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Abstract The paper introduces a method for predicting damage intensity in masonry residential buildings situated in mining areas, focusing on the impact of large-scale continuous ground deformation. The research utilizes in situ data collected in a database, encompassing structural and material features, as well as information on maintenance quality and building durability. In addition to this information, the database collected data on the intensity of continuous deformation of the mining area at the location of the building, as well as the range and intensity of damage identified in buildings. The information included in the database was the result of many years of observations of buildings during the disclosure of impacts from mining exploitation and was based on: the results of in-situ building inventory, analysis of available building documentation and information provided by mining companies. The archived data were categorized variables labeled. The transformation of the data to a labeled value was dictated directly by the assumptions of the GOBNILP algorithm. Ultimately, a predictive model, represented by an optimal Bayesian network structure, is established. The optimisation of the network structure is achieved through the adaptation of the GOBNILP Bayesian network learning algorithm from data. This optimisation process is executed through the Gurobi Optimizer. It is worth noting that this interdisciplinary approach represents one of the first applications of such a methodology in the field of civil and environmental engineering. The results obtained can therefore be of significant value given the fact that the methodology of detecting the structure of Bayesian networks from data is still developing intensively in other scientific fields. In the course of the analyses, metric scores are examined, and various network structures are assessed based on their complexity. Great values of classification accuracies over 91% were obtained. This meticulous evaluation allows for the selection of the optimal Bayesian network that best generalises the knowledge acquired during the learning process. The paper also demonstrates the potential application of the obtained model in diagnosing damage causes and predicting future occurrences, highlighting the versatility of the proposed approach for addressing issues in the field.

Late-life foreign language education (i.e., FL geragogy, FLG) is said to be related to the de- lay of age-related cognitive changes in healthy individuals and has been shown to positively affect the quality of life of older adults, the fastest-growing age group worldwide. These are also the two main reasons which seem to be behind the high enrolment rates for FL courses at the Universities of the Third Age (U3A) and senior centres alike. Nowadays, following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and months spent in the emergency remote teaching, some of the older learners decided to continue their ed- ucation online, others came back to the classrooms. In both cases, the research on third age learner emotions remains rather scarce, despite a gradually increasing interest of applied linguists in this age group. The aim of this paper is thus to bridge the gap between FLG and Positive Language Education (Mercer et al.) by discerning the reasons behind the learners’ choice of in-person or online classes and investigating the emotions experienced in both modes. To this end, the qualitative research was conducted in two groups of older adult English as a FL learners in the in-class (n = 11) and online mode (n = 6). The data was collected via open-ended questionnaire and a thematic analysis of the dataset was done to identify patterns of meaning. The results indicate that although the emotions in both modes are similar, and learning English in later life is a source of pride, satisfaction, and self-fulfilment irrespective of the form of classes, the online experience is decidedly more negative and causes greater anxiety, frustration, and boredom. In addition, face-to-face social interaction seems to play a vital role in the learners’ overall perception of the course.

The paper presents the possibilities of energy management of residues from the production of ‘Regent’ grapevines. Field tests were conducted under conditions of temperate climate in 2022 on six types of rootstocks viz: 101-14, 125 AA, 161-49, 5 BB, SO4, SORI, the control were ungrafted vines growing on their own roots. The study analysed the following crop parameters, i.e. number and mass of grapes, number and mass of berries; quality parameters of woody shoots. Technical and elemental analysis was performed, and the heat of combustion and calorific value were determined to define fuel quality parameters. In addition, emission factors of CO, CO2, SO2, NOx and ash were estimated to demonstrate the degree of impact of potential bio-residue from the combustion process. An assessment was made on the basis of stoichiometric equations of flue gas composition, as well as theoretical oxygen demand and total fuel gas volume. The study showed that cultivation on 125 AA rootstock is characterised by obtaining significantly the highest yield, shoot mass and bio-residues suitability for energy purposes. The research showed that the most effective in practical cultivation is the use of SORI and SO4 rootstocks in cultivation, which are characterised by average parameters of obtained yield, growth value and fuel.

