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Objectives The aim of this work is to initiate or revive a scientific discussion on the impact of professional life on the parameters of human lifespan. Material and Methods Presented analysis is based on 8578 Polish elite or well-known person who died in 2001–2021. Results The results of the conducted analysis indicate that in the case of men the highest values of the median age at death were characteristic of freelancers (median [Me] ± quartile deviation [QD] 85.5±8.5 years), followed by scientists and academic teachers of the biological and medical specialty (Me±QD 84.0±7.5 years) and officers of power structures (Me±QD 83.5±8.5 years). Subsequently, the highest value of the median age at death was recorded for social activists (Me±QD 83.0±9.5 years), clergy (Me±QD 82.0±7.5 years) and scientists and academic teachers of specialties other than biological and medical (Me±QD 82.0±8.0 years). Significantly, at the very end of this list are athletes (Me±QD 77.0±9.0 years). Nevertheless, the results of the analysis confirm that professional athletes are characterized by higher median age at death compared to the general population. Analysis made only within athletes group demonstrated that the parameters of lifespan of athletes of endurance disciplines (Me±QD 78.0±8.0 years) are the most favorable compared to athletes of other disciplines, in particular in compare to team sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±10.0 years) or combat sports athletes (Me±QD 75.0±7.1 years). Conclusions What is new and innovative in this paper is comparing the lifespan characteristics of athletes in comparison to widely represented group of other professions with higher socio-economic status. Unexpectedly, the lifespan of athletes occurred to be lower than for fast all other analyzed occupational groups, except mainly of entertainment musicians. Finally, the results presented in this paper emphasize the need to analyze the lifespan characteristics of athletes in a broader scope than only in relation to the general population. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2024;37(3):335–50

This work compared the multi-element analysis of human hair and nails using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) with an easy, fast, cheap, non-destructive method using energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED XRF). The ICP MS-based method was more sensitive (over 30 elements could be quantified) and costly (requiring more time, samples, and chemicals). The EDX-based method required laboratory and certified reference materials made of hair for instrument calibration. It was less sensitive (16 elements could be quantified: S, Si, Ca, Br, Fe, Cu, Cr, Mg, Si, K, Mn, Ni, Zn, Se, Sr, Pb), but it allowed us to replace troublesome grinding with the dissolution of keratin-based material with an alkalic agent (tetramethylammonium hydroxide, TMAH) and the formation of stable-for-days pellets. This method is simple, enables automation, and, due to the modification of wells in the autosampler of the EDX system via the immersion of home-designed inserts, it requires smaller amounts of biological material and binder (down to 70 mg instead of 500 mg required by commercially available instrument) to perform analysis. It was concluded that the EDX-based method offers complementary selectivity and sensitivity to ICP MS with the possibility of sample reuse for further analysis.

Abstract Psoriasis is the most common, inflammatory, chronic skin disease, with possible systemic manifestations. It affects about 2-3% of the population and is equally common in women and men. Many factors, such as environmental, hormonal, genetic and immunological, play a role in the development of psoriasis. Interleukin 22 and 23 (IL-22, IL-23) as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The cause of psoriatic lesions is uncontrolled excessive proliferation of the epidermis, accompanied by parakeratosis and increased expression of transforming growth factor α (TGF-α), a ligand of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF). The treatment choice for psoriasis depends on the severity of the disease as assessed on available scales. In the first place, topical medications are used to treat this disease. More advanced external treatments include phototherapy (ultraviolet radiation type B - UVB) or psoralen plus ultraviolet radiation type A (UVA). A patient with severe psoriasis can be treated with systemic medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, and biological drugs. The decision to use biologics should be carefully considered, based on the clinic and the patient's individual risk profile. The types of biological drugs for the treatment of psoriasis are selected depending on the severity of the disease and comorbidities. The main indication for biological treatment is moderate to severe psoriasis. Groups of biological drugs have been distinguished on the basis of their mechanisms of action. These are: tumor necrosis factor α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α TNF-α) inhibitors, IL-17 / IL-23 p40 inhibitors, IL-17A inhibitors, IL-17 receptor A, IL-23 p19. The studies conducted so far indicate the well-documented safety and tolerability of biological drugs used in psoriasis. Biological therapy, despite the possibility of side effects, is considered a safe, well-tolerated and the preferred therapeutic method, especially in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complicated multiorgan disease and can lead to organ damage and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The strategy of management while avoiding complications, especially caused by chronic glucocorticoid therapy, improves outcomes. Different definitions of the treatment goal in different configurations of lupus activity indexes have appeared over the years. In 2021 the definition of remission and recommendations for its achievement were published and it become a way to implement a treat-to-target strategy. The main goal of treatment has become DORIS (definition of remission in SLE) remission and the alternative LLDAS (low lupus disease activity state). Prolonging remission with clinical and immunological lupus activity restrictions and minimizing or stopping steroid doses reduced flares and damage accrual. The analysis and neutralization of poor prognosis predictive factors in lupus could be the most beneficial for less morbidity and mortality and better quality of life.

