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Mössbauer (nuclear gamma-resonance) spectroscopy was used to study various industrial samples of vitamins and dietary supplements containing iron ions, which are used in the anemia treatment. Determination of the iron state (Fe2+ or Fe3+) in medicaments is important for the pharmaceuticals evaluation quality. The investigated samples contain ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconiate and ferric diphosphate. 57Fe hyperfine parameters of the studied pharmaceuticals indicate that there exist major iron ferrous and ferric compounds. However, Mossbauer spectra of the investigated samples demonstrated the presence of additional ferrous and ferric components, probably related to impurities or to a partially modified main component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of thin-walled elements, especially those with large overall dimensions, poses numerous technological and operational problems. One of these problems relates to the machining-induced strain of such elements resulting from residual stress generated during the machining process. This study investigates the effect of the technological parameters of milling on residual stress in the surface layer of thin-walled plates made of aluminum alloy EN AW-2024 T351 for aerospace applications. The results have shown that residual stress increases with the cutting speed only to a certain point, reaching the maximum value at v c = 750 m/min. At a cutting speed v c = 900 m/min, residual stress significantly decreases, which probably results from the fact that the milling process has entered the High-Speed Cutting range, and this inference agrees with the results obtained for the cutting force component. Residual stress increases with the feed per tooth, while the relationship between residual stress and milling width is the same as that established for residual stress and variable cutting speed. Positive tensile stress is obtained in every tested case of the milling process. The results have also shown that the induced residual stress affects the strain of machined thin-walled parts, as proved by the strain results obtained for milled thin walls.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the long-lasting influences of World War II (WWII) trauma in a national sample of Poles, based on Danieli's (1998) survivors' post-trauma adaptational styles (fighter, numb, victim) and their link with current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and embodiment level among participants. We also sought to investigate whether the level of knowledge about WWII trauma among ancestors could moderate that association. The study was conducted among a representative sample of 1598 adult Poles obtained from an external company. Participants filled out the Danieli Inventory of Multigenerational Legacies of Trauma, the knowledge about traumatic World War II experiences in the family questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale-5, and the Experience of Embodiment Scale. We observed a positive relationship between all survivors' post-trauma adaptational styles and current levels of PTSD symptoms among participants. In addition, PTSD level mediated the relationships between those adaptational styles and embodiment intensity; that mediation was additionally moderated by a lack of knowledge about WWII trauma among ancestors in our participants. Our study adds to the literature on intergenerational trauma by highlighting the importance of evaluating embodiment in understanding the mechanisms of trauma transmission. Furthermore, it highlights the moderating effect of knowledge of family history in this mechanism and the need to share family histories with subsequent generations., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

