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Abstract Background The IN-PATSAT32 and QLQ-INFO25 are questionnaires which can be applied to assess and improve communication with cancer patients, as well as for research and clinical trials aimed at assessing patients’ satisfaction and perception of the information received from nurses and other healthcare providers. Given the recently passed “Polish oncological network” act of law, the issue of patient satisfaction and its regular assessment is finally acknowledged in the socioeconomic and cultural context of Poland. The aim of this study was to validate the EORTC quality of information, QLQ-INFO25, and satisfaction with care, IN-PATSAT32 modules. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study included patients from a cancer reference center in Krakow, Poland. The translated and pilot-tested module QLQ-INFO25 was used together with the core questionnaire QLQ-C30 and the satisfaction module IN-PATSAT32. Adult patients with histological confirmation of any malignancy and the ability to answer the questionnaire were included in the study. Results A total of 187 patients, including 111 women and 76 men (mean age ± SD; 59.32 ± 10.4), were enrolled. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients, ranged from 0.83–0.85 for the QLQ-INFO25 and 0.82–0.94 for the IN-PATSAT32, indicating positive internal consistency. Acceptable convergent and discriminant validity in multi-trait scaling analyses was observed for both modules, with r

Colorectal cancer is being detected in increasingly younger age groups, and its incidence has been on the rise in recent years. Neuroendocrine tumors have also shown an increase in occurrence despite their rarity. Neuroendocrine tumors most commonly occur in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. Therefore, new, better, and more effective treatment methods are being sought. Metformin, a drug commonly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has demonstrated its ability to reduce the incidence and increase the efficacy of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. The biguanide works by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, activating 5’AMP activated protein kinase, and reducing insulin-like growth factor 1. In studies conducted on human cells and xenografts, the drug has shown its positive effects in combating these tumors by reducing proliferation, slowing the growth of cancer cells, and inhibiting metastasis. The main goal of this review is to comprehensively summarize the current state of knowledge regarding metformin in the treatment of colorectal cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.

Metformin, a widely prescribed treatment for type II diabetes, offers promising benefits beyond glycemic control, including improved lipid profiles and cardiovascular outcomes. It inhibits gluconeogenesis in the liver by activating AMPK, thereby reducing glucose production and enhancing glucose uptake in muscle. Recent studies highlight its potential anticancer effects, particularly through the suppression of the mTOR pathway via LKB1-dependent AMPK activation, which inhibits cell proliferation. This review explores metformin’s role as an adjunct therapy in pancreatic cancer, summarizing evidence on its molecular mechanisms and potential efficacy. The findings suggest metformin’s broader therapeutic applications, especially in oncology, warrant further investigation. The aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the role of metformin as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, with particular focus on its molecular mechanisms, such as AMPK activation and mTOR pathway inhibition. The study aims to summarize the current scientific evidence regarding its potential effectiveness.

The storage characteristics of cold-pressed blackcurrant-, strawberry- and raspberry seed oils and the factors influencing thermo-oxidative stability during storage were determined. It was established that throughout one year there were no significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes of thermo-oxidative stability (OIT at 120 and 140 °C) and fatty acid composition in all berry seed oils (BSO), despite a minor reduction in antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging) and tocopherol content, and an increase in acid value, p-anisidine value, and K232, K268 values. Pigment degradation became noticeable after 6 months, resulting from a decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and observed in changes of colour parameters (angle hue, chroma, ΔE). The study also showed that many compositional factors play an important role in maintaining the thermo-oxidative stability of berry seed oils at a constant level over a period of one year, among which the most significant parameters influencing OIT values were the content of fatty acid c18:1, tocopherols and carotenoids, as revealed by the multiple linear regression analysis (MLR).

