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Background: Sleep, sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and the composition of these movement behaviours across the 24-h day are associated with cognitive function in early years children. This study used a Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach to identify the optimal duration of sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity associated with desired cognitive function outcomes in early years children. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 858 children aged 2.8–5.5 years from the Sleep and Activity Database for the Early Years. 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) were measured using ActiGraph accelerometers. Cognitive function was measured using three tasks from the Early Years Toolbox: visual-spatial working memory, response inhibition, and expressive vocabulary. A Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach was used in R software to identify the optimal time-use compositions associated with the best 10% of the cognitive function scores. Results: The movement behaviour composition and the relative time spent in sleep and sedentary behaviour but not different intensities of physical activity were significantly associated with working memory (P ≤ 0.01). The movement behaviour composition and relative time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour, and different intensities of physical activity were not significantly associated with response inhibition or expressive vocabulary (P > 0.2). Therefore, optimal time use was only determined for working memory. Optimal daily durations for working memory were observed with 11:00 (hr:min) of sleep, 5:42 of sedentary behaviour, 5:06 of light physical activity, and 2:12 of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Conclusion: Working memory was the only cognitive function outcome related to the 24-h movement behaviour composition. Optimal sleep for working memory was consistent with current recommended durations, while optimal moderate-to-vigorous physical activity greatly exceeded minimal recommended levels. Optimal sedentary behaviour was longer and light physical activity was shorter than the sample average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses potential hazards at hydrogen refueling stations for transportation vehicles: cars and trucks. The main hazard analyzed here is an uncontrolled gas release due to a failure in one of the structures in the station: storage tanks of different pressure levels or a dispenser. This may lead to a hydrogen cloud occurring near the source of the release or at a given distance. The range of the cloud was analyzed in connection to the amount of the released gas and the wind velocity. The results of the calculations were compared for chosen structures in the station. Then potential fires and explosions were investigated. The hazard zones were calculated with respect to heat fluxes generated in the fires and the overpressure generated in explosions. The maximum ranges of these zones vary from about 14 to 30 m and from about 9 to 14 m for a fires and an explosions of hydrogen, respectively. Finally, human death probabilities are presented as functions of the distance from the sources of the uncontrolled hydrogen releases. These are shown for different amounts and pressures of the released gas. In addition, the risk of human death is determined along with the area, where it reaches the highest value in the whole station. The risk of human death in this area is 1.63 × 10−5 [1/year]. The area is approximately 8 square meters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Humanized mice transplanted with CD34+ hematopoietic cells (HPCs) are broadly used to study human immune responses and infections in vivo and for testing therapies pre-clinically. However, until now, it was not clear whether interactions between the mouse major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) and/or the human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) were necessary for human T-cell development and immune reactivity. Methods: We evaluated the long-term (20-week) human hematopoiesis and human T-cell development in NOD Scid Gamma (NSG) mice lacking the expression of MHC class I and II (NSG-DKO). Triplicate experiments were performed with HPCs obtained from three donors, and humanization was confirmed in the reference strain NOD Rag Gamma (NRG). Further, we tested whether humanized NSG-DKO mice would respond to a lentiviral vector (LV) systemic delivery of HLA-A*02:01, HLA-DRB1*04:01, human GM-CSF/IFN-α, and the human cytomegalovirus gB antigen. Results: Human immune reconstitution was detectable in peripheral blood from 8 to 20 weeks after the transplantation of NSG-DKO. Human single positive CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were detectable in lymphatic tissues (thymus, bone marrow, and spleen). LV delivery harnessed the detection of lymphocyte subsets in bone marrow (αβ and γδ T-cells and NK cells) and the expression of HLA-DR. Furthermore, RNA sequencing showed that LV delivery increased the expression of different human reactome pathways, such as defense responses to other organisms and viruses. Conclusions: Human T-cell development and reactivity are independent of the expression of murine MHCs in humanized mice. Therefore, humanized NSG-DKO is a promising new model for studying human immune responses, as it abrogates the xenograft mouse MHC interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Athenaeum: Polskie Studia Politologiczne is the property of Faculty of Political Science & Security Studies Nicolaus Copernicus University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Przegląd Elektrotechniczny is the property of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Coke oven gas (COG), as a by-product of the coking process and a mixture with a high hydrogen content, is an important potential component of the sustainable economy of the coking industry. Ongoing studies and analyses are looking at many opportunities for the utilization of coke oven gas, including for the production of hydrogen, methanol or other chemicals. However, it is important not to forget that all processes for the utilization of this gas may pose a potential hazard to humans and the environment. This is due to the physicochemical properties of COG and the content of flammable gases such as hydrogen, methane or carbon monoxide in its composition. Potential hazardous events are also related to the content of toxic substances in the composition of coke oven gas. The publication focuses on the occurrence of a fire or explosion as a result of the uncontrolled release of purified coke oven gas from the installation. The potential hazard zones associated with the occurrence of these phenomena are presented concerning different levels of hydrogen concentration in coke oven gas and the influence of selected factors on the range of these zones. Zones related to human deaths due to fire of coke oven gas reached a maximum range of about 130 m from the site of the failure, depending on the gas composition, level of damage and parameters of the installation. Zones related to human deaths due to the explosion of the coke oven gas did not occur. The zone related to the injury of humans as a result of the COG explosion reached a maximum range of about 12 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) have great potential for applications in several fields, including agriculture, food industry or medicine. Nevertheless, the large-scale use of COS requires the development of cost-effective technologies for their production. The main objective of our investigation was to develop an effective method of enzymatic degradation of chitosan in a column reactor using Mucor circinelloides IBT-83 cells, immobilized in a polyurethane foam (PUF). These cells serve as a source of chitosanolytic enzymes. Results: The study revealed that the process of freeze-drying of immobilized mycelium increases the stability of the associated enzymes during chitosan hydrolysis. The use of stabilized preparations as an active reactor bed enables the production of COS at a constant level for 16 reactor cycles (384 h in total), i.e. 216 h longer compared to non-stabilized mycelium. In the hydrolysate, oligomers