The use of artificial intelligence in interpreting the results of radiological imaging - opportunities and threats

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is the system\u27s ability to interpret data, learn from them, and use this knowledge to perform tasks. The development of modern intelligent systems in radiology has enabled us to use them in interpreting RTG, CT, MRI, and USG images

The role of soy in development of breast, ovarian, endometrial and prostate gland cancer

Introduction and purposeSoy as a rich source of isoflavones has become a focus of interest because of its positive health benefits on numerous diseases, particularly hormone-related cancers. The aim of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on the role of soy in the development of breast, ovarian, endometrial, and prostate gland cancer.A brief description of the state of knowledgeSoy components reduce inflammation, stress oxidative and inhibit proliferation of breast, ovarian, endometrial, and prostate cancer cells. Isoflavones such as genistein, daidzein, S-equol via activation of estrogen receptors, inhibit aromatase synthesis and may decrease the risk of estrogen-dependent cancers. Moreover, soy food products have the potential toregulate molecular pathways of AR and reduce testosterone levels. It leads to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Furthermore, increased consumption of soy protein and isoflavones decreased the risk of mortality from cancers.ConclusionsSoy foods and their isoflavones are associated with reduced carcinogenesis. A higher amount of soy intake can have positive benefits for prevention of cancers including breast, prostate gland, endometrial and ovarian cancer

The safety of excimer laser as an alternative to classical, balloon angioplasty methods

Introduction: The procedure of laser atherectomy is a long-established adjunctive therapy in percutaneous vascular interventions. Initial studies were not promising due to similar or lower efficacy compared to conventional angioplasty and greater complication rate. However, the introduction of new, low-profile catheters with high parameters of transmitted energy, a change in the procedure for performing angioplasty and the proper qualification of the lesions resulted in a reduction of adverse effects

The role of microbiota in pathogenesis and development of viral infections

Introduction and purpose The microbiota plays an important role in human metabolism, immune system, and development of many chronic diseases, cancers, and infectious diseases. The aim of the study is to present the role of gut microbiota in viral infections, including HBV, Herpesviridae, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2. The newest publications from the last 5 years available on the PubMed database were taken into account. A brief description of the state of knowledge The mechanism by which bacterias have an impact on viral infection is based on a synthesis of specific short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and modulation of cytokine release and immune system function by bacterias. Domination of Gardnerella vaginalis and lack of Lactobacillus in the vaginal microbiome increased the risk of HSV-2 infection in women. Inflammation of the genital tract can influence susceptibility to HIV infection, but probiotics via enhancement of the gut barrier integrity, change TH17/Treg ratio, can restore microbiome composition. LPS - component of the structure of Gram-negative bacteria can be a marker of HBV infection. In the airway microbiome of patients with COVID-19 opportunistic microorganisms were identified. Conclusions  Diet, intake of probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) are interventions that might be efficient methods in prophylaxis and treatment of viral diseases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the mechanism of action of microbiome in pathogenesis of infectious diseases

Musicians’ medicine – potential health problems among violinists and violists caused by playing the string instrument – the review of the literature

Introduction and purpose             Musicians' medicine has received increasing attention recently. It is known that listening to music or playing an instrument has beneficial effects on cognitive and neural functions. Playing the string instrument demands repetitive precise movements of fingers and arms in a non-ergonomic posture that might give rise to health problems. The study aims to present the current state of knowledge regarding different potential health problems among violinists and violists. The article reviews the 24 newest scientific publications available on PubMed and Google Scholar. A brief description of the state of knowledge             The literature review indicated several potential health consequences of excessive playing the violin or viola, as follows: Fiddler's neck and skin allergy, Garrod’s pads, temporomandibular disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, compression of the right ulnar nerve in the ulnar (Guyon's) canal, rotator cuff tendonitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, focal dystonia, thoracic outlet syndrome, bone asymmetry, pain in the neck, cheeks, fingers, wrist, forearm, shoulder, waist, and the back. Conclusions             Musicians should be aware of potential health problems that occur during prolonged playing the violin or the viola. An important issue is maintaining the accurate proportions between the amount of time spent playing the instrument and resting. The first signs of neurological or musculoskeletal changes should prompt the musician to seek professional medical help to prevent the disorder's progression

Potential link between playing wind instruments and vocal tract disorders. A literature review

Introduction and purpose: Currently, we can distinguish three basic groups of instruments. These are wind instruments, percussion instruments, and plucked instruments. In the case of wind instruments, the source of sound is a vibrating column of air, which is created by blowing by the player. It is suspected that such vibration may cause specific vocal and laryngeal symptoms. The aim of the study was to present the current state of knowledge regarding the potential relation between playing wind instruments and vocal tract disorders. Material and methods: The article reviews 19 publications available on the PubMed and Google Scholar, Web of Science databases meeting assumed criteria: published as a full text, without time limit and conducted on humans. The studies were found using initially established searching strategies as well as subsequent manual searching in order not to miss adequate articles. State of knowledge: Laryngeal symptoms may be combined with vocal symptoms. The main raised vocal manifestations among instrumentalists are dysphonia, hoarseness, and altered voice quality. Comparing a group that used wind instruments with control, VHI-10 (Voice Handicap Index) and F0 (fundamental frequency) and HNR (harmonics-to-noise ratio) were higher while jitter % and shimmer %, which are perturbation parameters, were lower in the study group. The majority of studies has a limitation because they were performed in a limited number of volunteers. Conclusions: The symptoms of the vocal tract related to playing wind instruments are characterized by a low frequency of occurrence and intensity. However, further research is needed to assess this relation

