Controlled vocabulary in public health: an overview of the achievements to date

Aim: The aim of the article is to present both published and unpublished information materials based on the literature review related to the accomplishments in the area of development and unification of the public health terminology. Background: Public health is a multidisciplinary field that has long been struggling with the need to develop comprehensive and exhaustive terminology that would cover all related disciplines, facilitate accurate understanding of terms, aid information search and processing, as well as permit an accurate scientific communication among public health professionals. This is not an easy task given the theoretical and practical scope of the discipline. Summary of the resources: The following bibliographical databases were searched: LISA, PubMED, EMBASE, ERIC, as well as Internet websites devoted to public health issues, websites of the institutions operating in this area, and databases of projects financed by the European Union. All national and international reports in English, French, or German that dealt with the development of public health terminology in respective languages were included in the search. The glossaries, documents, databases, or web pages related to the activities of single institutions were excluded. Finally 13 glossaries were selected from among a number of different dictionaries, glossaries, and thesauruses that cover the terms used in public health discipline or its sub-disciplines. The selected glossaries were developed in order to unify the terminology with their intended circulation exceeding the narrow aim of collecting terminology for the purpose of one project or for cataloguing the resources of a particular institution. Conclusion: Until now, no one has developed one universal public health terminology, but various attempts related to its normalization are underway. The difficulties in communication, electronic collection, and transfer of information as well as differences in the understanding of public health terms have led to the process of unification. Such a process has been perceived not only in individual countries, but also internationally. There is hope that such works will finally result in the desired and internationally unified understanding of public health terms

Effect of whole amaranth flour on bread properties and nutritive value

This study investigated the effect of replacing wheat flour by whole. Amaranthus cruentus flour (up to 40 g/100 g) to evaluate its potential utility as a nutritious breadmaking ingredient. The incorporation of amaranth flour significantly increased protein, lipid, ash, dietary fibre and mineral contents. Breads with amaranth have significantly higher amounts of phytates and lower. myo-inositol phosphates, which could predict low mineral bioavailability at high levels of substitution (30-40 g/100 g). An increase in crumb hardness and elasticity was observed, and tristimulus colour values were significantly affected when the amaranth concentration was raised. Mineral contents, both micro- and macroelements, were increased significantly by the wheat flour substitution. Whole amaranth flour could be used as a partial replacement for wheat flour in bread formulations, increasing the product's nutritional value and raising dietary fibre, mineral and protein levels, with a significant slight depreciation in bread quality when used in proportions between 10 and 20 g/100 g. Thus, the inclusion of amaranth flour could be limited to a maximum proportion of 20 g/100 g, thereby maintaining both product quality as well as the nutritional benefit of this ingredient.This work was financially supported by projects AGL2006-09613/ALI, 200870I229, AGL2011-22669 and 2006PL0015 from the Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN), and PROMETEO/2012/064 from Generalitat Valenciana, Spain. The fellowship of J.M. Sanz Penella from MICINN is gratefully acknowledged.Peer Reviewe

Muzeum-archiwum pamięci. Uwagi na temat roli materiałów archeologicznych w muzeach-miejscach pamięci na przykładzie KL Plaszow

The issues of memory, heritage, and archaeology are strictly connected to the archaeology of the contemporary past and the Nazi period. That connection is a new field of research that lead to the reconceptualization of ideas of a museum, archives, and their relations to memory. In the paper authors discuss the case study of the area of former labor and concentration camp Plaszow in Krakow (1942–1945). Since 2016, numerous archeological research and education programs were conducted by the Museum of Krakow. The main purpose of documentation, surface surveys, and excavations was preservation of the architectural relicts and landscape, and supplementing the historical knowledge of authentic archaeological sources. The results of the research were related to the preparation of the boundaries for the future commemoration of the former camp’s area and its history as a museum and memorial site. The outcome of the archaeological activity is collection of artifacts, documentation and archaeological knowledge that influenced the idea of commemoration in its specific way. The article attempts to answer the questions about the categories of archives and museums.The issues of memory, heritage, and archaeology are strictly connected to the archaeology of the contemporary past and the Nazi period. That connection is a new field of research that lead to the reconceptualization of ideas of a museum, archives, and their relations to memory. In the paper authors discuss the case study of the area of former labor and concentration camp Plaszow in Krakow (1942–1945). Since 2016, numerous archeological research and education programs were conducted by the Museum of Krakow. The main purpose of documentation, surface surveys, and excavations was preservation of the architectural relicts and landscape, and supplementing the historical knowledge of authentic archaeological sources. The results of the research were related to the preparation of the boundaries for the future commemoration of the former camp’s area and its history as a museum and memorial site. The outcome of the archaeological activity is collection of artifacts, documentation and archaeological knowledge that influenced the idea of commemoration in its specific way. The article attempts to answer the questions about the categories of archives and museums

