Oxidant balance in brain of rats receiving different compounds of selenium

The influence of two organic selenocompounds and sodium selenite on oxidant processes in rat brain tissue was investigated. The study was performed on male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups: I—control; II—administered with sodium selenite; III—provided with selenoorganic compound A of chain structure 4-(o-tolyl-)-selenosemicarbazide of 2-chlorobenzoic acid and IV—provided with selenoorganic compound B of ring structure 3-(2-chlorobenzoylamino-)-2-(o-tolylimino-)-4-methyl-4-selenazoline. Rats were treated by stomach tube at a dose of 5 × 10(−4) mg of selenium/g of b.w. once a day for a period of 10 days. In brain homogenates total antioxidant status (TAS), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as concentration of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) were determined. TAS was insignificantly diminished in all selenium-supplemented groups versus control. SOD was not significantly influenced by administration of selenium. GPx was markedly decreased in group III versus control, whereas increased in group IV versus control and group III. Selenosemicarbazide depleted AA in well-marked way versus group II. GSH was significantly depressed in group III versus both control and group II and diminished in group IV versus group II. MDA was significantly decreased in group III versus both control and group II, whereas in group IV increased versus group III. As selenazoline A did not decrease elements of antioxidant barrier and increased GPx activity, it seems to be a promising agent for future studies concerning its possible application as a selenium supplement

The role of artificial intelligence in agile organization management

PURPOSE: The article aims to explore the role that artificial intelligence (AI) plays in agile organizational management. It focuses on how AI can make companies more agile, innovative, and adaptable, allowing them to better respond to rapidly changing market conditions.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study is based on an analysis of the literature on the subject and empirical research among students from three Polish universities. It uses a methodology that is at the intersection of qualitative and quantitative research, which allows for a deeper understanding of the impact of AI on organizations.FINDINGS: Research shows that artificial intelligence has a significant impact on decisionmaking processes, streamlining and accelerating employee adaptation to new tasks and improving the quality and efficiency of reports and analyses. Respondents saw the benefits of using AI, such as better understanding of material, faster preparation of reports, and support in creating abbreviations and summaries of long texts.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The practical application of artificial intelligence in agile management of organizations can significantly contribute to increasing their competitiveness and innovation. Organizations should focus on integrating AI systems that are capable of translating complex issues, automating processes, and providing innovative solutions, which can support the development of employee competencies and improve the quality of intellectual work.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article makes an important contribution to the literature on agile management, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence. Its originality lies in the combination of theoretical reflections with the results of empirical research, which allows for a better understanding of how modern technologies can affect the future of managing organizations in a dynamically changing environment.peer-reviewe

Białko w żywieniu dzieci w żłobkach a ryzyko chorób metabolicznych w przyszłości

  Children attending nurseries are spending there sometimes even nine hours a day and they usually consume 4 of 5 recommended meals. The development of a small child is very dynamic and to work correctly, it is extremely important to provide all the necessary substances, including proteins. Based on the available data it can be stated that in European countries, including Poland, the problem may be an excess of protein, not its scarcity. It is important not only the amount of protein, but also its proportion in the total energy from food. More and more studies confirm the effect of excess protein on the increase in BMI (Body Mass Index) and the amount of visceral fat in children, as well as the relationship between the BMI of a small child and its size at a later age. This suggests that the relationship between the oversupply of protein in young children and overweight and obesity, which in turn may result in the occurrence of non-communicable diseases in the future. F or this reason, it is impor tant that the nurseries through-shaped adhere to the recommended standards of nutrition.    Dzieci uczęszczające do żłobka spędzają w nim niejednokrotnie na wet 9 godzin dziennie i spożywają tam najczęściej 4 z 5 zalecanych posiłków. Rozwój małego dziecka jest bardzo dynamiczny i, aby pr zebiegał prawidłowo, niezwykle ważne jest dostarczenie wszystki ch niezbędnych substancji, w tym białka. Na podstawie dostępnych danych można stwierdzić, że w krajach europejskich, w tym w Polsce, problem może stanowić nadmiar spożywanego białka, a nie jego niedobór. Istotna jest nie jego tylko ilość, ale także jego proporcja w stosunku do całkowitej energii pochodzącej z pożywienia. Coraz więcej wy ników badań potwierdza wpływ nadmiaru białka na wzrost wskaźnika masy ciała (BMI) oraz na ilość tłuszczu trzewnego u dzieci, jak również zależność pomiędzy wielkością wskaźn ika BMI małego dziecka a jego wielkością w późniejszym wieku. Suger uje to związek pomiędzy nadmier ną podażą białka u małych dzieci a nadwagą i otyłością, co może skutkować występowaniem chorób niezakaźnych w pr zyszłości. Z tego też powodu niezwykle ważne, aby placówki żłob kowe stosowały się do zalecanych norm żywienia.

