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The 21st century, thanks to the development of molecular methods, including DNA barcoding, using Sanger sequencing, and DNA metabarcoding, based on next-generation sequencing (NGS), is characterized by flourishing research on the human microbiome. Microbial dysbiosis is perceived as a new pathogenetic factor for neonatal diseases. Fungi are crucial, but neglected, components of the neonatal microbiome, which, despite their low abundance, significantly impact morbidity and mortality rates of premature infants hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The neonatal mycobiome’s composition and effect on health remain poorly studied research areas. Our knowledge about neonatal mycobiome, composed of limited genera, is mainly based on research on the bacterial microbiome. We presume it is influenced by clinical factors, including prematurity, antibiotic therapy, and type of delivery. Understanding these risk factors may be useful in prevention strategies against dysbiosis and invasive fungal infections. Despite the methodological challenges resulting from the biology of the fungal cell, this topic is an attractive area of research that may contribute to more effective treatment, especially of newborns from risk groups. In this mini review, we discuss the current state of knowledge, research gaps, study difficulties, and future research directions on the neonatal mycobiome, concerning potential future clinical applications.

Alopecia constitutes one of the most common dermatological disorders, and its steadily increasing prevalence is a cause for concern. Alopecia can be divided into two main categories, cicatricial/scarring and non-cicatricial/non-scarring, depending on the causes of hair loss and its patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric and nutritional laboratory parameters in Caucasian adult women and men with non-cicatricial alopecia. A total of 50 patients (37 with non-cicatricial alopecia and 13 healthy controls) were included in the study. Clinical examination and scalp trichoscopy were performed. The anthropometric and nutritional laboratory parameters were collected and analyzed. No statistically significant differences in the laboratory findings were found. The patients with non-cicatricial alopecia were statistically significantly younger as compared to the controls. An elevated risk of hair loss, which was detected among the younger participants, might be associated with a modern lifestyle and the so-called ‘Western diet’. It seems safe to assume that suboptimal nutrition and poor eating habits during childhood might constitute risk factors for early hair loss.

Congenital laryngeal stenosis is a rare and unusual anomaly that usually presents in the first minutes after delivery as severe life-threatening respiratory distress. It may exist as an isolated entity or in association with other congenital malformations, in particular cardiac anomalies. In this paper, we present the case of an infant with prenatal suspicion of tetralogy of Fallot. Immediately after delivery, the patient required intubation, which proved difficult. He was eventually diagnosed with laryngeal stenosis requiring laryngological treatment.

Masses of the head and neck are often diagnosed prenatally and require special care due to the risk of airway obstruction. The EXIT procedure is a preferable mode of delivery. A congenital cystic lymphatic malformation is one of the most common lesions of the cervical region described in neonates. The treatment consists of different strategies and involves the cooperation of multiple specialists. Up to now, no guidelines or protocols are available. We report a case of a congenital cystic lymphatic malformation of the head and neck delivered during the EXIT procedure by a mother who was SARS-CoV-2 positive. We analyzed clinical characteristics, radiologic features, and treatment with injections of sclerotic agents and orally administrated sirolimus. Sirolimus seems a valuable and safe therapeutic option for treating lymphatic malformations, especially with adjunct therapies.

Bryophytes constitute a heterogeneous group of plants which includes three clades: approximately 14,000 species of mosses (Bryophyta), 6000 species of liverworts (Marchantiophyta), and 300 species of hornworts (Anthocerotophyta). They are common in almost all ecosystems, where they play important roles. Bryophytes lack developed physical barriers, yet they are rarely attacked by herbivores or pathogens. Instead, they have acquired the ability to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with diverse functions, such as phytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, insect antifeedant, and molluscicidal activities. Secondary metabolites in bryophytes can also be involved in stress tolerance, i.e., in UV-absorptive and drought- and freezing-tolerant activities. Due to these properties, for centuries bryophytes have been used to combat health problems in many cultures on different continents. Currently, scientists are discovering new, unique compounds in bryophytes with potential for practical use, which, in the age of drug resistance, may be of considerable importance. The aim of this review is to present bryophytes as a potential source of compounds with miscellaneous possible uses, with a focus on volatile compounds and antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic potential, and as sources of materials for further promising research. The paper also briefly refers to the methods of compound extraction and acquisition. Formulas of compounds were drawn by the authors using ChemDraw software (PerkinElmer, Boston, MA, USA) with reference to data published in various papers, the ACD/Labs dictionary database, PubChem, and Scopus. The data were gathered in February 2022.

