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State of the art to the project TAČR TK02010169 - Limiting Factors for Survivability and Proliferation of Microorganisms Significant for Corrosion of Deep Geological Repository Barrier Systems (BioBen)

It is proposed that performance degradation from exposure to non-lethal technology is mediated by impulsive and reflective approachavoidance motivation. An approach-avoidance motivational framework was used to specify a four-stage information processing model that predicts performance degradation. The first stage is Evaluation: it processes physiological, sensory, perceptual, and cognitive information. The second stage is Comparison: it processes the content of the Evaluation into avoidance and approach motivational indices. The third stage is Probability: it processes information from previous stages into a probability of choosing to continue or abandon goal-directed behavior. Finally, the fourth stage is Performance: it processes performance accuracy on a given task and occurs only when people continue their goal after dissuasive technology exposure. Depending on previous stages, performance can be degraded on tasks relevant to goal completion. An experiment was used to validate the model. Results supported the hypothesis that information is processed using the approach-avoidance motivational framework.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the quality of outside hospital imaging and associated reports submitted to us for reinterpretation related to clinical care at our tertiary cancer center. We compared the initial study interpretations to that of interpretations performed by subspecialty-trained abdominal radiologists at our center and whether this resulted in a change in inpatient treatment.We performed an institutional review board-approved retrospective single-institution study of 915 consecutive outside computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) abdominal imaging studies that had been submitted to our institution between August 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020. The assessed parameters included the quality and accuracy of the report, the technical quality of the imaging compared to that at our institution, the appropriateness of the imaging for staging or restaging, usage of oral and IV contrast, and CT slice thickness. Clinical notes, pathologic findings, and subsequent imaging were used to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the effect on clinical treatment. Discrepancies between the initial and secondary interpretations were identified independently by a panel of radiologists to assess changes in treatment. The impact of discrepancies on treatment was evaluated based on current treatment guidelines.Of 744 CT (81%) and 171 MR (19%) outside imaging studies, 65% had suboptimal quality compared to the images at our institution, and 31% were inappropriate for oncological care purposes. Only 21% of CT studies had optimal slice thickness of3 mm. Of 375 (41%) outside reports, 131 (34%) had discrepancies between secondary and initial interpretations. Of the 88 confirmed discrepant studies, 42 patients (48%) had a change in treatment based on the secondary interpretation.Imaging studies from outside institutions have variable image quality and are often inadequate for oncologic imaging. The secondary interpretations by subspecialty-trained radiologists resulted in treatment change.

The relationship between income and growth rates has been an elementary problem of research on economic convergence. In the present paper, we study growth-income paths in a new perspective. We assess the similarities of transitional growth trajectories with the use of novel concept-based model. Further, we group economies on the basis of the assessed similarities and we evaluate within-group growth-income relationships. The obtained results point to distinct patterns of development, which help to understand the puzzles of absolute convergence and divergence. Among others, we find evidence of a humped-shaped path of long-run transitional growth. Simultaneously, we identify countries which got stuck in poverty and in the middle-income trap.

1 Zusammenfassung 1.1 Hintergrund und Zielsetzung Bereits in den 1980er Jahren kam man zu der Erkenntnis, dass die Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) nicht nur eine reine Erkrankung des Kindes- und Jugendalters ist, sondern bis ins Erwachsenenalter persistieren kann. Trotz ihrer hohen Prävalenz ist die Pathogenese noch weitgehend unverstanden. Neuronale Plastizität sowie der Reifungsprozess des Gehirns scheinen an der Krankheitsentstehung beteiligt zu sein. Ziel dieser Dissertation ist, die klinische Ausprägung der adulten ADHS auch im Hinblick auf einen Zusammenhang zu häufigen Komorbiditäten wie Schlaf- und depressiven Störungen zu charakterisieren, sowie die Enzymaktivität der Sauren Sphingomyelinase (acid sphingomyelinase = ASM), einem zentralen Enzym des Ceramid-Stoffwechsels, bei erwachsenen ADHS-Patienten zu untersuchen. Die ASM spaltet Sphingomyelin zu Ceramid und Phosphorylcholin und ist somit für apoptotische Prozesse und Zelldifferenzierung im zentralen Nervensystem maßgeblich. Sie weist bei einer Vielzahl von Erkrankungen u.a. bei häufigen Komorbiditäten der ADHS wie z.B. Major Depression eine dysregulierte Aktivität auf. 1.2 Methoden Für unsere Studie wurde ein Probandenkollektiv bestehend aus insgesamt 58 Probanden zwischen 18 und 65 Jahren rekrutiert. Gruppe 1 A umfasste 20 leitliniengerecht diagnostizierte ADHS-Patienten, die zum Rekrutierungszeitpunkt noch keiner medikamentösen Therapie zugeführt worden waren. In Gruppe 1 B befanden sich 18 ebenfalls leitliniengerecht diagnostizierte ADHS-Patienten, bei denen allerdings eine Pharmakotherapie mit Methylphenidat oder Atomoxetin seit mindestens 3 Wochen bestand. Gruppe 2 schloss gesunde Kontrollprobanden ein, die an die Probanden der Gruppe 1 A angepasst wurden, sodass Alter (+/- 5 Jahre) und Geschlecht übereinstimmten. Pro Studienteilnehmer fand ein Untersuchungstermin statt, der eine Blutentnahme zur Probengewinnung sowie die Bearbeitung einer Testbatterie aus neuropsychologischen Fragebögen zu Schlafverhalten (SF-A/R, SF-B/R, D-MEQ, ESS, PSQI, visuelle Analogskala), ADHS-Symptomatik (WURS-k, ADHS-SB) und depressiver Symptomatik (BDI-II) beinhaltete. Am Ende der Studienvisite erfolgte die Beurteilung der Symptomschwere der ADHS-Patienten durch den durchführenden Rater mittels Clinical Global Impression - Severity Scale (CGI-S). Im experimentellen Studienteil wurde die Enzymaktivität der S-ASM (sekretorische Form der ASM) im Probandenserum mittels fluoreszenzmarkiertem Sphingomyelin als Substrat und der Dünnschichtchromatographie als Verfahren zur Abtrennung des Reaktionsprodukts Ceramid gemessen. 1.3 Ergebnisse und Beobachtungen Wir konnten bei der medikamentös behandelten ADHS-Gruppe eine deutlich geringere subjektiv wahrgenommene ADHS-Symptomschwere feststellen als bei den Patienten ohne ADHS-Medikation (p=0,020). Im Gegensatz zu den untersuchten ADHS-Hauptsymptomen „Aufmerksamkeit“ und „Impulsivität“ wies das Merkmal „Überaktivität“ jedoch keine signifikante Veränderung durch eine erkrankungsspezifische Pharmakotherapie auf (p=0,267). Trotz medikamentöser ADHS-Therapie konnte keine vollständige Angleichung der subjektiv wahrgenommenen Krankheitssymptome an die Test-Scores der gesunden Kontrollprobanden erreicht werden (p

