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At an international online expert meeting held on September 16, 2021, the results of the empagliflozin research program EMPA-REG Outcome, EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPEROR-Preserved were reviewed. We analyzed cardiovascular and renal outcomes during the treatment with empagliflozin in patients with chronic heart failure, regardless of the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The positive results of the EMPEROR-Preserved study are updated and their significance for clinical practice is discussed. Several proposals have been adopted that will accelerate the introduction of empagliflozin therapy into practice in patients with heart failure and overcome clinical inertia.

Lipoedema is a chronic progressive disorder of adipose tissue leading to an enlargement of lower extremities. It is considered to be rare; however, the prevalence of the disease is underestimated because it is commonly misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema and the general awareness is poor. The etiology of the disorder is considered to be multifarious, including genetic inheritance, hormonal imbalance and microcirculation alterations. Diagnosis is mainly based on medical history and physical examination. Management of lipoedema is focused on reducing the symptoms, improving the quality of life and preventing further progression of the disease. The aim of this paper is to raise the awareness of the disease and provide appropriate clinical guidance for the assessment of lipoedema. We searched through the PubMed/MEDLINE database and took into consideration all of the results available as of 6September, 2020 and outlined the current evidence regarding lipoedema epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management. Better understanding of lipoedema is crucial for establishing an early diagnosis and a proper treatment, which in turn will reduce the psychological and physical implications associated with the disease.

The paper describes two clinical examples of successful related liver fragment transplantation for type 1 glycogenosis in a one-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl. The given first successful clinical experience suggests that liver fragments for type 1 glycogenoses can be transplanted from live related donors and offers promise for the radical treatment of patients with this pathology.

Admission Dysfunctions of the lumbosacral spine are among the most common problems related to the movement of contemporary society throughout the world, and its incidence increases with age. In recent years, increased interest in the issues fascia, which until recently was neglected in the etiology of low back pain. One of the therapeutic options that can be applied in the case of chronic pain syndrome lumbar-sacral spine techniques are easing myofascial (ang. Myofascial release, MFR), which is one of the latest methods in the field of manual medicine. Objective of the work The aim of the work was overview AD recently published study on the effectiveness of techniques easing myofascial pain in chronic lumbar-sacral spine. Material and methods To find the current investigate research (publications of the last 5 years) dedicated to MFR in the treatment of chronic pain, lumbar-sacral spine searched the following databases: PubMed, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), ScienceDirect and Academic Search Premier. The following keywords: myofascial release, myofascial release therapy, myofascial pain, chronic low back pain. Results 9 qualified to review the studies investigating the effect of loosening myofascial pain and range of motion, functional limitations, muscles, as well as the quality of life in people with chronic pain lumbosacral spine. Conclusions The results of this review show that there is little research on the MFR employs treat ailments low back pain lumbar - sacral. Based on the studies included in this review can be concluded that the MFR can be an effective treatment for back pain lumbar - sacral, but there is a need for further research with a well-developed research procedure that will allow the standardization of this therapeutic method.

Кантария Р.О., Ватазин А.В., Зулькарнаев А.Б., Степанов В.А. Туберкулез легких и кишечника у реципиента почечного трансплантата. Трансплантология. 2019;11(2):141–149. https://orcid.org/10.23873/2074-0506-2019-11-2-141-149

Comment on the paper “Analysis of reasons for organ donor shortage and the main directions of its overcoming”.

The paper debates over the classification of spondyloarthritis (SpA). The paper «Diagnosis of spondyloarthritis: Should we need new criteria?» published in the journal «Sovremennaya Revmatologiya=Modern Rheumatology Journal» 2015. No. 1 has given occasion to discussion. Of dispute are the paper’s conclusions: «At present most patients with SpA meet ≥2 classification criteria, which gives the chance to state ≥2 nosological entities in the same patient. This demonstrates the need to elaborate diagnostic criteria that can make a clear distinction between different forms of SpA».The author of this publication touches upon its two interrelated disputable aspects: 1) the specific features of the criteria, which have led to this conclusion and 2) the classification peculiarities, i.e. whether SpA is a single clinical polymorphic disease or a group of a few diseases having a certain common sign.

В первом номере журнала «Современная ревматология» за 2015 г. была опубликована статья И.З. Гайдуковой, А.И. Акуловой, А.В. Апаркиной, А.П. Реброва «Диагностика спондилоартрита: нужны ли нам новые критерии?». В ответ на публикацию статьи в третьем номере журнала вышли комментарии профессора Ш.Ф. Эрдеса.

