Teacher quality as a prerequisite for quality education : needs and expectations of ESP teachers towards professional development in Polish tertiary education contex

W niniejszym artykule omówione zostały potrzeby i oczekiwania na-uczycieli języka angielskiego specjalistycznego dotyczące rozwoju zawodowego w kontekście edukacji wyższej w Polsce. Jakościowy i ilościowy materiał badawczy stanowiły odpowiedzi i komentarze 82 respondentów reprezentujących uczelnie wyższe w Polsce. Nauczyciele języka angielskiego specjalistycznego odpowiadali na pytania dotyczące swoich doświadczeń i ocze-kiwań w zakresie rozwoju zawodowego w ramach czterech obszarów: kompetencji językowej, wiedzy specjalistycznej, znajomości metodyki nauczania języków obcych w zakresie ogólnym oraz znajomości metodyki nauczania języków specjalistycznych. Wyniki niniejszego badania są w dużym stopniu zgodne z wynikami przedstawianymi w literaturze przedmiotu. Najważniejsze wątki, które pojawiły się w badaniu, to: znaczące zainteresowanie respondentów rozwojem za-wodowym, ukierunkowanie zainteresowania na obszar związany z nauczaniem języka specjali-stycznego, niezadowolenie dotyczące dostępności i jakości szkoleń, w szczególności związanych z nauczaniem języka angielskiego specjalistycznego. Ponadto zauważono, że wielu nauczycieli zmaga się z problemem braku wiedzy specjalistycznej. Wnioski płynące z badania wskazują, że nauczycielom języka angielskiego specjalistycznego potrzebne jest formalne wsparcie w postaci szkoleń związane z codzienną praktyką zawodową

Gut Microbiota and Its Implications for Cardiovascular Diseases – a Review

Background: The symbiotic relationship between the gut microbiota and cardiovascular health has become a main point in contemporary research, offering valuable insights into the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review aims to comprehensively examine the bidirectional communication between gut microbial communities and the cardiovascular system, explaining the intricate mechanisms that connect gut dysbiosis to the initiation and progression of CVDs. Material and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to compile and analyze relevant studies investigating the impact of the gut microbiota on cardiovascular health. Emphasis was placed on explaining the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the interaction between gut microbes and cardiovascular function. Results: Our review confirmed evidence linking gut microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide and lipopolysaccharides to vascular function and inflammation. Additionally, we explored the modulation of host metabolism and immune responses by gut microbes, providing insights into their roles in atherosclerosis and hypertension. The review highlight the influence of diet and lifestyle on shaping the gut microbiome and, consequently, cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusions: Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health and is involved in the start and development of various heart diseases. The identified molecular and physiological mechanisms highlight the need for complete understanding of the gut-cardiovascular axis. Moreover, the review emphasizes the potential of microbiota-targeted interventions, including probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation, as innovative strategies for preventing and managing CVDs

Gaucher’s Disease – current state of knowledge and future perspectives?

Introduction and purpose: Gaucher's Disease (GD), a rare genetic disorder, is a difficult challenge in genetic and metabolic disorders. The aim of this review is to provide an exploration of GD, spanning its pathophysiology to the latest advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. In this review we aimed to underscore the challenges it presents and the ongoing efforts to overcome them. State of knowledge: GD, characterized by the accumulation of glucocerebroside, involves molecular, cellular, and systemic dysfunctions. At the molecular level, mutations in the GBA gene give rise to diverse manifestations, influencing disease severity. Cellular disruptions lead to lysosomal dysfunction, altered calcium homeostasis, and chronic inflammation, impacting various organ systems. Diagnostic approaches involve biomarkers, genetic testing, and imaging studies, each playing a crucial role in confirming the disease type and assessing its grade. Summary: Management and treatment strategies for GD have evolved, with enzyme replacement therapy and substrate reduction therapy serving as the basics. However, challenges persist, including limited efficacy in treating neurological symptoms and the high cost of treatments. The review highlights ongoing research and future perspectives in GD therapy

Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Pregnancy

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease with a wide spectrum of manifestations from different organs, therefore it is challenging to diagnose. The disease presents antiphospholipid antibodies such as anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), lupus anticoagulant (LA) and antiβ2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies (β2GPI). The most common symptoms include thrombosis in veins and arteries and obstretical complications such as early miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), placental insufficiency, premature labor and eclampsia. To diagnose a patient with APS certain criteria have been chosen, where at least one clinical and one laboratory criterion must be present. In many cases it takes a lot of time before a proper diagnosis has been made, when a female patient presents obstretical complications. Adequate pharmacological treatment increases the odds of live birth rate from 20-30% to 70-80%. Scientific research shows correlation between antiphospholipid syndrome, infertility and premature ovarian insufficiency. Treatment mostly consists of heparin and low-dose aspirin, in certain cases hydrochloroquine is prescribed. Aside from pharamcological therapy, it is very important to minimize the effects of modifiable risk factors. The following article focuses on complications, diagnosing and therapy in pregnant women suffering from Antiphospholipid syndrome. All sources can be found in Pubmed’s website database

Basal cell carcinoma in the elderly Cryosurgery or surgery – a case study with reference to the literature

Introduction The aging of society leads to an increase in the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC includes both superficial and nodular lesions with a good prognosis as well as foci that are difficult to treat and require a multidisciplinary approach. There are two basic methods of treating BCC, surgery to remove the tumor and cryosurgery. The paper presents a case of an 82-year-old female patient suffering from BCC in a non-advanced stage of the disease with the presentation of subsequent stages of treatment.Aim of the studyAn attempt was made to confront an alternative method of BCC treatment by cryosurgery with the first-choice procedure - surgical excision of the tumor with a margin of healthy tissues.Description of the caseAn individual clinical case study including the patient's medical records.ConclusionsThe work emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care for a patient diagnosed with BCC.Individualization of the diagnostic and therapeutic process is the basis for dealing with the elderly patient

Association between caesarean section and childhood asthma development

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the rates of caesarean section delivery, which is the most common surgical procedure in gynecology and obstetrics, are increasing globally and amount to 21%. In Poland percentage of caesarean sections (CS) is one of the highest in Europe and amount to 42.2%. The reason for this is the extension of medical indications, but also an increase in the number of CS at the request of pregnant women. Although CS can be a lifesaving procedure, it can also cause many health complications for both - the woman and the child. Numerous studies indicate that caesarean delivery is associated with childhood asthma. Several hypotheses of the pathogenesis of this relationship have been presented. One of them, which is based on the hygiene hypothesis indicates that mode of delivery can cause different bacteria colonization in infants. Lack of contact of fetus with the mother’s vaginal flora during CS labor may cause improper immune system maturation. Another hypothesis is that reduced exposure to stress hormones and mechanical forces during CS labor can indicate infant respiratory complications such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). It is suggested that these abnormalities have an impact on asthma development in later life. On the other hand, there are studies which do not confirm that mode of delivery has an influence on the induction of asthma. Due to the significant heterogeneity of studies and unclear risk factors and pathomechanism of the childhood asthma it is impossible to strong confirm the association between caesarean section and asthma developing

Dietary Therapies in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease

Introduction and Purpose: Crons’ disease is a chronic illness of the digestive system. Its etiology is multifactorial and one of the factors is nutrition. That is why the researchers are trying to labour the valuable types of dietary therapy, which could be used in treatment of pediatric CD. The purpose of our review is to point out the impact of dietary therapy on achieving remission in pediatric Crohn’s disease. Materials and methods: We have reviewed the literature from the PubMed database searching for clinical trials, meta analysis and randomized controlled trials from the past years. The keywords we agreed on offered us the most informative articles and made us hope for the further development of our article. Brief Description Of The State Of Knowledge: Steroid therapy is the principle of CD treatment, but it has a number of side effects that influence the quality of pediatric patients’ life. It has been shown that the use of dietary therapies (EEN, CDED+PEN, SCD) enables the achievement of clinical and biochemical remission, mucosal healing and regulation of dysbiosis. There are many hypotheses explaining this effect, probably the reason of this is the exclusion from the diet of food products that provoke inflammatory processes. Summary: Despite its effectiveness, dietary therapies require motivation and full commitment from patients in order to achieve results. That is why it is so important to conduct further research in this area so that the selected therapy is as acceptable and tolerated by the patient as possible. In addition, education of children and parents, psychological and dietary support are also crucial in the treatment process

