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Biomedical subjects

C Pawlak

Publications and source records attributed to C Pawlak.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

[Prevention of risky behaviors in adolescence].

A workshop of the French speaking meeting of practical paediatrics was dedicated to the prevention of risk behaviour among adolescents. Concrete and every day issues were discussed through risk taking during the transitional stages of adolescence. Parents and adolescence demand and health needs were debated, such as the absence of demand and expressed needs from the adolescent him/herself. Evaluation of the at risk situation was clarified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Casino gambling increases heart rate and salivary cortisol in regular gamblers.

BACKGROUND: Although the effects of gambling on cardiovascular parameters have been documented, no data exists describing the effect of gambling on stress hormone secretion. Our study investigated the effect of gambling on heart rate and salivary cortisol in a casino environment. METHODS: Ten male gamblers participated in both an experimental and control session. In the experimental session, gamblers played a game of blackjack using their own money. Gamblers played cards in the same setting during the control condition; however, the game was played for accumulation of points rather than money. Heart rate and endocrine parameters were recorded at baseline, 30 min, and 60 min following commencement of each session, and again at completion of the game. RESULTS: Heart rate increased significantly from baseline to 30 min in the experimental session and remained elevated for the remainder of the recording period. Salivary cortisol was raised at 30 min and further elevated at 60 min during gambling, then returned to control levels following completion of the game. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that gambling in a "real life" situation produces increases in salivary cortisol levels that accompany increased cardiovascular activity. Such effects may contribute to the development of gambling addiction.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

High rate of GB virus type C/HGV transmission from mother to infant: possible implications for the prevalence of infection in blood donors.

BACKGROUND: Because GB virus type C(GBV-C)/HGV (GBV-C/HGV) is blood-borne and sexually transmitted, persons at risk of infection with such viruses have a high prevalence of GBV-C/HGV markers. However, adults with no apparent risk factors, such as blood donors, frequently are positive for GBV-C/HGV markers. Mother-to-infant transmission could explain this high prevalence, but it has been studied only through small series of GBV-C/HGV-infected mothers co-infected with HCV or HIV. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To determine the rate of mother-to-infant transmission of GBV-C/HGV RNA in women who are HCV- or HIV-negative, a prospective study was performed in a cohort of 288 mothers screened for viral RNA and in the infants born to GBV-C/HGV-infected mothers. RESULTS: Thirteen mothers (4.5%) were found positive for GBV-C/HGV RNA. Of the infants in whom at least one blood sample was collected between the third and the ninth months of life, 89 percent were positive for viral RNA. The majority of these newborns were negative for GBV-C/HGV RNA at birth and positive after the third month. The viral RNA titers of infants born to GBV-C/HGV-infected mothers appeared as elevated as those of their mothers. All the GBV-C/HGV-infected infants remained positive for viral RNA during the entire study period. No clinical events possibly linked to a primary GBV-C/HGV infection were reported in infants. Serum ALT level and blood count remained within normal values throughout the follow-up of all GBV-C/HGV-infected infants. CONCLUSION: The frequency of mother-to-infant GBV-C/HGV transmission is elevated and could explain the high prevalence of GBV-C/HGV markers (viral RNA and E2 antibody) in adults at low risk for blood-borne or sexually transmitted viruses, such as blood donors.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Typology and correlates of sexual abuse in children and youth: multivariate analyses in a prevalence study in Geneva.

OBJECTIVE: Child sexual abuse (CSA) encompasses a variety of distinct situations, which should be differentiated. There is a need for a working classification, taking into account various parameters. METHODS: The Geneva CSA prevalence study was based on 1116 randomly selected adolescents aged 14 to 16. Secondary analyses of the 252 reported cases of abuse was carried out using a multivariate approach combining multiple correspondence analysis and automatic classification, leading to descriptive analyses and to a new classification of CSA. RESULTS: Global prevalence of CSA, using a broad definition, was 10.9% for boys, and 33.8% for girls. Classification of cases of abuse differentiated 5 classes: (A) exhibitionism or other abuse without contact, by an adult (proportion of cases in boys: 22%; girls: 32%); (B) abuse of an adolescent boy by a peer without contact (62%); (C) abuse of an adolescent girl by a peer with physical contact (38%); (D) abuse inside the family, repeated (boys: 10%, girls: 16%); (E) child abuse with genital penetration, lasting 2 years or more (boys: 7%; girls: 14%). CONCLUSIONS: CSA is a complex and heterogeneous problem. Reported abuse situations can be classified into five classes, with different degrees of severity, causes, and consequences. Classification is essential in clinical research as well as in the design and conception of prevention programs.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Anxiety disorders, comorbidity, and suicide attempts in adolescence: a preliminary investigation.