Misophonia is a type of disorder characterized by decreased sound tolerance. While it typically begins in childhood, research on its characteristics in this population is limited. We assessed 90 children aged 7-18 with and without misophonia, along with their mothers, using interviews, questionnaires, and performance-based tests. Younger children with misophonia were more likely to use aggression in response to triggers than older, while adolescents largely reported self-harm during triggers. Children with misophonia did not differ from their peers in terms of ADHD, ODD, ASD, dyslexia, social and emotional competencies, head injuries, epilepsy, tinnitus, being prematurely born, or delivered via cesarean sections. However, they had significantly higher symptoms of anxiety and depression, more frequent occurrences of OCD, migraines, and psychosomatic complaints. Their mothers self-reported postpartum depression significantly more frequently than mothers in the control group. There is a need for further research on pediatric misophonia, with the involvement and assessment of parents., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: There is a lack of studies on trauma exposure and PTSD prevalence in Poland on representative samples. Available data from studies on convenient samples show very high rates of probable PTSD compared with relevant estimates in other countries., Objective: This study aimed to measure the exposure to self-report traumatic events (PTEs) and to estimate the current rate of prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in accordance with DSM-5 criteria in a population-based sample of Poles. Additionally, the link between PTSD intensity and level of life satisfaction was investigated., Method: A representative sample of 1,598 adult Poles was recruited. Probable PTSD was assessed with the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5 (PDS-5) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was also used., Results: The findings showed that 60.3% of Poles had experienced at least one PTE and 31.1% of those who had been exposed to trauma reported symptoms of PTSD. At the level of the entire sample, the obtained rate for probable PTSD was 18.8%. The traumatic events with the highest probabilities of PTSD symptoms were child abuse and sexual assault. Levels of life satisfaction were significantly lower in the group of participants with probable PTSD., Conclusions: We found that the current prevalence of probable PTSD in Poland is intriguingly high relative to rates reported in comparable representative samples from other countries across the world. Possible mechanisms are discussed, including a lack of social acknowledgement of WWII and other traumas as well as poor access to trauma-focused care. We hope that this research may inspire more studies investigating cross-national differences in PTSD and trauma exposure., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Rzeszutek et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The aim of this paper is to analyse the effect of the selected geometric properties of thin-walled structures on post-machining deformations. In the study, EN AW-7075 T651 and EN AW-6082 T651 aluminium alloys were used to prepare specially designed thin-walled sample elements, i.e., elements with walls arranged in a semi-open and closed structure and with a dimension of 165 × 262 × 50.8 mm consisting of bottom and vertical stiffening walls and so-called ribs with a thickness of 1 mm. The measurements of the absolute deformations of the thin-walled bottom were performed with the use of a Vista coordinate-measuring machine by Zeiss with a PH10 head by Renishaw. Based on the obtained results, it was found that absolute deformation values were higher for walls arranged in a semi-open structure. It is related to a lower rigidity of the tested structure resulting from the lack of a stiffening wall, which is the so-called "rib". Notwithstanding the geometry of the elements, greater absolute deformation values were recorded following conventional cutting methods. The use of high-speed cutting (HSC) provided positive outcomes in terms of minimising the deformation of thin-walled elements. Additionally, it was found that higher absolute deformations were obtained for EN AW-7075 T651 alloy.

The paper presents an evaluation of post-machining deformations of thin-walled elements as regards the mechanical properties of the applied, rolled semi-finished products. Nowadays, wrought aluminum alloys, supplied primarily in the form of rolled plates, are widely applied in the production of thin-walled integral parts. Considering the high requirements for materials, especially in the aviation sector, it is important to be aware of their mechanical properties and for semi-finished products delivered after plastic working to take into account the so-called "technological history" concerning, inter alia, the direction of rolling. The study focused on determining the influence of the ratio of the tension direction to the rolling direction on the selected mechanical properties of the EN AW-2024 T351 aluminum alloy depending on the sample thickness and its relation to the deformation of thin-walled parts. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the sample thickness and the ratio of the tension direction to the rolling direction affected the mechanical properties of the selected aluminum alloy, which in turn translated into post-machining deformations. Summarizing, the textured surface layer had a significant impact on the mentioned deformation. Greater deformations were noted for samples made of a semi-finished product with a thickness of 5 mm in comparison to 12 mm. It was the result of the influence of the surface layer, which at lower thickness had a higher percentage of contents than in thicker samples.

In modern constructions, especially aircraft, the aim is to minimize the weight of the components used. This necessitates the use of innovative construction materials, or the production of these parts with ever-decreasing wall thicknesses. To simplify assembly and improve strength properties, so-called structural elements are being used in the form of monolithic elements, which are replacing the assemblies of parts joined by, for example, riveting. These structures often have a complex, thin-walled geometry with deep pockets. This paper attempts to assess the accuracy of manufacturing thin-walled elements, in the shape of walls with different geometries, made of various aluminum alloys. Machining tests were conducted at different cutting speeds, which allowed comparisons of the geometric accuracy of parts manufactured under conventional and high-speed cutting conditions. Based on the result obtained, it was found that the elements made of EN AW-7075 T651 alloy underwent the greatest deformations during machining in comparison to other two materials (EN AW-6082 T651 and EN AC-43000). An increase in the geometrical accuracy of the manufactured elements was also observed with the increase in the cutting speed for the HSC range. Hence, to minimize the postmachining deformation of thin-walled elements, the use of high-speed cutting is justified.

