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Introduction: Fatigue is the most persistent symptom in patients with long COVID. Moreover, Internet addiction itself has become a pandemic long-term effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of fatigue and Internet addiction in a group of students with COVID-19 and to determine the relationship between fatigue and addiction in students with and without long COVID symptoms. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 Polish students aged 19–26. The 183 students who had COVID-19 signaled the presence of long COVID symptoms, which corresponded to 45.5% of the surveyed group. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale was used to assess the level of fatigue, and the Kimberly Young questionnaire was used to assess the level of Internet addiction. Results: 19.7% (95% c.i.: 15.9–23.9%) of the students surveyed had a moderate level of Internet dependence (Internet addiction measure value of 50 points or more). Most of them did not complain of high levels of fatigue. Higher levels of dependence and fatigue were observed in subjects with long COVID symptoms (MFIS mean value was 26.5 in this group vs. 17.7 in the others; p = 0.0000 ***). The higher the respondents' level of dependence, the more they tended to feel tired (correlations were stronger in those with long COVID symptoms: rS = 0.23; p = 0.0017 **). Conclusions: In view of the results obtained, the study presented here has the potential to contribute to the international debate on the long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to address them. The study provides data that may be useful in the development of educational and health policies that target the psychophysical well-being of patients with long COVID symptoms. This process should be considered as a long-term endeavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The vast majority of people have experienced the problem of back pain at least once in their lives for a variety of reasons. It is well known that regular physical activity at a moderate level has a number of health benefits regardless of age or gender with positive effects on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory or nervous systems improving fitness levels. During the pandemic, Poland experienced one of the longest periods of school lockdown in Europe. In Portugal, this period was considerably shorter. The aim of this study was to determine the level of physical activity and back pain as well as relationship between physical activity and back pain in a group of Polish and Portuguese students in the following year the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted via the Internet among students from Poland and Portugal (398 respondents − 229 from Poland and 169 from Portugal) in October 2022. In the pilot study, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and The Oswestry Disability Index and Neck Disability Index questionnaires were used to assess the level of back pain. Results: There are no statistically significant differences in the level of physical activity and pain complaints of respondents from the two countries. At least half of the students do not report any pain complaints (median in some groups being 0). In the Portuguese men, there is a correlation between the level of physical activity and the Neck Disability Index score (p = 0.0304). Conclusions: The following year, after the pandemic COVID-19 was declared, the prevalence of back pain among students in Poland and Portugal is still significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Back pain (BP) is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity (PA) is a key element in maintaining health. The purpose of this research was to determine the level of physical activity and back pain (BP) in students with long COVID symptoms and to determine the relationship between the level of PA and BP in students with and without long COVID. Methods: A survey was carried out among 402 students from Poland. The inclusion criteria were as follows: student status, age of over 18 years, history of COVID-19, and consent to participate in the study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the level of PA. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess BP. Results: We found that at least half of the students surveyed did not experience any lumbosacral or cervical spine pain. The authors found no association between the level of PA in women and a history of long COVID symptoms, while there were statistically significant differences in intense PA in men (p = 0.0263), with those who did not report long COVID symptoms being more active. With regard to cervical and lumbar spine pain complaints, in our study, these were statistically significantly stronger in students who were observed to have long COVID symptoms. The difference was not significant only for lumbosacral complaints among men. No strong correlations were found between PA level and the severity of BP. Conclusion: Additional investigation is required to comprehend the complex interaction between long COVID symptoms and levels of PA and BP. Special attention should be paid to the prevention of back pain mainly in the COVID-19 group of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of the prevalence of fatigue and level of physical activity, as well as the relationship between fatigue and physical activity among Poles living in Poland and the United Kingdom (UK) in the further year in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted among Poles living permanently in Poland and the UK in January 2023. Responses were obtained from 200 respondents aged 18–69 years. The level of fatigue was assessed by the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: The median for the total fatigue score was equal to 17 points out of a possible 105. 13.5% of the subjects had a low level of physical activity, the average MET for high-intensity activity was 1294.55 METs, for moderate activity 714.44 METs, and for walking 631 METs. As age and number of COVID-19 cases increased, scores on the MFIS questionnaire scale also increased. With an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, high-intensity MET scores decreased. Conclusions: The level of fatigue, in contrast to the level of physical activity, was low in the study population. There were few statistically significant differences in fatigue between people living in Poland and the UK. Further experimental studies on the physiological mechanism of differences in fatigue and physical activity are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Enzymatic antioxidants are the primary line of defense against oxidative and nitrosative stress. However, their involvement in the progression of periodontitis is still not well understood. The study aimed to determine the activity of enzymatic antioxidants in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva of patients with periodontitis. Materials and methods: The study group of 56 patients with periodontitis (stage III and IV) and 28 healthy controls were involved. The modified plaque index, probing depth, the clinical attachment level, the percentage of sites with bleeding on probing, papilla bleeding index, and maximum value of tooth mobility (Periotest®) were tested. Saliva (stimulated and non‐stimulated) and GCF were collected from the participants, and activity of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase were determined colorimetrically. Results: Lower activity of peroxidase (p < 0.0001), catalase (p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase (p = 0.0188), and glutathione reductase (p < 0.0001) was noted in non‐stimulated saliva of patients with periodontitis compared to healthy subjects. Peroxidase (p < 0.0001), catalase (p < 0.0001) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.0001) showed lower activity in stimulated saliva of patients with periodontitis compared to healthy subjects. The peroxidase (p < 0.0029), catalase (p < 0.0001), and glutathione reductase (p = 0.0028) activity in GCF of stage III + IV were significantly higher compared to healthy controls. Superoxide dismutase (p < 0.0001) showed lower activity in GCF of patients with periodontitis. Conclusions: The demonstrated decrease in activity of all analyzed enzymatic antioxidants in non‐stimulated saliva may result from long‐lasting periodontitis and exhaustion of the safeguard mechanism against reactive oxygen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to assess the extent of dyspnoea, physical activity (PA), and back pain complaints and the association of dyspnoea, PA, and back pain complaints with PA in post-COVID-19 students at medical universities in Poland. Methods: An online survey was carried out among Polish medical students (213 women and 204 men) who had had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 within the last year. The Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea scale was used to assess the degree of dyspnoea. