Analysis of Distributed Systems Dynamics with Erlang Performance Lab

Modern, highly concurrent and large-scale systems require new methods for design, testing and monitoring. Their dynamics and scale require real-time tools, providing a holistic view of the whole system and the ability of showing a more detailed view when needed. Such tools can help identifying the causes of unwanted states, which is hardly possible with static analysis or metrics-based approach. In this paper a new tool for analysis of distributed systems in Erlang is presented. It provides real-time monitoring of system dynamics on different levels of abstraction. The tool has been used for analyzing a large-scale urban traffic simulation system running on a cluster of 20 computing nodes

Biomechanical evaluation of single- and multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with polyetheretherketone cages: radiological and clinical outcomes

Objective. The aim of this study was to analyse the outcomes of single- and multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with standalone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages, with particular emphasis on the risk of secondary adjacent segment disease. Materials and methods. This retrospective study included 30 patients with single- or multi-level cervical disc herniation. Before the ACDF, and one year thereafter, the patients underwent clinical and radiological evaluation including determination of cervical pain severity with a numerical rating scale (NRS), and a survey with a Polish adaptation of the neck disability index questionnaire (NDI-PL). Biomechanical parameters of the cervical spine were determined using the Cobb method. Results. One year after ACDF, all patients had achieved complete fusions, and 97% showed a significant reduction of pain severity. Also, a significant decrease in all NDI-PL indices was observed. A significant decrease in overall cervical spine mobility coexisted with a significant increase in the mobility of the segment above the one operated upon and a non-significant decrease in the mobility of the segment below. No statistically significant change was found in the intervertebral disc space height (IVH) above and below the operated segment, and no evidence of degeneration within the segments adjacent to the operated one was documented. Conclusion. One- and two-level ACDF with standalone PEEK cages provided high fusion rates. Surgical spondylosis contributed to a reduction of spinal mobility despite the hypermobility in adjacent spinal segments. No degeneration in adjacent spinal segments was documented within a year of ACDF, and the treatment seemed to improve patients’ quality of life

CAR-FINDING SYSTEM WITH COUCHDB-BASED SENSOR MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

Growing performance of low-cost mobile devices makes it possible to perform advancedprocessing on mobile sensors. This creates a need of building management system for groupsof sensors actively analyzing signals from hardware devices. In this paper an architectureof a CouchDB-Based Sensor Management Platform is presented and its application for theproblem of finding stolen cars is shown. Detailed performance tests of the platform and itsapplication are provided

Leczenie ciężkiej, zagrażającej życiu hipokalcemii ludzkim rekombinowanym teryparatydem pacjentów z pooperacyjną niedoczynnością przytarczyc — seria przypadków

