Various aspects of bariatric surgery - a review

Introduction and purpose Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that has recently reached epidemic proportions. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of this disease tripled since 1975, reaching 13% of the global population in 2016. A body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m² is typically the reference point for obesity in adults, and the mortality risk associated with obesity increases by 100% at BMI > 40 kg/ m² compared to individuals with normal body weight. The aim of the article is to present the benefits of bariatric surgery, encompassing not only weight loss but also a range of other advantages for obese patients undergoing the procedure. Materials and methods The literature included in the PubMed databases is searched through the words such as obesity, bariatric surgery. Description of the state of knowledge: The literature review shows the breadth of the issue. Obesity constitutes a public health crisis and a significant risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and numerous others. Since in most cases, lifestyle optimization and low-calorie diet alone are not sufficient, pharmacological interventions as well as surgical interventions are often necessary. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment option, as it has been demonstrated to not only reduce body weight but also decrease mortality from cardiovascular diseases and extend overall life expectancy. Conclusions The benefits, complications, and selection of the best surgical method for treating obesity are still under investigation. However, research demonstrates the long-term effectiveness of bariatric surgery in weight loss and the remission of comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, as well as in preventing obesity-related cancers

Dental and oral manifestations of coeliac disease - a literature review

Introduction  Coeliac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease of the digestive system. It is caused by permanent intolerance to gluten (a protein contained in wheat, rye, barley), which results in the atrophy of the intestinal villi in the small intestine and deficiency of nutrients in the body. It can also manifest itself with various pathologies within the teeth and oral mucosa.  Aim of the study  The purpose of the study is to present the symptoms of coeliac disease in oral cavity.  Materials and methods PubMed and Google Scholar medical databases were analyzed, operating with the following keywords: coeliac disease, oral cavity, manifestations, lesions, symptoms, oral health in as many configurations as needed. Twenty-eight related articles published during the last five years (2018-2023) were selected.  Results  In addition to the classic intestinal symptomatology, coeliac disease can also manifest itself in the oral cavity in the form of delayed tooth eruption, enamel defects, MIH, recurrent aphthous stomatitis or xerostomia. The etiology of the changes is still not clear, but studies show that they most likely arise as a result of impaired absorption of vitamins and minerals in the small intestine.  Conclusion The variety of symptoms of celiac disease makes it a significant diagnostic challenge. It is important to raise awareness among dentists about the symptoms of the disease because a quick diagnosis can prevent many complications.   &nbsp

Microsensors in the retention treatment of orthodontic patients - literature review

Introduction Removable retainers have been successfully used for many years as an independent or additional form of retention in patients after orthodontic treatment. Unfortunately, it has been proven that most patients do not follow the orthodontist's recommendations and do not use the braces for the number of hours necessary to stabilize the treatment effects. It has therefore become necessary to look for solutions and devices that are able to objectively record the actual time of retainers use. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of electronic microsensors in monitoring wear time of removable retainers. Materials and methods A search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate databases. Articles were searched in English using the following key words: “microsensors”, “retention”, “orthodontic”, “TheraMon”, “Smart Retainer”. Results The results of the literature review show that microsensors embedded in the elements of removable retainers are a valuable tool for monitoring the time of their use. Awareness of the presence of electronic sensors increases patient discipline. In addition, they provide data that, apart from objectively documenting the course of retention treatment, may be used in the future to determine optimal retention protocols. Conclusions The retention stage is an indispensable element of orthodontic treatment. The use of microsensors built into removable retainers can help to improve the stability of treatment results. However, further research and work are needed to improve the performance and reliability of this type of electronic sensors

The impact of using a protective mask on the occurrence of maskne (mask acne) during the Covid-19 pandemic

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The term "maskne" was coined to describe acne caused by long-term wearing of a mask. It is a type of mechanical acne caused by the pressure and friction of the mask material against the skin. Although it’s prevalance is not well known, the maskne problem is becoming more and more significant. Aim of study  The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and factors affecting the occurrence of mask acne. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic among 148 residents of Poland. The results were obtained thanks to a self-conducted questionnaire distributed in both electronic and traditional form. Results In total, 148 participants took part in the study. 106 (71.6%) were women and 42 (28.4%) were men, with the dominant age group being 26-40, 70 (47.3%). Most participants wore a mask seven days a week, 62 (41.9%), four to eight hours a day, 70 (47.3%). Surgical masks were the most frequently used masks – 60 (40.5%). Ninety (60.8%) participants had no prior facial skin disease. Only 58 (39.2%) of participants had prior facial skin lesions. Of these, acne vulgaris was the most common, 48 (82.8%), followed by rosacea, 6 (10.4%), and psoriasis, 4 (6.8%). Fifty-three people (35.8%) who had facial acne before the pandemic said their acne got worse. Conclusions This study showed a significant association between the worsening of existing acne and frequent and long-term use of face masks. Therefore, certain measures should be taken to prevent the formation of new acne or the aggravation of existing acne while maintaining protection with face masks, especially for those working in the healthcare sector

Platelet-rich plasma - a revolutionary therapeutic option in multi-disciplinary indications

