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Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most often diagnosed malignancy in men and one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide. Despite genetic predispositions, environmental factors, including a high-fat diet, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, infections of the prostate, and exposure to chemicals or ionizing radiation, play a crucial role in PC development. Moreover, due to a lack of, or insufficient T-cell infiltration and its immunosuppressive microenvironment, PC is frequently classified as a “cold” tumor. This is related to the absence of tumor-associated antigens, the lack of T-cell activation and their homing into the tumor bed, and the presence of immunological cells with regulatory functions, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Treg), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). All of them, by a variety of means, hamper anti-tumor immune response in the tumor microenvironment (TME), stimulating tumor growth and the formation of metastases. Therefore, they emerge as potential anti-cancer therapy targets. This article is focused on the function and role of MDSCs in the initiation and progression of PC. Clinical trials directly targeting this cell population or affecting its biological functions, thus limiting its pro-tumorigenic activity, are also presented.

Graves' disease (GB), also known as Basedow's disease, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, and thyroid orbitopathy (TO) is its most common non-thyroid manifestation with an incidence of 42.2/million people/year. Based on the guidelines of the European Graves' Orbitopathy Group (EUGOGO), certain management standards presented in our publication should be used to optimize and improve the efficacy of TO treatment. Deciding on the optimal treatment for both hyperthyroidism and TO requires a cooperative team of specialists: endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, radiation therapist, and surgeon, as well as consideration of the risk of relapse and possible complications of the treatment method. The inflammatory activity and severity of TO should be diagnosed based on the investigator's own experience and according to standard diagnostic criteria. Assessment of the inflammatory activity of TO can be performed using the clinical activity score (CAS) and using imaging methods - mainly MRI. The severity of TO is assessed using a seven-grade NOSPECS classification and a three-grade EUGOGO scale. In moderate to severe and active TO, i.v. methylprednisolone pulses are the treatment of choice. It is important to maintain the standard and regimen of treatment. The recommended standard as first-line treatment in most patients with moderate to severe and active TO is the combined use of methylprednisolone i.v. (cumulative dose of 4.5 g over 12 weeks) with concurrent administration of mycophenolate sodium 0.72 g per day for 24 weeks. In more severe forms of moderate to severe and active TO, a higher cumulative dose of methylprednisolone i.v. is recommended as an alternative first-line treatment (7.5 g) as monotherapy starting with a dose of 0.75 g once a week for 6 weeks and 0.5 g for a further 6 weeks. EUGOGO guidelines recommend that in cases of no clinical response after 6 weeks of first-line treatment with i.v. methylprednisolone and mycophenolate, after 3-4 weeks, a second course of i.v. methylprednisolone monotherapy should be started with a higher cumulative dose of 7.5 g. Other second-line treatment options are orbital radiotherapy with or without oral or i.v. systemic glucocorticosteroid therapy, cyclosporine, or azathioprine in combination with p.o. glucocorticosteroid, methotrexate monotherapy, and a group of biologic drugs rituximab, tocilizumab, teprotumumab). Keeping in mind that TO is a sight-threatening disease, we expect, through the treatment applied, to maintain full visual acuity, pain relief, single vision in the useful part of the visual field, and a positive cosmetic effect.

The main goal of revitalization is to improve the spatial condition of the city, which improves its image and increases the value of space. Any revitalization process requires the acquisition of geolocation data. This data can help visualize the spatial changes that were the goal of revitalization efforts. Acquiring such data is not always easy and requires the use of multiple sources of GIS information. The purpose of this paper is a spatial presentation of the analyzed areas with their identification before and after the revitalization process using spatial data made available in an open resource on Google Maps map application. Data is presented for two cities: Bydgoszcz (Poland), Varna (Bulgaria), characterized by a similar population. The paper uses current and archival orthophotos of the revitalized areas, Street View panoramic views from street level and own photographic documentation. The results of the analysis show that regardless of the stage of revitalization, the use of spatial data is essential in the designation of a degraded area, as well as later in its design, monitoring and management.