ranging in structure from dimer to hexamer as well as D-glucosamine were detected. The potential application of the obtained product in agriculture has been verified. The results of phytotests have demonstrated that the introduction of COS into the soil at a concentration of 0.01 or 0.05% w/w resulted in an increase in the growth of Lepidium sativum stem and root, respectively (extensions by 38 and 44% compared to the control sample). Conclusions: The research has verified that the PUF-immobilized M. circinelloides IBT-83 mycelium, which has been stabilized through freeze-drying, is a promising biocatalyst for the environmentally friendly and efficient generation of COS. This biocatalyst has the potential to be used in fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for more evidence on 24-hour movement behaviours from low- and middle-income countries. We examined the proportion of Ethiopian children aged 3.0-4.9 years who met the WHO guidelines on physical activity, screen time and sleep for children under the age of five, and the associations between meeting the guidelines and socio-demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Adama and Lume district, Ethiopia. Children were recruited through kindergartens in Adama city and rural villages of Lume district, Ethiopia. Physical activity and sleep were measured using ActiGraph accelerometer. Screen time and restrained sitting were parent-reported. Multivariable logistic regression models tested associations between meeting the individual and combined WHO guidelines and socio-demographic factors. Results: A total of 430 children participated in the study (mean age 4.2 ± 0.6 years). More than half the children (58.0%) met all the WHO guidelines. A higher proportion met the physical activity (96.1%) and sleep guidelines (91.9%) compared to the screen time guideline (63.5%). Children who lived in rural areas were more likely to meet the screen time (84.6% vs. 38.2%, AOR = 7.31; 95%CI: 3.93, 14.02), sleep (98.6% vs. 83.8%, AOR = 8.60; 95%CI: 3.55, 23.73) and combined (81.3% vs. 30.1%, AOR = 7.41; 95%CI: 4.04, 13.97) guidelines than those who lived in urban areas. Conclusions: Children from rural Ethiopia were more compliant with the WHO guidelines than their urban counterparts. Strategies to reduce screen time and promote healthy movement behaviours in urban areas are needed. Further studies with a larger representative sample might provide better insight across the regions within the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study explored the protein expression levels of UCHL1, SNRNP200, and PAK4 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) using advanced proteomic techniques. We found that UCHL1 and SNRNP200 are significantly upregulated, and PAK4 is downregulated in high-grade CCRCC, and all are involved in critical cellular pathways linked to cancer progression and poor clinical outcomes. Specifically, UCHL1 is implicated in the Akt signaling pathway, SNRNP200 plays a role in RNA splicing and cell cycle regulation, and PAK4 is associated with cell proliferation and invasion. The enhanced expression of UCHL1 and SNRNP200, and decreased expression of PAK4 correlate with shorter progression-free survival in CCRCC patients, suggesting their potential as prognostic markers and targets for therapeutic intervention. This research contributes to the understanding of CCRCC's molecular dynamics and opens new avenues for targeted treatments. Recent advancements in proteomics have enhanced our understanding of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Utilizing a combination of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) followed by immunohistochemical validation, we investigated the expression levels of UCHL1, PAK4, and SNRNP200 in high-grade CCRCC samples. Our analysis also integrated Reactome pathway enrichment to elucidate the roles of these proteins in cancer-related pathways. Our results revealed significant upregulation of UCHL1 and SNRNP200 and downregulation of PAK4 in high-grade CCRCC tissues compared to non-cancerous tissues. UCHL1, a member of the ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase family, showed variable expression across different tissues and was notably involved in the Akt signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in cellular survival in various cancers. SNRNP200, a key component of the RNA splicing machinery, was found to be essential for proper cell cycle progression and possibly linked to autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. PAK4's role was noted as critical in RCC cell proliferation and invasion and its expression correlated significantly with poor progression-free survival in CCRCC. Additionally, the expression patterns of these proteins suggested potential as prognostic markers for aggressive disease phenotypes. This study confirms the upregulation of UCHL1, SNRNP200, and PAK4 as significant factors in the progression of high-grade CCRCC, linking their enhanced expression to poor clinical outcomes. These findings propose these proteins as potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in CCRCC, offering novel insights into the molecular landscape of this malignancy and highlighting the importance of targeted therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Knowledge about the metabolic landscape of cancer cells may provide groundbreaking discoveries in the field of new methods for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of lung cancer. The aim of our study was to assess mitochondrial alterations in the blood of lung cancer patients. We confirmed that fusion and fission protein blood expressions varied between 47 lung cancer patients and 21 healthy people. In the blood of lung cancer patients, fission protein expression is promoted only at an early stage of the disease. In locally advanced and metastatic stages of lung cancer, there is an increase in fusion protein expression. The results of this study provide hope for mitochondrial dynamics understanding in patients with lung cancer, which in the future may contribute to the discovery of new predictive factors for personalized therapy or diagnosis. In lung cancer patients, two complementary abnormalities were found that can cause disruption of the mitochondrial network: increased fusion and impaired fission, manifested by reduced levels of FIS1, a mitochondrial division regulator, and increased expression of MFN1, a mitochondrial fusion mediator. Immunoexpression studies of MFN1 and FIS1 proteins were performed in serum samples obtained from 47 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 21 controls. In the NSCLC patients, the immunoexpression of the MFN1 protein was significantly higher, and the FIS1 protein level was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; UMW test). Patients with early, operable lung cancer had significantly lower levels of MFN1 immunoexpression compared to patients with advanced, metastatic lung cancer (p < 0.05; UMW test). This suggests that early stages of the disease are characterized by greater fragmentation of damaged mitochondria and apoptosis. In contrast, lower FIS1 protein levels were associated with a worse prognosis. Increased mitochondrial fusion in the blood of lung cancer patients may suggest an increase in protective and repair mechanisms. This opens up questions about why these mechanisms fail in the context of existing advanced cancer disease and is a starting point for further research into why protective mechanisms fail in lung cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building sector represents a significant proportion of the world's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. One of the possible contributions to reducing this problem is to improve the energy performance of buildings by acting on their envelope and systems. Consequently, the aim of this work is to develop an experimental and numerical methods for characterizing the thermal performance of a concrete masonry hollow wall, in order to propose a new configuration that can be used to improve its thermal performance. First, this study focuses on the thermal performance of different wall configurations. Then, each case studied at wall scale, was modeled, and simulated in 3D using COMSOL Multiphysics® software under the same