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Introduction: Mental disorders are common and still growing problem around the globe. Significantly decreasing quality of life, they are often source of true suffering for patients and their families leading to further health issues or even dramatic outcomes resulting in death. As public awareness rises, more and more people understand risks and tend to look for help as fast as possible. Currently available treatment methods are not always efficient enough to deal with more complex cases. Therefore it is important to look for new therapy options incrementing chances of fast and successful treatment. Results: Studies showed that psilocybin is not only able to lower depression and anxiety scores in patients with major depressive disorders or with serious life-threatening conditions but also proved this effect to be long-lasting. At the same time, no or little adverse side effects were noticed. Conclusions: Psilocybin is potentially a good method for depression treatment in some groups of patients. It should be considered if other, better known therapies show little or no effects.

Introduction and purpose : Type 2 diabetes is currently a serious problem worldwide. Each year, the number of individuals with carbohydrate metabolism disorders is increasing. This is due to an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and a diet rich in highly processed foods. Currently, the treatment of type 2 diabetes is based on the use of oral antidiabetic medications, with the first choice often being a derivative of biguanides, such as metformin. Berberine has been used in China for many years as a hypoglycemic agent, and its efficacy is compared to metformin preparations. This paper focuses on the benefits of using berberine in patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and compares the effects of berberine preparations to classical medications used in diabetes treatment. Material and methods : The literaue was reviewed in PubMed and Google Scholar scientific database in 2013-2023 using the following keywords : berberine, diabetes mellitus type 2, hyperlipidemia, hyperglicemia Conclusions : The studies included in this manuscript have shown that berberine is a promising agent for adjunctive treatment in type 2 diabetes. It exhibits a range of positive effects such as lowering blood glucose levels, improving lipid profile, with no serious adverse effects reported. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop an effective treatment plan.

This work proposes three novel Pre-Model Interpretability metrics: HaRIA, ARIA, and GeRIA. They aim to assess the potential utilization of features in machine learning models prior to the training phase, by quantifying the Relative Information Availability. These metrics integrate Mutual Information and ANOVA F-values, scaled using Maximum Absolute Scaling. This allows to evaluate the potential of a feature being used in the learning process efficiently and effectively without the computational expense of model training. The metrics are designed to provide a holistic view of feature relevance by capturing both the non-linear dependencies and variance effects among features. Validation of these metrics across multiple datasets demonstrates their capability to approximate the importance assigned by more complex models, as evidenced by their strong correlation with traditional feature importance measures and SHAP values obtained post-model training. The consistency observed in various datasets underscores the potential of RIA metrics to facilitate early-stage model development decisions, offering a cost-effective tool for feature evaluation in scenarios where computational resources are limited or rapid prototyping is necessary. However, some discrepancies, especially with complex models like ANNs, indicate areas for future research and refinement. The introduction of these metrics marks a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency and transparency of AI development by enabling a better understanding of data characteristics and potential model behavior before actual model deployment.

The aim of this article is to shed light on Nadine Gordimer’s political convictions in the context of the decolonization processes in the Belgian Congo (later the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in the years 1960–61. The article begins with a brief overview of Gordimer’s political views. It is argued that while Gordimer’s stance in the early 1950s had been that of liberal humanism (an influence that came to her also from the reading of E. M. Forster), by the end of this decade she began to question its relevance in South Africa. As a result, she decided to redefine both her political and artistic views, trying to forge a vision that would be more attuned to her position as a white writer in postcolonial Africa. This attempt is visible in her essay “The Congo River” (1961), at whose centre lies an ambivalence: while Gordimer welcomes the political transformation in Congo with cautious optimism, she also demonstrates a tendency to de-emphasize the country’s colonial history by focusing on the natural habitat and describing it as an ahistorical space. This notion of nature is, to a large extent, a repetition of the colonial vision of the natural environment, which Gordimer unwittingly perpetuated, creating her own example of the socioecological unconscious.

The clinical use of surface imaging has increased dramatically, with demonstrated utility for initial patient positioning, real-time motion monitoring, and beam gating in a variety of anatomical sites. The Therapy Physics Subcommittee and the Imaging for Treatment Verification Working Group of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine commissioned Task Group 302 to review the current clinical uses of surface imaging and emerging clinical applications. The specific charge of this task group was to provide technical guidelines for clinical indications of use for general positioning, breast deep-inspiration breath hold treatment, and frameless stereotactic radiosurgery. Additionally, the task group was charged with providing commissioning and on-going quality assurance (QA) requirements for surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) as part of a comprehensive QA program including risk assessment. Workflow considerations for other anatomic sites and for computed tomography simulation, including motion management, are also discussed. Finally, developing clinical applications, such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) or proton radiotherapy, are presented. The recommendations made in this report, which are summarized at the end of the report, are applicable to all video-based SGRT systems available at the time of writing.

