University of Opole

Streptococcus mutans, a Gram-positive pathogen, is a primary causative agent of dental caries. It modifies the oral biofilm architecture on tooth enamel and, like other bacteria, requires transition metal ions...

Introduction With age, patients with a congenital heart defect are under higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and more complex selfcare requirements. Aim of the study The analysis of the mediation role of health-oriented behaviours in the relation between mental resilience and the cardiovascular risk in young adults with congenital heart defects. Materials and methods This is an observational study with a cross-sectional design. The research was based on the examination of 201 patients with congenital heart defects using the medical record analysis, the method of estimating and the diagnostic survey method. The other examination tools included the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Scale, the Resilience Assessment Scale (SPP-25) and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). Results The examination confirmed that 50% of patients were susceptible to a cardiovascular disease due to the prevalence of three risk factors. The general indicator of the intensity of health-related behaviours amounted to 83.16 ± 12.94. The lowest intensity of all health behaviours was observed for eating habits (3.14 ± 0.83). The highest score of mental resilience was reported in terms of openness to new experience and sense of humour (15.31 ± 3.05), whereas the lowest was related to optimism and mobilization capability in difficult situations (12.97 ± 3.46). The higher the perseverance and determination (β = -0.16; p < 0.001), openness and sense of humour (β = -0.09; p < 0.01), tolerance to failure and perceiving life as a challenge (β = -0.09; p < 0.01), optimism and the mobilization capability in difficult situations (β = -0.08; p < 0.01) and overall mental resilience scale measurement (β = -0.11; p < 0.001), the lower the cardiovascular risk. In short, higher psychological resilience was associated with higher intensity of health-related behaviours. Greater intensity of health behaviours and higher indices of eating habits, prophylactic behaviours and health practices fostered lower risk of CVDs. Conclusions Health-related behaviours play a mediation role between mental resilience and the cardiovascular risk in the group of young adults with congenital heart defects. Psychological resilience as a preventive and promotional factor of mental health appears to be of a very essential value while developing health promoting programmes aimed at decreasing the cardiovascular risk in patients with a congenital heart defect. The evaluation of mental resilience may provide better understanding of the patient and ensure proper health care.

Purpose: Among patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), a high survival rate is observed for those who experience a pathological complete response (pCR). Various tumor factors are predictive of a pCR, but few host factors have been studied.We sought to inquire whether or not a patient's blood selenium level prior to treatment was predictive of a pCR. Methods: We studied 329 women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We included patients with HER2-positive (n = 183) or triple-negative breast cancer (n = 146). Blood was collected before the initiation of treatment. Blood levels of selenium were quantified by mass spectroscopy. Each patient was assigned to one of three tertiles based on the distribution of blood selenium levels in the entire cohort. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) were treated with a range of combination chemotherapies. Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer received anti-HER2 treatment based on trastuzumab alone or trastuzumab and pertuzamab. After treatment, each patient was classified as having pCR or no pCR. Results: In the entire cohort, the pCR rate was 59.0% for women in the highest tertileof blood selenium (≥107.19 μg/L) compared to 39.0% for women in the lowest tertile (≤94.29 μg/L) (p = 0.003). Conclusions: A high selenium level is predictive of pCR in women treated for HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer. If confirmed, this observation may lead to a study investigating if selenium supplementation improves pCR rates and survival in breast cancer women receiving NAC.

Soil microorganisms are relatively poorly studied in urban ecosystems, particularly within unmanaged woodlands that form island-like patches of vegetation. We surveyed soil bacteria on Salix spp. dominated riparian-like forest patches in Kraków, the second largest city in Poland, to find out which environmental factors influence their activities and functional diversity, measured using Biolog® ECO plates. Our results showed that soil bacterial alpha functional diversity, including substrate richness (number of substrates decomposed) and Shannon diversity, were positively correlated with patch area and number of vascular plant species in the forest floor vegetation layer. However, soil bacterial beta functional diversity (substrate use pattern, CLPP – community level physiological profiles) was primarily driven by patch area and soil physicochemical properties. Our results suggest that the positive effect of patch area (biogeographic effect) on soil bacterial functional diversity may be primarily through stabilisation of environmental conditions, as the amplitude of environmental fluctuations is reduced on larger plots compared to smaller ones. Taken together, our study provides important insights into the relationship between patch area, soil properties, vegetation characteristics, soil bacteria activity, and functional diversity in urban riparian forests, highlighting the importance of considering soil microbes when managing urban ecosystems.

Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor-associated retinopathy (MEKAR) is observed in oncological patients undergoing MEK inhibitor therapy, such as binimetinib and encorafenib. It is characterized by self-limiting accumulation of the subretinal fluid. MEKAR typically presents bilaterally, involving the fovea, and reveals characteristic optical coherence tomography (OCT) features compared to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR), which may clinically resemble. Recent studies highlight that MEKAR often resolves without discontinuing the inhibitors. We report a case of a 55-year-old female with metastatic melanoma who developed MEKAR a few hours after administering binimetinib and encorafenib treatment. Progress in the development of oncological diseases’ pharmacological treatment, and consequently increased use of MEK inhibitors, should raise awareness among ophthalmologists regarding the management of patients with MEKAR and the importance of collaboration with oncologists.

Here, we sought to determine the role of specific RNA structural motifs in the interaction of RNA with model lipid vesicles containing liquid-ordered domains (RAFT liposomes). We show that the presence of several small apical loops within RNA structure favors RNA affinity for RAFT liposomes while the increased number of nucleotides within bulges inhibits this affinity. FRET flow cytometry measurements confirmed a modulation of the interaction of RNA with plasma membrane by the presence of specific RNA structural motifs. The analysis of viral RNA fragments revealed that a long double helix at the apical loop increases the affinity of viral RNA to lipid rafts. The analysis of exosomal Y RNAs secreted by nematode parasites showed that the presence of the EXO-motif GGAG is strongly correlated to the presence of small number of large apical loops within RNA structure. These results show that RNA structural motifs can modulate RNA affinity to liquid-ordered membrane lipid raft domains thus suggesting the importance of these motifs both for the mechanism of RNA loading into extracellular vesicles, and for the development of RNA-based lipid biosensors for monitoring of viral RNAs in biofluids and wastewater.

Willingness to communicate in a second language (L2 WTC) refers to the readiness to initiate speech and is influenced by psychological, linguistic, and contextual factors contributing to both stable and dynamic states in L2 WTC. The present study investigates the relationship between L2 utterance fluency and trait-like L2 WTC with its selected antecedents: international posture (IP) and language anxiety (LA). L2 speech samples ( n = 102) were examined for speech rate (SR), articulation rate (AR), frequency of silent and filled pauses and repetitions. Trait-like L2 WTC and IP were determined using the Willingness to Communicate Inventory (Mystkowska-Wiertelak, Anna & Mirosław Pawlak. 2017. Willingness to communicate in instructed second language acquisition: Combining a macro- and micro-perspective . Bristol: Multilingual Matters), whereas LA was measured with the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (Horwitz, Elaine K., Michael B. Horwitz & Joann Cope. 1986. Foreign language classroom anxiety. The Modern Language Journal 70(2). 125–132). Correlational analyses were conducted between the fluency measures, unplanned in-class L2 WTC, planned in-class L2 WTC, L2 WTC outside the classroom and practice-seeking L2 WTC, as well as IP-openness to experience, IP-interest in international affairs and LA. The study revealed positive correlations between SR, AR and practice-seeking L2 WTC, as well as AR and L2 WTC outside the classroom. Negative relationships were found between SR, AR and LA. Higher levels of LA were linked to an increased use of filled pauses.

Green tea catechins are bioactive polyphenolic compounds that possess a number of biological activities and potential health benefits. This review will focus on discussing the effects of green tea catechins, with a particular emphasis on clinical studies that evaluate their anticancer potential. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), either as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with conventional anticancer therapies, represents a promising alternative strategy for the management of leukaemia. This review was based on a search of the scientific sources indexed in the databases PubMed and Scopus using the following keywords: ‘Camellia sinensis’, ‘tea catechins’, ‘anticancer’, ‘antioxidant’, ‘hematological cancer’, and ‘leukaemia’ in combination. A deeper comprehension of the multifaceted mechanisms and findings of research could facilitate the development of novel strategies and the integration of green tea catechins into clinical practice, thus enhancing treatment outcomes for patients with leukaemia.

