Association between symptoms of depression and inflammatory parameters in people aged over 90 years

BACKGROUND

Old age is a period of life that presents many health and social challenges, resulting in a greater vulnerability to the development of mental disorders, including depression. There has been a growing interest in the relationship between depression and inflammatory factors, because of its potential clinical and therapeutic implications. Inflammatory processes, which were originally understood as a response to infection and trauma, appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of depression in the elderly. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between the severity of depressive disorders and inflammatory parameters in people over 90 years of age.

METHODS

The study was conducted in Poland in 2017. The study population consisted of long-lived individuals, both living at home and staying in residential care homes. The participants were 90 people of both sexes (69 women and 21 men), aged between 90 and 103 years (mean = 92.36; SD = 2.98). The study was conducted using the diagnostic survey method with a questionnaire technique. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to carry out the analysis. The levels of selected inflammatory factors were determined using relevant laboratory tests.

RESULTS

In the study group, the highest percentage of people had symptoms of moderate depression (n = 36;40%), followed by those without depression (n = 35;38.9%). There was a weak negative correlation between GDS scores and fibrinogen levels (p ≤ 0.05). The logistic regression model showed no significant relationship between inflammatory parameters and the development of depressive disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory parameters do not appear to predict the development of depressive disorders in people over 90 years of age.

Selenium as a Factor Moderating Depression and Obesity in Middle-Aged Women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of serum selenium on PPAR-γ and the selected proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in relation to depressive symptoms and obesity in middle-aged women. The research procedure was as follows: a survey was performed using the authors’ questionnaire and the BDI, anthropometric measurements, and the analysis of blood for the levels of selenium, cytokines, and genetic analysis of the PPAR-γ polymorphism (n = 443). It was found that the BMI increased along with the concentration of IL-6. No moderating effect of selenium was observed, although the cut-off values for “p” were established for IL-β*Se (p = 0.068) and IL-6*Se (p = 0.068), so there was a potential association with these two markers. At high selenium levels, the effect of higher IL-β levels on a decrease in BMI was stronger, as was the effect of an increase in IL-6 levels on an increase in BMI. No effect of selenium on PPAR-γ was found in relation to depressive symptoms and obesity. Higher selenium levels may have a beneficial effect on BMI even at high IL-β concentrations, however, at high IL-6 concentrations, this effect was not observed. Selenium levels had no impact on depressive symptoms.

Selenium as a predictor of metabolic syndrome in middle age women

BACKGROUND

Selenium plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis. It has been suggested that it may also affect the expression and activity of PPAR-γ. The aim of study was to analyze the relationships between these variables in the context of the health of women, for whom the risk of MetS increases with age.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 390 women in middle age. The stages of study: a survey-based part; anthropometric measurements; analysis of biological material (blood) in terms of glycemia, triglyceride, HDL, and selenium levels, as well as genetic analysis of the PPAR-γ polymorphisms.

RESULTS

It was found that selenium may moderate the effect of the G allele of the PPAR-γ gene on the occurrence of elevated waist circumference (OR=1.030, 95%CI 1.005-1.057, p=0.020); and the effect of the C (OR=1.077, 95%CI 1.009-1.149, p=0.026) and the G alleles (OR=1.052, 95%CI 1.025-1.080, p<0.000) on the odds of elevated blood pressure. Women in whom HDL levels were not significantly reduced, had higher selenium levels (p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

1. The effect of selenium on MetS and its components has not been demonstrated. 2. The effect of individual alleles of the PPAR-γ gene on MetS and its components was not demonstrated. 3. The concentration of selenium may affect waist circumference in carriers of the G allele, and arterial hypertension in carriers of the C and G alleles by affecting the expression of PPAR-γ. 4. Higher selenium concentrations increased the odds of higher HDL levels in the group of subjects meeting the MetS criteria.

Assessment of The Effect of Stress, Sociodemographic Variables and Work-Related Factors on Rationing of Nursing Care

(1) Rationing of nursing care is withholding, limiting or not fulfilling the necessary nursing activities for patients. It may have a negative effect on patient safety and the quality of care. The aim of the present paper is the assessment of the effect of stress on the rationing of nursing care. (2) The current research has a cross-sectional, observational design. The study sample comprised 567 nurses. The following questionnaires were used in the study PIRNCA and PSS-10. (3) It was demonstrated that nurses with a high level of perceived stress rationed nursing care to a greater extent and showed lower assessment of nursing care and lower job satisfaction in comparison with nurses with average and low levels of perceived stress. (4) 1. Stress in nurses has a negative effect on rationing of nursing care and job satisfaction. It is recommended that actions aimed at developing effective stress coping skills be implemented as early as at the stage of training to become a nurse. 2. Factors such as marital status, sex, form of employment, place of employment and the level of professional burnout syndrome may have an influence on the level of experienced stress. In turn, the level of experienced stress, marital status, education, place of work as well as the place of residence may have an effect on rationing of nursing care and, consequently, affect the quality of care.

Psychosocial contributors to Internet and social media addiction among adult women

Introduction

When speaking of behavioral addictions (especially to the Internet and social media), it is emphasized that it is not the environment that is the main contributor to addiction, but rather certain behaviors and personality traits.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the level of Internet and social media addiction on the example of Facebook with regard to psychological and social factors.

