Progressive bilateral ocular ischemic syndrome despite previously performed carotid endarterectomy

The ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) is a rare condition with vision-threatening potentials. It is characterized by chronic ischemia of the anterior and/or posterior segment of the eye primarily caused by severe carotid artery occlusive diseases. In this article, we present a case of a 67-year-old male patient presented with the gradual diminution of vision in the right eye for 6 months. The patient had undergone a right internal carotid artery (ICA) endarterectomy (CEA) twice before. On the day of admission, intraocular pressure (IOP) was 34 mm Hg in the right eye (RE) and 20 mm Hg in the left eye (LE). On anterior segment examination, neovascularization of iris in the right eye was noted. On fundoscopy dilated retinal veins, attenuated retinal arteries, blot hemorrhages, cotton wool spots and microaneurysms were present. The patient underwent the appropriate investigations including computed tomography angiography (CTA) of carotid arteries, fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) and Doppler ultrasound (DUS) of ophthalmic and central retinal arteries, which were all consistent with a diagnosis of bilateral OIS. Intraocular pressure was pharmacologically reduced and stabilized. Subsequently, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) of peripheral capillary nonperfusion areas was performed in both eyes

Is it possible to predict, whether BAL salvage is going to be diagnostic?

Introduction: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is used in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases. BAL is diagnostic when ≥ 60%of the instilled volume is recovered. There are no reliable markers useful to predict whether BAL volume is going to be diagnostic.Our goal was to search for pulmonary function markers which could anticipate whether the recovered volume of instilled fluidwould be ≥ 60% of administered volume. Material and methods: BAL volumes and quality were analyzed in the context of disease, medical condition and lung functiontest results of the subjects hospitalized at the Pulmonology Ward from January 2015 to October 2016. The patients’ average agewas 61 (29–89). Results: Among 80 procedures, diagnostic BAL (≥ 60%) has been obtained in 58 cases. The analysis of the group of patients withan interstitial lung disease confirmed that there is a correlation between decreasing BAL recovered volume and an increase ofRV[%pred] (r = –0.34) and RV/TLC[%pred] (r = –0.41); p < 0.05. There was no significant correlation with DLCO. RV/TLC[%pred]was the parameter with the highest predictive value for an anticipated correct BAL recovery. The curve analysis of the receiveroperating characteristic (ROC) showed a diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.73, 95% CI 0.61–0.86). Conclusions: Pulmonary hyperinflation may have a predictive role in anticipating a proper recovery of the BAL fluid volume

Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis Associated with Autoimmune Diseases

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a destructive inflammatory disease of the juxtalimbal cornea associated with crescent-shaped corneal stromal thinning, epithelial defect, and inflammatory corneal infiltrate. Inflammation of other adjacent tissues, particularly the sclera, is seen quite frequently. Predilection of the peripheral cornea for PUK is explained by its anatomical and physiological characteristics. Both cell-mediated and humoral immunity, in conjunction with the corneal tissue-destroying action of metalloproteinases (MMPs), are implicated in the pathogenesis of PUK. Nearly half of all cases of noninfectious PUK are associated with connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most frequent underlying disease) and vasculitis (mostly granulomatous with polyangiitis (GPA)). It is important to determine the etiology and exclude conditions that could mimic PUK e.g., marginal keratitis or Terrien’s marginal degeneration (TMD). Therapy should comprise the attenuation of ophthalmic inflammation, but the underlying disease should be treated as a priority. For autoimmune diseases, it is crucial to work closely with internist/rheumatologist to determine an effective immunomodulatory therapeutic approach. PUK is also known to be a potentially devastating and vision-threatening condition that may lead to corneal melting and perforation, requiring surgical intervention. This chapter provides a comprehensive update of current knowledge and therapeutic methods

ISOTHIAZOLINONES AS CAUSAL FACTORS OF CONTACT ALLERGY EPIDEMICS IN THE 20th AND 21st CENTURIES

Chloromethylisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) have been widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, household products and industrial products since the late 1970s. First cases of contact allergy to the MCI/MI combination were noted in 1980–1982 in Sweden. Then, a significant increase in the frequency of sensitization to these compounds was observed in many European centers. The increase has been stopped by the introduction of legislation on their maximum concentrations in consumer and industrial products in Europe and in some non-European countries. But approval of the use of MI alone without limits in industrial products (from 2000) and at a maximum concentration of 100 ppm in cosmetics (from 2005) resulted in an unprecedented increase in the number of individuals sensitized to this compound. Allergic contact dermatitis due to MI occurs in both adults and children. It is often manifested by severe symptoms, which may be also induced by airborne exposure. The most important sources of sensitization include cosmetic products and paints. To counteract the increasing problem of contact allergy epidemic to MI, the recommendations have been developed, suggesting the ban on the use of MI in “leave-on” cosmetics and maximum concentration of 15 ppm in “rinse-off” products. These recommendations are likely to be implemented in 2014. Med Pr 2014;65(4):543–55

