Objective: This study aimed to develop a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment-resistant cancers based on nanobrachytherapy, using gold nanoparticles as carriers for the Auger-electron–emitting radionuclides 197mHg and 197Hg.Methods: Five-nanometer PEGylated gold nanoparticles were functionalized with 197mHg/197Hg via surface amalgamation and evaluated in vitro in triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) and glioblastoma (T98G) cell lines. Cellular internalization and subcellular distribution were assessed by uptake studies and fractionation. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using MTS assays, while therapeutic efficacy in three-dimensional models was investigated in tumor spheroids. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze apoptosis and cell-cycle distribution. DNA double-strand breaks were quantified by γ-H2AX phosphorylation. Ex vivo biodistribution studies compared intratumoral and intravenous administration routes.Results: The radioconjugate underwent straightforward synthesis, exhibited very high radiolabeling efficiency at low mercury loading, and maintained excellent colloidal stability. Efficient cellular uptake and pronounced nuclear accumulation were observed in both cell lines. In vitro studies demonstrated strong, time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity predominantly mediated by apoptosis, with minimal necrosis, accompanied by significant induction of DNA double-strand breaks. In three-dimensional cultures, MDA-MB-231 spheroids underwent rapid, dose-dependent disintegration, whereas T98G spheroids displayed increased resistance. Ex vivo biodistribution revealed high tumor retention following intratumoral administration, minimal systemic exposure, and predominantly renal clearance.Conclusions: 197mHg/197Hg-functionalized gold nanoparticles represent a promising receptor-independent platform for localized nanobrachytherapy and warrant further preclinical evaluation in aggressive and therapy-resistant tumors.

<br><b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a preprocessing pipeline aimed at reducing technical variability in histomic features extracted from whole-slide images (WSIs) of endometrial cancer tissue using foundation models, thus improving the reliability and generalizability of downstream computational pathology analyses.</br><br><b>Methods:</b> Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained images from three datasets (TCGA UCEC, CPTAC UCEC and Cracow UCEC) were preprocessed using a pipeline that included filtration of artifacts and Vahadane-stain normalisation. Four histopathological foundation models (ResNet18 Histo, CTransPath, UNI, H-optimus-0) were used as feature extractors. Batch effects were evaluated before and after preprocessing using UMAP visualization plots and LISI and ARI metrics.</br><br><b>Results:</b> For each foundation model tested a strong batch effect was observed. The proposed method allowed for the reduction of technical batch effect arising from differences between datasets (e.g., for ResNet18 Histo, ARI decreased from 0.7780 to 0.1428, and LISI increased from 0.0043 to 0.1393), but it did not reduce variability related to the tissue-embedding medium for most models. Additionally, biological diversity associated with tumour grade decreased slightly (e.g., for UNI, ARI decreased from 0.0391 to 0.0384, and LISI increased from 0.5658 to 0.6485).</br><br><b>Conclusions:</b> The introduced preprocessing approach effectively mitigates technical variability in histomic features extracted by foundation models, improving the comparability of WSIs from different sources. However, differences due to the embedding medium remain challenging. The findings emphasize the need to address batch effects in computational pathology and suggest that robust preprocessing is a crucial element of data preparation for model building.</br>

The structure of protein has encoded the record of biological activity in the form of a specific polarity-hydrophobicity relationship system. Structural changes related to the function change this record according to the process stages, in which the given protein is used. The local exposure of hydrophobicity is a specific record of the possible hydrophobic interaction with another protein, providing an agent stabilising such a system. The local hydrophobicity deficit means the presence of a cavity, ready to interact with a substrate in the case of an enzyme. Other cavity types may be adapted to interact with a ligand comprising a permanent ingredient of a complex, often guaranteeing biological activity. Exposure of hydrophobic residues in the case of membrane-anchored proteins is a typical example, rendering the proteins stable in the membrane environment. The fuzzy oil drop (FOD) model in its modified form (FOD-M) is a model describing such phenomena in the aspect of the polarity/hydrophobicity relationship. Application of this model allows quantitative assessment of the status reflecting the specific nature of individual proteins. Examples of this application are discussed in this publication.

