The aim of this study was to try to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy techniques in combination with stabilization techniques: the so-called Australian method and the Neurac method in relation to pain sensations and the level of kinesiophobia. A total of 69 people were examined, divided into three groups of 23 people each. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess the antalgic effect, and the Kinesiophobia Causes Scale questionnaire was used to assess the level of kinesiophobia. Patients improved over four weeks, during which they were assessed three times. The evaluation of the desired parameters was also performed over a 24-week period to assess long-term performance. Stabilization techniques are an effective extension of manual therapy techniques in patients with low back pain. People in the groups additionally improved in terms of stabilization techniques, which are characterized by a lower level of kinesiophobia. Its lowest level was found in the group additionally improved with the Neurac method. In the long-term study, the level of kinesiophobia in this group was still maintained at a reduced level. The use of stabilization techniques involving patients in action may significantly affect the level of kinesiophobia, and thus have a much wider effect than just pain reduction.

Venlafaxine (VEN) is considered to be one of the most effective antidepressants. It belongs to the group of serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). NA and 5-HT have receptors on the surface of platelets and are involved in platelet aggregation. In this case study, we present the case of a patient treated for one of the types of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), essential thrombocythemia (ET), in whom VEN was added to pharmacotherapy during the treatment of a severe episode of depression with psychotic symptoms. We observed a gradual reduction in platelet count when increasing the dose of VEN. We also present a narrative review of literature about the effect of VEN on platelet counts and activity. We conclude that, in the group of patients taking VEN, attention should be paid to the rare adverse effect of a decrease in the number of platelets.

The aim of the study was to assess cognitive functions and sleep quality after a 3-month holistic intervention including physical, social and cognitive rehabilitation in patients 65+. Twenty-nine people participated in the study. The study was divided into two stages. In the first stage, a self-administered questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions was used, and cognitive functions were assessed using the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE III) test, Montreal Cognitive Function Assessment Scale (MoCA) and digit repetition test. All patients were also assessed for sleep quality using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). After three months, the patients were assessed for cognitive functions and sleep quality, which was the second stage of the study. Analysis of the results obtained by patients in the study showed a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality and cognitive function. Rehabilitation activities, including physical training, cognitive exercises and occupational therapy, reduce the severity of mild cognitive disorders and reduce insomnia.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of insomnia among the employees of a zinc smelter in Miasteczko Śląskie using the Athens Insomnia Scale . Material and Methods: The examined group of plant employees and the control group were asked to fill in a questionnaire...

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of lead concentration and shift work on the occurrence of insomnia in the employees of the Zinc Steelworks in Miasteczko Śląskie in Poland. Materials and Methods : The study group consisted of 240 employees of the zinc smelter, reporting periodic and control examinations to the Occupational Medicine Clinic. Respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of the Athens Insomnia Scale and questions about the place and nature of work. Results: Analyzing the results of lead and zinc proporphiryn( ZPP) levels in the shift and non-shift subgroups of the study group, a slightly higher mean level of lead and ZPP was found in the shift subgroup. Using logistic regression, the probability of insomnia was determined depending on the concentration of lead and ZPP in the organism. As the level of lead and ZPP increases in the study group, the probability of insomnia increases. It is the largest among the examined group working in shifts. Conclusions: As the blood lead level increases, the likelihood of insomnia in steel plant workers increases. Abstract Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of lead concentration and shift work on the occurrence of insomnia in the employees of the Zinc Steelworks in Miasteczko Śląskie in Poland. Materials and Methods : The study group consisted of 240 employees of the zinc smelter, reporting periodic and control examinations to the Occupational Medicine Clinic. Respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of the Athens Insomnia Scale and questions about the place and nature of work. Results: Analyzing the results of lead and zinc proporphiryn( ZPP) levels in the shift and non-shift subgroups of the study group, a slightly higher mean level of lead and ZPP was found in the shift subgroup. Using logistic regression, the probability of insomnia was determined depending on the concentration of lead and ZPP in the organism. As the level of lead and ZPP increases in the study group, the probability of insomnia increases. It is the largest among the examined group working in shifts. Conclusions: As the blood lead level increases, the likelihood of insomnia in steel plant workers increases.