The role of macrophages in chronic periodontitis (CP) is essential, but not well understood. The purpose was a thematic analysis of the literature on contribution of M1/M2 macrophage subpopulations to the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis, and methodology for macrophages study in order to define directions and approaches for further investigations. Our own research findings as well as papers for the topic by searching the electronic databases (the Google Scholar, PMC, PubMed) were analyzed. M1 macrophages can contribute to CP exacerbation, systemic inflammation enhancement, destruction of periodontal ligament, and inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. M2 macrophages are able both to develop tolerance influenced by LPS of periodontopathogens, and to enhance proinflammatory abilities. Experimental depletion of macrophages using clodronate liposomes can prevent the bone resorption. Influences on M1/M2 in CP with the purpose of treatment are not adequately investigated. Polarization of macrophages is regulated by a wide spectrum of recognizing receptors, cytokines, specific signaling pathways and genetic programs, some of which are used as phenotype markers of certain macrophages. The unique molecules for M1/M2 are absent. Phenotypic markers of M1 and M2 show overlap, so markers combinations are used depending on a purpose and type of macrophages or profile/combination of expressed genes. The article lists markers used in various studies for M1/M2 identification. Conclusions. Most of the data on the role of M1/M2 in CP was obtained using monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro and in animal models. This paper highlights the important role of M1 and M2 subpopulations of macrophages in the pathogenesis of CP in humans. The identification of predominant macrophage phenotypes remains elusive, as well as consequences of influences on them. Immunohistochemical methods are indispensable for human studies at the present stage due to availability of biopsy. A prospect for further scientific research is to study the role of M1 and M2 macrophages in CP pathogenesis in humans.

The research was aimed at analyzing modern algorithms for diagnosing lesions in multiple sclerosis on MRI images. Multiple sclerosis is a severe disease of the central nervous system and ranks first among the causes of disability in patients of young working age. In connection with the development of computer vision and machine learning technologies, the relevance of using these technologies for medical diagnostics is growing. Such approaches are necessary for the effective development and implementation of diagnostic systems using artificial intelligence. Modern algorithms and models for lesion segmentation were selected and implemented. Material and methods. The paper presents CV features of diagnosing multiple sclerosis on MRI images, existing data sets: ISBI-2015, MSSEG-2016, MSSEG-2021; existing algorithms and models for lesion segmentation: U-Net, nnU-Net, TransUnet, TransBTS, UNETR, Swin UNETR. Results and discussion. The architectures and models of nnU-Net, UNETR, Swin UNETR were trained and compared at ISBI2015 with various parameters and loss functions. Four MRI sequences were used: T2-WI, T2-FLAIR, PD, MPRAGE. Lesion segmentation was approved by certified experienced neuroradiologists. Conclusions. The approaches described in the paper including data processing, model training, and results analysis, focused on the selection and development of high-quality computer vision algorithms for identifying multiple sclerosis lesions in MRI images. Identification and segmentation of demyelination foci is a necessary step for diagnosing the disease, as well as for calculating and interpreting more meaningful indicators of disease severity and progression.

Pregnancy in the uterus rudimentary horn (PURH) is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that develops in women suffering from abnormalities in the development of growth and fusion of the Mullerian paramesonephral ducts. A literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, eLIBRARY.ru, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE databases using key words “ectopic pregnancy”, “anomaly”, “complication”, “rudimentary uterine horn”, “diagnosis”, “management”. We selected articles published from 2014 to 2022. A methodological filter was not used to exclude the omission of suitable articles. The study included full-text papers and literary reviews on the subject under study, articles that are not directly related to the topic of PURH were excluded. In order to avoid the inclusion of duplicate publications in the literature review, if two papers by the same authors were found, the study period of each author was studied, and if the dates coincided, the most recent publication was selected. Usually, the PURH is overlooked and can lead to such a formidable complication as hemoperitoneum. Diagnosis and treatment of PURH remains a difficult task. Many women with rudimentary uterine horn have an acute rupture of the uterus during pregnancy. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. Clinicians of various specialties should maintain a high degree of vigilance to prevent morbidity associated with this life-threatening condition.

The purpose of this paper was to develop a parent rating scale targeted at screening children in terms of giftedness. 292 parents of gifted and typical students participated in the study. Of the parents, 170 were female while 122 were male. In the study, parents were asked to indicate the prominent characteristics of their gifted children and 10 items were identified after the characteristics were examined by two experts. It was seen to that the items determined were compatible with the items in the parent rating scales in the literature. Content, construct and criterion-related validities were examined while the Cronbach alpha value as a sign of reliability was also examined. Content validity was approved by two experts, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was calculated to determine inter-expert agreement and found to be 0.80. Confirmatory factor analysis results also supported a one-factor solution for an 8-item instrument. A comparison of scores given by parents of gifted and typical students also revealed a significant difference between two groups of the parents in favor of the parents having gifted children. The Cronbach’s alpha value was found to be 0.78, an acceptable value for internal consistency. Therefore, the Short-Form Parent Rating Scale (SFPRS) may be used to screen practically gifted children by the parents without using boring and long instruments. In addition, not checking convergent and divergent validity, test-retest reliability and measurement invariance are seen as the limitations of this paper.