Methods

This survey-based study involved a group of women representing the female population in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland (N = 556). Research instruments were a self-developed questionnaire concerning sociodemographic data, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Internet Addiction Test, and the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale.

Results

Age, depressive symptoms, loneliness were the variable contributing to Internet and Facebook addiction among the studied. Available studies confirm the results of their own research. Employed n = 496 Unemployed n = 60 p BDI 4.0(1.0 – 10.0) 6.5 (1.5 – 12.5) 0.20 DJGLS 34.1 ± 3.7 33.0 ± 5.0 0.09 IAT 32.0 (24.0 – 44.0) 24.5 (20.0 – 32.0) < 0.001 BFAS 8.0 (6.0 – 12.0) 6.0 (6.0 – 7.5) < 0.001

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms and dependence on the Internet and Facebook were more common among single women. In the employed women, we only observed higher levels of Internet and Facebook addiction. The level of dependence on the Internet and Facebook was higher among younger women. Loneliness correlated with Internet and Facebook addiction, and more severe depressive symptoms entailed higher levels of Internet and Facebook addiction.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The effect of vitamin D levels on lipid, glucose profiles and depression in perimenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D deficiency is a significant problem that affects the population living in most countries. This issue is independent by place of residence, sex, age or skin color. It is mainly influenced by the environment we live in and by an unhealthy lifestyle, including bad eating habits. The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid profile, glucose levels, and vitamin D levels, considering sociodemographic variables, smoking and alcohol consumption in perimenopausal women. Depressive mood was also assessed considering sociodemographic variables and vitamin D levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was conducted on a group of 191 women and performed in two stages. The first of them was carried out using a diagnostic survey with the use of a technique questionnaire. The applied research instruments were the author's questionnaire (concerning sociodemographic and selected medical data), and the Beck Depression Inventory. The second stage of the study involved the collection of peripheral blood from each respondent, in order to determine lipid profile, glycemia and serum vitamin D levels.

RESULTS

The age of the female respondents ranged from 45 to 65 years, mean age was 53.1 ± 5.37 years, median 53 years. Vitamin D levels were below normal in 78%; 77% had elevated total cholesterol levels; 91.6% of the respondents had high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels within the normal range; 64.4% was characterized by too high (low-density lipoprotein) LDL cholesterol, and 84.8% of the women showed normal triglyceride levels. Among the respondents, 91.1% had normal glycemic levels. Analysis of the collected data showed a weak negative correlation between serum vitamin D levels and the levels of total cholesterol (rho=-0.14; p=0.05), LDL cholesterol (rho=-0.16; p=0.026), and triglycerides (rho=-0.22; p=0.002). Only in the case of HDL cholesterol (p=0.067), there was no statistically significant correlation. There were also no statistically significant correlations between serum vitamin D levels and glycemia or severity of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The majority of the women did not manifest depressive disorders. Of all factors analyzed, only education was associated with the severity of depressiveness. 2. Smoking adversely affected serum vitamin D levels in the studied women. 3. The cessation of menstruation affected carbohydrate metabolism and vitamin D levels. Blood glucose levels increased with the age of the studied women. 4. Relationships were found between the levels of vitamin D and the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Therefore, it is important to maintain normal vitamin D levels.

Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and selected bioelements in perimenopausal women with regard to body mass index

During the menopause, decreased estrogen levels may be accompanied by increased levels of inflammatory mediators. Many studies also show significant relationships between the levels of bioelements and proinflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and selected bioelements in perimenopausal women with regard to BMI. Methods: The study of 217 perimenopausal women involved the completion of questionnaires concerning sociodemographic and medical data, anthropometric measurements, and blood collection. Results: In all studied women, the levels of IL-1β significantly positively correlated with Ca, Mg, and Sr; IFNγ significantly negatively correlated with Sr, and IL-6 with Mg. In women with a normal BMI, the levels of IL-1β significantly positively correlated with Ca and Sr, and CRP positively correlated with Zn. In overweight women, the levels of IL-1β positively correlated with Ca, IL-6 with Na, and IFNγ negatively correlated with Sr. In obese women, the levels of CRP positively correlated with Zn, TNFα with Mg, IFNγ with Cu and P. The levels of IL-6 negatively correlated with Ca and Mg. Conclusions: BMI may be one of the factors that affect the relationship between serum bioelement levels and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and CRP in women, especially during the menopausal period.

Prevalence, subtypes and risk factors of Blastocystis spp. infection among pre- and perimenopausal women

Background

Blastocystis spp. are considered pathogenic or commensal organisms, although the majority of researchers suggest that these are neglected pathogens. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women, with respect to socio-demographic (age and place of residence), and epidemiological factors, as well as drinking tap water, contact with domestic animals, traveling abroad, health status, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the objective was to compare hematological and biochemical parameters of Blastocystis spp. infected and uninfected women.

Methods

The study included 425 women aged 45–60. Their stool samples were examined microscopically and analyzed by a conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR).