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the level of PA. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess back discomfort. Results: The study group had average levels of PA, with median total activity significantly lower in women (median total activity for women was 1189 and for men was 2044, while the standard deviation for women was 1419 and for men was 1450). More than 93% of the students reported no symptoms of dyspnoea. The following results were observed for ODI (median of 1.2 for women and 1.7 for men and standard deviation of 3.1 for women and 4.0 for men) and for NDI (median of 2.8 for women and 2.5 for men, standard deviation of 4.3 for women and 4.0 for men). Cervical spine pain was more frequent and severe. There are small, statistically significant correlations between the MRC and IPAQ measures and the ODI and NDI and IPAQ. Conclusions: In the study group of students of medicine, dyspnoea linked with a history of COVID-19 is not an issue. Post-pandemic PA levels should be increased in this group, with particular attention to female students. Urgent measures are also needed to prevent cervical pain in students at medical universities in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to look at the amount of fatigue and physical activity (PA) in individuals after COVID-19 in Poland and the correlation between fatigue and PA. Methods: The online research was carried out among adult Polish residents (122 women and 82 men) who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the previous year. The level of fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The PA level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: A total of 46.6% of the subjects had been ill with COVID-19 for more than 6 months before the time of the survey response. The MFIS total measure is 77 of the maximum score, and the median is 17. A total of 26% of respondents reported low activity, while 41% of respondents reported high activity. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between PA level and total fatigue score. The best scores for fatigue and PA were obtained by the subjects with mild COVID-19. The time since diagnosis (as opposed to older age and female sex) was not clearly associated with most measures. Conclusions: PA may play an important role in regulating the severity of fatigue; it should be increased, especially in patients after COVID. Further studies are also needed to investigate the mechanism of differences in fatigue and PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of Internet addiction and physical activity, as well as the relationship between internet addiction and physical activity, among Polish and Portuguese students in the final year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted among students in Poland and Portugal (398 respondents) aged between 17 and 26 in October 2022. The level of internet addiction was assessed by the Kimberly Young questionnaire in Polish and in Portuguese. The level of physical activity was measured by the international physical activity questionnaire in Polish and in Portuguese. Results: In the study population, the majority of the respondents were mildly addicted to the internet. The average level of addiction was reported by 9.3–23.5% of the respondents. The average level of internet addiction was higher among Portuguese students and among men. Those who had suffered from COVID-19 (especially more than once) and were more physically active showed a higher tendency towards internet addiction. Conclusions: Internet addiction is a problem that has to be monitored and given more attention, particularly among male students. The results presented provide the first statistical insight into the problem of internet addiction among students in both countries and form the basis for further studies. They also highlight the severity of the problem and point to the need for early preventive and protective interventions against problematic internet use. It appears that effective strategies should include promoting the benefits of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high biocompatibility of titanium and its alloys, the need to remove titanium implants is increasingly being debated due to the potential for adverse effects associated with long-term retention. Therefore, new solutions are being sought to enhance the biocompatibility of titanium implants. One of them is to increase the thickness of the passive layer of the implant made of titanium dioxide. We were the first to evaluate the effect of hard-anodized (type II) Ti-6Al-4V alloy discs on the cytotoxicity, mitochondrial function, and redox balance of fibroblasts mitochondria compared to standard-anodized (type III) and non-anodized discs. The study used fibroblasts obtained from human gingival tissue. The test discs were applied to the bottom of 12-well plates. Cells were cultured for 24 h and 7, 14, and 21 days and mitochondria were isolated. We demonstrated the occurrence of oxidative stress in the mitochondria of fibroblasts of all tested groups, regardless of the presence and type of anodization. Type II anodization prevented changes in complex II activity (vs. control). The lowest degree of citrate synthase inhibition occurred in mitochondria exposed to titanium discs with type II anodization. In the last phase of culture, the presence of type II anodization reduced the degree of cytochrome c oxidase inhibition compared to the other tests groups and the control group, and prevented apoptosis. Throughout the experiment, the release of titanium, aluminium, and vanadium ions from titanium discs with a hard-anodized passive layer was higher than from the other titanium discs, but decreased with time. The obtained results proved the existence of dysfunction and redox imbalance in the mitochondria of fibroblasts exposed to hard-anodized titanium discs, suggesting the need to search for new materials perhaps biodegradable in tissues of the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to make a preliminary assessment of depression rates and levels of physical activity and the association between physical activity and depression among Polish and Portuguese students in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted among students in Poland and Portugal (398 respondents—229 from Poland and 169 from Portugal) aged between 17 and 26 in October 2022. The level of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in Polish and in Portuguese. The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Polish and in Portuguese. Results: Overall, 20–35% of respondents suffered from moderate depression, with a lower proportion among men. There were no differences in the percentage distribution of depression classification between Polish and Portuguese students. A decrease in the severity of depression was observed with increasing physical activity. In both countries, walking more often had the strongest effect on reducing depression scores. Conclusions: The continued and alarming prevalence of depressive disorders among university students in the year after the pandemic began had a significant impact on this population—further research on the impact of physical