Search

In this article, Andrei Bely’s novel Petersburg is analyzed in terms of the clash of two hostile narratives – Eastern and Western – that have shaped Russian statehood from the rule of Tsar Peter I. The presence of solutions associated with the West, in the history of Russia, as well as in the social and political system of the Russian state, is considered to be the result of a kind of self-colonization and internal colonization. The author of the article, drawing on terminology developed in post-colonial research, highlights the tensions existing within Russian society at the beginning of the 20th century, which translate into internal divisions in the main characters of the work, in particular the senator Apollon Ableukhov and his son Nikolay. Although they both appear to belong to Western civilization and culture, they in fact pave the way for the victory of a chaos of Eastern provenance, which culminates in the Russian revolutions of the early 20th century.

Introduction: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, idiopathic disease characterized by persistent and progressive inflammation of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. This leads to fibrosis, cholestatic complications, and liver failure. In over 70% of patients, non-specific intestinal inflammations coexist, particularly ulcerative colitis, and sporadically Crohn's disease. Aim: Our study aimed to assess current literature on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), covering its causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and the connection between PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) co-occurrence. Materials and methods: We conducted a PubMed literature review using keywords like "primary sclerosing cholangitis pathogenesis," "primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease," and "primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.” Results: Our research extensively covered PSC epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment options. Emphasis was placed on the heightened prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis, among PSC patients. Summary: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a disease causing gradual damage to bile ducts within or outside the liver. Over 70% of patients also experience inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly ulcerative colitis. The exact causes of PSC and its connection to IBD remain unclear. The theories involve hyperactive "intestinal" T cells or the impact of gut microbiome on their growth. Presently, a liver transplant stands as the sole remedy.

Każdy, kto został powołany do Kościoła, ma swój własny udział w jego misji ewangelizacyjnej. Ta misja wypełniana jest w przestrzenno-czasowych uwarunkowaniach, które wyznaczają jej kształt i precyzują zadania poszczególnych osób. We wspólnotach chrześcijańskich od samych ich początków kształtowały się różne formy posług. Posługi te podejmowane były zarówno przez wyświęconych szafarzy, jak i przez wiernych świeckich. Z czasem jednak doszło do ich sklerykalizowania. Zostały one związane z przygotowaniem do przyjęcia sakramentu święceń. Powrót do ich pierwotnego znaczenia zawdzięczamy odnowie liturgicznej, którą podjął II Sobór Watykański. Przedstawiona w dokumentach soborowych odnowiona wizja Kościoła i związana z nią teologia zgromadzenia liturgicznego umożliwiły przywrócenie różnych kościelnych posług, które były udzielane wiernym świeckim. Pierwsze dwie z nich – lektora i akolity – ustanowił papież Paweł VI w 1972 r. Kolejną – posługę katechisty – ustanowił papież Franciszek w 2021 r. Posługa katechisty (z 2021 r.) nawiązuje z jednej strony do posług czasów apostolskich i pierwotnego Kościoła, z drugiej odpowiada wyzwaniom współczesności. Niniejszen opracowanie jest próbą ukazania posługi katechisty, jaką nakreślił w swoim liście apostolskim Antiquum ministerium papież Franciszek. Analiza ta obejmuje zarówno kwestie terminologiczne, jak i merytoryczne związane z ustanowioną nową posługą katechisty. Ogólna refleksja została odniesiona do sytuacji Kościoła w Polsce.