  Introduction: Hypocalcaemia is a common postoperative complication, both after the resection of parathyroid adenoma associated with primary hyperparathyroidism and after total thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer or nodular goitre. For a few years, in patients with postoperative hypoparathyroidism and severe hypocalcaemia, who cannot discontinue intravenous calcium preparations even with the use of high vitamin D doses, attempts have been made to add recombinant human parathormone (rhPTH) to the treatment schedule. In this work, for the first time in Poland, we demonstrate the potential use of teriparatide for the treatment of severe hypocalcaemia based on three different cases of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Material and methods: Case 1. Female (52) with postoperative hypoparathyroidism, after total thyroidectomy and the removal of lower left parathyroid gland due to hyperparathyroidism, several weeks after the surgery still required intravenous calcium infusions because of tetany symptoms. Just one month of teriparatide treatment at 20 μg/0.08 mL given in daily subcutaneous injections proved sufficient to control calcium levels with oral calcium and vitamin D preparations during the next few days until total resolution of hypocalcaemia symptoms and the achievement and maintenance of laboratory normocalcaemia in the following weeks. Case 2. Female (33) with hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy in 1996 because of papillary thyroid cancer, with congenital tubulopathy associated with renal loss of calcium and magnesium, and the symptoms of tetany recurring since the day of surgery, requiring intravenous calcium administration every 2–3 days. Currently, the patient has been hospitalised because of venous port infection, the only venous access, which made intravenous therapy impossible. Because of the life-threatening condition of the patient, bridging teriparatide treatment was prepared (20 μg/0.08 mL). Complete resolution of clinical symptoms of hypocalcaemia was obtained with teriparatide doses given every 8–12 hours, which made dose reduction possible. Case 3. Female (52) after major oncological surgery because of laryngopharyngeal and cervical oesophageal cancer with the removal of parathyroid glands, fed through PEG, was admitted to hospital with the symptoms of tetany. Despite treatment intensification, the patient experienced a hypocalcaemic crisis during hospitalisation. Teriparatide treatment at 2 × 20 μg/day resulted in the resolution of tetany symptoms, with gradual normalisation of calcium-phosphate balance parameters during the following days. Conclusions: Based on the analysis of these cases, the conclusion was drawn that the use of recombinant human teriparatide allows for the control of severe hypocalcaemia requiring intravenous infusions of calcium in patients with postoperative hypoparathyroidism. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (4): 403–412)    Wstęp: Hipokalcemia jest częstym pooperacyjnym powikłaniem, zarówno po usunięciu gruczolaka przytarczyc w przebiegu pierwotnej nadczynności przytarczyc, jak i po całkowitej tyreoidektomii z powodu raka tarczycy lub wola guzowatego. Od kilku lat, u pacjentów z pooperacyjną niedoczynnością przytarczyc i ciężką hipokalcemią, u których nie można odstawić dożylnej terapii preparatami wapnia, nawet przy stosowaniu dużych dawek witaminy D, podejmowane są próby włączenia do leczenia ludzkiego rekombinowanego parathormonu (rhPTH). W niniejszej pracy, po raz pierwszy w Polsce, autorzy pracy wskazują na możliwość zastosowania teryparatydu w leczeniu ciężkiej hipokalcemii na podstawie trzech różnych przypadków pooperacyjnej niedoczynności przytarczyc. Materiał i metody: Przypadek 1: 52-letnia kobieta, z pooperacyjną niedoczynnością przytarczyc, po całkowitej tyreoidektomii i usunięciu przytarczycy dolnej lewej z powodu nadczynności przytarczyc, kilkanaście tygodni po operacji, z powodu objawów tężyczki, wciąż wymagająca stosowania dożylnych wlewów wapnia. Zastosowano jedynie miesięczną kurację teryparatydem w dawce 20 μg/0,08 ml w codziennych iniekcjach podskórnych, która okazała się wystarczająca do kontrolowania stężenia wapnia doustnymi preparatami wapnia i witaminy D, w ciągu następnych dni do całkowitego ustąpienia objawów hipokalcemii, a w kolejnych tygodniach uzyskania i utrzymania laboratoryjnych parametrów normokalcemii. Przypadek 2: 33-letnia kobieta, z niedoczynnością przytarczyc po całkowitej tyreoidektomii w 1996 roku z powodu raka brodawkowatego tarczycy, z wrodzoną tubulopatią przebiegającą z nerkową utratą wapnia i magnezu, od dnia operacji z nawracającymi objawami tężyczki wymuszającymi dożylne podawanie wapnia co 2–3 dni. Aktualnie hospitalizowana z powodu zakażenia portu naczyniowego, jedynego dostępu dożylnego, co uniemożliwiało dożylną terapię. Z uwagi na stan zagrożenia życia pacjentki, przygotowano leczenie pomostowe teryparatydem (20 μg/0,08 ml). Uzyskano całkowite ustąpienie klinicznych objawów hipokalcemii przy podawaniu dawki teryparatydu co 8–12 godzin, co pozwoliło na redukcję dawki leku. Przypadek 3: 52-letnia kobieta po rozległej operacji onkologicznej z powodu raka gardła dolnego i szyjnej części przełyku z usunięciem przytarczyc, odżywiana za pomocą PEG, przyjęta na oddział z objawami tężyczki. Mimo intensyfikacji leczenia, podczas hospitalizacji wystąpił u chorej przełom hipokalcemiczny. Zastosowany teryparatyd w dawce 2 × 20 μg/dobę spowodował ustąpienie objawów tężyczki, ze stopniową normalizacją parametrów gospodarki wapniowo-fosforanowej w następnych dniach. Wnioski: Na podstawie analizy przedstawionych przypadków wyciągnięto wniosek, że zastosowanie ludzkiego rekombinowanego teryparatydu pozwala na opanowanie ciężkiej hipokalcemii wymagającej dożylnych wlewów wapnia u pacjentów z pooperacyjną niedoczynnością przytarczyc. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (4): 403–412)

