Publications by authors named "Alicja Forma"

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune illness characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration, which causes physical disability and severe alterations in the neurological system, including gliosis and neuron loss. The disease primarily affects myelinated parts of the central nervous system (CNS), such as the optic nerves, cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord. T cells play an important role in MS pathogenesis by inducing demyelination, and risk factors include genetic predisposition, environmental effects, and lifestyle decisions.

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Zeolites, microporous aluminosilicates with tuneable physicochemical properties, have garnered increasing attention in dermatology due to their antimicrobial, detoxifying, and drug delivery capabilities. This review evaluates the structural characteristics, therapeutic mechanisms, and clinical applications of zeolites-including clinoptilolite, ZSM-5, ZIF-8, and silver/zinc-functionalized forms-across skin infections, wound healing, acne management, and cosmetic dermatology. Zeolites demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal efficacy, enhanced antioxidant activity, and biocompatible drug delivery in various dermatological models.

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Cigarette smoking exposes individuals to numerous toxic substances, including heavy metals. Smokers are at risk due to the accumulation of these substances in various tissues. Objective: To compare the concentrations of 41 elements in 11 brain regions, the spinal cord, the bronchial, the lungs, and the liver in smokers ( = 11) and non-smokers ( = 17).

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Humans are chronically exposed to airborne particulate matter and environmental microplastics through food, water, and consumer products. These anthropogenic pollutants may accumulate in human tissues, but their distribution and chemical identity remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed samples of human brain, liver, thyroid, kidney, heart, skeletal muscle, and lung tissue collected post-mortem to assess the presence and composition of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs).

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Thyroid cancer (TC) invariably remains the most prevalent endocrine cancer in the world. Major histological forms of TC include papillary (PTC), follicular (FTC), medullary (MTC), and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), each of which has a unique clinical and molecular profile. The incidence rate of TC is higher in females, and unfortunately, it has tended to increase over the last several years.

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Humans cannot avoid plastic exposure due to its ubiquitous presence in the natural environment. The waste generated is poorly biodegradable and exists in the form of MPs, which can enter the human body primarily through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, or damaged skin and accumulate in various tissues by crossing biological membrane barriers. There is an increasing amount of research on the health effects of MPs.

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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer as well as the most prevalent cause of death in the adult patient population with cirrhosis. The occurrence of HCC is primarily caused by chronic liver inflammation that might occur because of a viral infection, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or various lifestyle-associated factors. The objective of this review was to summarize the current knowledge regarding the microenvironment of HCC, indicating how immune- and non-immune-cell stroma might affect the onset and progression of HCC.

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Article Synopsis
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has different causes, including environmental and genetic factors, but recent research suggests a link between various infections and an increased risk of developing OCD.
  • The review examined studies published since 1991 that addressed the connection between specific viruses, bacteria, and parasites, and POCD, highlighting several infectious diseases like Herpes, Rubella, and Toxoplasma as potential contributors.
  • While a significant relationship was found between infections and OCD risk, further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and to explore the impact of other pathogens.
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  • The human body hosts a vast number of microorganisms, particularly in the oral cavity, which are crucial for maintaining health through a symbiotic relationship.
  • Recent advancements in sequencing technology reveal that imbalances in oral bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can lead to dental issues and even contribute to systemic diseases and cancers.
  • This review explores the link between oral microbiota and various gastrointestinal cancers, emphasizing the need for further research to understand how these microorganisms may influence cancer development and potential treatment strategies.
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Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by, among other things, dementia and a decline in cognitive performance. In AD, dementia has neurodegenerative features and starts with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research indicates that apoptosis and neuronal loss occur in AD, in which oxidative stress plays an important role.

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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, at the same time being one of the most prevalent causes of women's death. Many factors such as alcohol, weight fluctuations, or hormonal replacement therapy can potentially contribute to breast cancer development and progression. Another important factor in breast cancer onset includes micronutrient status.

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  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) involves fat buildup and liver inflammation, often linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and poor diet.
  • This review highlights the importance of understanding nutrient intake and potential supplements like vitamins A, B, C, D, and zinc in managing and treating NAFLD.
  • It emphasizes the need for more research on appropriate supplement dosages to effectively support patients with NAFLD.
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Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of cancer-related deaths and is the fifth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Its risk factors include infection, infection, the consumption of broiled and charbroiled animal meats, salt-preserved and smoke-enhanced foods, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to ionizing radiation, and positive family history. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies and the widespread risk factors of GC encourage the search for new methods of treatment and prevention.