Non-invasive transcutaneous Supraorbital Neurostimulation (tSNS) using Cefaly® device in prevention of primary headaches

Headaches are one of the most common pain syndromes experienced by adult patients. International Classification of Headache Disorders identifies about 300 different entities. Primary headaches (migraine, tension-type headache, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, other primary headaches) has the common occurrence. Although effective treatment of these disorders is possible, it is inefficient or poorly tolerated in some patients. Neuromodulation methods, being element of multimodal treatment, provide an additional treatment option in pharmacotherapy-refractory patients. Both invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods are used. The non-invasive techniques is transcutaneous nerve stimulation using Cefaly® device. In this study, Cefaly® was used as prevention treatment in patients with pharmacotherapy-refractory headaches. This device is indicated for the prophylactic treatment of episodic primary headaches. A total of 91-patients (30 without and 61 with tSNS) were enrolled in the study, including 60-patients with migraine and 31-patients with other primary headaches. Ten courses of non-invasive peripheral (supraorbitral/supratrochlear) nerves stimulation were delivered to 57-patients; in the remaining 4 patients, the treatment was abandoned due to poor tolerance. Patients were observed for 30 days after stimulation treatment. Compared to the pre-treatment period, the reduction in the intensity of pain was observed in both the migraine group and patients with other types of headaches; this included the number of pain episodes being reduced by half, with simultaneous reduction in average pain intensity and duration of individual pain episodes. The subjective assessment of pain reduction was in the range of 40–47%. Based on our data we recommend tSNS as useful tool in the prophylaxis of primary headaches, including migraine

Peripheral mechanisms of neuropathic pain : the role of neuronal and non-neuronal interactions and their implications for topical treatment of neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain in humans arises as a consequence of injury or disease of somatosensory nervous system at peripheral or central level. Peripheral neuropathic pain is more common than central neuropathic pain, and is supposed to result from peripheral mechanisms, following nerve injury. The animal models of neuropathic pain show extensive functional and structural changes occurring in neuronal and non-neuronal cells in response to peripheral nerve injury. These pathological changes following damage lead to peripheral sensitization development, and subsequently to central sensitization initiation with spinal and supraspinal mechanism involved. The aim of this narrative review paper is to discuss the mechanisms engaged in peripheral neuropathic pain generation and maintenance, with special focus on the role of glial, immune, and epithelial cells in peripheral nociception. Based on the preclinical and clinical studies, interactions between neuronal and non-neuronal cells have been described, pointing out at the molecular/cellular underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain, which might be potentially targeted by topical treatments in clinical practice. The modulation of the complex neuro-immuno-cutaneous interactions in the periphery represents a strategy for the development of new topical analgesics and their utilization in clinical settings

Non-invasive transcutaneous Supraorbital Neurostimulation (tSNS) using Cefaly® device in prevention of primary headaches

