Search Of Scientific Literature Research Articles

Safety and Efficacy of Temozolomide Combinations in Glioblastoma Patients; A Meta-Analysis

Globally, glioblastoma is the fetal brain tumor with the highest incidence. Patients with glioblastoma who have received a clinical diagnosis need combination therapy, which combines radiation and chemotherapy drugs that have shown promising benefits. The treatment of choice for glioblastoma, both alone and in combination, is temozolomide. Studies have shown that temozolomide combined with other medications and radiotherapy in the management of glioblastoma is effective in reducing tumor size, preventing recurrence and limiting tumor progression. The study also emphasizes the safety profile of temozolomide combinations and pathophysiology of tumor, size, growth and reoccurrence. For the meta-analysis, a detailed search of scientific literature was conducted utilizing the most relevant scientific studies published to date on the intervention of temozolomide combinations to manage Glioblastoma. A search was conducted across a number of databases including Scielo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PubMed. The MedCalC tool was used to do a meta-analysis in accordance with Prisma standards for odds ratio between studies, risk factor analysis and relative risk. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scielo and other databases were used to retrieve a total of 1635 studies for the current analysis. The meta-analysis with three distinct parameters odds ratio, risk difference and relative risk was significant with p value <0.001 (for TMZ with other chemotherapeutic agents) and p value <0.003 (for TMZ with radiation therapy). The 95% Cl for TMZ with other chemotherapeutic agents was higher for odds ratio (2.539 to 3.466), risk difference (1.345 to 1.669) and relative risk (0.192 to 0.280) over TMZ with radiation therapy (Odds ratio 1.051 to 1.327; Risk difference 0.0116 to 0.0623 and Relative risk 1.016 to 1.100). When treating GBM, TMZ in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs has been found to be more successful than TMZ alone. Clinical trials based on TMZ offer GBM patients with freshly diagnosed solid tumors a better survival rate.

The many faces of a cough in a child: Issues of differential diagnosis and treatment

Studying the causes of cough, which is one of the most common respiratory symptoms when seeking medical help, remains a pressing problem for doctors of various specialties. Due to the growing interest in herbal remedies, in the current study we aimed to analyze the effectiveness of marshmallow root in the treatment of cough. We conducted a systematic search in modern scientific literature in electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wiley, PubFacts, Springer Link platform, scientific publishing house Elsevier, CyberLeninka. An analysis of 80 full-text reviews on the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of cough showed higher quality of life scores, lower rates of adverse events and less severe cough. The authors also provide evidence that herbal therapy successfully complements traditional treatment methods, providing longer periods of remission for chronic cough. Although coughing is a protective reflex responsible for clearing secretions and foreign bodies from the airways, it can be an unpleasant symptom that causes discomfort in patients. The use of preparations based on root extract of Althaea officinalis L leads to the formation of a protective film, which promotes faster regeneration of the damaged mucous membrane of the respiratory tract caused by a dry cough. The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is a highly vascularized tissue. In this regard, anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that improve lesion repair, such as local neovascularization, are critical to promote healing. The herbal medicinal product containing the active component marshmallow root extract fully meets safety requirements and can be successfully used in patients with acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

ПРЕДОПЕРАЦИОННАЯ ДИАГНОСТИКА У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЯМИ СЕРДЕЧНО-СОСУДИСТОЙ СИСТЕМЫ ПЕРЕД ОПЕРАЦИЕЙ ДЕНТАЛЬНОЙ ИМПЛАНТАЦИИ (ОБЗОР ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ)

The subject of the study. Dental implantation for patients with cardiovascular diseases is an urgent and important area, but requires special attention from doctors and patients. Cardiovascular diseases can be a risk factor for implant rejection due to the fact that they often have a direct effect on blood flow to tissues. A review of literature sources in the period from 2017 to 2023 showed that there is no common point of view in the scientific community regarding the implementation of implantation in patients with hypertension and coronary heart disease. 
 Objectives. To study the specifics of preoperative diagnosis in patients with cardiovascular diseases before dental implantation surgery, reflected in the scientific literature. 
 Methodology. Currently, the article analyzes sources from databases: Pub Med, Cyberleninka, eLibrary, ResearchGate, CohraneOral Health. The search for scientific literature on the problem under consideration was carried out using keywords. The key criteria for reviewing the scientific publications available in the databases were the availability of indications for dental implantation in the studied individuals.
 Results. An analysis of the scientific literature on the use of dental implantation in patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system did not reveal a single point of view. The authors agree that patients with cardiac pathology need to hold a consultation with a cardiologist, an anesthesiologist, and a surgeon before elective surgery in order to make a joint decision. At that time, there are different points of view regarding the criteria for assessing the risk and scope of preoperative diagnosis of patients with cardiovascular diseases, there is no systematization and classification of complications, as well as criteria for evaluating the complications of dental implantation surgery in cardiac patients. 
 Conclusions. It seems advisable to identify criteria that determine the general condition and dental status of patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, which will allow assessing the possibility of using dental implants for them.

