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Fatigue is a significant problem in patients with bladder cancer treated by radical cystectomy. This pilot study evaluated fatigue and related variables during a treatment period. Four measurements were made, the first 1 month after the cystectomy, and the next three at an interval of about 3 months each (at 4 months, 7 months, and 10 months after the surgery). In addition to the author's questionnaire (sociodemographic variables and a question about the impact of the disease on the patient's life), the FACIT-F Fatigue (to measure fatigue), NCCN/FACT FBISI-18, version 2 (symptoms, general condition of the patient), HADS (depression, anxiety, and irritability) measures were used. In this study, 21 patients participated in all four measurement periods. The fatigue intensity increased significantly between the first and second measurements and gradually decreased between the third and fourth measurements.As the severity of fatigue increases, can be observed an increase in the sense of the impact of the disease on the patient's life in all except the first measurement.The study revealed statistically significant correlations between fatigue and experiencing symptoms of cancer and treatment at each stage of the study, with the strongest correlations in the second and fourth measurements regarding symptoms of cancer and a stronger correlation in the second compared to the first measurement regarding side effects. At each stage of measurement, the experience of dizziness, lack of appetite, feeling of being sick, and feeling of annoyance from treatment side effects were statistically significantly correlated with fatigue. The intensity of fatigue correlated with the feeling of experiencing difficulties in meeting the needs of the family due to the physical condition in the first measurement (Rho = 0.76), a sense of weakness (Rho = 0.92) and sleepiness (Rho = 0.72) in the second measurement, pain in the third (Rho = 0.77). The greatest number of correlates of fatigue were described in the fourth measurement (all symptoms of cancer and side effects except losing weight).Stress, anxiety, depression and irritability were correlated with fatigue at each of the stages of research except the first one (without differences between the correlation coefficients in the second, third and fourth measurements). Significantly lower levels of fatigue characterised patients who survived over 6 months after the end of the study compared to the first three measurements.

Beads made of sodium alginate, whey protein concentrate, and red grape seed extract powder were exposed to white light and its red-orange, yellow-green-cyan, and cyan-blue-violet bands. The chemical analysis showed that encapsulation in the alginate–whey protein matrix protected polyphenols, flavonoids and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside when exposed to red-orange light. The reflectance spectra acquired from grape seed extract powder and grape seed extract beads were deconvoluted and anthocyanins-based moieties which contribute to the expression of bathochromic or hypsochromic effects were identified. The evolution of the peak areas assigned to the colored compounds confirms that the most intense polyphenol degradation occurred in grape seed extract powder and grape seed extract beads exposed to cyan-blue-violet light, as shown by the chemical analysis. The results of the study are important in choosing the light band from the visible spectrum which can be used to process food enriched with grape seed extract with minimal polyphenol degradation.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, multisystemic, inflammatory disease affecting approximately 1% of children and significantly reducing their health-related quality of life. Etanercept is a biologic fusion protein-blocking TNF-α and belongs to one of the biologics used among the children population. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety profile of etanercept in paediatric patients with plaque-type psoriasis. Material and methods: The outcome of the treatment was evaluated based on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Body Surface Area (BSA), and Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Achievement of at least PASI75 at week 16 was assessed as an adequate response to therapy, which was the primary endpoint. Results: Forty-three paediatric patients were included in the study, 24 females and 19 males. The average age at inclusion into our study was 13 years. At baseline, the mean PASI score, BSA, and CDLQI were 16.3 ± 6.5, 22.3 ± 12.2%, and 17.4 ± 5.3, respectively. At week 16, 90.7% of patients achieved PASI 50, 79.1% achieved PASI 75, and 46.5% attained PASI 90. There was also a decrease in mean BSA and CDLQI values to 3.5 ± 3.8 and 5.4 ± 5.7, respectively. Conclusions: Etanercept proved to be effective, safe, and well-tolerated among the paediatric population with psoriasis.

Both the Russian hybrid activities and warfare include the use of genocide to strengthen the Krem­lin’s position and overcome Ukrainians. It can be observed within many spheres, but mainly as the Russian Federation falsely accuses Ukraine of committing genocide against Russians and claims that the West supports it. Russians commit war crimes that fulfil all the requirements to be considered genocide. The Kremlin uses genocide as a part of cognitive warfare, trying to influence not only the way the Ukrainians are thinking but also how they are behaving. In unofficial channels, there is much content showing Russian violence to generate fear and diminish the resilience of Ukrainians. Bearing in mind how much Russia has already lost with respect to the hybrid war in Ukraine, it is more and more likely that the Kremlin will focus in the future on hybrid activities and will try to exploit the potential of the threats that have already materialised. Principally, the hybrid warfare potential of genocide has been explored by Russians to various extend. This work addresses chosen aspects of the use of genocide by the Russian Federation in the conduct of hy­brid activities and warfare in Ukraine from 2022, as well as the motivation behind it.

