Polish Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND The Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) is a self-reported questionnaire used for the evaluation of the overall health of patients with knee dysfunctions. The purpose of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Polish version of KOS-ADLS and to evaluate its psychometric properties in patients at the end-stage of knee osteoarthritis who were qualified for a total knee replacement (TKR). MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy patients consecutively qualified for surgical TKR procedure participated in this study. To adapt the KOS-ADLS, the following scales and reference tests were used: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Time Up and Go test (TUG), and Five Times Sit to Stand test (5×STS). The studies were conducted 3 times: 2 weeks before surgery (first study), 6 to 13 days later (retest), and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS The Polish version of KOS-ADLS showed excellent reliability (ICC=0.89 SEM=2.68, MDC=7.43) and high responsiveness (ES=4.76, SRM=3.18). The internal consistency was poor in the first assessment (Cronbach's alpha=0.68), but acceptable in the post-surgery evaluation (Cronbach's alpha=0.86). There were fair and moderate correlations found between KOS-ADLS and VAS scales in the first examination, TUG, and 5×STS. Stronger correlations were observed between the results obtained in KOS-ADLS and KOOS. CONCLUSIONS The Polish version of the KOS-ADLS demonstrated good reliability, validity, and responsiveness for use in patients who have undergone TKR surgery.

Novel Nystatin A1 derivatives exhibiting low host cell toxicity and antifungal activity in an in vitro model of oral candidosis.

Opportunistic oral infections caused by Candida albicans are frequent problems in immunocompromised patients. Management of such infections is limited due to the low number of antifungal drugs available, their relatively high toxicity and the emergence of antifungal resistance. Given these issues, our investigations have focused on novel derivatives of the antifungal antibiotic Nystatin A1, generated by modifications at the amino group of this molecule. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antifungal effectiveness and host cell toxicity of these new compounds using an in vitro model of oral candidosis based on a reconstituted human oral epithelium (RHOE). Initial studies employing broth microdilution, revealed that against planktonic C. albicans, Nystatin A1 had lower minimal inhibitory concentration than novel derivatives. However, Nystatin A1 was also markedly more toxic against human keratinocyte cells. Interestingly, using live/dead staining to assess C. albicans and tissue cell viability after RHOE infection, Nystatin A1 derivatives were more active against Candida with lower toxicity to epithelial cells than the parent drug. Lactate dehydrogenase activity released by the RHOE indicated a fourfold reduction in tissue damage when certain Nystatin derivatives were used compared with Nystatin A1. Furthermore, compared with Nystatin A1, colonisation of the oral epithelium by C. albicans was notably reduced by the new polyenes. In the absence of antifungal agents, confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that C. albicans extensively invaded the RHOE. However, the presence of the novel derivatives greatly reduced or totally prevented this fungal invasion.

Bisphenol A analogues and metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Bisphenols (BPs) have become a chemical group of special interest due to their ability to interfere with the endocrine system and their ubiquitous presence in the environment. As some of them possess mild estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects, they might be associated with the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Acting on multiple tissues, BPs exposure may lead to metabolic derangements characteristic for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the potential relationship between exposure to some BPA analogues and features of the MetS in women with PCOS. Serum BPE, BPC, BPG, BPM, BPP, BPZ, BPFL, and BPBP concentrations did not differ significantly between the PCOS (n = 135) and the control subjects (n = 104). However, women whose serum BPM and BPP concentrations were in the highest tertile were more likely to be diagnosed with PCOS (adjusted OR; [95%CI] 0.43; [0.20; 0.89], P < 0.001 and 0.56; [0.27; 0.96], P = 0.049, consequently). Serum concentrations of BPs were not associated with the MetS diagnosis in the PCOS group. There was a negative correlation between the concentrations of serum BPBP and total serum cholesterol (r = - 0.153; P = 0.019), BPE and serum testosterone (r = - 0.160; P = 0.014) as well as BPC and HDL-cholesterol (r = - 0.138; P = 0.036). There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of BPP and serum triglycerides (r = 0.138; P = 0.036). Our results point to the potential association between exposure to BPM, BPP, and the diagnosis of PCOS, along with the impact of BPBP, BPE, BPC, and BPP on the metabolic features of the MetS.