activity on mental health in different populations should be conducted to adjust the optimal level of physical activity for alleviating negative psychiatric symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The paper considers the broad model of citizenship activity by Zalewska and Krzywosz-Rynkiewicz, including the passive (national identity and patriotism), semi-active (loyalty and voting), and active (social, political, change-oriented, and personal activity) forms of citizenship among emerging adults who already have civil rights. The study examines the profile of citizenship activity and psychological factors - personality constructs (self-esteem and social skills in intimate, social exposure, and demanding assertiveness situations) and personal experiences (emotional, social, and psychological well-being) - as correlates and predictors of civic behaviour dimensions. participants and procedure A set of questionnaires (Multidimensional Self-esteem Inventory, Social Skills Inventory, Mental Health Continuum - Short Form, and Citizenship Behaviour Questionnaire-30 - general version) were completed by 140 Polish emerging adults (50% women) aged 19 to 25. RESULTS: Results of Student's t-tests showed that emerging adults (like adolescents) manifested the highest level of personal activity, lower level of passive and then semi-active citizenship, even less involvement in socio-political activities, and the lowest in political activity. Particular dimensions of civic behaviours were positively but differently correlated with personality constructs and well-being - only personal activity was associated with all psychological factors. They were also differently predicted by the set of psychological variables (regression analyses), but self-esteem, social exposure skills, and social well-being were particularly important predictors. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that policies promoting the citizenship activity of emerging adults need to recognise, support, and strengthen these psychological variables, as they can be modified by deliberate influences and interventions that may be the subject of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with the deposition of β-amyloid in the brain. AD accounts for over 50% of cases of dementia which results from disturbances in redox homeostasis. Indeed, increased intensity of protein oxidation and nitration as well as lipid peroxidation is observed in brain areas with considerable amounts of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. However, little is known about the oxidoreductive balance of salivary glands in AD patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant barrier and oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in stimulated saliva and blood of AD patients. The study was participated by 25 AD patients and 25 non-demented controls without neurological diseases or cognitive impairment, matched by age and gender to the study group. The number of patients was determined based on a previous pilot study (test power = 0.9). We found a significant decrease in the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), increased activity of catalase (CAT) and reduced concentration of plasma non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid, UA and reduced glutathione, GSH). In contrast, in the stimulated saliva of AD patients we observed significantly decreased activity of all antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) as well as concentration of GSH compared to the control group. The content of lipid (malondialdehyde, MDA) and protein (advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP; advanced glycation end-products, AGE) oxidation products as well as biomarkers of nitrosative stress (peroxynitrite, nitrotyrosine) was significantly higher in both saliva and plasma of AD patients compared to the controls. In AD patients, we also observed a considerable decrease in stimulated saliva secretion and salivary total protein content, and an increase in salivary β-amyloid concentration. In conclusion, AD results in redox imbalance towards oxidative reactions, both at the level of the oral cavity and the entire body. General redox balance disturbances do not coincide with salivary redox balance disturbances. Reduction in stimulated saliva secretion in AD patients reflects secretory dysfunction of the parotid glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm infants are at increased risk of difficulties in language development, including speech and language developmental delays. Preterm birth impacts the pattern and the quality of parent--child interactions, which, in turn, may affect the child's language and communication development. The article presents the results of research on parents' interactions with their preterm born children and describes some programs aimed at improving parent--child interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following paper presents a study of water dispersion obtained by emulsion co-polymerization of acrylic, methacrylic and vinyl monomers with the use of surfactants. Water dispersions of copolymers used in the production of paints intended for painting surfaces of steel metals and aluminum and its alloys were selected. They were synthesized by ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid amide, 2-hydroxyethylacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate and 1-ethyl-1-ethylpropylcarbamate (VeoVa 10). The investigated dispersion properties were considered in three groups. It turned out that the dispersions in which the copolymer had the lowest crystallinity temperature and were built of units having hydroxyl, carboxyl or amide groups were characterized by the most favorable properties. The hardness and weight of the membranes changed the least in the case of copolymers consisting of many units with functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have reported that mental toughness (MT) moderates stress, helps with regaining balance after failure, and promotes mobilizing action. Accordingly, we used the Mental Toughness Questionnaire-48 to explore stage-related MT differences in a sample of 342 teenagers representing 3 stages of adolescence: 11-year-olds (early adolescence; n = 104), 14-year-olds (middle adolescence; n = 125), and 17-year-olds (late adolescence; n = 113), who came from either a large city or a small town. Analysis revealed that although MT increased across the stages of adolescence, the degree of change varied between subscales of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire-48: challenge and confidence increased, whereas control and commitment remained unchanged. Moreover, age effects also varied as a function of community size. The findings illustrate the advantage of using a multi-dimensional model of toughness for better understanding its development processes. Moreover, they could inform the design of training programs aimed at targeting problem behaviors, for example, encouraging attendance at and enhancing academic performance programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated links between temperament traits described in Strelau's Regulative Theory of Temperament (Emotional Reactivity, Briskness, Activity, Endurance, Perseveration and Sensory Sensitivity) and subjective well‐being (SWB)—Positive Affect, Negative Affect and Life Satisfaction as conceptualised by Diener. Participants representing early (n = 166) and late adolescence (n = 199), early (n = 195) and mid‐adulthood (n = 156) filled out Formal Characteristics of Behaviour—Temperament Inventory, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results showed that higher Briskness, Endurance, Activity, lower Perseveration and Emotional Reactivity corresponded with higher SWB. They predicted 16% of affective components' and 7% of satisfaction variance. Each well‐being component had a unique set of predictors; however, predictors of affective components varied across age groups. Higher Positive Affect was predicted by traits responsible for energetic regulation (higher Endurance and Activity and lower