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Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) are a disease of an unknown etiology and mediated through T-cell lymphocytes. Evidence suggests that RAU is connected with chronic bowel disease, haematinic deficiencies, AIDS, food hypersensitivity and severe stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether differences in anxiety and depression could be seen in patients with RAU during acute phase and remision period and in comparison to the healthy controls. There were 30 patients with RAU (age range 36.27 +/- 15.308) and 30 controls aged 29.83 +/- 9.082. Every participant with RAU fullfilled STAI and Beck Depression Inventory II test during acute phase and during remission period as well as controls. Statistical analysis was performed by use of descriptive statistics and t-test. There are no differences in the level of depression and stress between the two phases of the RAU (acute versus remission period) as well as in comparison to the controls. Patients with acute RAU are more anxious than patients with RAU during remission period. We might conclude that psychological disturbances do not preceed the development of RAU and that the patients with acute RAU are more anxious when compared to the condition when they do not have RAU due to the discomfort they experience.

Lithium, besides mood stabilization, might be involved in neuroprotection. Previously we have found that the treatment with lithium increased the levels of p21(WAF/Cip1 and survivin in human glioblastoma A1235 cells. The aim of the present study was to examine the cytotoxic effect of glutamate on these cells, and to determine whether lithium can protect A1235 cells against toxic effects of glutamate. Cytotoxicity of glutamate was examined by spectrophotometric MTT assay, while the expression of apoptosis related genes was examined by Western blot method. Glutamate was excessively cytotoxic for A1235 cells only in concentrations higher than 100 mM. It did not induce apoptosis, but rather suppressed survivin expression and increased the level of p21(WAf/Cip1). Pretreatment with lithium (2 mM) partially reverted change in survivin expression induced by glutamate, suggesting that lithium may have beneficial effect on glutamate induced cell damage in glioblastoma cells.

Authors believe that drinking alcoholic beverages can be associated with customs and habits specific to small communities, societies and even entire nations. The primary family, as the foundation of customs and habits of the first generation, has a role in stimulating drinking and alcoholism. The authors have examined some sociocultural factors, mostly taking into consideration relations in the primary family, by means of a questionnaire filled out by alcoholics (N = 200) and non-alcoholics (N = 100). The alcoholics usually have their first drink earlier, start drinking regularly earlier, and in the primary family there is a high tolerance towards the use of alcoholic beverages. The authors believe that the prevention should be directed primary towards the primary family with a view to changing their customs and habits as well as attitudes towards the use of alcoholic beverages.