Late Weichselian and Holocene palaeoceanography of Storfjordrenna, southern Svalbard

Multiproxy analyses (including benthic and planktonic foraminifera, δ18O and δ13C records, grain-size distribution, ice-rafted debris, XRF geochemistry and magnetic susceptibility) were performed on a 14C-dated marine sediment core from Storfjordrenna, located off of southern Svalbard. The sediments in the core cover the termination of Bølling–Allerød, the Younger Dryas and the Holocene and reflect general changes in the oceanography/climate of the European Arctic after the last glaciation. Grounded ice of the last Svalbard–Barents Sea Ice Sheet retreated from the coring site ca. 13 950 cal yr BP. During the transition from the subglacial to glaciomarine setting, Arctic Waters dominated the hydrography in Storfjordrenna. However, the waters were not uniformly cold and experienced several warmer spells. A progressive warming and marked change in the nature of the hydrology occurred during the early Holocene. Relatively warm and saline Atlantic Water began to dominate the hydrography starting from approximately 9600 cal yr BP. Although the climate in eastern Svalbard was milder at that time than at present (smaller glaciers), two periods of slight cooling were observed in 9000–8000 and 6000–5500 cal yr BP. A change in the Storfjordrenna oceanography occurred at the beginning of the late Holocene (i.e. 3600 cal yr BP) synchronously with glacier growth on land and enhanced bottom current velocities. Although cooling was observed in the Surface Water, Atlantic Water remained present in the deeper portion of the water column of Storfjordrenna.Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education grant no. NN 306 469938; Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education grant no. IP2010 040970113587603Climate of the Pas

Multiproxy paleoceanographic study from the western Barents Sea reveals dramatic Younger Dryas onset followed by oscillatory warming trend

The Younger Dryas (YD) is recognized as a cool period that began and ended abruptly during a time of general warming at the end of the last glacial. New multi-proxy data from a sediment gravity core from Storfjordrenna (western Barents Sea, 253 m water depth) reveals that the onset of the YD occurred as a single short-lived dramatic environment deterioration, whereas the subsequent warming was oscillatory. The water masses in the western Barents Sea were likely strongly stratified at the onset of the YD, possibly due to runoff of meltwater combined with perennial sea-ice cover, the latter may last up to several decades without any brake-up. Consequently, anoxic conditions prevailed at the bottom of Storfjordrenna, leading to a sharp reduction of benthic biota and the appearance of vivianite microconcretions which formation is favoured by reducing conditions. While the anoxic conditions in Storfjordrenna were transient, the unfavorable conditions for benthic foraminifera lasted for c. 1300 years. We suggest that the Pre-Boreal Oscillation, just after the onset of the Holocene, may have been a continuation of the oscillatory warming trend during the YD.Narodowe Centrum Nauki granty: 2016/21/B/ST10/02308, 2019/33/B/ST10/00297, 2013/10/E/ST10/0016

Paleoceanography of the Northwestern Greenland Sea and Return Atlantic Current evolution, 35–4 kyr BP

The flow of the Atlantic Water (AW) via the Return Atlantic Current (RAC) regulates the oceanographical conditions in the Northwestern (NW) Greenland Sea in the Fram Strait. As the intensity of the RAC might significantly influence both deep-water formation in the area and the stability of the Northeast Greenland Ice Sheet (NE GIS), knowledge of its variability in the past is important. Here we present a reconstruction of the paleoceanographic forcing of the AW on climatic conditions and associated environmental changes in the NW Greenland Sea by means of foraminiferal assemblages, stable (oxygen and carbon) isotopes, and various sedimentological parameters from sediment core GR02-GC retrieved from NE Greenland continental slope (1170 m water depth). Our data indicate an almost continuous presence of AW in the NW Greenland Sea during the last 35 kyr BP. Two peaks of low planktic δ18O values at ~34.5 and 33 kyr BP are interpreted as meltwater signals associated with warm AW-induced melting of the adjacent NE GIS. The NE GIS advanced between 32 and 29 kyr BP, resulting in reduced meltwater influx to the NW Greenland Sea. Increased iceberg calving and melting after 29 kyr BP, were probably linked to surface warming and glacier advance to the shelf-break lasting until 23.5 kyr BP. During the Last Glacial Maximum, the extensive sea ice cover was associated with the presence of subsurface AW at the study site. During the Bølling–Allerød (B/A, ~14.6–12.7 kyr BP) strong melting of glaciers and sea ice was probably caused by the combined effect of the B/A warming and the flow of warm AW. The RAC was weakened during the Younger Dryas (~12.8–11.7 kyr BP), which reduced the advection of warm AW to the NW Greenland Sea. After 11.7 kyr BP, the RAC reached its modern strength, whereas, during the Holocene Thermal Maximum, it reached its maximum strength for the study period. In addition, short-term weakening of AW inflow to the core site was observed, especially at 10.5, 8.5, and 5.8 kyr BP