Background: Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic condition caused by mutations in STK11 (Serine/threonine kinase 11) gene (OMIM 602216 Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase 11) located in the short arm of chromosome 19 (19p.13.3). Case: We report the case of a 4 and ½ year-old female child with a rare Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. She was admitted to the Clinic of Gynaecology, the Faculty of Perinatology and Gynaecology, Chair of Adolescence Gynaecology and Sexology at Poznan University of Medical Sciences, in order to undergo preventive medical examinations. The patient was accompanied by her mother. Age and sex-appropriate development. Age-appropriate dental condition. Gynaecological examination was conducted. No changes were identified through palpation. Normal ultrasound picture. No symptoms of genital mucosa estrogenization, which is typical of the patient’s age. A small amount of vaginal discharge was found. Pap smear was conducted to assess vaginal biocenosis. Lacidobacilli deficiency was found and feminine hygiene products, such as Iladian, were recommended. Melanotic macules around the mouth, typical of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome were identified. Conclusions: Due to the increased cancer risk in patients with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, more frequent medical and gynaecological examinations are recommended for the girl. It should be noted that the girl’s mother decision to have her daughter examined at such a young age was appropriate.

Surfactant is a complex of phospholipids and proteins produced in type II pneumocytes. Its deficiency frequently occurs in preterm infants and causes respiratory distress syndrome. In full-term newborns, its absence results from mutations in the SFTPC, SFTPB, NKX2-1, or ABCA3 genes involved in the surfactant metabolism. ABCA3 encodes ATP-binding cassette, which is responsible for transporting phospholipids in type II pneumocytes. We present a case of a male late preterm newborn with inherited surfactant deficiency in whom we identified the likely pathogenic c.604G>A variant in one allele and splice region/intron variant c.4036-3C>G of uncertain significance in the second allele of ABCA3. These variants were observed in trans configuration. We discuss the diagnostic challenges and the management options. Although invasive treatment was introduced, only temporary improvement was observed. We want to raise awareness about congenital surfactant deficiency as a rare cause of respiratory failure in term newborns.

Background: Fragile X syndrome (FRA X) is the most common cause of inherited moderate intellectual disability. The cause of FRA X syndrome is a dynamic mutation in the FMR1 gene (located on the X sex chromosome—long arm, position 27.3, between base pairs 147 911 951 and 147 951 125). Case(s): A patient born in 1993 along with her mother was referred to the Department of Developmental Age Gynaecology and Gynaecological Sexology of the Obstetrical Clinical Hospital at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences (Poland) because of existing recurrent menstrual cycle disorders and recurrent genital inflammation. From her history since childhood, this patient had fluctuating body weight with a tendency for overweight and obesity. Contact with the patient was difficult, she was reluctant to answer questions during the medical interview. There is a family history of intellectual disability. The patient required continuous gynaecological and psychiatric care, diet therapy, physical activity was recommended, which had a beneficial effect on the patient’s somatic and mental health. Conclusions: The diagnosis of fragile X syndrome involved not only the patient but also her family in a very broad interdisciplinary approach, also in terms of genetic counselling. Additional problems with cycle disorders, genital inflammation and weight disorders mean that the patient will still require gynaecological and psychiatric care, diet therapy, and physical activity has been recommended, which has a beneficial effect on the patient’s somatic and mental health.

The goal of this analysis is to identify risk factors for infantile hemangiomas (IH) to better delineate hemangioma predisposition. We analyzed live birth children with isolated cutaneous hemangioma that were reported to the Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations from across Poland between the years 1998 and 2016. Lower birthweight and gestational age were the most significant risk factors associated with IH. We also observed a trend for a higher risk of IH with a lower level of maternal and paternal education. Moreover, mothers with IH have a higher probability of having a child with IH compared to fathers. However, this association is only present when the child is female. Similarly, a higher risk of hemangioma in a female child is found among mothers having relatives of the first degree with IH, compared to fathers with a similar pedigree. Our results suggest the role of exogenous factors in the etiology of IH. The analysis of familial cases suggests a multifactorial model of inheritance. The study indicates that female gender is an important risk factor for the expression of familial IH. Potential interaction of genetic risk factors with exposure to female sex hormones may play a role in the development of IH.

