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Oxidative stress (OS) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR), particularly in its association with obesity. This study evaluate both the diagnostic and clinical significance of assessing oxidative status in patients affected by overweight and obesity displaying IR, especially with reactive hypoglycemic episodes (RH). A comprehensive examination of OS biomarkers was carried out, encompassing measurements of total oxidative capacity (TOC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Our analysis results reveal noteworthy connections between OS levels and the severity of IR in overweight and obese patients. Moreover, in the study, we demonstrated the diagnostic utility of serum concentrations of TAC and TOC as indicators of the risk of RH, the occurrence of which, even at the stage of overweight, may be associated with increased OS and further development of obesity. Our findings imply that the evaluation of oxidative status could serve as a crucial diagnostic and prognostic tool for patients observed with IR and overweight and obesity. In conclusion, our study underscores the potential utility of assessing oxidative status in the context of IR and highlights the possibility of identifying novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of overweight and obese patients.

The article is part of research on the educational contexts of popular culture. It is a voice in the discussion focusing on possible ways of using Rock songs in formal education, including academic education in pedagogy and interpretive participation in culture. The research results (part of them) presented in this article show that reflective immersion in the Rock world and education through Rock songs inspire various activities aimed at self-development. It promotes the development of competencies needed in a changing world, including formulating and expressing one’s thoughts, beliefs, critical thinking or constructive dialogue, expressing and understanding different points of view, as well as appreciating the importance of creatively expressing thoughts, experiences and feelings using various means of expression, including music, performing arts, literature and visual arts.

Betulin derivatives are proposed to serve as an alternative to the drugs already established in oncologic treatment. Drug-induced nephrotoxicity leading to acute kidney injury frequently accompanies cancer treatment, and thus there is a need to research the effects of betulin derivatives on renal cells. The objective of our study was to assess the influence of the betulin derivatives 28-propynylobetulin (EB5) and 29-diethoxyphosphoryl-28-propynylobetulin (ECH147) on the expression of TGFβ1, BMP2 and GDF15 in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) cultured in vitro. The changes in mRNA expression and copy numbers were assessed using real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the standard curve method, respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate the effect of the betulin derivatives on the protein concentration in the culture media’s supernatant. The assessment of the betulin derivatives’ influence on gene expression demonstrated that the mRNA level and protein concentration did not always correlate with each other. Each of the tested compounds affected the mRNA expression. The RT-qPCR analyses showed that EB5 and ECH147 induced effects similar to those of betulin or cisplatin and resulted in a decrease in the mRNA copy number of all the analyzed genes. The ELISA demonstrated that EB5 and ECH147 elevated the protein concentration of TGFβ1 and GDF15, while the level of BMP2 decreased. The concentration of the derivatives used in the treatment was crucial, but the effects did not always exhibit a simple linear dose-dependent relationship. Betulin and its derivatives, EB5 and ECH147, influenced the gene expression of TGFβ1, BMP2 and GDF15 in the renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. The observed effects raise the question of whether treatment with these compounds could promote the development of renal fibrosis.

The paper presents analyses of the municipal waste stability, stored in a landfill with the specific parameters of the waste massif, such as height, width and slope inclination. The massif of waste is lined by a simple drainage/sealing layer, consisting of a sand layer, non-woven geotextile, HDPE double-textured geomembrane and two different sealing mineral layers. The structure stability analysis was performed using a numerical program, relating to the methods: Fellenius/Petterson, Bishop, Spencer, Janbu and Morgenstern-Price. The considerations were carried out according to approach 3 (DA3) for the ultimate limit state GEO of Eurocode 7. The values of the utilization factor and the factor of safety were compared. Municipal waste is generally stable if the slope of the waste is ≤25°. With a slope inclination of 30°, the structures of waste massifs are stable up to a height of 10 m. Using the Fellenius/Petterson method can lead to an underestimation of the factor of safety and an overstatement of the degree of utilization; other methods give comparable results. Changing the material of the mineral sealing layer leads to a change in the course of the circular slip line.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a high-tech ultrasound examination that simultaneously combines the options of endoscopic and ultrasound diagnosis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, bile ducts and liver. The advantages of endoscopic ultrasound over traditional transabdominal ultrasound are that the ultrasound transducer can be guided directly through the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract to the object under visual control. The EUS is the method of choice for the study of submucosal lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is the most accurate method for the detection and diagnosis of submucosal formations due to its high sensitivity, specificity, is used as the next research method after endoscopy and can provide information about the origin, size, borders, homogeneity, as well as the choice of treatment method: endoscopic or surgical one. A more important application of EUS is the determination of the stage of malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, as it determines the treatment and predicts the disease. And the real-time strain elastography, which allows analyzing the stiffness of tissues, helps in this. The high accuracy of this study allows for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant neoplasms. The article presents cases of examination of patients with submucosal neoplasms of the stomach who were treated in the SI “Institute of Gastroentero­logy of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”.