Results

Blastocystis spp. were detected in 6.1% of pre- and perimenopausal women. Molecular analysis of the stool samples identified seven Blastocystis subtypes (ST1–ST4, ST6, ST7, and ST9). Blastocystis subtypes 2 and 3 were the most prevalent. The presence of Blastocystis spp. was not significantly related to socio-demographic and epidemiological factors. There were also no significant associations between Blastocystis spp. and blood parameters, or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusion

This study complements the limited available data on the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women. It is also the first report showing the presence of Blastocystis subtype 9 in Poland.

Body Composition and Biological Functioning in Polish Perimenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim was to compare body composition and levels of biochemical blood parameters and identify relationships between biochemical parameters and body composition of women with type 2 diabetes and healthy ones, both in perimenopausal period (172 women aged between 45 and 65 come from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study consisted of an interview, body composition analysis with Jawon Medical IOI-353 (Yuseong, South Korea) analyser and venous blood biochemical analysis (lipid profile, levels of glucose, insulin, CRP, glycated haemoglobin).

RESULTS

The vast majority of body composition measurements varied between study and control groups in a statistically significant way (p < 0.05) except protein and soft lean mass of the torso. Statistically significant differences between the two groups have been observed in case of all biochemical parameters (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Body composition of women suffering from type 2 diabetes significantly varied from body composition of healthy women. Results of the first group were characterised by higher values, especially in case of general parameters, abdominal area, content of adipose tissue and soft tissues. Relationship between body composition and biochemical results may be observed, especially in level of triglycerides, CRP and insulin. Higher concentrations of these parameters were associated with increased values of majority of body composition measurements regardless of type 2 diabetes incidence.

Elevated serum fluoride levels in perimenopausal women are related to the components of metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Increased fluoride levels can lead to numerous complications, including skeletal effects, cardiotoxicity, endocrine dysfunction, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between serum fluoride levels and MetS or its individual components, and to assess the diagnostic usefulness of fluoride as a factor contributing to MetS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included a group of 475 women (mean age of 52.9 years), living in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. The study involved data collection and biochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Analysis of the relationship between the levels of fluoride and the presence of MetS or its components showed that the mean fluoride level was statistically significantly higher in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (dCohen = 0.39; 95% CI; confidence limits: 0.13, 0.63) and hypertension (dCohen = 0.25; 95% CI; confidence limits: 0.07, 0.44). Moreover, the mean fluoride level was significantly higher in women who met the diagnostic criteria for MetS than in the remaining subjects (dCohen = 0.40; 95% CI; confidence limits: 0.17, 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum fluoride levels may be associated with an increased incidence of MetS among perimenopasal women, although its diagnostic value as a marker of MetS is limited.

Seeking genetic determinants of selected metabolic disorders in women aged 45-60

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The biochemical and anthropometric consequences of metabolic disorders exert an enormous effect on the functioning of people worldwide. The aim of this study is to assess relationships between biochemical and anthropometric parameters associated with metabolic syndrome, and the presence of the PPAR-γ rs1801282, the FTO rs9939609, and the MC4R rs17782313 polymorphisms in women aged 45-60.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 425 women, aged 45-59 years, from the general population of the West Pomeranian Province in north-west Poland. The research procedure involved a structured interview, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, biochemical analysis of serum, and genetic analysis.

RESULTS

The carriers of the A/A genotype of the FTO polymorphism had higher LDL levels than their counterparts with the T/T genotype (p = 0.01). The carriers of the T/T genotype of the MC4R polymorphism had lower non-HDL levels than those with the C/C and C/T genotypes (p = 0.019). Weight was related to the C/C and the C/G + G/G genotypes of the PPAR-γ gene polymorphism (p = 0.046). The model of inheritance for the MC4R polymorphism had a significant effect on TG (p = 0.039) and non-HDL (p = 0.05) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The genotypes analyzed in the study had only a slight direct effect on the biochemical and anthropometric abnormalities typical of metabolic disorders. Nonetheless, the risk alleles (A allele of the FTO rs9939609 and the C allele of the MC4R rs17782313) were found to be related to lipid metabolism disorders in 45-60-year-old women.

The Relationship between the IFNG (rs2430561) Polymorphism and Metabolic Syndrome in Perimenopausal Women

Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multiple risk factor for atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes. One-third of middle-age women are at risk of MetS, which predisposes them to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Changes in the regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines―which play an important role in pathologic processes―may contribute to inflammatory disorders. Cytokine polymorphisms are known to have an impact on gene expression. The purpose of this study was to search for the relationship between the IFNG polymorphisms and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Materials and Methods: This study, conducted in West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, involved 416 women. Of these women, 33.6% of them had primary education, 44.8% lived in cities with a population of over 100,000, and 82.7% were married. Of the participants, 28.4% met the criteria for MetS. The study involved: interview performed to collect sociodemographic and medical data, anthropometric measurements, as well as venous blood collection for biochemical analysis, genetic testing and the measurement of inflammatory markers. Results: The link between the IFNG (rs2430561) polymorphism and serum PIC (proinflammatory cytokines) levels was tested with regard to MetS. In the MetS+ subgroup, the T/T and A/T genotypes of the IFNG gene were accompanied by higher IL-6 levels than in the MetS− subgroup. Conclusion: Our study has not confirmed a direct link between the IFNG polymorphisms and the levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Nevertheless, the T/T and A/T genotypes of the IFNG gene may predispose to elevated IL-6 levels.

