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Excessive Body Weight as a Determinant of Quality of Life
Get PDFIntroduction and objective. This article aims to discuss the issue of excessive body weight based on available literature. It highlights the physical and psychosocial consequences of obesity and addresses the topic of weight reduction.
Review methods. Bibliographic material was retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar using terms related to obesity, overweight, and quality of life. Forty-six articles published between 2015 and 2024 were selected.
Conclusions. Obesity is a source of numerous somatic and psychosocial complications. The article shows the negative impact of these consequences on quality of life. One of the main goals of obesity treatment is to improve quality of life. Therefore, the article describes manner to reduce body weight, sources of motivation and adversity on the treatment path and explores the topic of psychological support in obesity treatment
Przemilczane historie. Rdzenna perspektywa w poezji Karenne Wood
Get PDFThe essay attempts to introduce to Polish readers the literary work of Karenne Wood, an Indigenous poet of Monacan Nation, who passed away in 2019. Poetry was for Wood another venue for self expression, next to broadly understood activism. For many years, Wood directed the Virginia Indian Programs at the Virginia Center for the Humanities, and served as the repatriation director for the Association on American Indian Affairs. As tribal historian for the Monacan Nation, she worked on implementing changes to the school history curriculum so that it would encompass the Indigenous voice, and create space for alternative, often silenced versions of historical events. The essay examines the converging points of Woods activities: poems in which commonly known events from colonial history gain new meaning by changing the perspective, as well as those which altogether contest the mainstream version of history. Given the clearly pro-social tone of Wood’s work, the aim of the essay is to read her poetry through the concept of tribalography, coined by Choctaw writer LeAnne Howe. One of the assumptions of tribalography stipulates that the means to reassert Native identity and to achieve symbolic reconciliation is through constant renegotiation of the past, as well as through acknowledgment of oral tradition as an equally valid historical source.Tekst jest próbą przybliżenia polskiemu czytelnikowi twórczości zmarłej w 2019 r. rdzennej poetki z narodu Monakanów, Karenne Wood. Poezja stanowiła w życiu tej artystki działalność niejako poboczną, głównym jej środkiem wyrazu był bowiem szeroko pojęty aktywizm. Poetka przez lata działała w Komisji Repatriacyjnej Krajowego Kongresu Indian Amerykańskich, aby następnie skupić swój wysiłek na zmianach w podstawie programowej nauczania historii, tak aby uwzględniała głos tubylczy i tworzyła miejsce dla alternatywnych, często przemilczanych wersji wydarzeń. Tekst przygląda się punktom stycznym tych dwóch działalności: wierszom, w których znane karty z historii kolonialnej zyskują nowe znaczenie poprzez odwrócenie perspektyw, a także tym utworom, które swą wymową całkowicie kontestują historię głównego nurtu. Ze względu na jasno określony, prospołeczny wydźwięk twórczości Wood celem tekstu jest próba wpisania jej poezji w koncepcję trybalografii, autorstwa pisarki z narodu Choctaw, LeAnne Howe. Według jednego z założeń tego pojęcia droga do utwierdzenia się rdzennej tożsamości oraz symbolicznego zadośćuczynienia wiedzie przez ciągłe negocjowanie przeszłości, a także uznania tradycji ustnej jako równoprawnego źródła historycznego
Elegie o straconych córkach – trauma indywidualna i kulturowa w powieściach The Painted Drum Louise Erdrich i Prudence Davida Treuera
Get PDFIn my article I compare two contemporary Ojibwe novels about death. Louise Erdrich’s The Painted Drum and David Treuer’s Prudence are elegiac stories about different ways of experiencing mourning in individual and collective context, filtered through the Western and Indigenous traditions. In both narratives the authors trace historical motives that give the readers access to Indigenous perspectives in the mainstream American history and I would like to argue that the discussed novelists focus on different strategies of including Indigenous history. I would like to argue that despite the contrast in the literary convention, i.e., Erdrich’s use of magical realism and Treuer’s social realism, there are many similarities between the narratives, as they both refer to mourning after the loss of daughters (biological and adopted), and in both cases the process