Water absorbing geocomposite (GC) consisting of SAP, geotextile and internal skeleton is a novel method of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and fertilizer application. Roots can overgrow the geotextile and thus obtain access to water. The objective of the experiment was to determine the effect of the geocomposite on the growth of container-grown Brunnera macrophylla. The geocomposite was used as a multi-compound fertilizer (Insol® U) carrier and compared with soluble fertilizer (SF) and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The doses of fertilizers were calculated to cover the equal N supply: 0.36 and 0.72 g plant−1. The geocomposite positively influenced the plant traits after 8 and 16 weeks of cultivation. The number of leaves increased by 42% and 60% and the biomass of the above-ground parts of plants increased by 260% and 340% in comparison to plants treated with other fertilizers. The effect of the fertilization rate on plants was weakly pronounced, but a positive influence of a higher dose and the GC combined on all the examined traits of Siberian bugloss plants was detected.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the geocomposite (GC) on macronutrient uptake of container-grown Brunnera macrophylla and substrate properties. The GC consists of super-absorbent polymer (SAP), internal skeleton and non-woven geotextile. It was designed to retain water in the soil in a form available for plants, by roots overgrowing the geotextile to access water. The GC was soaked in a multi-compound fertilizer (Insol® U) and compared with soluble fertilizer (SF) and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). The fertilizer rates were calculated to cover the equal N supply: 0.36 and 0.72 g N plant−1. Nitrogen uptake of Brunnera cultivated with the geocomposite was approximately twice and three times as high as that of plants fertilized with SF and CRF, respectively. Exceptionally high N content was observed in plants cultivated with the GC-0.72 g N plant−1. The use of the GC also enhanced the accumulation of K and P, while CRF strongly reduced their content in plants. Distinct relations could be observed in the case of Ca accumulation. GC-0.72 g N plant−1 increased EC and water content in the medium without direct contact between SAP and substrate.

Auxins are the only compounds used in commercial plant propagation to stimulate rooting, although efforts have been made to find other efficient compounds. Another group of rooting promoters could be plant growth retardants (PGRs) which act as inhibitors of gibberellin synthesis. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of flurprimidol and naphthalene-1-acetic acid (NAA) applied by quick-dip method on rooting and development of Fuchsia hybrida 'Swingtime' cuttings and their subsequent growth. Anatomical analysis of the rooting process was also done. Flurprimidol and NAA did not influence the percentage of rooted fuchsia cuttings but increased the number of adventitious roots. Both compounds were involved in earlier formation of root primordia. Flurprimidol and NAA, used simultaneously or separately, increased the number and length of axillary shoots of fuchsia cuttings. The effect of flurprimidol on the number of roots and shoots was stronger than that of NAA, but diminished after transplanting the rooted cuttings. The influence of flurprimidol on axillary shoot length was weaker as its concentration increased.

North American hackberry as a tree with resistance to Dutch elm diseases, pollutions and urban conditions is predisposed to becoming one of the common tree species for urban areas. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methods for nursery production of this species. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of fertilization and different methods of cultivation in rows with simultaneous use of geocomposite on the growth of North American hackberry in nursery production. Mechanical fallow in rows ha the most prefer-ably influence, while living mulch with perennial ryegrass had rather negative impact on tested biometric features of North American hackberry. There was found a positive correlation between biometric features and foliar N content, as well as negative correlation between biometric features and soil salinity.

Geocomposite (GC) with hydrophilic polymer is an innovative method of su-perabsorbent application. The aim of the conducted research was to assess the usefulness of the geocomposite for the fertilization of Hosta with liquid fertilizer in comparison with soluble fertilizer (SF) and controlled release fertilizer (CRF). Plants were grown in con-tainers filled with peat substrate, in a plastic tunnel and regularly feed with two doses of the fertilizers (according to N supply: 0.36 or 0.72 g·plant-1). Hostas responded positively to GC application: plants were higher and wider and their fresh weight increased respec-tively by 15 and 22% in comparison with SF and CRF application. The yield of dry matter was also higher. Plant nutrient status was better in case of P, K and Mg, but the N leaf content was lower. Lower electrical conductivity of the substrate at the end of cultivation with GC, alongside with intensive growth of plants proved high utilization of nutrients. The experiment confirmed usefulness of geocomposite for ornamental plant fertilization.

