXenes up to date, the vanadium ones were a practical choice to visualize the oxidation-cytotoxic correlation keeping the standards of 24-48 h of cell culturing. We found that the oxidation of V2CTz highly increases their cytotoxicity toward human cells, which is also time and dose dependent. The identified mode of action relates to the cell cycle as well as cellular membrane disintegration through direct physicochemical interactions.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in Poland in 2013-2014 and to determine the temporal trends between 2003-2005 and 2013-2014. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted in a representative sample of Polish adults, complemented by anthropometric and fasting plasma glucose measurements. The research was part of the national cross-sectional WOBASZ study. Diabetes was assessed as self-reported or screened (fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 7 mmol/l, based on one blood sample). RESULTS: In the years 2013-2014 among 5694 participants aged 20-74 years, 6.0% (95% CI 5.4-6.6) reported a previous diagnosis of diabetes (5.8% in women and 6.2% in men). In addition, 2.4% of the participants (95% CI 2.0-2.8) without a previous diagnosis of diabetes (1.8% of women and 3.1% of men) had a fasting blood glucose level ≥7.0 mmol/l in a single measurement. In a single measurement, 18.4% of the participants (95% CI 17.4-19.4; 13.2% of women and 23.8% of men) had impaired fasting glucose. The prevalence of dysglycaemia in the WOBASZ II study was significantly higher compared to the WOBASZ I study findings from 2003-2005, increased from 6.6% to 8.4% for diabetes and from 9.3% to 18.4% for impaired fasting glucose (after age and sex standardization to the 2013 Polish population). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of diabetes in Poland is similar to that observed in other European populations and has increased significantly over the last decade.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

MXene phases are a member of the intriguing 2D material family, beyond graphene. They are good candidates for many applications, however, their potential toxicity is of crucial importance for future development. Herein, we present a simple, low-cost and fully green approach for controlling the potential cytotoxicity of 2D MXenes after delamination by harnessing the interactions that occur between the surface of MXene phases and natural biomacromolecule - collagen. We also demonstrate that the step-by-step adsorption and desorption of collagen from the surface of 2D MXenes is easily controlled using in situ zeta potential measurements coupled with dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. The obtained results demonstrated that the electrostatically driven unprecedented susceptibility of the MXenes' surfaces to collagen. Surface-modification reduces toxicity of MXenes in vitro i.e. adjust cells' viabilities as well as reduce their oxidative stress. This indicates enhanced biocompatibility of 2D Ti3C2 and Ti2C MXenes surface-modified with collagen, which is involved in many bio-interactions as important building blocks in the human body. The presented study opens new avenues for designing MXenes with defined surface properties and paves the way for their future successful management in nano-medicinal applications.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The biological activity of MXenes has been studied for several years because of their potential biomedical applications; however, investigations have so far been limited to 2D titanium carbides. Although monolayered Ti2NTx MXene has been expected to have biological activity, experimental studies revealed significant difficulties due to obstacles to its synthesis, its low stability and its susceptibility to oxidation and decomposition. RESULTS: In this paper, we report our theoretical calculations showing the higher likelihood of forming multilayered Ti2NTx structures during the preparation process in comparison to single-layered structures. As a result of our experimental work, we successfully synthesized multilayered Ti2NTx MXene that was suitable for biological studies by the etching of the Ti2AlN MAX phase and further delamination. The biocompatibility of Ti2NTx MXene was evaluated in vitro towards human skin malignant melanoma cells, human immortalized keratinocytes, human breast cancer cells, and normal human mammary epithelial cells. Additionally, the potential mode of action of 2D Ti2NTx was investigated using reactive oxygen tests as well as SEM observations. Our results indicated that multilayered 2D sheets of Ti2NTx showed higher toxicity towards cancerous cell lines in comparison to normal ones. The decrease in cell viabilities was dose-dependent. The generation of reactive oxygen species as well as the internalization of the 2D sheets play a decisive role in the mechanisms of toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that 2D Ti2NTx in the form of multilayered nanoflakes exhibits fair stability and can be used for in vitro studies. These results show promise for its future applications in biotechnology and nanomedicine.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The number of investigations regarding the application of 2D nanosheets of MXenes in different technological areas is growing rapidly. Different surface modifications of MXenes have been introduced to date in order to tailor their properties. As a result, surface-modified MXenes could be released in the environment from filtration membranes, adsorbents, or photocatalysts. On the other hand, assessment of their environmental impact is practically unexplored. In the present study, we examined how modification of the antimicrobial Ti3C2 MXene with ceramic oxide and noble metal nanoparticles affects its toxic behavior. The expanded 2D sheets of the Ti3C2 MXene phase were modified with Al2O3/Ag, SiO2/Ag, and SiO2/Pd nanoparticles using the sol-gel method and extensively characterized. The obtained 2D nanocomposite structures were characterized by antibacterial properties. The ecotoxicological assays considered green algae (Desmodesmus quadricauda) as well as two higher plants: sorghum (Sorghum saccharatum) and charlock (Sinapis alba). Our results revealed that obtained nanomaterials can cause both stimulating and inhibiting effects towards algae, and the ecotoxicity depended on the concentration and the type of modification. The study reveals the intriguing property of pristine Ti3C2 which highly stimulated green algae growth at low concentrations. It also shows that modification of pristine Ti3C2 MXene with different nanoparticles changes the ecotoxicological effects of the resulting nanocomposite 2D structures. We have also indicated nanocomposite structures that does not revealed the toxic effect on tested organisms i.e. the Ti3C2 MXene surface-modified with Al2O3/Ag was not phyto- and eco-toxic. This work helps with better understanding of the reactivity of surface-modified MXenes towards chosen organisms, giving more information concerning the potential impact of tested nanocomposites on the ecosystems.