Państwo, jako instytucja, jest zawsze głównym gwarantem każdego rodzaju bezpieczeń-stwa, ale to społeczeństwo jest podstawowym podmiotem i przedmiotem wszelkich przyj-mowanych rozwiązań instytucjonalnych. Ciągła interakcja między państwem a jego obywate-lami jest warunkiem sine qua non bezpiecznego funkcjonowania każdego systemu demokra-tycznego. Priorytetową rolą tegoż jest ochrona egzystencjalnych podstaw życia ludzi oraz gwarancja realizacji ich potrzeb i aspiracji życiowych oraz rozwoju. Należy do niej także bu-dowanie postaw społecznej aktywności i zaangażowania w tworzenie warunków bezpiecznej egzystencji, zarówno jednostek, jak i całych grup społecznych. Szczególną strukturą, w ra-mach której jednostki uczą się kreatywności i nabywają umiejętności zaspokajania potrzeb i realizowania interesów, nie tylko w wymiarze indywidualnym, ale również wspólnotowym, jest społeczeństwo obywatelskie. Jest to wspólnota osób, które wykorzystują swój osobisty kapitał (intelektualny, ekonomiczny, społeczny) w celu zaspokajania zbiorowych interesów i budowania wspólnego dobra. Wspólnotowość społeczna urzeczywistnia się najwyraźniej w powoływaniu do życia organizacji pozarządowych, czyli zrzeszeń ludzi dobrowolnie działają-cych w imię realizacji interesu publicznego. Praktyczny wymiar działalności organizacji poza-rządowych sprowadza się przede wszystkim do świadczenia usług, których ani państwo, ani rynek nie są w stanie lub nie chcą realizować. Trzeci sektor stanowi zatem istotny element zaspokajania potrzeby bezpieczeństwa, także społecznego. Celem artykułu jest zdiagnozo-wanie stanu polskiego sektora społecznego oraz roli, jaką odgrywają organizacje pozarządowe w tworzeniu bezpieczeństwa społecznego w Polsce, po transformacji systemowej w 1989 roku. W artykule odwołano się w analizach głównie do treści dostępnej literatury przedmiotu. Wykorzystano także dostępne materiały źródłowe oraz istniejące akty prawne. Zanalizowano wyniki badań dotyczących funkcjonowania trzeciego sektora w Polsce, prowadzone przez niezależne instytucje badawcze skupione od wielu lat na problematyce jego działalności.

Nicotinamide (NA) derivatives play crucial roles in various biological processes, such as inflammation, regulation of the cell cycle, and DNA repair. Recently, we proposed that 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR), an unusual derivative of NA, could be classified as an oncometabolite in bladder, breast, and lung cancer. In this study, we investigated the relations between NA metabolism and the progression, recurrence, metastasis, and survival of patients diagnosed with different histological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We identified alterations in plasma NA metabolism, particularly in the clear cell RCC (ccRCC) subtype, compared to papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, and oncocytoma. Patients with ccRCC also exhibited larger tumor sizes and elevated levels of diagnostic serum biomarkers, such as hsCRP concentration and ALP activity, which were positively correlated with the plasma 4PYR. Notably, 4PYR levels were elevated in advanced stages of ccRCC cancer and were associated with a highly aggressive phenotype of ccRCC. Additionally, elevated concentrations of 4PYR were related to a higher likelihood of mortality, recurrence, and particularly metastasis in ccRCC. These findings are consistent with other studies, suggesting that NA metabolism is accelerated in RCC, leading to abnormal concentrations of 4PYR. This supports the concept of 4PYR as an oncometabolite and a potential prognostic factor in the ccRCC subtype.

The pandemic that broke out in 2019 had a significant impact on the lives of all social groups around the world. The imposed restrictions and mandatory quarantine were crucial to limit the virus’s spread. The research comprises an analysis of the psychosocial impact exerted by the pandemic that attempted to determine the response to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. For this purpose, a study on social resilience in the pandemic era was worked out. The study consisted of several parts: stress and the sense of safety, education, trust and defined needs and the mass media in COVID-19. The research team decided to present the study’s results in a series of articles that will contribute to forming a complete picture of the community in the context of the analysed variables. The paper is the first in this series. It contains an analysis of variables intended to determine the level of the experienced sense of safety and its constituent, i.e., stress, and the identification of socio-demographic data strongly influencing the studied variables. The study comprised 559 individuals who were surveyed between May 2020 and November 2020 with the use of an online survey questionnaire. SPSS Statistics version 21.0 and PQStat were used to conduct statistical analyses and correlate and assess the correlation of responses. Also used were Chisquare, Fisher’s test and Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient. A logistic regression analysis was carried out for dichotomous variables. The results of the study indicate that the level of experienced stress is influenced by age, place of residence, gender and job security. The sense of safety is inversely correlated with stress, i.e., as stress increases, the sense of safety decreases, indicating a need to undertake appropriate measures to reduce stress. It may be interesting to compare the level of stress with, among other things, information retrieval from different sources. These results will be presented in the subsequent studies.

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a representative of Canidae and is closely related to red fox-like canids, although the species exhibits high distinctiveness in the family. These animals were farmed for fur products, but thousands were intentionally released into the wild in western Russia. This newly established alien species in Europe has spread rapidly into many European countries. The aim of the study was to determine the origin of Polish populations by comparing the mitochondrial molecular marker cytochrome b (cytb) sequences of Polish wild and farm individuals with wild raccoon dogs from the western Russia and Asian specimens whose sequences were obtained from GenBank resources. The results of our phylogenetic analysis support the previous suggestions on the existence of two main clades clearly referring to continental and Island populations. Polish individuals were classified into a highly diverse continental group. The relationships between the haplotypes within the clade together with estimated values of genetic diversity parameters indicate that the Polish raccoon dog populations exhibit high genetic similarity to the Russian population. In combination with the history of introduction of the species to Europe, this suggests the most probable assignment of the Polish populations to the subspecies N. procyonoides ussuriensis. Our results indicate the presence of two Japanese haplotypes within the continental group, which is inconsistent with the assumed scenario of post-glacial expansion of raccoon dogs excluding gene flow between continental and Island populations.

Abstract Rapidly developing nanotechnologies and their integration in daily applications may threaten the natural environment. While green methods of decomposing organic pollutants have reached maturity, remediation of inorganic crystalline contaminants is major problem due to their low biotransformation susceptibility and the lack of understanding of material surface-organism interactions. Herein, we have used model inorganic 2D Nb-based MXenes coupled with a facile shape parameters analysis approach to track the mechanism of bioremediating 2D ceramic nanomaterials with green microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata. We have found that microalgae decomposed the Nb-based MXenes due to surface-related physicochemical interactions. Initially, single and few-layered MXene nanoflakes attached to microalgae surfaces, which slightly reduced algal growth. But with prolonged surface interaction, the microalgae oxidized MXene nanoflakes and further decomposed them into NbO and Nb2O5. Since these oxides were nontoxic to microalgal cells, they consumed Nb-oxide nanoparticles by an uptake mechanism thus enabling further microalgae recovery after 72 h of water treatment. The uptake-associated nutritional effects were also reflected by cells’ increased size, smoothed shape and changed growth rates. Based on these findings, we conclude that short- and long-term presence of Nb-based MXenes in freshwater ecosystems might cause only negligible environmental effects. Notably, by using 2D nanomaterials as a model system, we show evidence of the possibility of tracking even fine material shape transformations. In general, this study answers an important fundamental question about the surface interaction-associated processes that drive the mechanism of 2D nanomaterials’ bioremediation as well as provides the fundamental basis for further short- and long-term investigations on the environmental effects of inorganic crystalline nanomaterials.

