Serum IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 levels in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis correlate with clinical severity.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by epithelial inflammation and tissue eosinophilic infiltration. IL-5, POSTN, and IL-33 are important factors that act as chemoattractants for eosinophils, and a tissue-remodeling protein positively correlated with eosinophils in blood and mediators of eosinophilic infiltration. The aim of the study was to determine the expression of IL-5, POSTN and IL-33, at the gene and protein levels, in eosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and to correlate this expression with clinical severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 CRSwNP patients and 53 CRSsNP patients and 40 control subjects. The expression of IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 mRNA was determined in sinonasal mucosal samples and in nasal polyp tissue by real-time PCR. Protein levels in the serum of CRSwNP patients were measured by ELISA. Computed tomography was evaluated according to Lund-Mackay scores, and visual analog scale scores were assessed. RESULTS: NP tissue demonstrated significantly higher IL-5 and POSTN mRNA expression than the sinonasal tissue in the CRSsNP and CRSwNP groups. CRS groups demonstrated elevated IL-33 mRNA expression in comparison to controls irrespective of the presence of NP. No correlation was found between IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 mRNA expression and disease severity. CRSwNP group demonstrated significantly higher serum IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 protein levels than controls, and this corresponds to disease severity. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 levels may be important markers for classification of eosinophilic CRSwNP patients, along with disease severity.

The impact of socioeconomic status, general health and oral health on Health-Related Quality of Life, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and mental health among Polish older adults.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic status, general health and oral health parameters on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and mental health in elderly urban residents of South-Western Poland. METHODS: The 500 residents of Wroclaw, aged 65 and older provided demographic and personal information as well as their medical history. A patient's oral condition were determined based on the clinical oral examination.Quality of Life was assessed using Euro-Quality of Life (EQ-5D), Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).The association between exposure (socioeconomic status, general health and oral health) and outcome (HRQoL, OHRQoL and mental health variables) were analyzed with the use of four models: P - Poisson model, NB-Negative Binomial model, ZIP - Zero Inflated Poisson model, ZINB - Zero Inflated Negative Binomial model. RESULTS: The best model turned out to be the ZINB model, in which a negative binomial distribution in the count equation is assumed. In this model, only 13 independent variables had a significant effect on HRQoL, OHRQoL, and mental health. HRQoL assessed with the EQ-5D is significantly influenced by: living conditions 0.133 (95% CI: 0.001, 0.267, p = 0.049), income -0.348 (95%CI: -0.466, -0.230, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus 0.437 (95%CI: 0.250, 0.624, p < 0.001), myocardial infarction 0.454 (95% CI: 0.151, 0.757, p = 0.003), stroke 0.543 (95%CI: 0.094, 0.992, p = 0.018) and renal disease 0.466 (95% CI: 0.206, 0.726, p < 0.001). Factors negatively affecting OHRQOL are: the need for oral treatment 0.278 (95%CI: 0.104, 0.452, p = 0.002), the number of missing teeth 0.053 (95%CI: 0.039, 0.067, p < 0.001) and gender 0.271 (95%CI: 0.015, 0.527, p = 0.038) and age -0.025 (95%CI: -0.042, -0.008, p = 0.003). An important factor influencing the level of depression assessed by the PHQ-9 questionnaire may be the material condition -0.225 (95%CI: -0.349, -0.101, p < 0.001). It should be emphasized that living with other people may be a factor that significantly increases the probability of avoiding the occurrence of depression symptoms. CONCLUSION: The study concerning elderly residents of the macroregion in Poland found the impact of socioeconomic, general health and oral health parameters on Health-Related Quality of Life, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and mental health. Research on the quality of life of the elderly at the local level allowed to assess the factors linked to quality of life of older adults.

Therapeutic Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells According to Different Transplant Types.