This article is a critical discussion of Damon Galgut’s Small Circle of Beings (1988) from the perspective of Elleke Boehmer’s postcolonial poetics. The discussion concentrates on the story “The Clay Ox” and the eponymous novella of the collection. It is argued that both the story and the novella convey a tension between the personal and the political by describing the subtleties of human relationships while at the same time showing that even this intensely private dimension of the characters’ existence is shaped by forces that affect the entire nation. As it is shown, Galgut’s collection of stories is representative of white writing in the times of the interregnum insofar as it depicts isolated, conflicted protagonists, includes the theme of physical and mental disintegration, and explores the state of personal and political precarity.

Introduction Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is gaining increasing attention due to its potential health benefits, especially in the context of its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. Aim of the study The aim of this review was to discuss recent findings regarding the impact of curcumin on the immune system and its potential applications in anticancer therapy. Materials and methods The paper was created based on the Pubmed and Scholar database. The literature was reviewed using the keywords: „curcumin”, „immunomodulatory effects”, „cytokines”, „anticancer”, „apoptosis”, „cell proliferation”, „radiosensitizing”. Results Studies have confirmed that curcumin, especially in the form of nanocurcumin, exhibits significant immunomodulatory effects. It reduces the number of Th17 cells, increases Treg cells, and regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is crucial in controlling autoimmune reactions. Furthermore, it demonstrates anticancer activity by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, stimulating apoptosis, and enhancing the effectiveness of anticancer therapy. Conclusions Despite promising results, further research on the safety of curcumin therapy, particularly in the long term, is essential. Limitations associated with bioavailability and pharmacokinetics suggest the need for the development of formulations with increased bioavailability to maximize the potential benefits of curcumin in the treatment of various disorders.

Introduction and purpose Acute appendicitis, a common surgical abdominal ailment, mostly affects individuals in their second or third decade of life, with an annual incidence of about 100 cases per 100,000 persons. This literature review aims to synthesize evidence from diverse sources, summarizing optimal practices for clinical implementation. Surgical intervention, achieving almost 100% cure rates, remains the gold standard, emphasizing challenges in patient qualification for non-surgical approachesNon-operative treatment, considered safe for uncomplicated cases, involves antibiotic therapy, with concerns about antibiotic resistance. Summarizing the current understanding of antibiotic therapy of appendicitis seeks to enhance its effective use, decrease adverse incidents in patients, and contribute to the overall safety of both patients and healthcare providers. Material and methods The following review of studies was based on articles obtained from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included acute appendicitis, acute appendicitis conservative treatment, appendectomy, surgical abdominal diaseases, antibiothic therapy. Conclusions The literature review highlights the existing challenges in the management of acute appendicitis, acknowledging the efficacy of both methods. While surgical intervention with high cure rates, the increasing popularity of non-operative therapy encourages optimism for comprehensive research in the future. The need for large, randomized studies comparing long-term clinical effectiveness is emphasized, aiming to inform decision-making and optimize patient outcomes.

Introduction Viloxazine is an antidepressant medication classified as an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). In April 2021, it received FDA approval in the United States for the treatment of ADHD in children aged 6 to 17. Subsequently, in May 2022, it was also approved for the treatment of adults with ADHD [1]. Viloxazine, available in extended-release capsules, represents novel non-stimulant medication option for patients with ADHD. Aim of the study Our aim was to review the viloxazine in the fields of ADHD treatment, summarize current knowledge and analyze the first treatment results. Methods and materials A review of the literature available in the PubMed database was performed, using the key words: „Viloxazine" ; „ADHD treatment" ; „ADHD”, „attention deficit hyperactivity disorder”, „attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment”; „ADHD non-stimulant treatment”; „ADHD non-stimulant”; „ADHD non-stimulant drugs”, „SPN-812” Conclusion Viloxazine presents a promising non-stimulant alternative for ADHD treatment with more favorable pharmacokinetics, new way of possible administration and fewer adverse effects, particularly within the cardiovascular system, than other available ADHD medication options. While these findings are encouraging, continual research is imperative to establish the long-term safety profile.

Introduction In contemporary medicine, increasing attention is being devoted to alternative forms of therapy. Immersing oneself in cold water, cryotherapy, or cold showers are practices that have long sparked interest due to their potential health benefits. Aim of the study The aim of this comprehensive review is to analyze the impact of cold exposure on the human body, with particular emphasis on its effects on the nervous system. Through the synthesis of available research, the paper seeks to identify health benefits and areas requiring further investigation in the context of various cold application practices. Materials and methods An analysis of scientific articles available in the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases was conducted. Publications from recent years that most relevantly addressed the discussed topic were utilized for this study. The search process involved the use of the following keywords: “cold,” “cold showering,” “cold water,” “cryotherapy.” Results The results of the literature review unequivocally indicate a positive, multifaceted impact of cold on the human body, particularly with an emphasis on the nervous system. Significant therapeutic effects observed in various fields suggest that the application of cold may be a promising alternative in promoting health and treating numerous medical conditions. Summary The focused literature review on the impact of cold on the human body, especially the nervous system, presents various therapies such as cryotherapy or cold water immersion, emphasizing their beneficial effects on the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, and joint systems. However, despite the observed benefits, further research is needed to gain a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of action and to ensure the safety of these practices.

