Search

Joining metals with ultra-fine grains (UFG) is very difficult. UFG metals have a grain size of less than 1 µm. Exceeding the recrystallization temperature causes the growth of ultra-fine grains and degradation of the material’s mechanical properties. The process temperature is influenced by the amount of energy supplied to the joint, which depends on the power and time. Conventional machines are not adapted to effectively conduct the process in extremely short friction times. For this reason, this article presents the welding process on the W2Mi prototype machine. The design of this machine allows the joining of UFG metals in less than 100 ms. UFG material produced using the hybrid SPD (Severe Plastic Deformation) process from technically pure CW004A(Cu-ETP) copper was used for welding tests. The joint obtained on the W2Mi machine did not show any significant degradation signs of mechanical properties. At the same time, an increase in microhardness in the joint area by approximately 4% was noticed. The obtained results prove that the process of joining UFG metals was successfully carried out.

The paper presents the process of preparing UFG metal in the form of 0.2 mm thick foil made of 6060 aluminium alloy, intended for micro-forming operations. The material was obtained in a hybrid SPD process involving ECAP (Equal Channel Angular Pressing), multi-upsetting and rolling. In addition, a selected batch of material was subjected to supersaturation before ECAP. A method for determining formability in the conditions of the sheet metal forming process was proposed, including micro-drawing with the preceding preform preparation process in the micro-blanking process. Noticeable differences were found for different series of the prepared material after the upsetting process, however, the effect of supersaturation before the ECAP process on the formability in the conditions of the sheet metal microforming process was not observed.

Summary: Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is an important risk factor for multiple chronic diseases, increasing mortality and reducing life expectancy. The associations between emerging surrogates for IR, triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and TyG-related indicators, with all-cause mortality and life expectancy in middle-aged and older patients in primary care are unclear. Methods: This study originated from the Polish primary care cohort LIPIDOGRAM2015, including patients aged ≥45 years. Baseline fasting triglycerides and fasting glucose were used to derive TyG. Other TyG-related indicators included TyG-adjusted body mass index (TyG-BMI), TyG-adjusted waist circumference (TyG-WC), TyG-adjusted waist-to-hip, and TyG-adjusted waist-to-height. In this longitudinal analysis, we assessed associations between TyG-related indicators with total all-cause mortality, premature (age at death ≤75 years) all-cause mortality and years of life lost (YLL). Findings: We included 10,688 patients (mean age 61.8 ± 9.3 years; 63.5% female). Cumulative total and premature all-cause mortality were 7.2% and 4.6%, respectively, during 5.7 years (IQR 5.6–5.7) of follow-up. Lowest (Q1) and highest quartile (Q4) of TyG-BMI and TyG-WC were associated with total all-cause mortality (second quartile [Q2]: reference; TyG-BMI: Q1: aHR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07–1.65, Q4: aHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03–1.58; TyG-WC: Q1: aHR 1.44, 95% CI 1.14–1.82, Q4: aHR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04–1.59), similar results for premature all-cause mortality. Within age 45–80 years, compared with Q2 and third quartile, YLL were 4.49 and 5.46 years for TyG-BMI Q1 and Q4, respectively, 3.24 and 5.31 years for TyG-WC Q1 and Q4, respectively. Interpretation: TyG-BMI and TyG-WC demonstrated a U-shaped association with total and premature all-cause mortality. Low and high levels of TyG-BMI and TyG-WC were associated with reduced life expectancy. Despite the relatively short follow-up period, significant associations were still observed, but longer follow-up studies are required to further explore these relationships. Funding: Polish Lipid Association, College of Family Physician in Poland, Valeant in Poland.