Nowadays, plant-based fermented products are attracting a lot of consumer interest due to their probiotic and health-promoting properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and antioxidant activity of innovative fermented oat beverages with the addition of extracts and freeze-dried local fruit. In the first step, chokeberry and hawthorn were selected based on their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The final study material consisted of oat beverages fermented with the use of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DKK 003 strain for 20 h with the addition of 1 and 5% of extracts and freeze-dried fruits. It was found that freeze-dried chokeberry and chokeberry extracts showed a higher content of polyphenolic compounds than freeze-dried hawthorn and hawthorn extracts. After the fermentation process of the innovative beverages, the content of polyphenolic compounds remained the same or there was a slight decrease depending on the additive type. Antioxidant activity significantly decreased after 20 h of fermentation in all enriched oat beverages with no significant differences observed compared to control samples. The obtained fermented beverages were characterised by a high lactic acid bacteria count (above 8 log CFU/mL), a low pH (approximately 4.15), and no microbiological contamination. Oat fermented beverages with fruit additives can be good dietary enrichment products.

Bezdomność jest tego rodzaju kryzysem w życiu człowieka, który bardzo silnie wpływa na działania jednostki we wszystkich wymiarach zdrowia, na jej codzienne wybory i hierarchię potrzeb. Walka o przetrwanie i konieczność zaspokojenia podstawowych potrzeb wyklucza koncentrowanie się na własnym zdrowiu i dbanie o jego dobry stan, a wręcz nierzadko sprzyja jego pogorszeniu. Problem stanu zdrowia osób bezdomnych i przyjęty przez nie styl życia najdobitniej pokazuje, że promocja zdrowia nie może ograniczyć się tylko do chwytliwych medialnych haseł czy prostych wskazówek, jak zdrowo żyć. Wymaga uwzględnienia szeregu różnych zmiennych, a nade wszystko całego kontekstu społecznego. Celem przygotowanego artykułu jest próba odpowiedzi na pytanie o możliwość i skuteczność działań z zakresu promocji zdrowia wśród grup wykluczonych na przykładzie osób w kryzysie bezdomności. Na podstawie badań własnych prowadzonych wśród podopiecznych schronisk dla bezdomnych w Łodzi (wywiady swobodne z ustrukturalizowaną listą pytań) i pracowników tychże placówek (wywiady swobodne pogłębione) autor stara się odpowiedzieć na pytanie, jaki jest stan wiedzy bezdomnych na temat prozdrowotnego stylu życia, jakie zachowania związane ze zdrowiem są charakterystyczne dla tej grupy, ale nade wszystko jakie czynniki wpływają na styl życia, w tym wybory zdrowotne, i kształtują stan zdrowia osób zepchniętych na margines społeczny.

Objectives The main aim of this work is to assess the level of knowledge about diabetes prevention and the consequences of untreated diabetes in the Polish society, as well as to indicate the variables that have a significant impact on that knowledge. Material and Methods The analysis is based on the results of the National Multicenter Health Survey – WOBASZ II. The number of subjects surveyed was 6170, including 2760 men and 3410 women, aged 20–74 years. Data on socio-demographic variables, lifestyle and subjective health assessment were collected using the face-to-face technique. Results The results obtained in the WOBASZ II project showed that >85% of the respondents had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge about diabetes prevention methods and approximately to 85% of the respondents – about the consequences of untreated diabetes. Moreover, one-fourth of the respondents were unable to identify a single way of preventing diabetes, and more than one-third could not identify a single disease caused by diabetes. The risk of a lack of knowledge about diabetes prevention and the consequences of untreated diabetes is more common for men, people with a low level of education, not married, non-diabetic, and without diagnosed diabetes in the family. Conclusions The presented results indicate that there is an prevailing lack of knowledge about diabetes prevention and the consequences of untreated diabetes in the Polish society. It is associated with several variables like: sex, level of education, age, marital status, subjective health assessment and diabetes diagnosed in the respondent and/or in the respondent’s family. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(5):667–78

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease predominantly involving exocrine glands. Lymphadenopathy is one of the possible symptoms of pSS. It may also suggest development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), the most severe complication of pSS, or be a symptom of less common diseases, such as Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), presented in this paper. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is an extremely rare, benign and self-limiting disorder, characterized by regional lymphadenopathy. This paper presents a case of previously unreported association of pSS, KFD and renal cancer in a patient with recurrent cervical lymphadenopathy, as well as a discussion on the coexistence of these diseases based on available literature searching for PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, particularly in this subject. These three clinical entities may manifest lymphadenopathy each, causing a diagnostic dilemma. The treatment is also challenging under such circumstances. In this particular situation, it was a combination of immunosuppressive therapy and surgery.

Our previous research suggests an important regulatory role of CK2-mediated phosphorylation of enzymes involved in the thymidylate biosynthesis cycle, i.e., thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). The aim of this study was to show whether silencing of the CK2α gene affects TS and DHFR expression in A-549 cells. Additionally, we attempted to identify the endogenous kinases that phosphorylate TS and DHFR in CCRF-CEM and A-549 cells. We used immunodetection, immunofluorescence/confocal analyses, reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), in-gel kinase assay, and mass spectrometry analysis. Our results demonstrate that silencing of the CK2α gene in lung adenocarcinoma cells significantly increases both TS and DHFR expression and affects their cellular distribution. Additionally, we show for the first time that both TS and DHFR are very likely phosphorylated by endogenous CK2 in two types of cancer cells, i.e., acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, our studies indicate that DHFR is phosphorylated intracellularly by CK2 to a greater extent in leukaemia cells than in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Interestingly, in-gel kinase assay results indicate that the CK2α’ isoform was more active than the CK2α subunit. Our results confirm the previous studies concerning the physiological relevance of CK2-mediated phosphorylation of TS and DHFR.

