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The paper focuses on the identification and study of the features of cognitive metaphors of the past and related concepts in the Greek linguistic picture of the world. The analysis considers the nominations: ιστορία (history), κληρονομιά (heritage), παρελθόν (past) and αρχαιότητα (antiquity). The research sets main cognitive structures in the source domain that are inherent to all analyzed concepts. Metaphorization predominantly takes place around the image-scheme of the path (“sourcepath-goal”), personification and perception of the concepts in the target domain as objects. The path has a structure-shaping role: both linear and labyrinthine path models are registered, while the movement mostly occurs in the opposite direction with the focus on the starting point of the journey (the source). Ethno-specific feature includes orientational metaphor, which suggests that the past is up. The broad scope has personification (first of all, with social and professional roles), as well as objectification, based mostly on visibility or concealment of the objects, as well as on their physical characteristics. A distinctive feature is the perception of antiquities as neighbors that exist side by side with the modern population, and antiquity, on the contrary, as a poet communicating with poems. One can also highlight the perception of the past and heritage as exhibits – something that is exposed to the public and is source of pride. Besides, natural phenomena and the construction are the common source of metaphorization for the past, history, heritage and antiquity in the Greek linguistic picture of the world.

The subject of this paper is a review of previous research on smart specialization as a concept which is one of the strategies for sustainable development of regions. Innovations are considered as one of the key drivers of growth. Recognition of innovation which was central point of strategy ‘Europe 2020’ where ‘smart specialization’ needs to make possible for the regions and countries pursue those industries in which they hold a comparative advantage and which have basis for further innovations. The main purpose of this paper is defining smart specialization and its role on the regional development. Analysis and comparison of the scientific literature and applications of smart specialization were used as methods for this paper. The main findings of this paper show that the basis of smart specialization are innovation, knowledge and research which are pillars of smart, sustainable development. Smart specialization means identifying the unique characteristics and potential of each country and region, with the aim of achieving competitive advantages and excellence. It also includes strengthening regional innovation systems, increasing knowledge exchange and spillover the benefits of innovation throughout the regional economy. By comparison method of the scientific literature this paper will contribute to the development of theoretical background of smart specialization as a strategic concept formed by a group of European Union experts with the aim of reducing the gap in competitiveness between the European Union and the United States, which arises from the lower economic and technological specialization of European countries, especially at the regional level. Also it will promote smart specialization as a concept that can contribute to strengthening regional innovation policy and regional development.

Introduction: In the last few years, obesity has become a central issue with more than 2.6 billion people worldwide being overweight or obese. While the risks associated with this condition and its rising significance are widely known, the effect of this attention on screening and treatment remains unsatisfying. This paper explores multiple treatment strategies and evaluates their effectiveness in preventing obesity-related complications. Review methods: We conducted our study as a literature review, with data being gathered via PubMed and Embase. The state of knowledge: Physical activity, behavioral therapy, and proper nutrition remain the foundation for obesity therapy. However, in many cases these approaches are insufficient. Recently, there has been a dynamic development of bariatric surgery and new drugs, which in comparison to lifestyle modification, result in better long-term results and improved quality of life. New surgery procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding, have shown to be one of the most effective but still carry a risk of complications. As an alternative pharmacotherapy could be considered with currently used medications including liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, phentermine-topiramate, orlistat, and bupropion-naltrexone. Conclusions: Growing treatment options allow physicians to choose more targeted approaches, based on the patient’s risk factors, overall health status, and compliance.

Introduction and purpose : Type 2 diabetes is currently a serious problem worldwide. Each year, the number of individuals with carbohydrate metabolism disorders is increasing. This is due to an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and a diet rich in highly processed foods. Currently, the treatment of type 2 diabetes is based on the use of oral antidiabetic medications, with the first choice often being a derivative of biguanides, such as metformin. Berberine has been used in China for many years as a hypoglycemic agent, and its efficacy is compared to metformin preparations. This paper focuses on the benefits of using berberine in patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and compares the effects of berberine preparations to classical medications used in diabetes treatment. Material and methods : The literaue was reviewed in PubMed and Google Scholar scientific database in 2013-2023 using the following keywords : berberine, diabetes mellitus type 2, hyperlipidemia, hyperglicemia Conclusions : The studies included in this manuscript have shown that berberine is a promising agent for adjunctive treatment in type 2 diabetes. It exhibits a range of positive effects such as lowering blood glucose levels, improving lipid profile, with no serious adverse effects reported. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop an effective treatment plan.

Introduction: Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease involving peripheral arthritis, spondylitis, dactylitis (inflammation of the whole digit) and enthesitis. It is a disease equally prevalent in both genders. Psoriatic arthritis coexists with several conditions, including metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease. The reciprocal effects of comorbidities with psoriatic arthritis are demonstrated by recent research. There are several risk factors associated with the condition that might hasten or worsen its symptoms. Aim of the Study: The purpose of this paper is to present a thorough analysis of the research that has been done on comorbidities and risk factors for psoriatic arthritis. With an emphasis on changeable elements that might impact the disease's progression, the goal is to illustrate the multifaceted nature of psoriatic arthritis. The intention is also to highlight comorbidities that need to be considered while treating a patient with the illness. Materials and methods: An analysis of papers available in PubMed and Google Scholar was performed using the following key words: psoriatic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lifestyle, psoriatic arthritis and comorbidities, psoriatic arthritis and cardiovascular risk, psoriatic arthritis and gastrointestinal diseases, psoriatic arthritis and physical activity, psoriatic arthritis and diet, psoriatic arthritis and alcohol, psoriatic arthritis and smoking. Conclusions: Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease that affects many areas of patients' lives. It is critical to consider the connections that exist between this illness and other comorbidities. In order to provide a patient with this ailment with the best care possible, variables that might exacerbate the illness's progression must also be taken into consideration. Patients' mental health should get particular attention, and lifestyle modifications should be promoted.

