A new approach to storing dynamic data in relational databases using JSON

JavaScript Object Notation was originally designed to transfer data; however, it soon found another use as a way to persist data in NoSQL databases. Recently, the most popular relational databases introduced JSON as native column type, which makes it easier to store and query dynamic database schema. In this paper, we review the currently popular techniques of storing data with a dynamic model with a large number of relationships between entities in relational databases. We focus on creating a simple dynamic schema with JSON in the most popular relational databases and we compare it with well-known EAV/CR data model and the document database. The results of precisely selected tests in the field of Criminal Data suggest that the use of JSON in dynamic database schema greatly simplifies queries and reduces their execution time compared to widely used approaches

Voltammetric determination of trace elements (Cu, Pb, Zn) in peloid-based pharmaceuticals

The research on the potential health risk posed to consumers by toxic elements that can be found in peloids is still lacking. Moreover, in Polish law no clinical or pharmacological tests are required to identify healing properties of peloids. The objective of this work was to determine some mineral content in selected peloids used in medical treatment. Anodic stripping voltammetry with differential pulse step was used for zinc, copper and lead determination. Decomposition of organic matrix was conducted by a simple wet digestion procedure using acid digestion vessel. Obtained results showed that proposed methods were suitable for the determination of investigated metallic elements. Lead content varied between 0.18 mg/kg (in MaúÊ Borowinowa) and reached up to 15.5 mg/kg of dry weight for Chokrak peloid. Zinc content ranged from 0.64 to 66.87 mg/kg and copper content was between 0.57 and 7.50 mg/kg. The proposed method was validated, the recovery for peloid samples were 94 ñ 102%; 92 ñ 97%; 96 ñ 106% for copper, zinc and lead, respectively

Optimization of method for zinc analysis in several bee products on renewable mercury film silver based electrode

Zinc is an interesting target for detection as it is one of the elements necessary for the proper functioning of the human body, its excess and deficiency can cause several symptoms. Several techniques including electrochemistry have been developed but require laboratory equipment, preparative steps and mercury or complex working electrodes. We here described the development of a robust, simple and commercially available electrochemical system. Differential pulse (DP) voltammetry was used for this purpose with the cyclic renewable mercury film silver based electrode (Hg(Ag)FE) and 0.05 M KNO3 solution as a supporting electrolyte. The effect of various factors such as: preconcentration potential and time, pulse amplitude and width, step potential and supporting electrolyte composition are optimized. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 1.62 ng/mL and 4.85 ng/mL, respectively. The repeatability of the method at a concentration level of the analyte as low as 3 ng/mL, expressed as RSD is 3.5% (n = 6). Recovery was determined using certified reference material: Virginia Tobacco Leaves (CTA-VTL-2). The recovery of zinc ranged from 96.6 to 106.5%. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination of zinc in bee products (honey, propolis and diet supplements) after digestion procedure

The role of calcium score in evaluation of the advancing of ischemic heart disease

Introduction:  Thanks to development of technology, new noninvasive techniques of coronary arteries evaluation, such as Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) were introduced. Nowadays tomographs are characterized by spatial and time resolution sufficient for reliable assessment of coronary arteries. Moreover, the dose of radiation taken  by patient was substantially decreased. Two main methods of evaluation were introduced. Examination performed without contrast agent enables quantitive assessment of coronary arteries calcification by so called Agatston score. Another method performed after contrast injection is Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)Goal: This studies purpose was to determine the role of Calcium Score in assessment of Coronary Arteries Disease (CAD) advancementMaterials and methods: In this studythe results of 100 consecutive patients (45% men, mean age 55 ± 8.9 years) were analyzed. All patients had a positive ECG stress test score. With a 64-row CT scan, coronary artery imaging of all patients was performed. The descriptive analysis of the group was based on information obtained from referrals issued by cardiologists to the MSCT. Analyzed parameters were: age, gender, indication for referral, Calcium Score and final diagnosis.Results: In most cases (84%) of patients with positive ECG stress test score, MSCT excluded significant changes in coronary arteries. Also, the correlation between Calcium Score and sex and diagnosis was proven.Conclusions: MSCT and Calcium Score enables to find patients without significant changes in coronary arteries and positive ECG stress test and to reduce the number of referrals to coronarography

Botulinum toxin in bruxism treatment

Introduction: Bruxism is defined as abnormal, fixed, unconscious chewing organ function, deviating qualitatively and quantitatively from normal function. Another definition speaks of motor dysfunction in the mouth, characterized by grinding and clenching of the teeth, occurring during sleep. The etiology of this disorder has not been explained until now, but it is believed to be related to localized, mental, nervous and neurotransmitter disorders. Purpose: The aim of the study is to review literature and knowledge about the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of bruxism.Methods of treatment: The patient reports to the physician usually after a distressing, difficult to locate pain. The basis for proper treatment is to detect parafunctions and to make the patient aware of their existence. Diagnostic symptoms include dentinal lesions, recesses, enamel cracks and abfractive cavities, as well as changes in the mucosal area of the cheeks. Treatment begins with the use of an occlusive therapy to relax muscles, reduce parafunction and relieve pain. In the form of severe pain, NSAIDs are introduced and, if necessary, anxiolytics, sedatives and antidepressants. In the absence of response to the treatment used, botulinum toxin type A injections are used. The dose of the agent depends on the initial muscle tone and the effect of decrease in its activity is maintained for 4 to 6 months. Conclusions: The use of botulinum toxin makes it possible to selectively exclude overactive muscles, which is a great advantage over other techniques. An additional benefit of this therapy is achieved good cosmetic effect, reversible effect and minimal amount of side effects