Health significance of body position during sleep - literature review

Introduction: Sleep is a fundamental biological need of the body, crucial for maintaining health and body’s regeneration. The body position during sleep not only affects sleep quality and well-being but also influences various health aspects, such as obstructive sleep apnea, back pain or gastroesophageal reflux. Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to summarize the impact of body position during sleep on human health. We paid attention to the relationship between sleep position and aspects like: sleep quality, obstructive sleep apnea, back pain and gastroesophageal reflux. State of knowledge: The body position during sleep is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health. It affects sleep quality as well as health aspects such as: obstructive sleep apnea, back pain or gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the case of sleep quality, the most beneficial position is on the right side. The supine position is associated with worsened obstructive sleep apnea, while on the side - with reducing the frequency of symptoms. Neck pain is connected with an asymmetrical side and an upright  head position, while lower back pain is associated with a supine position. The described position that reduces the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, and thus reduces the symptoms of reflux disease, is on the left side and with an elevated head of the bed. Summary: Sleep position is significant for many aspects of human health. Besides affecting sleep quality and well-being, it also has an impact on conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, back pain and gastroesophageal reflux

Turner’s Syndrome – genetic, diagnostic methods and clinical treatment

Introduction : Turner syndrome (TS) is one of the most common genetic disorders affecting approximatley 1 in 2,000-25000 live-born girls. TS is the result of complete oraz partial monosomy of the C chromosome. About half have monosomy X (45,X) and 5-10% have duplication (isochromosome) of the long arm of one X (46,X,i(Xq)). Most of the rest have mosaicism.(1)  The aim of the study: The purpose of this review paper is to present the observations regarding this disease, including epidemiology, diagnosis and detailed examination of the individual needs of the patient affected by the disease.  Matrials and methods: This review was based on available data collected in the PubMed database and Google Scholar web serach engine, using key words: Turner’s syndrome, diagnosis of Turner Syndrome, sex chromosome aneuploidies  Summary: The article draws attention to the complexity of Turner syndrome, the variety of symptoms and the progress in the diagnosis and therapy of this disease. Early diagnosis, specialist care and modern therapeutic methods have a positive impact on the quality of life of TS patients. Future studies of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy may improve the care of patients affected by this rare disease

Food Allergies - Trends and Challenges in Treatment and Diagnosis

Introduction: Food allergies are becoming an increasingly significant challenge for medicine, public health and patients' quality of life. Over the past few decades, there has been an observed increase in the number of cases of food allergies. This has led to heightened interest among scientists, doctors and specialists in various aspects related to the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. With the increasing precision of food allergy diagnosis, it is necessary to adjust the therapy to the individual needs of patients. Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to summarize the trends and challenges in treatment and diagnosis of food allergies. We focused on current diagnostic methods and treatment options, as well as new promising therapeutic approaches. State of knowledge: In molecular or component-resolved diagnostic tests (CRD), specific IgE antibodies are measured for individual food allergenic molecules. This presents an opportunity to improve specificity for selected foods. Studies have shown that the Basophil Activation Test (BAT) exhibits higher specificity than skin prick tests (SPT) and s-IgE tests, while maintaining its sensitivity. BAT relies on flow cytometry, where the expression of activation markers on the surface of basophils stimulated by an antigen is measured. Due to the existing limitations of certain tests, Oral Food Challenge (OFC) is still considered the gold standard for diagnosing IgE-mediated food allergies.Summary:Research shows that the foundation of diagnosis is the patient's medical history, including a properly collected interview, which should then guide the doctor towards appropriate tests. An elimination diet based on the clinical interview should be implemented until significant relief of allergy symptoms is achieved

Constipation - a patient's discomfort or a disturbing symptom - an overview of current knowledge

Introduction: Constipation is identified as too few bowel movements (≤2/week; severe constipation is ≤2 bowel movements per month) or hard stools (Bristol Formation Scale 1 and 2) that are passed with effort, often with a sensation of incomplete defecation .   Purpose of study: The aim of this review is to present key aspects of constipation, including epidemiology, diagnosis, management and clinical treatment directed to the individual patient and individual therapy.   Materials and methods: The review was based on the available literature in the PubMed database and the Google Scholar search engine using the key words: "constipation"; “constipation diagnosis”; “constipation treatment”.   Conclusions: Constipation is a common health problem that affects people of all ages. It is the most frequently reported ailment in gastroenterological practice. Not only are they a cause of patient discomfort, but they are often an alarming symptom of a larger pathology in the human body. Correct diagnosis often includes multi-aspect diagnostics, in which doctors of various specialties are involved, and correct treatment significantly improves the quality of life of patients

Methods of childbirth induction – a review of current knowledge

Introduction: Pregnancy lasts 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period, i. e. 280 days or 264 days from conception. It has been established that a child born between 37+0 and 41+6 weeks of gestation is a child born "on time". Unfortunately, in some cases it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy earlier, due to the condition of the pregnant woman, the baby or the approaching 42 weeks of pregnancy. Aim of the study: The aim of our study is to summarize available options for induction of childbirth. Particular attention was paid to available pharmacology and mechanical methods. The methods were compared in terms of effectiveness, possible complications and side effects. Materials and methods: A review of the current literature was made in the accessible PubMed and Google Scholar database, using the keywords: „birth induction”, „Cook’s catether”, „prostaglandin and oxitocine induction”, „amniotomy”, „membran stripping”. Conclusions: There are several ways to induce childbirth, which are used depending on current state of pregnacy. The availability of both pharmacotherapy and mechanical methods, allows the initiation of labor and termination of pregnancy by natural forces, in most cases avoiding the need to terminate the pregnancy by caesarean section

Syphilis - a disease that still occurs

Introduction: Syphilis is a systemic disease caused by Treponema pallidum. Humans are the only hosts, and the incubation period lasts from 9-90 days. Currently it can be divided into congenital or acquired. This division is due to the moment in which the infection occurred. Congenital Syphilis- when the infection happens during the prenatal period, whereas acquired, when the infection took place in the period after birth. In early acquired syphilis the I and II stages can be distinguished as well as early latent syphilis. As defined, early latent syphilis includes an acquired infection up to 1 or 2 years back, depending on the guidelines. Late syphilis however includes: late latent syphilis, tertiary syphilis, late cardiovascular syphilis, late neurosyphilis. Congenital syphilis has also been divided into early (which includes the first 2 years) as well as late, which is characterised by signs of congenital syphilis, the so-called stigmata of congenital syphilis constituting the untreated infection during the fetal stage or the infancy stage.  Aim of the Study: The aim of our study is to divert the attention to one of the sexually transmitted diseases, which despite the downward trend at the end of the 20th century, rebounded at the beginning of the 21st century, especially among men who have sexual contact with other men. We paid attention to the symptoms accompanying this disease, also in the context of congenital syphilis, as well as the different methods of pharmacological treatment according to European guidelines.  Materials and methods: Reviewed literature available at scientific articles , Google Scholar using keywords: “syphilis – epidemiology”, “syphilis treatment”, “symptoms of syphilis”, as well as European guidelines regarding the treatment of syphilis

Prenatal testing - diagnostic possibilities in the 21st century with special emphasis on the diagnosis of genetic defects and heart defects

Introduction: Prenatal diagnosis is a branch of medicine that deals with the detection of possible genetic and developmental abnormalities at the fetal life stage. Due to the rapid development of technology in recent decades, diagnostic capabilities at the prenatal stage have also changed their face. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to review the available scientific literature in order to systematize the current knowledge of prenatal diagnosis with particular emphasis on the diagnosis of genetic diseases and diagnosis of heart defects. Results: Prenatal diagnosis is divided into invasive and non-invasive diagnostics. Non-invasive diagnostics include ultrasound, maternal blood biochemical tests and NIPT tests. Invasive diagnostics include tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus biopsy. Prenatal tests provide information on the risk of genetic diseases such as trisomy 21, 13 and 18 chromosome. In addition, serious structural heart defects such as tetralogy of Fallot are likely to be detected during prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal testing can also detect fetal heart rhythm abnormalities, which makes it possible to start treatment at an early stage.  Modern ultrasound technology also allows 3D imaging, which can also provide valuable diagnostic information. Summary: Prenatal diagnosis is a highly developed field of medicine that combines knowledge from various specialties. Thanks to prenatal diagnosis, it is possible to detect various abnormalities at an early stage of fetal life, which enables early treatment