Bean starch as ingredient for gluten-free bread

18 pages, 6 tables, 5 figures.-- Special Issue: Online Only Supplement.-- The definitive version is available at www3.interscience.wiley.comCommercially available gluten-free breads are of low quality and have a rapid staling during storage. Therefore, attempts were made to obtain gluten-free breads of improved structure properties and extended shelf life. For this purpose, laboratory-obtained bean starch, both native or hydrothermally modified, was added to a gluten-free formulation. Texture results revealed differences between the bottom (harder) and upper (softer) parts of fresh breads containing native bean starch. Modified starch reduced the hardness and diminished the differences between the upper and the bottom parts of a bread slice. Independent of storage duration, breads are crumbly. A considerable decrease of the peak and final viscosity was observed with the increase of the storage time in sample with native bean starch, whereas the presence of modified starch induced the opposite tendency. The addition of native starch increased the tendency of amylopectine to retrograde during storage, whereas the presence of modified starch decreased the retrogradation enthalpy by 16%.Peer reviewe

A meta-analytical investigation of the gap between measured and predicted inter-population genetic diversity in species of high conservation concern - the case of the critically endangered European mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761

Although properly designed sampling in population genetic studies is of key importance for planning evidence-informed conservation measures, sampling strategies are rarely discussed. This is the case for the European mink Mustela lutreola, a critically endangered species. In order to address this problem, a meta-analysis aiming to examine the completeness of mtDNA haplotype sampling in recent studies of M. lutreola inter-population genetic diversity was conducted. The analysis was performed using the sample-size-based rarefaction and extrapolation sampling curve method for three populations—the Northeastern (Russia, Belarus and Estonia), the Western (France and Spain), and the Southeastern (Romania). The extrapolated values of the Shannon–Wiener index were determined, assuming full sample coverage. The gap between the measured and predicted inter-population genetic diversity was estimated, indicating that the identified level of sample coverage was the lowest for the NE population (87%), followed by the SE population (96%) and the W population (99%). A guide for sampling design and accounting for sampling uncertainty in future population genetic studies on European mink is provided. The relatively low sample coverage for the Russian population clearly indicates an urgent need to take conservation measures for European mink in this country

