2025, Leyko, Paweł, Zaborska, Monika, Walczak, Agnieszka, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Pelc, Marcin, Mnich, Aleksander, Kowal, Igor, Morasiewicz, Piotr

Background: Biomechanical disorders may result from joint deformities. The purpose of this prospective research was to assess total load distribution over the lower limbs and balance in individuals before and after an hemiepiphysiodesis procedure performed due to valgus or varus knee deformity. Methods: Thirty-five patients, mean age 12 years, who underwent hemiphysiodesis for valgus or varus deformity of the knee were evaluated in comparison to a healthy control group. In patients, the percentage distribution of weight-bearing capacity between the operated and unoperated limbs was analyzed before and after surgery. Balance was assessed based on CoG (center of gravity) sway area and the CoG path length. Results were collected using the FreeMED MAXI pedobarographic platform. Results: Before surgery, statistically significant lower load on the entire affected limb was noted compared to unaffected limb. The values of path of center of gravity improved statistically significantly after surgery, compared to the values before surgery. There were no differences in the load on the treated lower limb in the study group and the non-dominant limb in the control group. There were no differences between the load on the non-operated limb in the study group and the load on the dominant limb in the control group. In the hemiepiphysiodesis group there were no significant differences between the mean total load on the treated and untreated limb after surgery. The median CoG sway area and path length in the group of patients after hemiphysiodesis and in the healthy control group did not differ. Conclusions: After hemiphysiodesis, the percentage load distribution did not differ between the operated and non-operated lower limb. Hemiepiphysiodesis allows for achieving balance similar to the healthy control group. Performing hemiepiphysiodesis allows for the improvement of balance parameters and load distribution in the lower limbs.

2026, Widłak, Patrycja, Bartnicki, Piotr, Tomczyk, Łukasz

Purpose: The study evaluated the effects of low-frequency magnetic field and kinesitherapy on selected parameters ofnutritional status and inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis.Methods: The study included 25 hemodialysis patients with stage G5 CKD, divided into three groups: magnetic stimulation+ kinesitherapy, kinesitherapy only, and a control group. Magnetic stimulation was applied three times a week for 12 weeks.Blood tests were performed to assess nutritional status (TP, ALB, TC, TG), inflammation (CRP) and liver enzymes AST andALT.Results: Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in TC (P = .675), TG (P = .861), ALT (P = .991),AST (P = .840), TP (P = .509), or ALB (P = .276). CRP values trended toward statistical significance (P = .069); the highestmedian was seen in Group 2 (10.50 mg/L). After therapy, there was a significant decrease in CRP levels in Group 2 (P =.013). Other parameters showed no significant changes. TC decreased in all groups, with the greatest decrease observed inthe control group. TG levels varied among groups: they increased in Group 1, decreased in the control group, and remainedstable in Group 2 (P = .245). AST and ALT stayed within normal limits. ALB levels slightly decreased in Groups 1 and 2, which,along with higher CRP, suggests an association with inflammation.Conclusion: Some patients with advanced CKD on haemodialysis have elevated CRP levels and low albumin, which maysignal malnutrition. Both treatments can affect inflammatory and nutritional status.

2025, Dobrzyńska, Patrycja, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Hejdysz, Marcin, Stangierski, Jerzy, Szwaczkowski, Tomasz

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of two dietary protein sources - standard soybean meal (SBM) and local protein sources (LPS: yellow lupin and rapeseed meal) - on growth performance, feed efficiency, and meat quality in two goose reciprocal crossbred populations of Eskildsen (E) and Tapphorn (T). The research material consisted of 240 geese (120 from each of the two groups TE and ET). The following traits were recorded: growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass composition, and meat chemical composition, including fatty acid profiles. Results showed that LPS-fed geese had reduced body weight gain (BWG) during the first 28 days; however, this difference diminished over time. While final body weights were similar, cumulative feed intake was higher and FCR less efficient in the LPS group. The TE genotype exhibited superior growth and carcass weights compared to ET, suggesting a maternal heterosis effect. Although protein and mineral content were unaffected, meat from LPS-fed geese had higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower fat content, indicating potential nutritional benefits. In conclusion, yellow lupin can serve as a viable alternative to SBM in goose diets. On the other hand, effects of population on these studied traits are usually significant. It indicates formulating feeding strategies should be included genetic origin of population.

