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• Patients with PPMS account for approximately 10% of all patients with multiple sclerosis. • The first symptoms of PPMS occur at around the age of 40 with a similar frequency in both sexes. • PPMS diagnosis takes more than twice the time for RRMS. • The dominant symptom of PPMS is spastic paresis of the lower limbs. Epidemiologic data on primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in Poland are limited. The aim of this study was to assess selected clinical and socio-demographic factors of Polish patients with PPMS and compare this form and relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and secondary progressive (SPMS) forms. Patients who attended follow-up visits under the Registry of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (RejSM) were enrolled in the study in the autumn of 2017. The prevalence of individual types of the disease was compared and the clinical, demographic, and social differences between RRMS, PPMS and SPMS were analyzed. Of the 8,045 registered patients, current data as on December 31, 2017 was obtained from 4,398 patients. The RRMS form was seen in 2,925 patients (66.5%); secondary progressive form, in 1.051 patients (23.9%); and PPMS, in 422 patients (9.6%). The first symptoms of PPMS appeared almost 10 years later than in patients with RRMS (39.2 ± 11.4 vs. 29.8 ± 9.8). The period from the first symptoms to diagnosis was more than twice as long in patients with PPMS (5.8 ± 3.4) than RRMS (2.4 ± 1.6). SPMS was diagnosed on average after 14 years of RRMS (46.2 ± 13.5). The RRMS form was more frequently found in women (2.4:1), while the PPMS form was almost equal in both sexes (1.2:1). The average degree of disability based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale was 3.2 ± 2.1 for RRMS, 4.6 ± 2.4 for PPMS and 5.2 ± 3.6 for SPMS. The dominant symptom in PPMS was paresis of the lower limbs (86%). Patients with PPMS had higher education and higher instance of marriage than those with RRMS or SPMS. PPMS occurs in about 10% of Polish patients with multiple sclerosis, and the first symptoms appear at around 40 years of age with the same frequency in both sexes. PPMS diagnosis takes more than twice the time for RRMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to present our experience following the longterm treatment of 11 patients with Unverricht-Lundborg disease (ULD) confirmed by molecular testing.Methods: We analyzed the clinical course, cognitive state, neuroimaging and neurophysiology results.Results: The data were collected from 9 unrelated families (F/M: 4/7) aged 25-49. The most frequent early manifestations of ULD include generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) accompanied by myoclonus 2 years later. Myoclonus was observed in all of the patients; its severity made it impossible for 91% to move independently. In two patients- mild atrophy of brain were observed in the MRI. More than half of the patients who underwent evoked potential presented no abnormalities. The dominant EEG-change was slow background activity in all of the patients. Seven patients had generalized seizure activity. The patients received antiepileptic therapy modifications depending on the severity of symptoms and stage of the disease. Five patients received N-acetyl-cysteine.Conclusions: ULD patients require anti-epileptic polytherapy, mostly benefitting from managing GTCS and myoclonus with valproic acid and clonazepam treatment. Patients may benefit from add-on therapy with levetiracetam or topiramate. An increase in myoclonus, resulting from the progressive nature of the disease leads to significant disability in the majority of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the optimization procedure of a hybrid removal-forming type process based on the minimum energy consumption and demanded surface roughness which is supported by the analysis of transformation of the surface and sublayer properties termed as the technological heredity. The experimental investigation covers an alloy steel hardened to 35 HRC and 55 HRC which was initially turned using coated carbide and CBN tools and subsequently burnished to produce surfaces with Ra roughness parameter of about 0.15 μm. The modifications of the initial surface profiles, microstructure and microhardness of the sublayer were determined and relevant technological limits are selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • It is possible to observe the magnetic domain structure in TEM other than Foucault, Fresnel and holography method. • For a CoNiGa monocrystal a domain structure can be observed with a high field pole piece in TEM turned on. • Ion polishing can reveal the magnetic domains boundaries. Abstract Magnetic domain structure of magnetic shape memory alloy was observed using backscattered electron detector in scanning electron microscope and using Fresnel imaging in transmission electron microscope. The sample subjected to additional ion polishing allowed observation of the contrast associated with the magnetic structure of the material under conditions that exclude the use of Foucault or Fresnel transmission electron microscopy imaging. The additional research conducted using atomic force microscopy showed a significant relationship between the method of preparation and the magnetic shape memory alloy sample surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric ischemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. As previous studies of children after stroke showed, dyslipidemias were very common in Polish and other European populations. Thus, looking for genetic factors predisposing to pediatric stroke, its symptoms, and outcome, we have analyzed 2 polymorphisms of the upstream stimulating factor 1 (USF-1) gene.Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 82 children with stroke, 156 parents, and 146 controls. We used 2 alternative methods: the case-control model and the analysis of families using the transmission disequilibrium test. The 2 polymorphisms, rs2516839 and rs3737787, were genotyped using the TaqMan Pre-Designed SNP Genotyping Assay. The Statistica 10.0 software was used in all statistical analyses.Results: We did not observe any statistical differences in genotype and allele frequencies between patients and controls. There were also no significant differences in the transmission of alleles from the parents to the affected children. However, we have observed that the TT genotype of the rs2516839 polymorphism was more common in patients with epilepsy and dysarthria, whereas the TT genotype of the rs3737787 polymorphism was more frequent in the group of patients with a decrease in intellectual functioning.Conclusions: Our study did not show any associations between the 2 analyzed polymorphisms of the USF-1 gene and pediatric ischemic stroke. However, we have observed an influence of specific genotypes on the outcome of stroke, including epilepsy, dysarthria, and a decrease in intellectual functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper presents an original contribution to the detection and quantification of cutting vibration in the surface profiles produced on hardened steel parts using CBN tools. Several machined surfaces with the Ra parameter ranging from 0.05 µm to 0.3 µm produced by feed rates of 0.05-0.1 mm/rev are analyzed using the FFT signal processing technique. Both recorded and simulated surface profiles along with relevant force records are processed in terms of the frequency characteristics estimated from the PSD spectra. A methodology for the comparison of the process and surface outputs leading to the detection of surface profile deteriorations caused by cutting vibration is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault detection and estimation is a critical part of modern control system design and ensures safety and reliability of expensive machinery. In this paper, a dual-mode state and fault estimation scheme is proposed for switched linear systems with a class of state jumps in the presence of simultaneous actuator and sensor faults. In the absence of sensor faults, a switched sliding mode observer is developed to estimate the state and actuator fault signal. A residual signal is computed to detect the inception of a sensor fault. Upon detecting the sensor fault, a robust state observer is triggered which guarantees ultimate boundedness of the state estimation error. The performance of the proposed dual-mode switched observer is illustrated using a numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining of the delivery schedule in urban areas requires consideration of points of view of various players, such as suppliers, customers, but also (indirectly) inhabitants of city. Taking into account these interests in the optimization model is necessary to ensure the sustainable transportation of cargo in cities. Moreover, the solution of this task is a complex process and requires to use of appropriate methods. The problem taken in the article belongs to a class of Vehicle Routing Problems (VRP), more specifically Rich VRP. For its solution metaheuristic method was applied. In this article, the verification of the part of delivery plan due to the duration of the route was made. A description of the problem and isolated fragment of solutions for simulation verification were presented. The article presents the simulation results of presented problem in case of the transport time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research confirms the growing scale and frequency of land use conflicts. Such conflicts primarily affect rural areas and farmland due to urban expansion or transformations towards multifunctionality. This paper, therefore, aims to identify changes in the scale and structure of farmland use conflicts among the three main competing functions (production, consumption and protection) drawing upon Holmes' conceptualisation of the multifunctional countryside. Unlike other research, based mainly on qualitative case studies, we use Shannon entropy and the administrative courts' database in Poland to analyse farmland use conflicts in a quantitative approach. Our results show the growing dynamics and changing conflict structure observed in time and space but also, to some extent, depending on the composition and configuration of land functions. The findings also prove the importance of (EU, large-scale, nationwide) agricultural and environmental policies in increasing the number of conflict cases. A shift in the conflict line is observed from mainly production-consumption conflicts to conflicts within a single function (production-production) and production-protection conflicts. The changing structure of farmland use conflicts is shaped by the level of development of the production function considered in terms of size and ownership structures as well as its economic performance. In light of this study, land use conflicts, often perceived as socially undesirable, are not necessarily unfavourable, as they manifest a growing capacity to engage in dispute and include weak, forgotten or intentionally excluded actors in the process of building resistance. • The revealed and formalised land use conflicts are approached quantitatively. • Shannon entropy and the administrative courts' database were used. • Composition of land functions determines the dynamics and structure of conflicts. • EU agricultural and conservation policies translate into growing scale of conflicts. • Growing scale of conflicts reflects building of resistance by less capable actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The currently popular 3D printing makes it possible to produce spatial scaffolds, the main purpose of which is to obtain implants that have favourable mechanical