This paper presents the analysis of cutting force during surface layer milling of selected aluminium alloys, which are widely used in the aviation industry. The cutting force is one of the most important parameters determining the machinability of the material and also provides important information about the course of the cutting. The study analysed the influence of the technological parameters, i.e., cutting speed v c and depth of cut a p as well as the relation between cutting tool feed direction and rolling direction on the value of cutting force during milling of selected aluminium alloys, i.e., EN AW-2017A T451 and EN AW-2024 T351. The material anisotropy is a very important issue, since the engineering industry faces enormous problems related to the cutting of the tested materials that are usually supplied in the form of rolled plates. The surface layer was cut due to the fact that it accumulates the greatest residual stresses. The measurement process of cutting force was performed by using 9257B Kistler piezoelectric dynamometer. As part of the analysis of the results, the measurement uncertainty was also estimated, which was determined on the basis of two components obtained by using the A and B methods, respectively.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum metabolomic biomarkers and brain in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) biomarkers in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) as well as to investigate compound concentration changes by comparing the results with healthy control subjects. Univariate statistical analysis of the serum showed significant differences in the levels of phenylalanine, tyrosine, lysine, glutamine, glutamate, acetone, acetate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, and 1-monoacylglycerol (1-MAG) between the PD patient group and the control group. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis showed significantly different compound concentrations of acetate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glutamine, tyrosine, 1-MAG and testosterone. In vivo MRS of the putamen showed significantly higher concentrations of glutamine/glutamate complex and glutamine in patients with PD in comparison to control subjects. Following disrupted metabolic pathways in patients with PD were identified: dopamine synthesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, the metabolism of pyruvate, arginine, proline, alanine, aspartate, glutamate, tyrosine and phenylalanine. The obtained results may indicate changes in neurotransmission, disturbances in energy production and an altered cell membrane structure., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The paper presents the influence of the milling strategy, the relation between the cutting tool feed direction and the rolling direction, as well as the pre-machining consisting of the removal of the textured surface layer of rolled plates in the rolling process on the thin-walled elements deformations made of the EN AW-2024 T351 wrought aluminium alloy, after milling. The research used strategies such as: high-performance cutting (HPC), high-speed cutting (HSC) and conventional milling (CM), as well as their combinations. Another tested variable was the relation between the tool feed direction and the rolling direction. In addition, the tests were carried out in the following versions: leaving the textured surface layer created after plastic working and with its removal with technological parameters corresponding to HSC and CM. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the post-machining deformation of thin-walled elements can be minimised owing to the use of a selected milling strategy and its combination with pre-machining (or lack thereof). It was also observed that larger deformations were obtained for samples after milling in the direction perpendicular to the rolling direction.