RESUMEN

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabo- lite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) can disturb the secretory function of the ovary and both contractions and secretory function of the uterus during the estrus cycle and pregnancy. Additionally, PCBs can pass through the placental barrier into allantoic and amniotic fluid. The presence of PCBs in these fluids is associated with higher frequency of spontaneous abortions and premature births in humans and animals. Therefore, the effect of PCBs, DDT and DDE on the connexins (Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43) and keratin 8 (KRT8) expression in bovine placentomes was investigated. The placentome slices from the second trimester of pregnancy were incubated with PCB153, 126, 77, DDT and DDE (each at doses of 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml) for 48 h. Then, the slices were stained using immunohistochemistry. The density of Cxs staining was measured with Axio- Vision Rel. 4.8 software in fetal-maternal connections and binuclear cells (BNC). None of the tested xenobiotics (XBs) affected the localization of Cxs and KRT8 in the fetal-maternal connec- tion area, but the XBs affected the density of Cxs in fetal-maternal connections and binuclear cells (BNCs). Depend on the doses, in fetal-maternal connections all used PCBs changed the protein expression of different Cxs, while in BNCs, all tested XBs except DDT increased the ex- pression of Cxs. None of investigated XBs affected on KRT8 expression. In summary, used XBs affect the expression of Cxs and change the quantitative relationships between them. Therefore, XBs can unfavorably influence function of the utero-placental barrier in cows.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Pregnancy disorders are often correlated with the presence of organic pollutants in the tissues of living bodies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects (over 24 and 48 hours) of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 153, 126, and 77 at doses of 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL on barrier function and secretory activity in cow placentome sections collected during the second trimester of pregnancy. None of the PCBs affected the viability of the sections (P > 0.05). Polychlorinated biphenyl 153 decreased (P < 0.05) connexin 26 (Cx 26) mRNA expression, and all three PCBs reduced (P < 0.05) Cx 43 mRNA expression. Cx 32 mRNA expression showed a downward trend (P > 0.05) under the influence of PCBs 126 and 77. Moreover, PCBs 153 and 126 increased keratin 8 (KRT8) mRNA expression, whereas all PCBs decreased (P < 0.05) placenta specific protein 1 (PLAC-1) mRNA expression without changing (P > 0.05) hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) mRNA expression. Concomitantly, PCBs 153 and 126 stimulated (P < 0.05) cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) mRNA expression, all PCBs increased (P < 0.05) prostaglandin E2 synthase (PGES) mRNA expression, and PCBs 126 and 77 increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion. All three PCBs decreased (P < 0.05) prostaglandin F2α synthase (PGFS) mRNA expression and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) secretion. In addition, all three PCBs increased (P < 0.05) neurophysin I/oxytocin (NP-I/OT) mRNA expression and OT secretion but did not affect peptidyl-glycine-α-amidating monooxygenase (PGA) mRNA expression (P > 0.05). Moreover, the PCBs increased (P < 0.05) estradiol (E2) secretion, whereas progesterone (P4) secretion remained unchanged (P > 0.05). These changes could affect trophoblast invasion and uterine contractility and thus impact the course of gestation and/or fetal development in the cow.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Disorders in the barrier function and secretory activity of the placenta can be caused by xenobiotics (XB) present in the environment and their accumulation in tissues of living organisms. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,-bis-4-chlorophenyl-ethane (DDT) and its metabolite 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis-4-chlorophenyl-ethene (DDE) (for 24 or 48h) at doses of 1, 10 or 100ng/ml on the function of cow placentome sections in the second trimester of pregnancy. DDT and DDE affected neither (P>0.05) the viability nor hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF1α) mRNA expression of the sections. XB decreased (P<0.05) connexin (Cx) 26, 32, 43 and placenta-specific 1 (PLAC-1) mRNA expression but did not affect (P>0.05) keratin 8 (KRT8) mRNA expression. DDT and DDE also reduced (P<0.05) prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) synthase (PGFS) mRNA expression, while DDT increased (P<0.05) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthase (PGES) mRNA expression. Neither cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) mRNA expression nor PGF2α and PGE2 secretion were affected. Both DDT and DDE increased (P<0.05) neurophysin I/oxytocin (NP1/OT) mRNA expression and oxytocin (OT), oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) secretion while DDT stimulated only 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ßHSD) and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) mRNA expression (P<0.05). In summary, DDT and DDE impaired the barrier function and secretory activity of the placenta. Thus, these compounds can disrupt trophoblast invasion, myometrium contractility and gas/nutrient exchange throughout pregnancy in cows.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The chemical formula in the paper by Wojciechowska & Daszkiewicz [Acta Cryst. (2007), E63, m2975-m2976] is corrected.[This corrects the article on p. m2975 in vol. 63.].

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Germline mutations in the DNA mismatch repair genes MSH2 and MLH1 account for a significant proportion of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) families. One approach by which development of an efficient DNA-testing procedure can be implemented is to describe the nature and frequency of common mutations in particular ethnic groups. Two hundred and twenty-six patients from families matching the Amsterdam II diagnostic criteria or suspected HNPCC criteria were screened for MSH2 and MLH1 germline mutations. Fifty different pathogenic mutations were found, 25 in MSH2 and 25 in MLH1. Twenty-four of these had not previously been described in other populations. Among our 78 families with MSH2 or MLH1 mutations, 54 (69.2%) were affected by recurrent mutations including 38 found at least twice in our own series. Two of the most frequent alterations were a substitution of A to T at the splice donor site of intron 5 of MSH2 and a missense change (A681T) of MLH1 found in 10 and eight families, respectively. Among large deletions detected by the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay, exon 9 deletions in the MSH2 gene were found in two families. Our results indicate that a screening protocol specific for the Polish population that is limited to the detection of all reported mutations will result in the identification of the majority of changes present in MLH1 and MSH2 genes in Polish HNPCC kindreds.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Determination of the organophosphorus pesticides paraoxon, chlorpyrifos oxon, and malaoxon has been performed by a method based on inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and amperometric detection in a flow-injection system with enzymes obtained from the electric eel (eeAChE) and Drosophila melanogaster (dmAChE) and immobilized on the surface of platinum electrode within a layer of poly(vinyl alcohol) bearing styrylpyridinium groups. dmAChE is more sensitive than eeAChE to inhibition by chlorpyrifos oxon and paraoxon. The sensitivity difference was largest for chlorpyrifos oxon (detection limit approx. 17 times lower), and practically none for malaoxon. Determination of the analytes in spiked river water samples by use of the dmAChE biosensor resulted in recoveries from 50 to 90 % for chlorpyrifos oxon at levels of 20 to 40 nmol L(-1), 50 to 100 % for paraoxon at 0.6 to 0.8 micro mol L(-1), and 140 to 190 % for malaoxon at 0.6 to 1.2 micro mol L(-1).

