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Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common causes of death in humans in highly developed countries. Among its most frequent complications affecting the patient’s prognosis are cardiac arrhythmias: ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Introduction: Pacemaker implantation is the only effective symptomatic treatment for life-threatening bradyarrhythmias. Major complications observed after implantation of cardiac pacemakers include lead dislocation, loss of pulse generator function, and inadequate stimulation. The aim of this retrospective single-centre study was to analyse the indications for pacemaker implantation and the incidence and types of complications associated with this procedure in dogs treated for symptomatic bradyarrhythmia.

Kristofer F Nilsson,1,2 Waldemar Goździk,3 Claes Frostell,4 Stanisław Zieliński,3 Marzena Zielińska,3 Kornel Ratajczak,5 Piotr Skrzypczak,5 Sylwia Rodziewicz,5 Johanna Albert,6 Lars E Gustafsson1,† 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; 2Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; 3Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; 4Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; 5Department and Clinic of Surgery, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland; 6Department of Surgery, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden †Lars E Gustafsson passed away on October 04, 2017 Purpose: Clinically available intravenous (IV) nitric oxide (NO) donor drugs such as nitroglycerin (GTN) cause systemic hypotension and/or tolerance development. In a porcine model, novel NO donor compounds – the organic mononitrites of 1,2-propanediol (PDNO) – were compared to GTN with regard to pulmonary selectivity and tolerance development. The vasodilatory effects of inorganic nitrite were investigated.Materials and methods: In anesthetized piglets, central hemodynamics were monitored. At normal pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), IV infusions of PDNO (15–60 nmol kg-1 min-1), GTN (13–132 nmol kg-1 min-1), and inorganic nitrite (dosed as PDNO) were administered. At increased PVR (by U46619 IV), IV infusions of PDNO (60–240 nmol kg-1 min-1) and GTN (75–300 nmol kg-1 min-1) before and after a 5 h infusion of GTN (45 nmol kg-1 min-1) were given.Results: At normal PVR, PDNO (n=12) and GTN (n=7) caused significant dose-dependent decreases in mean systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures, whereas inorganic nitrite (n=13) had no significant effect. At increased PVR, PDNO (n=6) and GTN (n=6) significantly decreased mean systemic and pulmonary pressures and resistances, but only PDNO reduced the ratio between pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances significantly. After the 5 h GTN infusion, the hemodynamic response to GTN infusions (n=6) was significantly suppressed, whereas PDNO (n=6) produced similar hemodynamic effects to those observed before the GTN infusion.Conclusion: PDNO is a vasodilator with selectivity for pulmonary circulation exhibiting no cross-tolerance to GTN, but GTN causes non selective vasodilatation with substantial tolerance development in the pulmonary and systemic circulations. Inorganic nitrite has no vasodilatory properties at relevant doses. Keywords: nitrites, nitrates, nitric oxide donors, tachyphylaxis, PDNO

Online resources play a vital role in patient education, yet the readability of alopecia areata-related materials remained understudied. A thorough analysis of online alopecia areata-related materials across 5 languages was conducted using Google search. Search terms “alopecia areata” and “alopecia areata treatment” were translated and queried, generating search result lists. The first 50 articles from each list were evaluated for suitability. The materials were categorized into 2 main groups: those focusing on alopecia areata itself and those addressing its treatment. Treatment materials were further divided into subgroups, including Janus kinase inhibitors and other treatment options. Readability was evaluated using the Lix score. The analysis included 251 articles in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. The overall mean Lix score was 52 ± 8, which classified them as very hard to comprehend. Articles on alopecia areata treatment had a mean Lix score of 55 ± 8, which was significantly higher (p

The aim of the study was to monitor the occurrence of selected vector-borne diseases in anaemic dogs arriving in or returning to Poland from areas endemic for these diseases.