The Influence of Family Crisis Coping Strategies on Family Quality of Life in the Assessment of Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the strategies of coping with the family crisis in children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis on the level of their family's quality of life (FQOL). The study group consisted of 100 adolescents (girls 83%, boys 17% of the entire main group) with an average age of 14 (13.83 ± 1.92). The control group consisted of the same number of people as the study group (girls 78%, boys 22% of the entire control group) with an average age of 14 (14.09 ± 2.16). The FQOL scale was used to assess the family's quality of life, and the F-COPES scale was used to assess the problem-solving strategies used by the family (individual members) in a difficult life situation. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the two compared groups. While dealing with a crisis situation in their families, adolescents treated for idiopathic scoliosis were using the spiritual support strategy (M ± SD 5.12 ± 2.07) significantly more often, while their healthy peers much more willingly and more often benefited from other possible strategies (F-COPES). Additionally, statistically significant differences were observed in the assessment of children and adolescents from both groups that the usage of different strategies available on the F-COPES scale correlated and affected the areas of the FQOL level of their families. Gaining spiritual support had a negative impact on the area of physical and financial well-being of FQOL, as assessed by juveniles with SI (R = -0.254, p = 0.011). However, in the opinion of healthy peers, the strategy of gaining social support (F-COPES) resulted in a higher level of FQOL in the area of disability problems (p = 0.005). A long process of SI treatment can cause crisis situations for patients and their families and affect both the physical and mental health of patients by changing the FQOL level of their families.

Phage Interactions with the Nervous System in Health and Disease.

The central nervous system manages all of our activities (e.g., direct thinking and decision-making processes). It receives information from the environment and responds to environmental stimuli. Bacterial viruses (bacteriophages, phages) are the most numerous structures occurring in the biosphere and are also found in the human organism. Therefore, understanding how phages may influence this system is of great importance and is the purpose of this review. We have focused on the effect of natural bacteriophages in the central nervous system, linking them to those present in the gut microbiota, creating the gut-brain axis network, as well as their interdependence. Importantly, based on the current knowledge in the field of phage application (e.g., intranasal) in the treatment of bacterial diseases associated with the brain and nervous system, bacteriophages may have significant therapeutic potential. Moreover, it was indicated that bacteriophages may influence cognitive processing. In addition, phages (via phage display technology) appear promising as a targeted therapeutic tool in the treatment of, among other things, brain cancers. The information collected and reviewed in this work indicates that phages and their impact on the nervous system is a fascinating and, so far, underexplored field. Therefore, the aim of this review is not only to summarize currently available information on the association of phages with the nervous system, but also to stimulate future studies that could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches potentially useful in treating bacterial and non-bacterial neural diseases.

Validation of the Polish Version of Knee Outcome Survey Activities of the Daily Living Scale in a Group of Patients after Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Polish version of Knee Outcome Survey Activities of the Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) in a group of patients after arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). METHODS: The study was a longitudinal study with repeated measures. One hundred and twelve subjects who qualified for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction (mean age = 31.8 years) were initially enrolled in this study. The Polish version of KOS-ADLS and Short Form-36 v. 2.0 (SF-36) were used. RESULTS: The Polish version of KOS-ADLS in subjects after ACL rupture demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha for KOS-ADLS- total = 0.91), and test-retest reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC-total = 0.98). The standard error of measurement (SEM) value was 0.81 and the minimal detectable change (MDC) was 2.23 for KOS-ADLS-total. The validity analysis showed a moderate and low correlation between KOS-ADLS and different domains of SF-36 from r = 0.354 between KOS-ADLS activity and the physical component scale (PCS) of SF-36: to r = 0.206 between KOS-ADLS activity and the mental component scale (MCS) of SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: The Polish version of KOS-ADLS turned out to be a reliable, valid and responsive self-reported outcome measure, allowing for the self-assessment of symptoms and function related to the knee joint impairment after ACL reconstruction. Therefore, the scale can be applied in clinical practice and research.