Emotional Reactivity) and by higher Perseveration, but their role (excluding Emotional Reactivity) was age‐dependent. Higher Negative Affect was predicted by higher Emotional Reactivity and dimensions expressing temporal characteristics, lower Briskness and higher Perseveration (Perseveration was not significant among younger adolescents). Higher Satisfaction was steadily predicted by lower Emotional Reactivity and higher Activity. To conclude, the functions of temperament traits are mostly in line with theoretical expectations, but more complex than indicated by previous research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjective Well-Being is related to the Big-Five and to Individualistic and Collectivistic beliefs of Polish adolescents. In the present study, we examined whether Individualism and Collectivism beliefs mediate between the Big-Five and Subjective Well-being among adolescents, young and middle-aged adults. Adolescents (N = 174, 36% men, aged 14-18), young (N = 254, 45% men, aged 19-24) and middle-aged adults (N = 252, 54% men, aged 40-55) completed the NEO-FFI, the Ind-Col20, and measures of Subjective Well-being. The three groups differed on all dimensions. Adolescents reported the highest Neuroticism, the lowest Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, the highest Individualism and Collectivism beliefs and lowest SWB. Among adolescents, SEM analyses indicated that Subjective Well-being was negatively related to Neuroticism and Agreeableness, positively to Extraversion, Conscientiousness, Horizontal Individualism, Horizontal and Vertical Collectivism. Among young and middle-aged adults Subjective Well-being was negatively related to Neuroticism and Horizontal Collectivism, positively to Openness, Conscientiousness, Horizontal and Vertical Individualism. Beliefs partially mediated the effects of traits. Relationships were different for cognitive and affective Subjective Well-being indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of non-isothermal fixed-bed reactor performing hydrogen peroxide decomposition by immobilized Terminox Ultra catalase attached onto the outer surface of glass beads was studied. A dispersion model for bioreactor formulated in this work took into account the coupled mass and heat balances as well as the rate equation for enzyme parallel deactivation. Model under consideration was based on kinetic, hydrodynamic and mass transfer parameters previously obtained in the H2O2 decomposition. The effect of inlet hydrogen peroxide concentration, feed temperature and diffusional resistances were analysed. It was shown that in process under considerations the external diffusional resistances should not be ignored compared to internal one and global effectiveness factor should be employed. Furthermore, the optimal feed temperature was obtained that maximizes the average hydrogen peroxide conversion at bioreactor outlet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this person-oriented study 722 adolescents and adults filled out formal characteristics of behaviour-temperament inventory, satisfaction with life scale and positive and negative affect schedule. Using k-means clustering we assigned them to four subjective well-being (SWB) types: (1) achievers-high satisfaction, positive affective balance; (2) aspirers-low satisfaction, positive affective balance; (3) resigners-high satisfaction, negative affective balance; (4) frustrated-low satisfaction, negative affective balance; and to four temperament types denoting patterns of stimulation control (1) sanguine: high stimulation processing capacity (SPC) and high stimulation supply (StS); (2) melancholic: low SPC, low StS; (3) phlegmatic: high SPC, low StS; (4) choleric: low SPC, high StS. We compared stimulation control dimensions between SWB types and compared counts of SWB types across four profiles of temperament. SPC and StS were highest among achievers and lowest among the Frustrated, with aspirers and resigners in between. We found a clear correspondence between well-being structures and temperament types (a) the most common temperament among achievers was the sanguine, suggesting that this is the 'happy temperament', (b) among the Frustrated it was the melancholic (the 'unhappy temperament'), (c) among resigners it was the choleric, suggesting that this 'overstimulated temperament' results in high satisfaction at the cost of lower affective balance, (d) among aspirers it was the Phlegmatic, suggesting that 'understimulated temperament', results in a good affective balance but lower satisfaction. Configurations of temperament dimensions within individuals affect the whole structure of SWB and can explain incongruence between cognitive and affective components of SWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of air humidity on the effectiveness of the detection of trace amounts of explosives was studied using the detectors based on the FAIMS technique. Two detectors employed: PILOT-M and MO-2M differed by the way the air containing NG, TNT, or PETN vapors was ionized. The air humidity level was found to affect sensitivity of the detectors used in a different manner. In detecting TNT vapors a rise in the air humidity level results in a drop of the signal level, whereas for PETN the signal rises for either detector. This is of major significance when working with the detectors for the explosives vapors detection based on the FAIMS technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases. Moreover, previous studies indicate that diabetes may cause changes in the salivary glands phenotype and in the composition of saliva itself. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the effects of streptozotocin induced diabetes on lipid profile of the rat salivary glands. Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and STZ-induced diabetes. At the end of the experiment all animals were sacrificed and samples of the parotid and submandibular salivary glands were excised. Major lipid fractions concentrations were determined by means of chromatography (TLC and GC). Results We observed a significant increase (∼3.5 fold) in the level of triacylglycerol in both the parotid and submandibular salivary glands of diabetic rats. The abovementioned changes were accompanied by significant, although less dramatic ( i.e. from −60% to −90%), decrements in the levels of other lipid classes (phospholipids, free fatty acids and diacylglycerol). Conclusions In our study we have showed, presumably for the first time, that streptozotocin induced diabetes causes decrement in PH content with subsequent atrophy and malfunction in both parotid and submandibular salivary glands. Another novel finding of our research is that diabetic rats were characterized by an increased TG accumulation in both parotid and submandibular salivary glands. The later one could be a clinical manifestation of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today’s world wrong nutritional habits together with a low level of physical activity have given rise to the development of obesity and its comorbidity, insulin resistance. More specifically, many researches indicate that lipids are vitally involved in the onset of a peripheral tissue (e.g., skeletal muscle, heart, and liver) insulin resistance. Moreover, it seems that diabetes can also induce changes in respect of lipid composition of both the salivary glands and saliva. However, judging by the number of research articles, the salivary glands lipid profile still has not been sufficiently explored. In the current study we aim to assess the changes in the main lipid fractions, namely, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, free fatty acids, and diacylglycerols, in the parotid and the submandibular salivary glands of rats exposed to a 5-week high fat diet regimen. We observed that the high caloric fat diet caused a significant change in the salivary glands lipid composition, especially with respect to PH and TG, but not DAG or FFAs, classes. The observed reduction in PH concentration is an interesting phenomenon frequently signifying the atrophy and malfunctions