conditions, properties and dimensions as the one tested experimentally. Finally, this analysis was applied to a real building in Lebanon, consisting of hollow concrete masonry walls, to study its energy and thermal requirements. The conclusions showed that the numerical and experimental results proposed for the hollow masonry block wall confirm a good match. This validates the value of this method in the construction sector by proposing new methods for improving its thermal and energy performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, using generalized algebraic operations introduced by Ben-Tal [7], we introduce new classes of (h,φ)-subdifferentiable functions, called (h,φ)-G-type I functions and generalized (h,φ)-G-type I functions. Then, we consider a class of nonconvex (h, φ)-subdifferentiable multiobjective programming problems with locally Lipschitz functions in which the functions involved belong to aforesaid classes of (h, φ)-subdifferentiable nonconvex functions. For such (h, φ)-subdifferentiable vector optimization problems, we prove the sufficient optimality conditions for a feasible solution to be its (weak) Pareto solution. Further, we define a vector dual problem in the sense of Mond-Weir for the considered (h, φ)-subdifferentiable multiobjective programming problem and we prove several duality theorems for the aforesaid (h, φ)-subdifferentiable vector optimization problems also under (h, φ)-G-type I hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike proteins, RNAs deposited in the Protein Data Bank do not contain topological knots. Recently, admittedly, the first trefoil knot and some lasso-type conformations have been found in experimental RNA structures, but these are still exceptional cases. Meanwhile, algorithms predicting 3D RNA models have happened to form knotted structures not so rarely. Interestingly, machine learning-based predictors seem to be more prone to generate knotted RNA folds than traditional methods. A similar situation is observed for the entanglements of structural elements. In this paper, we analyze all models submitted to the CASP15 competition in the 3D RNA structure prediction category. We show what types of topological knots and structure element entanglements appear in the submitted models and highlight what methods are behind the generation of such conformations. We also study the structural aspect of susceptibility to entanglement. We suggest that predictors take care of an evaluation of RNA models to avoid publishing structures with artifacts, such as unusual entanglements, that result from hallucinations of predictive algorithms. Author summary: 3D RNA structure prediction contests such as CASP and RNA-Puzzles lack measures for topology-wise evaluation of predicted models. Thus, predictors happen to submit potentially inappropriate conformations, for example, containing entanglements that are prediction artifacts. Automated identification of entanglements in 3D RNA structures is computationally hard. Distinguishing correct from incorrectly entangled conformations is not trivial and often requires expert knowledge. We analyzed 3D RNA models submitted to CASP15 and found that all entanglements in these models are artifacts. Compared to non-ML, machine learning-based methods are more prone to generating entanglements that are not present in natural RNAs. To increase the reliability of 3D RNA structure prediction, it is necessary to reject abnormally entangled structures in the modeling stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canada, Australia, the World Health Organization and other countries have released 24-hour movement guidelines for the early years which integrate physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep, focusing on supporting children to achieve a healthy 24-hour day. The guideline evidence synthesis, however, highlighted the dearth of high-quality evidence, particularly from large-scale studies. The Sleep and Activity Database for the Early Years (SADEY) project aims to assemble a large, pooled database of 24-hour movement behaviours and health indicators in young children (birth to 5.99 years), to advance knowledge in these areas. This paper describes the SADEY design and methods. Methods: Data sets were identified with > 100 children and device-measured (hip-worn ActiGraph accelerometers) physical activity and sedentary behaviour, parent-reported or device-measured sleep, and at least one health outcome: physical (BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure), social-emotional (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire), cognitive (Early Years Toolbox), or motor development (Test of Gross Motor Development 2). Led by the University of Wollongong co-ordinating centre, the SADEY project collates the datasets to create a pooled database. Findings: To date, 13 studies from 7 countries have been included in the database. Ethics clearance and data sharing agreements have been secured for all studies and the SADEY 1.0 database is being assembled including ~ 8,000 participants. Discussion: SADEY will be used to address questions of global importance to public health policy and practice, for example – Is the mix of movement behaviours across the 24-hour day associated with healthy development?, What is the optimal mix of these behaviours?, and; What factors can be targeted to support young children in achieving the optimal mix of 24-hour movement behaviours? Additionally, SADEY seeks to develop and disseminate protocols, develop capacity on the device-based measurement of movement behaviours, and seeks partnerships with stakeholders that promote knowledge translation on movement behaviours to support healthy development among young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of black cherry mature wood (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) and its susceptibility to fungal decay were studied in the invaded range of the species on six trees aged between 39 and 47 years old growing in poor, acidic soils with varying levels of moisture and organic carbon and nitrogen content. Wood from trees that grew in wetter and richer soil had better physical properties. Of the 95 parameters analyzed, 80 showed significant differences in favor of this wood. These differences included wider rings that averaged 3.25 mm, a higher density of 662.71 kg/m3 at 12% humidity, and 1.5 times higher content of extractives. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 44 extractives. Out of these, six had antifungal properties and were found in the wood of trees grown in richer soil, corresponding to 62.93% of the peaks area of all identified substances. Only three were found in trees grown in poorer soil, corresponding to 8.68% of the peaks area respectively. The wood of trees grown in more fertile soil was also less prone to fungal decay, which was generally low. Only Trametes versicolor caused a mass loss of more than 10% of the wood in both sites out of the four basidiomycete species tested. The results indicate that even slight variations in soil fertility and moisture can benefit black cherry, leading to differences in wood features and properties in its exotic range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No maximum residue limits in honey have been legislated in the EU for antimicrobial substances such as sulphonamides, and they are not permitted, therefore, for treating honey bees unless in a cascade system. Since sulphonamides are used illegally in apiculture to treat foulbrood, their residues can be found in honey and other apiculture products, including beeswax. The study aimed to assess the contamination of honey from beeswax containing residues of 10 sulphonamides (sulphadimethoxine (SDM), sulphadoxine (SDX), sulphamonomethoxine (SMM), sulphamethoxazole (SMX), sulphameter (SMT), sulphamethazine (SMZ), sulphamerazine (SMR), sulphadiazine (SDA), sulphathiazole (STZ) and sulphacetamide (SCA)). Wax-based foundations fortified with 10 sulphonamides at 10,000 μg/kg were evaluated for sulphonamide concentrations and then placed in a beehive so that honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) could build honeycombs with them. Frames of capped honey were taken out of the hives one month later and honey was sampled from them. The honeycombs were subsequently incubated in a laboratory at 35°C for five months, and honey was sampled monthly. The honey sulphonamide concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and compared to the wax-based foundation concentrations. The maximum transfers to honey of the initial amount of SDM, SDX, SMM, SMX, SMT, SMZ, SMR, SDA, STZ and SCA in the wax-based foundations were 42.6, 34.3, 31.7, 30.1, 29.5, 25.2, 18.7, 16.1, 9.5 and 8.6%, respectively. This study demonstrated that every tested sulphonamide could migrate from beeswax in antimicrobial-tainted honeycombs to honey, SDM having the highest migration potential and SCA the lowest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Genetic susceptibility to chemicals is incompletely characterized. However, nervous system disease development following pesticide exposure can vary in a population, implying some individuals may have higher genetic susceptibility to pesticide-induced nervous system disease. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to build a computational approach to characterize single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) implicated in chemically induced adverse outcomes and used this framework to assess the link between differential population susceptibility to pesticides and human nervous system disease. METHODS: We integrated publicly available datasets of Chemical–Gene, Gene–Pathway, and SNP–Disease associations to build Chemical–Pathway– Gene–SNP–Disease linkages for humans. As a case study, we integrated these linkages with spatialized pesticide application data for the US from 1992 to 2018 and spatialized nervous system disease rates for 2018. Through this, we characterized SNPs that may be important in states with high disease occurrence based on the pesticides used there. RESULTS: We found that the number of SNP hits per pesticide in US states positively correlated with disease incidence and prevalence for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease, and multiple sclerosis. We performed frequent itemset mining to differentiate pesticides used over time in states with high and low disease occurrence and found that only 19% of pesticide sets overlapped between 10 states with high disease occurrence and 10 states with low disease occurrence rates, and more SNPs were implicated in pathways in high disease occurrence states. Through a crossvalidation of subsets of five high and low disease occurrence states, we characterized SNPs, genes, pathways, and pesticides more frequently implicated in high disease occurrence states. DISCUSSION: Our findings support that pesticides contribute to nervous system disease, and we developed priority lists of SNPs, pesticides, and pathways for further study. This data-driven approach can be adapted to other chemicals, diseases, and locations to characterize differential population susceptibility to chemical exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most countries energy needs are satisfied using fossil fuels. Fossil fuel combustion involves environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The effect of the depletion of natural resources and the growing awareness of the need to protect the environment are the reasons that clean energy and alternative energy sources have been significant research issues. One of the most important technologies enabling efficient generation of low-emission energy is the gasification process of synthesis gas production. Syngas is primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, but depending on the feedstock, it can also contain smaller concentrations, e.g., of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen. Because synthesis gas contains flammable and toxic substances, it may pose hazards to humans and the environment at every stage of gas production, storage, transport or final utilization if released uncontrollably. This paper presents the results of analyses related to hazards created by an uncontrollable release of synthesis gas during storage. A failure of a syngas system may cause damage to other, subsequent technological systems and facilities located in the neighborhood and containing dangerous substances. The problem gains special significance if syngas is stored in many tanks, where a failure of one may result in damage to subsequent tanks due to the so-called domino effect. The conditions in which the domino effect may occur are analyzed and the effect occurrence probability is determined depending on the mutual location of the tanks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aimed to analyse the mutual correlations between the metabolic activity of the brain evaluated by the magnetic resonance spectroscopy method (MRS) and intelligence and cognitive functions in adolescents with idiopathic generalised epilepsies (IGE). The focus of the study was placed on the activity of the thalamus and frontal cortex. Material/Methods: Twenty newly diagnosed patients with juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE) and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) were included in the study. Adolescents underwent primary structural neuroimaging (1.5T) and advanced evaluation of the frontal cortex and thalamus by MRS. Concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine plus phosphocreatine (Cr) and choline (Cho) were measured and were expressed as ratios of NAA/Cr, NAA/Ch and NAA/Cr+Ch. Patients also completed a panel of IQ and cognitive tests (e.g., FePsy Battery - classification test, verbal fluency test, RAVLT memory test). The correlation between the level of metabolites and the results of intellectual and cognitive tests was examined. Results: Strong correlations were found between IQ and some cognitive functions and metabolic ratios in the IGEs group. Overall the patients whose NAA/Cr, NAA/Ch, NAA/Cr+Ch ratios were lower, obtained worse results in IQ and in some of the neuropsychological tests. Conclusions: The metabolite activity in the thalamus and frontal cortex impacts the results of neuropsychological tests in the group of patients with IGE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Modern Science is the property of Alcide De Gasperi University of Euroregional Economy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Economics & Environment / Ekonomia i Środowisko is the property of Fundacja Ekonomistow Srodowiska i Zasobow Naturalnych and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The growing use of optimization models to help decision making has created a demand for such tools that allow formulating and solving more models of real-world processes and systems related to human activity in which hypotheses are not verify in a way specific for classical optimization. One of the approaches for real-world extremum problems under uncertainty is interval-valued optimization. In this paper, a twice differentiable vector optimization problem with multiple interval-valued objective function and both inequality and equality constraints is considered. In this paper, the first order necessary optimality conditions of Karush-Kuhn-Tucker type are proved for differentiable interval-valued vector optimization problems under the first order constraint qualification. If the interval-valued objective function is assumed to be twice weakly differentiable and constraints functions are assumed to be twice differentiable, then two types of second order necessary optimality conditions under two various constraint qualifications are proved for such smooth interval-valued vector optimization problems. Finally, in order to illustrate the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker type necessary optimality conditions established in the paper, an example of an interval-valued optimization is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced high-strength steels are important for the automotive sector. Metal active gas (MAG) is the most popular method for joining grades of steel. The goal of the paper is to analyze the mechanical properties of the MAG welding joint made of highstrength DOCOL 1100M intended for the construction of electric vehicles. The manuscript shows a basic understanding of the properties of DOCOL joints. This type of material is characterized by a martensitic microstructure, which makes it difficult to make a proper joint. The tensile strength, metallographic structure, and type of