Browse our Medical Journals - AKJournals
Among all scientific traditions alive, medical publishing has a good chance to be the oldest. The first fully peer reviewed academic journal, “Medical Essays and Observations” was launched in 1731 by the Royal Society in Edinburgh. Since then, hundreds of medical journals have been published worldwide. Medical publication in Hungary started in 1857 when the famous physician, Markusovszky founded “Orvosi Hetilap”, which has been published since then every week (with short breaks during the world wars). It is now a most prestigious piece in AKJournals’ portfolio, listed in Journal Citation Reports, with a remarkable impact factor.
Medical and Health Sciences
Abstract
Purpose
We investigated health development offices (HDOs) in Hungary as key providers of preventive healthcare services (nutrition, exercise, and mental hygiene programmes) for the general population, with a particular emphasis on health maintenance among people aged 60 and over.
Materials and Methods
Our research was informed by the fact that there are currently 113 HDOs operating in Hungary. We carried out a short online survey, for which the sample size (n = 44) was big enough to apply descriptive statistical methods and make statistically significant estimates for different age groups, using a significance level of α = 5% for the target group.
Results
Our research yielded a remarkable finding: around one in two of the clients using the services of the HDOs were over the age of 60. As many as 89% (39 out of 44) of the HDOs participating in the survey provided specific health promotion programmes for individuals over 60 years of age.
Conclusions
Our research showed that HDOs are key players in the field of primary prevention among older people, suggesting that they are an important aspect of gerontological care.
Abstract
As the changeful history of psychedelic research and therapy since the 1950s can be assumed to be well enough known to this journal's audience, it is only recalled briefly in this article. Rarely has it been addressed, though, that the discursive struggles through which this history has been spawned have antecedents in much older controversies in the 18th and 19th centuries. As knowledge of this prehistory may shed new light on the current state of affairs in psychedelic matters, this article starts with an account of the transformations that animal magnetism underwent during the so-called ‘long century of mediumship’, transformations by which it was ultimately tamed by science. Based on this historical sensitization, the text then turns to a recent strand of the scientific debate on psychedelic therapy – to seminal journal articles from the Johns Hopkins research group – and subjects these articles to a fine-grained discourse analysis. In doing so, the inner cohesion of the forces that are currently tugging at the psychedelic, mostly pushing aside its emancipatory, resistive, utopian, and ‘spiritual’ connotations, becomes more apparent.
Abstract
Objective
2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]-FDG PET/CT) can be developed in association with contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT), specifically in oncologic patients. This study aimed to evaluate emergency cases incidentally detected in our clinical practice with [18F]-FDG PET/ceCT.
Method
We retrospectively evaluated 3661 [18F]-FDG PET/ceCT, developed between 2017 and 2023, collecting emergency cases needing prompt treatment.
Results
In 34/3661 patients (0.9%) an emergency case was recorded, in particular through contrast-enhanced CT, linked to a vascular (65%) or extravascular (35%) disease. The more frequent findings were pulmonary thromboembolism (0.5%). [18F]-FDG PET/CT was positive in 13/34 cases.
Conclusions
A significant minority of patients undergoing PET/ceCT present vascular or extravascular emergency diseases. The [18F]-FDG uptake improves confidence in diagnosing inflammatory findings. Properly trained diagnostic physicians approaching PET/ceCT can change the prognosis of a small but significant number of cancer patients through a life-saving approach. Future studies are needed to ensure the possibility of emergency findings with non-[18F]-FDG tracers.