The Role of Physical Activity on Women’s Health

Background: It has been shown that regular participation in sports has very important health contributions to women's health. This study provides an in-depth review of several research studies investigating the positive effects of regular exercise habits on various aspects of women's health. Materials and Methods: In the search for scientific literature for this study, data from the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Sport Discus were used, and the terms “gynecological disorders” “psychological health”, “women’s health”, “exercise”, “mental health”, and were used. The relevant literature has also taken its source from the research of relevant articles from reference lists derived from data searches. Results: As a result of an in-depth review of various research studies investigating its positive effects on various aspects of women's health, it has been shown that regular exercise habits can have positive effects on women's health, such as self-esteem, body image, gender-based discrimination, inequality of opportunities, cardiovascular health and mental health outcomes Conclusion: The main aim should be to demonstrate the positive health effects of exercise on the prevention and treatment of obesity, self-esteem, body image, reproductive health, cardiovascular health and mental health in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sport and women's health.

Stylistic features of the development of Muravyov-Amursky Street in Khabarovsk in the pre-revolutionary period

The work presents a systematic picture of the development of the historical core of the architectural ensemble of the central main street of the city of Khabarovsk - Muravyov-Amursky, which was formed during the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries, and is currently of absolute interest from the point of view of studying the history of regional architecture of the pre-revolutionary period associated with the economic development of the eastern outskirts of the Russian Empire, the construction of new cities and settlements and the creation of transport infrastructure that connected the Pacific region with the central part of the country. The study was based on materials obtained by the authors during the study of scientific and local history literature, Internet resources and archival searches, as well as their own field surveys of street development. As a result, the stylistic and space-planning characteristics of the buildings and structures included in the ensemble, determined by the specifics of the development of the city and its architectural and construction complex, were considered. The study showed that the status of Khabarovsk as the administrative center of the Amur Governor-General and, as a consequence, the presence in it of three categories of customers: the city administration, the military department and private merchants, as well as the characteristics of local building materials, determined the typological and form-creative diversity of the ensemble of the central street of the city , which developed during the period under review in four stylistic systems: Russian style, retrospectivism, “brick” style and modernism. The authors identified a range of problems of interaction between historical buildings and new construction objects, which are actively being introduced into the urban fabric and changing the perception of the cultural landscape of the city.

Advances in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy with Anti-VEGF Therapy

Objective: This narrative review seeks to compare the advances and efficacy of various anti-VEGF therapies in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, using the PICO format. Methods: A comprehensive search of medical and scientific literature was conducted to identify studies investigating the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapies in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The PICO format guided the research question and review process. Accurate diagnosis, side effects, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were analyzed and compared for each treatment option. Results: Anti-VEGF therapies were shown to be effective in reducing the progression of diabetic retinopathy, improving visual acuity and decreasing macular edema. Although generally safe, differences in side effect profiles were observed between the different anti-VEGF agents. Conclusion: The selection of an appropriate Anti-VEGF therapy for diabetic retinopathy should consider accurate diagnosis, side effects, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Although anti-VEGF therapies are promising, more research is needed to optimize their use and fully understand their benefits and limitations.

Ecospirituality and Health: A Systematic Review

Environmental changes are affecting human health. A renewal of the way we understand and relate to the planet is needed. Ecospirituality brings together the terms spirituality and environment and is born as a means of solution to this dilemma. This systematic review aimed to find out the influence of ecospirituality on global health. A search of scientific literature was carried out in the main health science databases. A review was conducted to critically evaluate the studies that identified relevant ecospiritual aspects regarding health care for communities. After a systematic search and screening, and following specified methodological criteria, a total of 14 articles were selected in the review. The findings of the review suggest that a new perspective in our worldview such as ecospirituality will provide us with the necessary keys to improve health. To understand ecospirituality, we must keep in mind the indigenous way of life, which is the clear example to follow to achieve environmental health and global health. Ecospirituality leads to a healthier environment, and as this is directly related to health, there is also an improvement in global health.

