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The paper delivers original data on specialization in property valuation services in Poland. Its aim is to identify relatively homogeneous groups of property appraisers taking into consideration the scope of services performed by them and the types of clients served. Based on the survey results, it was possible to indicate major models in property valuation services consistent with market applications, which allows us to verify the thesis on specialization in doing business in property valuation.

The paper focuses on an adaptation of the AHP method to elicit housing preferences on the rental market. To assess the applicability of the AHP method for residential market analyses, a survey was conducted on a group of students from Cracow University of Economics, Poland. The students were asked to evaluate the importance of particular criteria when selecting an apartment. We identified the major methodological difficulties of the utilization of the AHP method in applied research on preferences and decision-making on the housing market. Potential solutions to the mentioned limitations were also presented.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate how women working in office environments perceive their workplace as promoting healthy eating behaviors through employer-led actions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 professionally active women employed in office settings in Poland. Data were collected using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method. Participants were divided into two groups based on their perceived level of workplace support for healthy eating behaviors, as measured by the Workplace Healthy Eating Scale. Group 1 (n = 125; 54.3%; mean score = 15.69, SD = 3.76) and Group 2 (n = 105; 45.7%; mean score = 29.88, SD = 5.15) reflected low and high perceived support, respectively. Results: A linear regression model was employed to assess the association between the perceived level of support and specific workplace initiatives, including access to fresh fruits and vegetables, meal preparation facilities, cafeteria usage, lectures on nutrition, cooking workshops, and individual dietary consultations. For Group 1, access to fresh fruits and vegetables was the only factor significantly associated with a positive perception of the workplace as promoting healthy eating (p = 0.003), explaining 6.5% of the variance (adjusted R2 = 0.065). In Group 2, both access to fresh produce and participation in cooking workshops were significantly associated with positive workplace perceptions (p < 0.001), explaining 41% of the variance (adjusted R2 = 0.410). Conclusions: Access to fresh produce is a key determinant of employees' perceptions of workplace support for healthy eating behaviors, with a notably greater impact observed when combined with additional activities such as cooking workshops. Employer-led initiatives focusing on practical dietary engagement appear to be effective in enhancing workplace perceptions of health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently become widely publicized because they have the potential to function in alternative therapies as “natural” antibiotics, with their main advantage being a broad spectrum of activity. The potential for antimicrobial peptides to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported. In diabetes mellitus type I (T1D), cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) and mouse-β- defensin 14 (mBD14) are positively affected. Decreased levels of LL-37 and human neutrophil peptide 1-3 (HNP1-3) have been reported in diabetes mellitus type II (T2D) relative to healthy patients. Moreover, AMPs from amphibians and social wasps have antidiabetic effects. In infections occurring in patients with tuberculosis-diabetes or diabetic foot, granulysin, HNP1, HNP2, HNP3, human beta-defensin 2 (HBD2), and cathelicidins are responsible for pathogen clearance. An interesting alternative is also the use of modified M13 bacteriophages containing encapsulated AMPs genes or phagemids.

Aim. The integration of Ukrainian war refugee nurses (UKR-N) into the European Union's healthcare system presents many challenges due to the differences in the organization of the healthcare system and the system of undergraduate education of nurses. This study aims to explore the experiences of Polish nurse managers in employing UKR-N. Material and methods. In-depth interviews conducted from March 2022 to June 2023 with 9 nurse managers from healthcare institutions. Female participants (mean age: 42.2 and mean management experience: 11.2 years) were selected using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. ATLAS.ti 8 software was employed for data management. Results. Three major themes were identified: I. Communication challenges in the workplace; II. Legal Frameworks and Employment Challenges; III. Integration into the Polish healthcare system. The three primary themes were broken down into six corresponding subthemes: 1. Language barriers and its impact on clinical practice, 2. Professional competence and safety, 3. Credential recognition and licensing process, 4. Process of adaptation to practice, 5. Navigating cross-cultural healthcare system challenges and 6. Future opportunities. Conclusions. The study provide nuanced insights into the complexities related to integrating UKR-N into the Polish healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. (ES) has gained popularity for its adaptogenic, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of overexploitation of the roots, the species is considered to be endangered and has been put on the Red List in some countries (e.g., the Republic of Korea). Therefore, the fruits of E. senticosus might be explored as a new sustainable source of compounds with adaptogenic activity. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition and the safety profile (hepatotoxicity, blood morphology, biochemical parameters of blood plasma) of E. senticosus fruit intractum in Balb/c mice after oral administration of 750 and 1500 mg/kg b.w. UHPLC analysis coupled with DAD and MS detectors was used to quantify the metabolites. For the first time, oleanolic and ursolic acids were quantified in the intractum (16.01 ± 1.3 and 2.21 ± 0.17 µg/g of oleanolic and ursolic acids, respectively). Regarding polyphenols, chlorogenic acid (0.92 mg/g of dried extract), caffeic acid (0.43 mg/g), dicaffeoylquinic acids (in total: 1.27 mg/g), and an unidentified caffeic acid ester (0.81 mg/g) were identified. The results in Balb/c mice revealed that the intractum does not cause significant variations in red blood cells parameters. In turn, a significant decrease in the total number of leukocytes was observed (5.8 × 103 µL), with a percentage increase in lymphocytes among the groups (80.2, 81.8, and 82.6). The ability of the intractum to decrease alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels may indicate its anti-inflammatory activity. Our observations justify that the fruits of E. senticosus are safe in the doses used and do not cause significant changes in the activity of the liver enzymes or in blood parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleutherococcus divaricatus (Siebold and Zucc.) S. Y. Hu. has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) due to its anticancer, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its mechanism of action and chemical composition are still insufficiently understood and require more advanced research, especially for cases in which anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of E. divaricatus root extracts and fractions on proinflammatory serum hyaluronidase and tyrosinase in children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Antioxidant and anti-melanoma activities were also examined and correlated with metabolomic data. For the first time, we discovered that the ethyl acetate fraction significantly inhibits hyaluronidase activity, with mean group values of 55.82% and 63.8% for aescin used as a control. However, interestingly, the fraction showed no activity against human tyrosinase, and in A375 melanoma cells treated with a doxorubicin fraction, doxorubicin activity decreased. This fraction exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity, which can be attributed to high contents of polyphenols, especially caffeic acid (24 mg/g). The findings suggest an important role of the ethyl acetate fraction in hyaluronidase inhibition, which may additionally indicate its anti-inflammatory property. The results suggest that this fraction can be used in inflammatory-related diseases, although with precautions in cases of patients undergoing chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to implement and increase values regarding the use of cricket powder in food. This is due to the need to increase the range of products enriched with cricket powder in order to increase the market and acceptance of insects in the diet. The work analyzed properties of yoghurt with cricket powder added (chemical composition, acidity, colour, consistency, degree of syneresis, texture and sensory analysis). Research has shown that the greater the addition of cricket powder, the higher the protein, fat and dry matter content and the lower the hardness of the yoghurt. As the content of cricket powder in yoghurt increased, the brightness (L*) and redness (a*) decreased, while the yellowness (b*) of the samples increased. A change in the colour of the yoghurt was observed with the increase in the cricket powder content; the yoghurt had a darker, browner colour. The best overall sensory rating compared to the control variant (6.4) was given to the yoghurt with 1.5% cricket powder added (5.7), while the worst rating was given to the yoghurt with 5% powder added (2 points out of 7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to be able to incorporate mealworm powder into yoghurts to increase protein content. Tenebrio molitor is gaining popularity as an alternative protein source. In the face of a growing human population and the associated challenges of sustainable nutrition, mealworms offer a promising solution. The mealworm is distinguished by its high protein content and for being rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable component of diet. Among others, chemical composition, colour, texture, degree of syneresis, sensory analysis, and microbiological analysis were analysed. As expected, the addition of insect powder increased the protein content from 4.91% (0 TM) to 7.41% (5 TM). It also increased the fat content from 1.67% (0 TM) to 3.88% (5 TM). Furthermore, the addition of mealworm powder resulted in a significant change in the colour of the yoghurt to a darker colour, due to the dark brown colour of the powder. Food with added edible insects is increasingly available but is not always popular due to cultural and psychological barriers. Sensory analysis of yoghurts has shown that the more powder that is added, the less appealing the product becomes and the more bitter the taste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol exposure during pregnancy is an important problem and is the cause of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The etiology of FAS and FASD can be elucidated using animal models. Recently, a novel model, the zebrafish (Danio rerio), has garnered the interest of researchers. This study confirmed the negative influence of ethyl alcohol (0.5 %, 1.5 %, and 2.5 % v/v) on the development of zebrafish embryos. The observed malformations included pericardial and yolk sac edema, increased body curvature, tail edema, and a decreased embryo hatching rate. The differences in body length, body width, and heart rate were statistically significant. Due to the similarities in the quantity and function of ethanol biotransformation