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The use of fossil fuel-based energy systems that provide heat and electricity to a building has adverse environmental impacts. These impacts can be mitigated, to a certain extent, through the incorporation of renewable energy sources (RES). The primary objective of this study was to conduct an environmental assessment of the performance of energy systems in existing public facilities located in Poland. Based on the findings, we proposed and implemented changes to these systems and validated the environmental impact of the RES systems used. SimaPro 8.1 software and the Ecoinvent 3.0 database were employed for the analysis, which entailed an environmental assessment of six public facilities located in Poland. The installation of RES resulted in an average 27% reduction in electricity consumption from the national electricity grid. This reduction was observed to be the least in the hospital and the most in the religious building. This was reflected in the environmental assessment of heating systems. The implementation of RES reduced the environmental impact of the religious building by an average of 20%. Concurrently, the CO2 emissions decreased by 35%, SO2 by 44%, and PM10 by 42%. Significant investments and the installation of advanced RES will not prevent the occurrence of unintentional environmental consequences unless the demand for electricity and thermal energy is reduced. The use of RES in the analyzed buildings and the associated avoided emissions do not entirely offset the negative emissions resulting from the utilization of other (conventional) energy sources in the analyzed energy systems of public buildings. Consequently, the analyzed facilities collectively exert a detrimental impact on the environment.

This article discusses the potential of using computer-simulation methods in processes such as thermal waste conversion, i.e., pyrolysis, gasification, combustion and torrefaction. These methods are gaining in importance, among others, due to the difficulties in execution and high costs associated with conducting experimental research in real conditions or the need to obtain detailed data on the phenomenon under study in a relatively short time. Computer simulation also allows for numerous errors to be avoided, such as those that may occur during optimization activities, the effects of which may have serious consequences, both economic and environmental. In addition to their many advantages, the limitations and disadvantages of using computer-simulation methods were also indicated, mainly related to the interpretation and validation of the results obtained using modelling. Owing to the complexity of the phenomena occurring during thermal conversion, special attention was focused on models based on chemical kinetics, thanks to which it is possible to predict the quantitative and qualitative composition of products in these processes. The aim of this research is to identify the research gap in the field of issues related to models of chemical kinetics of thermal waste conversion processes.

The correct assessment of the vertical jump height depends on an accurate and reliable measurement tool. This study aimed to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of the My Jump 2 app used for estimating the maximum height (MH) of the counter-movement jump (CMJ). Twenty-one male adults participated in this study. The MH of the CMJ was estimated based on the displacement of the jumper’s center of mass (force platform), the displacement time of the reflective marker placed on the jumper’s sacrum (smartphone, My Jump 2-DT) and the flight time of the jumper (smartphone, My Jump 2-FT). The assessment of the concurrent validity showed a poor agreement (ICC = 0.362; Bland–Altman bias = 12.4 cm) between the My Jump 2-FT and force platform (p < 0.001), and a good agreement (ICC = 0.858; Bland–Altman bias = −0.2 cm) between the My Jump 2-DT and force platform (p < 0.001). The ICC values for internal consistency (>0.9) indicated the excellent reliability of all measurement tools (p < 0.001). The findings revealed the high accuracy and good reliability of the My Jump 2 app for the new method of MH estimation for the CMJ, including the displacement time of the marker placed on the jumper’s sacrum.

This research aimed to analyze the potential amount of electrical energy from biogas energy obtained from animal wastes in Turkey and Poland. Animal waste values were calculated by taking into account the recommended literature values. In determining the biomass energy potential of livestock enterprises in Turkey and Poland, FAO’s 2012–2021 data were taken into account. The animal breeds selected as material in this study were cattle, goat, sheep, chicken, duck, goose, turkey, horse, pig, mule and donkey. Considering 10-year calculations, the potential amount of biogas energy that can be obtained from animal wastes for Turkey is 28,845,975 GJ, which is equivalent to 8,105,058 MWh of electrical energy. In Poland, the potential amount of biogas energy that can be generated from animal waste is 13,999,612 GJ, which is equivalent to 3,902,020 MWh of electricity. Moreover, it is estimated that the percentage of the potential amount of electricity to be obtained in 2021 to cover the amount of electricity consumed is 0.303% for Turkey and 0.392% for Poland. For 2021, the amount of economic gains that can be from electricity obtained was also calculated, and it was determined that this value can be 78,650,302 Euro for Turkey and 62,182,435 Euro for Poland. At the same time, it was calculated that the electricity needs of 406,170 houses in Turkey and 171,958 houses in Poland can be met in 2021. As a result, it is thought that the potential electricity to be obtained will contribute to determining energy gains and investment plans for biogas plants.

