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This document is a summary of a special issue in the Journal of Applied Physics on semiconductor physics. The special issue focuses on the research of new semiconductor materials, structures, and devices, as well as the development of characterization methods based on plasma, thermal, elastic, acoustic, and related effects. The articles cover various topics such as photothermal methods, theoretical and experimental models, modern materials like thin films and heterostructures, and imaging techniques. The research presented in this special issue has applications in microelectronics, optoelectronics, solar cells, medical instrumentation, and quantum computing. [Extracted from the article]

Lattice structures are becoming more commonly used in the design of components for additive manufacturing. This is due to their ability to reduce the weight of manufactured parts, minimize material consumption, and achieve specific properties by modifying their geometry. As the applications of lattice structures continue to evolve, it is essential to determine whether the process parameters used in the PBF-LB (Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion) process for manufacturing these structures should be the same as or different from those used for larger cross-sectional components. An analysis of the existing literature revealed insufficient data on this subject, which inspired this study. Experiments conducted using AISI 316L stainless steel showed that lattice structures can be produced with significantly lower volumetric energy density, while maintaining a high relative material density. In the experiment on lattice structures made of BCCZ and gyroid unit cells, a relative material density of over 99.5% was achieved with a volumetric energy density of approximately 33 J/mm3. These findings are significant for the fabrication of lattice structures. The lower volumetric energy density typically allows for greater geometric accuracy and reduced internal stresses. Furthermore, it has been proven that the nodes of the structure are critical places exposed to porosity formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively few studies in the field of second language acquisition have undertaken to investigate the interrelationships of constellations of individual difference variables. This is certainly true of how complexes of ID factors impact motivation to learn an additional language. In order to address this gap, the paper reports a study that examined the ways in which enjoyment, anxiety, boredom, L2 grit and self-perceived competence interact with each other and affect motivated learning behaviour in the case of 238 Iranian students majoring in English. The data were collected through an online questionnaire and, following confirmatory factor analysis, were subjected to path analysis. Among other things, the results showed that intended effort was the consequence of a complex interplay of factors, with the combined impact of these factors not always being obvious. It was also revealed that L2 motivation may in some circumstances be positively influenced by academic emotions that are generally considered to have a detrimental effect on L2 learning (i.e. anxiety, boredom). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3‐related (ATR) kinase is one of the main regulators of cell response to DNA damage and replication stress. Effectiveness of ATR targeting in human cancers has been confirmed in preclinical studies and ATR inhibitors are currently developed clinically in human oncology. In the presented study, we tested the anticancer efficacy of ATR inhibitor berzosertib in an in vitro model of canine haematopoietic cancers. Using MTT assay and flow cytometry, we assessed the cytotoxicity of berzosertib in four established canine lymphoma and leukaemia cell lines and compared it with its activity against noncancerous canine cells. Further, we estimated the level of apoptosis in berzosertib‐treated cells via flow cytometry and assessed H2AX phosphorylation as a marker of DNA damage using western blot technique. In flow‐cytometric analysis, we also evaluated potential synergism between berzosertib and chlorambucil and assessed the influence of berzosertib on cell cycle disturbances induced by the drug. The results demonstrated that berzosertib, even without additional DNA damaging agent, can be effective against canine lymphoma and leukaemia cells at concentrations that were harmless for noncancerous cells, although sensitivity of individual cancer cell lines varied greatly. Cell death occurred through caspase‐dependent apoptosis via induction of DNA damage. Berzosertib also acted synergistically with chlorambucil, probably by preventing DNA damage repair as a consequence of S‐phase arrest abrogation. In conclusion, ATR inhibition may provide a new therapeutic option for the treatment of canine lymphomas and leukaemias, but further studies are required to determine potential biomarkers of their susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a higher safety profile compared to vitamin K antagonists, rivaroxaban therapy is still connected with multiple adverse effects, such as a high risk of bleeding. Thus, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of rivaroxaban concentrations is suggested. An alternative to plasma samples can be dried blood spots (DBS), which minimize the cost of sample storage and transport. In this study, we developed a UPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of rivaroxaban in DBS and plasma samples. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm; 3.5 µm, Agilent Technologies Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA) with a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% formic acid. The analytes were detected using a positive ionization mode by multiple reaction monitoring. We validated the method according to ICH guidelines. The precision and accuracy were satisfactory. Extraction recovery was approximately 57% and 66% for DBS and plasma samples, respectively. A high correlation between rivaroxaban concentrations in plasma and DBS samples collected from patients was confirmed with Deming regression. The suitability of both sampling techniques for the rivaroxaban TDM was also verified by Bland–Altman plots based on DBS-predicted and observed plasma concentrations. In addition, we found a significant relationship between rivaroxaban concentrations and coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radiation intensity dependence of photothermal (PT) and photocarrier (PC) signals from n-type CdSe single crystals was investigated by modulated infrared radiometry (MIRR) in the mid-IR range (5–11.3 μm) with superbandgap photoexcitation. The influence of dc temperature increase of the sample was avoided by a new step-sine modulation method that combines the advantages of transient and periodical modulation. With increasing laser intensity I, the amplitude of the PC component shows a sub-linear dependence (|SPC| ∝ I0.5), while the PT one has the expected linear dependence (|SPT| ∝ I). As a result, the transition frequency ft between the two components is shifted to higher frequencies, which is explained in the frame of a simple model. The origin of the observed effects is the decrease of the effective photocarrier lifetime τ ∝ I−0.5 over three laser intensity decades. In contrast, previous studies on nonlinear PC response in semiconductors performed in the near-IR range (0.7–1.8 μm) have found supra-linear |SPC| dependence with exponent between 1 and 2. This difference is attributed to the fact that the near-IR radiometric signal features characteristics of a photoluminescence (PL) signal that are different from those of the mid-IR PC signal, as shown in our previous study [J. Appl. Phys. 119, 125108 (2016)] on the same CdSe samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonellosis associated with reptiles is a well‐researched topic, particularly in China and the United States, but it occurs less frequently in Europe. The growth of the human population and changes in the environment could potentially increase the interaction between humans and free‐living reptiles, which are an unidentified source of Salmonella species. In this study, we sought to explore this issue by comparing the microbiota of