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Opowiadanie Ōishi Kuranosuke pewnego dnia (japoński tytuł: Aru hi no Ōishi Kuranosuke) Akutagawa Ryūnosuke ukończył prawdopodobnie 15 sierpnia 1917 roku (taka data została umieszczona na końcu opowiadania) i opublikował wkrótce potem, we wrześniowym numerze miesięcznika „Chūō Kōron”. Spotkało się ono z bardzo pozytywnym w większości odbiorem i niektórzy z krytyków opisywali je wówczas jako jego najlepszy utwór; później było wielokrotnie publikowane w zbiorach opowiadań Akutagawy.Tytułowy Ōishi Kuranosuke (1659–1703, właściwie Ōishi Yoshio, a w opowiadaniu imię odczytywane jest Yoshikatsu) był bohaterem najsłynniejszej japońskiej historii wendetty: przywódcą grupy czterdziestu siedmiu roninów z hanu (księstwa feudalnego) Akō, którzy 14 grudnia 1702 roku pomścili śmierć swojego pana, Asano Naganori (1667–1701). Rok wcześniej siogun powierzył panu Asano obowiązek przygotowania do podjęcia posła cesarskiego. Nieobeznanemu z etykietą Asano miał pomagać mistrz ceremonii, Kira Yoshinaka (1641–1703), który jednak obraził go publicznie; wtedy rozgniewany Asano zaatakował go, ale nie zabił. Wyjmowanie miecza w pałacu sioguna było zakazane i tego samego dnia pan Asano został skazany na śmierć przez rozcięcie brzucha, seppuku. Jego ziemie zostały skonfiskowane, a wasale stali się roninami, bezpańskimi samurajami. Uważając, że wszystko to jest winą Kiry, podwładni pana Asano pod przewodnictwem Ōishiego zaplanowali zemstę, najpierw jednak musieli uśpić czujność i władz siogunatu (samowolne dokonywanie zemsty nie było dozwolone), i samego Kiry, dlatego też przez dłuższy czas udawali, że wszelka myśl o mszczeniu się jest im obca. Szczególnie znana jest rola Ōishiego, który udawał, że całkowicie pogrążył się w hulankach i zabawach z gejszami. Gdy nadeszła sposobna chwila, roninowie zabili Kirę, zanieśli jego głowę na grób swojego pana, do świątyni Sengakuji, a następnie oddali się w ręce władz. Ich poczynania wzbudziły powszechne zainteresowanie i przez wielu były uznawane za jak najsłuszniejsze z punktu widzenia kodeksu honorowego, bushidō. Siogunat ostatecznie skazał ich na śmierć, była to jednak śmierć honorowa, gdyż przez popełnienie seppuku.Wierność i oddanie czterdziestu siedmiu roninów sprawiły, że byli nazywani Akō gishi – „sprawiedliwymi mężami z Akō”. Ich historia stała się od razu tematem licznych sztuk teatralnych, opowieści pisanych prozą, przedstawień graficznych, a współcześnie filmów, powieści, a nawet opery. Oprócz fikcji powstało też wiele dzieł biograficzno-dokumentalnych, które wykorzystywały między innymi zapiski pozostawione przez niektórych uczestników lub obserwatorów wydarzeń (na przykład przez wspominanego w opowiadaniu Den’emona).We wczesnym okresie twórczości Akutagawa chętnie sięgał do motywów czy postaci historycznych lub wątków z literatury klasycznej (na przykład opowiadania Nos 1916, Piekieł wizerunek niezwykły 1918). Poddawał je reinterpretacji, swobodnie rozwijał, oferował swoisty wgląd w dusze bohaterów, tak że można powiedzieć, że tworzył własne postaci na podstawie tych historycznych. I tak właśnie jest w opowiadaniu Ōishi Kuranosuke pewnego dnia, gdzie przedstawia swoją własną, trochę przewrotną, interpretację psychiki znanego wszystkim bohatera, śledząc jego myśli w jeden ze spokojnych dni po dokonaniu zemsty.

Abstract The study assessed selected parameters of redox status in the plasma of patients suffering from high myopia (HM). Thirty-five children with mean age 13.7 ± 2.7 years with HM and 40 healthy children were included. Plasma redox status parameters were determined using colorimetric kits. The levels of retinol, α-tocopherol and coenzyme Q10 were determined with a high-performance liquid chromatograph. Negative correlations were observed between the concentrations of retinol and the axial length of the eye (r = − 0.514 p 26 mm compared to controls were established. Significantly lower retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were found in patients with the axial length of the eye > 26 mm compared to those with the axial length of the eye ≤ 26 mm (p