The paper examines the impact of selected machining techniques and the semi-finished product technological history on deformations of thin-walled elements made of EN AW-2024 T351 aluminium alloy after milling. The following techniques have been implemented: High Performance Cutting, High Speed Cutting, conventional finishing (CF) and combinations of these techniques. As for the semi-finished product technological history, the rolling direction has been analysed. It has been assumed that it can be relevant in relation to the cutting tool feed direction and, in consequence, exert considerable impact on the stress, as well as deformation following machining. The interest in this issue proceeds from significant challenges faced by the industry, particularly in the aerospace sector. The analysis of results obtained has shown that milling in the direction perpendicular to the rolling direction results in larger deformations than milling in the parallel direction. Additionally, it has been revealed that applying a correctly selected machining technique makes it possible to minimise post-machining deformations of thin-walled elements.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of individual and combined single-nucleotide polymorphisms in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine transporter (DAT), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genes with the occurrence of motor levodopa-induced complications (MLIC) in Parkinson's disease (PD)., Materials and Methods: We studied 76 patients with PD (MLIC occurred in 56.6%) and 60 controls. Allelic discrimination of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met), rs397595 DAT (SLC6A3), and rs4680 COMT (Val158Met) genes were genotyped. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using multinominal logistic regression. Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) analysis and OPLS discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to analyze qualitative genetic data., Results: The risk of PD in subjects with the AG BDNF genotype was increased sixfold (OR = 6.12, 95% CI = 2.88-13.02, p < .0001), and AG BDNF and AG DAT genotypes were correlated with PD in OPLS-DA (VIP > 1). There were no differences in distributions of BDNF, DAT and COMT genotypes between PD groups with and without MLIC, while OPLS model showed that genotype combination of AG BDNF, AG DAT, and GG COMT was correlated with MLIC and genotypes combination of GG BDNF, AA DAT, and AA COMT with lack of MLIC in PD patients (VIP > 1)., Conclusions: Our results confirmed the association of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met) with the risk of PD and suggest a synergic effect of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met), rs397595 DAT (SLC6A3), and rs4680 COMT (Val158Met) polymorphisms on the occurrence of MLIC., (© 2020 The Authors. Brain and Behavior published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The research paper presents the tribological aspects of cutting tool wear during the turning of stainless steels. An experiment was conducted in order to assess the wear of carbide cutting inserts with CVD-applied anti-wear coatings (CNMG 12 04 08 ZSZ and CNMA 12 04 12-KR 3205) and an uncoated ceramic cutting insert (CNGA 12 04 08 T0102 WG 650). The test subject included the following stainless steel grades X20Cr13 (1.4021) and X8CrNiS18-9 (1.4305). The analysis involved the direct wear indicator, VB Bmax , and the indirect wear indicator, which was the roughness of machined surfaces and the Ra parameter. Based on the obtained results for both X20Cr13 and X8CrNiS18-9 steels, it was noticed that the best durability was exhibited by the CNMG 12 04 08 ZSZ insert, whereas the worst durability was identified for the CNGA 12 04 08 T0102 WG 650 insert. When analysing the results obtained with the VB Bmax direct indicator, it was observed that in the case of each of the insert, most often the course of their wear was of nature similar to linear. Comparing the VB Bmax direct indicator with the indirect indicator, namely, the measured Ra parameter, it was concluded that they were convergent. Upon the deterioration of the surface quality, greater values of the selected geometric measure of wear on the flank face were also identified.

Context: Female football is becoming an increasingly popular women's team sports discipline around the world. The Women's Football Committee in the Polish Football Association has developed a long-term strategic plan to popularize the discipline across the country and enhance girls' participation. On one hand, it is postulated to increase the number of female footballers, and on the other hand, it is crucial to decrease the number of girls quitting football prematurely., Objective: To find the reasons for sports career termination among female football players., Design: Cross-sectional with retrospective information about reasons of career termination., Setting: Online questionnaire was filled out by online access., Participants: Ninety-three former female footballers., Main Outcome Measures: Factors leading to career termination., Methods: Participants completed the online questionnaire. The analysis was performed referring to 2 groups: "injury group"-in which the injury was the main reason for quitting football, and "other group"-in which the female player stopped playing football due to all other factors., Results: Thirty percent of former Polish female football players terminated their career due to a long-term treatment for an injury. Over 27% (27.7%) females had ended their careers because they were not able to reconcile sports with work/studying. Over 10% (10.8%) of former football players reported that becoming a wife and/or mother was the reason for career termination. Losing motivation and interest in the sport was reported by 9.2% (n = 6) of present study participants who decided to terminate the career due to noninjury reasons., Conclusions: The results clearly show that more effort is needed to support female football players, especially after an injury, so that they do not quit the sport voluntarily.

