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STRESZCZENIE CEL NAUKOWY: Celem artykułu jest przybliżenie jednego z narzędzi demokracji bezpośredniej, tj. referendum, którego skuteczność uzależniona jest m.in. od regulacji prawnych oraz sposobu i umiejętności jego wykorzystywania przez mieszkańców. PROBLEM I METODY BADAWCZE: Autorka zamierza potwierdzić, względnie zakwestionować hipotezę, według której referendum nie jest skutecznym narzędziem społecznej kontroli władz lokalnych. W tym celu wykorzystała metody opisową, analizy i syntezy. PROCES WYWODU: Podstawę wywodu będzie stanowiło polskie referendum odwoławcze, ponieważ jest to najpopularniejsza i najczęściej wykorzystywana w naszym kraju forma referendum. Analizie poddane zostaną najważniejsze zmiany w zakresie prawa referendalnego oraz wybrane przykłady z praktyki wyborczej. W tym ostatnim przypadku istotne będzie wskazanie czynników i przykładów, które ograniczają skuteczność tej formy demokracji bezpośredniej. WYNIKI ANALIZY NAUKOWEJ: W wyniku przeprowadzonej analizy udało się pokazać, że referendum jest narzędziem służącym mieszkańcom do kontroli władzy. Częstotliwość jego wykorzystywania oraz skuteczność pozostawiają jednak wiele do życzenia. Wpływ na to mają zarówno przepisy referendalne, brak umiejętności wykorzystywania przez społeczność lokalną dostępnych form demokracji bezpośredniej (m.in. niewystarczająca edukacja obywatelska) czy brak zainteresowania sprawami społeczności lokalnych. WNIOSKI, INNOWACJE, REKOMENDACJE: Skuteczność referendum jest w największym stopniu uzależniona od regulacji prawnych, ale także od umiejętności korzystania z narzędzi demokracji bezpośredniej. Nawet najlepsze rozwiązania i przepisy nie pomogą, jeżeli obywatele nie będą wiedzieli, jak korzystać z dostępnych instrumentów. W związku z tym jednym ze sposobów na wzrost skuteczności referendum powinna być edukacja obywatelska.

The aim of this paper is two-fold. It focuses on the identification of crucial elements of the business model for the development of start-ups and for their potential to create innovation, as well as the influence of network cooperation on the components of their business model. The canvas model is used to illustrate the research outputs. Additionally, the research aimed at identifying what start-ups expect from the networks in which they exist (e.g., technological parks) in terms of creating appropriate conditions supporting innovations. The study was done using three expert panels in which 28 start-ups participated. The research and its results are qualitative and are presented as a case study. The research was conducted by the authors in 2019 and concerns start-ups participating in cooperation networks, but its results could be interesting not only for start-ups, but also for everyone interested in the issues of cooperation between various entities and its potential to stimulate innovation.

Lit jest lekiem normotymicznym, stosowanym z wyboru w leczeniu profilaktycznym choroby afektywnej dwubiegunowej (ChAD). Skuteczność profilaktyczna litu może być uwarukowana czynnikami genetycznymi, związanymi częściowo z predyspozycją do choroby afektywnej dwubiegunowej. W dziedzinie genetyki w psychiatrii pierwsza dekada XXI wieku została zdominowana przez badania „genów kandydujących”. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiono badania genów kandydujących związanych z profilaktyką litem, prowadzone na Uniwersytecie Medycznym w Poznaniu w latach 2005-2018. W tym czasie badane były polimorfizmy wielu genów, z których część jest również związana z predyspozycją do choroby afektywnej dwubiegunowej. Związek ze skutecznością profilaktyczną litu stwierdzono w przypadku polimorfizmów genów 5HTT, ACP1, ARNTL, BDNF, COMT, DRD1, FKBP5, FYN, GLCC, NR3C1 i TIM. Nie stwierdzono takiego związku w odniesieniu do genów 5HT2A, 5HT2C, DRD2, DRD3, DRD3, GRIN2B, GSK-3β, MMP-9 i NTRK2. Wykazano natomiast asocjację polimorfizmu genu GSK-3β z nerkowymi działaniami niepożądanymi w przebiegu stosowania litem. Omówiona została możliwa rola tych genów zarówno w mechanizmie profilaktycznej skuteczności litu, jak i w patogenezie choroby afektywnej dwubiegunowej.

Steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGVHD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Ruxolitinib (RUX), an oral JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor, has recently been approved for patients with SR-aGVHD. The aim of this study was to evaluate RUX efficacy and toxicity in a real-world setting. Eighteen patients received RUX at 5 mg or 10 mg twice a day after a median 3 lines of prior unsuccessful immunosuppressive therapy. Median time on RUX therapy was 28 days (range 7–129). Five patients (28%) responded to RUX, including 4 complete responses and 1 partial response. Response to RUX was irrespective of aGVHD grade and the number of involved organs. One-year overall survival (OS) was 60% for RUX-responders versus 31% for non-responders (p = ns). Treatment duration greater than 29.5 days was found to have a positive impact on OS (p

Background Revealing molecular mechanisms linked to androgen receptor activity can help to improve diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Retinoic acid-induced 2 (RAI2) protein is thought to act as a transcriptional coregulator involved in hormonal responses and epithelial differentiation. We evaluated the clinical relevance and biological function of the RAI2 protein in prostate cancer. Methods We assessed RAI2 gene expression in the Cancer Genome Atlas prostate adenocarcinoma PanCancer cohort and protein expression in primary tumors (n = 199) by immunohistochemistry. We studied RAI2 gene expression as part of a multimarker panel in an enriched circulating tumor cell population isolated from blood samples (n = 38) of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. In prostate cancer cell lines, we analyzed the consequences of androgen receptor inhibition on RAI2 protein expression and the consequences of RAI2 depletion on the expression of the androgen receptor and selected target genes. Results Abundance of the RAI2 protein in adenocarcinomas correlated with the androgen receptor; keratins 8, 18, and 19; and E-cadherin as well as with an early biochemical recurrence. In circulating tumor cells, detection of RAI2 mRNA significantly correlated with gene expression of FOLH1, KLK3, RAI2, AR, and AR-V7. In VCaP and LNCaP cell lines, sustained inhibition of hormone receptor activity induced the RAI2 protein, whereas RAI2 depletion augmented the expression of MME, STEAP4, and WIPI1. Conclusions The RAI2 protein functions as a transcriptional coregulator of the androgen response in prostate cancer cells. Detection of RAI2 gene expression in blood samples from patients with metastatic prostate cancer indicated the presence of circulating tumor cells.

W artykule opracowano koncepcję ochrony przeciwpożarowej statku towarowego Regalica. W części teoretycznej omówiono zagadnienia dotyczące regulacji prawnych ochrony przeciwpożarowej statków morskich oraz zaprezentowano charakterystykę statku Regalica. W części praktycznej dokonano opracowania projektu systemu sygnalizacji pożarowej na opisywanym masowcu w oparciu o przepisy morskie. Na etapie opracowywania projektu wykonano następujące założenia projektowe: opis techniczny przyjętej instalacji wykrywania pożaru, dobór elementów liniowych, prowadzenie linii dozorowych i dobór przewodów, lokalizacja centrali sygnalizacji pożarowej oraz warunki zasilania. Ponadto w tej części przedstawiono kompleksową koncepcję ochrony przeciwpożarowej. Na końcu sformułowano wnioski mające wpływ na proces projektowania systemów sygnalizacji pożarowej.

This paper presents a numerical model of a four-pass supercritical steam superheater with a complex flow system. The specific heat of steam is a function of temperature and pressure, and the specific heat of flue gas is a function of temperature. Pressure and temperature changes along the length of the tubes were also determined. The modified Churchill equation was used to calculate the steam-side friction factor of Darcy–Weisbach. The flue gas temperature variations behind the individual superheater tube rows were calculated. The steam and wall temperature distributions were determined in each tube row along its length. Knowing the temperature of the tube walls and the steam along the flow direction enables the selection of the correct steel grade for the tubes. Thanks to this advantage of the proposed method, the investment can be reduced in superheater construction without the danger of overheating the tube material. The results of the superheater simulation were compared with the results of measurements on the actual object. The proposed numerical method can find application in steam superheaters’ design and performance calculations. It can also be used to monitor superheater operating parameters, which are difficult to measure due to the high flue gas temperature.

Jednym z państw-sygnatariuszy Europejskiej Karty Samorządu Lokalnego jest Republika Malty, w której samorząd terytorialny wprowadzono na mocy ustawy z dnia 30 czerwca 1993 roku o radach lokalnych. W raporcie pokontrolnym Komitetu Monitorującego podniesiono, że samorząd maltański narusza postanowienia Karty, ponieważ jednostki samorządowe nie są w pełni niezależne finansowo. Komitet postulował także przekazanie radom lokalnych dodatkowych zadań, a także możliwości pozyskiwania środków finansowych z podatków i opłat lokalnych.

Introduction: This study attempts to assess the concentration of intracellular matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) before and after the treatment of depressive episodes with ECT therapy and also to correlate the concentration of this enzyme with the use of commonly used general anaesthetics. Materials and methods: The study group comprised of 37 patients hospitalized in the Department of Adult Psychiatry in Poznan, with a diagnosis of episodes of drug-resistant depression during the course of bipolar and unipolar affective disorders, and who were being treated using electroconvulsive therapy. For the purpose of inducing anaesthesia during the procedure propofol was used in 10 cases, thiopental in 9 cases. Propofol was alternated with ketamine in a further 10 cases and thiopental was alternated with ketamine in another 9 cases. In order to assess the intensity of depression symptoms, the 17 point Hamilton depression scale was used, immediately before commencing ECT therapy, and one day after its completion. The serum concentration of MMP-9 was determined before and after the series of ECT treatments. In order to assess the serum concentration of MMP-9, an ELISA immunoenzymatic method was applied. Results: In this study, a significant reduction of MMP-9 concentration was noted after therapy, relative to the starting concentration, in the serum of patients suffering from depressive episodes resulting from either unipolar or bipolar affective disorders. These results correlated with improved psychiatric state, as assessed by the Hamilton scale. A significantly lower MMP-9 concentration was noted in the serum of patients given alternating thiopental and ketamine anaesthesia. Conclusions: This study suggests the importance of the enzyme as a biological marker for the effective treatment of depression. Furthermore, the choice of general anaesthetic applied during ECT also plays a role.

