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Pozycja Membranous E-Cadherin Expression in Different Subtypes of Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors and Its Association with Invasiveness(MDPI, 2026-03-14) Krzentowska, Anna; Biesaga, Beata; Merklinger-Gruchała, Anna; Gołkowski, FilipPituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are usually benign intracranial neoplasms that may exhibit invasion of the cavernous sinus, complicating surgery and increasing the risk of recurrence. This study aimed to investigate membranous E-cadherin (mE-cad) expression across PitNET subtypes and transcription factor (TF) lineages, including Pit-1 (pituitary-specific positive transcription factor 1), SF-1 (Steroidogenic Factor 1), and TPIT (T-box pituitary transcription factor), and its association with tumor invasiveness in sixty-nine patients. mE-cad expression was evaluated as the percentage of positive cells (0%, 1–10%, >10%) and by immunoreactive score (IRS). Staining intensity was scored as: 0, no staining; 1, weak; 2, moderate; 3, strong. The proportion of positive cells was scored as: 0, none; 1, <10%; 2, 10–50%; 3, 51–80%; 4, >80%. Mean mE-cad expression was 5.2% in gonadotroph, 3.2% in corticotroph, 0.5% in lactotroph, and 17.5% in plurihormonal PitNETs. By TF lineage, the mean expression was 5.3% for Pit-1, 3.2% for TPIT, and 5.1% for SF-1. Low mE-cad expression (IRS 1–2) was associated with higher odds of cavernous sinus invasion compared with IRS 3–6 (adjusted OR = 6.0, 95% CI 1.08–33.4, p = 0.04), independent of tumor volume (adjusted OR = 4.0, 95% CI 1.50–10.7, p = 0.01). After restricting the analysis to the gonadotroph PitNET group, tumors with an IRS of 1–2 showed significantly higher invasiveness compared with those with an IRS of 3–6 (p = 0.012). These findings suggest that mE-cad may serve as a biomarker of PitNET invasiveness, with expression varying according to TF lineage and tumor subtype.Pozycja Peripheral complement C3 and C4 are associated with clinical features of schizophrenia(Frontiers, 2026-03-30) Szwajca, Marta; Śmierciak, Natalia; Biesaga, Beata; Donicz, Paulina; Szwajca, Krzysztof; Pilecki, MaciejAim: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with heterogeneous outcomes; factors such as anxiety, childhood trauma, and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) may influence symptom severity and disease progression. Growing evidence highlights immune dysregulation—particularly alterations in complement components C3 and C4—in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia; however, findings regarding peripheral complement levels and their clinical associations remain inconsistent. Method: Thirty-nine patients with schizophrenia underwent clinical assessment using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Serum concentrations of C3 and C4 were measured at admission. Results: In exploratory analyses (nominal p-values), baseline C3 correlated with DUP (r=0.407, p=0.010) and length of hospitalization (r=0.353, p=0.028). Higher C3 was associated with greater symptom severity on PANSS-P1 (r=0.325, p=0.043) and PANSS-G1 (r=0.330, p=0.040), while C4 correlated with PANSSG1 (r=0.322, p=0.045) and multiple PANSS domains after 12 weeks. C3 was associated with anxiety at baseline and after 3 months (STAI-T1: r=0.376, p=0.018; STAI-S1: r=0.372, p=0.020; STAI-T2: r=0.376, p=0.018; STAI-S2: r=0.419, p=0.009), whereas C4 correlated with STAI-T1 (r=0.361, p=0.024), STAI-S1 (r=0.342, p=0.033), and STAI-S2 (r=0.338, p=0.038). Higher C3 and C4 levels were associated with CTQ subscales. C3 correlated negatively with cognitive performance (MoCA1: r=–0.339, p=0.034). However, none of the associations survived Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (BH-FDR) correction (all q>0.05). Conclusion: These exploratory, within-cohort findings suggest that peripheral complement markers relate to variation in clinical severity and illness-course indicators in schizophrenia. Replication in larger, controlled longitudinal studies is warranted.Pozycja Comparative multi-analytical characterization of lipid fractions from three cockroach species - Blaptica dubia, Gromphadorhina portentosa, and Periplaneta lateralis(Elsevier, 2026-04-11) Kowalczewski, Przemysław Łukasz; Kucharski, Jan Jakub; Ostrowska-Ligęza, Ewa; Grygier, Anna; Kmiecik, Dominik; Kamińska, Wiktoria; Siger, Aleksander; Dwiecki, Krzysztof; Siejak, Przemysław; Radzikowska-Kujawska, Dominika; Baranowska, Hanna MariaThis study presents a comprehensive, multi-analytical characterization of lipid fractions extracted from three cockroach species: Blaptica dubia, Gromphadorhina portentosa, and Periplaneta lateralis, with the aim of elucidating interspecies differences in fatty acid composition, molecular organization, and physicochemical behavior. Lipid