Synovitis and its association with elevated circulating interferons and hydroxychloroquine response in discoid lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study.

A significant proportion of patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) experience joint pain, yet its underlying pathomechanism remains unclear. Recent ultrasound studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients indicate synovitis in up to 90%, even in clinically silent cases, with interferon-mediated immune responses implicated in joint inflammation. This study aimed to investigate joint pathology in DLE, focusing on synovitis and its immunological profile.

Refractive changes in children in the Chicago area during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective observational study.

Background: Remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic caused behavioural changes such as increased screen time and decreased outdoor time. This study aimed to investigate myopia progression in children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study performed among 2064 patients ages 2-17 with cycloplegic refractions in the months of January 2019-March 2021 at a tertiary children's hospital.

Synthesis of HAp by Means of Sonoprecipitation Method.

Biomaterials, like hydroxyapatite (HAp), are the subject of many scientific investigations. Their specific application, however, is determined by the form and some characteristic features of the resulting material. Synthesis methods and optimization procedures leading to a product of predetermined characteristics are therefore of great interest.

Soft contact lens options in the management of pediatric aphakia - A quantitative and qualitative assessment.

Background: The main contact lens for pediatric aphakia has historically been a silicone elastomer lens (Silsoft SuperPlus). Due to supply chain disruption, many aphakic children required an alternative lens. We performed quantitative and qualitative comparisons between Silsoft SuperPlus and alternative aphakic soft contacts.

Solid Features Modification by the Reactor Selection and US Support during Reactive Crystallization.

The use of materials requires adjusting their features to current applications/needs. In crystallization, the production methods leading directly to the product with pre-determined characteristics are being sought. The research focuses on the abilities of "shaping" the solid product (CSD, shape, form, etc.

Concussion Alters Dynamic Pupillary Light Responses in Children.

Aim: To investigate the impact of concussion on pupillary function in children by examining pupillometric parameters and assessing for differences in children reporting photosensitivity.

Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed of pediatric patients referred for visual symptoms after concussion from 2017 to 2018 seen in a single academic outpatient clinic. Pupillometry data of 92 patients were included.

Background ionizing radiation and semen parameters of men with reproductive problems.

Introduction And Objective: The male reproductive system constitutes a set of tissues which are particularly sensitive to external factors. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between background radioactivity and the quality of the semen of the men who have reported to the infertility treatment facility in 2000-2016 in the Lublin region of eastern Poland.

Material And Methods: The radioactivity of the ground-level air layer obtained from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management in Włodawa in the Lublin region was analysed.

Effect of ionizing radiation on the female reproductive system.

Introduction And Objective: The tendency towards postponement of maternity implies a greater exposure of female germ cells to damaging environmental effects, including ionizing radiation (IR). Progress in paediatric oncology, based on the use of radiotherapy, also implies the occurrence of gonadal dysfunctions and subsequent female fertility disorders. Therefore, it seems justifiable to systematize the state of knowledge concerning the effect of IR on the female reproductive system.

Effect of ionizing radiation on the male reproductive system.

Introduction And Objective: In the light of current data concerning the growing exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) originating from atrificial sources, especially from medical ones, and also related to occupational exposure, it is justifiable to systematize the state of knowledge concerning the effect of IR on the male reproductive system.

Brief Description Of The State Of Knowledge: There is no basis for the application of the hypothesis of hormesis in the area of male reproductive health. Regarding the impact of IR on spermatogenesis, spermatogonia are less susceptible to the occurrence of DNA damage after exposition to IR, but are characterized by slower DNA repair compared to somatic cells.

Post-laparoscopy predictive factors of achieving pregnancy in patients treated for infertility.

Introduction: Laparoscopy is a long-established diagnostic and therapeutic method for treating women suffering from infertility. The application of this method of treatment can help achieve pregnancy only if there is correct classification of patients and evaluation of their partner's reproductive capacity. The main predictors of achieving pregnancy in a couple treated for infertility are the woman's age, her ovarian reserve, tubal patency, the presence of endometriosis and quality of sperm parameters.

Periodontal status and oral hygiene in two populations of cleft patients.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the oral hygiene and periodontal status in children with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate treated in Łódź, Poland, and Erlangen, Germany.

Design: Oral health was assessed by the presence of dental plaque, pocket depth, clinical attachment levels, and pathologic teeth mobility.

Subjects And Methods: Thirty-seven Polish and 63 German patients participated in this study.