<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Foodstuffs containing large amounts of sucrose, which is rapidly absorbed by the human body, cause a marked increase in blood glucose levels; for some people, especially those with diabetes, this is undesirable. Therefore, efforts were undertaken to produce food with a reduced calorie content, but maintaining a sweet taste. Additionally, food producers were interested in cutting costs by replacing sugar with a cheaper alternative. Saccharin, one of the first synthetic sweeteners, was discovered in the USA in the 2nd half of the 19th century. Subsequently, other sugar substitutes were developed: synthetic (e.g. aspartame or acesulfame K), semi-synthetic (xylitol, mannitol), or polyols.
The latter were used during the First and Second World War to increase the calorific content of the available food. Nowadays, the advancing obesity epidemic has resulted in the increasing popularity of synthetic and semi-synthetic sweeteners. However, from the beginning of their existence there have been controversies regarding their safety and impact on health. There have been many studies on individual sweeteners, specifying any adverse or side effects. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to summarizes the characteristics of the most popular sweeteners and their effects on human health.
</abstract>

Characteristics of sweeteners used in foods and their effects on human health

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: The technique of reduction and fixation of distal radial fractures consisting in the introduction of K-wires between bone fragments (“intrafocal technique”) was firstly described by French orthopedic surgeon dr. Adalbert Kapandji in 1967. This method allows a reduction of the fracture using the K-wire as a “lever”, which elevates displaced bone fragments and places it on site. The objective of this article is the presentation of the Kapandji technique and the results of the treatment of distal radial fractures operated on at the authors’ institution.
<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: A total of 187 patients, 151 women (81%) and 36 men (19%) aged on average 62 years were operated on using the Kapandji technique. The patients were followed up 6 months after surgery, according to standard protocol.
<bold>Results</bold>: The mean wrist total arch of motion (dorsal + palmar flexion) was 93°, grip strength of 17.2 kG and the quickDASH score 21 points. All these variables reflect the overall good function of the affected hand. Meaningful secondary displacements were noted in only 5 patients (2.6%). In general, the results obtained by the patients were satisfactory. The results of our study show that using the Kapandji technique for the treatment of distal radial fractures resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes and relatively rare complications.
</abstract>

Use of the Kapandji technique in the reduction and fixation of distal radial fractures

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<italic>Hymenolepis diminuta</italic> (rat tapeworm) is widespread worldwide, though in comparison to <italic>H. nana</italic> it is less frequent in humans (accidental host). The definite hosts, as well as the natural reservoir of <italic>H. diminuta</italic>, are small rodents. Literature on the subject reports that the predisposition to infestation with this tape-worm mainly concerns small children and adults from a poor socioeconomic background. The epidemiological data presented in this article provide the lastest scientific information on the prevalence of this parasite, the course of hymenolepiasis, as well as the treatment method. Owing to the low prevalence of hymenolepiasis in humans, the diagnosis, analysis and description of the course of the disease in humans provides new and crucial information on <italic>H. diminuta</italic> infection.
</abstract>

Epidemiological and clinical characteristic of <italic>Hymenolepis diminuta</italic> infection – review of current literature

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Dentistry is a combination of physical and mental work. It is associated with the responsiveness and the preservation of precision. Almost all activities performed while working with a patient require maintaining a static position, often using the incorrect pattern. The most common nonergonomic position of the dentist is the position standing on the side of the sitting patient. It requires the maintenance of continuous bending of the torso with rotation and positioning of the upper limbs in the abduction and bending. Long standing in such a position leads to numerous pathologies of the movement system. There are a number of opportunities and activities to improve work comfort, eliminate risk factors. The most important factor that improves the quality and comfort of the dentist’s work is the correct design of the treatment area, allowing proper, ergonomic positioning of the body. It is important to use recreational forms of physical activity. Every professionally active dentist should use appropriate exercise and physical activity. Combining ergonomics with physio prevention avoids the occurrence of dysfunction that may lead to stop working.</abstract>

