Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana P. Abreu, Rodrigo Martins, Joao Nunes
Summary: This paper explores the innovative applications of Chlorella sp. and Spirulina (Arthrospira) sp. in sustainable development, health, and industry. These include wastewater treatment, biofuel production, drug development, tissue engineering, and industrial production of biopolymers and renewable energy technologies.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
P. Letras, S. Oliveira, J. Varela, M. C. Nunes, A. Raymundo
Summary: This study created an innovative gluten-free cereal snack using 3D printing technology and improved its nutritional value by incorporating Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) biomass. Snacks containing 5% Spirulina showed the best performance in terms of nutrition and sensory evaluation.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina A. Wojtunik-Kulesza
Summary: Monoterpenes, the largest group of plant secondary metabolites, have antioxidative, antibacterial, sedative and anti-inflammatory activity, making them widely used in medicine, food and cosmetic industries. However, long-term studies have revealed their toxic properties and potential side effects on human health.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohammed F. El Basuini, Ahmed A. A. Khattab, Salma H. Abu Hafsa, Islam I. Teiba, Nabila E. M. Elkassas, Emad H. El-Bilawy, Mahmoud A. O. Dawood, Safaa Elsayed Salah Atia
Summary: An 8-week trial was conducted to investigate the effects of Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris on the growth, nutrient aspects, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants of New Zealand white rabbits. The results showed that incorporating Arthrospira or Chlorella in the rabbit's diet improved performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal efficacy, and antioxidants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Piotr Rzymski, Nadiia Kasianchuk, Dominika Sikora, Barbara Poniedzialek
Summary: This study analyzed the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine coverage and infection rates, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths during the Omicron wave in the European Economic Area. The findings showed that infection rates were not correlated with vaccine coverage. However, in January and February, the completion of initial vaccination and booster dose percentages were strongly negatively correlated with hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and death. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination can help reduce the strain on healthcare systems during the Omicron wave, but new vaccine strategies may be needed for long-term effectiveness and durability.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Ewelina Hallmann, Dominika Sikora, Barbara Poniedzialek, Karol Szymanski, Katarzyna Kondratiuk, Jakub Zurawski, Lidia Brydak, Piotr Rzymski
Summary: The frequency of autoantibodies against ACE2 in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 is not well-studied and limited to investigations on a small sample size. The presence of these antibodies may contribute to the long-lasting effects of COVID-19. This study assessed the prevalence of IgG autoantibodies against ACE2 in 1139 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and examined their relationship with severity, demographic characteristics, and influenza vaccination status.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nadiia Kasianchuk, Piotr Rzymski, Lukasz Kaczmarek
Summary: Tardigrades are microinvertebrates with extreme tolerance to environmental stressors. Some molecules involved in their extremotolerance have been identified, offering potential opportunities in biomedical and pharmacological development.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Piotr Rzymski, Piotr Klimaszyk, Nadiia Kasianchuk, Paulina Jakubiak, Jedrzej Proch, Przemyslaw Niedzielski
Summary: This study experimentally investigates the chemistry of water mixed with different levels of perchlorate in Martian regolith simulant. The presence of perchlorate does not significantly affect the general patterns of water chemistry parameters. The results provide important insights into the physicochemical conditions of modern liquid water on Mars and its potential implications for biological life and resource utilization.
Article
Virology
Robert Flisiak, Piotr Rzymski, Dorota Zarebska-Michaluk, Przemyslaw Ciechanowski, Krystyna Dobrowolska, Magdalena Rogalska, Jerzy Jaroszewicz, Anna Szymanek-Pasternak, Marta Rorat, Dorota Kozielewicz, Justyna Kowalska, Ewa Dutkiewicz, Katarzyna Sikorska, Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
Summary: This study compares the epidemiological characteristics, symptomatology, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients hospitalized during periods dominated by different variants. The Delta period had a higher proportion of hospitalized females, fewer comorbidities, and a different age distribution. Omicron dominance was associated with the lowest need for oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. Symptoms such as cough, fever, dyspnea, and fatigue were most prevalent during the Delta period. The Omicron period showed higher discharge rates and lower mortality compared to the Delta period.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Willis Gwenzi, Tinoziva T. Simbanegavi, Piotr Rzymski
Summary: Pharmaceuticals are widely used in Africa, but the disposal practices and pollution risks associated with pharmaceuticals in low-income settings are not well understood. This review examined the literature to address key factors driving accumulation of unused and expired pharmaceuticals, current disposal practices, potential hazards, and research needs. Evidence shows that wastewater containing excreted pharmaceuticals often ends up in on-site sanitation systems and unused and expired pharmaceuticals are disposed of in pit latrines, household waste, or burned. The pollution risks and human health hazards of these practices are poorly understood, especially the impact on groundwater sources.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Halina Falfushynska, Nadiia Kasianchuk, Eduard Siemens, Eliana Henao, Piotr Rzymski
Summary: Global warming and human-induced eutrophication have led to the presence of various cyanotoxins in aquatic environments, which pose a threat to aquatic biota and human health. This paper reviews the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of the most studied cyanotoxins in the aquatic environment, namely microcystins, nodularins, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxins, and saxitoxins, especially in fish. The complex effects of cyanotoxins on fish include primary toxicity signs, oxidative stress, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, as well as immunomodulatory, inflammatory, and endocrine responses. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of cyanotoxins on fish and to establish effective monitoring and management strategies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Robert Flisiak, Marta Flisiak-Jackiewicz, Piotr Rzymski, Dorota Zarebska-Michaluk
Summary: This article presents the results of observational studies and clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in the treatment of COVID-19. Despite conflicting results, large studies have ultimately proven that blocking the attachment of IL-6 to its receptors can effectively reverse the fatal course of the disease. The article also discusses meta-analyses that mostly support the validity of tocilizumab therapy, as well as its inclusion in important recommendations and authorization by regulatory authorities for COVID-19 treatment.
EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTI-INFECTIVE THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Virology
Piotr Rzymski, Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska, Tomasz Dzieciatkowski, Willis Gwenzi, Andrzej Fal
Summary: mRNA vaccines are life-saving interventions and have shown promise in providing protection against various viruses. There are ongoing technological challenges in developing the mRNA platform, as well as potential for manufacturing in low-income countries. The continued research and interest in mRNA technology may overcome existing challenges and expand the portfolio of authorized vaccines, opening up new pathways against infections with no current immunization methods.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Magdalena Kal, Bernadetta Platkowska-Adamska, Dorota Zarebska-Michaluk, Piotr Rzymski
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause ophthalmic problems, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can assess vascular conditions. COVID-19 patients show changes in retinal and choroidal vascular parameters based on OCTA, such as reduced vascular density and an increased foveal avascular zone, which can persist for several months. Further research is needed to understand the risk of retinal and choroidal vascular changes in different viral variants/subvariants and in relation to reinfected and vaccinated individuals.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dominika Sikora, Jedrzej Proch, Przemysllaw Niedzielski, Piotr Rzymski
Summary: Modern food production accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and edible insects have emerged as a low-carbon source of protein. This study analyzed the nutritional and safety aspects of insect-based food and feed products available in the EU. The results indicate that these products have favorable mineral content with low levels of contaminants, but further research is needed to understand the potential risks.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Robert Flisiak, Dorota Zarebska-Michaluk, Krystyna Dobrowolska, Marta Rorat, Magdalena Rogalska, Justyna Anna Krynska, Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska, Piotr Czupryna, Dorota Kozielewicz, Jerzy Jaroszewicz, Katarzyna Sikorska, Agnieszka Bednarska, Anna Piekarska, Piotr Rzymski
Summary: This study compared the clinical presentation of COVID-19 during the initial and later periods of Omicron dominance and identified populations still at risk. Patients hospitalized during the later period had a milder disease course, with older age, better clinical condition on admission, lower need for oxygen and mechanical ventilation, less frequent lung involvement on imaging, and faster clinical improvement. However, the overall mortality during the initial period was higher than that in the later period. Patients with lung involvement had a similar high mortality rate in both groups.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Tomasz Sobierajski, Piotr Rzymski, Ilona Malecka, Ewa Augustynowicz
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the acceptance of the HPV vaccine among Polish parents and their level of trust in their child's physician. The findings showed that most surveyed parents trusted their child's physician regarding vaccine recommendations and vaccinated their child accordingly. However, a significant percentage of parents expressed opposition to vaccines and exhibited high levels of distrust in physicians. The willingness of parents to vaccinate their child against HPV was strongly influenced by their trust in the child's physician.
Editorial Material
Rheumatology
Piotr Rzymski, Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pawel Sledzinski, Agnieszka Nowak-Terpilowska, Piotr Rzymski, Ryszard Slomski, Joanna Zeyland
Summary: Plant cannabinoids, such as CBD, have the potential to mimic endocannabinoids and exhibit anti-cancer activities. This study found that CBD-rich extracts and purified CBD reduced the viability of breast cancer and prostate cancer cells, while having no effect on non-malignant cells. Additionally, the study observed changes in gene expression related to apoptosis and cell cycle control. These findings suggest that CBD could be a promising agent for further preclinical and clinical testing.