Cytokinins are a group of plant hormones stimulating, among others, axillary bud formation and inhibiting rhizogenesis. Adenine, their common component, often expresses cytokinin-like activity in plant development. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of adenine on rooting and development of Fuchsia hybrida cuttings. The influence of adenine was also assessed in comparison to benzyladenine, including their cooperation with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. Anatomical analysis of the rooting process was also undertaken. Application of BA, both alone or together with NAA, strongly inhibited rhizogenesis, but stimulated axillary shoot outgrowth. Adenine exhibited cytokinin-like activity on axillary shoot development in Fuchsia hybrida cuttings, but did not show the inhibitory effect on root development typical for cytokinins. This compound, particularly at higher concentrations, stimulated both axillary shoot development and rooting, which was expressed as an increase in root number and rooting percentage, even after direct application to the base of the cuttings. Anatomical analysis revealed adenine-derived acceleration during elongation of adventitious root primordia.

Recent research has proved that supplementary application of silicon, involved in plant tolerance against many stress factors, positively influences plant development improving the quality of ornamental plants. A two-factorial experiment involved four cultivars of ornamental plants: Argyranthemum frutescens 'Blazer Rose', Xerochrysum bracteatum 'Gold', Osteospermum ecklonis 'Grande Pink Blush', and Gaura lindheimeri 'Corinas Choice' The first experimental factor was the concentration of Actisil preparation being an equivalent of 60, 120, and 180 mg Si×dm-3, applied three times by spraying, while the second one was the type of medium: peat substrate and peat substrate with sand. Actisil had a beneficial effect on the number of lateral shoots in all plants. The highest number of buds and inflorescences was determined in Xerochrysum and Osteospermum plants sprayed with 0.3% Actisil, and 0.2% Actisil in case of Argyranthemum and Gaura. The effect of medium type on plant growth depended on plant species. Argyranthemum and Osteospermum plants cultivated in the medium with sand showed inhibited growth, although medium type did not affect the growth of Xerochrysum.

Silicon is known as an element stimulating plant immunity and resistance to unfavorable conditions. Additional treatment with silicon may also cause a positive change in plant performance, improving the quality of ornamental plants. In the years 2009-2010, a two-factorial experiment was conducted involving three cultivars of seasonal ornamental plant species: creeping zinnia Sanvitalia speciosa 'Sunbini', vervain Verbena 'Patio Blue', and purslane Portulaca umbraticola 'Duna Red'. The first experimental factor was the concentration of Actisil preparation being an equivalent of 60, 120, and 180 mg Si×dm-3, applied three times by spraying, the second one was the type of medium: peat substrate and peat substrate with sand. The experiment proved the beneficial effect of fertilization with silicon on plant development of Verbena and the number of shoots of all examined plant species. The higher concentrations of Actisil were applied, the higher number of shoots the plants developed. Plants treated with Actisil also produced a higher number of buds and flowers or inflorescences featuring an increased diameter. Plants cultivated in peat substrate flowered better.

Cytokinins determine plant shape via regulation of meristem activity. Stimulatory effect of cytokinins on lateral shoot outgrowth is used in plant production yet they usually impair rhizogenesis. This excludes their usage in propagation from cuttings, although in some cases cytokinin positively affect rooting. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of benzyladenine in a wide range of concentrations on rooting and development of Gaura lindheimeri cuttings and their subsequent growth in order to obtain well branched plants in the shortest time of cultivation. Our study demonstrated high efficiency of some BA treatments in shaping of gaura cuttings without inhibition of rooting. The only combination favouring root formation (by 48%) was BA in 0.02 g dm-3. Cuttings treated with BA in concentration 0.1 g dm-3 and higher formed axillary shoots of considerably increased number and length. The most numerous shoots in both, cuttings and young plants, were observed after application of BA in concentration 2.0 g dm-3. Considering rooting and branching into account the same combination occurred to be the most suitable for development of gaura plants.

Interaction of auxins and cytokinins affects many aspects of plant development. In root and shoot apical meristems these hormones act antagonistically in order to maintain the balance between the formation of new cells and their differentiation. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of benzyladenine and its cooperation with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid on rooting and development of aerial parts of Fuchsia hybrida cuttings and their subsequent growth. Anatomical analysis of rooting process was also undertaken. Cuttings were treated with BA, NAA or BA and NAA together. BA applied by quick-dip method, delayed root initiation and development and negatively affected the number of primordia. Under the influence of BA cell organization took place in meristem of smaller size. Independently on the year of research and way of treatment BA inhibited adventitious root development, even with the use of NAA. BA, regardless of the presence of NAA, stimulated lateral shoot formation on Fuchsia cuttings, applied by spraying, stimulated also shoot elongation. This effect diminished during subsequent development of plants.

