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Introduction: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, idiopathic disease characterized by persistent and progressive inflammation of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts. This leads to fibrosis, cholestatic complications, and liver failure. In over 70% of patients, non-specific intestinal inflammations coexist, particularly ulcerative colitis, and sporadically Crohn's disease. Aim: Our study aimed to assess current literature on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), covering its causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and the connection between PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) co-occurrence. Materials and methods: We conducted a PubMed literature review using keywords like "primary sclerosing cholangitis pathogenesis," "primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease," and "primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.” Results: Our research extensively covered PSC epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment options. Emphasis was placed on the heightened prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis, among PSC patients. Summary: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a disease causing gradual damage to bile ducts within or outside the liver. Over 70% of patients also experience inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly ulcerative colitis. The exact causes of PSC and its connection to IBD remain unclear. The theories involve hyperactive "intestinal" T cells or the impact of gut microbiome on their growth. Presently, a liver transplant stands as the sole remedy.

Inhibitors of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2 inhibitors) are relatively new and innovative antihyperglycemic drugs which by inhibiting sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 minimalise reabsorption of glucose in nephrones. Due to this process, SGLT2 inhibitors became a first-choice drugs in diabetology. Flozins were a turning point in many clinical trials and currently consequently conquer pharmacoterapy in cardiology. In the past years, clinical studies proved vast role of SGLT2 inhibitors in other fields of medicine. Flosins protect heart muscle and kidneys among patients with or without type diabetes mellitus type 2. They have positive effect on hypertension, arteries and brain tissue. Cardiological condition with the lowest long-term outcome in patients is heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Until flozins, treatment in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was based on four groups of drugs: β-blocker, inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAA), including angiotensin converting enzyme ACE/ARB inhibitors, angiotensin and neprilysin receptor blockers (ARNI) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). It was an appropriate HFrEF treatment over the last years. However thanks to large-scale researches a role of flozins in cardiology have been established and they became hope for a change in the course of heart failure. The following article presents aspects of using flozins in treatment of patients with HFrEF, multipotential usage, vast benefits for patients, not solely cardiologic, and side effects of these miraculous group of drugs.

Introduction: The main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy. The incidence of civilization diseases is increasing, which also indirectly affects the increase in the incidence of CKD. The patient's therapy after the diagnosis should include the care of a multi-specialist therapeutic team that will remove as many restrictions as possible in everyday functioning and ensure a high quality of life. In addition to the selection of individual renal replacement therapy, i.a. physical rehabilitation. Despite the fact that in the course of chronic kidney disease physical activity is impaired by numerous pathophysiological processes, the patient should be encouraged to undertake physical activity in order to reduce the risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases, as well as to eliminate many other adverse health effects of the disease. The following paper aims to analyze the impact of physical activity on CKD patients and the pathophysiological causes of low physical activity in this group of patients and the possibility of implementing rehabilitation as an element of comprehensive therapy. Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the physical activity of patients with chronic kidney disease Materials and Methods: A review of the publications available in PubMed, using the key words „chronic kidney disease”, „psychical activity in chronic kidney disease”, physical activity”, „kidney failure”, „dialysis”, „renal rehabilitation”, „quality of life”

Introduction: Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Walking is an open-accessed form of physical activity that requires no specialized equipment and can be performed at practically any moment of the day. In recent years, it has gained increasing interest and stands out as one of the most widely recommended forms of exercise. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the number of studies focusing on the impact of mean daily step count on health has been growing each year, with a significant surge observed since 2017. Undoubtedly, this topic is relevant to current health trends. Hitherto, there are no evidence-based recommendations regarding the number of steps that should be taken per day. Within this review, we conducted an analysis on the impact of daily step count on the risk of death and the incidence of selected diseases. Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to review of current literature on the influence of daily step count on both physical and mental health. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words: „daily step count”, „step count mental health”, „ physical activity”, „pedometr”. Results: The daily step count can prominently impact the improvement and maintenance of human health and significant health benefits can be achieved by taking 4000-10000 steps per day. Summary: Research has shown that individuals who take more steps throughout the day are less prone to certain diseases, experience milder symptoms, exhibit better overall physical fitness, and have a lower risk of all-cause mortality. In the upcoming years, we can expect further studies aimed at identifying the most optimal daily step count.

