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The article presents the numerical algorithm of the developed computer code which calculates performance characteristics of ducted axial-flow hydrokinetic turbines. The code makes use of the vortex lattice method (VLM), which has been developed and used in IMP PAN for years, to analyse the operation of various fluid-flow machines. To verify the developed software, a series of model tests have been performed in the cavitation tunnel being part of IMP PAN research equipment.

Introduction: Cognitive impairment can emerge as part of aging or from conditions affecting brain function, such as stroke, brain tumors, delirium, and neurodegenerative diseases. Effective cognitive assessment in clinical practice requires brief, reliable tests that evaluate specific cognitive domains. The MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) are among the most frequently used tools for these evaluations, each offering unique insights. Purpose of Research: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of MMSE and MoCA in diagnosing cognitive impairment and determining their suitability in various clinical settings and patient profiles. Materials and Methods: The analysis includes 61 articles from databases such as PubMed and Scopus, identified using keywords: Neuropsychological Tests, Cognitive Function Tests, MMSE and MoCA. Basic Results: The results indicate that MMSE, while effective for initial dementia screening, is less sensitive to mild cognitive impairment and influenced by education and age. MoCA offers higher sensitivity for MCI and early Alzheimer's stages, making it valuable as a complementary tool to MMSE. Conclusions: Combining MMSE and MoCA assessments can enhance diagnostic accuracy across diverse clinical contexts. Each tool’s unique strengths contribute to a more comprehensive cognitive assessment approach, optimizing diagnostic strategies for specific patient needs.

Patellar dislocations are common injuries that can lead to recurrent dislocations and instability. Patellar instability is a complex problem and requires a multifactorial approach. Over the years, many different repair and reconstruction techniques has been developed. The variety of techniques proves that there is no best procedure, and different options must be taken into consideration in every case. Many of these techniques are complicated and require graft harvesting or drilling through the patella. We present a technique of arthroscopic patellar stabilization with a single suture anchor and lateral release that is easy to perform, cost-effective, and does not require drilling tunnels through patella or graft harvesting.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare results of suture‐tape augmented anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair (internal bracing [IB]) and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring autograft in terms of laxity, proprioception and neuromuscular control. The hypothesis was that with strict indications IB may provide better results in proprioception and neuromuscular control. Methods Patients with unilateral ACL injury treated with IB or ACLR with hamstring autograft were enroled in this retrospective study. Anterior tibial translation (ATT) in 30° and 90° of flexion was measured with Rolimeter. The joint position sense (JPS) test was performed in 30° and 60° of flexion using Biodex System 4Pro. The time‐synchronized motion capture system and surface electromyography set were used during dynamic tasks to assess knee valgus and semitendinosus (ST) and biceps femoris (BF) activities. Comparisons between both techniques and operated versus contralateral healthy knees were performed. Results The study groups involved 28 patients after ACLR (21.8 ± 4.8 years) and 20 patients after IB (25.8 ± 10.5 years) with the average follow‐up 30 ± 18 and 28 ± 15 months, respectively. The ATT did not differ significantly between operated groups. In 30° of flexion ATT for ACLR was significantly higher in operated than in contralateral knee (5.8 ± 2.4 mm vs. 4.3 ± 1.3 mm, p

This study aims to investigate the identity and attitudes towards the past, present and future of the first and second year MA students in the "Digital Teacher of English" specialization conducted at a university in Poland. During the academic year 2017/2018, a questionnaire administered to 30 pre-service teachers revealed that according to James Marcia's Identity Statuses, over 60% of the participants' identity statuses were recognized as achieved, lending support to the other studies of this kind (Yunus, Malik & Zakaria, 2012; Werbinska, 2009). Furthermore, considerable insight has been gained with regard to their time-oriented attitudes.

Ankle instability is due to repetitive inversion injuries and is usually treated conservatively; however, after repeated sprains, chronic instability occurs and usually requires a surgical procedure. Recently, arthroscopic repair of a torn anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) has become more popular owing to its minimal invasiveness and high efficacy. An all-inside technique allows for anatomic restoration of the injured ATFL, provides stability to the ankle joint, prevents a limitation of ankle range of motion, and may prevent arthritic development. We present an all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair technique.