Background: The type of tumor is a huge determinant of survival and treatment outcomes, particularly with immunotherapy, which uses the immune system to target cancer cells. The response to immunotherapy varies depending on tumor types and is influenced by factors such as genetic mutations and the tumor microenvironment. Materials and methods: The present retrospective study analyzed records for 151 patients who underwent immunotherapy at a single center between 2019 and 2023. The cohort included adults diagnosed with solid tumors, primarily NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer). Immunotherapy agents included pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and others. Data on age, cancer stage, treatment response, adverse events, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were collected. Statistical analyses, including the Cox proportional hazards model, assessed the impact of tumor types and subtypes on survival outcomes. Results: The median age of the cohort was 69 (SD, 10.3) years, and the majority of the patients were men (64.9%). NSCLC was the predominant tumor type (78.1% of cases). In comparison to adenocarcinoma NSCLC, squamous NSCLC showed a significantly higher hazard ratio (HR) for OS (HR 1.49) and PFS (HR 1.47). Renal cell carcinoma and bladder cancer had lower HRs, suggesting a better prognosis. Conclusions: This study highlights how responses to immunotherapy can differ widely based on tumor type, emphasizing the importance of personalized therapy approaches. These insights underscore the need for further research to tailor immunotherapy more effectively to different cancer types.

IntroductionImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy by enhancing T-cell-mediated immune responses against tumors. However, their use can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), impacting patient outcomes.MethodsThis single-center, observational study investigates the relationship between immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and survival outcomes in 151 patients treated with ICIs, with or without chemotherapy, at the Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy in the Independent Public Hospital No. 4 in Lublin. Statistical analyses were performed using the log-rank test, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard model (p < 0.05).ResultsIrAEs were observed in 38% of patients, with the most common being thyroid dysfunction (11.9%) and dermal toxicity (6.6%). Individual toxicity groups presented similar median values of “pack-years”, suggesting that smoking did not have a direct impact on the degree of toxicity. No relationship between the number of “pack-years” and the time of occurrence of toxicity symptoms and the number of toxicity sites was found. Smoking status did not have a moderating effect on the toxicity parameter in survival analysis (OS) and progression free survival analysis (PFS). Pack-years of smoking significantly impacted both OS (HR = 1.01, p = 0.014) and PFS (HR = 1.01, p = 0.011).DisscusionThe results suggested that smoking, measured in pack-years, had no appreciable effect on the amount of toxicity experienced by patients and no correlation between smoking status, irAEs and efficiency of the treatment was found. Despite results not reaching statistical significance, other potential mechanisms by which smoking may influence cancer treatment cannot be ruled out.

IntroductionIn recent years, pain has been recognized as a primary factor significantly diminishing the quality of life in cancer patients. Recent data have prompted the establishment and increased application of non-pharmacological interventions in pain management, such as acupuncture.ObjectivesThis review assesses literature from 2018 to 2023 on the impact of acupuncture on pain management and quality of life in cancer patients, with a particular focus on reducing pain intensity. The effectiveness of acupuncture therapy was compared with the traditional treatment of pain symptoms, with a focus on the patients’ quality of life.ConclusionsAlthough no conclusive scientific evidence confirms the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating cancer pain symptoms, numerous studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce pain, better control pain, decrease analgesic intake, and significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Further research is needed to unequivocally confirm the clinical benefits of acupuncture.

Summary: Introduction: Aging is related to decrease in taste perception. As appetite is considered crucial for maintenance of proper nutritional status of older adults, its decrease during aging raises questions about its relation to gustatory functions and further prevention possibilities. Aim of the study: The aim was to assess the characteristics and eating behaviors of the patients who reported a self-perceived reduction in taste perception in the context of appetite. Material and methods: This semi-qualitative study was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022 in the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics of the University Hospital in Krakow. Patients were assessed using an original appetite assessment scale, which allowed for an in-depth interview on areas related to the decline in gustatory function. Additionally, nutritional assessment was performed using Mini Nutritional Assessment and Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ) and anthropometric measurements. Results: The most common characteristics of patients with gustatory dysfunction were early satiety, decreased appetite in the three months prior to the study and polypharmacy. A significant difference was observed in the CNAQ scores between the group of patients with and without gustatory dysfunction. Conclusion: Careful identification of patients presenting with gustatory dysfunction can provide an important cue for an individualised approach aimed at preventing malnutrition. In our work, we suggest the areas that can be addressed during a nutritional interview to enable the selection of an optimal approach.