Introduction and purpose Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common reproductive disorder, accompanied primarily by hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI), have emerged as potential therapeutic agents due to their role as insulin sensitizers. This article examines the effects of inositol therapy on fertility in women with PCOS and its role in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Studies suggest that inositols alleviate irregular menstruation, reduce androgen levels and positively affect ovulation rates. MI supplementation has also shown positive effects during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF procedures, reducing the required FSH dose and cycle length. However, despite positive results on ovulation and menstrual regularity, the article indicates the need for further studies to establish inositol as standard ART therapy in patients with PCOS. Material and methods The following review was based on articles from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included polycystic ovary syndrome; assisted reproductive treatment, insulin resistance, inositols, Myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol. Conclusions Inositols are a promising therapeutic option for women with PCOS. They have been shown to have positive effects on improving insulin sensitivity and fertility. However, despite inositol's safety and easy availability, the ideal dose and timing of use, the appropriate MI/DCI ratio, as well as the potential side effects of excess DCI and the problem of inositol resistance, require further comprehensive studies.

Introduction and purpose Migraine is a common disease mostly affecting women. It has a huge influence on patients’ life strongly decreasing its quality by cause of repetitive headache episodes and often comes with unpleasant and burdensome symptoms like photophobia, nausea or vomiting. This article focuses on migraine treatment, especially on new drugs. Primary drugs used in migraine attacks are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAI) and triptans. Because of their side effects and impact on internal organs, these substances are often contraindicated or inefficient. The same applies to triptans, which cannot be used by patients with cardiovascular diseases. Due to the need of a new migraine treatment path development, new remedies have been found, bringing hope for patients who could not use prior options. They are divided into two groups: ditans (lasmiditan), which are 5-HT1F serotonin receptor agonists and gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant, atogepant and zavegepant), which are CGRP receptor antagonists. A summary of the current state of knowledge is intended to increase the awareness of physicians and patients when selecting the appropriate treatment. Material and methods The following review was based on articles obtained from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included migraine, ditans, gepants, migraine treatment. Conclusions Drugs described in this study clearly show the new pathway of migraine treatment and prevention. They are safer and show more benefits than substances currently used. They can also be used in wider range of patients with conditions marked as contraindications for current schemes. However more research is still needed to fully describe their characteristics.

Purpose This study aimed to perform a longitudinal analysis of linear accelerator (linac) technical faults reported with a cloud-based Machine Log system in use in a busy academic clinic and derive operational insights related to linac reliability, clinical utilization, and performance. Methods We queried the Machine Log system for the following parameters: linac type, number of reported technical faults, types of fault, number of faults where the linac was disabled, and estimated clinical downtime. The number of fractions treated and monitor units (MU) delivered were obtained from the record and verify system as metrics of linac utilization and to normalize the number of reported linac faults, facilitating inter-comparison. Two Varian TrueBeam C-arm linacs (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA), one Varian 21iX C-arm linac (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA), and one newly installed Varian Halcyon ring gantry linac (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) were evaluated. The linacs were studied over a 30-month period from September 2017 to March 2020.  Results Over 30 months, comprising 677 clinical days, 1234 faults were reported from all linacs, including 153 "linac down" events requiring rescheduling or cancellation of treatments. The TrueBeam linacs reported nearly twice as many imaging, multileaf collimator (MLC), and beam generation faults per fraction, and MU as the Halcyon. Halcyon experienced fewer beam generation/steering, accessory, and cooling-related faults than the other linacs but reported more computer and networking issues. Although it employs a relatively new MLC design compared to the C-arm linacs and delivers primarily intensity-modulated treatments, Halcyon reported fewer MLC faults than the other linacs. The 21iX linac had the fewest software-related faults but was subject to the most cooling-related faults, which we attributed to extensive use of this linac for treatment techniques with extended beam-on times. Conclusions A longitudinal analysis of a cloud-based Machine Log system yielded operational insights into the utilization, performance, and technical reliability of the linacs in use at our institution. Several trends in linac sub-system reliability were identified and could be attributed to either age, design, clinical use, or operational demands. The results of this analysis will be used as a basis for designing linac quality assurance schedules that reflect actual linac usage and observed sub-system reliability. Such a practice may contribute to a clinic workflow subject to fewer disruptions from linac faults, ultimately improving efficiency and patient safety.