Abstract
This study aimed to contribute to the conservation of red pandas by improving the understanding of their oestrus cycle through examining urinary hormone changes during their breeding season. To minimize stress associated with blood sample collection, we used urine samples Sex hormone levels were measured over six months in pregnant and nonpregnant red pandas, to help understand changes in oestrogen concentrations during oestrus, post-mating progesterone concentrations and differences in ceruloplasmin concentrations. The results of the study revealed that female red pandas are polyoestrous, with a second oestrogen peak after mating. Progesterone changed in a cascading fashion, peaking and then gradually declining. Successfully mated females showed higher levels of progesterone than unsuccessfully mated females, which had no peak in progesterone after mating. Ceruloplasmin was measured to confirm pregnancy, but its value as a pregnancy diagnostic factor was not confirmed. These results provide significant insights into the reproductive physiology of red pandas and lay the foundation for additional research towards improving the management and breeding strategies for this threatened species.
Abstract
Shigellosis, a diarrheal disease caused by Shigella species, is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries with inadequate sanitation systems. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of antibiotic resistance, ESBL and AmpC genes, integrons, and enterotoxin genes in Shigella species isolated from patients with gastroenteritis in Northeast Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2017 and December 2019 at a tertiary care hospital in Northeast Iran. A total of 110 Shigella isolates were collected from stool samples of patients with gastroenteritis. The isolates were identified using conventional biochemical tests and confirmed by PCR. The highest resistance rates were detected for ampicillin (88.2%) and cotrimoxazole (84.5%). Altogether 64.5% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance however, ESBL and AmpC phenotypes were detected in 34.54% and 1.81% of isolates, respectively. Interestingly, bla CTX-M-15 and bla TEM were detected in all ESBL-positive isolates but integron class 1, 2, and 3 were identified in 97.3%, 76.4%, and 59.1% of isolates, respectively. The sen gene was present in 72.7% of the isolates. In this study CTX-M-15 production was detected in 31 strains of Shigella sonnei and in 7 strains of Shigella flexneri. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant Shigella isolates is concerning and shows the need for continuous monitoring and rational use of antibiotics.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs show promising therapeutic potential; however, some users experience extended difficulties following their use. This study investigated the prevalence, severity, duration, and associated coping strategies of post-psychedelic difficulties. We conducted an online survey of 159 participants, all of whom reported experiencing difficulties lasting more than one day after psychedelic use within the past 2–10 years. Participants rated the severity and duration of 11 types of difficulties and indicated effective coping strategies. Results revealed that social disconnection (72%), anxiety and panic attacks (68%), and existential struggle (65%) were the most prevalent difficulties. Anxiety and panic attacks were rated as most severe, while existential struggle and diminished self-esteem persisted the longest, with mean durations exceeding 15 months. Derealization and depersonalization, despite being common, were consistently rated as less severe than other difficulties. Self-education emerged as the predominant coping strategy for multiple difficulties, including social disconnection and existential struggle. Professional therapy was most effective for depression and diminished self-esteem, while peer and family support were particularly beneficial for managing anxiety and panic attacks. These findings highlight the diverse nature of post-psychedelic difficulties and the varying effectiveness of different coping strategies. Our results contribute to the development of more nuanced, effective approaches to harm reduction and integration in psychedelic use, emphasizing the importance of multifaceted support systems that include professional, educational, and community-based resources.
Abstract
Objectives
Sesamol, a polyphenolic compound isolated from roasted sesame seeds exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effect, but the molecular mechanism is poorly understood. Peritoneal macrophages play a pivotal role in the control of infections and inflammatory pathologies and are also found in injured tissues along with resident macrophages. The present study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of sesamol and the molecular mechanisms involved, particularly the role of sesamol in modulating SIRT1- and SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of NF-κB p65 using in vivo activated peritoneal macrophages.
Materials
Sprague Dawley rats were injected with LPS to induce inflammation and sesamol was intraperitoneally administered to study its anti-inflammatory effect. ELISA and real time PCR were used to study the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Effects of sesamol on iNOS and COX-2 were studied with activity assays and ELISA. ICAM-1, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressions were analysed by ELISA, RT PCR and zymography. Western blot analysis was performed to determine p65 acetylation. Nuclear translocation of p65 was evaluated by ELISA. The gene and protein expression of SIRT1 was analysed with ELISA and real time PCR.