The aim of the study was to assess the antiviral activity of selected essential oils (EOs) against Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), both in vitro and in vivo. The observations were made using Chenopodium quinoa as a local host. The EOs were obtained from Greek oregano, thyme, and costmary. Their chemical composition was determined using GC/FID followed by GC/MS. The dominant compound in oregano EO was carvacrol (59.41%), in thyme EO—thymol (59.34%), and in costmary EO—β-thujone (90.60%). Among the analysed EOs, thyme EO exhibited the most promising effects against CMV. However, its activity was influenced by the time of application. In an in vivo experiment, thyme EO showed protective (pre-inoculation) rather than curative (post-inoculation) activity.

Common valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is an important medicinal plant revealing sedative, hypotensive, anti-spasmodic and anxiolytic activity. The purpose of the study was to determine the intraspecific variability of the common valerian growing wild in Poland and the ‘Lubelski’ landrace, as to their developmental traits, chemical composition and selected genetic parameters. Both wild-growing populations (19) and the landrace (1) were evaluated under ex situ conditions. Observations of the underground organs parameters, both developmental and chemical (according to the European Pharmacopoeia) were carried out in the first year of the plant’s development, while the characteristics of the aboveground organs, followed by the sowing value of seeds (according to the International Seed Testing Association)—in the second year. The genetic analyses were performed using the NGS-DArT-seq method. Results indicate the presence of five different gene pools covering the regions of population’s origin, with a gene flow within and between them. A high level of developmental and chemical variabilities among the wild-growing populations was noticed, however without a clear relation to the region of the origin. The mass of underground organs ranged from 107.4 to 403.6 g FW × plant−1 with the content of sesquiterpenic acids at the level of 0.004–0.094%. Population no 18 was distinguished by the highest content of sesquiterpenic acids and the relatively high mass of underground organs, followed by the admixture of the gene pool, typical for the ‘Lubelski’ landrace. Unlike the ‘Lubelski’ landrace, the wild-growing populations were characterized by a high amount of an essential oils (3.90 to 10.04 mL/kg), which may be promising from the perspective of their potential use. In turn, the sowing value of the seeds obtained from the populations, expressed as the germinability, was rather low (25.25–62.25%).

Simple Summary One of the challenges of the contemporary poultry industry is to obtain reliable information on meat quality throughout the entire production cycle. Previous studies have shown that computerized analysis of the ultrasonographic images in live birds is a promising method to predict certain characteristics of skeletal muscles. In the present study, the left pectoralis major muscle was scanned just before slaughter in forty-five meat-type turkeys reared in an organic farm. Physicochemical and sensory attributes of the pectoral muscles were determined after slaughter using validated laboratory and analytical methods. There were several significant correlations among ultrasonographic image attributes and physical/sensory characteristics of pectoralis major muscles in the turkeys of the present study, but the moisture content was the only chemical trait associated with ultrasound images. The strongest overall correlation was between pixel heterogeneity obtained in the muscles examined in an oblique plane and aroma. The occurrence and strength of quantitative correlations among ultrasound image characteristics in situ and post-mortem traits of turkeys’ breast are clearly affected by a scanning plane. Computerized analysis of pectoral muscle ultrasonograms provides information on several characteristics that are indicative of meat quality and hence could be potentially used in commercial settings and breed development programs. Abstract This study set out to examine associations among echotextural, physicochemical and sensory attributes of the pectoralis major muscles in 17-week-old organic turkeys (B.U.T. Big-6) varying in the amount of wheat and oat grain in daily feed rations (Group C: complete feed only; Group Exp1: 5–30% of wheat and 0–20% of oat; and Group Exp2: 5–50% of wheat and 0–50% of oat; n = 15 turkeys/group). Digital ultrasonograms of the left pectoral muscle in four different planes (longitudinal-L, transverse-T, and two oblique planes-O1 and O2) were obtained with a 5.0-MHz linear-array transducer just before slaughter. Mean numerical pixel intensity (MPI) and pixel heterogeneity (MPH) of the muscle parenchyma were computed using the ImageProPlus® analytical software. Ten significant correlations between echotextural attributes and various meat characteristics were recorded in Group C, one in Group Exp1, and eight in Group Exp2. When data were pooled for all birds studied, there were twelve significant correlations (p < 0.05); all but one correlation (between MPH and moisture) were for physical and sensory characteristics of meat samples. Computer-assisted analysis is a potential method to determine moisture as well as physical (e.g., coloration) and sensory (e.g., aroma) characteristics of pectoralis major muscles in organic turkeys.