Introduction: Wistar Han rats are a preferred strain of rodents for general toxicology and safety pharmacology studies in drug development. In some of these studies, visual functional tests that assess for retinal toxicity are included as an additional endpoint. Although the influence of gender on human retinal function has been documented for more than 6 decades, preclinically it is still uncertain if there are differences in retinal function between naïve male and female Wistar Han rats.Methods: In this study, sex-related differences in the retinal function were quantified by analyzing electroretinography (ERG) in 7-9-week-old (n = 52 males and 51 females) and 21–23-week-old Wistar Han rats (n = 48 males and 51 females). Optokinetic tracking response, brainstem auditory evoked potential, ultrasonic vocalization and histology were tested and evaluated in a subset of animals to investigate the potential compensation mechanisms of spontaneous blindness.Results/Discussion: Absence of scotopic and photopic ERG responses was found in 13% of 7-9-week-old (7/52) and 19% of 21–23-week-old males (9/48), but none of female rats (0/51). The averaged amplitudes of rod- and cone-mediated ERG b-wave responses obtained from males were significantly smaller than the amplitudes of the same responses from age-matched females (−43% and −26%, respectively) at 7–9 weeks of age. There was no difference in the retinal and brain morphology, brainstem auditory responses, or ultrasonic vocalizations between the animals with normal and abnormal ERGs at 21–23 weeks of age. In summary, male Wistar Han rats had altered retinal responses, including a complete lack of responses to test flash stimuli (i.e., blindness), when compared with female rats at 7–9 and 21–23 weeks of age. Therefore, sex differences should be considered when using Wistar Han rats in toxicity and safety pharmacology studies with regards to data interpretation of retinal functional assessments.

The effects of physical factors such as radiation (electromagnetic, microwave, infrared, laser, UVC, and X-ray) and high temperature, as well as chemical factors (controlled atmosphere) on the level of global DNA cytosine methylation in C. albicans ATCC 10231 cells were investigated. Prolonged exposure to each type of radiation significantly increased the DNA methylation level. In addition, the global methylation level in C. albicans cells increased with the incubation temperature. An increase in the percentage of methylated DNA was also noted in C. albicans cells cultured in an atmosphere with reduced O2. In contrast, in an atmosphere containing more than 3% CO2 and in anaerobic conditions, the DNA methylation level decreased relative to the control. This study showed that prolonged exposure to various types of radiation and high temperature as well as reduced O2 in the atmosphere caused a significant increase in the global DNA methylation level. This is most likely a response protecting DNA against damage, which at the same time can lead to epigenetic disorders, and in consequence can adversely affect the functioning of the organism.

Preview: /Commentary: Richard Shusterman, Ars Erotica: Sex and Somaesthetics in the Classical Arts of Love (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021), 436 pages./ Somaesthetics, the field cultivated by Richard Shusterman since 1997, bore another juicy fruit for our enjoyment. This time, his interdisciplinary research – integrating the theoretical, empirical, and practical disciplines related to bodily perception, presentation, and performance – resulted in an excellent cross-cultural study of the classical arts of love developed over centuries in such traditions as the Greco-Roman, Chinese, Indian, Muslim, Medieval and European Renaissance. Somaesthetic methodology provides fertile ground for such a comparative inquiry by encouraging new ways to understand the cultural dimension of human sexuality. It complements the popular 4EC perspectives applied in cognitive science which explore cognition as embodied, embedded, enactive, and expanded: emphasizing our bodily interaction with the physical and social environment. Shusterman’s analysis of the classical arts of love as aesthetically refining sexual experience gives due acknowledgement to our somatic and sensual, but also emotional and imagery engagement in the world, commonly neglected in modern philosophy.

Abstract Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for hard-to-treat infections. The presence of 19 virulence genes in 120 MRSA isolates obtained from hospitalized patients and genetic relationships of these isolates were investigated. The eno (100%) and ebps (93.3%) genes encoding laminin- and elastin binding proteins, respectively, were ubiquitous. Other adhesion genes: fib (77.5%), fnbB (41.6%), bbp (40.8%), cna (30.8%) encoding proteins binding fibrinogen, fibronectin, bone sialoprotein and collagen, respectively, and map/eap (62.5%), encoding Eap, were also frequent. The etB and etD genes, encoding exfoliative toxins, were present in 15.6% and 12.5% isolates, respectively. The splA, splE and sspA, encoding serine protease were detected in 100%, 70.8% and 94.2% isolates, respectively. The tst gene, encoding toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 was found in 75% isolates. The cna, map/eap and tst genes were the most common in wound isolates and much less common in blood isolates. We identified 45 different spa types, t003 (21.7%) and t008 (18.8%) being the most common. The t003 was the most frequent among isolates from the respiratory tract (35.5%), while t008 in blood isolates (40%). Identification of virulence factors of MRSA is important for evaluation of pathogen transmission rate and disease development.

The magnetic circuit of a 500 W class Hall thruster, an electric propulsive device for spacecraft, was characterized experimentally and the results compared with simulation in order to verify the design. The commercial 3D gaussmeter, which was used in this work, was additionally recalibrated to compensate for translation and rotation of individual Hall sensors inside the probe. The Stokes stream function approach was applied to reconstruct the magnetic field topography in the thruster. The procedure, carried out on four different cases, yielded very good agreement between simulations and measurements, even for cusped configurations. Presented technique could be used as a robust method of verification of new magnetic circuit designs not only for Hall thrusters but also for a wide class of plasma devices for which detailed knowledge about actual distribution of magnetic field is crucial for optimization.