Tomasz Skrzypczak,1 Anna Skrzypczak,2 Jacek C Szepietowski1 1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; 2Department of Periodontology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, PolandCorrespondence: Jacek C Szepietowski, Chair of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego, Wroclaw, 1 50-368, Poland, Email jacek.szepietowski@umw.edu.plPurpose: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a complex disease with the vast burden to patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate readability of online electronic materials dedicated to HS.Patients and Methods: The terms “hidradenitis suppurativa” and “acne inversa” translated into 23 official European Union languages were searched with Google. For each language, first 50 results were assessed for suitability. Included materials were focused on patient’s education, had no barriers and were not advertisements. If both terms generated the same results, duplicated materials were excluded from the analysis. Origin of the article was categorized into non-profit, online-shop, dermatology clinic or pharmaceutical company class. Readability was evaluated with Lix score.Results: A total of 458 articles in 22 languages were evaluated. The overall mean Lix score was 57 ± 9. This classified included articles as very hard to comprehend. Across all included languages significant differences in Lix score were revealed (P < 0.001). No significant differences across all origin categories and Lix scores were observed (all P > 0.05).Conclusion: Despite the coverage of HS on the Internet, its complexity made it hard to comprehend. Dermatologist should ensure readable, barrier-free online educational materials. With adequate Google promotion, these would be beneficial for both physicians and patients.Keywords: hidradenitis suppurativa, online education, acne inversa, readability

Introduction and Objective. In recent years, awareness of the problem of vitamin D deficiency in the human body has been steadily increasing. There is a growing emphasis on investigating the effects of vitamin D supplementation both in the prevention of autoimmune diseases and in the course of existing diseases. The aim of this study is to highlight and discuss the role of vitamin D supplementation in selected autoimmune diseases. Review methods. The publication is a narrative review. The PubMed electronic database was used to review the literature. To ensure the highest substantive value, the focus was mainly on studies from the last 8 years, with only 6 studies published before 2016, concerning autoimmune diseases. Results. There are still lots of unknowns when it comes to physiology and the role that vitamin D plays in our body and deepening the knowledge of its functions would definitely help prevent many diseases concerning various systems such as musculoskeletal, immune and nervous systems. Wide range of studies have already proven that appropriate supplementation of vitamin D prevents complications and exacerbations of disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, ulcerative colitis, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately there is no unambiguous evidence of noticeable improvement in the patients suffering from psoriasis after taking vitamin D. There is a huge need for developing guidelines which would establish specific supplementation protocols considering various factors since it is inexplicably difficult to obtain an optimal level of vitamin D in our body. Summary. The increasing prevalence of autoimmune diseases in the population, their coexistence with vitamin D deficiency, and the scientifically proven impact of this vitamin on the body imply the need for an in-depth analysis of the relationship between its supplementation and the prevention and modification of the course of autoimmune diseases.

Introduction and Purpose: As the global population ages, ensuring a good quality of life for older adults becomes increasingly crucial. Tai Chi is a mind-body practice originating from ancient China that combines elements of martial arts, meditation, and focused visualization. In recent years, it has gained increasing popularity in the West, particularly due to its numerous health benefits. The purpose of this article is to review the health benefits of Tai Chi for the elderly population. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted using the medical databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were retrieved in English, employing the keywords: „Tai Chi”, „elderly”, „ postural balance”, „ rehabilitation”, „cognition”. State of Knowledge: Tai Chi is a safe form of exercise for older adults. This practice involves slow, harmonious body movements synchronized with deep breathing and concentration. A growing body of research supports the benefits of Tai Chi as an integrative strategy in the treatment and rehabilitation of various age-related conditions. The therapeutic effects of Tai Chi for the health of seniors include improvements in balance, bone health, sleep quality, immunity, cognitive function, metabolic indicators, and cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as the alleviation of pain, symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. Summary: Tai Chi may support healthy aging by improving balance, fitness, and quality of life in older adults, but additional research is needed to fully understand its impact on health.