properties to promote cell adhesion. This study aims to prove the influence of changes in selected geometrical parameters of scaffolds, used in intervertebral cages, on the mechanical properties obtained and thus on the osteointegration of the studied constructs with osteoblasts and fibroblasts. The stiffness values and maximum failure force of four modifications to geometric dimensions of the meshes were determined from the intendation test. Adhesion assays were conducted (including gentle pendulum motion) for Balb/3T3 fibroblasts and NHOst osteoblasts. The study revealed that an important geometrical parameter affecting the strength of the mesh is the height (h) of the connection point between arms of successive mesh cells. There was no significant effect of the mesh geometry on the abundance and survival of Balb/3T3 and NHOst cells. At the same time, fibroblasts were more likely to form colonies in the area where there is fusion of mesh cells, as opposed to osteoblasts that were more numerous at vertices of the mesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most accounts of urban green space governance originate in cities where such initiatives have been successful. Meanwhile, there is too little information on cities where such initiatives develop with more difficulty. In order to overcome the problems that such cities face, their situations need to be studied more carefully to facilitate peer comparisons. This article provides an account of urban green space governance in three cities in Poland (Krakow, Lodz, Poznan), where environmental protection is still quite far down on the list of political priorities. With the use of a social network analysis we looked at the extent of relationships between different stakeholders and the roles of different actors within the network. The results indicate that the network's collaboration potential is barely used and that cross-sectoral collaboration is especially deficient. In particular, public institutions hold a relatively strong position and downplay the role of other actors. More collaboration is necessary and the potential bridging role of NGOs should be used to a larger extent. However, this requires more openness and trust within the network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Restrictive mitral annuloplasty is the preferred method of treating secondary mitral regurgitation. The use of small annuloplasty rings to reduce the high recurrence rates may result in mitral stenosis. Methods Thirty-six patients who underwent restrictive mitral annuloplasty with Carpentier-Edwards classic 26 size ring underwent exercise echocardiography and ergospirometry. Resting catecholamines and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were measured. Results At the time of study, the median time from operation was 16.6 months (interquartile range, 8.5 to 43.3 months). Left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) was 67 mL/m 2 (interquartile range, 25 to 92 mL/m 2 ), and ejection fraction (EF) was 38.8% (interquartile range, 28.3% to 59.0%). Mitral gradients were higher at the leaflet tips than at the annular level. Continuous wave (CW) Doppler gradients at rest were 3.4 mmHg (interquartile range, 2.4 to 4.9 mmHg) mean and 9.5 mmHg (interquartile range, 7.0 to 14.7 mmHg) maximal. On exertion, they increased to 6.8 mmHg (interquartile range, 5.4 to 8.8 mmHg) ( p = 0.001) and 19.7 mmHg (interquartile range, 12.8 to 23.3 mmHg) ( p = 0.001), respectively. Maximal VO 2 was 18.2 mL/kg/min (interquartile range, 16.3 to 21.5 mL/kg/min), VE/VCO 2 slope was 31.1 (interquartile range, 26 to 34). Epinephrine level was 0.024 ng/mL (interquartile range, 0.0098 to 0.043 ng/mL), norepinephrine was 0.61 ng/mL (interquartile range, 0.41 to 0.95 ng/mL), and NT-proBNP was 303 pg/mL (interquartile range, 155 to 553 pg/mL). Maximal VO 2 negatively correlated with resting norepinephrine level ( r = −0.50, p = 0.003). VE/VCO 2 slope positively correlated with NT-proBNP ( r = 0.36, p = 0.004) and epinephrine ( r = 0.36, p = 0.04) levels and with LV volumes ( r = 0.51, p = 0.006) and was negatively correlated with LVEF ( r = −0.52, p = 0.004). Neither maximal VO 2 nor VE/VCO 2 slope correlated with the highest mean ( r = 0.24, p = 0.2, and r = −0.20, p = 0.3, respectively) and maximal ( r = 0.13, p = 0.5, r = −0.20, p = 0.3, respectively) mitral gradients on exertion. Conclusions Restrictive mitral annuloplasty for secondary mitral regurgitation does result in a degree of mitral stenosis; however, primary heart disease seems more important for patient’s exercise performance than the mitral stenosis resulting from using an undersized ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monte Carlo computer simulations confirmed that an increase in density has a minor effect on the weakening of neutron transport and, therefore, the optimum composition of a shielding concrete against gamma radiation is different than the one against neutron radiation. Neutron radiation shielding is a two-step process: slowing down of fast neutrons and absorption of thermal ones. Both result from the atomic composition of the barrier but their dependence on specified atomic compositions and moisture content is different. The aim of the presented research is to develop a high density concrete the composition of which would also assure good efficiency of neutron shielding. Neutron transport through standard cement mortar, PCC mortar, normal-weight concrete and magnetite heavy-weight concrete has been analyzed in the paper. The goal in research was to find an influence of the cement type, polymer addition, density and moisture content on the shielding properties against neutron. The research based on convergent results of MC computer simulations and real experiments confirmed the influence of the cement type on fast neutron attenuation. It was also found that each 1% of moisture content makes 10% increase of fast neutron thermalization effectiveness, what is a little less than it was estimated for cement based mortars. It was also proved that heavy-weight concrete is not proper solution for shielding against fast neutrons, but its efficiency is visible in the case of thermal neutrons absorption, probably due to increase of Fe content at the expense of Si and O in the atomic composition as well as water retained by magnetite aggregate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is one of the risk factors of pediatric stroke. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme, which regulates homocysteine metabolism, and some polymorphisms of gene encoding this enzyme are associated with a decreased activity of the enzyme. The aim of the study was to assess an association between the A1298C polymorphism and pediatric stroke. We also evaluated a possible synergistic effect of A1298C and C677T polymorphisms of this gene. The study group consisted of 88 children after ischemic stroke, 142 of their parents and 111 controls. The A1298C polymorphism was genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. We used 2 study designs: a case–control model and a family-based association test. The Statistica 7.1 and EpiInfo 6 softwares were used in all analyses. We did not observe any statistically significant differences either in the transmission of the A allele in the family-based test or in the frequency of the A allele in the patients group compared with the controls. We also did not notice any significant additive or synergistic effects between the A1298C and C677T polymorphisms. An analysis of the results obtained in this study and a critical review of previously published studies indicate that the A1298C polymorphism of the MTHFR gene is not related to ischemic stroke in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The problem of replacing costly and environmentally detrimental grinding operations by hard turning or milling processes needs further investigations related to the obtainable quality of machined parts. In author's opinion the problem should be extended to the surface texture generated in these contrary operations which is critical for service properties demanded by end-users. Taking these aspects into consideration, an extended study was performed to characterize surface topographies (3D surface roughness parameters) produced. In this case study, the turned and ground surfaces with the same Ra roughness parameter of about 0.3μm were compared. Moreover, the frequency, furrows, fractal and motifs analyses have aided the final conclusions. The analysis done would assist technologists to select an optimum chain of machining operations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Forty three Bradyrhizobium strains isolated in Poland from root nodules of lupin species (Lupinus albus, L. angustifolius and L. luteus), and pink serradella (Ornithopus sativus) were examined based on phylogenetic analyses of three housekeeping (atpD, glnII and recA) and nodulation (nodA) gene sequences. Additionally, seven strains originating from root-nodules of yellow serradella (O. compressus) from Asinara Island (Italy) were included in this study. Phylogenetic trees revealed that 15 serradella strains, including all yellow serradella isolates, and six lupin strains grouped in Bradyrhizobium canariense (BC) clade, whereas eight strains from pink serradella and 15 lupin strains were assigned to Bradyrhizobium japonicum (BJ1). Apparently, these species are the two dominant groups in soils of central Europe, in the nodules of lupin and serradella plants. Only three strains belonged to other chromosomal lineages: one formed a cluster that was sister to B. canariense, one strain grouped outside the branch formed by B. japonicum super-group, and one strain occupied a distant position in the genus Bradyrhizobium, clustering with strains of the Rhodopseudomonas genus. All strains in nodulation nodA gene tree grouped in a cluster referred to as Clade II, which is in line with earlier data on this clade dominance among Bradyrhizobium strains in Europe. The nodA tree revealed four well-supported subgroups within Clade II (II.1–II.4). Interestingly, all B. canariense strains clustered in subgroup II.1 whereas B. japonicum strains dominated subgroups II.2–II.4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Epidemiologic data on paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) are limited. • Incidence and prevalence of POMS has never been assessed in Eastern Europe. • Increasing incidence of POMS confirmed that Poland is a high risk area for MS. • POMS, like MS in adults, is significantly more common in females than in males. Epidemiologic data on pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) in Central and Eastern Europe are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, prevalence and the clinical features of POMS in Poland. Registry-based retrospective study was conducted among Polish children population (age ≤ 18 years), between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. A total of 329 pediatric or juvenile patients fulfilled the International Pediatric MS Study Group (IPMSSG) criteria for MS, reported to the Polish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, were considered for estimation of age- and sex-specific prevalence (per 100,000 persons), and incidence rates (per 100,000 person-years). The demographic data, clinical presentation and treatment strategies also were investigated. On December 31, 2019 in the database were collected data of 329 patients up to 18 years with POMS diagnosis (101 boys and 228 girls; mean age 15.3 ± 3.8 years). The age-adjusted prevalence standardized to the European Standard Population was 5.19/100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.64-5.78). A significantly higher prevalence was recorded in girls (7.41; 95% CI, 