is accompanied by self-destruction, memory and denial. What is more, even though Erdrich showcases feminist perspective and Treuer focuses more on masculine tradition, neither of them promotes a radical gender perspective. Another common denominator is a polyphonic structure, which helps to emphasize the clashes in the characters’ attitudes towards the Indigenous tradition, in the assimilation to the American culture and the deconstruction of pop cultural stereotypes about “stoic Indian men” and “promiscuous Indian women” and, last but not least, the relationship with nature, which is not always considered an animistic living space. My interpretation will extend to the broader context of Ojibwe presence in Minneapolis by a short analysis of museum exhibitions and public places of commemoration and I will try to demonstrate how Erdrich’s and Treuer’s propositions relate to it. In my paper I will use the terms “Ojibwe” when specific references are made by the authors to this particular culture and “Indigenous” when a broader context is indicated, e.g. boarding schools’ history that goes beyond the Ojibwe experience. I will also try to explain why Treuer uses the term “Indian”.W swoim artykule zamierzam porównać dwie współczesne powieści rdzennych Amerykanów ze społeczności Odżibuejów skonstruowane wokół tematu śmierci. The Painted Drum Louise Erdrich i Prudence Davida Treuera to elegijne opowieści o sposobach konfrontowania się z żałobą w kontekście indywidualnym i zbiorowym, w ujęciu kultury Zachodu (euro-amerykańskiej) i kultury Odżibuejów. W obydwu narracjach pojawiają się wątki historyczne mające przybliżyć losy rdzennych Amerykanów na tle dziejów Ameryki. Chciałabym wykazać, że chociaż wybrani prozaicy stawiają na zupełnie inne strategie włączania historii, ponieważ stosują odmienną konwencję (Erdrich realizm magiczny, a Treuer realizm społeczny), to więcej jest w ich prozie podobieństw niż różnic. Obie historie dotyczą żałoby po córkach (prawdziwych i przybranych) i ta tematyka łączy się z wątkami autodestrukcji, pamięci i wyparcia. Dodatkowo pomimo że u Erdrich dominuje perspektywa feministyczna, a u Treuera dominuje wątek męski, łącznikiem jest brak eksponowania radykalnej perspektywy gender. Kolejnym podobieństwem jest struktura polifoniczna, która dodatkowo uwypukla podziały w przedstawionym świecie nie tylko na poziomie podejścia do rdzennej tradycji, ale też asymilacji do kultury amerykańskiej, stereotypów o rodowodzie kolonialnym i popkulturowym (stoicyzm indiańskich mężczyzn, rozwiązłość kobiet) oraz stosunku do przyrody, która nie dla wszystkich jest animistyczną przestrzenią ożywioną. Moja interpretacja uwzględni też szerszy kontekst obecności historii Odżibuejów w Minneapolis (krótka analiza propozycji muzealnych i miejsc pamięci w przestrzeni publicznej). Postaram się odpowiedzieć na pytanie, jakie miejsce w tym spectrum zajmują propozycje Erdrich i Treuera. W mojej pracy będę używać określeń „Odżibue” wszędzie tam, gdzie pojawiają się odniesienia do tej konkretnie kultury, i „rdzenny” w kontekstach, które wykraczają poza doświadczenia Odżibuejów, np. historii szkół z internatem. Postaram się również wyjaśnić, dlaczego Treuer używa terminów „Indianin” i „indiański”
The Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers in Preterm Infants – A Literature Review
Get PDFIntroduction
Inflammation in fetuses and newborns, particularly in the population of preterm infants, is associated with increased mortality and adverse health outcomes. It has been shown that the placental transfer of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is limited in very preterm infants. Studies have demonstrated that low levels of PUFAs correlate with the severity of inflammation in infants' bodies. They are also associated with an increased incidence of diseases, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity. One of the beneficial effects of PUFA supplementation is its inhibitory action on inflammatory processes in the body.
Aim of the study
Supplements containing fatty acids are among the most popular complementary health interventions introduced in children. Considering this potential benefit, we would like to present research studies that describe the relationship between the supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the levels of inflammatory markers in preterm infants.
Materials and MethodsA review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in 2020-2024 regarding the relationship between the supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the levels of inflammatory markers in preterm infants. Three studies meeting specific selection criteria were identified.