The comparison between the results of treatment of patients after ACL reconstruction using double-folded semitendinosus and gracilis tendons and quadruple-folded semitendinosus tendon

Introduction. Injuries of knee are considered as a significant clinical issue according to difficulties in diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation of patients. One of the most common pathologies are injuries of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which represent  around 90% of all damages. There are four basic mechanisms of ACL injury, but the most common are sudden hyperextension and internal rotation of the lower leg outside the physiological range of movements. Breaking of ACL in young and active people is undisputable indication for surgery – failure to do so leads to further damages of menisci and to osteoarthritis.Purpose of research. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of ACL reconstruction with the use of the technique of double-folded tendons of semitendinosus and gracilis musles and quadruple-folded tendon of semitendinosus muscle.Materials and methods. A retrospective study consisted of two stages. The results of the post-reconstructive knee rehabilitation opinion survey and postoperative records were analyzed. The study examined 46 patients aged 19-59 years, hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology SPSK4 in Lublin.Results. In order to better visualize the results, the patients were divided into four groups, depending on the KOOS score. Statistically significant, in favor of double-folded tendons of semitendinosus and gracilis muscles, were patient’s assessments of the condition in two categories: presence and severity of pain and specific symptoms. The statistically insignificant result was obtained for the parameters: the possibility of active sports, the effects on daily activities and the general quality of life.Conclusions. The relationship between the technique used and the patient experiencing pain and specific symptoms was found. Patients undergoing surgery using double-folded semitendinosus and gracilis muscles experienced lesser symptoms

Current trends in Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstructions

The rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a common complication of knee trauma. Arthroscopic ACL reconstructive surgery is the method of choice in most of these cases. This is an increasingly common procedure due to low invasiveness, good treatment results and a constantly growing number of operators able to perform them. The aim of the study is to review currently used methods for the reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. There are many types of transplants, and the choice depends on individual factors (including gender, age, occupation, physical activity) and the patient's expectations. The operator's skills and preferences also determine the choice of therapy. Considering the above-mentioned aspects, authors of the study will analyze ACL reconstruction methods based on the latest literature. Currently, the basic treatment of ACL injuries are arthroscopic procedures. Due to the various types of transplants, the procedure, result and complications may vary depending on the choice. An autograft is the preferred treatment for this injury. Autografts that are prefered are the ligaments of the semitendinosus muscle and the patellar tendon. Less frequently used autografts include ligaments of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh and gastrocnemius muscle (Achilles tendon). Another type of transplant is an allograft. The graft is taken from a donor (a deceased donor in cases of ligament transplants). It is less frequently used due to its high cost, lower strength compared to an autograft and a greater number of complications. The third type of transplants are synthetic grafts. These are fibers made of materials such as Gore-Tex. Synthetic grafts are also rarely used for the same reasons as allografts. Internal Bracing (IB) is becoming a more popular procedure. This method allows you to re-attach broken ligaments in their original position. This is possible if only one end of the ligament is broken. An important issue is the number of bundles (single-bundle, double-bundle), the position and the type of attachment (titanium screws, absorbable, endobutton). The final choice of the treatment method depends on the operator's skills and preferences

Development of a model colloidal system for rheology simulation.

The objective of the experimental effort is to provide a model particle system that will enable modeling of the macroscopic rheology from the interfacial and environmental structure of the particles and solvent or melt as functions of applied shear and volume fraction of the solid particles. This chapter describes the choice of the model particle system, methods for synthesis and characterization, and results from characterization of colloidal dispersion, particle film formation, and the shear and oscillatory rheology in the system. Surface characterization of the grafted PDMS interface, dispersion characterization of the colloids, and rheological characterization of the dispersions as a function of volume fraction were conducted

Sparse data classifier based on the first-past-the-post voting system

Point of Interest (POI) is a general term for objects describing places from the real world. The concept of POIs matching, i.e. determining whether two sets of attributes represent the same location, is not a trivial challenge due to the large variety of data sources. The representation of POIs may vary depending on the base in which they are stored. Manual comparison of objects with each other is not achievable in real-time, therefore there are multiple solutions to automatic merging. However there is no efficient solution that includes the deficiencies in the existence of attributes, has been proposed so far. In this paper, we propose the Multilayered Hybrid Classifier which is composed of machine learning and deep learning techniques, supported by the first-past-the-post voting system. We examined different weights for constituencies which were taken into consideration during the majority (or supermajority) decision. As a result, we achieved slightly higher accuracy than the current best model - Random Forest, which in its working also base on voting

Sparse data classifier based on first-past-the-post voting system

A point of interest (POI) is a general term for objects that describe places from the real world. The concept of POI matching (i.e., determining whether two sets of attributes represent the same location) is not a trivial challenge due to the large variety of data sources. The representations of POIs may vary depending on the basis of how they are stored. A manual comparison of objects is not achievable in real time; therefore, there are multiple solutions for automatic merging. However, there is no yet the efficient solution solves the missing of the attributes. In this paper, we propose a multi-layered hybrid classifier that is composed of machine-learning and deep-learning techniques and supported by a first-past-the-post voting system. We examined different weights for the constituencies that were taken into consideration during a majority (or supermajority) decision. As a result, we achieved slightly higher accuracy than the best current model (random forest), which also is based on voting