Analysis of the Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on the Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life of Perimenopausal Women

Menopause is a natural period resulting from the decrease in hormonal activity of the ovaries. Growing hormonal deficiencies and changes in the body influence a variety of functions in women, leading to depression and decreased quality of life. The relationship between body composition, the severity of depressive and climacteric symptoms and the quality of life of women with type 2 diabetes and healthy women in the perimenopausal period was studied. Statistically significant differences were observed between the study and control groups regarding all body composition parameters except for protein and the content of torso soft tissues (p < 0.05). In both the study and control groups, resulting symptoms were significantly correlated with numerous body composition parameters (e.g., body mass, fat tissue mass, minerals, abdominal circumference), while symptoms of depression were significantly correlated with similar parameters only in the control group. A statistically relevant relationship was observed between the study and control groups with respect to quality of life in certain domains. The quality of life of women suffering from type 2 diabetes was worse compared with healthy women. Analysis of body composition showed significant differences between healthy women and those with type 2 diabetes. Healthy women showed a tendency to establish a link between body composition and depressiveness.

The Polish version of the Cultural Intelligence Scale: Assessment of its reliability and validity among healthcare professionals and medical faculty students

Background

Healthcare professionals and students of medical faculties in Poland increasingly encounter culturally diverse patients. It is necessary to support the development of cultural intelligence in order to improve the medical care provided to patients from different cultural backgrounds. At present there are no standardized tools in Poland that can accurately and reliably assess cultural intelligence, which is defined by Ang et al. as “an individual’s capability to function and manage effectively in culturally diverse settings”. As argued in the present paper, this (cap)ability may be important for providing patient-centred care that is culturally adequate and competent.

Purpose

The aim of the research was to show the multistage process of validation of the Polish version of The Cultural Intelligence Scale by Ang et al. and Van Dyne et. al.

Methods

Across two studies we examined the psychometric properties of the Cultural Intelligence Scale, including reliability (i.e. internal consistency, test-retest reliability, factor structure) and validity (i.e. theoretical, criteria, convergent). In the first two-session study, 349 participants (98% were healthcare professionals, e.g. nurse, student nurse, medical student; mainly women, 89%) completed the Polish version of the Cultural Intelligence Scale twice with an interval of at least 22 days. In addition, across two study sessions participants completed questionnaires constructed to measure (a) cultural competence, (b) need for cognitive closure, (c) emphatic sensitiveness, (d) emotional intelligence, (e) self-esteem, (f) social desirability, (g) personality, and (h) positive/negative attitudes towards culturally divergent people. Finally, to additionally examine the theoretical validity, 36 professional cross-cultural competence trainers completed the Cultural Intelligence Scale during a one-session study.

Results

The Cultural Intelligence Scale has been shown to have satisfactory psychometric properties. It has high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha, respectively .94 and .95 in the first and second sessions) and the factor structure seems to approach the postulated one. Theoretical and criterion accuracy are well proven; convergence is less straightforward, but it correlates well with tools that examine variables such as cultural competence, cognitive closure, empathy/emphatic sensitiveness, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, personality, and social desirability. The results suggest that these factors contribute to the development of the cultural intelligence.

Conclusion

The Cultural Intelligence Scale can be successfully used in empirical research of cultural intelligence of medical professionals and students of medical majors and their education in Polish conditions.

The influence of the TNFα rs1800629 polymorphism on some inflammatory biomarkers in 45-60-year-old women with metabolic syndrome

Introduction: There are reports that the TNFα gene (rs1800629) can be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome through an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we have decided to search for the relationship between the TNFα gene polymorphisms and serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ) and CRP in women with metabolic syndrome.

Material and methods: The study sample consisted of 416 women aged 45-60 years, including 118 with metabolic syndrome. The participants were surveyed and subjected to anthropometric, biochemical and genetic analysis.

Results: We noticed that in the group meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome, the G/G genotype of the TNFα gene was related to higher IL-6 levels than in the remainder group. The carriers of the A/G genotype in the metabolic syndrome group had significantly higher levels of IFNγ than those in the group without this syndrome. CRP was significantly higher in the group with metabolic syndrome, irrespective of the women’s genotypes.

Conclusions: The upregulation of IFNγ and IL-6 and CRP suggests that autoinflammatory process may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. However, a direct relationship between the TNFα gene polymorphisms and inflammatory biomarkers analyzed in our study was not confirmed.

Associations between the components of metabolic syndrome and the polymorphisms in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO), and the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) genes

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is regarded as a set of abnormalities, increasing the risk of serious functioning disorders. It can develop as a result of genetic predisposition.

AIM

The aim of this study was to establish associations between MetS-related abnormalities and the PPAR-γ rs1801282, FTO rs9939609, and MC4R rs17782313 polymorphisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 425 women aged 45-60 years. The participants were surveyed and subjected to anthropometric, biochemical and genetic analysis.

RESULTS

In the recessive inheritance model for the FTO polymorphism, a statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between the A/A genotype and glycemia. The results obtained in the codominant and overdominant models for the PPAR-y polymorphism showed a tendency to statistical significance (the C/G genotype inclined to hypertriglyceridemia), and were statistically significant in the codominant, dominant, and recessive models (the C/C genotype predisposed to increased blood pressure).