The paper presents the results of a scientometric analytical research on the study of the publication landscape formed by research institutes and scientific-practical centers subordinate to the Moscow Healthcare Department. The study was conducted using the analytical platform SciVal, the data source for which is the database Scopus, the time period was 5 years - from 2017 to 2021. The results obtained in the course of the study indicate a steady growth and positive dynamics of changes in the selected scientometric indicators, as well as a significant contribution of Moscow research institutes and scientific-practical centers to the publication flow of the Moscow Healthcare Department. For the publishing landscape of Moscow medical science, there is a wide variety of subject areas in which its publications are distributed, a significant part of which belongs to highly relevant topic clusters.

Introduction and purpose Non-specific and specific lower back pain syndrome is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal disability and affects more than half of the population worldwide. The aim of this paper is to confront the problem of lumbar pain, possible diagnostic options, conservative and surgical opportunities with long term satisfactory rate. State of knowledge The paper reviews literature on lower back pain syndrome, sciatica, radiculopathy and lumbar disc herniation in regards to detection of the problem, classifying it and possible methods of resolvement. The WHO defines lower back pain as one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal dysfunction and it focuses on reducing the occurrence by programs like WHO Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative, UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and others. The paper also focuses on non surgical options of treatment. Material and method A review of the literature available in the “PubMed” and Google Schoolar was conducted. We focused on differential diagnosis depending on clinical presentation and possible treatment methods depending on symptoms, pathogenesis of the disorder and available procedures. Summary Our review managed to present the current state of development, possible differential diagnosis, prevalence of neural compressions, sciatica and radiculopathy in different diagnostic options. By receiving multiple studies we confront varied opinions of specialists regarding the approach to lower back pain syndrome and favorable forms of care. Additionally we came to the conclusion that the difference of patients' long term satisfactory rate in regards to nonoperative and operative treatment is not significant, and flattens over the years.

Gilbert’s syndrome is the most common inherited jaundice worldwide. It affects 5-10% of the population. It is caused by a mutation of the UGT1A1 gene, which results in impaired bilirubin metabolism. It is a benign disease and does not affect the life expectancy of patients. Patients with Gilbert’s syndrome should be alert to factors that exacerbate the course of the disease, interactions with medications taken and possible comorbidities such as hemolytic anemia, cholelithiasis or schizophrenia. However, it is the responsibility of physicians with such patients under their care to properly educate patients. Gilbert’s syndrome carries not only the consequences associated with the mutation, but also has many benefits that patients may not be fully aware of. Mildly elevated bilirubin levels have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, which prevents the development of lifestyle diseases and cancer. Ongoing clinical trials suggest that this could be a great step toward new treatments for diseases affecting the entire human population. PURPOSE OF THE WORK: This review paper aims to show Gilbert’s syndrome as a multifaceted disease and to sensitize doctors' attention to patients with the described mutation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis of papers available in PubMed and Google Scholar was performed using the following key words: Gilbert’s syndrome, bilirubin, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, Gilbert’s syndrome harmful and protective aspects, iatrogenic Gilbert’s syndrome RESULTS: The result of the work is to present Gilbert’s syndrome as a disease that carries medical problems directly related to the mutation, but also, in some cases, has a protective effect on affected individuals. The work highlights the complexity of the problem.

Introduction and purpose: Diabetes has emerged as a global lifestyle disease, with an alarming rise in cases, particularly of type 2 diabetes. In Poland, over 3 million people are diagnosed, and an estimated 4 million cases are expected by 2030. Effective treatment involves a multifaceted approach, including dietary intervention, physical activity, and pharmacological options. Incretins, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), play a pivotal role in carbohydrate metabolism regulation, and GLP-1 analogs have become essential in managing type 2 diabetes. This paper explores the development and mechanisms of GLP-1 analogs, detailing their impact on insulin secretion, gastric emptying, and weight reduction. Description of the state knowledge: Various GLP-1 receptor agonists, including exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, and the novel tirzepatide, are discussed. These drugs exhibit diverse pharmacokinetics, modes of administration, and effects on glucose metabolism and weight. Despite their efficacy, there is a concerning trend of off-label use, particularly for obesity treatment, leading to shortages for patients with valid prescriptions. This misuse is fueled by para-advertising on social media platforms, contributing to a surge in prescriptions and reimbursement costs. To address this, guidelines for GLP-1 analog use in obesity treatment are proposed, emphasizing the need for a stable drug supply and normalizing drug availability. Summary: In 2023, concerns intensified with reports of counterfeit GLP-1 analogs, prompting regulatory interventions. The paper concludes by underscoring the critical role GLP-1 analogs play in diabetes and obesity treatment, while emphasizing the importance of responsible prescription practices, guidelines adherence, and regulatory vigilance to ensure patient safety and mitigate the risks associated with misuse and counterfeit drugs.

