Katowice School of Economics

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare disease stemming from complement system dysregulation, manifesting as thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). It is also described as a heritable, life-threatening disorder characterized by uncontrolled complement activation, leading to systemic TMA and damage to vital organs. aHUS is frequently considered a prototypical form of complement-mediated TMA (CM-TMA), resulting from the dysregulation and overactivation of the alternative complement pathway, culminating in excessive terminal complement activation. The classical clinical triad of aHUS encompasses thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and acute kidney injury.This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Specifically, this work intends to define aHUS, encompassing its pathomechanism, clinical presentation, and diagnostic criteria. Attention is also directed towards secondary aHUS, which can occur in association with various underlying conditions. Furthermore, this review covers current, available treatment modalities utilizing eculizumab and ravulizumab, providing a comparative analysis of these two agents and highlighting their significance as terminal complement pathway inhibitors. The fundamental mechanism underlying aHUS is the uncontrolled activation of the complement system, particularly its alternative pathway, leading to systemic TMA and life-threatening organ damage. The management of aHUS has been transformed with the introduction of terminal complement inhibitors, such as eculizumab and ravulizumab, which have demonstrated efficacy in improving hematological and renal parameters. Ravulizumab, a long-acting C5 inhibitor, allows for less frequent dosing compared to eculizumab. This paper underscores the importance of early recognition and the implementation of complement inhibitor therapy in aHUS and indicates the necessity for future comparative studies of eculizumab and ravulizumab to optimize treatment strategies.

To compare transient ischemic attack (TIA), transient global amnesia (TGA), and transient ischemic attack with lesions found in magnetic resonance imaging/diffusion-weighted imaging (MRI-DWI) scans, in order to find similarities and differences in their clinical picture. Magnetic resonance imaging scans account for a substantial part of the financial burden associa-ted with cerebrovascular events. Finding initial clinical features that differentiate transient brain ischemic events will be useful in developing standardized procedures for selecting patients who require further radiological imaging, thereby reducing overall costs. A total of 9701 patients hospitalized in two major tertiary hospitals in the Silesian voivodeship in Poland between January 2016 and July 2024 with a diagnosis of TGA, TIA, and ischemic stroke were analyzed. The final group consisted of 947 patients, who were further divided into three categories: 425 TIA (44.87%), 125 TGA (13.19%), and 387 TIA with MRI-DWI lesions (41.92%). The data of patients were statistically analyzed. Patients with transient focal symptoms and confirmed DWI lesions in MRI scans were significantly older. They were more likely to have coronary heart disease, had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, more severe symptoms, and were less likely to receive antiplatelet treatment than TGA and TIA patients. Transient global amnesia patients had higher systolic blood pressure on admission compared to other groups. The presence of DWI-MRI lesions is associated with a higher initial clinical burden. Our results confirm that the lack of stroke prevention therapies may have determined the more severe course of the vascular event. This study supports a sudden rise in blood pressure being a contributing factor in TGA patients. Older patients with TIAs, having several vascular risk factors, but lacking prevention therapies are likely to present with cerebral lesions on DWI-MRI. These patients should undergo additional imaging procedures.

Viral infections play a key role in the initiation of autoimmune processes and the development of virus-associated cancers. This review presents current knowledge on the mechanisms leading to autoimmunity following viral infections, such as molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, activation of the bystander phenomenon, and deregulation of regulatory T cells. Examples of infection-related autoimmune diseases (SLE, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis) and the impact of COVID-19 as a trigger for new disease entities are also discussed. Particular attention is paid to the role of oncogenic viruses (HPV, HBV, HCV, EBV, HTLV-1) and chronic immunosuppression in the initiation of malignant transformation, as well as the mechanisms of tumor microenvironment formation. The intersection of autoimmunity and immuno-oncology is presented, including the relationship between the occurrence of adverse effects of immunotherapy and treatment efficacy. The importance of biomarkers (ANA, ENA antibodies, cytokine profile) in diagnosis and the challenges in differentiating autoimmunity from early-stage cancers are also discussed. The final section presents therapeutic and preventive strategies, including the role of vaccination, patient monitoring, and immunomodulation. The need for multicenter prospective studies and the development of personalized treatment methods is emphasized. This topic has significant clinical and health implications, particularly in the post-pandemic era, where the incidence of autoimmune disorders and cancers associated with viral infections is increasing.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in children, frequently continuing into adulthood. Recent years have witnessed an increasing interest in the importance of physical activity as an adjunctive therapy for controlling ADHD symptoms, including impulsivity, focus difficulties, and hyperactivity. This article aims to review the existing evidence about the effects of physical activity on individuals with ADHD, focusing specifically on contemporary digital methods, including mobile applications, exergaming, virtual reality (VR) technologies, wearable fitness trackers and artificial intelligence (AI) programs. Studies confirm that physical activity improves executive functions, attention, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. The article presents the neurobiological mechanisms that elucidate the advantageous effects of exercise on executive functions, together with a review of empirical data validating the efficacy of these interventions. The essay additionally explores the possibility for customizing digital physical activity programs. The findings suggest that physical activity, augmented by digital technologies, can serve as a significant component of a comprehensive ADHD treatment framework, particularly in terms of personalizing therapy and enhancing patient involvement. Materials and methods: A review of the literature available in the PubMed and Google Scholar database was performed, using the key words: “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”, “ADHD”, “physical activity”, “digital interventions”, “exergaming”, “virtual reality”, “VR”.