Introduction and purpose Muscle relaxants have been integral to medical practice for decades, benefiting both anesthesiologists for smooth patient intubation and surgeons requiring deep muscle relaxation. This article focuses on succinylcholine, a prominent muscle relaxant, exploring its historical context, efficacy, and the accumulated data on potential life-threatening side effects. The manuscript analyzes the available knowledge regarding the adverse effects of succinylcholine in clinical practice, presenting literature-identified methods aimed at risk mitigation. Summarizing the current understanding of succinylcholine's risks seeks to enhance its effective use, decrease adverse incidents in patients, and contribute to the overall safety of both patients and healthcare providers. Material and methods The following review of studies was based on articles obtained from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included suxamethonium, succinylcholine, suxamethonium hyperkalemia, suxamethonium myalgia, suxamethonium anaphylaxis, suxamethonium cholinesterase deficiency, and suxamethonium malignant hyperthermia. Conclusions Suxamethonium's adverse effects range from muscle pain-related discomfort to rare, potentially lethal multi-organ complications, impacting patients' health diversely. Despite its drawbacks, succinylcholine remains crucial in anesthesiology. Ongoing research offers avenues to counteract or mitigate side effects. However, these methods necessitate further research to develop universal, widely available protocols in clinical settings.

The article concerns early medieval egg-shaped rattles from the area of Silesia. First of all, the issue of how they were made and glazed is studied. The issues of the origin of these products and their role in the culture of ancient societies, as problems repeatedly raised by other researchers, is treated marginally. Macro- and microscopic observations, experimental studies, as well as the results of analyses of the chemical composition of glazes and petrographic tests of ceramic bodies were used to study the technology of making eggs-shaped -rattles. On their basis, the probable process of their formation and glazing was reconstructed. While the making of the ceramic base did not require extraordinary skills, the glazing and decoration of the rattles took place in several stages, requiring knowledge of advanced pottery techniques. For their decoration, a specific category of glaze was used, namely high-lead non alkali glass.

Purpose/objectivesThree-dimensional (3D) printing is recognized as an effective clinical and educational tool in procedurally intensive specialties. However, it has a nascent role in radiation oncology. The goal of this investigation is to clarify the extent to which 3D printing applications are currently being used in radiation oncology through a systematic review of the literature.Materials/methodsA search protocol was defined according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included articles were evaluated using parameters of interest including: year and country of publication, experimental design, sample size for clinical studies, radiation oncology topic, reported outcomes, and implementation barriers or safety concerns.ResultsOne hundred and three publications from 2012 to 2019 met inclusion criteria. The most commonly described 3D printing applications included quality assurance phantoms (26%), brachytherapy applicators (20%), bolus (17%), preclinical animal irradiation (10%), compensators (7%), and immobilization devices (5%). Most studies were preclinical feasibility studies (63%), with few clinical investigations such as case reports or series (13%) or cohort studies (11%). The most common applications evaluated within clinical settings included brachytherapy applicators (44%) and bolus (28%). Sample sizes for clinical investigations were small (median 10, range 1-42). A minority of articles described basic or translational research (11%) and workflow or cost evaluation studies (3%). The number of articles increased over time (P

PurposeTo provide insight into the types of questions asked to medical physicists by patients during one-on-one physicist-patient consults at one institution.Materials and methodsMedical physicists trained in patient communication techniques met with patients to provide an overview of the treatment planning and delivery processes, discuss the patient's treatment plan, and answer any technical questions. From August 2016 to December 2019, 152 physicist-patient consults were conducted. In the initial months of the study (August 2016-December 2017), following each physicist-patient consult, all patient questions were documented by the physicists. For the remaining time period (January 2018-December 2019), any newly encountered questions were periodically added to the list. The questions were compiled into a comprehensive list and organized into categories.ResultsThere were a total of 88 unique patient questions. These questions fit into four topical categories. Fifty-four questions (61.4%) were in the "Treatment Planning and Delivery Questions" category, 15 questions (17.1%) were in the "General Radiation Questions or Concerns" category, 13 questions (14.8%) were in the "Safety and Quality Assurance Questions" category, and 6 questions (6.8%) were in the "Medical Questions" category. Overall, patients were primarily concerned about how radiation works, the treatment planning and delivery processes, and what is being done to keep them safe throughout their treatment.ConclusionPhysicist-patient consults provided an opportunity to address the technical aspects of radiation therapy with patients in greater detail. The fact that patient questions could be conveniently grouped into only four topical categories indicates that it may be straightforward for other medical physicists to prepare for effectively addressing technical questions during physicist-patient consults.

The article examines the question of the concentration camp space and the figure of the “Muslim” in the novel Les Boucs (1955) by the Moroccan writer Driss Chraïbi. Published ten years after the war, the novel nevertheless uses certain motifs from the literature of the camps. Even if the geography of “Arab Paris” in North African literature has been well described and analyzed, the kinship of the Goats with concen-tration camp literature has not received sufficient attention. Therefore, in my study I will first recall the circumstances of publication of the novel and the main lines of its reception by critics to then move on to the analysis of the concentrationary space in the novel. The link with the space of the camps will finally be reinforced by the evocation of the figure of the “Muslim”, well known from the testimonies and expressly exploited by Driss Chraïbi.

