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The popularity of beer and the complexity of its formation call for simulating and optimizing the operations that take place during brewing in order to reduce energy costs, minimize the consumption of raw materials, maximize the use of equipment, and produce a product of the best possible quality. In recent decades, noteworthy progress has been made in understanding the phenomena occurring in various industrial devices thanks to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This article is a review of previous attempts to use CFD methods to understand and simulate the processes that accompany individual stages of beer production. Additionally, the paper indicates the possible use of CFD methods for processes that have not been modelled yet in the brewing industry.

Purpose The aim of our study was to investigate sociodemographic factors, comorbidities and health behaviors associated with self-reported diagnosed cataracts in a large, nationally representative population of older adults in Poland, aged 60 and older. Patient and Methods An analysis was conducted using a survey of 5956 participants in the nationally representative PolSenior2 study conducted between 2018 and 2019. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between self-reports of diagnosed cataracts and sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and comorbidities. Results According to the final multivariable model, the odds ratio (OR) of self-reported cataract diagnosis was 1.71 times greater for women than for men. Additionally, the odds increased significantly with age, with 70-79-year-olds having 3.38 times greater odds, 80-89-year-olds having 8.08 times greater odds, and those aged 90 years and older having 10.76 times greater odds than did the reference group (60–69 years old). The prevalence of self-reported diagnosed cataracts was found to be 1.47 times greater among individuals with diabetes, 1.20 times greater among those with hypertension, and 1.25 times greater among tobacco users than among their respective counterparts. Additionally, rural dwellers exhibited a lower risk of self-reported cataracts (OR = 0.63). Conclusion Our study revealed a positive relationship between several demographic and health factors—namely, older age, female sex, urban residence, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking—and an elevated risk of self-reports of diagnosed cataracts.

The brewing sector is a significant part of the global food industry. Breweries produce large quantities of wastes, including wastewater and brewer’s spent grains. Currently, upcycling of food industry by-products is one of the principles of the circular economy. The aim of this review is to present possible ways to utilize common solid by-product from the brewing sector. Brewer’s spent grains (BSG) is a good material for sorption and processing into activated carbon. Another way to utilize spent grains is to use them as a fuel in raw form, after hydrothermal carbonization or as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion. The mentioned by-products may also be utilized in animal and human nutrition. Moreover, BSG is a waste rich in various substances that may be extracted for further utilization. It is likely that, in upcoming years, brewer’s spent grains will not be considered as a by-product, but as a desirable raw material for various branches of industry.

The rapid evolution of digital technologies has transformed many aspects of daily life, offering substantial benefits for health and well-being through telemedicine and telehealth services. However, disparities in access to these technologies, particularly among older adults with visual impairments, remain a significant concern. This study aimed to examine the differences in access to and use of digital technologies between older adults in Poland with near visual impairment and those without. In addition, it explored how sociodemographic factors, such as education level and place of residence, interact with near visual impairment to influence digital technology access and usage. This cross-sectional analysis used data from the PolSenior2 project, a nationwide, multicenter survey conducted between 2018 and 2019. The sample included 5872 community-dwelling Polish adults aged 60 years and older, selected using a random, 3-stage, proportional sampling method, stratified by age and gender. Self-reported data on access to and usage of digital technologies, including smartphones, computers, and internet access, were collected. Near visual acuity was assessed using the Snellen chart for near vision. Older adults with near visual impairment had significantly lower adjusted odds of owning and using digital devices compared to those without visual impairment. Specifically, the adjusted odds ratio of having and knowing how to use a smartphone was 0.62 (95% CI 0.46-0.84), a computer 0.65 (95% CI 0.50-0.86), and having internet access 0.64 (95% CI 0.48-0.83), all indicating lower access among individuals with visual impairment. Furthermore, these individuals were less likely to use the internet for tasks such as searching for information about goods and services (adjusted odds ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.86). Older adults with near visual impairment in Poland face significant barriers in accessing and using digital technologies. These disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and improve digital inclusion for visually impaired seniors, ensuring they can benefit from the advantages of digital health solutions. Further research is required to develop and evaluate strategies to promote digital equity in this vulnerable population.

The clinical context of drug interactions detected by automated analysis systems is particularly important in older patients with multimorbidities. We aimed to provide unique, up-to-date data on the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in the Polish geriatric population over 80 years old and determine the frequency and the most common PIMs involved in DDIs. We analyzed all non-prescription and prescription drugs in a representative national group of 178 home-dwelling adults over 80 years old with excessive polypharmacy (≥10 drugs). The FORTA List was used to assess PIMs, and the Lexicomp® Drug Interactions database was used for DDIs. DDIs were detected in 66.9% of the study group, whereas PIMs were detected in 94.4%. Verification of clinical indications for the use of substances involved in DDIs resulted in a reduction in the total number of DDIs by more than 1.5 times, as well as in a nearly 3-fold decrease in the number of interactions requiring therapy modification and drug combinations that should be strictly avoided. The most common PIMs involved in DDIs were painkillers, and drugs used in psychiatry and neurology. Special attention should be paid to DDIs with PIMs since they could increase their inappropriate character. The use of automated interaction analysis systems, while maintaining appropriate clinical criticism, can increase both chances for a good therapeutic effect and the safety of the elderly during treatment processes.