Evolution of the T4 phage virion is driven by selection pressure from non-bacterial factors.

Bacteriophages colonize animal and human bodies, propagating on sensitive bacteria that are symbionts, commensals, or pathogens of animals and humans. T4-like phages are dependent on abundant symbionts such as Escherichia coli, commonly present in animal and human gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. Bacteriophage T4 is one of the most complex viruses, and its intricate structure, particularly the capsid head protecting the phage genome, likely contributes substantially to the overall phage fitness in diverse environments. We investigated how individual head proteins-gp24, Hoc, and Soc-affect T4 phage survival under pressure from non-bacterial factors. We constructed a panel of T4 phage variants defective in these structural proteins: T4∆Soc, T4∆24byp24, T4∆Hoc∆Soc, T4∆Hoc∆24byp24, T4∆Soc∆24byp24, and T4∆Hoc∆Soc∆24byp24 (byp = bypass). These variants were investigated for their sensitivity to selected environmental conditions relevant to the microenvironment of the GI tract, including pH, temperature, and digestive enzymes. The simple and "primitive" structure of the phage capsid (∆24byp24) was significantly less stable at low pH and more sensitive to inactivation by digestive enzymes, and the simultaneous lack of gp24 and Soc resulted in a notable decrease in phage activity at 37°C. Gp24 was also found to be highly resistant to thermal and chemical denaturation. Thus, gp24, which was acquired relatively late in evolution, seems to play a key role in T4 withstanding environmental conditions, including those related to the animal/human GI tract, and Soc is a molecular glue that enhances this protective effect. IMPORTANCE Bacteriophages are important components of animal and human microbiota, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, where they dominate the viral community and contribute to shaping microbial balance. However, interactions with bacterial hosts are not the only element of the equation in phage survival-phages inhabiting the GI tract are constantly exposed to increased temperature, pH fluctuations, or digestive enzymes, which raises the question of whether and how the complex structure of phage capsids contributes to their persistence in the specific microenvironment of human/animal bodies. Here we address this phage-centric perspective, identifying the role of individual head proteins in T4 phage survival in GI tract conditions. The selection pressure driving the evolution of T4-like phages could have come from the external environment that affects phage virions with increased temperature and variable pH; it is possible that in the local microenvironment along the GI tract, the phage benefits from stability-protecting proteins.

Immunogenic epitope scanning in bacteriolytic enzymes Pal and Cpl-1 and engineering Pal to escape antibody responses.

Bacteriolytic enzymes are promising antibacterial agents, but they can cause a typical immune response in vivo. In this study, we used a targeted modification method for two antibacterial endolysins, Pal and Cpl-1. We identified the key immunogenic amino acids, and designed and tested new, bacteriolytic variants with altered immunogenicity. One new variant of Pal (257-259 MKS → TFG) demonstrated decreased immunogenicity while a similar mutant (257-259 MKS → TFK) demonstrated increased immunogenicity. A third variant (280-282 DKP → GGA) demonstrated significantly increased antibacterial activity and it was not cross-neutralized by antibodies induced by the wild-type enzyme. We propose this variant as a new engineered endolysin with increased antibacterial activity that is capable of escaping cross-neutralization by antibodies induced by wild-type Pal. We show that efficient antibacterial enzymes that avoid cross-neutralization by IgG can be developed by epitope scanning, in silico design, and substitutions of identified key amino acids with a high rate of success. Importantly, this universal approach can be applied to many proteins beyond endolysins and has the potential for design of numerous biological drugs.