Abstract Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical condition characterized by progressive renal function deterioration. CKD diagnosis is based on glomerular filtration rate, but its reliability is limited, especially at the early stages. New potential biomarkers (citrulline (CIT), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), n-butyrylcarnitine (nC4), cis-4-decenoylcarnitine, sphingosine-1-phosphate and bilirubin) in addition to creatinine (CNN) have been proposed for early diagnosis. To verify the clinical value of these biomarkers we performed a comprehensive targeted metabolomics study on a representative cohort of CKD and healthy pediatric patients. Sixty-seven children with CKD and forty-five healthy children have been enrolled in the study. Targeted metabolomics based on liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry has been used for serum and plasma samples analysis. Univariate data analysis showed statistically significant differences (p

Background The COVID-19 disease has a negative impact on the psychophysiological health of populations worldwide, including a decrease in overall physical performance and an increase in fatigue. Fatigue was one of the main symptoms reported by patients and persisted for several weeks after infection with COVID-19. Although the phenomenon of fatigue is still poorly understood, physical activity can be a supportive factor in combating feelings of fatigue and lack of energy. The purpose of this research was to assess the physical activity (PA) and fatigue levels of teachers in Poland and the United Kingdom in the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods The online research was carried out among 410 teachers from Poland and the United Kingdom. The PA level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The level of fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Results Polish teachers, regardless of sex, are more physically active (the differences relate mainly to walking and moderate activity). When assessing the level of fatigue, there is a significant difference between men and women – the former indicate a higher degree of fatigue, with the difference between the sexes being particularly large in the Polish community. Quite clearly, there is an association between less activity (except walking) and more fatigue. All models show a statistically significant effect of total fatigue on total effort. Physical activity is not very strongly correlated with age but the level of fatigue increases with age. Conclusions The problem of teacher fatigue is unfortunately widespread. They should be encouraged to engage in as much PA as possible during the day. When planning and targeting fatigue reduction campaigns, PA should be encouraged and variables such as age, sex should be taken into account. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2):103–112

Abstract Nitrosative stress promotes protein glycoxidation, and both processes can occur during an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess selected nitrosative stress parameters and protein glycoxidation products in COVID-19 patients and convalescents relative to healthy subjects, including in reference to the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. The diagnostic utility of nitrosative stress and protein glycoxidation biomarkers was also evaluated in COVID-19 patients. The study involved 218 patients with COVID-19, 69 convalescents, and 48 healthy subjects. Nitrosative stress parameters (NO, S-nitrosothiols, nitrotyrosine) and protein glycoxidation products (tryptophan, kynurenine, N-formylkynurenine, dityrosine, AGEs) were measured in the blood plasma or serum with the use of colorimetric/fluorometric methods. The levels of NO (p = 0.0480), S-nitrosothiols (p = 0.0004), nitrotyrosine (p = 0.0175), kynurenine (p

Disturbances in pro/antioxidant balance emerge as a crucial element in bipolar disorder (BD). Some studies suggest that treatment effects on trace element concentration in BD. This study aimed to identify (a) the changes related to oxidative stress in BD and their relationship with trace elements engaged in pro/antioxidant homeostasis; (b) BD biomarkers using machine learning algorithm classification and regression tree (C&RT) analysis. 62 individuals with BD and 40 healthy individuals (HC) were included in the study. The concentration of pro/antioxidant state and concentration of selenium, zinc, arsenic in blood were assessed. We found a higher concentration of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, advanced oxidation protein products and a lower concentration of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in BD compared to HC. All examined trace elements were lower in the BD group compared to HC. A combination of two variables, 4-HNE (cut-off: ≤ 0.004 uM/mg protein) and GPx (cut-off: ≤ 0.485 U/mg protein), was the most promising markers for separating the BD from the HC. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for C&RT was 90.5%. Disturbances in the pro/antioxidant state and concentration of trace elements of patients with BD may be a target for new therapeutic or diagnostic opportunity of BD biomarkers.

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

Objective: Smoking is the cause of numerous oral pathologies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of smoking traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heat-not-burn products on the content of salivary cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in healthy young adults.Design: Three groups of twenty-five smokers each as well as a control group matched in terms of age, gender, and oral status were enrolled in the study. In unstimulated saliva collected from study groups and participants from the control group, the concentrations of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were assessed by Bio-Plex® Multiplex System.Results: We demonstrated that smoking traditional cigarettes is responsible for increasing the level of IFN-γ compared to non-smokers and new smoking devices users in unstimulated saliva in the initial period of addiction. Furthermore, e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products appear to have a similar mechanism of affecting the immune response system of unstimulated saliva, leading to inhibition of the local inflammatory response in the oral cavity.Conclusion: Smoking traditional cigarettes as well as e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products is responsible for changes of the local immune response in saliva. Further research is necessary to fill the gap in knowledge on the effect of new smoking devices on the oral cavity immune system.