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Supplementation of micronutrients is considered to be crucial in the reinforcement of the skin's barrier. In this paper, 14 nutritional compounds commonly used in food or pharmaceutic industries were analyzed in terms of influencing skin conditions. The major objective of this paper was to provide a narrative review of the available literature regarding several chosen compounds that are currently widely recommended as supplements that aim to maintain proper and healthy skin conditions.

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Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element with unique functions in the body; it acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in energy metabolism, the endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems, neurotransmitter production, and the regulation of reproductive hormones. However, overexposure to Mn is toxic, particularly to the central nervous system (CNS) due to it causing the progressive destruction of nerve cells. Exposure to manganese is widespread and occurs by inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact.

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Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness and is characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and progressive optic nerve damage. The current therapeutic approaches for glaucoma management, such as eye drops and oral medications, face challenges including poor bioavailability, low patient compliance, and limited efficacy. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to overcome these limitations and revolutionize glaucoma treatment.

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Dyslipidaemia is a disorder of the lipid metabolism, caused mainly by poor eating habits. The most severe consequence of an inappropriate diet is the development of atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis. It is generally believed that a change in nutrition, and increased physical activity can eliminate these health problems.

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The anthropogenic environment and diet introduce many metals into the human body, both essential and toxic. Absorption leads to systemic exposure and accumulation in body fluids and tissues. Both excess and deficiency of trace elements are health hazards.

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The COVID-19 Pandemic has conveyed an unprecedented worldwide challenge. Although there is much emphasis on caring for patients and communities, the high incidence of SARS-CoV-2 had seriously disturbed education and calls for prompt as well as serious consideration from educators in medical schools. The necessity to teach and prepare prospective medics, as well as clinicians, has certainly not been as intense as it is currently.

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The niacin skin flush test (NSFT) is a simple method used to assess the content of fatty acids in cell membranes and is a possible indicator of factors hidden behind various outcomes in patients. The purpose of this paper is to determine the potential usefulness of NSFT in mental disorder diagnostics along with the determination of factors that may affect its results. The authors reviewed articles from 1977 onwards, focusing on the history, variety of methodologies, influencing factors, and proposed mechanisms underlying its performance.

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Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a very rare disease that belongs to the group of CD30+ lymphoproliferative skin diseases. LyP is localized or generalized and usually presents as isolated or clustered red/brown-red lesions in the form of nodules and/or papules. The course of the disease is in most cases mild; however, depending on concomitant risk factors and history, it may progress to lymphoma, significantly reducing the survival rate and prognosis.

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Postmortem carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) diffusion under ambient conditions was assessed in a human cadaver model. The main objective of this study was to determine whether the postmortem diffusion of HCN and CO greatly affected the determination of HCN, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), and carboxymyoglobin (COMb). Layered samples of blood, musculocutaneous, and muscular specimens were collected from the adult cadavers and placed in the tight chambers designed for the purpose of this experiment.

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Despite the vaccine against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) being reported to be safe and effective, the unwillingness to vaccinate and doubts are still common. The aim of this international study was to assess the major reasons for the unwillingness to vaccinate in a group of students from Poland (n = 1202), Bangladesh (n = 1586), India (n = 484), Mexico (n = 234), Egypt (n = 566), Philippines (n = 2076), Pakistan (n = 506), Vietnam (n = 98) and China (n = 503). We conducted an online cross-sectional study that aimed to assess (1) the percentage of vaccinated and unvaccinated students and (2) the reasons associated with willingness/unwillingness to the vaccine.

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Article Synopsis
  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer that is often underdiagnosed due to its generally favorable prognosis and non-aggressive nature.
  • The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a central role in BCC development, with key molecules like PTCH1 and SMO being important targets for therapy.
  • New targeted treatments, including Hedgehog inhibitors like sonidegib and vismodegib, are approved for advanced BCC, but some patients may develop resistance to these therapies, highlighting the need for continued research into effective treatment options.
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