Photoelectrochemical properties of annealed anodic TiO2TiO_2 layers covered with CuOxCuO_x

In this work, we present a systematic study on the influence of Cu(2+) ion concentration in the impregnation solution on the morphology, structure, optical, semiconducting, and photoelectrochemical properties of anodic CuO(x)-TiO(2) materials. Studied materials were prepared by immersion in solutions with different concentrations of (CH(3)COO)(2)Cu and subjected to air-annealing at 400 °C, 500 °C, or 600 °C for 2 h. The complex characterization of all studied samples was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), reflectance measurements, Mott–Schottky analyses, and photocurrent measurements. It was found that band gap engineering based on coupling CuO with TiO(2) (E(g)~3.3 eV) is an effective strategy to increase the absorption in visible light due to band gap narrowing (CuO(x)-TiO(2) materials had E(g)~2.4 eV). Although the photoactivity of CuO-TiO(2) materials decreased in the UV range due to the deposition of CuO on the TiO(2) surface, in the Vis range increased up to 600 nm at the same time

The relationship between total body fat and distribution of body fat mass and markers of insulin resistance in young women with normal weight — a pilot study

Introduction. Total body fat and body fat distributionare factors closely associated with development ofinsulin resistance, including subjects with normal bodyweight and BMI (body mass index). Objectives. The objective of the study was to determinerelation between insulin resistance index and selectedparameters of body fat distribution in potentiallyhealthy young females with body mass index below25 kg/m2. Material and methods. Study group consisted of 36women with a BMI < 25 kg/m2, who underwent anthropometricmeasurements, i.e.: height, weight, waistcircumference, hip circumference and blood pressuremeasurement. The segmental body composition wasmeasured by of the use of the bioelectric impedanceanalysis (BIA). Moreover, oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) was performed with blood collection in 0, 60and 120 minute of the test. The fasting samples wereused for determination of concentrations of glucose,insulin, C-peptide, a total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDLand LDL cholesterol. The following insulin resistanceindices were calculated: HOMA-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-%B, HOMA2-%S and IRI/G. Results. All the volunteers presented normal glucosetolerance in 120 minute of the OGTT test, as well asnormal values of IRI/G index. Moreover, for such parametersas: total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol,triglycerides and CRP no values outside the referencerange were found. C-peptide concentration was foundto be significantly correlated with total body fat(r = 0.532; p = 0.001) and trunk fat mass (r = 0.471;p = 0.004). Conclusions. In the young, non-obese women it seemsto be justified to test concentration of glucose andC-peptide while assessing potential insulin resistancewith simultaneous examination of the total and trunkbody fat

Small-Molecule Hormones: Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Small-molecule hormones play crucial roles in the development and in the maintenance of an adult mammalian organism. On the molecular level, they regulate a plethora of biological pathways. Part of their actions depends on their transcription-regulating properties, exerted by highly specific nuclear receptors which are hormone-dependent transcription factors. Nuclear hormone receptors interact with coactivators, corepressors, basal transcription factors, and other transcription factors in order to modulate the activity of target genes in a manner that is dependent on tissue, age and developmental and pathophysiological states. The biological effect of this mechanism becomes apparent not earlier than 30–60 minutes after hormonal stimulus. In addition, small-molecule hormones modify the function of the cell by a number of nongenomic mechanisms, involving interaction with proteins localized in the plasma membrane, in the cytoplasm, as well as with proteins localized in other cellular membranes and in nonnuclear cellular compartments. The identity of such proteins is still under investigation; however, it seems that extranuclear fractions of nuclear hormone receptors commonly serve this function. A direct interaction of small-molecule hormones with membrane phospholipids and with mRNA is also postulated. In these mechanisms, the reaction to hormonal stimulus appears within seconds or minutes

Cervical cancer - is there anything to worry about? Research on knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among Poles