fractions were analyzed using gas chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) relaxometry, and Langmuir monolayer techniques. All oils were dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid; however, marked differences were observed in the SFA/MUFA/PUFA balance, iodine values, thermal transitions, and interfacial properties. B. dubia oil exhibited the most balanced fatty acid profile and the most compact and viscoelastic monolayers, indicating a structurally stable lipid system. G. portentosa oil was characterized by the highest tocopherol content and enhanced oxidative resistance, whereas P. lateralis oil showed the highest degree of unsaturation accompanied by increased molecular mobility. The applied analytical techniques revealed distinct lipid structuring and stability patterns across species, demonstrating that cockroach-derived oils represent chemically and structurally diverse lipid matrices. These findings provide fundamental physicochemical insight into insect-derived lipids and establish a reference framework for future studies addressing technological performance, stabilization strategies, or regulatory assessment pathways.Pozycja Problem stopni służbowych zniesionych formacji mundurowych(Poradnia Prawna im. Anny Jenke w Jarosławiu, 2026) Maciejko, WojciechPozycja Recenzja monografii Macieja Kobaka, pt. Uzasadnienie wyroku wojewódzkiego sądu administracyjnego, Rzeszów 2025, ss. 306(Poradnia Prawna im. Anny Jenke w Jarosławiu, 2026) Maciejko, WojciechPozycja Plant-derived phenolic acids in Shilajit: a comparative HPLC–MS/MS analysis across five regions(Nature Portfolio, 2026-02-16) Kamgar, Elham ; Spryszyńska, Aleksandra ; Zembrzuska, Joanna ; Kowalczewski, Przemysław Łukasz ; Kaykhaii, MassoudAbstract: "Shilajit, a resinous exudate traditionally used in Asian medicine, is thought to originate from the decomposition of plant material, yet direct chemical evidence for this hypothesis has remained limited. Here, we report the first comprehensive quantification of phenolic acids, as the key plant-derived antioxidants, in eleven Shilajit samples from Iran, India, Nepal, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan using HPLC–MS/MS. Nine phenolic acids (gallic, vanillic, syringic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, chlorogenic, and rosmarinic acids) were identified and quantified. Most samples had more hydroxybenzoic acids (gallic, vanillic, syringic) than hydroxycinnamic acids. Gallic acid was the most abundant compound, reaching up to 2839.28 μg g−1 in Iranian Shilajit, whereas rosmarinic acid displayed exceptionally high levels (216.26 μg g−1) in one Iranian sample. The pronounced geographical variation in phenolic acid composition suggests a strong environmental and botanical influence on Shilajit formation. These findings provide molecular evidence supporting its plant-based origin and highlight phenolic acids as contributors to Shilajit’s well-documented antioxidant and therapeutic effects. The study also establishes a robust analytical platform for future standardization and quality assessment of Shilajit as a natural medicinal product."(...)Pozycja A Telecollaboration Project on Giving Online Peer Feedback: Implementing a Multilateral Virtual Exchange During a Pandemic(National Research University Higher School of Economics, 2021) Ennis, Michael Joseph; Verzella, Massimo; Montanari, Silvia; Sendur, Agnieszka M.; Pissarro, Marieta SimeonovaAbstract: "Telecollaboration, also called virtual exchange or online intercultural exchange, is a form of collaborative learning whereby language learners in different locations engage in computer-mediated communication to complete tasks online. There is ample evidence that telecollaboration promotes the acquisition of language skills, intercultural competence, and digital literacies. Challenges faced implementing virtual exchanges include differences in time zones, learning objectives, academic calendars, and cultural attitudes. The present article describes a case of a multilateral telecollaboration project based on the facilitated dialogue model involving four institutions—two in Europe and two in the United States—that was designed to prepare students for the experience of giving online peer feedback on collaborative writing assignments. Our initial goal was to explore the challenges students would face and the benefits they would receive from a complex telecollaboration project involving multiple institutions and two task sequences: 1) input and reflection on giving and receiving peer feedback, 2) completion of the collaborative writing task to be peer reviewed. However, new challenges and opportunities emerged after the switch to emergency e-learning and remote teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic. Relying upon multiple data sources—including