Stem cells are unspecialised cells capable of perpetual self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation into more specialised daughter cells. They are present in many tissues and organs, including the stomatognathic system. Recently, the great interest of scientists in obtaining stem cells from human teeth is due to their easy availability and a non-invasive procedure of collecting the material. Three key components are required for tissue regeneration: stem cells, appropriate scaffold material and growth factors. Depending on the source of the new tissue or organ, there are several types of transplants. In this review, the following division into four transplant types is applied due to genetic differences between the donor and the recipient: xenotransplantation, allotransplantation, autotransplantation and isotransplantation (however, due to the lack of research, type was not included). In vivo studies have shown that Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs)can form a dentin-pulp complex, nerves, adipose, bone, cartilage, skin, blood vessels and myocardium, which gives hope for their use in various biomedical areas, such as immunotherapy and regenerative therapy. This review presents the current in vivo research and advances to provide new biological insights and therapeutic possibilities of using DPSCs.

An Experiencer, An Animal or An Object? Erection Salience Decreases Men's Perceived Agency.

Three experiments investigated the influence of penile erection on ascriptions of mental capabilities to men. Drawing on sexual objectification literature and the distinction between agency and experience in mind perception, three competing predictions were formulated. The mind redistribution hypothesis assumed that penile erection would lower agency and heighten experience attributions, the animalistic dehumanization hypothesis predicted the decrease in agency, but not experience, and the literal objectification hypothesis implied the simultaneous decrease in both agency and experience. In Experiment 1 (N = 219; 128 females), erection salience lowered agency, but not experience capabilities ascribed to male targets. Experiment 2 (N = 201, 113 females) replicated the negative effect of erection salience on perceived agency (but not experience) and revealed that erection salience lowered intentions to hire a male target. This effect was explained with the loss of perceived agency. Experiment 3 (N = 203, 98 females) verified the causal relationship between penile erection, agency and hiring intentions. Taken together, these results supported the animalistic dehumanization hypothesis.

A Summary of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies Evaluating the Impact of E-Cigarette Exposure on Living Organisms and the Environment.

Worldwide use of electronic cigarettes has been rapidly expanding over recent years, but the long-term effect of e-cigarette vapor exposure on human health and environment is not well established; however, its mechanism of action entails the production of reactive oxygen species and trace metals, and the exacerbation of inflammation, which are associated with potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. The present study examines the effects of selected liquid chemicals used in e-cigarettes, such as propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin, nicotine and flavorings, on living organisms; the data collected indicates that exposure to e-cigarette liquid has potentially detrimental effects on cells in vitro, and on animals and humans in vivo. While e-liquid exposure can adversely influence the physiology of living organisms, vaping is recommended as an alternative for tobacco smoking. The study also compares the impact of e-cigarette liquid exposure and traditional cigarette smoke on organisms and the environmental impact. The environmental influence of e-cigarette use is closely connected with the emission of airborne particulate matter, suggesting the possibility of passive smoking. The obtained data provides an insight into the impact of nicotine delivery systems on living organisms and the environment.

Plant Extracts and Reactive Oxygen Species as Two Counteracting Agents with Anti- and Pro-Obesity Properties.

Obesity is a complex disease of great public health significance worldwide: It entails several complications including diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovascular dysfunction and hypertension, and its prevalence is increasing around the world. The pathogenesis of obesity is closely related to reactive oxygen species. The role of reactive oxygen species as regulatory factors in mitochondrial activity in obese subjects, molecules taking part in inflammation processes linked to excessive size and number of adipocytes, and as agents governing the energy balance in hypothalamus neurons has been examined. Phytotherapy is the traditional form of treating health problems using plant-derived medications. Some plant extracts are known to act as anti-obesity agents and have been screened in in vitro models based on the inhibition of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and activity of pancreatic lipase methods and in in vivo high-fat diet-induced obesity rat/mouse models and human models. Plant products may be a good natural alternative for weight management and a source of numerous biologically-active chemicals, including antioxidant polyphenols that can counteract the oxidative stress associated with obesity. This review presents polyphenols as natural complementary therapy, and a good nutritional strategy, for treating obesity without serious side effects.

Are there different factors affecting walking speed and gait cycle variability between men and women in community-dwelling older adults?

