Bayesian inference of a non-local proliferation model

From a systems biology perspective the majority of cancer models, although interesting and providing a qualitative explanation of some problems, have a major disadvantage in that they usually miss a genuine connection with experimental data. Having this in mind, in this paper, we aim at contributing to the improvement of many cancer models which contain a proliferation term. To this end, we propose a new non-local model of cell proliferation. We select data which are suitable to perform a Bayesian inference for unknown parameters and we provide a discussion on the range of applicability of the model. Furthermore, we provide proof of the stability of a posteriori distributions in total variation norm which exploits the theory of spaces of measures equipped with the weighted flat norm. In a companion paper, we provide a detailed proof of the well-posedness of the problem and we investigate the convergence of the EBT algorithm applied to solve the equation

Mathematical modelling of cancer invasion : phenotypic transitioning provides insight into multifocal foci formation

Funding: Z. Szymańska acknowledge the support from the National Science Centre, Poland – grant No. 2017/26/M/ST1/00783. N. Sfakianaki’s scientific visit to the University of Warsaw was partially supported by the Excellence Initiative Research University Programme at the University of Warsaw. M. Lachowicz is happy to acknowledge the support from the New Ideas Grant - ”Równania kinetyczne w opisie zjawisk samoorganizacji” funded by the Excellence Initiative Research University Programme at the University of Warsaw.The transition from the epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype and its reverse (from mesenchymal to epithelial) are crucial processes necessary for the progression and spread of cancer. In this paper, we investigate how phenotypic switching at the cancer cell level impacts on behaviour at the tissue level, specifically on the emergence of isolated foci of the invading solid tumour mass leading to a multifocal tumour. To this end, we propose a new mathematical model of cancer invasion that includes the influence of cancer cell phenotype on the rate of invasion and metastasis. The implications of model are explored through numerical simulations revealing that the plasticity of tumour cell phenotypes appears to be crucial for disease progression and local invasive spread. The computational simulations show the progression of the invasive spread of a primary cancer reminiscent of in vivo multifocal breast carcinomas, where multiple, synchronous, ipsilateral neoplastic foci are frequently observed and are associated with a poorer patient prognosis.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Intracellular protein dynamics as a mathematical problem

International audienceIn this paper we undertake a mathematical analysis of a model of intracellular protein dynamics , i.e. protein and mRNA transport inside a cell, proposed by Szymanska at al. in 2014. The model takes into account diffusive transport in the nucleus and cytoplasm, as well as active transport of protein molecules along microtubules in the cytoplasm. The model reproduces, at least in numerical simulations, the oscillatory changes in protein concentration observed in the experimental data. To our knowledge this is the first paper that, in the multidimensional case, deals with a rigorous mathematical analysis of a model of intracellular dynamics with active transport on microtubules. In particular, in the present paper we prove well-posedness of the model in any space dimension. The model is a complex system of nonlinear PDEs with specific boundary conditions. It may be adapted to other signaling pathways

Immunity system dysfunction caused by insomnia and methods of treatment

Introduction: Sleep is a very important part of human health. Research over the past several years has shown that sleep disorders such as insomnia can affect the risk of infectious diseases. This review describes the immunocompromising mechanisms of insomnia and the consequences associated with this disorder. This review also includes treatment methods. Material and methods: The work was based on the articles published in PubMed, medical books and websites.  Results: Insomnia has an influence in the markers of inflammation and there are few methods of treating insomnia. Conclusions: Sleep influences the two primary effector systems which in turn regulate immune responses. Sleep disturbance like insomnia increases the risk of infectious diseases. Treatment can lower the markers of inflammation and helps relieve the symptoms of insomnia

An insight into zolpidem abuse and dependence

Background: Z-drugs (zopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem) are commonly prescribed medicine classes associated with a risk of abuse, dependence or withdrawal.   Objective: The purpose of our work is to review the current knowledge on the evidence for z-drugs harms and estimate the prevalence of dispensed prescriptions.  Material and Methods: A literature review was conducted in PubMed database using the key words: “Zolpidem”, “Z-drugs”, “Abuse”, “Dependence”  Results: According to our findings, zolpidem should be prescribed with the same caution as BZDs, especially in patients with a history of drug abuse or in the elderly.  Conclusion: Psychiatrists and physicians should be aware of the misuse potential of zolpidem and adopt measures restricting its use

Chronic pruritus in atopic dermatitis – mechanisms and different ways of treatment, affect on quality of life

Introduction: Pruritus in atopic dermatitis is one of the main symptoms of the disease and the one that causes a significant impact on quality of life. It is important to control itching because it’s not only an unplesant sense. Scratching topically deepen the dermatitis, damages the epidermal barrier causing additional infections possible  and makes it harder to acheive a remission of the disease. It is also highly associated with stress and has an impact on mental health of the patient.  In this article we present a summary of how pruritus affects the quality of life, mechanisms of pruritus and possible treatment. Materials and methods: Our work is based on the articles published in PubMed, medical books and websites. We were looking for the key words such as ‘stress and itch’, ‘pruritus treatment’, ‘chronic itch in atopic dermatitis’, ‘itch and quality of life’. Results: Patients with atopic dermatitis should come under miltidisciplinar treatment to acheive the best possible control of symptoms. This will result in higher quality of life and better mental health of the patient. Conclusions: There is a high need to develop new targeted medications as contemporary medicine knows a lot more about the mechanism of pruritus. Many new types of treatment are being studied and soon we may have more options to choose in systemic and topical therapy. We should also concetrate more on a mental side of the disease