Results
All the studies discussed in our work demonstrate that supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids in preterm infants reduces the levels of inflammatory markers. Research consistently shows that PUFA supplementation lowers IL-6 levels, a cytokine considered a risk factor for sepsis in preterm infants.
Conclusion
Supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids holds potential for modulating inflammatory processes in preterm infants, with efficacy likely influenced by factors such as the specific type of fatty acid used, timing and form of administration, and individual variations in response. 
Advancing Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: The Role of AI - A Review
Get PDFIntroduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that accounts for more than half of all cases of dementia worldwide. An aging society therefore poses a huge challenge to medicine. The exact mechanism responsible for this disease is still not fully understood. However, theories of neurodegeneration related to the deposition of pathological proteins in the brain and the imbalance between individual neurotransmitters have allowed the development of effective diagnostic methods - laboratory determination of specific biomarkers (tau protein, β-amyloid) and their marking using PET (Amyloid PET, Tau PET). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also important in diagnostics. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising, new, and rapidly developing path that can significantly affect the diagnostic process of Alzheimer's disease.
Purpose of the study: This review examines the role of AI in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing 63 studies from the PubMed database (in English, up to December 2024) that assessed the effectiveness, methods, and prospects of AI in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusions: Share of AI in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is extremely promising. AI used in neuroimaging, genetics, and behavioral biomarkers shows great potential diagnostic. AI-based tools are extremely promising because they can be non-invasive and highly sensitive biomarkers. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) combined with AI models offer an opportunity for cost-effective and rapid diagnostic pathways for AD. This review presents evidence that artificial intelligence is a key factor in transforming AD diagnostics into modern diagnostics that enable earlier detection and treatment of the disease which may consequently positively impact the quality of life of AD patients and their caregivers
Cancer Cachexia: Innovations in Pharmacotherapy for Terminal-Stage Patients - Review of the latest reports
Get PDFIntroduction and purpose
Cachexia is a complex and multifactorial syndrome, which is a current, worldwide treatment challenge, and concerns most of the patients with cancer. The issue is characterized by anorexia, skeletal muscle loss, adipose tissue wasting, involuntary weight loss, malnutrition, and poor appetite due to dysfunction of metabolism and chronic, systemic inflammation. Additionally, it impacts oncological treatment and a decline in Quality of Life. The review aims to explore the latest research, innovations, and potentials in the treatment of cachexia.
Material and methods
The review was based on research of articles published from 2019 to 2024 on the PubMed database using the following keywords: cancer cachexia, palliative care, and cachexia pharmacotherapy.
Results
Anamorelin, a selective ghrelin receptor agonist showed effectiveness in weight gain and appetite improvement. Also, myostatin inhibitors protect muscles and promote their growth due to suppression of myostatin. Ponsegromab, a GDF-15 inhibitor, significantly and directly enhanced muscle mass, appetite, and quality of life, with good safety. Modern anti-inflammatory medications like momelotynib or tocilizumab, reduced the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved quality of life, however, but posed immunosuppression risk. Pentoxifylline declined inflammation and chemotherapy toxicity, and improved body weight and survival. Cannabinoids alleviated chemotherapy-induced nausea but were ineffective for weight and quality of life.
Conclusions
Therapeutic approaches target various aspects of cachexia due to its complex pathophysiology. Anamorelin, ponsegromab, and myostatin inhibitors have clinical potential. Modern anti-inflammatory drugs and pentoxifylline offer supportive benefits. Further research is vital for developing effective and safe treatment guidelines for cancer cachexia
Use of the Baidu Index to Analyze Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Online Attention to Adult Education
Get PDFPurpose: This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of public attention to "adult education" over the past decade. Methods: Using Baidu Index data from January 1, 2014, to November 1, 2024, we examined search trends, demand distribution, and user characteristics through trend research, demand mapping, and user profiling. Results: The online search index for adult education shows a fluctuating upward trend, with peaks in April and October each year. Demand mapping indicates interest in areas such as adult college entrance exams, self-study exams, educational institutions, exam schedules, registration, major selection, tuition, and application procedures. User profiling reveals higher attention from males aged 30~39 in Guangdong Province. Conclusion: Changes in online attention to adult education correlate closely with career aspirations, policy announcements, and social contexts
Modern treatment methods in atopic dermatitis - literature overview
Get PDFIntroduction and aim: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is characterised by periods of exacerbation and remission of symptoms such as pruritus, dry skin and eczematous lesions with characteristic morphology. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge on new treatments for atopic dermatitis.
