Identity and Granularity of Events in Text

In this paper we describe a method to detect event descrip- tions in different news articles and to model the semantics of events and their components using RDF representations. We compare these descriptions to solve a cross-document event coreference task. Our com- ponent approach to event semantics defines identity and granularity of events at different levels. It performs close to state-of-the-art approaches on the cross-document event coreference task, while outperforming other works when assuming similar quality of event detection. We demonstrate how granularity and identity are interconnected and we discuss how se- mantic anomaly could be used to define differences between coreference, subevent and topical relations.Comment: Invited keynote speech by Piek Vossen at Cicling 201

The tobacco epidemic – pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation

Introduction: One of the biggest public health threats in the world is tobacco epidemic. According to WHO in the world cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use. In the 2018 report of the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking was recognized as one of the main risk factors responsible for premature mortality due to non-communicable diseases. According to the Global Burden of Disease, estimates smoking causes almost 8 million deaths in 2019 worldwide. In Poland about one-quarter of adults smoke cigarettes. As a result, scientists are constantly looking for medications that could help people quit smoking. The aim of the study:  The aim of our study is to present medication which are used for treating nicotine dependence nowadays. Moreover, we give attention to social and economic consequences of tobacco use. Materials and methods: The literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar was reviewed using the words: “smoking”, “smoking cessation”, “nicotine”, “nicotine replacement therapy”. Description of the state of knowledge: Exposure to tobacco smoke is a dominant factor in the incidence of many cancers as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Therefore, improving smoking cessation interventions is critical to reducing tobacco use and helping to minimize the burden of cancer and other diseases for example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Conclusions: Smoking cessation  has a positive effect on health.  Nicotine replacement therapy, Bupropion, Varenicline and Cytisine are used to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms in regular smokers who abstain from smoking

Wide range applications of botulinum toxin in medicine - literature review

Introduction and purpose : Botulinum toxin is one of the most dangerous natural toxins. Botulinum toxin poisoning causes botulism. Botulism is a set of systemic symptoms resulting from flaccid muscle paralysis. The first symptomatology of toxin poisoning was described at the beginning of the 19th century. After more than 200 years, botulinum toxin is associated primarily with aesthetic medicine treatments, where it is used to temporarily improve the appearance, mainly by reducing mimic wrinkles. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to collect information available in PubMed, Google Scholar, academic textbooks and characteristics of botulinum toxin medicinal products, especially regarding its wide use, mechanism of action, adverse events and contraindications. As a result, the presentation of the versatile use of botulinum toxin as a medicinal product in many fields of medicine. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Botulinum toxin is produced by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Its mechanism of action consists in flaccid muscle paralysis. Most preparations with botulinum toxin are only registered for strictly defined aesthetic medicine treatments. Other registered indications for the use of medicinal products with botulinum toxin include overactive bladder, various types of spasticity and prevention of headaches. In addition, in medicine, botulinum toxin is commonly used off-label. Summary: Botulinum toxin is widely used not only in aesthetic medicine. Intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin are successfully used in various fields of medicine, such as: urology, neurology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, dermatology, gynecology, otolaryngology, dentistry and even psychiatry

Total hip arthroplasty; indications, historical overview, surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes

Introduction and purpose Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has revolutionized the treatment of various hip pathologies. This method of treatment leads to significant pain relief, improved function, and enhanced quality of life for patients worldwide. The following article provides an extensive overview of THA; covering indications, historical overview, surgical techniques, complications, as well as outcomes. Material and method The authors had analyzed both PubMed, as well as Google Scholar databases using the following key words: ‘THA’; ‘total hip replacement’; ‘total hip arthroplasty’;  ‘hip’; ‘direct anterior approach’; ‘direct lateral approach’; ‘posterior approach’; ‘THA outcomes’. Conclusion THA is considered to be one of the most clinically successful and cost-effective medical procedures, which were developed during the last century. What is worth mentioning, the world’s highest-impact academic journal, The Lancet, called THA ‘the operation of the century’ in the year 2007. The historical perspective of total hip arthroplasty reveals the remarkable journey of medical pioneers who paved the way for modern techniques and materials. From the early days of simple hemiarthroplasty to the development of innovative prosthetic components and minimally invasive approaches, the field has undergone substantial progress, resulting in improved patient outcomes and longevity of the implants. Despite these advancements, the review highlights several challenges and complications associated with total hip arthroplasty. Through continued investment in research, and collaboration among orthopedic surgeons, engineers, and researchers, addressing these challenges can lead to further improvements and enhanced patient experiences

