Patterns of year-to-year variation in haemoglobin and glucose concentrations in the blood of nestling Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca

Physiological tools can be used to identify the sources and consequences of stressors on animals. Understanding the influences of variation in habitat quality and anthropogenic disturbance on organism condition and health may improve future management and conservation. We present results concerning variation in haemoglobin and glucose concentrations in the blood of about 14-day-old nestling Pied FlycatchersFicedula hypoleuca in central Poland over a 4-year period, 2011–2014, in a deciduous forest. The most important findings of the study are: (1) the concentration of haemoglobin and glucose of the nestlings from the same brood tended to be consistently similar, with much variation occurring among broods; (2) repeatability of haemoglobin concentration was higher than repeatability of glucose concentration; (3) mean levels of haemoglobin and glucose varied among years; (4) haemoglobin and glucose concentrations were negatively correlated; and (5) there was a positive relationship between haemoglobin levels and breeding success.All procedures were approved by the Local Ethical Committee and the State Office for Environment Protection. We thank A. Jaksa, D. Man´kowska, M. Janiszewska and J. Białek for their help and consent in conducting research in the areas under their administration. The study was founded by a grant from the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education No. N N304 045136 and University of Ło´dz´ (No. 506/829). We are obliged to P. Procter for linguistic consultation. We thank both reviewers for their valuable and constructive comments

Utilization balancing algorithms for dynamic multicast scheduling problem in EON

Dynamic data transfer demands are often being a challenge for present communication networks, as they appear in unpredictable time and must be satisfied prior to deadline. Important kind are the multi-target demands occurring in task of replication, backup, database synchronization or file transferring in pear-to-pear networks. Optimal scheduling usually depends of the nature of transport network. In the paper we consider dynamic deadline-driven multicast scheduling problem over elastic optical network. We propose the method for improving link utilization by traffic balance for multicast demands. We present few heuristic algorithms and results of experiments, proving the benefits of balancing concept

The Role of Physical Activity in Diabetes Management: Benefits, Risks, and Recommendations - review

Regular physical activity plays a key role in managing type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), improving insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, and metabolic health. Exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and enhances mental well-being. For individuals with T2D, physical activity decreases insulin resistance, while for those with T1D, it increases the risk of hypoglycemia, requiring adjustments in insulin doses and carbohydrate intake. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems facilitate the detection of hypoglycemia, especially at night. A combination of aerobic and resistance training is recommended for optimal glycemic control and HbA1c reduction. In individuals at risk of T2D, such as those with prediabetes, regular exercise can delay or prevent disease onset. Tailored exercise programs and education on glucose management are essential for safe and effective implementation. Future research should focus on individualized exercise plans and long-term effects of physical activity on diabetes progression and complications. In conclusion, integrating regular physical activity into diabetes management significantly improves health outcomes and quality of life for patients with T1D and T2D, though challenges like hypoglycemia must be carefully managed

Pilates training for health of women in menopause and postmenopause - a literature review

Inroduction. Menopause is associated with significant physiological changes in women affecting the skeletal system, muscular function and mental health. The lower levels of estrogen leads to decreased bone mineral density, muscle weakness and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations may elevate the risk of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and chronic stress. Aim of study. The aim of our study is to present the benefits of practicing Pilates training in women during menopause and after menopause. The study analyzed the impact of Pilates training on the musculoskeletal system and mental health of the women. Materials and methods. The work reviews articles published in the years 2013-2025 on Google Scholar or PubMed platforms. The keywords were used to search "menopausal women", "Pilates", "depression", "sleep disorder”, “muscles”. Conclusions. Regular Pilates training can improve muscle strength and eliminate pain. Furthermore, Pilates enhances flexibility and joint mobility, contributing to improved functional movement. Pilates is an effective method for stress reduction and mood improvement. Its regular practice is associated with increased body awareness, promoting overall well-being. As a comprehensive form of exercise, Pilates offers both physical and psychological benefits making it a valuable intervention for menopausal and postmenopausal women

Statin Intolerance and Adverse Effects in Lipid-Lowering Therapy – Pathomechanisms, Management Strategies, and Alternative Treatment Approaches

Statins are essential in preventing cardiovascular diseases by lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Landmark trials like 4S and HPS demonstrated significant reductions in cardiovascular events and mortality with statin use. Statins inhibit hepatic cholesterol synthesis and upregulate LDL receptors, improving endothelial function and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. However, adverse effects can lead to discontinuation. Musculoskeletal symptoms, including myalgia and rhabdomyolysis, affect 5-20% of patients, often linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and coenzyme Q10 depletion. Hepatotoxicity, although less frequent, presents as elevated transaminases, particularly with lipophilic statins. Statins may also increase new-onset diabetes risk by 9-12%, potentially due to impaired insulin signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction. Cognitive effects remain controversial, with some reports of memory impairment, especially with lipophilic statins. Managing statin intolerance involves dose reduction, switching to hydrophilic statins, or coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Alternative therapies for statin-intolerant patients include ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and bempedoic acid. Lifestyle interventions like a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise further support cardiovascular health while minimizing adverse effects