Inhibitors of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2 inhibitors) are relatively new and innovative antihyperglycemic drugs which by inhibiting sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 minimalise reabsorption of glucose in nephrones. Due to this process, SGLT2 inhibitors became a first-choice drugs in diabetology. Flozins were a turning point in many clinical trials and currently consequently conquer pharmacoterapy in cardiology. In the past years, clinical studies proved vast role of SGLT2 inhibitors in other fields of medicine. Flosins protect heart muscle and kidneys among patients with or without type diabetes mellitus type 2. They have positive effect on hypertension, arteries and brain tissue. Cardiological condition with the lowest long-term outcome in patients is heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Until flozins, treatment in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was based on four groups of drugs: β-blocker, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAA), including angiotensin converting enzyme ACE/ARB inhibitors, angiotensin and neprilysin receptor blockers (ARNI) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). It was an appropriate HFrEF treatment over the last years. However thanks to large-scale researches a role of flozins in cardiology have been established and they became hope for a change in the course of heart failure. The following article presents aspects of using flozins in treatment of patients with HFrEF, multipotential usage, vast benefits for patients, not solely cardiologic, and side effects of these miraculous group of drugs.

Introduction: The main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy. The incidence of civilization diseases is increasing, which also indirectly affects the increase in the incidence of CKD. The patient's therapy after the diagnosis should include the care of a multi-specialist therapeutic team that will remove as many restrictions as possible in everyday functioning and ensure a high quality of life. In addition to the selection of individual renal replacement therapy, i.a. physical rehabilitation. Despite the fact that in the course of chronic kidney disease physical activity is impaired by numerous pathophysiological processes, the patient should be encouraged to undertake physical activity in order to reduce the risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases, as well as to eliminate many other adverse health effects of the disease. The following paper aims to analyze the impact of physical activity on CKD patients and the pathophysiological causes of low physical activity in this group of patients and the possibility of implementing rehabilitation as an element of comprehensive therapy. Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the physical activity of patients with chronic kidney disease Materials and Methods: A review of the publications available in PubMed, using the key words „chronic kidney disease”, „psychical activity in chronic kidney disease”, physical activity”, „kidney failure”, „dialysis”, „renal rehabilitation”, „quality of life”

Introduction: Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Walking is an open-accessed form of physical activity that requires no specialized equipment and can be performed at practically any moment of the day. In recent years, it has gained increasing interest and stands out as one of the most widely recommended forms of exercise. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the number of studies focusing on the impact of mean daily step count on health has been growing each year, with a significant surge observed since 2017. Undoubtedly, this topic is relevant to current health trends. Hitherto, there are no evidence-based recommendations regarding the number of steps that should be taken per day. Within this review, we conducted an analysis on the impact of daily step count on the risk of death and the incidence of selected diseases. Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to review of current literature on the influence of daily step count on both physical and mental health. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words: „daily step count”, „step count mental health”, „ physical activity”, „pedometr”. Results: The daily step count can prominently impact the improvement and maintenance of human health and significant health benefits can be achieved by taking 4000-10000 steps per day. Summary: Research has shown that individuals who take more steps throughout the day are less prone to certain diseases, experience milder symptoms, exhibit better overall physical fitness, and have a lower risk of all-cause mortality. In the upcoming years, we can expect further studies aimed at identifying the most optimal daily step count.

Introduction: PRP is an autologous serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors. It is used in dermatology for a variety of purposes, including hair growth, skin renewal, the removal of acne scars, dermal augmentation, and the treatment of striae distensae. The origins of PRP trace back to the 1970s, originating within the field of hematology as a treatment for patients grappling with thrombocytopenia. The subsequent decades, specifically the 1980s and 1990s, witnessed the integration of PRP into surgical procedures, notably in maxillofacial and plastic surgeries. The rationale underlying the employment and therapeutic potential of a concentrated platelet solution hinges upon their remarkable ability to furnish elevated levels of vital growth factors, thus instigating a regenerative impetus that facilitates repair in tissues characterized by limited innate healing capabilities. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted facets of PRP, encompassing mechanisms of action, prevailing indications, existing clinical substantiation, safety considerations, and the burgeoning spectrum of potential applications within the domain of skin condition treatments. Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the use of PRP in the field of dermatology Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words “platelet rich plasma”, “prp”, “autologous platelet rich plasma”, “alopecia”, “anti-aging” Results: PRP has a lot of potential in dermatology and its therapeutic uses are growing. Future research should standardize PRP therapy procedures for particular reasons. Summary: The versatile action of PRP has made it the subject of intense research. However, the reports in the literature to date on its use require further studies on larger groups of people to confirm its effects.