Effective body posture entails the correct alignment of body parts in relation to each other and is crucial for preserving balance, stability, and the efficient operation of muscles and joints. The major types of posture abnormalities such as lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis can lead to alterations in various areas of the body, such as stomatognatic system. The potential correlation between malocclusion and body posture remains a subject of controversy. The aim of this review is to investigate and evaluate the association between posture defects and malocclusion on the basis of literature. This literature review has analyzed 18 studies. Inclusion criteria: clinical researches published after 2010, regarding children and adults. PubMed and Google Scholar has been searched to identify the papers. In 18 analyzed studies, 2133 patients were enrolled (including 979 children aged 4-18). A positive correlation between scoliosis and different types of malocclusion has been proven by six papers. There are also other noteworthy dependencies, such as overjet and pelvic torsion, kyphosis and sagittal position of mandible, skeletal Class III and torticollis, cross bite and scapula plane. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis significantly affects the stomatognathic system, leading to issues like crossbite, crowding, increased overjet, overbite, partial open bite, and midline deviation. Orthopedists should collaborate with orthodontists for comprehensive treatment, particularly during developmental stages.

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.

Introduction and purpose: In our work, we focused on presenting the role of collagen supplementation and its impact on skin and joint health. We considered studies discussing the differences in the effects of collagen from various plant and animal sources. We also examined the influence of the degree of hydrolysis on the absorbability of the supplement. The aim of the paper is to comprehensively summarize knowledge on collagen supplementation, differentiating between its sources and forms. Material and methods: In our paper, we endeavored to address the subject of oral collagen supplementation comprehensively. We explored studies about various forms and sources of collagen. We also delved into the collagen supplementation impact on skin and joints health and impact of additives in enhancing the positive effect of collagen . State of knowledge: Oral collagen supplementation can be beneficial for skin and joints health. It promote collagen synthesis in human body increasing strength of skin and joints. The higher the degree of collagen hydrolysis, the more easily it is absorbed by the body. Additives in the form of vitamin C and A can enhance collagen synthesis. Results and conclusions: This review article indicates a growing interest in oral collagen supplementation and its impact on health. Although there are encouraging findings regarding positive effects, further research is necessary to better understand and determine the optimal conditions for achieving maximum supplementation benefits. This information may be crucial for clinical decisions made by physicians regarding joint reinforcement and anti-aging effects on the skin.

Introduction and purpose The term "probiotic" rooted in Latin, signifies 'for life,' reflecting the historical use of fermented products for therapeutic purposes. While browsing many websites devoted to healthy eating or popular science topics, we often came across the topic of probiotic food without any confirmation by scientific research. The aim of this paper is to confirm or exclude the presence of probiotics in popular foods. State of knowledge The paper reviews literature on the health benefits of various food that is traditionally considered probiotic, focusing on how they impact on varied health conditions. Defined by the WHO as living microorganisms conferring health benefits when consumed adequately, probiotics, mainly bacteria from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, play a vital role in maintaining gut microbiota balance, regulating digestion, supporting the immune system and influencing mental and cardiovascular health. In addition, the paper also searches for scientific basis for their action. Material and methods A review of the literature available in the “PubMed” and Google Schoolar was conducted. We focused on checking whether the microorganisms contained in pickled food meet the WHO criteria for probiotics. Summary Our review managed to prove the probiotic effect of almost all presented food, except for miso. By reviewing many articles, we shed a lot of uncertainty on the repeated myth about the lack of probiotic effect of cucumbers preserved in vinegar and what is more, we found scientific assumptions about the probiotic effect of vinegar itself. Fermented food contains numerous strains of bacteria that are resistant to acid, bile and temperature in the human digestive tract and can be effectively used as a source of probiotics. Additionally, compared to probiotics from the pharmacy, fermented products provide not only probiotics, but also nutritional value, valuable fiber and vitamins, benefiting to our health.

Introduction and purpose: The purpose of this scientific paper is to review the current knowledge of the effects of red wine on human health, particularly with regard to cardiovascular disease. State of Knowledge: Since the 1990s, red wine has gained its status as a health-promoting alcohol through the French Paradox - when drunk in moderate amounts, it protects against cardiovascular disease. The authors have collected scientific papers on the health effects of alcohol, red wine and resveratrol-a polyphenol that is the main component with health-promoting effects of wine. On their basis, they analyzed the assumptions of the positive effects of wine reaching inconclusive conclusions. Summary: Despite the fact that both ethanol and resveratrol have a positive effect in in vitro studies, in population studies their effect is much less significant, either because the negative behavioral-health effects in the case of ethanol are omitted or the actual effective doses of resveratrol are omitted.

