The effect of low hypermetropia correction and office-based orthoptic training on binocular vision parameters in children with convergence insufficiency.

Purpose: To determine the effect of low hypermetropia correction and orthoptic exercises on binocular visual function in children with symptomatic convergence insufficiency.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized intervention with a 3-month follow-up. Consecutive pediatric patients with convergence insufficiency and hypermetropia who met inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: spectacle correction and orthoptic training (group 1), spectacle correction alone (group 2) and orthoptic training alone (group 3).

Recovered water - HO from the F[FDG] production as liquid radioactive waste.

In this study, ten recovered water samples were analysed using gamma spectrometry and Liquid Scintillation Counting techniques for identification of radioactive impurities (quality and quantity) and for radioactive waste qualifications. The presence of several radioactive isotopes of H, Co Mn in the recovered [O] water irradiated with 11 MeV protons used to produce [F] fluoride by the O(p,n)F reaction has been confirmed. Radioactive impurities were generated directly in enriched water or washed out from activated Havar foil, or tantalum body target material.

Androgenic Anabolic Steroids Cause Thiol Imbalance in the Vascular Endothelial Cells.

Background: Androgenic anabolic steroids (AASs) are synthetic drugs structurally related to testosterone, with the ability to bind to androgen receptors. Their uncontrolled use by professional and recreational sportspeople is a widespread problem. AAS abuse is correlated with severe damage to the cardiovascular system, including changes in homeostasis and coagulation disorders.

Multicenter screening for ADHD among school-age pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes - study protocol.

Purpose: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 5% of the pediatric population, with increased prevalence among those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Reports suggest that unrecognized and untreated ADHD impairs T1D control and that ADHD may be underdiagnosed in the Polish population. The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes recommends neurodevelopmental assessments in children with T1D, but specific guidelines on procedures and implementation are lacking.

Difference in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Parameters After SARS-CoV-2 Infection During the Alpha and Delta Variant Dominance Periods.

The SARS-CoV-2 infection manifests with diverse clinical manifestations, with severity potentially influenced by the viral variant. COVID-19 has also been shown to impact ocular microcirculation in some patients, but whether this effect varies by viral lineage remains unclear. This prospective study compared clinical features and ocular parameters assessed via optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infections during the dominance of two distinctive viral lineages, Alpha (B.

The Gut Microbiota-Related Antihyperglycemic Effect of Metformin.

It is critical to sustain the diversity of the microbiota to maintain host homeostasis and health. Growing evidence indicates that changes in gut microbial biodiversity may be associated with the development of several pathologies, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin is still the first-line drug for treatment of T2DM unless there are contra-indications.

Blood Biomarkers as a Non-Invasive Method for the Assessment of the State of the Fontan Circulation.

The Fontan operation has become the primary palliative treatment for patients with a functionally univentricular heart. The population of patients with Fontan circulation is constantly growing and aging. As the number of Fontan patients surviving into adulthood increases, there is a clear need for research on how best to follow these patients and manage their complications.

Morphological Variability of the Thigh Muscle Traps in an Ultrasound That Awaits Clinicians.

Muscles and their tendons present a considerable diversity of morphological variations. The aim of this study was to explore variants of muscles and tendons from compartments of the thigh and to raise awareness about potential problems during ultrasound examination. This comprehensive review of the literature was created on the basis of scientific articles sourced from PubMed.

The Influence of Serotonergic Signaling on Quality of Life, Depression, Insomnia, and Hypoxia in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: Cross-Sectional Study.

: Serotonin and the serotonin transporter (SERT) may have a multifaceted, but not fully understood, role in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its impact on mental health in this group of patients. This study aimed to investigate changes in serotonin and the serotonin transporter (SERT) and their association with depressive and insomnia symptoms. : This study included 76 participants (OSA group: = 36, control group (CG): = 40) who underwent polysomnography, while venous blood samples (evening and morning) were analyzed for serotonin and the SERT using ELISA.