non-metallic inclusions were analyzed as a function of the oxygen amount in the protective gas mixture. Investigations of oxide non-metallic inclusions were carried out using scanning electron microscopy. This article attempts to obtain high joint strength of the electric vehicle structure by controlling the average size of non-metallic inclusions in the weld, which is influenced by shielding gas in the MAG welding process. The solution has application potential for the automotive industry, especially for electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) concept facilitates rapid hazard assessment for human health risks. AOPs are constantly evolving, their number is growing, and they are referenced in the AOP-Wiki database, which is supported by the OECD. Here, we present a study that aims at identifying welldefined biological areas, as well as gaps within the AOP-Wiki for future research needs. It does not intend to provide a systematic and comprehensive summary of the available literature on AOPs but summarizes and maps biological knowledge and diseases represented by the already developed AOPs (with OECD endorsed status or under validation). Methods: Knowledge from the AOP-Wiki database were extracted and prepared for analysis using a multi-step procedure. An automatic mapping of the existing information on AOPs (i.e., genes/proteins and diseases) was performed using bioinformatics tools (i.e., overrepresentation analysis using Gene Ontology and DisGeNET), allowing both the classification of AOPs and the development of AOP networks (AOPN). Results: AOPs related to diseases of the genitourinary system, neoplasms and developmental anomalies are the most frequently investigated on the AOP-Wiki. An evaluation of the three priority cases (i.e., immunotoxicity and non-genotoxic carcinogenesis, endocrine and metabolic disruption, and developmental and adult neurotoxicity) of the EU-funded PARC project (Partnership for the Risk Assessment of Chemicals) are presented. These were used to highlight under- and over-represented adverse outcomes and to identify and prioritize gaps for further research. Discussion: These results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the adverse effects associated with the molecular events in AOPs, and aid in refining risk assessment for stressors and mitigation strategies. Moreover, the FAIRness (i.e., data which meets principles of findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR)) of the AOPs appears to be an important consideration for further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the class of uncertain multi-dimensional fractional control problems with the first-order PDE constraints is investigated. The robust approach and the parametric method are applied for solving such control problems. Then, robust optimality is analyzed for the considered PDE-constrained multi-dimensional fractional control problem with uncertainty. Further, the exact absolute penalty function method is used for solving control problems created in both the aforementioned approaches. Then, under appropriate convexity hypotheses, exactness of the penalization of this exact penalty function method is investigated in the case when it is used for solving the considered control problem with uncertainty. Further, an algorithm based on the used method is presented, the main goal of which is to illustrate the precise steps to solve the unconstrained multi-dimensional non-fractional control problem with uncertainty associated with the constrained fractional control problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, two mathematical methods are used for solving a complex multicriteria optimization problem as the considered convex differentiable vector optimization problem with vanishing constraints. First of them is the linearized approach in which, for the original vector optimization problem with vanishing constraints, its associated multiobjective programming problem is constructed at the given feasible solution. Since the aforesaid multiobjective programming problem constructed in the linearized method is linear, one of the existing methods for solving linear vector optimization problems is applied for solving it. Thus, the procedure for solving the considered differentiable vector optimization problems with vanishing constraints is presented in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of General Practitioner / Lekarz POZ is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The performance of Polish healthcare is still far from satisfactory, which is connected with growing indebtedness that adversely affects not only the development of healthcare but also the quality of medical services provided. In turn, the financial situation of hospitals depends on various indicators and the relationship between them. This paper investigates the determinants of healthcare sector functioning in the context of hospitals' financial situation (dependent variable measured by total debt ratio). 321 individual public units were examined between years 2007–2017. More specifically, the fixed effects panel data model in question measures and evaluates the impact of economic, regional, institutional, and social factors in determining the dependent variable. This study confirmed dependencies between financial and non-financial ratios along with their impact on the financial condition of studied entities. The management implications of our study lay the groundwork for the improvement of efficient resource management for public hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 21st century is an era of rapidly expanding digitization in which cyber security is a key global challenge. Digitization creates cyber security risks. One of the problems of cyber security are issues related to accessibility of an organization's systems. The subject of this article is the management of an enterprise in the digital age. Digital amenities simultaneously generate new development opportunities and dynamic progress for enterprises, which are also susceptible to the threats occurring in cyberspace. The analytical goal was to identify the determinants of enterprise management in the context of their operation in cyberspace, which is characterized by a lack of borders, dynamism, and anonymity, and represents one of the most expanding areas of threats in the modern world. In achieving the goal, the starting point was to present the cyber security of the business entity as an area that has a decisive impact on the management of the company in the digital age. Then, in order to analyse the actual market situation, part of the survey research on cyber security in the business unit was presented. In May 2022, survey research using a questionnaire method by the author of this article with the use of a telephone interview was conducted on behalf of the IPC Research Institute Ltd. based in Wroclaw. The survey was conducted on a sample of 100 enterprises from various industries operating on the territory of the Republic of Poland. The following research methods and techniques were used in the article: survey methods, induction methods as a form of going from the particular to the general, analytical methods, deduction method as a form of generalization and inference, literature analysis. Research has confirmed that the cyber security of the business unit is a key determinant in the digital age. The publication indicates the need to conduct and develop research on the determination, analysis, and presentation of mechanisms for managing the business unit in the area of cyber security as a security protection in the digital age. The value of the article is the analysis of the author's survey conducted on a sample of 100 companies from various industries operating in the Republic of Poland, and the identification of cyber security as one of the main challenges in the digital age. The article is addressed to executives in order to make them aware of the need to conduct an ongoing analysis of the company's performance in cyberspace in order to locate weak areas of operations and adjust the strategy accordingly to the company's capabilities and goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This publication aims to present the results of a retrospective analysis of the treatment outcomes of patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) who underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) followed by systemic treatment with sunitinib. Material and methods. The retrospective analysis includes the results of 67 patients treated and followed up at the Institute of Oncology in Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Results. Among the 67 patients included in the study, 24 were female (35.82%) and 43 were male (64.18%). The patients treated with sunitinib experienced several adverse effects, including weight loss, anaemia, neutropenia, hypokalemia, and thyroid dysfunction. For these reasons, some patients (n = 32, 47.76%) required a reduction in the dose of sunitinib. The most common reason for sunitinib discontinuation was disease progression (n = 52,77.61%). Conclusions. Treatment with sunitinib requires regular clinical and laboratory monitoring to appropriately reduce the drug dose or increase the interval between drug cycles in the event of adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, in order to characterize optimality of a class of nonconvex differentiable multiobjective programming problems, we introduce two new types of vector variational-like inequalities, namely, a weak variational E-inequality and a vector variational E-inequality. Namely, under (strictly) E-convexity, we prove relationships between the aforesaid vector variational-like inequalities and differentiable vector optimization problems. Further, under (strictly) pseudo-E-convexity, we are in position to identify vector critical E-points, weak E-Pareto (E-Pareto) solutions of differentiable vector optimization problems and solutions of these introduced vector variational-like inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the changes occurring in the wood cellulose of the fast-growing poplar (Populus deltoides × maximowiczii) under the influence of steam explosion (SE) pretreatment. Cellulose from native wood and after pretreatment at 160 and 205 °C was isolated. Cellulose polymerization degree by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and cellulose crystallinity index by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were determined. The profiles of sugars in the native wood and in the solid fraction after pretreatment (using the acid hydrolysis method) were also determined. In addition, the profile of monosaccharides in the liquid fraction obtained after steam explosion and in the liquid fraction after acid hydrolysis of the oligosaccharides were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This allowed to determine the change in the yield of hexoses and pentoses in the studied material. The behavior of cellulose in wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C and isolated by the Kürschner–Hoffer method was studied by determining the absorption bands of FTIR-ATR spectra. The lateral order index (LOI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of the corresponding absorption bands A1422/A896 cm−1. Total crystallinity index (TCI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of absorption bands A1372/A2900 cm−1. TCI of Kürschner-Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C decreased by 5.6 and 5.0%, respectively, with regard to the applied temperature. LOI increased in cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 °C (by 0.7%) and at 205 °C (by 19.2%) in relation to the index of cellulose isolated from native wood. Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C exhibited, respectively, a reduced degree of polymerization of about 11% and about 8%. Polydispersity index in Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose was 1% lower after both pretreatments than native sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychosis is defined as a series of symptoms that impair the mind and lead to a kind of loss of reference to reality. Development of psychosis is usually preceded by the appearance of prodromal symptoms. Numerous attempts have been made to find out how psychoactive substances can influence the onset and development of psychotic disorders, but to date there are no studies that show a link between the onset of prodromal symptoms and the use of psychoactive substances. Methods: A survey consisting of epidemiological and demographic questions, the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), and the Prodromal Questionnaire Brief Version (PQ-B) was conducted on social media among users of illegal psychoactive substances, covering 703 study participants. Results: A total of 39.8% of the respondents had been treated by a psychiatrist, and the most popular drugs used by respondents in their lifetime were tetrahydrocannabinol-containing products, MDMA, amphetamines, and LSD. A significant correlation was found between the DUDIT and the PQ-B values. Conclusions: Intensity of psychoactive substance use correlated positively with the risk of appearance and intensity of prodromal symptoms of psychosis. Early exposure to psychoactive substances increased the risk of heavy substance use in adulthood and led to more frequent prodromal states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological state of the under-18 population includes an increased risk of psychopathological symptoms development and exacerbation of already present psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health problems in Polish children and adolescents with a focus on suicidal and self-harm behavior with the impact of the pandemic. Methods: The questionnaire collected demographic data, information regarding mental states and psychopathological symptoms, history of self-harm and suicidal behaviors, as well as the experience of psychological, and physical violence, and suicidal self-harm behaviors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: In the final analysis, 782 responses were included. Self-evaluation of general and mental health scores was significantly lower during the pandemic among children (both p < 0.001) and adolescents (both p < 0.001). Moreover, general and mental health scores were lower among adolescents compared to children before (both p < 0.001) and during (both p < 0.001) the pandemic. The frequency of seeking help because of mental health problems increased during the pandemic among children and adolescents, while no changes were observed in the prevalence of psychiatric hospitalizations in either of the populations (p = 0.317 and p = 1.00, respectively). Out of autoregressive behaviors among children during the pandemic period, only the frequency of thinking about death increased (p = 0.038). No suicidal attempts were undertaken by children in either of the evaluated time periods. The presence of all autoaggressive behaviors was greater among adolescents compared to children both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (all p<0.05). Conclusions: A subjective decrease in psychophysical well-being, an increase in the frequency of seeking mental health help during the pandemic, as well as an increased prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were observed in the under-18 population as a potential consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and related socioeconomic changes. The marked increase in self-harm behavior in the adolescent population (age > 12) and the marked increase in the frequency of death thinking in children (age ≤ 12) suggests the need for greater awareness and easier access to professional help from mental health specialists, particularly in a time of unprecedented stress and social isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgound Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease, and leads to a steady loss of kidney function in adulthood. The variable course of the disease makes it necessary to identify the patients with rapid disease progression who will benefit the most from targeted therapies and interventions. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging–based volumetry of the kidney is the most commonly used tool for this purpose. Biomarkers that can be easily and quantitatively determined, which allow a prediction of the loss of kidney function, have not yet been established in clinical practice. The glycoprotein Dickkopf 3 (DKK3) which is secreted in the renal tubular epithelium upon stress and contributes to tubulointerstitial fibrosis via the Wnt signaling pathway, was recently described as a biomarker for estimating risk of kidney function loss, but has not been investigated for ADPKD. This study aimed to obtain a first insight into whether DKK3 may indeed improve outcome prediction in ADPKD in the future. Methods In 184 ADPKD patients from the AD(H)PKD registry and 47 healthy controls, the urinary DKK3 (uDKK3) levels were determined using ELISA. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the potential of these values in outcome prediction. Results ADPKD patients showed significantly higher uDKK3 values compared with the controls (mean 1970 ± 5287 vs 112 ± 134.7 pg/mg creatinine). Furthermore, there was a steady increase in uDKK3 with an increase in the Mayo class (A/B 1262 ± 2315 vs class D/E 3104 ± 7627 pg/mg creatinine), the best-established biomarker of progression in ADPKD. uDKK3 also correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Patients with PKD1 mutations show higher uDKK3 levels compared with PKD2 patients (PKD1 : 2304 ± 5119; PKD2 : 506.6 ± 526.8 pg/mg creatinine). Univariate linear regression showed uDKK3 as a significant predictor of future eGFR slope estimation. In multiple linear regression this effect was not significant in models also containing height-adjusted total kidney volume and/or eGFR. However, adding both copeptin levels and the interaction term between copeptin and uDKK3 to the model resulted in a significant predictive value of all these three variables and the highest R2 of all models examined (∼0.5). Conclusion uDKK3 shows a clear correlation with the Mayo classification in patients with ADPKD. uDKK3 levels correlated with kidney function, which could indicate that uDKK3 also predicts a disproportionate loss of renal function in this collective. Interestingly, we found an interaction between copeptin and uDKK3 in our prediction models and the best model containing both variables and their interaction term resulted in a fairly good explanation of variance in eGFR slope compared with previous models. Considering the limited number of patients in these analyses, future studies will be required to confirm the results. Nonetheless, uDKK3 appears to be an attractive candidate to improve outcome prediction of ADPKD in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Forestry & Wood Technology is the property of Wydawnictwo SGGW and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: It has been shown that the course of COVID-19 infection in the under-18 population was in many cases sparsely symptomatic. In contrast, the impact of the pandemic on the psychological state is quite different. The risk of psychopathological symptoms in children and adolescents increased and the course of already present psychiatric disorders has often been exacerbated. Objectives: Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of psychological and physical violence among children and adolescents and its change during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to investigate various factors that might affect violence. Methods: In this survey study, 782 responses were included, with 480 collected during the second and 302 during the fourth wave of COVID-19. In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, medical history, mental state, psychopathological symptoms, as well as the presence of psychological, physical violence, and suicidal self-harm behaviors before (retrospectively) and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the under-18 population of the Lodz Voivodship. The survey was prepared using Google Forms. Results: A decrease in the prevalence of physical violence during both waves of the pandemic has been observed (6.39% vs. 3.45%; p < 0.001), with only a similar trend present for psychological violence 16.75% vs. 14.71%; p = 0.081). No difference between physical and psychological violence was present in different pandemic waves, type of flat or house individuals lived in, availability of one's room, number of people living in the house, number of siblings, and type of school classes (p > 0.050). Older children (>15 years old) were more likely to be victims of psychological violence before and during the pandemic (both p < 0.001). A statistically significant model was obtained for psychological violence before (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.011) and during the pandemic (p = 0.007, R2 = 0.032). Risk factors for psychological violence before the pandemic included male gender (B = 0.531, p = 0.009, OR = 1.700), older age (B = 0.869, p = 0.001, OR = 2.385), and smaller city size (B = −0.187, p = 0.004, OR = 0.829), while for psychological violence during the pandemic, the risk factors were only male gender (B = 0.482, p = 0.022, OR = 1.620) and older age (B = 0.555, p = 0.046, OR = 1.742). No statistically significant models were created for physical violence (p > 0.050). Conclusions: The observed decrease in physical violence during the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that in the studied group, home environment was not the main source of physical violence. Yet, we did not find any predicting factors for this form of violence. Violence, both physical and psychological, is a dangerous phenomenon in the under-18 population both in the pre-pandemic period and in crisis situations such as the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization problems under uncertainty has achieved much attention because of inaccurate or incomplete data that often appear in real-world applications. In order to address this challenging issue, several types of methodologies have been developed in optimization theory and one of them is fuzzy optimization. In this paper, an attempt is taken to use the minimax exact penalty function method for solving convex nondifferentiable optimization problems with fuzzy objective functions and with both inequality and equality constraints. The most important property of exact penalty function methods, that is, exactness of the penalization, is defined and analyzed if the minimax penalty function method is applicable for solving a convex nondifferentiable optimization problem with a fuzzy objective function. It is proved that a (weak) KKT point of the considered fuzzy optimization problem is a (weakly) nondominated solution of its associated fuzzy penalized optimization problem constructed in the used penalized approach. Further, the conditions are also derived under which there is the equivalence between (weakly) nondominated solutions of the aforesaid fuzzy optimization problems. These results are established under assumption that the functions involved in the considered nondifferentiable fuzzy optimization problem are convex. Further, the algorithm of solving the considered nondifferentiable fuzzy optimization problem by using the minimax exact penalty fuzzy function method is proposed and its convergence is also established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intricate development and physiological dynamics of the mammary glands, orchestrated by a delicate interplay of hormones, are crucial for reproductive function and lactation. Beginning with intrauterine clusters evolving into mature glands, hormonal fluctuations throughout puberty and the menstrual cycle finely tune mammary tissue growth. Oestrogens stimulate the proliferation of epithelial cells, while progesterone orchestrates the formation of lactiferous glands. During pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone induces hyperplasia of lobules and ducts, preparing the breast for lactation. Prolactin is vital for lactation and stimulates milk production during pregnancy and postpar- tum. As shown by ultrasonography, physiological changes during lactation reflect glandular tissue transformation for milk secretion. Clinical and physiological changes, including increased blood flow, contribute to mammary growth and firmness, complicating clinical examination. Ultrasonographic findings reveal variability in women’s glandular and fat tissue distribution, suggesting that milk production is not solely determined by anatomical factors. Though not directly linked to milk production, blood flow dynamics hint at a threshold for optimal lactation. Understand- ing these complex hormonal and physiological mechanisms is crucial for comprehending mammary development, function, and clinical assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, with paresthesias and pain in the hand and wrist. CTS is also associated with insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) resulting from the nocturnal exacerbation of symptoms. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was developed for the assessment of therapeutic outcomes. It consists of two subscales: the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and the Functional Status Scale (FSS). The aim of this study was to perform an adaptation and validation of the Polish language version of BCTQ (pBCTQ). A second aim was to investigate the influence of treatment of CTS on insomnia and EDS. Methods: The validation of the pBCTQ followed the widely accepted recommendations. In our consecutive sampling survey 130 patients with CTS filled out the pBCTQ, EQ-5D-5L quality of life questionnaire, the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). 26 of them filled out pBCTQ once again, two weeks later, and 35 filled out the pBCTQ and other items after therapy. Results: The pBCTQ showed good internal consistency: 0.91 for SSS and 0.93 for FSS (Cronbach’s α). The test-retest reliability showed an intraclass coefficient of 0.69 for SSS and 0.55 for FSS. Both subscales correlated also with nerve conduction studies (NCS) as well as with the EQ-5D-5L, AIS, and ESS. After therapy, both subscales and AIS significantly decreased. Improvement was also seen in the NCS and EQ-5D-5L, but not in the ESS. Conclusions: The pBCTQ is a reliable, valid, and responsive tool for measuring the outcome of CTS. Therapy for CTS leads to the improvement of concurrent insomnia but may not change daytime sleepiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annual vaccination is the most effective protection against influenza and its serious complications. It is especially important for people at high risk of severe course of the disease and serious complications: individuals with specific chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, children aged 6-59 months, older people, and healthcare workers. Despite a progressive increase in seasonal vaccine coverage, influenza-related morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization rates remain high and have continued to increase in people aged 65 years and over. Standard vaccines against influenza are less efficient in this group due to immunosenescence. Consequently, more effective vaccines are needed to prevent influenza and its complications in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domenico (Meco) Bernoco, a professor emeritus at the University of California-Davis, passed away at the age of 88. He made significant contributions to the field of immunogenetics, particularly in studying the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of humans and domestic animals. Born in Cherasco, Italy, Meco was known for his love of food and sports, particularly soccer. Throughout his career, he conducted research in various institutions, including the Basel Institute for Immunology in Switzerland and the University of California, Los Angeles. Meco's work focused on HLA research and typing in animals, with notable contributions to the equine and bovine MHC. He mentored several students who went on to have successful careers in genetics and genomics. Meco was also known for his involvement in scientific workshops and his love for gardening, travel, and making his own limoncello. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: One of the greatest plagues of the twenty-first century is considered to be forced labor, also referred to as modern slavery. The aim of the research was to indicate that the identification of the threat of forced labor is a key business risk. It is both morally reprehensible and directly affects the loss of reputation, commercial contracts, or is in direct conflict with the law. Design/methodology/approach: A renowned Polish manufacturer of advertising media was selected for the study through purposive selection. The said manufacturer employs an average of 160 employees per year, of which 69% are production employees. The solutions have been developed based on the following research methods: literature analysis, document analysis, surveys and interviews. Findings: The research confirmed that identifying the threat of forced labor is a key business risk - both morally reprehensible and directly affecting the loss of reputation, business contracts or is in direct conflict with the law. Research limitations/implications: A survey of the literature has revealed a research gap in the area of analyzing the dependency of decent work as a component of organizational management in the context of sustainable development. The research presented in the article refers to one enterprise and provides a basis for discussion on identifying the risks of the occurrence of forced labor as a key business risk and encourages further research in this area. Practical implications: The results developed in the progress of the conducted research provide opportunities to describe the management process of countering forced labor. According to the principle of going from particular to general, the main way of obtaining input data emerges, to which at a later stage there will be dedicated tools to manage the process as such. Social implications: The conducted research is a part of promoting good practices among local business, fostering dialogue with the public, and building a good corporate image. Originality/value:The value of this article lays in the implementation and testing of tools (surveys in particular) in describing the process of countering forced labor as such. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coprolites, i.e., fossilized faeces, are an important source of knowledge on the diet and food processing mechanisms in the fossil record. Direct and indirect evidences for the dietary preferences of extinct sharks are rare in the fossil record. The first coprolite attributable to Ptychodus containing prey remains from the European Cretaceous is documented here. Methods: A coprolite from the Late Cretaceous of Opole (southern Poland) was scanned using micro-computed tomography to show the arrangement of the inclusions. In addition, the cross-section was examined under the SEM/EDS to analyse the microstructure and chemical composition of the inclusions. Results: Brachiopod shell fragments and foraminiferan shells are recognized and identified among the variously shaped inclusions detected through the performed analysis. Conclusions: The extinct shell-crushing shark Ptychodus has been identified as the likely producer of the examined coprolite. The presence of brachiopod shell fragments indicates that at least some species of this durophagous predatory shark may have preyed on small benthic elements on the sea bottom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As CASP15 participants, in the new category of 3D RNA structure prediction, we applied expert modeling with the support of our proprietary system RNAComposer. Although RNAComposer is primarily known as an automated web server, its features allow it to be used interactively, for example, for homology-based modeling or assembling models from user-provided structural elements. In the paper, we present various scenarios of applying the system to predict the 3D RNA structures that we employed. Their combination with expert input, comparative analysis of models, and routines to select representative resultant structures form a ready-for-reuse workflow. With selected examples, we demonstrate its application for the in silico modeling of natural and synthetic RNA molecules targeted in CASP15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction categories in the Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP) experiments change with the need to address specific problems in structure modeling. In CASP15, four new prediction categories were introduced: RNA structure, ligandprotein complexes, accuracy of oligomeric structures and their interfaces, and ensembles of alternative conformations. This paper lists technical specifications for these categories and describes their integration in the CASP data management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]