Context: Angular gyrus is an anatomical structure of the brain located in the parietal lobe, taking part in writing and reading, language-use, memory and attention and spatial recognition. It is supplied by the angular gyrus artery, which is one of the caudal branches of the middle cerebral artery. One of the clinical pathologies of the angular gyrus artery is the ischemic stroke of the angular gyrus in the dominant hemisphere, responsible for the presence of Gerstmann Syndrome: left-right disorientation, agraphia, alexia, acalculia and finger agnosia. This systematic review aims to present the variety of anomalies of the main cerebral artery and the angular gyrus artery. Objective: Preparing a systematic review of papers describing the course anomalies of the angular gyrus artery. Materials and methods: PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases was searched for phrases: ‘Angular gyrus artery’, ‘Artery of angular gyrus’, ‘Middle cerebral artery branches’, ‘Branches of middle cerebral artery’, ‘Gerstmann Syndrome’ published between years 2015 and 2023. Also 3 papers published before 2000 were used. From the selected 30 papers, 6 were used to prepare this analysis. Results: The middle cerebral artery, from which arises the angular gyrus artery, is marked by a significant variety of its division, mainly the number of the dividing trunks of the artery. Depending on the type of the division, the angular gyrus artery can arise from the upper, middle or lower trunk and vary in sizes. It can also appear as a singular or two separate branches. Instances of the anomaly of both the angular gyrus artery and posterior parietal artery are rare, but reported. Conclusions: The angular gyrus artery is characterised by a number of anomalies in its course, separation from the middle cerebral artery, diameter and branching.

Introduction. The article examines the development of Soviet Kalmykia’s healthcare that was included into the public health system of the USSR. Chronologically, the study covers the Ninth and Tenth five-year plans, fragmentary insights into the Eighth one to yield comparative statistical data. Goals. The work seeks to analyze and reveal some distinct features characterizing the development of Soviet Kalmykia’s healthcare throughout the 1970s as part the then state health agenda. The paper focuses on state policies pursued during the Ninth and Tenth five-year plans, describes the region’s general conditions, some changes in the budget process which directly influenced healthcare in the Republic, composition of capital investments, dynamics of health-related material support, and staffing issues. Materials and methods. The study widely employs the statistical (quantitative) method to trace qualitative and quantitative changes in the health system of the Kalmyk ASSR during the period under consideration. The chronological and retrospective methods make it possible to examine the Republic’s healthcare in actual historical contexts and to implement a retrospective analysis free from any ideological factors. The paper considers documents and statistical material from the State Archive of the Russian Federation, National Archive of Kalmykia, and a number of related publications. Results. The study reveals some key trends in the organization of medical and sanitary services, delineates public health policies in the region and nationwide, delves into the legislative framework that shaped the basis for public health in the whole country. The medical network development of the 1970s delivered qualified medical services to rural inhabitants and dwellers of remote areas. The undertaken measures improved and diversified health maintenance patterns both in region- and district-level treatment/prevention facilities.

Facial neuropathy (FN) is a complex multicausal problem that, with a seemingly obvious clinical picture, might be challenging to diagnose. Up to 5% of FN cases could be caused by neoplastic or otogenic processes, necessitating an interdisciplinary approach to its treatment by various specialties and in some cases a surgical intervention. In addition, in the early stages of FN, it is difficult to predict its outcomes. Therefore, beyond usual neurological exam and widely used electromyography (EMG), other additional diagnostic tools are used to ensure extended diagnosis, including cancer awareness. In this paper we have analyzed the principles, role and value of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with EMG, and ultrasound assessment with a high-frequency linear transducer in acute FN. We present our own clinical cases of pediatric patients with FN, who were assessed with EMG and multiparametric MRI including diffusion tensor imaging. These cases illustrate both the abnormalities found in the typical course of Bell's palsy, as well as the abnormalities in neoplasm-associated FN that clinically fully mimic the Bell's palsy. Based on the world experience in multiparametric MRI, including the use of extended protocols in the Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, in case of suspected FN, the most important are high-resolution structural submillimeter sequences based on the gradient echo (SSFP) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Measurement and assessment of fractional anisotropy at the motor nuclei of the facial nerves in the pons look promising for further research. The paper is the first to describe a modified combination diagnostic approach to Bell's palsy with the use of diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation with round coil, supramaximal stimulation with identification of the motor evoked response threshold (minimal inducer power to register a reproducible evoked motor response of 50-100 mV in amplitude) in the occipito-parietal area of the ipsilateral muscle.