correspondence, observations, class discussions, surveys, reflective writing, and information stored in virtual learning environments—our methods of data collection involved convenience sampling, while data analysis was predominantly descriptive. Our results demonstrate that even during a global pandemic, students and instructors face similar logistical challenges and reap similar benefits as has been reported in the literature. Yet our experience also reveals the resiliency of telecollaboration in the face of extreme disruption as well as the potential to exploit virtual exchange to develop learning strategies—such as methods for giving and receiving peer feedback—and meta-awareness of how language is used in the real-world—such as the implications of English as a lingua franca."(...)Pozycja The Japanese Traditional House: Spatial Representation of Dualistic Social Codes(Cracow University of Technology, 2026) Ingarden, Krzysztof; Watanabe, Yoko KinoshitaAbstract: "This article analyses the traditional Japanese house as a semiotic space that reflects social codes. It examines how architectural features such as the genkan vestibule, the engawa, zashiki, shoji and fusuma sliding panels – mediate relationships between private and public zones. The study introduces key Japanese concepts (honne/tatemae, uchi/soto, omote/ura, hare/ke, and kafuchō-sei) to explain how dichotomies of inner/outer, public/private, and gender roles shape domestic spaces. Transitional, flexible elements allow inhabitants to negotiate boundaries, maintain social harmony, and ad apt space to ritual or everyday occasions. Ultimately, the Japanese house is argued to embody not merely climate adaptation or practical rationalism but to perpetuate codified cultural values and social codes through its spatial organization."(...)Pozycja Enhanced nutritional value of mung bean microgreens compared to sprouts: a quantitative study(De Gruyter, 2026-02-19) Marottickal, Sheba Sunny; Saji, Neethu; Valattil, Noufan; Sajeev, Sudharsh; Surendran, Theertha; Kuriakose, Ritty; Syamala, Athira; Ivanišová, Eva; Nowicki, Marcin; Kowalczewski, Przemysław ŁukaszAbstract: "Microgreens, the young edible seedlings of vegetables and herbs, have emerged as nutrient-rich alternatives in contemporary diets due to their enhanced sensory and nutritional attributes. This study investigates the nutritional composition and microbial quality of mung bean microgreens in comparison to mung bean sprouts. A consumer perception survey conducted via social media revealed that while awareness of microgreens’ health benefits is relatively high, actual consumption remains limited. On a fresh‑weight basis, microgreens showed lower protein and fat contents but nearly double the dietary fiber content compared to sprouts. Microgreens also exhibited elevated levels of essentialminerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, with a slight reduction in potassium content. Furthermore, a significant increase in ascorbic acid (p < 0.05) was observed, whereas chlorophyll content showed no notable difference (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that mung bean microgreens may serve as a superior functional food component, offering a convenient, sustainable option to increase dietary fiber, selected minerals, and vitamin C in modern diets."(...)Pozycja Teachers’ Attitudes Towards Inclusive Education in a Cultural Context(Uniwersytet Ignatianum w Krakowie, 2024-12-31) Kossewska, Joanna; Khofidotur, Rofiah; Sheehy, Kieron; Machał, Katarzyna; Sajdak, KatarzynaAbstract: "RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to capture cross-cultural differences in teachers’ attitudes toward educational inclusion across Indonesia, Poland, the Republic of Germany, and the Slovak Republic, and to identify the most significant predictors shaping these attitudes. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The main research question focused on differences in three aspects of pro-inclusion attitudes among teachers (N = 666) from four countries, as well as the correlates and predictors of these attitudes. The research employed a quantitative paradigm using standardized measurement tools: MATIES by Mahat, SES by Rosenberg, EQ by Greenberg and colleagues, and the Fun for Teaching Learning Scale by Okada. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: Teachers’ attitudes towards educational inclusion are important factors in determining the success of inclusive education for students with disabilities. Understanding the factors that shape these attitudes is essential from both theoretical and practical perspectives. RESEARCH RESULTS: The analysis revealed that teachers’ attitudes towards educational inclusion vary across cultures. German teachers exhibited the least favorable attitudes toward inclusion. Teachers in general education schools demonstrated more pro-inclusion attitudes compared to those in special education settings. Gender was not found to be a differentiating factor in attitudes toward inclusion. CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPLICABLE VALUE OF RESEARCH: Including students with disabilities is a very difficult and demanding task in modern schools. Successful implementation requires professional preparation and proper organization of space and time, and a strong commitment to individualizing each student’s education. As positive teacher attitudes can enhance the effectiveness of inclusive education, developing such attitudes is vital. Practical interventions should be based on analyzing and strengthening predictors of pro-inclusion attitudes to develop the necessary personal resources."(...)Pozycja The Experience of Stress in Parents of Children with ASD in the Context of the Pattern of Temporal Perspectives and Subjective Sense of Social Support(Wydawnictwo Naukowe EDUsfera, 2025) Kossewska, Joanna; Piątek-Kłosowska, MartynaAbstract:"Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the levels of stress experiencing by parents of children with ASD and their time perspective pattern and subjective social support. Zimbardo time perspective theory is crucial to exploring both the predictors of positive health outcomes and stress-related mental health problems. Methods and materials. The study group consisted of three equal groups of parents (parents of children with ASD, N=30; parents of children with Down Syndrome, N=30; parents of children with typical development, N=30). The following questionnaire measures were used: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Multidimensional Social Support Scale (MSPSS), and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI). Results and conclusion. The results of the study showed that (1) parents of children with ASD experience higher levels of perceived stress compared to other parents, and (2) there was a statistically significant difference in the three time perspectives between parents of children with ASD and parents of children with typical development. It was proved that the level of perceived stress in parents of children with ASD correlates negatively with perceived social support. Perceived stress in parents of children with ASD was related to the specific time perspective pattern (negative past perspective and fatalistic present perspective correlated positively with stress, while positive past perspective and hedonistic present perspective correlated negatively). Higher levels of stress were experienced by parents of children with ASD who have negative beliefs about their past and a pessimistic attitude towards their present experiences."(...)Pozycja Digital hygiene among teachers(Bastas Publications, 2026) Tomczyk, Łukasz; Potyrała, Katarzyna; Kaczmarzyk, Marek; Mędrala, DawidAbstract: "The aim of the study was to diagnose the level of digital hygiene among teachers in Poland. The study was also intended to reveal the factors (socio-demographic variables) that differentiate the level of attitudes and activities enabling the safe use of digital devices and the Internet. The research was conducted using the digital hygiene test and was carried out in the second half of 2023 in Poland (N = 736) in line with the need to strengthen the skills enabling the use of new technologies in a way that does not threaten digital health and safety. Based on the data collected, it was noted that (1) the surveyed teachers most often drew attention to not using the phone in a situation requiring attention, e.g., crossing a road or a track. In addition, very frequent behaviors included not accepting unknown people as friends, limited trust in links and content on the Internet, and conscious digital footprint actions; (2) the least frequent behaviors were the physical disinfection of smartphones, avoiding using phones before bedtime, and actively responding to negative content posted on the Internet; (3) individual digital hygiene activities are rarely correlated in a significant way, suggesting high internal differentiation; (4) having good ICT habits in one area does not guarantee the same in another area; (5) cluster analysis showed that 9% of teachers have a high level of digital hygiene in selected areas; (6) 44% of teachers have varying levels of digital hygiene, while 46.2% have medium or low levels of digital hygiene; (7) gender does not differentiate digital hygiene levels; and (8) workplace and school type is a factor in digital hygiene levels."