One of the main method of treating prostate cancer is radiotherapy . Contemporary techniques as IGRT concentrate on proper delivery and exact delineation of the target. We present the simple method of correction the visualisation of gold markers implanted before radiotherapy . In the case when one or two seeds were located imperfectly or were lost with stool or urine we implant additional seeds which create the spatial figure recognised in CT and MRI . Implantation of additional seeds is safe and very simple method which can “rescue” sense of image guided procedure in the case of unfavourable primary fiducial seeds location.

An experimental analysis of mechanical behaviour for aluminium-based fibre metal laminates under compression after impact was conducted. Damage initiation and propagation were evaluated for critical state and force thresholds. Parametrization of laminates was done to compare their damage tolerance. Relatively low-energy impact had a marginal effect on fibre metal laminates compressive strength. Aluminium–glass laminate was more damage-resistant than one reinforced with carbon fibres (6% vs. 17% of compressive strength loss); however, aluminium–carbon laminate presented greater energy dissipation ability (around 30%). Significant damage propagation before the critical load was found (up to 100 times the initial damaged area). Damage propagation for assumed load thresholds was minor in comparison to the initial damage size. Metal plastic strain and delaminations are dominant failure modes for compression after impact.

Dyes are highly toxic and persistent in the environment. Their presence in water causes environmental and social problems. Dyes must be effectively removed from the water. A UV/ZVI/H2O2 process was applied to decompose two organic dyes, AM E123 and AM ACID. A commercial ZVI product, Ferox Flow, was used, and its properties were determined using SEM and XRF. The zeta potential, surface area, and optical properties of ZVI were also determined. The efficiency of dye removal in optimal conditions was 85.5% and 80.85% for AM E123 and AM ACID, respectively. Complete decolorization was observed in all samples. The decomposition of both dyes occurred according to a modified pseudo-second-order reaction and there was a statistically significant correlation between the TOC decrease, pH, and process time. The catalyst was observed to have high stability, and this was not affected by the performance of the treatment process even after the third cycle, as confirmed by the results of the catalyst surface analysis and iron diffusion test. Slight differences in process efficiency were observed after each cycle. The need for only a small amount of catalyst to decompose AM E123 and AM ACID, coupled with the ability to reuse the catalyst without the need for prior preparation, may reduce catalyst purchase costs.

The purpose of this article is to compare selected configuration management systems on Linux. These systems had to meet the condition of integration with Linux. The two of the most popular systems were chosen which are Puppet and Ansible. The comparison was based on a simple system configuration using these two systems in several aspects: installation, file and folder management, package management, user management, configuration of the Apache server and Firewall. Through this comparison, it was possible to determine which system is more suitable for a novice Linux system administrator.

Aleutian disease is one of the most serious disease entities affecting mink farms. The disease causes significant economic losses in mink breeding countries. The aim of the study was to optimize a diagnostic test based on duplex PCR to enable detection of Aleutian disease virus in biological and environmental samples.

Two types of lung cells (epithelial cancer lung cells, A-549 and lung fibroblasts MRC-5) were exposed to the clinically established gold drug auranofin at concentrations close to the half-maximal inhibitory drug concentrations (IC50). Collected cells were subjected to speciation analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Auranofin showed better affinity toward proteins than DNA, RNA, and hydrophilic small molecular weight compounds. It can bind to proteins that vary in size (~20 kDa, ~75 kDa, and ≥200 kDa) and pI. However, the possibility of dimerization and protein–protein complex formation should also be taken into account. µRPLC/CZE-ESI-MS/MS studies on trypsinized proteins allowed the indication of 76 peptides for which signal intensity was influenced by auranofin presence in cells. Based on it, identity was proposed for 20 proteins. Except for thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), which is directly targeted by gold complex, the proteins were found to be transformed. Five indicated proteins: myosin, plectin, talin, two annexins, and kinase M3K5, are responsible for cell–cell, cell–protein interactions, and cell motility. A wound healing test confirmed their regulation by auranofin as cell migration decreased by 40% while the cell cycle was not interrupted.

Kidney transplantation from a donor with latent BKPyV might be the cause of serious complications, such as BK virus-associated nephropathy. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of BKPyV infection in donors after brain death (DBDs), to analyse the molecular variation of BKPyV and to compare clinical and inflammation parameters of DBDs infected with various genotypes of BKPyV. BKPyV was investigated in blood and urine samples of 103 DBDs using PCR followed by sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, and the viral load was assessed by qPCR. Clinical parameters, including cellular markers of inflammation were assessed. The results confirm high prevalence of BKPyV (48%),and genotype IV (49%) over genotype I (43%) and the co-infection with genotypes I and IV in 8.2%. Viral load ranged from 102 to 107 copies/mL, with an average of 1.92 × 106 copies/mL. No specific markers for BKPyV infection were detected among the parameters tested. Infection with genotype I may be associated with the adverse impact on thekidney function, while infection with genotype IV was associated with the anemia Not only the viral load but also the genotype of BKPyV may have an impact on the course of infection.

Graphene-based nanocomposites constitute an interesting and promising material for various applications. Intensive progress in the development of this group of materials offers an opportunity to create new systems useful for drinking water decontamination or other biotechnological applications. Nanohybrid structures of graphene-ceramic systems can be obtained using covalent graphene surface modification with nanoparticles (NPs) of ceramic and/or co-deposition of metals with selected morphology and chemistry. The present paper systematizes the associated bio-related knowledge and inspires future development of graphene/NPs systems. Emerging knowledge and unique research techniques are reviewed within designing the required nanocomposite structure and chemical composition, development and optimization of new methods of covalent surface modification of graphene with NPs as well as analysis of mechanisms governing the formation of covalent bonding. Further, innovative research tools and methodologies are presented regarding the adjustment of functionalities of materials used for the application in drinking water decontamination or biocidal composites. This study provides a comprehensive base for rational development of more complex, hybrid graphene-based nanomaterials with various bio-functionalities that can be further applied in industrial practice.