Results
Sesamol downregulated the expression of proinflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2, TLR-4, ICAM-1 and MMP-9 in rat peritoneal macrophages. Additionally, sesamol upregulated SIRT1expression and attenuated the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 by promoting its deacetylation. Inhibition of SIRT1 by its specific inhibitor EX527 diminished the inhibitory effect of sesamol on TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, EX527 reduced the suppressive impact of sesamol on p65 acetylation and subsequent nuclear translocation.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of sesamol involves upregulation of SIRT-1, leading to the downregulation of the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 through its deacetylation. Therefore, the dietary bioactive compound sesamol shows potential as a promising strategy for preventing inflammatory diseases by modulating SIRT1 expression.
Abstract
Background and aims
Deficits in emotion regulation (ER) are considered a key factor in the development of addiction, highlighting ER as a potential target for treatment. However, ER in problematic pornography use (PPU) remains poorly understood.
Methods
The current study investigated both spontaneous and instructed ER in male individuals at-risk for PPU (n = 35, average age = 20.40 ± 1.29) and in a control group (n = 33, average age = 20.06 ± 1.44). Initially, participants were evaluated with the Emotion Regulation Profile-Revised (ERP-R) to measure their spontaneous use of eight ER strategies across various negative emotion-eliciting scenarios. Subsequently, they completed an emotion reappraisal task, in which they were instructed to either observe or reappraise their reactions to negative images. Subjective emotional ratings (valence and arousal) and event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded to examine the effects of deliberate ER on emotional processing.
Results
The results indicated that individuals at-risk for PPU reported less frequent spontaneous use of reappraisal compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, in both groups, reappraisal led to a decrease in the late positive potential (LPP) and the self-reported intensity of emotions elicited by negative images.
Discussion and conclusions
This indicates that both groups were able to effectively downregulate negative emotions through reappraisal when instructed. Our findings underscore the importance of incorporating ER skills, particularly reappraisal-based strategies, into the prevention and psychotherapy of PPU.
Abstract
Background
Gambling content on streaming platforms has gained popularity. Given their intense, cue-laden nature, watching gambling streams may trigger cravings among viewers. At the same time, people who gamble may be motivated to watch gambling streams in an attempt to regulate their cravings.
Methods
We tested these ideas across two preregistered online studies, recruiting i) people who gamble to compare a subgroup of gambling stream viewers with non-viewers (Study 1; n viewers = 221, n non-viewers = 642), and ii) a group of gambling stream viewers (Study 2; n viewers = 271).
Results
Gambling stream viewers were younger, tended to identify as men, and displayed higher levels of problem gambling and gambling cravings compared to non-viewers. Problem gambling severity was correlated positively with both the motivation to use gambling streams to regulate cravings and with cravings elicited by watching gambling streams.
Discussion
Our findings indicate that while viewers with higher levels of problem gambling may use gambling streams to regulate their cravings, doing so might evoke cravings.
Az orrmelléküregek mucormycosisa
Mucormycosis of the paranasal sinuses
Until nowadays, mucormycosis is the most aggressive fungal disease spreading in humans. Currently the Rhizopus, Lichtheimia and Mucor species are responsible for the development of diseases in the greatest number. The prevalence of mucormycosis appears to be much higher because in many cases achieving histological sample is difficult and the presence of risk factors is getting higher. While the classification systems, examination protocols, pharmaceutical and surgical treatment methods have developed, it is important to highlight that the continuous increase in the number of diabetes and the accompanying ketoacidosis, the recurrence of the COVID–19 epidemics in our overpopulated society had a high benefit factor in the spread of the disease, especially the one which affects the paranasal sinuses: the rhino-orbito-cerebral form. The purpose of this publication is to provide a detailed presentation of the disease, in which the effective treatment depends in many cases on the establishment of an accurate, early diagnosis, through a targeted drug therapy and, in several cases, an aggressive surgical debridement is indispensable. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(48): 1878–1887.