Etiology and prevention of movement disorders in dentists

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Pain is common in dental practice. It is not only a reason for patients seeking dental treatment, but it can also accompany performed procedures and often occurs after them. The management of acute pain consists of causative treatment and pharmacotherapy, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) being the drugs of choice in routine dental practice. These agents, however, may not be potent enough in cases with, pain of greater intensity. This paper focuses on tramadol, an atypical opioid, which is the most popular analgesic of this type in the world and can be considered a valuable option for the management of moderate to severe pain in dentistry and oral surgery. The characteristics of the agent were described, as well as its singular mechanism of action and biotransformation. Adverse effects that can occur during tramadol pharmacotherapy were discussed together with interactions significant in clinical practice. The available tramadol formulations were presented, with particular attention to the drug combinations examined in pain management in a dental setting.
</abstract>

Does tramadol have a place in the dental armamentarium? An atypical opioid in dental practice from the pharmacological perspective – Part I. General tramadol administration

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: The dynamic development of new technologies, common access to the Internet, and globalisation allow for a source of physical and symbolic stimuli of unprecedented amounts. These stimuli lie at the bottom of objective and persistent overstimulation leading to sensory or information overload.
<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: This article is based on a review of the literature and statistical data related to the problem of chronic diseases in a socioeconomic context.
<bold>Results</bold>: Overstimulation constitutes the core area of research of this article. There is no doubt that information overstimulation leads to information stress manifesting on a physiological, emotional, psychical and behavioural level. Progression to chronic conditions leads globally to increased incidence of mental disorders and severe somatic diseases.
<bold>Conclusions</bold>: Since the range and rate of the transformation of civilisation accelerates, it should be envisaged that mental and somatic disorders underlain by information stress will take up a continuously increasing share of healthcare expenditures. This should call for the need for further medical specialisation in the field of treating the symptoms of diseases of affluence and primarily the need for preventive healthcare focused on balancing the excess stimuli. Success lies in their effective filtering and management. It seems therefore that the issue of overstimulation, including in particular information overstimulation, is one of the key challenges for public health in the near future.
</abstract>

Overstimulation and its consequences as a new challenge for global healthcare in a socioeconomic context

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis contribute to the development of cancer.
The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and stromal cellderived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and the count of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET).
<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The study included a group of 62 patients diagnosed with ET and 25 healthy volunteers. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A and SDF-1α levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Endothelial progenitor cells were evaluated by flow cytometry.
<bold>Results</bold>: The study showed significantly higher levels of both VEGF-A and SDF-1α in ET patients compared to controls (Me = 65.22 pg/mL vs Me = 25.34 pg/mL; Me = 2351.17 pg/mL vs Me = 1742.50 pg/mL, respectively). However, we could not demonstrate a different count of EPCs in ET patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, in 40 ET patients with JAK2 V617F mutation (65%), only VEGF-A levels were significantly higher compared to JAK2 V617F negative patients (Me = 72.00 pg/mL vs Me = 53.38 pg/mL). SDF-1α levels were significantly elevated in patients over 60 years of age (Me = 2635.00 pg/mL vs Me = 2395.02 pg/mL). We found positive correlations between VEGFA and SDF-1α and between VEGF-A and EPCs.
<bold>Conclusions</bold>: Clinical features such as age over 60 years and Janus 2 kinase (JAK2) mutation may increase angiogenesis in patients with essential thrombocythemia. Despite a positive correlation between VEGF-A and EPCs, the present study suggests weak cooperation between proangiogenic factors and vasculogenesis.
</abstract>

Vascular endothelial growth factor, stromal growth factor 1α and endothelial progenitor cells in essential thrombocythemia – is there a link between angiogenesis and vasculogenesis?