(...)Pozycja Nonexpansive-type operators from nonlinear operator-valued measures(Springer Nature, 2025-12-18) Szczypiński, TomaszAbstract: "This paper is grounded in the long-standing, purely abstract theory of integration with respect to nonlinear operator-valued measures μ :ℛ→N(S, F), which defines the integral operator Tf ≡ ∫︁ f dμ in full generality. By leveraging Pettis and Bochner Radon–Nikodým-type theorems and imposing natural assumptions on measurability and semivariation, we establish that this abstract integral can be represented by a classical scalar integral with a Carathéodory kernel φ : S×X →F. This representation, a core contribution of this work, translates the abstract operator integral into the more familiar form Tf = ∫︁X φ(f (y), y)dm(y). This approach not only provides a powerful analytical framework but also enables the direct use of standard tools for nonlinear integral operators. Moreover, by introducing a Lipschitz condition on the kernel, we derive the nonexpansive inequality ||Tf – Tg|| ≤ ||L||Lq ||f – g||Lp , thereby classifying T as a nonexpansive operator (or a strict contraction when ||L||Lq < 1). Consequently, this framework enables the direct application of classical fixed-point algorithms, such as Picard iterations for contractions and Krasnoselskii–Mann or Halpern schemes for nonexpansive mappings. This work bridges the gap between the abstract theory of operator-valued measures and the practical application of nonexpansive-type operator theory and algorithms."(...)Pozycja Caregiver Burden and Support for People with Neurological Disorders: Findings from a Polish Cross-Sectional Study(Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, 2026-01-14) Pasek, Małgorzata; Strzesak, Zofia; Goździalska, Anna; Jochymek, MałgorzataAbstract "Neurological diseases are a major cause of long-term disability and dependence. In Poland, as in many countries, informal caregivers provide most longterm care for individuals with chronic and progressive neurological conditions. Although essential, this role is associated with substantial physical, psychological, and social burden. This study aimed to assess the scope and nature of support provided by caregivers to people with neurological diseases and to identify factors associated with differences in support and caregiver burden. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using a CAWI survey. The sample included 104 informal caregivers of adults with various neurological conditions. An author-designed questionnaire and the “Actually Provided Support” subscale of the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) were used. Nonparametric statistical tests were applied (p < 0.05). Results: Caregivers provided a high level of support, particularly emotional and instrumental support, while informational support was less intensive. Women more frequently reported high emotional and instrumental support. Higher buffering–protective support was more common among caregivers aged over 45 years. The most frequently reported difficulties were psychological fatigue (70.9%) and physical fatigue (60.2%), indicating a substantial caregiving burden. Key barriers included limited access to reimbursed healthcare services and the lack of temporary replacement in caregiving. Caregivers most often indicated the need for respite care and better access to information and education. Conclusions: Informal caregivers play a crucial role in the daily functioning of people with neurological diseases, despite high burden and insufficient systemic support. Expanding respite care, improving access to information, and better coordination of healthcare services are urgently needed."(...)Pozycja Age-Dependent Association Between Insomnia and Body Mass Index Among Young Women: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study(Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, 2025-12-16) Merklinger-Gruchała, Anna; Goździalska, Anna; Bień, Agnieszka; Grzesik-Gąsior, JoannaAbstract: "Sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia, are increasingly recognized as important determinants of health. Previous studies have shown bidirectional associations between sleep quality and obesity. Limited evidence exists on the modifying role of age in the relationship between insomnia symptoms and body mass index (BMI) among women. This study aimed to evaluate the association between insomnia symptoms and BMI in women, with a specific focus on the potential effect of age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 72 female nursing students aged 21–48 years. Data were collected via an online questionnaire including demographic, occupational, and anthropometric variables, as well as the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) to assess insomnia symptoms. BMI was calculated based on self-reported weight and height. Logistic and multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between AIS scores and BMI and age. Results: Overall, insomnia severity was not directly associated with BMI in the full sample (p = 0.55). However, a significant interaction between insomnia symptoms and age was observed (p = 0.02). Among women aged ≥37 years, higher AIS scores were positively associated with BMI (β = 0.59; p = 0.06), whereas this association was absent in younger participants. Conclusions: Insomnia symptoms showed a trend toward a positive association with higher BMI, primarily among older women, suggesting an age-dependent relationship between sleep disturbances and body weight. Screening for sleep problems and promoting sleep hygiene could serve as simple, low-cost preventive strategies for maintaining metabolic health in women."