Recently, with the development of technology, the number of studies on the need for energy and the possibilities of covering this need in a sustainable way has been increasing. The management of agricultural biomass and waste is cited as one of the challenges as well as a solution. Mersin and Antalya sites, where banana production is intensively practiced in Turkey, were selected as the study region. The potential amounts of energy values obtained from the waste generated during banana cultivation in the field area of study were calculated. The energy potential was calculated on the basis of the conversion of biogas that can be obtained from the waste. The values obtained were analyzed and compared with the levels of electricity used to determine the economic gains that can be achieved for Mersin and Antalya regions. The data on bananas used in study were obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (for the years 2016–2020). It is calculated that 2884.43 MWh of electricity can be generated in Mersin and 2218.26 MWh in Antalya per 5 years from the waste generated during banana production. The values of the number of houses whose needs can be met with the calculated five-year potential electricity amount are 1237 in Mersin and 952 in Antalya. It can be considered that reusing the potential energy that can be obtained from banana waste, examined as material for energy, used in agricultural production will result in a positive impetus to agricultural activities. Energy obtained from banana waste can cover a very small amount of the electrical energy needs of agricultural production, ranging from 0.19% to 0.34%. However, it is concluded that the potential amount of energy to be obtained by recycling not only banana waste but also other agricultural and food waste will be even higher.

In a dynamically changing socio-economic environment with significant technical and technological progress, the notion of energy security takes on a new, broader meaning. Modern literature presents a variety of operational definitions of energy security. Most authors dealing with the issue of energy security expose its different aspects while standing in opposition to competing concepts. As a result, literature that addresses the problems of energy policy is becoming a platform for debates on the essence of energy security and the applicability of its various approaches to individual situations. There is no unanimity among authors with regard to the theoretical framework or the components of this notion. However, the issue of diversity of views is quite typical in social sciences and should not be taken negatively. Despite this, and perhaps contrary to the definitional wealth, experts in the field of energy policy constantly stress the necessity and urgency of undertaking work on the conceptualization of energy security. The aim of the article is a comprehensive review of the concept of energy security in the context of new trends in the development of the energy sector based on a narrative review of scientific literature. The main differences in the perception of energy security have been identified, and it has been pointed out that the “supply concept” of energy security is giving way to an approach in which energy is a factor initiating deep transformations of social systems by changing consumption patterns, reducing energy consumption, and forcing changes in economic systems by imposing energy efficiency standards and environmental standards.

Osteonecrosis (ON) is usually a progressive disease that negatively affects the quality of life and leads to significant disability. Most patients are aged 30–50 years and require multiple surgical interventions throughout their lifetime. In non-traumatic ON, alcohol abuse and corticosteroids are involved in up to 80% of cases. This narrative review aims to summarize data on their impact on healthy bone and the development of pathophysiological processes leading to ON development. We conducted EMBASE and MEDLINE database reviews to identify relevant research. We found that for both agents, the risk was time and dose-dependent. ON in alcohol and steroid use shared many pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the development of necrosis, including increased adipogenesis, the induction of chronic inflammation, vascular alterations, and impaired bone-cell differentiation. Because both alcohol and steroid use are modifiable factors, both general physicians and orthopedic surgeons should encourage patients to limit ethanol intake and avoid corticosteroid overuse. In the presence of ON, because both alcohol- and steroid-induced disease tend to be multifocal, addiction treatment and limiting steroid use are justified.

Redox balance is important for the homeostasis of normal cells, but also for the proliferation, progression, and survival of cancer cells. Both oxidative and reductive stress can be harmful to cells. In contrast to oxidative stress, reductive stress and the therapeutic opportunities underlying the mechanisms of reductive stress in cancer, as well as how cancer cells respond to reductive stress, have received little attention and are not as well characterized. Therefore, there is recent interest in understanding how selective induction of reductive stress may influence therapeutic treatment and disease progression in cancer. There is also the question of how cancer cells respond to reductive stress. Selenium compounds have been shown to have chemotherapeutic effects against cancer, and their anticancer mechanism is thought to be related to the formation of their metabolites, including hydrogen selenide (H2Se), which is a highly reactive and reducing molecule. Here, we highlight recent reports on the molecular mechanism of how cells recognize and respond to oxidative and reductive stress (1) and the mechanisms through which different types of selenium compounds can generate H2Se (2) and thus selectively affect reductive stress under controlled conditions, which may be important for their anticancer effects.

