In recent years, gut–brain axis signaling has been recognized as an essential factor modifying behavior, mood, cognition, and cellular viability under physiological and pathological conditions. Consequently, the intestinal microbiome has become a potential therapeutic target in neurological and psychiatric disorders. The microbiota-derived metabolite of tryptophan (Trp), indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), was discovered to target a number of molecular processes and to impact brain function. In this review, we outline the key mechanisms by which IPA may affect neuronal activity and survival and provide an update on the evidence supporting the neuroprotective action of the compound in various experimental paradigms. Accumulating data indicates that IPA is a free radical scavenger, a ligand of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) and pregnane X receptors (PXR), and an anti-inflammatory molecule. IPA decreases the synthesis of the proinflammatory nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and other cytokines, reduces the generation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and enhances the synthesis of neurotrophic factors. Furthermore, produced in the gut, or administered orally, IPA boosts the central levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), a neuroprotective metabolite of Trp. IPA reduces the release of proinflammatory molecules in the gut, breaking the gut–inflammation–brain vicious cycle, which otherwise leads to neuronal loss. Moreover, as a molecule that easily enters central compartment, IPA may directly impact brain function and cellular survival. Overall, the gathered data confirms neuroprotective features of IPA, and supports its potential use in high-risk populations, in order to delay the onset and ameliorate the course of neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive impairment. Clinical trials evaluating IPA as a promising therapeutic add-on, able to slow down the progress of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease and to limit the morphological and behavioral consequences of ischemic stroke, are urgently needed.

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease that leads to many complications. Many methods of treating obesity are available, but they are often not effective enough. Due to the strong connection between psychological factors and the development of obesity, it can be useful to include mindfulness training in treatment. The aim of this study: Summarize current knowledge on the effectiveness of mindfulness training in the treatment of obesity and evaluate the effect of mindfulness on weight loss. Material and method: The review includes publications published in 2012-2022. The search of publications in the Pubmed database was carried out using the following keywords: mindful eating, mindfulness, weight loss, obesity. Description of the stage of the knowledge: The use of mindfulness techniques in the treatment of eating disorders is becoming more popular. A growing number of studies evaluating the effects of mindfulness on weight loss are emerging, but the results are inconclusive. Mindfulness training is effective in improving eating habits and promoting lifestyle changes. Mindfulness training combined with behavioral treatments for obesity has positive effects on weight loss. Summary: Research shows that mindfulness training may be a promising intervention in obesity treatment because it increases self-awareness and promotes lifestyle changes. However, more research is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of mindfulness for weight control.

Extending lab-based X-ray nanotomography of low Z and porous materials to larger sample volumes without compromising resolution - Volume 27 Issue S1

Introduction Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The molecular characterization of solid tumors has provided significant advances in oncology, and genome profiling using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has helped improve the quality of medical care for patients with cancer. Liquid biopsy is a diagnostic molecular test to demonstrate the presence of circulating tumor DNA or circulating tumor cells released from primary or metastatic solid tumors. In addition, the minimally invasive nature of the liquid biopsy enables quick verification of the grade of malignancy. Observation of ctDNA in blood tests is of great importance at the treatment stage, it allows to determine resistance to the applied treatment, response to therapy and to predict relapse before it occurs. Aim of the study The aim of this review is to present information on the use of circulating tumor DNA together with circulating tumor cells in oncological diagnostics. Materials and methods The work was created based on the PubMed database. Articles were searched in English using the following keywords: ctDNA, CTC, cfDNA. Results Currently, ctDNA analysis is an alternative to traditional molecular diagnostics of cancer tissue, assessment of the effectiveness of therapy, monitoring of tumor dynamics, monitoring of progression and predicting recurrence. Summary There are not many diagnostic methods for detecting ctDNA. Due to the short length of the fragments and the low content in the samples, ctDNA analysis requires more sensitive techniques to ensure its reliability compared to methods used in solid tissue biopsies. Existing techniques of ctDNA analysis focus mainly on the identification of mutations in advanced stages of cancer, less often on early diagnosis.

Introduction and purpose: The sternum is one of the bones that build up the anterior chest wall. It consists of three parts: manubrium, body and xiphoid process. It has been observed that this bone exhibits sexual dimorphism, which can be used in many fields of science. The aim of the study was to find morphological parameters showing sexual dimorphism that allow unambiguous sex identification. Material and method: 240 patients (140 women and 100 men) underwent chest CT and the following measurements were taken: angle of the sternum, length of the manubrium, body and xiphoid process, sum of the length of the manubrium and body, total length of the sternum. The thickness of all three parts of it and the width of the manubrium and body were also measured. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney "U" test. Values of p < 0. 05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results of all statistical analyses did not show statistical significance as a basis for the definitive determination of gender. However, some trends between the sexes have been observed, but these cannot be regarded as universal principles of gender identification. Conclusions: There is a need for further researches on finding metric parameters of the sternum allowing gender identification, carried out on large population groups. To achieve this goal, the results of imaging tests, which are often used in diagnostics, including post-mortem examinations - Vitropsy, may be useful.

Introduction Knee pain in the pediatric population is a very common health issue in family doctor practice and its cause is not always obvious and easy to determine. It is important to remember that knee pain can also occur as a projection of the obturator nerve conducting signals from the hip joint. During physical examination the hip joint should be also carefully examined. Diagnostic imaging such as radiographs are helpful in evaluating bone parts, whereas ultrasonography and MRI can reveal pathology in periarticular soft tissue. Laboratory tests can help to rule out a septic process and reveal other associated conditions. The aim The aim of this work was to analyze the patient’s case of transient synovitis of the hip manifested by knee pain and discuss other hip joint causes of knee pain in the pediatric population. Case report An individual case report of the five-year-old male patient suffered from non-traumatic knee pain and inability to walk with analysis of undertaken diagnostic and treatment management. Results The patient was correctly diagnosed with transient synovitis of the hip joint and successfully treated due to a thorough physical examination and right diagnostic tests carried out by the emergency physician. Conclusions In every case of non-traumatic knee pain, hip pathology should be always ruled out. Carefully performed physical examination, basic laboratory tests and imagining allow practitioners to make the right diagnosis.