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the relationships between walking speed and gait cycle variability, and muscle strength and postural stability, with a focus on gender differences. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine whether there are different factors affecting walking speed and gait cycle variability between men and women in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: The subjects comprised 712 community-dwelling older adults (252 men, 460 women, aged 68.7 ± 4.8 years). Walking speed and coefficient of variation (CV) of step time at a comfortable walking pace were measured. The maximal isometric strength of six lower limb muscles and postural stability were evaluated. Stepwise regression analysis was performed, using lower limb muscle strength and postural stability as independent variables, to investigate the association with walking speed or CV. RESULTS: For older men, age, body mass index (BMI) and quadriceps setting (QS) strength were significant and independent determinants of walking speed. No variables were identified as significant determinants of CV. For older women, BMI and hip flexion, hip abduction, QS muscle strength were significant determinants of walking speed. Only hip abduction strength was a significant determinant of CV. DISCUSSION: The results of this study suggest that QS strength is related to walking speed in both men and women, whereas hip flexion and abduction muscle strength are related to walking speed, and hip abduction muscle strength is related to gait cycle variability in older women. CONCLUSION: Gender differences exist in factors affecting walking speed and gait cycle variability in community-dwelling older adults.

Endometrial mRNA expression of prostaglandin synthase enzymes PTGS 2, PTGFS and mPTGES 1 in repeat-breeding cows with cytologically determined endometritis.

Little is known about the inflammatory response of the endometrium in repeat-breeding cows with subclinical endometritis (SE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the mRNA expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS 2), prostaglandin F2α synthase (PTGFS) and prostaglandin E2 microsomal synthase 1 (mPTGES 1) in the endometrium of repeat-breeding cows with and without SE. SE was diagnosed cytologically using the cytobrush method, with the threshold being set at 5% polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Biopsy samples were obtained from the endometrium of repeat-breeding cows with SE (n = 10) and without SE (n = 10). The mRNA expression of the synthases was evaluated using qRT-PCR. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) expression of the PTGS 2 gene was detected in the repeat breeders with SE, whereas there was no significant difference in the expression of PTGFS and mPTGES 1 mRNAs between repeatbreeding cows with SE and those without it (P > 0.05). Our study confirms that increased endometrial expression of the PTGS 2 gene is involved in the inflammatory response in repeat breeders.

TC2 C776G polymorphism studies in patients with oral cancer in the Polish population.

The first signs of oral cancer may resemble developing infections in the mucous membranes, with throat cancer symptoms being similar to those of upper respiratory tract infections. This greatly hinders rapid diagnosis and treatment. Better knowledge of the changes occurring in the metabolism of folic acid can help in understanding the carcinogenesis affecting DNA methylation and genome stability. Polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes involved in this pathway may influence enzyme activity and thereby interfere with the concentrations of homocysteine and S-adenosylmethionine, which are important for DNA synthesis and cellular methylation reactions. The aim of the study was to determine the risk of oral cancer associated with the TC2 C776G polymorphism, as determined in 119 patients. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The test genotype was found to correspond to the Hardy-Weinberg (HW) equilibrium (p > 0.05). In our population G/G homozygosity of C776G TC2 gene polymorphism increases the risk of oral cancer; OR (odds ratio): 4.3875; 95% CI (confidence interval): 2.0518-9.319; p = 0.001. Regarding C/G genotype of the C776G TC2 gene, polymorphism also increases the risk of developing this cancer; OR 2.4146 95% CI: 1.2803-4.5541; p = 0.01.

The role of Cat -262C/T, GPX1 Pro198Leu and Sod1+35A/C gene polymorphisms in a development of primary open-angle glaucoma in a Polish population.

The development of glaucoma may be connected with a long-term exposure to oxidative stress caused by free radical (ROS). The main aim of this work was an analysis of associations of Cat-262C/T, GPX1 Pro198Leu and SOD1 35 A/C gene polymorphisms of antioxidant enzymes with a risk of open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a Polish population. DNA samples collected from 209 patients with POAG and 191 healthy controls were used in this study. Polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). We found that the +35A/C polymorphisms of SOD1 were not associated with a risk of POAG. We found that C/T genotype (1-GPX1Pro198Leu, 2-Cat C262T) is associated with increased risk of open angle glaucoma (1-OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.46-3.44; p = 0.0001, 2-OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.35-3.34; p = 0.001). We also found that T/T genotype is a risk factor for progression of POAG (1-OR = 3.86; 95% Cl: 1.36-10.96; p = 0.007, 2-OR = 6.37; 95% CI: 1.39-29.28; p = 0.007). Finally our data suggest that gene polymorphisms of GPX1 Pro198Leu and CAT C262T may have a protective role in the development of primary open-angle glaucoma in a Polish population.