Supplementary lighting of specific wavelengths can be used for inducing morphological and physiological responses in different crops, ultimately improving yield and quality. Based on this approach, new greenhouse covering materials are being developed in order to improve the use of sunlight in horticulture. These new-generation greenhouse coverings may incorporate light spectrum modulation agents or fluorescent additives which convert solar UV radiation into visible light. In this work, we tested the agronomical and physiological response of lettuce grown under a greenhouse covered with poly-methyl-methacrylate (PPMA) panels doped with a blend of the rare-earth inorganic material with a photo-luminescent effect. The doped greenhouse elicited a 36% increase in lettuce yield compared to the undoped greenhouse. Chlorophyll and carotenoid content, as well as antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid content, were not affected by greenhouse cover, but the doped panels induced a 22% reduction in total phenolics and a 14% increase in nitrate content in leaves. The greenhouse covering materials also affected the photochemistry of photosynthesis, as the daily fluctuations in both the effective quantum yield (ΦPSII) and the electron transport rate (ETR) were attenuated under the doped greenhouse. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was closely related to the light environment in all experimental conditions, with the highest values at 14:00 h. Our results showed that the red-supplemented light spectrum under the doped greenhouse cover contributed to increased plant growth and yield, with a corresponding effect on the physiology of photosynthesis.

Niedertemperatur-Warme- und Kaltenetze (NT-WK-Netze) sind innovative Ansatze zur Deckung des Warme- und Kaltebedarfs insbesondere in stadtischen Gebieten. Fernwarmesysteme stehen vor einem Ubergang zu sinkenden Netztemperaturen und zeitgleich auch vor einem Ubergang zu einem Anstieg der Nutzung erneuerbarer Energien auf bis zu 100 %. NT-WK-Netze wurden erstmals vor etwa 10 Jahren in der Schweiz installiert. In Osterreich haben sich einige Forschungsprojekte mit der Machbarkeit dieser Netze beschaftigt und in Wien sind zwei kleine NT-WK-Netze in Betrieb. Im Allgemeinen ist das Wissen uber die Hauptkomponenten von NT-WK-Netzen gut entwickelt. Die eigentliche Herausforderung ist nicht die Auslegung der einzelnen Komponenten, sondern das hydraulische und thermische Zusammenspiel aller Komponenten mit seinen hohen Freiheitsgraden. Standardverfahren fur die technische Auslegung von gemeinsamen Fernwarmenetzen und geothermischen Anlagen sind daher nicht geeignet. Aus diesem Grund ist ein volldynamisches Simulationstool mit gekoppelten thermohydraulischen Prozessen fur die Dimensionierung der Komponenten und deren Interaktion mit dem Netz wichtig. Im Oktober 2018 starteten die Autor/innen ein interdisziplinares angewandtes Forschungsprojekt mit dem Ziel, ein NT-WK-Netz fur das ehemalige Militarlager ,,Martinek-Kaserne“ in der Stadt Baden sudlich von Wien zu entwickeln, fur das ein neues urbanes Mischnutzungsquartier geplant ist. Wesentliche Elemente sind die Nutzung von industrieller Niedertemperatur-Abwarme aus Prozessen der benachbarten NOM-Molkerei sowie die Entwicklung von Sanierungs- und Umnutzungskonzepten fur die denkmalgeschutzten Gebaude. Die Projektergebnisse zeigten eindeutig fur den Standort ein hohes Realisierungspotenzial fur ein NT-WK-Netz am Standort mit der Abwarme der NOM sowie geothermischer Speicherung in Erdsondenfeldern. Das Netz kann unabhangig von der zukunftigen Nutzung wirtschaftlich betrieben werden. Die Ergebnisse des Projekts sind ein wichtiger erster Schritt, der zur breiteren Umsetzung von NT-WK-Netzen in Osterreich beitragt. Es wird sowohl das Screening von Standorten als auch die Planung von Netzdesigns ermoglichen. Das Konsortium hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, potenzielle Entwickler bei der Realisierung des NT-WK-Netzes in der ,,Martinek-Kaserne“ in naher Zukunft zu unterstutzen.