ABSTRACT: Whey butter is the result of the rational use of the whey component, which is cream whey. It is an alternative to milk cream butter. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the effect of storage conditions on water thermodynamics and cholesterol oxidation products as reliable markers of quality and safety. After 4 mo of storage, the water loss (at 3°C and 13°C) and water activity in whey butter (only at 13°C) were reduced. Three-factorial ANOVA showed that the value of water activity was independent of the type of butter in interaction with the storage temperature. The duration of the translational movement of water molecules from the inside of whey butter was definitely longer than in butter and shortened with storage time. This was in contrast to butter. For whey butter stored at 13°C, the kinetics of the movement of water molecules was at the highest speed. In the case of whey butter and butter, the higher storage temperature almost doubled the gloss. Increasing the temperature to 13°C resulted in different yellowness index, chroma, and browning index between whey butter and butter. There were no statistically significant differences in the percentage of fatty acids and triacylglycerols in whey butter and milk cream butter during storage. In whey butter, compared with butter, the cholesterol content was higher, but the amount of cholesterol oxidation products was smaller. However, in whey butter, these amounts increased significantly. The presence of epoxides and their transformation products (i.e., triol cholesterol) was found in storage whey butter.

Background and purpose: Metaplastic breast carcinoma (BC-Mp) is an uncommon subtype that poses unique challenges. The limited information on patient prognosis and therapeutic strategies motivated our research initiative. We aimed to assess disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and influential factors in patients with nonmetastatic BC-Mp. Materials and methods: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, clinicopathological data for nonmetastatic BC-Mp patients treated at four oncology units in Poland (2012–2022) were gathered. Results: Among 115 women (median age 61, range: 28–91), the median tumor size was 40 mm (range 20–130); 30% of patients exhibited positive local lymph nodes. The majority of patients presented with stage II (46%) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (84%). Radiotherapy was administered to 61% of patients. Surgical procedures included breast-conserving surgery in 31% of patients and mastectomy in 68%. Eighty-three per cent of patients received chemotherapy. The median estimated DFS and OS were 59 and 68 months, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that tumor size influenced DFS and OS (Hazard ratios [HR] = 1.02, 95%CI 0.01–0.03 for both endpoints) and taxanes application improved DFS (HR = 0.47, 95%CI 0.24–0.93), but other factors did not. For patients receiving neoadjuvant systemic therapy (N = 51), taxanes improved DFS and OS according to univariable analysis. Interpretation: Our findings highlight poor DFS and OS regardless of receiving optimal treatment, emphasizing the need for tailored therapeutic strategies for BC-Mp patients. Taxanes appear promising in a neoadjuvant setting, particularly within the current standard of care for the TNBC subtype.

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is recognized for its antioxidant properties attributed to the presence of flavonoids that promote cardiovascular health. Enriching chocolate with phytosterols, naturally occurring plant compounds known to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels, has the potential to enhance cardiovascular benefits. The incorporation of phytosterols into chocolate provides a palatable and cost-effective means of delivering these beneficial compounds to the body. This study examined the concentrations of sterols and stanols, as well as the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate enriched with plant-derived sterols and stanols. A commercially available preparation containing phytosterol esters (Vegapure® 95 WE) was utilized for this enrichment. Four levels of phytosterol esters (3, 6, 9, and 12%) were added at two distinct stages of chocolate processing: conching and tempering. Sterol and stanol contents were analyzed chromatographically, total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was assessed via the DPPH assay. Additionally, a sensory evaluation was performed to assess the palatability of the enriched chocolates. The enriched chocolates showed significantly increased levels of sitosterol (up to 1117.68 mg/100 g), campesterol (up to 119.10 mg/100 g), and sitostanol (up to 76.42 mg/100 g). The antioxidant capacity of the enriched dark chocolates was more strongly correlated with phenolic compound content than with phytosterol content. Sensory differences, particularly in taste, were also noted, influenced by the addition of phytosterols. The stage at which phytosterol esters were introduced affected the chocolate’s properties, with the tempering stage proving to be the more advantageous step for incorporating phytosterols, resulting in a lower loss of bioactive compounds. These findings suggest that enriching dark chocolate with phytosterols improves its nutritional profile and functional properties, positioning it as a potential dietary supplement for cholesterol management and cardiovascular health.

