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Maintaining body balance is a complex function based on the information deriving from the vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems. The aim of the study was to evaluate quiet single stance stability in young adults with lumbar derangement syndrome (LDS) and in the control group of the healthy subjects. The second aim of this study was to determine whether pain intensity, degree of disability, and the level of physical activity can influence postural control in patients with LDS. It is important to underline that selecting a homogeneous group of LBP patients using, for example, mechanical diagnosis and therapy method and Quebec Task Force Classification, can result in an increased sensitivity of the study. The study included 126 subjects: 70 patients with LDS (37 women, 33 men) and the control group 56 healthy volunteers (36 women, 20 men). In case of multiple group comparisons for variables with normal distribution, ANOVA post hoc test was used or, as the nonparametric equivalent, Kruskal-Wallis test. In all these calculations, the statistical significance level was set to p < 0.05 . The stability index eyes open for the study group was 88.34 and for the control group 89.86. There was no significant difference in the level of postural control between the study and control groups ( p > 0.05 ). The level of stability index eyes closed (SI EC) for the study group was 71.44 and for the control group 77.1. SI EC results showed significant differences in proprioceptive control during single leg stance between the study and control groups ( p < 0.05 ). The level of pain intensity, the degree of disability, and physical activity level did not influence postural control in the study group with LDS. In summary, patients with LDS showed significantly worse proprioceptive control.

This study aimed to evaluate the association of diet quality and perception of consumption benefits with intake of fermented dairy products in a representative sample of the Polish population. The study was carried out in February 2020 and involved 2009 men and women randomly sampled from the representative Polish population stratified into two age groups (19–30 and 66–75 years). Dairy product intake was evaluated using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed by calculating the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. The perceived health benefit of dairy product consumption was assessed by a literature-based questionnaire. The Health Concern Scale was used to measure participants’ attitudes toward health. The median intake of fermented dairy products was 0.8 portion/day (IQR: 0.4–1.6). Intake of fermented dairy products was associated with a higher MEDAS score. We observed that people with the highest intake of fermented dairy products consumed more oils, vegetables, wine, legumes, fish and seafood, sweets and pastries, nuts, had a higher preference for white meat and were more likely to report their perceived benefits to maintain body weight, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve immune and dental health. Moreover, a high intake of fermented dairy products was positively related to paying more attention to health. Our study identified patterns of health behaviors associated with the frequent consumption of fermented dairy products. We observed that the intake of fermented dairy products is associated with better diet quality, consumer self-consciousness, and a greater attitude toward personal health.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between diet quality, perception of benefits consumption, and fermented dairy product intake in a representative sample of the Polish population. The study was carried out in February 2020. 2009 men and women were randomly sampled from the representative Polish population stratified for two age groups (19–30 and 66–75 years). Dairy product intake was evaluated using a qualitative frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed by calculating the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. Perceived health benefits of dairy product consumption were assessed with a literature-based questionnaire. The Health Concern Scale was used to measure participants’ attitudes toward health. Median intake of fermented dairy products was 0.8 portion/day (IQR: 0.4–1.6). Intake of fermented dairy products was associated with higher MEDAS. We observed that people with the highest intake of fermented dairy product consumed more oils, vegetables, wine, legumes, fish and seafood, sweets and pastries, nuts, and higher preference for white meat and were more likely to report perceived benefits to maintain body weight, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve immune and dental health. Moreover, a high intake of fermented dairy products was positively related to paying more attention to health. Our study identified patterns of health behaviors associated with frequent consumption of fermented products. We observed that the intake of fermented dairy products is associated with better diet quality, consumer self-consciousness, and a greater attitude to own health.

C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II) has been shown to be a highly relevant biomarker of cartilage degradation in human rheumatic diseases, if measured in synovial fluid or urine. However, serum or plasma CTX-II have not been demonstrated to have any clinical utility to date. Here, we describe the GPDPLQ1237 ELISA which targets the EKGPDPLQ↓ neo-epitope, an elongated version of the CTX-II neo-epitope (EKGPDP↓), speculated to be a blood-precursor of CTX-II generated by the cysteine protease cathepsin K. Human osteoclast cartilage resorption cultures as well as oncostatin M and tumour necrosis factor α-stimulated bovine cartilage explant cultures were used to validate GPDPLQ1237 biologically by treating the cultures with the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64 and/or the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor GM6001 to assess the potential contributions of these two protease classes to GPDPLQ1237 release. Cartilage resorption-derived GPDPLQ1237 release was inhibited by E-64 (72.1% inhibition), GM6001 (75.5%), and E-64/GM6001 (91.5%), whereas CTX-II release was inhibited by GM6001 (87.0%) but not by E-64 (5.5%). Cartilage explant GPDPLQ1237 and CTX-II release were both fully inhibited by GM6001 but were not inhibited by E-64. No clinically relevant GPDPLQ1237 reactivity was identified in human serum, plasma, or urine from healthy donors or arthritis patients. In conclusion, the GPDPLQ1237 biomarker is released during osteoclast-derived cysteine protease- and MMP-mediated cartilage degradation in vitro, whereas CTX-II release is mediated by MMPs and not by cysteine proteases, as well as from MMP-mediated cartilage degradation under a pro-inflammatory stimulus. These findings suggest that GPDPLQ1237 may be relevant in diseases with pathological osteoclast activity and cartilage degradation. Further studies are required to validate the neo-epitope in human samples.