Is eGFR Slope a Novel Predictor of Chronic Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Diabetic kidney disease affects approximately 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with an increased risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and cardiovascular (CV) events, as well as increased mortality. Among the indicators of decline in renal function, the eGFR slope is acquiring an increasing clinical interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the collected data, the association between the decline of the eGFR slope, chronic complications, and mortality of T2DM patients, in order to understand whether or not the eGFR slope can be defined as a predictive indicator of complications in T2DM. The review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines considering published studies on patients with T2DM. A scientific literature search was carried out on PubMed from January 2003 to April 2023 with subsequent selection of scientific papers according to the inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies were selected for meta-analysis. Risk analysis as hazard ratio (HR) indicated a significant association between all events considered (all-cause mortality, CV events, ESKD, and microvascular events) for patients with steeper eGFR slope decline than subjects with stable eGFR. Calculated HRs (with 95% CI) were as follows: for all-cause mortality, 2.31 (1.70-3.15); for CV events, 1.73 (1.43-2.08); for ESKD, 1.54 (1.45-1.64); and for microvascular events, 2.07 (1.57-2.73). Overall HR was 1.82 (1.72-1.92). An association between rapid eGFR decline and chronic diabetes complications was demonstrated, suggesting that eGFR slope variability significantly impacts the course of T2DM and that eGFR slope should be considered as a predictor for chronic complications in patients with T2DM. According to the obtained results, the therapeutic management of the patient with diabetes should not focus exclusively on glycaemic control, and particular attention should be paid to preserve renal function.

Study of the properties of pectin substances for the production of healthy food products

The article is devoted to the research in the field of using frozen grapes in the technology of production of products for a healthy diet. The main objectives of the research are to substantiate technological significance of frozen table grapes for the development of functional desserts. To study the influence of negative temperatures on the gelling and complexing ability of pectin substances in frozen grapes with subsequent defrosting of the raw material. The object of the research was table grapes of 5 varieties grown in the Krasnodar region. Experimental studies of technological and biochemical parameters of fresh and frozen grapes in order to study and confirm the use of grapes in the food industry for the development of desserts with different functional areas were carried out on the territory of the Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin in the laboratories of the Faculty of Food Production and Biotechnology. Biochemical methods of analysis, generally accepted in the food industry, were used as research tools. It is well known that low-temperature freezing helps to maximize the preservation of the nutritional value of plant materials, however, in the health food industry, recipes and technologies for processing frozen grapes are practically not represented. An information search of scientific literature has shown that there are no studies on the study and selection of grape varieties for canning by freezing and the production of functional products from defrosted raw materials, which indicates the need to conduct experimental studies, study the kinetics of the chemical and biochemical composition of fresh, frozen and defrosted grapes in order to differentiate raw materials for the production of desserts with different functional orientations. Using biochemical analysis methods, it has been established that, regardless of varietal characteristics, the main components of the chemical composition of grapes are preserved during freezing and further defrosting.

Mycobacterial infections: features of microbiological diagnosis

To date, more than 200 species of mycobacteria have been identified, in addition to the well-known Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Among microorganisms belonging to the genus Mycobacterium, there are obligate pathogenic, opportunistic and saprophytic strains. The incidence of non-tuberculous or atypical mycobacteria, which cause opportunistic infections in humans and animals, is steadily increasing. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly recognized as a source of healthcare-associated infections.Aim of the study was to analyze the literature on current methods of microbiological diagnosis of mycobacterial infections.Material and methods. A search and analysis of scientific literature in the Web of Science, PubMed, eLIBRARY.RU, Europe PMC databases was performed using the following key words: mycobacteriosis, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, mycobacterial infections, MALDITOF MS, atypical mycobacteria. Results and discussion. The review summarizes and presents the classification, morphological, cultural, genetic and ecological features of mycobacterial strains. Modern approaches in the diagnosis of mycobacterial diseases and identification of pathogens are analyzed; their advantages and disadvantages are indicated.Conclusions. Mycobacterial infections are often considered as diseases associated with the provision of medical care, requiring a detailed assessment of the situation with the definition of criteria for microbiological monitoring of objects of a medical organization, etc. The analyzed literature data demonstrate a variety of methods for laboratory diagnosis of mycobacterial infections with the need for further improvement of methodological approaches.

