Jak społeczności lokalne postrzegają doliny rzek karpackich chronione siecią Natura 2000? : w świetle koncepcji usług ekosystemowych i metody doradców domowych

Wprowadzenie Europejskiej Sieci Ekologicznej Natura 2000 praktycznie od początku miało charakter konfliktowy, prowadząc często, zarówno na etapie wyznaczania poszczególnych terenów chronionych jak i opracowywania dla nich planów zadań ochronnych, do sprzeciwu lokalnych społeczności. Powody konfliktów były złożone, zarówno będąc związane z własnością prywatną gruntów, dezinformacją o Naturze 2000, brakiem zaufania do instytucji zarządzających ochroną przyrody jak również brakiem wiedzy i świadomości odnośnie celowości wprowadzenia nowej formy ochrony - Natura 2000. Celem niniejszej pracy jest analiza postrzegania dolin rzecznych i konieczności ich ochrony na obszarach Natura 2000 (w świetle koncepcji usług ekosystemowych) przez społeczności lokalne na przykładzie rzek karpackich. Badania ankietowe przeprowadzono w końcu 2017 r. wśród 2221 mieszkańców siedmiu obszarów naturowych obejmujących doliny rzek w południowej części Polski przy użyciu metody "doradców domowych". Wyniki pokazują, że percepcja chronionych dolin rzek karpackich jak również postrzeganie pełnionych przez rzekę usług ekosystemowych wśród społeczności lokalnych jest bliska neutralnej. Najbardziej dostrzegana jest funkcja rzeki jako źródła ryb i usługa rekreacyjna (przez około 65% respondentów). Na nastawienie respondentów do rzeki w dużej mierze wpływa problem powodzi. Wiedzę o programie Natura 2000 wykazuje połowa respondentów, a zdecydowana większość z nich (84%) uważa program za potrzebny. Wyniki badań mogą służyć jako dobra praktyka dla instytucji zajmujących się zarządzaniem przyrodą zarówno na terenie badawczym, jak i innych obszarach Natura 2000 w Polsce i w Europie.The introduction of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 has been conflicting from the very beginning, leading often, both at the stage of the protected areas determining and plan of protective tasks developing, the opposition of local communities. The reasons for the conflicts are complex, both related to private ownership of land, misinformation about Natura 2000, lack of trust in nature management institutions as well as lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the advisability of introducing a new form of protection - Natura 2000. The aim of this study was to analyse the perception of river valleys and the need to protect them by Natura 2000 Network (in the light of the ecosystem services concept) among local communities on the example of Carpathian rivers. The survey was conducted at the end of 2017 among 2221 residents from seven Natura 2000 sites covering river valleys in southern Poland using the "home advisor" method. The results show that the perception of protected Carpathian river valleys, as well as the perception of the ecosystem services performed by the river among local communities, are close to neutral. The function of the river as a fish source and recreational function are most perceived (by about 65% of respondents). The respondents' attitude towards the river is largely influenced by the flood problem. Half of the respondents heard about Natura 2000 Network and the vast majority of them (84%) consider the program necessary. The research results can serve as a good practice for institutions dealing with nature management both in the studied areas and other Natura 2000 areas in Poland and in Europe

Ocena wybranych wskaźników stanu zdrowia populacji dziecięcej powiatu kutnowskiego pod kątem ryzyka rozwoju chorób układu sercowo-naczyniowego

Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult population. The prevention of cardiovascular diseases depends to a great extent on eliminating risk factors already present in early childhood, thus avoiding secondary cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected indicators of health status as risk factors for the development of CVD in a paediatric population from Kutno district as part of the project: ‘You live for yourself and others — take care of your health’. Material and methods. The study included 101 children aged from one to 11 years. All children underwent a physical examination. Based on a questionnaire conducted among the parents of the children, information was obtained regarding perinatal history, physical activity, time spent in front of a television, computer or tablet, eating habits, exposure to passive smoking and any family history of CVD. Laboratory tests were also performed, including a lipid profile. A 12-lead electrocardiogram and a screening echocardiographic examination were carried out. Results. On physical examination, 9.9% of the children were observed to be overweight and 12.87% to be obese. In 3.96% of this group of children, arterial hypertension was observed. In laboratory tests, significant abnormalities were observed in the lipid profiles. Of the children with an abnormal lipid profile, 11.5% were also found to be overweight or obese or with hypertension. The questionnaire revealed that the average daily time the children spent in physical activity was 4.15 hours. More than half of the children ate fast food occasionally or regularly. Exposure to passive smoking was revealed in 15.84% of the children, and a family history of CVD was identified in 17.82% of the children. Conclusions. The health of Kutno district children is similar to the health of children from other developed countries. Despite better physical activity and normal glucose values, other risk factors did not differ significantly from other paediatric populations.Wstęp. Choroby układu sercowo-naczyniowego (CVD) są główną przyczyną chorobowości i śmiertelności w populacjiosób dorosłych. Ich profilaktyka odgrywa ogromną rolę w wyeliminowaniu niekorzystnego wpływu czynników ryzyka jużw okresie wczesnego dzieciństwa, co pozwala uniknąć wystąpienia wtórnych zdarzeń sercowo-naczyniowych. Celempracy jest ocena wybranych wskaźników stanu zdrowia populacji dziecięcej powiatu kutnowskiego pod kątem ryzykarozwoju CVD w ramach projektu „Żyjesz dla siebie i innych — zadbaj o zdrowie”. Materiał i metody. Badaniem objęto grupę 101 dzieci w wieku 1–11 lat. U wszystkich przeprowadzono badanie przedmiotowe.Ponadto przeprowadzono badanie ankietowe dotyczące: wywiadu okołoporodowego, aktywności fizycznej,czasu spędzanego przed telewizorem, nawyków żywieniowych, narażenia na bierne palenie tytoniu oraz występowaniaCVD w rodzinie. Wykonywano także badania laboratoryjne, w tym lipidogram oraz zapis spoczynkowego 12-odprowadzeniowegoelektrokardiogramu (EKG) i przesiewowe badanie echokardiograficzne. Wyniki. W badaniu przedmiotowym u 9,9% dzieci stwierdzano nadwagę, a u 12,87% dzieci — otyłość. W tej grupie pacjentówu 3,96% dzieci stwierdzano nieprawidłowe wartości ciśnienia tętniczego. W wykonanych badaniach laboratoryjnychistotne odchylenia obserwowano w zakresie lipidogramu. W grupie dzieci z nieprawidłowościami lipidogramu 11,5%towarzyszyły nadwaga, otyłość i nadciśnienie tętnicze. Na podstawie przeprowadzonego badania ankietowego ustalono,że średni czas spędzany przez dziecko na aktywności fizycznej to 4,15 godziny. Więcej niż połowa dzieci spożywałaokazyjnie lub często pokarmy typu fast-food. Na bierne palenie tytoniu było narażonych 15,84% dzieci. Wywiad rodzinnyw kierunku CVD był pozytywny u 17,82% dzieci. W standardowym zapisie EKG oraz w badaniu echokardiograficznymu nie stwierdzano istotnych odchyleń od normy. Wnioski. Stan zdrowia dzieci powiatu kutnowskiego jest zbliżony do stanu zdrowia dzieci z innych krajów rozwiniętych.Mimo lepszych wyników w zakresie aktywności fizycznej oraz prawidłowych wartości glikemii, inne czynniki ryzyka nieodbiegały istotnie od wyników badań dotyczących innych populacji dziecięcych

Three successful pregnancies after kidney transplantation with long-term graft survival: case report

Pregnancies after kidney transplantation are considered high risk. Preconceive care is crucial for favorable mother-fetal outcome but also for good renal graft function. Herein, we report a case of kidney transplant recipient secondary to lupus nephritis with three consecutive successful pregnancies and excellent graft function after 16 post-transplant years. Preconception care included two protocolar biopsies performed prior to immunosuppressive treatment modifications. No signs of rejections were found in either biopsy, no additional treatment was necessary, and the patient was safely converted from mycophenolate mofetil to azathioprine. First pregnancy was naturally conceived, its course was uncomplicated and a healthy female newborn wasdelivered via vaginal birth. Within one year after delivery the patient presented proteinuria, borderline changes were found in the biopsy of allograft and were treated with immunosuppression augmentation and ACEI.  At 7th post implantation year, after surveillance biopsy showing no signs of rejection and appropriate pharmacotherapy adjustments, second pregnancy occurred from in vitro fertilization (IVF). It was complicated with deep vein thrombosis, intrauterine growth restriction and premature birth in 32nd week of gestation. Three months after delivery, the patient conceived spontaneously, third pregnancy course was uncomplicated. Close follow up, including protocol and indication biopsies, allowed to preserve excellent graft function in the context of multiple immunosuppressive treatment adjustments. Here we present a case where natural conception and in vitro fertilization intertwine without harming the transplanted organ