Abstract Some of the multiple autoimmune diseases have been already associated with IL-13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, there are only few studies regarding multiple sclerosis (MS) risk and IL-13 rs20541 (R130Q) polymorphism, and their results are conflicting. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the frequency of the IL-13 gene rs20541 (R130Q) polymorphism in MS participants and its association with MS clinical subsets in the Polish population. We conducted a case‒control study including 94 relapsing remitting MS patients and 160 healthy volunteers. We genotyped the rs20541 polymorphism in the IL-13 gene and analysed the genotype frequency, age of MS onset and clinical condition (EDSS values) of the MS participants. Fisher’s exact test was used for statistical analysis, and the log-linear model was applied to test for associations. Allele A, as well as the AA and AG genotypes, was observed to be significantly more common in the MS subjects. The OR (odds ratio) for the A compared to the G allele was 1.71 (1.14–2.56), whereas OR 2.33 (0.86–6.26) and OR 1.92 (1.11–3.30) were obtained for the AA and AG genotypes, respectively. We did not identify any significant associations of the studied IL-13 SNP with the investigated clinical parameters of the MS participants. Our results suggest that the rs20541 polymorphism in the IL-13 gene may play an important role in MS predisposition but not in investigated clinical parameters in MS subjects of the Polish population.

Abstract Molecular markers of autoimmunity, such as antibodies to citrullinated protein antigens (ACPA), are detectable prior to inflammatory arthritis (IA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and may define a state that is ‘at-risk’ for future RA. Here we present a cross-sectional comparative analysis among three groups that include ACPA positive individuals without IA (At-Risk), ACPA negative individuals and individuals with early, ACPA positive clinical RA (Early RA). Differential methylation analysis among the groups identifies non-specific dysregulation in peripheral B, memory and naïve T cells in At-Risk participants, with more specific immunological pathway abnormalities in Early RA. Tetramer studies show increased abundance of T cells recognizing citrullinated (cit) epitopes in At-Risk participants, including expansion of T cells reactive to citrullinated cartilage intermediate layer protein I (cit-CILP); these T cells have Th1, Th17, and T stem cell memory-like phenotypes. Antibody-antigen array analyses show that antibodies targeting cit-clusterin, cit-fibrinogen and cit-histone H4 are elevated in At-Risk and Early RA participants, with the highest levels of antibodies detected in those with Early RA. These findings indicate that an ACPA positive at-risk state is associated with multifaceted immune dysregulation that may represent a potential opportunity for targeted intervention.

Oxidative stress is considered one of the main reasons for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Depending on the stage of the disease, variable activity of the main antioxidant enzymes, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), is observed. Due to limited treatment methods for CRC, new substances with potential antitumor activity targeting pathways related to oxidative stress are currently being sought, with substances of natural origin, including betulin, leading the way. The betulin molecule is chemically modified to obtain new derivatives with improved pharmacokinetic properties and higher biological activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of betulin and its new derivatives on viability and major antioxidant systems in colorectal cancer cell lines. The study showed that betulin and its derivative EB5 affect the antioxidant enzyme activity to varying degrees at both the protein and mRNA levels. The SW1116 cell line is more resistant to the tested compounds than RKO, which may be due to differences in the genetic and epigenetic profiles of these lines.

Pollution of arable land with heavy metals is a worldwide problem. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal that poses a severe threat to humans’ and animals’ health and lives. Plants can easily absorb Cd from the soil, and plant-based food is the main means of exposure to this hazardous element for humans and animals. Phytoremediation is a promising plant-based approach to removing heavy metals from the soil, and plant growth-promoting micro-organisms such as the fungi Trichoderma can enhance the ability of plants to accumulate metals. Inoculation of Avena sativa L. (oat) with Trichoderma viride enhances germination and seedling growth in the presence of Cd and, in this study, the growth of 6-month-old oat plants in Cd-contaminated soil was not increased by inoculation with T. viride, but a 1.7-fold increase in yield was observed. The content of Cd in oat shoots depended on the Cd content in the soil. Still, it was unaffected by the inoculation with T. viride. A. sativa metallothioneins (AsMTs) participate in plant–fungi interaction, however, their role in this study depended on MT type and Cd concentration. The inoculation of A. sativa with T. viride could be a promising approach to obtaining a high yield in Cd-contaminated soil without increasing the Cd content in the plant.

