Search

Hydrogels are attractive biomaterials for the controlled release of various pharmaceuticals, due to their ability to embed biologically active moieties in a 3D polymer network. Among them, agarose-based hydrogels are an interesting, but still not fully explored, group of potential platforms for controlled drug release. In this work, agarose hydrogels with various contents of citric acid were prepared, and their mechanical and physicochemical properties were investigated using various instrumental techniques, such as rheological measurements, attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Releasing tests for diclofenac sodium (DICL) were run in various environments; water, PBS, and 0.01 M NaOH; which remarkably affected the profile of the controlled release of this model drug. In addition to affecting the mechanical properties, the amount of citric acid incorporated within a hydrogel network during synthesis was also of great importance to the rate of DICL release. Therefore, due to their high biocompatibility, agarose hydrogels can be regarded as safe and potential platforms for controlled drug release in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on advanced students' beliefs and views related to their own pronunciation and pronunciation learning/teaching. It also presents their opinions on the university courses dedicated to phonetics and phonology of the English language. Furthermore, it analyses the students plans and ambitions for their future self-study and intentions to further develop and improve their English pronunciation. Finally, the article introduces varied and numerous research areas investigated in the current two issues of RiL and points to the significance of the most recent findings in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural hydrogels are widely used as biomedical materials in many areas, including drug delivery, tissue scaffolds, and particularly wound dressings, where they can act as an antimicrobial factor lowering the risk of microbial infections, which are serious health problems, especially with respect to wound healing. In this review article, a number of promising strategies in the development of hydrogels with biocidal properties, particularly those originating from natural polymers, are briefly summarized and concisely discussed. Common strategies to design and fabricate hydrogels with intrinsic or stimuli-triggered antibacterial activity are exemplified, and the mechanisms lying behind these properties are also discussed. Finally, practical antibacterial applications are also considered while discussing the current challenges and perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text reviews selected current issues related to native and non-native accents of English, including the status of English as a global language, the value of varieties of English and the question of a possible supremacy of one accent over other varieties. The text links theoretical and applied issues addressing the question of which variety should be used in EFL education. Focusing on the phonetic dimension it weights the conflicting reasons given in classic works, such as Kachru's and McArthur's to eventually point to novel research programmes as exemplified in other texts included in the special issues of Research in Language, i.e. vol. 20, issues 1 and 2, most of which were inspired by Accents 2021, an annual conference organised by the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics, Institute of English Studies, University of Lodz, Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies devoted to the so-called good language learners that emerged in the 1970s (Rubin 1975) reveal that efficient learners fall back on an abundant and highly individualised array of techniques and strategic behaviours related to and employed while learning. The well-known taxonomies by Oxford (1990) and O'Malley and Chamot (1990) gave rise to analyses and investigations in the field of learner autonomy and self-development, also in pronunciation learning/teaching. As has been corroborated by empirical studies (Oxford 2001a; Oxford 2001b; Chamot, 2004) strategy training contributes to the increase in overall proficiency as well as to a number of invaluable benefits such as enhanced motivation, greater self-efficacy, anxiety reduction and more positive attitudes. Although studies dedicated to the relationship between learning strategies and pronunciation are still in their infancy, there are a number of investigations that set the directions for further research and development (Peterson 2000; Pawlak 2008; Pawlak and Oxford 2018). The paper presents results of a pilot study conducted in a secondary school that aimed at observing how learners develop pronunciation strategies as a result of regular pronunciation input and feedback from the teacher. It addresses a tentative assumption that explicit pronunciation training may contribute to the enhanced strategy use and consequently to better oral performance. Detecting and naming the strategies employed by the learners as well as selecting the most effective ones for more explicit application aided and boosted the learners' awareness and confidence, which was confirmed by data obtained from questionnaires and from participant observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Translatorica & Translata is the property of Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Lodzkiego 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: Recently, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has become the rewarming treatment of choice in hypothermic cardiac arrest. The detailed indications for extracorporeal rewarming in non-arrested, severely hypothermic patients with circulatory instability have not been established yet. The primary purpose of the study was a preliminary analysis of all aspects of the treatment process, as well as initial identification of mortality risk factors within the group of severely hypothermic patients, treated with arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy of VA-ECMO in initial 6-h period of treatment Methods: From July 2013 to June 2016, thirty one hypothermic patients were accepted for extracorporeal rewarming at Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center, Cracow. Thirteen patients were identified with circulatory instability and were enrolled in the study. The evaluation took into account patients' condition on admission, the course of therapy, and changes in laboratory and hemodynamic parameters. Results: Nine out of 13 analyzed patients survived (69%). Patients who died were older, had lower both systolic and diastolic pressure, and had increased creatinine an potassium levels on admission. In surviving patients, arterial blood gases parameters (pH, BE, HCO3) and lactates would normalize more quickly. Their potassium level was lower on admission as well. The values of the core temperature on admission were comparable. Although normothermia was achieved in 92% of patients, none of them had been weaned-off VA-ECMO in the