W niniejszym artykule punktem odniesienia są główne dzieła czeskiego filozofa i teologa Tomáša Halíka. Analizie poddano jego wizję chrześcijaństwa. Istotnym faktorem opisu jest biblijna metafora „drogi”, czyli sposobu wędrowania, poszukiwania i naśladowania, a nie ukazania jej jako zorganizowanej religii wyrażającej się w instytucji i kulcie. Halík postuluje konieczność przejścia od cywilizacji Christianitas do chrześcijaństwa będącego sposobem duchowego rozwoju człowieka oraz od zideologizowanego i zamkniętego katolicyzmu do otwartej na dialog kulturowy i religijny katolickości. Wskazuje też na potrzebę dowartościowania innego typu teologii w chrześcijaństwie, która winna być mniej racjonalistyczna, a bardziej hermeneutyczna.

This covers a complex analysis of implementing the Kaizen method at ZPS „LUBIANA” S.A., a Polish company, in the years 2018-2022. This includes a brief assessment of the actions taken as an aftermath of wider practices aimed at perfecting the production process in the company through implementing organizational tools and practices related to the Lean Management concept. The Kaizen method is related to the constant improvement of actions taken in a company, implemented as part of the Lean Manufacturing method, and used to improve production, minimize waste, maximize profit, increase employee engagement and product quality. The process of implementing the Kaizen method includes three stages: Identifying the issue, finding the solution and using a countermeasure, with an emphasis on small changes implemented by groups or quality circles.

Abstract The presented work discusses issues related to the use of modern multiphase topologies of Dual Active Bridge (DAB)‐type converters. Converters of this type are widely used in most DC microgrid applications. The introduction emphasizes a comparative analysis between single‐phase and multi‐phase DAB topologies within high‐power DC microgrids, delving into their respective advantages, drawbacks, design procedures, and considerations based on the latest knowledge. The publication explores the comparison and selection of viable topologies for deployment in high‐power and high‐efficiency DC microgrids. The unified method of controlling 1‐phase and multi‐phase DAB converters was proposed in this design, simplifying the issues of DC microgrid control. All topologies were tested on the same controller concept. The study performs laboratory investigation of DAB 1‐phase and 3‐phase: Star–Star, and Star–Delta topologies. Attention was paid to maintaining uniform operating conditions of the system, contrary to studies known from the literature, all tests were carried out on the same laboratory stand and the same magnetic components in different configurations. Analytical and laboratory analyses of the Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) region were performed, accounting for non‐linear phenomena. Based on these findings, an assessment of the system's performance in soft switching was carried out. The presented results were implemented in a simulation model and subsequently validated through tests on a constructed laboratory setup to ensure the proper operation of the system. This work meticulously presents and discusses variations in efficiency, dynamic response, phase current harmonic distribution, phase shift distribution, ZVS switching region, and more among the examined topologies. To ensure a fair comparison, the converter configuration for both simulation and laboratory models utilized identical components across all configurations.

Introduction Tennis Elbow, known also as Lateral Epicondylitis (LE) is a very common overuse injury affecting not only tennis players. Mainly, it causes pain, weakness in grip strength and difficulties with daily activities. Most patients are successfully treated with non-surgical methods but some of them eventually require surgical intervention. Aim of study The objective of this study is to evaluate both surgical and non-surgical treatment methods for Tennis Elbow and seeks to introduce doctors and patients to the assets and downsides associated with them. State of Knowledge Tennis Elbow occurs in 1-3% of adults, most likely when frequently performing repeated movements of flexion and extension of the elbow. At the early stages inflammation is present, after that the vascular hyperplasia and active fibroblasts occur. Most common risk factors are manual labour, ipsilateral rotator cuff tear, ipsilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), female sex, dominant-side involvement, and hypertriglyceridemia. Summary (Conclusion) There is a wide range of available conservative treatment methods for Lateral Epicondylitis including physical therapy, various injections, and medication. They should be considered as the first line treatment showing high success rate for mild and moderate cases. Surgical methods have high success rates as well though they are considered more invasive and performed only on chronic patients. Best approach ought to be carefully selected for each patient based on severity of symptoms and patient needs.