<br><b>Introduction:</b> Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound structures that playa crucial role in intercellular communication and molecular transport. Due to theirbiological functions, EVs hold great potential as a novel diagnostic tool or as the targeteddrug carriers in anticancer therapies. Elevated glucose concentrations affect cellularmetabolism, thereby modifying the composition of the EVs and their lipid bilayer. This, inturn, can influence EVs' properties and morphology, which is important in their function.</br><br><b>Hypothesis:</b> Hyperglycemic conditions, by altering the composition and metabolism ofEVs, influence their size distribution and physicochemical properties.</br><br><b>Objective:</b> Visualisation and size distribution comparison of EVs isolated fromnormoglycemic (NG) and hyperglycemic (HG) conditions.</br><br><b>Methods:</b> Two complementary methods based on different physical principles were appliedand compared in terms of their applicability: nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and cryo--transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM). In this study, 1.1B4 cells were cultured innormo- (NG, 5 mM glucose) and hyperglycemic (HG, 25 mM glucose) conditions.</br><br><b>Results:</b> The mean hydrodynamic EV size under hyperglycemic conditions (236 28 nm)was slightly higher than the control (209 43 nm; Paired Sample Wilcoxon Signed Test,p = 0.05). Physical EV sizes (Cryo-TEM), as well as mode hydrodynamic sizes (NTA) wereconsistent and not affected by glucose concentration. In contrast to NTA, Cryo-TEM isa more precise technique for real-size distribution analysis, whereas NTA provides a rapidand cost-effective assessment of hydrodynamic radii. The theoretical level of detection ofNTA for EVs was close to what was observed in results.</br><br><b>Conclusions:</b> Hyperglycemic conditions slightly influenced only the mean hydrodynamic radius of EVs, indicating effects on EV corona size and the biogenesis of large EVs (lEVs).</br>

Objective. The goal of the work is to develop methods of calibrating the positron emission tomography system built from plastic scintillators, and to present results of the modular J-PET scanner calibration. Methods. Measurements with radionuclide 22Na and 44Sc (used as a point-like source and enclosed in a collimator) were performed using the modular J-PET scanner, and the data were analysed with a dedicated software framework. The detection modules were synchronised using signals from annihilation photons and prompt gamma. Results. The application of the time calibration methods yields a fully synchronised detector. Time-of-Flight resolution for modular J-PET is determined to be about 490 ps (FWHM). Conclusions. J-PET scanner built from plastic scintillators can be calibrated using β+γ emitters and taking advantage of the fact that the direction of propagation of annihilation and prompt photons are not correlated.

Objective: Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing enhanced the investigation of DNA and RNA modifications, provoking the rapid development of various computational methods for their detection. In this review, we aimed to present the selection of those tools as well as the existing benchmarking studies and application guidelines. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review on the state-of-the-art tools for mapping of various modification types in DNA and RNA. Moreover, we referred to the benchmarking studies to sum up the existing recommendations for pipeline tailoring and discuss the current challenges. Results: Over the last few years, many modification detection algorithms have emerged, and this collection continues to grow. These methods can be categorized based on the features they rely on and the approach they use, including machine learning or deep learning, and statistical testing. For both DNA and RNA modification mapping, the choice of detection tool depends mainly on the type of modification of interest and the availability of reference samples. However, the unambiguous guidelines and gold standard protocol remain undefined. Conclusions: Research on the epigenome and epitranscriptome is likely to be permanently transformed by nanopore sequencing. In the near future, further development of methods for detecting modifications can be expected. There is also enormous potential for much-needed benchmarking studies, which are currently lagging behind tool updates. In addition, new biological datasets with established modifications are needed.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are scalable biomarkers and therapeutic nodes. In acute ischemic stroke, in which reperfusion triggers rapid pathway shifts, we built a standardised enrichment workflow to recover robust, clinically relevant biology and to clarify tool performance, quantify the impact of target estimation, and provide practical, reproducible recommendations that non-bioinformatic end-users can adopt. We prioritized miR-19a-3p based on repeated signals in external datasets and links to endothelial/rt-PA biology. Predicted targets defined DIANA, miRDB, and intersection lists. KEGG and GO:BP enrichment was run in STRING, ShinyGO, and miRNET under standardised parameters; cross-tool correlation used Spearman rank, and GO:BP terms were collapsed into nine themes. Across KEGG, we observed shared patterns with tool-specific emphasis. ShinyGO and STRING were highly concordant (r≈0.85-0.95), consistently recovering signalling and adhesion/trafficking. miRNet often diverged for miRDB and the intersection (|r|≤0.06), preferentially amplifying cancer terms; concordance improved only on DIANA. Input choice shaped stability: miRDB and the intersection yielded lower FDRs and higher fold-enrichment, whereas DIANA showed flatter effects and greater dispersion. GO:BP mirrored this: ShinyGO/STRING aligned broadly, miRNET inflated nucleic-acid metabolism terms, yet “negative regulation of translation” was a cross-tool consensus peak. Thus, shared core biology is robust, while tool/input biases drive differences. Our recommendations are: favour the intersection to stabilize ranks/FDR; if a single predictor is required, prefer miRDB; treat DIANA-only findings as exploratory and confirm on miRDB or the intersection; if constrained to DIANA, rely on ShinyGO/STRING; and for any inter-tool comparison, standardise the background and FE/FDR, reporting both alongside the tool used.

