John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin

Given the widespread occurrence of fungal infections, the phenomenon of fungal drug resistance, and the limited number of systemic antimycotic therapies, novel chemicals should be developed to control pathogenic fungi. We propose using quinone methide oximes as a novel framework for developing a novel class of antifungal agents. Compound 2 was destroyed mature biofilms at the concentration of 0.5 µg/mL (MIC/4) and prevented hyphal growth of Candida albicans at 0.125 µg/mL (MIC/16). The chemical applied at the concentration of 16–128 µg/mL inhibited the growth of the majority of the clinical isolates of Candida used, including those exhibiting resistance towards systemic drugs. Our safety studies performed with the use of normal human cells revealed that compound 2 was not toxic at the antifungal concentrations tested. Surprisingly, compound 2 showed low inhibitory activity against a set of protein kinases in comparison with its parental compound 1.

Regulatory compliance is crucial in the clinical development of psychedelic substances, including psilocybin. This study aimed to examine the alignment of clinical trial protocols for psilocybin in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with established regulatory requirements. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov using the keywords: “Psilocybin” and “Psilocin” to identify interventional studies with posted trial protocols. Only protocols for MDD and TRD were included. Data extraction focused on key regulatory aspects, including safety, functional unblinding, expectancy bias, and the distribution of investigational medical products. Eleven psilocybin trial protocols were identified, with four meeting the inclusion criteria. The most commonly studied psilocybin dose was 25 mg. Two trials were double-blind. Although the analyzed protocols superficially adhered to regulatory requirements, there were gaps in addressing potential drug interactions, the acute and chronic concurrent use of antidepressants, and prohibited medications. Certain aspects, such as functional unblinding or expectancy bias, did not share all pathways. Risk mitigation strategies were primarily based on external criteria. Patients with bipolar spectrum disorders or schizoaffective disorders were excluded. This study underscores the importance of conducting clinical trials on psychedelics in strict adherence to regulatory standards. Future research should focus on improving regulatory compliance and exploring the efficacy of psychedelics in broader patient populations.

Trachelomonas hispida var. coronata is one of the most widely reported varieties of T. hispida from water bodies worldwide. The specimens of this variety, apart from their species-specific features, such as an ellipsoidal lorica covered with strong, sharp spines, have a crown consisting of long spines surrounding the apical pore opening. The process of lorica formation is poorly understood, and in the few studies dealing with this topic, results indicate that these taxa and the entire species can produce lorica completely devoid of spines, a diacritic feature of the species. In our study, we observed in detail the formation process of the lorica in this taxon under different chemical conditions in relation to the concentration of the basic elements, Fe and Mn, which are saturated in trachelomonad lorica. The results showed that in the Fe-enriched medium, monads formed delicate, porous, spiny envelopes, whereas in the Mn-enriched medium, the loricae were more solid and less porous and had weaker developed spines; rather, they were in the form of short papillae. Differences were also observed in the structure surrounding the apical pore, which was developed differently in the two sets of media modifications (Fe- or Mn-supplemented media). We also observed different elemental compositions and colouration of loricae of cells growing in different media. This revealed that the features considered during the process of species identification are very unstable making the entire exercise highly complicated. Our research also shows that a broad discussion of the problem should be undertaken, and modern methods must be developed to unravel the complexities not only within the species but also within the entire Trachelomonas.

The first months after childbirth are a tremendous challenge for women and, consequently, a time when women’s mental health problems often arise. Knowledge of the prenatal predictors of these problems is of fundamental importance in preventing them. This study aimed to test whether first trimester hair cortisol influenced maternal postpartum depressive symptoms. The women ( N = 75) were tested twice: in the first trimester of pregnancy and within three months after giving birth. In the first trimester, they had hair samples taken and were examined using a sociodemographic survey and questionnaires: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. After delivery, women completed a survey about the course of delivery and their child’s health, EPDS, and PSS-10. Low hair cortisol concentration in the first trimester was a predictor of a high level of postpartum depressive symptoms. This relationship was mediated by fatalistic time perspective. The results suggest that low hair cortisol concentration in the first trimester of pregnancy indicates a high probability of postpartum depression, and that low levels of cortisol may be associated with passivity, a sense of lack of control, and helplessness.

This article is devoted to the issue of personal identity considered through the prism of aquatic motifs as manifest in the work of the most outstanding Ukrainian poet of the second half of the 20th century, Vasyl Stus. Drawing on various critical perspectives and biographical facts about Stus himself, this article shows how water motifs reflect the complexity and formation of personal identity. Through an interdisciplinary analysis spanning cultural studies, history, psychology and philosophy, the issue of identity is described and compared to fluidity, transformation, and sometimes ephemerality. Moreover, the article explains how the exploration of personal identity, through the significance of water motifs, intersects with traditional views of society, rooted in cultural consciousness and historical events.