free‐living European grass snakes, scientifically known as Natrix natrix, with that of captive banded water snakes, or Nerodia fasciata. We were able to isolate 27 strains of Salmonella species from cloacal swabs of 59 N. natrix and 3 strains from 10 N. fasciata. Our findings revealed that free‐living snakes can carry strains of Salmonella species that are resistant to normal human serum (NHS). In contrast, all the Salmonella species strains isolated from N. fasciata were sensitive to the action of the NHS, further supporting our findings. We identified two serovars from N. natrix: Salmonella enterica subspecies diarizonae and S. enterica subspecies houtenae. Additionally, we identified three different virulotypes (VT) with invA, sipB, prgH, orgA, tolC, iroN, sitC, sifA, sopB, spiA, cdtB and msgA genes, and β‐galactosidase synthesised by 23 serovars. The identification of Salmonella species in terms of their VT is a relatively unknown aspect of their pathology. This can be specific to the serovar and pathovar and could be a result of adaptation to a new host or environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface ozone (O3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) measured at the rural station in Belsk (51.83° N, 20.79° E), Poland, over the period of 1995–2023, were examined for long-term variability of O3 and its relationship to changes in the air temperature and NOx. Negative and positive trends were found for the 95th and 5th percentile, respectively, in the O3 data. A weak positive correlation (statistically significant) of 0.33 was calculated between O3 and the temperature averaged from sunrise to sunset during the photoactive part of the year (April–September). Recently, O3 maxima have become less sensitive to temperature changes, reducing the incidence of photochemical smog. The ozone–climate penalty factor decreased from 4.4 µg/m3/°C in the 1995–2004 period to 3.9 µg/m3/°C in the 2015–2023 period. The relationship between Ox (O3 + NO2) and NOx concentrations averaged from sunrise to sunset determined the local and regional contribution to Ox variability. The seasonal local and regional contributions remained unchanged in the period of 1995–2023, stabilizing the average O3 level at Belsk. "NOx-limited" and "VOC-limited" photochemical regimes prevailed in the summer and autumn, respectively. For many winter and spring seasons between 1995 and 2023, the type of photochemical regime could not be accurately determined, making it difficult to build an effective O3 mitigation policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new definition of the entropy of functions and α -entropy points (α ≥ 1) will be introduced. These concepts will be used to explore the possibility of internal disruptions (introducing a virus in the phase space) in order to receive an α -chaotic point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper expands and enriches existing knowledge on the work–life balance of migrant workers by exploring the experiences of Polish nurses in Norway. Previous studies predominantly highlight the obstacles faced by migrant workers, such as discrimination, low status and poor working conditions, in achieving work–life balance. Based on ethnographic interviews with 15 Polish nurses working in Norwegian hospitals and nursing homes, our main finding is that these nurses achieved work–life balance through migration. This finding should be viewed in light of their previous experiences in Poland, a precarious state where work–life balance is largely absent, and the apparent insignificance of discrimination in the host country for this group of migrants. The study highlights work–life balance as a cultural process of normalization, constantly negotiated and symbolizing "the West". Furthermore, it brings attention to the role of class, ethnicity and national contexts in the work–life balance of migrant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible macromolecules easily become entangled with neighboring macromolecules. The resulting network determines many polymer properties, including rheological and mechanical properties. Therefore, a number of experimental and modeling studies were performed to describe the relationship between the degree of entanglement of macromolecules and polymer properties. The introduction presents general information about the entanglements of macromolecule chains, collected on the basis of studies of equilibrium entangled polymers. It is also shown how the density of entanglements can be reduced. The second chapter presents experiments and models leading to the description of the movement of a single macromolecule. The next part of the text discusses how the rheological properties change after partial disentangling of the polymer. The results on the influence of the degree of chain entanglement on mechanical properties are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advancing the engineering of photosynthesis-based prokaryotic cell factories is important for sustainable chemical production and requires a deep understanding of the interplay between bioenergetic and metabolic pathways. Rearrangements in photosynthetic electron flow to increase the efficient use of the light energy for carbon fixation must be balanced with a strong carbon sink to avoid photoinhibition. In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, the flavodiiron protein Flv3 functions as an alternative electron acceptor of photosystem I and represents an interesting engineering target for reorganizing electron flow in attempts to enhance photosynthetic CO2 fixation and increase production yield. Results: We have shown that inactivation of Flv3 in engineered sucrose-excreting Synechocystis (S02:Δflv3) induces a transition from photoautotrophic sucrose production to mixotrophic growth sustained by sucrose re-uptake and the formation of intracellular carbon sinks such as glycogen and polyhydroxybutyrate. The growth of S02:Δflv3 exceeds that of the sucrose-producing strain (S02) and demonstrates unforeseen proteomic and metabolomic changes over the course of the nine-day cultivation. In the absence of Flv3, a down-regulation of proteins related to photosynthetic light reactions and CO2 assimilation occurred concomitantly with up-regulation of those related to glycolytic pathways, before any differences in sucrose production between S02 and S02:Δflv3 strains were observed. Over time, increased sucrose degradation in S02:Δflv3 led to the upregulation of respiratory pathway components, such as the plastoquinone reductase complexes NDH-11 and NDH-2 and the terminal respiratory oxidases Cyd and Cox, which transfer electrons to O2. While glycolytic metabolism is significantly up-regulated in S02:Δflv3 to provide energy for the cell, the accumulation of intracellular storage compounds and the increase in respiration serve as indirect sinks for photosynthetic electrons. Conclusions: Our results show that the presence of strong carbon sink in the engineered sucrose-producing Synechocystis S02 strain, operating under high light, high CO2 and salt stress, cannot compensate for the lack of Flv3 by directly balancing the light transducing source and carbon fixing sink reactions. Instead, the cells immediately sense the imbalance, leading to extensive reprogramming of cellular bioenergetic, metabolic and ion transport pathways that favor mixotrophic growth rather than enhancing photoautotrophic sucrose production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of decreasing the entanglement density of macromolecules on the crystallization of the β-form of polypropylene was investigated. Polypropylene with seven times less entanglement was obtained from a solution in xylene, and its properties were compared with those of fully entangled polypropylene. To obtain a high β-phase content, the polymer was nucleated using calcium pimelate. In non-isothermal crystallization studies, accelerated growth of β-crystals was found, increasing the crystallization temperature. Also, the isothermal crystallization was fastest in the nucleated, partially disentangled polypropylene. Increased growth rate of spherulites and enhanced nucleation activity in the presence of more mobile macromolecules were responsible for the high rate of melt conversion to crystals in the disentangled polypropylene. It was also observed that the