Selected aesthetic medicine treatment in patients with autoimmune diseases - a literature review

Introduction Interest in cosmetic procedures has been increasing. Data on practices for correcting aesthetic deficits, including those caused by autoimmune diseases are limited. There are fears of disease reactivation and exacerbation of inflammation after surgery. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to investigate the potential influence and safety of aesthetic medicine treatment - hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin and breast augmentation with implants in patients with autoimmune diseases. Materials and methods A search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Articles were searched in English using the following key words: autoimmune disease, immunogenicity, inflammation, connective tissue, aesthetic medicine. Results Hyaluronic acid is considered the best filler for cosmetic procedures, mainly due to its lack of immunogenicity. No clinical studies have identified contraindications to the administration of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers in patients with inflammatory diseases. Botulinum toxin is essential in alleviating involuntary functions currently associated with dystonia, spasticity, and autonomic disorders. The long-term safety of implants should be assessed concerning genetic and environmental factors and whether the autoimmune disease is in remission.Conclusion With the increasing number of aesthetic procedures using hyaluronic acid, there are more reports of potential adverse events. Most side effects are associated with hypersensitivity reactions. The use of hyaluronic acid products in patients with autoimmune diseases is controversial. However, no clinical studies have identified contraindications to the administration of hyaluronic acid-based fillers. Botulinum toxin is used for healing and pain control in patients with systemic sclerosis who have suffered phalangeal ulcers. Despite epidemiological studies conducted to assess the association between breast implants and autoimmune diseases the results remain inconclusiv

Do lifestyle habits have an impact on infertility in couples? A systematic review of the topic

Background: Infertility is a widespread concern that significantly impacts numerous couples in contemporary times. While the underlying causes of infertility often remain unknown, there is a growing interest in understanding the significant impact that modifiable lifestyle factors can have on its development. Lifestyle factors encompass various habits and ways of life that can be modified to improve overall health, including fertility. It is worth highlighting that these factors are under an individual's control.They play a significant role in determining reproductive health and can positively or negatively influence the ability to conceive. Aim of study: The main purpose of this article is to review the recent research of this topic. It emphasizes the crucial importance for healthcare professionals to gain a thorough understanding of which lifestyle behaviors and habits can either adversely or positively impact fertility and use this knowledge to educate the patients. Material and methods: The work was based on the scientific literature  and databases available on PubMed. The main used terms were „infertility” and „infertility and lifestyle”. Results and conclusions: Lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, stress or obesity have been implicated in the issue of male and female infertility. However, establishing a precise cause-effect relationship remains challenging due to the limited number of conducted studies and available literature on this topic. Nevertheless, there is a growing interest in this field, as infertility continues to be one of the most significant healthcare challenges worldwide, with rates of infertile couples on the rise. &nbsp

Exploring the Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Metabolic Syndrome, Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: a systematic review

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus represent a growing and interconnected health challenge, gaining significant attention due to their high prevalence and impact they have on individuals' well-being. Intermittent Fasting (IF), involving cycling between periods of fasting and eating, has emerged as a promising dietary approach garnering substantial attention for its potential therapeutic effects on metabolic health. Purpose: This review aims to explore the impact of intermittent fasting on metabolic disease by examining recent studies. Methods: A review of the recent literature was conducted to explore potential positive effects of IF on relevant metabolic parameters. Results: The findings from the reviewed studies demonstrated favorable effects of IF associated with improvements in glycemic control as improved insulin sensitivity and decreased HbA1c levels. Additionally, it led to significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference. Beneficial effects on lipid profiles, such as reduced triglyceride levels, were also observed in some studies. Conclusions: The reviewed studies provide strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of IF regimens in improving metabolic factors, including weight, insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles in individuals with abnormal glucose metabolism. IF offers a promising dietary strategy potentially providing additional benefits beyond conventional dietary interventions. However, further research is needed to elucidate the long-term effects, optimal fasting protocols and potential mechanisms underlying the benefits of intermittent fasting in these conditions.&nbsp