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress parameters in individuals with depression and schizophrenia, considering gender differences, and manifesting suicidal behavior, encompassing thoughts without a tendency to be realized, thoughts with a tendency to be realized, and suicide attempts.MethodsFrom among the patients from Department of Psychiatry 120 individuals were selected who met the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria for the study. In the initial phase of the project, patients eligible for the study underwent the M.I.N.I 7.0.2 questionnaire (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Subsequently, in the second phase of the research, venous blood samples were collected from the patients for the purpose of conducting biochemical assessments, focusing on oxidative stress parameters.ResultsThe obtained results suggest that redox biomarkers, namely TOS (total oxidation state) and OSI (TOS/TAC ratio), in the blood plasma of women increase in tandem with the severity of suicidal behavior. No notable alterations in SOD (Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), and GSH (reduced glutathione) concentrations and activity were noted between groups exhibiting suicidal behavior. The observed variations in the concentrations and activity of antioxidant parameters were significant solely in comparison to the control group.ConclusionsRedox biomarkers TOS and OSI could prove valuable in diagnosing women at a genuine risk of committing suicide. On the other hand, antioxidant parameters – SOD, GPx, and GSH may be instrumental in identifying patients with suicidal behaviors, without specifying their intensity.

An important drug used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is amantadine. We are the first to perform a comprehensive study based on various glycation and oxidation factors, determining the impact of amantadine on protein glycoxidation. Sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose) and aldehydes (glyoxal, methylglyoxal) were used as glycation agents, and chloramine T was used as an oxidant. Glycoxidation biomarkers in albumin treated with amantadine were generally not different from the control group (glycation/oxidation factors), indicating that the drug did not affect oxidation and glycation processes. Molecular docking analysis did not reveal strong binding sites of amantadine on the bovine serum albumin structure. Although amantadine poorly scavenged hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide, it had significantly lower antioxidant and antiglycation effect than all protein oxidation and glycation inhibitors. In some cases, amantadine even demonstrated glycoxidant, proglycation, and prooxidant properties. In summary, amantadine exhibited weak antioxidant properties and a lack of antiglycation activity.

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

Objectives The aim of the research was to explore the potential of the concept of work in the activity-based working (ABW) environment, including its impact on stress, back pain and psychomedical parameters of employees subjected to and not subject to relocation. Material and Methods The data of 396 employees of both sexes were analyzed. The study used standardized psychological questionnaires to measure the level of perceived stress ( Perceived Stress Scale ), the level of readiness for change ( Readiness for Change Questionnaire ), the severity of health behaviors ( Health Behavior Inventory ) and the level of general self-efficacy ( General Self-Efficacy Scale ). The set included questionnaires measuring the level of knowledge of occupational health and safety rules and the frequency of back pain. Results In the group of people whose workplace was moved to another building (in accordance with the concept), the relationship between the level of stress and selected variables: age, sense of generalized self-efficacy was checked. A significant negative correlation between the level of stress and age was confirmed (ρ = –0.16, p = 0.023), meaning a decrease in the level of stress with age. The level of stress correlated positively with the sense of efficacy (ρ = 0.21, p = 0.003), which means, the higher the sense of effectiveness, the higher the level of stress. In addition, it was confirmed that the level of stress in the group of people changing their location differed significantly from the general population. Conclusions Work in the ABW concept can contribute to the improvement of interpersonal communication and facilitate the social integration of employees and better evaluation of work in this model. Work in concept has not been shown to be a protective factor against back pain in people with obesity. It was confirmed that in people relocated from traditional office to office in the concept, relocation was associated with stress, but also with a greater sense of self-efficacy. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(4):526–40

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic additive (PA) in broiler chickens’ diet on production, physiochemical parameters, and the profile of volatile organic compounds present in broiler chickens’ meat. The experiment was conducted in a commercial chicken house, where Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into two groups, each consisting of 65,000 broilers. One group was fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm of PA throughout the rearing period. The primary chemical composition of the meat and its physicochemical parameters were determined. A visual assessment of breast muscles for defects and volatile organic compounds were evaluated using an electronic nose system. No statistically significant differences were shown in the production performance of the chickens; while summarizing all production parameters, a higher EPEF index of 31 points in the experimental group was highlighted. Breast muscle quality showed differences in drip loss and WHC (p ≤ 0.01) in favor of the experimental group, and a lower cutting force value (p ≤ 0.05) was found for breast muscles from the experimental group. The group also had a lower proportion of muscles with a white striping defect, and the results of volatile organic compound profiling showed the most aroma units.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common childhood dermatological diseases. Its characteristic clinical feature is intractable pruritus, which causes an urge to scratch the skin, and the occurrence of skin lesions which are typical in their morphology and location. It is characterised by its chronicity, difficulty of treatment and numerous psychosocial consequences which affect not only the patient, but also all family members. The child’s severe pruritus and visible skin lesions result in sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, difficulties in intra- and extra-familial relationships or problems in the family’s financial situation. The effectiveness of treatment provided is highly dependent on the parents’ commitment, knowledge and skills, as well as their mental condition. Caring for a child with AD is demanding and disrupts many aspects concerning the quality of family life. This article addresses the impact of AD on child and family functioning and the burden of the disease.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by periods of remission and subsequent relapses typically provoked by environmental factors. Eruptions located on the face are easily visible and may be difficult to conceal, which leads to a decrease in patients’ self-esteem, quality of life, and general well-being. Since the aetiology of rosacea is multifactorial and not entirely understood, and the clinical characteristics and course of the disease are heterogeneous, therapy may be challenging. While a complete cure is not possible, in the majority of cases clinical improvement and long-term remission are satisfying both to the patient and physician. In recent years, the therapeutic approach has been significantly modified. Currently, the focus is placed on the need to personalise the treatment process and adapt it to the patients’ phenotypic characteristics. Combination therapies and new variants of existing topical and systemic drugs are increasingly being recommended. The mainstays of therapy are antiinflammatory agents. Proper skin care – along with the identification and avoidance of factors known to trigger consecutive episodes of rosacea – are also essential.

