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Objectives A rapidly growing corporate use of social media can support corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability advocacy of listed companies enhancing the positive image of people with disabilities and social inclusion. Emphasizing CSR towards people with disability (D), abbreviated CSR+D or CSR-D, is customary. The aim of the study is to examine the use of Twitter to highlight advocacy efforts for people with disabilities by the sixty best sustainability-oriented WSE listed companies in Poland. Material and methods We examined keywords and their popularity and context using topic modeling and text mining based on corporate tweets. Tweets’ topics were extracted using the DMM model from 154,496 company media uploads. Then, the occurring themes were determined. Results The results indicate a very limited promotion of CSR activities on Twitter. Accordingly, also limited use of Twitter in communicating disability with no diffusion of topics was observed, despite an overall increase of corporate social media use. Disability issues were are far more often communicated for high-profile events related to disability. Only a few tweets appeared on Down syndrome, with more frequent tweets referring to visual, hearing, or autism disorders. However, tweets about disability receive more users’ reactions and gain a wider audience than example those related to seniors or climate. More results on topics and their popularity due to the sector, time and accompanying events were included. Conclusions The research contribute to understanding of the evolving social media tools and their corporate whereas there is limited or paid access to data.

Background/Objectives: In the course of COVID-19, there may be an excessive immune response of the body with the release of large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing a “cytokine storm”, also known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important an integrated approach to health care is, with physiotherapy being one of its fundamental aspects. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential relationship between the level of selected cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, TNF-α) and inflammatory markers (CRP, NLR, PLR, LMR, SII) and the duration of rehabilitation in patients after COVID-19. Methods: The examined patients participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program, which included breathing exercises, aerobic training, and strength and endurance training. Peripheral venous blood samples were also collected from each patient. Results: Factors such as gender, smoking status, IL-10, and the presence of pneumonia during infection were significantly associated with the length of rehabilitation after COVID-19. Conclusions: The course of rehabilitation after COVID-19 may depend on many factors, including smoking, the presence of pneumonia due to infection, and some parameters of inflammation.

The search for novel endometrial cancer diagnostic biomarkers is pertinent. The purpose of this study was to determine if IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, NT, TSP-2, and NRP1 could be used as novel, helpful markers for the detection of endometrial cancer. Ninety-three women diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) and sixty-six patients with noncancerous endometrial lesions (NCEL) were included in this study. ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of the proteins tested. Median serum levels of IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, NT, and NRP1 were significantly higher in the EC group compared with NCEL. The cut-off level of IL-4 was set at 802.26 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 83.87% and a specificity of 50% (AUC = 0.7, p = 0.000023). The cut-off level of IL-7 was set at 133.63 ng/L with a sensitivity of 96.77% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.91, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of IL-9 was set at 228.79 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 69.89% and a specificity of 81.82% (AUC = 0.8, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of NT was set at 275.43 pmol/L with a sensitivity of 94.62% and a specificity of 59.09% (AUC = 0.83, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of NRP1 was set at 30.37 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 81.72% and a specificity of 57.58% (AUC = 0.71, p = 0.000004). This study suggests the clinical utility of IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, NT, and NRP1 in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Nevertheless, these biomarkers may also have prognostic or predictive value, which should be tested in future studies.

Among the most deadly malignancies that strike women worldwide, ovarian cancer is still one of the most common. The primary factor affecting a patient’s survival is early lesion discovery. Unfortunately, because ovarian cancer is a sneaky illness that usually manifests as nonspecific symptoms only in advanced stages, its early detection and screening are challenging. A lot of research is being conducted on effective methods of diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have gained great popularity, which are considered to be the main regulators of many cellular processes, especially those occurring in cancer. LncRNAs are also being studied for their therapeutic use in the treatment of ovarian cancer and their use in diagnostics and as indicators of poor prognosis. In this article, we reviewed lncRNAs described in the literature that may play an important role in ovarian cancer.

Theoretical background: In 2022, the European Commission’s intensive efforts to revise and enhance the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) from 2014 resulted in the proposal of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the exposure draft on ESRS EDs (EFRAG Sustainable Reporting Standards Exposure Drafts). The ESRS drafts for public consultation presented the mandatory concepts and principles for sustainability reporting under the CSRD. The implementation of corporate sustainability is closely related to reporting that stimulates robustness of companies’ commitment to sustainability, and sustainable long-term actions taken by companies. Environment is priority, however, having in mind sophisticated environmental performance indicators, it is governance that ensures stakeholders whether the company exercises the sustainable obligations effectively. Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is to determine EFRAG draft standards compliance with the Warsaw Stock Exchange best practices and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and an assessment of WIG-20 reporting practices regarding EFRAG draft standards. The main research question was whether and to what extent WIG-20 companies meet the sustainable reporting exposure drafts on governance matters proposed by EFRAG. Research methods: The study method was desk-based research using the gathered corporate data. The assumptions on the importance of governance matters were supported by VOSviewer analysis of Scopus bibliometric database analysis. Main findings: The results of the study have shown that the scope and level of reported disclosures by WIG-20 companies – that are best performing and positive toward sustainability – is insufficient and reporting practices do not meet proposed EFRAG draft standards. The study contributes to scarce research addressing the sustainability reporting approach. It provides a study of the governance maters regarding draft governance reporting ESRS drafts.

