WSB University

Gene expression silencing is one of the key tools in molecular biology and is widely applied in in vitro studies to investigate gene function and the mechanisms regulating cellular processes. The dynamic development of molecular techniques has resulted in the availability of numerous strategies that enable either transient or permanent reduction of gene activity at different stages of gene expression. The aim of this work is to review and compare gene expression silencing methods used in in vitro models, with particular emphasis on their mechanisms of action, efficiency, durability of the effect, and experimental limitations. The article discusses classical approaches based on RNA interference, including the use of siRNA, shRNA, and microRNA modulation, as well as strategies employing antisense oligonucleotides. Special attention is given to technologies based on the CRISPR system, including CRISPRi as a tool for reversible transcriptional repression and CRISPR–Cas9, which enables permanent disruption of gene function. Issues related to the delivery of molecular tools into cells, validation of silencing efficiency, and the importance of appropriate experimental controls are also addressed. Analysis of the literature indicates that the choice of an appropriate method should be tailored to the research objective, the characteristics of the gene under investigation, and the planned duration of the experiment. Increasingly, a complementary approach—combining different gene silencing strategies is recommended, as it enhances the reliability of results obtained in in vitro studies.

Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of sickness absence and reduced productivity in industrial occupations, prompting widespread adoption of workplace health interventions. Individually customized orthopedic insoles (ICOIs) have become a recommended ergonomic solution to enhance comfort, mitigate biomechanical stress, and potentially reduce work-related disability. However, their actual impact on core organizational outcomes remains debated. This systematic review synthesized findings from 74 published studies to assess the effectiveness of ICOIs on sickness absence, productivity, and implementation in industrial employees. A comprehensive literature search was retrospectively conducted across major databases, encompassing randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, clinical interventions, and systematic reviews addressing ICOIs or comparable interventions in occupational contexts. Studies varied broadly in design, population, intervention protocols, outcome definitions, and analytical rigor. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using design-appropriate bias criteria. Heterogeneity of outcome measures and reporting methods precluded meta-analysis; thus, results were narratively synthesized across key outcomes. The review found that ICOIs consistently provided subjective benefits such as improved physical comfort, pain reduction, and enhanced foot alignment. These advantages, though valued by workers and employers alike, did not translate into a concomitant reduction in sickness absence or a robust improvement in objective productivity measures. Only a minority of studies directly measured absenteeism or reported quantifiable organizational gains; most results were confounded by co-interventions, short follow-up periods, and inconsistent outcome reporting. Evidence comparing ICOIs to prefabricated or standard insoles showed negligible differences in absenteeism or work performance, although individual comfort and user satisfaction were often higher with customized devices. Adherence challenges, compatibility with safety footwear, and resource constraints were frequently cited as practical barriers to sustained effectiveness. The current evidence does not support the use of ICOIs as standalone interventions for improving attendance or productivity in industrial workplaces. Instead, their value is maximized when integrated into broader ergonomic or occupational health strategies. Decision-makers should remain cautious, prioritizing multi-component interventions and considering cost-effectiveness, particularly given the comparable effectiveness of high-quality prefabricated insoles in many cases. Major gaps persist, notably the lack of standardized outcome definitions for absenteeism and productivity, insufficient longitudinal real-world studies, and limited cost-effectiveness analyses. Future research should address these limitations to clarify under which conditions ICOIs yield clear, sustainable occupational benefits.

Introduction and Purpose: Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a leading adaptogen in phytotherapy and sports nutrition. This review evaluates scientific evidence (2015–2024) regarding its impact on mental health, physical performance, and safety profile.Material and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2018 and 2024. Twenty-three high-quality sources were selected for analysis.Results: Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduces serum cortisol and alleviates symptoms of anxiety and stress. In sports medicine, it is associated with increased muscle strength (1RM) and power, improved VO₂ max, and accelerated recovery, evidenced by reduced creatine kinase levels. Furthermore, it improves sleep quality and cognitive functions. While generally well-tolerated, rare cases of idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity and clinically significant interactions with thyroid and immunosuppressive medications have been documented.Conclusion: Ashwagandha exhibits substantial therapeutic potential as an ergogenic and anxiolytic agent. Despite high-level evidence of its efficacy, the risk of rare adverse events and drug interactions necessitates medical supervision. Future research should prioritize long-term safety monitoring and dosing standardization.

