Smart Hydrogel Based on Derivatives of Natural α-Amino Acids for Efficient Removal of Metal Ions from Wastewater.

A novel class of hydrogels, rich in a variety of functional groups capable of interacting/complexing with metal ions was successfully synthesized. This was achieved by using acryloyl derivatives of natural α-amino acids, specifically ornithine and cystine. The δ-amino group of ornithine was modified with an acryloyl group to facilitate its attachment to the polymer chain.

Lack of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of mPEG-silane coated iron(III) oxide nanoparticles doped with magnesium despite cellular uptake in cancerous and noncancerous lung cells.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of novel mPEG-silane coated iron(III) oxide nanoparticles doped with magnesium (Mg-γ-FeO(mPEG-silane)) have been investigated on human adenocarcinomic alveolar basal epithelial (A549) and human normal bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. In the studies several molecular and cellular targets addressing to cell membrane, cytoplasm organelles and nucleus components were served as toxicological endpoints. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were found to be stable in the cell culture media and were examined for different concentration and exposure times.

Investigation of the Impact of L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine Pre-Treatment on the Uptake of 4-Borono-L-Phenylalanine in Cancerous and Normal Cells Using an Analytical Approach Based on SC-ICP-MS.

Boron has gained significant attention in medical research due to its B-10 isotope's high cross section for the reaction with thermal neutrons, generating ionizing particles that can eliminate cancer cells, propelling the development of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for cancer treatment. The compound 4-borono-L-phenylalanine (BPA) has exhibited potential in BNCT clinical trials. Enhancing BPA uptake in cells involves proposing L-amino acid preloading.

Influence of the Heat Transfer Process on the Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Flexible Silver Conductors on Textiles.

With the increase in the popularity of wearable and integrated electronics, a proper way to manufacture electronics on textiles is needed. This study aims to analyze the effect of different parameters of the heat transfer process on the electrical and mechanical properties of flexible electronics made on textiles, presenting it as a viable method of producing such electronics. Wires made from different composites based on silver microparticles and an insulating layer were screen-printed on a release film.

Peripartum prolactin and cortisol level changes. A prospective pilot study.

Objectives: Although the role of prolactin and cortisol in the human lactation process seems to be undisputed, the changes in postpartum serum concentrations in mothers make data interpretation difficult.

Material And Methods: To determine the factors that possibly influence these hormones, we examined a group of patients who were admitted to the Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital in Poznań for labor induction and/or in the active phase of the first labor period. The serum levels of cortisol and prolactin were assessed in these full-term pregnant women during admission to labor, in the third stage of labor, and on the second day postpartum.

Urban Parks as Perceived by City Residents with Mobility Difficulties: A Qualitative Study with In-Depth Interviews.

Urban green spaces make an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of all city residents. Therefore, urban park quality and accessibility are crucial factors in stimulating physical and mental health benefits. This study aimed to assess the quality of urban parks and their accessibility as reported by people with mobility difficulties (seniors, blind and partially sighted people).

Blood Copper Levels and the Occurrence of Colorectal Cancer in Poland.

There is a need for sensitive and specific biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal cancer. In this retrospective study, we assessed whether a high blood copper level was associated with the presence of colorectal cancer. The blood copper level was measured among 187 colorectal cancer patients and 187 matched controls.

Quality of urban parks in the perception of city residents with mobility difficulties.

Urban parks should be inclusive for all. Availability and accessibility of urban parks determine the quality of life in cities. The importance of access increases for residents with limited mobility who, facing obstacles due to inadequate adjustment of the surrounding physical space, are exposed to social exclusion.

Novel Primer Sets for Rapid Detection of in Wheat.

is a fungal pathogen causing losses in wheat yields. Here, we present new primer sets for species-specific identification of this microorganism in wheat leaf samples using conventional PCR. Primer sets were validated in silico using tools available in genetic databases.

Blood cadmium levels as a marker for early lung cancer detection.

Background: We assessed whether blood cadmium levels were associated with incident lung cancer and could be used in the context of a screening program for early-stage lung cancer.

Material And Methods: We measured blood cadmium levels among 205 lung cancer patients and 205 matched controls. Cases and controls were matched for sex, age and smoking history (total pack-years, years since cessation for former smokers).

Polymorphisms in , , and do not contribute to breast, lung and colon cancer risk in polish population.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and metallothioneins (MTs) are Zinc-related proteins which are involved in processes crucial for carcinogenesis such as angiogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MMPs and MTs that affect genes expression have been associated with cancer risk, including breast, lung and colon.

Methods: The study group consisted of 648 unselected patients (299 with breast cancer, 199 with lung cancer, 150 with colon cancer) and 648 unaffected individuals.

Lung Cancer Occurrence-Correlation with Serum Chromium Levels and Genotypes.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens is an important cause of lung cancer. One of these substances is chromium, which is found ubiquitously across the planet.

Protective Effects of Vitamin K Compounds on the Proteomic Profile of Osteoblasts under Oxidative Stress Conditions.