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important molecules released by endothelial cells, and its antiatherogenic properties support cardiovascular homeostasis. Diminished NO bioavailability is a common hallmark of endothelial dysfunction underlying the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular disease. Vascular NO is synthesized by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) from the substrate L-arginine (L-Arg), with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as an essential cofactor. Cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, aging, or smoking increase vascular oxidative stress that strongly affects eNOS activity and leads to eNOS uncoupling. Uncoupled eNOS produces superoxide anion (O2 −) instead of NO, thus becoming a source of harmful free radicals exacerbating the oxidative stress further. eNOS uncoupling is thought to be one of the major underlying causes of endothelial dysfunction observed in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Here, we discuss the main mechanisms of eNOS uncoupling, including oxidative depletion of the critical eNOS cofactor BH4, deficiency of eNOS substrate L-Arg, or accumulation of its analog asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), and eNOS S-glutathionylation. Moreover, potential therapeutic approaches that prevent eNOS uncoupling by improving cofactor availability, restoration of L-Arg/ADMA ratio, or modulation of eNOS S-glutathionylation are briefly outlined.

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) causes both physical and psychological problems to women and their partners. Recently, vaginal radiofrequency (RF) application, as well as the administration of non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (NCLHA) together with calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), has attracted attention for SUI treatment. The current, comparative study evaluated the efficacy and safety of these technologies acting separately and in a combined treatment. Methods: Sixty women with mild to moderate SUI, aged between 46 and 76 years (mean age 63.2) were divided into three groups intended for different treatments: group I, RF vaginal treatment only, group II, NCLHA plus CaHA periurethral injection only, group III, combined treatment including a single periurethral injection of NCLHA plus CaHA followed by four vaginal applications of RF at intervals of 3–5 days. The clinical effects of the treatments were evaluated by ICIQ-LUTSqol (Polish version) and UDI-6. Results: The obtained results suggest that the symptoms of SUI and the quality of life of the patients improved significantly in each group after the therapies compared to the pre-treatment levels and were more persistent in the third HA + RF group compared to the HA or the RF group.

The combination of vitamin A and D derivatives with classical chemotherapeutic treatments results in more satisfactory outcomes. The use of drug combinations, such as 9cUAB130 with carboplatin and cisplatin with TAC-101, shows enhanced cytotoxic effects and reductions in ovarian tumor volume compared to single-drug treatments. Combining cisplatin with calcitriol and progesterone increases VDR expression, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of anticancer therapy in ovarian cancer. The effectiveness of vitamin derivatives in anticancer treatment may vary depending on the characteristics of the tumor and the cell line from which it originated. An increase in thiamine intake of one unit is associated with an 18% decrease in HPV infection. Higher intake of vitamin C by 50 mg/day is linked to a lower risk of cervical neoplasia. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E are associated with risk reductions of 12%, 15%, and 9% in endometrial cancer, respectively. A balanced daily intake of vitamins is important, as both deficiency and excess can influence cancer development. It has been observed that there is a U-shaped relationship between group B vitamins and metabolic markers and clinical outcomes.

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the intricate mechanisms of the body’s response to infection and inflammation has become a priority for the medical and research communities. It has been proven that during COVID-19 infection, molecules are secreted—namely organokines, which may directly or indirectly play a role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. The objective of this study was to scrutinize the potential correlation between the levels of selected myokines (myostatin, agrin, irisin, and myonectin) and the duration of rehabilitation in post-COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between the levels of these myokines and the length of hospitalization during COVID-19 treatment. The study was conducted at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Szczecin (Poland). Patients in the study participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program following COVID-19 treatment. In order to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation, the following tests were performed: a 6 min walk test with an assessment of exercise tolerance (Borg scale), an assessment of dyspnea severity (mMRC scale), a spirometric assessment of respiratory function, a measurement of arm strength, and an assessment of fatigue using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Myokine levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.1 software. Lower concentrations of irisin and myonectin and higher concentrations of myostatin correlated with longer rehabilitation time. Baseline levels of specific myokines in post-COVID-19 patients could play a crucial role in anticipating the duration of rehabilitation. The duration of hospitalization for the infection may influence myokine levels in patients recovering from COVID-19.

The absence of non-invasive methods for assessing bone material and structural changes is a significant diagnostic challenge. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) testing is the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis. BMD and the trabecular bone score (TBS) have facilitated targeted osteoporosis prevention and treatment in clinical settings. The findings from this study indicate that BMD modulation in young women is influenced by various hormones, potentially compromising the diagnostic precision of BMD for subclinical bone demineralization. A total of 205 women aged 19 to 37 underwent anthropometric measurements and hormonal tests. BMD was determined using DXA, and TBS values were computed from the lumbar spine L1–L4 segment. The multivariate analysis findings suggest that BMD might not be determined by hormones. The relationship between TBS and TSH was statistically significant in the univariate analysis, which indicates the efficacy of further studies to determine the link between TBS and specific hormones. Analyzing the strength of the correlation between TBS and hormones in the univariate analysis shows which factors are worth considering in further analyses. This makes it possible to create better techniques that will help identify young women who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.