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-taj-10.1177_20406223221117982 for Therapeutic decisions in a cohort of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a multicenter, prospective survey from Poland by Katarzyna Górska, Marta Maskey-Warzęchowska, Małgorzata Barnaś, Adam Białas, Adam Barczyk, Hanna Jagielska-Len, Ewa Jassem, Aleksander Kania, Katarzyna Lewandowska, Sebastian Majewski, Magdalena M. Martusewicz-Boros, Wojciech J. Piotrowski, Alicja Siemińska, Krzysztof Sładek, Małgorzata Sobiecka, Marzena Trzaska-Sobczak, Witold Tomkowski, Beata Żoł and Rafał Krenke in Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of thyroid function on serum levels of different adipokines in obesity. We investigated relationships between the thyroid axis and serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, and chemerin, and we assessed the influence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) on those relations.The participants of this study included 181 euthyroid patients (147 women and 34 men) with obesity [body mass index (BMI) 30-39.9 kg/m²] and severe (morbid) obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²), aged 18 to 65 years. We divided all obese patients by thyrotropic hormone (TSH) tertiles, and we compared all participants according to BMI. Patients were further divided into the following subgroups: with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and without autoimmune thyroiditis.Comparison of obese patients according to TSH tertile showed significantly higher serum concentrations of leptin, chemerin, and thyroid antibodies and an increased leptin/adiponectin ratio in the group with high normal TSH. We observed statistically significant correlations between serum TSH and BMI, leptin, chemerin, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and the leptin/adiponectin ratio. In patients diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis, higher levels of antibodies and TSH were found, but there were no differences in homeostatic model assessment index (HOMA-I), the leptin/adiponectin ratio, and adipokine levels. In obese patients the relationships between serum leptin, chemerin, the leptin/adiponectin ratio, and BMI were dependent on each other.Serum leptin, chemerin, the leptin/adiponectin ratio, and BMI are significantly higher in patients with high normal TSH; however, selected adipokines are not related to the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis. There are interplays between TSH, adipokines, and obesity, but how these relationships are related remains unknown.

The non-enzymatic addition of glucose (glycation) to circulatory and tissue proteins is a ubiquitous pathophysiological consequence of hyperglycemia in diabetes. Given the high incidence of periodontitis and diabetes and the emerging link between these conditions, it is of crucial importance to define the basic virulence mechanisms employed by periodontopathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis in mediating the disease process. The aim of this study was to determine whether glycated proteins are more easily utilized by P. gingivalis to stimulate growth and promote the pathogenic potential of this bacterium. We analyzed the properties of three commonly encountered proteins in the periodontal environment that are known to become glycated and that may serve as either protein substrates or easily accessible heme sources. In vitro glycated proteins were characterized using colorimetric assays, mass spectrometry, far- and near-UV circular dichroism and UV–visible spectroscopic analyses and SDS-PAGE. The interaction of glycated hemoglobin, serum albumin and type one collagen with P. gingivalis cells or HmuY protein was examined using spectroscopic methods, SDS-PAGE and co-culturing P. gingivalis with human keratinocytes. We found that glycation increases the ability of P. gingivalis to acquire heme from hemoglobin, mostly due to heme sequestration by the HmuY hemophore-like protein. We also found an increase in biofilm formation on glycated collagen-coated abiotic surfaces. We conclude that glycation might promote the virulence of P. gingivalis by making heme more available from hemoglobin and facilitating bacterial biofilm formation, thus increasing P. gingivalis pathogenic potential in vivo.

