Magdalena Lis

Obesity is considered a chronic disease that co-occurs with other disorders, including type 2 diabetes; therefore, the prevention and treatment of obesity are of utmost importance. The present review analysed the effects of bioactive compounds found in culinary herbs on the regulation of inflammatory processes through the modulation of inflammation and microbiota-dependent metabolic pathways. A total of 137 publications from 2010 to 2025 were reviewed. Few studies address the impact of culinary herbs on the gut microbiota in relation to obesity; however, analysing data on the effects of active compounds present in various herbs allows an assessment of their potential role in obesity prevention. This is a significant issue, as obesity is widespread, and the introduction of readily usable everyday food products may represent an important element of preventive strategies. Plant secondary metabolites, such as polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, exert strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, thus contributing to their beneficial effects on human health. Effective weight loss depends on the consistent maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, a requirement that can often be highly challenging. The daily use of herbs in meal preparation may reduce the risk of developing obesity or mitigate its severity. Herbs enhance the flavour of dishes and, additionally, help to reduce salt intake, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is also an integral component of a healthy lifestyle.

Background/Objectives: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are among the most commonly used surgical treatment methods. A growing number of studies assess the changes in the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the literature to determine how the biomechanical properties of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint change as a result of ARCR and RSA, and whether MyotonPRO was used in this group of patients. Methods: A review of the international scientific literature was conducted in September 2025. The study was based on searches of the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A final total of 32 articles were included in the review. Results: In this article, we have shown that ARCR and RSA procedures cause changes in the biomechanical properties of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. We also demonstrated that MyotonPRO has been used in this group of patients in a limited number of studies. However, the studies confirm that it is a reliable tool for examining upper limb muscles. Conclusions: This literature review demonstrates a new direction in research using MyotonPRO. Using this device in muscle testing in patients after ARCR and RSA will allow for a better understanding of the changes that occur in muscles as a result of these procedures, as research in this area is new and incomplete.

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition affecting many joints, including the hip. The treatment of advanced hip osteoarthritis (HOA) involves total hip arthroplasty (THA). Atrophy of abductor muscles is often diagnosed in patients with HOA. This review presents a number of studies evaluating changes that occur in the gluteus medius (GMED) and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) as a result of HOA and THA. MyotonPRO is a portable and non-invasive device that allows for the assessment of muscle quality. This review aimed to collect studies assessing changes in GMED and TFL following HOA and THA and to determine whether MyotonPRO can be used for this assessment. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of databases, including Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed, for relevant articles published between 2012 and 2024. A total of 37 articles were included in our review. Qualified papers evaluated changes in the lower limb muscles, including TFL and GMED, as a result of HOA and THA using MyotonPRO and other methods. Results: In this article, we emphasize the influence of the tested muscles on HOA and the postoperative course after THA using MyotonPRO. We have shown that myotonPRO was used to assess muscle changes due to knee OA and GMED and TFL in other groups of patients. Conclusions: This is the first review of the literature to indicate a new direction of research using myotonPRO. The use of MyotonPRO will allow for the more detailed development of rehabilitation programs for patients with HOA and after THA.

Hydrophobization could improve the moisture resistance of biopolymer-based materials, depending on the methods and materials used, providing benefits for packaging applications. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of increasing concentrations (0–2.0%) of candelilla wax (CW) and oleic acid (OA) on the structural and physicochemical properties, including water affinity, of glycerol-plasticized pea protein isolate (PPI) films. OA acidified the film-forming solution and increased its viscosity more effectively than CW. At the highest concentration, OA prevented cohesive film formation, indicating a weakening of protein self-interaction. OA caused less yellowing, matting, and a smaller reduction in UV/VIS light transmittance compared to CW. Both lipids caused a slight reduction in the films’ water content. Phase separation (creaming) of CW enhanced surface hydrophobicity, resulting in a greater reduction in water vapor permeability than OA (~37–63% vs. 2–18%). The addition of lipids did not reduce film solubility or water absorption, and OA even increased these parameters. Increasing lipid content decreased the mechanical strength and stretchability of the films by 28–37% and 18–43%, respectively. The control film exhibited low heat-sealing strength (0.069 N/mm), which improved by 42% and 52% with the addition of CW and OA at optimal levels.

Background: Thoracolumbar and lumbar spine injuries account for 30–60% of spinal fractures, especially at the thoracolumbar junction. Conservative treatment is recommended for stable fractures without neurological symptoms, but studies suggest surgical intervention may offer better outcomes. However, there is no consensus on the best stabilization method. Methods: This non-randomized, prospective study was conducted on 114 patients divided into groups based on the surgical technique selected: pedicle stabilization using Schanz screw constructs (Group One, n = 37) stabilization above and below the fractured vertebra using pedicle screws (Group Two, n = 32), and intermediate fixation with a pedicle screw additionally inserted into the fractured vertebra (Group Three, n = 45). Outcomes were assessed using the Cobb angle, anterior and posterior vertebral wall height, and patient quality of life via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). X-ray imaging was performed before, during, and after surgery in the control group. Results: This statistical study showed that the location and type of injury significantly influenced the choice of short-segment stabilization method. In the case of measuring the Cobb angle and the high anterior wall, the statistical analysis showed that the best result was observed in the Schanz Group. Patients from this study group had the lowest pain and the highest efficiency. Conclusions: Schanz screw stabilization may offer superior outcomes for thoracolumbar spine injuries, providing better clinical and quality of life results compared to other methods.

