Pottery from the well and its context. Searching for differences and similarities

In this article the pottery obtained from three wells from the settlement in Kwiatków was analyzed. Compared to other sites associated with the Przeworsk culture, this site deserves a special attention due to the presence of over a hundred of artificial water intakes within excavated area. The method of the vessels production, macro and micromorphology characteristics, the degree of their preservation and the level of deposition inside the features were examined in detail. Most of the pottery fragments should be associated with the Przeworsk culture from the Roman Iron Age, however there was also a small percentage of pottery with Jastorf culture elements. The information obtained allowed to define the context of their discovery and to explain its presence inside the well.In this article the pottery obtained from three wells from the settlement in Kwiatków was analyzed. Compared to other sites associated with the Przeworsk culture, this site deserves a special attention due to the presence of over a hundred of artificial water intakes within excavated area. The method of the vessels production, macro and micromorphology characteristics, the degree of their preservation and the level of deposition inside the features were examined in detail. Most of the pottery fragments should be associated with the Przeworsk culture from the Roman Iron Age, however there was also a small percentage of pottery with Jastorf culture elements. The information obtained allowed to define the context of their discovery and to explain its presence inside the well

Zespół ROHHAD u 9-letniego chłopca — opis przypadku

  ROHHAD syndrome (Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation) is characterised by rapid-onset obesity in young children, hypoventilation, and hypothalamic and autonomic dysfunction. The exact aetiology of the disease remains unknown, and the number of reported cases seems to be underestimated. We present the case of a nine-year-old male patient suspected of ROHHAD due to weight gain since early childhood, decreased height velocity, hypoventilation, hypodipsia, excessive perspiration, and pyrexial episodes. The presented symptoms, and laboratory and imaging findings met the criteria of ROHHAD syndrome. ROHHAD should be considered in differential diagnosis for obesity in children. Early identification of the disease prevents potential complications specific for the syndrome, in particular a life-threatening cardio-pulmonary arrest. Patients with ROHHAD require regular follow-up by a multidisciplinary team. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (2): 226–231)    ROHHAD (Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation and Autonomic Dysregulation) to rzadki zespół charakteryzujący się pojawiającą się we wczesnym dzieciństwie szybko narastającą otyłością, hipowentylacją oraz zaburzeniami funkcji podwzgórza i układu autonomicznego. Przyczyny zespołu pozostają nieznane, a diagnostyka i postawienie ostatecznego rozpoznania nastręcza wielu trudności. Przypuszcza się, że liczba przypadków zespołu jest znacznie niedoszacowana. W pracy zaprezentowano pierwszy w Polsce przypadek 9-letniego pacjenta z otyłością, zwolnieniem szybkości wzrastania, zaburzeniami oddychania, hipodypsją, nadmierną potliwością i epizodami gorączek. Całość obrazu klinicznego, wyniki badań laboratoryjnych i obrazowych spełniają kryteria rozpoznania zespołu ROHHAD u prezentowanego pacjenta. Zespół ROHHAD powinien być brany pod uwagę w diagnostyce różnicowej otyłości u dzieci. Wczesne postawienie rozpoznania może pomóc uniknąć powikłań wpisanych w obraz zespołu i zabezpieczyć pacjenta przed najgroźniejszym z nich — czyli nagłym zatrzymaniem krążenia i oddechu. Pacjenci z zespołem ROHHAD wymagają wielospecjalistycznej opieki i systematycznych badań kontrolnych. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (2): 226–231)