equilibrium melting temperature of β-crystals is lower after disentangling macromolecules. Better conditions for crystal building after reduction of entanglements resulted in enhanced crystallization according to regime II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic tetrapeptides c(Pro-Phe-Pro-Phe) obtained by the mechanosynthetic method using a ball mill were isolated in a pure stereochemical form as a homochiral system (all L-amino acids, sample A) and as a heterochiral system with D configuration at one of the stereogenic centers of Phe (sample B). The structure and stereochemistry of both samples were determined by X-ray diffraction studies of single crystals. In DMSO and acetonitrile, sample A exists as an equimolar mixture of two conformers, while only one is monitored for sample B. The conformational space and energetic preferences for possible conformers were calculated using DFT methods. The distinctly different conformational flexibility of the two samples was experimentally proven by Variable Temperature (VT) and 2D EXSY NMR measurements. Both samples were docked to histone deacetylase HDAC8. Cytotoxic studies proved that none of the tested cyclic peptide is toxic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoxyl sulfate (IS), an agonist of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR), can accumulate in patients with chronic kidney disease, but its direct effect on bone is not clear. The present study investigated the effect of chronic exposure to low (100 mg/kg b.w.; 100 IS) and high (200 mg/kg b.w.; 200 IS) dose of IS on bone AhR pathway, sirtuins (SIRTs) expression, oxidative DNA damage and bone mineral status in Wistar rats. The accumulation of IS was observed only in trabecular bone tissue in both doses. The differences were observed in the bone parameters, depending on the applied IS dose. The exposure to 100 IS increased AhR repressor (AhRR)-CYP1A2 gene expression, which was associated with SIRT-1, SIRT-3 and SIRT-7 expression. At the low dose group, the oxidative DNA damage marker was unchanged in the bone samples, and it was inversely related to the abovementioned SIRTs expression. In contrast, the exposure to 200 IS reduced the expression of AhRR, CYP1A, SIRT-3 and SIRT-7 genes compared to 100 IS. The level of oxidative DNA damage was higher in trabecular bone in 200 IS group. Femoral bone mineral density was decreased, and inverse relations were noticed between the level of trabecular oxidative DNA damage and parameters of bone mineral status. In conclusion, IS modulates AhR-depending signaling affecting SIRTs expression, oxidative DNA damage and bone mineral status in a dose dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination compounds, like iron(II) triazole complexes, exhibit spin crossover (SCO) behavior at around room temperature. Therefore, they are interesting for a variety of possible applications, and it is convenient to integrate them into polymers. Due to a reduction of the iron content and thus also 57Fe content in the sample through integration in polymers, Mössbauer measurements are only possible with greater difficulty or very long measurement times without expensive enrichment of the samples with 57Fe. So, other ways of improving the Mössbauer signal for these composite materials are necessary. Therefore, we pressed these composite materials to improve the Mössbauer spectra. In this study, we synthesized an iron(II) triazole spin crossover complex and an electrospun polymer complex composite nanofiber material including the same complex. For both products, Mössbauer measurements were performed at room temperature before and after using a press to show that the complex composite is not harmed through pressing. We investigate the influence of the pressing impact on the Mössbauer measurements in the context of measurement statistics and the measured signals. We show that pressing is not connected to any changes in the sample regarding the spin and oxidation state. We present that pressing improves the statistics of the Mössbauer measurements significantly. Furthermore, we use SEM measurements and PXRD to investigate whether or not the obtained fiber mats are destroyed in the pressing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) is a rare cause of asymmetrical mandibular overgrowth because of the presence of an atypical growth in the affected condyle. SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) can easily establish the presence of an atypical, prolonged growth exceeding far beyond normal condylar growth and activity. A CT, CBCT, or LDCT (computed tomography, cone-beam computed tomography, or low-dose computed tomography) can confirm the diagnosis by evaluating the scope of bone overgrowth, mandibular basis/ramus asymmetry, tendency to condylar head enlargement, changes in bone density, and occurrence of differences in condylar head shapes, size, and bone structure. In most cases, a condylectomy is the procedure of choice in growing cases of UCH to remove the pathological condyle and reduce asymmetry levels. Sometimes, the growth is very slow and progressive over time, causing slowly growing asymmetry with similar symptoms to any other mandibular asymmetry, and this causes some troublesome procedures in UCH diagnostics, resulting in patients being underdiagnosed; it can even lead to some relapses in mandibular asymmetry and skeletal malocclusion after previously performed orthodontic and surgical treatment of such discrepancies. When the source of asymmetry is not identified in time, possible inadequate treatment protocols can be used. If any relapse of facial and mandibular asymmetry re-occur, SPECT and CT evaluation are necessary to evaluate if condylar hyperplasia is present and to establish what kind of surgical intervention should be used in each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucose and fatty acids (FA) metabolism disturbances during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) affect their metabolism and surrounding cumulus cells, but only inhibition of glucose metabolism decreases embryo culture efficiency. Therefore, the present experiment aimed to reveal if glucose or FA metabolism inhibition leads to the disruption of embryo developmental potential, and to characterize the metabolic landscape of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage. Inhibitors of glucose (IO + DHEA) or FA (ETOMOXIR) metabolism were applied during IVM, and the control group was matured under standard conditions. Blastocysts obtained from experimental and control groups were analyzed with regard to lipidome and metabolome (mass spectrometry), transcriptome (RNA-Seq) and fluorescence lipid droplets staining (BODIPY). We showed that inhibition of glucose and fatty acid metabolism leads to cellular stress response compromising the quality of preimplantation embryos. The inhibition of energy metabolism affects membrane fluidity as well as downregulates fatty acids biosynthesis and gene expression of trophectoderm cell line markers. Therefore, we conclude that oocyte maturation environment exerts a substantial effect on preimplantation development programming at cellular and molecular levels. [Display omitted] • Modifications of energy metabolism during IVM lead to cellular stress in blastocysts. • There are observed crucial disturbances in lipidome, metabolome and transcriptome. • Observed disturbances might lead to the impairment of the process of implantation. • Maturation conditions have a profound effect on bovine embryo quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The present study shows that 64-coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a valuable tool in excluding graft vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients. • The application of CCTA may reduce the need for hospitalizations and invasive procedures in heart transplant recipients. • CCTA identifies patients who may benefit from invasive diagnostics, such as percutaneous coronary angioplasty. • Assessment with CCTA seems to provide a secure option for heart transplantation recipients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Graft vasculopathy is a leading cause of death after heart transplantation (HTx). Diagnosing cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) within this patient group poses significant challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in patients after HTx. We enrolled 107 consecutive HTx recipients (26 women, mean age 50 ± 17 years); all were ≥3 years post-HTx with minimal or no evidence of CAV in a prior coronary angiography performed a minimum of 2 years before the current examination. The inclusion criteria comprised an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥30, absence of new heart failure symptoms, and no contraindications to iodine contrast or CT scans. All patients underwent a 64-slice CCTA. In cases of minimal or no changes, noninvasive follow-up examinations were conducted. Significant changes in CT prompted additional coronary angiography. Of the enrolled participants, 9 exhibited minimal changes; 98 displayed no changes in coronary angiography. The median time since transplant was 7 years, with IQR of 4 to 11.25 years. Significant changes were excluded in 98 patients. Among the 9 patients with suspected significant CAV, significant changes were confirmed in 8 patients, resulting in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) performed in 6. One patient from this group died shortly after PTCA. No cardiovascular incidents were observed within the remaining group. The median follow-up period was 539 (IQR = 289-654 days). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction at follow-up was 58% ± 5% compared with 58% ± 4% at baseline. At follow-up, the mean eGFR was 64 ± 18 mL/kg/1.73 m2 compared with the baseline value of 67.2 mL/kg/1.73 m2. CCTA appears to offer a secure and efficient means of assessment in HTx recipients [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to provide an ex-post assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity in the EU-27 countries expressed by physical and economic food access. We analysed trade and price effects, together with food insecurity and malnutrition indicators. Actual levels of the indicators were compared with their pre-pandemic magnitudes and/or with counterfactual levels derived from predictive models. We also aimed to compare the objective statistics with the subjective consumers' perception of their households' food security. Our research indicates that the EU food trade was more resilient to COVID-19 impacts than the trade in non-food products, while food trade decreases were of a temporary nature. This did not affect the trade balance significantly; however, the import reduction threatened the physical food access in most EU countries. Regarding economic food access, the results indicate that the increase in food prices was offset by the increase in disposable income. It may suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the deterioration of economic access to food in the EU countries. However, the prevalence of severe food insecurity in the total population or the proportion of households reporting inability to afford a meal with meat, chicken, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent increased in 2020–2021 compared to 2019. This means that the comparative analysis of the real data on prices and households' income, as well as consumer financial situation and food consumption affordability, does not offer a clear answer concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food security of EU households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kunststoffe sind sowohl aus unserem Alltag als auch aus den Curricula des Chemieunterrichts nicht mehr wegzudenken. Die Synthese von Polykondensaten, die sich mit industriellen Produkten vergleichen lassen, gestaltet sich im Chemieunterricht jedoch schwierig. Auch sollte den Schüler:innen ein experimenteller Zugang angeboten werden, der gleichzeitig das Verständnis für den Ablauf der chemischen Reaktion bei der Synthese fördert. Hierzu wurde ein Schülerexperiment entwickelt, bei dem die biobasierte und biologisch‐abbaubare Polymilchsäure synthetisiert wird. Gleichzeitig wird den Schüler:innen die Möglichkeit zur begleitenden Analyse der Polykondensation geboten. Dazu untersuchen die Schüler:innen unter anderem die Abnahme des Edukts und die Entstehung der Produkte. Neben den Analysen im Schülerexperiment wurde das Reaktionsprodukt mittels Schmelzbereichsbestimmung und ATR‐IR‐Spektroskopie untersucht, um qualitative Aussagen über die Entstehung von Polymilchsäure treffen zu können. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flowstone section in the Račiška pečina Cave (Classical Karst, SW Slovenia) records multiple chronostratigraphic and palaeoclimatic proxies that can be correlated with other records on the global scale (Mediterranean region, Japan). Its upper part has an excellent record of the Matuyama/Brunhes (M/B) magnetic reversal. The M/B reversal zone, which is 6 mm in thickness, was detected by a high-resolution palaeomagnetic analysis of the sequence. An age model based on oxygen isotopic stratigraphy locates this quick transition in mid-MIS 19, between 777.9 and 777.2 ka, with the midpoint at 777.7 ka. The transition is marked by abrupt changes in stable isotopic compositions, trace element concentrations and flowstone fabrics that point to temperature and precipitation changes. Two distinct maxima in trace element concentrations at the beginning and the end of the M/B transition indicate two periods of higher precipitation, with increased washes of clay minerals into the cave. In addition, the stable isotopic (δ13C and δ18O) compositions indicate that significant cooling and high precipitation occurred during the M/B reversal within the generally warm MIS 19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipolar affective disorder (BP) causes major functional impairment and reduced quality of life not only for patients, but also for many close relatives. We aimed to investigate mRNA levels in BP patients to find differentially expressed genes linked to specific clinical course variants; assuming that several gene expression alterations might indicate vulnerability pathways for specific course and severity of the disease. We searched for up- and down-regulated genes comparing patients with diagnosis of BP type I (BPI) vs type II (BPII), history of suicide attempts, psychotic symptoms, predominance of manic/hypomanic episodes, and history of numerous episodes and comorbidity of substance use disorders or anxiety disorders. RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and analyzed with use of microarray slides. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in all disease characteristics compared. The lowest number of DEGs were revealed when comparing BPI and BPII patients (18 genes), and the highest number when comparing patients with and without psychotic symptoms (3223 genes). Down-regulated genes identified here with the use of the DAVID database were among others linked to cell migration, defense response, and inflammatory response. The most specific transcriptome profile was revealed in BP with psychotic symptoms. Differentially expressed genes in this variant include, among others, genes involved in inflammatory and immune processes. It might suggest the overlap of biological background between BP with a history of psychotic features and schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Der KI‐basierte Chatbot „ChatGTP" zog in kürzester Zeit viel Aufmerksamkeit auf sich, da er einen leichten und unmittelbaren Zugang sowie die Nutzung einer künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) bietet. Der Chatbot löst dabei unterschiedlichste Aufgaben und gibt Antworten auf die ihm gestellten Fragen. Hierzu können dem Chatbot sehr komplexe Aufgabenstellungen auch aus dem Chemieunterricht präsentiert werden, die dieser umfangreich und (zum Teil) korrekt bearbeitet. Diese neuen Möglichkeiten stellt das Lehren und Lernen vor eine neue Situation, in der eine KI die (Haus‐)Aufgaben für Schüler:innen lösen kann. Wie weit diese Technologie auf der Basis von Large Language Models ist und welche neuen Herausforderungen dies für das Lehren und Lernen im Chemieunterricht mit sich bringen kann, wird anhand von Beispielaufgaben zu Tensiden diskutiert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study had the following aims: 1) to compare gut microbiota composition in patients with schizophrenia and controls and 2) to investigate the association of differentially abundant bacterial taxa with markers of inflammation, intestinal