Conventional and biological therapies in atopic dermatitis – a literature review

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing disease with a multifactoral etiology. The basic disorder of the atopic dermatitis is the disruption of the epidermal barrier. The family history of atopy is a high risk factor of the development of the disease. The clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and vary depending on patient’s age, disease duration and current disease activity according to the SCORAD scale.   Objective: The aim of the review is to analyze the latest information on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis, including new biological medications.   Methods and materials: The sources available in PubMed database have been analyzed using the keywords: „atopic dermatitis”, „epidermal barrier”, „SCORAD index”, „topical treatment”, „biological therapy”, „Janus kinase inhibitors”.   Current state of knowledge: Atopic dermatitis is only treated symptomatically. The greatest therapeutic challenge is to reduce the pruritus which significantly impairs the quality of life. Topical corticosteroids may cause local side effects. The most severe cases of the disease require systemic treatment with immunosuppressants.   Conclusions: The complex pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is the object of research. Understanding the immunological mechanisms responsible for the development of the disease allows to introduce new therapeutic options. Previous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of biological medications in reducing disease activity, which is a chance to improve the quality of live of the patients suffering from atopic dermatitis

Endometriosis as very common cause of chronic pelvic pain – overview of actual knowledge

Introduction and purpose of the study: Endometriosis is a prevalent condition that affects women in their reproductive years. Diagnosing the condition and determining its manifestations can be complex and uncertain, as they vary among individuals. The symptoms of endometriosis have a detrimental impact on the overall quality of life for patients, leading to decreased well-being, limitations in physical activity, and impaired social functioning. The available treatments for endometriosis are determined based on the primary symptom (chronic pelvic pain or infertility) and are primarily focused on surgical interventions, hormonal therapies, and analgesic medications. These treatments often come with numerous side effects and rarely offer long-term relief. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge regarding endometrosis, including its pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and the existing treatment options.   Materials and methods: The analysis relied on examining materials obtained from both the "PubMed" database and books. The search was performed using the keywords: "endometrosis diagnosis", "endometrosis therapy", "dysmenorrhea", "combined oral contraceptive", "laparoscopy".   Summary: Endometriosis poses a significant health concern due to its correlation with compromised daily functioning and infertility. Appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic management of endometriosis contributes to a significant improvement in the wellbeing of patients, including a reduction in pain and improved ability to function both physically and socially. Conservative treatment consists of hormonal therapy, which regulates the menstrual cycle, reduces the severity of pain symptoms and inhibits the development of endometrial foci outside the uterus. In situations of advanced endometriosis, pharmacological treatments may not be sufficient and surgical therapy is required

Effect of red rice on the lipid profile and risk of cardiovascular diseases

Red yeast rice (RRY) and its ingredient, monacolin K, are increasingly being studied for their potential effects on the lipid profile and risk of cardiovascular diseases. This article presents an overview of the latest research on this topic, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, Analysis of medical standards, that RRY supplementation can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which can prevent development of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have also seen beneficial changes in other parameters, including levels of total cholesterol, endothelial funciton and arterial stiffness. Substantially, additional and larger studies are needed to confirm long-term safety of RRY. All of this indicates, that RRY can be a tool in the fight against dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases, especially in people who cannot tolarate statins

Effect of green tea on the cardiovascular system

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, causing significant public health concerns. Flavonoids, abundant in green tea, have been found to play a pivotal role in their prevention and treatment. These compounds exert beneficial effects on vascular endothelium through various mechanisms, including enhancing nitric oxide production, reducing LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Dietary principles tailored to individual risk factors are also vital for individuals with CVD. Studies suggest that green tea may be a promising tool for preventing CVD due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antiplatelet effects. Catechins in green tea have been demonstrated to modify various risk factors, thereby reducing overall CVD risk. Epidemiological studies have reported an inverse association between green tea consumption and mortality from CVD. The beneficial properties of green tea, especially among non-smokers and rural residents, underscore its potential role in managing CVD risk. Further research on the effect of green tea on vascular health is warranted

The relationship between electromagnetic radiation of mobile phones and male infertility – a review of the literature

Introduction: In recent years, there have been more and more concerns about whether wearing mobile phones near the reproductive organs, including the testicles, may cause significant health consequences, such as sperm dysfunction, decreased semen production, impaired testicular morphology, and thus become the cause of male infertility. Determining the relationship between the electromagnetic radiation of mobile phones and infertility in men may in the future reduce the male factor in the problem of infertility of couples and thus improve the quality of life. Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to attempt to assess the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phones on male reproductive organs in the context of male fertility disorders. Materials and methods: The work was created based on the PubMed database. Articles were searched in English using the following keywords: mobile phone, testes, male infertility, electromagnetic radiation. Description of the state of knowledge: Changes in semen parameters, including reduced motility and changes in sperm morphology, have been reported in animal studies. Features of damage to living cells under the influence of oxidative stress generated by GSM radiation were also observed. Similar phenomena have been reported in vitro in human semen samples and in clinical trials in men. Summary: There are not enough studies providing strong evidence for the direct negative effect of mobile phones on male fertility. It is necessary to conduct more research in order to eliminate other factors that could potentially change the results of the analyses, as well as to standardize the test methods and the test variables