BackgroundSmoking is a significant risk factor for numerous diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD). Chronic inflammation from smoking affects endothelial function and may alter adipokine secretion, particularly resistin, in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). This study investigated the association between resistin concentrations in PVAT and smoking status in CAD patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MethodsThe study included 110 patients with advanced CAD scheduled for CABG. Patients were categorized into never-smokers and ever-smokers, with the latter further divided into current and past smokers. Resistin concentrations in PVAT and plasma, along with plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations, were measured using ELISA.ResultSignificant differences in PVAT resistin concentrations were observed between never-smokers and ever-smokers (p

Introduction Elastin is a key protein in tendons and ligaments, responsible for providing elasticity, which allows these tissues to withstand mechanical stress and maintain joint stability. However, elastin integrity can decline due to factors such as aging, genetics, or injury, leading to joint instability, chronic pain, and a heightened risk of further damage. This study examines the role of elastin- focused therapies in addressing such issues, with a focus on orthopedics and sports medicine. Objectives The objective of this review is to evaluate emerging elastin-based therapeutic strategies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, bioengineered scaffolds, and microRNA-based treatments, and their potential to enhance recovery in musculoskeletal injuries by improving tissue elasticity and resilience. Materials and Methods A comprehensive review of the studies available on open access sources, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and the National Library of Medicine, was conducted. The focus was on current advancements in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, bioengineered scaffolds, and microRNA-based treatments. Studies assessing the efficacy of these approaches in promoting elastin synthesis, tissue flexibility, and repair outcomes were analyzed, particularly in cases involving conditions like Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff injuries, and ACL reconstructions. Conclusions Elastin plays a crucial role in tendon and ligament health, and emerging elastin- focused therapies show significant potential in enhancing recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. PRP therapy, bioengineered scaffolds, and microRNA- based treatments have demonstrated promising outcomes in improving tissue flexibility, supporting cell growth, and slowing degenerative processes. Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize these therapies for long-term patient outcomes in orthopedic and sports medicine.

PurposeDeveloping innovative precision and personalized cancer therapeutics is essential to enhance cancer survivability, particularly for prevalent cancer types such as colorectal cancer. This study aims to demonstrate various approaches for discovering new targets for precision therapies using artificial intelligence (AI) on a Polish cohort of colorectal cancer patients. MethodsWe analyzed 71 patients with histopathologically confirmed advanced resectional colorectal adenocarcinoma. Whole exome sequencing was performed on tumor and peripheral blood samples, while RNA sequencing (RNAseq) was conducted on tumor samples. We employed three approaches to identify potential targets for personalized and precision therapies. First, using our in-house neoantigen calling pipeline, ARDentify, combined with an AI-based model trained on immunopeptidomics mass spectrometry data (ARDisplay), we identified neoepitopes in the cohort. Second, based on recurrent mutations found in our patient cohort, we selected corresponding cancer cell lines and utilized knock-out gene dependency scores to identify synthetic lethality genes. Third, an AI-based model trained on cancer cell line data was employed to identify cell lines with genomic profiles similar to selected patients. Copy number variants and recurrent single nucleotide variants in these cell lines, along with gene dependency data, were used to find personalized synthetic lethality pairs. ResultsWe identified approximately 8,700 unique neoepitopes, but none were shared by more than two patients, indicating limited potential for shared neoantigenic targets across our cohort. Additionally, we identified three synthetic lethality pairs: the well-known APC-CTNNB1 and BRAF-DUSP4 pairs, along with the recently described APC-TCF7L2 pair, which could be significant for patients with APC and BRAF variants. Furthermore, by leveraging the identification of similar cancer cell lines, we uncovered a potential gene pair, VPS4A and VPS4B, with therapeutic implications. ConclusionOur study highlights three distinct approaches for identifying potential therapeutic targets in cancer patients. Each approach yielded valuable insights into our cohort, underscoring the relevance and utility of these methodologies in the development of precision and personalized cancer therapies. Importantly, we developed a novel AI model that aligns tumors with representative cell lines using RNAseq and methylation data. This model enables us to identify cell lines closely resembling patient tumors, facilitating accurate selection of models needed for in vitro validation.

