Statement Networks to Condition Monitoring of the Sealless Pump

This paper shows an application of multi-layer statement networks to condition monitoring of the sealless magnetic drive pump. In this case, statement networks are computed based on the use of Bayesian probabilities. Moreover, the tool called REx which allows implementing such networks is described. An example of created four-layer network as well as final results of the performed tests shows also

Results of endovascular treatment of iliac and femoral symptomatic lesions. Identification of re-intervention risk factors

Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess a presence of peripheral arterial disease risk factors in patients with symptomatic femoral and iliac lesions treated with use of Jaguar and Supera nitinol stents and to estimate potential relation between these factors and reintervention rate. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 60 patients between 46 and 85 years of age who presented with typical symptoms of intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia and underwent percuta­neous transluminal angioplasty with stenting. We examined and divided group into two subgroups — patients who experienced or did not experience need of reintervention in treated lesion. Results. During the follow-up 24 (40%) of patients underwent reintervention in treated artery due to re­current symptoms of disease. Need of target lesion revascularization occurred more frequent in patients with hypertension (OR = 2.5), patient older than 68 (OR = 1.75) and smokers (OR = 1.75). Patency of all three arteries below knee protected from reintervention. Conclusions. Jaguar and Supera self-expanding nitinol stents has several advantages and its use were char­acterized by high procedural success and moderate frequency of reintervention correlated to some clinical findings like hypertension. Further studies are necessary to estimate factors disturbing and interfering with long-term patency.Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess a presence of peripheral arterial disease risk factors in patients with symptomatic femoral and iliac lesions treated with use of Jaguar and Supera nitinol stents and to estimate potential relation between these factors or some angiographical conditions and reintervention rate. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 60 patients between 46 and 85 years of age who presented with typical symptoms of intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia and underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stenting using Supera or Jaguar self-expanding nitinol stent. We examined and divided group into two subgroups – patients who experienced or didn’t experience need of reintervention in treated lesion.Results. In 33 patients (55%) nitinol stent Jaguar and in 27 patients (45%) Supera were implanted. During the follow-up 24 of patients (40%) underwent reintervention in treated artery due to recurrent symptoms of disease. Need of target lesion revascularization occurred more frequent in patients with hypertension (OR=2,5), patient older than 68 (OR=1,75) and smokers (OR=1,75). Patency of all three arteries below knee protected from reintervention. Diabetes mellitus type 2, chronic kidney disease, kind or size of implanted stent and antiplatelet therapy model didn’t determine a need of reintervention. Conclusions. Jaguar and Supera self-expanding nitinol stents has several andvantages and its use were characterized by high procedural success and moderate frequency of reintervention correlated to some clinical findings like hypertension. Further studies are necessary to estimate factors disturbing and interfering with long-term patency

The utility of Prostar XL percutaneous vascular closure device after stent-graft implantation for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms

Introduction. Over time, endovascular techniques of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair became the principal methods of treatment of this potentially fatal disease. Currently, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) constitutes an effective alternative to open surgery, also in cases of aneurysm rupture. Low degree of invasiveness is the main advantage of this method. Introduction of a system enabling percutaneous stent-graft implantation appears to be the next step in the development of endovascular AAA surgery. Aim of the study is to evaluate the Prostar XL® closure device with regard to clinical effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness. Material and methods. The study included 100 patients (from January 2013 to December 2015) subject to endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the infrarenal region of the aorta with the application of the Prostar Xl® closure device. Most patients were operated under epidural anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia (1% Lidocaine) was used in 36 patients due to comorbidities. A possible application of the closure system depended on a preoperative assessment of common femoral arteries using ultrasonography. Presence of atherosclerotic plaque on the anterior wall of the vessel disqualified the patient from percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR). The main part of the procedure consisted of stent-graft implantation into the abdominal aortic aneurysm. In the final stage, puncture site on the anterior wall of common femoral arteries was closed using previously placed sutures of the Prostar XL system. The wound in the inguinal region was closed with a skin suture. Results. The analysis of obtained results demonstrated significantly shorter mean hospitalization times in patients treated with PEVAR compared to EVAR. Low rates and types of observed complications in the study group (PEVAR) compared to the control group (EVAR) are strongly in favour the percutaneous technique (PEVAR) of endovascular aortic abdominal aneurysm repair in the infrarenal region of the aorta, confirming its minimally invasive character