Retrospective study of the morphology of third maxillary molars among the population of Lower Silesia based on analysis of cone beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding the anatomy of root canal systems and being aware of their variations is crucial for successful endodontic treatment. Specifically, the intricate and diverse nature of the root anatomy in maxillary third molars poses a significant challenge for dental clinicians. The study analyzed the morphology of the root canal system in maxillary third molars among residents of the Lower Silesia region in Poland using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional imaging study was conducted at the X-Ray Diagnostics Laboratory of the Academic Dental Polyclinic of Wroclaw Medical University, Poland. The study evaluated 316 CBCT scans and included 196 maxillary third molars. They were obtained from 118 females and 78 males over the age of 18, in the period from January to April 2022 (three consecutive months). The number of roots, root canals, and root canal configurations according to Vertucci's classification were analyzed. RESULTS: Three-rooted maxillary molars were found most often (64.29%), followed by single-rooted (24.49%), two-rooted (7.65%), and four-rooted (3.57%) teeth. Among all the roots examined, Vertucci Type I root canals were the most prevalent. Our research found that single-rooted forms (40 teeth, 33.89% vs. 8 teeth, 10.26%, p = 0.0013) of maxillary third molars were significantly more common in females than in males. However, three-rooted forms (62 teeth, 79.49% vs. 64 teeth, 54.24%, p = 0.0013) of maxillary third molars were significantly more common in males than in females. DISCUSSION: In the Lower Silesia region, the typical maxillary third molar in the Polish population has a three-rooted structure with Vertucci Type I root canal configuration. We noted a sex-dependent correlation in maxillary third molar morphology, with single-rooted forms more prevalent in women and three-rooted forms in men.

Root anatomy and canal configuration of human permanent maxillary third molar - systematic review.

Knowledge of the root canals configuration is essential for the success of endodontic treatment. The main aim of the systematic review is to determine the number of roots and the number of root canals in maxillary third molars, in addition, where possible, to determine the Vertucci classification. This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement guidelines. The study protocol was registered and approved on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (Reg. No: CRD42022366444) before the start of the study. Twelve studies were included in the analysis, differing in sample origin and methodology. The combined studies were analyzed based on the number of roots, number of canals, and root canal configurations, and the findings were compared with those of other international studies. Analyzing the available research results regarding the root anatomy and canal configuration of the third maxillary molar, the most commonly maxillary third molars had 3 roots (59.00%). Single-rooted teeth (24.20%) or double-rooted teeth (13.80%) were less common. In addition, it was observed that maxillary third molars typically possessed three root canals (47.28%) and the MB (mesiobuccal), DB (distobuccal), and P (palatal) canals most often showed Vertucci Type I (59.53%, 95.83% and 98.61%, respectively) in three-rooted form. Due to the small number of available studies, it is necessary to conduct further analyses taking into account demographic and ethnic differences that may affect the anatomical and morphological structure of the teeth.

Copper(II) complexes with derivatives of pyrazole as potential antioxidant enzyme mimics.

A series of six mononuclear Cu(II) complexes with pyrazole-based ligands: 5-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-3-methyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-phosphonic acid dimethyl ester (1a), 5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1-(2-pyridylo)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1b) and 1-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1c) were characterized regarding to electrochemical and antioxidant properties. All complexes exhibit suitable Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox potential (E1/2) to act as antioxidant enzymes mimic. The five of these complexes were found to be trifunctional enzyme mimics possessing SOD, CAT and GPx-like catalytic activities. Moreover, Cu(II) complexes were capable to decrease ROS level in melanoma cells and observed effects were not merely a reflection of cytotoxicity.

