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Thermal effects accompanying gas sorption on micro- and mesoporous materials provide unique insights into the type, course, and efficiency of sorption. In this study, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with different topologies and chemical structures were synthesized and investigated: HKUST-1, Ni-MOF-74, UiO-66, and MIL-140A. These MOFs were characterized structurally and sorptively with respect to selected greenhouse gases (GHGs). Sorption capacities for CO2 and CH4 were determined at several temperatures and measurement pressures, and the maximum sorption capacity was determined using the Langmuir-Freundlich model. Thermal effects accompanying adsorption were quantified through the isosteric heat of adsorption parameter. For each MOF, the values of isosteric heat of adsorption were higher for CO2 than for CH4. The values of this parameter was determined in the following order: HKUST-1 > Ni-MOF-74 > UiO-66 > MIL-140A. Energy homogeneity of the adsorbent surface was observed in nearly all cases, except for UiO-66 during CO2 adsorption. Changes in the determined isosteric heat of adsorption of CO2 with increasing sorption capacity were in the range of 5-15 kJ/mol, while for CH4 they ranged from 1.4 to 17 kJ/mol, respectively. The level of thermal selectivity of CO2 over CH4 was determined in the following order: UiO-66 (1.9) > Ni-MOF-64 (1.7) > MIL-140A (1.5) > HKUST-1 (1.1).

Magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) is a vital ion for human health, involved in numerous bodily functions, including energy production and protein synthesis. Despite its significance, serum magnesium levels are often overlooked in clinical settings, even though they can be disrupted in various health conditions. This review delves into the role of magnesium in human health and disease, highlighting its importance in key organs like the brain, heart, and muscles. Magnesium supplementation has shown promise in treating conditions such as migraine, depression, heart disease, and asthma. Recent discoveries have unveiled genetic factors, including mutations in specific genes, that can lead to magnesium deficiency. Additionally, certain medications, such as diuretics and proton pump inhibitors, can contribute to low magnesium levels. This review explores the mechanisms of magnesium regulation in the intestines, kidneys, and bones.

Anabolic steroids, synthetic derivatives of testosterone, are frequently employed in clinical settings to address hormonal deficiencies and, controversially, in athletic contexts to augment physical performance. These compounds exert their physiological effects by activating androgen receptors, thereby stimulating protein synthesis, promoting muscle hypertrophy, and accelerating tissue regeneration. These processes are mediated through the modulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and the inhibition of glucocorticoid-induced catabolism. However, the unsupervised and excessive use of anabolic steroids, often motivated by the pursuit of rapid aesthetic or performance enhancement, is associated with a myriad of adverse health outcomes. Such complications encompass damage to the reproductive system, renal dysfunction, hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular pathology, and neuropsychiatric disturbances. Given their substantial potential for misuse, anabolic steroids are stringently regulated, necessitating that healthcare professionals remain astutely aware of their adverse effects to ensure timely recognition and intervention.

Introduction: Kidney disease is a major challenge for modern medicine, despite advances in its diagnosis and therapy. Hemodialysis, as one of the key renal replacement therapies, sustains patients' vital functions, but is associated with significant challenges in terms of the quality of life. Aim: To assess the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis with consideration of the type of vascular access. Material and method: The study was conducted from November 2023 to March 2024 among patients of dialysis stations in the district of Jastrzębie, diversified in terms of age, place of residence, education, and marital status. The study used a diagnostic survey method with a self-constructed questionnaire and a KDQOL-SFTM tool. Results and conclusions: Patients with a fistula tend to have a higher quality of life, better physical and social functioning, and better overall health than patients using a vascular catheter. Gender and place of residence have no significant effect on the quality of life of hemodialyzed patients, regardless of the type of vascular access. Patients under 60 years of age show better physical health than older patients. Secondary and higher education correlates with higher quality of life in terms of symptoms. Marital status has a significant impact on physical health. Shorter duration of dialysis treatment is associated with better quality of life in terms of symptoms, disease quality of life and mental health. The absence of dialysis complications correlates with higher quality of life in terms of symptoms, quality of life in disease and physical health. The results of the study highlight the importance of the type of vascular access and socio-demographic factors in assessing the quality of life of hemodialyzed patients.