Melatonin – a verified remedy for jet lag? Current state of knowledge

Jet lag is a circadian rhythm disorder, affecting plane passengers travelling across multiple time zones. The severity of symptoms is strictly connected with the number of zones crossed. Common symptoms include: insomnia, difficulty concentrating attention, memory loss, anxiety, diarrhea, confusion, dizziness, headache, as well as malaise. Melatonin is a neurohormone, produced by the pineal gland. The hormone is released into the bloodstream and acts on MT1 and MT2 receptors, having the ability to induce sleep. Melatonin is therefore responsible for regulating the human biological clock and, consequently, the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness. Synthetic forms of melatonin have become a potential medication for various circadian rhythm disorders, including jet lag syndrome. Ten scientific reports were analyzed. The characteristics of the subjects, directions of the trips taken, the doses of melatonin, as well as the patterns of its administration, differed among studies. According to most of the reviewed trials, melatonin may have a beneficial effect on alleviating jet lag symptoms. The timing of intake plays a significant role – it has proven most effective when taken days before travel. However, several studies have not confirmed its effectiveness, compared to placebo. Further research seems to be inevitable to objectively reassess the effectiveness of melatonin preparations. Unambiguous determination of the melatonin dosage, the timing of its administration, the time of initiation, and the duration of the treatment would also be advisable. Nevertheless, all of the mentioned trials confirmed that the use of oral melatonin preparations, especially at low doses, turned out to be free of serious side effects

Multipotential properties of eugenol in pharmacology - comprehensive review of current state of knowledge

Introduction and purpose: Eugenol is a well-known phenolic chemical substance that can be found in clove oil. Due to its multi-potential properties, it arouse more and more interest from scientists. The possibility of using it as a therapeutic substance in many diseases is being sought. The aim of this review is to summarize the latest information on eugenol, explanation its mechanisms of action and to demonstrate the expanding therapeutic potential.Materials and methods: The literature available on PubMed, Google Scholar was reviewed using the words: “eugenol”; “antibacterial”; “antifungal” ;“antiinflammatory” Description of the state of knowledge: Eugenol demonstrates many pharmacological properties, of which the most essential is the ability to inhibit the growth and eradication of many human pathogens. Its wide spectrum of action covers Gram-negative bacteria as well as some Gram-positive bacteria. Eugenol also represents fungicidal properties, and the mechanism of its action is seen in its ability to deform and disrupt the cell membrane of pathogens. After eugenol penetrates  through the cell membrane excessive amounts ROS are formed and next fatty acids that build the cell membrane are modified, which ultimately leads to the lysis of the pathogen cell. Research on eugenol also proves its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties by blocking cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. The effectiveness of eugenol is comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  Summary: Based on the promising results of recent research on the properties of eugenol, it can be expected that in the future it will be used in the production of new therapeutic agents. However, it seems reasonable to conduct more large clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of eugenol before it is introduced as a therapeutic agent

Macrophage activation syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus - a case report

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening condition that results from the immune system hyperactivation. The primary form of HLH appears mainly in children and is caused by a genetically determined failure of NK and T cells. Secondary (acquired) HLH usually occurs due to insufficiency of these cells caused by other disease entities or drugs. Potential factors that may be responsible for the appearance of this rare condition include: malignancies (especially lymphomas), infections (EBV, CMV, HIV), autoimmune diseases (SLE, Still’s disease). The clinical appearance of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is dominated by persistent fever, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, pallor of the skin, signs of hemorrhagic diathesis, lymph node enlargement. Characteristic abnormalities in laboratory tests include: hypertriglyceridemia, cytopenia, hyperferritinemia, hyperfibrinogenemia and hypertransaminasemia. One subtype of the secondary form of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which is associated with rheumatic diseases, is called the macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). The following describes a case of a 26-year-old woman with exacerbated systemic lupus erythematosus, who was admitted to a Rheumatology Unit in severe general condition. Clinical presentation of the patient included primarily: long-lasting fever, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Various test were performed during her hospitalization, including laboratory test and a bone marrow biopsy. Finally, the woman was diagnosed with the macrophage activation syndrome. She was successfully treated with ciclosporin and methylprednisolone

Gender differences in body experience - a comparison of people with and without tattoos

Tattooing is a body modification practice that an increasing number of people, regardless of age, education or gender, are opting for. Previous quantitative research on the population of people with tattoos has mainly focused on differences in various personal characteristics, but has not focused on the bodily experience of people with tattoos. The aim of the present study was to examine differences in body image, body schema and body sense in people with and without tattoos. Two hundred and eleven people participated in the study, 108 of whom had at least one tattoo. Respondents completed a set of questionnaires: The Battery of Tests of The Body Self Representations and a demographic questionnaire. Our study showed that there were no significant differences in terms of mental body representations in people with and without tattoos. The main differences in terms of mental body representations were between men and women without tattoos. The present study suggests the need for a deeper understanding of the importance of tattoo for bodily experience

