The transformative power of theatre has long been recognized as a tool for social change and personal empowerment. This article examines the work of Divadlo bez domova (Theatre With No Home), a unique Slovak theatre, with a focus on the A.N.T.Y.G.O.N.E. methodology. Theatre creators have adapted the classic Greek tragedy, drawing from its central plot, and through various theatrical techniques, have given a voice to marginalized groups often unheard in society—homeless individuals, people with psychiatric diagnoses or physical disabilities, former prisoners and other disadvantaged people. The article analyzes the theoretical foundations of dramatherapy, emphasizing themes of identity, power, catharsis, and other phenomena from Greek culture (e. g., kalokagathia), while exploring how the A.N.T.Y.G.O.N.E. methodology integrates storytelling, mask-making, and diverse theatrical and artistic approaches (e. g., glossolalia and rhythm) to foster creative expression. Additionally, it presents a case study of Antigone according to Sophocles and Others the production developed by Divadlo bez domova, highlighting their role in reflecting contemporary social realities. The discussion underscores the impact of this work on participants and audiences, offering recommendations for professionals in theatre, dramatherapy, and education.
BACKGROUND: The socket preservation technique involves filling the bone defect created after tooth extraction with a bone substitute material. This helps to reduce bone resorption of the post-extraction alveolar ridge. Various types of bone substitute biomaterials are used as augmentation materials, including autogeneic, allogeneic, and xenogeneic materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in alveolar ridge dimensions and alterations of optical bone density in sockets grafted with two different biomaterials. Additionally, bone biopsies taken from the grafted sites underwent histological evaluation. METHODS: This study enrolled 10 generally healthy patients, who were divided into two equal groups. Patients in the first group were treated with an allogeneic material (BIOBank®, Biobank, Paris, France), while patients in the second group were treated with an xenogeneic material (Geistlich Bio-Oss®, Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland). Tooth extraction was performed, following which the appropriate material was placed into the debrided socket. The material was secured with a collagen membrane (Geistlich Bio-Gide®, Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and sutures, which were removed 7 to 10 days after the procedure. Micro-CBCT examinations were performed, for the evaluation of alveolar ridge dimensions and bone optical density, at 7-10 days and six months after the procedure. Bone trepanbiopsy was performed simultaneously to the implant placement, six months after socket preservation. The retrieved biopsy was subjected to histological examination via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson's trichrome staining. RESULTS: The results showed that the allogeneic material was more effective in preserving alveolar buccal height and was probably more rapidly transformed into the patient's own bone. Sockets grafted with the xenogeneic material presented higher optical bone density after six months. Both materials presented similar effectiveness in alveolar width preservation. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the outcomes of this study, it can be concluded that both materials are suitable for the socket preservation technique. However, the dimensional changes in the alveolar ridge and the quality of the newly formed bone may vary depending on the type of biomaterial used.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Background/Objectives: Rivaroxaban, an oral anticoagulant, shows poor aqueous solubility, posing significant challenges to its bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency. The present study investigates the improvement of rivaroxaban's solubility through the formation of different inclusion complexes with three cyclodextrin derivatives, such as β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Me-β-CD), and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) prepared by lyophilization in order to stabilize the complexes and improve dissolution characteristics of rivaroxaban. Methods: The physicochemical properties of the individual compounds and the three lyophilized complexes were analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results: FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of non-covalent interactions between rivaroxaban and the cyclodextrins, suggesting successful encapsulation into cyclodextrin cavity. SEM images revealed a significant morphological transformation from the crystalline structure of pure rivaroxaban and cyclodextrins morphologies to a more porous and amorphous matrix in all lyophilized complexes. XRD patterns indicated a noticeable reduction in drug crystallinity, supporting enhanced potential of the drug solubility. TGA analysis demonstrated improved thermal stability in the inclusion complexes compared to the individual drug and cyclodextrins. Pharmacotechnical evaluation revealed that the obtained formulations (by comparison with physical mixtures formulations) possessed favorable bulk and tapped density values, suitable compressibility index, and good flow properties, making all suitable for direct compression into solid dosage forms. Conclusions: The improved cyclodextrins formulation characteristics, combined with enhanced dissolution profiles of rivaroxaban comparable to commercial Xarelto® 10 mg, highlight the potential of both cyclodextrin inclusion and lyophilization technique as synergistic strategies for enhancing the solubility and drug release of rivaroxaban.