Objective: To measure the sensitivity and specificity of differences cut-off values for isokinetic Hcon/Qcon ratio in order to improve the capacity to evaluate (retrospectively) the injury of hamstring muscles in professional soccer screened with knee isokinetic tests., Design: Retrospective study., Methods: Medical and biomechanical data of professional football players playing for the same team for at least one season between 2010 and 2016 were analysed. Hamstring strain injury cases and the reports generated via isokinetic testing were investigated. Isokinetic concentric(con) hamstring(H) and quadriceps(Q) absolute strength in addition with Hcon/Qcon ratio were examined for the injured versus uninjured limbs among injured players, and for the injured and non-injured players. 2 x 2 contingency table was used for comparing variables: predicted injured or predicted uninjured with actual injured or actual uninjured. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratio were calculated for three different cut-off values (0.47 vs. 0.6 vs. 0.658) to compare the discriminative power of an isokinetic test, whilst examining the key value of Hcon/Qcon ratio which may indicate the highest level of ability to predispose a player to injury. McNemar's chi2 test with Yates's correction was used to determine agreement between the tests. PQStat software was used for all statistical analysis, and an alpha level of p <0.05 was used for all statistical comparisons., Results: 340 isokinetic test reports on both limbs of 66 professional soccer players were analysed. Eleven players suffered hamstring injuries during the analysed period. None of these players sustained recurrence of hamstring injury. One player sustained hamstring strain injury on both legs, thus the total number of injuries was 12. Application of different cut-off values for Hcon/Qcon significantly affected the sensitivity and specificity of isokinetic test used as a tool for muscle injury detection. The use of 0.47 of Hcon/Qcon as a discriminate value resulted in significantly lower sensitivity when compared to 0.658 threshold (sensitivity of 16.7% vs. 91.7%, respectively; t = 6.125,p = 0.0133). Calculated values of specificity (when three different cut-off were applied) were also significantly different. Threshold of 0.6 of Hcon/Qcon resulted with significantly lower specificity compared to 0.47 value (specificity of 46.9% vs. 94.5%, respectively; t = 153.0,p<0.0001), and significantly higher specificity when compared to 0.658 (specificity of 46.9% vs. 24.1%, respectively; t = 229.0, p<0.0001)., Conclusion: The use of different cut-off values for Hcon/Qcon significantly affected the sensitivity and specificity of isokinetic testing. The interpretation of usefulness of isokinetic test as a screening tool in a group of male professional football players to predict hamstring injury occurrence within the next 12 months might be therefore significantly biased due to the different threshold values of Hcon/Qcon. Using one "normative" value as a cut-off (e.g. 0.47 or 0.60, or 0.658) to quantify soccer players (or not) to the group with a higher risk of knee injury might result in biased outcomes due to the natural strength asymmetry that is observed within the group of soccer players.

The indoxyl sulfate (IS, indoxyl sulphate) is the end product of dietary tryptophan degradation by indole pathway and significantly higher serum and tissue concentrations of this compound is observed in patients with impaired renal function. Despite the high albumin binding affinity, the remaining free fraction of IS has a number of biological effects related to the generation of oxidative stress andactivation of signaling pathways related to NF-кB, p53 protein, STAT3, TGF-β and Smad2/3. IS induces the inflammatory process, exerts nephrotoxic activity and is also a factor impairing the cardiovascular system.Its high concentrations are associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular incidents, whose frequency is significantly higher in patients with chronic kidney disease. Evaluation of the mechanisms that underlie the high reactivity of indoxyl sulfate and its biological effects showed that this compound is an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This receptor plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis Moreover, AhR exerts high transcriptional activity, so ligands of obciążethis receptor may exert different biological effects. The following paper describes the role of indoxyl sulfate as AhR ligand in the context of the excessive accumulation, which appears as one of the symptoms associated with chronic kidney disease.

We report a case of deep brain stimulation (DBS) hardware failure due to emergently performed subcutaneous coronary angioplasties complicated by cardioversion for rapid worsening of angina pectoris and some trouble shooting problems emerged after invasive cardiovascular procedures. The patient with prior implantation of permanent pacemaker due to vasovagal syndrome underwent successful left-sided unilateral electrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus. During 21 months follow-up period the patient experienced 2 times episodes of aggravation of unstable angina pectoris 15 and 21 months respectively, which necessities emergent coronary angioplasties. After the first emergently performed coronary angioplasty with cardioversion the interrogation of DBS system revealed the depletion of an internal pulse generator (IPG). The secondly performed coronary angioplasty complicated by ventricular tachyarrhythmia with DBS system switched on during emergent cardioversion resulted in partial dysfunction of DBS electrode. Patients harboring cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and DBS systems require special attention and good cooperation of neurosurgeons, interventional cardiologist, and neurologist. Some emergently performed invasive cardiovascular procedures which necessities cardioversion may cause DBS hardware failure with subsequent worsening of movement disorder symptoms., (Copyright © 2017 Polish Neurological Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.)

Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has challenged the hypothesis of close interaction between bone and VC what raises the possibility of a common underlying pathophysiological mechanism. Lately, bone regulatory proteins such as: osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor κB Ligand (RANKL) has attracted attention of researchers as a possible key mediators of bone-vascular calcification imbalance. The literature search was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed database and a combination of keywords and MeSH terms, and only papers published since January 2005 to July 2016 were selected. The search resulted in 562 potential articles. After selection according to the eligibility criteria, 107 studies fulfilled were included (102 full texts and 5 was case reports). OPG and RANKL plays essential role in the regulation of bone metabolism and may be regarded as a possible link between VC, bone and mineral metabolism in CKD patients. Further studies are required to determine the diagnostic significance of these proteins in evaluation of progression and severity of VC process in CKD patients. Finally, the efficacy and safety, especially in regard to VC, of anti-RANKL therapy in CKD patients requires well-designed prospective, randomized trials., (Copyright © 2016 Medical University of Bialystok. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this study was to synthesize a series of new N-Mannich bases derived from 4,4-diphenylpyrrolidin-2-one having differently substituted 4-phenylpiperazines as potential anticonvulsant agents with additional (beneficial) pharmacological properties., Methods: The target compounds 8-12 were prepared in one step from the 4-substituted phenylpiperazines, paraformaldehyde, and synthesized 4,4-diphenylpyrrolodin-2-one (7) by a Mannich-type reaction. The obtained compounds were assessed and tested for their anticonvulsant activity in two screening mouse models of seizures, i.e., the maximal electroshock (MES) test and in the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test. The effect of these compounds on animals' motor coordination was measured in the rotarod test. A selected 4,4-diphenyl-1-((4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)pyrrolidin-2-one (8) was evaluated in vivo for its anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like properties. Its impact on animals' locomotor activity was also evaluated., Results: Compound 8 showed protection (25%) in the MES and in the scPTZ tests at the dose of 100mg/kg and was not neurotoxic. In the four-plate test, compound 8 at the dose of 30mg/kg showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) anxiolytic-like activity. In the forced swim test, it reduced the immobility time by 24.3% (significant at p<0.05), which indicates its potential antidepressant-like properties. In the locomotor activity test, compound 8 significantly reduced animals' locomotor activity by 79.9%., Conclusion: The results obtained make a new derivative of 4,4-diphenyl-1-((4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)pyrrolidin-2-one (8) a promising lead structure for further development., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o.)

Unlabelled: Chronic treatment with levodopa in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with the risk of development of motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, i.e. motor levodopa-induced complications (MLIC)., Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate factors influencing prevalence of MLIC in PD patients., Materials and Methods: 76 patients with idiopathic PD were included in the study. Theirs mean disease duration was 10,33 years and mean levodopa therapy duration was 8,65 years. The most common drug regimen was levodopa with ropinirole. The patients were evaluated using Hoehn and Yahr scale, UPDRS II, III, and were qualified for 4 clinical subtypes according to van Rooden at al. classification., Results and Conclusions: The prevalence of MLIC was 54% with their mean duration of 3,34 years. MLIC were influenced by higher levodopa equivalent dose, younger age at onset, younger age, longer disease duration, and longer levodopa therapy regardless of PD clinical subtype. Although women had more advanced disease according to Hoehn and Yahr score, sex did not influence MLIC. The incidence of MLIC in both sexes was probably leveled by inclusion of sex as a risk factor of MLIC in treatment strategy. Therefore modifiable MLIC risk factors should be investigated in different PD populations., (© 2016 MEDPRESS.)