Radiation is an example of one of the techniques used for pasteurization and sterilization in various packaging systems. There is a high demand for the evaluation of the possible degradation of new composites, especially based on natural raw materials. The results of experimental research that evaluated the impact of radiation technology on biodegradable and compostable packaging materials up to 40 kGy have been presented. Two commercially available flexible composite films based on aliphatic–aromatic copolyesters (AA) were selected for the study, including one film with chitosan and starch (AA-CH-S) and the other with thermoplastic starch (AA-S). The materials were subjected to the influence of ionizing radiation from 10 to 40 kGy and then tests were carried out to check their usability as packaging material for the food industry. The results showed that the mechanical properties of AA-S films improved due to the radiation-induced cross-linking processes, while in the case of AA-CH-S films, a considerable decrease in the elongation at break was observed. The results also showed a decrease in the WVTR in the case of AA-S and no changes in barrier properties in the case of AA-CH-S. Both materials revealed no changes in the odor analyzed by sensory analysis. In the case of the AA-S films, the higher the radiation dose, the faster the biodegradation rate. In the case of the AA-CH-S film, the radiation did not affect biodegradation. The performed research enables the evaluation of the materials intended for direct contact with food. AA-CH-S was associated with unsatisfactory parameters (exceeding the overall migration limit and revealing color change during storage) while AA-S showed compliance at the level of tests carried out. The study showed that the AA-CH-S composite did not show a synergistic effect due to the presence of chitosan.

Two types of lung cells (epithelial cancer lung cells, A-549 and lung fibroblasts MRC-5) were exposed to the clinically established gold drug auranofin at concentrations close to the half-maximal inhibitory drug concentrations (IC50). Collected cells were subjected to speciation analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Auranofin showed better affinity toward proteins than DNA, RNA, and hydrophilic small molecular weight compounds. It can bind to proteins that vary in size (~20 kDa, ~75 kDa, and ≥200 kDa) and pI. However, the possibility of dimerization and protein–protein complex formation should also be taken into account. µRPLC/CZE-ESI-MS/MS studies on trypsinized proteins allowed the indication of 76 peptides for which signal intensity was influenced by auranofin presence in cells. Based on it, identity was proposed for 20 proteins. Except for thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), which is directly targeted by gold complex, the proteins were found to be transformed. Five indicated proteins: myosin, plectin, talin, two annexins, and kinase M3K5, are responsible for cell–cell, cell–protein interactions, and cell motility. A wound healing test confirmed their regulation by auranofin as cell migration decreased by 40% while the cell cycle was not interrupted.

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease affecting both skin and internal organs. Progressive disease with multiple organ involvement is considered to have a poor prognosis. Treatment possibilities are limited, but certain patients may benefit from autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). We report a case of a 30-year-old woman with progressive diffuse systemic sclerosis treated with parenteral cyclophosphamide with unsatisfactory results. Due to progression of the disease and lack of alternative therapies auto-HSCT was performed. After instituting treatment with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation no immunosuppressive therapy has been required during 5-year follow-up. Improvement in exertion tolerance, partial regression of skin lesions and stabilization of pulmonary and cardiovascular changes were observed. Currently therapeutic options in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis are limited. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation might become an alternative therapeutic solution not only in the early phase of the disease but also among selected patients with progressive systemic sclerosis resistant to standard therapy.

Abstract Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis are anaerobic, Gram-negative bacterial species which have been implicated in periodontal diseases as a part of red complex of periodontal pathogens. Esophageal cancer is the eight most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Higher rates of esophageal cancer cases may be attributed to lifestyle factors such as: diet, obesity, alcohol and tobacco use. Moreover, the presence of oral P. gingivalis and T. forsythia has been found to be associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Our review describes the role of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia in signaling pathways responsible for cancer development. It has been shown that T. forsythia may induce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6 by CD4 + T helper cells and TNF-α. Moreover, gingipain K produced by P. gingivalis, affects hosts immune system by degradation of immunoglobulins and complement system (C3 and C5 components). Discussed bacteria are responsible for overexpression of MMP-2, MMP-2 and GLUT transporters.

The subject of this study was to characterize the absorption and fluorescence spectra of various types of strawberry beverages and to test the possibility of distinguishing between direct juices and pasteurized commercial products on the basis of their spectral properties. An absorbance and transmission excitation–emission matrix (A-TEEMTM) technique was used for the acquisition of spectra. The obtained spectra were analyzed using chemometric methods. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed differences in both the absorption spectra and excitation–emission matrices (EEMs) of two groups of juices. The parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) enabled the extraction and characterization of excitation and emission profiles and the relative contribution of four fluorescent components of juices, which were related to various groups of polyphenols and nonenzymatic browning products. Partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models enabled 100% correct class assignment using the absorption spectra in the visible region, unfolded EEMs, and set of emission spectra with excitation at wavelengths of 275, 305, and 365 nm. The analysis of variable importance in projection (VIP) suggested that the polyphenols and nonenzymatic browning products may contribute significantly to the differentiation of commercial and direct juices. The results of the research may contribute to the development of fast methods to test the quality and authenticity of direct and processed strawberry juices.