Introduction: Cutaneous manifestations linked with internal malignancies can exhibit a wide range of appearances.The ideal paraneoplastic marker is one that exclusively appears with a tumor, vanishes upon tumor treatment, and can potentially reemerge with tumor recurrence or metastasis. They are divided into two main categories: acquired and genetic conditions. Among acquired paraneoplastic syndromes a few are strongly correlated with internal malignancies, others have less pronounced associations. Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the topic of dermatological paraneoplastic syndromes. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words: “paraneoplastic syndromes”, “paraneoplastic dermatoses”, “paraneoplastic syndromes in dermatology”. Results: We presented the most common, selected skin paraneoplastic syndromes. We indicated the types of neoplasms associated with these dermatoses and described their clinical appearance along with potential mechanisms of development. Summary: Timely recognition of paraneoplastic skin manifestations is crucial as they can provide an opportunity for diagnosing and treating the underlying neoplasm. That’s why dermatologists and clinicians should be familiar with this topic to perform an early diagnosis of the underlying malignancy.

Myocarditis (MCI) is a heart pathology characterized by its rare occurrence and a possible fatal course. In the natural history of the disease inflammatory cell infiltrates are present. There are subtypes of MCI depending on the predominant cell type in the biopsy sampls. One of them is eosinophilic myocarditis. In eosinophilic myocarditis more that 50% of the cells are eosinophils. In the later phases of the disease the myocardium is infiltrated by fibrous tissue and the heart vessels are often affected by thrombosis. Cardiomyopathy is a common long-term complication of the MCI. Reported case presents a death of a male neonate. The neonate was delivered by vaginal delivery. Both prenatal development and all the prenatal tests indicated proper development of the fetus. At the delivery the neonate weight was 3900 grams and was evaluated with only 1 point on the Apgar score. Moreover, the neonate presented a complete acute cardiorespiratory failure at birth. Despite the 2 hour-long cardio-pulmonary resuscitation no return of spontaneous circulation was observed. The neonate’s remains were pathologically as well as histologically examined. The microscopic examination of the neonate’s heart samples contained many inflammatory cell infiltrations. Microabscesses with Charcot-Leyden crystals inside were also observed. Furthermore, the presence of atypical, polynuclear cells was noted. On the basis of the morphological image, it was recognized as an eosinophilic MCI.

The role of diet and supplementation in the prevention and treatment of autism spectrum disorders There is evidence indicating the positive effects of dietary intervention in the prevention and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. There are studies linking maternal vitamin D deficiency with ASD in offspring. Children and adolescents on the autism spectrum are also supposed to have significantly lower concentrations of vitamin D than healthy children and adolescents. This indicates the role of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and treatment of ASD(5). Diets most commonly used in the therapy of autism spectrum disorders are: dairy-free and gluten-free, specific carbohydrate diet, low phenol, low oxalate and ketogenic diet(4). The most popular of them are dairy-free and gluten-free. However, studies conducted by Dr. James Adams attribute the highest effectiveness to a diet of specific carbohydrates(7). After applying the ketogenic diet, improvements in concentration, learning ability and social behavior were observed(1,26). However, it should be remembered that the scientific literature contains a small number of reliably conducted studies confirming the effectiveness of individual diets and supplementation in the prevention and treatment of ASD. Therefore, the positive impact of dietary intervention is still referred to as "potential". In addition, the use of certain diets may be associated with side effects, such as vomiting and hypoglycemia in the case of a ketogenic diet (1,28) and underweight in the case of elimination diets(16). Therefore, the introduction of dietary changes for therapeutic purposes should be carried out under the constant supervision of doctors and dieticians.

