Commonly available dietary supplements, herbs and medicines - do they pose a risk for liver health? Literature review in the context of the Polish population.

Liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements, herbs, and commonly available medications is a problem that is becoming increasingly significant due to the widespread availability and growing popularity of these products. Factors contributing to this damage may include supplements used for weight reduction, questionable quality herbs, and commonly available pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medications. Currently, the most appropriate solution to this problem appears to be prevention by patient education and medical community awareness, as well as increased oversight of the market for these types of products.

Risk factors for gastric mucosa lesion in critically ill patients undergoing endoscopy for percutaneous gastrostomy: a case-control study.

Background: Pharmacologic prophylaxis for gastric ulcer is commonly prescribed in patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of the study was to assess the current prevalence and risk factors for gastric mucosa lesion in ICU patients receiving standard pharmacologic prophylaxis undergoing endoscopy for percutaneous gastrostomy implantation.

Methods: Patients hospitalized in the mixed medical-surgical ICU undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) were analyzed.

Update on diagnosis and treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) - recommendations of Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of Polish Neurological Society.

Introduction: An expert panel of the Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of the Polish Neurological Society has developed principles for the management of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). These principles are based on expert opinion and data from the literature published up to May 2023. Recommendations were developed based on the results of the most recent clinical trials, guidelines of foreign and international scientific societies, and the authors' clinical experience.

Association of Gene Polymorphic Variants with the Clinical Phenotype of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

: The gene encodes chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8), which is a transcriptional regulator involved in neuron development, myelination, and synaptogenesis. Some gene mutations lead to neurodevelopmental syndromes with core symptoms of autism. The aim of this study was to perform an analysis of the family-based association of gene polymorphisms with the occurrence and clinical phenotype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Health Resort Treatment Improves Functioning and Physical Performance in Long COVID Patients: A Retrospective Study.

Background/objectives: The physical performance and functional status of individuals with long COVID may be altered. Health resort treatment comprises balneology, exercises, physical medicine modalities, and climate therapy. Complex treatment in a sanatorium may have a positive effect on long COVID patients.

Impact of the Gene Polymorphisms on Pain Perception in Tennis Elbow Patients: A Two-Year Prospective Cohort Study.

The gene encodes the α1 chain of type I collagen, and the data reported so far demonstrate that its polymorphic variants may affect biomechanical properties of bones, muscles, and tendons, and contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. Given, however, limited research on these variants in tendon pathology, we analyzed the impact of polymorphisms on the tendinopathy phenotype and the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for tennis elbow. Pain perception and therapy outcomes were analyzed from baseline, i.

The Gene Variants and the Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment of Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: A Prospective Cohort Study with a Two-Year Follow-Up.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous preparation used to accelerate regeneration; however, this form of therapy is not always effective. Vascular endothelial growth factor B (), which affects vessel survival, pathological angiogenesis, and muscle development may differentiate the risk and treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). In this study, we analyzed the influence of gene polymorphisms on the effectiveness of LET treatment with PRP.

Metagenomic Analysis of the Buccal Microbiome by Nanopore Sequencing Reveals Structural Differences in the Microbiome of a Patient with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) Compared to a Healthy Child-Case Study.

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative developmental defect that affects the enamel tissue of permanent molars and can also occur in permanent incisors. Enamel affected by MIH has reduced hardness, increased porosity, and a higher organic content than unaffected enamel. These characteristics predispose the enamel to accumulation of bacteria and a higher prevalence of caries lesions.

Transcriptional Activity of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Genes and Their Receptors in Patients with Varying Degrees of Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery disease and its complications are one of the most common causes of morbidity and death worldwide. The aims of this study were to assess the transcriptional activity of the studied TNF-α genes and their receptors in patients with various degrees of coronary artery disease and in the control group, as well as to attempt to link it with the size of the left ventricular ejection fraction and the number of diseased coronary arteries. Taking into account the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 240 people (100%) qualified for this study.

Relationship Between Dietary Nutrient Intake and Autophagy-Related Genes in Obese Humans: A Narrative Review.

Obesity is one of the world's major public health challenges. Its pathogenesis and comorbid metabolic disorders share common mechanisms, such as mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction or oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, chronic inflammation and altered autophagy. Numerous pro-autophagy dietary interventions are being investigated for their potential obesity-preventing or therapeutic effects.

The Condition of the Masseter Muscles After Orthodontic Treatment with Fixed Appliances.

Background: One of the methods used in malocclusion treatment is the use of fixed appliances. Research conducted so far has revealed that changes in bite force occurring over the course of orthodontic treatment are directly related to the functional status of the masticatory muscles. It is therefore advisable to find out how the biomechanical parameters of the masseter muscles change after treatment with the application of fixed appliances.

Prolonged antithrombotic treatment after de-escalation of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients after acute coronary syndrome - which strategy should be applied? The ELECTRA-SIRIO 2 investigators standpoint.

De-escalation of dual antiplatelet (DAPT) intensity may be considered in patients with high risk of bleeding after acute coronary syndrome. Some high risk patients after de-escalation may require antithrombotic therapy prolonged over 12 months. With the current guideline recommended strategies, there are some doubts and uncertainties with respect to the transition period.

Applications of bio-printing to promote spinal cord regeneration.

