Abstract
Background
Research on individual differences in brain structural features of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and established addictions such as tobacco use disorder (TUD) is currently limited. This study utilized normative modeling to analyze the cortical thickness (CT) development patterns of male patients with IGD and TUD, aiming to provide further insights into whether IGD qualifies as an addiction.
Methods
Surface-based brain morphometry (SBM) was used to calculate CT from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data of 804 male participants (665 healthy individuals, 68 IGD and 71 TUD). Gaussian process regression was employed to generate normative models of CT development. Deviation maps were produced to depict deviations of IGD and TUD participants from the typical developmental patterns.
Results
Both addiction groups exhibited widespread cortical thinning, particularly in regions such as the bilateral temporal pole and medial orbitofrontal cortex. The TUD group demonstrated a higher degree of individualization and limited spatial overlap compared to the IGD group. Opposite trends in CT changes were observed between the two groups in the bilateral pericalcarine cortex and pars triangularis.
Conclusions
These findings regarding the similarities and differences between IGD and TUD provide support for the idea that IGD shares common features with substance-related addictions and contribute to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying IGD.
Abstract
Formaldehyde plays a significant role in the global economy due to its unique chemical properties and widespread use in both the medical field and various industrial sectors. However, formaldehyde (HCHO) is classified as a persistent organic pollutant and is known to be harmful. Exposure to formaldehyde, both direct and prolonged, can cause severe health issues and potentially lead to death. It is recognized as a human carcinogen by numerous organizations and can negatively impact the endocrine system, as well as having mutagenic or teratogenic effects. Formaldehyde has been detected in various matrices at levels exceeding those permitted by international health regulatory bodies. Chromatography, particularly high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with detection methods, is an analytical technique frequently used to determine volatile organic molecules, including formaldehyde. This investigation aimed to develop and validate an assay method to identify and quantify formaldehyde in cosmetic products using HPLC-PDA. The chosen isocratic system consisted of a ZORBAX RX-C8 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm; 5 μm) and a mobile phase mixture of acetonitrile and water in a 55:45 (v/v) ratio, with a flow rate of 1.5 mL min−1. Formaldehyde was detected at 353 nm after derivatization with a 0.1N 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine solution, with a retention time of approximately 5.0 min and a total run time of 7.0 min for formaldehyde. The method was validated according to ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines. The validation parameters demonstrated high selectivity, precision (RSD <2%), accuracy (mean recovery of 101.3%), linearity (r > 0.995 in the 1,000–2,400 ppm range), and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 ppm. The validated analytical method was applied to 35 cosmetic products. None of these products were labeled as containing formaldehyde, although 6 imported products were labeled as containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. The results indicated that 88.6% of the samples tested positive for formaldehyde, with free formaldehyde levels ranging from 20 to 981 ppm. All samples contained formaldehyde levels below the 2000 ppm threshold.
Abstract
The paper provides a close reading of Plotinus' obscure chapter Ennead IV.6.2. I try to make clear, beyond the central thesis that sense-perception is an active power, how it contributes to the argument of the whole treatise, how its seemingly disconnected comments make up a coherent line of thought, and how it remains consistent with Plotinus' positions expressed elsewhere.
Abstract
The article covers the issue of ecological security in Poland with a view to international regulation, the objectives of which are pursued at the municipality level, i.e., the basic unit of local government. It is in local areas and at the source of any threat that a rapid response is often needed to eliminate environmental pollution and its effects. Accordingly, the municipal authorities have been equipped with a number of powers enabling them to take action for environmental safety. It should be assumed as a research hypothesis that, in terms of activities in the sphere of ecological security, a municipal authority is a body that complements the activities of the state resulting from EU obligations and other higher-level local government units and that these activities are aimed at issues closest to individuals. The study is characterised by a legal theory-based approach. The main research method used in the study is the doctrinal method, as well as the method of legal text analysis. It mainly draws on theoretical views presented in legal studies and those offered in case law practice.