Introduction: PRP is an autologous serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors. It is used in dermatology for a variety of purposes, including hair growth, skin renewal, the removal of acne scars, dermal augmentation, and the treatment of striae distensae. The origins of PRP trace back to the 1970s, originating within the field of hematology as a treatment for patients grappling with thrombocytopenia. The subsequent decades, specifically the 1980s and 1990s, witnessed the integration of PRP into surgical procedures, notably in maxillofacial and plastic surgeries. The rationale underlying the employment and therapeutic potential of a concentrated platelet solution hinges upon their remarkable ability to furnish elevated levels of vital growth factors, thus instigating a regenerative impetus that facilitates repair in tissues characterized by limited innate healing capabilities. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted facets of PRP, encompassing mechanisms of action, prevailing indications, existing clinical substantiation, safety considerations, and the burgeoning spectrum of potential applications within the domain of skin condition treatments. Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the use of PRP in the field of dermatology Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words “platelet rich plasma”, “prp”, “autologous platelet rich plasma”, “alopecia”, “anti-aging” Results: PRP has a lot of potential in dermatology and its therapeutic uses are growing. Future research should standardize PRP therapy procedures for particular reasons. Summary: The versatile action of PRP has made it the subject of intense research. However, the reports in the literature to date on its use require further studies on larger groups of people to confirm its effects.

Introduction: Cutaneous manifestations linked with internal malignancies can exhibit a wide range of appearances.The ideal paraneoplastic marker is one that exclusively appears with a tumor, vanishes upon tumor treatment, and can potentially reemerge with tumor recurrence or metastasis. They are divided into two main categories: acquired and genetic conditions. Among acquired paraneoplastic syndromes a few are strongly correlated with internal malignancies, others have less pronounced associations. Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the topic of dermatological paraneoplastic syndromes. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words: “paraneoplastic syndromes”, “paraneoplastic dermatoses”, “paraneoplastic syndromes in dermatology”. Results: We presented the most common, selected skin paraneoplastic syndromes. We indicated the types of neoplasms associated with these dermatoses and described their clinical appearance along with potential mechanisms of development. Summary: Timely recognition of paraneoplastic skin manifestations is crucial as they can provide an opportunity for diagnosing and treating the underlying neoplasm. That’s why dermatologists and clinicians should be familiar with this topic to perform an early diagnosis of the underlying malignancy.

Myocarditis (MCI) is a heart pathology characterized by its rare occurrence and a possible fatal course. In the natural history of the disease inflammatory cell infiltrates are present. There are subtypes of MCI depending on the predominant cell type in the biopsy sampls. One of them is eosinophilic myocarditis. In eosinophilic myocarditis more that 50% of the cells are eosinophils. In the later phases of the disease the myocardium is infiltrated by fibrous tissue and the heart vessels are often affected by thrombosis. Cardiomyopathy is a common long-term complication of the MCI. Reported case presents a death of a male neonate. The neonate was delivered by vaginal delivery. Both prenatal development and all the prenatal tests indicated proper development of the fetus. At the delivery the neonate weight was 3900 grams and was evaluated with only 1 point on the Apgar score. Moreover, the neonate presented a complete acute cardiorespiratory failure at birth. Despite the 2 hour-long cardio-pulmonary resuscitation no return of spontaneous circulation was observed. The neonate’s remains were pathologically as well as histologically examined. The microscopic examination of the neonate’s heart samples contained many inflammatory cell infiltrations. Microabscesses with Charcot-Leyden crystals inside were also observed. Furthermore, the presence of atypical, polynuclear cells was noted. On the basis of the morphological image, it was recognized as an eosinophilic MCI.

Introduction and purpose Body composition assessment is an important element in determining the health of the body, which enables us to estimate the percent content of particular tissues in the body. Measured parameters include the amount of adipose tissue, muscle, bone tissue, and hydration. The aim of the study is to present a differentiation of methods of assessing body composition and anthropometric measurements after analysis of 29 scientific publications from Pubmed and Google Scholar.A brief description of the state of knowledgeBioelectrical impedance analysis, densitometry, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and air displacement plethysmography are methods that enable us to assess body composition and hydration. These methods differ from each other in equipment which is used, accuracy, test price, and technique of measurement. The differences in the accuracy of measurements result from the lack of correlation between the methods given. Skinfold thickness, body mass index, waist to hip circumference ratio, and growth charts in children are methods of assessing anthropometric measurements. The research shows the use of individual methods of assessing body composition and methods of anthropometric measurements among different age groups.Conclusions There are many devices and methods for measuring body composition and for anthropometric measurements, which can be used in different age groups. They are important in assessing human growth, development, and health status and can be used in clinical practice.