Background: The oils obtained from the seeds of Nigella sativa, also named black cumin, are rich in bioactive compounds that strengthen immunity and support human health. This study aimed to compare Nigella sativa oils pressed from Egyptian (Eg-NSSO), Ethiopian (Et-NSSO), and Syrian (Sy-NSSO) seeds. Methods: The analyzed oils were obtained from a local company. The content of phenolic compounds, tocochromanols, phytosterols, volatile compounds, triglycerides, and fatty acids composition was determined using chromatographic methods. The oxidative stability was determined by Rancimat technique as well as the determination of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. As an assessment of bioactivity, the antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic properties of oils were evaluated. Results: Ethiopian oil had highest content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytosterols, and tocochromanols and was characterized by the longest induction period (IP = 7.89 h). The share of thymoquinone was the highest in Ethiopian oil (34.84%), followed by Egyptian (27.36%), then Syrian (22.59%). Ethiopian oil recorded a high antibacterial activity, while Egyptian oil showed a unique antifungal activity against toxigenic fungi. Aflatoxins’ secretion into liquid medium containing NSSO was reduced, especially with Egyptian oil.

Abstract Four structured acylglycerols with stigmasterol bonded by a succinyl linker were investigated and their stability were analyzed. Samples were heated to 60 °C and kept at that temperature to simulate storage, and to 180 °C to simulate frying conditions. The degradation of the synthesized compounds and formed derivatives was determined, and their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on normal human cells from the digestive system was determined. Holding at 180 °C resulted in greater degradation of the compounds than holding at 60 °C. The most stable compound in each sample proved to be one with oleic acid in its structure—1,3-dioleoyl-2-stigmasterylsuccinoyl-sn-glycerol (DO2SSt) at 60 °C and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-stigmasterylsuccinoyl-sn-glycerol (DO3SSt) at 180 °C. These results indicate that the type of fatty acid in the molecule is more important than its position in the glycerol structure. None of the diacylmonostigmasterylsuccinoyl-sn-glycerols (DASStGs) before or after heating exhibited cytotoxic or genotoxic potential to small intestine and colon mucosa cells.

Objectives The main goal of this article was to learn the opinions of over 50 parents of students with special educational needs on the ways and the effectiveness of emergency remote teaching and to come up with ideas for future improvements to organization of distance education of students at special education centres. The following three queries were set for examination ahead of this research: (1) General assessment of preparedness of special education centres for distance education needs; (2) Assessment of distance education quality at special education centres and out of the centres’ premises; (3) Assessment of communications quality at special education centres. Material and methods Research toolkit and statistical analysis: Survey for parents comprised 26 questions including 24 closed-ended questions, two open-ended questions plus three demographic questions (the child’s sex, school form and group number). Research material was statistically analysed in reliance on SPSS v. 27 software. Results Parents indicated the following subjects as the most challenging: Foreign Language (62 per cent of responses), Mathematics (54 per cent) and Polish (52 per cent). Parents also rated their children's use of counselling. Thus: 94 per cent of students consulted therapists, 93 per cent of students consulted boarding school tutors, 84 per cent of students consulted class teachers, 82 per cent of students consulted subject teachers, 54 per cent of students consulted psychologists. Conclusions The activities of teachers and educators should not end with the end of the pandemic and should go further - in the direction of strengthening the competence of independent learning (in students) and teaching (in teachers) and handling computer technology (in both groups).