in the saliva secreting organs. On the other hand, the increased accumulation of TG in the glands may be an important clinical manifestation of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The aim of the research is to analyse pleasant (subjective well-being - SWB) and meaningful life (Citizenship dimensions) in the context of Horizontal and Vertical Individualism (HI, VI) or Collectivism (HC, VC) values (individual beliefs) among adolescents living in the culture "in between individualism and collectivism". PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: Second-year high (111) and secondary (98) school students filled in the Horizontal and Vertical Individualism and Collectivism Questionnaire, the Citizenship Behaviour Questionnaire, and SWB (Subjective Happiness Scale, Satisfaction with the Life Scale, Mood Questionnaire, Ladder of Need Scales). Participants were recruited in schools. RESULTS: Subjective well-being positively correlated with all Citizenship dimensions except Political Activity. All values predicted SWB, but higher VI predicted lower SWB and was not linked to Citizenship. Citizenship dimensions oriented to general good were predicted by Collectivism values, and those including personal benefits were predicted by HI and Collectivism values. Subjective well-being mediated relations between HC and Social Activity, and between HC, HI and Personal Activity. VC moderated relations between SWB and Passive as well as Semi-active Citizenship. CONCLUSIONS: Among young Poles, pleasant life is linked with meaningful life. Individualism and Collectivism values are relatively independent, and their relations with SWB and Citizenship are complex. Higher Horizontal values facilitate the achievement of both pleasant and meaningful life, but higher VC can hinder the coherence between them. High SWB, engagement in Citizenship and links between them are required for attaining "authentic happiness" and living a truly full life; thus it is important to study variables that may influence them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to understand aspects of life that men and women associate with happiness and to explore the connections between these associations and well-being (measured as positive affect, negative affect and life satisfaction) in different periods of life. Participants were 785 people who were asked to list associations that came to mind on hearing the word 'happiness'. The moderating roles of gender and period of life (adolescence/adulthood, transition/no transition) were analysed. Participants associated happiness mostly with health and relationships. Other categories included knowledge, work, material goods and freedom. Those who associated happiness with work had higher levels of positive affect. Associating happiness with relationships predicted greater life satisfaction, whereas associating it with material goods predicted lower satisfaction. Gender moderated the relationship between associations and positive affect: associating happiness with material goods decreased positive affect among men but no such effect was observed among women; associating happiness with relationships was beneficial for women but unbeneficial for men. Additionally, associations with material goods predicted lower positive affect, especially in times of transition. Associating happiness with knowledge decreased positive affect in adolescents and increased it in adults. Some ways of understanding happiness improved life satisfaction but none were related to negative affect. The relationship between concepts of happiness and positive affect is complex; some concepts are unbeneficial only for some people and during certain periods of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the essence and range of young people citizenship. It presents the results of research on citizenship activeness of Poles in relation to other young Europeans and to adolescence stages. Referring to the citizenship model by Zalewska and Krzywosz-Rynkiewicz (2011), 3796 adolescents aged 11, 14 and 18 from 11 European countries, including 361 Poles, were examined with a Citizenship Behavior Questionnaire. In relation to other European adolescents, young Poles presented a higher level of personal and social citizenship, of national identity and patriotism, but also a higher reluctance to politics and protests. Their involvement in personal matters and change-oriented activism was stable, though their engagement into other forms of citizenship decreased with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the antioxidants barrier, and the oxidative stress in the salivary glands of rats in different periods of streptozotocin induced diabetes. Design Rats were divided in: 4 control (C2/4/10/14) and 4 experimental (DM2/4/10/14) groups. Salivary glands were removed 2/4/10/14 weeks after streptozotocin injection. Peroxidase (Px), uric acid (UA), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutases (SODs), catalase (CAT), malonylodialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end products (AGE) concentrations were examined. Results TAS, Px were lower in the parotid diabetic glands throughout the whole experiment. TAS in the submandibular diabetic glands was lower in 2nd and 4th and higher in 14th week. Px in the submandibular diabetic glands was reduced in 4th and increased in 14th week. UA was lower in parotid, elevated in submandibular diabetic glands in 4th, 10th, 14th weeks. In the submandibular as compared to parotid glands an increase in TAS and UA was observed in 10th and 14th, Px in 14th week. In all periods, a significant increase in AGE was observed in both diabetic salivary glands. An increase in MDA was observed in the parotid diabetic glands in the 4th, 10th, 14th of the study. In the submandibular glands this increase was observed in the 2nd, 4th, 10th week, in the 14th week, the MDA level was significantly reduced in comparison to the control. Conclusion The antioxidants of parotid glands are deficient throughout the whole experiment. In the last period submandibular glands copy with free radicals, becoming the main antioxidant's source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic venous insufficiency is encountered by specialists of different fields of medicine. For the treatment to be effective, comprehensive therapy and cooperation of an interdisciplinary team - including physicians, nurses and physiotherapists - is required. Rehabilitation, as a method supporting pharmacological and surgical treatment, deals with prophylaxis in a venous insufficiency risk group use of compression therapy and draining methods, complementing the treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures, activating the patient, using kinesitherapeutic exercises and educational activities. A combination of rehabilitation methods accelerates the process of patients' recovery, positively influences their attitude to the disease and significantly improves their quality of life. Physiotherapy should be an integral part of the therapeutic process in cases of venous ulcers of lower legs; however, its role is often underestimated. Aim of the study: Discussion of chosen questions of rehabilitation of patients with chronic venous ulcers. Material and methods: Review of the Polish and foreign specialist literature from 2000 to 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to research studies the deficiency of tryptophan is associated with depression and suicidal behaviours. The objective of this study is to identify the impact of tryptophan on psychological portrait in patients hospitalized psychiatrically. This pilot study included 59 participants, aged 19–65, psychiatrically hospitalized. The Adjective Checklist (ACL) was used to identify personality traits of the subjects. Blood specimens were collected and measured for tryptophan, N-formylkynurenine and kynurenine. The Spearman’s rho was used to analyse the relation between psychological picture and biochemical measures. The conducted statistical analysis revealed several significant relationships between personality traits and fluorescence of