Mineral metabolism disturbances are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and have been classified as a new clinical entity, also known as CKD-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD). A decrease in the bone strength, whose clinical manifestation is a tendency for fracture, has been recognized as an important component of CKD-MBD. Because of ethical issues, measurements of the bone strength in the human body are usually limited to noninvasive techniques, such as radiography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and the assays of bone turnover biomarkers. However, it has been postulated recently that the evidence concerning bone strength based solely on the determination of the bone quantity may be insufficient and that bone quality should also be examined. In this regard, an animal model of CKD can represent an experimental tool to test the effectiveness of new therapeutic strategies. Despite the many available methods that are used to diagnose metabolic bone disorders and predict fracture risk especially in small rodents with CKD, it turns out that the most appropriate are biomechanical tests, which can provide information about the structural and material properties of bone. The present review summarizes and discusses the principles for carrying out selected biomechanical tests (3-point bending test and compression test) and their application in clinical practice., (© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

In the paper we are analyzing the Polish ART market. It can be noticed that the lack of legal regulation has resulted in many discrepancies among the policies adopted by various ART agencies. The social acceptance of ART procedures available mostly in private clinics led to growing commercialization of the Polish ART market. Additionally, the language of gift and altruistic rhetoric that are overwhelmingly employed by ART agencies reveals hypocrisy of the Polish ART market.

Based upon promising preclinical studies, a clinical trial was performed in which encapsulated cells overexpressing cytochrome P450 enzyme isoform 2B1 were implanted around malignant mammary tumours arising spontaneously in dogs. The dogs were then given cyclophosphamide, one of the standard chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of mammary tumours. The dogs were assessed for a number of clinical parameters as well as for reduction in tumour size. The treatment was well tolerated with no evidence of adverse reactions or side effects being associated with the administration of the encapsulated cells. Reductions in tumour size of more than 50% were observed for 6 out of the 11 tumours analysed while 5 tumours showing minor responses, i.e. stable disease. In contrast, the tumours that received cyclophosphamide alone showed only stable disease. Taken together, this data suggests that encapsulated cytochrome P450 expressing cells combined with chemotherapy may be useful in the local treatment of a number of dog mammary tumours and support the performance of further clinical studies to evaluate this new treatment.

Instrumental methods of tremor investigation can be used in differential diagnosis between essential and parkinsonian tremor in uncertain cases. This paper describes the method of tremor quantification using long-term surface electro- myography registration of antagonistic forearm muscles. Examples of clinical application of the method are also given.

Purpose: To prove the influence oftte Helicobcter pylor for the development of the central serous chororetinopathy., Material and Methods: We examined 55 patients with central serous chorioretinopathy confirmed by fluorescein angiogram and 55 controls. Each patient provided venous blood sample for IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA) and a stool specimen for Helicobacter pylori antigens., Results: 44% in CSC patients were positive results of stool examine and only 29% in group comtrol. In 67% of the patients we proved the presence of the antibodies IgG--anty Helicobacter pylori and in 47% controls. The difference was statistically significant., Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori infection is statistically more frequently among the patients with CSC diagnosis than in healthy population.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CRS) is a serous macular detachment that usually affects young people and leads fortunately to a spontaneous resolution and a good visual prognosis in most patients. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is still not completely understood and no effective treatment is available at this time. However, an association has been recently highlighted between Helicobacter pylori infection and CRS connected with pathology of retinal vessels.

Hepatitis C wirus is one of the major blood-born pathogens of huge epidemic value. Due to its easy transmission, lack of routinely pursued tests and long non-symptomatic period makes it crucial to be alert for all co-morbidites suggesting HCV infection. Consequently to reduce its farther transmission large knowledge of HCV should be spread as there is still no effective means of prophylaxis and its therapy is much costly. This article describes ophthalmic symptoms of hepatitis C virus infection such a mere keratoconiunctivitis sicca to ischemic retinopathy, macular edema and ischemic neuropathy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the different causes of falling in Parkinson's disease (PD) and to evaluate the influence of falls on patients' quality of life (QoL). We recruited 60 PD patients (31 with falls, 29 without falls). We found that falls were caused by: unstable posture (29.0%), freezing or festination (25.8%), sudden loss of postural reflexes (toppling falls) (25.8%), co-existing neurological disorders (6.5%), cardiological disorders (6.5%), and symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (3.2%). Duration of the disease was longer, its stage more advanced, daily levodopa dosage higher, and the proportion of patients with abnormalities in the EEG apparently greater in the group with falls. The presence of falls was found to be a factor contributing to a multidirectional negative impact on patients' QoL. QoL also depended on impairment of cognitive function, daily dosage of levodopa, disease duration, disease progression, and sex. The results of this study underline the need to diagnose the causes of falls in order to institute appropriate treatment and to improve patients' QoL.

