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Studies covering key elements of the marine ecosystem based on current and long-term data have made it possible to assess both the current situation in terms of copper concentrations in commercially used fish and benthic plants and in surface bottom sediments, as well as enabled the analysis of the temporal variability of copper levels in relation to changes in its inflow to the southern Baltic Sea. By applying the threshold values, determining the boundary between good and not good status of the marine environment, set in this study, it was found that good environmental status has been achieved in the case of Cu in seawater and plants and has not been achieved in the case of sediments and fish for consumption. The study showed that climate change, the main feature of which is an increase in seawater temperature, significantly impacts the distribution and levels of copper in individual elements of the marine environment. It influences the vegetative season length and bioaccumulation efficiency and is of key importance for copper toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phloroglucinol (PHG), an analgesic and spasmolytic drug, shows promise in preventing high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance. In Wistar rats, 10 weeks of PHG treatment did not prevent HFD-induced weight gain but significantly mitigated fasting hyperglycemia, impaired insulin responses, and liver steatosis. This protective effect was not linked to hepatic lipogenesis or AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Instead, PHG improved mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing ATP production, and increasing anti-oxidant enzyme activity. PHG also relaxed gastric smooth muscles via potassium channel activation and nitric oxide (NO) signaling, potentially delaying gastric emptying. A pilot intervention in pre-diabetic men confirmed PHG's efficacy in improving postprandial glycemic control and altering lipid metabolism. These findings suggest PHG as a potential therapeutic for NAFLD and insulin resistance, acting through mechanisms involving mitochondrial protection, anti-oxidant activity, and gastric motility modulation. Further clinical evaluation is warranted to explore PHG's full therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the growing need to mitigate viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2, which has caused over 770 million infections and 7 million deaths worldwide, the role of architectural design in reducing pathogen spread has become paramount. This study explores how different buffer room configurations impact microbial isolation using the bacterium Micrococcus luteus and bacteriophage phi6 as test organisms. Through a comprehensive approach integrating architecture, technology, and scientific methodologies, we developed strategies to optimise safe buffer environments. Comparative analyses of various isolation systems highlighted significant variations in their effectiveness at reducing bioaerosol concentrations, directly influenced by the design and layout of buffer rooms. These findings are crucial for the effective design of medical and public spaces, particularly during pandemics, where preventing virus transmission is critical for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Research on broiler feeding has increasingly focused on finding effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and antibiotic residues in food products. A total EU-wide ban on AGPs was implemented in 2006. However, 70% of antibiotics are still used in animal treatment, contributing to 700,000 deaths worldwide annually due to antibiotic-resistant infections. As a result, researchers have sought natural alternatives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and plant-based preparations like essential oils, which have shown promise in improving broiler production traits and meat quality. The experiment in this study demonstrated that phytogenic supplements improved the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF). Additionally, meat from chickens on the phytogenic diet had better water-holding capacity, higher collagen content, and a favorable profile of amines, ketones, and aldehydes, indicating improved quality. These findings suggest that alternatives to AGPs can enhance broiler chicken production and meat physicochemical properties when used in appropriate doses and proportions. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic additive (PA) in broiler chickens' diet on production, physiochemical parameters, and the profile of volatile organic compounds present in broiler chickens' meat. The experiment was conducted in a commercial chicken house, where Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into two groups, each consisting of 65,000 broilers. One group was fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm of PA throughout the rearing period. The primary chemical composition of the meat and its physicochemical parameters were determined. A visual assessment of breast muscles for defects and volatile organic compounds were evaluated using an electronic nose system. No statistically significant differences were shown in the production performance of the chickens; while summarizing all production parameters, a higher EPEF index of 31 points in the experimental group was highlighted. Breast muscle quality showed differences in drip loss and WHC (p ≤ 0.01) in favor of the experimental group, and a lower cutting force value (p ≤ 0.05) was found for breast muscles from the experimental group. The group also had a lower proportion of muscles with a white striping defect, and the results of volatile organic compound profiling showed the most aroma units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy. Survival rates for children with ALL have improved, and today, more than 90% of children with ALL can be successfully treated. Acute pancreatitis (AP), which develops during chemotherapy for ALL can be a serious and fatal complication. It is a widely known toxicity, and several reports indicate that AP occurs with an incidence of 2–10% in patients treated for leukemia. It is mainly, but not exclusively, associated with the administration of asparaginase (ASP), which is one of the key components of multiagent chemotherapy used in ALL. The development of AP usually delays subsequent courses of chemotherapy and is the most common reason for the discontinuation of ASP, thus increasing the potential risk of leukemia relapse in children with ALL. Therefore, both the pathogenesis of AP in ALL and its impact on long-term outcomes remain to be thoroughly investigated. Purpose: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for acute pancreatitis (AP) and its impact on outcomes in Polish children treated for ALL. Methods: The study group included 2303 children receiving intensive chemotherapy for ALL. The group was divided into patients with at least one episode of AP and those who did not develop AP after treatment for ALL. Results: The cumulative incidence of AP in the study group was 4.08%. Older age was an independent risk factor for the development of AP (OR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.006–1.098; p = 0.03). The overall mortality associated with AP was 2.13%. The probabilities of disease-free survival (p-DFS) and event-free survival (p-EFS) in both subgroups were 0.84 vs. 0.86, log-rank p = 0.65 and 0.75 vs. 0.80, log-rank p = 0.12, respectively. A total of 22 out of 94 patients (23.4%) with AP were re-exposed to asparaginase (ASP) during the subsequent treatment phases. Only one patient re-exposed to ASP (4.5%) developed a second episode of AP. There were no significant differences in p-DFS and p-EFS between patients re-exposed and not re-exposed to asparaginase (0.78 vs. 0.86, log-rank p = 0.27 and 0.63 vs. 0.79, log-rank p = 0.09, respectively). Conclusions: The incidence of AP in children with ALL is low and related to patients' age. The development of AP does not seem to influence p-DFS and p-EFS in children with ALL. Recurrence of AP after re-exposure to asparaginase in patients with ALL and a history of AP is low (4.5%). Re-exposure to asparaginase after the first episode of AP does not improve either p-DFS or p-EFS in children with ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-melanocytic benign skin tumours encompass a diverse group of lesions, classified based on their cellular origin, such as epidermal, vascular, fibrous, neural, muscle, and adnexal tumours. Though they often reveal solitary lesions, multiple skin tumours focus on genodermatoses. Each syndrome exhibits distinct clinical characteristics and potential complications, including cutaneous and extra-cutaneous malignancies, some of which are potentially life-threatening. Diagnosing genetic syndromes is complex and requires numerous histopathological and immunohistochemistry tests due to similarities between the adnexal tumours and basal cell carcinoma upon pathology. Methods: To illustrate the clinical practice, we conducted a retrospective case study that included eleven patients with genodermatoses referred to a tertiary dermatology clinic from September 2018 to April 2024. We have also conducted a research study on available treatment modalities in this setting. Results: Five patients with excellent aesthetic results were treated using a recently approved FDA plasma device. After searching SCOPUS and PubMed database records, we assessed 96 original articles to present current knowledge regarding the dermato-surgical approach. Conclusions: Multiple skin tumours, especially on the face, may significantly affect patients' quality of life and have psychological consequences. An appropriate treatment selection