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: New combinations of old β-lactam drugs with novel β-lactamase inhibitors, approved in recent years by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, are a promising alternative for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains. Due to limited availability and increasing resistance to antibacterial drugs, they should be used with caution, especially in patients with limited treatment options. It should be noted that both diazobicycloctane and boron inhibitors are inactive against metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producing strains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli to meropenem/vaborbactam, imipenem/relebactam and ceftazidime/avibactam in clinical samples from hospitalized patients.
<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The analysis included 102 clinical strains of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales and nonfermenters from hospital centers in Łódź, Poland. A minimum inhibitory concentration test strip method was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility.
<bold>Results</bold>: Seventy-one percent of <italic>Escherichia coli</italic>, 40% of <italic>Klebsiella pneumoniae</italic>, and 67% of <italic>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</italic> were resistant to meropenem/vaborbactam, 57%, 66%, and 60% to imipenem/relebactam, and 71%, 74%, and 60% to ceftazidime/avibactam, respectively. Considering carbapenemase resistance mechanisms, the highest efficacy was observed in <italic>Klebsiella pneumoniae</italic> carbapenemases (KPC) strains for each drug combination tested.
<bold>Conclusions</bold>: The results of our study confirm the conclusions of the studies evaluating the susceptibility of Gram-negative, fermenting, and non-fermenting bacilli to ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam and imipenem/relebactam and indicate that there are reasonable grounds for using these antibiotics in the treatment of patients hospitalized with serious infections. However, limitations in their use against MBL-producing strains are highlighted.
</abstract>

Beta-lactam antibiotics in combination with novel β-lactamase inhibitors – an alternative therapy for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
A case of severe streptococcal phlegmon of the right upper extremity with subsequent necrosis of both hands and feet in a young, homeless alcoholic man is reported. The disease developed after a minor injury to the hand, and it progressed rapidly, resulting in the involvement of the whole hand and sepsis over 2 days. After admission, antibiotic and anticoagulant therapy was immediately administered, followed by wide surgical incisions on the hand and forearm. Nonetheless, over the course of 3 days, ischemia of the affected hand developed, followed by ischemia of the contralateral hand and both feet the next day. The treatment employed was not effective, and the patient eventually died on the fifth day after admission.
</abstract>

Necrosis of both hands and feet in the course of streptococcal sepsis: a case report

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: Anesthesiologist’s assistance is considered an inseparable part of most surgical procedures, except for minor operations performed under local anesthesia. In hand surgery, most of the operations can be performed under regional (brachial plexus block) or local (infiltration) anesthesia. These procedures can be carried out by the surgeons themselves, which allows them to operate without the assistance of an anesthesiologist. The objective of this study was an analysis of the efficacy and safety of anesthesia to operations in hand surgery performed by surgeons, without the assistance of anesthesiologists.
<bold>Materials and Methods</bold>: This analysis was based on records of anesthesia protocols completed by the surgeons who performed the procedure and who operated on the patients. The following variables were considered: efficacy of anesthesia, adverse effects associated with anesthesia and complications.
<bold>Results</bold>: Over a 10-year period (2013–2022), a total of 16,583 procedures were performed, of which 5638 (34%) were carried out under anesthesia by surgeons, without the assistance of anesthesiologists. The efficacy of these procedures (local and brachial plexus blocks) was 98%. A total of 203 (3.6%) anesthesia-related events were noted, most of which were transient, requiring emergency intervention and without serious consequences. In only 12 cases (0.02%) adverse effects led to cancellation and postponement of the planned operation.
<bold>Conclusion</bold>: Anesthesia for operations in hand surgery performed by surgeons themselves and without the assistance of anesthesiologists is effective and safe and is associated with numerous benefits for patients, surgeons, and the budget of the medical care system.
</abstract>

Wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet in hand surgery: an analysis of adverse events and complications

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Mandibular prognathism is a gnathic defect that causes severe dysfunction of the stomatognathic system.
The aim of the study was to describe the compensatory mechanisms in the anatomical structure of the historical skull of a woman with severe mandibular prognathism, from the ‘Kuronia’ collection from the former 19th-century cemeteries of the Evangelical-Reformed Parish and the Evangelical-Augsburg Parish of St. Mary Magdalene in Wrocław.
The compensatory changes in the anatomical structure of the skull, mainly affecting the alveolar part of the mandible and the maxillary alveolar processes, were probably aimed at achieving functionally efficient interdental contacts in the upper and lower arches. Due to edentulism, it was not possible to describe the exact position of the teeth. However, from the preserved alveolar bone structures it was possible to approximate the axes of their inclination. The analysis of the defects of the stomatognathic system in historical populations can enrich the study of their biological condition, constituting a rich source of information on their lifestyle and nutrition.
</abstract>

Compensatory mechanisms in skull construction as a result of mandibular prognathic growth