Headaches are one of the most common pain syndromes experienced by adult patients. International Classification of Headache Disorders identifies about 300 different entities. Primary headaches (migraine, tension-type headache, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, other primary headaches) has the common occurrence. Although effective treatment of these disorders is possible, it is inefficient or poorly tolerated in some patients. Neuromodulation methods, being element of multimodal treatment, provide an additional treatment option in pharmacotherapy-refractory patients. Both invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods are used. The non-invasive techniques is transcutaneous nerve stimulation using Cefaly® device. In this study, Cefaly® was used as prevention treatment in patients with pharmacotherapy-refractory headaches. This device is indicated for the prophylactic treatment of episodic primary headaches. A total of 91-patients (30 without and 61 with tSNS) were enrolled in the study, including 60-patients with migraine and 31-patients with other primary headaches. Ten courses of non-invasive peripheral (supraorbitral/supratrochlear) nerves stimulation were delivered to 57-patients; in the remaining 4 patients, the treatment was abandoned due to poor tolerance. Patients were observed for 30 days after stimulation treatment. Compared to the pre-treatment period, the reduction in the intensity of pain was observed in both the migraine group and patients with other types of headaches; this included the number of pain episodes being reduced by half, with simultaneous reduction in average pain intensity and duration of individual pain episodes. The subjective assessment of pain reduction was in the range of 40–47%. Based on our data we recommend tSNS as useful tool in the prophylaxis of primary headaches, including migraine

Environmental Lead Exposure in Polish Children: Blood Lead Levels, Major Sources and Principles of the Lead Poisoning Prevention

In Poland, children are exposed to lead from the combustion of leaded gasoline and industrial processes. Since the early 1990s, emission levels have declined, and a ban on leaded petrol is anticipated in 2005. Major industrial sources are located in Silesia Province and the copper mining centre (Legnica region). Concerns about, lead exposure in children date back to the 1980s; mean blood lead levels (BILL)reported in children living near lead smelters in Silesia exceeded 20ug/dl. in the 1990s, mean BLLs were decreasing, both in urban children and those living near lead industry. Lower than the CDC action level of 101ug/dl, they were however higher than mean values in children from the other countries, where leaded gasoline had already been banned. Childhood lead poisoning prevention requires a comprehensive approach, involving different sectors. Medical prevention focuses on the early detection of exposed child by the blood lead testing and individual case management. An increasing body of evidence, indicating adverse effects even below the current “safe” level of 101ug/dl, argues for intensification of the primary prevention, which requires legal, economic and technical measures. Public health efforts should contribute to the reduction and elimination of sources of exposure in child’s environment and public education campaigns

Undertaking social action in agile organizations

PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to analyze the role of social activities in agile organizations and their impact on flexibility, innovation and long-term development. The study aims to understand what social activities are most often undertaken by agile organizations and what benefits they bring to the organization and its stakeholders.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research used a survey method addressed to representatives of agile organizations in order to collect data on the social activities undertaken. A detailed data analysis was carried out, including calculation of the average and median number of activities in each category, which allowed the identification of dominant trends and typical practices.FINDINGS: The survey results indicate that agile organizations particularly focus on proecological and health-related activities, which are key elements of their social strategy. These initiatives not only strengthen the organization's image, but also contribute to sustainable development and improved well-being of employees and local communities.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study results can be the basis for formulating recommendations for agile organizations in developing and implementing effective social strategies. Enterprises can use these conclusions to better plan social activities that benefit both the organization and its environment.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article contributes to the literature on organizational agility and corporate social responsibility by presenting new empirical data on the role of social activities in agile organizations. The study highlights the importance of integrating social activities into business strategy, which can help increase an organization's competitiveness and long-term success.peer-reviewe

Serologic Investigations in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Food Allergy

The aim of the study was the evaluation of frequency and titre of IgA ASCA and IgG ASCA and p-ANCA, c-ANCA in children with IBD and occurrence of ASCA antibodies in relation to coexistence of FA. Patients and methods. The study comprised 95 children at the ages of 2 to 18 years. The diagnosis of IBD was established on the basis of Porto criteria. Tests of blood serum were performed in all children: IgA and IgG ASCA, p-ANCA, c-ANCA using ELISA method. Results. IgE-dependent FA was found in 32.5% children with UC and in 21% with CD. We did not observe any relation between the occurrence of FA and the frequency and ASCA titre. p-ANCA were significantly more frequent in the group of children with UC. The occurrence of ASCA antibodies was observed in 73.7% of children with CD, 17.5% with UC and almost 30% with allergic colitis. Conclusions. Patients with CD and the presence of ASCA revealed a significantly more frequent localization of lesions within the small bowel and a tendency towards older age. We observed a connection between the occurrence of antibodies and the examined mutations of gene NOD2/CARD15