Objective: To compare and assess the behaviours of students as consumers of food, cosmetics and clothing in order to understand attitudes to sustainability. Research Design & Methods: A survey was conducted in June 2022 using an online questionnaire. The link to the questionnaire was sent to a sample of n = 800 students studying in the Tricity area (Poland). 295 students completed the survey, representing a return rate of 36.9%. The responses received were analysed and conclusions were drawn. Findings: The study shows that the young consumers take sustainable criteria into consideration in their purchasing decisions depending on the particular products. They follow sustainable aspects to the greatest extent in shopping for food, and to the least extent in the case of clothes. In the case of food, issues such as natural ingredients, environmentally friendly packaging, and egg labelling proved to be relatively important. With cosmetics, natural ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging were relatively important, and to a lesser extent, that cosmetics have not been tested on animals. In the case of clothing, sustainable issues proved to be the least important, though environmentally friendly packaging was sometime considered. Implications / Recommendations: The consumers surveyed are insufficiently influenced by questions of sustainability in their consumer behaviours. This may prompt questions on the involvement of companies in introducing pro-ecological and pro-social changes to products and how they are produced, and consequently influence the pace and degree to which sustainable production and consumption are being brought about. Contribution: The article contributes to the literature on the attitude of young consumers to sustainable development. It indicates areas that should be improved with regards to the behaviour of students when making purchasing decisions.

The role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the regulation of a variety of biological processes is well established, and its dysfunction contributes to brain pathologies, including schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors were shown to be effective procognitive compounds, but little is known about their impact on eNOS expression and stability. Here, we investigated the influence of the acute and chronic administration of LY487379 or CDPPB (mGlu2 and mGlu5 PAMs), on eNOS expression in the mouse brain and the effect of the joint administration of the ligands with nitric oxide (NO) releasers, spermineNONOate or DETANONOate, in different combinations of doses, on MK-801- or scopolamine-induced amnesia in the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Our results indicate that both compounds provoked eNOS monomer formation, and CDPPB at a dose of 5 mg/kg exaggerated the effect of MK-801 or scopolamine. The coadministration of spermineNONOate or DETANONOate enhanced the antiamnesic effect of CDPPB or LY487379. The best activity was observed for ineffective or moderate dose combinations. The results indicate that treatment with mGluR2 and mGluR5 PAMs may be burdened with the risk of promoting eNOS uncoupling through the induction of dimer dissociation. Administration of the lowest possible doses of the compounds with NO• donors, which themselves have procognitive efficacy, may be proposed for the treatment of schizophrenia or AD.

As a substitution for hormone replacement therapy, many breast cancer patients use black cohosh (BC) extracts in combination with doxorubicin (DOX)-based chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the viability and survival of BC- and DOX-treated MCF-7 cells. A preclinical model of MCF-7 xenografts was used to determine the influence of BC and DOX administration on tumor growth and metabolism. The number of apoptotic cells after incubation with both DOX and BC was significantly increased (~100%) compared to the control. Treatment with DOX altered the potential of MCF-7 cells to form colonies; however, coincubation with BC did not affect this process. In vivo, PET-CT imaging showed that combined treatment of DOX and BC induced a significant reduction in both metabolic activity (29%) and angiogenesis (32%). Both DOX and BC treatments inhibited tumor growth by 20% and 12%, respectively, and combined by 57%, vs. control. We successfully demonstrated that BC increases cytotoxic effects of DOX, resulting in a significant reduction in tumor size. Further studies regarding drug transport and tumor growth biomarkers are necessary to establish the underlying mechanism and potential clinical use of BC in breast cancer patients.