The problem of infertility affects approximately 20% of married couples, and the number of people affected by this problem is still increasing[5,6]. Developed countries are characterized by the prevalence of primary infertility, while in developing countries there is a high rate of secondary infertility[8,9]. The most common cause of marital infertility is obstruction of the fallopian tubes, which occurs in 30-35% of women and requires surgical intervention. However, both sexes are dominated by immunological and hormonal disorders (25%-30% of cases)[3,4]. The basic examination in which male fertility is determined is the semen analysis, while in women, many tests should be performed in order to make a diagnosis: anamnesis, gynecological examination, ultrasound performed repeatedly during the menstrual cycle (ovulation assessment), hormonal and immunological tests, post-coital tests, bacteriological cultures, hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy [20]. In vitro fertilization is the most effective of all methods of infertility treatment. In vitro fertilization can be performed using the classical method by adding prepared sperm to the egg cells or by microinjection of the sperm into the egg cell[21].

The aim of the article is to review Victor Pelevin’s works in terms of their critique of current social and political processes as well as various kinds of ideologies and theories. Despite the writer’s association with the group of postmodern artists he is not only focused on typically postmodern text games and playing with readers, his ambitions are also targeted at shaping their views and behaviors. The author of Generation “P” reacts vividly to the changing reality, he is a keen observer with ambitions to influence the world. He raises issues of universal nature, protesting against all ideological norms, social categories, standardizing fashions and stereotypes that enslave human beings, against all ways of manipulating human consciousness. His approach is constantly met with criticism of both pro-Western and traditionalist circles. The former accuse him of an overly skeptical attitude to the Western model of life, while the latter do not like the writer’s ironic approach to social reality, polemics with Russian values and attempts to discredit them.

Cushing’s Disease is caused by pituitary adenoma which produces adrenocorticotropic hormone causing hypercortisolemia. First-line treatment involves operative removal of the tumor, however, in some patients it proves ineffective. In those cases, pharmacological treatment is necessary as untreated Cushing’s Disease may be lethal. In 2020 a new steroidogenesis inhibitor – Osilodrostat - was approved by the European Medicines Agency and can be used in the treatment of patients who cannot undergo pituitary surgery or whose previous surgical treatment proved ineffective. We present a case of a 26-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with endogenous Cushing’s Disease and underwent two consecutive operations to remove the tumor - both were ineffective. With deteriorating laboratory results and other pharmacological treatments exhausted Osilodrostat therapy was introduced. Osilodrostat is becoming an important drug in patients with Cushing’s Disease refractory to other treatments.

Obesity is a disease that is diagnosed in an increasing number of people around the world. Its development is influenced by many factors, both environmental and genetic. It leads to the development of further diseases, thus contributing to a reduction in life expectancy. There are many methods used to treat overweight and obesity. The most important element of the therapeutic process is a reduced diet and physical activity. However, it is often not sufficient, therefore it is becoming more and more common to introduce pharmacotherapy into treatment. One drug is dulaglutide (Trulicity), a GLP-1 analog with promising results. It was included in the treatment of a 49-year-old patient who was diagnosed with morbid obesity. The patient had been struggling with obesity since childhood, and the previously used methods of weight reduction did not bring satisfactory results. After switching to Trulicity (1.5 mg / 0.5 mL s.c.) taken once a week, it was possible to achieve a significant decrease in body weight and the well-being of the patient. If it is officially registered in the treatment of this disease in the future, there is a chance that the results of therapy will improve in many patients.