Introduction: Vitamin D holds a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Its mechanisms of action involve immune system modulation, specifically by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, while enhancing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10. Furthermore, vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity by strengthening epithelial tight junctions. It also exerts a beneficial influence on the intestinal microbiota, promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacterial species, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which play a role in mitigating disease relapses and sustaining immune homeostasis. Although vitamin D supplementation demonstrates potential in reducing inflammation and improving clinical outcomes, the observed effects remain varied and require further investigation. Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the mechanisms of action of vitamin D in the context of the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its potential therapeutic applications, with particular emphasis on clinical studies evaluating vitamin D supplementation.

Objectives During computed tomography (CT), a large amount of ionizing radiation is emitted to ensure high quality of the obtained radiological image. This study measured the dose distribution around the CT scanner and the exposure of people staying near the CT scanner during the examination. Material and Methods The measurements used an anthropomorphic phantom to assess human exposure to ionizing radiation. The probability of inducing leukemia and other cancers as a result of absorbing doses recorded around the CT device was also calculated. Results The highest exposure to scattered radiation in the proximity of the CT scanner is recorded at the gantry of the tomograph, i.e., 55.7 μGy, and the lowest, below lower detection limit of 6 μGy at the end of the diagnostic table. The whole-body detector placed on the anthropomorphic phantom located at the diagnostic table right next to the CT gantry recorded 59.5 μSv and at the end of the table 1.5 μSv. The average doses to the lenses in these locations were: 32.1 μSv and 2.9 μSv, respectively. Conclusions The probability of induction of leukemia or other types of cancer is low, but the need for people to stay in the examination room during a CT examination should be limited to the necessary minimum. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(3):326–34

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifaceted problem. There is a need to coordinate the diet with pharmacological interventions, because of the possible interaction between the two. The present study aimed to identify the factors related to the dietary habits of people suffering with diabetes that may increase the risk of adverse reactions to anti-diabetic medication. Methods: Between 2019 and 2020, patients with DM (N=203), aged 18-65, were enrolled for analysis. A quantitative and cross-sectional survey was applied. The study employed a Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire devised in Poland for people aged 15–65 years (KomPAN) and a self-designed questionnaire as research tools. Results: The majority of the patients with DM studied confirmed the use of a low carbohydrate diet in relation to their disease (87.7%). The mean pHDI-10 score for the study group was 22.55±8.67 points and the mean nHDI-14 score was 15.00±9.88 points. The place of residence, education and general financial situation of the subjects had a statistically significant effect on the results (p

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

Objective: Over the decade, variety and effectiveness of contraception methods have greatly improved, resulting in increased popularity of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). However, hormonal contraception carries the risk of multiple side effects. The lack of sufficient knowledge often leads to the development of health concerns, which can affect patient’s adherence. The aim of our research was to describe a side effect profile of OCPs and assess the most frequent concerns and discontinuation reasons in Polish women. The survey included questions regarding OCPs utilization patterns, side effects, health concerns and attitudes of the responders. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a survey, which was distributed online and open from 29 April to 15 May 2022. The survey included questions regarding OCPs utilization patterns, side effects, health concerns and attitudes of the responders. Results: Out of 1699 respondents, the current OCPs intake was reported by two thirds of women and 22% had a history of using them in the past. Seventy-nine percent of all OCPs users experienced adverse effects while 9% reported having concerns about safety and potential adverse effects. Decreased libido and weight gain were the most significant reasons for ceasing hormonal contraception. Moreover, the most common concerns and the most unfavorable side effects varied in different age groups. The occurrence of anxiety depended on age and education. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals prescribing OCPs should provide their patients with comprehensive counseling. Understanding and addressing concerns of young women can improve their compliance and reduce the number of unintended pregnancies.