CONCLUSIONS

1. MetS-related abnormalities can be genetically determined, however only some of these relationships can be demonstrated due to the categorical division of symptoms according to the IDF criteria from 2009. 2. The A/A genotype of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism increases the risk of hyperglycemia, and the C/C genotype of the PPAR-γ rs1801282 variant entails elevated blood pressure in 45-60-year-old women.

The influence of genetic factors on personality and coping with stress among healthy late reproductive age women

Background

Psychological stress is a factor which predisposes people to many somatic and mental disorders. Women are at a significantly higher risk of stress than men, and their reactions to stress are stronger. Personality traits are thought to play a special role in the psychology of stress and may be crucial for the choice of a stress-coping strategy. Considering that stress is so common in everyday life, an attempt to understand how stress-coping styles are related to personality and genetic factors acquires special significance.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze stress-coping styles and personality traits in healthy late reproductive age women with regard to genetic factors.

Patients and methods

The study involved 345 healthy late reproductive age women from northwest Poland, whose mean age was 42.3±4.5 years. The study was conducted using The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, The Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Five--Factor Inventory, and genetic testing.

Results

There were neither statistically significant relationships between personality traits and the genotype distribution of the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the MAO-A promoter region, nor between stress-coping styles and the genotype distribution of the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the MAO-A promoter region.

Conclusion

Based on the results, all personality traits statistically significantly correlated with the choice of task-oriented coping and emotion-oriented coping. Some of personality traits are genetically determined. The choice of a stress-coping style was significantly related to personality traits. A direct influence of genetic factors on the choice of a stress-coping style was not confirmed in our study.

The Cross-Cultural Competence Inventory: Validity and psychometric properties of the Polish adaptation

Background

Due to changes in Polish society resulting from a significant inflow of immigrants to Poland, the need to develop the cultural competences of various professional groups who have contact with immigrants in their work has increased. These groups should include healthcare professionals, especially because of the significant increase in the number of culturally diverse patients. Therefore, medical education in Poland has had to rapidly adapt to this novel situation. For instance, the teaching process should be now more focused on the development and evaluation of the cultural competences of prospective health care workers. However, there is still a lack of standardized, valid and reliable instruments to assess cross-cultural competences among healthcare professionals. The purpose of the present paper was to describe, for the first time, the translation, adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the Polish version of the Cross-Cultural Competence Inventory.

Methods

Across two studies, we examined psychometric properties of the Cross-Cultural Competence Inventory (CCCI) such as reliability (i.e. internal consistency, test-retest reliability, factor structure) and validity (i.e. theoretical, criteria, convergent). In the first study, 408 participants (75% were healthcare professionals) completed the Polish version of the CCCI and the Positive/Negative Attitude Towards Culturally Divergent People Questionnaire. In the second study, 317 participants (97% were healthcare professionals) completed the CCCI twice, with an interval of at least 22 days. In addition, across two study sessions, participants completed questionnaires constructed to measure (a) cultural intelligence, (b) need for cognitive closure, (c) emphatic sensitiveness, (d) emotional intelligence, (e) self-esteem, (f) social desirability, and (g) personality. Finally, to additionally examine the theoretical validity, 36 professional cross-cultural competence trainers completed the CCCI during a one-session study.

Results

Our findings confirm the reliability and validity of the CCCI. More precisely, in study 1 we proved the theoretical validity and reliability (i.e. internal consistency) of the CCCI. While the assumed structure did not fit the data well, all items were significantly related to the general factor, thus providing strong support for the usage of the total score of the CCCI. In study 2, we additionally estimated the test-retest reliability and theoretical, criterion and convergent validity. Across two studies we were able to successfully confirm these psychometric properties. The reliability was satisfactory and ranged from .83 to .86. We also observed a high and significant positive correlation between CCCI and the Cultural Intelligence Scale, which measures a concept similar to the one measured by CCCI. In addition, a significant relationship between intercultural competences (CCCI) and other variables such as personality, empathic sensitivity, emotional intelligence, self-esteem (positive correlations) and the need for cognitive closure (mainly negative correlation) were demonstrated.

Conclusions

The obtained results support the usage of the CCCI questionnaire in scientific research, such as, for example, among healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors) and students of medical fields (nursing, medicine).

Relationships between Vitamin D₃ and Metabolic Syndrome

The growing number of overweight and obese individuals is an alarming global problem; these conditions are risk factors for the development of health problems such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), type-2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies have suggested that vitamin D₃ deficiency plays a role in the pathogenesis of MetS. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between MetS and vitamin D₃ levels in women. Laboratory analysis demonstrated that only 26.89% of the participants had vitamin D₃ levels close to normal, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) measurements revealed android obesity in 75.63% of the women. The menstruating women more often suffered from vitamin D₃ deficiency, and less often had elevated vitamin D₃ levels. The conclusions are as follows: (1) There were no statistically significant relationships between vitamin D₃ levels and MetS parameters, namely the level of triglycerides, the levels of low- and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL), the level of total cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). Vitamin D deficiency was only observed in the women with abdominal obesity. (2) Low vitamin D₃ levels were typical of perimenopausal women. Age was a variable correlating with vitamin D. (3) The presence of menstrual cycles was an important contributor to vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common in the menstruating women.