tryptophan and N-formylkynurenine. No significant correlations between tryptophan levels and suicidality or diagnosis were disclosed. Outcomes are discussed in terms of potential influence of genetic factors, both on personality and tryptophan levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background However, there are some informations on the salivary glands involvement in systemic sclerosis, and there is a lack of any data about salivary glands function depending on systemic sclerosis subsets. Methods The unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow, the activity of peroxidase, the total amount of lactoferrin, lysozyme and s Ig A were determined in two subgroups of systemic sclerosis and healthy controls. Results In the unstimulated saliva of both patients groups, the salivary flow, the output of total protein and peroxidase activity were significantly lower; the total: s Ig A and lactoferrin were significantly higher as compared with the control. In the stimulated saliva of the patients with limited form, the total lysozyme and peroxidase activity were significantly higher than in the control. In the stimulated saliva of the patients with diffused form, the salivary flow was significantly lower and the total s Ig A and peroxidase activity were significantly higher than in the control. Conclusion Systemic sclerosis regardless of its subset affects salivary defense system of human unstimulated and stimulated saliva. Patients with the limited form experience the same impairment of the submandibular glands function as compared with patients with the diffused form. Only patients with the diffused form are deficient in respect of stimulated saliva secretion; the parotid glands of the patients with the limited form have a good secretory capacity in comparison with the healthy control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In spite of relatively large amount of evidence that oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis, there is no study analyzing antioxidants profile of the saliva of these patients. The aim of this study was to compare salivary antioxidants in subjects with systemic sclerosis and the healthy controls. Methods The unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow and the specific activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase 1, the total amount of uric acid, and total antioxidant status were determined in two subgroups of systemic sclerosis women and healthy controls. Results A significant increase in the specific activity of peroxidase, a significant decrease in the total amount of uric acid and total antioxidants status in unstimulated saliva as well as a significant increase in all antioxidants examined in stimulated saliva of group with normal salivary flow rate as compared to the healthy controls were observed. Our results showed a significant decrease in the specific activity of peroxidase in unstimulated and a significant decrease in all antioxidants examined in stimulated saliva of the group with hyposalivation as compared to the group with normal salivary flow rate. Conclusions Our results prove that impairment of the salivary glands in the course of systemic sclerosis may be attributed to free radicals, and it is correlated with disease duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. It should be expected that type 1 diabetes mellitus may disturb innate and acquired immunity. There are no data on type 1 diabetes mellitus-related changes in the salivary flow and the protein output responsible for the innate immunity of saliva depending on the quality of dentition reflecting the age of child. The aim of this work was the evaluation of parameters responsible for the innate immunity of saliva in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods. In diabetic children, adolescent and healthy volunteers, the salivary flow, the output and the concentration of the activity of peroxidase (colorimetry), lysozyme (radial immunodiffusion) and lactoferrin (ELISA) were determined. Results. In children with mixed and permanent dentition, type 1 diabetes mellitus significantly decreases (as compared with the appropriate controls) the unstimulated salivary flow, the output, concentration of peroxidase and the output of the lysozyme and lactoferrin. Conclusion. In conclusion, it may be stated that type 1 diabetes mellitus causes functional changes in the salivary glands, resulting in a decrease of the salivary flow and weakening of the salivary innate defense system, thus creating a threat to the oral and general health of type 1 diabetes mellitus children. The results showed that the salivary glands of younger children, when compared to adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, are more susceptible to the injurious effects of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance of two handheld trace explosives detectors types: SABRE 4000 and MO-2M was compared in terms of the limits of detection determined for: trinitrotoluene, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5- triazine, pentaerythritol tetranitrate and nitroglycerin in the particle detection mode. SABRE 4000 detector is a conventional detector based on the ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and radioactive nickel as the ionization source, whereas in the MO-2M type detector a variant of this technique, viz. the field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS), and a different β emitter, tritium, as an ionization source are employed. In determining limits of detection the sampling technique was suggested which resorts to binomial distribution for the determination of the indispensable number of positive measurements required to regard a given amount of explosives detected as reliable. Lower limits of detection were achieved in the study for trinitrotoluene and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine with the MO-2M detector (10- and 100-fold, respectively) than with the SABRE detector, whereas for the remaining two substances limits of detection were identical for either detector. The results obtained were discussed in the aspect of the effect of the detector design, ionization mechanism and volatility of substance as the factors that determine the limits of detection values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As exoglycosidases have been described as potential markers of salivary gland pathology, we decided to check the possibility of the use of these enzymes in the detection of salivary gland involvement in gestational diabetes. Materials and methods: For this purpose diabetic pregnant women were compared to pregnant and non-pregnant healthy women. The activities of total HEX as well as GLU in the saliva were determined in duplicate according to Marciniak et al. The activities of GAL, FUC, and MAN in the saliva were determined in duplicate according to Zwierz et al. Results: It was found that the specific activities of exoglycosidases in the saliva of diabetic pregnant women significantly increased in comparison to healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women. Conclusion: Increased specific activity of exoglycosidases suggests that gestational diabetes provokes structural/ functional alterations in salivary glands and changes in the salivary glycoconjugates metabolism [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine salivary flow rate, DMF index, lysozyme concentration and its output in two groups of rheumatoid patients and to compare the results with those of healthy controls. Material/Methods: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were divided into two study groups: with reduced salivary flow rate ⩽0.15 ml/min (RA HS, hyposalivation) and with normal salivary secretion rate >0.2 ml/min (RA NS, normal salivation). The healthy control group (C) was recruited from the Department of Conservative Dentistry. Salivary lysozyme concentration was determined by radial immunodiffusion. ANOVA followed by LSD test were used for the statistical analysis. Results: We found that lysozyme concentration was higher and lysozyme output and salivary flow