Introduction and purpose Acne is one of the most common dermatological conditions, especially in adolescents. The etiology of acne is complex, and many factors influence the formation of lesions. Local inflammation, a proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, hormonal influences with particular importance of androgens, hyperkeratinization, and excessive sebum production are essential in the pathogenesis. The factors stimulating these processes are complex and not always clear. Therefore, in our work, we focused on investigating the connection between a high-glycemic diet and the formation of acne lesions. The state of knowledge The link between diet and acne has been only mentioned in the literature for many years. However, the development of science has made it possible to understand the exact pathogenesis of acne and the relationship of acne lesions to specific dietary components. Of all the diet products, a high glycemic index diet stands out as the one with the most significant impact. Foods with a high glycemic index, i.e. those with a high amount of simple sugars, through an increase in the expression of factors such as insulin, IGF-1 cause excessive sebum production in the sebaceous glands and even an increase in inflammatory infiltration, which further exacerbates acne lesions. In the following review paper, we have looked at the metabolic pathways and hormonal changes that link the consumption of high glycemic index foods to the formation of acne lesions and described several original papers that unequivocally demonstrate the critical role of this diet on acne formation. Summary Based on the literature, we emphasize that in acne treatment, it is necessary not only to focus on medications but, above all, to look at the patient holistically, modifying the lifestyle with particular importance on modifying the patient's diet by lowering its glycemic index.

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic X-linked recessive disorder. This condition is characterized by progressive loss of muscle tissue. Thus, it results in deterioration and inability to perform basic motor skills such as independent movement or breathing. Due to progressive muscle weakness, patients with advanced stages of DMD require mechanical ventilation, feeding, and rehabilitation. Furthermore, alterations in cardiac muscle lead to cardiomyopathy. Despite advanced supportive treatment, DMD is a fatal disease. Purpose: The aim of the paper is to present, using a case study description, the current standards of treatment for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy as well as the current state of knowledge and new discoveries regarding this medical condition. Material and methods The patient's medical records were analyzed and available literature in PubMed was reviewed to write this article using the keywords: „Duchenne muscular dystrophy”; „cardiomyopathy”; „mechanical ventilation”; „gene therapy”; Conclusions Early detection of respiratory and circulatory insufficiency improves the patient's quality of life. Many patients with an advanced stage of Duchenne muscular dystrophy need specialized treatment, for example, in the intensive care unit. Therefore there is an urgent need for new treatment methods, such as gene therapies, which can slow down or break the course of the disease. New discoveries and the implementation of new treatment standards can enhance the quality of life for patients and extend their lifespans.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the popularity of electronic cigarettes among adolescents and young adults worldwide. E-cigarettes have reached the market without the extensive preclinical toxicology testing or long-term safety studies required for conventional therapeutics and medical devices. Their effectiveness as a smoking cessation intervention, their impact at the population level and whether they are less harmful than combustible tobacco products are highly controversial. Studies show measurable adverse biological effects on organ and cell health in humans, animals and in vitro. E-cigarette use also increases the risk of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. There is a serious risk of complications associated with e-cigarette use, such as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) - serious lung damage associated with, especially for adolescents. This paper reviews the effects of e-cigarettes on respiratory health.

Introduction and purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy in women, with a prevalence ranging from 10% to 13%. Oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant levels contribute to the development of various diseases, and one of them is polycystic ovary syndrome. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the effects of antioxidant administration in PCOS treatment. A brief description of the state of knowledge: Oxidative stress is an imbalance between increased levels of reactive oxygen species and a decreased efficiency of antioxidant mechanisms, which can potentially cause damage. The harmful effects of free radicals might be neutralized by antioxidants obtained from the diet, such as polyphenols, vitamins C, and E. These compounds improve several aspects of the PCOS pathomechanism, including hormonal imbalance, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and ovarian functionality. Conclusions: The outcomes of all the reviewed studies in this paper indicate that antioxidants such as resveratrol, curcumin, vitamin C and E, N-acetylcysteine, and melatonin have therapeutic potential in the management of PCOS. However, currently antioxidant therapies cannot be recommended in PCOS therapy since there is a need for more prospective randomized clinical trials on a larger sample to establish a long-term effects of antioxidants supplementation in PCOS, the optimal dosage, and finally to assess which antioxidant is the most efficient in PCOS treatment.

Introduction In recent years, there has been tremendous development in medicine, including diabetology. A significant portion of these achievements pertains to pharmacological treatment. However, one should not overlook the advancement of devices necessary for monitoring glucose levels, such as glucometers or CGM and FGM systems. In this paper, I want to focus on how the use of glucose monitoring systems affects the course of diabetes. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the impact of glucose monitoring systems (CGM and FGM) on parameters of metabolic control in diabetes. Materials and methods The article was created based on the PubMed and Scholar databases. The literature was analyzed using the following keywords: Continuous glucose monitor, CGM, flash glucose monitoring, FGM, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes mellitus, Metrics of Glycemic. Results Research has confirmed that the use of continuous glucose monitoring systems lowers HbA1c in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes regardless of age and treatment modality. Furthermore, the use of CGM and FGM reduces the number of hypoglycemic episodes and increases time in range (TIR). Conclusions Thanks to the results obtained from numerous studies, it can be assumed that the use of continuous glucose monitoring systems is not only an adjunct to diabetes therapy but also an important component of it. With this technology combined with modern medications, we can achieve better glycemic control and, consequently, improve the quality of life of patients with diabetes.