The article examines the impact of trauma on the identity of Eva Hoffman, whose Lost in Translation sheds light on the process of adapting identity to a new culture. However, the Holocaust trauma, which is more obscure, also shapes her path. Drawing on dialogic philosophy and the notion of posttraumatic identity, the text argues that conquering shame is crucial for the development of a subjectivity and reclaiming agency. However, avoiding shame at any cost may hinder relationships, leading to isolation of the “I.”

Patriotyzm to umiłowanie ojczyzny, które polega na wypełnianiu wobec niej różnych obowiązków. Wiąże się z życiem każdego dnia według określonych wartości. Są nimi: język ojczysty, historia, tradycja i obyczaje, kultura oraz religia. Należy podkreślić, że postawy patriotyczne kształtują się najpierw w rodzinie, następnie w szkole i lokalnej społeczności, w społeczeństwie i narodzie. Trzeba zatem formować je już od najmłodszych lat. Wychowanie patriotyczne zajmuje ważne miejsce również w społecznej nauce Kościoła, ponieważ ma ona nie tylko rozwijać wiarę w Boga, ale także kształtować umiejętność życia we wspólnocie. Doskonale rozumieli to Jan Paweł II i Stefan kard. Wyszyński, którzy na stałe wpisali się w historię Polski jako wybitni wychowawcy narodu. Warto przypomnieć nauczanie tych wybitnych Pasterzy Kościoła, który odcisnęli niezatarte znamię na historii, teraźniejszości i przyszłości Polski. W pierwszej części artykułu zostały zaprezentowane personalistyczne podstawy refleksji o wychowaniu patriotycznym. W kolejnej – myśli Stefana kard. Wyszyńskiego na temat wychowania patriotycznego rodzin. W trzeciej – omówione są zadania i perspektywy wychowania patriotycznego w ujęciu Jana Pawła II. Powrót do ich nauczania może się stać inspiracją dla rodzin do podjęcia z większym zaangażowaniem odpowiedzialności za patriotyczne wychowanie młodego pokolenia.

This research aims to explore regional place-based approaches to climate change in cross-border regions (CBR)s. CBRs face unique challenges as well as opportunities to develop innovative approaches and more resilient responses to the threats generated by climate change (CC). The study reveals the policy directionality in CBRs across multiple levels of government. Specifically, we explore how the different policy objectives – climate mitigation vs adaptation – are aligned across the international borders in Polish CBRs and their counterparts in Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, and Lithuania. The paper uses mixed methods combining qualitative data concerning both policy documents and investment figures issued at regional, national, and cross-border policy levels. The findings demonstrate the spatial sensitivity in approaches to CC across CBRs. Different levels of policy alignment are reported against the institutional set-ups of the CBRs. The analysis shows a clear consensus on the role of cross-border cooperation in addressing CC-related threats, including floods and forest fires. These threats are recognised unanimously across the CBRs’ sample, although the remediation measures vary. The analysis demonstrates that a similar institutional set-up, across the two sides of the border, “ per se ” does not necessarily guarantee a coherent approach toward CC.

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.

This study introduces a comprehensive modeling framework for the evaluation of automotive hydraulic shock absorbers, developed on the basis of an interdisciplinary coupled model that integrates the shock absorber and the servo-hydraulic test-rig subsystems. The coupled formulation captures the key dynamic interactions within the damper assembly and establishes a virtual experimental environment for multi-criteria design exploration and optimization. Three interdependent performance objectives are addressed concurrently: (i) ensuring damping-force conformity within specified tolerance limits to maintain vehicle stability and safety, (ii) minimizing vibration amplitudes, quantified by piston-rod acceleration as an NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performance indicator, and (iii) evaluating the fatigue life of the shim-stack valve system based on alternating stress analysis and experimentally determined Wöhler material characteristics, to ensure long-term operational durability. A Pareto-frontier-based multi-objective optimization strategy is applied to identify and interpret the trade-offs and synergies among these competing criteria. The resulting set of non-dominated solutions provides engineering insight into optimal configuration selection under conflicting design constraints, thereby supporting early-stage, risk-informed decision-making in the development of advanced suspension systems.