Abstract
Background and Aims
This naturalistic mixed methods field study, aimed to assess the potential of a psilocybin induced experience, to help Emergency Medical Service Workers (EMSW) to address psychological and stress related symptoms stemming from a challenging working environment, known to contribute to occupational burnout (OB).
Methods
This exploration was conducted with an intentional sample of five participants, recruited through an online survey who self-administered a therapeutic dose of psilocybin mushrooms to manage psychological symptoms resulting from their work as EMSW, allowing the authors to assess the outcome. To measure the impact of the experience, changes in OB measures were assessed with psychometric instruments previously used in this population at three timepoints, before and after the session. The subjective impact of the psychedelic experience, through psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs, was also assessed, and two follow-up interviews were conducted to collect further data.
Results
The results showed that, two weeks after the session, a visible improvement was noticed in several measures of pre-existent OB, that remained stable after two months. Additionally, most participants reported a strong subjective impact, that they perceived as fundamental for the positive outcome.
Conclusions
After one therapeutic psylocibin session, several measures of OB showed an encouraging level of improvement and may constitute an important step towards finding alternative and innovative solutions to address high rates of psychological distress experienced by EMSWs, also benefiting the organization and the quality of patient care. The limitations and implications of the study and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Alvászavarok kora gyermekkorban krónikus szomatikus állapotok és atipikus fejlődés esetén – különös tekintettel a Down-szindrómára
Sleep disorders in early childhood with chronic somatic conditions and atypical development – with particular reference to Down syndrome
Literature and parental reports suggest that young children with chronic illness or disability, particularly those diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, have a significantly higher prevalence of sleep problems than typically developing children of similar age. In the majority of cases, symptoms have a multifactorial etiology, with the child’s somatic condition, associated neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as relationship characteristics and environmental circumstances, influencing their presentation. In groups of children with chronic illness, atypical developmental trajectories, specific neurological functioning and behavioral phenotypes, sleep disorders are underdiagnosed because it is difficult to separate the child’s illness from the characteristics and consequences of sleep symptoms in the complex symptom picture. For families of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities, the presence of sleep disorders can further complicate adjustment to more challenging life situations and have a significant impact on the well-being and quality of life of the family members. Children with Down syndrome face the challenges of the special needs groups of children that are the focus of our study, where syndrome-specific features, chronic somatic conditions, and structural and functional changes in the nervous system contribute in complex ways to the increased prevalence of sleep-related problems. In addition to early identification of sleep problems, prevention and intervention initiatives in practice can prevent, treat and alleviate a range of short- and long-term negative developmental and behavioral consequences, and contribute to improving the relationship characteristics and quality of life of affected children and their families. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(36): 1411–1422.
Meddőségi kezelésben részt vevő nők és férfiak életviteli szokásainak felmérése
Assessment of lifestyle habits of women and men participating in infertility treatment
Introduction: According to WHO data, about 17.5% of adults struggle with fertility problems, both women and men are equally affected. It can also be observed that over the past decades there has been a continuous increase in the number of people in need of infertility treatment, and this trend affects developed/industrialized countries much more. In these decades, our living conditions have also changed, which can be linked to the increase in the number of sterile relationships at several points. Objectives: We know from the literature that being overweight, smoking, alcohol consumption, high levels of untreated stress and even excessive vitamin consumption can negatively affect chances of fertility. The purpose of our study was to determine the extent of the known harmful lifestyle factors exist in couples undergoing infertility treatment. Methods: In our study, we assessed the lifestyle habits of couples applying for in vitro fertilization at our institute between 2020 and 2021, and compared our results descriptively with domestic statistics. 200 couples filled in the questionnaire. The age of the female respondents was 22–46 years, and the age of the men was 23–66 years. Results: 45% of women and 79.2% of men are overweight or obese. 24% of women and 54% of men drink alcohol at least once a week. Every fifth woman (19%) and every fourth man (26%) smoke regularly. In addition to this, only 21.5% of the respondents exercise at least 3 times a week. Our survey also covered our patients’ experience of stress. 27.8% of the participating women and 12.5% of the men claimed to be depressed, while 41% of the women and 15% of the men were stressed due to the difficulties of having children. Discussion and conclusion: According to our survey, the lifestyle risk factors discussed in detail in the literature are also typical in the lives of our patients, and this is a good indication for health awareness and importance of family planning education. The above factors may be partly due to cardiovascular and diabetes problems of the applicants presenting to our institute. Knowing the results, the high consumption of vegetables and fruits among the patients is surprising, and it is important to highlight that many of them use some form of vitamin preparation practically every day. Overall, it can be claimed that our patients have an unfavorable health picture, which fits the data of domestic statistics. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(36): 1423–1432.