The assessment of the levels of IgG antibodies against Bordetella pertussis in serum using ELISA test was performed in 59 patients (including 30 patients with Parkinson's disease--PD, 15 patients with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases, and 14 controls). The average age in the groups was 64.0, 64.4, and 58.7 years, respectively. Positive results were found in 17/30 patients with PD, 8/15 subjects with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases and in 7/14 controls. The above results are surprising and demonstrate a high incidence of subclinical whooping cough among the adult population. No statistically significant difference has been found between patients with Parkinson's disease and patients with other neurological diseases. A tendency is observed for a higher percentage of negative results among controls in comparison with patients with Parkinson's disease and other non-inflammatory neurological diseases.

Falls in Parkinson's disease may pose a significant threat for patients. This is not only a clinical problem, but also an economic one. The effects of falls may cause deterioration of the quality of life for both patients and their caretakers. The causes of falls are not clinically uniform: the falls are caused by various factors and require a differential diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the above mentioned causes, as well as to draw clinicians' attention to the possibility of effective therapy for certain disorders that cause such falls in patients with Parkinson's disease. 51 patients with recognized Parkinson's disease were examined, including 25 persons who reported falls that had occurred within the past 6 months and 26 persons who had no falls. In both groups there were patients with different types of the disease (tremulous, akinetic-hipertonic and mixed). The clinical status of the patients was assessed using the Hoehn and Yahr scale. In each patient Schellong test and EEG examinations were performed. It has been established that the occurrence of falls is related to the duration of the disease (on average 9.6 years in the group with falls versus 6.2 years in the group without falls) and the daily levodopa dosage (on average 806.0 mg in the group with falls versus 499.0 mg in the group without falls). The proportion of patients with abnormalities in the EEG (revealed mainly as slowing of EEG background activity) was notably higher in the group with falls. The comparison of such groups from the point of view of sex, age, stage of the disease and the occurrence of asymptomatic orthostatic hypotension did not reveal any statistically significant differences. The analysis of the causes of falls in the examined patients revealed that in 8 cases they fell due to unstable posture, 4--due to freezing or festination, 1--due to symptomatic orthostatic hypotension, 1--due to co-existing neurological disorders, 2--due to the heart arrhythmia (requiring implantation of pacemaker), in 8 persons--due to toppling falls and in 1 patients the falls could not be classified.

The authors report a rare case of 49-years old woman with rapidly progressing anaplastic oligoastrocytoma primarily localized in the spinal cord. Increasing spastic paresis of the right lower limb was concomitant with decrease in superficial sensibility in this limb and the right side of the trunk below Th10 level, suggested a lesion within the spinal cord. However, it was the difficult confirming the diagnosis by spinal MR imaging, and the negative result of the first MR examination (performed 5 weeks after manifestation of first clinical symptoms of the disease) delayed surgical treatment. During the next 3 weeks the neurological syndrome increased to spastic paraparesis with sphincters dysfunction and decrease in superficial and vibratory sensibility within the lower limbs and the trunk below the Th10 level. The second MR examination of the spine revealed an intraspinal tumour at Th8-Th10 levels. Surgical (partial excision of the tumour) and radiation treatment was given. Histopathological examination of tumour tissue showed the presence of anaplastic oligoastrocytoma. During the follow-up of our patient we found cerebral foci, probably of metastatic origin ascending with cerebrospinal fluid. More than 5 months after the diagnosis was established the patient died of primary disease. The imaging parameters of both spinal MR examinations were similar, however, on second examination narrower field of vision was used. In both cases Magnevist was administered. Discussing factors which might be responsible for the false-negative result of spinal MR examination--the examination of choice for detection of proliferative transformation--the authors take artefacts connected with respiratory and circulatory function, peristaltic movements, and with field of vision into consideration.