(1) The treatment of metastatic or drug-resistant melanoma is still a significant therapeutic problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer potential of daphnetin (7,8-dihydroxycoumarin) and its combinations with five different cytostatic drugs (mitoxantrone, docetaxel, vemurafenib, epirubicin and cisplatin). (2) The viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity of daphnetin against four human malignant melanoma cell lines were evaluated. The interactions were assessed using isobolographic analysis for the combinations of daphnetin with each of the five cytostatic drugs. (3) Daphnetin showed anticancer activity against malignant melanoma, with IC50 values ranging from 40.48 ± 10.90 µM to 183.97 ± 18.82 µM, depending on the cell line. The combination of daphnetin with either vemurafenib or epirubicin showed an antagonistic interaction. Moreover, additive interactions were observed for the combinations of daphnetin with cisplatin and docetaxel. The most desirable synergistic interactions for human melanoma metastatic cell lines were observed for the combination of daphnetin with mitoxantrone. (4) The obtained results suggest that daphnetin should not be combined with vemurafenib or epirubicin in the treatment of malignant melanoma due to the abolition of their anticancer effects. The combination of daphnetin with mitoxantrone is beneficial in the treatment of metastatic melanoma due to their synergistic interaction.

(1) Malignant melanomas are dangerous skin cancers, and the treatment of melanomas with various cytostatic drugs often causes side effects and after their prolonged use resistance to these drugs appears. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effects of esculetin (a simple coumarin) and to assess pharmacodynamic interactions between esculetin and six commonly used cytostatic drugs (cisplatin, epirubicin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, mitoxantrone and vemurafenib) using an isobolographic analysis. (2) The experiments were carried out on four human malignant melanoma cell lines (FM55P, A375, FM55M2 and SK-MEL28). The effects of esculetin on viability, cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were verified in the range of concentrations of 2–200 μM. (3) Esculetin inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, malignant melanoma cell viability and proliferation. The IC50 for esculetin ranged from 18.20 ± 2.93 to 120.64 ± 30.39 μM depending on the melanoma cell lines used. The combinations of esculetin with epirubicin and vemurafenib showed antagonistic interactions, the combinations of esculetin with cisplatin, docetaxel and paclitaxel showed additive interactions. For the combinations of esculetin with mitoxantrone, the isobolographic analysis displayed synergy. (4) In the treatment of malignant melanoma, esculetin should not be combined with epirubicin or vemurafenib, due to the reduction of their anticancer effects, while the synergistic interactions (esculetin + mitoxantrone) deserve a preclinical recommendation as a beneficial combination during anticancer therapy.

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present various approaches to organizational identity, with particular reference to the approach of J.M.T. Balmer (2017) and various approaches to values. Moreover, presenting the results of empirical research on the perception of organizational identity by enterprise employees and values in relation to own construct of values oriented towards the functioning of enterprises in their various aspects. Design/methodology/approach: Theoretical research in the field of organizational identity and values in the enterprise. Conducting own empirical research, also in relation to own value construct, which takes into account various aspects of the company’s operation, also relations with the environment. The article is an innovative approach to the presented topic due to the use of author’s own value construct in relation to empirical research. Findings: According to the conducted research, all of the above-mentioned features of the organizational identity of the entities, the respondents are employed in, were considered important. These include: organizational type of the enterprise, purpose(s) of the enterprise/organization, area of activity, geographical scope, ethos and values, market position, management method and employee behaviour, markets and customers served, quality of products and/or services. Moreover, it was shown that all the areas included in the author’s value construct are important for the surveyed employees, i.e. customer service, quality, responsibility, teamwork. Research limitations/implications: Further research will focus on the remaining features of organizational identity by J.M.T. Balmer, also in relation to the analysis of the approach of representatives of different age groups and industry specificity. Moreover, it is worth including the cultural context in future research and indicating, on the basis of a representative sample, how representatives of lower levels of management and the management staff of enterprises approach the aspects discussed in this article. The study has some limitations. The results cannot be generalized because the sample was not selected probabilistically. Practical implications: The presented original value construct can constitute a set of indications for further diagnosis and modification of the development paths of an economic entity, also in the perspective dimension. Its application can be universal and the research results obtained on its basis may support the targeting of programs to improve the management of various types of business entities, also in the context of shaping their organizational identity. Social implications: The research presented in the article is part of the research trend that serves to shape attitudes conducive to building awareness of corporate social responsibility in the context of the presented approach to values oriented not only to the development of the enterprise but also to shaping appropriate relations with the environment. Originality/value: The study showed the perception of organizational identity by company employees in connection with the values identified in author’s own construct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare results of suture‐tape augmented anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair (internal bracing [IB]) and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring autograft in terms of laxity, proprioception and neuromuscular control. The hypothesis was that with strict indications IB may provide better results in proprioception and neuromuscular control. Methods: Patients with unilateral ACL injury treated with IB or ACLR with hamstring autograft were enroled in this retrospective study. Anterior tibial translation (ATT) in 30° and 90° of flexion was measured with Rolimeter. The joint position sense (JPS) test was performed in 30° and 60° of flexion using Biodex System 4Pro. The time‐synchronized motion capture system and surface electromyography set were used during dynamic tasks to assess knee valgus and semitendinosus (ST) and biceps femoris (BF) activities. Comparisons between both techniques and operated versus contralateral healthy knees were performed. Results: The study groups involved 28 patients after ACLR (21.8 ± 4.8 years) and 20 patients after IB (25.8 ± 10.5 years) with the average follow‐up 30 ± 18 and 28 ± 15 months, respectively. The ATT did not differ significantly between operated groups. In 30° of flexion ATT for ACLR was significantly higher in operated than in contralateral knee (5.8 ± 2.4 mm vs. 4.3 ± 1.3 mm, p < 0.001). The JPS test and dynamic knee valgus presented no significant differences. The ACLR group presented significantly higher ST (p = 0.048) and BF (p = 0.012) activity comparing operated to contralateral knee in dynamic tasks. Conclusion: Suture‐tape augmented ACL repair and ACLR with hamstring autograft yield similar results in terms of laxity, proprioception and neuromuscular control. Level of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, an association between Parkinson’s disease and cancer has been reported with many clinical and epidemiological studies, encouraging the investigation of a potential common pathogenic pathway connected with both diseases. However, association between neurogenesis, medical treatment of Parkinson’s disease and occurence of prostate cancer (PCA) is still being discussed. Brief description of the state of knowledge: There were carried out population-based case-control researches that checked the connection between Parkinson’s disease and the risk of prostate cancer in Western (Canada, USA, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Israel) and Asian (Taiwan) populations. Studies revealed that Parkinson’s disease had significant association with reduced risk of prostate cancer in most of studied populations (Western) and increased in Asian population. Conclusions: Most of researches proved that Parkinson’s disease was associated with reduction of risk of prostate cancer, which decreased with increasing duration of Parkinson’s disease. The relationship between those conditions in Asian population needs to be checked in the future.