A nanomedicina lehetőségei és korlátai a stroke-on átesett betegek gyógykezelésében
Potentials and limitations of nanomedicine in the treatment of stroke patients
While nanomedicine is already helping stroke patients, it will offer many new opportunities in the future by enabling targeted therapy, faster and more accurate diagnosis and more effective drug treatment. Nanotechnology can be used to deliver specially designed molecules to the damaged brain area. There, the concentration of a given drug can be effectively increased to reduce unwanted side effects. This can lead to more efficient clot dissolution, improved reperfusion efficacy and more effective cyto- and neuroprotective strategies. Knowledge of the specific properties of the blood–brain barrier could facilitate drug delivery through a number of transport mechanisms that have so far been unexploited for drug delivery. Nanosensors and nano-based imaging techniques can significantly improve the early detection of stroke lesions and the accurate determination of the extent of injury. Nanotechnological solutions can significantly enhance the translational value of neuroprotective drugs previously found to be effective in animal models. This also offers hope for the regeneration of brain tissue and microcirculation. Furthermore, the very broad toolbox of nanomedicine allows the development of personalised therapies. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(36): 1403–1410.
Új módszer a májregeneráció fokozására: a máj kettős vénás sorvasztása
A new method to enhance liver regeneration: double venous deprivation of the liver
The resectability of liver tumors depends on having a sufficient amount of liver tissue remaining after surgery to ensure proper liver function. With portal vein occlusion techniques, slower and more modest growth can be achieved during a low-risk intervention. If hypertrophy is insufficient or there is a risk of rapid tumor progression, Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy can be used, which provides the most significant induced hypertrophy in a short time. However, the morbidity associated with the combined surgery is high. The dual venous deprivation of the liver, which involves the occlusion of the ipsilateral portal vein and hepatic vein, aims to combine the advantages of the above techniques. This approach allows for rapid and significant contralateral lobe hypertrophy, comparable to the latter method, to be achieved safely. Through our case, we demonstrate this liver hypertrophy technique. A 75-year-old female patient, during the investigation of her abdominal complaints, was diagnosed with a large intrahepatic cholangiocellular tumor in the right lobe of the liver, also affecting the middle sector. Considering the localization, the tumor could only be removed with a right-sided trisegmentectomy. We performed liver volumetry, which showed that the volume of the remaining liver (S1-2-3) was less than 35%. We decided on dual liver vein deprivation. On the 7th day following the occlusion of the right portal vein and the ipsilateral right hepatic vein, significant hypertrophy (41%) was observed. We successfully performed the planned surgery. During the postoperative period, mild ascites was managed conservatively, and no other complications occurred. The patient was discharged on the 8th postoperative day. If the expected volume of the remaining liver is insufficient for planned liver resection, liver regeneration techniques are necessary. Among the available techniques, the newest solution offering low complication risks is dual venous deprivation, involving occlusion of the ipsilateral portal vein and hepatic vein. The above case demonstrates that rapid and effective liver regeneration can be expected with this method, with minimal burden, enabling the safe performance of extended liver resections. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(36): 1433–1439.