Effect of light intensity in the nest site on eggshell pigmentation in a hole-nesting passerine.

Daylight is an important factor necessary for the proper embryonic development of birds, which raises the question, what happens when birds nest in relatively dim sites? The study experimentally tested whether there is a relationship between light conditions at the nesting site and the protoporphyrin-based pigmentation in the eggshell of the Great Tit (Parus major). We hypothesised that at lower light levels, eggs are less pigmented to increase the amount of light reaching the embryo. Our study system consisted of two types of nest boxes: "dark", in which the only source of light was the entrance hole, and "bright", which had two additional side windows. Photographs of clutches taken during the incubation period were used to quantify eggshell pigmentation. Multispectral image analyses were performed to measure variables correlating with protoporphyrin content, such as spot brightness, average spot size, spotting coverage, and spot red chroma. Repeatability analysis indicated that eggshell colouration characteristics were significantly and moderately repeatable between eggs from a single clutch, which suggests that they are under genetic and environmental control. However, none of the pigmentation traits differed significantly between the two types of nest boxes. We speculate about other ecological aspects that might have influenced the observed variability in eggshell pigmentation.

PD-1 and PDL-1 gene expression in nasal polyp tissue from patients with asthma exacerbated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs correlates with the severity of the disease.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical syndrome that includes asthma, nasal polyps and hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is referred to as airway disease exacerbated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients usually have the most severe form of nasal polyps. Asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps share a common inflammatory profile, involving type 2 helper T lymphocytes. T-cell activity can be inhibited via the programmed death receptor, PD-1, leading to modulation of the immune response. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the expression of genes encoding PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 in nasal polyp tissue in patients with asthma exacerbated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and to correlate the results with clinical data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material used for the study consisted of 54 tissue sections of nasal polyps. In the specimens, the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 genes was determined at the mRNA level by qPCR. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the results of the study. RESULTS: The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 genes in the tissue of polyps was statistically significantly higher than in the nasal mucosa of patients in the control group. In addition, there was a correlation between the expression of both genes at the mRNA level and the severity of nasal polyps in the paranasal sinuses analyzed from computed tomography images of the paranasal sinuses and assessed using the Kennedy scale. CONCLUSIONS: Determining the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 genes may provide a marker for the severity of polypoid lesions. In addition, learning more about the PD-1/PD-L signaling pathway and how it can be modulated may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with inflammatory diseases.

PD-1 and PD-L1 Expression Levels as a Potential Biomarker of Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Head and Neck Cancers.

Inflammation is an etiological factor of various chronic diseases contributing to more than 50% of worldwide deaths. In this study, we focus on the immunosuppressive role of the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligand (PD-L1) in inflammatory-related diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis and head and neck cancers. The study included 304 participants. Of this number, 162 patients had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), 40 patients had head and neck cancer (HNC) and there were 102 healthy subjects. The expression level of the PD-1 and PD-L1 genes in the tissues of the study groups was measured by qPCR and Western blot methods. The associations between the age of the patients and the extent of disease and genes' expression were evaluated. The study showed a significantly higher mRNA expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the tissues of both the CRSwNP and HNC patient groups compared to the healthy group. The severity of CRSwNP significantly correlated with the mRNA expression of PD-1 and PD-L1. Similarly, the age of the NHC patients influenced PD-L1 expression. In addition, a significantly higher level of PD-L1 protein was noticed also for both the CRSwNP and HNC patient groups. The increased expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 may be a potential biomarker of inflammatory-related diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis and head and neck cancers.

Chitin scaffolds derived from the marine demosponge Aplysina fistularis stimulate the differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.