Celem artykułu było zbadanie, czy stosunek młodych konsumentów do zakupów odzieży wytwarzanej przez firmy prowadzące działania społecznej odpowiedzialności biznesu (CSR) może wpływać na akcentację wyższych cen tych produktów. Badanie zostało przeprowadzone na próbie 150 respondentów, reprezentujących pokolenie Z. Do weryfikacji hipotez badawczych zastosowano jednoczynnikową analizę wariancji. Wyniki badania pokazują, iż istnieje związek pomiędzy pozytywnym stosunkiem pokolenia Z do zakupu odzieży produkowanej zgodnie z zasadami CSR a wysokością akceptowanych przez nie cen. Konsumenci o pozytywnych postawach akceptują wyższy poziom cen ubrań produkowanych społecznie odpowiedzialnie. Wyniki badania są istotne dla polskiej praktyki gospodarczej i mogą być zachętą do podejmowania działań z zakresu CSR przez przedsiębiorstwa. Ma to szczególnie duże znaczenie obecnie, kiedy to głównie duże przedsiębiorstwa wdrażają omawianą koncepcję. Artykuł wypełnia lukę w badaniach zachowań polskich konsumentów pokolenia Z na rynku odzieży produkowanej zgodnie z zasadami CSR. Przyczynia się także do zrozumienia działań społecznie odpowiedzialnych, zarówno przez młodych konsumentów, jak i przez firmy odzieżowe. Wskazano jednak konieczność prowadzenia dalszych badań nad omawianym tematem.

In this study, we developed a strategy to determine atto- and femtomolar amounts of metal ions in lysates and mineralizates of cells (human non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC, A549) and normal lung (MRC-5)) exposed to cytotoxic metallo-drugs: cisplatin and auranofin at concentrations close to the half-maximal inhibitory drug concentrations (IC50). The developed strategy combines data obtained using biological and chemical approaches. Cell density was determined using two independent cell staining assays using trypan blue, calcein AM/propidium iodide. Metal concentrations in lysed and mineralized cells were established employing a mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) and equipped with a cross-flow nebulizer working in aspiration mode. It allowed for detecting of less than 1 fg of metal per cell. To decrease the required amount of sample material (from 1.5 mL to ~100 µL) without loss of sensitivity, the sample was introduced as a narrow band into a constant stream of liquid (flow-injection analysis). It was noticed that the selectivity of cisplatin accumulation by cells depends on the incubation time. This complex is accumulated by cells at a lower efficiency than auranofin and is found primarily in the lysate representing the cytosol. In contrast, auranofin interacts with water-insoluble compounds. Despite their different mechanism of action, both metallo-drugs increased the accumulation of transition metal ions responsible for oxidative stress.

Objectives: Report on one-year results from the Polish Spondyloarthritis Initiative registry (PolSPI), containing the cross-sectional analysis of clinical and imaging data as well as database methodology. Material and methods: The PolSPI registry includes patients with axial (axSpA) and peripheral (perSpA) spondyloarthritis according to ASAS classification criteria, and/or patients with ankylosing spondylitis according to modified New York criteria, psoriatic arthritis according to CASPAR criteria, arthropathy in inflammatory bowel disease, reactive arthritis, juvenile spondyloarthritis or undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. Epidemiologic data and history of signs, symptoms and treatment of spondyloarthritis are collected and assessment of disease activity is performed. Radiographic images of sacroiliac joint, cervical and lumbar spine, and results of bone densitometry are collected. Every 6 months blood samples for inflammatory markers, and for long-term storage are taken. Results : During a one-year period from September 2015 to August 2016, 63 patients were registered on an electronic database; 44 (69.8%) of patients were classified as axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and 19 (30.2%) as peripheral spondyloarthritis (perSpA) according to ASAS criteria. Statistically significant differences between axSpA and perSpA were discovered in the percentage of HLA-B27 antigen occurrence (92.6% and 50%, respectively), BASDAI (2.8% and 4.1%, respectively), DAS 28 (2.66% and 4.03%, respectively), percentage of peripheral arthritis (20% and 88.8%, respectively), enthesitis (26.7% and 70.6%, respectively), dactylitis (6.7% and 88.9%, respectively), as well as extra-articular symptoms: acute anterior uveitis (26.7% and 5.6% , respectively) and psoriasis (6.9% and 55.6%, respectively). Patients with axSpA had significantly higher mean grade of sacroiliac involvement according to New York criteria, higher mSASSS score, and lower T-score in femoral neck in bone densitometry. Conclusions : At the early stage of the disease patients with axSpA compared to those with perSpA, have more advanced structural damage of sacroiliac joints and spine, and lower bone mineral density in the femoral neck. In the upcoming years the PolSPI registry will prospectively follow-up patients with SpA, recording response to treatment and carrying out research on interaction of inflammation and bone remodelling.