The paper is focused on analysis and optimization of the jaw turnout lock hook forging process, which is used in rail transport. It is forged from 37MnSi5 steel in Kralovopolska LLC. Currently, a fold occasionally occur in the inner side of curved part formation during the forging process, which leads to possible cracks in the finished forged part in some cases. Therefore, optimized semi-finished product size and tool geometry is proposed and subsequently verified by numerical simulation using Simufact Forming software. Before the actual optimization, an accuracy of the simulation is verified by analyzing of the current state and comparing simulation results with the real state.

Automatyzacja procesów pracy jest dynamicznie rozwijającym się zjawiskiem wpływającym na procesy społeczno-gospodarcze w ramach: sektorów gospodarki, innowacji produktowych i procesowych, modeli biznesowych oraz struktur przedsiębiorstw. Dynamicznie rozwija się również w obszarze centrów usług wspólnych. W artykule zbadano, czy ryzyko automatyzacji zawodów przypisanych do poszczególnych kierunków studiów jest dostrzegane przez przyszłych uczestników rynku pracy i znajduje odzwierciedlenie w ich oczekiwaniach płacowych. Badania przeprowadzono wśród studentów uczelni wyższych i innych krakowskich uczelni. Badanie opiera się na pierwotnych i wtórnych źródłach danych. Pierwsze z nich to badanie przeprowadzone na przełomie 2018 i 2019 roku na próbie studentów reprezentujących 46 kierunków studiów w Krakowie (n = 1180). Drugie źródło danych to dane pozyskane z bazy danych ELA, ogólnokrajowego systemu śledzenia karier absolwentów szkół wyższych w Polsce. Przeprowadzone badania wykazały, że studenci zwykle wiążą swoje oczekiwania z wynagrodzeniem obserwowanym wśród absolwentów ich kierunku. Średnio studenci, których realne perspektywy zarobków są wyższe, mają wyższe oczekiwania płacowe. Badanie ujawniło nadmierny optymizm, choć utrzymujący się we wszystkich podgrupach, jest mniejszy w przypadku studentów, którzy są narażeni na większe ryzyko automatyzacji pracy. Dodatkowo studenci, którzy są narażeni na największe ryzyko automatyzacji swojej pracy, zwykle formułują najmniejsze względne oczekiwania płacowe. Ponadto, negatywne postrzeganie automatyzacji prowadzi do niższych względnych oczekiwań płacowych.

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether the cost and cost-effectiveness of early rehabilitation after stroke are associated with the degree of initial disability. The data for cost calculations were collected by the bottom-up (micro-costing) method alongside the standard inpatient care. The total sample included 87 patients who were transferred from acute care to early rehabilitation unit of three participating stroke centers at the median time poststroke of 11 days (range 4-69 days). The study was pragmatic so that all hospitals followed their standard therapeutic procedures. For each patient, the staff recorded each procedure and the associated time over the hospital stay. The cost and cost-effectiveness were compared between four disability categories. The average cost of the entire hospitalization was CZK 114 489 (EUR 4348) with the daily average of CZK 5103 (EUR 194). The cost was 2.4 times higher for the immobile category (CZK/EU: 167 530/6363) than the self-sufficient category (CZK/EUR: 68 825/2614), and the main driver of the increase was the cost of nursing. The motor status had a much greater influence than cognitive status. We conclude that the cost and cost-effectiveness of early rehabilitation after stroke are positively associated with the degree of the motor but not cognitive disability. To justify the cost of rehabilitation and monitor its effectiveness, it is recommended to systematically record the elements of care provided and perform functional assessments on admission and discharge.

Nowadays, the application of alternative methods instead of clinical treatment creates a new possibility to prevent the development of diseases Medicinal plants such as Sambucus nigra have been well known due to their extraordinary properties The similarity to synthetic substances makes it potentially dependable;however, a high concentration of cyanogenic glycosides may exert detrimental consequences It has been documented that Sambucus nigra extracts are used against both human and animal viruses, like influenza A and B viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), dengue virus (DENV-2), human herpesvirus type 1 (HSV-1) and human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) Such reports are notably valuable especially considering the widespread usage of commercial drugs, which could be ineffective This review provides insight on recent research on the health properties of plant Sambucus nigra as an antiviral medication that may help propose new therapy © 2020 Centro de Biotecnologia y Biomedicina, Clinical Biotec Universidad CatA³lica del Oriente (UCO), Univesidad Yachay Tech All right reserved

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to perform quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm in contrast-enhanced oncologic CT of the abdomen...

