Aflofarm (Poland)

Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent and increasingly recognized disorder of the ocular surface that poses a significant clinical and public health challenge worldwide. Its complex and heterogeneous nature reflects the interplay of tear film instability, inflammation, epithelial dysfunction, and neurosensory abnormalities. The evolving understanding of DED pathophysiology has led to substantial changes in diagnostic criteria and therapeutic paradigms, shifting from purely symptomatic management toward mechanism-based and individualized approaches. Ongoing advances in molecular biology, immunology, and biomedical technology continue to reshape the therapeutic landscape of DED. In light of the growing clinical burden and the evolving understanding of DED as a complex, multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface characterized by loss of tear film homeostasis, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and neurosensory abnormalities—as defined by the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society in the TFOS DEWS III report—the purpose of this study was to comprehensively review the current evidence regarding DED pathophysiology, risk factors, classification, diagnostic algorithms, and contemporary therapeutic strategies, with particular emphasis on mechanism-based and emerging treatments.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune connective tissue disorder that leads to disability, impairment and premature mortality. As non-pharmacological approaches that do not interfere with existing treatments, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, electrotherapy and cryotherapy present promising supplemental options. Although they are employed in the treatment of RA patients,their mechanisms of action and advantages are not fully understood and remain an area of ongoing research. Aim of the Study: This review explores the mechanisms of magnetotherapy, laser therapy, electrotherapy andcryotherapy and evaluates their effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, pain, and functional outcomes in RA, providing insights into their potential as a complementary treatment and identifying potential risks. Materials and Methods: A review of research literature was conducted through databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and the Cochrane Library Results: The studied methods effectively reduced pain and disease activity in RA patients. Conclusions: These methods can complement conventional treatments, but further research is needed to standardize protocols and assess risks.

Background: The HGF/c-Met signaling pathway is central to various biological processes, including tissue regeneration, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in cancer progression and poor prognosis. Despite its potential as a therapeutic target, the complexity of HGF/c-Met signaling and the associated challenges, such as off-target effects and limited understanding of its role in different disease contexts, pose significant obstacles to clinical translation. Objectives: This review aims to examine the role of the HGF/c-Met pathway in tissue regeneration and cancer, with a focus on its therapeutic potential. We explore how HGF/c-Met signaling contributes to stem cell function, tissue repair, and cancer biology, as well as the development of targeted therapies aimed at modulating this pathway. Methods: A thorough review of the literature was conducted, focusing on studies examining HGF/c-Met signaling in cancer and tissue regeneration. Relevant research databases were explored to identify key findings related to HGF/c-Met interactions, the effects of HGF on stem cell function, and the development of therapeutic agents targeting this pathway. Conclusions: The HGF/c-Met pathway holds significant promise in both cancer treatment and tissue regeneration, particularly through its role in stem cell biology. Further research is needed to better understand its mechanisms and optimize targeted therapies. Combining pharmacological agents that modulate HGF/c-Met signaling with personalized treatment approaches could enhance therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients. Addressing current limitations, including the refinement of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, will be essential in fully harnessing the potential of HGF/c-Met in clinical practice.

Introduction: Snus is a tobacco-containing product particularly popular in Scandinavian countries. It comes in the form of a pouch filled with tobacco, which is typically placed under the upper lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the mucous membrane. Due to the absence of combustion during snus use—and consequently the lack of substances produced by this process—many manufacturers claim that snus is a healthier alternative to cigarettes. The aim of this article is to review scientific studies examining the effects of snus on the human body and to objectively summarize its impact on human health. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by collecting scientific articles from the PubMed database and other online scientific databases. The articles were identified using keywords such as "snus," "smokeless tobacco," and "snus health impact." Results: Snus cannot be considered a healthier alternative to tobacco use. While it does not cause many of the diseases associated with smoking and the toxic compounds produced during combustion, it is still addictive and contributes to other health issues caused by the substances it contains and the way it is consumed. This product requires more detailed scientific research.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether anxiety and insomnia symptoms, somatic symptoms, and social dysfunction mediate the link between chronotype and suicidality, as depressive symptoms are known to do, among students of the faculties of Medicine and Psychology. Data from a total of 289 students were eligible for the analysis. The students completed the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire – Revised, Composite Scale of Morningness, General Health Questionnaire. Single-predictor linear regression models were created to predict suicidality, with a subsequent mediation analysis. A preference toward eveningness was associated with an increase in suicidality Somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, and depressive symptoms fully mediated the relationship between chronotype and suicidality. Depressive symptoms were found to present the strongest effect size of mediation. Social dysfunction was associated with both eveningness and suicidality, but did not play a mediating role. There might be a need to evaluate nonpsychotic mental health indices other than depressive symptoms when assessing the link between suicidality and chronotype among students of the faculties of Medicine and Psychology.

The hybrid technology combines an efficient material-removal process and implant surface treatment by the laser reducing time of manufacture process compared to currently used machining technologies. It also permits precise structuring of the implant material surface. Six structures of the Ti6Al4V ELI surface were designed and studied how the structure topography prepared with the hybrid technology affected the Escherichia coli adhesion to the surface and viability, as well as the growth, adhesion, and viability of human osteogenic Saos-2 cells cultured on the investigated surfaces. Results have confirmed that the microtopography of medical titanium alloy plays a beneficial role in bacterial adhesion and viability (number of bacteria found on reference surface: [5.9 ± 0.44] × 106 CFU/ml, sample no. 3: [8.8 ± 0.93] × 104 CFU/ml, and sample no. 5: [1.2 ± 0.23] × 107 CFU/ml; CFU - Colony Forming Unit). All tested structured surfaces enabled good cell attachment and proliferation of Saos-2 cells (viability of Saos-2 cells [% of control] for reference surface: 81.93%; sample no. 3: 75% and sample no. 5: 100%). Transcriptome analysis of genes commonly expressed in the process of osseointegration demonstrated that the use of hybrid technology allows designing structures that enhance osseointegration but it should be coupled with other methods of preventing bacterial growth, or with a different strategy to limit microbial colonization with the satisfactory osseointegration potential.

We evaluated the connection between the presence of the -2518 A/G MCP-1 as well as 190 G/A CCR2 polymorphic variants and colorectal cancer (CRC) occurrence. Study group consisted of subjects with different stages of CRC as well as healthy controls. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. W observed an association between the colorectal cancer and the GG genotype of the -2518 A/G MCP-1 single nucleotide polymorphism. No statistically significant correlation was found between CRC and the 190 G/A CCR2 polymorphism. The results of this study support the hypothesis that polymorphism in the MCP-1 gene may contribute to the etiology of colorectal cancer.