Witamina D to potoczna nazwa cholekalcyferolu i ergokalcyferolu. Występuje w postaci nieaktywnej, ale w wyniku hydroksylacji w pozycji 1 lub 25 staje się witaminą aktywną. Cholekalcyferol paszy z nieaktywnej formy pod wydanie UV w ciało ciało, natomiast ergosterol jest dostarczany do organizmu z pożywienia roślinnego. Witamina D ma znaczący wpływ na zdrowie kobiet po menopauzie. Poziom estrogenu spada u kobiety w okresie menopauzy. Ma to konsekwencje m.in. ubytki wapnia. To jest powód, dla którego kobiety w tym wieku znajduje się w grupie ryzyka zachorowania na osteoporozę. Witamina D pomaga w przyswajaniu wapnia i fosforu. Te minerały pełnią wolę wolę w okresie menopauzy.Kobiety w tej grupie wiekowej przyjmować od 1000 do 1500 mg dziennie. Nie zaleca się nadmiernego spożycia, przekroczenie normy nie przynosi lepszych efektów. Mimo to wykrycie niedoboru witaminy D u kobiet po menopauzie i rozpoczęcie leczenia pozytywnie wpływ na ich stan zdrowia. [1]

The article will attempt to show criminal consequences against people who abandon animals according to the Polish law. What is more, the purpose of this paper is to show animal abandonment as one of animal cruelty crimes. In addition, it will systematize applicable penalties taking into consideration Polish criminal law. All in all, it will present animal abandonment according to the Polish civil law, including animals’ legal status in area of property law and movable possessions. To sum up, the article will discuss difficulties which may cause taking of evidence against this kind of criminals, due to actual judicial practice and data of the empirical study.

The author of the article treats the novel of contemporary Russian prose writer Vladimir Makanin as an example of anti-colonial creativity, which deconstructs the imperial way of thinking and contesting colonial domination. Asan is a text devoid of imperial textuality, criticizing the prevailing political system and showing the complex Caucasian reality. The place of the described events (Chechnya) was recognized as an area where the life of the inhabitants is still shaped by colonial experience. The inevitable effect of this kind of works is the deconstruction of the world’s imaginations made from the imperial point of view. It is accompanied by deconstructing one’s own language and recognizing the structures of violence in it.

The rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a common complication of knee trauma. Arthroscopic ACL reconstructive surgery is the method of choice in most of these cases. This is an increasingly common procedure due to low invasiveness, good treatment results and a constantly growing number of operators able to perform them. The aim of the study is to review currently used methods for the reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. There are many types of transplants, and the choice depends on individual factors (including gender, age, occupation, physical activity) and the patient's expectations. The operator's skills and preferences also determine the choice of therapy. Considering the above-mentioned aspects, authors of the study will analyze ACL reconstruction methods based on the latest literature. Currently, the basic treatment of ACL injuries are arthroscopic procedures. Due to the various types of transplants, the procedure, result and complications may vary depending on the choice. An autograft is the preferred treatment for this injury. Autografts that are prefered are the ligaments of the semitendinosus muscle and the patellar tendon. Less frequently used autografts include ligaments of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh and gastrocnemius muscle (Achilles tendon). Another type of transplant is an allograft. The graft is taken from a donor (a deceased donor in cases of ligament transplants). It is less frequently used due to its high cost, lower strength compared to an autograft and a greater number of complications. The third type of transplants are synthetic grafts. These are fibers made of materials such as Gore-Tex. Synthetic grafts are also rarely used for the same reasons as allografts. Internal Bracing (IB) is becoming a more popular procedure. This method allows you to re-attach broken ligaments in their original position. This is possible if only one end of the ligament is broken. An important issue is the number of bundles (single-bundle, double-bundle), the position and the type of attachment (titanium screws, absorbable, endobutton). The final choice of the treatment method depends on the operator's skills and preferences.

The author of the paper, using tools developed by postcolonial researchers, discusses the works of twentieth-century Russian writers. The setting of these texts is in the territory of Central Asia, Siberia or the Caucasus, constituting one of the factors defining them as the so-called Eastern text of Russian literature. Although most of the writers come from the other parts of Russia and – in most cases – are of Slavic descent, they know these regions quite well. These writers, however, are little interested in the problems of indigenous peoples, as long as they are not related to nationwide issues such as industrialization, collectivization or the labour camp system. The issues of destruction and loss of cultural identity, subordination, enslavement and exploitation of the local population are often omitted. The main characters in the works of Russian writers are invariably Russians, and their reference point is the Russian (Soviet) state.

