Chemical signaling is probably one of the oldest forms of communication between living species. The substances known as pheromones are chemicals evoking a natural behavioral response in another member of the same species. They can be divided into few groups depending on their function such as: alarm, sex, epideictic, releaser, primer, territorial, aggregation or trial pheromones. Their presence among insects has been well described, although many vertebrates and plants also communicate this way. To make the chemical communication happen between organisms, pheromones have to reach proper receptors located on the surface of the recipient cells. In vertebrates chemosensory organ for pheromones is called vomeronasal organ (VNO). It is located ventrolaterally to the nasal septum. VNO is a tube-like structure lined with a sensory epithelium. The primary receptor neurons of the organ are bipolar with axons that terminate in the accessory olfactory bulb. Semiochemical signals are then transmitted to the emotional centre of the brain. Because of the fact that pheromones are detected subconsciously, VNO is often called "the sixth sense". VNO is well developed in most mammals. The presence of this organ has also been confirmed in about 50% people. Research conducted on animal pheromones was essential to give a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying animal behaviour. This knowledge can be used in order to for example protect endangered species. Pheromones can be also used commercially. The classical example are perfumes, where natural animal pheromones are now replaced by synthetic ones. In addition, for the last decades there have also been attempts to use pheromones in flight against insect. To sum up, the world of the pheromones is very diversed and still posses a lot of secrets. Surely, a lot of discoveries in this discipline is still ahead of us.
Aim The objective of the study was to assess psychological aspects of the quality of life of patients in long-term stationary care. Material and methods The research was carried out from December 2018 to February 2019. The study was conducted among 92 patients of the Nursing and Care Institution. The research method was a diagnostic survey, while the research technique was a survey. The research tools were the author's questionnaire and the Beck’s Depression Scale. The results obtained from the questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis. The differences between the variables were verified using the chi-square independence test and the Kruskal-Wallis test, assuming a significance level of p<0.05. Results The occurrence of depression in the respondents was assessed using the Beck Depression Scale. Lack of depression was found in 40.2% of the respondents, mild depression in 45.7% and moderate depression in 14.1%. Analysis of the research showed that the marital status of the respondents significantly affected their incidence of depression. It was found that moderate depression was 38.4% more common (p=0.0409). The most numerous group of respondents were respondents, who often experienced anxiety (80.4%) and irritability (56.5%). The most common situations causing irritability and anxiety in subjects is lack of independence (53.3%), which has a significant impact on the feeling of loneliness among the subjects. Conclusions The most common situations causing irritability and anxiety in subjects result from a lack of independence, which affects their sense of loneliness. Subjects who did not spend time among other patients more often felt helpless and confused.
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