tailored to the patient's needs should be provided. There is no standardised treatment for multiple benign tumours in genodermatoses, and selected methods with varying efficacy are employed. We presented the utility of a new plasma device in these settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent decades have witnessed noticeable demographic changes around the world. The global population has continued to increase steadily and, according to forecasts, the trend will be maintained in the coming decades. An increase in the 60+ population is yet another important demographic change. These determinants pose new challenges for socio-economic, spatial, and transport policies in most, if not all, cities in the world. These policies should be aligned with the global development paradigm to promote sustainable development and sustainable improvement of the quality of life of the present and future generations. In the coming years, the potential of cities should be recognized, resources should be managed rationally, effective spatial policies should be implemented, and user-friendly spaces should be created to promote the development of effectively managed urban areas. Cities are often compared to living organisms, which is why social mobility is a crucial determinant of urban development and is often used in assessments of cities. To address the above needs, a universal and innovative methodology for assessing the age-friendly walkability (AFW) of urban public spaces was developed and tested in the present study. The methodology was developed based on a review of the current trends in age-friendly cities, a survey of the target population, and a self-designed concept for evaluating the walkability of pedestrian routes in public space. The proposed methodology not only contributes to the existing knowledge but also has practical implications because it was tested in a Polish city to classify the 15 minute walkability of pedestrian routes and to identify Strategic Intervention Areas for the 60+ population (SAI 60+). This innovative approach to walkable urban public spaces is a simple tool for developing senior-friendly planning solutions in cities. The developed paper constitutes a basis for precise spatial planning it is based on reliable data by conducting a full and comprehensive spatial inventory of mobility trajectories of older people walkability. The aim of the undertaken research was to improve the quality of urban residents' lives in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (to make cities and human settlements safe, stable, and sustainable). Above all, the study is congruous with the sustainable urban mobility vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general urine test is considered one of the basic diagnostic tests using in healthcare. This study aimed to analyze sociodemographic factors associated with the frequency of urine testing in Poland. This cross-sectional survey was conducted using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) between 1 March and 4 March 2024. A representative sample of 1113 adults in Poland (aged 18–86 years, 52.5% of whom were females) took part in the study. The survey showed that 46.3% of adults in Poland had a urinalysis in the last 12 months. One-fifth (20.7%) of the participants had a urinalysis more than a year ago but not more than 2 years ago. Moreover, 26.7% had a urinalysis performed 2–3 years ago. Among all participants, female gender (OR = 1.31 [1.01–1.68]; p < 0.05), being aged 70 years and over (OR = 2.22 [1.23–4.02]; p < 0.01), having children (OR = 1.45 [1.01–2.09]; p < 0.05), and having urologic diseases (OR = 2.34 [1.79–3.02]; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with having urinalysis in the last 12 months. Among respondents without urologic diseases, female gender (OR = 1.33 [1.02–1.74]; p < 0.05), being aged 60 years and over (p < 0.05), and being married (OR = 1.45 [1.09–1.94]; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with having a urinalysis in the last 12 months. There was no significant impact of educational level, occupational status, or financial situation on the frequency of urinalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desire to maintain CO2 concentrations in the global atmosphere implies the need to introduce 'new' energy carriers for transport applications. Therefore, the operational consumption of each such potential medium in the 'natural' exploitation of vehicles must be assessed. A useful assessment method may be the vehicle's energy footprint resulting from the theory of cumulative fuel consumption, presented in the article. Using a (very modest) database of long-term use of hydrogen-powered cars, the usefulness of this method was demonstrated. Knowing the energy footprint of vehicles of a given brand and type and the statistical characteristics of the footprint elements, it is also possible to assess vehicle fleets in terms of energy demand. The database on the use of energy carriers, such as hydrogen, in the long-term operation of passenger vehicles is still relatively modest; however, as it has been shown, valuable data can be obtained to assess the energy demand of vehicles of a given brand and type. Access to a larger operational database will allow for wider use of the presented method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study involved 45 Holstein and 60 Holstein-Charolaise steers, tailored with specific diets according to breed and rearing systems. DNA genotyping was conducted for DGAT1, LEP, SCD1, SREBF1, and TG genes to investigate their impact on carcass conformation traits, beef quality traits, and sensory quality traits. The results showed associations between the genetic variants and the analyzed traits. Specifically, DGAT1 was found to affect drip loss, meat brightness, and color saturation. The TG gene was associated with marbling and meat color. LEP influenced trim fat and pH levels, while SCD1 was linked to metabolic energy live weight gains, and pH levels. SREBF1 was related to fatness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fatigue is the most persistent symptom in patients with long COVID. Moreover, Internet addiction itself has become a pandemic long-term effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of fatigue and Internet addiction in a group of students with COVID-19 and to determine the relationship between fatigue and addiction in students with and without long COVID symptoms. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 Polish students aged 19–26. The 183 students who had COVID-19 signaled the presence of long COVID symptoms, which corresponded to 45.5% of the surveyed group. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale was used to assess the level of fatigue, and the Kimberly Young questionnaire was used to assess the level of Internet addiction. Results: 19.7% (95% c.i.: 15.9–23.9%) of the students surveyed had a moderate level of Internet dependence (Internet addiction measure value of 50 points or more). Most of them did not complain of high levels of fatigue. Higher levels of dependence and fatigue were observed in subjects with long COVID symptoms (MFIS mean value was 26.5 in this group vs. 17.7 in the others; p = 0.0000 ***). The higher the respondents' level of dependence, the more they tended to feel tired (correlations were stronger in those with long COVID symptoms: rS = 0.23; p = 0.0017 **). Conclusions: In view of the results obtained, the study presented here has the potential to contribute to the international debate on the long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to address them. The study provides data that may be useful in the development of educational and health policies that target the psychophysical well-being of patients with long COVID symptoms. This process should be considered as a long-term endeavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ultrasonography is a basic tool used in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, but there is no single feature of this method which predicts malignancy with statistical significance. The aim of the study is to assess the usefulness of contrast enhanced-ultrasound (CEUS) in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. The highest value of the study results from the multiparameter approach to the evaluation of thyroid lesions in the light of new diagnostics methods and assessment of the unique combinations of both B-mode and CEUS features as predictors of thyroid cancers. Moreover, several qualitative contrast features predicting benign lesions were evaluated. The preliminary results indicate that CEUS is a useful tool in assessing the risk of malignancy of thyroid lesions. The combination of the qualitative enhancement parameters and B-mode sonographic features significantly increases the method's usefulness. Further studies should be performed to introduce CEUS patterns in the diagnostic algorithm of thyroid nodules. Background: Ultrasonography is a primary method used in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, but no single feature of this method predicts malignancy with high accuracy. Therefore, this paper aims to assess the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Methods: The study group comprised 188 adult patients (155 women and 33 men) who preoperatively underwent CEUS of a thyroid nodule classified as Bethesda categories II–VI after fine-needle aspiration biopsy. During the CEUS examination, 1.5 mL of SonoVue contrast was injected intravenously, after which 15 qualitative CEUS enhancement patterns were analysed. Results: The histopathologic results comprised 65 benign thyroid nodules and 123 thyroid carcinomas. The dominant malignant CEUS features, such as hypo- and heterogeneous