(...)Pozycja Assessment of molecular dynamics in natural Shilajit using low-field NMR relaxometry for geographical traceability(De Gruyter, 2026-01-19) Kamgar, Elham; Baranowska, Hanna Maria; Kaykhaii, Massoud; Nowicki, Marcin; Kowalczewski, Przemysław Łukasz; Zembrzuska, JoannaShilajit (Mumijo) is a phytomineral exudate known for its therapeutic potential, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its molecular composition and consequently its therapeutic properties are influenced by geographical origin. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) offers a non-destructive tool to assess the molecular behavior of Shilajit rapidly and non-destructively. Twelve raw Shilajit samples from five regions (Iran, India, Nepal, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan) were analyzed using LF NMR at 15 MHz. Longitudinal magnetization relaxation (T1) and transverse magnetization relaxation (T2) relaxation times were measured using an inversion-recovery and Carr–Purcell– Meiboom–Gill pulse sequence, respectively. Three distinct relaxation behavior groups were identified. Group I showed only T1 (solid samples with undetectable T2), group II exhibited single T1 and T2 (moderately viscous, hydrated samples), while group III revealed biphasic T2 relaxation (indicating proton heterogeneity). Clear differences in relaxation profiles were observed across geographical origins, with Iranian samples showing the widest range of T1 values, while Russian and some Iranian samples exhibited dual T2 components. LF NMR relaxation parameters (T1, T2) are strongly dependent on the geographic origin and molecular structure of Shilajit. The technique shows promise for use in authentication and traceability of Shilajit, enabling differentiation based on relaxation signatures.Pozycja Potato Protein-Based Vegan Burgers: Discovering the Health-Promoting Benefits and Impact on the Intestinal Microbiome(Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, 2026-01-03) Kowalczewski, Przemysław Łukasz; Gumienna, Małgorzata; Jeżowski, Paweł; Świątek, Michał; Górna-Szweda, Barbara; Rybicka, Iga; Ruszkowska, Millena; Kluz, Maciej Ireneusz; Bordiga, MatteoIntroduction: The increasing global interest in plant-based diets has led to the development of innovative meat analogs that not only mimic the sensory properties of traditional products but may also offer potential health benefits. In this study, we investigated the nutritional characteristics and biological activity of potato protein-based vegan burgers (PBBs) enriched with plant-derived iron and fiber sources. Methods: The burgers were subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, followed by evaluation of their cytotoxic potential against human intestinal cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and HT-29) and normal colon epithelial cells (CCD 841 CoN). Additionally, their influence on the intestinal microbiota composition and enzymatic activity of β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase was assessed. Results: PBBs demonstrated favorable nutritional profiles, high protein and fiber contents, and a balanced fatty acid ratio (n-6/n-3). After digestion, bioaccessible fractions showed selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, while maintaining safety for normal intestinal cells. Furthermore, PBBs modulated the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial genera (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and reducing potentially harmful Enterobacteriaceae, accompanied by decreased β-glucuronidase activity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that potato protein-based burgers could represent a functional plant-based alternative to conventional meat products, contributing to intestinal health and potentially reducing colorectal cancer risk.Pozycja High-stakes online testing: A comparative study of English for Academic Purposes home-based exams(© Express Publishing, 2025, 2025) Sendur, Agnieszka M.This article explores the rise of online high-stakes English for Academic Purposes (EAP) exams, focusing on IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Online, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT Home