Human consumption of freshwater is now approaching or surpassing the rate at which water sources are being naturally replenished in many regions, creating water shortage risks for people and ecosystems. Here we assess the impact of human water uses and their connection to water scarcity and ecological damage across the United States, identify primary causes of river dewatering and explore ways to ameliorate them. We find irrigation of cattle-feed crops to be the greatest consumer of river water in the western United States, implicating beef and dairy consumption as the leading driver of water shortages and fish imperilment in the region. We assess opportunities for alleviating water scarcity by reducing cattle-feed production, finding that temporary, rotational fallowing of irrigated feed crops can markedly reduce water shortage risks and improve ecological sustainability. Long-term water security and river ecosystem health will ultimately require Americans to consume less beef that depends on irrigated feed crops. Water use in river basins is an age-old resource-management question, but it is rare to quantify consumption by specific sectors. The Colorado River is being overused for beef and dairy production, endangering the entire river ecosystem.

In recent years there have been a growing number of reports on applying viruses in oncological treatment. In the present study, we demonstrated for the first time that animal virus EHV-1 productively replicates in the human adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) without the need for adaptation. Real-time PCR analysis and immunofluorescence assay showed that EHV-1 could infect and causes lysis of human lung cancer cells. According to our results, we can assume that EHV-1 has oncolytic potential.

Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory diseases, abortion, and neurological disorders in horses. Recently, the oncolytic potential of this virus and its possible use in anticancer therapy has been reported, but its influence on cytoskeleton was not evaluated yet. In the following study, we have examined disruptions in actin cytoskeleton of glioblastoma multiforme in vitro model—A172 cell line, caused by EHV-1 infection. We used three EHV-1 strains: two non-neuropathogenic (Jan-E and Rac-H) and one neuropathogenic (EHV-1 26). Immunofluorescent labelling, confocal microscopy, real-time cell growth analysis and OrisTM cell migration assay revealed disturbed migration of A172 cells infected with the EHV-1, probably due to rearrangement of actin cytoskeleton and the absence of cell projections. All tested strains caused disruption of the actin network and general depolymerization of microfilaments. The qPCR results confirmed the effective replication of EHV-1. Thus, we have demonstrated, for the first time, that EHV-1 infection leads to inhibition of proliferation and migration in A172 cells, which might be promising for new immunotherapy treatment.

Simple Summary Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive type of prostate cancer with a very high potential for distant metastatic spread in the body. It is associated with poor survival in comparison to the usual adenocarcinoma type of prostate cancer. Although it can arise de novo, NEPC much more commonly occurs as a mechanism of resistance during treatment for usual type prostatic adenocarcinoma, the latter is also called as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The incidence of NEPC increases after hormonal therapy and they represent a challenge, both in the radiological and pathological diagnosis, as well as in the clinical management. This article provides a comprehensive imaging review of prostatic neuroendocrine tumors. Abstract Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer that typically has a high metastatic potential and poor prognosis in comparison to the adenocarcinoma subtype. Although it can arise de novo, NEPC much more commonly occurs as a mechanism of treatment resistance during therapy for conventional prostatic adenocarcinoma, the latter is also termed as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The incidence of NEPC increases after hormonal therapy and they represent a challenge, both in the radiological and pathological diagnosis, as well as in the clinical management. This article provides a comprehensive imaging review of prostatic neuroendocrine tumors.

U ovom radu bavili smo se manipulacijama u izbornim sustavima u kontekstu ordinalnih preferencija. Uveli smo pojmove glasačkog listića i izbornog profila pomoću binarne relacije, te smo defnirali različite vrste procedura za određivanje ishoda izbora. Zatim smo defnirali dvadeset izbornih pravila i dokazali Arrowljev teorem nemogućnosti transformiranja pojedinačnih preferencija u društvene. Promatrali smo i na koje načine glasač može manipulirati izborno pravilo, te smo za neka pravila dali konkretne primjere kada je to moguće ili nije. Dokazali smo Gibbard-Satterthwaiteov teorem za rezolutna izborna pravila koji tvrdi da je diktatura jedino rezolutno pravilo koje nije manipulabilno i zadovoljava Paretovo svojstvo, te smo dokazali ekvivalenciju Gibbard-Satterthwaiteovog i Arrowljevog teorema. Zatim smo za nerezolutna pravila dokazali Duggan-Schwartzov, Feldmanov i Gaerdenforsov teorem, koji uz određene izmjene pretpostavki, poopćavaju Gibbard-Satterthwaiteov teorem. In this thesis we dealt with manipulations in voting systems. We introduced the terms of ballot and election profile with a help of binary relations, also we defined different types of aggregate procedures for determining the outcome of elections. Then we defined twenty voting rules and proved Arrow's theorem of impossibility of transforming individual preferences into social preferences. We also looked at possible ways in which voter could manipulate the voting rule, and for some rules we have given concrete examples of when it is possible and when it isn't. We proved the Gibbard-Satterthwaite's theorem for resolute voting rules which claims that dictatorship is the only resolute rule that is not manipulable and satisfies Pareto's condition, and we have proved the equivalency of Gibbard-Satterthwaite's and Arrow's theorems. Then, for non-resolute rules, we proved Duggan-Schwartz's, Feldman's and Gaerdenfors's theorem which, with some changes in the assumptions, generalizes Gibbard-Satterthwaite's theorem.

Sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV) is known to be an etiological agent, causing infections in laboratory rats. Until now, its role has only been considered in studies on respiratory and salivary gland infections. The scant literature data, consisting mainly of papers from the last century, do not sufficiently address the topic of SDAV infections. The ongoing pandemic has demonstrated, once again, the role of the Coronaviridae family as extremely dangerous etiological agents of human zoonoses. The ability of coronaviruses to cross the species barrier and change to hosts commonly found in close proximity to humans highlights the need to characterize SDAV infections. The main host of the infection is the rat, as mentioned above. Rats inhabit large urban agglomerations, carrying a vast epidemic threat. Of the 2277 existing rodent species, 217 are reservoirs for 66 zoonotic diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. This review provides insight into the current state of knowledge of SDAV characteristics and its likely zoonotic potential.

Induction with ibrutinib and rituximab provides an opportunity to minimise chemotherapy exposure, because upfront use of these targeted therapies could result in remission without chemotherapy and allow for consolidation with only four cycles of chemotherapy instead of the conventional eight. We aimed to determine the activity and safety of ibrutinib-rituximab induction followed by shortened chemoimmunotherapy (four cycles) with rituximab plus hyper-fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (R-HCVAD) alternating with methotrexate-cytarabine in previously untreated patients with mantle cell lymphoma.We did a single-centre, single-arm, phase 2 trial in previously untreated patients with mantle cell lymphoma. Eligible patients were aged 65 years or younger and had serum bilirubin of less than 1·5 mg/dL, creatinine clearance of 30 mL/min or more, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or less, and cardiac ejection fraction 50% or more by echocardiogram. Patients received 12 cycles of ibrutinib-rituximab induction (part A; oral ibrutinib 560 mg daily and intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m131 patients were enrolled between June 12, 2015, and Dec 6, 2018. The median age was 56 years (IQR 49-60). 58 (50%) of 117 patients had high Ki-67 (≥30%). 129 (98%, 95% CI 95-100) of 131 patients had an overall response in part A. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were lymphocytopenia (19 [14%] of 131), skin rash (16 [12%]), thrombocytopenia (12 [9%]), infections (11 [8%]), and fatigue (ten [8%]) in part A and lymphocytopenia (96 [73%]), leukocytopenia (42 [32%]), thrombocytopenia (40 [30%]), and neutropenia (26 [20%]) in part B. There was one on-study death, which was not deemed to be treatment-related.Induction with ibrutinib-rituximab in the frontline treatment of young patients with mantle cell lymphoma is active and safe. This approach allowed minimisation of the number of chemotherapy cycles, thereby reducing the adverse events associated with chemotherapy. Newer trials bringing the next-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors into the frontline setting might obviate the need for chemotherapy altogether in patients with mantle cell lymphoma.Pharmacyclics, Janssen.

The main objective of the article is to describe the changes in managing the peer learning system in the Department of Abdominal Imaging at our institution during the pandemic and its restrictions. The pandemic poses diverse challenges to academic institutions across the country including radiology education and peer learning. The health sector in some areas of the country has been stretched by the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In March 2020, our institution cancelled all in-person conferences as per guidelines from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and the conferences were shifted to virtual platforms. Our recent peer learning approach allowed us to practice appropriate social distancing while following the institutional and national guidelines with minimal disruption. Other institutions that are facing similar challenges can adopt or modify our framework of a successful and efficient virtual peer learning process.

Concrete as an important component of an engineered barrier system in deep geological repositories (DGR) for radioactive waste may come into contact with bentonite, or other clays, rich in indigenous microorganisms, with potentially harmful impacts on barrier integrity. Our study aimed to assess the effect of a concrete environment on indigenous bentonite and groundwater microbial communities as these particular conditions will select for the potentially harmful microorganisms to the concrete in the future DGR. The two-month experiment under anoxic conditions consisted of crushed, aged, low-pH concrete, Czech Ca-Mg bentonite, and anoxic groundwater, with control samples without concrete or with sterile groundwater. The microbial diversity and proliferation were estimated by qPCR and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The presence of concrete had a strong effect on microbial diversity and reduced the increase in total microbial biomass, though low-pH concrete harbored indigenous bacteria. The growth of sulfate reducers was also limited in concrete samples. Several genera, such as Massilia, Citrifermentans, and Lacunisphaera, dominant in bentonite controls, were suppressed in concrete-containing samples. In contrast, genera such as Bacillus, Dethiobacter and Anaerosolibacter specifically proliferated in the presence of concrete. Genera such as Thermincola or Pseudomonas exhibited high versatility and proliferated well under both conditions. Because several of the detected bacterial genera are known to affect concrete integrity, further long-term studies are needed to estimate the effect of bentonite and groundwater microorganisms on concrete stability in future DGR.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to optimize chest port contrast injections using stepwise improvements. METHODS Ex vivo injections were tested. Two hundred scans using power port injections were then evaluated. RESULTS The highest flow rate was achieved using a 19G access needle, larger diameter tubing, and warmed contrast.The mean injection rates in baseline and postimprovement groups were 2.7 ± 0.4 and 4.8 ± 0.4 mL/s, respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSION Component optimization of the port apparatus can maximize contrast flow rates.