1. INTRODUCTION: Operative treatment is the treatment of choice for the most severe, third-degree ACL sprain. Many operational techniques exist, including technique using a quadruple-folded semitendinosus tendon and the technique of double-folded semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. Depending on the technique chosen, we can obtain different thicknesses of the grafts used. 2. AIM OF THE STUDY: To find a relationship between the type of surgical technique used and the thickness of the graft, as well as to assess the effect of the thickness of the applied autograft on the long-term outcome of the treatment. 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included a group of 43 patients operated on due to ACL injury. In 21 patients, the procedure was performed using the quadruple-folded semitendinosus tendon, whereas in 22 patients the procedure was performed using double-folded semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. The patients were divided into groups based on the thickness of the transplant. A special questionnaire prepared on the basis of the KOOS scale was used to assess the subjective performance of the knee. The type and thickness of the graft was determined based on the analysis of operational protocols. The statistical analysis of the results of the study was performed. The Chi-square compatibility test or chi-square compatibility test in the Yates modification were used to assess the relationship. 4. RESULTS: A relationship was found between the parameters: "general quality of life" (p = 0.01), "pain" (p = 0.005), "sports activity" (p = 0.05), "everyday activities" (p = 0, 01). There is no dependence for the "other symptoms" parameter (p = 0.1). There is no relationship between the technique used and the graft thickness (p = 0.2). 5. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of the surgical technique does not affect the final thickness of the autograft. Overall quality of life, pain, sports activity; everyday activities are the parameters of the KOOS scale, which are affected by the thickness of the transplant.

Introduction. Injuries of knee are considered as a significant clinical issue according to difficulties in diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation of patients. One of the most common pathologies are injuries of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which represent around 90% of all damages. There are four basic mechanisms of ACL injury, but the most common are sudden hyperextension and internal rotation of the lower leg outside the physiological range of movements. Breaking of ACL in young and active people is undisputable indication for surgery – failure to do so leads to further damages of menisci and to osteoarthritis. Purpose of research. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of ACL reconstruction with the use of the technique of double-folded tendons of semitendinosus and gracilis musles and quadruple-folded tendon of semitendinosus muscle. Materials and methods. A retrospective study consisted of two stages. The results of the post-reconstructive knee rehabilitation opinion survey and postoperative records were analyzed. The study examined 46 patients aged 19-59 years, hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology SPSK4 in Lublin. Results. In order to better visualize the results, the patients were divided into four groups, depending on the KOOS score. Statistically significant, in favor of double-folded tendons of semitendinosus and gracilis muscles, were patient’s assessments of the condition in two categories: presence and severity of pain and specific symptoms. The statistically insignificant result was obtained for the parameters: the possibility of active sports, the effects on daily activities and the general quality of life. Conclusions. The relationship between the technique used and the patient experiencing pain and specific symptoms was found. Patients undergoing surgery using double-folded semitendinosus and gracilis muscles experienced lesser symptoms.

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most common knee injuries. Such trauma is caused by sudden hyperextension and internal rotation above physiological range of movement. It is most commonly diagnosed in young and physically active people. ACL injury is often accompanied by damages of menisci. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare treatment outcomes in patients with isolated rupture of ACL and with both ACL and menisci damages Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study subjective opinions of 46 patients of Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of SPSK4 in Lublin were evaluated. Subjects were 19-59 years old, 28 of them had isolated ACL injury, while 18 suffered also with menisci damages. The study was conducted using KOOS questionnaires. Complications, hospitalization time and reconstruction technique were also taken into account. Results: Maximum rating in KOOS scale is 100 points for each of the parameters. This rating characterizes the most favorable state. For pain average rating in isolated ACL injury was 82,31 while in ACL injury with meniscus damage it was 84,37. For other parameters results were respectively: quality of life – 63,59 and 61,81; remaining symptoms 74,57 and 74,09; daily activities 86.61 and 83.84; sport 70.71 and 65.56. The data have been developed with the help of non-compliance test chi2. Conclusions: The results of the work show that there is a correlation between the type of injury and the assessment of the patient in three parameters: remaining symptoms, daily functioning and sport. The other two parameters (quality of life, pain) were irrelevant.