Anxiety disorders - a common problem about which we still don’t know enough

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders. Up to one-third of the population suffers from them during their lifetime. An important problem is also the lack of awareness of patients about their disease. Only half of the anxiety disorders are diagnosed. Only a fifth of people suffering from anxiety disorders sought help from a specialist doctor. Only a third of patients are offered pharmacological treatment. The main symptom of this disease is an increased and intense feeling of anxiety. It is also associated with many other physical symptoms. It is correlative with a reduced quality of life and functioning in society. Diagnosis of anxiety disorders is very difficult due to the lack of specific imaging and laboratory tests that may be helpful in making or suggest a diagnosis. There is also a correlation between these disorders and the occurrence of depressive disorders, which is why the problem is complex and requires increased diagnostic sensitivity. Worldwide, anxiety disorders are underdiagnosed and undertreated, that's why it's so important to be aware of this disease entity. Prompt intervention by a physician is very important due to the increased frequency of suicides. The basic treatment is medication therapy with drugs from the SSRI and SNRI group combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Quick diagnosis and implementation of treatment contributes to a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients

Wyniki leczenia pembrolizumabem chorych na przerzutowego czerniaka po niepowodzeniu wcześniejszej terapii — doświadczenia dwóch ośrodków

Wstęp. Pembrolizumab [przeciwciało monoklonalne przeciwko białku programowanej śmierci 1 (PD-1)] może wywoływać długotrwałe odpowiedzi i wydłużać czas przeżycia pacjentów chorych na zaawansowanego czerniaka. W pracy oceniono skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo tego leku, stosowanego u chorych na przerzutowego czerniaka po niepowodzeniu wcześniejszej terapii. Metody. 54 pacjentów (średnia wieku 57 lat, zakres 18–77) po progresji po wcześniejszym leczeniu choroby przerzutowej (każdy chory otrzymał wcześniej przynajmniej ipilimumab) zostało poddanych terapii pembrolizumabem w zarejestrowanej dawce 2 mg/kg mc. co 3 tygodnie w ramach programu rozszerzonego dostępu. Byli oni obserwowani pod kątem czasu wolnego od progresji choroby (PFS), przeżycia całkowitego (OS), odpowiedzi na leczenie, zdarzeń niepożądanych. Średni czas obserwacji wyniósł 8,5 miesiąca. Wyniki. Oprócz 6 przypadków chorzy otrzymali pembrolizumab jako co najmniej 3. linię leczenia choroby roz­sianej. Z wyjątkiem 2 przypadków czerniaka gałki ocznej pacjenci chorowali na czerniaka skóry; u 16 chorych stwierdzono obecność mutacji BRAF (30%), u 42 pacjentów stadium zaawansowania określono na M1c (78%), 27 miało wyjściowo zwiększoną aktywność dehydrogenazy mleczanowej — LDH (50%). Korzyść kliniczną z leczenia pembrolizumabem odniosło 50% chorych — odnotowano 1 całkowitą remisję, 7 częściowych i 19 przypadków stabilizacji choroby. Spośród badanych 36 chorych otrzymało co najmniej 4 dawki leku, 13 pozostaje w leczeniu. Mediana OS nie została osiągnięta, szacowany odsetek 1-rocznych przeżyć to 48%. Nie zaobserwowano żad­nych różnic w OS pomiędzy pacjentami z obecnością mutacji BRAF i bez obecności, gorsze przeżycia dotyczyły chorych z podwyższonym wyjściowym stężeniem LDH (p = 0,009); nieznacznie gorsze wyniki zanotowano w grupie pacjentów, którzy otrzymali ponad 3 linie leczenia, i w stadium M1c. Mediana PFS wyniosła 5,6 miesiąca, szacowany odsetek 1-rocznych PFS wyniósł 40%, lepszy wynik obserwowano w grupie pacjentów z prawidłowym stężeniem LDH (7,5 vs. 4,5 miesiąca; p = 0,02). Lek był dobrze tolerowany — działania niepożądane pojawiły się u 14 pacjentów (26%), tylko w 3 przypadkach były to działania 3. stopnia (6%): biegunka, cukrzyca, zapalenie płuc. Wnioski. Potwierdzono aktywność i profil bezpieczeństwa pembrolizumabu stosowanego poza badaniami klinicznymi u chorych wcześniej przeleczonych z powodu przerzutowego czerniaka. Leczenie przeciwciałami anty-PD-1 jest preferowaną opcją terapeutyczną u chorych na zaawansowanego czerniaka