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In recent years, interest in probiotics in publications has been steadily increasing. This is associated with the discovery of the relationship between disruptions in the gut microbiome and dysfunction of the immune system, and consequently, the development of various diseases and allergies. The composition of the natural gut microbiota in newborns can undergo changes, and as a result, we can influence it both prenatally and postnatally. According to available research, factors influencing it include the timing and method of delivery, maternal antibiotic use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as antibiotic use in newborns after birth, and the method of feeding the child. It is suspected that disturbances in the composition of gut microbiota from the earliest stages of life contribute to the development of disorders such as functional gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome), inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, atopic dermatitis, neurodevelopmental disorders (autism spectrum disorders), and increased risk of obesity in later years of the child's life. When significant dysbiosis occurs, stimulating the growth of protective and nutritive autochthonous bacteria on the intestinal epithelium is difficult to achieve in any other way than using appropriately selected probiotic strains. However, it is important to remember to choose probiotics with a well-researched quantitative and qualitative composition, and to select them depending on the underlying disease, as well as the age and other conditions of the patient.

Introduction The urachal anomaly is a developmental defect, a remnant of fetal life consisting of a patent connection between the dome of the urinary bladder and the umbilicus. It can take various forms. Most commonly it occurs in males, very rarely in adults. The main symptoms associated with this condition are: foul-smelling discharge from the umbilicus, abdominal pain, hematuria, or recurrent urinary tract infections. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of the persistent urachus. Aim of the study The aim of the study is to sentize doctors’ attention that patent urachus is the rare but possible diagnosis of acute abdomen pain in adults population and bring the proceedings. Materials and methods: An analysis of papers avaliable on Pubmed and Google Scholar was performed. The following key words: urachal anomalies, adults, abdomen pain, urachal remnants, urachal carcinoma were used. Results: Lately, thanks to modern precise imaging diagnostics, more valuable studies have been conducted, allowing to characterize residual ureteral remnants, which are most often asymptomatic in population of adults. However the manifestation of symptoms is mostly associated with infection of the mentioned area or a tumor transformation. There are at least two case reports which report that infection of urachal remnants could manifestate after intensive physical activity. It is worth in-depth interviewing. Studies indicate the necessity of surgical removal of persistent urachal anomalies, as they carry the risk of rapid growth and unfavorable prognosis of cancerous spread.

Introduction: Asthma is a common inflammatory disease of airway affecting both adults and children. In a large number of cases asthma remains poorly controlled. There is a need to find an additional therapeutic demeanour alleviating symptoms and lowering the risk complications in a long-term. Recently, increasing number of studies has been examining dietary supplements in regards to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-remodelling properties and their use in asthmatic patients. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to collect and analyse current literature regarding influence of different dietary supplements on the course of asthma in both adults and children. Methods and Materials: Extensive research was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, with the primary focus on literature from the past 5 years. Firstly, potential dietary supplements affecting course of asthma were collected. The names of the substances were juxtaposed with term “Asthma” to gather data regarding their effect on occurrence and control of asthma and potential mechanisms responsible for it. Additionally, references from selected articles were included in the analysis. Results: Dietary supplements show promising results in decreasing asthma symptoms and lowering inflammation of airway. However, our study revealed that in current state of knowledge there is a deficit of studies performed on humans, especially large-scale, prospective studies that assess the efficacy of different doses of dietary supplements. Thus, further research of dietary supplements in asthma is needed, especially large-scale randomised controlled trials.

