University of Zielona Góra

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is a rare genetic disorder of calcium regulation. FHH type 3 (FHH3), caused by pathogenic variants in AP2S1, may present with clinically significant complications. Data on the treatment of this rare disorder is limited. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report an 11-year-old girl with a de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant in AP2S1 (NM_004069.6): c.44G>T p.(Arg15Leu). At the age of seven, our patient presented with hypercalcemia, hypocalciuria, and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), which were accompanied by low bone mineral density and persistent neurodevelopmental difficulties. Primary hyperparathyroidism and causative variants in the CASR gene were excluded, and cinacalcet was initiated. After a dose titration and vitamin D3 dose adjustments, a normalization of serum calcium and PTH was achieved, and symptoms improved substantially, although lumbar bone mineral density declined further, and neurological symptoms remained. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates cinacalcet as an effective and well-tolerated therapy in FHH3, with unresolved questions regarding skeletal and neurocognitive outcomes.

Ammonia (NH3) is a major environmental pollutant, responsible for approximately 50% of the PM2.5 pollution in Europe, contributing to eutrophication and acidification. Approximately 15% and 30% of NH3 is emitted from poultry production systems in Europe and North America, respectively. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors affecting NH3 emission factor (NH3 EF) from poultry production systems. In this study, we analysed the DATAMAN database to identify and quantify NH3 EF for different poultry housing systems. The data was classified into four production systems, including broiler production and layer production in North America and Europe· NH3 EF were calculated for these systems. Results showed that the NH3 EF from Europe-based layer production system was lower (52.7%) than North America-based layer production system; the difference was statistically significant (p=0.0483). Similarly, the NH3 EF for broiler production systems in Europe was 43% lower than that for North American systems (p=0.0084). The effect of litter management systems on NH3 EF was not significant (p=0.387). However, the NH3 EF for European-based new litter system (where the litter is removed after every flock) was 40% lower than North American-based built-up litter system (where several flocks are reared on the same litter). In this study, the EF from studies published after 2010 was 54% lower than those from studies published before 2010 (p=0.007), probably due to improved poultry production systems. Further emission research on newer, improved production systems is required to accurately calculate NH3 EF which is highly needed to improve the emission inventorying of modern poultry houses.

<ns3:p>The article discusses the culture of Polish universities. Interestingly, the lack of data from our inquiry has become a basis of the analysis. We refer to the shortage of data as “blank sheets” and we consider what “blank sheets” can tell us. The analysis has been carried out in the context of the commons theory. The research shows that the university is not an institution of the commons, which is understood not only as a resource but also as a form of relationship. The article starts with the description of the research, findings of which are then analyzed from the point of view of the commons understood in a broader sense than just natural or artificial resources. Finally, we ponder on how critical pedagogy and qualitative research may contribute to the “recovery” of the commons, or in other words the university.</ns3:p>

Cast iron, whose structure simultaneously contains graphite precipitates in various forms, with controlled proportions of individual forms, has been named "Vari-Morph" (VM) cast iron by the authors. The authors have been researching the properties of such cast iron for many years, and the results are being published successively. This new type of cast iron, not included in national (Polish) or European standards, is intended as a material for special-purpose castings. These castings have unique requirements for a set of properties: physical, mechanical, and functional. VM cast iron is characterized by a set of properties that cannot be achieved when the graphite is uniform in shape. The desired properties of VM cast iron are achieved by controlling the morphology of graphite precipitates and the proportion of individual forms in the structure, rather than by changing the matrix. To quantitatively describe graphite precipitates, a proprietary method for determining the graphite shape indicator (fK) was developed. Graphite precipitate analysis is performed by scanning a microscopic image of the metallographic specimen, and then using Tescan Imaging Software (Tescan ESSENCE™) Unified Control for Imaging and Analysis, each precipitate is described using surface metrology parameters. The final value of the graphite shape indicator (fK) is calculated as a weighted average of all precipitates present in the analysis field. Empirical relationships between the fK indicator and a selected group of physical, mechanical, and functional properties of VM cast iron were determined. Studies have demonstrated a very well-correlated relationship between the fK indicator in VM cast iron and ultrasonic wave velocity (CL). The relationship CL = f(fk) is characterized by a very high correlation coefficient of R > 0.90. In previous publications, the authors presented the relationships between the fK indicator and physical properties such as thermal conductivity (λ), specific density (ρ), strength (Rm), elongation (A5), index quality (IQ), and functional properties such as low-cycle mechanical fatigue resistance (Zc), thermal fatigue resistance (N), and cast iron tightness (H) as functions of the fK index. The study concerned VM cast iron with a ferritic matrix. This work contains new empirical relationships that extend previous studies. The newly developed relationships replace the fk shape indicator with the velocity of the ultrasonic wave determined in cast iron with a specific fK indicator value. This resulted in a number of practical dependencies, including: λ = f(CL); ρ = f(CL); ED = f(CL); Rm = f(CL); A5 = f(CL); IQ = f(CL); N = f(CL); Zc = f(CL); H = f(CL). These relationships allow us to measure the wave velocity in a Vari Morph iron casting (with various forms of graphite) and determine a number of characteristics and properties of the material/iron from which the casting was made. It is possible to assess the suitability of a casting with a specific structure for operation under selected conditions.