Knee pain in children as a symptom of hip disease: a case study

Introduction  Knee pain in the pediatric population is a very common health issue in family doctor practice and its cause is not always obvious and easy to determine. It is important to remember that knee pain can also occur as a projection of the obturator nerve conducting signals from the hip joint. During physical examination the hip joint should be also carefully examined. Diagnostic imaging such as radiographs are helpful in evaluating bone parts, whereas ultrasonography and MRI can reveal pathology in periarticular soft tissue. Laboratory tests can help to rule out a septic process and reveal other associated conditions.  The aim  The aim of this work was to analyze the patient’s case of transient synovitis of the hip manifested by knee pain and discuss other hip joint causes of knee pain in the pediatric population. Case report An individual case report of the five-year-old male patient suffered from non-traumatic knee pain and inability to walk with analysis of undertaken diagnostic and treatment management. Results The patient was correctly diagnosed with transient synovitis of the hip joint and successfully treated due to a thorough physical examination and right diagnostic tests carried out by the emergency physician. Conclusions In every case of non-traumatic knee pain, hip pathology should be always ruled out. Carefully performed physical examination, basic laboratory tests and imagining allow practitioners to make the right diagnosis

Analysis of gender differences of the sternum in population of 240 adult patients – original article

Introduction and purpose: The sternum is one of the bones that build up the anterior chest wall. It consists of three parts: manubrium, body and xiphoid process. It has been observed that this bone exhibits sexual dimorphism, which can be used in many fields of science. The aim of the study was to find morphological parameters showing sexual dimorphism that allow unambiguous sex identification. Material and method: 240 patients (140 women and 100 men) underwent chest CT and the following measurements were taken: angle of the sternum, length of the manubrium, body and xiphoid process, sum of the length of the manubrium and body, total length of the sternum. The thickness of all three parts of it and the width of the manubrium and body were also measured. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney "U" test. Values of p < 0. 05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results of all statistical analyses did not show statistical significance as a basis for the definitive determination of gender. However, some trends between the sexes have been observed, but these cannot be regarded as universal principles of gender identification. Conclusions: There is a need for further researches on finding metric parameters of the sternum allowing gender identification, carried out on large population groups. To achieve this goal, the results of imaging tests, which are often used in diagnostics, including post-mortem examinations - Vitropsy, may be useful

Lower back pain caused by radiculopathy induced by lumbar stenosis - literature review

Introduction: Lumbar spine pain is a common clinical problem. Due to the multitude of causes of pain, it is important to know the most common ones in order to choose an effective method of treatment.  The aim of this study: Summary of current knowledge regarding back pain caused by radiculopathy associated with lumbar stenosis.  Material and method: The review includes publications published in 1995-2020. The search of the publications in the Pubmed database was carried out using the following keywords: back pain, radiculopathy, lumbar stenosis. Description of the stage of the knowledge: Lumbar radiculopathy caused by lumbar stenosis is a common clinical problem, especially in older age groups. In diagnostics, an interview with the patient, physical examination and imaging tests - especially CT and MRI - are important. In most patients, conservative treatment is sufficient - the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. In justified cases, surgical treatment should be considered as the most effective causative treatment of the disease. In the last 20 years, the availability of both diagnostic methods has increased and new surgical techniques have appeared, aiming at minimally invasive treatment. Summary: Radiculopathy caused by lumbar stenosis is a contributing factor to the occurrence of pain, which can hinder the normal functioning of the patient.Proper diagnosis, identification of the impact and methods of treatment, both conservative and surgical, can help the patient and affect his quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the effective treatment of pain associated with radiculopathy caused by lumbar stenosis