Szczypiór-Piasecka Karina, Siemińska Julia, Antczak Krzysztof, Mińko Alicja. Comprehensive rehabilitation program after post-resistive hip arthroplasty of GMRS as a result of treatment of the aneurysm cyst of the femoral neck. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2021;11(9):550-564. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2021.11.09.072 https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/JEHS.2021.11.09.072 https://zenodo.org/record/5530438 The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. § 8. 2) and § 12. 1. 2) 22.02.2019. © The Authors 2021; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 15.09.2021. Revised: 20.09.2021. Accepted: 27.09.2021. Comprehensive rehabilitation program after post-resistive hip arthroplasty of GMRS as a result of treatment of the aneurysm cyst of the femoral neck Karina Szczypiór-Piasecka karinaszczypior@interia.pl ORCID iD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9562-9201 Klinika Ortopedii, Traumatologii i Onkologii Narządu Ruchu Pomorskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Szczecinie, Poland Julia Siemińska karinaszczypior@interia.pl ORCID iD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4340-0085 SKN Rehabilitacji Ortopedycznej i Terapii Manualnej przy KOTiONR PUM, Poland Krzysztof Antczak karinaszczypior@interia.pl ORCID iD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8443-0611 Studium Doktoranckie Pomorskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego, Poland Alicja Mińko karinaszczypior@interia.pl ORCID iD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2299-3958 Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie, Poland Abstract Malignant bone cancer is rarely detected in its early stages and there is usually already soft tissue infiltration at diagnosis. Symptoms that occur include pain that worsens at night, tissue thickening, and limitation of limb mobility due to bone destruction. Researchers point to the necessary cooperation of the medical team to correctly diagnose the disease, plan the patient's treatment and conduct rehabilitation. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was to describe a case of a patient after resection of a malignant bone tumor (Fibrolastic osteosarcoma) and to create a program of comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS The case study presented in this study confirms the need for holistic treatment of a patient diagnosed with a malignant bone tumor. In patient A.S. at the age of 23, an aneurysmal cyst in the neck of the left femur was diagnosed with a pathological fracture and extensive bone destruction. Radical treatment with total post-resection arthroplasty was performed. Inpatient physiotherapy is described, starting one day after the surgery, focusing on the prevention of postoperative complications and the treatment of dysfunctions resulting from surgery. as a result of surgery. The rehabilitation 5 months after the surgery was also presented, during which the focus was on restoring the correct ranges of joint mobility and restoring the correct muscle strength. The work confirms the necessity of a holistic application of the patient care process, which includes diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation. RESULTS Physiotherapy is introduced the day after surgery and continues until the patient is discharged home. Physiotherapeutic methods and exercises are adapted to the scope of the operation, general condition and age of the patient. The goal is for the patient to achieve the greatest possible independence of movement and daily activities. In post-hospital rehabilitation, the goal is to restore the normal, achievable, mobility and stability of the joints. The patient should adopt the correct gait pattern with the minimum possible protection with orthopedic equipment. CONCLUSIONS 1. Patients after proximal femur resection and GMRS replacement surgery should begin rehabilitation on the first day after surgery. 2. Manual therapy and osteopathy are extremely important in the rehabilitation program after surgery to remove a bone tumor. Key words: cancer, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, rehabilitation.

Introduction: Osteoporosis and obesity are considered civilisation diseases. Menopause is a time of increased bone resorption and increased mass of adipose tissue. Adipocytokines secreted by the adipose tissue are believed to be a potential factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Material and methods: The aim of this research was to assess leptin, adiponectin, and resistin secretion in obese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and determine whether obesity might be a factor mitigating the risk of osteoporosis. The study involved 80 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis divided into groups: I with BMI of 30.0 34.9, obese; and II with BMI of 18–24.9, normoweight. Leptin, adiponectin and resistin concentrations were assessed, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in the L1-L4 section of the spine using the DXA densitometric method. Results: The results of the comparison of the two groups indicate a statistically significant dependence in groups regarding leptin secretion; the group of obese women demonstrated significantly higher concentrations. No differences between the groups were demonstrated for adiponectin or resistin secretion. Conclusions: Higher leptin concentration and a positive correlation with BMI was confirmed in obese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. It was also demonstrated that BMD increases with growing BMI. No effect of obesity on the secretion of adiponectin or resistin in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis was found. From among the investigated adipocytokines, only leptin can be considered a bone tissue protective factor in postmenopausal women.

The Dukla Nappe in the Skrzydlna area exposes two types of melange reflecting two different phases of basinal and tectonic evolution of the Outer West Carpathian orogen in its Polish sector. The Oligocene-age sedimentary melange (olistostrome) is related to growth of the accretionary wedge, whereas the Miocene-age diapiric melange postdates the orogenic thrusting. Textural and structural features of the very coarse-grained sedimentary melange suggest non-cohesive debris flows and high-density turbidity currents as predominant emplacement mechanisms. Growth strata, associated with progressive unconformities, and facies contrast between the underlying fine-grained unit and the overlying olistostrome reflect a considerable uplift of the source area and rotation of the adjacent part of the basin floor. The olistostrome and the overlying turbidite succession form a retrogressive sequence interpreted as a submarine canyon infill grading to a small submarine fan. The diapiric melange, injected into the Oligocene-age succession of the Dukla Nappe, contains the Early and Late Cretaceous-age blocks and matrix derived from the underlying Silesian Nappe. The features reflecting diapiric emplacement include matrix proportion increase and block content decrease towards the melange margins, scaly fabric and shear zones. Both melanges, interpreted in the past as chaotic bodies, upon detailed examination reveal genesis-related subtle internal organization.