2025, Morasiewicz, Piotr, Zaborska, Monika, Sobczak, Michał, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Pili, Daniele, Kazubski, Krystian, Leyko, Paweł

Background: Patients with nonunion experience pain, mobility problems, and physical activity limitations; require long-term, costly treatment; and cannot resume work. Some authors recommend the use of pharmaceutical agents as an adjunct therapy in fracture and nonunion treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of ossein–hydroxyapatite complex used as an adjunct therapy in nonunion treatment with the Ilizarov external fixator. Methods: In this retrospective study, we assessed 31 patients (nine women, 22 men) at a mean age of 47 years (29–68 years), who were receiving osteogenon, with aseptic tibial shaft nonunion treated with the Ilizarov external fixator in the period 2019–2023, designated as Group 1. The control group comprised 29 patients (five women, 24 men), at a mean age of 48 years, with aseptic tibial shaft nonunion treated with the Ilizarov external fixator, who did not receive osteogenon during treatment, designated as Group 2. We assessed the following parameters—duration of Ilizarov fixation, achieved bone union, time to resuming normal physical activity, maintained bone union, time to complete pain relief, the number of patients reporting complete pain relief, the number of patients who were fitted with a cast or splint following Ilizarov fixator removal, and the rate of complications. Results: The median time to Ilizarov fixator removal was 275 days in Group 1 and 218 days in Group 2. In Group 1, bone union was observed in 100% of patients, in Group 2, 93% of patients achieved bone union. This difference was statistically significant, p = 0.041. Maintained bone union was observed in 85.7% of patients from the osteogenon group and in 79.3% of patients from the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant. There were no differences between groups in the median time to resuming normal physical activity, the median time to achieving pain relief, the rate of complications, and the rate of pain relief. Conclusions: The use of ossein–hydroxyapatite complex has a beneficial effect on fracture nonunion treatment with the Ilizarov method. The use of osteogenon helps increase the proportion of patients with fracture nonunion who achieve bone union following treatment with the Ilizarov method. Osteogenon does not significantly affect complication rates, time to fixator removal, time to achieving pain relief, time to resuming normal physical activity, maintained bone union rates, or the proportion of patients who achieve pain relief.

2024, Pelc, Marcin, Kazubski, Krystian, Urbański, Wiktor, Leyko, Paweł, Kochańska-Bieri, Joanna, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Konieczny, Grzegorz, Morasiewicz, Piotr

Background: The biomechanical outcomes of intra-articular calcaneal fracture treatment have not been fully explored. The purpose of this study was to analyze pedobarographic assessments of balance and body weight distribution over the lower limbs in patients following calcaneal fracture treatment with the Ilizarov method and to compare the results with those of a control group. Materials and Methods: The data for our retrospective study came from cases of intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with the Polish modification of the Ilizarov method in the period between 2021 and 2022. The experimental group (21 patients; 7 women, 14 men) included Sanders classification calcaneal fractures type 2 (n = 3), type 3 (n = 5), and type 4 (n = 13). The control group comprised 21 sex-matched healthy volunteers, with no significant differences from the experimental group in terms of age or BMI. The examination included an assessment of balance and weight distribution over the lower limbs. The device used was a FreeMED MAXI pedobarographic platform (SensorMedica). Results: The mean displacement of the center of gravity in the experimental group was significantly higher at 1307.31 mm than in the control group (896.34 mm; p = 0.038). The mean area of the center of gravity was not significantly different between the groups. An analysis of weight distribution over the operated and uninjured limb in the experimental group and the non-dominant and dominant limb, respectively, in the control group revealed no significant differences. We observed no significant differences in the percentage of weight distribution over the lower limbs between the operated limb in the experimental group and the non-dominant limb in the control group, or between the uninjured limb in the experimental group and the dominant limb in the control group. Conclusions: The use of the Ilizarov method in calcaneal fracture treatment helps normalize the percentage weight distribution in the lower limbs, with the results comparable with those obtained in the healthy control group. The mean displacement of the center of gravity was worse in the experimental group than in controls; whereas the mean area of the center of gravity was comparable between the two groups. Treatment of calcaneal fractures with the Ilizarov method does not help achieve completely normal static parameters of lower-limb biomechanics. Patients treated for calcaneal fractures with the Ilizarov method require longer and more intense rehabilitation and follow-up.