Introduction In recent years, there has been tremendous development in medicine, including diabetology. A significant portion of these achievements pertains to pharmacological treatment. However, one should not overlook the advancement of devices necessary for monitoring glucose levels, such as glucometers or CGM and FGM systems. In this paper, I want to focus on how the use of glucose monitoring systems affects the course of diabetes. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the impact of glucose monitoring systems (CGM and FGM) on parameters of metabolic control in diabetes. Materials and methods The article was created based on the PubMed and Scholar databases. The literature was analyzed using the following keywords: Continuous glucose monitor, CGM, flash glucose monitoring, FGM, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes mellitus, Metrics of Glycemic. Results Research has confirmed that the use of continuous glucose monitoring systems lowers HbA1c in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes regardless of age and treatment modality. Furthermore, the use of CGM and FGM reduces the number of hypoglycemic episodes and increases time in range (TIR). Conclusions Thanks to the results obtained from numerous studies, it can be assumed that the use of continuous glucose monitoring systems is not only an adjunct to diabetes therapy but also an important component of it. With this technology combined with modern medications, we can achieve better glycemic control and, consequently, improve the quality of life of patients with diabetes.

Introduction Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a gradual deterioration of cognitive functions, including memory, thinking, orientation, attention span, perception, judgment, and language abilities. Obesity influences its development. Materials and methods The following review of studies is based on recent scientific articles available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases.The most searched phrases included: "dementia", "obesity", "midlife",and "the relationship between obesity and the risk of dementia". Results Literature review indicates the existence of a relationship between midlife obesity and later dementia. It has also been pointed out that the forecasts for the onset of obesity and dementia are alarmingly rising world wide.It is estimated that by the year 2050, we can expect a threefold increase in dementia cases. Conclusion The results of the cited studies indicate that further research into the occurrence of obesity and its later association with dementia is necessary. Midlife obesity likely plays a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of dementia.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer as well as the most prevalent cause of death in the adult patient population with cirrhosis. The occurrence of HCC is primarily caused by chronic liver inflammation that might occur because of a viral infection, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or various lifestyle-associated factors. The objective of this review was to summarize the current knowledge regarding the microenvironment of HCC, indicating how immune- and non-immune-cell stroma might affect the onset and progression of HCC. Therefore, in the following narrative review, we described the role of tumor-infiltrating neutrophils, bone-marrow-derived cells, tumor-associated mast cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, liver-sinusoidal endothelial cells, lymphocytes, and certain cytokines in liver inflammation and the further progression to HCC. A better understanding of the HCC microenvironment might be crucial to introducing novel treatment strategies or combined therapies that could lead to more effective clinical outcomes.

Introduction: Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. There are two forms of bladder cancer: non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer. A common treatment method for non- muscle invasive bladder cancer is intravesical BCG (Mycobaterium bovis) therapy after radical tumor resection. It is estimated that half of patients will have an insufficient response to BCG treatment. Patients using this type of therapy also report side effects more and more often. Aim of the study: The aim of this article is to discuss the latest discoveries in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer when BCG therapy is insufficient. Material and Methods: The paper was created based on the PubMed and Scholar database. The literature was reviewed using the key words: „bladder cancer”; „BCG”; „treatment”; „side effects”; „novel therapies”. Results: The research shows that novel therapies are effective and safe compared to the use of BCG. In such patients, atezolizumab, metformin or intravesical magnesium sulfate infusions may be used as an alternative. An innovative solution is the use of HIVEC - heated chemotherapy administered intravesically. There are also drugs that potentiate the action of BCG, making the therapy more effective. These include: sasanlimab and rapamycin. Due to the side effects experienced by patients, the use of intravesical BCG is often replaced with intravesical infusions of chemotherapy drugs. Conclusion: The research shows that novel therapies are effective compared to the use of BCG. Unfortunately, more research is needed to standardize the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Introduction Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, with its prevalence on the rise. The use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), primarily including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), in MDD is scientifically justified. But will every population subgroup benefit from such an approach? Aim of the study The aim of our study is to analyze, based on the latest scientific findings, the effects of MBIs within specific subgroups of patients suffering from depression, including adolescents, elderly patients, cancer patients, individuals experiencing postnatal and perinatal depression, and patients with chronic pain. Additionally, we sought to summarize the current knowledge regarding the structural and functional effects of MBIs on the human brain. Materials and methods We conducted a comprehensive search of scientific databases including PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant articles focusing on MBIs and their effects on treating depression within various subgroups. Additionally, we performed a review of literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar to summarize the current knowledge regarding the impact of MBIs on the human brain. Conclusions Across various subgroups MBIs show promise in reducing depressive symptoms, indicating their potential as adjunctive treatments or preventive measures. While longer intervention durations are associated with larger effects, further research is needed to establish a solid evidence base, particularly in older populations and cancer patients with different cancer types.