AbstractBackground This study aimed to evaluate the redox status, antioxidant barrier, and oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA in patients with gastric cancer (GC). We are also the first to assess the diagnostic utility of redox parameters in patients with GC with respect to histopathological parameters.Methods Fifty patients with gastric cancer and 50 healthy controls matched for sex and age were included in the study. The antioxidant barrier, redox status, and oxidative damage products were measured in serum/plasma samples using colorimetric or spectrophotometric methods.Results The activity of superoxide dismutase – SOD (p

Introduction: Glycoxidative stress is essential for linking glucose disturbances and cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, contemporary antidiabetic drugs do not have an antiglycative effect but only lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, there is an intense search for substances that could inhibit protein glycation and prevent diabetic complications. A potential antioxidant activity has been demonstrated with verapamil, a phenylalkylamine derivative belonging to selective calcium channel blockers. Verapamil has a well-established position in cardiology due to its wide range of indications and good safety profile. Nevertheless, the antidiabetic activity of verapamil is still unclear. We are the first to comprehensively evaluate the verapamil’s effect on protein glycoxidation using various in vitro and in silico models.Methods: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used to assess the rate of glycoxidation inhibition by verapamil. As glycating factors, sugars (glucose, fructose, and ribose) and aldehyde (glyoxal) were used. Chloramine T was used as an oxidizing agent. Aminoguanidine (protein glycation inhibitor) and Trolox (antioxidant) were used as control substances. The biomarkers of oxidation (total thiols, protein carbonyls, advanced oxidation protein products), glycation (Amadori products, β-amyloid, advanced glycation end products [AGEs]), and glycoxidation (tryptophan, kynurenine, N-formylkynurenine, dityrosine) were evaluated using colorimetric and fluorimetric methods. The mechanism of antiglycative activity of verapamil was assessed using in silico docking to study its interaction with BSA, glycosidases, and seventeen AGE pathway proteins.Results: In all in vitro models, biomarkers of protein glycation, oxidation, and glycoxidation were significantly ameliorated under the influence of verapamil. The glycoxidation inhibition rate by verapamil is comparable to that of potent antiglycating agents and antioxidants. The molecular docking simulations showed that verapamil bound preferentially to amino acids prone to glycoxidative damage out of an α-glucosidase’s active center. Among all AGE pathway proteins, verapamil was best docked with the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).Discussion: The results of our study confirm the antiglycoxidant properties of verapamil. The drug’s action is comparable to recognized substances protecting against oxidative and glycation modifications. Verapamil may be particularly helpful in patients with cardiovascular disease and concomitant diabetes. Studies in animal models and humans are needed to confirm verapamil’s antiglycative/antidiabetic activity.

W badaniu analizowano, czy inteligencja różnicuje kompetencje społeczne (w samoocenie i ocenie innych), cenienie wartości oraz związki między cenieniem wartości a kompetencjami społecznymi. 56 członków stowarzyszenia Mensa Polska oraz 57 osób z grupy kontrolnej wypełniło on-line kwestionariusz PVQ-RR (wartości) i kwestionariusz PROKOS (samoocena kompetencji). Kompetencje badanych oszacowali on-line także ich znajomi za pomocą zmodyfikowanej wersji kwestionariusza PROKOS. Członkowie Mensy niżej oceniali swoje kompetencje kooperacyjne, a na poziomie trendu także społecznikowskie, a wyżej asertywne niż grupa kontrolna, ale nie było żadnych różnic w ocenach dokonanych przez innych. Wśród członków Mensy samooceny kompetencji (z wyjątkiem kompetencji towarzyskich i asertywnych) były niższe niż oceny rówieśników. Członkowie Mensy istotnie słabiej identyfikowali się z uniwersalnymi wartościami i niżej cenili wartości społeczne niż grupa kontrolna. W grupie kontrolnej samoocena kompetencji była powiązana z wartościami skoncentrowanymi na innych oraz na sobie. Wśród członków Mensy wartości nie korelowały z samooceną kompetencji.