2025, Kowal, Igor, Pelc, Marcin, Pili, Daniele, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Operacz, Radosław, Morasiewicz, Piotr

Background: There is no consensus on the best treatment method for calcaneal fractures. The topic of lower limb biomechanics following calcaneal fracture treatment with various fixation methods has not been fully explored. The aim of the study was to assess the balance and load distribution of the lower limbs in patients after various methods of stabilization of calcaneal fractures. Methods: In this two-center study, we retrospectively collected data from 19 patients treated with internal plate fixation at a mean age of 46 years and 27 patients treated with Ilizarov external fixation at a mean age of 50 years. Using the Zebris Medical pedobarophragmatic platform, we assessed the percentage distribution of lower limb loads and balance. Results: There were no significant differences in total load distribution for both the operated (p = 0.489) and non-operated limb (p = 0.46), between the Ilizarov method group and the internal plate group. In the Ilizarov fixation group, total load distribution was 46.89% on the treated limb, and 53.11% on the uninjured limb, p = 0.077. In the internal plate fixation group, the mean total load distribution was 41.57% in the treated limb, and 57.89% in the uninjured limb, p = 0.008. The median CoG (center or gravity) sway path length was 132.41 cm and 170.21 cm in the Ilizarov and internal plate group, respectively, p = 0.023. The median CoG sway areas were 0.84 cm2 and 7.57 cm2 in the Ilizarov method group and internal plate fixation group, respectively, p < 0.001. Conclusions: The Ilizarov method was associated with more symmetrical load distribution and improved balance performance compared to internal plate fixation. Static biomechanical parameters of calcaneal fracture treatment were better in the Ilizarov group compared to patients with internal plate fixation.

2025, Morasiewicz, Piotr, Pelc, Marcin, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Kochanska-Bieri, Joanna, Bobiński, Andrzej, Pili, Daniele, Reichert, Paweł

2025, Pelc, Marcin, Hryniuk, Władysław, Bobiński, Andrzej, Kochańska-Bieri, Joanna, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Pili, Daniele, Morasiewicz, Piotr

2022, Klepacki, Krzysztof, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Miękisiak, Grzegorz, Morasiewicz, Piotr

Background. Ankle joint injuries are an important orthopedic issue due to their high incidence and the variety of treatment methods available. This study assessed the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology and treatment of ankle joint injuries. There is lack of papers which address this problem.Material and methods. This study compared epidemiological data on ankle joint injuries in adults and children collected during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) and a corresponding prepandemic period (2019). Epidemiological data, demographic data, treatment methods, hospital stay duration, and injury-to-surgery time were analyzed.Results. The total number of patients hospitalized for ankle fractures in the evaluated pandemic period was lower by 34% than that in the corresponding prepandemic period in 2019. The pediatric patient subpopulation showed a 70% decline during the analyzed period of COVID-19 pandemic. The number of hospitalized females declined by 12%, and the number of hospitalized males dropped by 53%. Conclusions. 1. Our study showed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology and treatment of ankle joint injuries. 2. The COVID-19 pandemic effected a decrease in the number of patients with ankle joint injuries, particularly pediatric and male patients with these injuries. 3. National lockdown measures had a considerable effect on lowering the numbers of pediatric patients with ankle joint injuries treated conservatively. 4. Importantly, the tendency can be noted among orthopedic surgeons and emergency room doctors to more readily qualify orthopedic patients for a trial of conservative treatment. This only prolongs the duration of treatment and time to the ultimate therapeutic surgery.

2023, Kuliński, Patryk, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Pawik, Łukasz, Olech, Jarosław, Morasiewicz, Piotr

2024, Stangierski, Jerzy, Kawecka, Agata, Rezler, Ryszard, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Siejak, Przemysław

This study was conducted on vegetable soup with rabbit meat and vegetable soup with rabbit meat, beef balls, and carrots. The qualitative characteristics of the soups were adapted to the needs of elderly consumers. The soups used in the experiments were industrially produced. The aim of this study was to analyse changes in the mechanical, sensory, and microbiological properties of the soups occurring during their storage (1, 7, 14, and 21 days). Strength tests were performed at temperatures of 20 °C and 55 °C. Both soups had a high protein content (4.7–6.5%), low sugar (0.3–0.5%) and salt content (0.8%), and a fibre content of 1.4%. The texture analysis showed great similarity in the mechanical characteristics of both soups. The samples were characterised by low measured values for firmness (0.72 N) and cohesiveness (−0.14 N) in both temperatures. The average shear force of the beef balls with carrots at 20 °C was 12.3 N, but after heating, it decreased to 8.8 N (p < 0.05). The rheological tests on the soups showed that they were characterised by a relatively high viscosity (15–20 Pas at 55 °C). Storage of the soups for 21 days did not significantly affect their rheological parameters (p > 0.05). The soup with beef balls and carrots was rated higher by the sensory panel. On the 21st day of storage, the permitted limit of the count of bacteria was not exceeded in either of the samples. This study shows that the soups had desirable structural, nutritional, and sensory characteristics, which are important for this group of consumers. The values of the mechanical parameters of all the samples were low, and they were even significantly more reduced when the products were heated. This may suggest that the products should not be difficult to consume for seniors.