Auxins are main promoters of rooting. Cytokinins are considered as auxin antagonists in adventitious root formation, but their role in this process depends on a number of factors, such as concentration and the phase of treatment. Regardless of their role in rhizogenesis, cytokinins stimulate lateral shoot development. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of BA applied in different time of rooting and its cooperation with NAA on Portulaca cuttings and subsequent growth of plants. Stem cuttings of Portulaca umbraticola were treated with BA or BA and NAA in different concentrations and time of BA application (0; 2 and 5 days after placing in medium). BA, administered at the beginning of rooting, negatively influenced percentage of rooted cuttings, while applied two days later stimulated rooting. BA positively determined lateral shoot length and number on cuttings. Application of BA with NAA stimulated root development, but negatively affected the axillary shoot outgrowth. Considering the effect of BA treatment on rooting and branching of Portulaca cuttings the most advantages combinations occurred to be BA applied after 2 days of rooting.

Previous research demonstrated positive influence of hydrophilic polymers on plant growth. Their utilization in agriculture is based mainly on mixing with the soil or medium. The aim of the experiment was to asses the influence of new form of supersorbent application in form of geocomposite consisted of polymer closed inside geotextile on development of Erigeron hybridus hort., Eupatorium purpureum L. and Silene chalcedonica (L.) E. Krause. The first factor of the experiment was utilization of geocomposite, the second one – pine bark mulching. After soaking in water geocomposite was placed in soil and plants were planted above. The growth and flowering of plants were assessed in the term of their most abundant flowering. The experiment documented positive influence of geocomposite on vegetative growth, it is: plant diameter and the number of shoots of all species as well as the height of Eupatorium. It also prompted Eupatorium and Erigeron flowering: plants developed more inflorescences of increased diameter. Pine bark positively determined the diameter of Eupatorium, whereas negatively influenced Silene diameter and number of shoots.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the performance of the fabian-Predictive-Intelligent-Control-of-Oxygenation (PRICO) system for automated control of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2).Design Multicentre randomised cross-over study.Setting Five neonatal intensive care units experienced with automated control of FiO2 and the fabian ventilator.Patients 39 infants: median gestational age of 27 weeks (IQR: 26–30), postnatal age 7 days (IQR: 2–17), weight 1120 g (IQR: 915–1588), FiO2 0.32 (IQR: 0.22–0.43) receiving both non-invasive (27) and invasive (12) respiratory support.Intervention Randomised sequential 24-hour periods of automated and manual FiO2 control.Main outcome measures Proportion (%) of time in normoxaemia (90%–95% with FiO2>0.21 and 90%–100% when FiO2=0.21) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were severe hypoxaemia (98% with FiO2>0.21) and prevalence of episodes ≥60 s at these two SpO2 extremes.Results During automated control, subjects spent more time in normoxaemia (74%±22% vs 51%±22%, p95% with FiO2>0.21 (16%±19% vs 35%±24%) p

OBJECTIVES:The incidence of sensorineural hearing loss is between 1 and 3 per 1000 in healthy neonates and 2-4 per 100 in high-risk infants. The national universal neonatal hearing screening carried out in Poland since 2002 enables selection of infants with suspicion and/or risk factors of hearing loss. In this study, we assessed the incidence and risk factors of hearing impairment in infants ≤33 weeks' gestational age (wga). METHODS:We analyzed the database of the Polish Universal Newborns Hearing Screening Program from 2010 to 2013. The study group involved 11438 infants born before 33 wga, the control group-1487730 infants. Screening was performed by means of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. The risk factors of hearing loss were recorded. Infants who failed the screening test and/or had risk factors were referred for further audiological evaluation. RESULTS:Hearing deficit was diagnosed in 11% of infants ≤25 wga, 5% at 26-27 wga, 3.46% at 28 wga and 2-3% at 29-32 wga. In the control group the incidence of hearing deficit was 0.2% (2.87% with risk factors). The most important risk factors were craniofacial malformations, very low birth weight, low Apgar score and mechanical ventilation. Hearing screening was positive in 22.42% newborns ≤28 wga and 10% at 29-32 wga and in the control group. CONCLUSIONS:Hearing impairment is a severe consequence of prematurity. Its prevalence is inversely related to the maturity of the baby. Premature infants have many concomitant risk factors which influence the occurrence of hearing deficit.