Aim: to provide a literature review of the current conсepts on phenotypic heterogeneity of left ventricular (LV) remodeling in heart failure (HF), and highlight the significance of such a diversity for an implementation of personalized patients` management. This paper is a second part of the review, devoted to the current state of pathophysiology of LV remodeling in HF. Material and methods. The thematic scientific papers, published predominantly during the last decade, constituted the study material. The research methodology involved bibliosemantic method and structural and logical analysis. Results and discussion. HF is a heterogeneous, multifactorial and rising epidemic syndrome. To date, the LV ejection fraction (EF) is used as a substantial criterion for HF classification and management. However, the existing research data has revealed the significant overlapping between different LV EF-based HF patterns in terms of the risk factors, comorbidities and disease modifiers; bidirectional transitions of LV EF due to disease treatment and progression; myocardial fibrosis and dysfunction; effectiveness of neurohumoral inhibitors etc. Moreover, the «spectrum» paradigm has been recently proposed, positioning HF as a spectrum across different phenotypes. Particularly, each HF phenotype is the result of a patient-specific trajectory, being an exceptional and unique «track» for the heart transition towards different remodeling patterns. The HF phenotyping may be an innovative approach to the study of myocardial remodeling and HF, which is potentially an important prerequisite for the development of individualized patients` treatment. Personalized medicine can offer the particular options for managing HF patients, that, in turn, will better identify responders, non-responders, and those at high risk of adverse events, and ultimately improve of the treatment efficacy and safety. Conclusions. The baseline heterogeneity of the structural and functional patients` characteristics, including those describing the LV remodeling, and their dynamic change over time, creates a spectrum across overlapping HF phenotypes, challenging a categorical HF classification based solely on LV EF. Such an approach to treat the HF phenotypic heterogeneity may provide further insights into the pathomechanisms, related to LV remodeling in HF, and has the potential to improve the personalized patients` management.

Introduction and purpose: Apples are a widely consumed fruit globally and are known to be a great source of nutrition. Studies have shown that apples contain high levels of antioxidants, dietary fiber, and vitamins that contribute to numerous health benefits. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the impact of apples on human health. State of knowledge: The paper reviews the current literature on the health benefits of apples, focusing on their impact on various health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, it examines the role of apples in improving intestinal, immune, and cognitive function. The paper also discusses the potential mechanisms by which apples exert their health benefits, such as high levels of flavonoids, polyphenols, and dietary fiber. Summary: In conclusion, the vast body of evidence reviewed in this paper supports the notion that consuming apples regularly can contribute to better health outcomes. They may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, as well as promote healthy gut microbiota and immune function. Despite the controversy surrounding the use of pesticides in apple cultivation, the benefits of consuming apples outweigh the risks. Therefore, it is highly recommended to include apples as part of a balanced and nutritious diet to promote optimal health and wellbeing. As the saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away".

Introduction and aim Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic condition that affects an increasing number of people each year[1]. Healing the ulceration requires cooperation between patients, specialists and scientists in order to achieve satisfactory results. Treating this type of wound is not only a therapeutic challenge[1,2,3,4,5,6], but also an economic one, which is why so much scientific research has already been made on this phenomenon[2,3]. Still scientists continue their quest for new cost-effective alternatives to current therapeutic options that would be consistent with contemporary knowledge and available engineering capabilities in pursuance of creating techniques and new dressings that will accelerate the healing of DFUs[2,3,7,8]. Factors such as stress, obesity, certain medications, and chronic diseases appear to negatively affect the process of repair [1,9,10,4,6,11]. Studies prove that aloe vera gel due to its healing properties, can be considered as a potential dressing that will expedite the mending process of diabetic foot ulceration[12,13,14]. In this paper, we performed a literature review of the applicability of aloe vera in the healing process of DFUs. Materials and methods Searching the available literature, including randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews, we drew on databases focusing on the effects of treatment for diabetic foot ulceration using Aloe vera. Conclusion: The current scientific research on the use of Aloe vera gel in diabetic foot ulcer treatment indicates that this method is safe, effective and inexpensive[2,3]. However the difficulty of treatment and the increasing prevalence of this type of wound pose a challenge to finding new solutions and exploring mechanisms in which aloe vera can have a possible role in the wound healing process. Nevertheless, this paper presents a promising impact of Aloe vera gel applicability in the healing process of diabetic foot ulcer.

Introduction and purpose: Currently, as the frequency of obesity is alarming, the role of many factors that could contribute in preventing and treating this condition are being researched, among them the certain food with beneficial health profiles - one of them is soybeans, specifically the isoflavones it contains. Populations that consume soy are known for lower risk of various disorders - among them obesity. The aim of this paper is to summarize the existing paper about the role of these bioactive components in the treatment of this condition. The search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholarship databases. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Obesity is one of the leading challenges in today’s healthcare as it leads to various chronic diseases that are fraught in consequences. Current knowledge is pointing into the association between composition of the soy isoflavones and the lower risk of obesity. Results of the studies indicate that patients affected with obesity could benefit from introducing soy isoflavones into their diet along with other necessary modifications. Conclusions: Soy isoflavones are potential agents in the holistic obesity treatment. Consumption of isoflavones merits further recognition as foregoing results of conducted studies are pointing to its possibly meaningful role. It is worth mentioning that consumption of soy isoflavones is not only an anti-obese factor, but also presents various other health benefits and when consumed rationally poses no risk to human’s well being. We conclude that further studies would enable us to fully reveal the potential of those polyphenols.