2023, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Leśnierowski, Grzegorz, Cegielska-Radziejewska, Renata

The lysozyme in the chicken egg white consists of various bioactive amino acids. However, these compounds are inactive when they are in the sequence of parent proteins. They become active only when isolated from these proteins. The aim of this study was to modify lysozyme with proteolytic enzymes under specific conditions of the reaction environment so as to obtain active biopeptides. The physicochemical properties of the resulting preparations were also assessed. Our study showed that the modification of lysozyme with hydrolytic enzymes (pepsin and trypsin) under strictly specified conditions resulted in obtaining biopeptide preparations with new and valuable properties, as compared with native lysozyme. After the enzymatic modification of lysozyme, two structural fractions were distinguished in the composition of the resulting preparations—the monomeric fraction and the peptide fraction. The modified lysozyme exhibited high surface hydrophobicity and high total antibacterial activity despite the decrease in the hydrolytic activity. Modification of lysozyme with hydrolytic enzymes, especially pepsin, resulted in preparations with very good antioxidative properties.

2023, Bobiński, Andrzej, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Reichert, Paweł, Morasiewicz, Piotr

Background: There have been no reports on arthroereisis screw insertion into the talus in patients with flexible flatfoot. We aimed to conduct a clinical and radiological assessment in patients with symptomatic pes planovalgus deformity treated with a talar screw. Methods: This study involved a prospective assessment of 27 patients treated surgically for symptomatic flexible flatfoot deformity in the period 2021–2022. The following parameters were assessed in this study: Meary’s angle, the Costa–Bartani angle, the calcaneal pitch angle, surgery duration, the length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, patients’ retrospective willingness to consent to the treatment they received, postoperative complications, and the use of analgesics. Results: The mean follow-up period was 14.76 months. Meary’s angle decreased from 18.63° before surgery to 9.39° at follow-up (p = 0.004). The Costa–Bartani angle decreased significantly from 154.66° before surgery to 144.58° after surgery (p = 0.012). The calcaneal pitch angle changed from 16.21° before to 19.74°. Complications were reported in three patients (11.11%). The mean surgery duration was 32 min. The mean hospital stay was 2.2 days. Fourteen patients (51.85%) were highly satisfied with the treatment, and 12 patients (44.44%) were quite satisfied with treatment. Twenty-five (92.59%) of the evaluated patients would choose the same type of treatment again. Six patients (22.22%) needed to use analgesics prior to surgical treatment, whereas none of the patients needed to use them by the final follow-up. Conclusion: Spherus screw arthroereisis helps improve radiological parameters in patients with flexible flatfoot. We observed good clinical outcomes after treatment with a talar screw, with a majority of patients reporting moderate-to-high levels of satisfaction with treatment. Both short- and medium-term treatment outcomes of pes planovalgus treatment with the use of Spherus screw are good.

2022, Szablewski, Tomasz, Stuper-Szablewska, Kinga, Cegielska-Radziejewska, Renata, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Szwajkowska-Michałek, Lidia, Nowaczewski, Sebastian

The odors and dust emitted from hen houses affect human health and the condition of crops. The source of fumes is an element of the poultry house environment that affects the level of dust (litter and feed), the concentration of volatile compounds and the composition of the microflora (litter, dust and fodder). The research carried out as part of this study is a comprehensive assessment of the microbiological contamination (Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and microscopic fungi) of all the elements that make up the environment of the poultry house (feed, litter, dust pollution and the atmosphere of the poultry house) in an annual cycle. The air from both types of farms is tested in terms of the quantity and quality of volatile compounds. Two types of laying hens reared on litter were compared: commercial and backyard farms. It was found that the seasons of the year and the system of keeping hens have a significant impact on the microbiological contamination with volatile compounds of the environment and the atmosphere of the hen houses. The obtained results of chemical, microbiological and questionnaire tests show that commercial farms carry a lower microbiological risk to the environment than backyard farm.