Introduction. Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare astrocytic cancer of the central nervous system that is classified as grade II according to the WHO score. It accounts for 1% of primary brain tumors. It is mainly located in the temporal lobe and belongs to a group of tumors called long-term epilepsy associated tumors. Surgical tumor resection is the treatment of choice. Brief description of the state of knowledge. The non-invasive method of PXA diagnostics is neuroimaging, which is based on computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the image, PXA presents as a solid tumor undergoing contrast enhancement, located supratentorial, with frequent peripheral cystic components. The characteristic histologic picture for PXA is the presence of highly pleomorphic, fusiform or round, large astrocytes with single or multiple cell nuclei. Lymphoplasmic infiltrates are visible within the tumor. The most common mutations associated with the occurrence of this cancer are mutations in the BRAF V600E gene. Conclusions. PXA is a very rare tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) that can recur and spread throughout the CNS. Imaging tests, i.e. CT and MRI, allow for precise imaging of the lesion, however, it is necessary to perform a histopathological examination to make a final diagnosis. The rarity of this cancer assimilates diagnostic problems. Therefore, further molecular research is needed to develop more efficient diagnostics.

Introduction. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, associated with selective loss of neurons in the substantia nigra. Parkinson’s disease revealed by motor and non-motor symptoms. Alternative therapies for cure non-motor symptoms are searched. One of them can be white light therapy, which is based on taking samples of light specified illuminance, time of day, period and head-to-light distance. Brief description of the state of knowledge. The purpose of white light therapy is stabilization of the circadian melatonin secretion and improvement of circadian rhythmicity. Morning white light exposure allows to accelerate the circadian rhythm and is effective in cure of depression disorders. In turn evening light exposure is used to delayed the circadian rhythm and treat early awaking insomnia. The effectiveness of treatment by white light therapy other neurological and neuropsychiatric disease as depression or sleep disorder is well-documented. Conclusions. White Light Therapy is a safe, easy to use, and inexpensive non-pharmacological treatment option with rare side effects. Research shows that light has a significant therapeutic effect on a broad spectrum of symptoms, such as tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, insomnia. However more evidence is needed to define specific dose of light for treatment non-motor symptoms Parkinson’s disease and the regime of its intake (length of irradiation, time of day, distance between the head and the light source).

Multicopper oxidases (MCOs) are a large family of blue copper proteins which contain from one to six copper atoms per molecule. Their catalytic centre consists of three domains which involve type I Cu, type II Cu and a pair of type III Cu’s. They include laccases, ferroxidases, ascorbate oxidase, bilirubin oxidase, laccase-like multicopper oxidases. MCOs are capable of one-electron oxidizing of aromatic as well as non-aromatic compounds with a concomitant four-electron reduction of molecular oxygen to water. These properties make them a valuable tool in various industries (e.g. food, textile, pharmaceutical) medicine or environment protection.