Contemporary tasks and imposed requirements in the area of education are focused on improving the efficiency and quality of teaching, including counteracting the disturbing phenomena of the “day of liquid modernity” [1, p. 15–29]. The teacher's person is perceived subjectively, from the perspective of the contractor of professional assumptions. The dynamics of educational processes and progressive civilization changes forces us to meet the emerging expectations of educational policy. The look of many leading educators, among others Jan Władysław Dawid, Zygmunt Mysłakowski, Wincenty Okoń, Maria Grzegorzewska, Czesław Banach for personality traits of the teacher has gone to oblivion to give way to schematic and mass teaching. Increasingly, attention is paid to how? and not who? teaches. Studies in the field of psychology and pedagogy pose a question; What should the teacher be like? Using the following article, in which I will base myself on empirical research, I want to answer a completely different aspect, what kind of teacher would the students want?

Canine parvovirus type 2 is one of the most common causes of death among puppies. Despite preventive vaccination, the disease continues to be diagnosed. The aim of the study was to provide a molecular characterization of CPV-2 isolates found in southeastern Poland. Genetic CPV-2 material was isolated from the blood (n=10) and feces (n=50) of infected dogs. The presence of CPV-2 was confirmed by amplification of sequences coding both VP1 and VP2 protein. The products of the PCR reaction with primers amplifying VP2 protein were sequenced and used for genotyping. Bioinformatics analysis of the sequenced PCR product was performed to determine the phylogenetic relationships with variants recorded in the public databases. Based on the analysis of polymorphism in the nucleotide sequence 7 nucleotide variants were detected and assigned into four amino acid groups. Representatives of three groups contained asparagine at amino acid position 426 of the VP2 protein, which is characteristic of CPV-2a. The variant from the fourth group belonged to type CPV-2b. CPV-2a is the dominant antigenic type of CPV-2 in Poland. The pathogen’s high degree of polymorphism is manifested not only by the presence of numerous variants within the type, but also by the presence of representatives of type CPV-2b. Further studies of the molecular epidemiology of CPV-2 are necessary to optimize the effectiveness of preventive measures.

Two-dimensional compounds with nanostructural features are attracting attention from researchers worldwide. Their multitude of applications in various fields and vast potential for future technology advancements are successively increasing the research progress. Wastewater treatment and preventing dangerous substances from entering the environment have become important aspects due to the increasing environmental awareness, and increasing consumer demands have resulted in the appearance of new, often nonbiodegradable compounds. In this review, we focus on using the most promising 2D materials, such as MXenes, Bi2WO6, and MOFs, as catalysts in the modification of the Fenton process to degrade nonbiodegradable compounds. We analyze the efficiency of the process, its toxicity, previous environmental applications, and the stability and reusability of the catalyst. We also discuss the catalyst’s mechanisms of action. Collectively, this work provides insight into the possibility of implementing 2D material-based catalysts for industrial and urban wastewater treatment.

The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a widespread pathogen in humans. Polymorphism of the region encoding the VP1 protein of BKPyV provides the basis for classifying the virus into types and subtypes, whose frequency varies depending on geographic location. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of BKPyV in the Polish population and to assess its variation by analysing polymorphism in the typing region. The study was conducted on 168 healthy, Polish volunteers, whose blood (plasma) and urine were sampled. The virus was detected using PCR, products, sequenced and subjected to bioinformatic analysis. In addition, viral load was assessed by qPCR. The presence of the genetic material of the BK virus was noted in 61/168 urine samples but in none of the plasma sample. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the BKPyV isolates were of types I and IV, dominant in Europe (63.93% and 36.07%, respectively). All isolates from genotype I belonged to subtype Ib-2, showing polymorphism at position 1809 with a frequency of 61.54% (G1809A) and 38.46% (G1809C). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of this magnitude on the genetic variation of BKPyV among healthy volunteers in Poland.

In this work, NiTi alloy parts were fabricated using laser powder bed fusion (LBPF) from pre-alloyed NiTi powder and in situ alloyed pure Ni and Ti powders. Comparative research on the corrosive and biological properties of both studied materials was performed. Electrochemical corrosion tests were carried out in phosphate buffered saline at 37 °C, and the degradation rate of the materials was described based on Ni ion release measurements. Cytotoxicity, bacterial growth, and adhesion to the surface of the fabricated coupons were evaluated using L929 cells and spherical Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, respectively. The in situ alloyed NiTi parts exhibit slightly lower corrosion resistance in phosphate buffered saline solution than pre-alloyed NiTi. Moreover, the passive layer formed on in situ alloyed NiTi is weaker than the one formed on the NiTi fabricated from pre-alloyed NiTi powder. Furthermore, in situ alloyed NiTi and NiTi made from pre-alloyed powders have comparable cytotoxicity and biological properties. Overall, the research has shown that nitinol sintered using in situ alloyed pure Ni and Ti is potentially useful for biomedical applications.

In this study, we developed a strategy to determine atto- and femtomolar amounts of metal ions in lysates and mineralizates of cells (human non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC, A549) and normal lung (MRC-5)) exposed to cytotoxic metallo-drugs: cisplatin and auranofin at concentrations close to the half-maximal inhibitory drug concentrations (IC50). The developed strategy combines data obtained using biological and chemical approaches. Cell density was determined using two independent cell staining assays using trypan blue, calcein AM/propidium iodide. Metal concentrations in lysed and mineralized cells were established employing a mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) and equipped with a cross-flow nebulizer working in aspiration mode. It allowed for detecting of less than 1 fg of metal per cell. To decrease the required amount of sample material (from 1.5 mL to ~100 µL) without loss of sensitivity, the sample was introduced as a narrow band into a constant stream of liquid (flow-injection analysis). It was noticed that the selectivity of cisplatin accumulation by cells depends on the incubation time. This complex is accumulated by cells at a lower efficiency than auranofin and is found primarily in the lysate representing the cytosol. In contrast, auranofin interacts with water-insoluble compounds. Despite their different mechanism of action, both metallo-drugs increased the accumulation of transition metal ions responsible for oxidative stress.