Effective and safe rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction is an important factor in determining a patient's return to health. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of two rehabilitation protocols in patients following ACL reconstruction. Twenty-four adults following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomly allocated to the study groups. The first group (SR) underwent standard rehabilitation, whereas the experimental group (SRI) performed standard rehabilitation and additional inertial exercises starting from the seventh week. After 12 weeks of rehabilitation, isokinetic and inertial strength, dynamic balance, thigh circumference, and body composition were evaluated. At the post-intervention assessment, both groups demonstrated comparable isokinetic strength and dynamic balance performance, with no significant between-group differences. In contrast, the SRI group demonstrated greater restoration of morphological symmetry and interlimb strength symmetry under inertial loading compared with the SR group (p < 0.05; Cohen's d = 1.37). Additionally, only the SRI group exhibited a significant increase in muscle mass of the operated limb, whereas no significant change was observed in the SR group. These findings indicate that early inclusion of inertial training provides additional benefits in morphological and inertial interlimb symmetry, without compromising conventional neuromuscular strength or balance outcomes following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder that comprises metabolic abnormalities such as central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Eventually, MetS leads to type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and increases the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. Patients with MetS are approximately five times more prone to develop T2DM. The increase in global prevalence of MetS is a major cause of concern. The microelement zinc is an essential trace element that plays a pivotal role in numerous biological processes occurring in the body. We carried out a thorough search of published studies in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Zinc plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system, wound healing, protein synthesis, metabolism, inflammation, and different oxidative stress pathways. It is also vital for insulin homeostasis and signaling. The potential role of zinc in managing insulin resistance may be a key component in the treatment of MetS. Zinc acts via various signaling pathways, such as AMPK and mTOR, and influences lipid and glucose metabolism. The regulation of zinc metabolism at the cellular level is important for various biological processes, and disruption in zinc homeostasis results in the development of many diseases. The present review aims to discuss the role of zinc in MetS. It is concluded that zinc level modulation may be a key point in the prevention and treatment of MetS.

We study the integrability of a two-dimensional Hamiltonian system with a gyroscopic term and a non-homogeneous potential composed of two homogeneous components of different degrees. The model describes the motion of a particle in a plane under the combined influence of a central (Kepler-type) potential, a uniform magnetic field, and a superposition of homogeneous forces. By combining the Levi–Civita regularization with the so-called coupling constant metamorphosis transformation, and employing differential Galois theory, we derive analytical necessary conditions for integrability in the Liouville sense. They put restrictions on the degrees of homogeneity of the potential terms and their values in particular points. The obtained results encompass and generalize several classical galactic and astrophysical models, including the generalized Hill model, the Hénon–Heiles and Armbruster–Guckenheimer–Kim systems, providing a unified framework for studying non-homogeneous Hamiltonians. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the derived integrability obstructions by proving the non-integrability of these models in the presence of a uniform rotational field. The numerical analysis via the Poincaré cross-sections further confirms the analytical results, illustrating the transition from regular to chaotic dynamics as the rotational and non-homogeneous terms are introduced. Moreover, we show that, without the Kepler-type term, a generalized non-homogeneous extension of the exceptional potential remains integrable. The explicit forms of the first integrals are given.

Addiction disorders remain a major challenge in contemporary psychiatry due to high relapse rates and significant individual and societal burden. Despite advances in addiction neurobiology, current diagnostic frameworks and dominant models offer limited tools for early risk identification and dynamic support of clinical decision-making across the course of treatment. The aim of this narrative review is to introduce the MAC/MAB-RCS model as an integrated conceptual framework for risk stratification and personalized intervention in addiction psychiatry. The proposed model integrates evidence from four complementary domains: genetic, epigenetic, and stress-axis biomarkers; functional brain network organization; and psychological/psychiatric dimensions relevant to addictive behaviors. These domains are synthesized into a unified conceptual structure designed to capture dynamic regulatory processes underlying addiction vulnerability. At the core of the model lies the Regulatory Control State (RCS), a latent higher-order construct representing an individual's dynamic regulatory capacity through the integration of cognitive control, emotional regulation, and motivational drive modulation. Disruption of the RCS is conceptualized as a shared transdiagnostic mechanism driving craving escalation, compulsive behavior, and relapse vulnerability, independent of substance class or specific addictive behavior. The MAC/MAB-RCS model aligns with the principles of precision psychiatry by offering a pragmatic, clinically oriented translational framework with potential applicability across clinical settings, bridging neurobiological research and clinical practice. The review discusses its relationship to existing models, potential clinical and systemic applications, key limitations, and priorities for future validation studies.

Pulmonary rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery of patients after COVID-19. Because training standards and clinical exposure differ internationally, the present findings should be interpreted within the Polish educational and clinical context. This study assessed the level of knowledge and self-perceived competence of physiotherapists and physiotherapy students regarding techniques used in the rehabilitation of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. A total of 110 participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing perceived importance and self-assessed competence in key pulmonary rehabilitation techniques. Group comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post hoc analysis due to non-normal data distribution. Breathing exercises, spirometric assessment, and strength and endurance training were rated as the most important and familiar components of pulmonary rehabilitation. Greater variability was observed for postural drainage and manual chest techniques, with lower competence reported by less experienced respondents. Self-assessed experience was significantly associated with both education level and length of clinical practice (p < 0.05), reflecting a predictable progression in clinical skill acquisition. Higher education level and longer clinical experience were independently associated with greater perceived competence in pulmonary rehabilitation. These findings highlight the need to strengthen hands-on training for physiotherapy students and to provide focused professional development in airway-clearance techniques to better meet the clinical needs of post-COVID-19 patients.