Introduction Ashwagandha, a traditional Indian plant, is gaining increasive attention from scientists worldwide due to its potential health benefits, especially in the context of its antibacterial and anticancer properties. Aim of the study The aim of this review was to discuss recent findings regarding the impact of Withania Somnifera on antibacterial effect and its potential applications in anticancer therapy. Materials and methods: The paper was created based on the Pubmed and Google Scholar database. The literature was reviewed using the keywards: ,,Ashwagandha”, ,,Withania Somnifera”, ,,antibacterial ”, ,,anticancer”, ,,side effects”, ,,breats cancer”. Results Studies have confirmed Withania Somnifera, exhibits significant anticacterial and anticancer effects. It inhibits the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Futhermore, it demonstrates anticancer activity, especially in breast cancer, by stimulating apoptosis, induction of cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells and increasing cell sensitivity to radiation. Conclusion Despite promising results, futher research on the benefits of Ashwagandha, particulary in the long term, is essential. There is growing need of more research of the potencial benefits of Ashwagandha in the treatment of various disorders including cancer and bacterial infections and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. The need for large randomized studies comparing long term clinical effectiveness is emphasized

Introduction Creatine, a supplement popular especially among athletes, is gaining increasive attention from scientists worldwide due to its potential health benefits, among other things, in the context of its anti-cancer application. Materials and methods The following review of studies is based on scientific articles from recent years available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included: "creatine", "creatine supplementation", "creatine in sports", "supplementation in sports", "creatine in cancer”. Results The literature review unequivocally demonstrates the beneficial impact of creatine supplementation on numerous health and athletic aspects. Creatine has been observed to have a positive effect on selected aspects of cancer treatment, such as reducing tumor mass, complementing the action of commonly used anticancer drugs, and slowing down the wasting associated with cancer diseases. Conclusion The promising results of the cited studies indicate that further research into creatine supplementation and its mechanisms of action is necessary. There is a need for further research on the positive impact of creatine supplementation in the treatment of cancer diseases. The significant potential of creatine supplementation may enable its inclusion in clinical practice in the future and the development of an effective therapeutic strategy based on it in the treatment of cancer diseases.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the interplay between lifestyle choices, particularly non-pharmacological methods, and their profound impact on gut health. This burgeoning interest is fuelled by a growing body of research highlighting the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in maintaining overall health and well-being. Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to explore the nexus between an optimal health-related choices and gut microbiota composition, highlighting the latest research findings and insights into how dietary patterns, physical activity, psychological stress and sleep quality influence microbial diversity and functionality. Materials and methods: A comprehensive examination of scientific literature available in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was undertaken. The search strategy incorporated keywords such as "gut”, “gut microbiota”, “exercise”, “diet”, “stress” and “circadian rhythm” to identify relevant articles. Results: The literature review findings unequivocally reveal an increased diversity in the gut microbial community and a favourable balance between commensal and pathogenic bacteria, as well as overall gut health, including integrity and functionality, attributable to adherence to a healthy lifestyle. These findings highlight the intricate interplay between lifestyle factors and colon microbial composition. Conclusions: Although initial findings are encouraging, additional investigation into the potential impact of gut microbiota on health, particularly in the long term, is indispensable. Moreover, the limitations inherent in current research methodologies, such as small sample sizes, variability in study designs, and inconsistencies in findings, underscore the need for robust, well-controlled studies to validate and expand upon existing findings. Robust studies are necessary to develop targeted interventions for optimizing gut health.