Background Histoplasmosis is a mycosis caused by soil-based fungus Histoplasma capsulatum endemic in the USA, Latin America, Africa and South-East Asia. The disease is usually self-resolving, but exposure to a large inoculum or accompanying immune deficiencies may result in severe illness. Symptoms are unspecific with fever, cough and malaise as the most common. Thus, this is a case of disease which is difficult to diagnose and very rare in Europe. As a result, it is usually not suspected in elderly patients with cough and dyspnea. Case presentation This is a case of a 78-year-old patient, admitted to our department due to respiratory failure, cough, shortness of breath, fever and weight loss with no response to antibiotics administered before the admission. Chest CT revealed numerous reticular and nodular infiltrations with distribution in all lobes. The cytopathology of BAL showed small parts of mycelium and numerous oval spores. Considering clinical presentation and history of travel to Mexico before onset of disease, pulmonary histoplasmosis was diagnosed. After introduction of antifungal treatment rapid improvement was achieved in terms of both clinical picture and respiratory function. Conclusions Since the risk of Histoplasma exposure in Europe is minimal, patients, who present with dyspnea, fever and malaise are not primarily considered for diagnosis of histoplasmosis. However, taking into account increasing popularity of travelling, also by elderly or patients with impaired immunity, histoplasmosis should be included into differential diagnosis.

The business activity of real estate development companies depends on very many macro as well as micro factors. The main determinants of their operation on the real estate market include those of a supply-demand as well as institutional-legal nature. In practice, it turns out, however, that even in the case of excellent financial and sales results for at least a few years, they are faced with increasingly large problems and limitations, which first influence a decrease in growth rate, and later can be a source of problems with financial liquidity. The aim of the work is to identify the most important current determinants connected with the business activity of real estate development companies, accounting for both regulatory as well as market risks. A study states that in 2017–2018, conditions of management in the housing sector have changed and symptoms of their deterioration are visible. The results of the carried out analyses indicate that the investment boom and very favorable climate for carrying out activities connected with real estate development, especially on the housing market, which has been around since at least 2015, began to show increasingly clearer symptoms indicating a halt in the growth rate and a worsening situation of real estate developers at the beginning of 2018. The applied research methods include a study of the source literature and current legal regulations, as well as the analysis of statistical and financial data derived from rich, both primary and secondary empirical databases. The financial data used in the study relate primarily to the leading development companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Działalność firm deweloperskich zależy od bardzo wielu makro-, mezo- oraz mikroczynników. Do głównych uwarunkowań funkcjonowania dewelopera na rynku nieruchomości należą te o charakterze popytowo-podażowym oraz instytucjonalno-prawnym. W praktyce okazuje się jednak, że nawet przy bardzo dobrych wynikach finansowych i sprzedażowych osiąganych od co najmniej kilku lat przedsiębiorcy napotykają na coraz większe ograniczenia i problemy, które najpierw wpływają na spowolnienie tempa wzrostu, a następnie mogą być źródłem kłopotów z płynnością finansową. Celem artykułu jest identyfikacja najważniejszych aktualnych uwarunkowań związanych z działalnością firm deweloperskich, z uwzględnieniem wybranych ryzyk regulacyjnych i rynkowych. W opracowaniu postawiono tezę, że w latach 2017–2018 warunki gospodarowania w sektorze mieszkaniowym uległy zmianie i widać symptomy ich pogorszenia. Wyniki przeprowadzonych analiz wskazują, iż trwający od co najmniej 2015 roku okres boomu inwestycyjnego w Polsce i bardzo dobrego klimatu dla prowadzenia działalności deweloperskiej, zwłaszcza na rynku mieszkaniowym, zaczął na początku 2018 roku ujawniać coraz wyraźniej symptomy świadczące o wyhamowaniu tempa wzrostu i pogarszaniu się sytuacji niektórych firm deweloperskich. Zastosowane metody badawcze obejmują studium literatury przedmiotu oraz aktualnych regulacji prawa, a ponadto analizę danych statystycznych i finansowych pochodzących z bogatych, zarówno pierwotnych, jak i wtórnych baz danych empirycznych. Dane finansowe wykorzystywane w opracowaniu dotyczą przede wszystkich wiodących spółek deweloperskich notowanych na Giełdzie Papierów Wartościowych w Warszawie.