Introduction Metformin is a widely used oral hypoglycemic agent for type 2 diabetes, with origins in medieval European medicine through the use of Galega officinalis. Subsequent centuries of research led to the development of synthetic biguanides, with metformin's approval as an antidiabetic agent in 1957. Since then, its therapeutic applications have broadened to address other metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Purpose of the Study This study aims to review metformin's pharmacological properties, mechanisms of action, and its expanded clinical applications. Specifically, it focuses on metformin’s role in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic health across diverse patient populations, including those without diabetes. The study also addresses evidence gaps and proposes areas for further research on dose optimization and safety in non-diabetic populations. Materials and Methods A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies examining metformin's effects on glycemic control, weight reduction, and metabolic stability. Conclusions Metformin's history underscores its evolution from traditional remedies to a versatile pharmacological agent for treating diabetes and other metabolic conditions. Ongoing research is essential to fully establish its optimal therapeutic parameters and long-term safety for diverse patient groups.

One of the essential elements of a visit to a pediatrician is a height measurement, which allows for the presentation of the child's growth tendency. Short stature is defined as a height that is lower than the average of a specific population, adjusted for age and sex, by at least 2 standard deviations, i.e., less than the 3rd percentile. Due to accompanying symptoms or their absence, the suspected etiology may vary. Genetic disorders are significant causes of short stature, especially among pediatric patients. The division distinguishes chromosomal, monogenic and polygenic disorders. Other possible causes of short stature may be the coexistence of chronic diseases or disorders of the endocrine system. In the case when the growth disorder is not a pathological condition, a variant of normal growth is diagnosed. In the diagnosis of short stature, in addition to a physical examination, it is sometimes necessary to perform laboratory or radiological tests, genetic tests, and specialist consultations.

Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis. It functions by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a cytokine central to the inflammatory processes of these conditions. Since its approval in 1998, infliximab has significantly improved the management of patients who do not respond well to conventional therapies. The article provides a comprehensive review of infliximab's pharmacological properties, its mechanism of action, FDA-approved uses, and its clinical benefits. It also discusses its safety profile, which includes potential risks like infections, infusion reactions, and long-term concerns such as an increased risk of malignancies. Regular monitoring of adverse effects is crucial for patient safety during treatment. Infliximab has demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms like pain, swelling, and skin lesions, and it helps in maintaining remission in conditions like Crohn's disease and psoriasis. The drug is typically administered via intravenous infusion, and its dosing varies depending on the disease and patient response. Additionally, the article highlights the role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to optimize treatment outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. In conclusion, infliximab remains an essential therapeutic option for managing severe chronic inflammatory diseases, though its use requires careful monitoring due to potential risks. Ongoing research is expected to refine its use and expand its indications, further enhancing its clinical application in inflammatory disease management.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. They have been known for thousands of years and have been used to treat conditions such as asthma, malaria, hypertension, and spasticity. The most common cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Due to their abundant type 1 and 2 cannabinoid receptors, they affect most systems in the human body. This review focuses on the effects of cannabis on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, growth hormone, food intake, glycemia regulation, reproductive system, prolactin, and oxytocin.

Introduction and purpose: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Its pathogenesis may be linked to the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in the immune system. This review analyzes current evidence regarding the influence of the gut microbiome on asthma development, particularly in the context of the gut-lung axis. The aim of this paper is to assess the current therapeutic possibilities for asthma based on the modulation of the gut microbiota. Materials and methods: The literature review includes articles from scientific databases (PubMed), selected for their citation impact and relevance to the topic under analysis. Results: The gut microbiota affects immune balance by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and other metabolites that modulate the body’s inflammatory response. Gut dysbiosis may contribute to the development of asthma. The use of probiotics, prebiotics, and a fiber-rich diet has shown beneficial effects in reducing inflammation in asthma. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may represent a future therapeutic approach, though further clinical research is required. Conclusion: Modulation of the gut microbiota is a promising support in asthma therapy. A personalized treatment approach based on the patient's microbiota profile could potentially improve disease control and reduce the reliance on steroids in the future.