Gut Microbiota and Gut-Brain Axis in Health and Disease A Narrative Review

Microbiota, a composition of trillions of microorganisms, plays essential roles in metabolism, immunity, and gut-brain axis connection. It helps in the digestion and production of valuable metabolites and keeps intestinal integrity intact. A balanced microbiota or eubiosis supports health; dysbiosis causes leaky gut syndrome, systemic inflammation, and chronic diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (GBA), as well as important microbial metabolites like trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and their implications concerning health and disease states. A comprehensive search of references related to microbiota was conducted on PubMed using the following search terms: “microbiota, gut-brain axis, dysbiosis, eubiosis, microbiota composition, microbial metabolites”. Major metabolites such as SCFAs help with the regulation of immune functions, act as protectors of the blood-brain barrier, and are known to support neuroprotection, while deleterious substances such as TMAO find association with cardiovascular diseases.Dysbiosis in the gut finds association with various chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and neurodegenerative disorders. Changes in microbial composition disrupt metabolic processes and provoke systemic inflammation. A better understanding of these mechanisms would facilitate the early detection of diseases based on the recognition of specific bacterial shifts and/or metabolite imbalances. Microbiota-health-improving relationships are still being explored, demonstrating the need for additional studies aimed at developments of specific treatments for disease prevention and treatment

NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO PAIN MANAGEMENT IN ENDOMETRIOSIS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age, typically associated with intense pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and menstrual irregularities. While pharmacological and surgical therapies remain the cornerstone of treatment, there is growing interest in non-pharmacological strategies for symptom management, particularly among individuals who cannot take medications or prefer to limit their use. This review aims to evaluate current scientific research on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods for managing endometriosis-related pain. The analysis includes approaches such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, physical activity, yoga, dietary adjustments, nutritional supplementation, and psychological interventions. Evidence from multiple studies suggests that these strategies can significantly alleviate pain, enhance quality of life, and support psychological well-being. The review emphasizes the need for additional well-designed clinical trials to confirm their effectiveness and better integrate these methods into routine clinical practice

A Review of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment: The Role of Surgery in Therapy and Alternative Treatment Modalities

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder involving repeated upper airway obstructions during sleep, leading to hypoxia, fragmented sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is linked to significant cardiovascular and metabolic risks and affects 17-30% of individuals aged 30-69, with higher rates in the elderly. Diagnosis is typically made using polysomnography, which assesses the frequency and severity of apneic events. Treatment mainly involves continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), although adherence can be challenging. Alternative therapies like oral appliances, positional therapy, and lifestyle modifications are helpful for milder cases. Medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, acetazolamide and 5-HT regulating have shown promise in reducing symptoms and improving CPAP compliance. Surgical options, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and tracheostomy, are considered when other treatments fail, particularly in patients with anatomical issues. Bariatric surgery can also reduce OSA severity in severely obese patients. Emerging therapies like hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS), orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) offer solutions for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. Advancements in AI and telemedicine are improving diagnosis and treatment personalization. OSA treatment requires a tailored approach, considering individual factors and comorbidities. Continued research is essential to optimize long-term care

Epidermal differentiation complex (locus 1q21) gene expression in head and neck cancer and normal mucosa

Epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) comprises a number of genes associated with human skin diseases including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and hyperkeratosis. These genes have also been linked to numerous cancers, among them skin, gastric, colorectal, lung, ovarian and renal carcinomas. The involvement of EDC components encoding S100 proteins, small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) and other genes in the tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) has been previously suggested. The aim of the study was to systematically analyze the expression of EDC components on the transcript level in HNSCC. Tissue specimens from 93 patients with HNC of oral cavity and 87 samples from adjacent or distant grossly normal oral mucosawere analyzed. 48 samples (24 tumor and 24 corresponding surrounding tissue) were hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip Human 1.0 ST Arrays. For validation by quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) the total RNA from all 180 samples collected in the study was analyzed with Real-Time PCR system and fluorescent amplicon specific-probes. Additional set of samples from 14 patients with laryngeal carcinoma previously obtained by HG-U133 Plus 2.0 microarray was also included in the analyses. The expression of analyzed EDC genes was heterogeneous. Two transcripts (S100A1 and S100A4) were significantly down-regulated in oral cancer when compared to normal mucosa (0.69 and 0.36-fold change, respectively), showing an opposite pattern of expression to the remaining S100 genes. Significant up-regulation in tumors was found for S100A11, S100A7, LCE3D, S100A3 and S100A2 genes. The increased expression of S100A7 was subsequently validated by QPCR, confirming significant differences. The remaining EDC genes, including all encoding SPRR molecules, did not show any differences between oral cancer and normal mucosa. The observed differences were also assessed in the independent set of laryngeal cancer samples, confirming the role of S100A3 and LCE3D transcripts in HNC. In HNC of oral cavity only one family of EDC genes (S100 proteins) showed significant cancer-related differences. A number of other transcripts which showed altered expression in HNC require further validation.

Gut Microbiota and Gut-Brain Axis in Health and Disease A Narrative Review

Microbiota, a composition of trillions of microorganisms, plays essential roles in metabolism, immunity, and gut-brain axis connection. It helps in the digestion and production of valuable metabolites and keeps intestinal integrity intact. A balanced microbiota or eubiosis supports health; dysbiosis causes leaky gut syndrome, systemic inflammation, and chronic diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (GBA), as well as important microbial metabolites like trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and their implications concerning health and disease states. A comprehensive search of references related to microbiota was conducted on PubMed using the following search terms: “microbiota, gut-brain axis, dysbiosis, eubiosis, microbiota composition, microbial metabolites”. Major metabolites such as SCFAs help with the regulation of immune functions, act as protectors of the blood-brain barrier, and are known to support neuroprotection, while deleterious substances such as TMAO find association with cardiovascular diseases. Dysbiosis in the gut finds association with various chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and neurodegenerative disorders. Changes in microbial composition disrupt metabolic processes and provoke systemic inflammation. A better understanding of these mechanisms would facilitate the early detection of diseases based on the recognition of specific bacterial shifts and/or metabolite imbalances. Microbiota-health-improving relationships are still being explored, demonstrating the need for additional studies aimed at developments of specific treatments for disease prevention and treatment