Leczenie sorafenibem w zaawansowanym raku tarczycy - opis przypadku

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) usually has a good prognosis. The treatment, including total thyroidectomy and complementary radioiodine (RAI) therapy, gives complete remission in 90% of patients. However, in 10% of subjects with metastatic disease, the prognosis is poor. In the group of patients with disease progression and no 131I uptake, searching for new therapeutic modalities before all tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other antiangiogenic agents is necessary. The study presents the case of a 55-year-old male with advanced PTC /pT3mNxMo/ diagnosed in 1993. Primary treatment by total thyroidectomy and 131I ablation led to complete remission. In 2000 local as well as lymph node recurrence was diagnosed and successively treated by surgery. In 2006 an increasing serum thyroglobulin level was noted and a single lung metastasis was diagnosed and operated on. In 2007 new foci in CNS and vertebral column with no 131I uptake were stated. Further progression (bones, CNS, and pterygoid muscle) was confirmed by PET-CT. The patient underwent neurosurgical metastasectomy twice and palliative CNS and vertebra’s radiotherapy. Liver metastases were diagnosed in 2009. Treatment with increasing doses of thalidomide (up to 800 mg/d) was administered for 3 months with a good tolerance; however, the therapy was withdrawn due to cancer progression. Next, sorafenib (800 mg/d) was given for 16 weeks. Radiological examination performed after 16 weeks confirmed stable disease, whereas 2 months later, after sorafenib withdrawal due to lack of treatment possibility, further progression was observed. Metronomic chemotherapy with Adriamycin was instituted which gave disease stabilization for 6 months. The patient died with advanced disseminated disease due to pulmonary embolism. We present this case to document no adverse effects of therapy with sorafenib in a patient with brain DTC metastases. Sorafenib therapy was only short-term, but no progression occurred in this time. (Pol J Endocrinol 2010; 61 (5): 492-496)Rak brodawkowaty tarczycy należy do nowotworów o dobrym rokowaniu. Terapia oparta na całkowitym wycięciu tarczycy i uzupełniającym leczeniu jodem promieniotwórczym u 90% pacjentów prowadzi do całkowitej remisji choroby nowotworowej. U około 10% chorych, u których dochodzi do rozsiewu raka, rokowanie jest niepomyślne. U chorych, z rozsiewem raka, u których ogniska nowotworu nie wykazują zdolności wychwytu 131I konieczne jest poszukiwanie nowych możliwości terapeutycznych. W tym kontekście rozważa się zastosowanie leków antyangiogennych, w tym inhibitorów kinaz tyrozynowych. W pracy przedstawiono przypadek 55-letniego pacjenta z rozpoznaniem zaawansowanego raka brodawkowatego tarczycy/pT3mNxMo leczonego od 1993 roku, u którego w terapii zastosowano inhibitor angiogenezy (talidomid) i kinaz tyrozynowych (sorafenib). Leczenie pierwotne, dwuetapowe całkowite wycięcie tarczycy w 1994 i uzupełniające leczenie 131I (60 mCi) w 1994 roku doprowadziło do remisji choroby nowotworowej. W 2000 chory przebył operacyjne usunięcie wznowy miejscowej i przerzutów do węzłów chłonnych. W 2006 roku, w toku diagnostyki narastającej hipertyreoglobulinemii rozpoznano przerzut do płuca prawego, który usunięto operacyjnie. W 2007 roku stwierdzono niejodochwytny przerzut do kręgosłupa i ośrodkowego układu nerwowego (OUN). Kontrolne badania obrazowe, w tym PET-CT, potwierdziły dalszą progresję raka pod postacią nowych ognisk przerzutowych w OUN, kośćcu i mięśniu skrzydłowym. Chory przebył 2-krotne operacyjne usunięcie zmian ogniskowych w OUN, paliatywną radioterapię OUN i paliatywną radioterapię przerzutu do kręgosłupa. W 2009 roku rozpoznano przerzuty do wątroby. W dalszej terapii stosowano talidomid we wzrastającej dawce do 800 mg/d. przez okres 3 miesięcy, co nie zapobiegło dalszej progresji. Następnie chory otrzymywał sorafenib w dawce 800 mg/d. przez okres 16 tygodni. Badania obrazowe wykonane po 16 tygodniach terapii potwierdziły stabilizację choroby nowotworowej, natomiast 2 miesiące po odstawieniu leku ze względu na brak możliwości kontynuacji terapii doszło do dalszej progresji. Następnie chory otrzymywał przez okres 6 miesięcy metronomiczną chemioterapię (adriblastyna), która doprowadziła do stabilizacji choroby. Chory zmarł w stadium zaawansowanego raka tarczycy z powodu zatorowości płucnej. Wniosek: W prezentowanym przypadku chorego na raka brodawkowatego tarczycy z przerzutami do mózgu, terapia sorafenibem nie spowodowała żadnych powikłań, a w czasie 16 tygodni jej stosowania obserwowano stabilizację zaawansowanej choroby nowotworowej. (Endokrynol Pol 2010; 61 (5): 492-496

Assessing differences in connectivity based on habitat versus movement models for brown bears in the Carpathians