Contraindications and factors that rule out patients willing to undergo laser vision correction

Laser vision correction is a modern method of eliminating, not just correcting, vision defects. The laser results in the restoration of the patient's eyes, so that he or she gains visual acuity anew. This method is both effective and safe, however, it is not feasible for every person. There are certain restrictions regarding: age, health, type of defect, history of disease, corneal scarring, pregnancy (both during and planned), or breastfeeding. Other rather non-obvious limitations, often overlooked by patients at the qualifying examination, are a metal filing that once found its way into the eye, after which it was removed rather late by a specialist, or current dry eye syndrome. The procedure of laser vision correction, can be carried out only after obtaining both the consent of the doctor conducting the qualifying examination and the interested party himself

The level of physical activity in the lifestyle of physical education students

Subject: The level of physical activity in the lifestyle of physical education students Introduction: Physical activity is defined as voluntary and spontaneous physical activity practiced during leisure time. Thanks to it, the body can function properly and develop on many levels. It plays an important role in social and physical development, as well as intellectual and emotional development. It finds its place in the fight against civilization diseases, it is also beneficial in resisting many other diseases.    Aim: The aim of the article is to assess the level of physical activity of physical education students of various specializations.   Material and methods: The research was conducted among students of physical education at the University of Rzeszów. 60 people took part in them - 38 women and 22 men aged 19-30. The respondents answered anonymously to 18 closed, single-choice questions.   Results: The majority of students are engaged in physical activity outside a college, and 65% of it is at amateur level activity. The most common reason why respondents take up physical activity is to improve the functional fitness of the body. 58% of the respondents undertook physical activity more than 3 times a week.   Conclusions: Most of the respondents do physical activity outside of their studies. The most common reason for taking up physical activity among the respondents was the improvement of the functional fitness of the body, and the factors influencing the fact that students are physically active were to the greatest extent sports activitiesSubject: The level of physical activity in the lifestyle of physical education students Introduction: Physical activity is defined as voluntary and spontaneous physical activity practiced during leisure time. Thanks to it, the body can function properly and develop on many levels. It plays an important role in social and physical development, as well as intellectual and emotional development. It finds its place in the fight against civilization diseases, it is also beneficial in resisting many other diseases.   Aim: The aim of the article is to assess the level of physical activity of physical education students of various specializations.   Material and methods: The research was conducted among students of physical education at the University of Rzeszów. 60 people took part in them - 38 women and 22 men aged 19-30. The respondents answered anonymously to 18 closed, single-choice questions.   Results: The majority of students are engaged in physical activity outside a college, and 65% of it is at amateur level activity. The most common reason why respondents take up physical activity is to improve the functional fitness of the body. 58% of the respondents undertook physical activity more than 3 times a week.   Conclusions: Most of the respondents do physical activity outside of their studies. The most common reason for taking up physical activity among the respondents was the improvement of the functional fitness of the body, and the factors influencing the fact that students are physically active were to the greatest extent sports activities   Key words: physical activity; lifestyle; physical education; student

Selected school solutions in the field of a healthy lifestyle among children and adolescents

Introduction and aim: Lifestyle is the daily behaviors, habits and activities adopted by people. It is one of the factors that largely determines the state of human health. It is important to pay attention to what habits and activities we implement in our lives. The source of behaviors are usually attitudes and values acquired in the family and the nearest social environment. The basic categories of pro-health behaviours are related to physical health, psychosocial health, health prevention and avoiding harmful behaviours, preventing an illness and supporting recovery. Anti-health behaviors contribute to health disorders, negative impacts in emotional, physical and psychosocial sphere. The aim of the study was to present selected school solutions in the field of pro-healthy lifestyle among children and adolescents, the influence of pro-healthy lifestyle and assessment of the implementation of health education at schools. Material and method: 85 children and adolescents in the age range of 10-19+ years participated in the study. Twenty-three students in the age range of 10-12 years, 27 students in the age range of 13-16 years and 35 students in the age range of 17-19+ years were surveyed. Twenty-eight males and 57 females took the survey. Results: Respondents most often engage in physical activity 2-3 times per week. The vast majority of respondents actively participate in physical education classes at school as well as undertake extracurricular physical activity. The most popular activities are cycling and team games. The main source of knowledge about pro-healthy lifestyle among children and adolescents is the Internet and the least popular is the press. Conclusions: The majority of students know what a pro-healthy lifestyle is, while less than half of the respondents have no such knowledge. The researched gain knowledge about the way of promoting pro-healthy lifestyle by school, most often through the organization of "Health Day". The majority of children and adolescents participate in extracurricular physical activity, while the rest of the respondents do not undertake such activity