Introduction and purpose: In the face of an aging population, the increasing number of elderly individuals raises the incidence of age-related conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a leading cause of global disability and a significant burden on society. The lack of effective treatments for AD underscores the importance of prevention. Recent reports suggest that intermittent fasting (IF) may counteract the disease processes associated with AD and serve as a potential preventive strategy. This review aims to outline the impact of IF on the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Materials and methods: A literature search was conducted using the medical databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were retrieved in English, employing the keywords: “Alzheimer’s disease”, “dementia”, “intermittent fasting”, “ketone bodies”, “cognition”. State of knowledge: IF is a dietary regimen involving cyclic restriction of food intake, practiced in many cultures and religions. The interest in IF has increased due to its numerous health benefits, and recent studies indicate its potential in delaying and preventing pathological processes associated with AD, such as β-amyloid accumulation, neuroinflammation, and vascular damage, making IF a potentially protective intervention against neurodegeneration. Summary: IF is a promising strategy for improving cognitive function and brain health. Due to the limited number of studies conducted on humans, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in preventing AD.

Abstract Introduction Patients search on the Internet for information about various medical procedures and conditions. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the readability of online health information related to atopic dermatitis (AD). Online resources are becoming a standard in facilitating shared decision-making processes. With a pipeline of new therapeutic options like immunomodulators, understanding of the complexity of AD by the patients is crucial. Methods The term “atopic dermatitis” translated into 23 official European Union languages was searched using the Google search engine. The first 50 records in each language were evaluated for suitability. Included materials were barrier-free, focused on patient education, and were not categorized as advertisements. Article sources were classified into four categories: non-profit, online shops, pharmaceutical companies, and dermatology clinic. Readability was assessed with Lix score. Results A total of 615 articles in Swedish, Spanish, Slovenian, Slovak, Romanian, Portuguese, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian, Irish, Italian, Hungarian, Greek, German, French, Finnish, Estonian, English, Dutch, Danish, Czech, Croatian, and Bulgarian were evaluated. The overall mean Lix score was 56 ± 8, which classified articles as very hard to comprehend. Significant differences in mean Lix scores were observed across all included languages (all P

Introduction. Hashimoto's disease (HD) is the main cause of hypothyroidism in countries where there is no iodine deficiency in the diet. Characteristic antibodies for it are anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) and their level positively correlates with the severity of HD. Whereas its occurrence is related to genetic, environmental and existential factors. Aim of study. The aim of this study was to analyze dietary factors (protein, fat, vitamin D, iodine, selenium, gluten) and intestinal microbiota on the risk of developing Hashimoto's disease and the influence of each of these factors on its course. Materials and methods. More than 90 articles addressing these issues were analyzed. They were found using the PubMed search engine, and the time frame of these publications covered the last 10 years. Results. Excess iodine is the most important environmental factor influencing the development of Hashimoto's disease. Also, selenium deficiency contributes to the development of HD. On the other hand, the concentration of vitamin D is lower in patients with Hashimoto's disease than in the general population. Furthermore, Vitamin D supplementation reduces the concentration of anti-Tg antibodies. In addition, different types of dietary fat affect thyroid hormone levels differently and a deficiency of protein in the diet causes an increase in TSH and a decrease in thyroid hormones. Moreover, changes in the gut microbiome have been observed in people suffering from Hashimoto's disease. Conclusions. The risk of developing Hashimoto's disease can be increased and decreased by diet and diet allows for the modification of hormone levels in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis.