The combination of fibre metal laminates (FML) and sandwich structures can significantly increase the performance under impact of FMLs. The goal of this work was to create a material that will combine the superior properties of FMLs and foam sandwich structures in terms of the impact resistance and simultaneously have lower density and fewer disadvantages related to the manufacturing. An extensive impact testing campaign has been done using conventional fibre metal laminates (carbon- and glass-based) and in the proposed fibre foam metal laminates to assess and compare their behaviour. The main difference was observed in the energy absorption mechanisms. The dominant failure mechanism for fibre foam laminates is the formation of delaminations and matrix cracks while in the conventional fibre metal laminate the main failure mode is fibre cracking due to high local stress concentrations. The reduction in the fibre cracking leads to a better after-impact resistance of this type of structure improving the safety of the structures manufactured with these materials.

The BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), a representative of the family Polyomaviridae, is widespread in the human population. While the virus does not cause significant clinical symptoms in immunocompetent individuals, it is activated in cases of immune deficiency, both pharmacological and pathological. Infection with the BKPyV is of particular importance in recipients of kidney transplants or HSC transplantation, in which it can lead to the loss of the transplanted kidney or to haemorrhagic cystitis, respectively. Four main genotypes of the virus are distinguished on the basis of molecular differentiation. The most common genotype worldwide is genotype I, with a frequency of about 80%, followed by genotype IV (about 15%), while genotypes II and III are isolated only sporadically. The distribution of the molecular variants of the virus is associated with the region of origin. BKPyV subtype Ia is most common in Africa, Ib-1 in Southeast Asia, and Ib-2 in Europe, while Ic is the most common variant in Northeast Asia. The development of molecular methods has enabled significant improvement not only in BKPyV diagnostics, but in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment as well. Amplification of viral DNA from urine by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qPCR Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a non-invasive method that can be used to confirm the presence of the genetic material of the virus and to determine the viral load. Sequencing techniques together with bioinformatics tools and databases can be used to determine variants of the virus, analyse their circulation in populations, identify relationships between them, and investigate the directions of evolution of the virus.

Prenatal and postnatal supplementation with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) and alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) affects the development and maturation of offspring. Both substances have the potential to stimulate cell metabolism via different routes. However, parity affects development and may alter the effects of dietary supplementation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of gestational supplementation with HMB and/or AKG to primiparous and multiparous minks on the structure and maturation of the offspring’s small intestine. Primiparous and multiparous American minks (Neovison vison), of the standard dark brown type, were supplemented daily with HMB (0.02 g/kg b.w.) and/or AKG (0.4 g/kg b.w.) during gestation (n = 7 for each treatment). Supplementation stopped when the minks gave birth. Intestine samples were collected from 8-month-old male and female offspring during autopsy and histology and histomorphometry analysis was conducted (LAEC approval no 64/2015). Gestational supplementation had a long-term effect, improving the structure of the offspring’s intestine toward facilitating absorption and passage of intestinal contents. AKG supplementation affected intestinal absorption (enterocytes, villi and absorptive surface), and HMB affected intestinal peristalsis and secretion (crypts and Goblet cells). These effects were strongly dependent on parity and offspring gender. Present findings have important nutritional implications and should be considered in feeding practices and supplementation plans in animal reproduction.

The gene IGF1 has been shown to have a significant influence on the size of individuals, including animals of the Canidae family. In this study we determined SNP mutations of the IGF1 gene in dogs, raccoon dogs and farmed and free-living red foxes from Poland and Canada. No SNP mutations were noted in dogs or raccoon dogs, but a total of 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in foxes, including 12 substitutions, as well as one new mutation missense variant (exon 6) in wild Polish foxes and one synonymous mutation variant in wild foxes from Canada. We identified specific SNP profiles characteristic only for farmed foxes and only for wild foxes, as well as specific SNP profiles or wild foxes from North America (Canada) and from Europe (Poland).

Introduction and objective Aleutian Disease is a significant biological factor causing substantial losses in mink farming. The virus inducing the disease also infects wild populations which may constitute an asymptomatic reservoir. To compare genetic variants of the AMD virus occurring in wild and farmed mink populations, an analysis was performed on a fragment of the VP2 protein sequence of the virus infecting both populations, taken from different living environments. Material and Methods Genetic material was isolated from 11 farmed animals in which anti-AMDV antibodies had been detected and from 20 wild animals. The DNA obtained was amplified using primers specific for the fragment encoding the VP2 protein. The product obtained was sequenced and bioinformatic analysis was performed. Results Viral material was detected in 11 farmed and 7 free-living animals. Similarity of sequences averaged 99% within groups and 94% between groups. The sequencing results made it possible to identify characteristic changes for each group. In the isolates from the wild animals, the following changes were observed in the epitope region with respect to the reference sequence: C3704T, G3710A, T3722C, T3746C and A3749G. In the isolates from the farmed animals a G3779A transition was noted. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the variants infecting the two groups occupy separate branches of the phylogenetic tree. Conclusions The variants of the virus infecting the two groups may have a common origin, but at present they constitute two separate groups, with characteristic differences making it possible to recognize their genotype.

Seeing of emptiness and mystical experience — the case of Madhyamaka: The problem of Buddhist religiosity is one of the most classic problems of Buddhist studies. A particular version of this issue is the search for mystical experience in Buddhism. This is due to the conviction that mystical experience is the essence of religious experience itself. The discovery of such an alleged experience fuels comparative speculations between Buddhism and the philosophical and religious traditions of the Mediterranean area. Madhyamaka is the Buddhist tradition which many researchers saw as the fulfillment of such mystical aspirations in Buddhism. In this paper I specify the standard parameters of mystical experience (non‑conceptuality, ineffability, paradoxicality, silence, oneness, fullness) and I conclude that they either cannot be applied to Madhyamaka or that the application is only illusory.