Social technologies for healthy and active aging: Literature Review and Research Agenda

Learning about active aging begins at a young age. Older adults with a particular lifestyle can expand and maintain the knowledge they have acquired. Active aging is an advantage that contributes to longevity. Increased demands on healthcare services occur in all age groups but are more common in older people, which also increases treatment costs. Here too, the use of ICT can offer new solutions. We used the scientific literature search method. The articles were selected according to the following criteria: accessibility, scientificity, appropriateness of content, and timeliness. After selection, the results were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. The content analysis of the four articles provided some answers to the question about the relationship between social technologies and aging, namely that institutions need to encourage interprofessional and perhaps intergenerational conversations not only about the dangers and risks of using social media but also about the opportunities arising from the rapidly evolving online world. Promising results were found for immersive technologies to counteract agerelated decline processes, particularly by boosting morale when using patient-centered approaches to eHealth self-management. However, the results of one reviewed study differed from previous research showing that online social participation protects against pain-related depression. We are convinced that older adults will eventually enjoy the use of social technologies and that people will use ICT as a tool for active aging as they strive to make the world a more age-friendly place.

Практика дистанционного консультирования очевидцев события диспетчерами экстренных служб по вопросам оказания первой помощи: предложения по совершенствованию нормативно-правовой базы

Summary. The objectives of the study are to examine the international experience in the sphere of normative-legal regulation of the practice of remote counseling of eyewitnesses of an event by first aid emergency dispatchers, to assess the existing legal prerequisites for the introduction of the first aid dispatcher service in our country and to determine the priority directions of improvement of the domestic normative-legal base in order to create conditions for the successful implementation of the practice in the Russian Federation at the federal level. Materials and research methods. A search of scientific literature on the topic of the study in Russian and English by combinations of keywords was performed in 2023. Additional search was carried out in the bibliographic lists of the publications included in the review. The search and analysis of normative legal acts of the Russian Federation was carried out with the help of reference legal systems Garant and ConsultantPlus. Results of the study and their analysis. The authors have formulated and proposed for discussion by the professional community a number of normative proposals aimed at the systematic organization and ensuring the effective implementation of first aid dispatcher service practice in the Russian Federation at the federal level.

Towards Intelligent Automation (IA): Literature Review on the Evolution of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), its Challenges, and Future Trends

Abstract Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration offer great potential for the future of corporate automation and increased productivity. RPA rapidly evolves into Intelligent Process Automation (IPA) by incorporating advanced technologies and capabilities beyond simple task automation. The paper aims to identify the organisational, technological, and human-centred challenges that companies face in transitioning from RPA to IPA. The research process involved conducting the scientific literature search using the ResearchRabbit AI tool, which provided a set of reference papers relevant to the formulated research questions. As a result of the conducted literature review, the authors identified key challenges and possible countermeasures for companies transitioning from RPA to IPA. The resulting collection of reference scientific articles formed the basis for this study’s content and substantive analysis. Furthermore, this study contributes by identifying artificial intelligence techniques and algorithms, such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), predictive analytics, and others, that can be integrated with RPA to facilitate the transition to IPA. The paper also offers insights into potential future research areas.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Undergraduate Dental Students on Information and Communication Technology and Computer-assisted Learning.

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education and clinical purposes is growing immensely. The usage skill, attitude of dental students, and difficulties faced by students are important concerns to be addressed. The study was designed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and skills of ICT of undergraduate dental students via assessing the ease of computer and internet use among students, the level of computer skills and training of the students, and usage pattern of computer activities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students of three dental colleges in Haryana using a self-designed questionnaire having sections related to demographics, devices, softwares and search engine usage, ICT skills, ICT attitude, and educational and social use. The response rate was 81.96%. A total of 99.1% of the individuals responded affirmatively to the usage of mobile phones, 48.4 and 13.1% for laptops and tablets, respectively. The average duration of use of smartphones per day was 4.2121 ± 2.834 hours. Google was opted as the most popular search engine used and PubMed the least popular. Only 12.9% of participants showed a negative attitude toward the use of ICT in studies. More social use than academic use was observed. Attitude scores showed a significant correlation with the educational use of ICT (r = 0.89, p = 0.003). Most of the participants were well acquainted with the usage and had a positive attitude toward ICT for educational purposes. Sensitization and training in scientific literature search and basics of ICT and their practical utilization in dental education, research, and practice should be included in the curriculum. Sikka N, Arya L, Bala S, et al. Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Undergraduate Dental Students on Information and Communication Technology and Computer-assisted Learning. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):711-715.

