Fluorescence spectral analysis and logistic regression modeling for diagnosing basal cell carcinoma on head and neck.

The optical fluorescence method is distinguished by key features such as non-invasiveness, high sensitivity, and resolution, which are superior to traditional diagnostic approaches. Unlike histopathological examinations and biochemical analyses, optical diagnostic methods obviate the need for tissue sampling, enabling the analysis of virtually unlimited material. The research aims to examine the effectiveness of emission spectra analysis in the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the scalp and neck. The analysis was based on data provided by Specialized Hospital No. 2 in Bytom comprising a study sample of 10 patients. For each patient, fluorescence emission spectra were recorded from each of 512 points along a 5 mm line. The results obtained from the histopathological examination, the analysis and morphological evaluation of the tissue, and the diagnosis through microscopic observation were used to define a dichotomous variable (presence or absence of a cancerous lesion), adopted in the study as the modeled variable. The next step of the presented study involved constructing a logistic regression model for identifying cancerous lesions depending on the biochemical indicator's relative fluorescence value (RFV) and emission wavelength (ELW) within the 620 nm to 730 nm range. This wavelength range is often used in fluorescence diagnostics to detect various pathologies, including cancerous lesions. The resulting binary logistic regression model, logit(p)=-33.17+0.04ELW+0.01RFV, indicates a statistically significant relationship between wavelength and relative fluorescence values with the probability of detecting cancer. The estimated model exhibits a good fit and high predictive accuracy. The overall model accuracy is 84.8 %, with the correct classification rates at approximately 96 % for healthy individuals and 74 % for individuals with cancer. These findings underscore the potential of photodynamic diagnostics in cancer detection and monitoring.

Thermovision as a Tool for Athletes to Verify the Symmetry of Work of Individual Muscle Segments.

In the presented research, we characterised the temperature profiles and the degree of preparation for exercise of individual muscle groups of athletes We hypothesise that by means of thermal imaging studies, the effectiveness of the warm-up can be monitored to determine whether the effort of individual muscles is equal and symmetrical, which can help to avoid a potential injury. In the study, thermographic imaging was performed on a group of athletes exercising on a rowing ergometer involving almost 80% of the muscle parts of the human body for intense and symmetrical exercise. Thermovision studies have confirmed, based on the increased temperature of the muscle areas, that the rowing ergometer involves many muscle groups in training. Moreover, based on the shape of the temperature function obtained from individual body regions of interest, it was shown that conventional exercise on a rowing ergometer causes almost symmetrical work of the right and left sides of the body. Obtained temperature changes in most of the studied muscle areas showed minimum temperature reached the beginning of training-mostly phases 1 and 2. During the subsequent phases, the temperature increase was monitored, stopping at resting temperature. Significantly, temperature variations did not exceed 0.5 °C in all post-training phases. Statistical analyses did not show any significant differences in the symmetry of right and left muscle areas corresponding to the muscle location temperature. Thermal imaging may be an innovative wholly non-invasive and safe method, because checking induces adaptation processes, which may become indicators of an athlete's efficiency. The imaging can be continuously repeated, and automatic comparison of average temperature or temperature difference may provide some clues that protect athletes from overtraining or serious injuries.

Electromagnetic Fields Modify Redox Balance in the Rat Gastrointestinal Tract.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of electromagnetic fields with divergent physical properties on the prooxidative and antioxidative balances in homogenates of the tongue, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines of rats. Material and Methods: Forty rats were randomly divided into four equal groups, namely, a control group, a group exposed to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (LF-EMFs; frequency: 50 Hz; intensity: 10 kV/m; magnetic induction: 4.3 pT), a group exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) emitted by mobile phones (frequency: 900 MHz), and a group exposed simultaneously to LF-EMFs and RF-EMFs emitted by mobile phones. After 28 consecutive days of the experiment, the following pro- and antioxidative markers were assessed in the gastrointestinal tract homogenates: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its two isoenzymes (Mn-SOD, Cu,Zn-SOD) catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results: In rats exposed to LF-EMFs, higher concentrations of the markers of prooxidant processes, MDA or TOS, were observed in the salivary glands, esophagus, and small intestine homogenates in comparison with the control group. Additionally, in the group of rats opposite to the control, antioxidant activity was observed. The main differences included a higher activity of Cu,Zn-SOD in homogenates of the tongue, salivary glands, and esophagus as well as decreased activity of CAT in homogenates of the tongue, esophagus, and small intestine. In animals exposed to RF-EMFs, the concentration of TOS was higher in the large intestine than in control rats. The main difference of antioxidant activity was presented by decreased Cu,Zn-SOD in homogenates of the salivary glands, stomach, small and large intestine as well as CAT in homogenates of the tongue, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine. Moreover, in rats exposed simultaneously to LF-EMFs and RF-EMFs, a lower concentration of TOS was observed. Antioxidant activity was presented by a decreased activity of CAT in homogenates of the tongue, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: Among those applied in the study, electromagnetic fields of a low-frequency caused the most significant disturbances of oxidative stress in the rat gastrointestinal tract.