Proper posture provides the best balance and body stability at minimal muscular effort. It is constantly controlled by the central nervous system, which integrates the stimuli from the proprioceptors (deep feeling sensors), vision receptors, and balance receptors through the subcortical structures. The main purpose of the study was to describe single stance stability and its correlation with the degree of scoliosis and trunk rotation among patients suffering from idiopathic scoliosis and in the control group without scoliosis. The study included 80 patients (69 girls and 11 boys) and 40 healthy children without scoliosis (21 girls and 19 boys). The Cobb angle technique was used to determine the magnitude of the deformity. All subjects were divided into three subgroups according to Bogdanov’s classification. Single stance stability with eyes open and eyes closed was assessed with an electronic postural station—Delos Postural Proprioceptive System (DPPS). In case of multiple group comparisons for variables with normal distribution ANOVA with Scheffe, post hoc test was used or Kruskal-Wallis test was used as the nonparametric equivalent. The relationship between the two continuous variables was investigated using either Pearson product-moment correlation or Spearman’s rank correlation. In all these calculations, the statistical significance level was set to p<0.05. The single stance test showed a significant difference between the stability index with eyes open and stability index with eyes closed in study and control groups. The character of these alterations is influenced by the degree of trunk rotation. The degree of scoliosis according to Bogdanov classification does not determine the decrease in stability indexes. In summary, significantly lower values of the stability index during one-leg standing with eyes closed indicated balance impairment, which is mainly connected with inadequate functioning of the proprioceptive system.

Fruit pomace remaining after juice extraction is still a source of bioactive compounds. Especially rich in these compounds is the pomace from blackcurrant fruit and from fruits of little-known horticultural plants, like: rowan, rosehip and elderberry. The addition of fruit pomace to bakery and confectionery products, especially to those made of white flour, may significantly enrich their composition with dietary fiber, vitamins and phenolic compounds. This study was aimed at determining the effect of 20 % addition of fruit pomace from rosehip, rowan, blackcurrant and elderberry on the properties of shortbread cookies. The pomace-containing cookies, compared to those without additives, were characterized by a darker color with a higher contribution of yellowness, and by higher hardness. The overall organoleptic assessment was comparable for all types of cookies, however the cookies with pomace were characterized by more perceptible taste and aroma, and were sourer. The extracts from pomace-supplemented cookies had a significantly stronger antioxidant capacity than that from the cookies without pomace, but they were ineffective in inhibiting lipid oxidation. The study showed that fruit pomace could improve the nutritional value of shortbread cookies. Furthermore, non-typical color of such a new product may be attractive to consumers.

The effect of high pressure (200–500 MPa) on selected properties of caprine milk after high pressure- (HP-) treatment and storage (14 days, 4 °C) was determined. HP-treatment increased the particle size and protein content in the emulsion phase. Particle size increased during storage in untreated milk (P

Summary Objectives Pain and disability are the main clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis, for which only symptomatic therapies are available. Hence, there is a need for therapies that can simultaneously alter disease progression and provide pain relief. KBP is a dual amylin- and calcitonin-receptor agonist with antiresorptive and chondroprotective properties. In this study we investigated the effect of KBP in a rat model of osteoarthritis. Methods Medial meniscectomy (MNX) was performed in 39 rats, while 10 underwent sham surgery. Rats were treated with KBP and/or naproxen. Nociception was assessed by mechanical and cold allodynia, weight bearing asymmetry, and burrowing behavior. Blood samples were collected for biomarker measurements, and knees for histology. Cartilage histopathology was evaluated according to the advanced Osteoarthritis Research International (OARSI) score and KBPs in vitro antiresorptive effects were assessed using human osteoclasts cultured on bone. Results The MNX animals displayed an increased nociceptive behavior. Treatment with KBP attenuated the MNX-induced osteoarthritis-associated joint pain. The cartilage histopathology was significantly lower in rats treated with KBP than in MNX animals. Bone and cartilage degradation, assessed by CTX-I and CTX-II plasma levels, were decreased in all KBP-treated groups and KBP potently inhibited bone resorption in vitro. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of KBP in ameliorating osteoarthritis-associated joint pain and in protecting the articular cartilage, suggesting KBP as a potential drug candidate for osteoarthritis.