The objectives of our survey were to determine the most important environmental factors within buffer zones that influenced mollusc communities and to evaluate the ecological conservation value of natural aquatic habitats (NAHs) that support mollusc species. Analysis of the spatial structure of buffer zones and catchments was based on a set of landscape metrics. Land cover classes were determined, and buffer zones within a radius of 500 m from a sampling point were marked out. Mollusc samples were collected from each NAHs. Our results showed that the number of patches and mean patch size were most associated with the distribution of mollusc species. Within patches of buffer zones, the length of the catchment boundaries with low-density housing, an increasing area of forest and pH of the water were also significant. Our results proved that landscape metrics provide essential information about catchment anthropogenic transformation. Therefore, landscape metrics and the designated buffer zones should be included in restoration plans for the river, water bodies and adjacent habitats as elements of modern, sustainable water management. NAHs located along a valley of a lowland river provide refuges for molluscs, play an essential role in the dispersal of IAS, create important protective biogeochemical barriers for rivers, constitute necessary sources of moisture and water and support microhabitats for distinct mollusc communities, especially in the context of global warming.

Background: Frequent use of mobile devices has a known association with musculoskeletal neck pain. This study sought out to localize the region with greatest flexion in the cervical spine and explored the role of symmetry in maintaining the pose during texting. Methods: Three inertial measuring units (IMUs) superficially attached along the cervical spine divided the cervical spine into two measurable segments. Twenty-five subjects participated in the study and performed three tasks when using smartphones: sitting, standing, and walking. Data from each IMU were used to calculate the flexion of cervical divided into two segments: craniocervical junction (C0–C1) and subaxial (C1–C7). Results: The greatest flexion by far occurred at C0–C1. While sitting, standing, and walking, the mean flexion angles were 33.33 ± 13.56°, 27.50 ± 14.05°, and 32.03 ± 10.03° for the C0–C1 joint and −3.30 ± 10.10°, 2.50 ± 9.99°, and −1.05 ± 11.88° for the C2–C7 segment, respectively. There is a noticeable pattern of yaw movement of the head, with a slow rotation toward symmetry and a fast corrective movement toward the smartphone held in one hand. Conclusions: This study identified the region of greatest contribution toward forward flexion along the cervical parameters during various tasks involving smartphone use. With each task, the greatest contributor to head flexion was the C0–C1 joint. There is involuntary rotation of the cervical spine toward symmetry when texting.

Quality feed is essential for correct bone development and proper functioning of animals. Post-weaned piglets experience a radical change in eating behaviour that can influence their feed intake. For this reason, functional feed additives and ingredients that can be used in post-weaning feeds are needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of partially replacing wheat with rapeseed meal fermented using Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y on overall bone quality and bone metabolism in weaner piglets. From the 28th day of life, barrows were fed either a standard wheat-based diet or a diet containing 8% fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) with or without a feed additive containing enzymes, antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics. The experimental period lasted 60 days, after which femur quality indices were assessed. Differences in bone length and weight were observed, but there were no changes in bone mineralization or bone mid-diaphysis morphometrical traits between treatments. FRSM inclusion reduced bone mid-diaphysis biomechanical properties, but these changes were dependent on feed-additive supplementation. Analysis of the levels of serum bone turnover markers suggests the intensification of bone resorption in FRSM-fed groups as deoxypyridinoline levels increase. The results obtained warrant further research on what the disturbances in bone mechanical properties and metabolism observed in FRSM-fed weaners means for the subsequent fattening period.