first 6 h of treatment. Discussion and Conclusions: In our preliminary study more pronounced markers of cardiocirculatory instability and organ hypoperfusion were observed in non-survivors. Future studies on indications to extracorporeal rewarming in severely hypothermic, non-arrested patients should focus on the extent of hemodynamic disturbances. Short term (<6 h) treatment in severe hypothermic, non-arrested patients seems to be not clinically appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe accidental hypothermia can cause circulatory disturbances ranging from cardiac arrhythmias through circulatory shock to cardiac arrest. Severity of shock, pulmonary hypoperfusion and ventilation-perfusion mismatch are reflected by a discrepancy between measurements of CO2 levels in end-tidal air (EtCO2) and partial CO2 pressure in arterial blood (PaCO2). This disparity can pose a problem in the choice of an optimal ventilation strategy for accidental hypothermia victims, particularly in the prehospital period. We hypothesized that in severely hypothermic patients capnometry should not be used as a reliable guide to choose optimal ventilatory parameters. Methods: We undertook a pilot, observational case-series study, in which we included all consecutive patients admitted to the Severe Hypothermia Treatment Centre in Cracow, Poland for VA-ECMO in stage III hypothermia and with signs of circulatory shock. We performed serial measurements of arterial blood gases and EtCO2, core temperature, and calculated a PaCO2/EtCO2 quotient. Results: The study population consisted of 13 consecutive patients (ten males, three females, median 60 years old). The core temperature measured in esophagus was 20.7–29.0 °C, median 25.7 °C. In extreme cases we have observed a Pa-EtCO2 gradient of 35–36 mmHg. Median PaCO2/EtCO2 quotient was 2.15. Discussion and Conclusion: Severe hypothermia seems to present an example of extremely large Pa-EtCO2 gradient. EtCO2 monitoring does not seem to be a reliable guide to ventilation parameters in severe hypothermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene and graphene oxide (GO), due to their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility, can be used as an innovative biomedical material in biodetection, drug distribution in the body, treating neoplasms, regenerative medicine, and in implant surgery. Research on the biomedical use of graphene and GO that has been carried out until now is very promising and shows that carbon nanomaterials present high biocompatibility. However, the intolerance of the immune system to graphene nanomaterials, however low, may in consequence make it impossible to use them in medicine. This paper shows the specific mechanism of the molecular influence of graphene and GO on macrophages and lymphocytes under in vitro and in vivo conditions and their practical application in medicine. Under in vitro conditions graphene and GO cause an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly IL-1, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α, as a result of the activation of Toll-like receptors in macrophages. Graphene activates apoptosis in macrophages through the TGFbr/Smad/Bcl-2 pathway and also through JNK kinases that are stimulated by an increase of ROS in the cell or through a signal received by Smad proteins. Under in vivo conditions, graphene nanomaterials induce the development of the local inflammatory reaction and the development of granulomas in parenchymal organs. However, there is a huge discrepancy between the results obtained by different research groups, which requires a detailed analysis. In this work we decided to collect and analyze existing research and tried to explain the discrepancies. Understanding the precise mechanism of how this nanomaterial influences immune system cells allows estimating the potential influence of grapheme and GO on the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Accidental hypothermia is a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hypothermia has been reported to affect left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. However, most of the data come from animal experimental studies. Aim of the study: The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of severe accidental hypothermia on systolic and diastolic ventricular function in patients treated using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: We prospectively assessed nine hypothermic patients (8 male, age 25-78 years) who were transferred to the Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center and treated with ECMO. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on admission (in patients without cardiac arrest) and on discharge from ICU after achieving cardiovascular stability. Cardiorespiratory stability and full neurologic recovery was achieved in all patients. Results: Biomarkers of myocardial damage (CK, CKMB, hsTnT) were significantly elevated in all study patients. Admission echocardiography performed in patients in sinus rhythm, revealed moderate-severe bi-ventricular systolic dysfunction and moderate bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Discharge echocardiography showed persistent mild bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction, although systolic function of both ventricles returned to normal. Discharge echocardiography in patients admitted with cardiac arrest showed normal (5 patients) or moderately impaired (1 patient) global LV systolic function on discharge. However, mild or moderate LV diastolic dysfunction was observed in all 6 patients. Discharge RV systolic function was normal, whereas mild RV diastolic dysfunction was present in these patients. Conclusion: After severe accidental hypothermia bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction persists despite systolic function recovery in survivors treated with ECMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Accidental hypothermia is a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hypothermia has been reported to affect left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. However, most of the data come from animal experimental studies. Aim of the study: The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of severe accidental hypothermia on systolic and diastolic ventricular function in patients treated using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods: We prospectively assessed nine hypothermic patients (8 male, age 25–78 years) who were transferred to the Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center and treated with ECMO. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on admission (in patients without cardiac arrest) and on discharge from ICU after achieving cardiovascular stability. Cardiorespiratory stability and full neurologic recovery was achieved in all patients. Results: Biomarkers of myocardial damage (CK, CKMB, hsTnT) were significantly elevated in all study patients. Admission echocardiography performed in patients in sinus rhythm, revealed moderate-severe bi-ventricular systolic dysfunction and moderate bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Discharge echocardiography showed persistent mild bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction, although systolic function of both ventricles returned to normal. Discharge echocardiography in patients admitted with cardiac arrest showed normal (5 patients) or moderately impaired (1 patient) global LV systolic function on discharge. However, mild or moderate LV diastolic dysfunction was observed in all 6 patients. Discharge RV systolic function was normal, whereas mild RV diastolic dysfunction was present in these patients. Conclusion: After severe accidental hypothermia bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction persists despite systolic function recovery in survivors treated with ECMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the treatment of English pronunciation in school textbooks from France and Poland, in order to see what resources teachers have at their disposal. It is limited to textbooks used at the secondary level of each education system. Recent research has shown that European teachers do not find teaching English pronunciation easy and that many are unsatisfied with their training in relation to teaching pronunciation (Bradford & Kenworthy 1991; Burgess and Spencer 2000; Henderson et al. 2012; Frost and Henderson, 2013; Iivonen, 2005). Textbooks are a widespread resource with the potential to alleviate a lack of extensive pedagogical training. The first part of this paper analyses pronunciation exercises in a representative sample of textbooks from each country. Pronunciation exercises were classified based on the degree to which they mobilize communicative abilities, according to the five categories of a Communicative Framework for teaching pronunciation (Celce-Murcia et al., 2010, p45): Description & analysis, Listening discrimination, Controlled practice, Guided practice, Communicative practice. The first category involves little risk-taking by the learner, usually focusses on form and allows little freedom. At the other end of the spectrum, communicative practice involves a focus on meaning and interaction, with the concomitant greater freedom to make mistakes. The exercises were then analysed to see which segmental and/or prosodic features they favoured and to what extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energetic technologies, nanoelectronics, biomedicine including gene therapy, cell imaging or tissue engineering are only few from all possible applications for graphene, the thinnest known carbon configuration and a basic element for other more complicated, better discovered and widely used nanostructures such as graphite, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. The number of researches concerning graphene applications is rising every day which proves the great interest in its unique structure and properties. Ideal pristine graphene sheet presents a flat membrane of unlimited size with no imperfections while in practice we get different flakes with irregular edges and structural defects which influence the reactivity. Nanomaterials from graphene family differ in size, shape, layer number, lateral dimension, surface chemistry and defect density causing the existence of graphene samples with various influence on biological systems. Whether graphene induces cellular stress and activates apoptosis, or on the contrary facilitates growth and differentiation of the cells depends on its structure, chemical modifications and the growth process. A certain number of in vitro studies has indicated cytotoxic effects of graphene while the other show that it is safe. The diversity of the samples and methods of the production make it impossible to establish clearly the biological impact of graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forum Zakażeń is the property of Evereth Publishing Ltd. 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.)

Due to its size and the problems which surround its accession, Poland is often perceived as a stumbling block for the EU's ongoing enlargement process. Drawing upon negotiation theory, this paper sets out to argue that this picture is not accurate. Although Poland is a difficult candidate, it is not likely to slow down the first wave of enlargement. This is mainly due to the fact that Poland is not equipped with a BATNA (best alternative to negotiated agreement). As a consequence, the Polish government will find itself forced into signing more or less what the EU will be offering other candidates, such as, for instance, Hungary. This very fact could, however, complicate the accession of the so‐called ‘second wavers’, as Poland will probably try to re‐negotiate its accession deal before other applicants can join. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Extracorporeal Life Support in Out-of-Hospital Refractory Cardiac Arrest" published in an issue of "Artificial Organs."

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "What's New in ECMO: Scoring the Bad Indications" by K. Parhar and colleagues, published in a previous issue.

Introduction: Accidental hypothermia is a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hypothermia has been reported to affect left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. However, most of the data come from animal experimental studies.Aim Of the Study: The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of severe accidental hypothermia on systolic and diastolic ventricular function in patients treated using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).Methods: We prospectively assessed nine hypothermic patients (8 male, age 25-78 years) who were transferred to the Severe Accidental Hypothermia Center and treated with ECMO. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on admission (in patients without cardiac arrest) and on discharge from ICU after achieving cardiovascular stability. Cardiorespiratory stability and full neurologic recovery was achieved in all patients.Results: Biomarkers of myocardial damage (CK, CKMB, hsTnT) were significantly elevated in all study patients. Admission echocardiography performed in patients in sinus rhythm, revealed moderate-severe bi-ventricular systolic dysfunction and moderate bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Discharge echocardiography showed persistent mild bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction, although systolic function of both ventricles returned to normal. Discharge echocardiography in patients admitted with cardiac arrest showed normal (5 patients) or moderately impaired (1 patient) global LV systolic function on discharge. However, mild or moderate LV diastolic dysfunction was observed in all 6 patients. Discharge RV systolic function was normal, whereas mild RV diastolic dysfunction was present in these patients.Conclusion: After severe accidental hypothermia bi-ventricular diastolic dysfunction persists despite systolic function recovery in survivors treated with ECMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]