BackgroundNitrosative stress leads to protein glycoxidation, but both processes may be strongly related to the cancer development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the nitrosative stress and protein glycoxidation products in patients with gastric cancer in comparison with healthy controls. We are also the first to evaluate the diagnostic utility of nitrosative stress and protein glycoxidation markers in gastric cancer patients in respect to histopathological classifications (TNM, Lauren’s and Goseki’s classification) and histopathological parameters such as histological type, histological differentiation grade, presence of vascular or neural invasion, desmoplasia and Helicobacter pylori infection.MethodsThe study included 50 patients with gastric cancer and 50 healthy controls matched for sex and age. Nitrosative stress parameters and protein glycoxidation products were measured colorimetrically/fluorometrically in plasma or serum samples. Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test were used for statistical analysis.ResultsNO, S-nitrosothiols, nitrotyrosine, kynurenine, N-formylkynurenine, dityrosine, AGE and Amadori products were significantly increased whereas tryptophan fluorescence was decreased in patients with gastric cancer compared to the healthy control. Nitrosative stress and glycoxidation products may be useful in diagnosis of gastric cancer because they differentiate patients with gastric cancer from healthy individuals with high sensitivity and specificity. Some of the determined parameters are characterised by high AUC value in differentiation of GC patients according to the histopathological parameters.ConclusionsGastric cancer is associated with enhanced circulating nitrosative stress and protein glycation. Although further research on a tissue model is needed, plasma/serum biomarkers may be dependent on tumour size, histological type, tumour invasion depth, presence of lymph node and distant metastasis, vascular and neural invasion and Helicobacter pylori infection. Thus, circulating biomarkers of nitrosative stress/protein glycoxidation may have potential diagnostic significance in gastric cancer patients.

Ovarian cancer (OC) has emerged as the leading cause of death due to gynecological malignancies among women. Oxidative stress and metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to influence signaling pathways and afflict the progression of carcinogenesis. Therefore, the assessment of matrix-remodeling and oxidative stress intensity can determine the degree of cellular injury and often the severity of redox-mediated chemoresistance. The study group comprised 27 patients with serous OC of which 18% were classified as Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages I/II, while the rest were diagnosed grades III/IV. The control group comprised of 15 ovarian tissue samples. The results were compared with genetic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Nitro-oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis biomarkers were measured colorimetrically/fluorometrically or via real-time PCR in the primary ovarian tumor and healthy tissue. Stratification of patients according to FIGO stages revealed that high-grade carcinoma exhibited substantial alterations in redox balance, including the accumulation of protein glycoxidation and lipid peroxidation products. TCGA data demonstrated only limited prognostic usefulness of the studied genes. In conclusion, high-grade serous OC is associated with enhanced tissue oxidative/nitrosative stress and macromolecule damage that could not be overridden by the simultaneously augmented measures of antioxidant defense. Therefore, it can be assumed that tumor cells acquire adaptive mechanisms that enable them to withstand the potential toxic effects of elevated reactive oxygen species.

Rosacea is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory, but not infectious, skin disease. The prevalence of rosacea is relatively high in the adult population of Northern Europe. Its characteristic symptoms include recurrent flushing, erythema, telangiectasia, papules and pustules, localized on cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. At present, four, not mutually exclusive subtypes of acne are classified: erythematotelangiectatic, maculopapular, hypertrophic and ocular. The clinical presentation of this dermatosis is heterogeneous. Clinical symptoms and their severity may vary individually. For this reason, treatment should be individualized and take into consideration the type of cutaneous lesions, presence of comorbidities, patient’s occupation, impact of the disease on the quality of life, and patient’s preferences. In addition to topical and systemic medications, adequate skin care is important.

IntroductionAgomelatine is an atypical antidepressant drug enhancing norepinephrine and dopamine liberation; nevertheless, additional mechanisms are considered for the drug's pharmacological action. Since protein glycoxidation plays a crucial role in depression pathogenesis, agomelatine's impact on carbonyl/oxidative stress was the research purpose.MethodsReactive oxygen species scavenging (hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrogen oxide) and antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and ferrous ion chelating assays) of agomelatine were marked. Agomelatine's antiglycoxidation properties were assayed in sugars (glucose, fructose, and galactose) and aldehydes- (glyoxal and methylglyoxal) glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA). Aminoguanidine and α-lipoic acid were used as standard glycation/oxidation inhibitors.ResultsAgomelatine did not show meaningful scavenging/antioxidant capacity vs. standards. Sugars/aldehydes increased glycation (↑kynurenine, ↑N-formylkynurenine, ↑dityrosine, ↑advanced glycation end products, and ↑β-amyloid) and oxidation (↑protein carbonyls and ↑advanced oxidation protein products) parameters in addition to BSA. Standards restored BSA baselines of glycation and oxidation markers, unlike agomelatine which sometimes even intensifies glycation above BSA + glycators levels. Molecular docking analysis of agomelatine in BSA demonstrated its very weak binding affinity.DiscussionAgomelatine's very low affinity to the BSA could proclaim non-specific bonding and simplify attachment of glycation factors. Thereby, the drug may stimulate brain adaptation to carbonyl/oxidative stress as the systematic review indicates. Moreover, the drug's active metabolites could exert an antiglycoxidative effect.