6.48-8.44) than in boys (3.08; 95% CI, 2.50-3.74; P<0.001). The mean annual standardized incidence in Poland between 2015 – 2019 was 0.77 (95%CI, 0.45-1.02) per 100,000 person-years. The highest overall standardized incidence 1.06 (95%CI, 0.82-1.34) was noted in 2018. Most of patients (95.7%) had relapsing-remitting disease with polysymptomatic onset in one-thirds of the cases, and 82.3% were treated with disease-modifying drugs. Family history of MS was reported in 26 cases (7.9%). In this first report of registry-based study from Poland an increasing prevalence and incidence of POMS was found during the last years. This temporal trend corroborate the findings of studies conducted elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel approach for imaging of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy processes presented in this work is based on transmission electron microscopy methods. With the use of liquid cell, illumination system, and lowered electron dose the successful light-induced in-situ observations on Staphylococcus aureus encapsulated with methylene blue were performed. Results showed that with specified imaging parameters it is possible to conduct reliable research on bacteria in electron microscope despite the unfavorable damaging effect of the highly energetic electron beam used for imaging. This approach differs from the common methods, as it provides direct observations of the processes occurring upon light illumination. The effects obtained with the proposed method are very promising and may serve to answer why different microorganisms respond to the therapy differently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heel contraction is an undesired but common condition in domestic horses. Some authors indicate shoeing as a risk factor. There is a correlation between shoeing and a restriction of heel expansion, but the clinical significance is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of shoeing and other risk factors, such as age, access to paddock, and breed, on heel contraction. This study included 114 horses, 55 of which were barefoot their whole life and 59 had been shod consistently for at least the previous year. The width and length of the frog were measured. Linear mixed-effects models were performed for the width:length ratio, where the fixed effects were age, sex, breed, pasture or paddock time, shoeing and its duration, and limb. The random effects included the horse and the yard. Although heel contraction occurs more often in shod horses compared with barefoot horses, the difference between the two conditions was not statistically significant, when other factors were considered. The most important factors that impacted contraction were individual horse features and breed (P <.001). The effect of age and a yard was noticed (P < 0,5). The sex, paddock time, and the shoeing and its duration were found not to have statistical significance. The study concluded that heel contraction is multifactorial problem, mainly caused by breed and unknown features correlated with individual. It was not confirmed that horseshoeing causes heel contraction. Because of significant difference in incidence of contraction between yards, there is a need to further investigation of environmental factors causing this hoof distortion. • Heel contraction occurs more often in shod than in barefoot horses. • It was not confirmed that metal horseshoeing causes heel contraction. • Breed, age, and individual features are related to heel contraction. • Heel contraction seems to be influenced by environment and management factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of measurements of carbon dioxide (CO 2), BTESX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and xylenes), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) , and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤4 μm (PM 4) during the winter season in the Upper Silesia region, Poland. The samples were collected simultaneously outside and inside residential buildings (flats and houses), including kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms. Concentrations of CO 2 were measured automatically, PM 4 , gravimetrically, while BTESX and NO 2 were collected by passive methods and determined by gas chromatography (GC) and spectrophotometry, respectively. The highest CO 2 concentrations were found in bedrooms (mean value 857 ± 217 ppm), pointing to a small volume of this type of room. Toluene had the highest concentration among studied volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with the max. values 135.46 and 77.11 μg/m3 in flats and houses, respectively. Elevated concentrations of BTESX indoors (63.7 ± 39.6, 57.0 ± 32.7 and 67.7 ± 48.4 μg/m3 in bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms, respectively) point to the significant role of renovation works in flats, particularly the use of Styrofoam, as well as poor ventilation of garages located in houses. Increased NO 2 concentrations (20.5 ± 6.5, 24.9 ± 13.2 and 21.2 ± 10.9 μg/m3 in bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms, respectively) were observed with intensive use of gas cookers; however, no exceedances of the accepted levels were reported. Results indicate that occupants in studied buildings are particularly exposed to high PM 4 levels from 26.1 to 314.9 μg/m3 associated with infiltration from outdoor air, which can be dangerous for their health. Image 1 • Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) was assessed by monitoring CO 2 , BTESX, NO 2 , and PM 4 levels. • IAQ issues were more serious in houses than flats. • The indoor levels of CO 2 were significantly higher than the outdoor ones. • Gas cooker and garage were major impact factors for benzene and NO 2 indoors levels. • The PM 4 from outdoor air seemed to be the most hazardous to the occupants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]