(1) Background: Pediatric spinal surgery is a blood-intensive procedure. In order to introduce a rational blood management program, identifying the risk factors for transfusions is mandatory. (2) Methods: Data from the national database covering the period from January 2015 to July 2017 were analyzed. The available data included the demographics, characteristics of the surgeries performed, length of stay, and in-house mortality. (3) Results: The total number of patients used for the analysis was 2302. The primary diagnosis was a spinal deformity (88.75%). Most fusions were long, with four levels or more (89.57%). A total of 938 patients received a transfusion; thus, the transfusion rate was 40.75%. The present study identified several risk factors; the most significant was a number of levels fused greater than 4 (RR 5.51; CI95% 3.72–8.15; p < 0.0001), followed by the deformity as the main diagnosis (RR 2.69; CI95% 1.98–3.65; p < 0.0001). These were the two most significant factors increasing the odds of a transfusion. Other factors associated with an increased risk of transfusion were elective surgery, the female sex, and an anterior approach. The mean length of stay in days was 11.42 (SD 9.93); this was greater in the transfused group (14.20 vs. 9.50; p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: The rate of transfusions in pediatric spinal surgery remains high. A new patient blood management program is necessary to improve this situation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there are negative effects of the partial replacement of white corn with rye along with xylanase supplementation on overall bone quality, eggshell mineralization, and mechanical strength in laying hens. From the 26th week of life, ISA Brown laying hens were fed either a wheat–corn diet or a diet containing 25% rye, with or without xylanase. The experimental period lasted for 25 weeks, until birds reached their 50th week of age, after which bone and eggshell quality indices were assessed. Eggshell thickness and eggshell Ca content of eggs from rye-fed hens were improved by xylanase supplementation. No differences in the mechanical properties of the eggshells were observed between treatments, except for the diet-dependent changes in egg deformation. Rye inclusion had no effect on the mechanical properties of bone. Xylanase supplementation, irrespective of the diet, had a positive effect on bone strength and increased tibia Ca content, as well as the content of several microelements. Hence, hybrid rye combined with wheat can replace 25% of corn in layer diets without compromising shell quality or bone mineral content. Xylanase supplementation in these diets is recommended since its inclusion improves both bone strength and quality.

Magnesium(II) sulfanyl porphyrazine with peripheral morpholinethoxy substituents was embedded on the surface of titanium(IV) dioxide nanoparticles. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized with the use of particle size and distribution (NTA analysis), electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (TGA), FTIR–ATR spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The measured particle size of the obtained material was 327.4 ± 15.5 nm. Analysis with XRD showed no visible changes in the crystallinity of the material after deposition of porphyrazine on the TiO2 surface. However, SEM images revealed noticeable changes in the morphology of the obtained hybrid material: higher aggregation and less ordered structure of the aggregates. The TGA analysis revealed the lost 3.6% (0.4 mg) of the mass of obtained material in the range 250–550 °C. In the FTIR–ATR analysis, C-H stretching vibratins in the range of 3000–2800 cm−1, originating from porphyrazine moieties, were detected. The photocatalytic applicability of the nanomaterial was assessed in photodegradation studies of methylene blue and bisphenol A as reference environmental pollutants. In addition, the photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine with porphyrazine/TiO2 hybrids as photocatalysts was studied, accompanied by an HPLC chromatography assessment of photodegradation. In total, 43% of the initial concentration was achieved in the case of bisphenol A, after 4 h of irradiation, whereas 57% was achieved in the case of carbamazepine. In each photodegradation reaction, the activity of the obtained photocatalytic nanomaterial was proved with almost linear degradation. The photodegradation reaction rate constants were calculated, and revealed 5.75 × 10−5 s−1 for bisphenol A and 5.66 × 10−5 s−1 for carbamazepine.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates, a family of endocrine-disrupting plasticizers, is associated with disruption of maternal metabolism and impaired neurodevelopment. We investigated associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and alterations of both the maternal third trimester serum metabolome and the placental metabolome at birth, and associations of these with child neurodevelopmental outcomes using data and samples from the Markers of Autism Risk in Babies Learning Early Signs (MARBLES) cohort. The third trimester serum (n = 106) and placental (n = 132) metabolomes were investigated using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Children were assessed clinically for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cognitive development. Although none of the urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations were associated with maternal serum metabolites after adjustment for covariates, mixture analysis using quantile g-computation revealed alterations in placental metabolites with increasing concentrations of phthalate metabolites that included reduced concentrations of 2-hydoxybutyrate, carnitine, O-acetylcarnitine, glucitol, and N-acetylneuraminate. Child neurodevelopmental outcome was not associated with the third trimester serum metabolome, but it was correlated with the placental metabolome in male children only. Maternal phthalate exposure during pregnancy is associated with differences in the placental metabolome at delivery, and the placental metabolome is associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in males in a cohort with high familial ASD risk.

