Surface-modified graphite is studied as an electrode material, an adsorbent, and a membrane component, among other applications. Modifying the graphite with plasma can be used to create relevant surface functionalities, in particular, various oxygen groups. The application of surface-oxidized graphite often requires its use in an aqueous environment. The application in an aqueous environment is not an issue for acid-oxidized carbons, but a discrepancy in the structure–activity relationship may arise because plasma-oxidized carbons show a time-dependent decrease in the degree of functionalization and related properties. Moreover, plasma-oxidized materials are often characterized in terms of their chemical and physical properties, most notably their degree of functionalization after plasma treatment, without contact with water. In this study, we used low-temperature plasma oxidation with pure oxygen and carbon dioxide and sample-washing with concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids. To evaluate the electronic properties of modified graphite, the work function changes and surface oxygen content were measured just after plasma modification and after water immersion. We show that water immersion drastically decreases the work function of plasma-treated samples, which is accompanied by a decrease in the number of radicals introduced by plasma. Our results demonstrate that the increase in stable work function as a result of plasma treatment, brought about by an increase in the surface oxygen species concentration, can be realized most effectively for the acid-washed graphite.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication that affects 5% to 8% of all pregnancies. It is a leading cause of maternal mortality that contributes annually more than 60,000 maternal deaths all over the world. Data submitted so far by clinicians are still insufficient to completely understand the disease. Despite many researches, the prediction of patients suffering from PE remains difficult. Moreover therapeutic methods are also limited and concentrated on symptomatic treatment and early termination of pregnancy. The  aim  of  the  presented  article  is  to  review  current research on the PE and its long-term effects on mother and child. PE is defined as a hypertension developing after 20 weeks of gestation with at least one of the following symptoms: proteinuria, maternal organ dysfunction or foetal growth restriction. Because initially patients may be completely asymptomatic, the diagnosis is usually difficult. Untreated PE may lead to the death of both mother and neonate. In later life it predisposes woman and child to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Maternal consequences are related to increased risk of hypertension, stroke, thrombosis or chronic kidney disease, whilst offspring implications are directly correlated with hypertension, increased body mass index, hormonal changes and reductions in cognitive functions. In the future there is a need to develop more effective diagnostic methods of PE. Comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology would allow to avoid many negative long-term effects and reduce its mortality rate.

Introduction Young people find themselves in stressful situations more and more frequently. Mental health and access to professional psychical help is necessary. Unfortunately, the availability of the psychologist's offices, as well as knowledge about mental health, is very limited. Aim of the study We aimed to check factors that cause stress and the access to psychological help in Poland. Material and method In order to analyze the issue, an Internet survey was prepared and disseminated in  February and March 2022. Results Over 80% of respondents claimed that sometime in their life they needed psychological help, although the majority of them did not seek professional help. 41,1% of people who took part in the survey could get help from psychologists in their place of work or study, but over 83% of them did not seek help there. Everyday problems and situations in work, school or university were mentioned as the most stressful situations (63,7%). According to the respondents' opinion, problems with concentration and nervousness (80,6% and 76,6% respectively) due to stress have a negative influence on their health. 74,2% of young people consider themselves as not stress-resistant. The best option to deal with stress is to listen to music or to converse with their closest ones. Conclusion Everyone should have ensured good access to psychological help. There is a great demand for it, regardless of gender or age. Despite the need to see an expert, the majority of people do not ask for help.

Introduction and objective: Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 10% of the population globally. The exact pathogenesis of rosacea remains unknown. However, there are considered several factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental impact, immune dysregulation, as well as presence of microorganisms. The aim of the study is to review recent knowledge about the relationship between rosacea and Demodex folliculorum. The information used in the presented analysis was obtained by searching academic research databases: Google Scholar and PubMed. An abbreviated description of the state of knowledge: Demodex folliculorum is a microscopic mite that resides in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin. Current studies show that Demodex folliculorum plays an important role in pathogenesis of rosacea. That is related with the induction of excessive pro-inflammatory skin response combined with increase in inflammation mediators. Moreover in patients with rosacea there is observed a nearly 6-fold increase in Demodex folliculorum density in comparison to general population. Increased number of mites is associated with local immunosuppression that may predispose to the development of rosacea. The presence of Demodex mites is related not only with acute course and prolonged duration of the disease, but also with higher probability of recurrence. Summary: Demodex folliculorum is involved in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Moreover, as a parasite, it significantly decreases the quality of patient’s life. Therefore, patients with severe rosacea should be examined for the presence of Demodex mites. In case of detection, regardless of its quantitative load, antiparasitic drug should be recommended.