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent advancements in the understanding of the genetic background of genitourinary cancers allowed for a successful introduction of targeted antitumor agents to prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. Inhibitors of the poly ADP-ribose polymerase enzyme (PARPi) transformed the treatment landscape of metastatic prostate cancer, and being increasingly studied in earlier disease stages. However, they are associated with nonnegligible toxicity, therefore, we aimed to summarize their side-effect profile in patients with PCa. RECENT FINDINGS: Hematologic toxicities, particularly anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia are among the most common and serious adverse events associated with PARPi, highlighting the need for regular blood count monitoring. Nonhematologic side effects, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, are common, and can be mitigated with supportive interventions like dietary modifications, antiemetics, or stool management techniques. Special attention should be given to patients with therapy-resistant or persistent cytopenia, in whom bone marrow biopsy should be considered, as it can indicate myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. SUMMARY: PARP inhibitors represent a major advancement in the management of metastatic prostate cancer, offering a significant survival benefit in applicable cases. However, patients need to be carefully selected and informed, to allow for optimal balancing between the benefits and nonneglectable risks of severe toxicities. Better understanding of PARPi toxicity profile can improve personalized decision-making and enhance treatment compliance, through raising patients' awareness about the possible side effects of PARPi.
- MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Prostatic Neoplasms * drug therapy pathology MeSH
- Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors * adverse effects MeSH
- Urogenital Neoplasms * drug therapy MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Proteomics is nowadays increasingly becoming part of the routine clinical practice of diagnostic laboratories, especially due to the advent of advanced mass spectrometry techniques. This review focuses on the application of proteomic analysis in the identification of pathological conditions in a hospital setting, with a particular focus on the analysis of protein biomarkers. In particular, the main purpose of the review is to highlight the challenges associated with the identification of specific disease-causing proteins, given their complex nature and the variety of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) they can undergo. PTMs, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation, play critical roles in protein function but can also lead to diseases if dysregulated. Proteomics plays an important role especially in various medical fields ranging from cardiology, internal medicine to hemato-oncology emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of this field. Traditional methods such as electrophoretic or immunochemical methods have been mainstay in protein detection; however, these techniques are limited in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Examples include the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and the detection of its specific protein or amyloidosis, which relies heavily on these conventional methods, which sometimes lead to false positives or inadequate disease monitoring. Mass spectrometry in this respect emerges as a superior alternative, providing high sensitivity and specificity in the detection and quantification of specific protein sequences. This technique is particularly beneficial for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma where traditional methods fall short. Furthermore mass spectrometry can provide precise typing of amyloid proteins, which is crucial for the appropriate treatment of amyloidosis. This review summarizes the opportunities for proteomic determination using mass spectrometry between 2012 and 2024, highlighting the transformative potential of mass spectrometry in clinical proteomics and encouraging its wider use in diagnostic laboratories.
- MeSH
- Amyloidosis * diagnosis MeSH
- Biomarkers analysis MeSH
- Mass Spectrometry * methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Multiple Myeloma * diagnosis MeSH
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational MeSH
- Proteomics * methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) presents a group of inheritable channelopathies with prolonged ventricular repolarization, leading to syncope, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden death. Differentiating LQTS genotypes is crucial for targeted management and treatment, yet conventional genetic testing remains costly and time-consuming. This study aims to improve the distinction between LQTS genotypes, particularly LQT3, through a novel electrocardiogram (ECG)-based approach. Patients with LQT3 are at elevated risk due to arrhythmia triggers associated with rest and sleep. Employing a database of genotyped long QT syndrome E-HOL-03-0480-013 ECG signals, we introduced two innovative parameterization techniques-area under the ECG curve and wave transformation into the unit circle-to classify LQT3 against LQT1 and LQT2 genotypes. Our methodology utilized single-lead ECG data with a 200 Hz sampling frequency. The support vector machine (SVM) model demonstrated the ability to discriminate LQT3 with a recall of 90% and a precision of 81%, achieving an F1-score of 0.85. This parameterization offers a potential substitute for genetic testing and is practical for low frequencies. These single-lead ECG data could enhance smartwatches' functionality and similar cardiovascular monitoring applications. The results underscore the viability of ECG morphology-based genotype classification, promising a significant step towards streamlined diagnosis and improved patient care in LQTS.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Electrocardiography * methods MeSH