Analysis of Body Composition and Levels of Antimicrobial Peptides in Patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Preliminary Study.

: Excessive body fatness is the basis of many diseases, especially civilization-related ones. The aim of this study is to analyze the body composition and serum levels of selected antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), in comparison to healthy controls (HCs), and investigate whether any specific parameter significantly increases the risk of BCC development. : The body composition and measurements of serum levels of cathelicidin and human-beta-defensin-2 were analyzed in a group of 100 subjects (50 patients with BCC and 50 HCs).

Senear-Usher Syndrome or Coexistence of SLE with Pemphigus Vulgaris-A Case Report with Literature Review.

Senear-Usher syndrome, or pemphigus erythematosus (PE), is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the coexistence of features from both lupus erythematosus (LE) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF). We describe a 41-year-old patient initially diagnosed with cutaneous and then systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who after a few years developed new skin lesions: erythematous and erosive eruptions partially covered by crusts located on the trunk and flaccid blisters on the extremities. Direct immunofluorescence of perilesional skin revealed deposits of IgG in the intercellular space of the epidermis and granular deposits of C3 at the dermo-epidermal junction.

Perinatal and Delivery Outcomes Following Amniocentesis: A Case-Control Study in the Polish Population.

Amniocentesis is a widely used invasive prenatal diagnostic procedure, recognized for its high sensitivity and low risk of complications. This study aims to evaluate the association between amniocentesis and pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, preterm rupture of membranes (PROM), and preterm birth, as well as perinatal outcomes. A case-control study was conducted at the Regional Hospital in Kielce, Poland, from 2016 to 2022, involving 1834 patients, 225 of whom underwent amniocentesis, while 1609 did not receive any invasive diagnostics.

Proteins and DNA Sequences Interacting with Tanshinones and Tanshinone Derivatives.

Tanshinones, biologically active diterpene compounds derived from , interact with specific proteins and DNA sequences, influencing signaling pathways in animals and humans. This study highlights tanshinone-protein interactions observed at concentrations achievable in vivo, ensuring greater physiological relevance compared to in vitro studies that often employ supraphysiological ligand levels. Experimental data suggest that while tanshinones interact with multiple proteomic targets, only a few enzymes are significantly affected at biologically relevant concentrations.

MK-8776 and Olaparib Combination Acts Synergistically in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells, Demonstrating Lack of Adverse Effects on Liver Tissues in Ovarian Cancer PDX Model.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells critically depend on PARP1 and CHK1 activation for survival. Combining the PARP inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib with a CHK1 inhibitor (MK-8776, CHK1i) produced a synergistic effect, reducing cell viability and inducing marked oxidative stress and DNA damage, particularly in the HepG2 cells. This dual treatment significantly increased apoptosis markers, including γH2AX and caspase-3/7 activity.

Olaparib Combined with DDR Inhibitors Effectively Prevents EMT and Affects miRNA Regulation in -Mutated Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a leading cause of gynecologic cancer mortality. Despite advances in treatment, metastatic progression and resistance to standard therapies significantly worsen patient outcomes. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process in metastasis, enabling cancer cells to gain invasive and migratory capabilities, often driven by changing miRNA expression involved in the regulation of pathological processes like drug resistance.

No Relation Between Cognitive Impairment, Physical Disability and Serum Biomarkers in a Cohort of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Despite significant efforts, there is still an existing need to identify diagnostic tools that would enable fast and reliable detection of the progressive stage of multiple sclerosis (MS) and help in monitoring the disease course and/or treatment effects. The aim of this prospective study in a group of people with progressive MS was to determine whether changes in the levels of selected serum biomarkers and in cognitive function may predict disease progression, and therefore refine the decision-making process in the evaluation of MS patients. Forty two (42) patients with progressive MS completed all the study procedures; the mean duration of follow-up was 12.