enhancement and slow wash-in phase, were evaluated, whereas high enhancement, ring enhancement, and a slow wash-out phase were assessed as predictors of benign lesions. Two significant combinations of B-mode and CEUS patterns were noted, namely, hypoechogenicity with heterogeneous enhancement and non-smooth margins with hypo- or iso-enhancement. Conclusions: The preliminary results indicate that CEUS is a useful tool in assessing the risk of malignancy of thyroid lesions. The combination of the qualitative enhancement parameters and B-mode sonographic features significantly increases the method's usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure (HF) remains a major medical and social problem. The NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its active form, brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), in a simple blood test are the gold-standard biomarkers for HF diagnosis. However, even good biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides fail to predict all the risks associated with HF due to the diversity of the mechanisms involved. The pathophysiology of HF is determined by numerous factors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, neuroendocrine activation, pathological angiogenesis, changes in apoptotic pathways, fibrosis and vascular remodeling. High readmission and mortality rates prompt a search for new markers for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HF. Oxidative-stress-mediated inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of subsequent changes in the failing heart and provides a new insight into this complex mechanism. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers appear to be a promising diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with HF. This systematic review provides an overview of the current knowledge about oxidative stress and inflammation parameters as markers of HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins, a subclass of flavonoids known for their vibrant colors and health-promoting properties, are pivotal in the nutritional science and food industry. This review article delves into the analytical methodologies for anthocyanin detection and quantification in food matrices, comparing quantitative and topical techniques. Quantitative methods, including High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS), offer precise quantification and profiling of individual anthocyanins but require sample destruction, limiting their use in continuous quality control. Topical approaches, such as Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) and hyperspectral imaging, provide rapid, in situ analysis without compromising sample integrity, ideal for on-site food quality assessment. The review highlights the advancements in chromatographic techniques, particularly Ultra-high-performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with modern detectors, enhancing resolution and speed in anthocyanin analysis. It also emphasizes the growing importance of topical techniques in the food industry for their efficiency and minimal sample preparation. By examining the strengths and limitations of both analytical realms, this article aims to shed light on current challenges and prospective advancements, providing insights into future research directions for improving anthocyanin analysis in foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a complex condition. Left untreated, it leads to tooth loss and the need for prosthetic treatment. The incidence of periodontitis is steadily increasing, so new methods are being sought to aid in the diagnosis of the disease. Among the methods postulated is the determination of concentrations of bioactive compounds which include extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These enzymes are present in various structural elements of the stomatognathic system. The most promising enzyme of this group appears to be metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8). MMP-8 assays are performed in gingival fluid or saliva, and MMP-8 levels have been shown to be higher in patients with periodontitis compared to healthy subjects and correlated with some clinical parameters of the condition and the severity of the disease. In addition, the preliminary usefulness of this enzyme in evaluating the effectiveness of periodontal treatment and doxycycline therapy has been demonstrated. Determination of the active form of MMP-8 (aMMP-8) in oral rinse fluid using off-the-shelf assays shows the highest potential. Despite reports about aMMP-8 and promising data on the role of MMP-8 in periodontal diagnosis, a clear determination of the usefulness of this enzyme requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, microbiological controls neglected the spread of viruses through the air. Techniques to identify this threat required additional research to enable control measures to be introduced to protect against the spread of disease through this route. Due to the very high level of risk occurring during research on the COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, it seems necessary to use analogous microorganisms that will allow, through an experiment, to validate or challenge a method that stops the spread of infectious microorganisms, without unnecessary risk to research staff. The presented work was carried out to assess the possibility of using airborne microorganisms that are safe for humans for this type of research. The work presents the selection process of bacteria and viruses (bacteriophages) that have the greatest potential for use in experimental studies on airborne-droplet transmission indoors, especially in hospital facilities. In the study, it was assumed that determining the survival rates of groups of organisms would allow them to be used as a proxy for studying more dangerous bacteria and viruses. Survival studies of selected microorganisms were carried out, and the paper selected microorganisms with the highest survival rate in a given environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We were motivated by the need to improve early detection of bladder cancer (BLCA). Our aim was to uncover genetic alterations within the bladder's lining, called urothelium, where BLCA starts. We examined normal tissue margins near and far away from tumors, studying the abnormalities that may predispose to BLCA. Recognizing the post-zygotic variability in bladder urothelium resulting from exposure to carcinogens in urine, our novel approach examined up to eight fragments of normal epithelium from each individual. Using a sensitive computational method, we successfully identified novel, but also well-known cancer-related regions across normal samples, confirming the efficacy of our methodology. Additionally, we provide further evidence for the already recognized connection between the loss of chromosome Y in men and BLCA. This positions our method for broader use in larger cohorts and different cancer types. Looking ahead, our methodology holds promise for identifying biomarkers that predict BLCA in analysis of urine. Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) is the 10th most common cancer with a low survival rate and strong male bias. We studied the field cancerization in BLCA using multi-sample- and multi-tissue-per-patient protocol for sensitive detection of autosomal post-zygotic chromosomal alterations and loss of chromosome Y (LOY). We analysed 277 samples of histologically normal urothelium, 145 tumors and 63 blood samples from 52 males and 15 females, using the in-house adapted Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations (MoChA) pipeline. This approach allows identification of the early aberrations in urothelium from BLCA patients. Overall, 45% of patients exhibited at least one alteration in at least one normal urothelium sample. Recurrence analysis resulted in 16 hotspots composed of either gains and copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) or deletions and CN-LOH, encompassing well-known and new BLCA cancer driver genes. Conservative assessment of LOY showed 29%, 27% and 18% of LOY-cells in tumors, blood and normal urothelium, respectively. We provide a proof of principle that our approach can characterize the earliest alterations preconditioning normal urothelium to BLCA development. Frequent LOY in blood and urothelium-derived tissues suggest its involvement in BLCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Back pain (BP) is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity (PA) is a key element in maintaining health. The purpose of this research was to determine the level of physical activity and back pain (BP) in students with long COVID symptoms and to determine the relationship between the level of PA and BP in students with and without long COVID. Methods: A survey was carried out among 402 students from Poland. The inclusion criteria were as follows: student status, age of over 18 years, history of COVID-19, and consent to participate in the study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the level of PA. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess BP. Results: We found that at least half of the students surveyed did not experience any lumbosacral or cervical spine pain. The authors found no association between the level of PA in women and a history of long COVID symptoms, while there were statistically significant differences in intense PA in men (p = 0.0263), with those who did not report long COVID symptoms being more active. With regard to cervical and lumbar spine pain complaints, in our study, these were statistically significantly stronger in students who were observed to have long COVID symptoms. The difference was not significant only for lumbosacral complaints among men. No strong correlations were found between PA level and the severity of BP. Conclusion: Additional investigation is required to comprehend the complex interaction between long COVID symptoms and levels of PA and BP. Special attention should be paid to the prevention of back pain mainly in the COVID-19 group of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium salt LiHDI (lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(n-heptafluoropropyl)imidazolide) is proposed as a solid electrolyte interphase-stabilising additive for lithium-ion batteries, which can be added in a smaller amount than fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) additives. Electrolytes containing either lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)imidazolide (LiTDI) or battery-standard LiPF6 were tested with various amounts of LiHDI additive. Chemical stability in the presence of water and the thermal stability of LiHDI are on par with LiTDI. LiHDI additive does not negatively affect the properties of electrolytes. Conductivity measurements of solutions, galvanostatic cycling of graphite-LiFePO4 cells at room temperature, cells' cycling at 60 °C, internal cell resistance monitoring during cycling, and XPS analysis of electrodes' surfaces after cycling have been performed. LiHDI, unlike the FEC-VC mixture, does not negatively affect the properties of the electrolyte. Cycling showed improved capacity retention with LiHDI additive with both graphite and LiFePO4 as capacity-limiting electrodes over samples without additives. At elevated temperatures, samples with LiHDI exhibited better capacity retention during cycling than those with FEC-VC. Internal cell resistance can be correlated with capacity retention. XPS results show changes in the composition of SEI depending on the composition of the electrolyte and the duration of cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer (OC) has emerged as the leading cause of death due to gynecological malignancies among women. Oxidative stress and metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to influence signaling pathways and afflict the progression of carcinogenesis. Therefore, the assessment of matrix-remodeling and oxidative stress intensity can determine the degree of cellular injury and often the severity of redox-mediated chemoresistance. The study group comprised 27 patients with serous OC of which 18% were classified as Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages I/II, while the rest were diagnosed grades III/IV. The control group comprised of 15 ovarian tissue samples. The results were compared with genetic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Nitro-oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis biomarkers were measured colorimetrically/fluorometrically or via real-time PCR in the primary ovarian tumor and healthy tissue. Stratification of patients according to FIGO stages revealed that high-grade carcinoma exhibited substantial alterations in redox balance, including the accumulation of protein glycoxidation and lipid peroxidation products. TCGA data demonstrated only limited prognostic usefulness of the studied genes. In conclusion, high-grade serous OC is associated with enhanced tissue oxidative/nitrosative stress and macromolecule damage that could not be overridden by the simultaneously augmented measures of antioxidant defense. Therefore, it can be assumed that tumor cells acquire adaptive mechanisms that enable them to withstand the potential toxic effects of elevated reactive oxygen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the influence of ischemic preconditioning (IP) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR)-induced endothelial cell (EC) death. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to 2 or 6 h hypoxia with subsequent reoxygenation. IP was induced by 20 min of hypoxia followed by 20 min of reoxygenation. Necrosis was assessed by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and apoptosis by double staining with propidium iodide/annexin V (PI/AV), using TUNEL test, and Bcl-2 and Bax gene expression measured using RT-PCR. In PI/AV staining, after 24 h of reoxygenation, 30–33% of EC were necrotic and 16–21% were apoptotic. In comparison to HR cells, IP reduced membrane apoptosis after 24 h of reoxygenation by 50% but did not influence EC necrosis. Nuclear EC apoptosis affected about 15–17% of EC after 24 h of reoxygenation and was reduced with IP by 55–60%. IP was associated with a significantly higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio, at 8 h 2–4 times and at 24 h 2–3 times as compared to HR. Longer hypoxia was associated with lower values of Bcl-2/Bax ratio in EC subjected to HR or IP. IP delays, without reducing, the extent of HR-induced EC necrosis but significantly inhibits their multi-level evaluated apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electronics, Artificial Intelligence Circuits and Systems (AICAS) stand out as a groundbreaking frontier. This review provides an exhaustive examination of the advancements in AICAS, tracing its development from inception to its modern-day applications. Beginning with the foundational principles that underpin AICAS, we delve into the state-of-the-art architectures and design paradigms that are propelling the field forward. This review also sheds light on the multifaceted applications of AICAS, from optimizing energy efficiency in electronic devices to empowering next-generation cognitive computing systems. Key challenges, such as scalability and robustness, are discussed in depth, along with potential solutions and emerging trends that promise to shape the future of AICAS. By offering a comprehensive overview of the current state and potential trajectory of AICAS, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals looking to harness the power of AI in electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: reproductive disorders are a serious global concern in medical, social, and demographic contexts. According to estimates, approximately 10–15% of couples around the world suffer from infertility. Numerous studies have shown that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as a high-fat diet, a postponed decision to start a family, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, risky sexual behavior, psychiatric diseases, and chronic stress, have a negative influence on the fertility of women. The main goal of this study is to assess the knowledge of women about reproductive health, infertility risk factors, and causes of infertility and to determine whether the level of this knowledge varies based on sociodemographic variables. Materials and Methods: a survey was conducted among 111 patients who anonymously filled in a questionnaire comprising questions regarding fertility and its deficiencies. The results were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Fisher's test. Results: the survey results indicated that women had a good or very good level of knowledge of the causes of infertility. The obtained test results were statistically significant (p < 0.05), but the studied group did not possess sufficient knowledge of the symptoms characterizing the diseases related to limited fertility (p > 0.05). The level of knowledge on the diagnosis of infertility did not depend on the age of the examined people, their educational level, or personal experience in this field (p > 0.05). The results also revealed that the awareness of women on reproductive health was poor. The studied women had a low level of knowledge of infertility risk factors, and their knowledge did not correlate with age, educational level, or personal experiences. Conclusions: information on the aspects of reproductive health should be widely disseminated through public educational campaigns, aimed at correcting erroneous convictions among women about the risk factors for infertility and assisting them in improving fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly porous hydroxyapatite is sometimes considered toxic and useless as a biomaterial for bone tissue regeneration because of the high adsorption of calcium and phosphate ions from cell culture media. This negatively affects the osteoblast's growth in such ion-deprived media and suggests "false cytotoxicity" of tested hydroxyapatite. In our recent study, we showed that a small addition of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) may compensate for this adsorption without a negative effect on other properties of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials. This study was designed to verify whether such CSD-supplemented biomaterials may serve as antibiotic carriers. FTIR, roughness, mechanical strength analysis, drug release, hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity against human osteoblasts, and antibacterial activity were evaluated to characterize tested biomaterials. The results showed that the addition of 1.75% gypsum and gentamicin caused short-term calcium ion compensation in media incubated with the composite. The combination of both additives also increased antibacterial activity against bacteria representative of bone infections without affecting osteoblast proliferation, hemocompatibility, and mechanical parameters. Thus, gypsum and antibiotic supplementation may provide advanced functionality for bone-regeneration materials based on hydroxyapatite of a high surface area and increasingly high Ca2+ sorption capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing drug resistance of bacteria to commonly used antibiotics creates the need to search for and develop alternative forms of treatment. Phage therapy fits this trend perfectly. Phages that selectively infect and kill bacteria are often the only life-saving