The article presents the evaluation of the tourism potential and attractive elements of selected by authors tourism products in the Warmia and Mazury. The study was conducted in the form of an interview of 100 people. The results indicate a positive assessment of the attractiveness of the 11 presented tourism products, while the need to make some changes for the benefit of tourists.

Lipophilicity was investigated for 20 2'-deoxyribonucleoside derivatives modified with electron-neutral 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane, 1,12-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane, 7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborate anion, and metallacarborane containing Co, Fe, or Cr. The partition coefficient (P) for neutral conjugates and the distribution coefficient (D7.4) for ionic compounds were determined as a lipophilicity descriptor using a shake-flask method. All modified nucleosides had P/D7.4 values higher than those of an appropriate unmodified 2'-closo-dodecaborane and metallacarborane was found to be three orders of magnitude higher than that of its unmodified counterpart. The lowest impact on the P/D7.4 values of the conjugates was observed for the 7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborate anion. A preliminary molecular modeling study of a thymidine-carborane conjugate with β-cyclodextrin confirmed the ability of the components to form an inclusion complex.

Introduction Prostate cancer is becoming a challenge for modern medicine. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in men, second only to lung cancer. In 2012, 417 000 new cases were registered and 92 000 deaths were reported in Europe. Early detection of prostate cancer allows for complete recovery. Basic diagnostic procedures involve digital rectal examination (DRE), assessment of the serum total prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Abnormalities detected in these examinations necessitate prostate biopsy. Aim To evaluate prostate cancer topography based on biopsy. Material and methods Spatial distribution of cancer foci in the prostate was analyzed retrospectively in 246 male patients who had undergone TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. The median age of the study population was 69.7 years. The PSA levels ranged from 0.59 ng/mL to 676.6 ng/mL and the average level was 34.3 ng/mL. During the peribiopsy period, 750 mg of ciprofloxacin was introduced to prevent inflammation, and 100 mg of diclofenac was applied per rectum an hour prior to the procedure to reduce pain. Results and discussion In all 246 patients, tissue core samples were obtained from the prostate, sufficient for histopathological assessment and cancer diagnosis. Conclusions TRUS-guided prostate biopsy is an effective method for detecting and locating prostate cancer. Tissue core samples obtained during prostate biopsy serve as sufficient diagnostic material for a histopathologist. In our study population, cancer was located most frequently in the middle part of the prostate gland.

Introduction Current development of civilization and technology makes a sitting position dominant in everyday life. This applies also to patients with spinal deformities. Aim The aim of this study was to analyze the size of physiological spinal curvatures in standing and sitting posture in girls with left lumbar scoliosis and evaluate usefulness of Zebris CMS-10 System in the assessment of physiological curvatures in both positions. Material and methods A group of 30 girls aged 11–17 years with left lumbar idiopathic scoliosis, with a Cobb angle in the range of 10°–21°, was examined. Control group consisted of 30 healthy girls aged 10–17 years. Studies were conducted with the use of ZEBRIS CMS-10 System (Zebris Medical, Germany) in a standardized standing (P1) and sitting (P2) position. Mean kyphosis and lordosis angle and differences between kyphosis and lordosis angle dependent upon positional changes were analyzed in each of the groups. Results and discussion Mean kyphosis angle in both positions showed no statistically significant differences between the study group and control group. Mean lordosis angle in P1 position in the study group was statistically significantly higher than in control group. Differences between mean kyphosis angle in P1 and P2 position in the study group in comparison with control group were not statistically significant. Differences between mean lordosis angle in P1 and P2 position in comparison with control group showed a statistical significance. Conclusions The presence of low degree lumbar scoliosis can result in deepening of lumbar lordosis in the standing posture, but it does not significantly affect kyphosis angle measured in standing and sitting position. Zebris CMS 10 System is a useful tool for the assessment of physiological spinal curvatures in standing and sitting position.