Among the most deadly malignancies that strike women worldwide, ovarian cancer is still one of the most common. The primary factor affecting a patient's survival is early lesion discovery. Unfortunately, because ovarian cancer is a sneaky illness that usually manifests as nonspecific symptoms only in advanced stages, its early detection and screening are challenging. A lot of research is being conducted on effective methods of diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have gained great popularity, which are considered to be the main regulators of many cellular processes, especially those occurring in cancer. LncRNAs are also being studied for their therapeutic use in the treatment of ovarian cancer and their use in diagnostics and as indicators of poor prognosis. In this article, we reviewed lncRNAs described in the literature that may play an important role in ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Breast cancer is a huge problem in modern medicine, even surpassing breast cancer in women. A very common method of treatment is mastectomy which is, in most cases, followed by breast reconstruction, the course of which changes dynamically. The process is aimed at improving patient satisfaction, minimizing the risk of tumor recurrence, and preventing complications. That is why we decided to look at the trend in the abovementioned procedures. We have described important types of surgical treatment of breast cancer, such as modified radical mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery, contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, and robotic mastectomy. We have also discussed breast reconstruction, focusing on implants, acellular dermal matrix, autologous reconstruction, robotic breast reconstruction, and fat grafting. Background: Breast cancer continues to be a significant diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Mastectomy is still a frequently used treatment method, but its form is changing with progress in medicine. Methods: We have described important types of surgical treatments for breast cancer, such as modified radical mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery, contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, and robotic mastectomy. Breast reconstruction is also a very important element of treatment because it directly affects the mental state of patients after the procedure. We have also described types of breast reconstruction, such as implants, acellular dermal matrices, autologous reconstruction, robotic breast reconstruction, and fat grafting. Results: The aim of our study was to compare available types of surgical treatment for breast cancer and breast reconstruction to help tailor personalized treatment to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer still pose many problems; so, it is important to search for effective biomarkers that will allow for the detection of changes in the early stages of the disease. There is more and more talk about the use of circulating tumor DNA in oncology as a promising biomarker and an aid in tailoring individual therapy to patients. We describe what changes we can observe in ctDNA in patients with ovarian cancer and how we can use this information in diagnosis and therapy. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecological diseases because its diagnosis and treatment still pose many problems. Surgical excision, hormone therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy for eradicating the main tumor and halting the spread of metastases are among the treatment options available to individuals with ovarian cancer, depending on the disease's stage. Tumor DNA that circulates in a patient's bodily fluids has been studied recently as a possible novel biomarker for a number of cancers, as well as a means of quantifying tumor size and evaluating the efficacy of cancer therapy. The most significant alterations that we could find in the ctDNA of ovarian cancer patients—such as chromosomal instability, somatic mutations, and methylation—are discussed in this review. Additionally, we talk about the utility of ctDNA in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy response prediction for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for novel endometrial cancer diagnostic biomarkers is pertinent. The purpose of this study was to determine if IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, NT, TSP-2, and NRP1 could be used as novel, helpful markers for the detection of endometrial cancer. Ninety-three women diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) and sixty-six patients with noncancerous endometrial lesions (NCEL) were included in this study. ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of the proteins tested. Median serum levels of IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, NT, and NRP1 were significantly higher in the EC group compared with NCEL. The cut-off level of IL-4 was set at 802.26 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 83.87% and a specificity of 50% (AUC = 0.7, p = 0.000023). The cut-off level of IL-7 was set at 133.63 ng/L with a sensitivity of 96.77% and a specificity of 75.76% (AUC = 0.91, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of IL-9 was set at 228.79 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 69.89% and a specificity of 81.82% (AUC = 0.8, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of NT was set at 275.43 pmol/L with a sensitivity of 94.62% and a specificity of 59.09% (AUC = 0.83, p < 0.000001). The cut-off level of NRP1 was set at 30.37 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 81.72% and a specificity of 57.58% (AUC = 0.71, p = 0.000004). This study suggests the clinical utility of IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, NT, and NRP1 in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Nevertheless, these biomarkers may also have prognostic or predictive value, which should be tested in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased activity of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a key factor mediating kidney impairment in diabetes. Glomerular podocytes, the crucial component of the renal filter, are a direct target of TGF-β action, resulting in irreversible cell loss and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Urolithin A (UA) is a member of the family of polyphenol metabolites produced by gut microbiota from ellagitannins and ellagic acid-rich foods. The broad spectrum of biological activities of UA makes it a promising candidate for the treatment of podocyte disorders. In this in vitro study, we investigated whether UA influences the changes exerted in podocytes by TGF-β and high glucose. Following a 7-day incubation in normal (NG, 5.5 mM) or high (HG, 25 mM) glucose, the cells were treated with UA and/or TGF-β1 for 24 h. HG and TGF-β1, each independent and in concert reduced expression of nephrin, increased podocyte motility, and up-regulated expression of b3 integrin and fibronectin. These typical-for-epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) effects were inhibited by UA in both HG and NG conditions. UA also reduced the typically elevated HG expression of TGF-β receptors and activation of the TGF-β signal transducer Smad2. Our results indicate that in podocytes cultured in conditions mimicking the diabetic milieu, UA inhibits and reverses changes underlying podocytopenia in diabetic kidneys. Hence, UA should be considered as a potential therapeutic agent in podocytopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: In the course of COVID-19, there may be an excessive immune response of the body with the release of large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing a "cytokine storm", also known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important an integrated approach to health care is, with physiotherapy being one of its fundamental aspects. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential relationship between the level of selected cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, TNF-α) and inflammatory markers (CRP, NLR, PLR, LMR, SII) and the duration of rehabilitation in patients after COVID-19. Methods: The examined patients participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program, which included breathing exercises, aerobic training, and strength and endurance training. Peripheral venous blood samples were also collected from each patient. Results: Factors such as gender, smoking status, IL-10, and the presence of pneumonia during infection were significantly associated with the length of rehabilitation after COVID-19. Conclusions: The course of rehabilitation after COVID-19 may depend on many factors, including smoking, the presence of pneumonia due to infection, and some parameters of inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) often face skeletal and muscular challenges, including reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle weakness. This comprehensive study sheds light on the complex interplay between muscle strength, BMD, and metabolic and endocrine parameters in TS and healthy subjects. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 42 TS patients and 70 healthy women was conducted. All patients had their BMD determined in the L1–L4 lumbar spine section and in the whole skeleton as well as the parameters of body fat mass (BF), and visceral fat mass (VF) were also determined. The maximum gripping force was measured with a hydraulic manual dynamometer. In addition, a number of blood hormonal and metabolic parameters were determined. Results: In the TS group, hand grip strength correlated positively with triglyceride levels but not with BMD. Healthy individuals had a positive link between hand grip strength and BMD, while patients with TS did not show a significant association between the two. A trend suggested that longer recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy might improve BMD in the L1–L4 region. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that muscle strength assessment may be a potential exponent of reduced BMD, and also used clinically in young adult women but not in individuals with TS. Conclusions: The relationship between BMD variables and hand grip might differ between the two groups, potentially indicating distinct musculoskeletal characteristics in TS patients. Longer rhGH therapy in TS patients may have a positive effect on BMD in the L1–L4 region. Understanding the intricate relationships between these factors is important for optimizing clinical management strategies and improving the quality of life for TS patients.

