Economic and Social Transformations in the Caspian ‘Rentier States’

The article raises the issue of various challenges and conditions related to the economic and social transformation of post-Soviet countries in the Caspian region. Effective economic transformation was limited by significant dependence on Russia in this respect and the lack of regional cooperation. In recent years, the newly established countries of the region have largely focused on exporting energy raw materials. All countries in the Caspian region are examples of the “paradox of wealth” phenomenon related to energy nationalism. Countries producing fossil fuels control the energy industry, which enables them to pursue specific political and social goals.Artykuł porusza kwestię różnych wyzwań i uwarunkowań transformacji ekonomicznej i społecznej poradzieckich państw regionu kaspijskiego. Efektywna transformacja gospodarcza była tu ograniczona znacznym uzależnieniem w tym wymiarze od Rosji oraz brakiem współpracy regionalnej. W ostatnich latach nowo powstałe państwa regionu w dużej mierze koncentrowały się na eksporcie surowców energetycznych. Państwa regionu kaspijskiego są tym samym przykładem zjawiska “paradoksu bogactwa” w związku z nacjonalizmem energetycznym. Państwa produkujące surowce kontrolują branżę energetyczną, która umożliwia im realizację określonych celów politycznych i społecznych

Sprawozdanie z olsztyńskiej części Światowego Kongresu Kopernikańskiego 21–24 czerwca 2023 r.

The year 2023 was marked by celebrations related to the 550th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus. In order to honor the memory of the prominent astronomer, Polish academic and research centers (Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn and the Institute of the History of Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences) took the initiative to organize the World Copernican Congress. This event was an excellent opportunity to summarize the state of research on the life and activities of the deserved scientist and recall his influence on the development of science, culture and art. This report discusses events related to the Olsztyn part of the World Copernican Congress, which took place on June 21–24, 2024.Rok 2023 r. minął pod znakiem obchodów związanych z 550. rocznicą urodzin Mikołaja Kopernika. W celu uczczenia pamięci wybitnego astronoma polskie ośrodki akademickie i badawcze (Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie oraz Instytut Historii Nauki Polskiej Akademii Nauk) podjęły inicjatywę zorganizowania Światowego Kongresu Kopernikańskiego. Wydarzenie to stanowiło doskonałą okazję do podsumowania stanu badań nad życiem i działalnością wybitnego uczonego oraz przypomnienia jego wpływu na rozwój nauki, kultury i sztuki. W niniejszym sprawozdaniu omówiono wydarzenia związane z olsztyńską częścią Światowego Kongresu Kopernikańskiego, która odbywała się w dniach 21–24 czerwca 2024 r

Wykład inauguracyjny Johanna Philippa Breyne’a w gdańskiej Societas Litteraria

The first private scientific society in Gdańsk was founded in 1720 under the name Societas Litteraria Cuius Symbolum Virtutis et Scientiarum Incrementa. Initially focused on the humanities, the association changed its research profile in 1721 after admitting Johann Philipp Breyne, a doctor of philosophy and medicine, as a member. In his inaugural lecture, serving as a programmatic manifesto, the scholar outlined the main directions for the society’s development over the next six years, shifting its primary focus from history and law to natural history. The article outlines selected circumstances of successful and unsuccessful attempts to establish scientific societies in Gdańsk up to 1720 and presents the content of J. P. Breyne’s inaugural lecture from 1721.Pierwszym prywatnym towarzystwem naukowym w Gdańsku była założona w 1720 r. Societas Litteraria Cuius Symbolum Virtutis et Scientiarum Incrementa. Stowarzyszenie, początkowo nakierowane na humaniora, zmieniło swój profil badawczy w 1721 r. po przyjęciu do grona członków doktora filozofii i medycyny Johanna Philippa Breyne’a. W wykładzie inauguracyjnym o charakterze manifestu programowego uczony wytyczył na kolejne sześć lat główne kierunki rozwoju towarzystwa, przesuwając główny ciężar jego zainteresowań z historii i prawa na przyrodoznawstwo. W artykule zarysowano wybrane okoliczności udanych i nieudanych prób powoływania towarzystw naukowych w Gdańsku do 1720 r. oraz zaprezentowano treść inauguracyjnego wykładu J.P. Breyne’a z 1721 r