permeability, lipid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis as well as clinical manifestation. A total of 115 patients with schizophrenia during remission of positive and disorganization symptoms, and 119 controls were enrolled. Altogether, 32 peripheral blood markers were assessed. A higher abundance of Eisenbergiella, Family XIII AD3011 group, Eggerthella, Hungatella, Lactobacillus, Olsenella, Coprobacillus, Methanobrevibacter, Ligilactobacillus, Eubacterium fissicatena group, and Clostridium innocuum group in patients with schizophrenia was found. The abundance of Paraprevotella and Bacteroides was decreased in patients with schizophrenia. Differentially abundant genera were associated with altered levels of immune-inflammatory markers, zonulin, lipid profile components, and insulin resistance. Moreover, several correlations of differentially abundant genera with cognitive impairment, higher severity of negative symptoms, and worse social functioning were observed. The association of Methanobrevibacter abundance with the level of negative symptoms, cognition, and social functioning appeared to be mediated by the levels of interleukin-6 and RANTES. In turn, the association of Hungatella with the performance of attention was mediated by the levels of zonulin. The findings indicate that compositional alterations of gut microbiota observed in patients with schizophrenia correspond with clinical manifestation, intestinal permeability, subclinical inflammation, lipid profile alterations, and impaired glucose homeostasis. Subclinical inflammation and impaired gut permeability might mediate the association of gut microbiota alterations with psychopathological symptoms and cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-cultural validation study aimed to develop and validate the Domain-Specific Grammar Grit Questionnaire (DSGGQ) among Iranian and Polish university students majoring in English. The DSGGQ was developed based on the L2 grit scale proposed by Teimouri, Plonsky and Tabandeh (2022. “L2 grit: Passion and perseverance for second-language learning.” Language Teaching Research 26 (5): 893–918. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168820921895) and administered to a total of 807 participants, 440 from Poland and 367 from Iran. The data underwent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the scale’s psychometric characteristics. The differences in the levels of grit between the Polish and Iranian students were also explored. The results demonstrated that the DSGGQ has satisfactory psychometric properties, and its structure proved to be invariant across nationality, gender, and age group. In addition, there were significant differences in grit levels between the two groups. Findings of this study suggest that the DSGGQ can be a useful tool for measuring grit in the domain of English grammar learning and can be applied in different cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption of acetazolamide (ACT) and formation of a mixed adsorption layers of acetazolamide (ACT)—sodium 1-decanesulfonate (SDS) and acetazolamide—hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) at the R-AgLAFe/chlorates(VII) interface are described. The systems were characterized by the measurements of differential capacity, potential of zero charge, and surface tension at this potential. The adsorption parameters determined in the studied systems indicate the SDS domination in the adsorption equilibria and the competitive adsorption between the ACT—SDS or mixed micelles. However, acetazolamide dominates at adsorption equilibria of the ACT—CTAB mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Who gets to benefit from failure is a hot topic in recent research on science and innovation. This article articulates the phenomenon of failure privilege on the terrain of public policy, that is, circumstantial and institutionally ingrained dispositions to use policy downfalls, derailments, and crises as resources of policy action, tools of integration, and dynamism. Building on analyses of policy failures, the article advances a typology of three forms of privilege: exploitation, (in)visibilization, and projection of policy futures. It brings illustrations from abortion policymaking in Poland. Here, failure privilege interacts with a bio-political and culturally polarized setting that further blends neoliberal mechanisms of failing with post-Communist transformation of cultures of failure. This leads to the argument that exploitation and controversial interventions in public policy demand legitimacy that is today constructed by advancing imaginaries and models of failure that allow actors to both visibilize new futures and advance a policy stalemate. Failure is a powerful resource of integration and even surveillance, as well as a factor furthering the politics of waiting. Redefining it is a crucial policy win and entails complex and implicit mechanisms impacting policy agendas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. The aim of this work is to create a complete list of sources exhibiting a long secondary period (LSP) in the ASAS-SN catalog of variable stars, and analyze the properties of this sample compared to other long period variables without an LSP. Methods. We used the period-amplitude diagram to identify the 55 572 stars showing an LSP, corresponding to 27% of the pulsating red giants in the catalog. We used astrometric data from Gaia DR3 and spectroscopic data provided by the APOGEE, GALAH, and RAVE surveys to investigate the statistical properties of the sample. Results. We find that stars displaying an LSP have a spatial distribution that is more dispersed than that of the non-LSP giants, suggesting that they belong to an older population. Spectroscopically derived ages seem to confirm this. The stars with an LSP also appear to be different in terms of the C/O ratio from their non-LSP counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the challenges associated with the highly exothermic nature of CO2 methanation, there is considerable interest in innovative catalyst designs on structural metallic supports. One promising solution in this regard involves thin films containing cobalt oxide within a carbon matrix, fabricated using the cold plasma deposition method (PECVD). The objective of this study was to search for a relationship between the molecular structure, nanostructure, and electronic structure of such films and their catalytic activity. The investigations employed various techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS absorption, and catalytic tests in the CO2 methanation process. Three types of films were tested: untreated as-deposited (ad-CoO), thermally post-treated (TT-CoO), and argon plasma post-treated (PT-CoO) films. Among these, TT-CoO exhibited the most favorable catalytic properties, demonstrating a CO2 conversion rate of 83%, CH4 selectivity of 98% at 400 °C, and stability during the catalytic process. This superior performance was attributed to the formation of nanoscale heterojunctions in the TT-CoO film, where p-type CoO nanocrystallites interacted with the n-type carbon matrix. This work provides compelling evidence highlighting the key role of nanoscale heterojunctions in shaping the properties of nanocatalysts in thermal catalysis. These findings suggest promising prospects for designing new catalytic systems by manipulating interactions at the nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dispersion of Anisakidae nematodes (particularly Contracaecum osculatum) among marine organisms in the Baltic Sea has been reported over the last decade. This is in line with an increase in the number of grey seal that act as final host for Contracaecum osculatum and Pseudoterranova sp., and are thus indispensable for the completion of their life cycles. Most attention has been paid to zoonotic nematode species, like Pseudoterranova sp., which have been noted in commercially important fish in the area. Little is known about the spread and transmission of Pseudoterranova sp. in the Baltic Sea. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sprat may play a role as a transport host for this Anisakidae. Samples were collected in three areas of the southern Baltic Sea (south and east of Bornholm, Słupsk Farrow and the Gulf of Gdańsk) during a research cruise in August 2019. A visual inspection of the viscera of 556 sprats was conducted. Parasites were identified using anatomomorphological and molecular methods. Nematodes were recorded only in sprat caught southeast of Bornholm (prevalence 2.7%; intensity of infection 1–4; abundance 0.05). Molecular identification revealed the presence of Pseudoterranova decipiens. This is the first report of P. decipiens in sprat from the Baltic Sea. Sprat is likely a transmitter of P. decipiens in the Baltic Sea food web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among all complaints, pain is one of the most frequently reported symptoms and reasons for using cannabinoids. Adding them to the ongoing treatment of chronic pain is usually a step when standard treatment with analgesics and coanalgesics does not provide satisfactory clinical results or drugs cause unacceptable side effects. Sometimes patients themselves take such a suggestion into consideration. When initiating therapy with cannabinoids, particularly with THC-containing preparations, basic and simple principles should be followed each time. The article presents recommendations developed and based on expert consensus using a modified Delphi process on how to dose and administer cannabinoids in the treatment of patients with chronic pain. CBD and/or THC should be introduced into therapy according to the well-known "start low, go slow" principle. Proper education regarding the use of THC in the form of extracts, as well as communication with the patient, can be of key importance in the attitude towards such therapy, which often translates into its success. Adequate follow-up during titration and continuation of the therapy will ensure patient comfort and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Skin diseases affect patients at any age, but as each period in life is different, tools used to assess quality of life impairment should be adjusted according to the particular age group. Adolescence is a unique time, when young individuals go through many changes, making them especially vulnerable to stress. Aim: Translation and validation of a Polish language version of the Teenagers Quality of Life questionnaire (T-QoL) questionnaire. Material and methods: T-QoL was translated following international guidelines. A group of 34 dermatological patients, aged 12-19 years old, with various skin diseases were given the T-QoL as well as the CDLQI or DLQI to complete. They were also asked to complete the T-QoL questionnaire for the second time after 3-5 days. Statistical analysis of the results was performed. Results: The Polish version of T-QoL is internally consistent (Cronbach a 0.893 for the whole questionnaire). Moreover, it presents very good convergent validity (ICC = 0.864). No statistically significant differences between each question were noticed between the first and second time of completing the form. T-QoL scores correlated significantly with DLQI (p = 0.008, r = 0.636) and CDLQI (p < 0.001, r = 0.777) scores. Conclusions: The Polish version of the T-QoL questionnaire is a reliable instrument with adequate convergent validity, consistency and reproducibility. It can be successfully used to measure quality of life impairment among teenagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy boundaries and issue interdependence are not a given. The stakes they imply--who governs, how, and where a policy domain is--become institutionalized over time, often first by the Global North. We know little about how these stakes are presented and institutionalized within and across organizations. We tackle this lacuna by asking how, and to what effect, an emerging policy domain is situated in a densely institutionalized environment. We argue that new policy domains such as cyberspace or artificial intelligence prompt resourceful governments to forum-shop policy frames by clustering promising issues in new and existing organizations in pursuit of coalition-building. Initially, resonance is more likely to be established in organizations with like-minded countries, leading to partially differentiated non-hierarchical regime complexes. In the long-term, competing adjustment pressures, particularly felt in the Global South, help trigger a regime-shift to an orchestrating general-purpose organization. Key actors must reconfigure their frames thereby reducing differentiation. In today's geopolitical world, this hardens intra-organizational political differences. We examine three propositions in the case of cyberspace and show how the proliferation of competing frames across organizations led to shifting the policy debate to the UN, where only piecemeal policy adjustments are possible. Our analysis is based on primary sources and immersion strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the principles of qualification and the range of organ transplantation in a patient with diagnosis of system sclerosis with pulmonary manifestation and severe myocardial insufficiency. We present the case of a 43-year-old patient with confirmed systemic sclerosis with pulmonary manifestations and biventricular heart insufficiency after disease exacerbation and sudden cardiac arrest in the pulseless electrical activity (PEA) mechanism with effective resuscitation, with increasing shortness of breath and the need for inotropes and levosimendan infusion without a significant improvement in his general status. Owing to the diagnosis of a systemic disease with no option for pharmacologic or any other treatment for heart failure, he was reevaluated and put on an urgent waiting list for isolated heart transplantation. After 7 days, heart transplantation was performed. Given the risk of disease progression and the possibility of future lung transplantation, the pleural cavities were untouched. The standard immunosuppression protocol was followed with the use of rabbit antithymocyte globulin. The patient was extubated at 24 hours after heart transplantation. The results of endomyocardial biopsies performed during the hospital stay and at a 6-month follow-up were negative. The patient was discharged to home after 22 days of an uneventful hospital stay. Scleroderma as an autoimmunologic disease remains a challenge for the transplantation team as a possible progressive multiorgan insufficiency requiring qualification for organ transplantation. The course of the disease varies depending on the form of systemic sclerosis. Careful assessment, qualification, and determination of appropriate preprocedure and postprocedure immunosuppressive treatment are essential to an uncomplicated course of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of an analysis of the impact of selected Lean Manufacturing tools on the number of failures occurring on the example of a production plant from the metal industry, specializing in the production of welded pipes. Reducing the failure rate of individual devices on the production line is one of the key factors determining the efficiency of the production process and the quality of the manufactured product. In order to reduce unplanned machine downtime caused by failures, various techniques are introduced to reduce them, for example TPM (Total Productive Maintanance). The purpose of this article is to conduct a statistical analysis to assess the impact of TPM implementation on the number of reported failures on one of the production lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out-of-hospital reduction of shoulder dislocations using the Campell method is recommended by the International Commission for Alpine Rescue and applied in the Bavarian Mountain Rescue Service (Bergwacht Bayern, BWB) protocols. This prospective observational study includes patients out-of-hospital with suspected shoulder dislocation and treated and evacuated by the BWB. Data were systematically collected using three questionnaires: one completed on-site by the rescuer, the second in hospital by the physician and the third within 28 (8–143) days after the accident by the patient. The suspected diagnosis of shoulder dislocation was confirmed in hospital in 37 (84%) of 44 cases. Concomitant injuries in other body regions were found in eight (16%) of 49 cases and were associated with incorrect diagnosis (p = 0.002). Younger age (p = 0.043) and first shoulder dislocation event (p = 0.038) were associated with a higher success rate for reduction attempts. Out-of-hospital reduction of shoulder dislocations leads to significant pain relief and no poorer long-term outcome. Signs that are associated with successful out-of-hospital reduction (younger age and first event), but also those that are associated with incorrect diagnosis (concomitant injuries) should be considered before trying to reduce shoulder dislocation on site. The considerable rate of incorrect first diagnosis on site should give rise to an intensive discussion around teaching and training for this intervention. Trial registration: This study is registered with the German Registry for Clinical Trials (DRKS00023377). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the world energy transformation, using some vegetable oils as fuel enables the production of clean and inexpensive energy with the application of the well-known technology of the CI engine. The common rail (CR) fuel system gives many opportunities related to creating an air–fuel mixture and its efficient combustion. Can the system dedicated to diesel oil be used to inject vegetable oil and control its combustion effectively? This paper presents some results of the application of the injection strategy for raw Camelina sativa (CS) oil fueling. The test was conducted on the AVL single-cylinder CI engine equipped with a CR system for engine speed n = 1500 rpm and different excess air coefficients (1.1 < λ < 2.1). The engine parameters and performance obtained for raw CS oil were compared with the results obtained for diesel oil fueling for the same and slightly modified injection strategy. The experiment demonstrated how much the combustion process and its effects differ for these two fuels. In addition, several aspects related to the cultivation and use of Camelina sativa oil as a renewable energy source are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The miniaturized Mössbauer-spectrometer (MIMOS II), originally devised by Göstar Klingelhöfer, is further developed by the Renz group at the Leibniz University Hanover in cooperation with the Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts. A new processing unit with a two-dimensional (2D) data acquisition was developed by M. Jahns. The advantage of this data acquisition is that no thresholds need to be set before the measurement. The energy of each photon is determined and stored with the velocity of the drive. After the measurement, the relevant area can be selected for the Mössbauer spectrum. Now we have expanded the evaluation unit with a power supply for a MIMOS drive and a MIMOS PIN detector. So we have a very compact MIMOS transmissions measurement setup. With this setup it is possible to process the signals of two detectors serially. Currently we are working on a parallel signal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcosine (N-methylglycine), a glutamatergic modulator, reduces the primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia. These beneficial changes might be mediated by trophic factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF). We assessed associations between initial serum EGF levels or changes in serum EGF levels and symptom severity during the addition of sarcosine to stable antipsychotic treatment and thereby evaluated the associations between glutamatergic modulation, clinical changes and peripheral EGF concentrations. Fifty-eight subjects with a diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia with dominant negative symptoms, stably treated with antipsychotics, completed a prospective 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects received orally 2 g of sarcosine (n = 28) or placebo (n = 30) daily. Serum EGF levels and symptom severity (using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS)) were assessed at baseline, 6-week and 6-month follow-up. Augmentation antipsychotic treatment with sarcosine had no effect on EGF serum levels at any time points. Only the sarcosine group showed a significant improvement in negative symptoms, general psychopathology subscales and the overall PANSS score. We found a reduction in serum EGF levels in the placebo group, but levels in the sarcosine remained stable during the study. Our data indicate that improvement in negative symptoms due to sarcosine augmentation is not directly mediated by EGF, but effective treatment may induce the production or block the decrease in EGF concentrations, which indicates the neuroprotective effect of treatment and confirms the relationship between neuroprotection and EGF levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A child's body is highly sensitive to air quality, especially regarding the concentration of particulate matter (PM). Nevertheless, due to the high cost of precision instruments, measurements of PM concentrations are rarely carried out in school areas where children spend most of their daily time. This paper presents the results of PM measurements made by a validated, low-cost university air pollution measurement system operating in a rural area near schools. An assessment of children's exposure to PM during school hours (8 a.m.–6 p.m.) at different times of the year was carried out. We show that PM10 concentrations in the air, particularly in winter, often exceeded the alert values of 50 µg m−3, posing a health risk to children, especially when children exercise outside the school building. We also calculated the rate and total PM10 deposition in the respiratory tract during various physical activities performed in clean and polluted air. Monitoring actual PM10 concentrations as presented in this paper, using a low cost sensors, offer school authorities and teachers an opportunity to reduce health risks for children. This can be achieved by adjusting the duration and exercise intensity of children's outdoor physical activities according to the measured air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To support the conservation efforts regarding a wooden church in Domachowo, extensive research and design work was required to strengthen its weakened structure. A variety of data and analyses are necessary to make an accurate assessment, including obtaining a dimensional model, monitoring the behavior of the structure and its response to external forces, and also performing strength analyses and verifying them with measurement data. For accurate geometric evaluation, static and dynamic measurements were required. A mathematical model and a flowchart of the necessary tasks were developed, along with the selection and installation of measuring devices. For this particular structure, static measurements were made using an automatic total station, and dynamic measurements using tilt sensors. The purpose of the analysis was to correlate the inertia measurements with the absolute tachymetric observations related to reference points fixed outside the object in order to accurately assess the behavior of the object. Another important issue was to model the column element under study in such a way that its horizontal displacements could be determined from the measured inclinations. The obtained results indicated the need to strengthen the joints of the two main parts of the structure in order to minimize the impact of dynamic weather conditions. The paper describes the measurement process, the method of calculating displacements, and the correlation of both types of data. Selected results confirming the conclusions are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the level of spatial ability among STEM students. A universal multiple-choice test was prepared. The validity of the test and the effectiveness of its application were tested. The test is an extension of those currently in use. It contains tasks on spatial perception, spatial visualization, mental folding, rotation of spatial elements, and representation of spatial elements on a plane. The test consists of 16 tasks showing a cube with lines located on the walls. The student's task was to determine the development of the cube and mentally construct a cube based on the development. The results of the test determined the level of progress of the group (105 participants), and showed that a significant number of students have difficulties in perceiving and working with a three-dimensional object. On average 55% of the questions were answered correctly. For the