The aim of this article is to determine the effect of the addition of dispersed reinforcement on the resilient modulus of non-cohesive soil used as material for improved subgrade or subbase course of the pavement structure. Resilient modulus (Mr) is a parameter used in road construction, which characterises soil subgrade or base aggregates stiffness in flexible pavement subjected to the traffic load. This article presents laboratory test results of non-cohesive coarse material (gravelly sand – grSa – without fines) with the addition of 1.5% cement and dispersed reinforcement – polypropylene fibres in lengths of 12, 18 and 40 mm. Tests were conducted on the samples with various percentages of fibres (0, 0.2 and 0.3%) relating to the dry mass of the soil. Samples were compacted according to the standard Proctor (SP) and modified Proctor (MP) methods. Main laboratory tests were conducted in the triaxial apparatus enabling testing samples subjected to cyclic loads according to AASHTO T307 standard. Resilient modulus was determined after 7 and 28 days of curing. The results indicate the influence of fibre amount, fibre length, and curing time on the Mr of the soil modified with 1.5% of cement. The obtained results were also influenced by the method of compaction. The addition of polypropylene fibres decreases the resilient modulus of soil stabilised by 1.5% of cement. The best results of dispersive reinforcement were obtained for samples containing 0.3% of fibres with a length of 18 mm, compacted by the MP methods.

Abstract Angioinvasion remains the important prognostic feature in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. Literature data indicates several markers that may be associated with oxidative stress and/or angioinvasion. Therefore, we assessed the utility of selected parameters in angioinvasion and metastasis screening in serum of PTC patients. Serum antioxidant capacity (TAC) and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) levels were decreased (all p

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases. Early and improved classification of the type of diabetes, whether autoimmune (type 1 diabetes mellitus, T1DM, and latent autoimmune diabetes, LADA) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is essential to determine appropriate therapy. We aimed to present the biochemical and immunological characteristics of adult patients with newly diagnosed diabetes without prior drug treatment. This pilot, a cross-sectional study assessed major phenotypic characteristics and antibody titers, including islet cell antibodies (ICA), insulin autoantibodies (IAA), tyrosine phosphatase antibodies (IA-2A), glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GADA), zinc antibodies (ZnT8A), but also selected sphingolipids belongs to ceramides (Cer) and sphingomyelin (SM). A total of 59 participants were included: 21 with T1DM, 15 with T2DM, and 23 with LADA. Saturated fatty acids chain Cer such as Cer-C22:0 and Cer-C24:0 positively correlates with total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), particularly in autoimmune diabetes (LADA, T1DM) while in T2DM group we found a higher frequency of positive correlation only between Cer-C24:0 and TC. In LADA patients, SM-C18:1 and -C:20:4 values rise with increasing fasting and glucagon-stimulated C-peptide values. The prevalence of GADA in patients diagnosed with T1DM is higher in younger patients versus older ones. While patients with LADA were more likely to test positive for multiple (>4) antibodies. In this relatively small cross-sectional study adult patients with newly diagnosed diabetes have fluctuating clinical and metabolic features with variable severity of immune dysfunction, making it easier to diagnose patients.

Abstract Background Total knee replacement (TKR) is considered one of the most common elective orthopaedic procedures. The main focus of TKR is to offer patient's symptomatic relief from persistent knee pain. To achieve this it is crucial to restore joint biomechanics by performing proper bone cuts. Some surgeons favor the measured resection technique, others prefer gap balancing technique. The researchers of the presented study performed TKR using these two techniques. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative change in joint line and posterior condylar offset after TKR with use of anatomic knee design implants between gap balancing and measured resection techniques. Methods Two hundred twenty-five X-rays of patients who underwent TKR performed by a single surgeon between 2020 and 2021 were analyzed. The first group of patients (101) was operated with the use of gap balancing technique and the second group (124) was operated with the use of measured resection technique. Patients included in the study were > 50 years of age, had confirmed primary knee osteoarthritis, underwent primary TKR with a PS (posterior stabilized) knee implants without patella resurfacing and had at least 15 degree flexion contracture. T-student test and U Mann–Whitney test were used in statistical analysis of results, according to the normality of distribution examined with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Post-hoc analysis was performed using the Dwass-Steel-Crichtlow-Fligner test (DSCF). Results The postoperative analysis showed a significantly elevated joint line level in the gap balancing group (-2.6 ± 4.1 vs -0.7 ± 4.8, p 2 mm comparing to measured resection technique. The difference between pre- and postoperative PCO (posterior condylar offset) and PCOR (posterior condylar offset ratio) results had no significant differences (100.8 ± 11.8 vs 101 ± 12.5, p > 0.05) between the groups. Conclusions The results of the study suggest that when it comes to restoring joint line level measured resection technique seems to be superior in comparison to the gap balancing technique. What is more, results indicate measured resection is equal in terms of restoring posterior condylar offset to the gap balancing technique. Trial registration NCT04164147, date of registration: November 14, 2019.