Faecal Short Chain Fatty Acids Profile is Changed in Polish Depressive Women

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) being produced during fermentation of non-digestible polysaccharides are regulatory compounds with the potential to influence inflammatory, as well as emotional state and cognition through the gut⁻brain axis. We analyzed the association between stool concentration of SCFAs (acetic acid (C 2:0), propionic acid (C 3:0), isobutyric acid (C 4:0 i), butyric acid (C 4:0 n), isovaleric acid (C 5:0 i) valeric acid (C 5:0 n), isocaproic acid (C 6:0 i), caproic acid, and (C 6:0 n) heptanoic acid (C 7:0)) and depressive symptoms among women and looked for the potential confounders of microbiota byproduct synthesis. We enrolled 116 women aged 52.0 ± 4.7 years and recognized depression in 47 (40.52%). To analyze the emotional state, Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) was used. We assessed SCFAs content by means of gas chromatography. Fiber intake was estimated using parts of food frequency questionnaire. The content of acetic acid was significantly lowered compared to non-depressed women (median {IQR}: 29.49 {20.81} vs. 34.99 {19.55}, p = 0.04). A tendency toward decreased level of propionic acid was noticed (median {IQR}: 16.88 {9.73} vs. 21.64 {12.17}, p = 0.07), while the concentration of isocaproic acid was significantly increased in (median {IQR}: 0.89 {1.15} vs. 0.56 {0.95}, p < 0.01) comparison to matched healthy subjects. We found negative correlations between acetate, propionate, and Beck's score (r = -0.2, p = 0.03; r = -0.21, p = 0.02, respectively). Statistically significant correlations between acetate and propionate and BDI somatic score (r = -0.21, p = 0.01; r = -0.17, p = 0.03), as well as correlations regarding isocaproic and both cognitive/affective (r = 0.37, p = 0.0001) and somatic (r = 9.37, p < 0.001) scores were found. Women who declared current usage of lipid-lowering and thyroid drugs in the past, had higher content of C6:0-i (Users; median {IQR}: 1.91 {3.62} vs. non-users; 0.55 {0.67}; p = 0.0048).and lower of C2:0 (Users; median {IQR}: 23.07 {12.80} vs. non users 33.73 {21.44}; p = 0.041), respectively. No correlations regarding SCFAs concentration and fiber intake were found. We concluded that SCFAs may potentially contribute to depression phenotype, however, due to the small size of groups suffering from moderately heavy (n = 5) and severe (n = 7) depression, the conclusion should be treated with caution. Pharmacotherapy of hyperlipidemia and thyroid disease might affect SCFAs synthesis. Studies with more participants are required.

Analysis of Sociodemographic, Psychological, and Genetic Factors Contributing to Depressive symptoms in Pre-, Peri- and Postmenopausal Women

Depressive symptoms that are faced by women in the pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal periods are determined by a wide array of sociodemographic, psychological, and biological variables. The aim of our study was to identify factors that contribute to depressive problems at this stage of life. The study included 815 healthy Polish women aged 45–60 years. The survey part was conducted using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Neuroticism–Extroversion–Openness Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and a self-developed questionnaire. Genetic analysis was also performed. Depressive symptoms were observed in 25.5% of participants. 70% of the women were postmenopausal. No statistically significant differences in the severity of depressive symptoms were demonstrated with regard to genetic variables (p > 0.05). Reproductive capacity (p < 0.001), employment (p < 0.001), and being married (p < 0.018) were found to reduce the incidence of depressive symptoms. The contribution of personality and anxiety as a trait to depressive symptoms varied. Conclusions: The factors predisposing pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women to depressive symptoms include lower education, lack of a life partner, unemployment, high anxiety, and neurotic personality. No evidence was found for the contribution of genetic factors to depressive symptoms in the examined women.

Influence of Pb and Cd levels in whole blood of postmenopausal women on the incidence of anxiety and depressive symptoms

INTRODUCTION

To-date, the influence of heavy metals such as Pb or Cd on mental functioning, and especially on the occurrence of depressive and anxiety-related disorders, has not been well understood.

OBJECTIVES

1) Assessment of Pb and Cd levels in whole blood of postmenopausal women. 2) Assessment of the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms depending on Pb and Cd levels in whole blood of postmenopausal women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The survey-based study involved 198 healthy postmenopausal women from West Pomeranian province in Poland. It was performed using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The second part of the study was based on biochemical analysis of the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd).

RESULTS

The mean level of Pb was 19.85 ± 8.99 µg/l and Cd 0.87±0.98 µg/l; these levels were within normal ranges. Analysis of the mean levels of Pb and Cd in whole blood of postmenopausal women in relation to the severity of depressive symptoms did not reveal statistically significant differences. Correlation analysis demonstrated a statistically significant (p<0.05) negative correlation (-0.22) between the level of Pb and the severity of anxiety as a state. Correlations between the levels of Pb and Cd and the severity of anxiety as a trait were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The mean Pb and Cd levels in whole blood of healthy postmenopausal women did not exceed acceptable limits. The study did not confirm a relationship between the levels of selected heavy metals and the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in healthy women. However, there was a relationship between the level of Pb and the severity of anxiety as a state.