Chemical reactivity and antimicrobial activity of N-substituted maleimides.

Several N-substituted maleimides containing substituents of varying bulkiness and polarity were synthesised and tested for antimicrobial and cytostatic activity. Neutral maleimides displayed relatively strong antifungal effect minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs in the 0.5-4 µg ml(-1) range); their antibacterial activity was structure dependent and all were highly cytostatic, with IC(50) values below 0.1 µg ml(-1). Low antimicrobial but high cytostatic activity was noted for basic maleimides containing tertiary aminoalkyl substituents. Chemical reactivity and lipophilicity influenced antibacterial activity of neutral maleimides but had little if any effect on their antifungal and cytostatic action. N-substituted maleimides affected biosynthesis of chitin and ß(1,3)glucan, components of the fungal cell wall. The membrane enzyme, ß(1,3)glucan synthase has been proposed as a putative primary target of N-ethylmaleimide and some of its analogues in Candida albicans cells.

Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) in Urea Solution in Laboratory Tests and Field Experiments with Crops and Vegetables.

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are increasingly important in modern science, economics, and agriculture. Their biological activity involves influencing plant health, physiological processes, growth, and yields, although they can also be toxic in the environment. A new fertiliser was made based on a urea solution with a relatively low content of AgNPs obtained by the reduction of silver nitrate V. Laboratory tests were used to assess the effect of a fertiliser solution containing 10 ppm AgNPs on the germination of agricultural plant seeds (barley, peas, oilseed rape) and vegetables (radish, cucumber, lettuce) and its foliar application on chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and seedling biomass. Field experiments were conducted to assess the effect that a foliar application of 15 ppm AgNPs in working liquid had on physiological plant parameters and yields of rape and cucumber. The AgNPs in the tested fertiliser reduced infestation of the germinating seeds by pathogens and positively affected the physiological processes, productivity, and yields of plants. Plant response depended on plant species and habitat conditions. Reduced pathogen infestation of seeds, higher germination energy, increased chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance, and higher seedling masses all occurred under the influence of AgNPs, mainly in oilseed rape and cucumber, and especially under thermal stress. The beneficial effect of AgNPs on the yield of these plants occurred in years of unfavourable weather conditions. The positive agricultural test results, especially under stress conditions, indicate that fertiliser produced with AgNPs as an ingredient may reduce the use of pesticides and highly concentrated mineral fertilisers. Such a fertiliser is fully in line with the idea of sustainable agriculture. However, research on the effects that AgNPs and fertiliser have on the environment and humans should continue.

Effects of Core Stability Training on Functional Movement Patterns in Tennis Players.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a six-week core stability training program on the fundamental movement pattern assessed using the Functional Movement Screen Test in tennis players. The study group consisted of 160 subjects (74 women, 86 men) with a mean age of 20.26 ± 1.55. The Functional Movement Screen Test (FMS™), as well as the core stability tests including the lateral trunk muscles endurance test (the side bridge test), the abdominal muscles endurance test and the trunk extensors muscle endurance test­were used to evaluate the effects of core stability training. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the FMS test scores before and after introducing a core stability exercise program. Initially, the average total score of the FMS test in female tennis players was 14.58 ± 2.91, and after core stability training it was 17.20 ± 1.68 (p < 0.001). In the male group, the total FMS test score was 14.44 ± 2.76 before and 16.91 ± 1.36 after (p < 0.001) in the final assessment. Additionally, statistically significant differences were observed in the core stability test scores before and after introducing a stabilisation training program. The results of the study showed that specific core strengthening exercises could improve the FMS test scores in adult tennis players. This may also have an influence on reducing injury risk in this group, although further studies would be required to test this.

Circulation of Fluorescently Labelled Phage in a Murine Model.