rate were statistically lower in the RA HS group in comparison to the RA NS and C groups. The DMF index was statistically higher in both RA groups in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: RA disease impacts negatively on oral health and salivary parameters. Hyposalivation of RA patients increases the negative influence of RA on oral health. RA patients should receive more stomatological attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study examined the relations between anxiety and job satisfaction from the perspectives of three distinct approaches to well-being, i.e. ‘bottom-up’, ‘top-down’, and ‘transactional’ (boosted with elements of greatest significance of the former two approaches). Overall Job Satisfaction (OJS), diversification in satisfaction according to job facets (Work Description Inventory), situational (four items from the Job Affect Scale) and persistent job-related anxiety (Mood at Workplace Questionnaire), Neuroticism and Extraversion (NEO–FFI) were investigated among 240 employees (120 males). Analyses done from the perspective of ‘bottom-up’ theories showed that two forms of job-related anxiety were negatively correlated with the level of satisfaction but were not associated with diversification in satisfaction. Data analyzed from the perspective of the ‘top-down’ model demonstrated that Neuroticism affected job-related anxiety and job satisfaction; moreover, persistent anxiety mediated the relation between Neuroticism and OJS. Data analysis within the transactional model indicated that OJS depended on interaction between persistent anxiety, Neuroticism and Extraversion. The study reveals the possible methodological problems and measurement artifacts of the ‘bottom-up’ and ‘top-down’ approaches. In addition, it provides evidence supporting the adaptive role of anxiety and individual properties as its moderators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune hyperproliferative skin disease of varying severity affecting approximately 2–3% of the general population in the USA and Europe. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been fully elucidated, an immunologic–genetic relationship is likely. Cutaneous and systemic overexpression of various proinflammatory cytokines (TNF, interleukins, interferon-gamma) has been demonstrated in psoriatic patients. Methods: We reviewed the current database literature and summarized the involvement of cytokines and their receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis. Results: Although many cytokine/anti-cytokine therapies have been conducted, TNF antagonists in the treatment of both psoriasis arthropatica and vulgaris appear to be the most widely used clinically. Interestingly, the efficacy and tolerability of some cytokines (rhIL-11 or ABX-IL-8,) were found to be much lower than expected. Conclusions: Preliminary results obtained with cytokine and anti-cytokine therapies appear promising and as such continued research is clearly indicated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the effect of enforced home bias on the development of emerging stock markets. It provides a detailed study of the impact on the Warsaw Stock Exchange of the Polish pension fund reforms and the associated restrictions on international investment. The time-path of market development for the Warsaw Stock Exchange is compared with a benchmark sample consisting of the other seven post-communist countries that joined the EU in May 2004. It is shown that benefits arising from the pension funds'' increased investment in the home market are short-lived. In the long run, the relative performance of the Polish market returned to pre-1999 levels or worse, suggesting that enforced home bias on emerging markets may be detrimental, rather than beneficial, to the long-run development of the market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Our goal was to develop a suitably sensitive assay for N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase (HEX) and β-glucuronidase to allow their use as markers of joint diseases. Methods: We optimized a spectrophotometric method for the determination of lysosomally derived HEX and β-glucuronidase in synovial fluid on a microplate reader to improve its utility. HEX and β-glucuronidase act on the 4-nitrophenyl derivatives N-acetyl-β-glucosamine and β-D-glucuronide, respectively, to produce 4-nitrophenol, which can be measured at 405 nm on a microplate reader. Results: Maximum enzyme activity was observed at pH 4.7 in a citrate-phosphate buffer for HEX and at pH 4.5 in an acetate buffer for β-glucuronidase. A 10-μL sample with 30 μL of substrate solution and 40 μL of appropriate buffer produced measurable amounts of 4-nitrophenol after incubation for 60 min at 37°C. Reactions were terminated by the addition of 200 μL of 200 mM borate buffer (pH 9.8). Conclusions: The assay is sufficiently sensitive for small volumes of synovial fluid, and is useful for the clinical diagnosis of joint diseases. Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:933–7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblasts have been implicated in psoriatic inflammatory processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) plasma levels in psoriatic patients and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in fibroblast culture supernatants. Cytokines levels in plasma and supernatants were measured by ELISA. Plasma sIL-2R, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were higher before the treatment in comparison to healthy controls (P < 0.001) and decreased after treatment. Fibroblasts from healthy controls, psoriatic lesional skin, and noninvolved psoriatic skin, when stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha, released considerable amounts of IL-6 and IL-8. No significant difference between healthy controls and psoriatic fibroblasts was observed. Monitoring plasma sIL-2R levels could be employed as a reliable method of psoriasis activity. IL-8 and IL-6 plasma levels seem to reflect psoriasis activity, and treatment response, respectively. Fibroblasts are not a major source of increased IL-6 and IL-8 production in psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblasts have been implicated in psoriatic inflammatory processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) plasma levels in psoriatic patients and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in fibroblast culture supernatants. Cytokines levels in plasma and supernatants were measured by ELISA. Plasma sIL-2R, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were higher before the treatment in comparison to healthy controls (P < 0.001) and decreased after treatment. Fibroblasts from healthy controls, psoriatic lesional skin, and noninvolved psoriatic skin, when stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha, released considerable amounts of IL-6 and IL-8. No significant difference between healthy controls and psoriatic fibroblasts was observed. Monitoring plasma sIL-2R levels could be employed as a reliable method of psoriasis activity. IL-8 and IL-6 plasma levels seem to reflect psoriasis activity, and treatment response, respectively. Fibroblasts are not a major source of increased IL-6 and IL-8 production in psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents essentially the results of sedimentation and rheological studies on aqueous dispersed systems of copolymer methyl methacrylate with butyl acrylate and methacrylic acid (MMA/BA/MAA) in a xylene solution. Non-ionic surfactants such as oxyethylenated unsaturated fatty alcohol, lauryl alcohol and oxyethylenated amines were used as well as the thickening agents: polyvinyl alcohol, sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) and water-soluble polyurethane oligomer. The properties of surfactant water solutions were determined with the use of tensiometric and viscometric methods. The structure of the obtained copolymer was analysed by gel chromatography. The sedimentation experiment was a basic test used to determine the stability of aqueous dispersions of the obtained copolymer in xylene. It