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Background Due to the unique nature of spermatozoa, which are transcriptionally and translationally silent, the regulation of capacitation is based on the formation of posttranslational modifications of proteins (PTMs). However, the interactions between different types of PTMs during the capacitation remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to unravel the PTM-based regulation of sperm capacitation by considering the relationship between tyrosine phosphorylation and reversible oxidative PTMs (oxPTMs), i.e., S-nitrosylation and S-glutathionylation. Since reversible oxPTMs may be closely related to peroxyredoxin (PRDX) activity, the second aim was to verify the role of PRDXs in the PTM-based regulation of capacitation. Methods Cryopreserved bull sperm were capacitated in vitro with or without PRDX inhibitor. Qualitative parameters of sperm and symptoms characteristic of capacitation were analyzed. Posttranslational protein modifications (S-nitrosylation, S-glutathionylation, tyrosine phosphorylation) were investigated at the cellular level (flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy) and at the proteomic level (fluorescent gel-based proteomic approach). Results Zona-pellucida binding proteins (ACRBP, SPAM1, ZAN, ZPBP1 and IZUMO4) were particularly rich in reversible oxPTMs. Moreover, numerous flagellar proteins were associated with all analyzed types of PTMs, which indicates that the direction of posttranslational modifications was integrated. Inhibition of PRDX activity during capacitation caused an increase in S-nitrosylation and S-glutathionylation and a decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation. Inhibition of PRDXs caused GAPDHS to undergo S-glutathionylation and the GSTO2 and SOD2 enzymes to undergo denitrosylation. Moreover, PRDX inhibition caused the AKAP proteins to be dephosphorylated. Conclusions Our research provides evidence that crosstalk occurs between tyrosine phosphorylation and reversible oxPTMs during bull sperm capacitation. This study demonstrates that capacitation triggers S-nitrosylation and S-glutathionylation (and reverse reactions) of zona-pellucida binding proteins, which may be a new important mechanism that determines the interaction between sperms and oocytes. Moreover, TCA-related and flagellar proteins, which are particularly rich in PTMs, may play a key role in sperm capacitation. We propose that the deglutathionylation of ODFs and IZUMO4 proteins is a new hallmark of bull sperm capacitation. The obtained results indicate a relationship between PRDX activity and protein phosphorylation, S-glutathionylation and S-nitrosylation. The activity of PRDXs may be crucial for maintaining redox balance and for providing proper PKA-mediated protein phosphorylation during capacitation. 5Cs7KNuqQj6Jtq3V6ZjF7y Video Abstract

The AID/APOBECs are a group of zinc-dependent cytidine deaminases that catalyse the deamination of bases in nucleic acids, resulting in a cytidine to uridine transition. Secreted novel AID/APOBEC-like deaminases (SNADs), characterized by the presence of a signal peptide are unique among all of intracellular classical AID/APOBECs, which are the central part of antibody diversity and antiviral defense. To date, there is no available knowledge on SNADs including protein characterization, biochemical characteristics and catalytic activity. We used various in silico approaches to define the phylogeny of SNADs, their common structural features, and their potential structural variations in fish species. Our analysis provides strong evidence of the universal presence of SNAD1 proteins/transcripts in fish, in which expression commences after hatching and is highest in anatomical organs linked to the immune system. Moreover, we searched published fish data and identified previously, “uncharacterized proteins” and transcripts as SNAD1 sequences. Our review into immunological research suggests SNAD1 role in immune response to infection or immunization, and interactions with the intestinal microbiota. We also noted SNAD1 association with temperature acclimation, environmental pollution and sex-based expression differences, with females showing higher level. To validate in silico predictions we performed expression studies of several SNAD1 gene variants in carp, which revealed distinct patterns of responses under different conditions. Dual sensitivity to environmental and pathogenic stress highlights its importance in the fish and potentially enhancing thermotolerance and immune defense. Revealing the biological roles of SNADs represents an exciting new area of research related to the role of DNA and/or RNA editing in fish biology.