Background: There is conflicting evidence on the effect of specific micronutrient concentration and cancer risk. In this study, we investigated the differences in serum zinc, copper, iron, and manganese levels and different endometrial pathologies, including endometrial cancer. Methods: 110 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of endometrial cancer, benign uterine conditions (endometrial polyp, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine myoma), or normal endometrium were included in the study and assessed in terms of endometrial cancer risk factors. The measurements of serum micronutrients were conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Results: When assessing for differences between serum concentrations of trace metals, we found significant differences in the distribution of Mn (p < 0.001) and Fe (0.034). There was also a significant difference in Cu/Zn ratio between the analyzed groups (p = 0.002). Patients’ BMI was found to influence Cu concentration, with obese patients having higher mean copper concentration (p = 0.006). Also, patients’ menopausal status was shown to influence Cu concentration with postmenopausal patients having higher Cu levels (p = 0.001). The menopausal status was found to influence Cu/Zn ratio (p = 0.002). Univariable regression analysis did not confirm that any of the micronutrients significantly influence the risk of endometrial cancer. Conclusion: The concentration of specific trace metals varies between different histopathological diagnoses of endometrial pathologies. Menopausal status and patient BMI are endometrial cancer risk factors impacted by the concentrations of Cu and Zn and their ratio.

Urinary extracellular vesicle (uEV) proteins may be used as specific markers of kidney damage in various pathophysiological conditions. The nanoparticle-tracking analysis (NTA) appears to be the most useful method for the analysis of uEVs due to its ability to analyze particles below 300 nm. The NTA method has been used to measure the size and concentration of uEVs and also allows for a deeper analysis of uEVs based on their protein composition using fluorescence measurements. However, despite much interest in the clinical application of uEVs, their analysis using the NTA method is poorly described and requires meticulous sample preparation, experimental adjustment of instrument settings, and above all, an understanding of the limitations of the method. In the present work, we demonstrate the usefulness of an NTA. We also present problems encountered during analysis with possible solutions: the choice of sample dilution, the method of the presentation and comparison of results, photobleaching, and the adjustment of instrument settings for a specific analysis. We show that the NTA method appears to be a promising method for the determination of uEVs. However, it is important to be aware of potential problems that may affect the results.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common endocrine disorder that affects 8–13% of women of reproductive age. Increased body weight and insulin resistance may be associated with chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. CRP (C-reactive protein) tests may be use to assess persistent inflammation. Elevated CRP levels may be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Determination of hsCRP, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, can be used to assess cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS. In this study, 120 women between the ages of 18 and 42 were divided into two groups: patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 80) and regular menstruating women in whom PCOS was excluded (n = 40). Lipid and carbohydrate metabolism parameters and hsCRP levels were assessed, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for hsCRP, where metabolic syndrome was the dependent variable. For hsCRP, the cutoff point was 1.44 (mg/dL). Sensitivity for the cutoff point was 0.913 and specificity was 0.691. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.851 (p < 0.000). The closer the AUC value is to unity, the better the predictive ability of the studied variable. There was also a statistically significant correlation between hsCRP levels and the presence of metabolic syndrome.

During pregnancy, the placenta undergoes a natural aging process, which is considered normal. However, it has been hypothesized that an abnormally accelerated and premature aging of the placenta may contribute to placenta-related health issues. Placental senescence has been linked to several obstetric complications, including abnormal fetal growth, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth, with stillbirth being the most challenging. A systematic search was conducted on Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Twenty-two full-text articles were identified for the final synthesis. Of these, 15 presented original research and 7 presented narrative reviews. There is a paucity of evidence in the literature on the role of placental aging in late small for gestational age (SGA), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and stillbirth. For future research, guidelines for both planning and reporting research must be implemented. The inclusion criteria should include clear differentiation between early and late SGA and FGR. As for stillbirths, only those with no other known cause of stillbirth should be included in the studies. This means excluding stillbirths due to congenital defects, infections, placental abruption, and maternal conditions affecting feto-maternal hemodynamics.

Selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn) are essential micronutrients that are important elements of cell metabolism. They are involved in the composition of enzyme systems and regulate enzyme activity. Disturbances in the homeostasis of these micronutrients affect the development of many diseases and carcinogenesis, which can be linked to increased levels of oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant properties of many enzymes. Selenium has a very important function in maintaining immune-endocrine, metabolic and cellular homeostasis. Manganese, on the other hand, is important in development, digestion, reproduction, antioxidant defense, energy production, immune response and regulation of neuronal activity. We review the role of selenium and manganese and their effects on tumor growth, metastasis potential and remodeling of the microenvironment. We also describe their role as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and the potential for the use of Se- and Mn-containing compounds in composition for the treatment of cancer of the reproductive organs.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that affects 8–13% of women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common causes of infertility and is associated with hyperandrogenism in the form of hirsutism and acne, non-ovulatory cycles, and characteristic ovarian morphology. The available research on serum vitamin D deficiency in patients with PCOS and the appropriateness of vitamin D supplementation in this group of women is inconclusive, so we decided to investigate the influence of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and hormonal balance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study comprised 120 women aged between 18 and 42 years, who were divided into two groups: a group with diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a group of regularly menstruating women without features of androgenisation, in whom polycystic ovary syndrome was excluded. Each patient underwent a history and physical examination, including a gynecological examination, anthropometric measurements were taken, including height, weight, waist, and hip circumference, and blood pressure was measured using the Korotkow method. In the female patients, the following parameters were also determined from the blood: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, TSH, ft4, prolactin (PRL), total testosterone, DHEASO4, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androstendione, 25(OH) vitamin D3 metabolite. The majority of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were found to have deficient or suboptimal serum vitamin D levels, and the effects of vitamin D on the SHBG levels and free-androgen indices in these patients was examined. The effects of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and blood pressure in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were also found.

Background: Growth charts are the primary tools for evaluating neonatal birth weight and length. They help and qualify the neonates as Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA), Small for Gestational Age (SGA), or Large for Gestational Age (LGA). The most commonly used neonatal charts include Intergrowth-21st, WHO, and Fenton. The aim of the study was to compare the tools used for assessing neonatal birth weight and the incidence of SGA and LGA using the different charts. Methods: Data on 8608 births in the Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were compared. We divided the patient population into five gestational age groups. The 10th and 90th percentiles were calculated. The percentage of cases meeting the SGA and LGA criteria was determined. Results: Statistically significant differences between growth charts were identified for each of the groups. The 10th percentile for the study population corresponded to 2970 g for females and 3060 g for males born in the 40th week of gestation. The 90th percentile values were 4030 g and 4120 g. Our analysis showed a statistically significant difference in detection of LGA or SGA between three growth charts and our data both in male (χ2(3) = 157.192, p < 0.001, Kramer’s V = 0.444) and female newborns (χ2(3) = 162.660, p < 0.001, Kramer’s V = 0.464). Discussion: Our results confirm that differences exist between growth charts. There is a need for harmonizing growth assessment standards. It is recommended that a growth chart should be developed for the Polish population, which would improve the diagnosis of SGA and LGA.

Kaja Michalczyk, Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska Department of Gynecological Surgery and Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, PolandCorrespondence: Kaja Michalczyk al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, Szczecin, 70-111, PolandTel +48 91 466 1332Fax +48 91 466 1334Email kajamichalczyk@wp.plAbstract: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers diagnosed in pregnancy. Its management is often very problematic due to the proximity of the adnexa to the developing fetus and chemotherapy-related toxicity risk. Tumor markers and imagining studies play important roles in diagnosis, help differentiate benign masses from malignancy and allow to plan the treatment. Due to the physiological changes that occur in pregnancy, levels of tumor markers can be altered and reduce their diagnostic value. We review current recommendations for the management and treatment of ovarian cancer in pregnant patients considering gestational age at diagnosis, tumor histology, stage of the disease, risk of obstetrical complications, and patient’s preferences.Keywords: pregnancy, chemotherapy, ovarian malignancy, tumor markers