Oxidative stress, which accompanies the pathogenesis of many bone diseases, contributes to the reduction of osteoblast activity, resulting in the inhibition of differentiation. This study aimed to assess the effect of vitamins K1 and K2 (MK4 and MK7) on the proteomic profile of human osteoblasts cell line under oxidative conditions induced by hydrogen peroxide (HO). The analysis was performed using QExactiveHF mass spectrometer with a nanoelectrospray ionization source.

Serum selenium level and cancer risk: a nested case-control study.

Background: Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a relationship between selenium status and cancer risk among those with low selenium levels. It is of interest to prospectively evaluate the relationship between selenium and cancer among women who reside in a region with ubiquitously low selenium levels.

Methods: We performed a nested case-control study of baseline serum selenium levels and cancer risk using data and biological samples from 19,573 females that were participants in a biobanking initiative between 2010 and 2014 in Szczecin Poland.

Blood arsenic levels and the risk of familial breast cancer in Poland.

Arsenic is recognized as a potent carcinogen at high concentrations, but the relationship between environmental arsenic and breast cancer risk has not well been studied. Most research has focused on the effect of arsenic in populations with high endemic exposure, and not in populations with arsenic levels within normal limits. We sought to determine if blood arsenic levels predict the risk of breast and other cancers risk among women in northern Poland.

Cross talk between redox signalling and metabolic activity of osteoblasts and fibroblasts in the presence of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials influences bone regeneration.

Regeneration of bone tissue defects that result from metabolic disorders, including periodontal diseases, can be supported by biomaterials based on hydroxyapatite. Despite of good biocompatibility of biomaterials they can cause oxidative stress and inflammatory processes as a result of mechanical interaction with surrounding tissues. Because osteoblasts are responsible for bone regeneration process in which gingival fibroblasts may also participate, the aim of the work was to investigate the influence of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials (allogeneic and xenogeneic) and biomaterials combined with enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) on osteoblast and fibroblast redox balance in the context of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.

Beneficial Effects of Vitamins K and D3 on Redox Balance of Human Osteoblasts Cultured with Hydroxyapatite-Based Biomaterials.

Hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials are commonly used in surgery to repair bone damage. However, the introduction of biomaterials into the body can cause metabolic alterations, including redox imbalance. Because vitamins D3 and K (K1, MK-4, MK-7) have pronounced osteoinductive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, it is suggested that they may reduce the adverse effects of biomaterials.

Iron levels, genes involved in iron metabolism and antioxidative processes and lung cancer incidence.

Background: Lung cancer is the most common adult malignancy accounting for the largest proportion of cancer related deaths. Iron (Fe) is an essential trace element and is a component of several major metabolic pathways playing an important role in many physiological processes. In this study we evaluated the association between Fe concentration in serum, iron metabolism parameters and genetic variaton in 7 genes involved in iron metabolism and anti-oxidative processes with the incidence of lung cancer in Poland.

Development and Application of a New PCR Method for Detection of Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici.

We developed new PCR assays that target beta-tubulin (TUB2) and 14 alpha-demethylase (CYP51) genes and used them for the species-specific detection of Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt).

Serum selenium levels are associated with age-related cataract.

Objective: The aim of the study is to analyse correlations between age-related cataract (ARC), serum selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase gene 1 and 4 (GPX-1 and GPX-4).

Material And Methods: A total sample of 275 participants were enrolled into the study: group A, 94 subjects elligible for ARC surgery, and group B, 181 volunteers without ocular symptoms, gender-, age-, and smoking- status and volume-matched at 1:2 with subjects in group A. All participants (n=275) were divided according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) into: 1) study group (subjects with clinically significant cataract; N≥3 or C≥3 or P≥2), 2) control group (controls with clinically non-significant cataract; N<3 and C<3 and P<2).

The Effect of Sea Buckthorn ( L.) Seed Oil on UV-Induced Changes in Lipid Metabolism of Human Skin Cells.

Lipids and proteins of skin cells are the most exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation contained in sunlight. There is a growing need for natural compounds that will protect these sensitive molecules from damage, without harmful side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sea buckthorn seed oil on the redox balance and lipid metabolism in UV irradiated cells formed different skin layers to examine whether it had a protective effect.

Association of zinc level and polymorphism in MMP-7 gene with prostate cancer in Polish population.

Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among men in Western populations. Evidence reported in the literature suggests that zinc may be related to prostate cancer. In this study we evaluated the association of serum zinc levels and polymorphisms in genes encoding zinc-dependent proteins with prostate cancer in Poland.

Correction: Serum selenium levels and the risk of progression of laryngeal cancer.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Serum selenium levels and the risk of progression of laryngeal cancer.

Background: Observational studies have reported an inverse relationship between selenium status (blood or toenail) and the risk of laryngeal cancer; however, the impact of low serum selenium level on survival has not been evaluated.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 296 patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in Szczecin, Poland. Serum selenium was measured at diagnosis and prior to treatment.