Introduction Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the traditional anticoagulant of choice in critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Nadroparin, a low molecular weight heparin, potentially offers advantages such as predictable pharmacokinetics and reduced bleeding risks compared to UFH, with complex pharmacokinetics, influencing activated partial thromboplastin and causing substantial haemorrhagic risks. Bleeding, the most common adverse event during ECMO, is associated by many with increased activated partial thromboplastin time. Material and methods This retrospective, bicentric analysis involved 38 consecutive ECMO-supported COVID-19 patients from two Polish hospitals. The study compared 27 patients receiving UFH and 11 patients treated with 5700 IU of nadroparin administered subcutaneously twice daily. Thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications were assessed to determine the safety and feasibility of each anticoagulant. Results Resistance to flow throughout the therapy in the ECMO membrane oxygenator was significantly lower in the group anticoagulated with UFH (1.74 mmHg × minute × L^–1 [1.38–2.6] vs. 6.13 mmHg × minute × L^–1 [5.93–14.81]; P < 0.001). However, the number of transfused red blood cell packs in the aforementioned group was significantly greater (10 units [5–17] vs. 4 units [2–8]; P = 0.027), and the haemoglobin level after ECMO therapy was significantly lower (7.8 g dL^–1 [6.9–8.8] vs. 10.2 g dL^–1 [8.5–12.2]; P = 0.003). Moreover, there was a higher number of life-threatening events in the UFH group. Conclusions UFH anticoagulation may provide better flow optimization in the oxygenator, but the risk of life-threatening bleeding may increase. The present findings need to be fully elucidated in prospective studies on a larger critically ill population supported with respiratory ECMO.

Currently, gastric cancer treatment remains an enormous challenge and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Globally, the incidence and prevalence of gastric cancer vary, with the highest rates found in East Asia, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe. Early diagnosis is critical for successful surgical removal of gastric cancer, but the disease often develops asymptomatically. Therefore, many cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in poor survival. Metastatic gastric cancer also has a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is urgent to identify reliable molecular disease markers and develop an effective medical treatment for advanced stages of the disease. This review summarizes potential prognostic or predictive markers of gastric cancer. Furthermore, the role of tryptophan metabolites from the kynurenine pathway as prognostic, predictive, and diagnostic factors of gastric cancer is discussed, as this metabolic pathway is associated with tumor immune resistance.

The microbiota, comprising all the microorganisms within the body, plays a critical role in maintaining good health. Dysbiosis represents a condition resulting from an imbalance or alteration of the microbiota. This study comprehensively investigates the patent literature on dysbiosis over the past 20 years. image

Friendships vary in closeness and endurance: Some friendships are closer while others are more casual; some are more enduring while others last only as long as they are convenient. The present study examined friendship preferences in these dimensions. Using data from a cross-cultural sample ( N = 6224) taken from 12 countries, we found that the vast majority of participants preferred a combination of close and casual friendships, with a preference for having more close friendships. Similarly, most participants preferred a combination of enduring and convenience friendships, with a preference for having more enduring friendships. Additionally, participants’ preferences closely matched their actual friendships, with these findings being generally consistent across cultures. We found also that participants who preferred friendships that enabled them to receive support and social input were more likely to prefer close and enduring friendships over casual and convenient ones. The opposite was true for participants who preferred friendships that allowed them to achieve self-serving goals and gain access to mates. Furthermore, we found significant but small direct and indirect effects of the Dark Triad personality traits, especially Machiavellianism, on preferences for closeness and endurance in friendship.

Background The holistic focus of attention due to promising motor learning and performance benefits constitutes an desired direction for scientific investigations in sports settings. However, the generalizability of its effect on various motor skills in table tennis requires further investigation. The study aimed to determine the impact of holistic focus of attention and proximal and distal external focus on the accuracy of the table tennis forehand stroke in low-skilled players. Methods Eighty undergraduate physical education students were randomly assigned one of four groups: focus on the ball (GPEF, n = 20), focus on targets marked on the tennis table (GDEF, n = 20), focus on feeling smooth and fluid when playing (GHF, n = 20), and control group was subjected to none of the experimental factors (CNTRL, n = 20). The participant’s task was to score as many points as possible by hitting the ball using the forehand technique in table tennis inside the three smallest targets marked on the tennis table. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and mixed-ANOVAs with repeated measures on the last factor. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons (Fisher LSD test) were conducted to estimate the statistical significance of the intra-differences between the results. Partial Eta squared and Cohen’s d were calculated to estimate effect size. Results The highest improvement of score results was observed in the group with focus on feeling smooth and fluid when playing, while the lowest was observed in the group with focus on the ball both on the post-test and delayed retention test. Nevertheless, each group significantly improved their score results on the post-test and the delayed retention test, which indicates that holistic focus, proximal and distal external focus, had similar effects on the accuracy of the table tennis forehand stroke in low-skilled players. Conclusions The study found that holistic focus and proximal and distal external focus are equally effective in improving the accuracy of the table tennis forehand stroke for players with lower skill levels. We recommend that coaches and practitioners use holistic and external attentional focus cues to enhance motor skill performance in table tennis. For example, when teaching or improving the table tennis strokes, coaches can apply a holistic cue like “focus on smoothing out your wrist movement” or an external cue like “focus on the target area of the table”.