Interactions between bacteriophages and mammals strongly affect possible applications of bacteriophages. This has created a need for tools that facilitate studies of phage circulation and deposition in tissues. Here, we propose red fluorescent protein (RFP)-labelled E. coli lytic phages as a new tool for the investigation of phage interactions with cells and tissues. The interaction of RFP-labelled phages with living eukaryotic cells (macrophages) was visualized after 20 min of co-incubation. RFP-labeled phages were applied in a murine model of phage circulation in vivo. Phages administered by three different routes (intravenously, orally, rectally) were detected through the course of time. The intravenous route of administration was the most efficient for phage delivery to multiple body compartments: 20 min after administration, virions were detected in lymph nodes, lungs, and liver; 30 min after administration, they were detectable in muscles; and 1 h after administration, phages were detected in spleen and lymph nodes. Oral and rectal administration of RFP-labelled phages allowed for their detection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract only.

DNA Dye Sytox Green in Detection of Bacteriolytic Activity: High Speed, Precision and Sensitivity Demonstrated With Endolysins.

Introduction: Increasing number of deaths from multi-drug resistant bacterial infections has caused both the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to repeatedly call for development of new, non-traditional antibacterial treatments. Antimicrobial enzymes, including those derived from bacteriophages, known as endolysins or enzybiotics, are considered promising solutions among the emerging therapies. These naturally occurring proteins specifically destroy bacterial cell walls (peptidoglycan) and as such, are capable of killing several logs of bacteria within minutes. Some endolysins cause lysis of a wide range of susceptible bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, whereas other endolysins are species- or even strain-specific. To make wide use of endolysins as antibacterial agents, some basic research issues remain to be clarified or addressed. Currently available methods for testing endolysin kinetics are indirect, require large numbers of bacteria, long incubation times and are affected by technical problems or limited reproducibility. Also, available methods are focused more on enzymatic activity rather than killing efficiency which is more relevant from a medical perspective. Results: We show a novel application of a DNA dye, SYTOX Green. It can be applied in comprehensive, real-time and rapid measurement of killing efficiency, lytic activity, and susceptibility of a bacterial population to lytic enzymes. Use of DNA dyes shows improved reaction times, higher sensitivity in low concentrations of bacteria, and independence of bacterial growth. Our data show high precision in lytic activity and enzyme efficiency measurements. This solution opens the way to the development of new, high throughput, precise measurements and tests in variety of conditions, thus unlocking new possibilities in development of novel antimicrobials and analysis of bacterial samples.

Serum bisphenol A analogues in women diagnosed with the polycystic ovary syndrome - is there an association?

Due to the endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol A (BPA) several governmental authorities have banned its use and the manufacturers had to find alternative substances with similar chemical properties. This led to the increase in the use of so-called BPA analogues, which however also turn out to possess mild estrogenic and ani-androgenic properties and thus, may cause fertility problems and sex-hormone dependent endocrinopathies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between the exposure to BPA and its two analogues: BPS and BPF, with the diagnosis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which remains the most common female endocrinopathy. Serum concentrations of BPA, BPS and BPF were measured using high performance liquid chromatography method with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) among 199 women with PCOS and 158 control subjects. In women with PCOS serum BPS concentrations were significantly higher compared to the control subjects (geometric mean [95% CI]: 0.14 ng/mL [0.10; 1.17] vs. 0.08 ng/mL [0.06; 0.09], P = 0.023). Serum BPA and BPF concentrations did not differ between the studied groups. There was however a negative correlation between serum BPA and HOMA-IR (r = - 0.233, P = 0.001) and TST (r = - 0.203, P = 0.006) in women with PCOS. No correlations were found between the serum BPs and other metabolic parameters such as serum lipids, insulin, DHEA-S, androstenedione and FAI. When studying the association between serum BPA analogues and PCOS it turned out that women whose serum BPS concentrations were in the first tertile were more likely to be diagnosed with this endocrinopathy (OR [95% CI]: 1.21 [1.04; 3.46], P = 0.017). This association was also statistically significant when adjusted for age, education, BMI, smoking, income, and alcohol consumption (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 1.12 [1.03; 3.71], P = 0.029). These results point to the potential association between the exposure to BPS and the diagnosis of PCOS. The role of BPA is not clear and warrants further studies.