As early as the first half of the 19th century, attempts were made to describe the inhabitants of the Carpathians (Carpathian Highlander Region – Goralszczyzna), taking into account the existing divisions into groups (“clans”) or ethnographic regions. In accordance with the modernist (Enlightenment-positivist) paradigm of scientific cognition, these groups / regions were presented in a “substantial” manner, following the principles of the objective and methodological naturalism. The first researcher who divided the population living in the northern slopes of the Carpathians – analogically to how these mountains are divided – into three “ethnographic groups” and in then into “clans” was Wincenty Pol. He did not present this quite detailed ethnographic delimitation in a graphic form due to the lack of a map suitable for this purpose. A detailed map, presenting the divisions and ranges of the Polish Highlander Region and its ethnographic groups proposed by Pol and several other researchers, was made only almost 120 years later by Jozef Babicz. The differences between the boundaries of the Highlander region and the ranges of the groups / regions it contains indicate that the substantial approach to these issues is inadequate to the depicted social and cultural reality. Certain views of Pol may inspire the creation of an alternative concept of ethnographic diversity in general, and of the Polish Highlander Region in particular.

BACKGROUND Systemic intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are guideline-recommended reperfusion therapies in large-vessel-occlusion ischemic stroke. However, for acute ischemic stroke of extracranial carotid artery origin (AIS-CA) there have been no specific trials, resulting in a data gap. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated referral/treatment pathways, serial imaging, and neurologic 90-day outcomes in consecutive patients, presenting in a real-life series in 2 stroke centers over a period of 6 months, with AIS-CA eligible for emergency mechanical reperfusion (EMR) on top of thrombolysis as per guideline criteria. RESULTS Of 30 EMR-eligible patients (33.3% in-window for thrombolysis and thrombolysed, 73.3% male, age 39-87 years, median Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) 10, pre-stroke mRS 0-1 in all, tandem lesions 26.7%), 20 (66.7%) were EMR-referred (60% - endovascular, 6.7% - surgery referrals). Only 40% received EMR, nearly exclusively in stroke centers with carotid artery stenting (CAS) expertise (100% eligible patient acceptance rate, 100% treatment delivery involving CAS±MT with culprit lesion sequestration using micronet-covered stents). The emergency surgery rate was 0%. Baseline clinical and imaging characteristics did not differ between EMR-treated and EMR-untreated patients. Ninety-day neurologic status was profoundly better in EMR-treated patients: mRS 0-2 (91.7% vs 0%; P0.001); mRS 3-5 (8.3% vs 88.9%; P0.001), mRS 6 (0% vs 11.1%; P0.001). CONCLUSIONS In a real-life AIS-CA setting, the referral rate of EMR-eligible patients for EMR was low, and the treatment rate was even lower. AIS-CA revascularization was delivered predominantly in stroke thrombectomy-capable cardioangiology centers, resulting in overwhelmingly superior patient outcome. Large vessel occlusion stroke referral and management pathways should involve centers with proximal-protected CAS expertise. AIS-CA, irrespective of any thrombolysis administration, is a hyperacute cerebral emergency and EMR-eligible patients should be immediately referred for mechanical reperfusion.