Diagnostic challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer in Lynch syndrome

Introduction and purpose Lynch syndrome (LS), also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by a significantly increased risk of developing various malignancies, including ovarian cancer. This study aims to analyse the risk of ovarian cancer development in patients with Lynch syndrome and to compare the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this neoplasm in the context of sporadic cases. Description This discussion explores the genetic mechanisms underlying mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes, such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2, which are essential for maintaining genomic stability. The diagnostic criteria, including the Amsterdam Criteria and the Bethesda Guidelines, are reviewed. The paper highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by the nonspecific symptoms of ovarian cancer and emphasizes the importance of early detection and monitoring.A comprehensive review of treatment modalities is also provided, covering surgical cytoreduction, chemotherapy, and emerging therapies, such as immunotherapy and cancer vaccines. The importance of interdisciplinary care for patients is underscored, along with the need for preventive measures and health education to manage cancer risk. Summary Despite the challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for patients with ovarian cancer linked to Lynch syndrome is generally more favourable than for those with sporadic cancers. This can be attributed to earlier diagnosis and the favourable histopathological characteristics of tumours associated with Lynch syndrome

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Introduction: The gut microbiota is a key component of the gut-brain axis, and its dysbiosis promotes neuroinflammation. The microbiome plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This article focuses on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Materials and methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords: "gut microbiota," "neurodegenerative diseases," "probiotics," and "fecal microbiota transplantation." A selection of relevant materials was then analyzed. Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the gut microbiota on the development of neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and to explore the possibility of slowing their progression or improving their treatment by subjecting the microbiota to change. Description of the state of knowledge: Targeting the gut microbiota represents a novel avenue for managing NDDs. Therapeutic strategies focusing on microbiota modulation, including probiotics and FMT, show significant potential. Further research is essential to validate these approaches and optimize personalized treatments for AD and PD. Results: Gut microbiota dysbiosis was found to significantly contribute to the progression of AD and PD diseases by promoting neuroinflammation, disrupting the blood-brain barrier, and altering neurotransmitter levels. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains and FMT showed potential in restoring microbial balance and reducing inflammation and improved cognitive and motor functions. Despite these promising findings, clinical evidence remains limited, and further research is necessary

Eye Symptoms in Parathyroid Disorders: Clinical Presentation and Research Perspectives

Introduction and purpose: Endocrine disorders often affect multiple organs, frequently presenting with characteristic ophthalmic symptoms. Ocular abnormalities occur in both hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, potentially affecting nearly all parts of the eyeball and orbital structures. This study aims to summarize available literature and recent findings on ophthalmic manifestations linked to parathyroid disorders. Material and methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using keywords in the PubMed database, the Via Medica journal database, the Polish Society of Endocrinology guidelines, and the Polish Ophthalmological Society guidelines. State of knowledge: Ophthalmic manifestations are common in parathyroid disorders. Hypoparathyroidism often causes cataracts, periorbital tetany, blepharospasm, and optic nerve issues, while congenital cases may involve microphthalmia and corneal opacities. Hyperparathyroidism leads to calcium deposition, affecting retinal arterioles, sclera, eyelids, and cornea, with reports of scleritis and orbital brown tumors. Summary: Recognizing ocular signs of parathyroid diseases aids in diagnosing endocrine disorders and highlights the need for ophthalmological consultation to improve early detection and treatment