<br><b>Objective:</b> Standards for assessing muscle echogenicity in older adults with suspected sarcopenia remain poorly defined. While analysis of the full cross-sectional area (CSA) is accurate, it is often time-consuming. This study aimed to determine whether simplified regions of interest (ROIs) could provide comparable results without compromising measurement accuracy.</br> <br><b>Methods:</b> Geriatric oncology patients scheduled for elective surgery underwent muscle ultrasound using a Toshiba Aplio i700 system. Images were analysed with ImageJ software. Muscle echogenicity was measured using four ROIs of varying sizes and shapes compared to a reference ROI encompassing the entire CSA. Measurements were taken from selected upper and lower limb muscles.</br><br><b>Results:</b> All simplified ROIs demonstrated high agreement with CSA-based echogenicity values (ICC > 0.9). Larger ROIs more closely approximated the reference, while the smallest ROI showed reduced correlation. Bland–Altman analysis identified systematic bias: smaller ROIs for the biceps and larger ROIs for the thenar muscle introduced significant discrepancies.</br><br><b>Conclusions:</b> In geriatric oncology patients, muscle echogenicity can be reliably assessed using simplified ROIs as long as they conform to the muscle’s anatomical shape and encompass an adequately large portion of the muscle area. This approach may facilitate faster, standardised assessments in clinical practice.</br>

This editorial article outlines the origins, development and scientific mission of Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. It reconstructs the historical context of early 21st-century Poland, when interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine, computer science and engineering was still uncommon and often meet with scepticism. The text describes the pioneering role of the Jagiellonian University Medical College and AGH University of Krakow in promoting biomedical informatics, cybernetics and biomedical engineering fields that would later become essential to modern healthcare. It also recounts the establishment of the journal in 2005 as a response to the lack of publication venues for interdisciplinary work combining bio-phenomena, technical sciences and medical applications. The article presents the journal’s contribution to shaping the newly emerging discipline of biomedical engineering in Poland, its early publishing philosophy, and its evolution through various editorial and publishing stages. Finally, the authors reflect on the journal’s legacy, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation, technological innovation and ethical frameworks as prerequisites for scientific progress.

Objective. To quantitatively assess how different preparation methods alter the nanoscale free-volume architecture of human plasma blood clots using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), and to establish the relevance of PALS for fibrin network characterization in biomedical research. Materials. Human plasma blood clots prepared in four distinct physical states: fresh, glutaraldehyde-fixed, desiccator-dried, and critical-point-dried (CPD).Methods. High-resolution fast-coincidence PALS measurements were conducted at 37 C. Ortho- positronium (o-Ps) lifetimes and intensities were extracted using PALS Avalanche and validated through independent fitting in Origin. Comparative analysis across preparation states was performed to evaluate nanoscale free-volume changes associated with dehydration, fixation, and CPD processing. Results. Distinct o-Ps lifetime (τ₃) and intensity (I₃) patterns were observed across clot states: fresh (1.95 0.01 ns; 11 0.07%), fixed (2.11 0.02 ns; 16 0.16%), desiccator-dried (2.15 0.04 ns; 6 0.11%), and CPD (1.95 0.01 ns; 9 0.07%). Dehydration resulted in reduced o-Ps intensity and structural compaction, whereas chemical fixation and CPD differentially preserved nanoscale voids. These findings show that preparation methods significantly modulate the fibrin network’s free-volume distribution. Conclusions. Sample preparation exerts a critical influence on the nanoscale architecture of fibrin clots, and PALS provides a sensitive quantitative probe of these changes. This work demonstrates, for the first time, a systematic PALS-based comparison of blood clots in multiple physical states, highlighting its potential for advancing biomaterials characterization, improving thrombus research, and guiding standardized protocols for nanoscale analysis in biological tissues.