Applications of Smart Textiles in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation.

Stroke is a disease affecting a large part of our society. According to WHO data, it is the second world's biggest killer, accounting for near six million deaths in 2016 and it is about 30% of the total number of strokes per year. Other patients affected by such a disease should be rehabilitated as soon as possible. As a result of this phenomenon, paresis may occur. Among the devices available on the market there are many rehabilitation robots, but the method of electrostimulation can be used. The authors focused their attention on electrostimulation and commercially available therapies. Using this method, application to people with large hand muscle contracture is difficult. The authors of the work present a solution dedicated to exactly such people. A solution of textronic sensors manufactured on a textile substrate using the technology of physical vapor deposition is presented in the article. As a result of the conducted research, an electroconductive structure was obtained with a low surface resistance value of 1 Ω/□ and high flexibility. It can alternatively be used in hand rehabilitation for electrostimulation of fingertips. The solution is dedicated to people with high hands spasticity for whom it is impossible to put on a rehabilitation glove.

State-of-the-art approach towards magnetic resonance imaging of the nervous system structures in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.

INTRODUCTION: MRI generated forces are the source of potential complications in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). The technological progress, and growing clinical evidence concerning the operation of the contemporary MR non-conditional CIEDs during MRI, have started to significantly change our every-day clinical practice. Nevertheless, a lot of patients who could have an MRI performed safely, still have been refused the examination. STATE-OF-THE-ART: In many clinical situations, an MRI examination in a patient with a CIED is reasonable, and is linked to a negligible risk of complications if performed under strict precautions. The MagnaSave Registry that evaluated the influence of nonthoracic MRI on the function of MR non-conditional CIEDs, and numerous studies involving thoracic and non-thoracic MRIs in patients with legacy CIEDs, have confirmed the feasibility and safety of such examinations. In this article, practical tips aimed towards improving the safety of MRI in MR conditional and non-conditional CIED patients are largely based on the very recently released (2017) HRS expert consensus statement. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinical data emphasize the necessity of making the MRI more accessible to CIED patients, also in the case of MR non-conditional systems or when the thorax MR imaging is clinically reasonable. This goal should be achieved by increasing the number of centers complying with respective recommendations and applying protocols that would guarantee the highest safety level. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Further studies are warranted to assess safety issues related to the main current contraindication to MRI, i.e., the presence of abandoned leads.

[Computer modelling of electroconvulsive treatment and transcranial magnetic stimulation--an explanation of poor efficacy of the magnetic method]. / Komputerowe modelowanie zabiegów elektrowstrzasowych i przezczaszkowej stymulacji magnetycznej--wyjasnieni slabej skutecznosci metody magnetycznej.

With help of informatics technology it is possible to simulate various physiological processes in virtual models of biological structures. In a created realistic model of the human head we made some comparative investigations over physical phenomena accompanying the electroconvulsive treatment ECT and transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS--two methods with confirmed (ECT) or presumable (TMS) antidepressant efficacy. The present investigations are a continuation of the earlier conducted study in the simple spherical model of the head. Investigations confirmed, that magnetic stimulation TMS generates a considerably weaker current flow in the brain than it is present in electroconvulsive technique. Applying of such weak stimulation in modus,,at haphazard", i.e. on the brain area which does not need to be metabolically disturbed in this patient--cannot cause an antidepressant effect at all. The results of the investigations explain not only the safety of the magnetic method, but the weak effectiveness of this method. The authors propose some methods for improvement of TMS efficacy.

[Depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus--clinical and therapeutical implications]. / Depresja u osób z cukrzyca typu 2--wspólwystiepowanie, implikacje kliniczne i terapeutyczne.

The prevalence of depression is three times greater in people with type 2 diabetes than in the general population. In these patients, the course of this disease is more severe, the duration of therapy is longer and the rate of recurrent relapses is higher. Diabetes mellitus often occurs in the patients with previously diagnosed depression, and also diabetics being in the course of therapy used to be affected with depression. A special correlation was pointed at between complications diabetes such as macroangiopathy, retinopathy, polyneuropathy and incidence of depression. The coincidence of these diseases can be the cause of deterioration of diabetes. Treating these patients often require psychotherapy or both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the drugs of choice in the pharmacological treatment of depression. These drugs contribute to lowering the level of glycaemia, lowering the rate of HbA1c, increasing the sensitivity to insulin and they improve cognitive functions. Except decreasing libido they do not cause arrhythmias, hypotonia, urine retention or disturbances of emptying the stomach.

[Skin manifestation of mixed hyperlipidaemia in the course of decompensated diabetes]. / Przypadek hiperlipidemii mieszanej z symptomatologia skórna w przebiegu niewyrównanej cukrzycy.

The 55-year-old patient was admitted to the hospital ward in a bad condition, with some symptoms of dehydration, polydipsia, polyuria, hyperglycaemia and slight metabolic acidosis and with numerous xanthomas on the trunk, forearms, thighs and buttocks. Moreover he was confirmed to have teeth caries. During the treatment the infusion liquids, insulin, metronidasol, amoxiclav, simvastatin were administered. The caries teeth extraction was performed. Metabolic compensation and disappearance of skin changes was obtained.

[Verification of Polish regulations of maximum permissible intensities in electromagnetic fields by the Commission for Bioelectromagnetic Issues of the Polish Radiation Research Society]. / Prace Komisji do spraw Problemow Bioelektromagnetycznych Polskiego Towarzystwa Badan Radiacyjnych w zakresie weryfikacji krajowych przepisów o najwyzszych dopuszczalnych natezeniach w polach elektromagnetycznych.

Experts in the field of bioelectromagnetism have reported a growing need to verify Polish regulations on the protection against electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the 0-300 GHz range, especially in their maximal permissible intensities (MPI). There is a general belief that Polish standards do not fully comply with recommendations and directives of the European Union (EU) and that Polish regulations on the border values for environmental and occupational exposure to EMF are not harmonized. To this end, the Commission for Bioelectromagnetic Issues have been set up in the Polish Radiation Research Society. Following a through analysis of standards binding in Poland and EU, the Commission set about working on verified MPI values for EMF. This paper presents some comments of the Commission members, stressing the complexity of this undertaking.

[Protection against electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phone facilities in Poland and the European Union countries]. / Ochrona przed polami elektromagnetycznymi emitowanymi przez urzadzenia telefonii komórkowej w Polsce i w krajach Unii Europejskiej.

In personal communication, the mobile phone systems have developed most rapidly. To enlarge the area of mobile phone availability one needs to fine a base antenna network. This means that the base antennas are closer and closer to people. Each antenna is the source of electromagnetic fields, and thus it has to be designed carefully with respect to public health. The standards are different for the general public and for occupational groups. In Polish standards, the limits for the frequency range of 0.3-300 GHz are expressed in power density with value of 0.1 W/m2. The EU standards are more sophisticated as they relate limit values to frequencies. This paper presents these values and other limits binding in the EU countries. Other limits are laid down for the population of workers. In this respect, there is a considerable discrepancy between the Polish and EU standards. The approach to standard setting is quite different. The Polish standards are exactly determined and very restrictive. They require from operators to take great care in establishing new base stations. The question whether the Polish standards should be compatible with the European Union standards remains still open. The EU regulations do not require any change in the standardization of member states if their standards prove to be more restrictive. From 1998, a tendency towards more restrictive limits, especially in respect to the general population, has been observed.