The objective of the paper is to verify if income inequality impedes the growth rates in OECD countries in the period of 1990–2014 and to reveal whether the choice of the income inequality measure determines the sign and the strength of the estimated relationship. We use system GMM to estimate parameters of a dynamic panel growth model. The research indicates that income inequality negatively affects economic growth. We also find evidence that various measures of inequality bring the different scale of consequences for economic growth, with measures that give more weight to the middle part of the distribution being the weakest predictor of GDP growth. Simultaneously, we present the test of weak instruments, which helps to explain these differences.

PURPOSE: To evaluate colorectal cancer hepatic metastasis detection and characterization between reduced radiation dose (RD) and standard dose (SD) contrast material–enhanced CT of the abdomen and to qualitatively compare between filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction algorithms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study (from May 2017 through November 2017), 52 adults with biopsy-proven colorectal cancer and suspected hepatic metastases at baseline CT underwent two portal venous phase CT scans: SD and RD in the same breath hold. Three radiologists, blinded to examination details, performed detection and characterization of 2–15-mm lesions on the SD FBP and RD adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR)–V 60% series images. Readers assessed overall image quality and lesions between SD FBP and seven different iterative reconstructions. Two nonblinded consensus reviewers established the reference standard using the picture archiving and communication system lesion marks of each reader, multiple comparison examinations, and clinical data. RESULTS: RD CT resulted in a mean dose reduction of 54% compared with SD. Of the 260 lesions (233 metastatic, 27 benign), 212 (82%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 76%, 86%) were detected with RD CT, whereas 252 (97%; 95% CI: 94%, 99%) were detected with SD (P < .001); per-lesion sensitivity was 79% (95% CI: 74%, 84%) and 94% (95% CI: 90%, 96%) (P < .001), respectively. Mean qualitative scores ranked SD images as higher quality than RD series images, and ASIR-V ranked higher than ASIR and Veo 3.0. CONCLUSION: CT evaluation of colorectal liver metastases is compromised with modest radiation dose reduction, and the use of iterative reconstructions could not maintain observer performance. © RSNA, 2018

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the quality of enhancement and solid-organ lesion depiction using weight-based intravenous (IV) contrast dosing calculated by injector software versus fixed IV contrast dose in oncologic abdominal computed tomographic (CT) examinations. METHODS This institutional review board-exempt retrospective cohort study included 134 patients who underwent single-phase abdominal CT before and after implementation of weight-based IV contrast injector software. Patient weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area were determined. Two radiologists qualitatively assessed examinations (4 indicating markedly superior to -4 indicating markedly inferior), and Hounsfield unit measurements were performed. RESULTS Enhancement (estimated mean, -0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.19 to 0.09; P = 0.46) and lesion depiction (estimated mean, -0.01; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.07; P = 0.79) scores did not differ between CT examinations using weight-based IV contrast versus fixed IV contrast dosing when a minimum of 38.5 g of iodine was used. However, the scores using weight-based IV contrast dosing were lower when the injector software calculated and delivered less than 38.5 g of iodine (estimated mean, -0.81; 95% CI, -1.06 to -0.56; P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in measured Hounsfield units between the CT examinations using weight-based IV contrast dosing versus fixed IV contrast dosing. CONCLUSIONS Oncologic CT image quality was maintained or improved with weight-based IV contrast dosing using injector software when using a minimum amount of 38.5 g of iodine.

Background: Analysis of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients provides an ideal approach to explore genetic alterations in a minimally invasive way. Aims: We aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of tissue-originated genomic DNA and plasma-derived cfDNA from CRC patients by whole-exome and targeted panel sequencing. Materials & methods: DNA was isolated from tissue and plasma samples of 55 [7 healthy (N), 16 adenomas (AD), and 32 CRC] patients using the High Pure PCR Template Kit (Roche) and the Quick cfDNA Serum & Plasma Kit (Zymo). cfDNA quality was assessed with the High Sensitivity DNA kit on BioAnalyzer 2100 and quantified by the Qubit dsDNA HS assay. Exome libraries from tissue samples were constructed by the Nextera DNA Exome Kit (Illumina). For the cfDNA samples, we used the QIAseq cfDNA All-in-One kit combined with the QIASeq Human Exome Kit, and in the case of 12 patients, CRC-specific oncogenes were further analyzed with a solution developed by QIAGEN for reliable calling of low frequency variants in cfDNA samples. Exome libraries were quantified with the KAPA Library Quantification Kit and the QIAseq™ Library Quant Assay Kit (Qiagen) and were sequenced using the NextSeq 500/550 High Output v2 kit on a NextSeq 500 Instrument (Illumina). Raw data analysis and demultiplexing were completed on the BaseSpace Sequence Hub. Variants of the tissue and cfDNA samples were determined by the Mutect2 and Haplotype caller algorithms of GATK 4.1.4.1, respectively. Clinical significance was evaluated according to the OncoKB database. Results: The most frequently mutated genes were APC, KRAS, DYNC1H1, KCNO5, and MARCH6 in the colorectal adenoma tissue samples, while those in CRC samples were APC, TP53, TTN, KRAS, and DYNCC2H1. CfDNA quantity was significantly higher in the CRC group compared to the AD (p Conclusion: We have performed a comprehensive genetic analysis on CRC tissue and cfDNA samples in the Hungarian population. Exome sequencing offers a broad overview of the coding regions, however, targeted panel sequencing with a higher coverage depth can detect tumor somatic variants more reliably in cfDNA, therefore, it can hold a relevant clinical potential. Citation Format: Alexandra Kalmar, Gitta Szabo, Orsolya Galamb, Barbara Kinga Bartak, Zsofia Brigitta Nagy, Sara Zsigrai, Krisztina Andrea Szigeti, William Kothalawala, Peter Igaz, Istvan Takacs, Bela Molnar. Comprehensive analysis of tissue and plasma-related genetic alterations in Hungarian colorectal cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2945.