The use of stem cells for tissue regeneration is a prominent trend in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In particular, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have garnered considerable attention. When exposed to specific conditions, DPSCs have the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and odontoblasts. Scaffolds are critical for cell differentiation because they replicate the 3D microenvironment of the niche and enhance cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. The purpose of this study is to present the biological responses of human DPSCs to a purified 3D chitin scaffold derived from the marine demosponge Aplysina fistularis and modified with hydroxyapatite (HAp). Responses examined included proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. The control culture consisted of the human osteoblast cell line, hFOB 1.19. Electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of the cells (transmission electron microscopy) and the surface of the scaffold (scanning electron microscopy). Cell adhesion to the scaffolds was determined by neutral red and crystal violet staining methods. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay was used for assessing osteoblast/odontoblast differentiation. We evaluated the expression of osteogenic marker genes by performing ddPCR for ALP, RUNX2, and SPP1 mRNA expression levels. The results show that the chitin biomaterial provides a favorable environment for DPSC and hFOB 1.19 cell adhesion and supports both cell proliferation and differentiation. The chitin scaffold, especially with HAp modification, isolated from A. fistularis can make a significant contribution to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

[Development and validation of method for the determination of cynarin, luteolin in plasma]. / Opracowanie i walidacja metody oznaczania cynaryny, luteoliny w osoczu.

The aim of this study was to develop and validate the method of cynarin and luteolin, the main constituents of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) leaf extract, determination in plasma. The compounds were separated using the high-performance liquid chromatography technique with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The analysis was preceded by liquid-liquid extraction using as the extracting agent ethyl acetate. The HPLC separation was performed on C18 column under gradient conditions using a mobile phase - 0,05% trifluoroacetic acid in water and methanol. The detector was set at lambda=330 nm. The validation was related to linearity, sensitivity (LOD and LOQ), accuracy and repeatability. In the validated method the linearity was achieved within concentration range 1,5625 - 50,0 microg/cm3 for the cynarin (R2=0,9989) and 1,5625 - 200,0 microg/cm3 for the luteolin (R2=0998). The limits of detection for cynarin and luteolin was: 0,75 microg/cm3 and 0,1 microg/cm3 and the limits of quatification: 2,25 microg/cm3 and 0,2 microg/cm3, respectively. Coefficient of variation for the inter-day and the intra-day analysis, which is a precision and accuracy parameter, do not exceed 10%. Recovery was 67% for the cynarin and 96% for the luteolin. The practical application of this method was proved by analysis of plasma samples from rats. The animals were administrated artichoke leaf extract - orally and intraperitoneally at a dose of 3 g/kg body weight or pure substances - intraperitoneally at a dose 1 mg/kg of luteolin and 0,5 mg/kg of cynarin. The presence of investigated compounds was proved only in samples after intraperitoneal administration of pure substances. The developed method is used to determine simultaneously cynarin and luteolin, after intraperitoneal administration of pure compounds.

[Artichoke--untapped potential of herbal medicine in the treatment of atherosclerosis and liver diseases]. / Karczoch zwyczajny- niewykorzystane mozliwosci leku roslinnego w terapii miazdzycy i chorób watroby.

Substances of natural origin are the subject of growing interest on the part of both researchers and doctors. One of the well known herbal medicines extensively examined in terms of clinical and pharmacological is artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), which was used in European medicine from the 18th century. His multidirectional treatment is a documented fact and it is associated with treatment of dyspepsia, influence of active substances contained in artichoke on plasma lipid levels and with a strong antioxidant effect of the artichoke extract--due to this properties, artichoke compounds have a protective effect on liver cells.

Threatened Masculinity: Gender-Related Collective Narcissism Predicts Prejudice Toward Gay and Lesbian People among Heterosexual Men in Poland.

We examined the relationships between different types of in-group positivity and prejudice toward gay and lesbian people among heterosexual men. We assumed that prejudice toward gay and lesbian people among heterosexual men should be predicted by gender-related collective narcissism (i.e., an unrealistic belief about in-group's greatness which is contingent on external validation and extremely sensitive to any signs of threats) and not secure gender in-group identification (i.e., a confidently held in-group evaluation which is independent of the recognition of the group by others and serves as a buffer against threats). Across two studies (final Ns = 212 and 180) we found that gender-related collective narcissism (but not secure gender in-group identification or gender self-esteem) is positively related to prejudice toward gay and lesbian people among heterosexual men. The results of Study 2 demonstrated that this relationship was largely accounted for by the perceived out-group threat.