Photodynamic therapy using delta-aminolevulinic acid is considered a promising option in the treatment of oral lichen planus. In the present work, three emulgel compositions prepared from natural polysaccharide gums, tragacanth, xanthan and gellan, were preliminarily tested for oromucosal delivery of delta-aminolevulinic acid. Apart from cytotoxicity studies in two gingival cell lines, the precise goal was to investigate whether the presence of the drug altered the rheological and mucoadhesive behavior of applied gelling agents and to examine how dilution with saliva fluid influenced the retention of the designed emulgels by oromucosal tissue. Ex vivo mucoadhesive studies revealed that a combination of xanthan and gellan gum enhanced carrier retention by buccal tissue even upon dilution with the saliva. In turn, the incorporation of delta-aminolevulinic acid favored interactions with mucosal tissue, particularly formulations comprised of tragacanth. The designed preparations had no significant impact on the cell viability after a 24 h incubation in the tested concentration range. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that tragacanth-based and gellan/xanthan-based emulgels might exert a protective effect on the metabolic activity of human gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Overall, the presented data show the potential of designed emulgels as oromucosal platforms for delta-aminolevulinic acid delivery.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease significantly affecting patients’ and their parents’ lives. Mothers are mostly responsible for the long-term treatment and their wellbeing is essential. The major objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between atopic dermatitis in children, especially concomitant itch, and the quality of life, stress, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression of their mothers. The study included 88 mothers of children with atopic dermatitis and 52 mothers of children without atopic dermatitis. All mothers completed sociodemographic questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Athens Insomnia Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Additionally, mothers of children with atopic dermatitis filled in the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index. The severity of atopic dermatitis and pruritus intensity were evaluated by the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index and the Numerical Rating Scale, respectively. The severity of atopic dermatitis and itch significantly correlated with the quality of life, insomnia, and perceived stress of the mothers. Mothers whose children had had atopic dermatitis for more than 6 months had significantly higher scores of anxiety and depression. The results highlight the importance of screening mothers for functional impairment to provide adequate support. More attention should be directed to the standardization of stepped care interventions addressing factors resulting in the impaired functioning of mothers.

A complete blood count (CBC) is a routinely performed blood examination. Only a few studies assess the relationship between CBC and oxidative stress (OS) in schizophrenia (SZ). The aim of the study was to assess the utility of CBC in the prediction of SZ diagnosis, and the relationship between CBC and OS. The study included: 47 individuals with the first episode of psychosis (26 drug-naive: FEP-nt; 21 patients under antipsychotic treatment: FEP-t) and 30 healthy persons (control group, HC). CBC and oxidative stress-related parameters were assessed in blood samples. The FEP group had higher levels of WBC, MCHC, NEU, MONO, EOZ, BASO, and %EOZ compared to HC (p

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

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. HF results not only in cardiovascular dysfunction, but also numerous pathologies in the oral cavity and salivary glands. The present study is the first to evaluate whether salivary inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors may be related with the occurrence of hyposalivation in HF patients. We also evaluated the potential of salivary biomarkers in the diagnostics of HF. The study included 30 women with HF and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. We demonstrated significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, Th1, Th2, Th17, chemokines and growth factors in unstimulated saliva of HF patients compared to controls. However, the results do not indicate dominance of either branch of the immune response. The concentration of selected biomarkers is significantly higher in patients with HF and salivary gland dysfunction compared to patients with normal saliva secretion and healthy subjects (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-7, IL-13, INF-γ, IL-12, IL-15, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-17, MCP-1/CCL-2, EOTAXIN/CCL11, RANTES/CCL5, GM-CSF, VEGF, FGF basic, PDFG-BB). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the content of salivary cytokines, chemokines and growth factors is highly dependent on salivary gland function, i.e. salivary flow rate, total protein content and amylase activity. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we showed that salivary TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-12 and EOTAXIN/CCL11 differentiated patients with HF and hyposalivation with the highest sensitivity and specificity compared to patients with normal salivary secretion and controls. Interestingly, the content of some pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in saliva significantly exceeds their concentration in plasma. In addition, salivary biomarker levels do not reflect their plasma content, which may suggest a different nature/severity of inflammatory changes at the central (blood) and local (salivary) levels. Although our study was purely observational, the significantly higher concentration of inflammatory parameters in saliva compared to plasma, as well as the lack of saliva-blood correlation, may suggest increased production/secretion of these compounds in salivary cells of HF patients. ROC analysis did not confirm the diagnostic utility of salivary cytokines and chemokines in the differential diagnosis of HF patients.