In this work, a composite material based on titanium(IV) oxide and iron(II,III) oxide was prepared using mechanothermal method. The obtained composite system was thoroughly characterized using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The acute toxicity of the composite material was evaluated with Microtox. In addition, the material’s photocatalytic potential was studied in photodegradation tests of ibuprofen. The composite system revealed magnetic properties of potential usage in its recovery after photocatalytic tests. However, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2–Fe3O4 was lower than that of bare TiO2. In the photocatalytic tests performed under UV (365 nm) light, a 44% reduction of initial ibuprofen concentration in the sample was noted for bare TiO2, while for TiO2–Fe3O4 composite, only a 19% reduction was observed. In visible light (525 nm), both materials achieved statistically insignificant photodegradation rates, which was contrary to the anticipated effect for TiO2–Fe3O4. The observation was explained by a side oxidation reaction of Fe3O4 to Fe2O3 by the generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the photocatalytic process, which significantly diminished the amount of available ROS for ibuprofen degradation. The oxidation process appearing within TiO2–Fe3O4 was evident and easily observed as the color of the material turned from gray to brown. Acute toxicity assay performed with the use of Microtox revealed reduced toxicity of TiO2–Fe3O4 (32% inhibition of the Aliivibrio fischeri bacteria cell viability according to bioluminescence emitted) when compared to bare Fe3O4 (56% inhibition), whereas bare TiO2 was non-toxic. In the study, the processes occurring during the photocatalytic reaction were analyzed and discussed in the context of the available literature data.

Background and Objectives: Mental health disorders are often the consequence of hormonal disorders such as those accompanying polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where changes in appearance and having to deal with a number of other problems occur due to this illness. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression symptoms, the level of ego-resiliency, and the ways that women with PCOS cope with stress compared to healthy women in order to determine the influence of socio-demographic characteristics in relation to levels of anxiety and depression with ego-resiliency and stress-coping methods. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Poland in 2021 and included 230 women with PCOS and 199 healthy controls aged 20–40 years old. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADs), ego-resiliency scale, as well as the MINI-COPE inventory were used. Results: The women with PCOS had higher levels of anxiety and depression and poorer ego-resiliency in comparison to the healthy women. The women with PCOS used passive stress-coping strategies significantly more commonly than the healthy women. Living in rural areas, having a lower level of education and being childless increased anxiety levels. Similarly, being over 30, living in a rural area, having a lower level of education, being childless, and being obese increased depression levels in the women with PCOS. A low level of ego-resiliency and passive stress-coping strategies are predictors of high levels of anxiety and depression in women with PCOS. Conclusions: Women with PCOS should be checked for anxiety and depression. They should also be checked to see whether they have the resources to cope with chronic stress in order to optimize therapeutic interventions.

The study aimed to investigate the association between the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) polymorphism and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity, as well as the coexistence of MetS and obesity, in peri- and post-menopausal Polish women. The study group consisted of 202 peri-menopausal and 202 post-menopausal women. ERα polymorphism: Xba I and Pvu II, MetS, BMI, and serum estrogen concentration were analyzed. MetS was found in 29% of the peri-menopausal women and in 21% of the post-menopausal women. BMI did not significantly differ between the peri- and post-menopausal women (≈42% were normal weight, ≈40% were overweight, and ≈18% were obese), (p = 0.82). Serum estrogen concentration in the peri-menopausal women was 91 ± 75 pg/mL, while that in the post-menopausal women was 17 ± 9. pg/mL, on average. Peri-menopausal women with AA and TT genotypes of the ERα polymorphism have a lower risk of obesity and MetS and the co-existence of obesity and MetS, whereas those women with the G or C allele have a higher risk of those health problems.

Wound healing and skin tissue regeneration remain the most critical challenges faced by medical professionals. Titanium(IV) oxide-based materials were proposed as components of pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds and unsightly scarring. A gallic acid-functionalized TiO2 nanomaterial (TiO2-GA) was obtained using the self-assembly technique and characterized using the following methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetry (TG). Additionally, physicochemical and biological tests (DPPH assay, Microtox® acute toxicity test, MTT assay) were performed to assess antioxidant properties as well as to determine the cytotoxicity of the novel material against eukaryotic (MRC-5 pd19 fibroblasts) and prokaryotic (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aliivibrio fischeri) cells. To determine the photocytotoxicity of the material, specific tests were carried out with and without exposure to visible light lamps (425 nm). Following the results, the TiO2-GA material could be considered an additive to dressings and rinsing suspensions for the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds that are at risk of bacterial infections.