Review methods: The review was based on publicly available PubMed and Google Scholar databases from 2020 to 2024 using the following phrases: atopic dermatitis, treatment of atopic dermatitis, diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, epidemiology, biological treatment of atopic dermatitis, JAK inhibitors, stem cells, dermatitis.
Brief description of the state of the art: Atopic dermatitis is a disease whose mechanism of origin is incompletely understood.It involves interactions between genotype, environment, and the immune system, and is largely related to the T-cell response. The main symptom is pruritus and dry skin leading to lichenification or exfoliation of the epidermis, which characterise the chronic form. Diagnosis is confirmed by clinical criteria such as skin lesions characteristic of AD, a family predisposition to allergic disease and a full history and skin tests. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms associated with the disease and improving the patient's quality of life using mainly corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors and antihistamines. Recent studies show positive effects of treatment with biologic drugs, JAK inhibitors, stem cells and provide great hope towards the development of treatments for atopic dermatitis.
Summary: The authors emphasise the need for further research towards the development of promising, innovative treatments for atopic dermatitis in order to significantly improve patients' quality of life
Brewed for Performance: Caffeine’s Impact on Nutrition, Endurance and Strength in Sports
Get PDFCaffeine is one of the most widely consumed and studied stimulants worldwide with a long history in athletics as a performance enhancer. Although listed as a stimulant in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) 2024 Monitoring Program, its use is not prohibited. Individual responses to caffeine vary widely due to factors like genetics, age, and lifestyle habits, such as smoking and diet.
This paper examines caffeine's multifaced role in human metabolism, with an emphasis on athletes' training (endurance and strength) and post-exercise recovery.
Our comprehensive review of literature indicates that caffeine typically ingested one hour before exercise in doses around 3-6 mg/kg raises metabolic rate, increases free fatty acids mobilization, extends time to exhaustion in running and cycling, improves maximal voluntary contraction and enhances high-speed muscular activity with low-load movements. It also blocks pain perception. These findings highlight caffeine’s role in endurance and strength sports. However, due to inconsistencies, further research is needed to develop exercise-specific protocols considering dose, timing, and training status.
Caffeine aids recovery by reducing delayed - onset muscle soreness, improving glycogen resynthesis, and reducing fatigue. However, late consumption may affect sleep, requiring careful timing and dosage adjustments. Moreover, potential side and positive effects of caffeine ingestion need to be considered
The influence of hepatocyte growth factor on the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells
Get PDFBackground: The HGF/c-Met signaling pathway is central to various biological processes, including tissue regeneration, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in cancer progression and poor prognosis. Despite its potential as a therapeutic target, the complexity of HGF/c-Met signaling and the associated challenges, such as off-target effects and limited understanding of its role in different disease contexts, pose significant obstacles to clinical translation.
Objectives: This review aims to examine the role of the HGF/c-Met pathway in tissue regeneration and cancer, with a focus on its therapeutic potential. We explore how HGF/c-Met signaling contributes to stem cell function, tissue repair, and cancer biology, as well as the development of targeted therapies aimed at modulating this pathway.
Methods: A thorough review of the literature was conducted, focusing on studies examining HGF/c-Met signaling in cancer and tissue regeneration. Relevant research databases were explored to identify key findings related to HGF/c-Met interactions, the effects of HGF on stem cell function, and the development of therapeutic agents targeting this pathway.
Conclusions: The HGF/c-Met pathway holds significant promise in both cancer treatment and tissue regeneration, particularly through its role in stem cell biology. Further research is needed to better understand its mechanisms and optimize targeted therapies. Combining pharmacological agents that modulate HGF/c-Met signaling with personalized treatment approaches could enhance therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients. Addressing current limitations, including the refinement of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, will be essential in fully harnessing the potential of HGF/c-Met in clinical practice