Blood sample as a promising diagnostic tool in oncology - literature review

Introduction Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The molecular characterization of solid tumors has provided significant advances in oncology, and genome profiling using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has helped improve the quality of medical care for patients with cancer. Liquid biopsy is a diagnostic molecular test to demonstrate the presence of circulating tumor DNA or circulating tumor cells released from primary or metastatic solid tumors. In addition, the minimally invasive nature of the liquid biopsy enables quick verification of the grade of malignancy. Observation of ctDNA in blood tests is of great importance at the treatment stage, it allows to determine resistance to the applied treatment, response to therapy and to predict relapse before it occurs.   Aim of the study The aim of this review is to present information on the use of circulating tumor DNA together with circulating tumor cells in oncological diagnostics.   Materials and methods The work was created based on the PubMed database. Articles were searched in English using the following keywords: ctDNA, CTC, cfDNA.   Results Currently, ctDNA analysis is an alternative to traditional molecular diagnostics of cancer tissue, assessment of the effectiveness of therapy, monitoring of tumor dynamics, monitoring of progression and predicting recurrence.   Summary There are not many diagnostic methods for detecting ctDNA. Due to the short length of the fragments and the low content in the samples, ctDNA analysis requires more sensitive techniques to ensure its reliability compared to methods used in solid tissue biopsies. Existing techniques of ctDNA analysis focus mainly on the identification of mutations in advanced stages of cancer, less often on early diagnosis

Mindfulness based interventions in the treatment of obesity

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease that leads to many complications. Many methods of treating obesity are available, but they are often not effective enough. Due to the strong connection between psychological factors and the development of obesity, it can be useful to include mindfulness training in treatment.  The aim of this study: Summarize current knowledge on the effectiveness of mindfulness training in the treatment of obesity and evaluate the effect of mindfulness on weight loss.  Material and method: The review includes publications published in 2012-2022. The search of publications in the Pubmed database was carried out using the following keywords: mindful eating, mindfulness, weight loss, obesity. Description of the stage of the knowledge: The use of mindfulness techniques in the treatment of eating disorders is becoming more popular. A growing number of studies evaluating the effects of mindfulness on weight loss are emerging, but the results are inconclusive. Mindfulness training is effective in improving eating habits and promoting lifestyle changes. Mindfulness training combined with behavioral treatments for obesity has positive effects on weight loss. Summary: Research shows that mindfulness training may be a promising intervention in obesity treatment because it increases self-awareness and promotes lifestyle changes. However, more research is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of mindfulness for weight control

Supplementation of evening primrose oil (EPO) - benefits and limitations. Results of the latest studies

  Introduction One of the most frequently used herbal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry is Oenothera biennis, traditionally called evening primrose. Oil extracted from seeds of a plant is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids- omega 6 essential fatty acids (EFAs). Healing properties of evening primrose oil (EPO) have been used for ages in order to alleviate symptoms of various medical conditions. Nowadays, studies and clinical trials are conducted with the aim of verifying its effectiveness. The aim of the study Summarize current knowledge on the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in treatments of various diseases. Material and methods The search of the Pubmed database was carried out using keywords, in order to find the latest publications.  Summary  Despite limitations, research shows that supplements containing evening primrose oil (EPO) demonstrate promising results in treatments of various medical conditions, including menopause, premenstrual syndrome, skin problems or multiple sclerosis. However,  more well-designed clinical trials are needed to evaluate long-term effectiveness