This paper presents a cognitive-semantic analysis of the concept of patriotism in German. The theoretical and methodological framework is the frame semantics. The source of the textual data is the newspaper Bild, chosen for its highest circulation in Germany, its supra-regional reach and its wide range of semantic aspects. The time frame of the corpus data 2006−2018 was set due to events developing the discussion on patriotism in Germany, such as the 2006 Football World Cup and the migration crisis, especially its escalation in 2015. The results show the most relevant concepts of patriotism, defining their conceptual framework. They identify four main categories of description, i.e. politics, society, economy and sport, which delineate differentiated conceptions of patriotism. The different concepts are valued differently depending on their ideological profiling. The analysis reveals not only the current conceptualisation of the concept of patriotism, but also the redefinition and process of detabooing of patriotism in the German cultural area.

Introduction A critical aspect of motor skill acquisition is the feedback provided to the learner. Numerous studies have attempted to identify the most effective approach to providing feedback to individuals in the process of learning or refining motor skills. We investigated to determine the effectiveness of verbal feedback in learning the round-off back somersault on the balance beam with stable landing. Methods The research material consisted of female gymnasts (n = 16). They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: FKE group (n = 8) with feedback on key elements, or FAE group (n = 8) with 100% feedback on all errors made in the phase structure of the task. Results Based on research, it was established that key elements could be identified in the preparatory, main and final phases. Mixed ANOVA showed that significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted due to the teaching method used (Group x Time factor) when performing the gymnastic routine of round-off back somersault with stable landing on the balance beam. Based on the Welch t test for independent data it was revealed that the group with feedback on the key elements obtained significantly higher mean scores from judges at the end of the experiment. Discussion Coaches should strategically provide feedback on key errors to optimize training and potentially improve competition performance. The study concludes that the effectiveness of learning the round-off back somersault on the beam is enhanced by purposeful verbal feedback. Reducing the frequency of feedback and focusing on key elements rather than addressing all errors proves more beneficial. Further research is needed to study the role of feedback directed at key elements in learning complex routine with multiple degrees of freedom among elite athletes in practical settings.

While foreign language learning is increasingly recognized as crucial for educational and social inclusion, the experiences of students with diverse learning needs in foreign language classrooms remain understudied. This study investigated the relationship between Personal Engagement (PE) and Learning Attitudes (LA) among students with diverse learning needs in foreign language learning contexts across four European countries (Greece, Germany, Slovenia, and Poland). The study involved 95 students (aged 8-25) with various learning needs: visual impairment (n = 16), deafness/hard of hearing (n = 14), physical/motor impairment (n = 32), and learning difficulties (n = 33). Data were collected through interviews and standardized questionnaires examining both PE and LA, with findings analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Results revealed that LA scores consistently exceeded PE scores across all groups, with students with physical impairments showing the strongest correlation between engagement and attitudes (r = 0.674, p < 0.001), while students with visual impairments demonstrated high LA despite moderate engagement levels. Students with diverse learning needs maintain remarkably positive attitudes toward foreign language learning despite varying engagement levels, suggesting that educational barriers may be more related to access and delivery methods than to students’ willingness to learn. This emphasizes the need for tailored support strategies that can transform positive attitudes into fuller engagement across different types of learning needs.

Designing supramolecular gelators with targeted properties is very difficult and mainly relies on structural modifications of known gelator molecules. However, very often, even minor modifications can result in the complete loss of gelation capabilities. In the present work, we have studied the influence and role of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and trisodium citrate (TSC) additives on the self-assembly process of alanine derivative gelator (C12Ala) and intermolecular interactions resulting in hydrogel systems of enhanced stability and sustainability. The effect of phase separation and diversity of supramolecular microstructures of gelator internal matrix on the composition of the investigated tricomponent system was studied thoroughly with thermal analysis methods (TGA/DSC), high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HR-MAS NMR), and polarising optical microscopy (POM). The molecular mechanism of gelation and the interactions responsible for enhanced properties of nanosilver hydrogels was determined and described, indicating the synergistic role of TSC and AgNPs in the self-assembly process.