Introduction. Emergency Department is a hospital unit, where is provided care in in cases of sudden threat to life and health. One of the reasons why patients come to the Emergency Department is eye damage. Emergency ophthalmological services are a very important form of ophthalmological care because some conditions and diseases require quick intervention to prevent permanent vision damage or eye loss. Patients come to hospital emergency departments for many reasons, such as: eyeball injury, sudden pain or unexpected deterioration of vision. It is worth noting that some patients do not understand the provision of services within health care units and in conditions that do not require urgent care, they seek it in emergency rooms. Aim of study. The following study analyzes the reasons for reporting to emergency ophthalmological services in Poland and the United States. Knowing the most common causes of patients' ailments and the factors that influence them, we can plan strategies for providing specific services within health care units. Materials and methods. The work reviews articles published in the years 2005-2023 in Poland and the United States of America. The results obtained from individual studies were divided in terms of age, gender, traumatic and non-traumatic causes. Additionally, it was checked how often patients had to be hospitalized after staying in Polish emergency departments. Conclusions. Injuries and other eye diseases affect patients regardless of gender and age. Most often, these are adult men.

Abstract The contributions of height, weight and skeletal age (SA) to strength and motor performances of male soccer players 9–12 (n = 60) and 13–16 (n = 52) years were estimated. SA was assessed with the Fels method, and was expressed as the standardized residual of the regression of SA on chronological age CA (SAsr). Static strength (right + left grip), speed (5 m, 20 m sprints), acceleration (10 to 20 m), agility (figure-of-eight run), explosive strength (vertical jump) and endurance (yo–yo intermittent shuttle run, 13–16 years only) were measured. Hierarchical multiple regression was used. The interaction of SAsr with body size (height and height x weight interaction) explained most of the variance in strength in both age groups, 9–12 years (51.6%) and 13–16 years (56.7%), and in speed (31.4%, 38.7%), acceleration (39.6%), and explosive strength (32.6%) among players 13–16 years. In contrast, SAsr alone explained limited amounts of variance in strength, speed, acceleration and vertical jump among players 9–12 years (1.4–4.5%) and 13–16 years (0–0.5%). Results for agility varied with CA group, while SAsr per se was the primary contributor to endurance among players 13–16 years (18.5% of the variance). Although the influence of body size and skeletal maturity status on performances was significant, the explained variance differed among tasks and between CA groups, and suggested a role for other factors affecting performances of the soccer players.

Considering that approximately 20% of the nation's land remains under the occupation of Russian forces, assessing the impact of the invasion in the midst of ongoing conflict is a formidable chal-lenge. However, even the limited available data offers a distressing glimpse into an ecological catastrophe. The detonation of rockets and artillery shells leads to the generation of a variety of chemical compounds containing elements such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd). The primary goal of this research was to ascertain the pres-ence of potentially hazardous elements (PTE) within the soil in areas subjected to targeted rocket attacks within the Lviv districts. Soil samples were gathered from four locations in the city of Lviv, which had been impacted by rocket fire, using a concentric circle sampling methodology. Two distinct instrumental techniques, namely X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), were employed to quantify the con-centration of heavy metals within the soil samples. Results revealed that all soil samples exhibited a significant exceedance of the maximum allowable concentrations for titanium (Ti), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni). To assess the leachability and bioavailability of these elements within the soil, various extraction methods were applied in aqueous conditions and in the presence of ammonium citrate. The latter method demonstrated high effectiveness in extracting zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) from the soil. The level of soil contamination was evaluated using diverse criteria, including the contamination factor (Cf), the environmental risk factor (Er), the potential environmental risk index (Ri), the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and the environmental risk factor (NIPI - National Iron plus Initiative). The computed cumulative envi-ronmental impact of all elements (NIPI = 49.001 and NIRI = 54.941, National Investor Relations Institute) underscores the substantial pollution within the surveyed area.