Celiac Disease and Migraine Headaches: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Background: Migraine headaches and celiac disease are widespread problems affecting millions of patients worldwide.  Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the consumption of gluten leads to the development of an abnormal immune response in the intestines and the atrophy of intestinal villi. The most characteristic clinical symptoms of celiac disease are gastrointestinal symptoms. Nevertheless, manifestations of the nervous system, including migraines, are also sometimes noted. A gluten-free diet is the only effective therapeutic approach for patients with celiac disease. It reduces symptoms and halts the progression of the disease. Neurological symptoms, including migraines, are frequent extraintestinal manifestations. In this study we aim to elaborate on current knowledge concerning both coexisting of migraines and celiac disease as well as effect of gluten free diet on headaches in patients with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and healthy individuals   Results: Headaches, especially migraines, are more common in patients suffering from celiac disease. Numerous studies indicate that a gluten-free diet may help in the treatment of headaches and is also an effective way to stop the progression of celiac disease. Conclusion: Migraine headaches are quite common in patients with celiac disease, and a gluten-free diet may help alleviate them. The findings suggest the need for increased awareness of the co-occurrence of these two conditions. A gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment for celiac disease and can stop progression of the disease. Further research is needed to determine the potential benefits of such a diet in patients with gluten intolerance or healthy individuals

Blepharitis and Demodex spp. infection

According to the latest reports Demodex mites appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic blepharitis. Demodex mites are cosmopolitan and are present in many species of mammals. In this paper we describe two species that are found in humans: Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis. Infection occurs during direct contact with an affected person and also through contact with dust containing eggs of the parasite, through contact with bed linen, as well as cosmetics used together with an affected person. Treatment of chronic blepharitis caused by D. folliculorum and D. brevis is difficult and time consuming. Some improvement can be achieved after topical application of yellow mercury ointment, sulphuric ointment, camphor oil, crotamiton, cholinesterase inhibitors, sulfacetamide, steroids, antibiotics and antifungal drugs. Good results have been achieved with oral ivermectin and permethrin cream. However, the best results were observed after treatment with metronidazole.

The girl with finches : a unique post-medieval burial in Tunel Wielki Cave, southern Poland

Cave burials are generally absent from historical periods in Europe. Consequently, the discovery of a post-medieval inhumation of a child buried with at least one bird head placed in the mouth in Tunel Wielki Cave (southern Poland) is an exceptional find. The aim of this paper is to discuss this unique burial based on multiproxy analyses conducted on the human and avian remains, including genetic and isotopic analyses as well as CT scans, radiocarbon dating, and anthropological and paleontological assessment. The results reveal the burial was that of a 10-12 year old girl of likely Fennoscandian or Baltic genetic ancestry, who died in the post-medieval period and was buried in the cave with the placement of one, and possibly two, bird heads in the mouth of the deceased. We propose that the girl is associated with Finno-Karelian troops of a Swedish garrison stationed at the adjacent Ojcow Castle during King Carl Gustav's invasion of Poland in 1655-1657.Peer reviewe

The significant impact of age on the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy : results from the Polish Laparoscopic Appendectomy multicenter large cohort study

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical emergency and can occur at any age. Nearly all of the studies comparing outcomes of appendectomy between younger and older patients set cut-off point at 65 years. In this multicenter observational study, we aimed to compare laparoscopic appendectomy for AA in various groups of patients with particular interest in the elderly and very elderly in comparison to younger adults. Our multicenter observational study of 18 surgical units assessed the outcomes of 4618 laparoscopic appendectomies for AA. Patients were divided in 4 groups according to their age: Group 1- 8 days. Logistic regression models comparing perioperative results of each of the 3 oldest groups compared with the youngest one showed significant differences in odds ratios of symptoms lasting >48hours, presence of complicated appendicitis, perioperative morbidity, conversion rate, prolonged LOS (>8 days). The findings of this study confirm that the outcomes of laparoscopic approach to AA in different age groups are not the same regarding outcomes and the clinical picture. Older patients are at high risk both in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative period. The differences are visible already at the age of 40 years old. Since delayed diagnosis and postponed surgery result in the development of complicated appendicitis, more effort should be placed in improving treatment patterns for the elderly and their clinical outcome

Risk factors for serious morbidity, prolonged length of stay and hospital readmission after laparoscopic appendectomy : results from Pol-LA (Polish Laparoscopic Appendectomy) multicenter large cohort study