Unlike many biopolymers, α-1,3-glucan (α-1,3-GLU) is water-insoluble, making it a promising candidate for the production of moisture-resistant films with applications in biodegradable packaging, biomedicine, and cosmetics. This study aimed to characterize the structural, physicochemical (water affinity, optical, mechanical), and biodegradation properties of a film made from α-1,3-GLU extracted from Laetiporus sulphureus. The film was fabricated through alkaline dissolution, casting, drying, washing to remove residual NaOH, and re-plasticization with a glycerol solution. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the polysaccharide nature of the film, with predominant α-glycosidic linkages. The film exhibited a semi-crystalline structure and high opacity due to surface roughness resulting from polymer coagulation. Owing to re-plasticization, the film showed a high moisture content (~47%), high water solubility (81.95% after 24 h), and weak mechanical properties (tensile strength = 1.28 MPa, elongation at break ≈ 10%). Its water vapor permeability (53.69 g mm m⁻² d⁻¹ kPa⁻¹) was comparable to other glycerol-plasticized polysaccharide films reported in the literature. The film supported the adhesion of soil microorganisms and target bacteria and was susceptible to degradation by Trichoderma harzianum and endo- and exo-α-1,3-glucanases, indicating its biodegradability. The limitations in its mechanical strength and excessive hydration indicate the need for improvements in the composition and methods of producing α-1,3-GLU films.

In environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk conditions, implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) becomes a key priority. This involves not only direct financing but also establishing a support system through sustainable financial products and services, supported by the development of financial markets, especially in terms of sustainability. Financial development varies across countries, prompting an examination of the relationship between the SDGs and financial development in the European Union countries. 27 countries were studied from 2008 to 2021 using the Financial Development Index (FDI) and 55 indicators from the SDGs database. Panel data analysis was conducted, utilizing geostatistics and econometrics, including the cartogram method, descriptive statistics, dynamics, relative growth indicators, and panel unit root tests. The analysis revealed that financial development expressed by the immediate and delayed FDI is the Granger cause of shaping the SDGs. The most robust relationships were diagnosed for FDI and SDG2, SDG5, SDG8, SDG11, SDG12, and SDG16. The article makes an original contribution to research because, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no similar research on FDI and SDGs has been conducted so far, and the research results may constitute a basis for authorities influencing FDI and SDGs. First published online 02 April 2025

Empirical research investigated psychosocial factors associated with the development and maintenance of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in children and adolescents, but their potential role has not been highlighted in systematic reviews. The aims of the current systematic review were to (1) summarize and synthesize findings from empirical research on family factors related to children and adolescents’ Internet gaming addiction; and (2) identify familial protective and risk factors that are related to the development and maintenance of IGD in children and adolescents. A number of 62 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria in the review from the following databases: Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Academic, and APA PsycNet. Family variables have been significantly connected to gaming addiction levels in children and adolescents. Results were divided into five main themes parental monitoring, positive parenting, poor parenting, familial disharmony, and familial socioeconomic status. Protective factors included parental knowledge and positive parenting, while poor parenting, familial disharmony and familial socioeconomic status with all their subthemes represented risk factors. Restrictive monitoring and affected parenting provided inconclusive results that deserve further research. Familial connection is imperative for gaming addiction prevention. A stressful familial environment (e.g. parental conflicts) could increase gaming addiction coping behavior.

Introduction: Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a severe condition requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment to reduce high mortality rates. This study investigates laboratory markers that may support the diagnostic process and predict surgical outcomes and mortality in AAD patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 85 patients diagnosed with AAD in an emergency setting. Patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of acute dissection were included. Key laboratory and clinical parameters were examined to determine their association with mortality and the likelihood of surgical intervention. Results: The study found that younger patients were more likely to undergo surgery, while parameters such as white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were elevated in those undergoing surgery. Mortality predictors included elevated mean platelet volume (MPV), low pH, bicarbonate (HCO3), and base deficit levels. Each unit increase in MPV was associated with a threefold increase in mortality risk, and DeBakey Type 1 patients exhibited the highest MPV levels. Discussion: WBC and MPV values were linked with surgical and mortality outcomes, respectively. Blood gas analysis parameters, particularly HCO3 and base deficit levels, were significant mortality predictors, underscoring the importance of metabolic markers in AAD assessment. The findings suggest that incorporating these laboratory parameters into diagnostic and treatment decisions could improve AAD management.