This work aimed to assess the impact of acellularization and sterilization methods on the mechanical properties of biocomposites used as a skin substitute. On the basis of the statistical analysis, it was ascertained that the values of the Young modulus for the samples before the sterilization process—only in the cases of substances such as: trypsin, 15% glycerol and dispase—changed in a statistically significant way. In the case of dispase, the Young modulus value before the sterilization process amounted to 66.6 MPa, for trypsin this value equalled 33.9 MPa, whereas for 15% glycerol it was 11 MPa. In the case of samples after the completion of the sterilization process, the analysis did not show any statistically significant differences between the obtained results of Young’s modulus depending on the respective reagents applied. It was confirmed that different methods of acellularization and the process of sterilization effect the alteration of mechanical properties of allogeneic skins. In the case of the decellularization method using SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate), liquid nitrogen and 85% glycerol the highest values of strain were observed. In the authors’ opinion, it is the above-mentioned methods that should be recommended in the process of preparation of skin substitutes.

Iron uptake, transport, and storage require the involvement of several proteins, including ferroportin (fpn), the sole known iron efflux transporter. Due to its critical function fpn has been studied, particularly in humans. Here, we characterized the ferroportin gene in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and performed RNA-seq analysis to evaluate its constitutive transcription levels across different tissues. Our results indicate that C. carpio possesses two functional fpns with distinct expression patterns, highlighting the potential for functional divergence and expression differentiation among fpns in this species.

The growing number of patients in need of rehabilitation, largely due to an aging population and the increasing incidence of strokes, drives the search for more effective therapeutic methods. Stroke remains a leading cause of adult disability, increasing demand for rehabilitation services. Robotic-assisted therapy presents a promising solution by offering precision and repeatability, complementing traditional methods. This study compared traditional rehabilitation led by a physiotherapist with robotic-assisted therapy using the UR10e robot. The research consisted of two stages: in the first, a physiotherapist guided passive upper limb movements, and in the second, the same movements were replicated by the UR10e robot with a specialized adapter for arm positioning. Movements were measured using the Noraxon Ultium Motion system, analyzing flexion, extension, and rotation angles at the shoulder and elbow joints.

(1) Background: Human balance and equilibrium-maintaining abilities have been widely researched up to this day. Numerous publications have investigated the possibilities of enhancing these abilities, bringing the patient back to their original capabilities post-disease or accident, and training for fall prevention. Virtual reality technology (VR) is becoming a progressively more renowned technique for performing or enhancing rehabilitation or training. We aimed to explore whether the introduction of scenery oscillation can influence a person’s limits of stability. (2) Methods: Sixteen healthy adults participated in measurements. Each of them underwent 10 trials, during which subjects were supposed to, on acoustic cue, lean as far forward and back as possible, without raising their heels or toes. Two trials were conducted without the use of VR, four with oscillating scenery, one with stationary scenery, one with displayed darkness, and two trials were performed for reference, which did not require leaning nor used VR technology. (3) Results: For the total as well as for each foot separately, COP displacements and velocities were calculated and analyzed. A post-hoc Wilcoxon pairwise test with Holm’s correction was performed, resulting in 420 returned p-values, 4 of which indicated significant differences between medians when comparing trials with 0.2 Hz oscillating scenery with trials with eyes open and closed. (4) Conclusions: No statistically significant differences at α = 0.05 between reached maximums in trials using VR and trials without it were found, only trials using 0.2 Hz oscillations displayed statistically significant differences when comparing velocities of leaning. The authors believe that such oscillations resemble naturally occurring tinnitus; additionally, low-frequency oscillations are believed to influence postural balance more than high-frequency ones, therefore affecting the velocity and displacements of COP the most.