The paper presents the idea of cross­‑cultural philosophy, which have inspired the organizers of the cyclic global conferences held at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, USA, since 1939. First, the author discusses some definitions of the comparative method applied in contemporary philosophy and promoted, among others, through the project of the “East­‑West Philosophers’ Conference”. Then, she reports the major themes and panel topics raised during the eleventh conference organized in Honolulu, May 25–31, 201

Problemem poruszonym w artykule jest zjawisko greenwashing, które jest coraz częściej stosowane przez biznes, aby wprowadzić konsumentów w błędne przekonanie o wizerunku firmy lub produktu, jako przyjaznego środowisku naturalnemu. Celem artykułu jest analiza strategii greenwashing stosowanych przez sklepy dyskontowe w ofercie produktów spożywczych i na ich opakowaniach przez producentów. Przeanalizowano kilkadziesiąt produktów żywnościowych organicznych oraz "udających" organiczne w dwóch popularnych sieciach dyskontowych w Polsce. Analiza wyników potwierdza, że w wybranych sieciach stosuje się nieodpowiedzialnie społecznie praktyki sprzyjające stosowaniu strategii greenwashing.

Problemem poruszonym w artykule jest zjawisko greenwashing, które jest coraz częściej stosowane przez biznes, aby wprowadzić konsumentów w błędne przekonanie o wizerunku firmy lub produktu, jako przyjaznego środowisku naturalnemu. Celem artykułu jest analiza strategii greenwashing stosowanych przez sklepy dyskontowe w ofercie produktów spożywczych i na ich opakowaniach przez producentów. Przeanalizowano kilkadziesiąt produktów żywnościowych organicznych oraz "udających" organiczne w dwóch popularnych sieciach dyskontowych w Polsce. Analiza wyników potwierdza, że w wybranych sieciach stosuje się nieodpowiedzialnie społecznie praktyki sprzyjające stosowaniu strategii greenwashing.

Point-of-use (POU) water treatment systems and devices play an essential role in limited access to sanitary safe water resources. The filtering materials applied in POU systems must effectively eliminate contaminants, be readily produced and stable, and avoid secondary contamination of the treated water. We report an innovative, 2D Ti3C2/Al2O3/Ag/Cu nanocomposite-modified filtration material with the application potential for POU water treatment. The material is characterized by improved filtration velocity relative to an unmodified reference material, effective elimination of microorganisms, and self-disinfecting potential, which afforded the collection of 99.6% of bacteria in the filter. The effect was obtained with nanocomposite levels as low as 1%. Surface oxidation of the modified material increased its antimicrobial efficiency. No secondary release of the nanocomposites into the filtrate was observed and confirmed the stability of the material and its suitability for practical application in water treatment.

Introduction: The objective of the study was immunophenotypic and cytogenetic analysis of mesenchymal stem cells from equine bone marrow and foal umbilical cords during in vitro culture.

Fibre metal laminates (FML) are the modern hybrid materials with potential wide range of applications in aerospace technology due to their excellent mechanical properties (particularly fatigue strength, resistance to impacts) and also excellent corrosion resistance. The study describes the resistance to low velocity impacts in Ti/CFRP laminates. Tested laminates were produced in autoclave process. The laminates were characterized in terms of their response to impacts in specified energy range (5J, 10J, 20J). The tests were performed in accordance with ASTM D7137 standard. The laminates were subjected to impacts by means of hemispherical impactor with diameter of 12,7 mm. The following values have been determined: impact force vs. time, maximum force and the force at which the material destruction process commences (Pi). It has been found that fibre titanium laminates are characterized by high resistance to impacts. This feature is associated with elasto-plastic properties of metal and high rigidity of epoxy - fibre composite. It has been observed that Ti/CFRP laminates are characterized by more instable force during impact in stage of stabilization of impactor-laminate system and stage of force growth that glass fibre laminates. It has been observed more stable force decrease in stage of stress relaxation and withdrawal of the impactor. In energy range under test, the laminates based on titanium with glass and carbon fibres reinforcement demonstrate similar and high resistance to low-velocity impact, measured by means of failure initiation force and impact maximum force.

This article presents selected aspects of an interlaminar shear strength and failure analysis of hybrid fiber metal laminates (FMLs) consisting of alternating layers of a 2024-T3 aluminium alloy and carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Particular attention is paid to the properties of the hybrid FMLs with an additional interlayer of glass composite at the metal-composite interface. The influence of hygrothermal conditioning, the interlaminar shear strength (short beam shear test), and the failure mode were investigated and discussed. It was found that fiber metal laminates can be classified as a material with significantly less adsorption than in the case of conventional composites. Introducing an additional layer of glass composite at the metal-composite interface and hygrothermal conditioning influence the decrease in the interlaminar shear strength. The major forms of damage to the laminates are delaminations in the layer of the carbon composite, at the metal-composite interface, and delaminations between the layers of glass and carbon composites.

The purpose of the work was the effect of metal volume fraction of fiber metal laminates on damage after dynamic loads based upon the example of innovative hybrid titanium−carbon composite laminates. The subject of the study was metal−fiber hybrid titanium−carbon composite laminates. Four types of hybrid titanium−carbon laminates were designed with various metal volume fraction coefficient but constant thickness. Based on the results, it can be stated that changes in the metal volume fraction coefficient in the range of 0.375−0.6 in constant thickness titanium−carbon composite laminates do not significantly affect their resistance to impacts in the energy range of 5−45 J. It was concluded that there were no significant differences in maximum force values, total contact time, and damage range. Some tendency towards a reduction in the energy accumulation capacity was observed with an increase in thickness of the metal part in relation to the total thickness of the laminate, especially in the lower impact energy range. This can result in the lower bending stiffness of laminates with lower metal content and potential elastic strain of the composite part before the initiation of the fiber damage process.