therapeutic option. Full legalization of this treatment method could help solve the problem of multidrug-resistant infectious diseases on a global scale. The aim of this review is to present the prospects for the development of phage therapy, the ethical and legal aspects of this form of treatment given the current situation of such therapy, and the benefits of using phage products in persons for whom available therapeutic options have been exhausted or do not exist at all. In addition, the challenges faced by this form of therapy in the fight against bacterial infections are also described. More clinical studies are needed to expand knowledge about phages, their dosage, and a standardized delivery system. These activities are necessary to ensure that phage-based therapy does not take the form of an experiment but is a standard medical treatment. Bacterial viruses will probably not become a miracle cure—a panacea for infections—but they have a chance to find an important place in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is an important component of the etiopathology of depression that uses oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) and elevated inflammatory markers. SARS-CoV-2 infection is also associated with abnormal inflammatory processes, which may impair effective treatment of depression in COVID-19 survivors. In the presented study, thirty-three hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) were started on antidepressant treatment, and twenty-one were re-evaluated after 4–6 weeks. The control group consisted of thirty healthy volunteers. All participants underwent neuropsychiatric evaluation, biochemical blood and urine analyses. The results of the research demonstrated positive correlations of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores with serum catalase (CAT) and urinary S-Nitrosothiols levels, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores with serum reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Depressed patients with a history of COVID-19 prior to the treatment had higher urinary nitric oxide (NO) levels and lower serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. In the control group, COVID-19 survivors had higher levels of urinary N-formylkynurenine (NFK). Our results suggest that the antidepressant treatment has a modulating effect on O&NS, reduces depressive symptoms and improves cognitive functions The present study does not indicate that clinical response to antidepressant treatment is associated with COVID-19 history and baseline SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. Nevertheless, further research in this area is needed to systematize antidepressant treatment in COVID-19 survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic therapy using delta-aminolevulinic acid is considered a promising option in the treatment of oral lichen planus. In the present work, three emulgel compositions prepared from natural polysaccharide gums, tragacanth, xanthan and gellan, were preliminarily tested for oromucosal delivery of delta-aminolevulinic acid. Apart from cytotoxicity studies in two gingival cell lines, the precise goal was to investigate whether the presence of the drug altered the rheological and mucoadhesive behavior of applied gelling agents and to examine how dilution with saliva fluid influenced the retention of the designed emulgels by oromucosal tissue. Ex vivo mucoadhesive studies revealed that a combination of xanthan and gellan gum enhanced carrier retention by buccal tissue even upon dilution with the saliva. In turn, the incorporation of delta-aminolevulinic acid favored interactions with mucosal tissue, particularly formulations comprised of tragacanth. The designed preparations had no significant impact on the cell viability after a 24 h incubation in the tested concentration range. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that tragacanth-based and gellan/xanthan-based emulgels might exert a protective effect on the metabolic activity of human gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Overall, the presented data show the potential of designed emulgels as oromucosal platforms for delta-aminolevulinic acid delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to assess the extent of dyspnoea, physical activity (PA), and back pain complaints and the association of dyspnoea, PA, and back pain complaints with PA in post-COVID-19 students at medical universities in Poland. Methods: An online survey was carried out among Polish medical students (213 women and 204 men) who had had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 within the last year. The Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea scale was used to assess the degree of dyspnoea. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the level of PA. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess back discomfort. Results: The study group had average levels of PA, with median total activity significantly lower in women (median total activity for women was 1189 and for men was 2044, while the standard deviation for women was 1419 and for men was 1450). More than 93% of the students reported no symptoms of dyspnoea. The following results were observed for ODI (median of 1.2 for women and 1.7 for men and standard deviation of 3.1 for women and 4.0 for men) and for NDI (median of 2.8 for women and 2.5 for men, standard deviation of 4.3 for women and 4.0 for men). Cervical spine pain was more frequent and severe. There are small, statistically significant correlations between the MRC and IPAQ measures and the ODI and NDI and IPAQ. Conclusions: In the study group of students of medicine, dyspnoea linked with a history of COVID-19 is not an issue. Post-pandemic PA levels should be increased in this group, with particular attention to female students. Urgent measures are also needed to prevent cervical pain in students at medical universities in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A remarkable feature of the brain is its sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism in brain structure and function is associated with clinical implications documented previously in healthy individuals but also in those who suffer from various brain disorders. Sex-based differences concerning some features such as the risk, prevalence, age of onset, and symptomatology have been confirmed in a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. The mechanisms responsible for the establishment of sex-based differences between men and women are not fully understood. The present paper provides up-to-date data on sex-related dissimilarities observed in brain disorders and highlights the most relevant features that differ between males and females. The topic is very important as the recognition of disparities between the sexes might allow for the identification of therapeutic targets and pharmacological approaches for intractable neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ionizing radiation (γ-rays and electron beam) on anticancer drug delivery systems (DDSs) properties was evaluated concerning potential sterilization. For this purpose, paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded nanoparticles were obtained using a biodegradable, self-developed copolymer of l-lactide and glycolide (PLGA), synthesized in the presence of bismuth 2-ethylhexanoate catalyst. The nanoparticles were obtained with a high encapsulation efficiency of PTX (EE = 94.2%). The average size of the nanoparticles was 253.5 nm. The influence of irradiation (sterilization dose, 25 kGy) on the microstructure and the physicochemical and thermal properties of the polymer matrix was investigated, as well as the effect of irradiation on the morphology and physicochemical properties of the pharmaceutical formulations of the nanoparticles. Additionally, an in vitro drug release study was conducted regarding any alterations in the kinetic profiles of drug release. It was confirmed that the irradiation with both types of ionizing radiation, i.e., γ-rays and electron-beam (EB), slightly decreased the average molecular weight of the polymer matrix. While only negligible changes in the microstructure and thermal properties of PLGA were observed after irradiation with EB, the average length of lactidyl blocks (lLL) in the copolymer chains irradiated with γ-rays decreased from 4.33 to 3.35. Moreover, the contribution of crystalline phase (Xc) in γ-irradiated samples decreased significantly from 35.1% to 22.7%, suggesting a dominant mechanism of chain scission over cross-linking in PLGA samples irradiated with γ-rays. In vitro drug release results demonstrate a sustained and controlled release of PTX from the nanoparticles based on PLGA. The kinetics of drug release was defined as first order with non-Fickian diffusion. Only negligible differences in the kinetic profiles of PTX release from PLGA drug carriers were observed after irradiation. The overall results suggest good resistance of PLGA nanoparticles to irradiation within the conditions used and the great potential of EB in the sterilization process of the polymeric DDSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies have been conducted on multimorbidity; however, there are different patterns in various countries, ethnicities and social groups. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity (physical diseases) in the urban population in Poland. In this population-based study, we examined multimorbidity stratified by sex, age, educational attainment and professional activity. Sixty-seven conditions were identified based on self-reported history (known conditions) and completed examinations (unknown conditions). Among the overall individuals aged 20–80 years, 1422 (88.2%) of the total 1612 individuals, 787 (88.9%) of 885 women and 635 (87.3%) of 727 men were diagnosed with at least two chronic conditions. On average, 5.25 ± 3.5 conditions occurred in the study population. The number of diagnosed conditions per individual increased with age and decreased with higher educational levels, with differing pathways in women and men. Women showed a higher number of conditions than men in the same age groups and educational levels. Only among students, the level of multimorbidity was lower in women than in men. In the other occupational activity categories, it was already higher in women. The level of multimorbidity in employed and unemployed individuals in a particular sex cluster was similar. We identified a high prevalence of multimorbidity in the urban population in Poland varying by age, sex, education attainment and professional activity. Our work may help in the selection of appropriate screening tests based on age, sex and educational attainment in order to recognise multimorbidity based on both known and unknown conditions. Ultimately, it may impact clinical practice, service delivery and study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private households are an important group of energy consumers. Based on Eurostat data, their energy consumption constituted 30% of the final consumption of energy use across the European Union in 2021. The cost of energy is one of the main components of household budgets; thus, the prices provided by energy carriers have a significant impact on energy consumption. The price offered to the final consumer consists of three components: the price of energy and its supply, network costs, and taxes and levies. The values of the three components, however, depend on several factors, among which the structure of the energy markets and energy policies in individual EU countries play a key role. This work aimed to analyze and assess the structure of electricity prices offered to households across EU countries in the years 2019–2021. The differences and similarities between the pricing policies of selected products in the EU and their impacts on households' purchasing capacity were captured and a non-pattern classification method (k-means) was applied as a research tool. The results indicated that the heterogeneity of the electricity price structure increased significantly over the period analyzed. This may be a consequence of the use of strongly differentiated tools to mitigate electricity price increases and the steps being taken towards low-carbon economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to look at the amount of fatigue and physical activity (PA) in individuals after COVID-19 in Poland and the correlation between fatigue and PA. Methods: The online research was carried out among adult Polish residents (122 women and 82 men) who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the previous year. The level of fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The PA level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: A total of 46.6% of the subjects had been ill with COVID-19 for more than 6 months before the time of the survey response. The MFIS total measure is 77 of the maximum score, and the median is 17. A total of 26% of respondents reported low activity, while 41% of respondents reported high activity. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between PA level and total fatigue score. The best scores for fatigue and PA were obtained by the subjects with mild COVID-19. The time since diagnosis (as opposed to older age and female sex) was not clearly associated with most measures. Conclusions: PA may play an important role in regulating the severity of fatigue; it should be increased, especially in patients after COVID. Further studies are also needed to investigate the mechanism of differences in fatigue and PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Histamine H2 receptor antagonists are a group of drugs that inhibit gastric juice secretion in gastrointestinal diseases. However, there is evidence to suggest that H2 blockers have a broader spectrum of activity. The antioxidant properties of H2 blockers have not been fully elucidated, and their anti-glycation potential has not been studied to date. Therefore, this is the first study to compare the antioxidant and antiglycation potentials of the most popular H2 antagonists (ranitidine, cimetidine, and famotidine) on protein glycoxidation in vitro. Methods: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was glycated using sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose, and ribose) as well as aldehydes (glyoxal and methylglyoxal). Results: In the analyzed group of drugs, ranitidine was the only H2 blocker that significantly inhibited BSA glycation in all tested models. The contents of protein carbonyls, protein glycoxidation products (↓dityrosine, ↓N-formylkynurenine), and early (↓Amadori products) and late-stage (↓AGEs) protein glycation products decreased in samples of glycated BSA with the addition of ranitidine relative to BSA with the addition of the glycating agents. The anti-glycation potential of ranitidine was comparable to those of aminoguanidine and Trolox. In the molecular docking analysis, ranitidine was characterized by the lowest binding energy for BSA sites and could compete with protein amino groups for the addition of carbonyl groups. H2 blockers also scavenge free radicals. The strongest antioxidant properties are found in ranitidine, which additionally has the ability to bind transition metal ions. The systematic literature review also revealed that the anti-glycation effects of ranitidine could be attributed to its antioxidant properties. Conclusions: Ranitidine showed anti-glycation and antioxidant properties. Further research is needed, particularly in patients with diseases that promote protein glycation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable development (SD) policy is also a family-friendly policy. Its crucial element is the use of social transfers (STs) as cash benefits for children. This study aims to explain the existence of regional variation in Poland in terms of the rate of working women and to conduct an assessment of the selected factors' impact including the impact of STs on women's propensity to work in Poland between 2000 and 2020. The survey showed the existence of SD through a strong convergence of the study area in terms of the rate of working women (RWW). However, an increase in the RWW with a decreasing fertility rate (FR) was observed between 2017 and 2020. The study showed a negative correlation between the RWW and STs. This means that the higher the transfers, the lower the propensity of women to return to the labour market. This situation could have negative consequences in the future. Long-lasting non-working periods mean a shorter period of pension contributions. As a result, with a low fertility rate, an accelerated pauperisation of society and a growing group of people living below the poverty line can be expected, which could disrupt or halt the country's sustainable development. Appropriate reforms are needed to enable women to return to the labour market as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of Internet addiction and physical activity, as well as the relationship between internet addiction and physical activity, among Polish and Portuguese students in the final year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted among students in Poland and Portugal (398 respondents) aged between 17 and 26 in October 2022. The level of internet addiction was assessed by the Kimberly Young questionnaire in Polish and in Portuguese. The level of physical activity was measured by the international physical activity questionnaire in Polish and in Portuguese. Results: In the study population, the majority of the respondents were mildly addicted to the internet. The average level of addiction was reported by 9.3–23.5% of the respondents. The average level of internet addiction was higher among Portuguese students and among men. Those who had suffered from COVID-19 (especially more than once) and were more physically active showed a higher tendency towards internet addiction. Conclusions: Internet addiction is a problem that has to be monitored and given more attention, particularly among male students. The results presented provide the first statistical insight into the problem of internet addiction among students in both countries and form the basis for further studies. They also highlight the severity of the problem and point to the need for early preventive and protective interventions against problematic internet use. It appears that effective strategies should include promoting the benefits of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high biocompatibility of titanium and its alloys, the need to remove titanium implants is increasingly being debated due to the potential for adverse effects associated with long-term retention. Therefore, new solutions are being sought to enhance the biocompatibility of titanium implants. One of them is to increase the thickness of the passive layer of the implant made of titanium dioxide. We were the first to evaluate the effect of hard-anodized (type II) Ti-6Al-4V alloy discs on the cytotoxicity, mitochondrial function, and redox balance of fibroblasts mitochondria compared to standard-anodized (type III) and non-anodized discs. The study used fibroblasts obtained from human gingival tissue. The test discs were applied to the bottom of 12-well plates. Cells were cultured for 24 h and 7, 14, and 21 days and mitochondria were isolated. We demonstrated the occurrence of oxidative stress in the mitochondria of fibroblasts of all tested groups, regardless of the presence