Hydrophobization could improve the moisture resistance of biopolymer materials, depending on the methods and materials used, providing benefits for packaging applications. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of increasing concentrations (0-2%) of candelilla wax (CW) and oleic acid (OA) on the microstructural and physicochemical properties, including water affinity, of glycerol-plasticized pea protein isolate (PPI) films. OA acidified the film-forming solution and increased its viscosity more effectively than CW. At the highest concentration, OA prevented cohesive film formation. OA caused less yellowing, matting, and a smaller reduction in UV/VIS light transmittance compared to CW. Both lipids in most cases slightly reduced the films' water content. Phase separation (creaming) of CW enhanced surface hydrophobicity, resulting in a greater reduction in water vapor permeability than OA (~37-63% vs. 2-18%). The addition of lipids did not reduce film solubility or water absorption, and OA even increased these parameters. Increasing lipid content decreased the mechanical strength and stretchability of the films by 28–37% and 18–43%, respectively. At higher lipid levels, these properties were similar. The control film exhibited low heat-sealing strength (0.069 N/mm), which improved by 42% and 52% with the addition of CW and OA at optimal levels.

Ripening is a process involving various morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes in fruits. This process is affected by modifications in the cell wall structure, particularly in the composition of polysaccharides and proteins. The cell wall assembly is a network of polysaccharides and proteoglycans named the arabinoxylan pectin arabinogalactan protein1 (APAP1). The complex consists of the arabinogalactan protein (AGP) core with the pectin domain including arabinogalactan (AG) type II, homogalacturonan (HG), and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I). The present paper aims to determine the impact of a disturbance in the synthesis of one constituent on the integrity of the cell wall. Therefore, in the current work, we have tested the impact of modified expression of the SlP4H3 gene connected with proline hydroxylase (P4H) activity on AGP presence in the fruit matrix. Using an immunolabelling technique (CLSM), an immunogold method (TEM), molecular tools, and calcium mapping (SEM-EDS), we have demonstrated that disturbances in AGP synthesis affect the entire cell wall structure. Changes in the spatio-temporal AGP distribution may be related to the formation of a network between AGPs with other cell wall components. Moreover, the modified structure of the cell wall assembly induces morphological changes visible at the cellular level during the progression of the ripening process. These results support the hypothesis that AGPs and pectins are required for the proper progression of the physiological processes occurring in fruits.

Root-feeding Amphimallon solstitiale larvae and certain other scarab beetles are the main soil-dwelling pests found in Europe, while entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have been used as a biocontrol agent against these species. Our study provides the first detailed characterization of the bacterial community of the midgut in wild A. solstitiale larvae, based on the nanopore sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. In the whole dataset, we detected 2586 different genera and 11,641 species, with only 83 diverse bacterial genera shared by all studied individuals, which may represent members of the core midgut microbiota of A. solstitiale larvae. Subsequently, we compared the midgut microbiota of EPN-resistant and T0 (prior to EPN exposure) individuals, hypothesizing that resistance to this parasitic infection may be linked to the altered gut community. Compared to the control, the resistant insect microbiota demonstrated lower Shannon and Evenness indices and significant differences in the community structure. Our studies confirmed that the gut microbiota alternation is associated with resistant insects; however, there are many processes involved that can affect the bacterial community. Further research on the role of gut microbiota in insect-parasitic nematode interaction may ultimately lead to the improvement of biological control strategies in insect pest management.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) are a group of organisms capable of infecting larvae of insects living in soil, including representatives of the family Scarabaeidae. Their insecticidal activity is related to the presence of symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus spp. or Photorhabdus spp. in the alimentary tract, which are released into the insect body, leading to its death caused by bacterial toxins and septicemia. Although the antibacterial activities of symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes have been well described, there is insufficient knowledge of the interactions between these bacteria and microorganisms that naturally inhabit the alimentary tract of insects infested by nematodes. In this study, 900 bacterial strains isolated from midgut samples of Amphimallon solstitiale larvae were tested for their antagonistic activity against the selected five Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus species. Cross-streak tests showed significant antibacterial activity of 20 isolates. These bacteria were identified as Bacillus [Brevibacterium] frigoritolerans, Bacillus toyonensis, Bacillus wiedmannii, Chryseobacterium lathyri, Chryseobacterium sp., Citrobacter murliniae, Enterococcus malodoratus, Paenibacillus sp., Serratia marcescens and Serratia sp. Since some representatives of the intestinal microbiota of A. solstitiale are able to inhibit the growth of Xenorhabdus and Photorhrhabdus bacteria in vitro, it can be assumed that this type of bacterial interaction may occur at certain stages of insect infection by Steinernema or Heterorhabditis nematodes.