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Premature rupture of membranes or synonymously prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as the outflow of amniotic fluid before the onset of uterine contractions. When it occurs after 37 weeks of gestation, it is called term PROM or tPROM, and its prevalence is as high as 8–10% of pregnancies. tPROM is a significant risk factor for intrauterine infection, which threatens both the pregnant woman and the fetus. This risk increases with the duration of amniotic fluid leakage.
The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the management and obstetric outcomes of preterm premature rupture of membranes in women after 37 weeks’ gestation.
</abstract>

Analysis of the management of preterm rupture of membranes after the 37th week of gestation

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: St. John’s Wort (<italic>Hypericum perforatum</italic> L.) is a plant from the Hypericaceae family commonly occurring in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. It is used for medical purposes, for example in depression, viral or bacterial diseases, as well as diseases of the digestive system. St. John’s Wort is a source of hypericin as well as flavonoids useful to reduce the harmful effects of free radical action.The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of <italic>H. perforatum</italic>.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: St. John’s Wort extracts were prepared in ethanol, methanol and isopropanol (each of 40%, 70% (v/v) and undiluted) and in water, with ultrasound-assisted extraction. Plant samples were extracted for 15, 30 and 60 min, and the antioxidant potentials of the extracts evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) aand ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP).<bold>Results</bold>: All the extracts showed antioxidant activity. In the case of the DPPH evaluation, the results ranged 2.42–4.37 mg trolox/g of raw material, which corresponds to 53.89–91.98% radical scavenging activity (RSA). The highest results were obtained for samples extracted for 60 min, with the antioxidant activity of most of them above 4.00 mg trolox/g of raw material. In the case of FRAP evaluation, the reducing power of the extracts ranged 1.40–37.82 mg FeSO4/g of raw material, with the highest results found for samples prepared in undiluted methanol. In contrast, the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extracts was low.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: St. John’s Wort herb showed high antioxidant activity. In most cases, higher potentials were found for the extracts prepared in undiluted alcohols. The type of solvent used and the extraction time influenced the antioxidant properties of the extracts.</abstract>

Antioxidant activity of St. John’s Wort extracts obtained with ultrasound-assisted extraction

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: Coaching and mentoring is a form of personal and professional development, which could change the image of the modern nursing profession and encourage nurses. Would allow leaders to introduce new solutions that could provide satisfaction from work and promote the development of nursing. The purpose of the study was to know the level of knowledge about coaching and mentoring among nurses.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The study involved 256 active nurses employed in the different branches of the Public Independently targeted Clinical Hospital No. 2 Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (Poland). As a diagnostic survey was used. Research tool was the original questionnaire surveys consisting of 29 questions.<bold>Results</bold>: Although respondents were generally familiar with the term ‚coaching’, only 4.5% indicated the correct definition. Among nursing staff 43.5% did not know what coaching is and did not declare that they knew the definition. The correct definition of mentoring was shown by 30.5% of respondents, with 32.5% indicating an incorrect response, despite declaring the familiarity with this term.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: The knowledge in an environment nursing on coaching and mentoring as a means of personal development is negligible. Mentoring is more well known and understood. As for the anticipated benefits indicates the need to undertake systematic training of nursing staff in this regard.</abstract>

Coaching and mentoring in nursing practice

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<bold>Introduction</bold>: There is growing interest in the risk or benefits soybean food known as rich in isoflavones, due to their interactions with endogenous estrogen signal transduction pathway. Recent studies provide evidence that isoflavones can affect the reproductive and endocrine system under regular diet.
The aim of this study was to determine how the long-lasting administration of the key isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, may change morphology of the testis and the function of the epididymal antioxidant system of male rats.
<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: Male rats were treated by genistein and daidzein, in combination 2 (S2) or 20 (S20) mg/kg body weight per day for 5 days weekly mixed with regular rat chow from prenatal life until to sexual maturity. The control groups were fed without isoflavones.
<bold>Results</bold>: The findings show that the body, testis and cauda epididymis weights, testosterone level in blood plasma were
significantly lower than controls in the S20 group (p &lt; 0.05). Also, superoxide dismutase activity in the epididymis, catalase activity in the testis, and glutathione peroxidase activity in the caput epididymis were significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05). Treating with these isoflavones significantly suppressed lipid peroxides levels in the epididymis (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, presence of prematurely exfoliated gametogenic cells was observed in seminiferous tubules as well as the architectural disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium.
<bold>Conclusions</bold>: These findings suggest that isoflavones, if consumed chronically at a dose as for the S20 group may act not only as antioxidants, but they can be a risk for the male rats reproductive system dysfunction.
</abstract>