Common valerian (

Przedmiotem artykułu jest analiza Uchwały Naczelnego Sądu Administracyjnego z dnia 2 grudnia 2019 r. (II OPS 1/19), stwierdzającej niedopuszczalność transkrypcji zagranicznego aktu urodzenia dziecka rodziców tej samej płci. Artykuł prezentuje zasadnicze motywy rozstrzygnięcia, charakteryzując jednocześnie podstawowe instytucje prawne, które znalazły zastosowanie w ramach przedmiotowego rozstrzygnięcia. Są to więc instrumenty normatywne wyrażone w ustawie z dnia 28 listopada 2014 r. Prawo o aktach stanu cywilnego (Dz. U. z 2020 r. poz. 463, 695) zobowiązujące kierownika urzędu stanu cywilnego do odmowy dokonania transkrypcji w przypadku sprzeczności tejże z podstawowymi zasadami prządku prawnego RP. Następnie związana z powyższym, występująca na gruncie prawa prywatnego międzynarodowego instytucja klauzuli porządku publicznego. Tłem (które nie ogranicza się jednak do li tylko akcesoryjnej roli), dla niniejszych rozważań są owe podstawowe zasady porządku prawnego RP, w szczególności zaś kluczowy dla wskazanego rozstrzygnięcia art. 18 Konstytucji RP, stanowiący o istocie małżeństwa i jego ochronie w świetle polskiej aksjologii konstytucyjnej. Artykuł prezentuje zasadnicze stanowiska doktryny i orzecznictwa w kluczowych dla niniejszej problematyki kwestiach. Systematyka pracy jest następująca: najpierw przedmiotem analizy jest uchwała Naczelnego Sądu Administracyjnego, następnie charakteryzowane w oparciu o naukę prawa i judykaturę, wskazane instytucje prywatnoprawne, następnie zaś odniesienie tychże i ich rola w świetle aksjologii Konstytucji RP.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a widespread, metabo-psychiatric disorder with high relapse rates, comorbidity, and mortality. Many regulatory proteins and neurohormones studied to date play essential roles in the etiopathogenesis of eating disorders and the maintenance of psychopathological symptoms. Nevertheless, the regulatory and pathophysiological mechanisms of AN are still poorly understood. In the presented study, the plasma levels of apelin-13 (APE-13) and asprosin (ASP), as well as carbohydrate metabolism parameters and psychometric parameters, were evaluated in low-weight adolescent female patients with AN (AN1), after partial weight normalization (AN2) and in an age-matched healthy control group (CG) were evaluated. APE-13 levels were higher in the AN1 group than in the post-realimentation and the CG group. APE-13 levels were independent of insulin and glucose levels. Plasma ASP levels increased with increasing body weight in patients with AN, correlating with the severity of eating disorder symptoms in emaciation. The presented data suggest that APE-13 and ASP may be AN’s biomarkers-regulation of eating behavior by APE-13 and ASP, the close relationship between them and emotional behavior, and changes in neurohormone levels in patients with eating and affective disorders seem to support these hypotheses. Moreover, their plasma levels seem to be related to the severity of psychopathological symptoms of eating disorders.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating and significant weight loss. In the course of AN, changes are observed in appetite regulation, including orexigenic ghrelin and potentially anorexigenic obestatin. The study aimed to determine if any changes in serum ghrelin and obestatin levels during treatment of AN are observed, while investigating the correlations between these peptides and the severity of disturbed eating attitudes, depression, and anxiety. Thirty adolescent inpatients with AN (examined twice: before hospitalization treatment AN-BT and after treatment AN-AT) and thirty healthy age- and height-matched girls (CG) participated in the study. Anthropometric, serum ghrelin and obestatin concentrations and psychometric evaluations (Eating Attitudes Test 26 Item-EAT-26, Beck Depression Inventory-BDI, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-HDRS, and Yale Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale-Y-BOCS) were performed. The study revealed significantly higher ghrelin and obestatin levels in AN-BT than in AN-AT. A trend toward lower levels during treatment provided partial normalizations. Analyzing correlations in the AN-BT vs. CG group, correlations of peptides with EAT-26, BDI, and HDRS scores were detected. These results suggest a potential role for ghrelin and obestatin in the context of defense mechanisms regulating appetite and body weight in the course of AN and in terms of psychopathological changes co-occurring with this eating disorder.

The local government in the Republic of Malta is a young institution which was established in 1993. Until2019, Malta’s local government comprised one tier and its basis was the municipality. Since 2019, it hasa two-tier structure and the units of territorial division are the region and the municipality. Even thoughsuccessive local government reforms increased the powers of the local authorities, the scope of their tasksis not very extensive. A major problem is also the local government’s financial dependence on centralauthorities. Nonetheless, an analysis of changes introduced to date through successive amendments andreforms allows a conclusion that the actions which are undertaken mean changes in a good direction whichwill be continued.

Currently, when designing finned heat exchangers (FHE), the average value of the entire heat transfer coefficient (HTC) is considered. However, each row of the heat exchanger (HEX) has different hydraulic-thermal characteristics. The novelty of this research is to present the differentiation of the individual air-side Nusselt number and Darcy-Weisbach friction factor correlations in each row of FHE using CFD modelling. FHE has four-rows, circular tubes, and continuous fins with a staggered tube arrangement. Relationships for the Nusselt number and D-W friction factor derived for the entire exchanger based on CFD modelling were compared with those available in the literature, determined using experimental data. The maximum relative differences between the Nusselt number for a four-row FHE determined experimentally and by CFD modelling are in the range from 22% for a Reynolds number based on a tube outside diameter of 1000 to 30% for a Reynolds number of 13,000. The maximum relative differences between the D-W friction factor for a four-row FHE determined experimentally and by CFD modelling are in the range of 50% for a Reynolds number based on a tube outer diameter of 1000 to 10% for a Reynolds number of 13,000. The CFD modelling performed shows that in the range of Reynolds numbers based on hydraulic diameters from 150 to 1400, the Nusselt number for the first row in a four-row FHE is about 22% to 15% higher than the average Nusselt number for the entire exchanger. In the range of Reynolds number changes based on hydraulic diameter from 2800 to 6000, the Nusselt numbers on the first and second rows of tubes are close to each other. Correlations of Nusselt numbers and D-W friction factors derived for individual tube rows can be used in the design of plate-fin and tube heat exchangers used in equipment such as air-source heat pumps, automotive radiators, air-conditioning systems, and in air hot-liquid coolers. In particular, the correlations can be used to select the optimum number of tube rows in the exchanger.

Patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) are characterized as having a poor prognosis. The only viable option of treatment for these patients is allogenic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Therefore, we have attempted to analyse factors related to both the disease itself and the transplantation procedure that could have an influence on the improvement of outcomes in this group of patients.Sixty-four patients with r/r AML underwent allo-HSCT at our center in 2012 to 2021. Fifty-two had active disease at the beginning of theallo-HSCT procedure, with amedian number of blasts in bone marrow (BM) of 18, and 12 had therapeutic aplasia after the last reinduction (blasts5% in BM).The probability of overall survival (OS) at 2 years was 25%. The median follow-up for survivors was 21.5 months. Progression-free survival (PFS) estimates were above 46%. The main cause of death was disease progression (49%). A statistically significant effect on premature death was reported for the diagnosis of secondary AML (sAML) and cytomelovirus (CMV) reactivation post allo-HSCT. On the other hand, chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) decreased the risk of disease progression. sAML and CMV reactivation were found to have opposite effects.