Introduction and aim of the study: During pregnancy, significant physiological, hormonal and circulatory changes occur that affect both the health of the mother and the child. Therefore, it is important for the mother to maintain physical activity, a healthy diet, and reduce stress to prevent complications and health problems for the mother and the child. Material and Methods: The Pubmed database was searched. The criteria for qualifying the article for the review were the following keywords: pregnancy, exercise, rehabilitation, nutrition during pregnancy, postpartum depression, atopy, stress, asthma. 30 articles from 2002-2023 were analyzed. Description of the state of knowledge: Regular physical activity during pregnancy brings many benefits such as reducing the risk of complications during childbirth, postpartum depression and helps to maintain a healthy body weight. Diet also has an impact on the health of both mother and baby. It should be balanced, providing the necessary nutrients and taking into account the mother's caloric needs. It is very important to reduce stress due to its negative impact on the mother and child. Summary: Physical activity and a healthy diet directly affect the course of pregnancy and the health of the fetus and baby. Exercise prevents pregnancy complications and other diseases, and maternal nutritional status is critical for fetal growth. During pregnancy, women are exposed to stress, which can be the cause of chronic mental disorders. Depression is the most common mental illness that occurs during pregnancy, which is influenced by various factors. In addition, maternal stress has a negative impact on the child's health, potentially increasing the risk of a number of atopic and non-atopic diseases.

Introduction: Knee Osteoarthritis (KO) is a progressive, chronic disease that damage the joint cartilage of a knee and leads to a changes in a anatomy of the joint. Both surgical and non-surgical methods are used to treat the disease. In this study, we will compare the invasive vs non-invasive methods of KO treatment. Objectives: The review and presentation of the current state of knowledge on Treating Knee Osteoarthritis, comparing surgery vs non-surgery methods. Material and Methods: Review of the studies available on open access sources at PubMed, Google Scholar and National Library of Medicine. Conclusions: Surgery approach for the Knee Osteoarthritis treatment are more durable, have better pain relief and treat casually the OA. Similar effects cannot be reached by non-surgery methods yet. However, there is a big promise in future studies about non-surgery methods, which can also raise a Quality of Life significantly and even avoid or postpone an operation in some groups of patients.

Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction, resulting from acute trauma or degenerative changes. These injuries, including partial and full-thickness tears, can significantly impair daily activities and reduce quality of life. Treatment options range from conservative measures, such as physical therapy and NSAIDs, to surgical interventions like arthroscopic repair. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as tear size, patient age, and activity level. This review compares the effectiveness of conservative treatment and surgical repair for rotator cuff injuries, focusing on pain relief, functional recovery, and complication rates. Conservative treatment is typically the first-line approach for partial-thickness tears or patients with lower physical demands. Physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are common modalities that can improve symptoms, particularly for smaller tears. Corticosteroid injections are also used to provide short-term relief, although their long-term benefits are less clear. For larger or full-thickness tears, surgery is often necessary due to the risk of progressive degeneration and persistent symptoms. Arthroscopic repair is particularly beneficial for younger or more active patients, offering superior long-term outcomes in terms of strength and function. Studies indicate that while conservative treatment and surgery may offer similar short-term outcomes for smaller tears, surgery provides better long-term recovery for more extensive injuries. Ultimately, the decision between conservative and surgical treatment should be individualized, considering tear size, patient age, activity level, and overall health. Surgery is recommended for full-thickness tears or when conservative treatment fails to yield sufficient improvement, while conservative management remains effective for many smaller tears.