The effect of pre- and postnatal exposure to a mixture of daidzein and genistein on the reproductive system of male rats

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: Dandelion (<italic>Taraxacum officinale</italic> L.) has been commonly used in traditional and contemporary medicine due to its diuretic and hepatoprotective properties. It contains polyphenols, vitamins and terpenes – i.e. compounds with antioxidant potential. Natural antioxidants protect organisms against oxidative stress, an important factor in the ageing process and in the pathogenesis of neoplastic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and some other diseases.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: Raw dandelion plant material consisted of fresh and dried leaves, flowers and roots, harvested from a natural site. The extracts for analysis were prepared using an ultrasonic bath (extraction time 15, 30 and 60 min) in water, and 40% (v/v), 70% (v/v) and 96% (v/v) ethanol mixtures used as solvents. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP) methods.<bold>Results</bold>: The antioxidant activity of dandelion depended on the type of raw material used, as well as the type of solvent and extraction time. The highest DPPH activity was found for dried flower extracts prepared in 70% ethanol for 30 min. With FRAP method, the highest reduction capacity was observed for dried leaf extracts in 40% ethanol for 30 min.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: The antioxidant potential of ethanolic and aqueous dandelion extracts was observed. This finding suggests the usefulness of this plant as a source of antioxidants to be used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.</abstract>

The antioxidant activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of dandelion (<italic>Taraxacum officinale</italic> L.)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>A healthy diet, of which unrefined grain products are an essential element, is crucial to maintaining health and well-being. Both oats and oat products have been used for centuries and are a widely popular dietary component. They are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, as well as other biologically active compounds, which gives them many health-promoting properties. Because of their high nutritional value, these products are widely used in many branches of industry.The aim of this article is to present the current body of knowledge about the influence of oat products on human health, and also their industrial applications. A special emphasis is placed on the relationship between the intake of products made from oats and the development and treatment of such disorders as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and excess body weight. There are many scientific reports indicating that the incorporation of oat products into the diet is associated with beneficial effects in the context of the above conditions, notably due to the high content of water-soluble dietary fibre, particularly β-glucans, which deserve special recognition. According to the body of academic literature, high consumption of the latter is linked to enhanced glycemic control, reduction in blood cholesterol and may also contribute to weight loss in overweight and obesity. For these reasons, oat products deserve special attention and should be recommended for both prophylactic and therapeutic use in metabolic disorders.</abstract>

The role of oat products in the prevention and therapy of type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and obesity

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><bold>Introduction</bold>: Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is one of the main elements of comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is used both to improve the mental and physical condition of patients.The study attempts to assess the effect of a series of 20 daily WBC treatments on global walking function and muscle strength in patients with MS.<bold>Materials and methods</bold>: The study included 25 patients with diagnosed MS (ICD10-G35), mean age 44.58 ±12.15 years, who after a detailed medical examination were qualified to a series of 20 daily WBC treatments. Treatments lasted 2–3 min at -110°C. Before and after the series of WBC treatments, all subjects were tested for global hand grip and thumb strength using a hydraulic dynamometer (kg) for both the right and the left hands, as well as measuring the time needed to walk a distance of 7.6 metres, in accordance with the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test, a standardised diagnostic test recommended for the global assessment of walking function by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis.<bold>Results</bold>: After the series of WBC treatments, a marginal but statistically significant increase in thumb strength was observed in the right hand (p &lt; 0.01). Other changes in the value of hand-grip and thumb strength were not statistically significant. In addition, there were no statistically significant changes in the average time needed to cover the walking distance of 7.6 metres.<bold>Conclusions</bold>: The series of 20 daily WBC treatments for patients with MS did not significantly improve global walking function, although a beneficial effect on the thumb strength of the right hand was observed.</abstract>

Effect of whole-body cryotherapy treatments on the functional state of patients with MS (multiple sclerosis) in a Timed 25-Foot Walk Test and Hand Grip Strength Test

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