Immune Response to Therapeutic Staphylococcal Bacteriophages in Mammals: Kinetics of Induction, Immunogenic Structural Proteins, Natural and Induced Antibodies.

Bacteriophages are able to affect the human immune system. Phage-specific antibodies are considered as major factors shaping phage pharmacokinetics and bioavailability. So far, general knowledge of phage antigenicity nevertheless remains extremely limited. Here we present comparative studies of immunogenicity in two therapeutic bacteriophages, A3R and 676Z, active against Staphylococcus aureus, routinely applied in patients at the Phage Therapy Unit, Poland. Comparison of the overall ability of whole phages to induce specific antibodies in a murine model revealed typical kinetics of IgM and IgG induction by these two phages. In further studies we identified the location of four phage proteins in the virions, with the focus on the external capsid head (Mcp) or tail sheath (TmpH) or an unidentified precise location (ORF059 and ORF096), and we confirmed their role as structural proteins of these viruses. Next, we compared the immune response elicited by these proteins after phage administration in mice. Similar to that in T4 phage, Mcp was the major element of the capsid that induced specific antibodies. Studies of protein-specific sera revealed that antibodies specific to ORF096 were able to neutralize antibacterial activity of the phages. In humans (population level), none of the studied proteins plays a particular role in the induction of specific antibodies; thus none potentially affects in a particular way the effectiveness of A3R and 676Z. Also in patients subjected to phage therapy, we did not observe increased specific immune responses to the investigated proteins.

Application of 16S rRNA gene sequencing in Helicobacter pylori detection.

Helicobacter pylori is one of the major stomach microbiome components, promoting development of inflammation and gastric cancer in humans. H. pylori has a unique ability to transform into a coccoidal form which is difficult to detect by many diagnostic methods, such as urease activity detection, and even histopathological examination. Here we present a comparison of three methods for H. pylori identification: histological assessment (with eosin, hematoxylin, and Giemsa staining), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of urease (ureA specific primers), and detection by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The study employed biopsies from the antral part of the stomach (N = 40). All samples were assessed histologically which revealed H. pylori in eight patients. Bacterial DNA isolated from the bioptates was used as a template for PCR reaction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing that revealed H. pylori in 13 and in 20 patients, respectively. Thus, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was the most sensitive method for detection of H. pylori in stomach biopsy samples.

Natural and Induced Antibodies Against Phages in Humans: Induction Kinetics and Immunogenicity for Structural Proteins of PB1-Related Phages.

Background: Bacteriophages may induce specific antibodies after natural exposure to phages or after phage therapy. As such, phage-specific antibodies might impact phage bioavailability in vivo, although limited non-neutralizing or insignificant effects have also been reported. Materials and Methods: Here, we report antibody induction against PB1-related phages (Pseudomonas viruses LMA2, F8, DP1) in mice over an 80-day period, for a healthy population of humans, and in patients undergoing phage therapy (oral and/or topical treatment). Results: All phages effectively induced specific immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in mice. Phage-specific antibodies were observed in humans, whereas recombinant virion proteins (PB1 gp22, gp29) did not induce phage-neutralizing antibodies, either in mice or in humans. The healthy human population was differentiated for frequency of phage-neutralizing antibodies. Conclusions: These data can hold key considerations for phage therapy cocktail design, as highly similar phages can still be highly complementary in cases where specific immune response hinders therapeutic use of phages.

The Substantial Improvement of Amphotericin B Selective Toxicity Upon Modification of Mycosamine with Bulky Substituents.