- Genotype MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Machine Learning * MeSH
- Support Vector Machine MeSH
- Long QT Syndrome * genetics diagnosis physiopathology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Comparative Study MeSH
BACKGROUND: The medial approach for minimally invasive harvesting of a deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap is described for reconstruction of the jaw. The associated preservation of the crest of the ilium prevents the raising of the abdominal internal oblique muscle (IO) in a standard fashion. However, reconstructive surgery of composite mandibular defects includes bone and soft tissue. To achieve this goal, we combined this technique with a new perforator-based raising of the IO for reconstruction of intraoral soft tissue. METHODS: In this study, we present eight cases of patients with composite mandibular defects who underwent the myo-osseous DCIA flap procedure with an IO perforator. Virtual surgical planning was employed to preplan the size and configuration of the graft. Cutting guides were made using CAD/CAM technology. The surgical procedure followed the described medial approach for minimally invasive harvesting, leaving the iliac crest, spine, and skin intact. In addition, we completely cut and isolated the IO with its sole attachment being the ascending branch of the DCIA. We used either a surgical guide with a slot to lead through both the transverse branch of the bone and the ascending branch of the IO or a surgical guide consisting of 2 parts. RESULTS: In all instances, the flap successfully survived with a 100% success rate. There were no signs of infection, wound opening, or bleeding in either patient. Furthermore, the patients did not exhibit permanent complications related to the donor site. The internal oblique perforator flap exhibited remarkable integration in all patients and underwent rapid transformation. Notably, the flap developed keratinized mucosa (KM) that closely resembled the attached gingiva. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated the effectiveness of a medial approach for harvesting a newly designed more flexible chimeric myo-osseous deep circumflex iliac artery flap. By incorporating virtual surgical planning and custom-made cutting guides for obtaining deep circumflex iliac artery flaps through the medial route along with an internal oblique perforator flap, we have established a highly promising method for the rehabilitation of patients with composite mandibular defects. This approach not only improves functional outcomes, but also enhances aesthetic results to maintain patients' quality of life.
- MeSH
- Iliac Artery surgery MeSH
- Surgical Flaps MeSH
- Computer-Aided Design MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mandible surgery MeSH
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures methods MeSH
- Ilium surgery MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Plastic Surgery Procedures * methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: The choroid plexus (ChP) is the secretory epithelial structure located in the brain ventricles. Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are rare neoplasms predominantly occurring in young patients with intensified malignancy in children. CPT treatment is hindered by insufficient knowledge of tumor pathology and the limited availability of valid models. METHODS: Genomic and transcriptomic data from CPT patients were analyzed to identify the putative pathological pathway. Cellular and molecular techniques were employed to validate bioinformatic results in CPT patient samples. Pharmacologic inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was assessed in CPT cells. Cell-based assays of ChP cell lines were performed following CRISPR-Cas9-derived knockout and overexpression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes. A 3D CPT model was generated through CRISPR-Cas9-derived knockout of APC. RESULTS: We discovered that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is activated in human CPTs, likely as a consequence of large-scale chromosomal instability events of the CPT genomes. We demonstrated that CPT-derived cells depend on autocrine Wnt/β-catenin signaling for survival. Constitutive Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, either through knockout of the negative regulator APC or overexpression of the ligand WNT3A, induced tumorigenic properties in ChP 2D in vitro models. Increased activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ChP organoids, through treatment with a potent GSK3β inhibitor, reduced the differentiation of mature ChP epithelial cells. Remarkably, the depletion of APC was sufficient to induce the oncogenic transformation of ChP organoids. CONCLUSIONS: Our research identifies Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a critical driver of CPT tumorigenesis and provides the first 3D in vitro model for future pathological and therapeutic studies of CPT.
