Efficacy and Safety of a Mixture of Microencapsulated Sodium Butyrate, Probiotics, and Short Chain Fructooligosaccharides in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Biotics are increasingly being used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a mixture of microencapsulated sodium butyrate, probiotics ( DSM 26357, DSM 32418, DSM 32946, DSM 32403, and DSM 32269), and short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOSs) in IBS patients. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 120 adult participants with IBS.

Treatment Quality of Rectal Cancer Patients in Certified Colorectal Cancer Centers Versus Non-Certified Hospitals: A Comparative Analysis.

: The certification of hospitals as colorectal cancer centers aims to improve treatment quality, but evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. This study evaluated the impact of certification on treatment outcomes for rectal cancer patients in Germany. : We conducted a retrospective analysis of 14,905 patients with primary rectal cancer (UICC Stages I-III) treated at 271 hospitals.

Mechanistic and Therapeutic Insights into Flavonoid-Based Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase: Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Flavonoids are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds known for their extensive range of biological activities. This review focuses on the inhibitory effects of flavonoids on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and their potential as therapeutic agents for cognitive dysfunction. AChE, a serine hydrolase that plays a crucial role in cholinergic neurotransmission, is a key target in the treatment of cognitive impairments due to its function in acetylcholine hydrolysis.

Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI)-A Promising Anthropometric Indicator of Depressive Symptoms in Hospitalized Older Patients.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate which anthropometric index, either body mass index (BMI) or weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), is more accurately associated with the prevalence of the most common chronic diseases and components of geriatric assessment in hospitalized older adults.

Methods: The study included a total of 2945 hospitalized older adults (median age 82 years). The associations between the presence of chronic diseases and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) results were compared with WWI and BMI values.

Renal Outcomes and Other Adverse Effects of Cannabinoid Supplementation.

This narrative review explores the benefits and risks of cannabinoids in kidney health, particularly in individuals with pre-existing renal conditions. It discusses the roles of cannabinoid receptor ligands (phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids, and endocannabinoids) in kidney physiology. The metabolism and excretion of these substances are also highlighted, with partial elimination occurring via the kidneys.

Vitamin D and LC-PUFA and the Presence of Fetal Heart Defects-A Further Part of a Case-Control Study.

Introduction: The relationship between diet of mothers, including supplementation of vitamin D and Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC-PUFA), and the prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHD) in the fetus has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the intake of vitamin D and LC-PUFA by mother (from diet and with supplementation, including its time of implementation and applied dose), and the risk of CHD in the fetus.

Methods: This was a case-control study with the participation of a total of 79 women with prenatally diagnosed CHD in the fetus and 121 women without CHD in the fetus.

The Link Between Dysbiosis, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Asthma-The Role of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Antioxidants.

Asthma (a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways) is characterized by a variable course, response to treatment, and prognosis. Its incidence has increased significantly in recent decades. Unfortunately, modern lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the further increase in the incidence of this disease.

Gluten-Free Diet Adherence Evaluation in Adults with Long-Standing Celiac Disease.

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that results from the interaction of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. According to the 2020 European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines, an elimination diet (i.e.

Design and Characterization of Novel Polymeric Hydrogels with Protein Carriers for Biomedical Use.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymeric matrices capable of absorbing significant amounts of water or biological fluids, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and wound healing. In this study, novel hydrogels were synthesized using a photopolymerization method and modified with cisplatin-loaded protein carriers, as well as natural extracts of nettle () and chamomile ( L.).

Surface Molecular Markers for the Isolation of Viable Fibroblast Subpopulations in the Female Reproductive Tract: A Comprehensive Review.

Advancements in single-cell analyzis technologies, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), have enabled the analyzis of cellular diversity by providing resolutions that were not available previously. These methods enable the simultaneous analyzis of thousands of individual transcriptomes, facilitating the classification of cells into distinct subpopulations, based on transcriptomic differences, adding a new level of complexity to biomolecular and medical research. Fibroblasts, despite being one of the most abundant cell types in the human body and forming the structural backbone of tissues and organs, remained poorly characterized for a long time.

The SOS Response Activation and the Risk of Antibiotic Resistance Enhancement in spp. Strains Exposed to Subinhibitory Concentrations of Ciprofloxacin.

The widespread and inappropriate use of antibiotics, for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, has contributed to a global crisis of rapidly increasing antimicrobial resistance of microorganisms. This resistance is often associated with elevated mutagenesis induced by the presence of antibiotics. Additionally, subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics can trigger stress responses in bacteria, further exacerbating this problem.

Complex Pattern of Platelet Activation/Reactivity After SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

COVID-19 and post-COVID (long COVID) are associated with thromboembolic complications; however, it is still not clear whether platelets play a leading role in this phenomenon. The platelet hyperreactivity could result from the direct interaction between platelets and viral elements or the response to inflammatory and prothrombotic factors released from blood and vessel cells following infection. The existing literature does not provide clear-cut answers, as the results determining platelet status vary according to methodology.

The Combination of Phage Therapy and β-Lactam Antibiotics for the Effective Treatment of Infections.