Abstract Background Molecular imaging with molecularly targeted probes is a powerful tool for studying the spatio-temporal interactions between complex biological processes. The pivotal role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and its involvement in numerous pathological processes, aroused the demand for RAGE-targeted imaging in various diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the use of a diagnostic imaging agent for RAGE quantification in an animal model of peripheral artery disease, a multimodal dual-labeled probe targeted at RAGE (MMIA-CML). Methods PAMAM dendrimer was conjugated with Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) modified albumin to synthesize the RAGE-targeted probe. A control untargeted agent carried native non-modified human albumin (HSA). Bifunctional p-SCN-Bn-NOTA was used to conjugate the 64Cu radioisotope. Surgical right femoral artery ligation was performed on C57BL/6 male mice. One week after femoral artery ligation, mice were injected with MMIA-CML or MMIA-HSA labeled with 64Cu radioisotope and 60 min later in vivo microPET-CT imaging was performed. Immediately after PET imaging studies, the murine hindlimb muscle tissues were excised and prepared for gene and protein expression analysis. RAGE gene and protein expression was assessed using real-time qPCR and Western blot technique respectively. To visualize RAGE expression in excised tissues, microscopic fluorescence imaging was performed using RAGE-specific antibodies and RAGE-targeted and -control MMIA. Results Animals subjected to PET imaging exhibited greater MMIA-CML uptake in ischemic hindlimbs than non-ischemic hindlimbs. We observed a high correlation between fluorescent signal detection and radioactivity measurement. Significant RAGE gene and protein overexpression were observed in ischemic hindlimbs compared to non-ischemic hindlimbs at one week after surgical ligation. Fluorescence microscopic staining revealed significantly increased uptake of RAGE-targeted nanoparticles in both ischemic and non-ischemic muscle tissues compared to the control probe but at a higher level in ischemic hindlimbs. Ischemic tissue exhibited explicit RAGE dyeing following anti-RAGE antibody and high colocalization with the MMIA-CML targeted at RAGE. Conclusions The present results indicate increased expression of RAGE in the ischemic hindlimb and enable the use of multimodal nanoparticles in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models, creating the possibility for imaging structural and functional changes with a RAGE-targeted tracer.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-factorial disorder of pregnancy, and it continues to be one of the leading causes of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Aspirin is universally recommended for high-risk women to reduce preeclampsia risk. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recommendations of various scientific societies on predicting preeclampsia and their indications for the inclusion of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) prophylaxis. Fourteen guidelines were compared. The recommended dose, screening method, and gestational age at the start of the test vary depending on the recommendation. The societies are inclined to recommend using increasingly higher doses (>75 mg) of ASA, with many encouraging doses from 100 mg upward. Most societies indicate that the optimal time for implementing aspirin is prior to 16 weeks’ gestation. Following the publication of the Aspirin for Evidence-Based Preeclampsia Prevention (ASPRE) trial results and other papers evaluating the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) screening model, a large number of societies have changed their recommendations from those based on risk factors alone to the ones based on the risk assessment proposed by the FMF. This allows for the detection of a high-risk pregnancy population in whom aspirin will be remarkably effective in preventing preterm PE, thereby decreasing maternal and fetal morbidity.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by a reduction in bone strength due to increased porosity and impaired mineralisation. In our study, we investigated whether muscle strength and mass exert a significant effect on bone mineral density in young adult women. We also tested whether sclerostin can be used as an indicator in the assessment of bone mineralisation. The study included 111 patients. All patients had their bone mineral density determined in the L1–L4 section of the lumbar spine and in the whole skeleton. The parameters of fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM) and visceral fat mass (VF) were also determined. Metabolic activity of osteocytes was assessed by measuring the serum sclerostin concentration. There was a statistically significant association of both hands’ muscle strength with all parameters expressing bone mineralisation. A statistically significant relationship was also obtained between BMD L1–L4 and the body mass components (FM, LBM). Sclerostin levels in the study did not differ between groups with normal and reduced bone mineral density. Muscle strength assessment may be a potential exponent of reduced bone mineral density, also used clinically in young adult women. The utility of sclerostin in the clinical assessment of bone mineralisation has not been demonstrated.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural exopolysaccharide characterized by a high purity, mechanical strength, and the ability to absorb various compounds. Obtaining BC on an industrial scale is expensive, mainly due to the high cost of the culture media. Replacing classical media with waste from the agri-food industry may be a promising way to reduce the costs when obtaining BC. The aim of these studies was to compare the effectiveness of the biosynthesis of BC in classical and waste media using two strains, Komagataeibacter xylinus K2G30 and Gluconacetobacter hansenii ATCC 23769. Classical Hestrin−Schramm, YPM, GY, and GYE media were used. The waste media were banana peels, celery pomace, fish waste, hemp seed pomace, deproteinized acid whey (DAW), and non-deproteinized acid whey (NDAW). The highest efficiency of BC biosynthesis in classical media was observed in YPM and it was 5.23 g·dm−3 with K. xylinus K2G30. In the waste media, the highest yield of BC was observed in AW, when the yield of BC was 2.99 g·dm−3 with K. xylinus K2G30. In addition, it was demonstrated that the presence of proteins and lactic acid in AW influenced the efficiency when obtaining BC in the culture of K. xylinus. The results indicate that it is possible to obtain BC from industrial waste, especially from AW.

Osteoporosis is characterized by impaired bone mineralization and microarchitecture. An important protective factor is a high peak bone mass (PBM), attained in the second and third decade of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hormonal and metabolic parameters on bone mineralization in young adult female patients. A total of 111 participants qualified for the study. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and whole skeleton was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Hormonal parameters were determined: the concentrations of androstendione, dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate, testosterone, sex hormone binding protein, 17-OH-progesterone, folliculotropic hormone, estradiol, thyrotropic hormone, free thyroxine and cortisol. Metabolic parameters were also examined. The study showed a statistically significant correlation between bone mineral density and estradiol concentration and a negative relationship between cortisol concentration and the bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score of the lumbar spine. Sclerostin measurements taken during this study were not related to bone mineral density. It has been shown that the concentration of the hormones tested, even within the reference range, may affect bone mineralization. We suggest observing the follow-up of the menstrual cycles, as well as analyzing the results of test patients in an annual examination system. However, each clinical case should be considered individually. The sclerostin test is currently not useful in the clinical evaluation of bone mineralization in young adult women.