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) is an extracellular hemoflavoprotein catalyzing the oxidation reaction of β-1,4-glycosidic-bonded sugars (lactose or cellobiose), which results in the formation of aldobionic acids and hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct. The biotechnological application of CDH requires the immobilization of the enzyme on a suitable support. As a carrier of natural origin used for CDH immobilization, chitosan seems to increase the catalytic potential of the enzyme, especially for applications as packaging in the food industry and as a dressing material in medical applications. The present study aimed to immobilize the enzyme on chitosan beads and determine the physicochemical and biological properties of immobilized CDHs obtained from different fungal sources. The chitosan beads with immobilized CDHs were characterized in terms of their FTIR spectra or SEM microstructure. The most effective method of immobilization in the proposed modification was the covalent bonding of enzyme molecules using glutaraldehyde, resulting in efficiencies ranging from 28 to 99%. Very promising results, compared to free CDH, were obtained in the case of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties. Summarizing the obtained data, chitosan seems to be a valuable material for the development of innovative and effective immobilization systems for biomedical applications or food packaging, preserving the unique properties of CDH.

Electric cell–substrate impedance sensing is an advanced in vitro impedance measuring system which uses alternating current to determine behavior of cells in physiological conditions. In this study, we used the abovementioned method for checking the anticancer activities of betulin and betulinic acid, which are some of the most commonly found triterpenes in nature. In our experiment, the threshold concentrations of betulin required to elicit antiproliferative effects, verified by MTT and LDH release methods, were 7.8 µM for breast cancer (T47D), 9.5 µM for lung carcinoma (A549), and 21.3 µM for normal epithelial cells (Vero). The ECIS results revealed the great potential of betulin and betulinic acid’s antitumor properties and their maintenance of cytotoxic substances to the breast cancer T47D line. Moreover, both substances showed a negligible toxic effect on healthy epithelial cells (Vero). Our investigation showed that the ECIS method is a proper alternative to the currently used assay for testing in vitro anticancer activity of compounds, and that it should thus be introduced in cellular routine research. It is also a valuable tool for live-monitoring changes in the morphology and physiology of cells, which translates into the accurate development of anticancer therapies.

Mitochondrial potassium channels control potassium influx into the mitochondrial matrix and thus regulate mitochondrial membrane potential, volume, respiration, and synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been found that pharmacological activation of mitochondrial potassium channels during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury activates cytoprotective mechanisms resulting in increased cell survival. In cancer cells, the inhibition of these channels leads to increased cell death. Therefore, mitochondrial potassium channels are intriguing targets for the development of new pharmacological strategies. In most cases, however, the substances that modulate the mitochondrial potassium channels have a few alternative targets in the cell. This may result in unexpected or unwanted effects induced by these compounds. In our review, we briefly present the various classes of mitochondrial potassium (mitoK) channels and describe the chemical compounds that modulate their activity. We also describe examples of the multidirectional activity of the activators and inhibitors of mitochondrial potassium channels.

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) belongs to the IL-1 family and is produced constitutively by epithelial and endothelial cells of various organs, such as the skin. It takes part in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, repair, and immune response, including activation of Th2 lymphocytes. Its involvement in pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases including psoriasis was also suggested, but this is not fully understood. The aim of the study was to investigate expression of IL-33 and its receptor, ST2, in psoriasis, and the effects of the active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) on their expression in skin cells. Here we examined mRNA and protein profiles of IL-33 and ST2 in 18 psoriatic patients and healthy volunteers by qPCR and immunostaining techniques. Potential effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and its receptor (VDR) on the expression of IL-33 and ST2 were tested in cultured keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts, and basal cell carcinoma cells. It was shown that 1,25(OH)2D3 effectively stimulated expression of IL-33 and its receptor ST2’s mRNAs in a time-dependent manner, in keratinocytes and to the lesser extends in melanocytes, but not in fibroblasts. Furthermore, the effect of vitamin D on expression of IL-33 and ST2 was VDR-dependent. Finally, we demonstrated that the expression of mRNA for IL-33 was mainly elevated in the psoriatic skin but not in its margin. Interestingly, ST2 mRNA was downregulated in psoriatic lesion compared to both marginal tissue as well as healthy skin. Our data indicated that vitamin D can modulate IL-33 signaling, opening up new perspectives for our understanding of the mechanism of vitamin D action in psoriasis therapy.