The prevalence of anxiety disorders and associated DSM-III-R diagnoses were measured in a sample of 80 female adolescents aged between 15 to 20 years consulting an outpatient psychiatric service for adolescents. The suicide attempt group (SA) included 40 patients evaluated within 24 h after attempted suicide. This is compared to 40 consecutive patients consulting the same center but without any history of suicide attempt (the no attempt group, NA). The global prevalence of anxiety disorders was similar in both groups (SA: 65% vs. NA: 60%, NS) as was the relative importance of the different disorders in each group, generalized anxiety being the most frequent specific anxiety disorder. The most striking difference between the two groups was in the prevalence of affective disorders in 90% (SA) vs. 32.5% (NA) (P < 0.001), leading to high rates of comorbidity on axis I in the SA group. Of the 24 patients with anxiety disorders who attempted suicide, 21 (95%) fulfilled criteria for associated major depression, compared to five out of 21 (24%) patients with anxiety disorders who had not attempted suicide. Adolescents with anxiety disorders developing major depression are at a high risk for suicide. The depression may be of short duration (less than two weeks) when compared to that of the anxiety disorder (greater than six months). To improve suicide prevention, our findings if confirmed should encourage clinicians to perform a close follow-up of adolescents with anxiety disorders for an early detection of sudden depressive breakdowns.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Decreased expression and activity of G-protein-coupled receptor kinases in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Beta2-Adrenergic and chemokine receptor antagonists delay the onset and reduce the severity of joint injury in rheumatoid arthritis. beta2-Adrenergic and chemokine receptors belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor family whose responsiveness is turned off by the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase family (GRK-1 to 6). GRKs phosphorylate receptors in an agonist-dependent manner resulting in receptor/G-protein uncoupling via subsequent binding of arrestin proteins. We assessed the activity of GRKs in lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by rhodopsin phosphorylation. We found a significant decrease in GRK activity in RA subjects that is mirrored by a decrease in GRK-2 protein expression. Moreover, GRK-6 protein expression is reduced in RA patients whereas GRK-5 protein levels were unchanged. In search of an underlying mechanism, we demonstrated that proinflammatory cytokines induce a decrease in GRK-2 protein levels in leukocytes from healthy donors. Since proinflammatory cytokines are abundantly expressed in RA, it may provide an explanation for the decrease in GRK-2 expression and activity in patients. No changes in beta2-adrenergic receptor number and Kd were detected. However, RA patients showed a significantly increased cAMP production and inhibition of TNF-alpha production by beta2-adrenergic stimulation, suggesting that reduced GRK activity is associated with increased sensitivity to beta2-adrenergic activation.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1998

Neuroendocrine and cardiovascular response to sexual arousal and orgasm in men.

Data regarding the neuroendocrine response pattern to sexual arousal and orgasm in man are inconsistent. In this study, ten healthy male volunteers were continuously monitored for their cardiovascular and neuroendocrine response to sexual arousal and orgasm. Blood was continuously drawn before, during and after masturbation-induced orgasm and analyzed for plasma concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, growth hormone (GH), beta-endorphin and testosterone. Orgasm induced transient increases in heart rate, blood pressure and noradrenaline plasma levels. Prolactin plasma levels increased during orgasm and remained elevated 30 min after orgasm. In contrast, none of the other endocrine variables were significantly affected by sexual arousal and orgasm.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Usefulness of digital subtraction angiography for diagnosis of renal tumours.

DSA (digital subtraction angiography) is a new, highly effective method for visualization of kidney vascular system. By means of a digital subtraction angiography unit the image of bones and soft tissues is blotted out, and a subtractive picture of contrasted vessels alone emerges. Intra-arterial DSA is a less invasive and more comfortable method when compared to conventional angiography. Only 2-4 ml of contrast medium is administered, thinner catheters being employed at the same time. The examination can also be performed through intravenous administration of contrast medium. The DSA unit Angiotron CMP was installed at the Department of Radiology, Military Medical Academy of Lódź, in 1984. In the present material a diagnostic DSA investigation was performed in 22 patients with renal tumours. In 21 of them the tumour was correctly diagnosed on grounds of pathological vascularization and the result was dubious in only 1 patient with benign tumour.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Comparison of midazolam and oxazepam as hypnotics in elderly hospitalized patients. A double-blind clinical trial.

The efficacy and safety of 15 mg midazolam versus 15 mg oxazepam were compared in a double-blind clinical trial in 61 aged hospitalized patients (mean age 82.5, range 69 to 96), suffering from moderate to severe insomnia. The study covered 8 nights, i.e., 1 placebo night followed by 5 treatment nights and 2 further placebo nights. Both drugs were equally effective with respect to total sleep time, number of nocturnal awakenings, quality of sleep, condition on awakening, patients' assessment and dreams. However, sleep latency was significantly shorter in the midazolam group, which was also rated significantly more favorably by the medical staff. Side effects were mild and similar in both groups. No rebound or carry-over effects were noted. Midazolam can be considered an effective and safe sleep inducer in aged patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Observations on xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.

Four cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, treated at the Department of Urology of the Military Medical Academy, are described. Focal lesions of the kidney were found in all of them. A precise pre- and intraoperative diagnosis is impossible or doubtful because the clinical symptoms and macroscopic appearance of the involved kidney suggest the presence of a tumour. Treatment consists mainly in nephrectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Incidence of urinary tract diseases among workers in the Masovian Refining and Petrochemical Plants in Płock 1978-1981].

The studies were aimed at estimation of the incidence rate of genito-urinary tract diseases among employees of the Mazovian Refining and Petrochemical Plants in Płock. In 1978-1981, 873 employees were examined, including 244 females and 629 males. Most of them, namely 572 (65%), were employed in those plants for more than 5 years. In 190 persons (21.8%) either history of urologic diseases (41 persons) or current diseases (149 persons) were found. The incidence rate of genito-urinary tract diseases was similar to that observed in general population. The studies are continued.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Sleep in Pick disease].

19 polygraphic sleep recordings from 12 patients with Pick's Disease, including four histologically proved cases, were compared to those of an age-matched control group. Symptoms had been present for a mean 8 years, the patients being aged 59 to 78 (mean 70.5 years). All sleep stages could be identified. Total sleep time was reduced and the number of awakenings was sharply increased. High proportion of stage 1 contrasted with the reduction in the other sleep stages with disappearance of stage 4 in advanced cases. REM Sleep was identified in all recordings, although reduced as a function of the length of the illness; its production as a function of total sleep time was not different from that of the control. REM Sleep appeared often fragmented and with a remarkably short latency, reminiscent of that observed in severely depressed patients.

Aged↗