Background Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can occur in a variety of occupational situations. Ultrafine particles of natural and anthropological origin toxicity has been described in epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, the risks associated with NPs exposure are not comprehensively assessed. A wide spectrum of NPs toxicity has been demonstrated, mainly through the induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Among the newly described mechanisms of NPs toxicity is the induction of fibrosis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is also a key mechanism of cancer metastasis. The effect of NPs on EMT in the context of metastasis has not been sufficiently described so far, and the results of studies do not allow for the formulation of unambiguous conclusions. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the biological activity of silver NPs against MDA-MB-436 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Material and Methods Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can occur in a variety of occupational situations. Ultrafine particles of natural and anthropological origin toxicity has been described in epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, the risks associated with NPs exposure are not comprehensively assessed. A wide spectrum of NPs toxicity has been demonstrated, mainly through the induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Among the newly described mechanisms of NPs toxicity is the induction of fibrosis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is also a key mechanism of cancer metastasis. The effect of NPs on EMT in the context of metastasis has not been sufficiently described so far, and the results of studies do not allow for the formulation of unambiguous conclusions. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the biological activity of silver NPs against MDA-MB-436 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Results Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) cause a statistically significant increase in relative expression of all tested mesenchymal EMT markers – cadherin 2, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. At the same time, reduction of epithelial cadherin 1 expression was observed. The level of MDA-MB-436 migration and TGF-beta 1 secretion was slighty increased in AgNPs-treated cells, with no influence on invasion potential. Conclusions Potentially prometastatic effect of AgNPs encourages further work on the safety of nanomaterials. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(6):541–8.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an incurable, chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract whose incidence increases every year. Scientific research constantly delivers new information about the disease and its multivariate, complex etiology. Nevertheless, full discovery and understanding of the complete mechanism of IBD pathogenesis still pose a significant challenge to today’s science. Recent studies have unanimously confirmed the association of gut microbial dysbiosis with IBD and its contribution to the regulation of the inflammatory process. It transpires that the altered composition of pathogenic and commensal bacteria is not only characteristic of disturbed intestinal homeostasis in IBD, but also of viruses, parasites, and fungi, which are active in the intestine. The crucial function of the microbial metabolome in the human body is altered, which causes a wide range of effects on the host, thus providing a basis for the disease. On the other hand, human genomic and functional research has revealed more loci that play an essential role in gut homeostasis regulation, the immune response, and intestinal epithelial function. This review aims to organize and summarize the currently available knowledge concerning the role and interaction of crucial factors associated with IBD pathogenesis, notably, host genetic composition, intestinal microbiota and metabolome, and immune regulation.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the popularity of electronic cigarettes among adolescents and young adults worldwide. E-cigarettes have reached the market without the extensive preclinical toxicology testing or long-term safety studies required for conventional therapeutics and medical devices. Their effectiveness as a smoking cessation intervention, their impact at the population level and whether they are less harmful than combustible tobacco products are highly controversial. Studies show measurable adverse biological effects on organ and cell health in humans, animals and in vitro. E-cigarette use also increases the risk of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. There is a serious risk of complications associated with e-cigarette use, such as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) - serious lung damage associated with, especially for adolescents. This paper reviews the effects of e-cigarettes on respiratory health.

Weeds in sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) can contribute to a significant reduction in the root yield. The species composition of these plants is an important factor influencing the competition with crops. The aim of the 2-year field experiment with mixtures of: phenmedipham + ethofumesate + metamitron + quinmerac; ethofumesate + metamitron + metamitron + + quinmerac + triflusulfuron-methyl; phenmedipham + ethofumesate + metamitron + + quinmerac + triflusulfuron-methyl + clopyralid + lenacil, and phenmedipham + ethofumesate + metamitron + quinmerac + triflusulfuron-methyl + clopyralid applied in split doses, microdoses and Conviso Smart technology was to determine the weed species community composition and effectiveness of weed control strategies. The most common species occurring in both years were: Chenopodium album L., Fallopia convolvulus L., and Geranium pusillum L. The communities had the highest values of biodiversity indices in 2020 and lower values in 2021. There were no statistically significant differences in the herbicidal effectiveness of the tested herbicidal technologies over both years of research and for individual main weed species – 95–99%. The use of all herbicide variants contributed to achieving significantly higher yields than untreated treatments, and contributed to an increase in profitability of cultivation, but this result depended on the selected strategy. The presented herbicide solutions were characterized by direct income at a similar level.