BackgroundPrimary neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast (Br-NENs) are rare. The classification has been updated in recent years making interpretation of the data published challenging. It is unclear whether neuroendocrine differentiation is associated with poorer prognosis and what treatment approaches should be applied.MethodsThe database for breast cancer patients treated between 2009 and 2022 at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Branch Krakow was explored to search for Br-NENs. Patients’ medical and pathological data were collected and analyzed.ResultsWe included 22 females with Br-NEN without metastases at the time of diagnosis. The median age was 64 years (range: 28-88), Of the cases, 18 were hormone receptor positive, all were HER-2 negative, the median Ki67 was 27% (10-100%). The median tumor size at the time of diagnosis was 29.5mm (7-75mm), 9 patients were N-positive. DCIS was present in 5 cases. Only one case was negative for chromogranin and synaptophysin staining, but data were missing for 4 cases. Nine patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, mainly based on anthracyclines and taxanes, while 16 received adjuvant hormonal therapy and 15 received postoperative radiotherapy. Radical surgery was performed in all patients, but two underwent suboptimal tumorectomy. One patient had local recurrence, three experienced metastatic disease, all involving the lungs, but these patients are still alive. The median follow-up was 96 months (8–153). Two patients died, with a follow up time of no recurrence >4 years. Our results were compared to twelve case series collecting clinical data on Br-NENs, with median patient number of 10.5 (range: 3-142).ConclusionBr-NENs represent a heterogenous group of diseases, lacking data from prospective studies or clinical trials. There are no established treatment standards tailored for Br-NENs. Our patients’ cohort exhibited a favorable prognosis, potentially attributed to lower tumor stage and Ki67 index compared to other reported case series. We suggest that radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy be administered akin to standard treatment for breast cancer of no special type. ESMO also advocates for this approach in systemic treatment, although we recommend considering platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with poorly differentiated Br-NENs exhibiting high Ki67.

IntroductionEssential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder in adults, with an estimated incidence of up to 1% of the population and 5% of people older than 65 years of age. ET is manifested primarily by bilateral postural and kinetic tremor of the upper limbs with or without neurological symptoms and cognitive deficits. ET disrupts daily tasks and significantly lowers quality of life. Currently available medications alone are often insufficient to control severe symptoms. Several surgical treatment options are available, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)—a minimally invasive treatment option aimed at relieving and controlling tremors.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature on the use of SRS in the treatment of ET using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines.ResultsThe results obtained confirm the high efficacy and safety of the SRS procedure in treating drug-resistant intention tremor. The study results present high response rate reaching 80% and achievement of manual task improvement, lessening of the tremor and increase in the quality of life of the majority of the operated patients. The method also stands out for its favorable balance between efficiency and cost.DisscusionStereotactic radiosurgery is a favourable, safe, efficient and cost-effective method in treatment of the essential tremor. Ongoing research is crucial to refine patient selection criteria for this procedure and further improve the effectiveness of the technique.

After 7 days of storage, the quality of the meat packed in both systems (MAP and VAC) was satisfactory; however, after 14 and 21 days, there was a noticeable decline in quality, as evidenced by changes in the water percentage and color parameters (L∗, a∗, and b∗). However, muscles stored in the MAP1 had the highest tenderness. The results indicated that as the storage time increased (up to 21 days), the share of C14:0 (P0.05). The H/H level differed significantly with the storage time (P

The entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into a human host cell begins with the interaction between the viral spike protein (S protein) and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Therefore, a possible strategy for the treatment of this infection is based on inhibiting the interaction of the two abovementioned proteins. Compounds that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein at the interface with the alpha-1/alpha-2 helices of ACE2 PD Subdomain I are of particular interest. We present a stepwise optimisation of helical peptide foldamers containing trans-2-aminocylopentanecarboxylic acid residues as the folding-inducing unit. Four rounds of optimisation led to the discovery of an 18-amino-acid peptide with high affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 S protein (Kd = 650 nM) that inhibits this protein–protein interaction with IC50 = 1.3 µM. Circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance studies indicated the helical conformation of this peptide in solution.