Zooplankton inhabiting the Hornsund and Kongsfjorden fjords on Spitsbergen (Svalbard) were investigated in summer 2013. The goal of the study was to determine how the zooplankton communities vary in environments functioning under different oceanographic regimes. Sampling was conducted with nets of different mesh size and selectivity (56 μm WP-2, 180 μm MultiNet, and 1000 μm Tucker Trawl), which permitted comparing a wide size spectrum of zooplankton components. Species composition did not differ substantially between the fjords, but the zooplankton in Hornsund was almost two times less numerous, and it had lower biomass per unit volume. The highest abundance at both sites was in the smallest zooplankton size fraction found only in samples taken with 56 μm mesh WP-2 net. These comprised as much as 71% and 58% of the total zooplankton abundance in Hornsund and Kongsfjorden, respectively. The communities in both fjords had comparable contributions of Arctic and boreo-Arctic species biomass in the year of the study. However, the comparison of zooplankton characteristics over several years showed changes in abundance and biogeographic structure that corresponded with variations in the physical environments of the fjords. The results of the study permit predicting the possible effects of the increasing influence of Atlantic waters on zooplankton communities inhabiting Arctic marine pelagic ecosystems.

Introduction. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) assesses the 10-year type 2 diabetes risk in adults by identifying individuals with overweight or obesity, inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, or a family or personal history of hyperglycemia. Aim. The objective of the study was to analyze the effect of personal history of increased (pre-diabetic) venous blood glucose on body weight, waist circumference, the magnitude of arterial pressure, and the total FINDRISC score of randomly selected individuals. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in years 2015/2016 on 190 individuals – 96 women and 94 men. We determined FINDRISC score and measured blood pressure twice. The results were analyzed in STATISTICA 10 at p < 0.05. Results. Interestingly, subjects with personal history of increased blood glucose had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (p=0.03), but not diastolic blood pressure, than subjects with history of normoglycemia. Both waist circumference (p=0.01) and total FINDRISC scores (p

Introduction. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) questionnaire is a screening tool used to estimate the 10-year risk of type 2 diabetes in adults by identifying individuals with overweight or obesity, inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, or a family or personal history of hyperglycemia. Aim. The objective of the study was to analyze the incidence of cigarette smoking in randomly selected individuals screened with FINDRISC scale, and the effect of nicotinism on body weight, waist circumference, the magnitude of arterial pressure, and the total FINDRISC scores. Material and methods. The study was conducted in 2016 in Lublin on 99 individuals – 51 women and 48 men. We determined FINDRISC score and measured blood pressure twice. The results were analyzed in STATISTICA 10 at p < 0.05. Results. Only 12 individuals (12.12% of total 99 subjects; 7 females and 5 males) declared heavy smoking. Surprisingly, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure values, and total FINDRISC values did not significantly differ between heavy smokers and non-smokers. Conclusions. A low incidence of nicotinism in the examined population proves an effectiveness of a public program encouraging to non-smoking. In opposition to common beliefs, nicotinism is not an efficient tool for weight reduction. The diabetes risk seems to be not increased by cigarette smoking; however this result should be confirmed in a study on the larger group of patients.

Should any museum or scientifi c library consider itself as an information technology laboratory? This article explores the lives of several pioneering museum and library projects focused on digital image retrieval techniques (CBIR). The research aims to contribute critical evaluation of museum and information technology domain relations in the fi eld. The outcomes may be applied in the planning of future co-operative endeavours. The analysis begins with a discussion of projects in which a museum or library played the role of data provider for image analysis development and testing (i.e. SWIC, Collage, SHREW systems). This is followed by a study of schemes focused on technology and implementing a standard image search methodology used for access to museum collections (i.e. QBIC, Artiste). The fi nal part of the paper deals with the projects animated by museums or libraries themselves (BSB, Oxford Ballads Online, PrintArt) and the example of a consort that focuses on the specifi c type of visual resources (the Bernstein project). Keywords:

Marine ecosystems in Arctic regions are expected to undergo large changes, driven by sea ice retreat and increasing influence of warmer and saline waters. We examined changes in the hydrography and mesozooplankton from a 14-year long time series in the West Spitsbergen Current during the summer period. The aim was to provide a contemporary description of spatial and temporal variations in the zooplankton community inhabiting the surface layer (0–60 m), over an area extending 6 latitudinal degrees and nearly 20 longitudinal degrees. A total of 296 samples were partitioned into three groups, based on salinity and temperature signatures, representing the western, eastern, and coastal branches of the West Spitsbergen Current. Only the waters of the eastern branch, influenced by north-flowing Atlantic water, showed significant temporal trend in salinity, whereas no significant time trend was found for temperature in any of the three branches in the surface layer studied. Zooplankton biomass generally decreased from south to north in the western and eastern branches, suggesting poleward net loss of zooplankton, whereas relatively constant biomass in the coastal branch was likely sustained by higher production at the shelf break. The biomass remained constant over the study period for all three branches. Four species (Calanus finmarchicus, Calanus glacialis, Calanus hyperboreus, and Eukrohnia hamata) contributed almost 90% of the mesozooplankton biomass in all branches, with C. hyperboreus and C. glacialis being relatively important in the western and coastal branches, respectively. Calanus finmarchicus became increasingly important over time in the eastern branch, almost doubling its biomass and contributing more than 50% of the total biomass at the end of the study period. This increase was not associated with a general tendency toward more mature stages. C. finmarchicus copepodid CV and adults constituted > 80% of this species biomass in the western and eastern branches. In general, the relatively long time series, for Arctic standards, could not confirm expected drastic trends, but showed subtle changes over time overlaid by considerable interannual variability. Given the large inherent variability in zooplankton data, time series extending more than 14 years are needed for assessing trends in the West Spitsbergen Current.