Influence of cigarette smoking on hormone and lipid metabolism in women in late reproductive stage

Background

The aim of the study was to analyze lipid and hormone metabolism, body mass index (BMI), and age parameters in late reproductive stage women in relation to cigarette smoking.

Methods

The study enrolled 345 healthy late reproductive stage women living in Poland; 13.33% were smokers. The first part of the study assessed lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], and triglycerides) and hormone metabolism (estradiol [E2], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], and anti-Müllerian hormone [AMH] levels) in women in the early phase of the follicular menstrual cycle. The second part of study was carried out using the diagnostic survey method, with a standardized questionnaire (Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders [PRIME-MD]) and the authors’ own research tools.

Results

The women were aged 42.3±4.5 years (mean ± SD). The BMI (24.8±4.04 kg/m²) did not differ significantly between the groups. The women who smoked cigarettes had a statistically significantly (p<0.05) lower level of HDL as well as higher LDL and triglyceride levels (p<0.05). Differences were also shown in hormone levels: non-smoking participants had statistically significantly higher levels of E2 and FSH (p<0.05). In the group of non-smoking women, age was a predictor exerting a significant positive impact on the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and AMH (p<0.05). BMI contributed to a decline in HDL and triglyceride levels. In the group of smoking women, age significantly positively influenced the level of E2, and negatively influenced AMH. BMI was associated with a significant decrease in the HDL level.

Conclusion

Smoking cigarettes affects the physical health of women in late reproductive stage through negative influences on lipid and hormone metabolism, among other factors. Age is an unmodifiable factor adversely affecting both lipids and hormones. Higher BMI has a negative influence on lipid metabolism in both groups of women in this study.

The influence of the serotonergic system on the personality and quality of life of postmenopausal women

The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between personality traits of postmenopausal women and the presence of the 44-bp VNTR polymorphism in the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) (SLC6A4) promoter region and the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the MAO-A promoter region. The study’s aim was also to determine the influence of personality traits on the quality of postmenopausal women’s lives. The study involved 214 postmenopausal women from northwest Poland, with an average age of 56.8±4.08 years. It was performed using the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised and the Short Form Health Survey. DNA polymorphisms were identified by means of polymerase chain reaction. Analysis demonstrated that the s/s genotype was significantly more common than the l/l genotype in women with higher fear of uncertainty. In a group with higher enlightened second nature and empathy, the l/s genotype was considerably more common than the l/l genotype. There were statistically significant associations between selected aspects of quality of life and personality traits such as enlightened second nature, transpersonal identification, purposefulness, and self-transcendence. The s/s genotype of the 44-bp VNTR polymorphism in the 5-HTT (SLC6A4) promoter region may increase the tendency to avoid harm within the fear of uncertainty dimension. Carriers of this genotype may have predisposition to anxiety and depressive disorders. The l/s genotype of the 44-bp VNTR polymorphism in the 5-HTT (SLC6A4) promoter region contributes to increased expression of enlightened second nature and empathy. Some personality traits may influence the quality of women’s lives.

Searching for the relationship between the parameters of metabolic syndrome and the rs17782313 (T>C) polymorphism of the MC4R gene in postmenopausal women

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is widespread in the human population, and its incidence is continuously increasing, generating serious health problems. The purpose of this study was to find the relationship between the parameters of MS and the melanocortin type 4 receptor (MC4R) gene polymorphism in postmenopausal women. The study involved 344 healthy Polish women, who had their last menstrual cycle 1 year ago or earlier. The study included blood analysis, survey, and body measurements. The mean age was 58.5±6.6 years. An increased body mass index was observed in 65.7% and abdominal obesity in 80.3% of the study population. MS was diagnosed in 40.7% of all participants, including 39.3% of women with the T/T genotype and 44.7% of those with the C/X genotype (χ² test; P>0.05). A logistic regression model showed that the probability of MS was higher in patients with the C/X genotype (odds ratio =1.25) (χ² test; P>0.05). The study concluded that MS is a very common condition among postmenopausal women. The C/X genotype of the MC4R gene seems to predispose postmenopausal women to developing some MS symptoms.

Analysis of Relations Between the Level of Mg, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Fe and Depressiveness in Postmenopausal Women

Numerous observations suggest a possible connection between the levels of Mg, Zn, Fe, and Zn and the incidence of depressive symptoms. Depression is two to three times more common in women than in men. The menopausal period is extremely conducive to depressive disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women depending on the levels of Mg, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Fe. The study included 198 healthy postmenopausal women at the average age of 56.26 ± 5.55 years. In the first part of the study, standardized research tools were used, namely the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The second part involved biochemical analysis of Mg, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Fe levels in blood serum. The lowest Cu levels were observed in women without depressive symptoms (1.07 ± 0.22 mg/l) and the highest in those with severe depressive symptoms (1.19 ± 0.17 mg/l), (p ≤ 0.05). The lowest Mg levels were observed in women with depressive symptoms (14.28 ± 2.13 mg/l), and the highest in women without depressive symptoms (16.30 ± 3.51 mg/l), (p ≤ 0.05). The average serum Mg levels (15.75 ± 3.23 mg/l) decreased compared to the reference values (18.77-24 mg/l). What is striking is a potential relation between the levels of Mg and Cu and depressiveness. Our results indicate to a higher vulnerability to depression in a group of women with lower levels of Mg and higher levels of Cu.