Context. Connectivity assessments typically rely on resistance surfaces derived from habitat models, assuming that higher-quality habitat facilitates movement. This assumption remains largely untested though, and it is unlikely that the same environmental factors determine both animal movements and habitat selection, potentially biasing connectivity assessments. Objectives. We evaluated how much connectivity assessments differ when based on resistance surfaces from habitat versus movement models. In addition, we tested how sensitive connectivity assessments are with respect to the parameterization of the movement models. Methods. We parameterized maximum entropy models to predict habitat suitability, and step selection functions to derive movement models for brown bear (Ursus arctos) in the northeastern Carpathians. We compared spatial patterns and distributions of resistance values derived from those models, and locations and characteristics of potential movement corridors. Results. Brown bears preferred areas with high forest cover, close to forest edges, high topographic complexity, and with low human pressure in both habitat and movement models. However, resistance surfaces derived from the habitat models based on predictors measured at broad and medium scales tended to underestimate connectivity, as they predicted substantially higher resistance values for most of the study area, including corridors. Conclusions. Our findings highlighted that connectivity assessments should be based on movement information if available, rather than generic habitat models. However, the parameterization of movement models is important, because the type of movement events considered, and the sampling method of environmental covariates can greatly affect connectivity assessments, and hence the predicted corridors

Brachytherapy in Breast Cancer Treatment: Physical and Biological Aspects

This scientific paper focuses on the treatment of breast cancer, one of the most common cancers among women. Despite increased awareness and the popularity of screening tests, statistics indicate a significant rise in incidence. The paper presents breast-conserving treatment methods, including brachytherapy, as a modern technique with promising outcomes. It describes the physical properties of ionizing radiation used in brachytherapy, discussing the photoelectric effect, Compton effect, and the phenomenon of pair production. The paper then delves into the biological effects of ionizing radiation, emphasizing the dependence on the cell cycle phase. It highlights lethal, sublethal, and potentially lethal cellular damage, categorizing the effects of radiation interaction into early and late responses. The discussion transitions to the application of brachytherapy in breast cancer treatment, focusing on various techniques such as LDR, PDR, and HDR. The paper provides a detailed description of brachytherapy's use in breast-conserving treatment, considering contraindications, treatment planning, and Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) techniques. The radioisotopes used in brachytherapy are also presented, with special attention to Iridium-192. The physical and practical aspects related to this isotope are discussed, along with other commonly used radioisotopes such as Cesium-137, Cobalt-60, and Strontium-90. The paper concludes with a summary, emphasizing the significance of brachytherapy in breast cancer treatment and outlining its prospects for development. The authors highlight precision and shortened therapy duration

Revolutionizing Pneumonia Assessment: Modern Diagnostics and Traditional Scales

Introduction and Purpose:   Pneumonia's severity demands a thorough assessment, guided by CRB-65 and CURB-65 scales. This article underscores the crucial role of accurate interpretation and effective use of these scales, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of pneumonia for proficient severity assessment.  Material and Method:  The article identifies populations disproportionately affected by pneumonia, stressing the necessity of standardized severity assessment due to diverse clinical manifestations. It highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis through the integration of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests. While CRB-65 and CURB-65 offer a systematic approach, potential pitfalls are discussed, emphasizing the risk of misinterpretation.  Results: Principles for correct interpretation are outlined, emphasizing holistic evaluation, timely application, and clinical acumen. Common mistakes, including overreliance on scores and incomplete data collection, are identified. The discussion introduces advanced diagnostic techniques like biomarkers and imaging, enhancing severity assessment. Cardiac biomarkers and computed tomography contribute to refined evaluation, aligning with recommendations from renowned organizations.  Conclusion:   The integration of traditional tools with advanced diagnostics signifies a paradigm shift in pneumonia assessment. Emphasizing correct interpretation and avoiding common mistakes ensures a comprehensive approach. Recent research supports advanced diagnostic techniques, aligning with recommendations. The article advocates for continuous education and collaboration among healthcare professionals, contributing to improved patient outcomes and overall healthcare efficacy.