Standards of nasal provocation tests

The nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT) plays an important role in diagnosis of allergy. It is based on the natural reaction of the nasal mucosa after application of tested substances on their surface. Nasal challenges are divided into specific (allergenic) and non-specific. Typical clinical symptoms depend on the immunological reaction: sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea and nasal blockage. Eosinophilic mucosal infiltration is observed in the late phase reaction. Typically the result of nasal challenge should be assessed by the physician and patient. The immunological reaction, especially the level of particular allergenic mediators, could also be investigated. Some objective methods for final assessment of the results are recommended. There is some information about non-specific nasal provocation with aspirin and occupational diseases in the pape

Zrównoważony rozwój, systemy informacyjne i zarządzanie bezpieczeństwem w perspektywie długoterminowej przedsiębiorstw

Z wprowadzenia: "Pojęcie zrównoważonego rozwoju jest szeroko opisywane w literaturze przedmiotu, często również kojarzone z pojęciem sustainability. Dotyczy harmonijnego rozwoju organizacji, w tym także biznesowych, które w swych założeniach są nastawione na równoczesną realizacje celów ekonomicznych, społecznych i ekologicznych. Aspekty społeczne będą się przejawiać m.in. w realizacji założeń CSR. Zrównoważenie może być zakłócane występowaniem różnego rodzaju zagrożeń, także wynikających ze skrajnej turbulencji otoczenia. Skutki takich zakłóceń (w tym w ujęciu ekologicznym) mogą wywoływać stany kryzysowe w przedsiębiorstwach. Oczekiwane są zatem zachowania o charakterze rezylientnym (o różnym stopniu odporności i zdolności dostosowawczych wobec zmiennych warunków), pozwalającym na przezwyciężenie sytuacji kryzysowych. Mając na uwadze realizację założeń rozwoju zrównoważonego, podkreślić należy rolę polityki informacyjnej przedsiębiorstw odnośnie do ochrony środowiska naturalnego, a także znaczenie systemów zarządzania środowiskowego czy funkcjonowania łańcuchów dostaw. Zróżnicowanie zagrożeń – w tym występowanie tych o charakterze pandemicznym – powoduje konieczność właściwego ukierunkowania działań społecznie odpowiedzialnych. W ramach szeroko pojętej koncepcji zrównoważonego rozwoju dokonano między innymi wstępnej analizy wykonalności konkretnego, proekologicznego i innowacyjnego projektu hydrologicznego, umożliwiającego wytwarzanie energii elektrycznej. Powyższe tematy zostały podjęte w części pierwszej monografii pod tytułem: Zarządzanie zrównoważonym rozwojem organizacji. Strategie proekologiczne przedsiębiorstw. Część druga monografii nosi tytuł: Systemy informacyjne i zarządzanie bezpieczeństwem w strategiach rozwoju organizacji. Z jednej strony naświetlone zostały tu problemy zarządzania bezpieczeństwem organizacji rozumiane jako możliwości ciągłego, efektywnego funkcjonowania głównie firm produkcyjnych przy wsparciu m.in. współczesnych systemów informatycznych. Z drugiej – zwrócono uwagę na wzrost znaczenia bezpieczeństwa opisywanego jako bezpieczeństwo publiczne. Ten nurt w zarządzaniu zyskuje na znaczeniu wobec narastających, nieoczekiwanych zagrożeń, również pandemicznych. Także na znaczeniu zyskują działania zarządcze w przedsiębiorstwach świadczących usługi dla szerokich rzesz społeczeństwa. Problem, ten omówiono na przykładzie bezpieczeństwa ruchu kolejowego. Poruszono różne ważne kwestie szczegółowe, między innymi skuteczność narzędzi informatycznych w zakresie komunikowania istotnych informacji biznesowych, wspomaganie procesów biznesowych z wykorzystaniem systemów informatycznych klasy ERP, wsparcie sprzedaży, zarządzanie bezpieczeństwem danych produkcyjnych, uwarunkowania prawne doręczeń elektronicznych, formy komunikacji w zarządzaniu kryzysowym (przykład pandemii). Rozpatrując systemy zarządzania bezpieczeństwem w transporcie kolejowym, oparto się na założeniach funkcjonowania organizacji wysokiej niezawodności . Publikacja ukazuje wybrane aspekty dorobku naukowego i obszary zainteresowań badawczych zarówno pracowników Wydziału Zarządzania i Komunikacji Społecznej Krakowskiej Akademii im. Andrzeja Frycza Modrzewskiego, jak i pracowników innych uczelni i wydziałów, w szczególności deklarujących dyscyplinę nauki o zarządzaniu i jakości."(...