2024, Bobiński, Andrzej, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Pelc, Marcin, Chruścicki, Damian, Śnietka, Bartosz, Wójcik, Jarosław, Morasiewicz, Piotr

2022, Nowaczewski, Sebastian, Babuszkiewicz, M., Szablewski, Tomasz, Stuper-Szablewska, Kinga, Cegielska-Radziejewska, Renata, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Kaczmarek, Sebastian, Sechman, A., Lis, M.W., Kwaśniewska, M., Racewicz, Przemysław Łukasz, Jarosz, Ł., Ciszewski, A., Nowak, Tomasz, Hejdysz, Marcin

2025, Nowaczewski, Sebastian, Grzegrzółka, Beata, Gruszczyńska, Joanna, Szablewski, Tomasz, Stuper-Szablewska, Kinga, Cegielska-Radziejewska, Renata, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Biadała, Agata, Lewko, Lidia, Szulc, Karolina, Kaczmarek, Sebastian, Racewicz, Przemysław Łukasz, Jarosz, Łukasz, Hejdysz, Marcin

Abstract Ten percent of the world’s total edible eggs come from Japanese quail. The popularity of quail eggs is attributed to their high yolk content and hypoallergenic properties. This study aimed to analyze the physical characteristics and selected biochemical parameters of Japanese quail eggs based on shell color (dotted - D group, spotted - S group, and hazy - H group). The heaviest and most elongated eggs were found in the group H. The yolk index was significantly higher in dotted eggs, which also exhibited the highest lysozyme content and activity. The thickest shell (p≤0.05) with the lowest elasticity was observed in hazy eggs. However, no differences were found between eggshell colors concerning their breaking strength. The highest Ca content in the shell was found in the spotted group (S), while hazy eggs exhibited the lowest (p≤0.05) Ca and Mg content, despite having the thickest shells. Hazy eggs were also characterized by the highest crude protein content and the smallest proportion of crude fat and ash. The dotted eggs had the highest (p≤0.05) proportions of C16:1 and C18:2 fatty acids and a higher PUFA content (p≤0.05). Nutritionally, the dotted eggs performed best in terms of fatty acid profile and were also characterized by higher Mg, Ca, Cu, Mn, K, and Na content compared to the other groups. In summary, dotted eggs may be more appealing to consumers due to their advantageous physical and biochemical characteristics.

2025, Malara, Marzena, Widłak, Patrycja, Tomczyk, Łukasz

2025, Dobrzyńska, Patrycja, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Stangierski, Jerzy, Hejdysz, Marcin, Szwaczkowski, Tomasz

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of genotype and diet on geese from crossbreeding meat lines Tapphorn (T) and Eskildsen (E). This study was conducted on 240 crossbred geese assigned to two dietary groups: an SBM diet group fed a standard soybean-based diet and an LPS diet group fed a yellow lupin-based diet. Birds were reared under identical management conditions and slaughtered at 17 weeks of age. The following traits were recorded: meat colour (CIELab), pH24, cooking loss, breast and thigh muscle texture (shear force and energy), and sensory traits. The results showed a significant effect of both genotype and diet on meat quality. The LPS diet lowered shear force and energy (by ~11%, p < 0.001), reduced cooking loss in breast muscles (by ~5%, p < 0.001), and improved the juiciness and flavour of thigh muscles. The ET genotype positively influenced the meat colour intensity (lower L*, higher a*), while the lupin-based diet improved technological parameters, especially the water-holding capacity. The results confirm that replacing soybean meal with yellow lupin protein is an effective nutritional strategy that can improve goose meat quality and sustainability without compromising the sensory quality. These outcomes support developing soy-free feeding strategies in goose production to meet consumer expectations and reduce reliance on imported feed.

2026, Biadała, Agata, Szablewski, Tomasz, Cegielska-Radziejewska, Renata, Tomczyk, Łukasz, Połatyńska, Oliwia, Jasiukiewicz, Agata

Sustainable business management in the food sector entails the systematic integration of social, environmental, and economic considerations into organizational decision-making, which has direct implications for food safety assurance systems. This study sought to evaluate how the maturity of an organization’s safety culture influences employees’ pro-quality and food-safety-related behaviors. A complementary objective was to examine employees’ understanding of pro-quality awareness in the context of the principles, goals, and operational procedures associated with sustainable management. The research was carried out in three food industry enterprises located in the Greater Poland region. The methodological framework consisted of internal audits assessing compliance with food safety and quality management standards, combined with a structured questionnaire survey. A total of 169 employees from various operational and administrative departments participated. The results indicate that employees’ professional qualifications and organizational roles significantly affect their awareness of how individual actions contribute to food safety and product quality outcomes. Moreover, the implementation of a sustainable, systems-oriented management approach supported a more comprehensive understanding of food production processes where employees recognize their impacts on public health, the socio-economic environment, natural ecosystems, and future generations. At the same time, this approach underscores the interdependence between employee well-being, organizational performance, and consumer protection.