(1) Background: Myopia is one of the leading causes of visual impairment. Visual work and usage of electronic devices are known risk factors of myopia. Many education systems were forced to apply online and hybrid teaching methods, to reduce the number of new cases of COVID-19. Medical students are a population well-known for intense visual work in the form of learning; (2) Methods: Visual acuity and refractive error were measured in the population of medical students. Participants also filled out the survey that included their population characteristic and their habits related to the hygiene of vision; (3) Results: We found a correlation between the age of the first diagnosis of myopia and current values of refractive error. The majority of participants believe that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the health of their vision. Among methods of studying, usage of the computer screen was less preferred by myopic students; (4) Conclusions: In the population of medical school students in Eastern Poland, visual acuity was lower than 1.0 in 232 (52.97%) in the right eye and 234 (53.42%) in the left eye. Early recognition of refractive error has influenced its current values. Among methods of studying, usage of the computer screen was less preferred by myopic students. More population-based studies should focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of vision.
The aim of this study was to assess the influence of bee pollen supplementation on the levels of enzymes important for gastric mucosal homeostasis, namely cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and a biomarker—asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)—in the gastric mucosa of Wistar rats. The experimental phase divided the rats into four groups: two control groups, sedentary and active, both not supplemented, and two experimental groups, sedentary and active, supplemented with bee pollen. The results indicated that bee pollen supplementation reduced the levels of COX-1 and elevated iNOS levels, while showing no significant impact on COX-2 levels. These findings do not conclusively support the gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of bee pollen on gastric mucosa. However, the supplementation could have resulted in reduced ADMA levels in the physically active supplemented group. Our study does not unequivocally demonstrate the positive effects of bee pollen supplementation on the gastric mucosa, which may be attributed to the specific metabolism and bioavailability of substances within unprocessed, dried bee pollen. Further research should explore the topic of potential therapeutic applications of bee pollen in gastrointestinal health and its interactions with ADMA signaling pathways.
26 July 2021 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Introduction and purpose. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic polish government in March 2020 decided to directs students to remote learning. This condition last -with minor exceptions- one and half year.Material and method. The aim of the study was an evaluation of public experience and attitude towards online learning.Results. All the respondents between March and May 2020 learned via online devices. The average note for e-learning was 2,99 in a 5-grade scale, while a score for stationary learning was 3,84. Students motivation, engagement and stress level decreased during remote-learning. 43% students claimed, that their marks improved during that time. The main disadvantages of online school were too much time spent in front of the screen and monotony of the lessons. Among the advantages was for example time for additional hobbies. Realisation of practical activities was more difficult or impossible for 74,9% of the respondents. Almost one quarter of the people did not have adequate home conditions to study online. Practical activities were often difficult or impossible to realise.Conclusions. Online learning was a necessity during the pandemic, however this type or gaining knowledge has both advantages and disadvantages. It influenced not only scientific issues, but also students’ motivation and sociopsychological aspects. To conclude, twice as many students prefer stationary than online learning – respectively 39,7% vs 21,1%.
7 September 2021 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Introduction and purposeArtificial intelligence (AI) is more advanced than ever and finds more and more new applications. Attempts are being made to use computer data analysis in medicine. The aim of this study is to summarize the knowledge on the use of AI in the diagnosis of breast, prostate, skin and colorectal cancer with particular emphasis on the applications and effectiveness of AI in making diagnoses. A brief description of the state of knowledgeThe most frequently used form of artificial intelligence in diagnostics are algorithms that analyze databases and recognize patterns. They can capture the features of samples characteristic of tumors, such as abnormal cells in the biopsy material or the alarming size and color of the skin lesion. Additionally, AI is capable of analyzing magnetic resonance images, radiographs, and other standardized test results. In most cases, AI is more effective than clinicians, sometimes as effective as they are, and almost never less effective. As a rule, the most accurate and adequate diagnosis can be obtained by joining the forces of AI and medical specialists. Working with learning algorithms requires the use of very extensive data sets. Every effort should be made to protect sensitive information from patients' medical history. ConclusionsThe results of research on the effectiveness of AI in cancer diagnostics are very promising. Further research and development of information technology systems may positively affect the quality and effectiveness of tumor diagnostics.
20 September 2021 in Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Introduction and purpose: Vegan and vegetarian diets rise in popularity. Their succes can be attributed to growing ecological awarness and trends in culture. Opponents criticise these diets as incompletely nutritional. In this review, we would like to summarise the state of knowledge over effects of vegan and vegetarian diets on skeletal system. Bone Mineral Density is a widely used indicator of likelyhood of fracture and develompent of osteoporosis. Comparing that parameter between vegans and vegetarians and non-vegans can lead to conclusions about bones’ health. A brief description of the state of knowledge: Lower intake of calcium and vitamins (D3, B12) in vegans and vegetarians can lead to lower bone mineral density and higher risk of fracture. Although, with supplementation of those nutrients negative effects are greatly reduced. Higher bone mineral density in non-vegetarian subjects can be result of higher body mass, gender and other factors. Plant-based diets are less acid-forming than their counterpart, resulting in lower bone resorption and reduced loss of calcium. Conclusions: Vegan and vegetarian diet can result in lower boner mineral density. However, if applied correctly, with supplementation of lacking nutrients, or enriching the diet with dairy products it may not lead to any negative effects on bones. Substances contained in plants, more frequently eaten by vegans and vegetarians may have positive effects on bone mineral density.
We present a rare case of sympathetic ophthalmia in the fellow eye of a 59-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with untreated malignant choroidal melanoma. Initially identified with a medium-sized choroidal melanoma, the patient declined recommended brachytherapy and did not seek medical attention for two years. Upon returning, he exhibited signs of sympathetic ophthalmia in the contralateral eye. Treatment with corticosteroid-based immunosuppression was initiated. After consenting to treatment for the melanoma, the affected left eye was enucleated, and histopathology confirmed spindle cell choroidal melanoma. This case underscores the uncommon development of sympathetic ophthalmia without prior ocular trauma or surgery, linked to untreated choroidal melanoma.