At present, personalised cellular immunotherapy is considered a promising approach to the treatment of malignant neoplasms. The effectiveness of these cellular immunotherapy methods is evaluated in the context of clinical and biological tumour characteristics and the state of the immune system of a particular patient. One of the immunotherapy options for cancer is the development of autologous dendritic cell vaccines.The aim of this study was to analyse current methodological approaches to the evaluation of the quality, efficacy, and safety of dendritic cell cancer vaccines.This review describes the functional role of dendritic cells in immune response regulation. The paper presents the results of literature analysis covering current approaches to obtaining dendritic cell vaccines with specific characteristics, quality assessment, studies of the anti-tumour efficacy of cell therapy products, and the experience of conducting non-clinical and clinical studies. The review highlights specific aspects of international experience in the registration and clinical use of cell therapy products. The authors discuss methodological approaches to non-clinical studies of dendritic cell vaccines, which should aim to obtain information to select the dose, route, and mode of administration and to identify immunological markers correlating to the clinical efficacy of cell therapy products. The paper covers international experience in conducting clinical trials of dendritic cell vaccines for various malignant neoplasms. The authors propose a list of quality attributes of human somatic cell-based medicinal products for further clinical use.

Introduction and purpose of the work. Aesthetic medicine currently has many methods to keep our skin in the best possible condition, and one of these methods is the use of tissue stimulators. The purpose of the following paper is to analyze, present and apply tissue stimulators in anti-aging prevention. Review methods. The paper is based on a review of literature about tissue stimulators, aesthetic medicine and anti-aging therapy. Most of the publications used were from Pubmed and Google Scholar electronic databases. State of the art description. Aesthetic medicine is a department that over the past few years has been closely associated with the slowing down of skin aging processes. In humans, over the years, proliferative processes slow down, the rate of collagen and elastin degradation increases, and the intercellular matrix is reduced. Substances known as tissue stimulators used in anti-aging therapies mean that the above processes can be delayed. Conclusion. The expectations of patients visiting aesthetic medicine clinics regarding activities that improve their appearance are increasing. They are unable to accept their own aesthetic defects, which is why they often strive for unnatural effects. Tissue simulator treatments can be a valuable way for patients to maintain healthy and rejuvenated skin.

Introduction: Xenotransplantology, the field of transplantation involving organs or tissues between different species, holds great promise for addressing the global organ shortage crisis. However, the development of new technologies without proper legislative preparation raises significant moral and ethical considerations. This paper provides an overview of the current state of xenotransplantology, highlighting its revolutionary potential alongside the moral dilemmas it entails. Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to assess current social, ethical, religious, and legal trends regarding the issue of xenotransplantation. Materials and methods: To obtain up-to-date information concerning trends in xenotransplantation, a review of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, along with the latest legislative reports in both Europe and Poland, was performed. Conclusions: Firstly, the authors briefly report on the current situation concerning transplantology and the widely spread organ donor crisis. Next, the issue of species boundaries and the moral status of non-human animals is addressed. The assessment of ethical implications of utilizing animals as organ donors is examined, along with the legal acts regulating this issue. Moreover, the authors attempt to evaluate the cultural and religious differences related to this concern. Furthermore, this study discusses the allocation and distribution of xenotransplants, considering issues of justice, fairness, and access to this innovative medical technology. Lastly, the paper delves into the risks and uncertainties associated with xenotransplantation, including the possibility of cross-species disease transmission and intensified course of organ rejection disease.

Introduction and Purpose: Coeliac disease is an increasingly prevalent disorder worldwide. It is estimated to affect about 1% of the population and its symptoms heavily impact people's lives. The aim of this paper is to delve into the topic of coeliac disease and present basic information about its origins, current diagnostic methods, and the challenges associated with its treatment. This article includes all the necessary information from up-to-date sources. State of Knowledge: Coeliac disease was discovered a long time ago, but it is still not completely understood. Every year, new research is published regarding different populations in various countries. While we know more about the disease, its symptoms, and causes, we are still far from fully understanding all the inflammatory processes occurring in the human body. There is solid evidence that this enteropathy is caused by gluten, and the only way to reduce the clinical manifestation of coeliac disease is to adhere to a gluten-free diet. However, some patients do not benefit from this type of diet and still suffer from coeliac disease. New drugs currently being developed offer hope for these individuals, as they attempt to target the immunological reaction and mitigate the immune response in the small intestine. Conclusion: As approximately 1% of the population suffers from this disease, it is crucial to diagnose patients in the early stages of its development. Early diagnosis can prevent the development of other disorders that coexist with coeliac disease, which can be particularly dangerous, especially for children. This paper provides up-to-date information about the clinical manifestations of the disease, as well as methods of diagnosis.