In intelligent information systems data play a critical role. The issue of missing data is one of the commonplace problems occurring in data collected in the real world. The problem stems directly from the very nature of data collection. In this paper, the notion of handling missing values in a real-world application of computational intelligence is considered. Two experimental campaigns were conducted, evaluating different approaches to the missing values imputation on Random Forest-based classifiers, trained using modern cybersecurity benchmarks datasets: CICIDS2017 and IoT-23. In result of the experiments it transpired that the chosen algorithm for data imputation has a severe impact on the results of the classifier used for network intrusion detection. It also comes to light that one of the most popular approaches to handling missing data — complete case analysis — should never be used in cybersecurity.

Although the ethics of cybersecurity might seem to be simple, the matter can be surprisingly complicated. This paper discusses the results of an extensive study aimed at uncovering the anticipated, emerging ethical issues related to cybersecurity. First, it discusses the “strong signals”, i.e., the “mainstream” worries and concerns. Then, it uncovers the “weak signals” - the hidden, less-discussed concerns, which may still define the upcoming future of the ethics of cybersecurity. The results of the study are also compared to the outcomes of a similar experiment conducted two years ago, in order to see if the upcoming ethical dilemmas anticipated back then have in fact become a reality.

PurposeTo assess the performance of routine cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) quality assurance (QA) at predicting and diagnosing clinically recognizable linac CBCT image quality issues.MethodsMonthly automated linac CBCT image quality QA data were acquired on eight Varian linacs (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) using the CATPHAN 500 series phantom (The Phantom Laboratory, Inc., Greenwich, NY) and Total QA software (Image Owl, Inc., Greenwich, NY) over 34 months between July 2014 and May 2017. For each linac, the following image quality metrics were acquired: geometric distortion, spatial resolution, Hounsfield Unit (HU) constancy, uniformity, and noise. Quality control (QC) limits were determined by American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) expert consensus documents Task Group (TG-142 and TG-179) and the manufacturer acceptance testing procedure. Clinically recognizable CBCT issues were extracted from the in-house incident learning system (ILS) and service reports. The sensitivity and specificity of CATPHAN QA at predicting clinically recognizable image quality issues was investigated. Sensitivity was defined as the percentage of clinically recognizable CBCT image quality issues that followed a failing CATPHAN QA. Quality assurance results are categorized as failing if one or more image quality metrics are outside the QC limits. The specificity of CATPHAN QA was defined as one minus the fraction of failing CATPHAN QA results that did not have a clinically recognizable CBCT image quality issue in the subsequent month. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for each image quality metric by plotting the true positive rate (TPR) against the false-positive rate (FPR).ResultsOver the study period, 18 image quality issues were discovered by clinicians while using CBCT to set up the patient and five were reported prior to x-ray tube repair. The incidents ranged from ring artifacts to uniformity problems. The sensitivity of the TG-142/179 limits was 17% (four of the prior monthly QC tests detected a clinically recognizable image quality issue). The area under the curve (AUC) calculated for each image quality metric ROC curve was: 0.85 for uniformity, 0.66 for spatial resolution, 0.51 for geometric distortion, 0.56 for noise, 0.73 for HU constancy, and 0.59 for contrast resolution.ConclusionAutomated monthly QA is not a good predictor of CBCT image quality issues. Of the available metrics, uniformity has the best predictive performance, but still has a high FPR and low sensitivity. The poor performance of CATPHAN QA as a predictor of image quality problems is partially due to its reliance on region-of-interest (ROI) based algorithms and a lack of a global algorithm such as correlation. The manner in which image quality issues occur (trending toward failure or random) is still not known and should be studied further. CBCT image quality QA should be adapted based on how CBCT is used clinically.

Currently, one can observe the evolution of social media networks. In particular, humans are faced with the fact that, often, the opinion of an expert is as important and significant as the opinion of a non-expert. It is possible to observe changes and processes in traditional media that reduce the role of a conventional ‘editorial office’, placing gradual emphasis on the remote work of journalists and forcing increasingly frequent use of online sources rather than actual reporting work. As a result, social media has become an element of state security, as disinformation and fake news produced by malicious actors can manipulate readers, creating unnecessary debate on topics organically irrelevant to society. This causes a cascading effect, fear of citizens, and eventually threats to the state’s security. Advanced data sensors and deep machine learning methods have great potential to enable the creation of effective tools for combating the fake news problem. However, these solutions often need better model generalization in the real world due to data deficits. In this paper, we propose an innovative solution involving a committee of classifiers in order to tackle the fake news detection challenge. In that regard, we introduce a diverse set of base models, each independently trained on sub-corpora with unique characteristics. In particular, we use multi-label text category classification, which helps formulate an ensemble. The experiments were conducted on six different benchmark datasets. The results are promising and open the field for further research.