Edition, and Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. It compares and contrasts these exams across various aspects, including format, assessed skills, scoring mechanisms, technical requirements, and security measures. Key findings reveal that while all three exams assess the four primary language skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) and offer similar benefits, such as convenience and accessibility, they also exhibit notable differences. These include task types, scoring approaches (human vs Al), and speaking assessment methods (human interaction vs. recorded responses).The article acknowledges the ongoing debate regarding the reliability of Al scoring in productive skills (speaking and writing). While some studies emphasise Al's objectivity and consistency, others highlight the lack of transparent validation evidence. Additionally, the article examines security measures employed in online exams to ensure test integrity, such as remote invigilation, candidate authentication, data encryption, and software restrictions to prevent unauthorised access and cheating. In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive overview of three leading online EAP certification exams, highlighting their similarities, differences, and ongoing discussions surrounding Al scoring and exam security.Pozycja Molecular Properties of Starch–Water Interactions in the Presence of Bioactive Compounds from Barley and Buckwheat—LF NMR Preliminary Study(Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, 2025) Adamczyk, Greta; Masewicz, Łukasz; Przybył, Krzysztof; Zaryczniak, Aleksandra; Kowalczewski, Przemysław Łukasz; Beszterda-Buszczak, Monika; Cichocki, Wojciech; Baranowska, Hanna MariaThe retrogradation of starch strongly influences the texture and stability of starchy foods. This study applied low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) to examine the effect of buckwheat hull (BH) fiber and green barley (GB) on water dynamics in normal (NPS) and waxy (WPS) potato starch gels. Relaxation times (T1, T2) and mean correlation times (τc) were monitored during 15 days of storage to evaluate changes in water mobility and starch–polymer interactions. Results showed that WPS, with its high amylopectin content, retrograded earlier than NPS. The addition of BH inhibited conformational changes associated with water binding in WPS gels, indicating that insoluble fiber entrapped water within the amylopectin network. Conversely, GB promoted higher τc values in WPS, reflecting enhanced ordering and reduced water mobility, while its impact on NPS was minor. In NPS systems, BH decreased τc, suggesting disruption of amylose-driven structural reorganization. These findings demonstrate that BH and GB exert opposite effects on starch retrogradation and highlight their potential as functional additives for tailoring texture and stability in starch-based food systems.Pozycja The application of convolutional neural networks, LF-NMR, and texture for microparticle analysis in assessing the quality of fruit powders: Case study – blackcurrant powders(De Gruyter, 2025) Przybył, Krzysztof; Samborska, Katarzyna; Jedlińska, Aleksandra; Koszela, Krzysztof; Baranowska, Hanna Maria; Masewicz, Łukasz; Kowalczewski, Przemysław ŁukaszIt can be observed that dynamic developments in artificial intelligence contributing to the evolution of existing techniques used in food research. Currently, innovative methods are being sought to support unit processes such as food drying, while at the same time monitoring quality and extending their shelf life. The development of innovative technology using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to assess the quality of fruit powders seems highly desirable. This will translate into obtaining homogeneous batches of powders based on the specific morphological structure of the obtained microparticles. The research aims to apply convolutional networks to assess the quality, consistency, and homogeneity of blackcurrant powders supported by comparative physical methods of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and texture analysis. The results show that maltodextrin, inulin, whey milk proteins, microcrystalline cellulose, and gum arabic are effective carriers when identifying morphological structure using CNNs. The use of CNNs, texture analysis, and the effect of LF-NMR relaxation time together with statistical elaboration shows that maltodextrin as well as milk whey proteins in combination with inulin achieve the most favorable results. The best results were obtained for a sample containing 50% maltodextrin and 50%maltodextrin (MD50-MD70). The CNNmodel for this combination had the lowest mean squared error in the test set at 2.5741 × 10−4, confirming its high performance in the classification of blackcurrant powder microstructures.