The aim of this study was to characterize the genotype and phenotype heterogeneity of patients with SCN1A gene mutations in the Polish population, fulfilling the criteria for the diagnosis of Dravet syndrome (DRVT). Particularly important was the analysis of the clinical course, the type of epileptic seizures and the co-occurrence of additional features such as intellectual disability, autism or neurological symptoms such as ataxia or gait disturbances. Based on their results and the available literature, the authors discuss potential predictors for DRVT. Identifying these early symptoms has important clinical significance, affecting the course and disease prognosis. 50 patients of the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw clinically diagnosed with DRVT and carriers of SCN1A pathogenic variants were included. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from caregivers and available medical records. Patients in the study group did not differ significantly in parameters such as type of first seizure and typical epileptic seizures from those described in other studies. The age of onset of the first epileptic seizure was 2–9 months. The co-occurrence of intellectual disability was confirmed in 71% of patients and autism in 18%. The study did not show a correlation between genotype and phenotype, considering the severity of the disease course, clinical symptoms, response to treatment, the presence of intellectual disability, autism symptoms or ataxia. From the clinical course, a significant problem was the differentiation between complex febrile convulsions and symptoms of DRVT. The authors suggest that parameters such as the age of the first seizure, less than one year of age, the onset of a seizure up to 72 h after vaccination and the presence of more than two features of complex febrile seizures are more typical of DRVT, which should translate into adequate diagnostic and clinical management. The substantial decrease in the age of genetic verification of the diagnosis, as well as the decline in the use of sodium channel inhibitors, underscores the growing attention of pediatric neurologists in Poland to the diagnosis of DRVT.

Oleogels (organogels) are systems resembling a solid substance based on the gelation of organic solvents (oil or non-polar liquid) through components of low molecular weight or oil-soluble polymers. Such compounds are organogelators that produce a thermoreversible three-dimensional gel network that captures liquid organic solvents. Oleogels based on natural oils are attracting more attention due to their numerous advantages, such as their unsaturated fatty acid contents, ease of preparation, and safety of use. As a result of the research, two oleogels were developed, into which freeze-dried alginate carriers with a probiotic, L. casei, were incorporated. Two techniques were used to produce probiotic-loaded capsules—extrusion and emulsification. Alginate beads obtained by the extrusion process have a size of approximately 1.2 mm, while much smaller microspheres were obtained using the emulsification technique, ranging in size from 8 to 17 µm. The trehalose was added as a cryoprotectant to improve the survival rate of probiotics in freeze-dried alginate carriers. The encapsulation efficiency for both of the methods applied, the emulsification and the extrusion technique, was high, with levels of 90% and 87%, respectively. The obtained results showed that the production method of probiotic-loaded microspheres influence the bacterial viability. The better strain survival in the developed systems was achieved in the case of microspheres produced by the emulsification (reduction in bacterial cell viability in the range of 1.98–3.97 log in silica oleogel and 2.15–3.81 log in sucragel oleogel after 7 and 30 days of storage) than by the extrusion technique (after a week and a month of oleogel storage, the decrease in cell viability was 2.52–4.52 log in silica oleogel and 2.48–4.44 log in sucragel oleogel).

Bez wątpienia aspekty prawa w przedmiocie prawidłowego funkcjonowania jednostek systemu oświaty stają się coraz bardziej istotne dla pracowników oświaty i nie tylko. Przy okazji kolejnych medialnych doniesień o nagannym zachowaniu młodzieży pojawiła się w przestrzeni publicznej dyskusja na temat pracy z uczniem, przede wszystkim w kontekście stosowania odpowiednich przepisów prawa (zwłaszcza prawa rodzinnego i nieletnich). Wobec powyższego Zachodniopomorski Kurator Oświaty we współpracy z Wydziałem Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego podjął się próby znalezienia odpowiedzi na pojawiające się w tym zakresie pytania.

This article concerns the use of an integrated RFID system with a mobile robot for the navigation and mapping of closed spaces. The architecture of a prototype mobile robot equipped with a set of RFID readers that performs the mapping functions is described. Laboratory tests of the robot have been carried out using a test stand equipped with a grid of appropriately programmed RFID transponders. A simulation model of the effectiveness of transponder reading by the robot has been prepared. The conclusions from measurements and tests are discussed, and methods for improving the solution are proposed.

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie podstawowych rozwiązań prawnych w zakresie informatyzacji sektora ochrony zdrowia w Polsce. Artykuł w głównej mierze dotyczy administracyjnoprawnych aspektów związanych z wykorzystaniem technologii informacyjno- -komunikacyjnych w dziedzinie ochrony zdrowia. Dokonano w nim przeglądu i oceny regulacji prawnych pojawiających się w sytuacji ekstraordynaryjnej, jaką jest pandemia COVID-19. Przedmiotem rozważań były kwestie prawne, społeczne i technologiczne wdrożenia nowych przepisów w czasie pandemii. Analiza tematu pozwoliła odpowiedzieć na pytania czy w dobie pandemii COVID-19 wzrosło zainteresowanie e-usługami medycznymi oraz czy ich świadczenie było efektywne i bezpieczne. Jak wynika z przeprowadzonej analizy, mamy do czynienia z tendencją wzrostową wykorzystywania środków komunikacji elektronicznej w sektorze ochrony zdrowia, stąd też jego informatyzacja jest procesem dynamicznym. Potwierdzono, że usługi medyczne powinny być dostosowane do potrzeb pacjentów (personalizacja usług) i bezpieczne, dlatego niezbędnym aspektem jest również wzmocnienie działań z zakresu cyberbezpieczeństwa świadczenia usług w sektorze ochrony zdrowia. Metody badawcze obejmują analizę podstawowych aktów prawa z wykorzystaniem literatury przedmiotu.