The bacterial enzyme tRNA 2-selenouridine synthase (SelU) is responsible for the conversion of 5-substituted 2-thiouridine (R5S2U), present in the anticodon of some bacterial tRNAs, into 5-substituted 2-selenouridine (R5Se2U). We have already demonstrated using synthetic RNAs that transformation S2U→Se2U is a two-step process, in which the S2U-RNA is geranylated and the resulting geS2U-RNA is selenated. Currently, the question is how SelU recognizes its substrates and what the cellular pathway of R5S2U→R5Se2U conversion is in natural tRNA. In the study presented here, we characterized the SelU substrate requirements, identified SelU-associated tRNAs and their specific modifications in the wobble position. Finally, we explained the sequence of steps in the selenation of tRNA. The S2U position within the RNA chain, the flanking sequence of the modification, and the length of the RNA substrate, all have a key influence on the recognition by SelU. MST data on the affinity of SelU to individual RNAs confirmed the presumed process. SelU binds the R5S2U-tRNA and then catalyzes its geranylation to the R5geS2U-tRNA, which remains bound to the enzyme and is selenated in the next step of the transformation. Finally, the R5Se2U-tRNA leaves the enzyme and participates in the translation process. The enzyme does not directly catalyze the R5S2U-tRNA selenation and the R5geS2U-tRNA is the intermediate product in the linear sequence of reactions.

YouTube (YT) has become a popular health information reservoir. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the content and quality of YT videos as a source of patient information for meningiomas. A YT search was conducted for the following terms: “meningioma”, “meningiomas”, “meningeal tumor”, and “psammoma”. A total of 119 videos were examined by five independent raters, using validated quality criteria, including the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), the Journal of the American Medical Association instrument (JAMA), and the Global Quality Score (GQS). The mean DISCERN score was 35.6 points, while the mean GQS and JAMA scores were 2.4 and 1.8, respectively. The majority of the videos were produced in the United States (37.82%). Moreover, 47.9% of the evaluated videos were graded as “poor” and only 9.24% were “good”. Statistically higher scores in all three scoring systems were associated with the following information: tumor localization, clinical manifestations, indications for surgery, treatment options, risks, adjuvant therapies, results, follow up, diagrams, and those that featured a doctor as the speaker. Misleading information was presented in 35 productions. Our findings show that the overall quality of YT on the topic of meningiomas is defective, and requires further improvement and evaluation.

In this study, we present a new selenium derivative, 2′-deoxyguanosine-5′-O-selenophosphate (dGMPSe), synthesized by the oxathiaphospholane method and adapted here for the synthesis of nucleoside selenophosphates. Using biochemical assays (HPLC- and fluorescence-based), we investigated the enzymatic activity of HINT1 towards dGMPSe in comparison with the corresponding thiophosphate nucleoside, i.e., dGMPS. Both substrates showed similar kcat and a small difference in Km, and during the reactions the release of reducing agents such as H2Se and H2S were expected and detected. MTT viability assay and microscopic analysis showed that dGMPSe was toxic to HeLa cancer cells, and this cytotoxicity was due to the release of H2Se. The release of H2Se or H2S in the living cells after administration of dGMPSe and/or dGMPS, both without carrier and by electroporation, was observed using a fluorescence assay, as previously for NMPS. In conclusion, our comparative experiments with dGMPSe and dGMPS indicate that the HINT1 enzyme is capable of converting (d)NMPSe to (d)NMP and H2Se, both in vitro and intracellularly. Since the anticancer activity of various selenium compounds depends on the formation of hydrogen selenide, the actual inducer of cell death, we propose that selenium-containing nucleotides represent another option as novel compounds with anticancer therapeutic potential.

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are an increasingly attractive option for renewable energy storage, thus providing flexibility for the supply of electrical energy. In recent years, research in this type of battery storage has been shifted from metal-ion based electrolytes to soluble organic redox-active compounds. Aqueous-based organic electrolytes are considered as more promising electrolytes to achieve “green”, safe, and low-cost energy storage. Many organic compounds and their derivatives have recently been intensively examined for application to redox flow batteries. This work presents an up-to-date overview of the redox organic compound groups tested for application in aqueous RFB. In the initial part, the most relevant requirements for technical electrolytes are described and discussed. The importance of supporting electrolytes selection, the limits for the aqueous system, and potential synthetic strategies for redox molecules are highlighted. The different organic redox couples described in the literature are grouped in a “family tree” for organic redox couples. This article is designed to be an introduction to the field of organic redox flow batteries and aims to provide an overview of current achievements as well as helping synthetic chemists to understand the basic concepts of the technical requirements for next-generation energy storage materials.