The object of this work is to determine the correlation on the Nusselt number on the individual rows of a four-row tubular finned heat exchanger with continuous fins with a staggered tube arrangement using CFD modelling. Correlations for calculating Darcy-Weisbach friction factors on individual tube rows were also determined. Relationships for the Nusselt number and friction factor derived for the entire exchanger based on CFD modelling were compared with those available in the literature determined using experimental data. The maximum relative differences between the Nusselt number for a four-row exchanger determined experimentally and by CFD modelling are in the range from 22% for a Reynolds number based on a tube's outside diameter of 1,000 to 30% for a Reynolds number of 13,000. The maximum relative differences between the friction factor for a four-row exchanger determined experimentally and by CFD modelling are in the range of 50% for a Reynolds number based on a tube outer diameter of 1,000 to 10% for a Reynolds number of 13,000. The CFD modeling performed shows that in the range of Reynolds numbers based on hydraulic diameters from 150 to 1,400, the Nusselt number for the first row in a four-row finned heat exchanger is about 22% to 15% higher than the average Nusselt number for the entire exchanger. In the range of Reynolds number changes based on hydraulic diameter from 2,800 to 6,000, the Nusselt numbers on the first and second rows of tubes are close to each other. Correlations on Nusselt numbers and friction factors derived for individual tube rows can be used in the design of plate-fin and tube heat exchangers used in equipment such as air-source heat pumps, automotive radiators, air-conditioning systems and in air hot-liquid coolers. In particular, the correlations can be used to select the optimum number of tube rows in the exchanger.

Cryptogenic stroke may be associated with a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Both cardiovascular risk factors and transcatheter closure of PFO may have an impact on the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events.The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence and risk factors of recurrent cerebrovascular events (rCVE) in patients with a history of cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and PFO.Overall, 392 patients (median [interquartile range, IQR] age 39.5 [30-49] years, 64.3% women, 35.7% men) with a history of cryptogenic stroke / TIA and confirmed PFO underwent a long‑term follow‑up with a median (IQR) of 51.5 (35-65) months. The primary end point was defined as rCVE including stroke and TIA.During the follow‑up, 17 patients with a history of cryptogenic stroke / TIA and confirmed PFO (4.3%, 11 women, 6 men) developed rCVE. In a multivariable analysis, the Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score was associated with a lower risk of rCVE (odds ratio [OR], 0.61 per 1 point; 95% CI, 0.45-0.84; P = 0.002). The transcatheter closure of PFO did not have a significant impact on rCVE in the study population (P = 0.19).The occurrence of rCVE in the patients with cryptogenic stroke / TIA and PFO reached 4.3% regardless of a high percentage of patients who underwent the PFO closure. RoPE score was associated with a lower risk of rCVE in the study population.

Emotional Dysregulations (ED) represent a major health risk present in about 5% of children and are associated with diverse forms of childhood psychiatric disorders and symptoms such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [...]

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don. is one of the most important cosmetic and medicinal plants originating from the Mediterranean region of Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical profile as well as antioxidant and antibacterial potential of the species cultivated in the temperate climate of Central Europe. The analyses were carried out using herbs and inflorescences. The content of essential oil ranged from 0.25 g × 100 g−1 in the herb to 0.31 g × 100 g−1 in the inflorescences. Neryl acetate, accompanied by α-pinene in the herb (10.42%), and nerol in inflorescences (15.73%) were the dominants here. Rutoside, as well as rosmarinic, chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, isochlorogenic b and cichoric acids, were detected in both raw materials using HPLC-DAD. Within this group, cichoric acid was the dominant (2647.90 mg × 100 g−1 in the herb, 1381.06 mg × 100 g−1 in the inflorescences). The herb appeared to be more abundant in phenolics in comparison with the inflorescences. When given antioxidant activity (determined using DPPH and ABTS assays), both methanolic extract and essential oil obtained from the herb indicated higher potential than those originating from the inflorescences (74.72, 61.38 and 63.81, 58.59% in the case of DPPH, respectively). In turn, regarding antimicrobial activity, the essential oil from inflorescences was distinguished by stronger bacteriostatic power than the herb essential oil. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to both essential oils in comparison with Gram-negative ones, with S. aureus ATCC 25923 as the most susceptible (MIC 1; MBC 16 mg × mL−1) among tested strains.