The spinal cord is one of the most important part of the human nervous system and great importance is placed on developing the best treatment for its damage. 3D bio-printing technology, and the fabrication of special scaffolds using it, is a potential solution for regenerating damage in spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Bio-printing can be divided into indirect and direct bio-printing, while among the bio-printing methods, inkjet bio-printing, fused deposition modeling (FDM), extrusion bio-printing, or light-assisted bio-printing can be distinguished.

Change in quality of life in medical students across graduation: results of POLLEK study.

Objectives: Medical students experience numerous demands during the education process, which determine their quality of life (QoL). In particular, the first years of medical studies are a challenge for students. This paper aims to identify and evaluate the quality of life with simultaneous assessment of their determinants in Polish medical students in Poland during longitudinal observation.

FIGO 2023 - too soon or just in time? Evolution or a revolution? Review of the newest endometrial cancer staging classification.

The FIGO staging system is an integral part of the therapeutic and treatment process in female genital tumors. It cements the knowledge gained to date to plan patient treatment prognosis and the course of the disease and compare treatment outcomes between centers in the most individualized yet systematic way. In response to these assumptions, the FIGO Committee on Gynaecological Oncology updated the endometrial cancer staging classification in June 2023.

Inhibition of naproxen crystallization by polymers: The role of topology and chain length of polyvinylpyrrolidone macromolecules.

This paper presents an innovative approach that utilizes self-synthesized homopolymers of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with different architectures as effective matrices for inhibiting the crystallization of naproxen (NAP). We have thoroughly investigated amorphous solid dispersions containing NAP and (i) self-synthesized linear PVP, (ii) self-synthesized three-armed star-shaped PVP, and (iii) self-synthesized linear PVP with a mass (M) corresponding to the length of one arm of the star polymer, as well as (iv) commercial linear PVP K30 as a reference. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies, as well as molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to gain comprehensive insights into the thermal and structural properties, as well as intermolecular interactions in the NAP-PVP systems.

Aniline Derivatives Containing 1-Substituted 1,2,3-Triazole System as Potential Drug Candidates: Pharmacokinetic Profile Prediction, Lipophilicity Analysis Using Experimental and In Silico Studies.

: The triazole ring is an attractive structural unit in medicinal chemistry, and chemical compounds containing this type of system in their structure exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activity. They are used in the development of new pharmaceuticals. One of the basic parameters considered in the initial phase of designing potential drugs is lipophilicity, which affects the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of drugs.

Acromegaly in Speckle Tracking Echocardiography-A New Cardiac Hypertrophy Phenotype? Case Report and Review.

Background: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) findings in patients diagnosed with acromegaly, exploring a potential application for the differential diagnosis of cardiac hypertrophy and guiding clinicians in patient management. To our knowledge, this is the first review showcasing changes in the bull's-eye pattern in myocardial function after acromegaly treatment, suggesting a possible pattern in this aetiology of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Methods: A review of PubMed articles using the search term "speckle tracking echocardiography acromegaly" yielded 11 relevant papers published between 2017 and 2023.

The Impact of Diet on Lipoprotein(a) Levels.

Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; however, the impact of fat-based diets on its levels remains unclear.

Objective: This study aims to assess and analyze current evidence on the impact of various types of fat-based diets on Lp(a) levels.

Material And Methods: A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted on 9 July 2024, focusing on clinical and randomized trials published since 2000.

An Attempt to Use Virtual Reality as a Tool to Reduce Patient Anxiety During Dental Treatment.

Dental fear and anxiety are prevalent issues in both children and adult patients, often leading to avoidance of dental care and deterioration in overall health. While virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly studied as a distraction tool in pediatric dentistry, its effectiveness among adults remains under-researched. This study aims to evaluate the impact of VR distraction on reducing anxiety and physiological stress indicators in adult dental patients.

The Effects of Different Respiratory Viruses on the Oxidative Stress Marker Levels in an In Vitro Model: A Pilot Study.

Respiratory viruses are among the most common causes of human infections. Examining pathological processes linked to respiratory viral infections is essential for diagnosis, treatment strategies, and developing novel therapeutics. Alterations in oxidative stress levels and homeostasis are significant processes associated with respiratory viral infections.

The Potential Association of CDKN2A and Ki-67 Proteins in View of the Selected Characteristics of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent type of cancer worldwide. Not all mechanisms associated with cell cycle disturbances have been recognized in HNSCC. The aim of this study was to examine the concentration of CDKN2A and Ki-67 proteins in 54 tumor and margin samples of HNSCC and to evaluate their association with the clinical and demographic variables.

Effect of Caffeic Acid and a Static Magnetic Field on Human Fibroblasts at the Molecular Level - Next-generation Sequencing Analysis.

Due to their properties, numerous polyphenols and a static magnetic field could have therapeutic potential. Therefore, the aim of our research was to investigate the effect of caffeic acid (CA), a moderate-strength static magnetic field (SMF) and their simultaneous action on human fibroblasts in order to determine the molecular pathways they affect, which might contribute to their potential use in therapeutic strategies. The research was conducted using normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF cells) that had been treated with caffeic acid at a concentration of 1 mmol/L and then exposed to a moderate-strength static magnetic field.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: A Survey of Dental Students from Polish Medical Universities.

Background: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a congenital qualitative disorder of the enamel tissue. During examinations, clinicians may observe a range of enamel opacities during examinations. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental students in Poland regarding MIH.