In physiological concentrations, reactive oxygen species play a vital role in regulating cell signaling and gene expression. Nevertheless, oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases and can inflict damage on diverse cell types and tissues. Thus, understanding the factors that mitigate the deleterious effects of oxidative stress is imperative for identifying new therapeutic targets. In light of the absence of direct treatment recommendations for reducing oxidative stress, there is a continuing need for fundamental research that utilizes innovative therapeutic approaches. Metformin, known for its multifaceted beneficial properties, is acknowledged for its ability to counteract the adverse effects of increased oxidative stress at both molecular and cellular levels. In this review, we delve into recent insights regarding metformin’s antioxidant attributes, aiming to expand its clinical applicability. Our review proposes that metformin holds promise as a potential adjunctive therapy for various diseases, given its modulation of oxidative stress characteristics and regulation of diverse metabolic pathways. These pathways include lipid metabolism, hormone synthesis, and immunological responses, all of which may experience dysregulation in disease states, contributing to increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, our review introduces potential novel metformin-based interventions that may merit consideration in future research. Nevertheless, the necessity for clinical trials involving this drug remains imperative, as they are essential for establishing therapeutic dosages and addressing challenges associated with dose-dependent effects.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite the inclusion of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in the International Classification of Diseases, very little is known about the underlying affective and cognitive processes. To fill this gap, we compared CSBD subjects and Healthy-Controls (HC) across negative/positive valence, cognitive and sensorimotor systems, as proposed by the Research Domain Criteria framework. METHODS: 74 heterosexual CSBD and 66 matched HC males were studied with 10 questionnaires and 8 behavioral tasks. Analyses were conducted with frequent and Bayesian statistics. RESULTS: CSBD individuals showed significantly higher (than HC) punishment sensitivity, anxiety, depression, compulsivity, and impulsivity symptoms. Frequentist statistical analysis revealed significant interaction between subject group and condition in Incentive Delay Task, concerning the strength of motivation and hedonic value of erotic rewards. Bayesian analysis produced evidence for the absence of group differences in Facial Discrimination Task, Risk-Ambiguity Task, and Learning Task. Also, Bayesian methods provided evidence for group differences in the Emotional Stroop Task and the Incentive Delay Task. Sexual Discounting Task, Attentional Network Task, and Stop Signal Task produced mixed results. CONCLUSIONS: Higher punishment sensitivity and impulsivity among CSBD subjects, along with significant interaction between these groups and erotic vs. non-erotic reward processing is in line with previous findings on negative/positive valence alterations in CSBD patients. This result shows that there are similarities to substance and behavioral addictions. The absence of group differences and mixed results related to cognitive and sensorimotor systems raise concerns to what extent CSBD resembles a wide spectrum of impairments observed in disorders, and demand further research.

This study aims to investigate whether and how a learning-from-error climate is associated with work-related flow experiences by employees. Drawing on the tenets of Job Demands-Resources theory, we propose that this relationship is mediated by a work-related growth mindset. The study tests a mediation model by conducting structural equations modelling. Data were gathered in two waves from 159 employees within a Dutch financial organization. Results demonstrate that work-related mindset significantly mediates the relationship between a learning-from-error climate and work-related flow. In this study, we address the call for studies that empirically assess the influence of organizational climate on work-related flow in a multiwave study design. Specifically, we highlight the relevance of understanding how individual dispositions can shape the effects of a learning-from-error climate on work-related flow., Author(s): Marjolein C.J. Caniëls [sup.1] , Katarzyna M. Adamska [sup.2] , Lise A. van Oortmerssen [sup.1] , Marcel F. van Assen [sup.3] [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.36120.36, 0000 0004 0501 [...]