Worsening air pollution an unfamiliar cause of low vitamin D levels: A systematic literature review

Air pollution is widely recognized as a future biohazard, yet its direct effects on human health, particularly in relation to bone health and vitamin D levels, are inadequately understood. While the detrimental impact on respiratory and cardiovascular health is well-documented, the correlation with vitamin D deficiency remains weak.<br /> To explore the relationship between air pollution and vitamin D levels, an extensive search of scientific literature was conducted. This comprehensive search encompassed databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and DOAJ, while also examining the bibliographies of relevant articles. The inclusion criteria focused on studies that specifically investigated the association between air pollution and vitamin D levels, while excluding systematic reviews, case reports, editor's letters, and studies lacking pertinent explanations or causative factors. Each included study underwent rigorous evaluation of its methodological quality, with data extraction performed to assess the reliability and robustness of the evidence for each research question.<br /> The majority of studies have consistently demonstrated a negative correlation between ambient air pollution and vitamin D levels in humans. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this relationship, including reduced exposure to sunlight due to increased air pollution, production of reactive oxygen particles, and inflammation leading to decreased vitamin D synthesis. Moreover, certain pollutants, such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, have been found to have a more pronounced impact on vitamin D levels. Variables such as age, gender, season, and geographical location may also influence the association between air pollution and vitamin D levels. Lifestyle factors, including indoor confinement and pre-existing vitamin D deficiency, may exacerbate the detrimental effects of air pollution.<br /> In conclusion, air pollution detrimentally affects vitamin D levels primarily through increased body inflammation and the generation of free radicals. The presence of elevated levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide further compounds this effect. Additionally, decreased cutaneous production of activated vitamin D, resulting from reduced ultraviolet B radiation penetration due to decreased Air Quality Index, contributes to the negative impact. Studies suggest that the intake of exogenous vitamin D supplements and adherence to a calcium-rich diet may confer benefits to individuals residing in highly polluted areas. To address this issue, public health policies should emphasize outdoor exposure to sunlight, promote healthy dietary choices, and reduce overall exposure to pollutants.

The challenge of infodemic: a scoping review of strategies to tackle health-related fake news

Abstract Introduction The term “infodemic” was coined by David J. Rothkopf during the SARS epidemic to describe the phenomenon of the uncontrolled spread of speculation amplified by the media and the technologies of the 21st century. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a tremendous increase of misinformation was observed. The purpose of this scoping review is to collect and describe all the strategies, tools, and recommendations available from the literature aimed at counteracting infodemic and provide useful information for decision makers to build effective responses. Methods We performed a systematic search of scientific literature from 1 January 2018 to 31 January 2023 on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus electronic databases. Eligible articles were English article analysing tools (strategies, policies, recommendations, guidance, guidelines, toolkits, etc) aiming at supervising, monitoring, preventing and countering infodemic. Results The overall research in the scientific databases yielded a total of 5,516 record. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 26 articles from scientific and grey literature. From the included articles, 21 public health actions were extracted. These recommendations were grouped into five main categories (“Strategies”) that act on the infodemic phenomenon: - Increasing the health literacy of the population - Surveillance of the spread of misinformation strategies - Checking and debunking misinformation strategies - Legal and Institutional strategies - Communicate and dissemination programs Conclusions The review showed a large number of stakeholders envolved (social media companies, healthcare professionals, institutions, population). To properly address the problem of infodemia, it will be essential the creation of a solid health network, capable to tackle the spread of fake news in every moment of the process, from the surveillance systems to the checking and debunking information. Key messages • Healthcare professionals have the responsibility of disseminating information in an understandable manner; government and authorities should implement laws to tackle the dissemination of fake news. • Social media companies (and their most famous users, the ‘influencers'), should take stronger actions to contain the dissemination of fake news.

Comparison of short‐course versus long‐course antibiotic treatment for community‐acquired pneumonia: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials

The duration of antibiotic treatment of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been a topic of discussion in scientific communities because of the lack of evidence about the current regimen, i.e., 7 to 10 days of treatment. The present meta-analysis aims to compare the effectiveness of shorter-duration antibiotic treatment with longer-duration antibiotic treatment in patients with CAP. This meta-analysis was conducted and reported in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Two authors carried out a scientific literature search on online databases, including EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library. The following keywords or corresponding medical subject headings (MeSH) were used for the search of relevant articles: “community-acquired pneumonia”, “antibiotics”, “drug therapy”, “short course”, “long course”, and "duration". The primary outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis were clinical efficacy, microbiological efficacy and radiological resolution, other outcomes included mortality and drug related adverse events. Total 6 RCTs were included in the current meta-analysis. No significant differences were found between shorter-course and longer-course antibiotic treatment in terms of clinical efficacy, microbiological efficiency, radiological resolution, mortality and drug-related adverse events. The findings of the present meta-analysis showed that the treatment of CAP with a shorter course of antibiotic is as effective as a longer course of therapy.