The paper discusses the issue of psychophysical agency in the context of Indian philosophy, focusing on the oldest preserved texts of the classical tradition of Sāṃkhya-Yoga. The author raises three major questions: What is action in terms of Sāṃkhyakārikā (ca. fifth century CE) and Yogasūtra (ca. third century CE)? Whose action is it, or what makes one an agent? What is a right and morally good action? The first part of the paper reconsiders a general idea of action — including actions that are deliberately done and those that ‘merely’ happen — identified by Patañjali and Ῑśvarakṛṣṇa as a permanent change or transformation (pariṇāma) determined by the universal principle of causation (satkārya). Then, a threefold categorization of actions according to their causes is presented, i.e. internal agency (ādhyātmika), external agency (ādhibhautika) and ‘divine’ agency (ādhidaivika). The second part of the paper undertakes the problem of the agent’s autonomy and the doer’s psychophysical integrity. The main issues that are exposed in this context include the relationship between an agent and the agent’s capacity for perception and cognition, as well as the crucial Sāṃkhya-Yoga distinction between ‘a doer’ and ‘the self ’. The agent’s self-awareness and his or her moral self-esteem are also briefly examined. Moreover, the efficiency of action in present and future is discussed (i.e. karman, karmāśaya, saṃskāra, vāsanā), along with the criteria of a right act accomplished through meditative insight (samādhi) and moral discipline (yama).

The Buddhist philosophical school of Madhyamaka is famous for its statement that things do not have their own inherent nature, essence or self‑nature (svabhāva). As a result, it is said that there is no objective foundation of the identity of things. Thus, the identity of things is not grounded in things themselves but is solely imputed and externally imposed on them. Things are what they are only for us, whereas for themselves, or from their ‘own side’ they are empty (śūnya). That is why Madhyamaka philosophy is often compared to the philosophical conceptions inspired by a linguistic reflection (from Ludwig Wittgenstein to Jacques Derrida) which defines the problem of identity in terms of cognitive subjectivism and constructivism. Starting the analysis from the Abhidharma Buddhist tradition I will show that this reading of Madhyamaka view is too narrow. I will demonstrate that it is a result of an assumption, shared by Parmenides and Plato and wrongly ascribed to this Buddhist school, that the identity of being must be grounded in the self‑existing, self‑defined and (relatively) permanent ontological foundation. This tacit assumption, if rejected, makes any identity a completely subjective and relative construct. The point I am going to argue for, however, is that the Madhyamaka school sticks to an alternative understanding of objectivity; the foundation of all things is nothing but pure relation that precedes, in the ontological sense, all co‑related elements (i.e. things). Therefore, the question comes up: how being‑in‑relationship or ‘relationality’ may be the foundation of identity and what kind of identity it endows. I will try to answer these questions.

Values are the main factor of people’s aspirations and motivations. They are also favourable to creation of man’s self-identity, which is understood as a competence to acting and solving problems. These are the main reasons for values’ leading role in the social life. There is no consensus between authors how to define a value term. Each of them has his/her own idea for describing a value problem. Despite of these discrepancies, the authors of this article take an endeavour to search values preferred by students of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Jan Kochanowski University’s Branch in Piotrków Trybunalski. This article contains only preliminary conclusions according to our empirical research. The fundamental elaboration is already being prepared. The general results of our research show that values preferred by our respondents are similar to the rest of population. The family is the most important value in our students’ lives. Parents and grandparents have the biggest influence on shaping their values hierarchy. But most of all, our respondents are convinced that being able to relay on oneself, own thoughts and ideas is the most important value in today’s life.

Gen MYO15A je uključen u stvaranje proteina iz grupe motornih proteina - miozina. Miozin XVA je lociran u unutrašnjem uhu, hipofi zi i drugim tkivima, i značajno utiče na slušni proces. Mutacije u ovom genu izazivaju supstitucije aminokiselina u konzervisanom motornom domenu lanca miozina, što dovodi do skraćenja stereocilija slušnih ćelija, a kao posledica dolazi do poremećaja funkcije XVA miozina. Postavljena je istraživačka hipoteza koja je pretpostavljala da mutacije u genu koji je odgovoran za slušni proces kod životinja familije Canidae mogu da izazovu hipoakustiku kao i značajne promene u ponašanju pasa, od povučenosti i straha do agresivnosti. Ispitivanjem je determinisan SNP polimorfi zam u fragmentu gena MYO15A koji može da dovede do poremećaja sluha kako kod divljih tako i kod farmski uzgajanih životinja familije Canidae.

The paper starts with some textual distinctions concerning the concept of God in the metaphysical framework of two classical schools of Hindu philosophy, Sāṃkhya and Yoga. Then the author focuses on the functional and pedagogical aspects of prayer as well as practical justification of “religious meditation” in both philosophical schools. A special attention is put on the practice called īśvarapraṇidhāna, recommended in Yoga school, which is interpreted by the author as a form of non-theistic devotion. The meaning of the central object of this concentration, that is puruṣa-viśeṣa, is reconsidered in detail. The subject matter is discussed in the wider context of yogic self-discipline that enables a practitioner to overcome ignorance ( avidyā) and the narrowness of egotic perspective ( asmitā), recognized in the Hindu darśanas as the root-cause of all suffering or never-fulfilled-satisfaction ( duḥkha). The non-the¬istic devotion and spiritual pragmatism assumed by the adherents of Sāṃkhya-Yoga redefines the concept of “God” ( īśvara) as primarily an object of meditative practice and a special tool convenient for spiritual pedagogy.

A comparative perspective in the study of religion has recently been taken up more and more often. It goes along with a growing awareness of cultural and religious plurality as well as of the importance of religion in terms of its role in the social, political, and economic processes of the contemporary world. This also gave an impulse to organize the two-day international seminar on “Comparative Methodology in Religious Studies” held in Kraków on 23–24 May 2013, at the Pedagogical University of Cracow, Department of Philosophy and Sociology, in co-operation with the Editors of Argument: Biannual Philosophical Journal. During the seminar a variety of methods applied in the comparative study of religion were discussed. The participants considered which of them seemed to be most beneficial or useful for a better inderstanding of the subject matter, and for capturing the uniqueness and divergence between Abrahamic, Indian (Dharmic), and other religious traditions. Some criteria for a proper comparison in the field of religion were defined and justified during this discussion. The presenters took into account both the sociological context of the analysis and philosophical consideration of the most fundamental questions within comparative methodology.