Introduction: A major public health problem is the emergence of anti-gram-negative antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Cefiderocol is a new agent targeting Gram-negative bacteria, including strains with resistance to carbapenems. Aim of the study: Analysis of the efficiency of cefiderocol in the treatment of infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, the drug's mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug. Material and Methods: Search of the PubMed database using the following keywords: cefiderocol, resistance, gram negative bacteria. Only full-length articles were taken into consideration. Results: The studies show that cefiderocol is active against Enterobacteriaceae, P. aeruginosa, B. cepacia and A. baumannii and effective in the treatment of pneumonia in both non-ventilated and ventilated patients. Moreover, it has been used in the treatment of sepsis as a rescue therapy. Conclusion: Cefiderocol is an effective treatment for infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. However, more research is needed to learn more about the use of this drug, side effects and resistance mechanisms.

Mikrobiota jelitowa, zwana również mikroflorą jelitową lub inaczej florą jelitową, to grupa mikroorganizmów (mikrobiomu), głównie bakterii, które tworzą złożony ekosystem w układzie pokarmowym. U człowieka jest jednym z elementów jego bioty fizjologicznej [1]. Poród jest ważnym etapem kolonizacji układu pokarmowego człowieka przez mikrobiotę. Forma karmienia odgrywa również ważną rolę w kolonizacji jelit noworodka i niemowlęcia [2]. Mleko matki ma wiele zalet. Karmienie piersią odgrywa ważną rolę w kształtowaniu mikroflory jelitowej dziecka. Mleko matki zawiera prozdrowotne bakterie, które wspomagają pierwotną kolonizację jelit noworodka. Dieta ma istotny wpływ na kształtowanie się mikroflory jelitowej. Dlatego ważne jest, aby kobieta nie tylko podczas całej ciąży, ale także przed ciążą dbała o zróżnicowaną, zbilansowaną i bogatą w prebiotyki dietę [3].

Abstract Introduction: Lower back pain is one of the most common disorders in the world. Acupuncture is one the methods of treatment, but its efficiency is still researched. Aim of the study: To verify the effectiveness of acupuncture on low back pain. Material and Methods: Search of the PubMed database using the following keywords: acupuncture, lower back pain. Only full-length articles were taken into consideration. Results: The studies show that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain and is not inferior to the usual care. However its efficiency in treatment of acute low back pain is not satisfactory and patients still require additional pharmacotherapy. Conclusion: Acupuncture is efficient in the treatment of chronic low back pain, however more research is needed on its efficiency in treatment of acute low back pain. Keywords: acupuncture, lower back pain

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is regarded as the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor overall survival and lack of targeted therapies, resulting in many patients with recurrent. The insight into the detailed biochemical composition of TNBC would help develop dedicated treatments. Thus, in this study Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy combined with chemometrics and absorbance ratios investigation was employed to compare healthy controls with TNBC tissue before and after chemotherapy within the same patient. The primary spectral differences between control and cancer tissues were found in proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids. Amide I/Amide II ratio decrease before and increase after chemotherapy, whereas DNA, RNA, and glycogen contents increase before and decrease after the treatment. The chemometric results revealed discriminatory features reflecting a clinical response scheme and proved the chemotherapy efficacy assessment with infrared spectroscopy is possible.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is regarded as the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor overall survival and lack of targeted therapies, resulting in many patients with recurrent. The insight into the detailed biochemical composition of TNBC would help develop dedicated treatments. Thus, in this study Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy combined with chemometrics and absorbance ratios investigation was employed to compare healthy controls with TNBC tissue before and after chemotherapy within the same patient. The primary spectral differences between control and cancer tissues were found in proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids. Amide I/Amide II ratio decrease before and increase after chemotherapy, whereas DNA, RNA, and glycogen contents increase before and decrease after the treatment. The chemometric results revealed discriminatory features reflecting a clinical response scheme and proved the chemotherapy efficacy assessment with infrared spectroscopy is possible.