BACKGROUND: It is assumed that the unfavorable selective toxicity of an antifungal drug Amphotericin B (AmB) can be improved upon chemical modification of the antibiotic molecule. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was verification of the hypothesis that introduction of bulky substituents at the amino sugar moiety of the antibiotic may result in diminishment of mammalian in vitro toxicity of thus prepared AmB derivatives. METHODS: Twenty-eight derivatives of AmB were obtained upon chemical modification of the amino group of mycosamine residue. This set comprised 10 N-succinimidyl-, 4 N-benzyl-, 5 Nthioureidyl- and 9 N-aminoacyl derivatives. Parameters characterizing biological in vitro activity of novel compounds were determined. RESULTS: All the novel compounds demonstrated lower than AmB antifungal in vitro activity but most of them exhibited negligible cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes and three mammalian cell lines. In consequence, the selective toxicity of majority of novel antifungals, reflected by the selective toxicity index (STI = EH50/IC50) was improved in comparison with that of AmB, especially in the case of 5 compounds. The novel AmB derivatives with the highest STI, induced substantial potassium efflux from Candida albicans cells at concentrations slightly lower than IC50s but did not trigger potassium release from human erythrocytes at concentrations lower than 100 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: Some of the novel AmB derivatives can be considered promising antifungal drug candidates.

Knowledge Concerning Dietary Supplements among General Public.

Introduction. Diet and physical activity are widely recognized in maintaining health and preventing diseases. Currently, dietary supplements are also commonly believed to play a role in health promotion. However, a dietary supplement lacks single uniform definition within the scope of legal or nutritional sciences. Data on the usage of dietary supplements in Europe are still limited. The aim of this study was to assess subjective and objective knowledge of the inhabitants of south-eastern Poland about diet and supplementation in sport. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted in the south-east of Poland between October 2017 and July 2018 during three events organized by the University of Rzeszów. Initially, the study covered 500 people. During the preliminary analysis, 90 people were excluded from the study because they did not meet the previously well-explained rules of conduct during the study or did not meet the eligibility criteria for the tests. Finally, 410 people were qualified for the study. The survey method was a questionnaire with single-answer option. Results. Our study revealed statistically significant subjective and objective level of knowledge about diet and supplementation in terms of sex. Also, a correlation was found between sex and the fact of being involved in physical activity, as well as the subjects' knowledge of diet and supplementation in sport. Conclusion. High prevalence of dietary supplement use was found in our study population, but still significant percentage of the study group demonstrate inaccurate information about these products. Hence, there is an urgent need to provide the community with education and access to scientific and unbiased information.

Assessment of body adiposity preterm children at the beginning of school age.

In Poland, like in other developed countries, 6.3% of babies are born prematurely. Preterm babies suffer from numerous health issues. The aim of the study was to assess body adiposity in preterm children at the beginning of school age. The study population consisted of 61 children aged 5 to 8 years who had been born preterm. We performed standard anthropometric measurements according to internationally recognized methodology. The following parameters were used: Body Weight (BW), Body Heigh (BH), Waist Circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist to Height Ratio (WtHR), Triceps Skinfold Thickness (TST), Subscapular Skinfold Thickness (SST), Umbilical Skinfold Thickness (UST), as well as total sum of the above parameters, or the Global Adiposity (GA). The anthropometric measurements were taken according to international anthropometric methodology. All anthropometric parameters for body adiposity were significantly lower in the study population than in the reference system. We found a statistically significant relationship between: the number of fetuses and: UST (p = 0.007) and z-score UST (p = 0.030); combined number of unfavorable perinatal events: and UST (p = 0.013) and z-score UST (p = 0.007), GA (p = 0.038) and z-score GA (p = 0.040). Preterm children who are about to start school have significantly lower values of anthropometric features that characterize their body adiposity. In preterm children at early school age number of fetuses diversifies UST; and combined number of unfavorable perinatal events diversifies UST and GA. It is recommended that more studies are conducted on positively oriented modification of body adiposity in these children, as well as its long term monitoring.