The aim of the research was to check whether it is possible to use fragments of type IV collagen to obtain, as a result of self-assembling, stable spatial structures that could be used to prepare new materials useful in regenerative medicine. Collagen IV fragments were obtained by using DMT/NMM/TosO− as a coupling reagent. The ability to self-organize and form stable spatial structures was tested by the CD method and microscopic techniques. Biological studies covered: resazurin assay (cytotoxicity assessment) on BJ, BJ-5TA and C2C12 cell lines; an alkaline version of the comet assay (genotoxicity), Biolegend Legendplex human inflammation panel 1 assay (SC cell lines, assessment of the inflammation activity) and MTT test to determine the cytotoxicity of the porous materials based on collagen IV fragments. It was found that out of the pool of 37 fragments (peptides 1–33 and 2.1–2.4) reconstructing the outer sphere of collagen IV, nine fragments (peptides: 2, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 25, 26 and 30), as a result of self-assembling, form structures mimicking the structure of the triple helix of native collagens. The stability of spatial structures formed as a result of self-organization at temperatures of 4 °C, 20 °C, and 40 °C was found. The application of the MST method allowed us to determine the Kd of binding of selected fragments of collagen IV to ITGα1β1. The stability of the spatial structures of selected peptides made it possible to obtain porous materials based on their equimolar mixture. The formation of the porous materials was found for cross-linked structures and the material stabilized only by weak interactions. All tested peptides are non-cytotoxic against all tested cell lines. Selected peptides also showed no genotoxicity and no induction of immune system responses. Research on the use of porous materials based on fragments of type IV collagen, able to form stable spatial structures as scaffolds useful in regenerative medicine, will be continued.

Contamination of the environment has been a growing problem in recent years. Due to the rapid growth in human population, the expansion of cities, along with the development of industry, more and more dangerous chemicals end up in the environment, especially in soil and water. For the most part, it is not possible to effectively remove chemicals through traditional remediation techniques, because those used in treatment plants are not specifically designed for this purpose. Therefore, new approaches for water remediation are in great demand. Many efforts have been focused on applications of photocatalysis for the remediation of chemical pollutants including drugs. Titanium(IV) oxide nanoparticles have particularly been considered as potential photocatalysts due to their favorable properties. In this article, we present the problem of emerging contaminants including drugs and discuss the use of photocatalysts based on titanium(IV) oxide nanoparticles for their degradation. A wide selection of materials, starting from bare TiO2, via its hybrid and composite materials, are discussed including those based on carbonaceous materials or connections with macrocyclic structures. Examples of photodegradation experiments on TiO2-based materials including those performed with various active pharmaceutical ingredients are also included.

Energy education of the younger generation, who are the future decision makers, investors, consumers, scientists, or skilled labor force in new energy technologies, is crucial for the future of Europe and the world. However, beyond the long-term goals of energy education policies, the short-term effects on energy conservation and the promotion of renewable energy sources are equally as important. The main purpose of the paper is to identify and analyze the behavior of students (who study the issues related to energy saving and RES), in terms of energy conservation. The conducted analysis focused on examining and comparing the scope of responses of the surveyed students in individual countries, especially in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine. The survey was carried out using the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI). Descriptive and graphical methods were used to present the results. Statistical analysis of the collected data included basic measures of descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. The main results of the study are as follows: Almost 60% of the surveyed students follow the principles of energy conservation; however increased educational activities on eco-energy behaviors is recommended. The share of RES in the heating systems of the studied residential buildings is 9%, on average, with the highest percentage of houses in Poland (14%) and the lowest in Ukraine (only 2.6%). When compared with literature reports, the collect data show that educational activities can be as effective as a tool in implementing RES and pro-environmental behaviors as the government’s environmental policy and household subsidies.