Thermal Effects of Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Hard-to-Heal Wounds-A Pilot Study.

Clinical studies have been performed to evaluate the thermal response of topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy (THBOT) in patients suffering from hard-to-heal wounds diagnosed as venous leg ulcers located on their lower extremities. It was found that this therapy leads to a temperature decrease in areas around the wound. Moreover, a minor temperature differentiation between all areas was seen in the third period of topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy (THBOT) that may suggest that microcirculation and thermoregulation improvement start the healing process. On the other hand, the results of the conducted studies seem to prove that thermal imaging may provide a safe and effective method of analyzing wound healing of hard-to-heal wounds being treated with THBOT. This is the first study that tries to show the possibilities of a very new method by evaluating treatment of hard-to-heal wounds using thermal imaging, similar to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy effects evaluated by thermal imaging and described previously. However, the first clinical results showed a decrease in temperature due to the THBOT session and some qualitative similarities in the decrease in temperature differentiation between the studied areas and the temperature effects obtained due to hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Methods of spectral diagnostics in modern prevention of oncological diseases.

This paper contains structured information on photodynamic diagnostics. Photodynamic diagnostics is a young diagnostic modality used in the detection of pre-neoplastic and very early neoplastic lesions. A characteristic feature of the presented method is its completely non-invasive nature and thus the possibility of multiple repetitions at the same patient. This is very important in modern health care and in preventive measures. Aim of the paper: The article aims to present technical and diagnostic possibilities of a photodynamic method as one of the possible modalities of screening diagnostics in patients with ambiguous clinical picture of early neoplastic lesions.

Spectral analysis of basal cell cancer in vivo.

One of the most important features of optical biopsy methods is its non-invasive nature, high sensitivity and resolution in comparison to traditional diagnostic methods. Optical diagnostic methods, contrary to histopathological tests and biochemical analysis, do not require the collection of tissue samples for analysis, and the amount of analyzed material is practically unlimited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of spectral studies in the diagnostics of skin basal cell cancer using a protoptive device in clinical conditions. Each of the subjects was measured 4 times. The measurements were performed on the skin of a patient without a photosensitizer and on the healthy skin on the opposite side of the change in relation to the middle line, also without a photosensitizer. Patients were then given photosensitizer in form of ointment from ALA (Sigma Aldrich, USA) and lubricated with this ointment with occlusal dressing. The patient was examined again 3 h after the application. In each case the measurement time was 1.2 s. Significant differences were observed for the measurements of the sick patient's skin with photosensitizer. Significant differences in spectral curve between 570 and 780 nm were observed.

Usefulness in Developing an Optimal Training Program and Distinguishing between Performance Levels of the Athlete's Body by Using of Thermal Imaging.

The goal of the training is to enable the body to perform prolonged physical effort without reducing its effectiveness while maintaining the body's homeostasis. Homeostasis is the ability of the system to maintain, in dynamic balance, the stability of the internal environment. Equally as important as monitoring the body's thermoregulation phenomena during exercise seems to be the evaluation of these mechanisms after physical effort, when the athlete's body returns to physiological homeostasis. Restoring homeostasis is an important factor in body regeneration and has a significant impact on preventing overtraining. In this work we present a training protocol using a rowing ergometer, which was planned to be carried out in a short time and which involves working the majority of the athlete's muscles, allowing a full assessment of the body's thermal parameters after stopping exercise and during the body's return to thermal equilibrium and homeostasis. The significant differences between normalized mean body surface temperature obtained for the cyclist before the training period and strength group as well as before and 10 min after training were obtained. Such observation seems to bring indirectly some information about the sportsperson's efficiency due to differences in body temperature in the first 10 min of training when sweat does not play a main role in surface temperature. Nearly 1 °C drop of mean body temperature has been measured due to the period of training. It is concluded that thermovision not only allows you to monitor changes in body temperature due to sports activity, but also allows you to determine which of the athletes has a high level of body efficiency. The average maximum body temperature of such an athlete is higher (32.5 °C) than that of an athlete who has not trained regularly (30.9 °C) and whose body probably requires further training.

Monitoring PDT effects in basal cell carcinoma treatment using thermal imaging.