Izabela Czyzynska-Cichon,1,* Małgorzata Janik-Hazuka,2,* Joanna Szafraniec-Szczęsny,2,3 Krzysztof Jasinski,4 Władysław P Węglarz,4 Szczepan Zapotoczny,2 Stefan Chlopicki1,5 1Jagiellonian University, Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Krakow, 30-348, Poland; 2Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Krakow, 30-387, Poland; 3Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Krakow, 30-688, Poland; 4Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Krakow, 31-342, Poland; 5Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Krakow, 31-531, Poland*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Stefan Chlopicki; Szczepan Zapotoczny Email stefan.chlopicki@jcet.eu; zapotocz@chemia.uj.edu.plBackground: Vascular drug delivery becomes a promising direction in the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies, such as hypertension. However, targeted delivery of hydrophobic substances, with poor bioavailability, remains a challenge. Here, we described the hypotensive effects of a low dose of curcumin delivered to the vascular wall using hyaluronic acid-based nanocapsules.Methods: The group of hypertensive TGR(m-Ren2)27 rats, was administrated respectively with the vehicle, curcumin solution or curcumin delivered using hyaluronic acid-based nanocapsules (HyC12-Cur), for 7 days each, maintaining the wash-out period between treatments. Arterial blood pressure (systolic - SBP, diastolic – DBP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored continuously using a telemetry system (Data Science International), and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was calculated from SBP and DBP.Results: In hypertensive rats, a low dose of curcumin (4.5 mg/kg) administrated in HyC12-Cur for 7 days resulted in a gradual inhibition of SBP, DBP and MAP increase without an effect on HR. At the end of HyC12-Cur – based treatment changes in SBP, DBP and MAP amounted to − 2.0± 0.8 mmHg, − 3.9± 0.7 mmHg and − 3.3± 0.7 mmHg, respectively. In contrast, the administration of a curcumin solution (4.5 mg/kg) did not result in a significant hypotensive effect and the animals constantly developed hypertension. Vascular delivery of capsules with curcumin was confirmed using newly developed fluorine-rich nanocapsules (HyFC10-PFOB) with a shell based on a HA derivative and similar size as HyC12-Cur. HyFC10-PFOB gave fluorine signals in rat aortas analyzed ex vivo with a 19F NMR technique after a single intragastric administration.Conclusion: These results suggest that nanocapsules based on hyaluronic acid, the ubiquitous glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix and an integral part of endothelial glycocalyx, may represent a suitable approach to deliver hydrophobic, poorly bioavailable compounds, to the vascular wall.Keywords: nanocapsules, hyaluronic acid, 19F NMR, curcumin, hypertension, targeted vascular delivery

EnglishMozambique is a multilingual and multicultural country in which Portuguese, the post-colonial language adopted as the official language, is in contact with many native languages of the Bantu branch that for most Mozambicans constitute the mother tongue and are used in daily communication. As a result of state policy, in which Portuguese is also the only language of instruction, the number of Mozambicans who have Portuguese as their mother tongue has grown. Under the above conditions, a variety of Portuguese has been formed that is distinct from the European variety of Portuguese, which results from the linguistic and cultural diversity of its users. The present study intends to consider some lexical transferences that occur in Mozambican sociolinguistic context, called “mozambicanisms”, namely the loans from Bantu languages that interfere in communication, marking the identity of its speakers. portuguesMocambique e um pais multilingue e multicultural em que a lingua portuguesa, lingua pos-colonial adotada como lingua oficial, encontra-se em situacao de contacto com muitas linguas autoctones do ramo bantu que para a maior parte dos Mocambianos constituem a lingua materna, sendo utilizadas na comunicacao diaria. Como resultado da politica do Estado, em que o portugues e tambem a unica lingua de ensino, cresceu o numero de Mocambicanos que tem portugues como lingua materna. Nas condicoes acima formou-se uma variedade de portugues distinta da variedade do portugues europeu que resulta da diversidade linguistica e cultural dos seus usuarios. O presente estudo pretende considerar algumas transferencias lexicais que ocorrem em contexto sociolinguistico mocambicano, chamadas de mocambicanismos, nomeadamente os emprestimos das linguas bantu que interferem na comunicacao, marcando a identidade dos seus falantes.

Introduction: Gait is the basic physical activity of a person to which s/he is much better adapted than to running or maintaining a sitting position. Proper gait pattern has beneficial effects on locomotor and respiratory system efficacy, while asymmetrical, abnormal gait may cause musculoskeletal dysfunctions. The purpose of the study is to compare symmetry and range of pelvic movement in gait among boys playing football and their non-playing peers. Material and methods: A total of 121 boys were surveyed, including 33 soccer players aged 10-14 and 82 of their non-playing peers, using a portable system for functional movement analysis - BTS G-WALK. Symmetry and range of motion of the right and left pelvis in the sagittal, frontal and horizontal planes were analysed while walking on a straight section. Basic anthropometric measurements were also taken. Results: There was no difference in the value of the pelvic symmetry coefficient between the football- and non-players. However, a significantly greater range of pelvic rotation and movement in the sagittal plane was found among the boys playing football. Attention is drawn to the greater range of pelvic movement towards posterior tilt among young soccer players. Conclusions: Further studies should be conducted to assess whether excessive movement of the pelvis in gait towards posterior tilt among young soccer players is related to body posture quality, and whether the excessive range of pelvic movement in the sagittal and horizontal planes correlates with the incidence of locomotor injuries or lower spine pain.