Celem pracy było określenie wpływu metod restytucji mrożonych frytek ziemniaczanych na ich profile smakowe. Materiałem do badań były handlowe mrożone frytki ziemniaczane firmy Aviko i McCain o kształcie prostym i karbowanym. Frytki przygotowano do spożycia zgodnie z informacją umieszczoną na opakowaniu przy użyciu piekarnika, kuchni mikrofalowej oraz smażąc we frytownicy. Określenia profili smakowych frytek wg PN-ISO 6564 dokonał odpowiednio przygotowany 6 osobowy zespół. Oceny natężenia poszczególnych deskryptorów cech smakowych dokonano z użyciem 100 milimetrowej niestrukturowanej skali graficznej i poddano obliczeniom statystycznym z zastosowaniem analizy wariancji. Przygotowanie frytek w kuchni mikrofalowej wytworzyło we frytkach typowy smak gotowanego ziemniaka, co różnicowało je istotnie (α = 0,05) od frytek restytuowanych w piekarniku i frytownicy. Gorący tłuszcz znajdujący się we frytownicy okazał się najlepszym medium grzewczym wpływającym na wytworzenie się charakterystycznego smaku ziemniaka smażonego oraz tłuszczowo-orzechowego (α = 0,01) zaś gorące powietrze piekarnika i mikrofale kuchenki w mniejszym stopniu wpływały na powstawanie pozytywnych profili smakowych frytek. Stwierdzono zmniejszenie się negatywnych profili smakowych we frytkach restytuowanych w frytownicy: kwaśnego, gnilnego i obcego. Środowisko piekarnika i kuchni mikrofalowej z termoobiegiem wytwarzało charakterystyczny profil produktu przypalonego. Najlepsze smakowo frytki otrzymano smażąc mrożony półprodukt we frytownicy, były one bardziej akceptowane i charakteryzowały się większym natężeniem profili pozytywnych niż negatywnych w porównaniu z frytkami otrzymanymi pozostałymi technikami.

Producenci i wytwórcy produktów regionalnych mają bardzo duże możliwości wykorzystania istniejącej na rynku niszy, jaką jest wzrastające zainteresowanie żywnością wysokiej jakości. Jest to trend ogólnoświatowy, a polscy producenci mają w tej kwestii wielki potencjał. Potrzebna jest tylko dobra polityka promocyjna oraz zgoda i porozumienie wśród producentów i wytwórców wyrobów regionalnych. Produkty regionalne z jednej strony mogą być ważną atrakcją turystyczną i zarazem doskonałą formą promocji obszarów wiejskich, a z drugiej strony dzięki rozwojowi turystyki możliwe jest zachowanie mało rentownych sposobów produkcji tych wyrobów. Turyści bardzo chętnie nabywają tego rodzaju produkty. Nierzadko są one traktowane jako swoisty dowód wizyty w danym miejscu czy kraju, z drugiej zaś mają przywoływać wakacyjne wspomnienia, emocje i smaki wsi. Obszary wiejskie województwa pomorskiego charakteryzują się bardzo zróżnicowanym krajobrazem kulturowym, który jest świadectwem działalności wielu pokoleń mieszkańców tych terenów. Równie duże znaczenie na tym obszarze ma tożsamość kulturowa przejawiająca się w kulturowo zdefiniowanym sposobie działania, w materialnych i niematerialnych wytworach mieszkańców, w tym także dziedziczonych po przodkach. Nie można zapominać o bogatym dziedzictwie kulturowym. Ten szczególny zasób rzeczy materialnych i wartości niematerialnych, takich jak zabytki, zjawiska historyczne, obyczaje i tradycje, wartości naukowe i artystyczne, ma fundamentalne znaczenie dla tożsamości i ciągłości rozwoju społecznego i kulturalnego obszarów wiejskich województwa pomorskiego. Celem zaprezentowanych badań jest weryfikacja hipotezy głoszącej, iż produkt regionalny stanowi narzędzie promocji turystyki na obszarach wiejskich województwa pomorskiego.

Rape straw and Miscanthus giganteus was pretreated chemically with oxalic acid or sodium hydroxide. The pretreated substrates were hydrolyzed with enzymatic preparations of cellulase, xylanase and cellobiase. The highest concentration of reducing sugars was achieved after hydrolysis of M. giganteus pretreated with NaOH (51.53gdm(-3)). In turn, the highest yield of enzymatic hydrolysis determined based on polysaccharides content in the pretreated substrates was obtained in the experiments with M. giganteus and oxalic acid (99.3%). Rape straw and M. giganteus hydrolysates were fermented using yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae 7, NRRL 978 or filamentous fungus Mucor rouxii (Mucor indicus) DSM 1191. The highest ethanol concentration was determined after fermentation of M. giganteus hydrolysate pretreated with NaOH using S. cerevisiae (1.92% v/v). Considering cellulose content in the pretreated solid, the highest degree of its conversion to ethanol (86.2%) was achieved after fermentation of the hydrolysate of acid-treated M. giganteus using S. cerevisiae.