Introduction: Abnormal body weight, including overweight and obesity, is a common health problem affecting children and adolescents. The present study aimed to analyse weight changes in children from preschool age to adolescence and to identify early predictors of excessive weight in adolescence, such as blood pressure and physical fitness observed in preschool children. Methodology: Data from 3075 children (1524 girls and 1594 boys), collected as part of the Gdańsk Centre for Health Promotion’s “Your Child’s Healthy Life” programme, were analysed, with each child assessed at ages 6, 10, and 14. Results: The results indicated that boys were more likely to be overweight, with a tendency for obesity to increase with age. Children who were overweight or obese at age 6 had a higher risk of remaining so for a longer period of time. In addition, low physical fitness (as measured by the KPRT test) and elevated blood pressure were significantly associated with excess body weight. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of early intervention and consistent monitoring of childhood overweight and obesity to reduce their long-term impact on health.

The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the effect of the selected bioflavonoids curcumin, resveratrol and baicalin on the wound healing process in an in vitro model. In the study, Balb3t3 and L929 cell lines were used. The first step was the evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the substances tested (MTT assay). Then, using the scratch test (ST), the influence of bioflavonoids on the healing process was evaluated in an in vitro model. The second stage of the work was a mathematical analysis of the results obtained. On the basis of experimental data, the parameters of the Brian and Cousens model were determined in order to determine the maximum value of the cellular and metabolic response that occurs for the examined range of concentrations of selected bioflavonoids. In the MTT assays, no cytotoxic effect of curcumin, resveratrol and baicalin was observed in selected concentrations, while in the ST tests for selected substances, a stimulatory effect was observed on the cell division rate regardless of the cell lines tested. The results obtained encourage further research on the use of substances of natural origin to support the wound healing process.

Background The prevalence of frailty and its components may be affected by age, diseases and geriatric deficits. However, the current operational definition of frailty assigns equal weight to the five components of frailty. Aims To perform a population-based assessment of physical frailty, its prevalence, and distribution of its components across different age, disease and deficit spectrum. Methods From 2018 to 2019, we conducted a face-to-face cross-sectional assessment of a representative sample of older Poles. We obtained data on frailty components, chronic disease burden, and prevalence of particular diseases and geriatric deficits. We calculated weighted population estimates, representative of 8.5 million older Poles, of prevalence of frailty and its components across the disease burden, associated with the particular diseases and the geriatric deficits present. Results Of 10,635 screened persons ≥ 60 years, 5987 entered the face-to-face assessment. Data of 5410 have been used for the present analysis. Seventy-two percent of the population are burdened with at least one frailty component. The estimated weighted population prevalence (95% CI) of frailty was 15.9% (14.6–17.1%), and of pre-frailty 55.8% (53.3–58.2%). Slow gait speed predominated across disease burden, specific diseases, geriatric deficits and the age spectrum. Overall, the prevalence of slow gait speed was 56.3% (52.7–60.0%), followed by weakness 26.9% (25.4–28.4%), exhaustion 19.2% (17.6–20.8%), low physical activity 16.5% (14.8–18.3%), and weight loss 9.4% (8.4–10.3%). Conclusions Slow gait speed predominates among the components of frailty in older Poles. This may affect the component-tailored preventive and therapeutic actions to tackle frailty.

Background: In Poland, a national hepatitis B (HBV) immunization program was introduced for neonates in 1996, and between 2000 and 2011, those born from 1986 to 1995 were vaccinated. Little is known about vaccination rates among adults born before 1986. This study aimed to determine the frequency of anti-HBs seropositivity rates related to vaccination and past HBV infection in older Poles. Methods: The HBV serological status was analyzed in 5781 (96.6%) of the PolSenior2 population-based cohort (60+) by assessing serum seropositivity for HBs antigen, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc antibodies. The survey was performed in 2018–2019 and included medical and socio-economic questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and comprehensive geriatric assessment. Results: Serological status implying past hepatitis B and serological profile consistent with anti-HBV vaccination corresponded to 15.2% (95% CI: 13.4–17.0) and 25.2% (95% CI: 23.4–27.0) prevalences, respectively. Female gender, living in a town or city, having better education, and suffering from coronary artery disease, or depression independently increased the rate of past hepatitis B. On the other hand, being ‘white collar’ and self-reliant, having the ability to use the Internet, and past surgical procedures in the last 5-year period were factors associated with a higher vaccination rate. Conclusions: More than 15% of older adults in Poland present serological profiles suggesting past hepatitis B, and one-fourth anti-HBV vaccination. Being functionally independent, ‘white collar’, using the Internet, and having past surgical procedures are factors associated with a higher chance of being vaccinated. Nevertheless, a large group of older adults should be prophylactically vaccinated due to increased exposure to medical procedures.