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

There were studied correlations between some features of social networks of 56 DSM-III schizophrenic patients and "specific aims of treatment": insight, satisfaction of the treatment, compliance, motivation for the treatment and "outcome of treatment" in psychopathological and social level three years from the first admission. There were used Fallow-up Chart, Bizon's Social Support Questionnaire, BPRS-LA scale and Social Assessment Scale (SAS). There were obtained statistically significant results concerning correlations between the type of support (concentrated, dispersed, and mixed) and the size of the extra-familiar network and the "specific aims" of treatment. This means that patients who have a mixed type of social support and a extended extra-familiar social network obtain better specific treatment aims as: motivation for treatment, co-operation in treatment, insight and a subjective satisfaction of treatment. There exists also significant correlation between some features of social network such as the range of network, the amount and localisation of support and the size of the extra-familiar network and the psychopathology level. The patients who get little support and those whose whole support is localised in family have higher level of negative symptoms measured with BPRS sub-scale. Patients of little range of the social network, including extra-familiar network show more positive symptoms three years after the first hospitalisation. There were found no correlations between the social network features and profession.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The aim of this study was to assess health behaviour in obese pupils aged 11-17 years in one of the districts in Warsaw. Self-assessment about own health, appearance and possibilities was also studied. Questionnaire studies were carried out in pupils with obesity and in a control group of pupils, with normal body weight. We found the biggest deficiency of health promoting behaviour in the field of physical activity and dietary habits. Differences between the two groups of pupils were statistically significant. Significant differences were also found in self-assessment concerning physical fitness and appearance. We did not find any differences between obese and non-obese pupils in health risk behaviour: alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, frequency of injuries and in psychosocial indicators.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Social networks of 54 DSM-III schizophrenic patients were studied. There are differences between social networks of patients who took part in the psychosocial program (n = 23) and social networks of patients treated in individual treatment program (n = 31). Patients treated in the psychosocial program receive significantly more social support from their social networks and there are significantly more new relationships in their networks than in the networks of patients treated in individual treatment program.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Phenytoin was micronized by precipitation from its ammonia, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and glacial acetic acid solutions. The precipitation was accomplished by either solvent evaporation, cooling of the solution or water addition into organic solvent solutions. The smallest particle size was obtained by evaporation of 20% ammonia solution.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Phoniatric and acoustic examinations were carried out in a group of 30 patients with dysphonia, including 15 with organic type and 15 with functional type. A complex phoniatric assessment offered the possibility to differentiate between these two groups of pathological voices. This was achieved also on the basis of acoustic analysis of the voice by extracting characteristics such as: formant frequency, Fo and its range, percentage of noise in the analysed verbal text, mean and maximum values of jitter. The possibility of differential diagnosis of these two different types of dysphonia in acoustic studies was confirmed by clinical examinations. The acoustic studies presented can be regarded as a new approach to a fast and sufficiently precise method in the screening diagnostics of dysphonia conditioned by growth of the vocal fold mass.

Asunto(s)