Background: Histamine H2 receptor antagonists are a group of drugs that inhibit gastric juice secretion in gastrointestinal diseases. However, there is evidence to suggest that H2 blockers have a broader spectrum of activity. The antioxidant properties of H2 blockers have not been fully elucidated, and their anti-glycation potential has not been studied to date. Therefore, this is the first study to compare the antioxidant and antiglycation potentials of the most popular H2 antagonists (ranitidine, cimetidine, and famotidine) on protein glycoxidation in vitro. Methods: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was glycated using sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose, and ribose) as well as aldehydes (glyoxal and methylglyoxal). Results: In the analyzed group of drugs, ranitidine was the only H2 blocker that significantly inhibited BSA glycation in all tested models. The contents of protein carbonyls, protein glycoxidation products (↓dityrosine, ↓N-formylkynurenine), and early (↓Amadori products) and late-stage (↓AGEs) protein glycation products decreased in samples of glycated BSA with the addition of ranitidine relative to BSA with the addition of the glycating agents. The anti-glycation potential of ranitidine was comparable to those of aminoguanidine and Trolox. In the molecular docking analysis, ranitidine was characterized by the lowest binding energy for BSA sites and could compete with protein amino groups for the addition of carbonyl groups. H2 blockers also scavenge free radicals. The strongest antioxidant properties are found in ranitidine, which additionally has the ability to bind transition metal ions. The systematic literature review also revealed that the anti-glycation effects of ranitidine could be attributed to its antioxidant properties. Conclusions: Ranitidine showed anti-glycation and antioxidant properties. Further research is needed, particularly in patients with diseases that promote protein glycation.

Duckweed is a plant with high phytoremediation abilities, which is why it is used in the process of cleaning the aquatic environment. The present study aimed to determine the effect of various concentrations of pig slurry added to the growth media used to produce duckweed (Lemna minor) (laboratory Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW) (experimental groups 1–9, pig slurry concentration (%): 1—2.00, 2—1.50, 3—1.00, 4—0.75, 5—0.50, 6—0.25, 7—0.12, 8—0.06, 9—0.03, control group 0—0.00). The contents of nutrients in the growth media could be classified as high (gr. 1–3), optimal (gr. 4–6), and deficient (gr. 7–9). Analyses were conducted for duckweed yield and growth medium parameters (pig slurry concentration, pH, salinity, temperature, TDS, and EC) on days 0, 10, 20, and 30 of the experiment. No growth or poor growth of duckweed were noted in groups 1, 6–9, and 0. In turn, satisfactory yields of duckweed green mass were recorded in groups 3–5, which allowed choosing them for further observations and analyses, including proximate composition (including protein content); contents of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Al, Cr, and α-tocopherol; and carotenoids—β-carotene, α-carotene, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, amino acids, fatty acids as well as N-NH4 and N-NO3. The plant material had an acceptable proximate composition and nutritionally safe analyzed component contents. Appropriate, stable growth medium conditions allowed the production of satisfactory duckweed yields. The study results allowed us to conclude that it is feasible to obtain feed material meeting basic quality standards by maintaining a closed circuit of duckweed culture, and use in the agricultural environment is possible through harnessing pig slurry for its production and ensuring its optimal growth conditions.

Abstract Background For older adults, life satisfaction and depressive symptoms are related to quality of life. In this group of society, life satisfaction is particularly associated with the emotional area. The notion of life satisfaction is related to many factors, such as personality traits, moods and various life events, and poses challenges in various aspects of everyday life. Given that mental health is one of the determinants of the quality of life of older adults, it is reasonable to conduct research among this growing group of the population. The aim of this study was to assess life satisfaction and depressive symptoms in mentally active older adults in Poland. Methods The study covered 125 attendees at the University of Healthy Senior (UHS) and 125 auditing students at the University of Psychogeriatric Prophylaxis (UPP), organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Medical University of Bialystok, of whom 78.3% were female and 21.7% male. The study was conducted using four standardised scales: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Beck Depression Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results Seniors who participated in the study were satisfied with their lives; the average SWLS score was 23 points. Men rated their level of satisfaction higher than women: the median score on the SWLS was 26 points for men and 23 points for women. Life satisfaction and mental disorders did not differ on the basis of sex, age, or education (the type of place of education attended). As the level of depression increased, life satisfaction decreased. Statistically significant correlations of average strength were found between the point values of the four measures of depression under consideration and were evenly distributed from 0.57 to 0.69. Conclusions The high level of life satisfaction and a low level of mental disorders should be maintained in this population, and additional educational activities should be organised among seniors on a large scale. There were no differences in the distribution of psychometric measure scores among the three compared age groups of respondents in this study. Each of the questionnaires used measured of different aspects of depressive conditions, and it is worth using them in parallel rather than interchangeably.