Microecology of pyodermia pathogens

Gram-positive cocci are usually considered the leading pathogens of pyoderma. However, understanding intermicrobial interactions, as well as identifying the leading pathogens and their associates, require a more detailed study of microbial contamination of the skin other than a simple statement of the taxonomic composition of the microbial community of the biofilm. The aim of this study is to determine the microecological indicators of pyoderma pathogens. Material and methods. 97 patients with pyoderma were examined, material was taken during dressing and bacteriological examination was carried out no later than 2 hours later. A number of microecological indices were calculated (constancy index, Margalef species richness index, Whittaker species diversity index, Simpson and Berger-Parker species dominance indices, statistical processing – by the method of variation statistics. Results. In total, 197 strains of conditionally pathogenic Gram-positive (89.85%) and Gram-negative (20-10.15%) bacteria were isolated and identified in the cohort of patients. Coagulase-positive S. aureus was the main one in the microbial group according to the constancy index, frequency of occurrence, Margalef species richness index, Simpson species diversity index and Berger-Parker species dominance. In 94 (96.91%) patients, associations consisting of two different taxa were detected, and in 3 (3.09%) associations consisting of 3 conditionally pathogenic taxa. Conclusions. Pyodermas are polyetiological diseases caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic and aerobic bacteria with a significant predominance of Gram-positive cocci, which are in association with other conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. According to the taxonomic composition and microecological indicators, the leading pathogens of pyodermas are S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. pyogenes and P. vulgaris, E. coli, E. coli Hly+ and E. Aerogenes

Reviewing the current treatment approaches for bullous pemphigoid – analysis of literature

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disorder primarily affecting the elderly, particularly older men, and is characterized by type 2 inflammation. The disease is defined by autoantibodies targeting BP180 (BPAG2) and BP230 (BPAG1) within the basement membrane zone. Advanced age is a significant risk factor for BP, with additional associations identified, including certain medications—such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and aldosterone antagonists—and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. The global annual cumulative incidence of BP is estimated at 8.2 cases per 1,000,000 individuals, with Europe reporting higher incidence rates than other regions. BP significantly impacts patients’ quality of life due to painful, pruritic skin lesions and is associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, such as schizophrenia. BP increases the risk of complications, including pulmonary embolism and pneumonia, and is linked to high mortality. These findings highlight the need for early diagnosis and comprehensive management to improve patient outcomes.&nbsp

Studying the impact of professional constraints and challenges on job well-being and employee motivation in sports clubs during the COVID-19 pandemic

Today, the world is facing the Corona crisis and the changes it has created. The aim of this study was to investigate the stress and job satisfaction of Iranian sports clubs during the Covid 19 pandemic. This research is applied in terms of purpose and survey type in terms of data collection method. The statistical population of this study is all employees of sports clubs who were selected using Morgan table and available sampling method (due to limitations and compliance with health protocols). Finally, 304 questionnaires were used in statistical analysis. In order to analyze the data obtained from the implementation of the research tool, the structural equation model, PLS software was used. Findings showed that job stress has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction and also the results indicate the need for proper management to reduce the risk and reduce job stress of employees and also increase employee satisfaction. In the era of Corona and with the current economic and health problems, as well as the inability to predict the disappearance of this disease, you should think of more appropriate measures as soon as possible with regard to the activity of reopening sports venues

The Role of Physical Activity in Pregnancy: Impact on Preeclampsia, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, and Labor Outcomes

Physical activity (PA) is of crucial importance when aiming to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Pregnancy is a period in which many hormonal and physiological changes occur, sometimes leading to development of diseases such as gestational diabetes (GDM) and preeclampsia. In this systematic review the influence of regular PA both before and during gestation is investigated. The research gathered points towards the preventive nature of PA against GDM and preeclampsia, proving that regular exercise, especially of moderate and moderate-to-vigorous intensity, significantly reduces the risk of the development of both of these. Additionally, women with GDM treated with insulin who regularly participate in PA require a lower dosage compared to those leading sedentary lifestyles. On top of that, PA seems to have a beneficial influence on various labor outcomes, such as shortened active labor duration, lowered reported levels of pregnancy-related pain, improved psychological well-being, and increased chances of natural vaginal birth as opposed to cesarean section or instrumental birth