Pyskir Jerzy, Ratuszek-Sadowska Dorota, Pyskir Małgorzata, Pawlak-Osińska Katarzyna, Szymkuć-Bukowska Iwona, Hagner Wojciech. Ocena i porównanie wybranych parametrów stabilności postawy u pacjentów z zaburzeniami równowagi i osób zdrowych w badaniach stabilometrycznych = Assessment and comparison of selected parameters of posture stability in patients with balance disorders and healthy people by stabilometric analysis. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2016;6(12):230-242. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.198170 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/4048 The journal has had 7 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. Part B item 755 (23.12.2015). 755 Journal of Education, Health and Sport eISSN 2391-8306 7 © The Author (s) 2016; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 22.11.2016. Revised 28.11.2016. Accepted: 09.12.2016. Ocena i porównanie wybranych parametrów stabilności postawy u pacjentów z zaburzeniami równowagi i osób zdrowych w badaniach stabilometrycznych Assessment and comparison of selected parameters of posture stability in patients with balance disorders and healthy people by stabilometric analysis Jerzy Pyskir1,Dorota Ratuszek-Sadowska2, Małgorzata Pyskir2, Katarzyna Pawlak‑Osińska3, Iwona Szymkuć-Bukowska2, Wojciech Hagner2 • Katedra i Zakład Biofizyki, Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu • Katedra i Klinika Rehabilitacji, Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu • Katedra Otolaryngologii i Onkologii Laryngologicznej, Zakład Patofizjologii Narządu Słuchu i Układu Równowagi, Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu Streszczenie Wstęp Pionowa stabilna pozycja ciała człowieka jest możliwa dzięki pracy skomplikowanego systemu kontroli postawy, którego praca wymaga prawidłowego działania i współpracy kilku zmysłów. Praca tego układu jest utrudniona w podeszłym wieku, ale także może być zaburzona w wyniku przebytych chorób czy urazów. Istnieje wiele sposobów oceny stabilności posturalnej, ale wypracowanie ogólnych norm różnicujących prawidłową od wadliwej pracy systemu kontroli postawy okazuje się być nadal dużym wyzwaniem. Cel Próba znalezienia takich wartości kilku mierzonych, podczas prostego, krótkiego badania, parametrów, których przekroczenie wskaże na ryzyko wystąpienia zaburzeń pracy systemu kontroli postawy. Materiał i metody W badaniach wzięło udział 50 pacjentów hospitalizowanych w Szpitalu Uniwersyteckim im. dr A. Jurasza oraz 50 zdrowych ochotników. Do badania wykorzystano posturograf firmy PROMED J. Otton. Rejestrowano błądzenie centrum nacisku (COP) na podłoże w czasie swobodnego stania przez 32 sekundy. Badanie obejmowało trzy próby – przy oczach otwartych, zamkniętych oraz samokontrolę. Wyniki Analizowano wartości pola powierzchni i długości statokinezjogramów w trzech sytuacjach pomiarowych oraz współczynniki Romberga i współczynnik koordynacji w badaniu samokontroli. Wszystkie analizowane parametry w grupie pacjentów znacznie różniły się od wyników uzyskanych przez osoby zdrowe. Uwagę zwraca szczególnie powierzchnia SKG przy oczach zamkniętych, współczynnik Romberga i współczynnik koordynacji. Wnioski Wartości pola statokinezjogramu przy oczach zamkniętych przekraczające 400mm2 w czasie 30 sekund badania, jak również wartości współczynnik Romberga powyżej dwóch przy koordynacji wzrokowo – ruchowej na poziomie poniżej 70% powinny skłaniać do podjęcia bardziej szczegółowej diagnostyki systemu kontroli postawy. Słowa kluczowe: stabilność postawy, system kontroli postawy, posturografia, badanie stabilometryczne, zaburzenia równowagi Abstract Introduction Stable vertical position of the human body is possible thanks to the work complicated Postural Control System (PCS), whose operation requires proper cooperation of several senses. Operation of this system deteriorates in the elderly, it also can be impaired as a result of illnesses or injuries. There are a lot of ways of postural stability assessment, but to develop magnitudes of measuring quantities that differentiate normal from malfunctioning PCS appears to be still a large challenge. Aim The aim of this research was trying to find such the values of some measured parameters which indicate the risk of a failure operation of the postural control system. Materials and methods The study involved 50 patients hospitalized in the Dr Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No.1 in Bydgoszcz and 50 healthy volunteers. The PROMED J. Olton company stabilometric platform was used. It was recorded movement center of pressure (COP) on the ground while the free stand for 32 seconds. Each examination included three trials - with eyes open, eyes closed and feedback. Results The values of the area and length of the COP path measured in three trials, Romberg coefficient and the feedback coefficient were compared in both groups. All analyzed parameters in patients group differ significantly from the results obtained by healthy individuals. Special attention should be paid to the COP area with closed eyes, Romberg coefficient and the feedback coefficient. Conclusions The area of sways with eyes closed exceeding 400mm2 in 30 seconds tests, as well as the Romberg coefficient bigger than 2 and the feedback coordination coefficient less than 70% should encourage to take a more detailed diagnosis of postural control system. Key words: posture stability, Postural Control System (PCS), posturography, stabilometric analysis, balance disorders

We evaluated the effect of intravitreal injections of aflibercept (IVA) on blood coagulation parameters including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT), as well as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 18 (IL-18) serum levels in patients with neovascular AMD (nAMD). Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients with nAMD were included. Parameters were evaluated before and 2–3 days after the first IVA injection, and then immediately before and 2–3 days after the third IVA injection. We revealed prolongation of the TT after the initial loading phase of IVA (p = 0.041) and a significant increase in IL-18 serum concentration immediately before the third IVA administration compared to baseline (p = 0.037). There were no statistically significant differences of other parameters and PT, APTT, ADMA, NO, and IL-6 values remained within the normal range at each of the time points of the study. Our results suggest that repeated IVA administration may affect the common blood coagulation pathway, which manifests as a prolongation of the TT value. Furthermore, we showed a significant increase in serum concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokineIL-18during the initial loading phase of IVA.