Recepcja serialu „Squid Game” i jego potencjalny wpływ na wizerunek Korei Południowej w Polsce

The article presents the results of a study on the reception of the South Korean Netflix production, Squid Game, in the first months after its release. The study analyzes the discourse observable in the articles concerning the series in popular Polish internet portals and focuses on examining the ways of writing about South Korea, the sentiments towards the country, and the premises concerning its image. The study shows mostly positive attitudes towards Squid Game, which could factor into a positive image of the country. At the same time, it shows that the phenomenon of hallyu in Poland remains insignificant or unnoticed in this case despite the observed popularity of the show, and the image of the country resulting from the plot of the series is lost at the stage of media reception.The article presents the results of a study on the reception of the South Korean Netflix production, Squid Game, in the first months after its release. The study analyzes the discourse observable in the articles concerning the series in popular Polish internet portals and focuses on examining the ways of writing about South Korea, the sentiments towards the country, and the premises concerning its image. The study shows mostly positive attitudes towards Squid Game, which could factor into a positive image of the country. At the same time, it shows that the phenomenon of hallyu in Poland remains insignificant or unnoticed in this case despite the observed popularity of the show, and the image of the country resulting from the plot of the series is lost at the stage of media reception

Manicurists and pedicurists – Occupation group at high risk of work-related dermatoses

In recent years occupational skin and respiratory diseases have been more and more frequently diagnosed in small production and service enterprises. The awareness of occupational exposure and its possible health effects among their workers and employers is not sufficient. Beauty salons, in addition to hairdressers and beauticians, frequently employ manicurists and pedicurists. The workers often happen to perform various activities interchangeably. The health status of beauty salons workers has rarely been assessed. The most numerous reports concern hairdressers. In this occupational group, the occurrence of skin lesions induced by wet work and frequent allergy to metals, hair dyes and bleaches and perm solutions has been emphasized, while information about health hazards for being a manicurist or pedicurist in beauty salons is seldom reported. The aim of this paper is to present professional activities (manicure and pedicure, methods of nail stylization), occupational exposure and literature data on work-related adverse health effects in manicurists and pedicurists. Wet work and exposure to solvents, fragrances, resins, metals, gum, detergents may cause skin disorders (contact dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema, photodermatoses), conjunctivitis, anaphylaxis, respiratory tract diseases, including asthma. The discussed occupations are also associated with the increased incidence of bacterial (particularly purulent), viral and fungal infections and cancer. Med Pr 2013;64(4):579–59

Impact of wet work on epidermal barrier (TEWL and stratum corneum hydration) and skin viscoelasticity in nurses

Background: Nurses are prone to develop hand eczema due to occupational exposure to irritants, including wet work. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of wet work on selected skin properties, reflecting epidermal barrier function – transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration – and additionally skin viscoelasticity, in nurses. Material and Methods: Study subjects included 90 nurses employed in hospital wards. Measurements were carried out within the dorsal aspect of the dominant hand, using a Cutometer MPA 580 equipped with Tewameter TM 300 and Corneometer CM 825 (Courage&Khazaka, Germany) probes. Examinations took place on hospital premises. Similar measurements were performed in the control group of females non-exposed to irritants. Results: In the examined group of nurses, mean TEWL was 15.5 g/h/m2 and was higher than in the control group (12.99 g/h/m2). After rejecting the extreme results, the difference between the groups proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean value of stratum corneum hydration was lower in the examined group (37.915) compared with the control group (40.05), but the difference was not statistically significant. Also results of viscoelasticity assessment showed no significant differences between studied groups. Conclusions: The results of the assessment of skin biophysical properties show that wet work exerts a moderately adverse impact on skin condition. A higher TEWL value and a lower stratum corneum hydration in workers exposed to irritants reflect an adverse impact of these factors on the epidermal barrier function. Med Pr 2014;65(5):609–61