Background: Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are heavy metals with carcinogenic potential. Their increased concentration has been correlated with a risk of malignancies, including breast, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, and gynecological cancers. Most of the studies have evaluated tissue heavy metal concentration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate blood Cd and lead levels in different uterine pathologies and the risk of endometrial cancer. Methods: This study included 110 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of endometrial cancer, endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine myoma, and normal endometrium. The patients included in the study were assessed in terms of their endometrial cancer risk factors and blood heavy metal levels. The analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Results: There was a significant difference in the Cd and Cd/Pb ratio among the different groups of patients (p = 0.002), with higher a median Cd concentration among the endometrial cancer patients. The differences in Pb concentration were not significant (p = 0.717). There were also no differences in the Cd and Pb concentrations based on the patients’ menopausal status nor BMI index. The univariate logistic regression showed a blood cadmium concentration above the median to be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer (OR = 5.25; 95% CI 1.56, 17.72). No significant associations were observed between the Pb concentration or Cd/Pb ratio and endometrial cancer risk. Conclusion: The concentration of Cd varies in patients diagnosed with different uterine pathologies. Increased blood cadmium concentration seems to be a risk factor for endometrial studies. Further research on greater populations, accounting for environmental and lifestyle heavy metal exposure, is required to validate our findings.

Neuroendocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract are rare. The incidence has increased in recent years due to improvements in diagnostic methods for detecting these lesions. These tumours have a poor prognosis, especially when detected at an advanced stage. The basis of the treatment is resection, and non-surgical treatments are also standard in the treatment process. The situation is similar in even rarer neuroendocrine tumours of the reproductive tract, which are associated with an equally poor prognosis. In this article, we focus on learning about the risk factors (including genetic mutations) that increase the risk of the disease and comparing the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments—chemotherapy, radiotherapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, somatostatin analogues, and immunotherapy. The efficacy of these treatments varies, and immunotherapy appears to be a promising form of treatment; however, this requires further research.

The etiopathogenesis of acne is complex, as several endo- and exogenous factors that affect the sebaceous-hair unit are involved in the development of acne lesions. The main aim of the study was to evaluate selected metabolic parameters before treatment. Another goal of the study was to determine the correlation between selected metabolic and dietary parameters and the severity of acne before treatment. The third objective was to assess the severity of acne before and after treatment, considering the type of treatment used. The final objective was to assess the relationship between the difference in acne severity before and after treatment, considering the type of treatment used and factors of dairy or sweets intake. 168 women participated in the study. The patients belonged to two groups: the study group (99 patients with acne vulgaris) and the control group (69 patients without skin lesions). The study group was divided into subgroups according to the treatment used: contraceptive preparation, contraceptive preparation and cyproterone acetate, and contraceptive preparation and isotretinoin preparation. We found that LDL levels and consumption of sweets correlated with acne severity. The mainstay of acne treatment is contraceptive treatment (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone). The effectiveness of the three contraceptive-based treatments was confirmed by observing the severity of acne. There were no significant correlations between the difference in acne severity before and after treatment with the three treatments and factors of dairy or sweet consumption.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in women worldwide. Most often, it is detected in an advanced stage due to its insidious onset and lack of symptoms in stages I and II. That is why imaging diagnostics is so important. Therefore, we assessed the consistency of the image seen on CT with the actual image assessed during surgery. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare preoperative evaluation based on CT reports with those obtained during ovarian cancer surgery to determine whether CT is helpful in assessing the possibility of optimal or complete cytoreduction. Methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy with cytoreduction. We compared ovarian cancer lesions described by radiologists on CT scans to those described during laparoscopy or laparotomy; the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired observations was used to compare the variables. Results: We observed that the morphology of the tumor, mesenteric infiltration, and the assessment of the involvement of the abdominal, para-aortic, and iliac lymph nodes may differ in CT examination and during surgery. Conclusions: The site of the tumor exit on a CT scan does not always reflect the original site seen during surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For years, bone mineral density (BMD) has played a key role in assessing bone health, but the trabecular bone score (TBS) is emerging as an equivalent measure. However, BMD alone may not fully measure bone quality or predict osteoporosis risk. To evaluate the usefulness of TBS and BMD in estimating the risk of bone fracture in young women with FHA, this study examined the association between metabolic parameters and bone quality, which was measured using TBS and BMD. Methods: We analyzed the association of metabolic factors with tests assessing bone quality—TBS and BMD. Patients were checked for BMI, measured body fat, and determined serum glucose levels and insulin levels in a 75g glucose load test. Spearman correlation analysis was used. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between BMD and age (p < 0.001) and body fat (p < 0.001), as well as between TBS values and BMI (p < 0.001) and TBS and percent body fat (p < 0.001). Of the variables analyzed in the multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of higher bone mineral density in the lumbar spine was found to be higher values of the trabecular bone index in the same segment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of TBS provides a simple tool for estimating the risk of bone damage. Ultimately, early screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients with FHA may help prevent osteoporosis and fragility fractures in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]