The pathogenesis of the disorders of calcium metabolism is not fully understood. This review discusses the studies in which metabolomics was applied in this area. Indeed, metabolomics could play an essential role in discovering biomarkers and elucidating pathological mechanisms. Despite the limited bibliography, the present review highlights the potential of metabolomics in identifying the biomarkers of some of the most common endocrine disorders, such as primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), calcium deficiency, osteoporosis and vitamin D supplementation. Metabolites related to above-mentioned diseorders were grouped into specific classes and mapped into metabolic pathways. Furthermore, disturbed metabolic pathways can open up new directions for the in-depth exploration of the basic mechanisms of these diseases at the molecular level.

Human oral and gut microbiomes are crucial for maintenance of homeostasis in the human body. Porphyromonas gingivalis, the key etiologic agent of chronic periodontitis, can cause dysbiosis in the mouth and gut, which results in local and systemic infectious inflammatory diseases. Our previous work resulted in extensive biochemical and functional characterization of one of the major P. gingivalis heme acquisition systems (Hmu), with the leading role played by the HmuY hemophore-like protein. We continued our studies on the homologous heme acquisition protein (Bvu) expressed by Bacteroides vulgatus, the dominant species of the gut microbiome. Results from spectrophotometric experiments showed that Bvu binds heme preferentially under reducing conditions using Met145 and Met172 as heme iron-coordinating ligands. Bvu captures heme bound to human serum albumin and only under reducing conditions. Importantly, HmuY is able to sequester heme complexed to Bvu. This is the first study demonstrating that B. vulgatus expresses a heme-binding hemophore-like protein, thus increasing the number of members of a novel HmuY-like family. Data gained in this study confirm the importance of HmuY in the context of P. gingivalis survival in regard to its ability to cause dysbiosis also in the gut microbiome.

The work presents identification of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) in the hemolymph of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (ATCC 27,853 and PA18), differing in the profile of secreted proteases. The insects were immunized with bacteria cultivated in rich (LB) and minimal (M9) media, which resulted in appearance of a similar broad set of AMPs in the hemolymph. Among them, 13 peptides and proteins were identified, i.e. proline-rich peptides 1 and 2, lebocin-like anionic peptide 1 and anionic peptide 2, defensin/galiomicin, cecropin, cecropin D-like peptide, apolipophoricin, gallerimycin, moricin-like peptide B, lysozyme, apolipophorin III, and superoxide dismutase. Bacterial strain- and/or medium-dependent changes in the level of proline-rich peptide 1, anionic peptide 1 and 2, moricin-like peptide B, cecropin D-like and gallerimycin were observed. The analysis of the expression of genes encoding cecropin, gallerimycin, and galiomicin indicated that they were differently affected by the bacterial strain but mainly by the medium used for bacterial culture. The highest expression was found for the LB medium. In addition to the antibacterial and antifungal activity, proteolytic activity was detected in the hemolymph of the P. aeruginosa-infected insects. Based on these results and those presented in our previous reports, it can be postulated that the appearance of AMPs in G. mellonella hemolymph can be triggered not only by P. aeruginosa pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) but also by bacterial extracellular proteases secreted during infection. However, although there were no qualitative differences in the set of AMPs depending on the P. aeruginosa strain and medium, differences in the level of particular AMPs synthesized in response to the bacteria used were observed.