Introduction Patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) need advice in order to face the problems of everyday life, as well as suffering associated with the disease. Health professionals should attempt to raise the level of resourcefulness and independence of the patient. Objective To assess the relationship between the deficit of knowledge about RA and the degree of pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, assessment of disease activity as well as functional efficiency. Material and Methods The study was conducted on 277 patients with RA in 7 rheumatologic centres in Poland. The method applied was the questionnaire Pol-ENAT (0–156); HAQ DI (0–3); analog scales (0–100). Results Mean (SD) age was 53.28 (13.01) and disease duration 13.70 (10.63) years. The mean (SD) value was 54.93 (23.17) for pain, 52.97 (21.98) for fatigue, 48.28 (24.76) for morning stiffness (0–100 mm). HAQ DI was 1.40 (0.66), with an upward trend with duration of disease (p

Adult-onset Still’s disease is a rare disorder, which creates difficulties in making a proper diagnosis. Ambiguous symptoms and results of auxiliary tests, lack of unequivocal diagnostic tests and the need to exclude other causes of the disease are major problems in clinical practice. A case of a 22-year-old woman with dominated recurrent fever, significantly elevated inflammation markers and arthritis is presented. Based on clinical signs after exclusion of infection, hematological and other reasons, the patient was diagnosed with adult-onset Still’s disease. Standard treatment, with high doses of glucocorticoids and a disease-modifying drug, was applied, without the anticipated effects. The diagnostic tests were conducted again due to the lack of clinical improvement, increase of inflammatory markers and unusual response to treatment. A new symptom of significance, i.e. mediastinal lymphadenopathy, was found. After the histopathological examination of lymph nodes, Hodgkin’s disease was diagnosed and targeted therapy for hematological malignancy was applied.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of intrinsic product characteristics and extrinsic packaging-related factors on the food quality perception. Sensory and visual attention methods were used to study how consumers perceive the quality of commercial apple juices from four product categories: clear juices from concentrate, cloudy juices from concentrate, pasteurized cloudy juices not from concentrate, and fresh juices. Laboratory tests included the assessment of sensory liking in blind and informed conditions and expected liking based on packages only. The results showed that brand and package information have a large impact on consumers’ sensory perceptions and generate high sensory expectations. An innovative visual attention tracking technique was used in online experiments to identify packages and label areas on individual packages, which attracted consumer attention. During an online shelf test, consumers mostly focused on not from concentrate juices from local producers, which were perceived as more natural, healthy, and expensive than juices reconstituted from concentrate. When individual labels were analyzed, consumers predominantly focused on nutritional data, brand name, and information about the type of product. The present results confirm a large impact of information and visual stimuli related to packaging on product perception.

Linagliptin is a representative of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors which are registered and used effectively in a treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. They increase the levels of active forms of endogenous incretins such as GLP-1 and GIP by inhibiting their enzymatic decomposition. Scientific reports suggest beneficial effects of linagliptin administration via immunological and biochemical pathways involved in neuroprotective processes of CNS. Linagliptin’s administration leads to a decrease in the concentration of proinflammatory factors such as: TNF-α, IL-6 and increases the number of anti-inflammatory patrolling monocytes CX3CR1bright. Significant reduction in Aβ42 level has been associated with the use of linagliptin implying potential application in Alzheimer’s disease. Linagliptin improved vascular functions by increasing production of nitric oxide (NO) and limiting concentration of apolipoprotein B. Linagliptin-induced decrease in macrophages infiltration may provide improvement in atheromatous plaque stabilization. Premedication with linagliptin increases neuron’s survival after stroke and augments neuronal stem cells proliferation. It seems to be connected with SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway. Linagliptin prevented abnormal proliferation and migration of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells in a state of hypoperfusion via SIRT1/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. The article presents a summary of the studies assessing neuroprotective properties of linagliptin with special emphasis on cerebral ischemia, vascular dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases.

Intermittent fasting is a form of time restricted eating (typically 16 h fasting and 8 h eating), which has gained popularity in recent years and shows promise as a possible new paradigm in the approach to weight loss and the reduction of inflammation, and has many potential long term health benefits. In this review, the authors will incorporate many aspects of fasting, mainly focusing on its effects on the cardiovascular system, involving atherosclerosis progression, benefits for diabetes mellitus type 2, lowering of blood pressure, and exploring other cardiovascular risk factors (such as lipid profile and inflammation).

Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analog (glucagon like peptide-1) used primarily in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and obesity. The literature starts to suggest that liraglutide may reduce the effects of ischemic stroke by activating anti-apoptotic pathways, as well as limiting the harmful effects of free radicals. The GLP-1R expression has been reported in the cerebral cortex, especially occipital and frontal lobes, the hypothalamus, and the thalamus. Liraglutide reduced the area of ischemia caused by MCAO (middle cerebral artery occlusion), limited neurological deficits, decreased hyperglycemia caused by stress, and presented anti-apoptotic effects by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl proteins and reduction of Bax and Bad protein expression. The pharmaceutical managed to decrease concentrations of proapoptotic factors, such as NF-κB (Nuclear Factor-kappa β), ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1), caspase-3, and reduced the level of TUNEL-positive cells. Liraglutide was able to reduce the level of free radicals by decreasing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and increasing the superoxide dismutase level (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase. Liraglutide may affect the neurovascular unit causing its remodeling, which seems to be crucial for recovery after stroke. Liraglutide may stabilize atherosclerotic plaque, as well as counteract its early formation and further development. Liraglutide, through its binding to GLP-1R (glucagon like peptide-1 receptor) and consequent activation of PI3K/MAPK (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/mitogen associated protein kinase) dependent pathways, may have a positive impact on Aβ (amyloid beta) trafficking and clearance by increasing the presence of Aβ transporters in cerebrospinal fluid. Liraglutide seems to affect tau pathology. It is possible that liraglutide may have some stem cell stimulating properties. The effects may be connected with PKA (phosphorylase kinase A) activation. This paper presents potential mechanisms of liraglutide activity in conditions connected with neuronal damage, with special emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to observe spontaneous cortical activity and cortical activity modulated by tinnitus-matched sound in tinnitus patients and healthy subjects with no otoneurologic symptoms. METHOD: Data were prospectively collected from 50 tinnitus patients and 25 healthy subjects. Cortical activity was recorded in all subjects with eyes closed and open and during photostimulation, hyperventilation and acoustic stimulation using 19-channel quantitative electroencephalography. The sound applied in the tinnitus patients was individually matched with the ability to mask or equal the tinnitus. The maximal and mean amplitude of the delta, theta, alpha and beta waves and the type and amount of the pathologic EEG patterns were noted during each recording. Differences in cortical localization and the influence of sound stimuli on spontaneous cortical activity were evaluated between the groups. RESULTS: The tinnitus group exhibited decreased delta activity and increased alpha and beta activity. Hyperventilation increased the intensity of the differences. The tinnitus patients had more sharp-slow waves and increased slow wave amplitude. Sound stimuli modified the EEG recordings; the delta and beta wave amplitudes were increased, whereas the alpha-1 wave amplitude was decreased. Acoustic stimulation only slightly affected the temporal region. CONCLUSION: Cortical activity in the tinnitus patients clearly differed from that in healthy subjects, i.e., tinnitus is not a “phantom” sign. The changes in cortical activity included decreased delta wave amplitudes, increased alpha-1, beta-1 and beta-h wave amplitudes and pathologic patterns. Cortical activity modifications occurred predominantly in the temporal region. Acoustic stimulation affected spontaneous cortical activity only in tinnitus patients, and although the applied sound was individually matched, the pathologic changes were only slightly improved.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the food choice motives of consumers. Preliminary studies were carried out on a group of 96 consumers of juices based on the Food Choice Questionnaire. It is a tool, which enables the systematic measurement of the importance of diff erent food choices. The confi rmatory (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) methods were used for analysis of data. The results of factor analysis revealed 12 new groups of factors determining the choice of food. The most important factors infl uencing selection of food were: taste, worth the money and a positive eff ect on external appearance. Using hierarchical cluster analysis three segments of consumer were identifi ed, with diff erent attitudes towards food choices: engaged – enthusiasts of healthy nutrition, indiff erent – not attaching attention to what they eat and practical – focused on the price and availability of products. Segmentation of consumers with similar attitudes towards choice of food can help the producers in precise targeting of marketing messages to a selected group of consumers.

Choroba Dercuma jest bardzo rzadko spotykanym i rozpoznawanymw praktyce klinicznej przewlekłym, postępującym schorzeniemo nieznanej etiologii. Cechą najbardziej charakterystycznąjest obecność mnogich i bolesnych tłuszczaków w tkance podskórnejróżnych okolic ciała. Zmiany guzowate wywołują uciski powodują znaczące dolegliwości bólowe. W patogenezie tej chorobyistotną rolę odgrywają cytokiny zapalne, szczególnie czynnikmartwicy nowotworów α (tumour necrosis factor – TNF-α). Dolegliwościbólowe są związane głównie z zaburzeniami autonomicznegoukładu nerwowego. Najczęściej choroba dotyczy dorosłychotyłych kobiet w wieku pomenopauzalnym. U mężczyzn występujerzadziej – u ok. 16% w wieku dorosłym.Opisano przypadek 49-letniej pacjentki z chorobą zwyrodnieniowąstawów po endoprotezoplastyce prawego stawu biodrowego, którazgłosiła się do lekarza z powodu uporczywych dolegliwości bólowychlędźwiowo-krzyżowego odcinka kręgosłupa oraz licznych bo -les nych guzów tkanki podskórnej. Zmiany guzowate pojawiały sięsukcesywnie od ok. 2 lat, początkowo małe i niebolesne zwiększałyswoje rozmiary, zajmowały nowe obszary ciała i powodowały znaczącedolegliwości bólowe z przeczulicą skóry. Chora była leczonaprzeciwbólowo i przeciwzapalnie bez pożądanej poprawy. Wcześ niejna oddziale dermatologicznym, z uwagi na niewspółmiernie dużedolegliwości bólowe w stosunku do stwierdzanych klinicznie zmianskórnych, wysunięto podejrzenie choroby Dercuma i wykonanobiopsję potwierdzającą zmiany o typie adipositas dolorosa. ChorobaDercuma po raz pierwszy została opisana w 1892 r. przez amerykańskiego neurologa Francisa Xaviera Dercuma z Filadelfii i do dziśpozostaje rzadką, trudną do diagnostyki, różnicowania i leczenia jednostkąkliniczną, która może mieć znaczenie w praktyce reumatologicznej.W artykule omówiono obraz kliniczny choroby Dercuma, jejpatogenezę, podział zmian skórnych (tab. I) oraz określono jej ścisłyzwiązek z codzienną praktyką lekarza reumatologa. Przedstawionodokumentację fotograficzną zmian, które powodowały największedolegliwości bólowe (ryc. 1–3).