Among the many different applications of geothermal energy, its use for agricultural production purposes is noteworthy. The use of geothermal water in greenhouse cultivation is the most modern form of production; it enables the implementation of the production cycle throughout the year while reducing energy costs. In this paper, based on basic heat transfer relations, the heat demand of modern greenhouse constructions was determined. The monthly and year-round heat demand was determined for facilities with diversified heights of the side walls. Depending on the type of unit of greenhouse area analysed (1 ha), the calculated annual heat demand ranged from 11.05 to 12.46 TJ. Based on data on the geothermal energy potential in Poland, investment costs and payback periods were determined for the analysed locations. The locations of the facilities were selected based on traditions of plant cultivation in the greenhouse facilities and the availability of geothermal energy. The analysis showed that, under the adopted conditions, without additional co-financing, and in one of the considered locations, the investment will result in positive financial effects after 15 years. In the case of co-financing, at the level of currently existing values, all locations—irrespective of the assumed period of exploitation—showed satisfactory financial effects.

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of the gradual substitution of Fe2O3 by Al2O3 on the thermal properties of polyphosphate glasses. The conducted considerations based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and heating microscopy thermal analysis provided much essential information about the correlation between glass chemical composition and its characteristic parameters, such as transformation temperature, specific heat, crystallization temperature, crystallization enthalpy, the activation energy of crystal growth, melting temperature, and Angell glass thermal stability. The obtained estimation of viscosity changes as a function of temperature could be very helpful for researchers to correctly plan the vitrification process and thus radioactive waste immobilization. A precise analysis of DSC curves and X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the possibility of crystallization process design in order to create materials with different levels of crystallinity and phase composition. The drawn conclusions allow choosing the glass with the optimal concentration of Al2O3 and Fe2O3, which ensures the relatively low melting temperature, viscosity, and glass crystallization ability, with application potential in nuclear waste immobilization.

The natural environment is constantly under threat from man-made pollution. More and more pharmaceuticals are recognized as emerging pollutants due to their growing concentration in the environment. One such chemical is ibuprofen which has been detected in processed sewage. The ineffectiveness of water methods treatment currently used raises the need for new remediation techniques, one of such is photodegradation of pollutants. In the present study, zinc(II) and copper(II) phthalocyanines were grafted onto pure anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (5 and 15 nm) to form photocatalysts for photodecomposition of ibuprofen in water. The nanoparticles were subjected to physicochemical characterization, including: thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis and particle size measurements. In addition, they were assessed by means of electron spin resonance spectroscopy to evaluate the free radical generation. The materials were also tested for their photocatalytic activity under either UV (365 nm) or visible light (665 nm) irradiation. After 6 h of irradiation, almost complete removal of ibuprofen under UV light was observed, as assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The reaction kinetics calculations revealed that the copper(II) phthalocyanine-containing nanoparticles were acting at a faster rate than those with zinc(II) derivative. The solutions after the photoremediation experiments were subjected to Microtox® acute toxicity analysis.

The time gap between public announcement of a vulnerability—its detection and reporting to stakeholders—is an important factor for cybersecurity of corporate networks. A large delay preceding an elimination of a critical vulnerability presents a significant risk to the network security and increases the probability of a sustained damage. Thus, accelerating the process of vulnerability identification and prioritization helps to red the probability of a successful cyberattack. This work introduces a flexible system that collects information about all known vulnerabilities present in the system, gathers data from organizational inventory database, and finally integrates and processes all collected information. Thanks to application of parallel processing and non relational databases, the results of this process are available subject to a negligible delay. The subsequent vulnerability prioritization is performed automatically on the basis of the calculated CVSS 2.0 and 3.1 scores for all scanned assets. The environmental CVSS vector component is evaluated accurately thanks to the fact that the environmental data is imported directly from the organizational inventory database.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a material of diverse applications commonly used as a food additive or cosmetic ingredient. Its prevalence in products of everyday use, especially in nanosize, raises concerns about safety. Current findings on the safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) used as a food additive or a sunscreen compound are reviewed and systematized in this publication. Although some studies state that TiO2 NPs are not harmful to humans through ingestion or via dermal exposure, there is a considerable number of data that demonstrated their toxic effects in animal models. The final agreement on the safety of this nanomaterial has not yet been reached among researchers. There is also a lack of official, standardized guidelines for thorough characterization of TiO2 NPs in food and cosmetic products, provided by international authorities. Recent advances in the application of ‘green-synthesized’ TiO2 NPs, as well as comparative studies of the properties of ‘biogenic’ and ‘traditional’ nanoparticles, are presented. To conclude, perspectives and directions for further studies on the toxicity of TiO2 NPs are proposed.