BACKGROUND: One of the most frequent type of malignant skin lesion (almost 95 percent of all skin tumours) is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It is often treated by radiotherapy using ionizing radiation as well by photodynamic therapy (PDT) which is a selective method directed only on cancer cells and well tolerated by patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight male patients of the Department and Clinic of Internal Diseases, Angiology and Physical Medicine in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, in Katowice, Poland suffering from basal cell carcinoma were monitored by thermovision during the photodynamic therapy. All lesions were diagnosed as superficial were confirmed by histopathological examination. RESULTS: The dynamics of changes observed in the isotherm area during the therapy can provide physicians with additional information. The significant increase of observed isotherm area in comparison to the lesion area diagnosed by a physician was confirmed, which may be connected with the increased metabolism processes occurring in the tissue surrounded the lesion. CONCLUSION: The obtained results based on the temperature gradient changes in the lesion vicinity area may bring some new information describing the range of biochemical and physiological processes occurring during photodynamic therapy.

Myofascial Trigger Points Therapy Modifies Thermal Map of Gluteal Region.

BACKGROUND: Thermal imaging may be effectively used in musculoskeletal system diagnostics and therapy evaluation; thus, it may be successfully applied in myofascial trigger points assessment. OBJECTIVE: Investigation of thermal pattern changes after myofascial trigger points progressive compression therapy in healthy males and females. METHODS: The study included 30 healthy people (15 females and 15 males) with age range 19-34 years (mean age: 23.1 ± 4.21). Thermograms of myofascial trigger points were taken pre- and posttherapy and consecutively in the 15th and 30th minutes. Pain reproducible by palpation intensity was assessed with numeric rating scale. RESULTS: Progressive compression therapy leads to myofascial trigger points temperature (p=0.02) and surface (p=0.02) and surface (p=0.02) and surface (p=0.02) and surface (. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that myofascial trigger points reaction to applied therapy spreads in time and space and depends on participants' sex.

Clinical Trials and Basic Research in Photodynamic Diagnostics and Therapies from the Center for Laser Diagnostics and Therapy in Poland.

The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the development of photodiagnostic and photodynamic therapy (PDD and PDT) techniques in Poland. The paper discusses the principles of PDD, including fluorescent techniques in determining precancerous conditions and cancers of the skin, digestive tract, bladder and respiratory tract. Methods of PDT of cancer will be discussed and the current state of knowledge as well as future trends in the development of photodynamic techniques will be presented, including the possibility of using photodynamic antimicrobial therapy. Research pioneers in photodynamic medicine such as Thomas Dougherty are an inspiration for the development of methods of PDD and PDT in our Clinic. The Center for Laser Diagnostics and Therapy in Bytom, Poland, promotes the propagation of PDD and PDT through the training of clinicians and raising awareness among students in training and the general public. Physicians at the Center are engaged in photomedical research aimed at clinical implementation and exploration of new avenues in photomedicine while optimizing existing modalities. The Center promotes dissemination of clinical results from a wide range of topics in PDD and PDT and serving as representative authorities of photodynamic medicine in Poland and Europe.

Modern methods of treatment in palliative care.

The palliative care patient is definitely a unique type of patient. Due to the complexity of the symptoms requires a holistic therapeutic approach. Modern methods of treatment in palliative and hospice care underline an important role of physio, kinesiotherapy and pharmacological treatment coexistence. The rehabilitation reduces clinical symptoms, accompanying the basic disease and increases the quality of life of palliative patients and their families. It becomes an inseparable element of treatment, both in outpatient care as well as in stationary care and home care. Due to the high dynamics onset of cancer in the group of geriatric patients there is a need for a broader analysis of the topic. The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.