Analysis of personality traits and their influence on the quality of life of postmenopausal women with regard to genetic factors

BACKGROUND

Quality of life can be perceived as a subjective assessment of different aspects of human functioning. Personality is a factor which determines actions taken by individuals and their tendency to perceive reality in a particular way. Therefore, the assumption that personality may influence the QoL assessment seems reasonable. Our purpose was to assess the relationships between personality traits and the presence of the 44-bp VNTR polymorphism in the 5-HTT (SLC 6A4) promoter region and the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the MAO-A promoter region. We also wanted to determine the influence of personality on the quality of life of postmenopausal women.

METHODS

The study involved 214 postmenopausal women from northwest Poland. It was conducted using the NEO-FFI and the SF-36 questionnaires. DNA polymorphisms were identified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

The average age of the women was 56.8 ± 4.08 years. Half of the respondents had completed second-level education, 69.2 % had life partners, and 53.3 % were professionally active. Women with the 3/3 genotype were characterized by significantly lower openness to experience than respondents with other MAO-A genotypes (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the quality of life and the levels of neuroticism and extroversion, as well as between selected quality of life domains and the levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness.

CONCLUSIONS

(1)Women with the 3/3 genotype of the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the MAO-A promoter region are characterized by lower levels of openness to experience than women with other MAO-A genotypes in our study (2) Personality traits may contribute to the assessment of the quality of life.

The Relationship between AMH and AMHR2 Polymorphisms and the Follicular Phase in Late Reproductive Stage Women

The objective of this work was the analysis of the relationships between the genotypes of the AMH and AMH receptor type 2 genes, hormone levels and the menstrual cycle in a group of Polish women in the late reproductive stage. The study was conducted using a measurement-based method (body weight and height), laboratory method (serum hormone levels AMH, FSH and E2), and genetic analysis (DNA isolated from whole blood by a salting-out method). The study involved 345 healthy, late-reproductive-stage women from Poland, aged 42.3 ± 4.5 years. The analysis demonstrated that neither the T/T and G/T+G/G genotypes of the AMH Ile⁴⁹Ser polymorphism (rs10407022), nor the A/A and the G/A + G/G genotypes of the AMHR2 2482 A > G polymorphism (rs2002555), nor the C/C and C/T + T/T genotypes of the AMH polymorphism (rs11170547) were statistically significantly related (p > 0.05) to such factors as age, BMI, hormone (FSH and E₂) levels and ovarian parameters (AMH) in the follicular phase. No relationships were found between ovarian parameters (FSH, E₂, AMH) and genetic variants of AMH (rs10407022) and AMHR2 (rs11170547, rs2002555) in healthy women in the late reproductive stage.

An analysis of the influence of selected genetic and hormonal factors on the occurrence of depressive symptoms in late-reproductive-age women

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of genetic and hormonal factors on incidences of depressive symptoms in late-reproductive-age women.

METHODS

The study was performed using the Beck Depression Inventory, the PCR, and genetic tests of 347 healthy late-reproductive-age Polish women.

RESULTS

The relationship between the level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and depressive symptoms was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Increases in age and FSH levels were accompanied by a decrease in AMH level in a significant way (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant relationships between the distribution of genotypes and the frequency of alleles of the investigated polymorphisms and depressive symptoms according to the Beck Depression Inventory.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) The presence of the s/s genotype of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the serotonin transporter promoter region and the 3/3 genotype of the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A promoter region does not contribute to the development of depressive symptoms in late-reproductive-age women. (2) A relationship between the level of anti-Müllerian hormone and depressive symptoms was not confirmed in the group of healthy late-reproductive-age women. (3) AMH level correlates negatively with FSH level and age, which confirms that AMH can be regarded as a factor reflecting the ovarian reserve.

Effects of socio-demographic, personality and medical factors on quality of life of postmenopausal women

Numerous studies show that changes occurring in a woman's organism during menopause may lower her quality of life. This study involved 630 healthy postmenopausal women from Poland. Its purpose was to assess their quality of life in relation to socio-demographic variables, medical data and personality profiles. The authors used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess quality of life, the NEO-Five Factor Inventory to measure personality traits, and the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index to estimate severity of climacteric symptoms. The study demonstrated significant relationships between quality of life and variables such as: age, education, employment status, and the use of menopausal hormone therapy. An analysis of personality traits revealed correlations between the openness to experience scores and the quality of life within physical functioning, vitality, and mental health. Neuroticism, agreeableness and extroversion significantly correlated with all quality of life domains.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Age, education and employment status have significant effects on the selected quality of life domains after menopause. (2) Quality of life within the general health domain was assessed lower by MHT-users (Menopausal hormone theraphy (MHT)). (3) Health-related quality of life is also influenced by personality traits, which are relatively stable throughout life.