Objectives: This study was aimed at the assessment of the relationship between the presence of diastasis recti abdominis in children and the clinical variables potentially attributable to the wider linea alba. Methods: Fifty-one children, aged 8–12 years, were evaluated. The study protocol included ultrasonographic measurements of the linea alba width, anthropometric measurements, body composition assessment with the use of the Tanita Body Composition Analyzer, and the questionnaire assessing clinical history and the level of physical activity. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the interrectus distance, which was ≥20 mm, was significantly more often found in boys, in children with a higher body length at birth and a higher waist/hip ratio, and also in those with a history of congenital umbilical hernia. Other variables, such as the level of physical activity, body weight, parameters of the body composition measured with the body analyzer, presence of abdominal symptoms (abdominal pain, constipation, urinary incontinence), or family history of musculoskeletal disease, were not associated with the presence of diastasis recti abdominis. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest a congenital background of diastasis recti abdominis in children, especially given its higher prevalence among boys and those children who presented with specific body parameters at birth.

Background: Some studies have suggested that the lateral decubitus position during sleep may protect the brain from neurodegenerative processes. Although the mechanisms of such possible protection are not known, an optimal venous outflow may be responsible. Venous outflow from the cranial cavity is dependent on the body’s position. However, to date, flow in the internal jugular veins (IJVs) in the lateral position has not been studied quantitatively. Methods: Using ultrasonography, we measured the cross-sectional areas and flow volumes in the IJVs in a group of 25 healthy individuals aged 20–52 ± 12.1 years. These measurements were performed in the supine, upright, and lateral decubitus positions. Results: In the lateral decubitus position, we revealed a collapse of the IJV located higher, dilatation of the opposite vein, and a shift in flow from one vein to the opposite. In the right lateral position, the mean cross-sectional area and flow in the right IJV were 88.6 ± 71.1 mm² and 74.3 ± 97.5 mL/min, in the left IJV: 37.2 ± 33.4 mm² and 48.8 ± 82.8 mL/min. In the left lateral position, the right IJV was 38.4 ± 30.7 mm² and 56.7 ± 56.1 mL/min, and the left IJV was 75.9 ± 51.9 mm² and 99.7 ± 123.9 mL/min. However, there was also a high heterogeneity of the cross-sectional area changes, and in many participants, this pattern was not observed. Regarding flow volumes in the lateral body positions, in comparison with the supine position, the total outflow through both internal jugular veins was not significantly different. Conclusions: In terms of venous outflow, the lateral decubitus position did not differ significantly from the supine position. The working hypothesis of a potentially protective effect of this body position during sleep against neurodegeneration through improved venous outflow has not been proven, at least in healthy individuals.

Psychological courage (PC) is believed to help individuals in dealing with fear and anxiety, allowing them to confront obstacles and discover purpose in their careers. This study investigated the relationship between PC, job satisfaction, meaning in work, perceived stress, and behavioral systems: the behavioral inhibition system (BIS), the flight-fight-freeze system (FFFS), and the behavioral activation system (BAS). A sample of 805 employees from various industries participated in the study. Results revealed a positive correlation between PC and both job satisfaction and meaning in work, while a negative correlation was found with perceived stress. SEM analysis further indicated that BAS mediates the relationship between PC and positive well-being outcomes. Conversely, the BIS was associated with increased stress and decreased job satisfaction and meaning in work. These findings highlight the importance of PC in promoting positive work experiences. By activating the BAS and inhibiting the BIS, PC can contribute to greater job satisfaction, increased meaning in work, and reduced stress. Organizations can benefit from implementing interventions that foster psychological courage among employees, leading to improved overall well-being and job performance.