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was originally described as a small volume of plasma that contains higher concentrations of platelets, compared to peripheral blood. Although currently the use of PRP in most indications is off-label, it is not prohibited. Initially, PRP was used for wound healing and tissue regeneration in fields such as orthopaedics, dermatology, maxillofacial surgery and dentistry. Aim of the study: The aim of this article was to present and summarise the modern production methods, the mechanism of action at the molecular and biochemical level and the most important uses and indications of PRP in present-day medicine. Material and methods: A cross-sectional search of relevant literature was performed in databases using accepted wording. Publications from 2003-2023 were included. The entire process has been supplemented with additional procedures to increase the reliability of this publication. Results: Orthopaedics has gained many minimally invasive therapeutic solutions thanks to PRP. Its effects on ligament and tendon tissues have been studied, where promising data have been proven. Also in aesthetic medicine and dermatology, many treatment strategies have been developed using PRP, mainly for the treatment of acne, androgenic alopecia and delaying tissue ageing as much as possible. Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma has found application in the treatment of many conditions in orthopaedics, dermatology, aesthetic medicine and dentistry. It is characterised by good therapeutic efficacy, with relatively low risk. However, high-quality studies are still lacking to provide more reliable data

Reviewing the current treatment approaches for vitiligo – analysis of literature

Introduction: Vitiligo is a relatively common systemic, idiopathic disease within the spectrum of pigmentary disorders. Clinically, it presents as depigmented patches on the skin, resulting from the loss or dysfunction of melanocytes. Despite not impacting life expectancy, vitiligo should not be perceived merely as a cosmetic defect, given its potential to burden daily life and the frequent experiences of stigmatization by patients. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to summarize the existing knowledge regarding the treatment of vitiligo. The current treatments in practice, alongside potential new methods, were summarized and described. Materials and methods: The literature available in the PubMed database was reviewed using the following keywords: “Vitiligo”, “Vitiligo treatment”, “Vitiligo new treatment methods”, “Targeted therapies for vitiligo”. Conclusions: Vitiligo is a multifactorial and still inadequately understood disorder, leading to a lack of fully safe and effective treatment. As in the management of other diseases, there should be a push for highly personalized treatments for patients. This approach takes into account the differences among patients and ensures a better chance of a positive clinical response. To achieve this goal, it's necessary to explore new treatment methods and expand ongoing research efforts. Also, raising awareness of vitiligo is key to increasing acceptance, support and understanding for those affected by the disease

Cone-beam computed tomography in implant dentistry - guidelines, current concepts and limitations for practice

This article issues scientific background of Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the importance of taking x-rays before and after implant placement in daily practice as a common care. The review will introduce cone-beam computed tomography guidelines, restrictions and intraoperartive issues for instance nerve damage and bleeding incidents. Modern CBCT technology enables specialists to avoid making a wrong diagnosis, which translates into a higher percentage of people with a positive treatment outcome. Diagnostic radiology is a crucial element of every dental treatment planning. CBCT market is expanding gradually since two decades, there are more than 85 distinct CBCT tools available. CBCT is a three-dimensional (3D) imaging used nowadays in dentistry with increased frequency and offers volumetric data on jaw bones and teeth with relatively low radiation doses and costs. Currently, the greatest advantage of CBCT examinations over radiographs is the fact that the image obtained is presented in a 3D projection and not, as is the case, in 2D. It has the ability to help a wider range of patients, but the use of CBCT also has negative consequences. Routine or excessive use has resulted in increased radiation doses accumulating in the patient's body, which translates into an increased risk of adverse effects. The risk varies according to the age of the patient under study and is directly proportional to it, that is, it is highest for young people and lower for older people. The potential risk is also slightly higher in the female population. For this reason, creating awareness of the mandatory patient safety management of CT scans is a key process by which X-ray exposures can be optimised

Standards of conduct in residential long-term nursing care in view of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic

Introduction: SARS - CoV - 2 virus, which causes COVID - 19 disease, is transmitted mainly by droplets. The symptoms of infection are: fever, wet cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, pain in muscles and bones, general malaise accompanied by exhaustion. Anosomy (loss of smell) and dysgeusia are also common, as well as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is based on molecular tests involving the detection of fragments of the viral genome in real time PCR (real time polymerase reaction) in nasopharyngeal swabs, less often throat swabs. Objective of the work: The aim of the study is to summarize the guidelines for long-term nursing care for a patient infected with SARS - CoV - 2 in the patient's home environment. Material and methods: The work was based on the method of non-systematic review of scientific literature. The following databases were searched: PubMed, EBESCO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, according to keywords in Polish and English: SARS - CoV - 2, long-term care, nursing, recommendations. The annual limits 2019 - 2020 were assumed as the search period. Results and conclusions:The SARS-CoV-2 virus appears in residential long-term care facilities primarily through its transmission from the external environment by the entity's employees. Proper management of long-term care facilities is the basis for reducing COVID - 19 transmission, and thus the number of confirmed cases. The knowledge about the recommendations and recommendations of authorized bodies regarding the proceedings limiting the transmission of the virus should be regularly updated