Abstract Some common single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene have been associated not only with the neurodegenerative diseases but also with some eating disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the possible differences in the obesity-related and glucose metabolism parameters between some BDNF genotypes’, that may depend on the daily energy and macronutrients intake. In 484 adult participants we performed the anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, and body fat distribution. The daily dietary intake was assessed using the 3-day food intake diaries. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at fasting and during oral glucose tolerance tests. Moreover, the visceral adipose tissue/subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT/SAT) ratio and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were calculated. We noted that participants carrying the GG genotype had lower skeletal muscle mass and fat free mass (FFM) when carbohydrate intake was > 48%, whereas they presented higher fat-free mass (FFM), and surprisingly higher total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations when daily fiber intake was > 18 g. Moreover, in these subjects we noted higher waist circumference, BMI, and fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, when > 18% of total daily energy intake was delivered from proteins, and higher VAT content and HDL-C concentrations when > 30% of energy intake was derived from dietary fat. Our results suggest that glucose homeostasis and obesity-related parameters in carriers of some common variants of BDNF gene, especially in the GG (rs10835211) genotype carriers, may differ dependently on daily energy, dietary macronutrients and fiber intake.

Most of what we know about adaptive immunity has come from inbred mouse studies, using methods that are often difficult or impossible to confirm in humans. In addition, vaccine responses in mice are often poorly predictive of responses to those same vaccines in humans. Here we use human tonsils, readily available lymphoid organs, to develop a functional organotypic system that recapitulates key germinal center features in vitro, including the production of antigen-specific antibodies, somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation, plasmablast differentiation and class-switch recombination. We use this system to define the essential cellular components necessary to produce an influenza vaccine response. We also show that it can be used to evaluate humoral immune responses to two priming antigens, rabies vaccine and an adenovirus-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine, and to assess the effects of different adjuvants. This system should prove useful for studying critical mechanisms underlying adaptive immunity in much greater depth than previously possible and to rapidly test vaccine candidates and adjuvants in an entirely human system.

Background and Objectives: The safe zone in total hip replacement was introduced many years ago. Its aim was to provide guidelines for orthopedic surgeons in order to avoid complications such as instability. With the growing interest in spinopelvic alignment, some new insights suggest that the safe zone is an obsolete concept. This study aims to show that, even outside the safe zone, the effect of total hip replacement can be satisfactory. This could be used as preliminary study for an analysis of a larger group. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive patients with end-stage osteoarthritis treated by total hip replacement were enrolled into the study and divided into two groups: inside the safe zone and outside the safe zone. A physical examination during postoperative visits was performed; the range of movement was measured using a goniometer; and the HHS and VAS were taken to measure functional outcomes and pain, respectively. An analysis of the radiological outcomes was performed. Results: There was no significant difference in regard to changes in total offset, pain, HHS and other complications. There were no signs of instability among patients during the follow-up. Conclusions: The results of this study show that the “safe zone” is a more complicated term that was previously thought. A proper soft tissue balance and spinopelvic alignment could be factors that change the “safe zone” for each patient and make it more individual.

Abstract Background Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is a mediator of insulin resistance. Plasma levels of soluble TNFα receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) probably reflect paracrine action of the cytokine. TNFα is also a regulator of lipid metabolism, however, data about impact of obesity on the relationships between TNFα and plasma lipids remain controversial. Aim The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations of TNFα system with plasma lipids in lean and obese subjects with normal glucose metabolism. Methods We examined 63 subjects, 33 lean (BMI-2) and 30 with marked overweight or obesity (BMI>27.8 kg × m-2). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp were also performed. Results Obese subjects were markedly more insulin resistant and had higher levels of both TNFα receptors. Total (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were also higher in the obese group. In obese subjects, both receptors were significantly related to TG and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), while sTNFR2 was also associated with NEFA. All those correlations disappeared after controlling for insulin sensitivity. In lean subjects, both receptors were related to TC, HDL-C and LDL-C. In that group, sTNFR1 predicted values of all those parameters independently of BMI, plasma glucose and insulin, and insulin sensitivity. Conclusion We conclude that TNFα receptors are associated with plasma lipids in different way in lean and in obese subjects. TNFα system is probably important in determining cholesterol levels in lean subjects, while in obese this effect might be masked by other metabolic abnormalities.