Factors influencing the consumption of aged cheeses among people associated with medical community – survey study

Introduction: Long-maturing cheeses are gaining more followers lately. Their sustainable inclusion in the daily diet, in view of their nutritional values and the best source of bioavailable calcium, brings them the recommendations of doctors, dieticians. The aim of the study is evaluation of factors influencing the consumption of aged cheeses among people associated with medical community. Material and methods: Material used in the epidemiological analysis is the results of survey conducted on group of 204 young adults aged 18-24 rating factors influencing the consumption of long-maturing cheeses among the students of medical universities. Results: The survey carried out indicates that 35% of people surveyed do not distinguish long-maturing cheeses from regular cheeses. Of the people surveyed, 47.1% have answered that their cheese purchasing is influenced by the product’s appearance and that irregular holes and natural colour present in cheese are signs of high quality. Simultaneously, 35.3% of the respondents believe that the higher price of long-maturing cheese dissuades them from purchasing such products. Conclusion: The conducted survey suggests that the main factors influencing the consumption of long-maturing cheeses in the medical community are: level of knowledge of health benefits, pricing, outer appearance of the product, and the degree of popularization of healthy nutrition. Yet still a significant percentage of respondents seem not to see the benefits of its consumption, suggesting a need for further education of people in terms of principles of nutrition, and advertising campaigns showing the importance of consumption of dairy products

Neuromodulation in the treatment of symptoms of spinal cord injury

Introduction and purpose: Spinal cord injury may be associated with loss of motor and sensory functions, autonomic system functions and chronic pain. The development of technology has enabled the emergence of invasive and non-invasive methods of electrical and magnetic stimulation of the nervous system, which show a growing potential in the treatment of these symptoms in human and animal studies.The purpose of the study is a presentation of the most current studies about the selected methods of neuromodulation of the nervous system in the treatment of symptoms of spinal cord injury. Description of the state of knowledge: Neuromodulatory methods improve the functioning of patients affected by spinal cord injury. Studies on epidural stimulation of the spinal cord, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation transcutaneous spinal cord, and use of neuromodulation methods in combination with brain-machine interfaces stimulation show a reduction of chronic pain resistant to pharmacotherapy, improvement of motor limb function, respiratory function and bladder function. However, there are few large randomized studies with higher evidence strength.Conclusions: Neuromodulation is effective in the treatment of symptoms of spinal cord injury. Promising results should lead to further research to increase the strength of evidence for the effectiveness of these therapies, improve technology and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind their effectiveness

The role of the gut microbiota in pathogenesis and treatment of depression

Introduction and purpose Depression is the most common mental disorder, but the exact mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of depression remain unknown. Abundant research evidence suggests that changes in the gut microbiota play a key role in the pathophysiology of depression through the brain-gut-microbiota axis. The aim of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on the role of gut microbiota in pathogenesis and treatment of depression and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target for depression A brief description of the state of knowledge The digestive tract and the processes which are set in it as well as the inhabitting microorganisms have a significant impact on our mental health and mood. The scientific research repeatidly confirm a strict relationship between the digestive and nervous systems. A microbiome-based approach is becoming increasingly prevalent in the understanding and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, especially depression. Antidepressants which are today the first-line therapy in the treatment of this disease are based inter alia on the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory mechanism of action. Conclusion  Immune cells which are settled in the intestines affect not only our physical health but also the mental one. Due to the relationship between depression and the gut microbiota, we have many treatment options that involve direct modification of the composition of the microbiome which include prebiotics, probiotics (psychobiotics) and faecal microbiome transplantation

Art therapy as a primary and adjunct therapy in interventions for people living with serious illnesses - a review of the literature

Introduction and purpose Art-therapy is a therapeutic method which uses art as a tool to achieve benefits in physical and mental health. This kind of psychotherapy uses artistic media as a basic form of communication. As an additional form of treatment, combined with medication, it helps not only to explore a patient’s difficulties and problems but also to overcome them. Art-therapy is playing an increasing role in the context of health in individuals struggling with different diseases, especially with the mental ones. This is a growing field of research and the aim of this brief review is to provide an update on the positive effects of art-therapy and to list health problems in which it would be significant to use this kind of therapy. Materials and methods A search was conducted using PubMed and GoogleScholar data bases. Articles were searched in English using the following key words: “art therapy”, “psychodrama”, “dance movement therapy”, “music therapy”, “creative art therapy”. Description of the state of knowledge Art-therapy has a wide range of benefits in chronically ill patients. Most common are the awareness of the emotions and behaviors and helping to deal with them, helping to deal with the process of treatment. The literature also draws attention to other results such as increasing self- esteem and improving the quality of life. Summary Art-therapy is associated with health benefits in people struggling with different health problems. Art-therapy has great potential to participate in future basic and adjunctive therapy but further research is needed in this area