Background: Proper body balance is maintained by both sensory, i.e., vision, hearing, vestibular, and proprioception, and motor nervous systems. Visual control facilitates balance both in a static position, as well as during movement. Visual dysfunctions can adversely affect balance and stability control. Methods: The study comprised a group of 30 individuals visually impaired from birth aged 18–24 years. The control group consisted of 50 persons in the same age range as the study group. The trial was performed as four separate tests: two on a stable surface platform, and two on an unstable surface platform. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the posturography test on the stable platform between the study groups. When tested on an unstable ground surface, the visually impaired subjects obtained showed worse performance than the sighted persons. Statistically significant differences were observed in the majority of the analyzed results. Conclusions: Visually impaired individuals present a poorer ability to maintain balance under dynamic conditions. Tests conducted on the unstable surface platform seem to be more relevant and applicable in the diagnosis of the subjects with visual impairment, as they differentiate the subjects to a greater extent.

This paper investigates the phenomenon of spatial chaos in Poland resulting from urban sprawl. The phenomenon is particularly visible in the case of suburban small cities which, in contrast to cities in the EU-15 countries with similar populations, are expanding excessively, causing a growth of urbanized areas exceeding several times the growth of their population. Suburbs of these cities increasingly resemble a badly played Tetris game. The selected study area consists of several cities in the Warsaw suburban zone where an increased dynamic of these processes can be observed. The paper presents detailed studies concerning the selected representative small cities. The morphology of urban tissue was studied as a marker of spatial order including: development intensity, street grid, plots parameters, presence of technical infrastructure, and distance from the functional city center. The analyses were performed based on cartographic archives, the data of the Central Statistical Office of Poland, topographic database and Kernel Density Estimation. ArcGIS ESRI and AutoCad software was used to present the study results. The conducted studies intend to diagnose the changes in the spatial layout in the context of the objectives of spatial order and sustainable development, and to define the indicators which should be taken into account in spatial planning documents drawn up for the studied areas.

Basing on own experiences in studying cemetery space, the possibilities of using LiDAR visualization in acquiring information on changes in the boundaries of Christian and Jewish necropolises were demonstrated on selected examples. The application of the methods indicated in the article comprises the significant supplementation of terrain inspection, considerably expanding knowledge about a given site. The use of digital elevation models has been popular since their introduction, especially in the archaeological community, as it allows for feature recognition without conducting invasive prospection, including excavation. As it has turned out, in the course of the research conducted by the author, the use of LiDAR tools should be an integral part of the geographical analysis. This highlights the need to promote interdisciplinary in the research on cultural heritage sites.

This article presents biographical sketches of two soldiers of the Polish Legions – Ignacy Kobacki and Herakliusz Konstanty Iglikowski, who fought for Poland’s independence in 1915-1917 and in the Polish Army in 1918-1922. They both were connected with Szadek through place of residence and vocational activity in the interwar period and during the German occupation, and in the case of one of them also in the communist period. They came from different backgrounds and represented different political options, but what they had in common was their fight in the Polish Legions and later active involvement in the political and social activity in Szadek.

Introduction and objective Studies on occupational exposure to adverse conditions usually focus on professional groups, such as doctors, nurses and laboratory workers. Researchers have also drawn attention to the dangers threatening paramedics while performing their duties. The aim of this study is to analyze the occupational exposure of paramedics to hepatitis B and C viruses, to identify the activities during which occupational exposure occurs most frequently, and to analyze the possibility of protecting a paramedic from occupational exposure to infection. Review methods The publication was prepared based on a literature review in available scientific information databases and on the websites of organizations operating in the field of public health. Brief description of the state of knowledge In 2018, in Poland, 3,196 cases of HBV infection and 3,442 of HCV infection were registered. At present, viral hepatitis is most epidemiologically important in the context of infections related to the provision of health services by paramedics. It has been estimated that in health care workers, HBV and HCV infections during occupational activities represent 37.6% and 39% of all infections, respectively. Observations of Polish researchers show that 24.1% of paramedics have experienced a sharp injury during 12 months of work. The study of knowledge concerning post-exposure management of potentially infectious material revealed that 32% of rescuers could not name more than one stage of action to prevent blood-borne infections. Summary Researchers highlight the lack of adequate knowledge of paramedics regarding blood-borne viruses and occupational exposure. Results and conclusions published to-date indicate local needs in health care facilities, but above all, they can be the basis for targeted systemic actions in the prevention of HBV and HCV infections.