The article describes a group of texts that make up the so-called imperial fantasy genre. The author points out the sources of fascination with the imperial idea as well as discusses the scenarios created by the fantasists to regain the status of the empire by Russia. A separate aspect is the ability to read the imperial fantasy with the use of conceptual tools developed on the basis of the postcolonial theory. The influence of neo-Eurasian concepts on the reality created by the writers of the imperial fantasy is also discussed.

The rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a common complication of knee trauma. Arthroscopic ACL reconstructive surgery is the method of choice in most of these cases. This is an increasingly common procedure due to low invasiveness, good treatment results and a constantly growing number of operators able to perform them. The aim of the study is to review currently used methods for the reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. There are many types of transplants, and the choice depends on individual factors (including gender, age, occupation, physical activity) and the patient's expectations. The operator's skills and preferences also determine the choice of therapy. Considering the above-mentioned aspects, authors of the study will analyze ACL reconstruction methods based on the latest literature. Currently, the basic treatment of ACL injuries are arthroscopic procedures. Due to the various types of transplants, the procedure, result and complications may vary depending on the choice. An autograft is the preferred treatment for this injury. Autografts that are prefered are the ligaments of the semitendinosus muscle and the patellar tendon. Less frequently used autografts include ligaments of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh and gastrocnemius muscle (Achilles tendon). Another type of transplant is an allograft. The graft is taken from a donor (a deceased donor in cases of ligament transplants). It is less frequently used due to its high cost, lower strength compared to an autograft and a greater number of complications. The third type of transplants are synthetic grafts. These are fibers made of materials such as Gore-Tex. Synthetic grafts are also rarely used for the same reasons as allografts. Internal Bracing (IB) is becoming a more popular procedure. This method allows you to re-attach broken ligaments in their original position. This is possible if only one end of the ligament is broken. An important issue is the number of bundles (single-bundle, double-bundle), the position and the type of attachment (titanium screws, absorbable, endobutton). The final choice of the treatment method depends on the operator's skills and preferences.

1. INTRODUCTION: Operative treatment is the treatment of choice for the most severe, third-degree ACL sprain. Many operational techniques exist, including technique using a quadruple-folded semitendinosus tendon and the technique of double-folded semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. Depending on the technique chosen, we can obtain different thicknesses of the grafts used. 2. AIM OF THE STUDY: To find a relationship between the type of surgical technique used and the thickness of the graft, as well as to assess the effect of the thickness of the applied autograft on the long-term outcome of the treatment. 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included a group of 43 patients operated on due to ACL injury. In 21 patients, the procedure was performed using the quadruple-folded semitendinosus tendon, whereas in 22 patients the procedure was performed using double-folded semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. The patients were divided into groups based on the thickness of the transplant. A special questionnaire prepared on the basis of the KOOS scale was used to assess the subjective performance of the knee. The type and thickness of the graft was determined based on the analysis of operational protocols. The statistical analysis of the results of the study was performed. The Chi-square compatibility test or chi-square compatibility test in the Yates modification were used to assess the relationship. 4. RESULTS: A relationship was found between the parameters: "general quality of life" (p = 0.01), "pain" (p = 0.005), "sports activity" (p = 0.05), "everyday activities" (p = 0, 01). There is no dependence for the "other symptoms" parameter (p = 0.1). There is no relationship between the technique used and the graft thickness (p = 0.2). 5. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of the surgical technique does not affect the final thickness of the autograft. Overall quality of life, pain, sports activity; everyday activities are the parameters of the KOOS scale, which are affected by the thickness of the transplant.