Cervical cancer poses a global health challenge, being one of the most common cancers of the reproductive organs and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease, resulting from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), tends to develop in advanced stages, significantly complicating effective treatment. Despite advancements in medicine, diagnostics, and therapy, cervical cancer remains a serious public health threat. Periodic surveillance through screening has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer; however, in Poland, there is a notable gap between potentially available preventive measures and their actual utilization by the population. It has been observed that only around 20% of Polish women participate in screening programs, contributing to Poland having one of the highest rates of incidence and mortality from this type of cancer in Europe. This leads to the conclusion that cervical cancer constitutes an unresolved oncological and epidemiological problem in Poland. In the context of these challenges, a crucial aspect is understanding the level of public knowledge about cervical cancer, its risk factors, and available preventive measures. This study focuses on evaluating the societal knowledge regarding the risk factors of cervical cancer, identifying existing gaps, and suggesting potential areas for educational interventions

Bouveret's Syndrome: Diagnostic Dilemmas and Therapeutic Strategies - A Comprehensive Educational Approach for Healthcare Professionals

Bouveret's syndrome, a rare complication of gallstone disease, poses a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, particularly in elderly individuals with multiple comorbidities. The mortality rate ranges from 12-30%, emphasizing the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis. Nonspecific symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, contribute to delayed diagnosis. Healthcare professionals, especially those involved in gastroenterology and surgery, require comprehensive education on Bouveret's syndrome. Training should emphasize the diverse diagnostic modalities, including the use of imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI. Awareness of the syndrome's rarity and collaboration among specialists from various fields are crucial for effective management. Additionally, educational programs should underscore the need for individualized treatment plans, considering patient parameters such as age, comorbidities, and the inflammatory state of surrounding tissues. While endoscopic procedures exhibit lower success rates, they are often preferred due to the high risk associated with open surgical procedures in elderly patients. Continuous medical education should also highlight the potential link between diabetes and Bouveret's syndrome, emphasizing the importance of recognizing risk factors and ensuring timely medical intervention. In conclusion, enhancing the knowledge base of healthcare professionals through targeted education is essential for improving the diagnosis and management of Bouveret's syndrome, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes

Wskaźniki insulinooporności u młodych kobiet z prawidłową masą ciała w korelacji z ilością i dystrybucją tkanki tłuszczowej — badanie pilotażowe

Wprowadzenie. Ilość i dystrybucja tkanki tłuszczowej to czynniki ściśle związane z rozwojem oporności tkanek na insulinę, w tym również u osób z prawidłowymi masą ciała i wskaźnikiem masy ciała (BMI). Cele. Celem badań było określenie zależności pomiędzy wskaźnikami insulinooporności a wybranymi parametrami dystrybucji tkanki tłuszczowej u potencjalnie zdrowych młodych kobiet ze wskaźnikiem masy ciała poniżej 25 kg/m2. Pacjenci i metody. Badana grupa składała się z 36 kobiet ze wskaźnikiem masy ciała poniżej 25 kg/m2, u których przeprowadzono następujące pomiary antropometryczne: wzrost, masa ciała, obwód talii, obwód bioder oraz pomiar ciśnienia tętniczego krwi. Dokonano segmentowego pomiaru składu ciała za pomocą metody impedancji bioelektrycznej (BIA). Wykonano doustny test tolerancji glukozy (OGTT), podczas którego pobierano krew w 0., 60. i 120. minucie testu. W próbkach pobranych na czczo oznaczano stężenia glukozy, insuliny, C-peptydu, cholesterolu całkowitego, triglicerydów, cholesterolu frakcji HDL oraz LDL. Obliczono wskaźniki insulinooporności: HOMA-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-%B, HOMA2-%S i wskaźnik insulina/glukoza (IRI/G). Wyniki. U wszystkich badanych stwierdzono prawidłową tolerancję glukozy w 120. minucie testu OGTT, a także prawidłowe wartości wskaźnika insulina/glukoza. Dla parametrów takich jak cholesterol całkowity, cholesterol frakcji HDL i LDL, triglicerydy oraz białko CRP nie wykazano żadnej wartości przekraczającej przedział wartości referencyjnych. Stężenie C-peptydu w sposób istotny wiązało się z bezwzględną wartością tkanki tłuszczowej (r = 0,532; p = 0,001) oraz ilością tułowiowej tkanki tłuszczowej (r = 0,471; p = 0,004). Wnioski. U młodych kobiet bez otyłości wydaje się zasadne oznaczanie stężenia glukozy i C-peptydu podczas określania możliwości wystąpienia insulinooporności, z równoczesnym weryfikowaniem całkowitej ilości tkanki tłuszczowej w organizmie oraz tułowiowej tkanki tłuszczowej