This article provides an overview of the literature data on the role of liposomal structures and encapsulated substances in food technology and human nutrition. The paper briefly describes how liposomes are created and how they encapsulate food ingredients, which can either be individual compounds or plant extracts. Another very interesting application of liposomes is their use as antimicrobial carriers to protect food products from spoilage during storage. The encapsulation of food ingredients in liposomes can increase their bioavailability, which is particularly important for compounds with health-promoting properties but low bioavailability. Particular attention was paid to compounds such as phytosterols, which lower blood cholesterol levels but have very low absorption in the human body. In addition, consumer expectations and regulations for liposomes in food are discussed. To date, no in vivo human studies have been conducted to indicate which encapsulation methods give the best results for gastrointestinal effects and which food-added substances are most stable during food storage and processing. The paper identifies further lines of research that are needed before liposomes can be introduced into food.

Background: The IN-PATSAT32 and QLQ-INFO25 are questionnaires which can be applied to assess and improve communication with cancer patients, as well as for research and clinical trials aimed at assessing patients’ satisfaction and perception of the information received from nurses and other healthcare providers. Given the recently passed “Polish oncological network” act of law, the issue of patient satisfaction and its regular assessment is finally acknowledged in the socioeconomic and cultural context of Poland. The aim of this study was to validate the EORTC quality of information, QLQ-INFO25, and satisfaction with care, IN-PATSAT32 modules. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included patients from a cancer reference center in Krakow, Poland. The translated and pilot-tested module QLQ-INFO25 was used together with the core questionnaire QLQ-C30 and the satisfaction module IN-PATSAT32. Adult patients with histological confirmation of any malignancy and the ability to answer the questionnaire were included in the study. Results: A total of 187 patients, including 111 women and 76 men (mean age ± SD; 59.32 ± 10.4), were enrolled. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients, ranged from 0.83–0.85 for the QLQ-INFO25 and 0.82–0.94 for the IN-PATSAT32, indicating positive internal consistency. Acceptable convergent and discriminant validity in multi-trait scaling analyses was observed for both modules, with r < 0.3 for all calculations. Interclass correlations proved satisfactory test–retest reliability. Conclusions: The Polish versions of the IN-PATSAT32 and QLQ-INFO25 are reliable and valid instruments providing domains not covered by the core EORTC module. These tools are suitable for use in daily clinical practice, in research as well as in clinical trials to obtain data regarding patients’ perception of and satisfaction with received information within the socioeconomic and cultural context of Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of rotational frying of three different food products on degradation of sterols, as well as their migration between frying oils and food. The research addresses a gap in the existing literature, which primarily focuses on changes in fat during the frying of single food items, providing limited information on the interaction of sterols from the frying medium with those from the food product. The frying was conducted at 185 ± 5 °C for up to 10 days where French fries, battered chicken, and fish sticks were fried in succession. The sterol content was determined by Gas Chromatography. This research is the first to highlight the influence of the type of oil on sterol degradation in both oils and food. Notably, sterols were found to be most stable when food products were fried in high-oleic low-linolenic rapeseed oil (HOLLRO). High-oleic soybean oil (HOSO) exhibited higher sterol degradation than high-oleic rapeseed oil (HORO). It was proven that cholesterol from fried chicken and fish sticks did not transfer to the fried oils or French fries. Despite initially having the highest sterol content in fish, the lowest sterol amount was recorded in fried fish, suggesting rapid degradation, possibly due to prefrying in oil with a high sterol content, regardless of the medium used.