Confrontation between Russia and the West in Russian alternative-history prose. Вариант “Бис” Sergey Anisimov This article is dedicated to an important aspect of Russian alternative-history prose, which is the rivalry (mainly military) between Russia and the West, especially the United States, indicating a complex of America, which characterizes Russians. The author recalls a brief history of the quasi-genre in Russian literature, arguing that the theme of confrontation with the United Kingdom, Japan, Nazi Germany or the United States have been present from the very beginning. The same thing has happened in the case of the so-called “war alternatives”, since the 70s of the 20th century describing alternative future of Russia and the world. The second part of the article focuses on contemporary alternative stories (created after the collapse of the USSR), with particular emphasis on the novel by Sergey Anisimov (Вариант “Бис”) and Andriey Lazarczuk (Все, способные держать оружие...). Contained in them alternative visions of World War II (although completely different) reflect the dreams of Russians about the development of history in which their homeland is growing as well as Western countries. The author also discusses the reasons for the unwavering popularity of alternative history in Russia and their correlations with imperial literature (describing revived, powerful Russia) which is no less successful.

Introduction. Injuries of knee are considered as a significant clinical issue according to difficulties in diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation of patients. One of the most common pathologies are injuries of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which represent around 90% of all damages. There are four basic mechanisms of ACL injury, but the most common are sudden hyperextension and internal rotation of the lower leg outside the physiological range of movements. Breaking of ACL in young and active people is undisputable indication for surgery – failure to do so leads to further damages of menisci and to osteoarthritis. Purpose of research. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of ACL reconstruction with the use of the technique of double-folded tendons of semitendinosus and gracilis musles and quadruple-folded tendon of semitendinosus muscle. Materials and methods. A retrospective study consisted of two stages. The results of the post-reconstructive knee rehabilitation opinion survey and postoperative records were analyzed. The study examined 46 patients aged 19-59 years, hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology SPSK4 in Lublin. Results. In order to better visualize the results, the patients were divided into four groups, depending on the KOOS score. Statistically significant, in favor of double-folded tendons of semitendinosus and gracilis muscles, were patient’s assessments of the condition in two categories: presence and severity of pain and specific symptoms. The statistically insignificant result was obtained for the parameters: the possibility of active sports, the effects on daily activities and the general quality of life. Conclusions. The relationship between the technique used and the patient experiencing pain and specific symptoms was found. Patients undergoing surgery using double-folded semitendinosus and gracilis muscles experienced lesser symptoms.

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most common knee injuries. Such trauma is caused by sudden hyperextension and internal rotation above physiological range of movement. It is most commonly diagnosed in young and physically active people. ACL injury is often accompanied by damages of menisci. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare treatment outcomes in patients with isolated rupture of ACL and with both ACL and menisci damages Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study subjective opinions of 46 patients of Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of SPSK4 in Lublin were evaluated. Subjects were 19-59 years old, 28 of them had isolated ACL injury, while 18 suffered also with menisci damages. The study was conducted using KOOS questionnaires. Complications, hospitalization time and reconstruction technique were also taken into account. Results: Maximum rating in KOOS scale is 100 points for each of the parameters. This rating characterizes the most favorable state. For pain average rating in isolated ACL injury was 82,31 while in ACL injury with meniscus damage it was 84,37. For other parameters results were respectively: quality of life – 63,59 and 61,81; remaining symptoms 74,57 and 74,09; daily activities 86.61 and 83.84; sport 70.71 and 65.56. The data have been developed with the help of non-compliance test chi2. Conclusions: The results of the work show that there is a correlation between the type of injury and the assessment of the patient in three parameters: remaining symptoms, daily functioning and sport. The other two parameters (quality of life, pain) were irrelevant.