- MeSH
- beta Catenin metabolism genetics MeSH
- Carcinogenesis metabolism MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Tumor Cells, Cultured MeSH
- Choroid Plexus Neoplasms * pathology metabolism genetics MeSH
- Choroid Plexus metabolism pathology MeSH
- Cell Proliferation MeSH
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic MeSH
- Wnt Signaling Pathway * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Free radical polymerization technique was used to formulate Poloxamer-188 based hydrogels for controlled delivery. A total of seven formulations were formulated with varying concentrations of polymer, monomer ad cross linker. In order to assess the structural properties of the formulated hydrogels, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were carried out. To assess the effect of pH on the release of the drug from the polymeric system, drug release studies were carried in pH 1.2 and 7.4 and it was found that release of the drug was significant in pH 7.4 as compared to that of pH 1.2 which confirmed the pH responsiveness of the system. Different kinetic models were also applied to the drug release to evaluate the mechanism of the drug release from the system. To determine the safety and biocompatibility of the system, toxicity study was also carried out for which healthy rabbits were selected and formulated hydrogels were orally administered to the rabbits. The results obtained suggested that the formulated poloxamer-188 hydrogels are biocompatible with biological system and have the potential to serve as controlled drug delivery vehicles.
- MeSH
- Acrylic Resins * chemistry MeSH
- Calorimetry, Differential Scanning MeSH
- X-Ray Diffraction MeSH
- Hydrogels * chemistry MeSH
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration MeSH
- Rabbits MeSH
- Drug Delivery Systems MeSH
- Delayed-Action Preparations chemistry pharmacokinetics MeSH
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning MeSH
- Drug Carriers chemistry MeSH
- Poloxamer * chemistry MeSH
- Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared MeSH
- Thermogravimetry MeSH
- Timolol * administration & dosage pharmacokinetics chemistry MeSH
- Drug Liberation MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rabbits MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Cieľom štúdie je poskytnúť informácie o tom, ako vnímajú učitelia a učiteľky základných škôl kvalitu, podmienky a možnosti odborného vzdelávania sa v oblasti výučby zimných športov. Svoje zistenia na vzorke 229 respondentov sme smerovali k tomu, aby sme získali odpoveď najmä na otázky, či sa odlišujú názory mužov a žien k potrebe odbornej vzdelanosti pre vyučovanie zimných športov a aká je ich požiadavka na možnú inováciu učebných materiálov pre vyučovanie zimných športov. Cez štatistickú analýzu (Chí-kvadrát) sme zistili, že sa objavuje významná odlišnosť v prístupe k tejto oblasti medzi učiteľmi a učiteľkami najmä z pohľadu záujmu o ďalšie vzdelávanie, v spôsobe získavania nových informácii a poznatkov a taktiež pri požiadavke na formát študijného materiálu. Z pohľadu požiadavky učiteľov a učiteliek na možnú inováciu učebných materiálov pre vyučovanie zimných športov sme zistili, že sa tu objavila výrazná skupina respondentov (22,94 %), ktorá sa k tejto oblasti stavia negatívne (odpoveď „nepotrebujem“). Samozrejme zvyšná časť učiteľov a učiteliek chcú aby aj v tejto oblasti došlo k inovácii a prezentujú požiadavku aby sa najmä učebné formáty prispôsobili súčasnej modernej informačno-komunikačnej dobe a žiadajú aby sa prenos informácii z obsahu učiva transformoval aj do mobilného prostredia
The aim of the study is to provide information on how primary school teachers perceive the quality, conditions and possibilities of professional education in the field of winter sports teaching. We focused our findings on a sample of 229 respondents in order to obtain an answer to the questions, in particular, whether the opinions of men and women differ regarding the need for professional education for teaching winter sports and what is their demand for a possible innovation of teaching materials for teaching winter sports. Through statistical analysis (Chi-square), we found that there is a significant difference in the approach to this field between male and female teachers, especially from the point of view of interest in further education, in the way of obtaining new information and knowledge, and also in the demand for the format of study material. From the point of view of teachers' requests for a possible innovation of teaching materials for teaching winter sports, we found that there was asignificant group of respondents (22.94 %) who have a negative attitude towards this area (the answer is "I don't need"). Of course, the remaining part of the teachers want innovation to take place in this area as well and they present the demand that the teaching formats in particular be adapted to the current modern information and communication age, and they request that the transfer of information from the content of the curriculum be transformed into a mobile environment.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Snow Sports * classification education MeSH
- Physical Education and Training methods statistics & numerical data MeSH
- School Teachers * statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Educational Technology methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Clinical Study MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Slovakia MeSH