Akkermansia muciniphila – multifunctional bacteria

Introduction: The complex symbiotic connection between the host and the gut microbiome, which has many important functions in the organism, provides an opportunity for dysbiosis to potentially serve as a catalyst for various health disorders. Akkermancia muciniphila, a bacterium that degadates mucin, is a noteworthy element of the human gut microbiome and has captured the attention of researchers due to its correlation with numerous diseases. Aim of the study: The purpose of this research was to review literature and determine the impact of Akkermansia muciniphila in selected diseases. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed database. State of knowledge: Studies have shown that reduced numbers of Akkermansia muciniphila have been associated with many diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, fatty liver, some neurological conditions, inflammation, and response to cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, the administration of this bacterium has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing obesity-related parameters, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, mitigating inflammation, and enhancing the prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.  Conclusions: The condition and composition of the intestinal microbiome play a significant role in the development and progression of numerous diseases. Akkermansia muciniphila, as demonstrated in various studies, is an example of a bacterium associated with beneficial effects in multiple diseases. It is regarded as a promising candidate for probiotic use

The potential of using exosomes in modern medicine

Introduction and purpose of the work: The purpose of this article is to determine the potential for the application of exosomes in modern medicine, inferring from research directions in world  literature. Among other things, this paper considers some of the most recent work in the fields of aesthetic medicine, dermatology and transplantation.  Methodology and materials: The search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholarship, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The search strategy was based on the following terms: exosomes, regenerative medicine, dermatology. The variety of available scientific works on exosomes raises the question in which of the fields of medicine they will be used the fastest and/or most commonly. Given that a significant part of research focuses on their use in skin treatments, it can be expected that it will be dermatology and/or aesthetic medicine, given its exceptional openness to the implementation of new techniques and the constant search for new solutions that allow physiologically or optically to oppose aging. In addition, the use of exosomes is characterized by a relatively low risk of life-threatening complications or permanent damage to health. However, the potential applications of exosomes in other fields of medicine should not be underestimated. Therefore, it can be expected that procedures and therapies using exosomes will also be developed and implemented independently in transplantology, cardiology, or other fields that can use exosomes as drug carriers or markers for early detection of complications or diseases.

Consequences and management of sleep-wake rhythm disorders resulting from social jetlag and nightshifts

Our day to night cycle is ruled by a social, biological and sun clock. The social clock being a local time is aligned with others’ lives. The biological clock (circadian time) that controls our physiology and the sun clock that defines natural light and darkness. Social jetlag refers to the misalignment between local and circadian time. This term is usually used in reference to travels to places in different time zones. Nevertheless, it is worth noticing that “jetlag” also applies to people working in a medical industry such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, and others involved in an on-call work. Thus, I would like to look closer to the physiology of social jetlag and to analyze its implications

Prevention and treatment of tuberculosis before two great discoveries of the 20th century: the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine and streptomycin

Introduction and Purpose. Fundamental milestone in fight against tuberculosis is the invention of the effective vaccine, but before Anthony van Leeuwenhoek was the first to observe the bacteria, which opened the door to the first vaccinations in the 19th century. Medicine had battled against infectious diseases in different ways. Some methods can be perceived as a kind of primitive vaccines, which couldn’t, however, considerably affect a decrease in the epidemic range, due to their uncommon use and limited effectiveness. The aim of this paper is to analyze the history of tuberculosis and the role of Poland in the fight against it. Materials and methods. PubMed database was used for review of the literature. The following phrases were searched in English: “tuberculosis”, “vaccination”, “BCG vaccine”, “sanatorium”. Description of the state of knowledge. Poland played an important role in the fight against tuberculosis. It was in the laboratory of Polish pharmacist, where Koch discovered its etiological factor. In the territory of Poland there are prototypes of modern sanatoria for tuberculosis patients. Article also presents old and modern methods of tuberculosis treatment, as the use of specific climatic conditions, which resulted in developing health-resort treatment. A breakthrough in the methods used was the discovery of streptomycin in the middle of the 20th century, which led to the development of pharmacological treatment, nowadays involving the administration of proper combinations of drugs. Summary. The increasingly strong anti-vaccine movement is slowly destroying what people have been fighting for the centuries. It is worth recalling how we reached milestones in this fight and why immunization is so important for all societies