Resveratrol (RV) is a natural non-flavonoid polyphenol and phytoalexin produced by a number of plants such as peanuts, grapes, red wine and berries. Numerous in vitro studies have shown promising results of resveratrol usage as antioxidant, antiplatelet or anti-inflammatory agent. Beneficial effects of resveratrol activity probably result from its ability to purify the body from ROS (reactive oxygen species), inhibition of COX (cyclooxygenase) and activation of many anti-inflammatory pathways. Administration of the polyphenol has a potential to slow down the development of CVD (cardiovascular disease) by influencing on certain risk factors such as development of diabetes or atherosclerosis. Resveratrol induced an increase in Sirtuin-1 level, which by disrupting the TLR4/NF-κB/STAT signal cascade (toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κ-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells/signal transducer and activator of transcription) reduces production of cytokines in activated microglia. Resveratrol caused an attenuation of macrophage/mast cell-derived pro-inflammatory factors such as PAF (platelet-activating factor), TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α and histamine. Endothelial and anti-oxidative effect of resveratrol may contribute to better outcomes in stroke management. By increasing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) serum concentration and inducing NOS-3 (nitric oxide synthase-3) activity resveratrol may have possible therapeutical effects on cognitive impairments and dementias especially in those characterized by defective cerebrovascular blood flow.

Sklerostyna jest białkiem wydzielanym przez osteocyty, które mawłaściwości hamujące proces kościotworzenia. Zidentyfikowanonowe locus w pobliżu genu SOST w miejscu 17q21, które kodujewytwarzanie tego białka. Sklerostyna łączy się z koreceptoramiLRP5 i LRP6 dla lipoprotein o niskiej gęstości i wpływa na aktywnośćbiałek morfogenetycznych kości (BMP) oraz moduluje ścieżkęsygnałową Wnt/β-katenina. Prawdopodobnie ta ścieżka sygnałowaodgrywa najważniejszą rolę w procesie osteogenezy i jest najwszechstronniejw ostatnich latach studiowaną drogą regulatorowąmetabolizmu kości. Mimo olbrzymiego postępu osiągniętegow ostatnich latach w zrozumieniu molekularnych aspektów metabolizmukości, obecnie nie jest dostępna jakakolwiek całkowiciesatysfakcjonująca terapia niskiej masy kostnej i zapobiegająca złamaniom.Prowadzonych jest wiele badań naukowych mających nacelu identyfikację potencjalnych celów terapeutycznych związanychze ścieżką Wnt/β-katenina.

Chora, lat 22, zgłosiła się do szpitala z powodu narastających dolegliwościbólowych w części piersiowo-lędźwiowej kręgosłupa.Pacjentka miała już rozpoznaną homocystynurię, która jest dziedziczonymautosomalnie recesywnie zaburzeniem przemiany aminokwasów,charakteryzującym się uszkodzeniem narządu wzroku,ośrodkowego układu nerwowego, układu sercowo-naczyniowego,układu kostno-szkieletowego oraz tkanki łącznej.W badaniu morfometrycznym (vertebral fracture assessment –VFA) metodą densytometryczną (DXA) stwierdzono wielopoziomowe(T4–L4) złamania trzonów kręgów w części piersioweji lędźwiowej kręgosłupa. Zarówno w badaniu densytometrycznymkości w części L1–L4 kręgosłupa, jak i całego kośćca (total body)wykazano znacznie zmniejszoną gęstość mineralną kości w stosunkudo oczekiwanej dla płci i wieku. Rozpoczęto leczenie kwasemzoledronowym (Aclasta), preparatem z grupy bisfosfonianów,podawanym raz na rok w formie dożylnej. Chora bardzo dobrzetolerowała podanie leku i pozostaje nadal pod ścisłą obserwacją.Osteoporoza w przebiegu homocystynurii stanowi część obrazuklinicznego choroby. Monitorowanie metabolizmu tkanki kostnej,gęstości mineralnej kości oraz zmian strukturalnych w obrębiekręgosłupa za pomocą VFA metodą DXA podczas stosowania bisfosfonianówmoże stanowić istotną wartość dla oceny skutecznościzastosowanego leczenia.

Aim. Assessment of infections prevalence rate, type and severity in patients diagnosed with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX), during 12 months of observations. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of mild, moderate and severe infections in 17 women with a mean age of 58.8 ± 10.0, based on an interview, physical examination, additional tests, and available medical records. Results. 46 various infections were diagnosed in the analysed group of patients. 32 (69.6%) infections involved the respiratory system, and 14 (30.4%) infections concerned the urinary tract. The average frequency per one patient was 2.7 ± 3.5 (median: 2) events during 12 months of observations. The majority of infections, 60.9 % (n = 28), were mild ones of slight intensity, and 37.0% (n = 17) were moderate ones. Only one person (2.2% of all infections) had a severe infection requiring hospitalisation. Conclusions. In the studied group the infection prevalence rate was comparable to that in a healthy population. The majority of infections were mild and involved the respiratory system. Basis of conducted analysis 12 months intravenous administration of CTX is not a factor significantly increasing a risk of severe infections in the studied group of patients. In PSS patients CTX pulse therapy is relatively safe, as it does not cause severe infections requiring hospitalisation

W działaniach promocyjnych usług na szczególną uwagę zasługuje public relations. Jest to instrument, który wyróżnia się tym, że nie jest skierowany wyłącznie na zachowania klientów, ale dąży do wzbudzenia zainteresowania usługą i firmą, która ją świadczy oraz w dalszej kolejności do budowania długotrwałych, opartych na zaufaniu relacji. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest ocena znaczenia działań public relations w promowaniu usług w polskich przedsiębiorstwach. W artykule wykorzystano wyniki badania pt. „Stan i rozwój marketingu w przedsiębiorstwach funkcjonujących na terenie Polski”, zrealizowanego dzięki finansowemu wsparciu Ministra Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego.