The essence and conditions of creativity in modern organizations

Creativity is now an exposed trait. This is due to the high need for innovation, original and useful solutions that serve the development of the organization, their effective market entry and long-term survival. This publication is a collection of papers prepared under The First National Conference “CREATIVE VIBES. Kreatywnością napędzamy gospodarkę”, whose aim was to stir issues concerning the significance of creativity from the point of view of the development of innovative economy, as well as to draw attention to the role of creativity in the education process of students and its impact on the development of professional competence.All organizations operating in the complex and turbulent market should make continuous changes in many areas of their operation. A key factor enabling the starting of innovative solutions is the creativity of people. The purpose of this article is to present the essence, definitions and conditions of the creativity, the main problems of employees and methods of stimulation

Increased expression of PIN1 gene in papillary thyroid carcinoma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Peptidyl-prolyl <it>cis/trans </it>isomerase (Pin1), encoded by <it>PIN1 </it>gene with <it>locus </it>in chromosome 19p13, is an enzyme that catalytically induces conformational changes in proteins after phosphorylation on serine or threonine residues preceding proline (pSer/Thr-Pro motifs); in this way, it has an influence on protein interactions and intracellular localizations of proteins. The aim of the study were: 1) an assessment of <it>PIN1 </it>gene expression level in benign and malignant thyroid lesions; 2) the evaluation of possible correlations between gene expression and histopathological variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) or tumour size, classified according to TNM classification of primary tumours (in case of PTC only); 3) the estimation of possible relationships between expression of the gene in question and patients' sex or age.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Seventy (70) tissue samples were analyzed: 32 cases of PTC, 7 cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), 7 cases of follicular adenoma (FA), and 24 cases of nodular goitre (NG). In real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), two-step RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) in an ABI PRISM 7500 Sequence Detection System was employed. The <it>PIN1 </it>gene expression level was assessed, calculating the mean relative quantification rate (RQ rate) increase for each sample.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The level of <it>PIN1 </it>gene expression (compared to that in macroscopically unchanged thyroid tissue) was higher in PTC group than those in FA, MTC and/or NG groups, but the statistical significance was noted for difference between PTC and NG groups only. On the other hand, the differences of RQ rate value between different PTC variants were statistically insignificant. No correlations were found between RQ values and tumour size, as well as between RQ values and patients' sex or age in PTC group.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The <it>PIN1 </it>gene expression may have - in future - an important meaning in the diagnostics of PTC and in understanding its pathogenesis. However, our results - mostly due to the small number of cases - do not yet allow considering <it>PIN1 </it>gene as a prognostic molecular PTC marker.</p

Leczenie liszaja twardzinowego w obrębie narządów płciowych u kobiet – przegląd

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that belongs to a group of autoimmune connective tissue diseases, localized within the skin and mucous membrane of the anogenital area. In the latter location, the focal atrophy of the mucosa is the most visible sign. Lesions may be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, pain, burning. The disease occurs more often in females. The etiology is not fully understood. Genetic, infectious, hormonal factors and autoimmune mechanisms are taken into consideration. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important to avoid further complications. This review aims to analyze available literature on the treatment of this disease entity.Liszaj twardzinowy jest przewlekłą chorobą zapalną należącą do grupy autoimmunologicznych chorób tkanki łącznej, lokalizującą się w obrębie skóry, oraz błon śluzowych narządów płciowych. W zakresie tej ostatniej lokalizacji, klinicznie obserwuje się najczęściej występowanie ogniskowego zaniku błony śluzowej. Wykwitom mogą towarzyszyć objawy subiektywne jak świąd, ból, pieczenie. Schorzenie zdecydowanie częściej występuje u płci żeńskiej. Etiologia nie jest do końca poznana. Pod uwagę bierze się rolę czynników genetycznych, autoimmunologicznych, infekcyjnych, hormonalnych. Ważne jest wczesne rozpoznanie choroby i włączenie odpowiedniego leczenia, celem uniknięcia powikłań. W pracy przeprowadzono analizę dostępnego piśmiennictwa dotyczącego leczenia tej jednostki chorobowej

Treatment goal attainment for secondary prevention in coronary patients with or without diabetes mellitus : Polish multicenter study POLASPIRE

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is still a leading cause of death in Poland and across Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the attainment of the main treatment goals for secondary cardiovascular prevention in coronary patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) in Poland. Material and methods: The study group included 1026 patients (65.5 ±9 y.o.; males: 72%) included at least 6 months after the index hospitalisation for myocardial infarction, unstable angina, elective percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass surgery. The target and treatment goals were defined according to the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardiovascular prevention. Results: Patients with DM (n = 332; 32%) were slightly older compared to non-diabetic (n = 694) individuals (67.2 ±7 vs. 64.6 ±9 years old; p < 0.0001). The DM goal was achieved in 196 patients (60%). The rate of primary (LDL: 51% vs. 35%; p < 0.0001) and secondary (non-HDL: 56% vs. 48%; p < 0.02) goal attainment was higher in DM(+) compared to DM(–) patients. The rate of target blood pressure was lower in DM(+) than in normoglycemic patients (52% vs. 61% at < 140/90 mm Hg, p < 0.01. As expected, goal achievement of normal weight (9.5% vs. 19%; p < 0.0001) and waist circumference (7% vs. 15%; p < 0.001) was lower in diabetic patients and the rate of regular physical activity was similar (DM+ 12% vs. DM– 14%; p = ns). Finally, there was no difference in active smokers (DM+ 23% vs. DM– 22%; p = ns). Conclusions: Great majority of Polish patients in secondary prevention do not achieve treatment goals. Although lipid goals attainment is better in DM and the rate of smokers is similar, the management of all risk factors needs to be improved

Effects of antioxidant supplementation for polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction and purpose: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy in women, with a prevalence ranging from 10% to 13%. Oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant levels contribute to the development of various diseases, and one of them is polycystic ovary syndrome. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the effects of antioxidant administration in PCOS treatment. A brief description of the state of knowledge: Oxidative stress is an imbalance between increased levels of reactive oxygen species and a decreased efficiency of antioxidant mechanisms, which can potentially cause damage. The harmful effects of free radicals might be neutralized by antioxidants obtained from the diet, such as polyphenols, vitamins C, and E. These compounds improve several aspects of the PCOS pathomechanism, including hormonal imbalance, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and ovarian functionality. Conclusions: The outcomes of all the reviewed studies in this paper indicate that antioxidants such as resveratrol, curcumin, vitamin C and E, N-acetylcysteine, and melatonin have therapeutic potential in the management of PCOS. However, currently antioxidant therapies cannot be recommended in PCOS therapy since there is a need for more prospective randomized clinical trials on a larger sample to establish a long-term effects of antioxidants supplementation in PCOS, the optimal dosage, and finally to assess which antioxidant is the most efficient in PCOS treatment

The dark side of herbal medicine - risks of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) consumption

Introduction: Herbal medicine has been growing in popularity over the last few years. One of the most often used herbal remedy is Withania somnifera, more widely known as Ashwagandha Now known for its anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-anxiety properties it ranks as a cure-all. However, there is a rising amount of alarming reports regarding its safety. It has been observed that its effects are not always beneficial, and for some patients the risks of taking it may be greater than the promoted benefits.  Aim of study: The aim of this paper is to evaluate possible risks connected to Withania Somnifera consumption based on available research articles and case reports.  Materials and methods: This article is based on the literature found in the PubMed Database from the period of 2004-2024 with the use of keywords such as “Ashwagandha”; “Withania Somnifera”, “herbal medicine”;”complementary medicine”;“liver injury”; “thyrotoxicosis”; “adrenal insufficiency”;”autoimmune diseases”. Results: The outcomes of all the reviewed studies in this paper indicate that Withania Somnifera might cause a wide range of side effects. They include herb induced liver injury, endocrine complications such as thyrotoxicosis and adrenal insufficiency, acute graft rejection in a kidney transplant recipient and possible contribution to the onset of new autoimmune disease in patient with the history of autoimmune disorders.  Conclusion: Further long-term research is needed on the Ashwaghanda’s benefits but particularly on its safety and potential side effects. The common education on the risks of taking herbal supplements should be carried out among health professionals and the rest of the society. Ashwagandha should not be used by patients with liver, endocrine and autoimmune disorders as well as transplant recipients

The Long-term Effects of Iron Deficiency in Early Infancy on Neurodevelopment

Introduction and  Purpose: Iron deficiency alongside anaemia is one of the most significant global health concerns with potentially long-lasting implications on child development and health outcomes. The period of infancy represents a crucial phase of central nervous system maturation, rendering infants particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of iron deficiency. It is therefore crucial to pay close attention to this issue.  The aim of this review is to elucidate the neurological implications of iron deficiency in infancy and emphasize the necessity of implementing preventive strategies to safeguard child development. State  of  Knowledge: Iron deficiency in infancy can result in impairments of brain development. Extensive research highlights the influence of this micronutrient on various physiological processes, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters, neuronal metabolism, myelination, synaptogenesis and gene expression. Furthermore, iron deficiency during infancy is associated with adverse developmental outcomes, including cognitive, motor, and socioemotional deficits. Long-term follow-up studies have elucidated the enduring neurological consequences of iron deficiency in infancy, with effects extending into childhood and beyond. Summary: Given that the changes that occur during the infantile period are often irreversible and have long-lasting implications for future development, it is of the utmost importance to prioritize prevention strategies