ObjectivesTo develop a training program designed to meet the specific needs of medical physicists as they transition into a clinical role with direct patient care responsibilities.Materials and methodsThe training program was designed in collaboration with the faculty at the UC San Diego School of Medicine and incorporates training techniques that have been shown to be effective in improving communication skills. The program emphasizes experiential, practice-based learning over didactic presentations.ResultsThe training program is comprised of 5 components: 1) a 1-day Clinician-Patient Communication Workshop run by the UC San Diego School of Medicine, 2) Communication Strategies for Radiation Oncology, which consists of two, 2-hour sessions designed to provide trainees with patient communication skills that are specific to patient interactions in radiation oncology, 3) Simulated Patient Interactions, in which trainees perform mock physicist-patient consults with trained patient actors, 4) Faculty-Observed Patient Consults, and 5) a Case-Based Treatment Toxicity Course. A competency assessment mechanism was also developed to provide a clear set of objectives and to guide trainer feedback. [Correction added after first online publication on November 7, 2018: The phrase ", which consists of two, 2-hour" was added above.] CONCLUSIONS: The training program that we have developed incorporates an array of established education techniques and provides a comprehensive, accessible, means of improving medical physicists' patient communication skills.

Optical surface imaging is a nonradiographic, noninvasive technology for continuous localization of patients during radiation therapy. Surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) has been applied to many treatment sites including breast, intracranial, head and neck, and extremities. SGRT enables a reduction of initial setup variability, provides verification of immobilization continuously during treatment including at noncoplanar linac gantry angles, and provides dynamic surface information for use in gated and breath-hold treatment techniques, all of which can permit reductions in the margins required to account for target localization uncertainty. Ancillary benefits from surface imaging include the ability to use immobilization techniques that confer greater comfort to patients, a reduction in imaging dose through reduced radiographic localization requirements, and improvements to the speed, efficiency, and safety of clinical workflows. This review will describe the objectives of SGRT, review the commercially available surface imaging systems, and provide an overview of SGRT applications by treatment site. Limitations and future applications of surfacing imaging systems are also discussed.

Context: Approximately 20%–30% of colon cancer cases have a hereditary basis. The genetic defect may involve mismatch repair (MMR) genes, which results in microsatellite instability (MSI). MMR-deficient colorectal cancer may occur due to germline mutation (Lynch syndrome) or be a sporadic one. A tumor's histological features, supported by a panel of immunohistochemistry stains, enables pathologists to assess the MMR status, which in turn has beneficial effects on clinical management. Aims: We aimed to show the relations between histopathological features identified during routine examinations and MMR genes' mutations. Methods and Material: We reviewed retrospectively the material of the Department of Pathology fulfilling the revised Bethesda Guidelines. Statistical Analysis Used: We used Chi-square test, Spearman test, and epidemiological analysis. Results: For the PMS2 gene, the positive predictive value (PPV) indicates that 91% of cases neither present any histological lesions nor have genetic abnormalities. The negative predictive value (NPV) indicates that only 50% of cases have both histological and genetic changes. For the MSH6 gene, the PPV indicates that 85% of tumors without specific histological features do not have genetic abnormalities. Conclusions: We advise universal staining for MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 in every newly diagnosed colon cancer, but due to costly analyses we suggest a protocol for the selection of cases for MMR examinations.

Abstract The ubiquity of social media and their deep integration in the contemporary society has granted new ways to interact, exchange information, form groups, or earn money—all on a scale never seen before. Those possibilities paired with the widespread popularity contribute to the level of impact that social media display. Unfortunately, the benefits brought by them come at a cost. Social Media can be employed by various entities to spread disinformation—so called ‘Fake News’, either to make a profit or influence the behaviour of the society. To reduce the impact and spread of Fake News, a diverse array of countermeasures were devised. These include linguistic-based approaches, which often utilise Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Deep Learning (DL). However, as the latest advancements in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) domain show, the model’s high performance is no longer enough. The explainability of the system’s decision is equally crucial in real-life scenarios. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to present a novel explainability approach in BERT-based fake news detectors. This approach does not require extensive changes to the system and can be attached as an extension for operating detectors. For this purposes, two Explainable Artificial Intelligence (xAI) techniques, Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME) and Anchors, will be used and evaluated on fake news data, i.e., short pieces of text forming tweets or headlines. This focus of this paper is on the explainability approach for fake news detectors, as the detectors themselves were part of previous works of the authors.

The aim of this study is to characterize the tourism activity of Polish cannabis consumers in terms of (i) the level of their participation in tourism, (ii) parameters describing this participation, (iii) the effect of legal access to cannabis on choosing tourism destinations. The study is based on an anonymous online survey in which 886 voluntary respondents answered a series of questions about their tourist travels, their attitude to cannabis consumption, and their demographic, socio-economic and geographic metrics. Results of the survey were analyzed using several statistical indicators of variability, structure, correlation, and structure similarity. For the respondents declaring cannabis consumption, the level of their participation in tourism is close to the national level. Other parameters describing the domestic and foreign tourism of these respondents differ quite significantly from those reported for the general public of Poland. This indicates that the possibility of cannabis consumption significantly affects the nature and directions of travels undertaken by tourists interested in cannabis. Furthermore, there is a strong connection between the respondents’ personal preferences and the nature of their tourism, especially the destinations of their foreign trips. The conclusions from this study mostly apply to current and recent cannabis consumers because the vast majority of respondents (90%) rank among such kinds of cannabis users.

Introduction: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child for at least 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse and may affect up to 15% of couples of reproductive age. Reduced semen quality may be caused by trauma, inflammation, or an inappropriate lifestyle. Research suggests that diet may be a factor in influencing sperm parameters. Material and methods: The literature of the PubMed scientific base was searched in 2015-2022 using the following keywords: semen, diet, infertility. Results: Analyzes of eating patterns showed that eating a diet high in red meat, high-fat dairy, sweet energy drinks, and snacks could negatively affect semen, and a pattern based on the consumption of fish, chicken, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains was associated with with an increased concentration of sperm. A high-fat diet (HFD) leads to obesity, endocrine disorders, dysbiosis of the intestinal microflora, and may be a factor that activates autophagy, which results in reduced sperm quality. A ketogenic diet can positively affect the semen of obese, infertile men. Studies analyzing the Mediterranean diet suggest that higher compliance rates are associated with a higher percentage of mobility as well as a reduced risk of low sperm concentration. The way you prepare your meals can also play a role as glycation end products are produced when grilling, baking and frying, which can damage sperm DNA. Conclusions: Diet may be an important factor influencing the quality of sperm in men, however, there is a need for further extensive, multi-center studies that will systematize this knowledge, which will enable the creation of specific nutritional recommendations for this group of people.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is any hyperglycemic condition that has appeared for the first time in previously healthy pregnant women. The incidence varies from 1% to 20% and is constantly increasing. GDM results in numerous complications for both the fetus and the mother. Adipokines are a group of protein hormones and cytokines that are secreted by adipose tissue. They affect glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, appetite, and immune response. Due to their involvement in these processes, there are more and more reports that adipokines influence the pathomechanism of gestational diabetes. Material and methods, aim: The literature in the PubMed scientific database published in 2015-2022 was searched using the keywords: gestational diabetes, adipokines. The aim of this review is to present the role of adipokines in the pathomechanism of gestational diabetes as well as their potential role in the detection and treatment of this condition. Results: The pathophysiology of gestational diabetes is not fully understood. It has been noted that mothers with GDM have elevated levels of leptin. In turn, the level of adiponectin is lower in women with gestational diabetes compared to healthy women. Adipokines such as visphatin, resistin or chimerin are also suspected of a possible role in the pathomechanism of the disease. These reports could lead to the discovery of a biomarker for the rapid detection of GDM. Conclusions: Gestational diabetes is a common disease in pregnancy, the incidence of which is constantly increasing. Its complications are dangerous for both the mother and her baby. That is why research is important that will allow us to learn about its pathomechanism, to detect it faster, and to prevent it. Studies using adipokines show promising results, hence the urgent need for more randomized, multicentre studies to better understand their role in gestational diabetes.

Introduction: Life expectancy of human population is being constantly prolonged, hence there is a lot of research into drug that will prevent the effects of aging. There are many reports that metformin, which is a drug used in type 2 diabetes, has anti-aging effects. It belongs to the group of biguanides and has been used since the 1950s. It is a relatively safe, cheap and effective drug, which makes it a promising subject for many studies. The purpose of this review is to present the latest developments in this field. Material and methods: PubMed scientific base was searched using following keywords: metformin, aging, anti-aging, in years 2017-2021. Results: Numerous studies show that metformin has an impact on aging through the nutrient pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, and its effects on reactive oxygen species. In addition, it has an anti-cancer effect, inhibiting, among others, rectal cancer cells and p53 mutant colon cancer. Research in rodents has shown that this drug has anti-aging effects on many organs, including the CNS, ovaries, prostate, heart muscle and skin. Conclusions: Metformin, which is the most commonly used oral drug in type 2 diabetes, has many other mechanisms of action. Its anti-aging effect works on many organs in our bodies, which gives hope to find an anti-aging substance. However, multicentre, randomized trials are needed to determine the exact anti-aging dose, its possible side effects, and effects on various organisms.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy in women in reproductive age. It is estimated that it affects about 5-10% of women aged 18-44. This disease is associated with reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2018 guidelines, the first line treatment for PCOS are lifestyle adjustments, including dietary control and exercise. Hence a lot of research on the diet that is most appropriate for this group of people. Material and methods: PubMed research base was searched using the following keywords: diet, pcos, policystic ovary syndrome in 2017-2021. Results: The diet of women with PCOS is poorly composed, and dietary errors may affect the metabolic disorders occurring in these patients. Women with PCOS tend to have insufficient intakes of vitamin D, fiber, and vitamin B9, as well as excessive sodium intake. Mediterranean, ketogenic, low-carbohydrate, low-glycemic, low-AGE and pod-based diets positively affect this disease in various ways. Conclusions: PCOS is a very diverse disease that affects a large number of women around the world. Changing your lifestyle, including diet and exercise, is the first line treatment. This is why creating the best diet for these patients is extremely important. Current discoveries are very promising and give hope to create a model of nutrition that will be the best for these women. Large, multicentre randomized trials are still needed to develop diets that are appropriate for different patients because the disease picture is heterogeneous.

Introduction. The first case of SARS-CoV-2 infection was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The disease spread rapidly worldwide and the WHO declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated primarily with respiratory disorders, more and more research is focusing on neurological manifestations and complications.Objective. The aim of the review is to systematize and update the knowledge and available research on neurological complications among COVID-19 patients.Review methods. A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted for studies. The following keywords combinations were used: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 infection, neurological complications, neurological manifestations, neuroinvasion, neurovirulence.Results. The disease in most patients is characterized by mild to medium fever, fatigue, dry cough, dyspnea, muscle pain and headache. ACE2, which is the receptor for SARS-COV-2, is ubiquitously expressed in a variety of human organs, including the brain. Following previous reports, these receptors are expressed in both glial cells and neurons. Many studies have reported neurological symptoms and complications among COVID-19 patients. The reported manifestations include: smell and taste disturbance, non-specific symptoms such as myalgia, headache and dizziness, acute cerebrovascular complications, encephalopathy, meningoencephalitis/encephalitis, seizure and complications of the peripheral nervous system.Conclusion. Healthcare professionals dealing with COVID-19, neuroscientists, and the general public should be aware of the neurological complications of COVID-19. Further studies are needed to assess the incidence of COVID-19 neurological complications in different populations and more analyzes are also required to understand the detailed mechanism of how the virus affects the nervous system.

Introduction: Caffeine is considered to be one of the most frequently used pharmacologically active substances in the world. Caffeine is a psychoactive and central nervous system stimuli that has the ability to increase energy, decrease fatigue, promote alertness and wakefulness. Potential role of caffeine's nociceptive properties shows that it may play a relevant role in pain modulation. Although caffeine at dietary levels is not a sufficient analgesic in its own, it has been included in many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. This review addresses caffeine's analgesic properties in pain management. Results: Caffeine shows relevant role in pain modulation through blocking adenosine receptors which are involved in nociception. Studies show that habitual dietary caffeine consumption results in decreased pain sensitivity.As an adjuvant to commonly used analgesics, caffeine provides an important increase in pain relief in various types of pain such as postoperative dental pain, headaches, or fibromyalgia.Conclusions: In conclusion, caffeine is associated with decreased pain sensitivity. Addition of caffeine to analgesics has resulted in their enhanced analgesic efficacy in pain treatment.

Introduction: Infertility affects millions of people of reproductive age worldwide. Male infertility may be caused by a number of different factors including problems in the ejection of semen, absence or low levels of sperm, or abnormal morphology and movement of the sperm. Environmental and lifestyle factors also have a meaningful impact on male reproductive system. Fertility care should include the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. That is why numerous studies have explored the role of vitamin D in regulating the functioning of the reproductive system.Aim of study: Investigation of correlation between Vitamin D and male fertility.Results: Studies consistently show that Vitamin D deficiency has a negative influence on male fertility. Number of trials show that the mean value of Vitamin D serum levels tend to be significantly lower in infertile men compared to fertile men. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency has been noticed to be associated with poor semen quality (lower sperm concentrations, lower motility). It became evident that vitamin D exhibits positive correlation with the male fertility by maintaining the levels of sex hormones, down regulating oxidative stress and up regulating oxidative defence. Supplementation of Vitamin D may improve the quality and function of sperm by increasing its motility and concentration.Conclusions: Although Vitamin D supplementation cannot be considered for treatment of male infertility itself, physicians should take the vitamin serum levels under consideration while providing treatment for infertile male patients.

PurposeTo analyze all recalls involving radiation oncology devices (RODs) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s recall database, comparing these with non-radiation oncology device recalls to identify discipline-specific trends that may inform improvements in device safety.Methods and materialsRecall data on RODs from 2002 to 2015 were sorted into 4 product categories (external beam, brachytherapy, planning systems, and simulation systems). Outcomes included determined cause of recall, recall class (severity), quantity in commerce, time until recall termination (date FDA determines recall is complete), and time since 510(k) approval. Descriptive statistics were performed with linear regression of time-series data. Results for RODs were compared with those for other devices by Pearson χ2 test for categorical data and 2-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for distributions.ResultsThere were 502 ROD recalls and 9534 other class II device recalls during 2002 to 2015. Most recalls were for external beam devices (66.7%) and planning systems (22.9%), and recall events peaked in 2011. Radiation oncology devices differed significantly from other devices in all recall outcomes (P≤.04). Recall cause was commonly software related (49% vs 10% for other devices). Recall severity was more often moderate among RODs (97.6% vs 87.2%) instead of severe (0.2% vs 4.4%; P