The aim of this paper is to create a model for predicting heart failure mortality using the decision tree method, and to apply it to a specific set of information using the RapidMiner data analysis platform. Due to the rapid pace of medical development, there is an urgent need to provide recommendations derivedfrom filtering the entire set of medical data. It becomes difficult for patients to make the right decision due to the huge variety of treatments and ways to improve their lifestyle. This necessitates the emergence of predictive methods that aim to offer the patient the most accurate choice according to specific complaints instead of wandering among multiple random choices with varying degrees of significance in reality. Event prediction methods extract the most vital information from a huge data set, "reading" the patient's problems and suggesting the most appropriate treatment for him/her. Most patients are late in taking the necessary care of their own health, and they realize the importance ofprevention at a later stage. If every person couldpredict what might happen to him/her later in life, he/she would be much more cautious and make more timely efforts for his/her health. The need for decision-making in clinical practice often has important long-term consequences [1]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to investigate dependence of the seasonal dynamics of HS (hemorrhagic strokes) and IS (ischemic strokes) risk on sex and age using meta-analysis. In total, 22 publications were selected for this meta-analysis, studying the seasonal dynamics of HS, of which 8 publications presented statistics separately for men and women, and three papers presented statistics for different age groups. Also, 28 publications studying the seasonal dynamics of IS were selected for meta-analysis, of which 11 publications presented statistics separately for men and women, and three papers presented statistics for different age groups. The meta-analysis of the seasonal dynamics of HS showed that HS risk is less likely in a warmer season compared with a colder one. In men, HS risk was the highest in winter and spring, and in women in winter. Dependence between HS risk and a decrease in air temperature was the same in men and women. According to the results of the meta-analysis (without regard to sex and age), the minimum probability of IS occurs in autumn. In women, IS risk was significantly higher in winter compared to other seasons. In men, the seasonal dynamics of IS was not expressed. In older people, the overall risk of stroke increased, especially IS. In people over 65 years of age, there was a significant dependence of an increase in HS risk on a decrease in air temperature. In people younger than 65 years, HS risk was not associated with cold. A decrease in temperature equally increased IS risk in both age groups. These results suggest that sex and age may influence the seasonal stroke risk.

The analytical review presents the clinical, neurobiological, and neuropsychological aspects of post-stroke aphasia as well as the role of the right hemisphere in speech recovery. The paper shows the influence of size, topography, lesion depth, cerebral hemodynamic plasticity, initial morphometric characteristics of the brain, and handedness on the functional recovery of aphasia. The review considers the typology and mechanisms of the appearance of "stealing symptoms" of homologous and non-homologous regions of the intact hemisphere. The "low-level" and "high-level" models of language competence of the right hemisphere are analyzed. The study describes the topography of the brain activation regions in the intact hemisphere during various speech task-solving. The paper shows the heterochrony between impressive and expressive speech recovery in aphasics and its bilateral inter-lateral distribution. The authors conclude that to clarify the mechanisms of aphasia recovery, it is necessary for a comprehensive account of clinical, neurobiological and neuropsychological patterns of speech disorder reparation in different post-stoke epochs. The paper notices that a deeper understanding of the impact of structural and functional repairment of speech processes on the aphasia outcome, it needs to assess the relationship between the degree of speech disorders reduction and the lateral vector of speech architectonics in the post-stroke period.

This article focuses on the promotional aspects related to the tourist attractiveness of the neighboring countries-Poland and Slovakia. The purpose of the article is to analyze the issue in question and point out the importance of the search for ways to increase the effectiveness of management of the area of tourism promotion in both countries. The authors used an empirical research method with quantitative-statistical and qualitative studies on specific promotional campaigns. The Olympic Games have the greatest marketing potential among sporting events, as the most important sporting event in the world. The possibility of organizing such an event in Poland and Slovakia would certainly serve to improve the recognition rates of both countries. The authors will try to demonstrate this potential as part of the considerations in this article. Acknowledgement: This paper was supported by the project NP-KSV-ET-01-2023-12/ST - International cooperation in the field of development, management and law in tourism and sports between the Republic of Poland and Slovak Republic. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and should not be taken as reflecting the position of any authority, entity or institution. This article presents the legal status as of 25 March 2023.

Oral mucosa is an inner lining of oral cavity, which maintains different functions including protection of epithelial integrity. Pathology of oral mucosa can develop in response to the action of pathogenic microorganisms, viruses, and various traumatic factors; it can be a result of systemic pathology of a patient as well. Pain and discomfort usually accompanies such conditions leading to decrease of patient wellbeing. The basis of the pharmacological regulation of the regeneration process is the stimulation of wound healing. The aim is to summarize and discuss the spectrum of remedy options that are used to stimulate epithelization of oral mucosa. The overall goal of the paper is to provide full and comprehensive information for dentists and their patients about medicament variety, ways of theirs application and dosage. Methods. Relevant literature from MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and in open access journals which are published by Elsevier was selected using the following key words «oral mucosa», «epithelization», and «remedy» were used in various combinations by the year of 2023. In total there were found 48 papers. To the selected scientific papers we applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria to choose the relevant ones. Conclusions. A significant number of drugs for the treatment of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity are available nowadays on dental market. Numerous studies substantiates the effectiveness of their use in dentistry. Therefore, when choosing pharmacological drugs, preference is given to drugs with a complex effect, which locally affect various links of the pathogenetic mechanism of the occurrence of diseases and do not disturb human wellbeing.