The aim of our study was to develop a novel method for nanocarriers’ preparation as a fluorine magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI)-detectable drug delivery system. The novelty of the proposed approach is based on the application of fluorinated polyelectrolyte Nafion as a contrast agent since typical MRI contrast agents are based on paramagnetic gadolinium or ferro/superparamagnetic iron oxide compounds. An advantage of using an 19F-based tracer comes from the fact that the 19F image is detected at a different resonance frequency than the 1H image. In addition, the close to zero natural concentration of 19F nuclei in the human body makes fluorine atoms a promising MRI marker without any natural background signal. That creates the opportunity to localize and identify only exogenous fluorinated compounds with 100% specificity. The nanocarriers were formed by the deposition of polyelectrolytes on nanoemulsion droplets via the layer-by-layer technique with the saturation approach. The polyelectrolyte multilayer shell was composed of Nafion, the fluorinated ionic polymer used for labeling by 19F nuclei, and poly-l-lysine (PLL). The surface of such prepared nanocarriers was further pegylated by adsorption of pegylated polyanion, poly-l-glutamic acid (PGA). The 19F MRI-detectable hydrophobic nanocarriers with an average size of 170 nm and a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio have been developed and optimized to be used for passive tumor targeting and drug delivery.

To maintain its functional abilities, the mature brain obtains energy from glucose produced in carbohydrate metabolism. When carbohydrates are eliminated from the diet, the energy comes from the oxidation of fatty acids. In this metabolic state called ketosis, ketone bodies are formed: β-hydroxybutyric acid (bHb), acetone, and acetoacetate as alternative source of energy passing through the blood–brain barrier easily. The ketosis state can be achieved through various strategies like caloric restriction, supplementation with medium-chain triglycerides, intense physical training, or ketogenic diet (KD). Using KD, drug-resistant epilepsy has been successfully treated in children and adults. It can also exert neuroprotective influences in cases of brain damage, glioblastoma multiforme, and Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. Although many possible mechanisms of KD activity have been proposed, newer hypotheses appear with the research progress, mostly characterizing the brain under pathological but not normal conditions. Since different pathological conditions may affect the mechanism of KD action differently, additional research on the normal brain appears reasonable. For this purpose, young adult rats were treated with 4-month-lasting KD. Then, MRI structural measurements, spectroscopy, and tractography were performed. The procedures revealed significant increases in the concentration of glutamine, glutamate, glutathione and NAA, accompanied by changes in the pattern of neuronal connections of the striatum and hippocampal formation. This implies a possible involvement of these structures in the functional changes occurring in the brain after KD application. Thus, the investigations on the normal brain add important details concerning mechanisms underlying KD effects without their possible modification by a pathological status.

Depression is a chronic psychiatric disorder with a heavy socioeconomic burden. Studies on biomarkers are needed to comprehend the pathophysiology of depression and to improve treatment outcomes. Research points to the importance of imbalance between mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its precursor, pro–brain–derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF), in the pathophysiology of mood disorders and the potential neurodegenerative role of calcium-binding protein B (S100B). Our objective was to compare BDNF, proBDNF, and S100B serum levels before and after the treatment of acute depressive episodes and to assess their correlation with the severity of symptoms and history of stress. We also aimed to investigate the differences in BDNF, proBDNF, and S100B levels between depression in the course of bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). We recruited 31 female patients diagnosed with BD or MDD who were hospitalized due to current depressive episodes. The patients had their serum BDNF, proBDNF, and S100B levels evaluated using the ELISA method upon admission and after the symptoms improved, at discharge. We found that proBDNF levels decreased significantly with the treatment (p = 0.0478), while BDNF and S100B levels were not altered significantly. No differences in biochemical parameters between MDD and BD subjects were observed. Consequently, we concluded that a decrease in serum proBDNF levels could be considered a biomarker of recovery from depressive episodes.

Mouthwashes are a very popular additional oral hygiene element and there are plenty of individual products, whose compositions are in a state of flux. The aim of our study was to investigate the compositions of mouthwashes and their functions, as well as to discuss their effectiveness in preventing and curing oral diseases and side effects. We searched for mouthwashes available on the market in Poland. We identified 241 individual mouthwash products. The extraction of compositions was performed and functions of the ingredients were assessed. Then, analysis was performed. The evaluation revealed that there are plenty of ingredients, but a typical mouthwash is a water–glycerine mixture and consists of additional sweetener, surfactant, preservative, and some colourant and flavouring agent, as well as usually having two oral health substances, anticaries sodium fluoride and antimicrobial essential oils. The effectiveness or side effects of several substances of mouthwashes were thoroughly discussed. We recommend not multiplying individual mouthwash products and their ingredients beyond medical or pharmaceutical necessity, especially without scientific proof.

Hydrazone-based molecular switches serve as eflicient ratiometric pH-sensitive agents that can be tracked with F-19 NMR/MRI and H-1 NMR. Structural changes induced between pH 3 and 4 lead to signal appearance and disappearance at H-1 and F-19 NMR spectra allowing ratiometric pH measurements. The most pronounced are resonances of the CF3 group shifted by 1.8 ppm with F-19 NMR and a hydrazone proton shifted by 2 ppm with H-1 NMR.