Eagle’s syndrome mimicking thyroid-associated orbitopathy

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The influence of lipoproteina(a) on cardio-vascular diseases

Introduction The current evidence from 2022 published by European Atherosclerosis Society brings the importance of the level of lipoprotein(a) and its influence on the human health.  Especially atherosclerotic cardio-vascular events such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, atherosclerosis are taken into account. They prove, that the associations between the level of Lp(a) is linear with the occurrence of cardio-vascular events. High level of Lp(a), may contribute to the aortic stenosis, cause has pro-inflammatory and pro-atherosclerotic properties. The newest finding demonstrate that Lp(a) has no link with venous thrombosis. Nonetheless, very low level of may contribute with type 2 diabetes. It is recommended  to measure the level of lipoprotein(a) at least once in adults to search the patients with higher value than norm. Even at low level of LDL, high Lp(a) is a risk factor for ASCVD. It brings the clinical importance of early detection of potential cardio-vascular diseases and introduction of management. The newest statement form EAS also brings promising possibilities due to specific Lp(a)-lowering therapies is in phase II/III trials.   Aim of the study The following paper aims to present a review of the current knowledge about the influence of the level of Lp(a) on cardio-vascular disease and seeks to enhance knowledge and promote effective management of this prevalent condition. The primary goal is to promote the current problem to health care workers with up-to-date information to facilitate early recognition of cardiovascular events.   Materials and methods This article presents the current state of knowledge of lipoprotein(a) found in various scientific articles. The following English keywords and its Polish equivalents were used to search Google Scholar's medical databases: lipoprotein(a), cardio-vascular disease, cardiovascular risk,  aortic stenosis. The articles most pertinent to the subject have been chosen

Vaccinations in Pregnancy. A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction and purpose Pregnancy is associated with many changes in the mother's body, allowing for the proper development of the fetus, but unfortunately it also predisposes many potentially harmless infections to become much more severe during pregnancy. Therefore, vaccinations during pregnancy play a very important protective role both for the mother, her unborn child and to the child immediately after birth. Immunization during pregnancy and in the preconception period protects against many infectious diseases and related complications. By receiving the vaccine, specific antibodies are synthesized and transported across the placenta to the fetus. They protect the baby during the first months of life, when the baby cannot receive vaccinations due to its age yet. Vaccinations during pregnancy can be divided into necessary, possible and recommended. Recommended vaccinations include against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, Covid19 and RSV. They are especially recommended for every pregnant woman who has no permanent or temporary contraindications. A special group of vaccinations are those necessary to perform, which play the main role as post-exposure prophylaxis and must be administered immediately after exposure to the agent causing the infection. These include mainly vaccination against tetanus and rabies. The vaccinations that can be performed include those targeted at a specific group of patients with various chronic diseases who are at risk or traveling to countries where there is an increased risk of illness. During a doctor's visit to a woman planning a pregnancy, it is important to collect a detailed interview regarding vaccination history, past infectious infections and chronic diseases. This allows us to prepare an individualized vaccination schedule recommended both before and during pregnancy

Revolutionizing Pneumonia Assessment: Modern Diagnostics and Traditional Scales

Introduction and Purpose:   Pneumonia's severity demands a thorough assessment, guided by CRB-65 and CURB-65 scales. This article underscores the crucial role of accurate interpretation and effective use of these scales, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of pneumonia for proficient severity assessment.  Material and Method:  The article identifies populations disproportionately affected by pneumonia, stressing the necessity of standardized severity assessment due to diverse clinical manifestations. It highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis through the integration of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests. While CRB-65 and CURB-65 offer a systematic approach, potential pitfalls are discussed, emphasizing the risk of misinterpretation.  Results: Principles for correct interpretation are outlined, emphasizing holistic evaluation, timely application, and clinical acumen. Common mistakes, including overreliance on scores and incomplete data collection, are identified. The discussion introduces advanced diagnostic techniques like biomarkers and imaging, enhancing severity assessment. Cardiac biomarkers and computed tomography contribute to refined evaluation, aligning with recommendations from renowned organizations.  Conclusion:   The integration of traditional tools with advanced diagnostics signifies a paradigm shift in pneumonia assessment. Emphasizing correct interpretation and avoiding common mistakes ensures a comprehensive approach. Recent research supports advanced diagnostic techniques, aligning with recommendations. The article advocates for continuous education and collaboration among healthcare professionals, contributing to improved patient outcomes and overall healthcare efficacy.

Brachytherapy in Breast Cancer Treatment: Physical and Biological Aspects

This scientific paper focuses on the treatment of breast cancer, one of the most common cancers among women. Despite increased awareness and the popularity of screening tests, statistics indicate a significant rise in incidence. The paper presents breast-conserving treatment methods, including brachytherapy, as a modern technique with promising outcomes. It describes the physical properties of ionizing radiation used in brachytherapy, discussing the photoelectric effect, Compton effect, and the phenomenon of pair production. The paper then delves into the biological effects of ionizing radiation, emphasizing the dependence on the cell cycle phase. It highlights lethal, sublethal, and potentially lethal cellular damage, categorizing the effects of radiation interaction into early and late responses. The discussion transitions to the application of brachytherapy in breast cancer treatment, focusing on various techniques such as LDR, PDR, and HDR. The paper provides a detailed description of brachytherapy's use in breast-conserving treatment, considering contraindications, treatment planning, and Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) techniques. The radioisotopes used in brachytherapy are also presented, with special attention to Iridium-192. The physical and practical aspects related to this isotope are discussed, along with other commonly used radioisotopes such as Cesium-137, Cobalt-60, and Strontium-90. The paper concludes with a summary, emphasizing the significance of brachytherapy in breast cancer treatment and outlining its prospects for development. The authors highlight precision and shortened therapy duration