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. It is more common in women and in people suffering from obesity. A characteristic feature is the formation of non-sarcomatous granulomas, which could occure important organs. It could also present as an asymptomatic form, and its diagnosis may be made incidentally on a routine chest X-ray. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to review the literature describing the disease sarcoidosis-its course, clinical forms, diagnosis and treatment. Methods and materials: : We reviewed the literature available in the PubMed database, using the key words: "sarcoidosis"; "granulomatosis’’; “cardiac sarcoidosis”; “neurosarcoidosis”; "pulmonary sarcoidosis''. Results: The most common form of sarcoidosis is pulmonary, with enlargement of hilar lymph nodes and parenchymal lesions. The disease could manifest itself in the form of skin lesions-specifically and non-specifically, ocular lesions, where nay most often appears as uveitis, usually bilateral, and could also involve the heart. Patients with neurosarcoidosis usually have involvement of the pituitary, hypothalamus, meninges and cranial nerves. Conclusion: The diagnosis of sarcoidosis is difficult because its symptoms are often nonspecific. Diagnosis is based on exclusion of other diseases and is confirmed through imaging, histopathological, and immunological tests. In most cases, the prognosis of sarcoidosis is positive, and the disease may resolve spontaneously or under treatment. Treatment of sarcoidosis depends on the severity of the disease and the involvement of specific organs, the most common treatment is glucocorticoids.

Introduction: Depressive disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, affecting millions of people. Despite extensive research, the exact pathophysiology of depression remains unclear. Recent evidence suggests that neuroplasticity, particularly the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), plays a crucial role in both the onset and treatment of depressive disorders. Aim of Study: This review explores the relationship between neuroplasticity and depression, focusing on BDNF as a central biomarker and potential therapeutic target. It also examines how antidepressant therapies and physical activity influence neuroplasticity and BDNF levels, offering insights into novel approaches for treating depressive disorders. Material and Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, focusing on peer-reviewed articles with the keywords: "neuroplasticity", "BDNF", "depression", "antidepressants" and "physical activity". Conclusions: Neuroplasticity, particularly through BDNF signaling, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of depression. Elevated BDNF levels promote synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and recovery of brain function. Antidepressant treatments enhance neuroplasticity by increasing BDNF levels. Antidepressants and physical activity both influence neuroplastic processes, with BDNF serving as a key mediator.

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an increasing health concern, and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects 30–40% of patients with diabetes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are effective medications used in the treatment of T2DM, which not only improve glycemic control but also slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), reducing the risk of renal and cardiovascular complications. They work by decreasing glomerular hyperfiltration and alleviating inflammation in the kidneys. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits, including a reduction in albuminuria and improvement in renal function. In the future, the development of new drug classes, such as Nrf2 activators and RAS inhibitors, which are currently under clinical investigation, may further advance the treatment of DKD, offering a more personalized approach to therapy. This article reviews the current knowledge on SGLT2i and their impact on the progression of DKD, the future prospects for therapies in managing diabetes and its complications. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to gather and analyze available scientific publications regarding the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with T2DM and to determine the future of therapy based on new reports and research into emerging drug classes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a review and analysis of the literature available in the PubMed database, using keywords such as SGLT2 inhibitors, gliflozins, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes.

Introduction and purpose: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is kidney damage that can occur after the administration of contrast agents used in medical imaging procedures like angiography and CT scans. The exact mechanism is not fully understood but is believed to involve direct toxic effects, changes in kidney blood flow, and inflammation. Diagnosis is based on increased serum creatinine levels after contrast exposure. CIN poses challenges due to the rising use of contrast imaging, an aging population, and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The Aim of this article is to summarize information on how to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy. Review of medications and pre-procedural screening and monitoring helpful to lower risk of CIN. State of knowledge: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a form of kidney damage that may occur following the administration of contrast agents used in medical imaging procedures. The exact mechanism of contrast-induced nephropathy is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including the direct toxic effects of the contrast agent on kidney cells, changes in blood flow to the kidneys, and the body's inflammatory response, direct effect of oxygen free radicals. The diagnosis of CIN is typically based on an increase in serum creatinine levels within a certain time frame after the administration of the contrast agent. According to European guidelines, the definition of CIN is increased creatinine level in serum by 25% from baseline or creatinine total level in serum increased by 0.5 mg/dL (44 µmol/L) 48-72h after contrast media administration. Material and methods. A review of the available literature of PubMed database from 1992 – 2024.