The SARS-CoV-2 infection [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)] is associated with severe lymphopenia and impaired immune response, including expansion of myeloid cells with regulatory functions, e.g., so-called low-density neutrophils, containing granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (LDNs/PMN-MDSCs). These cells have been described in both infections and cancer and are known for their immunosuppressive activity. In the case of COVID-19, long-term complications have been frequently observed (long-COVID). In this context, we aimed to investigate the immune response of COVID-19 convalescents after a mild or asymptomatic course of disease. We enrolled 13 convalescents who underwent a mild or asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV-2, confirmed by a positive result of the PCR test, and 13 healthy donors without SARS-CoV-2 infection in the past. Whole blood was used for T-cell subpopulation and LDNs/PMN-MDSCs analysis. LDNs/PMN-MDSCs and normal density neutrophils (NDNs) were sorted out by FACS and used for T-cell proliferation assay with autologous T cells activated with anti-CD3 mAb. Serum samples were used for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing IgG and GM-CSF concentration. Our results showed that in convalescents, even 3 months after infection, an elevated level of LDNs/PMN-MDSCs is still maintained in the blood, which correlates negatively with the level of CD8+ and double-negative T cells. Moreover, LDNs/PMN-MDSCs and NDNs showed a tendency for affecting the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 neutralizing antibodies. Surprisingly, our data showed that in addition to LDNs/PMN-MDSCs, NDNs from convalescents also inhibit proliferation of autologous T cells. Additionally, in the convalescent sera, we detected significantly higher concentrations of GM-CSF, indicating the role of emergency granulopoiesis. We conclude that in mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 convalescents, the neutrophil dysfunction, including propagation of PD-L1-positive LDNs/PMN-MDSCs and NDNs, is responsible for long-term endotype of immunosuppression.

The Korean Wave is a very important element of South Korea’s soft power and has been bringing a lot of benefits to the country for many years. Over the past decade, it has evolved into a global sensation and gradually the whole world is becoming interested in it. This is a phenomenon worth investigating due to the wide range of aspects in which it applies. Politicians around the world recognize it as a powerful phenomenon and it appears in the speeches of not only the presidents of South Korea, but also foreign presidents in relation to the Korean state. In addition to politics, the Korean Wave also helps to increase the level of the economy and influences social views. The main purpose of this work was to show the impact of the Korean Wave and how the government uses it to build the image of the country. The methodology used to study this topic is mainly qualitative and quantitative data. The author also uses a comparative method, discussing, for example, the views of different countries on the Korean Wave and its impact on mutual relations. The work answers the questions: how the Korean Wave has changed over the past twenty years; how the head of state connects official meetings with Korean culture; how it affects relations with specific countries. The thesis was adopted: The Korean Wave has a positive impact on building the image of the state, and the Korean government has noticed its potential and skilfully uses it. As a result of the analysis of available literature and Internet data, this thesis has been confirmed.

Implementation and enforcement as the key to effectiveness of international treaties The chapter examines the implementation of IMO treaties into domestic legislation: first, it discusses how the treaties are developed under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); second, it explains how States become Parties to IMO treaties and what techniques could be applied to implement them into domestic legislation; and third, it deliberates how the Organization can ensure the effectiveness of its regulatory framework and what role it may play in its enforcement. In concludes that the effectiveness of maritime conventions inevitably depends on States’ enforcement of treaties and regulations.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most common malignancies diagnosed worldwide. The pathogenesis of CRC is complex and involves, among others, accumulation of genetic predispositions and epigenetic factors, dietary habits, alterations in gut microbiota, and lack of physical activity. A growing body of evidence suggests that immune cells play different roles in CRC, comprising both pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions. Immunosuppression observed during cancer development and progression is a result of the orchestration of many cell types, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs, along with other cells, stimulate tumor growth, angiogenesis, and formation of metastases. This article focuses on MDSCs in relation to their role in the initiation and progression of CRC. Possible forms of immunotherapies targeting MDSCs in CRC are also discussed.