A phage-antibiotic synergy could be an alternative in urinary tract infection (UTI) therapy, as it leads to the elimination of bacteria and to the reduction in variants resistant to phages and antibiotics. The aims of the in vitro study were to determine whether phages vB_Efa29212_2e and vB_Efa29212_3e interact synergistically with selected antibiotics in the treatment of infections, to optimize antibiotic concentrations and phage titers for the most effective combinations, and to assess their impact on the number of spontaneous resistant variants and on the phages' reproductive cycles. The modified double-layer disc diffusion method, checkboard, time-kill assays, one-step growth method and the double agar overlay plaque assay were implemented.

Pro-Health Potential of Fruit Vinegars and Oxymels in Various Experimental Models.

Fruits are excellent sources of substrate for various fermented products, including fruit vinegars, which are typically produced by submerged fermentation. Some evidence suggests that fruit vinegar consumption can alleviate certain disorders, including hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and hyperglycemia. Fruit vinegars also have bacteriostatic and antihypertensive actions.

Quinolin-4-ones: Methods of Synthesis and Application in Medicine.

Quinolinones, also called quinolones, are a group of heterocyclic compounds with a broad spectrum of biological activities. These compounds occur naturally in plants and microorganisms but can also be obtained synthetically. The first synthesis of quinolinones took place at the end of the 19th century, and the most recent methods were published just a few years ago.

Thiosemicarbazone-Based Compounds: A Promising Scaffold for Developing Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Therapeutics.

This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of new thiosemicarbazone derivatives with potential applications as antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer agents. Six thiosemicarbazone derivatives (L-L5) were synthesized by reacting an appropriate thiosemicarbazide derivative with 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. The structures of the obtained compounds were confirmed using mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy.

Scots Pine Bark Extracts as Co-Hardeners of Epoxy Resins.

Extracts from natural waste like bark or leaves are great sources of phytochemicals, which contain functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxylic, vinyl, allyl) attractive in terms of polymer synthesis. In this study, the synthesis of epoxy with an extract of Scots pine bark as a natural co-hardener was evaluated. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy was used for the identification of phytochemicals with conjugated dienes and quantification of TPC.

Endothelial IGFBP6 suppresses vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Beyond dyslipidemia, inflammation contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. However, intrinsic factors that counteract vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis remain scarce. Here we identify insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 (IGFBP6) as a homeostasis-associated molecule that restrains endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Case Studies on Dissocial Personality-Bad or Ill?

Dissocial personality is understood as a personality that does not ideologize most social norms and is characterized by a lack of empathy. Precise criteria for diagnosing dissocial personality are included in the ICD-10 classification, which is still in force in Poland. This classification is widely available in both Polish and English.

IgE-based analysis of sensitization and cross-reactivity to yellow mealworm and edible insect allergens before their widespread dietary introduction.

The European Commission authorized the use of dried yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor - TM) as a food ingredient under Regulation EU 2021/882. As TM emerges as an important allergen source, sensitization and allergy to TM in various populations need investigation. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of sensitization to TM before its introduction as a food ingredient in Poland, as well as checking the occurrence of co-sensitivity to TM and other invertebrate allergenic extracts and molecules.

The Role of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma.

Objectives: The study evaluated the impact of lifestyle and environmental exposure on the etiology of multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods: A multicenter case-control study was conducted in 20 hematology centers and in 5 outpatient clinics in Poland. The questionnaire on exposure to potential risk factors including sociodemographic data, lifestyle, and environmental factors was completed.

Unveiling the enigma: a case-based review of scleromyxedema.

Scleromyxedema is a rare chronic fibromucinous disorder characterized by a generalized papular and sclerodermoid eruption. Despite its clinical significance, no definitive therapeutic guidelines exist for scleromyxedema, making management challenging. Herein, we present a case of a 76-year-old female patient referred for evaluation of systemic sclerosis, presenting with distinctive cutaneous manifestations and neurological symptoms.

Crystal structure of luliconazole.

The crystal structure of luliconazole {LCZ; CHClNS; systematic name: ()-[(4)-4-(2,4-di-chloro-phen-yl)-1,3-di-thio-lan-2-yl-idene](1-imidazol-1-yl)aceto-nitrile} is reported. In the mol-ecule of the title compound, the di-thiol-ane ring adopts an envelope conformation, while the di-chloro-phenyl ring exhibits disorder. In the crystal packing of luliconazole, only two inter-molecular C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds are observed.

Exploring oncogenic roles and clinical significance of EZH2: focus on non-canonical activities.

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a catalytic component of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediating the methylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and hence the epigenetic repression of target genes, known as canonical function. Growing evidence indicates that EZH2 has non-canonical roles that are exerted as PRC2-dependent and PRC2-independent methylation of non-histone proteins, and methyltransferase-independent interactions of EZH2 with various proteins contributing to gene expression regulation and alterations in the protein stability. is frequently mutated and/or its expression is deregulated in various cancer types.

Evaluating the effect of the antiPCSK9 vaccine on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in CFA-challenged albino mice.

Background: To investigate whether the antiPCSK9 vaccine can affect the CRP and oxidative stress (OS) during acute systemic inflammation.

Methods: Male albino mice were randomly divided into three groups: non-treated mice (the sham group), treated with a nonspecific stimulator of the immune response - Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA; the CFA group), and vaccinated mice treated with CFA (the vaccine group). The vaccine group was subcutaneously immunized with the antiPCSK9 formulation, 4 × in bi-weekly intervals.