group tested, reading a flat drawing and determining axonometry proved easier than other task. Students who attended technical high school or had design experience scored better. During the course, measures to improve teaching were introduced. Spatial model work was strengthened and initial tasks were adjusted according to the level of the group. Emphasis on teamwork and consultation was introduced for those with the lowest scores. The applied modifications in classroom management had a good effect. The average of the final grade was B. The test is a useful tool for academics and students to study spatial ability and improve teaching activities for STEM students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: Extant research suggests that processing information in a second language (L2) affects decision-making, possibly by affecting metacognition. We hypothesized that processing in L2 will reduce the bias blind spot effect, whereby people (on average) erroneously think that they are less susceptible to biases than others. Design/methodology/approach: In Experiment 1, participants assessed their susceptibility and the susceptibility of others to 13 psychological and 7 economic biases, in either L1 (Polish) or L2 (English). In Experiment 2, participants assessed the 7 most severe bias blind spots from Experiment 1. Data and analysis: We recruited 500 participants for each experiment via Prolific (832 overall, after exclusions). The main hypothesis and moderators were tested via mixed-model regressions. Findings/conclusions: In Experiment 1, participants showed an overall bias blind spot, which decreased in the L2 condition, but only for psychological biases. In Experiment 2, we replicated the L2-bias blind spot attenuation effect. An exploratory analysis suggests that the effect of L2 is the result of both lower ratings of other-susceptibility and higher ratings of self-susceptibility. Originality: Our study provides unique insights into how L2 affects metacognition. We are the first to study how the use of L2 can attenuate the bias blind spot. Our findings provide rare support for the psychological distancing ("birds-eye view") explanation for the foreign language effect. Significance/implications: Bilinguals using L2 showed some resilience to the bias blind spot, suggesting metacognition is language dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow-mediated skin fluorescence (FMSF) at 460 nm is a non-invasive method for assessing dynamic changes in the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and microcirculation in forearm skin under varying conditions of tissue perfusion. Typically, fluorescence increases during ischaemia, but atypical cases show a temporary signal decrease instead of a constant increase. This study aimed to explore the clinical implications of atypical FMSF patterns in patients with newly diagnosed untreated hypertension. NADH fluorescence and pulse wave analysis were performed on 65 patients. Differences in peripheral and arterial pulse pressure profiles were examined based on FMSF curve courses. Patients with atypical curve courses had significantly (p < 0.05 or lower for all) higher heart rate, peripheral and central diastolic pressure, tension time index, central rate pressure product, shorter diastole duration, and reservoir pressure–time integral. Hypertensive patients with atypical FMSF signals had less advantageous blood pressure profiles. Although the underlying factors causing these symptoms are unknown, the atypical FMSF pattern may reflect increased sympathetic stimulation and vascular resistance. The visual assessment of the FMSF curve may have important clinical implications that deserve further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Nursing is considered one of the most stressful occupational groups. Work-related stress is a major health risk for workers worldwide. Therefore, it is critical to continually monitor nurses' stress levels based on important aspects of nurses' work identified as stressors. Methods. A total of 331 nurses participated. The cross-cultural adaptation of the instrument was carried out based on six of the seven steps proposed: forward translation of ENSS, comparison of the two translated versions, blind back translation, comparison of the two back-translated versions of ENSS, pilot testing of the prefinal version of ENSS, and full-psychometric testing of the prefinal version of the translated instrument. The reliability of the scales was estimated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega internal consistency coefficients. Results. The results indicate that each of the distinguished subscales is unique, but at the same time, they are all related to each other as different dimensions of stress. Conclusions. The Polish version of the ENSS tool is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the level of stress experienced by nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human angiosarcoma and canine hemangiosarcoma reveal similarities not only in their aggressive clinical behaviour, but especially in molecular landscape and genetic alterations involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. Currently, no satisfying treatment that allows for achieving long overall survival or even prolonged time to progression does not exist. Due to the progress that has been made in targeted therapies and precision medicine the basis for a new treatment design is to uncover mutations and their functions as possible targets to provide tailored drugs for individual cases. Whole exome or genome sequencing studies and immunohistochemistry brought in the last few years important discoveries and identified the most common mutations with probably crucial role in this tumour development. Also, despite a lack of mutation in some of the culprit genes, the cancerogenesis cause may be buried in main cellular pathways connected with proteins encoded by those genes and involving, for example, pathological angiogenesis. The aim of this review is to highlight the most promising molecular targets for precision oncology treatment from the veterinary perspective aided by the principles of comparative science. Some of the drugs are only undergoing laboratory in vitro studies and others entered the clinic in the management of other cancer types in humans, but those used in dogs with promising responses have been mentioned as priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction holds great promise as a method of converting CO2 to CO and subsequently into valuable fuels, achieving its commercial viability requires the development of highly efficient, selective, durable, and low-cost catalysts. Recently, thin-film nanocatalysts produced through plasma deposition (PECVD) have garnered significant attention in this domain. Among them, FeOx-based catalytic films deposited using Fe(CO)5 as a precursor, under reduced pressure (4–5 Pa) and a 13.56 MHz glow discharge, have demonstrated particular interest. Our study shows that by appropriately tuning the parameters of the plasma deposition process, it is feasible to generate nanocatalyst films exhibiting exceptional CO2 conversion (38% at 673 K) and CO selectivity (97%). Moreover, the study has revealed the formation of a carbon deposit containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) during the RWGS reaction, significantly increasing the catalytic activity of the films. Through an analysis involving X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy techniques (SEM and HRTEM), we have determined that CNTs not only serve as carriers for highly catalytically active Fe nanoparticles but also create nanoscale heterojunctions (p-n) with Fe2O3 nanoparticles, thereby enhancing their catalytic effect. This paper attempts to elucidate the differences and changes in the surface structure of FeOx-based films dictating the catalytic activity, which stems from both the conditions of plasma deposition and the environmental impact during the catalytic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 45-year-old patient with a rare case of a perforated abscess in the mitral valve following infective endocarditis. Topics discussed include the diagnostic imaging techniques used, the patient's complex medical history, and the surgical intervention required to address the aortic and mitral valve issues.