The oral cavity of healthy individuals is inhabited by commensals, with species of Streptococcus being the most abundant and prevalent in sites not affected by periodontal diseases. The development of chronic periodontitis is linked with the environmental shift in the oral microbiome, leading to the domination of periodontopathogens. Structure-function studies showed that Streptococcus gordonii employs a &ldquo, moonlighting&rdquo, protein glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (SgGAPDH) to bind heme, thus forming a heme reservoir for exchange with other proteins. Secreted or surface-associated SgGAPDH coordinates Fe(III)heme using His43. Hemophore-like heme-binding proteins of Porphyromonas gingivalis (HmuY), Prevotella intermedia (PinO) and Tannerella forsythia (Tfo) sequester heme complexed to SgGAPDH. Co-culturing of P. gingivalis with S. gordonii results in increased hmuY gene expression, indicating that HmuY might be required for efficient inter-bacterial interactions. In contrast to the DhmuY mutant strain, the wild type strain acquires heme and forms deeper biofilm structures on blood agar plates pre-grown with S. gordonii. Therefore, our novel paradigm of heme acquisition used by P. gingivalis appears to extend to co-infections with other oral bacteria and offers a mechanism for the ability of periodontopathogens to obtain sufficient heme in the host environment. Importantly, P. gingivalis is advantaged in terms of acquiring heme, which is vital for its growth survival and virulence.

Background Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic agent approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The drug is available for Polish patients with IPF since 2017. The PolExPIR study aimed to describe the real-world data (RWD) on the Polish experience of pirfenidone therapy in IPF with respect to safety and efficacy profiles. Methods This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational study collecting clinical data of patients with IPF receiving pirfenidone from January 2017 to September 2019 across 10 specialized pulmonary centres in Poland. Data collection included baseline characteristics, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) results and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Longitudinal data on PFTs, 6MWT, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), treatment persistence, and survival were also collected up to 24 months post-inclusion. Results A total of 307 patients receiving pirfenidone were identified for analysis. The mean age was 68.83 (8.13) years and 77% were males. The median time from the first symptoms to IPF diagnosis was 15.5 (9.75–30) months and from diagnosis to start of pirfenidone treatment was 6 (2–23) months. Patients were followed on treatment for a median of 17 (12–22.75) months. Seventy-four patients (24.1%) required dose adjustments and 35 (11.4%) were chronically treated with different than the full recommended dose. A total of 141 patients (45.92%) discontinued therapy due to different reasons including ADRs (16.61%), death (8.79%), disease progression (6.51%), patient’s own request (5.54%), neoplastic disease (3.91%) and lung transplantation (0.33%). Over up to 24 months of follow-up, the pulmonary function remained largely stable. The median annual decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) during the first year of pirfenidone therapy was −20 ml (−200–100) and during the second year was −120 ml (−340–30). Over a study period, 33 patients (10.75%) died. Conclusions The PolExPIR study is a source of longitudinal RWD on pirfenidone therapy in the Polish cohort of patients with IPF supporting its long-term acceptable safety and efficacy profiles and reinforce findings from the previous randomised clinical trials and observational studies.

Mechanisms linking obesity and prostate cancer (PC) include increased insulin signaling, persistent inflammation, and altered adipocytokines secretion. Previous studies indicated that omentin may play a potential role in cancerogenesis of different sites, including the prostate. In this study, we focused on the hormonal and metabolic characteristics of men recruited for prostate biopsy. We evaluated serum concentrations of adipocytokines and sex steroids where concentrations are related to the adiposity: omentin, leptin, testosterone, estradiol, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of serum omentin in men with PC. We also investigated relationships between omentin, leptin, sex steroids, SHBG, age, and metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: Our study was conducted on 72 patients with PC and 65 men with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Both groups were compared for body mass index. Results: Comparing men with PC to subjects with BPH there were significantly higher serum concentrations of omentin, estradiol, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the former. Estradiol/testosterone ratio, which is a marker of testosterone to estradiol conversion, was also significantly higher in the PC group. MS was diagnosed in 47 men with PC and in 30 men with BPH, the prevalence was significantly higher in the PC group. When the subjects with PC were subdivided into two subgroups, the serum omentin did not differ between those with MS and without MS. In the overall sample serum, omentin was positively associated with age, SHBG, and leptin. A positive correlation was also found between omentin and estradiol/testosterone ratio, and negatively with testosterone/SHBG ratio. Positive correlations were noted between age and SHBG, PSA and estradiol/testosterone ratio. In our study, a drop of total testosterone and testosterone/SHBG ratio, due to age, was also demonstrated. Conclusions: In patients with prostate cancer, serum omentin may be a diagnostic indicator. Omentin levels do not correlate with estradiol or testosterone concentrations but they are related to the testosterone/SHBG ratio. Omentin is not associated with an increased likelihood of having metabolic syndrome in men with prostate cancer.