Background and aims: The early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence and the monitoring of therapeutic response are crucial steps in the determination and modification of treatment strategies. The currently used gold standard tumor markers such as CEA and CA 19-9 and the different imaging techniques have several limitations in many cases. Therefore, we aimed to establish a liquid biopsy-based approach for tracking tumor dynamics in post-operative non-metastatic (n=32) and metastatic (n=23) CRC patients. Methods: Blood samples were collected from each patient before and during chemotherapy, and finally, patients were classified according to disease outcome. Longitudinal investigations of the total amount, global and local (SFRP2 and SDC2 genes) DNA methylation pattern of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fraction were performed. The plasma concentration of homocysteine was also determined, as it is one of the main components of the DNA methylation process, and its level defines the methylation potential. We examined how the parameters mentioned above were affected depending on the different therapy responses. Results: The average cfDNA amount was significantly higher (p Conclusion: Our study offers the possibility to monitor the therapeutic response during chemotherapy with a minimally-invasive blood-based method that combines the analysis of cfDNA, its global and local DNA methylation pattern, and homocysteine level. Citation Format: Barbara Kinga Bartak, Tamás Fodor, Alexandra Kalmár, Zsófia Brigitta Nagy, Sára Zsigrai, Krisztina Andrea Szigeti, William Kothalawala, Gábor Valcz, Péter Igaz, István Takács, Magdolna Dank, Béla Molnár. Monitoring chemotherapy response status of colorectal cancer patients using liquid biopsy samples [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3738.

This article reviews the relevant anatomy, imaging features on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and management of common processes involving the sciatic foramen. The anatomy of the sciatic foramen is complex and provides an important conduit between the pelvis, gluteus, and lower extremity. This paper reviewed the anatomy, common pathologies, and imaging features of this region including trauma, infection, nerve entrapment, tumor spread, hernia, and vascular anomaly.

Bentonite is a swelling clay, consisting mainly of montmorillonire, being planned to be used as a backfill material in the nuclear waste repository. It contains indigenous microbial populations that can negatively influence the long-term safety of the geological repository due to their metabolic activity (canister corrosion, illitization of bentonite, gas production, degradation of cementitious materials). However, reliable detection of microorganisms in clayish material is generally very difficult. Although the compactness of bentonite will undoubtedly limit the microbial activity, in the extremely long-time frame of repository lifetime this condition can fail. It is thus crucial to understand the potential of the naturally present microbial community in bentonite to compromise the safety of repository, if not limited by the compactness. Higher metabolic activity can be mainly expected at the interfaces or in the places with a lower density of bentonite.Here we present an optimized cell extraction method enabling direct estimation of bacterial density and viability in bentonite. Indigenous bacterial cells were extracted from bentonite suspensions by an improved step-wise protocol and their viability was detected using live/dead staining and epifluorescence microscopy. We used dispersant (2.5 mM natrium pyrophosphate-based solution or 1% methanol) to partially disintegrate the bentonite and detach the vital and dead microbial cells from its surface. The dispersed material was subsequently stepwise centrifuged over two high-density media (sucrose and Histodenz) to remove most of the heavy bentonite particles while keeping the light bentonite particles and cells in the final extract. We were able to detect and enumerate the cells concentrated at the surface of the light bentonite particles, which served as a sieve to retain all free cells during centrifugation. Different extraction procedures were tested and their efficiency was estimated by comparing live/dead ratios of resulting extracts and was also proved by implementing both NGS and quantitative PCR. The results show that most of the microbial genera present in the original suspension are also present in extracts but as proved by Deseq2 analysis some genera tend to settle down with heavier bentonite particles during the first centrifugation step.To conclude, we present a protocol for extraction and detection of metabolically active cells in clayish material – bentonite. The quality of the extraction procedure was estimated both by a combination of fluorescent microscopy and genetic methods. The protocol was successfully tested on different bentonite types showing general applicability of this approach for clay materials.

This volume contains papers accepted for presentation at SoCS 2014, the Seventh Annual Symposium on Combinatorial Search, held in Prague, Czech Republic, on August 15-17, 2014. SoCS 2014 was held in cooperation with AAAI and collocated with the European Conference on Artificial Intelligence (ECAI 2014.