Precompetitional Weight Reduction Modifies Prooxidative-Antioxidative Status in Judokas.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the study was an assessment of the influence of rapid weight loss on oxidative stress parameters in judokas differing in weight reduction value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 30 judokas with an age range of 18-30 years (mean age: 22.4 ± 3.40 years). Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidative markers, lipid peroxidation markers, and total oxidative stress were assessed three times: one week before a competition (the first stage), after gaining the desired weight (the second stage), and one week after the competition (the third stage). RESULTS: Between the first and the second stage, the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides (LPH) decreased significantly. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD), ceruloplasmin (CER), malondialdehyde (MDA), LPH, and total oxidative stress (TOS) concentrations were the lowest one week after the competition. Linear regression indicated that the emphases on increased weight reduction increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and protein sulfhydryl (PSH) between the first and the second stage of the study. Moderate weight reduction (2-5%) resulted in elevated levels of SOD, Mn-SOD, LPH, MDA, and TOS in comparison to low and high reductions. An opposite relation was observed in PSH. In judokas, the precompetitional weight reduction range was 0.44-6.10% (mean: 2.93% ± 1.76%) of the initial body weight. Concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD; p < .01), manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD; p < .001), and ceruloplasmin (CER; p < .05) decreased between the first and the third stage of the study as well between the second and third one. Before competitions, a decrease in lipid hydroperoxide (LPH; p < .01) concentration was observed. A reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA; p < .05), LPH (p < .01), and total oxidative stress (TOS; p < .05) levels between the first and the final stage occurred. The increase in weight reduction was linearly correlated with the rise of glutathione peroxidase (GPx; p < .05), glutathione reductase (GR; p < .05), glutathione S-transferase (GST; p < .05), and protein sulfhydryl (PSH; p < .05) concentrations between the first and the second stage of the study. Moderate weight reduction (2-5%) resulted in elevated levels of SOD (p < .05), Mn-SOD (p < .05), LPH (p < .05), MDA (p < .05), and TOS (p < .05) in comparison to low and high reductions. An opposite relation was observed in PSH (p < .005). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of weight reduction in judo athletes on prooxidative-antioxidative system diversity depends on the weight reduction value.

Palliative treatment - still unsolved problem.

In a modern approach to palliative and hospice care, apart from pharmacological treatment, physio- and kinesiotherapy also play an important role. It affects the reduction of clinical symptoms, accompanying the basic disease and also significantly increase of the quality of life for palliative patients and their families. It becomes an inseparable element of treatment, both in outpatient care as well as in stationary care and home care. Thanks to modern forms of physio- and kinesiotherapy, it is possible to adapt therapeutic methods to the individual needs and clinical condition of the patient. Such individualization of treatment in physiotherapy is the main goal of the above methods in palliative and hospice treatment. Due to the dynamics onset of cancer in the group of geriatric patients there is a need for a broader analysis of the topic. The work presents available information of physiotherapy in palliative and hospice care. The problem of relative and absolute indications and contraindications for physiotherapy was discussed. Based analysis of the above topic can lead to the conclusion that there is a necessity undertaking further research on the impact of rehabilitation treatments on reducing patients complaints and improvement of patients life quality.

Derivatives of Graphene Oxide as Potential Drug Carriers.

Chemically functionalized graphene oxides could be used as novel drug carriers. Covalent alterations of graphene oxides lead to surface changes via formation of chemical bonding while non-covalent ones involve van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and π-π stacking interactions. Covalent modifications appear to be superior as they can yield compounds with desired properties and carriers prepared by other methods are less stable. Synthesis of graphene oxide-iminodiacetic acid and graphene oxide-glycine involves nucleophilic substitution of graphene oxide nanoparticles with iminodiacetic acid or glycine. As the first step, iminodiacetic acid or glycine were transformed into iminodiacetic acid or glycine methyl ester hydrochlorides, respectively, for C-terminus protection. The obtained product, activated in situ, was then used to form amide bonds between graphene oxide and iminodiacetic acid or glycine.

Thermal imaging and planimetry evaluation of the results of chronic wounds treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

BACKGROUND: One of the methods to treat chronic wounds is the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Objective measurement of the wound surface is an important element in the process of monitoring and predicting the progress of treatment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on ulcer wound healing in patients with chronic venous insufficiency ulcers and diabetic foot syndrome using thermal imaging and computerized planimetry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a 3-year period, 284 digital computer planimetry measurements were gathered from 142 patients treated for leg ulcers caused by chronic venous insufficiency and ulcers from diabetic foot syndrome at HBOT Unit of the Dr Stanislaw Sakiel Centre for Burns Treatment in Siemianowice Slaskie (Poland). Each patient took 30 HBOT sessions using a Haux multiplace HBO chamber at a pressure of 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA). The results of the treatment were monitored by thermovision and computerassisted planimetry measurements performed before and after HBOT. RESULTS: Both groups of patients exhibited a reduction in the surface and perimeter of the wound after HBOT. The treatment effects were also confirmed by thermal imaging. The areas calculated from thermal imaging and planimetry are different but correlated. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that a combination of thermal imaging and planimetry may enhance the diagnosis as well as provide the physician with more information about therapy effects.

Impact of Static Magnetic Field on the Antioxidant Defence System of Mice Fibroblasts.