The aim of the study was to investigate mixtures comprising corn distillers dried grain with solubles as a partial replacer for soybean meal (SBM) and different dietary fat sources, in order to determine their effect on the meat quality and fatty acid profile. Thirty-two crossbred fatteners were divided into four groups: I–SBM + rapeseed oil, II–cDDGS + rapeseed oil, III–cDDGS + beef tallow, IV–cDDGS + coconut oil. The experiment took place from 60 to 118 kg. At the end of fattening, all pigs were slaughtered and samples of meat (musculuslongissimus lumborum) were taken. The fatty acid profile, texture, and quality traits were analyzed. Corn DDGS affected drip loss. Beef tallow and coconut oil improved water holding capacity and drip loss and increased fat content, compared to the control group. The dietary fat type affected the fatty acid composition, iodine value, and consequently some quality traits of meat. However, these relationships varied. Fat content in the meat was inversely correlated with shear force and texture parameters, but positively with tenderness and juiciness. The fatty acid profile significantly influenced cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience and sensory traits, which were the most beneficial in meat with higher fat content and higher fat saturation index.

Fully-stoichiometric SmBaCo2-xMnxO6 oxides (x = 0, 0.5, 1) were obtained through the electrochemical oxidation method performed in 1 M KOH solution from starting materials having close to equilibrium oxygen content. Cycling voltammetry scans allow us to recognize the voltage range (0.3−0.55 V vs. Hg/HgO electrode) for which electrochemical oxidation occurs with high efficiency. In a similarly performed galvanostatic experiment, the value of the stabilized voltage recorded during the oxidation increased with higher Mn content, which seems to relate to the electronic structure of the compounds. Results of the iodometric titration and thermogravimetric analysis prove that the proposed technique allows for an increase in the oxygen content in SmBaCo2-xMnxO5+δ materials to values close to 6 (δ ≈ 1). While the expected significant enhancement of the total conductivity was observed for the oxidized samples, surprisingly, their crystal structure only underwent slight modification. This can be interpreted as due to the unique nature of the oxygen intercalation process at room temperature.

Introduction. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) assesses the 10-year type 2 diabetes risk in adults by identifying individuals with overweight or obesity, inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, or a family or personal history of hyperglycaemia. Aim. The objective of the study was to analyse the effect of FINDRISC components, particularly overweight/obesity, on the total FINDRISC score of randomly selected individuals. Material and methods. The study was conducted in 2015 on 91 individuals – 45 women and 46 men. We determined FINDRISC score and measured blood pressure twice. The results were analysed in STATISTICA 10 at p = 30 kg/m2); 25 (27.47%) had high waist circumference (M: 94–102 cm; F: 80–88 cm) and 24 (26.37%) abdominal obesity (M: > 102 cm; F: > 88 cm). Individuals with overweight/obesity, high waist circumference or abdominal obesity had significantly higher FINDRISC scores than those with normal body weight and waist circumference. Obese individuals showed a strong tendency (p = 0.06) towards higher FINDRISC scores than overweight individuals, but no similar difference was noted between high waist circumference and abdominal obesity. Overweight and obese subjects had significantly higher blood pressure, but with no difference between them. Individuals with abdominal obesity, but not those with high waist circumference, had significantly higher blood pressure. Conclusions. Diabetes risk is increased by high waist circumference, but does not continue to increase with waist circumference, whereas in the case of BMI the risk gradually increases. BMI influences blood pressure more than waist circumference does.

The implementation of the European Union Water Framework Directiverequired a number of tasks to be fulfilled: classifying the variouswater bodies into different types, defining reference conditionsfor each of the types and assessing their ecological qualitystatus - this last is based on biological, hydromorphologicaland physicochemical quality elements of the ecosystem.The paper presents an attempt to estimate reference values inselected areas of Polish coastal and transitional watersas well as in an open sea area following WFD principles.The preliminary eutrophication assessment showed all the assessedareas to be eutrophication problem areas.

New records of Cercopagis pengoi (Cladocera, Crustacea) are reported for the first time from the central and western part of the Polish zone of the Baltic Sea.