List of chairs, local organization, reviewers, and sub reviewers for the 2014 SoCS Symposium.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 reached Europe in early 2020 and disrupted the private and public life of its citizens, with potential implications for substance use. The objective of this study was to describe possible changes in substance use in the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe. Methods: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional online survey of 36,538 adult substance users from 21 European countries conducted between April 24 and July 22 of 2020. Self-perceived changes in substance use were measured by asking respondents whether their use had decreased (slightly or substantially), increased (slightly or substantially), or not changed during the past month. The survey covered alcohol (frequency, quantity, and heavy episodic drinking occasions), tobacco, cannabis, and other illicit drug use. Sample weighted data were descriptively analysed and compared across substances. Results: Across all countries, use of all substances remained unchanged for around half of the respondents, while the remainder reported either a decrease or increase in their substance use. For alcohol use, overall, a larger proportion of respondents indicated a decrease than those reporting an increase. In contrast, more respondents reported increases in their tobacco and cannabis use during the previous month compared to those reporting decreased use. No distinct direction of change was reported for other substance use. Conclusions: Our findings suggest changes in use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis during the initial months of the pandemic in several European countries. This study offers initial insights into changes in substance use. Other data sources, such as sales statistics, should be used to corroborate these preliminary findings.

Additional file 1: Appendix Table 1. Unweighted sample characteristics by country. Appendix Table 2. Reported changes for each substance for the entire survey sample. Appendix Table 3. Reported changes for each substance by country.

Copyright © 2021. Mehmet Gökhan Halici, Merve Kahraman Osman Osmanoğlu and Milos Bartak.Three lichenized fungal species collected from James Ross Island (eastern coast of Antarctic Peninsula): Cladonia acuminata (Ach.) Norrl., Rhizocarpon pusillum Runemark and Rhizoplaca parilis S.D. Leav., Fern.-Mend., Lumbsch, Sohrabi et St. Clair are reported from Antarctica for the first time. Detailed morphological and anatomical properties of these species along with photographes based on Antarctic specimens are provided here. In addition, the nrITS gene regions of the selected specimens are studied and the phylogenetic positions of the species are discussed. The nrITS data for Rhizocarpon pusillum is provided for the first time. According to our studies the lichen biodiversity of the Antarctic is still poorly known and molecular studies are very important in order to present the correct lichen biodiversity of Antarctica.

The paper aims to present the results of studies of students' opinions on the quality of municipal services available in Krakow and its changes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysis covered most basic municipal services, in particular water, heat, and public transport. Opinions on the public services were collected through surveys, that were carried out twice, in 2019 and 2021, on a representative group of students of several major Cracow universities. The analysis revealed that - despite the challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic - the general quality of the municipal services has not deteriorated.

Rad pruža uvid u usluge narodnih knjižnica za osobe s teškoćama čitanja. Opisano je djelovanje Komisije za knjižnične usluge za osobe s posebnim potrebama kao nosioca promjena na razini Hrvatske te kao organizatora Nacionalne kampanje „I ja želim čitati!“ kojom se želi senzibilizirati javnost za osobe s teškoćama u čitanju. Pojašnjena je uloga narodnih knjižnica kao mjesto susreta različitih korisnika prema kojima je potrebno pristupiti prilagođenim uslugama. Navedeni su prijedlozi kako bi knjižnica trebala prilagoditi svoj prostor, educirati djelatnike i omogućiti suvremenu građu za osobe s teškoćama čitanja. Promjena Zakona o autorskom pravu i srodnim pravima uključila je osobe s teškoćama u čitanju u skupinu koja ima pravo na građu laganu za čitanje i ostale prilagodbe autorskih djela. U primjerima dobre prakse opisane su aktivnosti Dječje knjižnice Marina Držića, Dječje knjižnice „M2“ i Gradske knjižnice Ante Kovačića u Zaprešiću koje su se posebno istakle prilikom prve godine provedbe Kampanje „I ja želim čitati!“. The thesis provides insight into national libraries' services for persons with reading difficulties. It describes the activity of the Commission for Library Services for Persons with Special Needs as the bearer of change at national level and as the organizer of the „I Wish to Read too!“ National Campaign, the goal of which is to sensitize the public to persons with reading difficulties. It clarifies the role of national libraries as a meeting place of various users who need to be approached by services adapted to their needs. The thesis contains suggestions as to how a library should adjust its space, educate its employees, and make modern material available for persons with reading difficulties. A change in the Copyright and Related Rights Act included persons with reading difficulties into a group that has the right to easy-to-read material, and other adjustments to authored work. As examples of good practice the thesis describes activities of the Marin Držić Children’s Library, M2 Children’s Library and the Ante Kovačić City Library in Zaprešić all of which especially stood out during the first year of the „I Wish to Read Too!“ Campaign.

Consumer protection against food adulteration and misleading labelling is integrated into EU legislation, but accurate analysis of the meat content of farmed freshwater fish products is not possible because of the lack of established nitrogen factors for farmed common carp. The aim of this study was to determine nitrogen factors for farmed common carp Cyprinus carpio. Seven-hundred samples collected in 2018–2019 in three harvest seasons (March/April, Jun/July, and October/November) at seven locations in the Czech Republic were analysed for nitrogen, dry matter, protein, ash, and fat content according to standard ISO methods. The recommended nitrogen factor for fat-free common carp fillet with skin is 3.04 ± 0.13 and, for fillet without skin, 2.95 ± 0.12. Availability of nitrogen factors for common carp can help ensure that consumers are purchasing correctly labelled products.

In the present study, the influence of the infection with equine herpesvirus type 1 (non-neuro-pathogenic and neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1) on the morphology and distribution of mitochondrial network in equine dermal cell line was investigated. Our results indicate that EHV-1-infection caused changes in the mitochondrial morphology manifested mostly by fission and reactive oxygen species generation.