Detection of Deaths Caused by Hyperkalemia.

Under normal conditions, potassium is predominantly found within cells. The concentration gradient of sodium and potassium ions between intracellular and extracellular spaces enables signal transmission through membrane depolarization. The disruption of this transcellular process leads to elevated potassium ion levels in the extracellular space, and thus in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia.

Effect of Ginseng Supplementation on Exercise Endurance as a Support for Cardiovascular Disease Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ginseng has multi-directional pharmacological properties. Some data suggest that ginseng can enhance physical endurance, which, in turn, leads to protection of the cardiovascular system. However, not all experiments are conclusive.

Evaluation of the Frequency of HLA-DQ2/DQ8 Genes Among Patients with Celiac Disease and Those on a Gluten-Free Diet.

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic, permanent, gluten-dependent disease that manifests itself with inflammation of the small intestine and malabsorption in genetically predisposed individuals with HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 (human leukocyte antigen) histocompatibility antigens.

Objective: The diagnostic criteria for celiac disease have undergone numerous modifications over the years. The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency of HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genes in a group of patients with celiac disease diagnosed in 1980-2010 in order to verify the primary diagnosis of CD.

Edible Insects as an Alternative Source of Nutrients: Benefits, Risks, and the Future of Entomophagy in Europe-A Narrative Review.

According to projections by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the global population will reach 9 billion by 2050. This raises concerns about the ability to feed such a population. In view of the above, it is necessary to search for alternative food sources.

Radiotherapy(R) Integration(I) Strategy for Small(S)-Cell Lung Cancer in Extensive(E) Stage (RISE) with up to 10 metastases- a study protocol of a randomized phase II trial.

Background: The current standard of care (SoC) for patients with extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC) is chemo-immunotherapy. The efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) for chest consolidation has been established for patients with ED-SCLC who have responded to chemotherapy. There is a lack of data on incorporating RT as chest consolidation and metastasis-directed therapy for ED-SCLC.

Long term substantial impacts of historic Chlor-Alkali production as a newly recognized source of polyhalogenated carbazoles in aquatic environments.

Bottom sediments of the North American Great Lakes are characterized by a high loading (over 3,000 tonnes) of polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs). The origin of this environmental contaminant loading is unclear. Here, we first examined PHCZs levels and profiles in sediment, lotus, and fish from the Ya-Er Lake (China) that has been under the influence of an obsolete chlor-alkali facility for forty years and discovered substantial PHCZs contamination.

Sources, levels, and determinants of indoor air pollutants in Europe: A systematic review.

Clean air is a requirement for life, and the quality of indoor air is a health determinant since people spend most of their daily time indoors. The aim of this study was to systematically review the available evidence regarding the sources, determinants and concentrations of indoor air pollutants in a set of scenarios under study in K-HEALTHinAIR project. To this end, a systematic review was performed to review the available studies published between the years 2013-2023, for several settings (schools, homes, hospitals, lecture halls, retirement homes, public transports and canteens), conducted in Europe, where sources and determinants of the indoor pollutants concentrations was assessed.

Improved accuracy of delayed cerebral ischemia diagnosis with plasma nitric oxide synthase 3, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α.

Objective: The pathophysiology of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is not fully elucidated. The lack of accurate diagnostic tools increases the probability of delayed diagnosis and timely treatment. The authors assessed the relationship of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (F2-IsoP) and oxidative stress biomarkers, nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), with DCI after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Neural Plasticity in Migraine Chronification.

Chronic migraine (CM) is the ultimate and most burdensome form of the transformation from episodic migraine (EM), called chronification. The mechanism behind migraine chronification is poorly known and difficult to explore as CM has the same spectrum of pathogenesis as EM and the EM-CM transition is bidirectional. Central sensitization (CS) is a key phenomenon in migraine: its mechanisms include disturbed neural plasticity, which is the ability of the nervous system to adapt to endo- and exogenous changes.