Erythema nodosum as a manifestation of many systemic diseases

Introduction and purpose: Erythema nodosum is a most frequent form of panniculitis and it appears as erythematous, painful rounded, nodules typically localized on the pretibial area. The purpose of our review is to present diseases that can be underlying causes of erythema nodosum and to draw attention to accompanying symptoms that can guide us to the appropriate diagnosis. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Currently, erythema nodosum is thought to be a symptom associated with hypersensitivity reactions to various antigens. Although the majority of the causes are considered idiopathic, erythema nodosum may be caused by many etiological factors. Summary: Erythema nodosum is usually an acute condition that resolves without treatment. However, it can sometimes be the first sign of a serious condition - autoimmune diseases, infections or malignancy. In such cases it is essential to observe it carefully and implement appropriate diagnostics that allow us to make a correct diagnosis

The impact of shift work and sleep deficiency on health

Shift work refers to work that takes place at different hours, including at night. It is estimated that 15% to 20% of the working population works in shift work, particularly in the healthcare, energy, communication systems, public safety, and hospitality industries. Research indicates that shift work, particularly night work, can lead to health problems such as fatigue, exposure to harmful work environments, increased risk of workplace accidents, and sleep disorders. Night work is also associated with increased risk of hypertension, nervous system dysfunction, cardiovascular dysfunction. Those working at night are also more prone to hormonal disorders, digestive disorders, lowered immunity, and cancer. Sleep-wake cycle disorders, such as excessive sleepiness during waking hours and insomnia at night, are symptoms of shift work intolerance syndrome, which can occur after several months or years of shift work. It is estimated that over 20% of shift workers suffer from sleep-wake cycle disorders, and various factors such as chronotype, age, gender, family and social obligations, medications, medical and psychiatric conditions, and shift work experience can impact tolerance of shift work. The treatment of sleep and wake disorders related to shift work includes planning for main sleep and supplementary naps, appropriate exposure to light, treatment with melatonin, taking sleeping and psychostimulant medications.&nbsp

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis – classification and methods of treatment

Introduction Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease of unknown etiology that affect children. According to the definition of JIA, the disease begins before the age of 16 and lasts more than 6 weeks. The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) has divided juvenile idiopathic arthritis into seven categories: systemic, oligoarticular, polyarticular RF (-), polyarticular RF (+), psoriatic, enthesitis-related and undifferentiated arthritis.   Purpose  The aim of this review is to present the classification, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and complications of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Methods  Literature searches in PubMed, Google Scholarship, and open source books were used to gather information. Results  Complex interactions between cells of the immune system are responsible for the pathophysiology of JIA and indicate the need to divide the disease into clinical subtypes, the heterogeneity of which requires different therapeutic actions. There are many groups of drugs with different mechanisms of action used in the treatment of JIA, including: T lymphocyte inhibitors, anti-TNFα, JAK inhibitors, IL-1 and IL-6 blockers. Despite the great progress and the commitment of scientists, there is still no treatment strategy to completely stop the development of the disease.   Conclusions   Scientific research conducted around the world has led to the recognition of numerous pathways leading to the formation of the inflammatory process and the symptoms of JIA. Knowledge of these mechanisms allows scientists to conduct research on further drugs, the aim of which is to find a treatment strategy that prevents permanent joint damage, improves treatment results, and enables sustainable remission. It is necessary to expand knowledge about the pathways responsible for the formation of the inflammatory process, the interruption of which would allow complete inhibition of the development of the disease.   &nbsp