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 HSV1 and 2, namely varicella-zoster VZV and cytomegalovirus CMV, are among the most common pathogens worldwide. They remain in the host body for life. The course of infection with these viruses is often asymptomatic or mild and self-limiting, but in immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, the course can be very severe or even life-threatening. Unfortunately, in the latter group, the highest percentage of infections with strains resistant to routinely used drugs is observed. On the other hand, frequent recurrences of genital herpes can be a problem even in people with normal immunity. Genital herpes also increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection and, if present in pregnant women, poses a risk to the fetus and newborn. Even more frequently than herpes simplex, congenital infections can be caused by cytomegalovirus. We present the most important anti-herpesviral agents, the mechanisms of resistance to these drugs, and the associated mutations in the viral genome. Special emphasis was placed on newly introduced drugs such as maribavir and brincidofovir. We also briefly discuss the most promising substances in preclinical testing as well as immunotherapy options and vaccines currently in use and under investigation.

Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer-related mortality worldwide and the mechanism of its development is poorly understood. Proteomics has become a powerful tool offering vital knowledge related to cancer development. Using a two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) approach, we sought to compare tissue samples from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients taken from the tumor center and tumor margin. Two subtypes of NSCLC, adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were compared. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD032736 and PXD032962 for ADC and SCC, respectively. For ADC proteins, 26 significant canonical pathways were identified, including Rho signaling pathways, a semaphorin neuronal repulsive signaling pathway, and epithelial adherens junction signaling. For SCC proteins, nine significant canonical pathways were identified, including hypoxia-inducible factor-1α signaling, thyroid hormone biosynthesis, and phagosome maturation. Proteins differentiating the tumor center and tumor margin were linked to cancer invasion and progression, including cell migration, adhesion and invasion, cytoskeletal structure, protein folding, anaerobic metabolism, tumor angiogenesis, EMC transition, epithelial adherens junctions, and inflammatory responses. In conclusion, we identified several proteins that are important for the better characterization of tumor development and molecular specificity of both lung cancer subtypes. We also identified proteins that may be important as biomarkers and/or targets for anticancer therapy.

Introduction and objective For centuries influenza has been one of the most prevalent viral infectious diseases and still remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many regions of the world, including Poland. The aim of the study was presentation of the scope of problems concerning influenza virus infections and the available options for controlling the disease. Review methods The publication was prepared based on a literature review in scientific information databases and on the websites of organizations operating in the field of public health. As part of the issue analysis, a systematic search was performed of current scientific data concerning the described problem. Brief description of the state of knowledge Four types of influenza virus are distinguished: A, B, C and D. Infections in humans are most often caused by influenza A and B. The best recognized virus is influenza A, which is characterized by high antigenic and genetic variability and zoonotic potential. Influenza A virus is responsible for local epidemics and pandemics and meets all the criteria of a pathogen that can cause a catastrophic biological threat on a global scale. Modern medicine has the ability to control influenza through protective vaccinations with multivalent vaccines and antiviral drugs, which include neuraminidase inhibitors and viral polymerase inhibitors. Summary Influenza is a major public health risk problem. The actual risk of a global epidemic in the future forces to undertake transdisciplinary and integrated actions striving at an effective immunoprophylaxis of influenza virus infections, as well as treatment of the disease and its complications. A global epidemic may go beyond the capabilities of individual countries. The development of a vaccine against pandemic influenza and its mass production in a short time has the utmost priority.