and type of anodization. Type II anodization prevented changes in complex II activity (vs. control). The lowest degree of citrate synthase inhibition occurred in mitochondria exposed to titanium discs with type II anodization. In the last phase of culture, the presence of type II anodization reduced the degree of cytochrome c oxidase inhibition compared to the other tests groups and the control group, and prevented apoptosis. Throughout the experiment, the release of titanium, aluminium, and vanadium ions from titanium discs with a hard-anodized passive layer was higher than from the other titanium discs, but decreased with time. The obtained results proved the existence of dysfunction and redox imbalance in the mitochondria of fibroblasts exposed to hard-anodized titanium discs, suggesting the need to search for new materials perhaps biodegradable in tissues of the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article presents the results of analytical research on the possibility of using a mixture consisting of diesel oil and ethyl-tertiary-butyl ether in different percentages of EETB to power compression-ignition engines. The calculations were carried out for a four-stroke diesel engine intended for use as a power generator, among other things. In order to illustrate and verify the correctness of the calculations, a mathematical model was built that confirmed the correctness of the calculations. The calculations focused on a thorough analysis of the elemental composition (content of individual elements) of the fuel and, in particular, the carbon content in the fuel. A calculation algorithm was applied for mixing diesel fuel with ethyl-tertiary butyl ether in a share of EETB 5% + 95% ON, 10% EETB + 90% ON, 20% EETB ++80% ON, 30% EETB + 70% ON, 40% EETB + 60% ON. In this study, it determined the parameters of the working medium, the parameters of the environment and residual gases, and the processes (charge filling, compression, combustion, expansion) and effective parameters of the engine. The calculations used in this study led to heat balance, and a summary of the obtained results and their comparison with diesel oil are also described in this study. The results show the feasibility of using a mixture of ethyl-tertiary-butyl ether as a fuel in diesel engines. The results are very similar to those for 100% diesel. The results of our calculations confirming the possibility of using ether for fuel and thus maintaining similar engine operating parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duckweed is a plant with high phytoremediation abilities, which is why it is used in the process of cleaning the aquatic environment. The present study aimed to determine the effect of various concentrations of pig slurry added to the growth media used to produce duckweed (Lemna minor) (laboratory Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW) (experimental groups 1–9, pig slurry concentration (%): 1—2.00, 2—1.50, 3—1.00, 4—0.75, 5—0.50, 6—0.25, 7—0.12, 8—0.06, 9—0.03, control group 0—0.00). The contents of nutrients in the growth media could be classified as high (gr. 1–3), optimal (gr. 4–6), and deficient (gr. 7–9). Analyses were conducted for duckweed yield and growth medium parameters (pig slurry concentration, pH, salinity, temperature, TDS, and EC) on days 0, 10, 20, and 30 of the experiment. No growth or poor growth of duckweed were noted in groups 1, 6–9, and 0. In turn, satisfactory yields of duckweed green mass were recorded in groups 3–5, which allowed choosing them for further observations and analyses, including proximate composition (including protein content); contents of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Al, Cr, and α-tocopherol; and carotenoids—β-carotene, α-carotene, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, amino acids, fatty acids as well as N-NH4 and N-NO3. The plant material had an acceptable proximate composition and nutritionally safe analyzed component contents. Appropriate, stable growth medium conditions allowed the production of satisfactory duckweed yields. The study results allowed us to conclude that it is feasible to obtain feed material meeting basic quality standards by maintaining a closed circuit of duckweed culture, and use in the agricultural environment is possible through harnessing pig slurry for its production and ensuring its optimal growth conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urticaria is a condition characterized by the development of itchy wheals (hives), angioedema, or both. The pathophysiology of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is still poorly understood. It is suggested that there is no dominant and independent mechanism of CSU; however, there are different immunological and non-immunological abnormalities that act simultaneously or/and follow each other resulting in clinical symptoms. The latest hypothesis points out that mast cells (MCs) to be activated via autoantibodies in autoallergic or autoimmune mechanism mediators released from degranulated MCs are responsible for the vasoactive and neurospecific effect in CSU. According to many clinical observations, it is suggested that psychological stress can be both a triggering factor in the onset of CSU and a modulating one in the course of the disease and therapy effectiveness. Of importance, the mechanistic background of the psychological stress response in the skin has not yet been fully elucidated. However, of note, a variety of inflammatory mediators, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters facilitate this phenomenon. This review presents recent findings on the neuro–immuno–psychological aspects of CSU, highlighting an emerging role of neuro–immune interactions. It also points out the usefulness of psychological tools employment for the baseline diagnosis of perceived stress level and the presence of its symptoms. Furthermore, it proposes the implementation of non-invasive interventions to reduce psychological stress and anxiety. A bio–psycho–social approach including psychological support and patient education seems to be as important as traditional pharmacotherapy for CSU. It facilitates the effective control of active disease and a prolonged remission time in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to make a preliminary assessment of depression rates and levels of physical activity and the association between physical activity and depression among Polish and Portuguese students in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted among students in Poland and Portugal (398 respondents—229 from Poland and 169 from Portugal) aged between 17 and 26 in October 2022. The level of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in Polish and in Portuguese. The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Polish and in Portuguese. Results: Overall, 20–35% of respondents suffered from moderate depression, with a lower proportion among men. There were no differences in the percentage distribution of depression classification between Polish and Portuguese students. A decrease in the severity of depression was observed with increasing physical activity. In both countries, walking more often had the strongest effect on reducing depression scores. Conclusions: The continued and alarming prevalence of depressive disorders among university students in the year after the pandemic began had a significant impact on this population—further research on the impact of physical activity on mental health in different populations should be conducted to adjust the optimal level of physical activity for alleviating negative psychiatric symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomarkers that are able to predict the response to omalizumab (OMA) in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are highly valued. The aim of our study was to evaluate the UAS7 (urticaria activity score assessed for 7 days), DLQI (dermatology life quality index), SII (systemic immune-inflammation index), SIRI (systemic inflammation response index), PLR (platelet/lymphocyte ratio) and NLR (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) in a group of 46 CSU a patients treated for 24 weeks with OMA (300 mg every 4 weeks). There were no statistically significant differences observed at the start nor at the end of the treatment between the two groups (responders vs. non-responders) and SII, SIRI, PLR and NLR. However, a statistically significant correlation was observed between severity of urticaria expressed in UAS7 scores and the quality of life (evaluated by DLQI). Furthermore, at week 24, both groups demonstrated significant improvement in quality of life. Our single center study did not confirm the usefulness of SII, SIRI, NLR or PLR as predictors of the response to OMA in CSU. However, it is of importance that even patients who did not respond to the treatment presented a significant improvement in quality of life. Additionally, we also observed that the efficacy of treatment was unchanged amongst patients who underwent a second series of treatment in cases of relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic, systematic, inflammatory disease in which multiple metabolic and immunologic disturbances lead to lipid abnormalities, impaired glucose tolerance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and numerous metabolic disorders. In clinical practice, the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of lipid abnormalities are statins and fibrates. Statins are characterized by pleiotropic effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antiproliferative. They work by reducing the concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides and stabilizing atherosclerotic plaque. Fibrates are medications, which help to lower triglycerides, LDL, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels and increase lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In recent years, many new drugs were found to normalize the lipid profile in patients with psoriasis: glitazones (pioglitazone, troglitazone), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Pioglitazone improves the lipid profile, including the decrease of triglycerides, fatty acids, and LDL, as well as the increase of HDL. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs decrease modestly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The purpose of this study is to assess the current state of knowledge on the effect of different hypolipidemic treatments on the course of psoriasis. The study includes literature from medical databases PubMed and Google Scholar. We were browsing PubMed and Google Scholar until the beginning of December. The systematic review includes 41 eligible original articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of a catalyst inside the cylinder, the task of which is to reduce exhaust emissions from a diesel engine. The catalyst (platinum) applied to the glow plugs provided an additional method of exhaust aftertreatment. Due to their usage, especially in urban driving, passenger cars are characterized by small mileage between individual trips, so they often operate from a cold engine start and work at a low engine temperature, which leads to reduced catalytic reactor efficiency. For this reason, the efficiency of the internal catalyst was tested in relation to the efficiency of the external reactor. This efficiency was determined based on exhaust emission measurements (before and after the catalytic reactor) in two stages: stage 1: idling of a hot engine, and stage 2: simulation of the NEDC test (valid for the selected test object). The tests were carried out on an engine dynamometer, where the traffic conditions from the type-approval test carried out on a chassis dynamometer could be replicated. The tests were carried out on a Euro 4 1.3 JTD MultiJet diesel engine. The results (measurement of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and the number of particles) related to the assessment of the effect the catalyst in the cylinder were discussed. The obtained catalytic reactor efficiency results, regardless of the type of research, indicated that it achieved the highest efficiency in reducing the concentration of hydrocarbons, and the lowest—in relation to the number of solid particles (as that is not its primary function). It is particularly significant that the in-cylinder catalytic converter was most efficient during the cold engine start, which happens frequently in urban driving. The efficiency of the diesel oxidation catalytic reactor (DOC) during the engine start-up and warm-up phases with the use of standard glow plugs reached values of 31.3%, 34.1% and 14.3%, respectively, for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and the particle number. On the other hand, the determined efficiency of the DOC in a setup with the modified glow plugs was 28.9%, 35.7% and 12.5%, respectively. The proposed solution can be used to improve the combustion quality in internal combustion engines used in hybrid vehicles, which are characterized by frequent engine starts and stops. In addition, it is possible to use such a solution retroactively in traditional vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine, which could result in an improvement in their emission class through what is called retrofitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seeing that there are no data about associations between serotonin gene polymorphism and tryptophan catabolite concentration during PEG-IFN-α2a treatment, the aim of the current study is to examine (a) the associations between polymorphisms within the HTR1A, TPH2, and 5-HTT genes and the severity of depression symptoms and (b) the relationships among rs6295, rs4570625, and 5-HTTLPR rs25531polymorphisms and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity, as well as kynurenine (KYN), tryptophan (TRP), kynurenic acid (KA), and anthranilic acid (AA) concentrations. Materials and methods: The study followed a prospective, longitudinal, single-center cohort design. The severity of the depressive symptoms of 101 adult patients with chronic HCV infections was measured during PEG-IFN-α2a/RBV treatment. We used the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. The subjects were evaluated six times—at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24. At all the time points, MADRS score, as well as KYN, TRP, KA, and AA concentrations, and IDO activity were measured. At baseline, rs6295, rs4570625, and 5-HTTLPR rs25531polymorphisms were assessed. Results: Subjects with C/C genotypes of 5-HT1A and lower-expressing alleles (S/S, LG/LG, and S/LG) of 5-HTTLPR scored the highest total MADRS scores and recorded the highest increase in MADRS scores during treatment. We found associations between TRP concentrations and the TPH-2 and 5-HTTLPR rs25531 genotypes. Conclusions: Our findings provide new data that we believe can help better understand infection-induced depression as a distinct type of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional van der Waals materials exhibit particularly strong excitonic effects, which causes them to be an exceptionally interesting platform for the investigation of exciton physics. A notable example is the two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites, where quantum and dielectric confinement together with soft, polar, and low symmetry lattice create a unique background for electron and hole interaction. Here, with the use of polarization-resolved optical spectroscopy, we have demonstrated that the simultaneous presence of tightly bound excitons, together with strong exciton–phonon coupling, allows for observing the exciton fine structure splitting of the phonon-assisted transitions of two-dimensional perovskite (PEA) 2 PbI 4 , where PEA stands for phenylethylammonium. We demonstrate that the phonon-assisted sidebands characteristic for (PEA) 2 PbI 4 are split and linearly polarized, mimicking the characteristics of the corresponding zero-phonon lines. Interestingly, the splitting of differently polarized phonon-assisted transitions can be different from that of the zero-phonon lines. We attribute this effect to the selective coupling of linearly polarized exciton states to non-degenerate phonon modes of different symmetries resulting from the low symmetry of (PEA) 2 PbI 4 lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the study's results on beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) inhabiting caves in the Częstochowa Upland, southern Poland. During two years of research, 2084 specimens, representing 105 species from 19 beetle families, were collected. The obtained results indicate that many beetle species choose to inhabit caves despite lacking specific adaptations for living in such environments. The cave entrance zone is the most attractive place for surface species to inhabit because its climatic conditions are more stable than outside the cave, some sunlight is present, and the availability of organic matter is high. In the deeper parts of the studied caves, the number of occurring species rapidly decreased. Three species were recognised as troglobionts, four as troglophiles and 32 as subtroglophiles. Speonomus normandi hydrophilus, Choleva lederiana gracilenta and Quedius mesomelinus mesomelinus were identified as the most frequent in the studied caves. Speonomus normandi hydrophilus is endemic to the Arize massif in the Central Pyrenees (France) and was experimentally introduced into the Dzwonnica cave (Poland) in 1982, while Ch. lederiana gracilenta is one of two troglobitic beetles native to Polish caves and Q. imesomelinus mesomelinus is a widespread, very common troglophile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was inspired by scientific reports describing the positive effects of silicon preparations on fruit and vegetables in horticulture. The use of silicon preparations in forest protection represents a new research application, especially in the cases of oak seedlings that are damaged by oak powdery mildew. Additionally, these preparations increase the photosynthetic efficiency of the seedlings, and thus promote increased biomass and better nutritional value of the root systems. The new idea of using silicon formulations in forestry, based on the initial test results, is particularly important for seedlings in the post-planting period in forest plantations. In particular, these preparations increase yield and plant growth, and improve plant health. So far, no comparable studies have been conducted on forest tree species. To this end, one year-old pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and two year-old English oak (Quercus robur L.) seedlings were sprayed with silicon preparations of different concentrations, and changes in growth parameters and photosynthetic efficiency were observed. The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of the silicon preparation on the seedlings during their first life span, i.e., the first year after planting. In this study, 50 pine and 50 oak seedlings were sprayed three times with the silicon preparation, in five variants (control; concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3% and 5%), as well as the chlorophyll fluorescence, height, thickness and biomass of the roots, were measured. It was found that the treatment with a concentration of 2% was better and statistically, significantly different from the other variants, e.g., in terms of increasing photosynthetic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]