Abstract Monitoring of pulmonary physiology is fundamental to the clinical management of patients with Cystic Fibrosis. The current standard clinical practise uses spirometry to assess lung function which delivers a clinically relevant functional readout of total lung function, however does not supply any visible or localised information. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) is a well-established current ‘gold standard’ method for monitoring lung anatomical changes in Cystic Fibrosis patients. HRCT provides excellent morphological information, however, the X-ray radiation dose can become significant if multiple scans are required to monitor chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. X-ray phase-contrast imaging is another emerging X-ray based methodology for Cystic Fibrosis lung assessment which provides dynamic morphological and functional information, albeit with even higher X-ray doses than HRCT. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-ionising radiation imaging method that is garnering growing interest among researchers and clinicians working with Cystic Fibrosis patients. Recent advances in MRI have opened up the possibilities to observe lung function in real time to potentially allow sensitive and accurate assessment of disease progression. The use of hyperpolarized gas or non-contrast enhanced MRI can be tailored to clinical needs. While MRI offers significant promise it still suffers from poor spatial resolution and the development of an objective scoring system especially for ventilation assessment.

The aim of the study was to analyze the thickness of individual retinal layers in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in comparison to the control group and in relation to markers of diabetes metabolic control. The study group consisted of 111 patients with an average of 6-years of T1D duration. The control group included 36 gender- and age-matched individuals. In all patients optical coherence tomography (OCT) study was performed using HD-OCT Cirrus 5000 with evaluation of optic nerve head (ONH) parameters, thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) with its quadrants, macular full-thickness parameters, ganglion cells with inner plexus layer (GCIPL) and choroidal thickness (CT). Lower disc area value was observed in the study group as compared to controls (p = 0.0215). Negative correlations were found both between age at examination and rim area (R = −0.28, p = 0.0007) and between superior RNFL thickness and duration of diabetes (R = −0.20, p = 0.0336). Positive correlation between center thickness and SD for average glycemia (R = 0.30, p = 0.0071) was noted. Temporal CT correlated positively with age at examination (R = 0.21, p = 0.0127). The selected parameters the HD-OCT study may in the future serve as potential markers of preclinical phase of DR in patients with T1D.

Pulmonary hypertension secondary to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD-PH) represents a major complication of BPD in extremely preterm infants for which there are currently no safe and effective interventions. The abundance of interleukin-1 (IL-1) is strongly correlated with the severity and long-term outcome of BPD infants and we have previously shown that IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) protects against murine BPD; therefore, we hypothesized that IL-1Ra may also be effective against BPD-PH. We employed daily injections of IL-1Ra in a murine model in which BPD/BPD-PH was induced by antenatal LPS and postnatal hyperoxia of 65% O2. Pups reared in hyperoxia for 28 days exhibited a BPD-PH-like disease accompanied by significant changes in pulmonary vascular morphology: micro-CT revealed an 84% reduction in small vessels (4–5 μm diameter) compared to room air controls; this change was prevented by IL-1Ra. Pulmonary vascular resistance, assessed at day 28 of life by echocardiography using the inversely-related surrogate marker time-to-peak-velocity/right ventricular ejection time (TPV/RVET), increased in hyperoxic mice (0.27 compared to 0.32 in air controls), and fell significantly with daily IL-1Ra treatment (0.31). Importantly, in vivo cine-angiography revealed that this protection afforded by IL-1Ra treatment for 28 days is maintained at day 60 of life. Despite an increased abundance of mediators of pulmonary angiogenesis in day 5 lung lysates, namely vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), no difference was detected in ex vivo pulmonary vascular reactivity between air and hyperoxia mice as measured in precision cut lung slices, or by immunohistochemistry in alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and endothelin receptor type-A (ETA) at day 28. Further, on day 28 of life we observed cardiac fibrosis by Sirius Red staining, which was accompanied by an increase in mRNA expression of galectin-3 and CCL2 (chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2) in whole hearts of hyperoxic pups, which improved with IL-1Ra. In summary, our findings suggest that daily administration of the anti-inflammatory IL-1Ra prevents the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and the pulmonary dysangiogenesis of murine BPD-PH, thus pointing to IL-1Ra as a promising candidate for the treatment of both BPD and BPD-PH.