Efficacy of Janus kinase inhibitors in adult patients with alopecia areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder resulting in localized hair loss due to targeting hair follicle epithelium. The authors aimed to summarize the existing literature on patients with AA who underwent treatment with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) and discuss the current evidence regarding their efficacy and safety. An extensive scientific literature search was conducted between January 1, 2017, and April 16, 2023, using a recognized medical and scientific database. The extracted data were synthesized and analyzed, focusing on the effect of JAKis in reducing hair loss in adult patients with AA. The evidence suggests that oral JAKis such as tofacitinib, ruxolitinib, and Baricitinib show promise in treating AA regarding both efficacy and safety. The group of drugs JAKis are a good treatment option even in severe clinical conditions of AA, further investigation should be taken to consideration including dosage and treatment duration.

Biomarkers for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human excreta: recent advances in analytical techniques-a review.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental pollutants that are generated by the incomplete combustion of organic materials. The main anthropogenic sources of PAHs are the combustion of solid fuels for heating purposes, illegal waste incineration, road transport and industries based on fossil fuels. PAHs can easily enter the body because they are present in all elements of the environment, including water, soil, air, and food. Due to their ubiquitous presence, PAHs, may exert a harmful effect on human health. Assessing PAH exposure through biomonitoring mostly involve techniques to measure the concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene in human urine. Nevertheless, through recent progress in analytical techniques, other common metabolites of PAHs in human biospecimens can be detected. A scientific literature search was conducted to determine which hydroxy derivatives of PAHs are markers of PAHs exposure and to reveal the leading sources of these compounds. Techniques for analyzing biological samples to identify OH-PAHs are also discussed. The most frequently determined OH-PAH in human urine is 1-hydroxypyrene, the concentration of which reaches up to a dozen ng/L in urine. Apart from this compound, the most frequently determined biomarkers were naphthalene and fluorene metabolites. The highest concentrations of 1- and 2-hydroxynaphthalene, as well as 2-hydroxyfluorene, are associated with occupational exposure and reach approximately 30ng/L in urine. High molecular weight PAH metabolites have been identified in only a few studies. To date, PAH metabolites in feces have been analyzed only in animal models for PAH exposure. The most frequently used analytical method is HPLC-FLD. However, compared to liquid chromatography, the LOD for gas chromatography methods is at least one order of magnitude lower. The hydroxy derivatives naphthalene and fluorene may also serve as indicators of PAH exposure.

Concept for integrative pain treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee based on the evidence for conservative and complementary therapies

Osteoarthritis of the knee (gonarthritis) represents amedical challenge. What is the evidence with respect to approaches of complementary medicine and their integration into multimodal pain management concepts? Qualitative nonsystematic literature search on the epidemiology and pathophysiology as well as informative clinical trials, meta-analyses and clinical guidelines about conservative treatment including complementary therapy for gonarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the knee is afrequent condition with biopsychosocial risks factors for chronification. The German S2k clinical guideline (k = consensus-based, not based on scientific systematic literature searches) published by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) in 2017 has not yet been updated. The current guidelines of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) date from 2020. Both guidelines recommend exercise therapy, weight reduction, short-term analgesics, topical therapy, intra-articular corticoid injections and acupuncture with variable strengths. Furthermore, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), laser and other electrophysical therapies, shock waves, traction treatment, ergotherapy, comfrey poultices and mudpacks can also be used. Current research supports the benefits of tai chi/qigong and medicinal leaches. Complementary treatment approaches, such as acupuncture, tai chi/qigong, topical naturopathic self-treatment and leeches (with limitations) can, in addition to behavioral changes, exercise therapy and short-term pharmacological treatment, be important evidence-based components of integrative pain management concepts, e.g. in terms of an interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment (IMPT). Besides pain reduction and functional improvement they promote the internal control conviction through the possibility of self-treatment and self-exercise.