consisted in determining types of phases occurring in sedimentation equilibrium. The formation of a foamed copolymer phase was the most interesting phenomenon. A rheological test was carried out by using the so-called stable phase and was aimed to define maximum viscosity, pseudoplasticity and activation energy of a viscous flow. Moreover, the reduced viscosity, a limiting viscosity number and the Huggins constant were also determined. The relationships between these quantities were established indicating the dependences, which were the best interpretation describing interactions between particles in the dispersed system. Basing on rheological and sedimentation tests, the most probable mechanisms of stability in systems of this type were determined. The factors reducing their stability and concerned with flocculation and coalescence of particles have been defined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The study assessed selected parameters of redox status in the plasma of patients suffering from high myopia (HM). Thirty-five children with mean age 13.7 ± 2.7 years with HM and 40 healthy children were included. Plasma redox status parameters were determined using colorimetric kits. The levels of retinol, α-tocopherol and coenzyme Q10 were determined with a high-performance liquid chromatograph. Negative correlations were observed between the concentrations of retinol and the axial length of the eye (r = − 0.514 p < 0.001). Increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (p < 0.018), and decreased concentrations of retinol (p < 0.001) and α-tocopherol (p < 0.023) in patients with HM and the axial length of the eye > 26 mm compared to controls were established. Significantly lower retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were found in patients with the axial length of the eye > 26 mm compared to those with the axial length of the eye ≤ 26 mm (p < 0.001, p < 0.021, respectively). Increased MPO activity in advanced stages of HM may confirm an inflammatory process in HM patients. Reduced retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations and their link to disease progression indicate a need for monitoring their levels and supplementation in children with HM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Research on broiler feeding has increasingly focused on finding effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and antibiotic residues in food products. A total EU-wide ban on AGPs was implemented in 2006. However, 70% of antibiotics are still used in animal treatment, contributing to 700,000 deaths worldwide annually due to antibiotic-resistant infections. As a result, researchers have sought natural alternatives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and plant-based preparations like essential oils, which have shown promise in improving broiler production traits and meat quality. The experiment in this study demonstrated that phytogenic supplements improved the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF). Additionally, meat from chickens on the phytogenic diet had better water-holding capacity, higher collagen content, and a favorable profile of amines, ketones, and aldehydes, indicating improved quality. These findings suggest that alternatives to AGPs can enhance broiler chicken production and meat physicochemical properties when used in appropriate doses and proportions. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic additive (PA) in broiler chickens' diet on production, physiochemical parameters, and the profile of volatile organic compounds present in broiler chickens' meat. The experiment was conducted in a commercial chicken house, where Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into two groups, each consisting of 65,000 broilers. One group was fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm of PA throughout the rearing period. The primary chemical composition of the meat and its physicochemical parameters were determined. A visual assessment of breast muscles for defects and volatile organic compounds were evaluated using an electronic nose system. No statistically significant differences were shown in the production performance of the chickens; while summarizing all production parameters, a higher EPEF index of 31 points in the experimental group was highlighted. Breast muscle quality showed differences in drip loss and WHC (p ≤ 0.01) in favor of the experimental group, and a lower cutting force value (p ≤ 0.05) was found for breast muscles from the experimental group. The group also had a lower proportion of muscles with a white striping defect, and the results of volatile organic compound profiling showed the most aroma units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic heart failure (HF) is an important clinical, social, and economic problem. A key role in HF progression is played by oxidative stress. Free oxygen radicals, formed under the conditions of hypoxia and reperfusion, participate in myocardial stunning and other forms of post-reperfusion damage. HF patients also suffer from disorders connected with saliva secretion. However, still little is known about the mechanisms that impair the secretory function of salivary glands in these patients. In the presented study, we were the first to compare the antioxidant barrier, protein glycoxidation, and nitrosative/nitrative stress in non-stimulated (non-stimulated whole saliva (NWS)) and stimulated (SWS) saliva of HF patients. The study included 50 HF patients with normal saliva (NS) secretion (n = 27) and hyposalivation (HS) (n = 23), as well as an age- and gender-matched control group (n = 50). We demonstrated that, in NWS of HF patients with HS, the concentration of low-molecular-weight non-enzymatic antioxidants decreased (↓total polyphenols, ↓ascorbic acid, ↓reduced glutathione, ↓albumin) compared to HF patients with normal saliva (NS) secretion, as well as the control group (except albumin). We also observed increased content of protein glycoxidation products (↑dityrosine, ↑kynurenine, ↑glycophore) in NWS and SWS of HF patients with HS compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, the content of dityrosine, N-formylkynurenine, and glycophore in NWS was also significantly higher in HF patients with HS compared to those with NS secretion. The concentration of NO was considerably lower, while the levels of peroxynitrite and nitrotyrosine were significantly higher in NWS and SWS of HF subjects with HS compared to the controls. Salivary gland dysfunction occurs in patients with chronic HF with the submandibular salivary glands being the least efficient. Oxidative/nitrosative stress may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the impairment of salivary gland secretory function in HF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, antioxidant barrier, and oxidative damage in non-stimulated (NWS) and stimulated (SWS) saliva as well as plasma/erythrocytes of 50 patients with chronic heart failure (HF) divided into the two subgroups: NYHA II (33 patients) and NYHA III (17 patients). The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase was statistically increased in NWS of HF patients as compared to healthy controls. The free radical formation, total oxidant status, level of uric acid, advanced glycation end products (AGE), advanced oxidation protein products and malondialdehyde was significantly elevated in NWS, SWS, and plasma of NYHA III patients as compared to NYHA II and controls. We were the first to demonstrate that with the progression of HF, disturbances of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense, and oxidative damage to proteins and lipids occur at both central (plasma/erythrocytes) and local (saliva) levels. In the study group, we also observed a decrease in saliva secretion, total salivary protein and salivary amylase activity compared to age- and gender-matched control group, which indicates secretory dysfunction of salivary glands in patients with HF. Salivary AGE may be a potential biomarker in differential diagnosis of HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]