Exosomes - breakthrough in the regenerative medicine and a way to improve the quality of the life

Introduction Exosomes are small, membrane-bound extracellular vesicles that play a pivotal role in intercellular communication. Exosomes have garnered significant interest in regenerative medicine due to their unique properties that support tissue repair, regeneration, and healing. These extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in intercellular communication, and their regenerative potential makes them promising tools in the field of regenerative medicine.    Purpose of the study This review aims to present the regenerative properties of exosomes and their clinical applications in many fields of medicine. The main aim is to present exosomes as a substance that restores health, youth and vitality.    Material and method Literature review was primarily based on scientific materials, English and Polish databases and original research. The following English keywords and its Polish equivalents were used to search Google Scholar and PubMed: “ exosomes", “regenerative medicine”, “stem cells”

Understanding of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children - A Comprehensive Study on Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis and Innovative Treatment Modalities

Introduction: In the late 1960s, probable cases of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) emerged, initially linked to esophageal rings and congenital causes or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Doubts about the GERD association arose due to poor responses to antisecretory therapy. EoE is now a significant pediatric health concern, impacting 1 to 7 cases per 10,000 children. Purpose of the Study: This study aims to comprehensively explore EoE's epidemiology, etiology, subtypes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: The study employs a cross-sectional analysis of pediatric EoE patients, utilizing endoscopic evaluation and histological assessment. Three distinct EoE subtypes are identified based on pathogenic characteristics. Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatments, including endoscopy, are examined. Results: Clinical manifestations span a broad spectrum in the pediatric population. Diagnostic methods include endoscopy, esophageal manometry, impedance-pH monitoring, capsule endoscopy, and string tests. Three distinct EoE subtypes are identified with unique characteristics. Treatment modalities involve dietary management, proton pump inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, biologic therapies, allergen immunotherapy, and endoscopic interventions. Conclusion: Formerly associated with GERD, EoE is now a significant pediatric health concern. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches and diverse treatment modalities, including promising biologic therapies and allergen immunotherapy. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes in patients

On the Mechanical Properties of Microfibre-Based 3D Chitinous Scaffolds from Selected Verongiida Sponges

Skeletal constructs of diverse marine sponges remain to be a sustainable source of biocompatible porous biopolymer-based 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering and technology, especially structures isolated from cultivated demosponges, which belong to the Verongiida order, due to the renewability of their chitinous, fibre-containing architecture focused attention. These chitinous scaffolds have already shown excellent and promising results in biomimetics and tissue engineering with respect to their broad diversity of cells. However, the mechanical features of these constructs have been poorly studied before. For the first time, the elastic moduli characterising the chitinous samples have been determined. Moreover, nanoindentation of the selected bromotyrosine-containing as well as pigment-free chitinous scaffolds isolated from selected verongiids was used in the study for comparative purposes. It was shown that the removal of bromotyrosines from chitin scaffolds results in a reduced elastic modulus; however, their hardness was relatively unaffected

Understanding of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children - A Comprehensive Study on Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis and Innovative Treatment Modalities

Introduction: In the late 1960s, probable cases of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) emerged, initially linked to esophageal rings and congenital causes or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Doubts about the GERD association arose due to poor responses to antisecretory therapy. EoE is now a significant pediatric health concern, impacting 1 to 7 cases per 10,000 children. Purpose of the Study: This study aims to comprehensively explore EoE's epidemiology, etiology, subtypes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: The study employs a cross-sectional analysis of pediatric EoE patients, utilizing endoscopic evaluation and histological assessment. Three distinct EoE subtypes are identified based on pathogenic characteristics. Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatments, including endoscopy, are examined. Results: Clinical manifestations span a broad spectrum in the pediatric population. Diagnostic methods include endoscopy, esophageal manometry, impedance-pH monitoring, capsule endoscopy, and string tests. Three distinct EoE subtypes are identified with unique characteristics. Treatment modalities involve dietary management, proton pump inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, biologic therapies, allergen immunotherapy, and endoscopic interventions. Conclusion: Formerly associated with GERD, EoE is now a significant pediatric health concern. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches and diverse treatment modalities, including promising biologic therapies and allergen immunotherapy. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes in patients

Revolutionizing Pneumonia Assessment: Modern Diagnostics and Traditional Scales

Introduction and Purpose:   Pneumonia's severity demands a thorough assessment, guided by CRB-65 and CURB-65 scales. This article underscores the crucial role of accurate interpretation and effective use of these scales, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of pneumonia for proficient severity assessment.  Material and Method:  The article identifies populations disproportionately affected by pneumonia, stressing the necessity of standardized severity assessment due to diverse clinical manifestations. It highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis through the integration of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests. While CRB-65 and CURB-65 offer a systematic approach, potential pitfalls are discussed, emphasizing the risk of misinterpretation.  Results: Principles for correct interpretation are outlined, emphasizing holistic evaluation, timely application, and clinical acumen. Common mistakes, including overreliance on scores and incomplete data collection, are identified. The discussion introduces advanced diagnostic techniques like biomarkers and imaging, enhancing severity assessment. Cardiac biomarkers and computed tomography contribute to refined evaluation, aligning with recommendations from renowned organizations.  Conclusion:   The integration of traditional tools with advanced diagnostics signifies a paradigm shift in pneumonia assessment. Emphasizing correct interpretation and avoiding common mistakes ensures a comprehensive approach. Recent research supports advanced diagnostic techniques, aligning with recommendations. The article advocates for continuous education and collaboration among healthcare professionals, contributing to improved patient outcomes and overall healthcare efficacy.