Zdrowie człowieka w dużym stopniu zależy od jego przyzwyczajeń żywieniowych. Dlatego tak istotne jest, aby spożywać żywność o odpowiedniej jakości zarówno pod względem odpowiedniej zawartości w niej składników odżywczych, jak i dopuszczalnej obecności różnych zanieczyszczeń. Jeśli chodzi o te ostatnie, to w żywności powszechnie występują metale i ich związki, których zawartość w głównej mierze wynika z powszechnej ich obecności w różnych elementach środowiska. O jakości zdrowotnej żywności świadczą przede wszystkim poziomy mikro- i makroelementów. Materiał i metody: Materiał do badań stanowiły próbki żywności z produkcji ekologicznej i konwencjonalnej. Do badań wytypowano najpopularniejsze w diecie w naszym kraju owoce i warzywa, odpowiednio: jabłka i marchew. W próbkach tych oznaczano metodą spektrometrii emisyjnej ze wzbudzeniem plazmowym (ICP-OES) poziomy metali szkodliwych dla zdrowia: kadm (Cd), ołów (Pb), arsen (As) i rtęć (Hg), a także wybrane mikro- i makroelementy: wapń (Ca), potas (K), magnez (Mg), fosfor (P), żelazo (Fe), mangan (Mn), cynk (Zn) i glin (Al). Próbki były poddawane mineralizacji mikrofalowej. Wyniki: Zawartość metali szkodliwych dla zdrowia (Pb, Cd, Hg, As) w badanych próbkach jabłek i marchwi były znacznie niższe od najwyższych dopuszczalnych poziomów ustalonych w ustawodawstwie unijnym i nie różniły się istotnie w uprawach konwencjonalnych vs. ekologicznych. Podobne rezultaty wykazano w przypadku mikro- i makroelementów.

Od pierwszych dni życia człowiek ma styczność z żywnością. Dlatego wydaje się, że o żywności wie wszystko i jest specjalistą w tej dziedzinie. Jednak czy naprawdę tak jest? Celem pracy jest próba przybliżenia wiedzy na temat zalet i wad różnego typu sposobów odżywiania się tak, aby każdy człowiek mógł w pełni świadomie podejmować decyzję o wyborze diety. Człowiek ewolucyjnie i biologicznie przystosowany jest do diety zróżnicowanej, czyli do żywności pochodzenia zwierzęcego i roślinnego. Coraz więcej jest jednak osób wybierających i propagujących wegetarianizm, ale gdyby większość społeczeństwa podjęła taką decyzję, to ucierpiałaby różnorodność upraw, byłoby głównie zapotrzebowanie na rośliny strączkowe. Zanik bioróżnorodności miałby wpływ na wymieranie owadów pożytecznych. Podobnie jest z decyzją o wyborze żywności z produkcji konwencjonalnej czy ekologicznej. Wydaje się, że żywność ekologiczna jest zawsze zdrowsza i bezpieczniejsza dla człowieka. Żywność ekologiczna na pewno jest wolna od zanieczyszczeń pestycydami, ale obecność metali szkodliwych dla zdrowia w obu typach żywności jest już podobna. Natomiast żywność ekologiczna może być bardziej zainfekowana patogenami i w większym stopniu podatna na zanieczyszczenia biologiczne. Niezbędne jest, aby dieta człowieka uwzględniała indywidualne zapotrzebowanie energetyczne, zapotrzebowanie na wszystkie podstawowe składniki odżywcze, w tym wodę, ale także powinna stanowić przyjemność i być wyrazem kultury danego regionu.

Background: Autoimmune thyroid diseases are multifactorial diseases with a genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. A potential role of the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene, the interferon-induced helicase domain 1 (IFIH1) gene, the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene polymorphisms on autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) in adults has been established unequivocally, but there is still lack of research articles including group of children. Objective and hypotheses: To estimate the association of polymorphisms of PTPN22, IFIH1 and TSH-R genes with the pre-disposition to Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in children. Methods: The study was performed in 142 patients with GD, 57 with HT and 160 healthy volunteers. The three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs2476601 – PTPN22, rs1990760 – IFIH1 and rs179247 – TSHR were genotyped by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay using the real-time PCR. Results: Rs2476601 A alleles were more frequent in patients with GD in comparison to healthy subjects (p = .009 with odds ratio [OR] = 2.13). Rs2476601 A alleles were more frequent in patients with HT in comparison to healthy subjects (p = .008, OR = 2.48). Rs1990760 T alleles were more frequent in male patients with GD in comparison to healthy males (p = .003, OR = 3.00). In case of HT patients, rs1990760 T alleles were also more frequent in males compared to healthy subjects (p = .086, OR =2.47). Rs179247 A alleles were more frequent in patients with GD in comparison to healthy subjects (p = 0.039, OR = 1.51). Conclusions: Rs2476601 A/G, Rs1990760 C/T and Rs179247 A/G polymorphisms could contribute to the development of AITDs in children. The main risk factor for rs2476601 and rs179247 is allele A. In case of rs1990760, the main risk factor is allele T.