This article presents the findings of fundamental research designed to assess the viability of utilising a range of sorbents to determine whether preset concentration thresholds for specific heavy metals – namely nickel, zinc, cadmium, and lead – have been exceeded in prepared aqueous solutions. The biosorbents employed in the study were mosses, lichens and algae, modified zeolites, and synthetic cationites. It was demonstrated that a state of heterophasic ion exchange equilibrium was attained following an exposure period of approximately two hours. Of the heavy metal sorbents tested, synthetic cationites were found to exhibit the most favourable sorption properties. Furthermore, the sorption processes of heavy metal cations by synthetic cationites were found to be influenced by the pH and salinity of the solution. No significant changes were observed in the pH range of 4.0 to 8.0. A reduction in heavy metal sorption of up to 25% was observed in solutions with conductivity ranging from 300 to 1500 μS cm⁻¹, and up to 15% in solutions with conductivity between 300 and 800 μS cm⁻¹. The results presented here indicate that, with relatively stable water salinity levels, it is possible to detect exceedances of permissible heavy metal concentrations in surface waters on the basis of an analysis of metal concentrations in synthetic cationites exposed in water.

Purpose To prospectively evaluate prognostic capabilities of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) biomarkers for predicting disease recurrence or progression after radical TURB (transurethral resection of bladder tumor). Methods Evaluated biomarkers included blood: plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and urine: IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and apolipoprotein E (APOE). Blood and urine samples acquired before TURB for NMIBC from 223 subjects were analysed. The primary outcome was tumor recurrence or progression. Results After 3 months follow-up with cystoscopy or TURB– 92 patients were tumor free (Group 1). In 131 subjects (Group 2) a recurrence of NMIBC (n = 120) or progression to muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) (n = 11) has been observed. No major clinical differences between these two groups were spotted. The group 2 has presented with significantly higher concentrations of blood IL-8 and suPAR as well as urine VEGF and APOE. The serum IL-8 and urinary VEGF showed the highest prognostic abilities with AUROC of 0.611 (95% CI: 0.534–0.687, p = 0.0044) and 0.632 (95% CI: 0.557–0.707, p = 0.0006), respectively. Multivariable machine learning models which included all investigated biomarkers and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) risk scores have allowed to discriminate the two patient entities with AUROC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.73–0.95, p < 0.0001). Conclusions The assessed biomarkers alone have shown unsatisfactory prognostic capabilities to be used for prognostication of outcomes after TURB. More complex multivariable prediction models may improve their prognostic performance. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrails.gov with National Clinical Trial number (NCT): NCT06235853.

This study explores the ongoing coverage of the war in Ukraine with special attention paid to how media editors of 15 most prominent mainstream outlets in Poland, a country known for its pro-Ukrainian stance, neutralize Russia’s justifications for the invasion. It uses a special-purpose corpus of self-collected online publications released between February 2022 and June 2024. With both automated and manual methods of analysing collocates of such keywords as ‘Kremlin’ (753 instances), ‘special operation’ (139) and ‘NATO’ (1162), the study identifies a range of thematic domains, salient linguistic framings and rhetorical devices. It documents specific discursive strategies – demystification, delegitimation and debunking – used by editors to recontextualize Russia’s claims to wage preemptive war in Ukraine. The results show how editors use language to gauge audiences’ understandings of war and reactions to it. The findings can be used for journalism training or for raising critical media literacy and resilience to disinformation.

Background/Objectives: The principal aim of this work was to prepare a liposomal drug delivery system based on the commercial drug doxorubicin (DOX) and a budding agent with promising anticancer activity, 9-(N-piperazinyl)-5-methyl-12(H)-quino [3,4-b][1,4]benzothiazinium chloride (9-PBThACl). Methods: A spectrophotometric methodology was used to meticulously investigate the drug entrapment and release characteristics of the new liposomal complexes (L) based on dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) with human serum albumin (HSA) and its defeated analog (dHSA). Results: The impact of the operational parameters (temperature and pH) on the liposome/drug(s)/(d)HSA, namely [LDPPC/9-PBThACl/DOX ]:(d)HSA] systems, as well as the polarity of the phospholipid bilayer, was examined. In order to compare the experimental findings, mathematical models were employed to specify the analytical factors controlling the process of drug release/potential drug release from liposomes. The observed variations in the drug encapsulation and release profiles were due to the combination of liposomal conjugates with human plasma protein. Conclusions: It was proven that changes in the environmental pH directly affect the percentage of drug entrapment in liposomes and the medicine release efficiency. Moreover, the grouping tendency of the liposomal combinations was investigated using a principal component analysis (PCA) and a hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). Finally, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the statistical impact of pH buffering and changing temperature factors on the drug release characteristics of liposomal conjugates.