Results of research assessing the biological impact of static magnetic fields are controversial. So far, they have not provided a clear answer to their influence on cell functioning. Since the use of permanent magnets both in everyday life and in industry becomes more and more widespread, the investigations are continued in order to explain these controversies and to evaluate positive applications. The goal of current work was to assess the impact of static magnetic field of different intensities on redox homeostasis in cultures of fibroblasts. The use of permanent magnets allowed avoiding the thermal effects which are present in electromagnets. During the research we used 6 chambers, designed exclusively by us, with different values of field flux density (varying from 0.1 to 0.7 T). We have noted the decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The static magnetic fields did not modify the energy state of fibroblasts- adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration was stable, as well as the generation of malondialdehyde (MDA)-which is a marker of oxidative stress. Results of research suggest that static magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets do not cause oxidative stress in investigated fibroblasts and that they may show slight antioxidizing activity.

Nutrients Composition in Fit Snacks Made from Ostrich, Beef and Chicken Dried Meat.

The aim of the study was to compare three types of meat snacks made from ostrich, beef, and chicken meat in relation to their nutrients content including fat, fatty acids, heme iron, and peptides, like anserine and carnosine, from which human health may potentially benefit. Dry meat samples were produced, from one type of muscle, obtained from ostrich (m.ambiens), beef (m. semimembranosus), and broiler chicken meat (m. pectoralis major). The composition of dried ostrich, beef, and chicken meat, with and without spices was compared. We show that meat snacks made from ostrich, beef, and chicken meat were characterized by high concentration of nutrients including proteins, minerals (heme iron especially in ostrich, than in beef), biologically active peptides (carnosine-in beef, anserine-in ostrich then in chicken meat). The, beneficial to human health, n-3 fatty acids levels differed significantly between species. Moreover, ostrich jerky contained four times less fat as compared to beef and half of that in chicken. In conclusion we can say that dried ostrich, beef, and chicken meat could be a good source of nutritional components.

Effects of Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Oxidative Stress in Selected Structures of the Central Nervous System.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a 28-day exposure to a 50 Hz electromagnetic field of 10 kV/m on the oxidative stress in selected rat central nervous system (CNS) structures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats served as experimental subjects. Ten rats were exposed to an electromagnetic field with a frequency of 50 Hz, intensity of 10 kV/m, and magnetic induction of 4.3 pT for 22 hours a day. The control group of ten rats was subject to sham exposure. Homogenates of the frontal cortex, hippocampus, brainstem, hypothalamus, striatum, and cerebellum were evaluated for selected parameters of oxidative stress. RESULTS: Following the four-week exposure to a low-frequency electromagnetic field, the mean malondialdehyde levels and total oxidant status of CNS structures did not differ significantly between the experimental and control groups. However, the activities of antioxidant enzymes in brain structure homogenates were decreased except for frontal cortex catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and hippocampal glutathione reductase. The low-frequency electromagnetic field had no effect on the nonenzymatic antioxidant system of the examined brain structures except for the frontal cortex. CONCLUSION: The four-week exposure of male rats to a low-frequency electromagnetic field did not affect oxidative stress in the investigated brain structures.

The Forty-Sixth Euro Congress on Drug Synthesis and Analysis: Snapshot †.

The 46th EuroCongress on Drug Synthesis and Analysis (ECDSA-2017) was arranged within the celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia from 5-8 September 2017 to get together specialists in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, pharmaceutical analysis, screening of bioactive compounds, pharmacology and drug formulations; promote the exchange of scientific results, methods and ideas; and encourage cooperation between researchers from all over the world. The topic of the conference, "Drug Synthesis and Analysis," meant that the symposium welcomed all pharmacists and/or researchers (chemists, analysts, biologists) and students interested in scientific work dealing with investigations of biologically active compounds as potential drugs. The authors of this manuscript were plenary speakers and other participants of the symposium and members of their research teams. The following summary highlights the major points/topics of the meeting.

Can we use thermal imaging to evaluate the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome surgical decompression?

Research is intended to verify if thermal imaging can be used in diagnosing and monitoring the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).This disease is not easy to diagnose using traditional methods. Also, the difficulties in monitoring carpal tunnel surgery effects necessitate new, noninvasive method, which gives more information.The research group consists of 15 patients with CTS and control group of healthy people. All patients who were examined before surgery were also tested 4 weeks after surgery, to check the effects of treatment. In addition a lot of our patients had or will have open carpel tunnel release surgery. Diagnosis of CTS was performed by thermal imaging in both hands from phalanges to the area of the wrist on the external and palmar side of the palm.Using infrared (IR) camera one can observe high temperature gradient on hand-tested areas and these differences prove the diagnosis. Moreover patients after surgery have better temperature distribution and it was closer to control group. Results prove that surgery is the best, and currently, the only method to treat CTS.Thermal imaging may be helpful in diagnosing CTS.