enzymes between zebrafish and mammals, this study investigated the nonoxidative metabolites of ethanol – ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) – in zebrafish following ethanol exposure. This research confirmed that EtG and EtS concentrations can be measured in zebrafish embryos, and the levels of these metabolites appear to be associated with the ethyl alcohol concentration in the medium. • The toxic effect of ethanol on zebrafish embryos has been confirmed. • Non-oxidative metabolites have been observed following the exposure of embryos to ethanol. • EtG and EtS amount in zebrafish embryos seemed to be associated with ethanol concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundTissue adhesives are an alternative to conventional surgical sutures to reduce the time and cost of wound closure and to improve patient comfort. The use of tissue adhesives does not require any subsequent intervention and significantly lowers the volume and rate of blood loss, and reduces the need for transfusions during and after surgery. However, based on their formulation, tissue adhesives' safety profile and functional properties may differ. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the basic safety and performance of NE'X Glue® Surgical Sealant, BioGlue® Surgical Sealant, and PREVELEAKTM Surgical Sealant in vitro.MethodsThe basic safety of commercially available tissue adhesives was evaluated using MEM elution assay according to ISO 10993-5 and endotoxin level according to 85. USP. The in vitro performance was evaluated using lap-shear by tension loading test, burst strength test, degradation, and swelling assays.ResultsNE'X Glue®, BioGlue®, and PREVELEAKTM did not cause cytotoxicity in MEM elution assay. All surgical adhesives are below the general limit of endotoxin contamination of 20 EU/device. NE'X Glue® and BioGlue® showed the highest and comparable strength properties in lap shear and burst strength tests compared to PREVELEAKTM. NE'X Glue® and PREVELEAKTM are characterized by lower degradation potential than BioGlue®. PREVELEAKTM is characterized by the highest swelling when compared to NE'X Glue® and BioGlue®.ConclusionsNE'X Glue® is most versatile in terms of functional properties while maintaining the same safety profile as BioGlue® and PREVELEAKTM.

Aim. The aim of the study was to analyse the level of cultural intelligence and multicultural personality profile of novice nurses in Poland in the context of the increase of migration and refugee crises. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study of 234 novice nurses working in clinical, district or city hospitals was conducted. The Polish version of the Cultural Intelligence Scale and the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire were used. Statistica™ 13.3 software was used for analysis. Results. The results indicate a moderate level of cultural intelligence and diversity in the levels of intensity of the multicultural personality traits. The highest levels were found in cultural empathy. A positive correlation was found between cultural intelligence and multicultural personality. The global dimension of cultural intelligence and its four domains were found to be related to three multicultural personality traits – cultural sensitivity, social initiative and open-mindedness. Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of cultural competence in healthcare and the need to strengthen it among novice nurses, especially amidst contemporary social changes and challenges associated with migration. The implementation of systematic training programmes aimed at increasing cultural competence among nurses is recommended to enhance and develop these skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. It can contribute to pelvic pain, infertility or other conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, breast or ovarian cancer. Research has shown that one of the conditions for the development of endometrial lesions is the dysfunction of the immune system. It appears that immune cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells and dendritic cells, may play a specific role in the angiogenesis, growth and invasion of endometriosis cells. Immune cells secrete cytokines and defensins that also affect the endometriosis environment. This review discusses the various components of the immune system that are involved in the formation of endometrial lesions in women.

Background. This study examines the prevalence and underlying factors of loneliness among Polish adolescents in schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of loneliness experienced by Polish students depending on the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of life. Material and methods. Utilizing data from a representative sample of over 6,200 students aged 11 to 17, as part of the global Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey for the 2021/2022 school year, the study investigates how the pandemic has affected the lives of young people, particularly in fostering feelings of loneliness. Results. The findings indicate that almost one-third of Polish school students report feeling lonely “often” or “always”. Key factors contributing to this loneliness include gender, age, the level of support from family and peers, as well as the amount of time spent on social media. Notably, the study uncovers that girls are more likely to feel lonely – especially those in secondary school and living in larger cities. There is also a noticeable link between heavy social media usage and heightened loneliness. Conclusions. The pandemic’s toll on mental health, family dynamics, and academic life has emerged as a significant concern. This paper underscores the urgent need for dedicated programs and support mechanisms to counteract the adverse effects of the pandemic on the mental health and overall well-being of young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]