Numerous studies demonstrate a relationship between physical activity and the development of non-communicable diseases. Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system, and their demanding work can have an impact on their health. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess physical activity in relation to factors predisposing to the occurrence of specific metabolic disorders among Polish nurses. The measurements included physical activity level using ActiGraph GT3X, body weight composition using Tanita MC-980, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure using Welch Allyn 4200B, lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose using CardioChek PA. The results indicate that nearly one-third (31.75%) of the total sample of studied nurses do not meet the criteria for the minimum amount of physical activity of at least moderate intensity. Furthermore, over half of the surveyed nurses (55.5%) were classified as overweight or obese based on BMI, and almost half (42.86%) had abdominal obesity. The regression model, employing linear regression, revealed that factors predisposing to selected metabolic disorders were age, engaging in multiple jobs, and the number of steps per day. There is a pressing need to implement comprehensive and supportive initiatives to improve the overall health condition of nurses in Poland through increased physical activity. Activating and supporting this professional group is an investment that benefits not only the nurses themselves but also the healthcare system and the entire nation.

Psoriasis (Ps) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by thickened, red and scaly plaques. Systemic inflammation associated with psoriasis results in an increased risk of death due to the development of psoriasis-associated comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic syndrome. Although the cardiometabolic features in psoriasis are clinically well described, the underlying molecular mechanisms linking these comorbidities remain poorly understood. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and skin fibroblasts (SFs) of psoriatic patients provides a novel approach to investigate the pathway by which cutaneous inflammation promotes CV complications in this disorder.

Transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCT) is a procedure commonly used in treatment of various haematological disorders which is associated with significantly improved survival rates. However, one of its drawbacks is the possibility of development of post-transplant complications, including acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) or CMV infection. Various studies suggested that NK cells and their receptors may affect the transplant outcome. In the present study, patients and donors were found to significantly differ in the distribution of the NKG2A rs7301582 genetic variants – recipients carried the C allele more often than their donors (0.975 vs 0.865, p

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is considered an irreversible fibroinflammatory pancreatic disease. Despite numerous animal model studies, questions remain about local immune characteristics in human CP. We profiled pancreatic immune cell characteristics in control organ donors and CP patients including those with hereditary and idiopathic CP undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a significant increase in the frequency of CD68+ macrophages in idiopathic CP. In contrast, hereditary CP samples showed a significant increase in CD3+ T cell frequency, which prompted us to investigate the T cell receptor β (TCRβ) repertoire in the CP and control groups. TCRβ sequencing revealed a significant increase in TCRβ repertoire diversity and reduced clonality in both CP groups versus controls. Interestingly, we observed differences in Vβ-Jβ gene family usage between hereditary and idiopathic CP and a positive correlation of TCRβ rearrangements with disease severity scores. Immunophenotyping analyses in hereditary and idiopathic CP pancreases indicate differences in innate and adaptive immune responses, which highlights differences in immunopathogenic mechanisms of disease among subtypes of CP. TCR repertoire analysis further suggests a role for specific T cell responses in hereditary versus idiopathic CP pathogenesis, providing insights into immune responses associated with human CP.

Introduction. Total knee replacement is the most efficient method of treating end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee joint. The surgery aims to relieve patients of pain, restore range of motion and improve patients’ quality lives. Prostheses design is still being modified and improved through cooperation between orthopaedic surgeons and engineers. Some of the most modern solutions aimed to fit native patients’ anatomy as much as possible are anatomic knee systems.Materials and methods. The literature was reviewed, and articles related to the subject were researched. Therefore, publications including keywords such as total knee replacement, anatomic implants and morphometric implants were searched in the PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases. All data was selected and verified individually. Analysis and synthesis of studies were prepared separately. Results. Many studies describe the advantages of anatomic prostheses over standard prostheses. Anatomical prostheses have a broader range of available sizes, thus providing better coverage of the distal end of the femur and the proximal tibia, allowing for the resection of less bone tissue, which is beneficial in the event of a possible need for a future revision of the endoprosthesis, enabling better selection of the tibial element rotation by better matching to the tibial plateau, which affects the alignment and patellar movement, and the structure of the trochlear geometry that also affects the patellar movement and reduces the risk of trochlear dysplasia.Conclusions. Anatomical implants enable better alignment of the prosthesis elements and the native femoral and tibial bone. Using these models makes it possible to obtain a greater range of motion and, consequently, improved functional outcomes compared to non-anatomical ones. It also enables less bone resection and better radiological outcomes.