Abstract Inflammation plays a crucial role in stroke pathogenesis. Thus, it is not surprising that cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors have been advocated in stroke diagnostics. Our study is the first to evaluate the salivary cytokine profile in patients with ischemic stroke. Twenty-five patients with subacute ischemic stroke and an age-, sex-, and oral hygiene status-matched control group were enrolled in the study. The number of patients was set a priori based on our previous experiment (α = 0.05, test power = 0.9). Salivary concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were assessed using an ELISA method. We showed that salivary TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly higher, whereas IL-10 content was statistically lower in both non-stimulated (NWS) and stimulated (SWS) whole saliva of ischemic stroke patients. However, evaluation of cytokines in NWS rather than in SWS may be of greater diagnostic value. Of particular note is salivary TNF-α, which may indicate cognitive/physical impairment in post-stroke individuals. This parameter distinguishes stroke patients from healthy controls and correlates with cognitive decline and severity of functional impairment. It also differentiates (with high sensitivity and specificity) stroke patients with normal cognition from mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Saliva may be an alternative to blood for assessing cytokines in stroke patients, although further studies on a larger patient population are needed.

The aim of the study was to assess the total antioxidant/oxidant status in the plasma and urine of patients with adrenal tumors. The study group consisted of 60 patients (31 women and 29 men) with adrenal masses, classified into three subgroups: non-functional incidentaloma, pheochromocytoma and Cushing’s/Conn’s adenoma. The number of patients was set a priori based on our previous experiment (α = 0.05, test power = 0.9). Antioxidant activity (Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI)) and antiradical activity (Radical-Scavenging Activity Assay (DPPH), Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP)) were measured using colorimetric methods. FRAP level was decreased in plasma and urine incidentaloma (p

Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common mononeuropathy that causes median nerve damage at the level of the carpal tunnel. Wrist overload associated with repeated fast movements, often requiring the forced position of the body which loads the wrist joints, is considered to be the most important cause in the formation of CTS. This disease significantly affects patients’ manual skills and limits their daily activities. The use of the best treatment methods can increase the quality of life of CTS people. Correctly performed assessment of the patient’s functional condition allows both the planning, implementation and improvement process, as well as control of the progress of this process. The treatment method for CTS depends on the type, duration and severity of the discomfort. Raynaud’s syndrome is a vasomotor disorder which occurs mostly due to the influence of physicochemical or emotional stimuli. It is observed in 3–15% of the general population, more often among women. The primary character is called Raynaud’s disease, while the secondary is known as Raynaud’s syndrome. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of classical physical therapy on the condition of a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome and Raynaud’s disease. Material and Methods The method of an individual case description was used. The study involved a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and Raynaud’s disease. The material was collected by means of an interview, DASH questionnaire, VAS pain scale and two functional tests: the Phanel and Tinnel tests. Description of the individual case study was based on an interview and physical examination performed before and after rehabilitation. Results Considering the subjective assessment of the achieved improvement after the treatment, the patient noticed a slight decrease in the intensity of pain and numbness, both during the day and at night. The respondent also reported a slight improvement in the function of the upper limbs and improved freedom during some everyday activities. Conclusions Physiotherapeutic procedures slightly reduced the numbness of both the day and night pain. Despite only a few treatments, the patient noticed a slight improvement which confirms that they were correctly selected and should be continued. During the next physiotherapeutic procedure, kinesitherapy should be introduced.

Stroke is one of the most common cerebrovascular diseases. Despite significant progress in understanding stroke pathogenesis, cases are still increasing. Thus, laboratory biomarkers of stroke are sought to allow rapid and non-invasive diagnostics. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is an inflammatory process with characteristic cellular changes leading to microvascular disruption. Several studies have shown that hyperactivation of xanthine oxidase (XO) is a major pathogenic factor contributing to brain dysfunction. Given the critical role of XO in stroke complications, this study aimed to evaluate the activity of the enzyme and its metabolic products in the saliva of stroke subjects. Thirty patients in the subacute phase of stroke were included in the study: 15 with hemorrhagic stroke and 15 with ischemic stroke. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects similar to the cerebral stroke patients regarding age, gender, and status of the periodontium, dentition, and oral hygiene. The number of individuals was determined a priori based on our previous experiment (power of the test = 0.8; α = 0.05). The study material was mixed non‐stimulated whole saliva (NWS) and stimulated saliva (SWS). We showed that activity, specific activity, and XO output were significantly higher in NWS of ischemic stroke patients than in hemorrhagic stroke and healthy controls. Hydrogen peroxide and uric acid levels were also considerably higher in NWS of ischemic stroke patients. Using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, we demonstrated that XO-specific activity in NWS distinguishes ischemic stroke from hemorrhagic stroke (AUC: 0.764) and controls (AUC: 0.973) with very high sensitivity and specificity. Saliva collection is stress-free, requires no specialized medical personnel, and allows continuous monitoring of the patient’s condition through non-invasive sampling multiple times per day. Salivary XO also differentiates with high accuracy (100%) and specificity (93.75%) between stroke patients with mild to moderate cognitive decline (AUC = 0.988). Thus, salivary XO assessment may be a potential screening tool for a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. To summarize, our study demonstrates the potential utility of salivary XO in the differential diagnosis of stroke.