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for treatment of acute appendicitis has gained acceptance with its considerable benefits over open appendectomy. LA, however, can involve some adverse outcomes: morbidity, prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) and hospital readmission. Identification of predictive factors may help to identify and tailor treatment for patients with higher risk of these adverse events. Our aim was to identify risk factors for serious morbidity, prolonged LOS and hospital readmission after LA. A database compiled information of patients admitted for acute appendicitis from eighteen Polish and German surgical centers. It included factors related to the patient characteristics, peri- and postoperative period. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for serious perioperative complications, prolonged LOS, and hospital readmissions in acute appendicitis cases. 4618 laparoscopic appendectomy patients were included. First, although several risk factors for serious perioperative complications (C-D III-V) were found in the univariate analysis, in the multivariate model only the presence of intraoperative adverse events (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.32-12.65, p = 0.014) and complicated appendicitis (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.74-7.61, p = 0.001) was statistically significant. Second, prolonged LOS was associated with the presence of complicated appendicitis (OR 2.8, 95%CI: 1.53-5.12, p = 0.001), postoperative morbidity (OR 5.01, 95% CI: 2.33-10.75, p < 0.001), conversions (OR 6.48, 95% CI: 3.48-12.08, p < 0.001) and reinterventions after primary procedure (OR 8.79, 95% CI: 3.2-24.14, p < 0.001) in the multivariate model. Third, although several risk factors for hospital readmissions were found in univariate analysis, in the multivariate model only the presence of postoperative complications (OR 10.33, 95% CI: 4.27-25.00), reintervention after primary procedure (OR 5.62, 95% CI: 2.17-14.54), and LA performed by resident (OR 1.96, 95%CI: 1.03-3.70) remained significant. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe procedure associated with low rates of complications, prolonged LOS, and readmissions. Risk factors for these adverse events include complicated appendicitis, postoperative morbidity, conversion, and re-intervention after the primary procedure. Any occurrence of these factors during treatment should alert the healthcare team to identify the patients that require more customized treatment to minimize the risk for adverse outcomes

The Mediterranean diet for Polish infants: a losing struggle or a battle still worth fighting?

The Mediterranean diet is well known for its health-promoting effects. Among its key ingredients, olive oil is the most characteristic. Processing industries have been successfully manufacturing and marketing jarred baby foods with the use of vegetable oils, including olive oil, as well as other sources of visible fat. We aimed to survey manufacturer claims concerning added fat in jarred infant foods supplied to the Polish market. A total of 124 kinds of infant foods from six suppliers were analyzed. Corn, canola, and soybean oil occupied the first three positions, respectively, in rank order of vegetable oils used in jarred baby foods. In our sample, only one type of ready-to-eat jars with vegetables contained olive oil. 11% of products contained cow milk butter or cream. 61% of jarred “dinners” contained poultry or fish, which are typical sources of animal protein in the Mediterranean diet. Given that commercial baby foods currently available in the Polish market contain no olive oil, we advocate considering home preparation of infant foods with the use of visible fat. Medical professionals should encourage food manufacturers to return to the concepts of the Mediterranean diet for young consumers, aimed at long-term health

Concentrations of PGE2 and TXB2 in the Eyes of Mice with Disseminated Acanthamoebiasis

Previous studies have shown that Acanthamoeba spp. may invade the eyes by migrating along the optic nerve to the eyes from the brain. This study aimed to confirm the presence of inflammation in the eyes of mice with disseminated acanthamoebiasis by examining prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) concentrations in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice intranasally inoculated with Acanthamoeba spp. The PGE2 concentration was statistically significantly lower in the immunocompromised amoebae-infected mice on 8 dpi compared with the noninfected group of animals, and it was higher in the eyes of immunosuppressed amoebae-infected mice on 16 dpi than in the control group of animals. There was a statistically significant lower TXB2 concentration in the eyes of immunocompetent infected mice compared with the noninfected group on 8 dpi. However, on 24 dpi, we noted statistically significant higher TXB2 levels in the immunocompetent infected mice than in the control group. In immunocompromised mice, there was a lower TXB2 level on 8 dpi than in control mice. This study confirmed the existence of an inflammatory process in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp. without damaged corneas