Introduction Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons for visits to orthopedic clinics. This tendinopathy can cause medial heel pain, stiffness, and tenderness on the plantar surface of the foot. Both conservative and surgical methods are employed in its treatment. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate selected conservative treatment methods, such as stretching, the use of orthotic insoles, splints, injections, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and taping, as well as surgical treatment options. The study presents a comparison of these methods in terms of their effectiveness, advantages, and disadvantages. State of Knowledge The plantar fascia is a stiff, connective tissue structure extending along the plantar surface of the foot. Biomechanical load on the fascia, which supports the medial longitudinal arch, can lead to degenerative changes that underlie plantar fasciitis. Symptoms include pain, particularly in the mornings and late evenings, which intensifies with palpation of the heel area. Summary (Conclusions) Conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis are effective in 90% of patients. There are no studies that conclusively demonstrate the superiority of one treatment method over another. Thus, the choice of therapy should be tailored to the patient's lifestyle, activity level, and financial capability. Surgical intervention is necessary in cases of chronic plantar fasciitis which remains resistant to conservative treatments.

Introduction: The term "tendinopathy" refers to pathological changes in tendons. The previously used term "tendonitis" does not fully capture the nature of the condition, as inflammatory changes, when present, are secondary to degenerative damage. Tendinopathies are quite common in the general population. Aim: The aim of this review is to characterize various types of tendinopathies, with a focus on both conservative and surgical treatment methods, in order to organize available information that may be helpful for clinicians in their practice. State of Knowledge: Chronic tendinopathies develop as a result of multiple factors. The most significant include improper exercise techniques, excessive strain, and musculoskeletal system abnormalities. Summary (Conclusions): The approach to tendinopathy treatment should vary depending on the patient's clinical condition and provoking factors. Physiotherapy plays the most important role, along with supportive methods such as analgesic pharmacotherapy and cryotherapy. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases where conservative treatment fails.

Introduction Disc herniation is a displacement of an intervertebral disc, most often caused by degeneration of its outer layer, the annulus fibrosus. This condition can cause various symptoms such as numbness, pain, muscle weakness or lose of sensation. While many patients can be successfully treated with non-surgical methods, some of them some require surgical intervention. Aim of study The objective of this study is to evaluate both surgical and non-surgical treatment methods for herniated disc and seeks to introduce doctors and patients to the advantages and disadvantages associated with them. State of Knowledge Disk herniation occurs when disk material prolapses beyond intervertebral disk’s space. The symptoms may arise when displaced material start to compress major structures located nearby, such as spinal nerves. The most common causes include age-related degeneration, repetitive movements, obesity, trauma or genetic predisposition. Summary (Conclusion) Disk herniation can be managed with various non-surgical and surgical methods. Conservative treatment should be considered as first line treatment showing high success rate for mild to moderate cases in long term relief and preventing recurrence of symptoms. Surgical options offer better short-term relief for sever and more advanced cases but carry greater risks of side effects and involve longer recovery time. Best approach should be carefully selected based on the severity of symptoms and patient needs.

Introduction: Exposure to blue light throughout the day plays a key role in maintaining the balance of our biological functions. It has a profound impact on our physical and mental state, including the visual system, and contributes to the regulation of behavior and circadian rhythms. The relationship between light emitted by digital devices, the biological rhythm of the retina and the development of refractive errors has been the subject of research in recent years. Aim of Study: This manuscript aims to investigate the implications of light exposure from digital devices on the visual system and circadian rhytms, with a focus on understanding the associated risks, such as digital eye strain and myopia progression. Additionally, the study evaluates the efficacy of blue light-filtering lenses in mitigating these effects. Material and Methods: The present study is based on literature available in scientific databases such as PubMed, Corchane Library and Google Scholar, using the following keywords ,,Digital devices”; ,, Blue light” ; Digital eye strain” ; Visual system”; ,,Circadian rhythms” Results and conclusions: Despite the prevalent use of blue light-filtering lenses, existing evidence indicates that their effectiveness in improving visual performance or preventing retinal damage is limited. Consequently, the implementation of protective strategies, such as the 20-20-20 rule, combined with appropriate ergonomic practices, is critical in alleviating the ocular strain induced by extended screen exposure.