Black currants are more popular and consumed more often than red and white ones. These fruits are low in calories, and they are recognised as a rich source of vitamin C. It can be hypothesised that currant fruits, depending on the colour, may differ in the profile of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and basic composition. The objective of this study was to determine the basic chemical composition, selected polyphenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity of black, red and white currant fruits collected over two years. Red currant fruits had a higher protein content, than black currant fruits, which had the lowest. The highest fat content was found in white currants and the lowest in black currants. The black currant variety was the richest in total carbohydrates. The highest amount of total polyphenols was found in black currant fruits and the lowest in red currant fruits. In all types of currant fruit, catechin was the major phenolic compound. However it showed the highest difference between types of currants. It was observed that red currant fruits had the highest antioxidant activity when tested with the ABTS+ and FRAP methods, and the lowest was found in white currant fruits. The highest antioxidant activity, tested by the FRAP method, occurred in black currant fruits, while the lowest was observed in white currant fruits.

Arthospira platensis and Spirulina platensis microalgae are a rich source of pro-health metabolites (% d.m.): proteins (50.0–71.3/46.0–63.0), carbohydrates (16.0–20.0/12.0–17.0), fats (0.9–14.2/6.4–14.3), polyphenolic compounds and phenols (7.3–33.2/7.8–44.5 and 4.2/0.3 mg GAE/g), and flavonoids (1.9/0.2 QUE/g) used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. This review summarises the research on the chemical profile, therapeutic effects in dermatological problems, application of Arthrospira and Spirulina microalgae, and contraindications to their use. The pro-health properties of these microalgae were analysed based on the relevant literature from 2019 to 2024. The antiviral mechanism of microalgal activity involves the inhibition of viral replication and enhancement of immunity. The anti-acne activity is attributed to alkaloids, alkanes, phenols, alkenes, phycocyanins, phthalates, tannins, carboxylic and phthalic acids, saponins, and steroids. The antibacterial activity generally depends on the components and structure of the bacterial cell wall. Their healing effect results from the inhibition of inflammatory and apoptotic processes, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulation of angiogenesis, and proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The photoprotective action is regulated by amino acids, phlorotannins, carotenoids, mycosporins, and polyphenols inhibiting the production of tyrosinase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and free oxygen radicals in fibroblasts and the stimulation of collagen production. Microalgae are promising molecular ingredients in innovative formulations of parapharmaceuticals and cosmetics used in the prophylaxis and therapy of dermatological problems. This review shows the application of spirulina-based commercial skin-care products as well as the safety and contraindications of spirulina use. Furthermore, the main directions for future studies of the pro-health suitability of microalgae exerting multidirectional effects on human skin are presented.

Ogólnopolska konferencja naukowa „Cyfryzacja – informatyzacja – cyberbezpieczeństwo. Perspektywy, szanse i zagrożenia dla administracji publicznej” odbyła się 4 lipca 2023 roku w wersji hybrydowej. Organizatorami wydarzenia był Wydział Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego oraz Wydział Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu Technologiczno-Humanistycznego im. Kazimierza Pułaskiego w Radomiu. Z ramienia Wydziału Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego oraz Wydziału Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu Technologiczno-Humanistycznego im. Kazimierza Pułaskiego w Radomiu organizatorami wydarzenia byli odpowiednio dr Dominika Skoczylas i dr Paweł Śwital. Konferencja została zorganizowana w ramach stażu badawczo-dydaktycznego realizowanego przez dr Dominikę Skoczylas na Uniwersytecie Technologiczno-Humanistycznym im. Kazimierza Pułaskiego w Radomiu oraz dra Pawła Świtala na Uniwersytecie Szczecińskim.