Abstract Introduction Among biological macromolecules, proteins are increasingly recognised as key radiation targets. Conformational modifications of proteins and their stability after exposure to ionising radiation are fundamental issues in radiobiology and radiotherapy. This study aimed to qualitatively assess the accelerated ageing of human serum proteins after in vitro exposure to neutron radiation using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Material and methods Human serum samples from healthy volunteers were exposed to a 5 Gy dose of neutron radiation. The Californ-252 was utilised as the radiation source, with activity ranging from 65 to 58 MBq and an average neutron energy of 2.35 MeV. DSC profiles were acquired for fresh, control, and irradiated serum samples immediately after exposure. Subsequent DSC measurements were conducted weekly for one month. Results A qualitative analysis of DSC profiles made it possible to assess alterations in the serum proteins’ denaturation processes over time. The appearance of a low-temperature exothermic transition before the endothermic transition appears to be a characteristic feature of ageing-altered DSC serum profiles. All the changes visible on the DSC profiles of the irradiated samples are much more advanced than on the profiles of the control samples. In addition, the DSC method made it possible to observe the effect of individual variability on the shape of the DSC serum profiles of particular volunteers. Conclusions The study revealed that neutron irradiation most likely accelerates serum protein ageing processes. The results indicate a considerable variation in individual radiosensitivity of proteins taken from individuals to the effect of neutron radiation. In the future, the DSC measurement could be a simple test that provides information on the magnitude of personal radiosensitivity, an interesting aspect in the context of personalised radiotherapy.

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.

This work is aimed at developing intelligent systems capable of automatically classifying types of educational materials. This will allow students to find the resources they need faster, and it will make it easier for teachers to manage content in educational platforms. The solution of the problem of recognition of information objects using fuzzy output systems and neural networks is considered. This approach combines the advantages of neural machine learning with the flexibility and efficiency of fuzzy logic, making these systems effective tools for solving problems related to fuzzy or uncertain data. An information model of a neural network for classifying information objects in e-learning systems has been developed. Experimental testing of the proposed approach was carried out on a data set, which consists of information objects from real e-learning systems, namely such as manuals, lectures, syllabuses, and textbooks. Design an adaptive mechanism that utilizes fuzzy neural networks to personalize content recommendations for students based on their learning progress and preferences, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of e-learning systems. Improve the efficiency of classification algorithms by fine-tuning neural network parameters and fuzzy logic rules, ensuring high accuracy and computational efficiency when processing large-scale educational datasets. The results of experimental studies have shown that a neural network built based on fuzzy logic is able to classify various information objects efficiently and correctly in e-learning systems. It is shown that the integration of neural networks based on fuzzy logic into e-learning systems to improve the processes of classification of information objects makes it possible to increase the efficiency of educational resources management, ensuring accuracy and flexibility in processing various data.

Abstract Introduction:Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can negatively impact athletic performance. Symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chronic cough may limit exercise capacity and reduce training comfort. This study aims to present the effects of GERD on athletic performance and effective management strategies for athletes. Methods:A literature review was conducted, analyzing 31 scientific articles retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar. The study examined GERD epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, symptoms, and available treatment and lifestyle modification strategies. Results:GERD is more prevalent among athletes involved in endurance and strength sports, where intense exertion increases intra-abdominal pressure and weakens lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function. Symptoms can lead to reduced performance and exercise-related discomfort. Management strategies include dietary modifications, adjustments in exercise type and intensity, pharmacotherapy (proton pump inhibitors, prokinetic agents), and behavioral techniques such as stress control and sleep hygiene improvement. Conclusions:GERD poses a significant challenge for athletes, affecting their comfort and exercise capacity. Individualized management strategies, including dietary adjustments, tailored training modifications, and pharmacotherapy, can improve quality of life and sports performance. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of different physical activities on GERD and the efficacy of current treatment options.

Charakterystyczne dla współczesności procesy rozwoju mediów i ich wpływu na kulturę można określić mianem mediatyzacji. W artykule autor podejmuje próbę opisu tego postmodernistycznego stanu rzeczy, analizując zmiany w sposobie rozumienia pojęć ‘biografia’ i ‘narracja’.