Introduction: Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is an anatomical deformation resulting from abnormal formation of the structures that make up the hip joint. Due to abnormal biomechanics patients with hip dysplasia usually develop radiographic osteoarthritis. Aim of the study: Despite the introduction of screening tests in children, DDH remains an issue among adults. For this group of patients, it is essential to begin treatment as early as possible to prevent early-onset osteoarthritis of the hip joint. In adults it is often too late to implement non-invasive methods such as braces or orthoses. Therefore, in this study, we aim to describe other treatment options for adults with DDH, considering both surgical and non-surgical methods. In the following work, we present both the advantages and complications associated with these surgical methods. Additionally, we describe the non-surgical alternative method of progressive resistance training (PRT) and consider the possibilities of combining it with surgical techniques. We also discuss the potential for pharmacological treatment. Material and Methods: Review of studies available through open-access sources on PubMed, Google Scholar, and the National Library of Medicine. Conclusions: The decision to quickly implement an appropriate treatment plan is crucial for improving the patient's quality of life. The choice of treatment method should consider the patient's age and the severity of the disease. Adults with DDH are most often qualified for surgical procedures, which include periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) and total hip replacement (THR). However, for some patients, surgical procedures may be contraindicated or impossible, and in such cases, other non-invasive methods, such as resistance training or appropriate pharmacotherapy, should be considered. Keywords: hip joint, osteoarthritis, surgery, conservative therapy, hip, Surgical Correction

Introduction Trigger finger, also referred to as trigger finger syndrome, is a condition caused by inflammation of the flexor tendons of the fingers and digital pulleys, resulting in pain and restricted movement. This issue affects numerous individuals, particularly the elderly and those who perform repetitive hand motions. Aim The aim of this study is to explore and compare the available treatment options for trigger finger, including rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgical interventions. Both conservative and surgical approaches have their advantages and limitations, and their effectiveness varies depending on the individual patient’s response. State of Knowledge Medical literature describes a variety of treatment methods, ranging from pharmacological approaches and physical therapy to steroid injections and, in more complex cases, surgical interventions. Conservative treatment, often the initial approach, aims to alleviate symptoms and can be effective in the early stages of the condition. Surgery, on the other hand, is considered when conservative treatment fails or in more advanced cases. Summary The choice of treatment for trigger finger should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient and the severity of the condition. Conservative therapy is effective in the early stages but does not always provide long-lasting relief. Surgery, although more invasive, is typically effective in advanced cases and often leads to a quicker restoration of full finger function.

Introduction and objective: Hallux valgus is a common deformity (about 23%) in adult population. Deformation of the fist ray and pain causes gait pattern changes and lower life satisfaction. There are many suggestions how to treat bunion. The method of first choice is conservative treatment. One of the most popular option are orthoses of different kinds and functions. The aim of this article is to review the conservative methods of treatment and orthotic management of bunionsand its effectiveness. Materials and methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched. The criteria for qualifying the articles for the review were the following keywords: bunion, hallux valgus, orthoses, foot deformity. 21 articles from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed. Description of the state of knowledge: Conservative treatment includes orthoses, shoe modification, analgesics, and exercises. But the most popular are the first two methods. There are many types of orthoses used for hallux valgus, i.e. dynamic and static orthoses, separators, insoles and splints. Orthoses are used to reduce hallux valgus angle (HVA) and pain, and inhibit the progression of deformity in a long term. Studies show that dynamic orthoses have a greater effect on reducing HVA and pain compared to static orthoses. In addition, they are more frequently and willingly chosen by patients. Also, toe separators have a significant impact on minimizing pain and improving toe alignment. Summary: Significant reduction of pain and HVA are observed in both short-term and long-term effects when using dynamic orthoses and toe separators. Dynamic orthoses are also more likely to be chosen by patients for their convenience. However, all types of orthoses are beneficial to patients' well-being. A change of footwear also helps to stop the progression of the deformity and prevents recurrence after surgery.