Woody debris (WD) stabilizes riverbeds, creates habitats, supports biodiversity, and enhances water quality in ecosystems. This study investigates the impact of WD on sediment characteristics and particulate organic matter (POM) accumulation in the Roztoka stream, located within a forested catchment in the Polish Carpathians. The focus is on the influence of different WD types: coarse (CWD, length > 1 m and diameter > 10 cm), fine (FWD, length < 1 m and diameter < 10 cm), and mixed (MWD, a combination of CWD and FWD) on sediment differentiation and POM accumulation. Stand age, ranging from 20 to over 120 years (in 20-year intervals), was also analyzed as a factor affecting WD structure and POM deposition. Results indicate that MWD had the greatest effect on sediment differentiation, with mean grain size (Mz) ranging from −3.91 phi to −0.95 phi. Stand age significantly influenced POM accumulation, with the highest content (19.51%) observed in age classes III and VI. Older stands (> 120 years) had a diminished effect on both WD structure and POM accumulation. This study underscores the critical role of WD in sediment differentiation and provides insights for improving the ecological function of natural streams. Although the findings are region-specific, they have broader implications for similar temperate mountainous forests.

Background To evaluate incidence and search for possible predictors of brain fog and quality of life at work (QoL-W) among low-to-moderate risk subjects previously hospitalized due to COVID-19. Material and Methods Participants aged ≥18 retrospectively reported 8 brain fog symptoms pre-COVID-19, at 0–4, 4–12 and >12 weeks post-infection via validated clinical questionnaire. The QoL-W was assessed with a 4-point Likert scale where 0, 1, 2, and 3 meant no, mild, moderate, and severe impairment in performing activities at work, respectively. Data on age, sex, comorbidities, and laboratory results (including first in-hospital high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I [hs-cTnI] measurement) were gathered. Results The study included 181 hospitalized subjects (age Me = 57 years), 37.02% women. Most had low disease severity ( Modified Early Warning Score = 1, 77.90%) and low comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index 0: 28.72%, 1–2: 34.09%), with no intensive care unit treatment needed. COVID-19 led to almost 3-fold increased brain fog symptoms, with incidence of 58.56%, 53.59%, and 49.17% within 4, 4–12, and >12 weeks, respectively (p 11.90 ng/l predicted brain fog symptoms in multivariable model. COVID-19 was associated with 3.6‑fold, 3.0‑fold, and 2.4-fold QoL-W deterioration within 4, 4–12, and >12 weeks post-infection (p 12 weeks were younger, mostly women, had more brain fog symptoms, and higher platelet counts. Multivariable models with self-reported brain fog symptoms (responding coherently and recalling recent information), age, and sex exhibited good discriminatory power for QoL-W impairment (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.846, 95% CI: 0.780–0.912). Conclusions This study highlighted that in non-high-risk subjects hospitalized during the first 2 pandemic’s waves: 1) brain fog was common, affecting nearly half of individuals, and impacting QoL-W >12 weeks after initial infection, 2) after 3 months of COVID-19 onset, the decline in QoL-W was primarily attributed to brain fog symptoms rather than demographic factors, health conditions, admission status, and laboratory findings, 3) components of brain fog, such as answering in an understandable way or recalling new information increased the likelihood of significantly lower QoL-W up to tenfold, 4) biochemical indicators, such as the first hs-cTnI level, might predict the risk of experiencing brain fog symptoms and indirectly decreased QoL-W >12 weeks after COVID-19 onset. Occupational medicine practitioners should pay particular attention to younger and female subjects after COVID-19 complaining of problems with answering questions in understandable way or recalling new information as they have an increased risk of QoL-W impairment. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(1):3–17